Introduction to the evening news 31-05-2012

After more than a week of “remote sensing” regarding the Lebanese hostages’ case, “near sensing” has begun, MP Najib Mikati flew to Istanbul, hoping that being close to the Turkish authority would bring answers to the case. However, it has been revealed that the information in Beirut is the same in Istanbul: no one knows anything, while those who know something, refuse to confess. In the absence of information, predictions and conclusions grow.           

From Istanbul to the Dahiyeh: the mystery is even bigger and deeper.         

While the 11 Lebanese hostages in Alepo steel all the attention, the Lebanese detained by Syrian forces in al-Abboudiyeh seem to be forgotten, as well as the one who was kidnapped in Arsal and released this evening.           

Meanwhile, the UN envoy Kofi Annan arrived in Beirut, where he held meetings without issuing any statement. Tomorrow he will be meeting with PM Najib Mikati after he returns from turkey.                

On the latest developments in Syria, the US reiterates every day its objection to military intervention, while Houla massacre gets a worldwide interest, leading the Syrian regime to announce the preliminary investigations on the crime. The results of the investigation did not bring anything new since it held the opposition groups responsible for the massacre.               

Before going into details, it is worth mentioning that President Michel Suleiman will be heading tomorrow to Saudi Arabia, for a one-day visit, where he will meet with King Abdallah.        

This evening President Suleiman held talks with Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai.