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A Canadian national detained for eight months by the Syrian authorities was released after an intervention from Lebanon and transferred to Beirut. Kristian Lee Baxter, 44, was present at the press conference in the Lebanese capital.
From our correspondent in Beirut, Paul Khalifeh
The Canadian citizen was released by mediation from Lebanese General Security chief Abbas Ibrahim at the request of Ottawa.
Described by his family as an "adventurer", Kristian Lee Baxter was visibly moved. He barely pronounced a few sentences in a trembling voice before bursting into tears. He was arrested while visiting his brother-in-law's village not far from the border with Lebanon. He is accused of " violating Syrian laws ," Abbas Ibrahim said, without giving further details.
Abbas Ibrahim, the super mediator
The head of the Lebanese General Security has already conducted a mediation that led, in July, to the release of a 30-year-old American citizen, Sam Goodwin, who was reported missing in May near Qamichli, in northeastern Nigeria. is Syrian. Abbas Ibrahim maintains good relations with both Western and Syrian authorities. This position makes him an ideal mediator.
This former army general also enjoys the confidence of all Lebanese political class, all trends combined. This allows it to play the role of intermediary during the political crises that shake the country regularly. He contributed to the political settlement that allowed the meeting of the government, this Saturday, after 40 days of blockage.