The Syrian Embassy in Lebanon has expressed its regret and condemnation for the killing of the Lebanese citizen Pascal Sleiman, which resulted in subsequent reactions and attacks targeting some Syrian citizens.

In a statement released on Friday, the Embassy emphasized its commitment to fostering the close relationship between the two nations. It stated that it is closely monitoring the affairs of Syrian citizens in Lebanon in coordination with the relevant Lebanese authorities, "with the aim of preserving the brotherly bond between the two peoples."

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The Embassy also reiterated Syria's stance regarding its citizens currently refugeed in Lebanon, affirming that it has consistently supported and continues to support their return to their homeland. It asserted that Syria is dedicated to facilitating this return and reminded that the Lebanese government is well aware of and informed about this matter.

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Furthermore, the Embassy underscored that obstacles to the return of Syrians to their country stem from the politicization of the refugees issue by donor countries and certain international organizations involved in refugee affairs, mainly referring to the United States and the European Union. It also highlighted the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures imposed on the Syrian people, affecting both Syrian and Lebanese citizens.

The Embassy commended the cooperation of the Lebanese government and official authorities, as well as the national Lebanese stances that advocate for rejecting incitement against Syrian citizens. It reiterated Syria's commitment to Lebanon's security and stability, as well as its cooperation with Lebanon's concerned agencies to extradite individuals wanted by both countries in a manner that serves the interests of both.

The Embassy's statement follows the murder of Pascal Sleiman, an official in the Lebanese Forces party, by a mob stealing his car in the Jbeil area. His body was then transferred to Syria, where it was later discovered on the outskirts of the Syrian border town of Zita before being returned to Lebanon.

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The Lebanese Army Directorate of Orientation confirmed on Monday evening that the Intelligence Directorate was able, after a security follow-up, to arrest most of the Syrian nationals of a gang that participated in Sleiman's kidnapping.

On his part, Lebanese Defense Minister Maurice Slim condemned the killing, calling on all concerned parties to practice self-restraint and control their reactions, stressing that justice will take its course in light of the ongoing investigations that will reveal all the details.

The Lebanese Forces called for further investigations and claimed that the crime was not a mere homicide but a political assassination, alleging that the claimed motives did not seem to be in line with the truth of the matter.

متابَعةً لموضوع المخطوف باسكال سليمان، تمكنت مديرية المخابرات في الجيش من توقيف معظم أعضاء العصابة السوريين المشاركين في عملية الخطف. وتبين خلال التحقيق معهم أن المخطوف قُتِل من قبلهم أثناء محاولتهم سرقة سيارته في منطقة جبيل، وأنهم نقلوا جثته إلى سوريا.
تنسق قيادة الجيش مع… pic.twitter.com/QDnJWc5mTo

— الجيش اللبناني (@LebarmyOfficial) April 8, 2024