Mikati: The Kidnapping Parties Executed Pascal Suleiman

The media office of Prime Minister Najib Mikati issued the following statement: "The President learned this evening from the relevant security agencies about the murder of Pascal Suleiman, a member of the Lebanese Forces party, who was kidnapped last night." He stated that "the security agencies had initiated their investigations and inquiries since the news of his kidnapping surfaced to uncover those responsible for the crime and return the kidnapped individual to his family safely. However, it appears that the kidnapping parties, whose full identity investigations are ongoing, have resorted to executing him." He continued: "We condemn and denounce this criminal act, extend our condolences to his family and the Lebanese Forces party, and emphasize the continuation of investigations to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the kidnapping, those involved in it, and the assassination of the hostage to bring them to justice. In these difficult circumstances, we urge everyone to exercise restraint and wisdom and not to be drawn into rumors and emotional responses."