http://news.linktv.org Link TV News Videos (Filtered by topics: Boutros Khawand) en-us Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 Copyright 2011 Link Media, Inc. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-020612?start=1340 <p>Obama calls for diplomatic solution with Iran, Palestinian rivals agree to form Abbas-led unity government, another Bahraini killed by toxic tear gas fired into his house, and more.</p> Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-020612 Israel, Iran, United States, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Syrian Civil War, Iran-Israel relations, Nuclear program of Iran, Palestinians, Syria, Barack Obama Presenter, Female #1 Some defectors from Syria's intelligence agencies revealed information they have on Lebanese detainees in Syria, including a Phalange official, Boutros Khawand. The information circulating in media networks drew the attention of the kidnapped man's family members, who can only hope for the best. Susan Dawouq reports. Reporter, Female #2 News reports circulated information on Lebanese citizens kidnapped and detained in Syria. This information was revealed by defectors from Syria's intelligence, especially those who worked in its Palestinian branch, a security agency in charge of capturing "anti-regime" dissidents. The reports included the member of the Phalange party's political bureau Boutros Khawand, who was abducted near a checkpoint set up by the Syrian forces in Sin el-Fil. His wife, Janette Khawand revives their memories together through his pictures, hoping the Foreign Ministry will take action on the matter. Guest, Female #3 (Janette Khawand, wife of Boutros Khawand Detained in Syria) We have old information confirming that Boutros is there. New information emerged confirming that Boutros is indeed in a Syrian prison. Reporter, Female #2 Is he being held at the Palestinian branch? Guest, Female #3 (Janette Khawand, wife of Boutros Khawand detained in Syria) He was moved to several branches. The last branch was Tudmar. I don't know where he is now. They might have moved him again. Reporter, Female #2 You contacted President Gemayel, what was the answer from the Phalanges? Guest, Female #3 (Janet Khawand, wife of Boutros Khawand detained in Syria) They told us they are investigating the matter. The Foreign Ministry formed a committee that was sent to Libya to look for missing leader Musa al-Sadr. They also did their best to bring back the detained Lebanese in Israeli prisons. Some of them came back in body bags. They must form a Lebanese committee to look for the detainees held in Syrian jails. Reporter, Female #2 Boutros' son Rabi'a Khawand says they are putting their hopes on changes in Syria because President Bashar al-Assad's regime has not provided them any information about his father. Guest, Male #1 (Rabi'a Khawand, son of Boutros Khawand) As far as the situation in Syria is concerned, I hope that it will be on the path of change, which makes us more hopeful. God willing, he will be fine and he will return safely. Reporter, Female #2 Lebanese Tony Riyashi was kidnapped on August 31, 1985, on his way to the airport. His wife Rabi'ah shows this picture of him, in which their son Hadi was only one year old. Today, the son is 26 years old and the family is still hoping for the return of the man of the house. Guest, Female #4 (Rabi'ah Riyashi, wife of detainee Tony Riyashi) I was hoping they would have informed us before making an announcement on television about the case. Reporter, Female #1 Did you contact any officials about the case? Guest, Female #4 It's still unclear. In the past, when we would ask for information we would have to pay to receive it. The Lebanese state must take serious action. Reporter, Female #2 This is not the first time information is revealed about Lebanese citizens kidnapped in Syria. However, inaccurate information, though considered good news, only generates confusion and concern. ** Contact Mosaic News: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org