Rally attended by Kuntar
Photo: Avihu Shapira
Assad makes Kuntar a sergeant
Syrian president honors Lebanese terrorist with military title, during latter's visit to Damascus
Lebanese terrorist Samir Kuntar, recently released from jail in Israel as part of an exchange with Hizbullah for the bodies of kidnapped soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, was awarded an honorary title of sergeant by Syrian President Bashar Assad, Monday.
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"Kuntar was not merely the most senior prisoner in jail, but is also senior among free men and honoraries. His being here with us and his determination to promote Arab rights, despite everything he's been through, has turned him into a symbol of the struggle for freedom across the Arab world and the whole world," Assad said during a meeting between the two in Damascus.
Kuntar expressed pride at the honor of meeting the Syrian president. "Syria's brave stance as seen by the behavior of President Assad, his support of the noble resistance and his rejection of any unjust settlement is the basis for all resistance of free men and constitutes the source of the strong stance of prisoners still in the jails of Israeli occupation," he said.
Kuntar (left) with Assad. (Photo: Reuters)
The Lebanese murderer, who kicked off a week-long visit in Syria last Friday, said at that time that, "the great thing about Syria is that when I was arrested 30 years ago, she was firmly struggling against Israel and, when I visit today, she still is."
"I bring with me to Syria, and to President Bashar Assad, the blessings of the freedom fighters of the brave Islamic resistance (Hizbullah). I bring the blessings of the fighting Lebanese people, who feel loyalty and love for Syria for its stance, particularly regarding the war in July 2006 (Second Lebanon War)," he said during the meeting.
Earlier Monday, Kuntar accompanied 500 Druze Syrians to the border with Israel, where he told them: "Soon Assad will fly the Syrian flag over the Golan Heights."
