Canadian citizen released after year-long detention in Syria

BEIRUT, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's Security Chief Abbas Ibrahim announced on Friday that Kristian Lee Baxter, a 44-year-old Canadian citizen, has been released after being detained in Syria for over a year for "breaking the Syrian law," the National News Agency reported.

"This achievement is in Lebanon's interest because it brings the country back to the world map with its humanitarian endeavors and its capacity to resolve problems," Ibrahim said during a joint press conference held with Canadian Ambassador to Lebanon Emmanuelle Lamoureux.

Ibrahim thanked the Syrian authorities for being cooperative during the negotiations for the release of Baxter and an American citizen.