BEIRUT: The families of the captive soldiers and policemen announced Monday that they had promised Prime Minister Tammam Salam to commit to discretion and calm concerning the negotiations for their sons’ release.
“We promised him to not discuss any [information] in public,” a spokesperson for the families said in reference to Salam. “We are not heading toward any escalation [of protests], and we have entrusted the Cabinet with resolving the matter.”
The comments came after a delegation from the families met with the Marada Movement chief MP Sleiman Frangieh, who was quoted as expressing full solidarity with the families and their cause.
The spokesperson said Frangieh supported any solution to the crisis, including a swap deal with Islamist prisoners and detainees.
At least 25 Army soldiers and policemen have been held hostage on the outskirts of the northeastern town of Arsal since last August, when the Army clashed with militants from ISIS and the Nusra Front in the town.
The number of captives was initially at least 37, but the Nusra Front has released eight and executed two, while ISIS killed two hostages.
Arsal’s Deputy Mayor Ahmad Fliti is acting as an unofficial mediator in a bid to secure a swap deal between Lebanon’s government and the militants.
According to Arsal’s Mayor Ali al-Hujeiri, Fliti met with General Security head Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim in Beirut Monday. Ibrahim is tasked by the Lebanese government to oversee negotiations to free the 25 servicemen.
There is a communication channel open with the Nusra Front, but through informal mediators, according to Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi.
Salam said Monday that Lebanon’s real New Year celebration would come only when the captives return home safely and a president is elected. The prime minister was speaking during an end of year reception for Grand Serail employees.
After expressing his appreciation for the performance of Serail employees, Salam said: “On the New Year, we will not celebrate and we will not feel happy until the servicemen are freed and returned to their families proud and heads high.”
“We hope to achieve happy results that would relieve their families and all the Lebanese people, making it a real feast,” Salam said.
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