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 to any escalation [of our movement,] 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 remain in captivity in the outskirts of the northeastern town of Arsal since last August, when the Army clashes 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 executed another two hostages.
Lebanon’s government is negotiating a swap deal with ISIS through the mediation of Arsal’s Deputy Mayor Ahmad Fliti.
There is a communication channel open with the Nusra Front, but through informal mediators, according to Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi.
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