BEIRUT: A meeting between a Qatari negotiator and the captors of 25 Lebanese servicemen over the weekend has cultivated a renewed sense of optimism for the families of the hostages, according to their spokesman.
The Qatari negotiator, who is the Lebanese government’s official delegate in talks with the Nusra Front, held a meeting with the captors on the outskirts of Arsal Friday, spokesman Hussein Youssef told The Daily Star Sunday.
Youssef relayed the families' optimism with regards to ending the hostage crisis, saying that the Qatar negotiator has proved that he is both, “stronger and more serious than his predecessor.”
The previous mediator, Syrian businessman Ahmad al-Khatib, served only as a mediator between the Qatari negotiator and the captors since the Qatari negotiator was not in Lebanon at the time, Youssef said. “Al-Khatib was not a principle negotiator.”
Qatar revived its role as a mediator in negotiations last month, after formally ending its previous mediation efforts in December.
Since then, the Qatari negotiator has been carrying out direct talks with the captors, without resorting to a liaison like al-Khatib, Youssef added.
In addition to the Qatari negotiator, whose name was not disclosed, an entire Qatari delegation comprising of roughly 15 individuals is assisting him in negotiations, Youssef said. “But not all 15 go with the negotiator to meetings in the outskirts,” he added.
Youssef refused to disclose details of Friday’s meeting due to the government’s policy of keeping developments in the case secret. The spokesmen however, did say that certain developments indicated that talks were taking in a more positive direction.
Meanwhile, talks with ISIS are still on hold after being suspended for approximately four months, he added.
The case of the captive soldiers and policemen held by both the Nusra Front and ISIS since August has been shrouded in secrecy after the prime minister criticized media leaks by officials, saying they harmed talks. At least 37 servicemen were originally abducted by the militants during a five-day battle with the Lebanese Army. Eight hostages have since been released and four were killed.
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