Families of Hostage Servicemen Say Negotiations Reached Final Stages

إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية W460

The families of abducted soldiers and policemen cited on Wednesday progress in the negotiations between the Lebanese state and the abductors of the servicemen.

According to al-Mustaqbal newspaper, the relatives expressed relief over the near end of the abduction ordeal, expressing belief that a deal has been reached between negotiators to release a captive servicemen in return for three Roumieh prison inmates and women prisoners in Syria's jails.

“Syria has agreed to release the female prisoners that the abductors are demanding,” the newspaper quoted relatives as saying.

However, they insist on continuing their sit-in in Beirut's Riad al-Solh square until all the abductees are released, expressing belief that the obstacles are numerous but could be solved.

“We contacted trustworthy sources and received comfort... Things are on the right track but progressing in a slow manner,” Hussein Jaber, the uncle of abductees Maymoun Jaber and Nahi Abou Qalfouni told the newspaper.

Omar Haidar, a spokesperson for the families, said in comments to al-Mustaqbal that the families are abiding by Prime Minister Tammam Salam's decision regarding the secrecy of negotiations, pointing out that the relatives are only contacting negotiators as contact has been cut with the abductors.

“The sit-in at Riad al-Solh will not end and the banks street will not be open until the hostages are released.”

Negotiations with the al-Qaida-affiliate al-Nusra Front and the Islamic State group became discrete after the government urged the families to remain mum about the mediation in the case to ensure the release of their sons.

The policemen and soldiers were abducted by the Islamist gunmen in the wake of battles in the eastern border town of Arsal in August.

A few of them have since been released, four were executed, while the rest are still being held.

The hostage-takers had warned several times the Lebanese authorities that they would kill more captives if they did not meet their demands.

Among their demands is the release of Islamist prisoners in Lebanon.

H.K.

G.K.

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