Ibrahim Vows to Preserve Lebanon's Sovereignty in Talks with Hostage-takers

General Security chief Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim vowed that negotiations with the abductors of servicemen will not harm Lebanon's sovereignty nor violate the laws.

“Dialogue fortifies stability... We refuse to breach Lebanon's sovereignty or laws in our negotiations with the abductors of Lebanese servicemen,” Ibrahim told the General Security magazine.

His comments come two days after al-Qaida-linked al-Nusra Front denied that there was progress in the negotiations to release Lebanese hostages in a prisoner swap, saying the talks have been suspended.

“Lebanon is passing through a political, security, economic and social state that requires national unity,” Ibrahim said, adding that he is keen to preserve the country's integrated interests.

The group has in its captivity 16 soldiers and policemen, while nine remain held by the Islamic State extremist group.

The servicemen were taken hostage in the wake of clashes in the northeastern border town of Arsal in August last year.

A few of them have since been released and four were executed.

Reports have said that the negotiations with IS jihadists have stalled over their crippling demands.

The General Security chief remarked “two dangers are encircling Lebanon: The first along its southern border.... and the second along its eastern borders.”

“The extremist organizations don't acknowledge others' right to live... and are targeting Lebanon’s depth,” he said.

Ibrahim cited a third danger imposed by those who are systematically tarnishing the image of the official, security and military institutions.

“They are weakening the Lebanese peoples' trust in their nation whether on purpose or not.”

Ibrahim stressed that the “only concern is to unify efforts to safeguard citizens and the state and its institutions from terror attacks.”

“Offenders should be held accountable and tried by an honest and transparent judiciary,” he added.

Ibrahim had met earlier with Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi.

The official stressed during the meeting that the deal with al-Nusra Front is finalized and awaiting its execution.

H.K.

D.A.