Pietton Confirms Release of Estonians through Lebanese-Estonian Efforts

French Ambassador to Lebanon Denis Pietton praised on Thursday the release of the seven abducted Estonians, which was achieved through an intense investigation.

Pietton held a meeting with Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour, who said that the “visit was scheduled a while ago… to get to know Minister Mansour.”

He said that both parties expressed relief over the release of the Estonians.

The ambassador said during a press conference: “France and all the countries that are friends with Estonia offered the diplomatic and logistic support for the country.”

“It’s a Lebanese-Estonian issue and we’re glad we were able to help,” he stressed.

Asked about France’s role in the release of the abductees, Pietton said: “We offered our diplomatic and financial support at Estonia’s request.”

The ambassador said that Estonia’s Foreign minister Urmas Paet discussed with France the possibility of representing them in Lebanon, since Estonia has no Embassy there.

“We facilitated the contacts between the Estonian government and the Lebanese authorities,” he said.

Pietton stressed: “The seven Estonians are currently resting at the French Embassy and will return to their country as soon as possible.”

Paet and the Estonians were scheduled to travel home to Estonia on Thursday night.

The case had for months been shrouded in mystery, but several people were arrested in Lebanon in connection with the kidnapping.