Hostages Families Give Qahwaji 24 Hours to 'Arrest Ministers, Swap Them for Troops'

Relatives of the abducted troops and policemen on Thursday called on Army chief General Jean Qahwaji to “arrest all ministers” and swap them for the hostages, warning that the state has 24 hours to act or face unknown consequences.

“We have an initiative that involves the (army's) arrest of all ministers and swapping them for the troops held by the militants out of respect for the state's prestige,” a spokesman for the families said during a lengthy sit-in outside the Grand Serail, where the cabinet was holding a regular session.

“We give the state 24 hours to act or else we won't be responsible for the consequences,” the man cautioned.

“We want our sons, with or without an exchange, and we all throw our support behind the army chief and we hope he will fulfill our demand,” he added.

In response to a reporter's question, the spokesman said angrily: “No one has talked to us and they haven't informed us of anything."

Earlier in the day, the relatives warned of a “strife” in the Bekaa, calling for the release of Roumieh inmates if the matter ensures their loved ones' safe release.

“The government should exert efforts and make courageous decisions in the case,” the enraged relatives said during the sit-in at the Riad al-Solh Square in downtown Beirut.

They told reporters that they agree to the exchange of Roumieh Islamist prisoners if that ensures the release of their sons.

“We accept anything in return for the release of our sons.”

The families of the abducted soldiers and policemen also lashed out at lawmakers for failing to carry out any action.

They warned of a “bigger strife that would destabilize civil peace” in the Bekaa if any harm “was inflicted on our sons.”

The families shouted slogans and held banners demanding the state to assume its responsibilities.

The militants released several hostages in different stages but had beheaded Lebanese army sergeant Ali al-Sayyed.

Al-Sayyed disappeared from Arsal around the time Islamist fighters from Syria overran the town early August, killing and kidnapping soldiers and policemen.

The militants included fighters from the Islamic State group and the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front.

The jihadists have reportedly called on the Lebanese government to release Islamist inmates from the country's largest prison in Roumieh in exchange for the captive security personnel.

Only a few of the estimated 90 Islamists have been tried. Most of them were arrested over their involvement in bloody clashes with the Lebanese army at the northern refugee camp of Nahr al-Bared in 2007.

The fighting in Arsal was the most serious border incident since the conflict in Syria began in March 2011.

The families have been demonstrating and blocking roads across Lebanon since last week to press for the liberation of their captive sons.

H.K./Y.R.

M.T.