Salam Slams Delay in Release of Arsal Captives, Says Can't Offer Promises to Families

Prime Minister Tammam Salam expressed disappointment on Tuesday from the procrastination regarding the case of the abducted soldiers and policemen, saying that he didn't make any pledges.

“I was transparent since the beginning of the crisis, announcing that I don't have a magic wand,” Salam told al-Mustaqbal newspaper.

The premier stressed that he didn't promise the families of the abducted servicemen with any results as “I have a prior knowledge that we are dealing with abnormal groups and crazy people who cannot offer us any guarantees.”

The soldiers and policemen were abducted by Islamist gunmen in August in the wake of clashes with the army in northeastern town of Arsal.

Three of the captives have since been executed, a few were released, while the rest remain held by al-Nusra Front and Islamic State gunmen from Syria.

The families of the hostages have staged demonstrations and blocked roads throughout Lebanon to pressure the government to exert more efforts to release them.

Salam refused to soothe the fears of the relatives “as long as they are not based on practical results.”

“The Qatari negotiator's endeavors are ongoing and we are exerting efforts to resolve this national ordeal,” the PM told the newspaper, hoping that the efforts would be fruitful.

He expressed doubts over the kidnappers' intentions concerning the release of the troops.

A Qatari mediator was carrying out negotiations to release the hostages, but media reports said that he withdrew from the case after the talks stalled.

Asked about the possibility of another battle in Arsal with the Islamist gunmen, Salam said that “all scenarios are possible amid the continued attempts by the armed men to exploit our land,” citing the clashes in the Bekaa town of Brital.

“The battles that erupted on Sunday (in Brital) were expected as the terrorists are seeking to open all fronts with Lebanon.”

On Sunday, al-Nusra Front jihadists attacked positions manned by Hizbullah on the outskirts of the eastern town of Brital.

Concerning the Iranian pledge to offer Lebanon military assistance, Salam considered that the “grant is unclear and needs a thorough discussion.”

“Accepting any grant requires a decision by the cabinet.”

He pointed out that an expected visit by deputy PM and Defense Minister Samir Moqbel to Iran is not linked to the grant.

“The visit was previously planned.”

H.K.

G.K.