Report: Negotiations on Release of Hostages Crumble over Tough Conditions

Negotiations over the ongoing hostage crisis have reportedly reached a dead end despite recent optimism expressed by the families of the so-called Arsal captives.

Ad Diyar newspaper reported on Wednesday that the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has placed tough conditions, prompting the negotiations to reach a standstill.

Last week, the relatives of the abducted servicemen retracted after meeting with General Security chief Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim threats to escalate their measures, stressing that negotiations with the Islamist gunmen are on the right track.

However, they kept the door open for any escalation if the government neglected their case.

Negotiations with the al-Qaida-affiliate al-Nusra Front and the IS 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.