Hezbollah will start taking action for the release of the Lebanese servicemen held by jihadis but will not disclose any details to the media, the party’s deputy chief announced Tuesday, reports the Daily Star.
“We will follow up on this matter and our actions will be, as usual, away from media,” Sheikh Naim Qassem said after meeting the families of the captive soldiers and policemen. “This case requires secret, meticulous and wise follow-up.”
“The method that has been used so far has led to the fall of many honorable martyrs,” he said. “This should teach us about dealing with secrecy and through a common channel.”
In his speech, Qassem also implied that Hezbollah supported a swap deal to end the hostage crisis.
“We have announced since the first day at the Cabinet, that Hezbollah supports direct or indirect negotiations,” he said. “We understand that there is no bargaining without a price to pay."
At least 25 soldiers and policemen are still held hostage by jihadis from Daesh and the Nusra Front in the outskirts of the northeastern town of Arsal. The captives were abducted during the clashes in Arsal in August.
After the meeting, the families headed to Bkirki, where they met with Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai.
Rai expressed "full solidarity" with the families, and promised to do his best in contributing to the release of their sons.
"There are talks about a swap deal, so be it," Rai said in a news conference after the meeting. "Let the Cabinet find the suitable swap deal formula. The servicemen's lives [are too precious]."
Rai called on government officials to take the matter with more "seriousness and responsibility," saying that no more procrastination can be tolerated.
