Rifi Says Troops Abduction 'Black Point for Syrian Revolution'

Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi on Saturday stressed that the case of the captive troops is “the top priority in Lebanon,” describing their abduction as a “black point in the course of the Syrian revolution.”

“The case of the captives is the top priority in Lebanon, at the level of the government, military and security institutions, and all political sectors,” Rifi said as he visited the Qalamun highway to express solidarity with families of captive troops, who have been staging a sit-in there for days now.

“Nothing is more precious than the blood and freedom of the hostage troops, and we have paid a hefty price through the three martyrs who fell,” added Rifi, referring to three captive troops who were executed by the jihadist groups Islamic State and al-Nusra Front.

“Enough martyrs, as they are falling in the wrong place, because our only enemy is only Israel. No other person must be killed outside the context of Lebanon's conflict with the Israeli enemy, our natural arch-foe,” Rifi added.

The minister reminded that his political camp had “voiced stances in support of the Syrian revolution and is still supporting it.”

But “the case of the captive troops represents a black point in the course of the revolution and the future relation between us, so you must reevaluate this case and exert all efforts possible to release the troops,” Rifi added, addressing Syria's rebels.

Turning to the issue of negotiations, the minister said “in some countries, such cases are addressed through action, not words.”

“We have reached a serious point in the negotiations, but we must not go into details in order not to harm the talks,” added Rifi, while noting that “the families must be reassured that their cause is the top priority for the Lebanese government.”

“The government has not and will not be negligent in this case, no matter what it takes. I'm a member of the government and the crisis cell and I haven't sensed any negligence,” Rifi said.

“Statements are scarce because we want the negotiations to reach the aspired goal,” he added.

The soldiers and police were taken captive in August when al-Qaida-linked al-Nusra Front and the Islamic State group overran the northeastern border town of Arsal. Three of them have been executed.

The families of the hostages have been staging protests and blocking major roads across the country in a bid to press for speedy negotiations over their release.

Y.R.