Qassem Calls on State to Unite Negotiation Channels
Hizbullah deputy chief Sheikh Naim Qassem called on the government on Tuesday to lead the mediation regarding the case of abducted servicemen, stressing that the negotiation channels should unite.
“The release of the captives is a noble goal that we should all be seeking,” Qassem told reporters after a meeting with the families of the hostages, who were taken captive by the al-Qaida-affiliate al-Nusra Front and the Islamic State group after they overran the northeastern border town of Arsal.
“Whatever the sacrifices were, we aren't used to leaving our prisoners in captivity,” Qassem said.
The Hizbullah official called on the state to unify the negotiation channels and task the crisis cell with fully assuming its responsibilities towards the case.
He stressed that the party supports direct and indirect negotiations with the kidnappers, leaving the final decision to the crisis cell but with limitations.
The relatives had called recently on the Muslim Scholars Committee to play a bigger role in the negotiations after Qatar withdrew from the case, but a Salafist cleric, Wissam al-Masri expressed readiness to negotiate their release and Health Minister Wael Abou Faour, who is loyal to Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat, appointed the deputy of Arsal municipal chief Ahmed Fleiti, to carry out the negotiations.
Qassem also called on the media to end the debates regarding the case of abductees in order to guarantee the success of negotiations.
“The media is only serving the abductors,” he remarked, calling for more secrecy over the matter.
The Hizbullah official also called on the Lebanese to cooperate with the families and participate in activities to press the release of the servicemen, vowing that the party will exert all possible efforts to release them.
Qassem slammed the extortion of the kidnappers by setting a high level of demands.
The kidnapped soldiers and policemen were taken hostage after the al-Nusra Front and the IS group overran Arsal in August.
Four captives have been executed so far, and the jihadists have threatened to kill the remaining hostages unless there is a deal to free Islamist prisoners in Lebanon.
Last week, Prime Minister Tammam Salam said 16 police and soldiers were still being held by al-Nusra, and nine by IS.
The families later headed to Bkirki for talks with Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi.
The patriarch called on the jihadists to preserve the lives of Arsal captives, who were only carrying out their duties.
He expressed solidarity with the relatives, revealing that he received a letter from Pope Francis mentioning their children.
“We demand the state to deal with the matter in a more serious manner,” al-Rahi said.
H.K.
M.T.
almost 10 years
lol, keep handing out your blessings to da3esh and israel, like they are worth anything.
i picture you walking around like a zombie, repeating that weak mantra like it somehow compensates the fact that you are a sore loser, a frustrated hateful nobody.
almost 10 years
Joe, you are really starting to annoy our freinds here! Sensitive feelings towards our brothers are shown by letters of sympathy. From Da3esh and Nusra asking The Hizbos if there's anything they can do to calm the situation. Since your comments are aimed at all of them, they are thinking of stopping their fights and looking to ask you jointly to take it in your heart to stop and forgive ib these merry times, Merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah and happy khamibai joy day.
almost 10 years
In another word, Hizbcocaine is given you the green light to negotiate
almost 10 years
As long he is equally annoying all of them, I guess it is fair. Brothers who support of these factions are diagnosed with High blood preasure .. or maybe ... while it seems no one is able to stop joebustani, who is having good times, his case can be called, "High Blood Pleasure".
almost 10 years
i can assure you on the tomb of my son hadi and on the integrity of zeynib and the conscience of imamu ali that we are here to protect lebanon and not the shias.
almost 10 years
You mean Zeynib al ASSad. lol
almost 10 years
She can't drive in Saudia Arabia, a driver called Azim drive her to the mall, shame shame, well look at Zeynab in the streets of Tehran, mmmm , The basadran can't take their eyes from her .. behind the wheel, she look appealing .... yet will be taken for few months of questioning. ... ahh don't say it this have nothing to do with driving, that is all fine in Islamic Rep Public of Iran.
almost 10 years
you have mental issues freedomarch
almost 10 years
Problem is, M14 does not want to cooperate with the Resistance, in freeing those prisoners.
almost 10 years
Not true, M14 were very fast to find a negotiator, first the Qatari mediator, then some salafi cleric, now someone else. They never asked the M8 to help out.
Now the Resistance extend their hand, I wonder if M14 will accept it at all.
We see your attitude, and same goes for the rest of the M14 politicians, you would rather see these LAF soldiers remain prisoners, than accepting help from us.
almost 10 years
strange, but there is a government crisis cell with the sectarian ibrahim in it and includes representatives from both M14 and M8.
almost 10 years
" it was Aoun and Hezb who refused and banned any exchange " according to... m14! lol
how easily they make up lies and then start to believe them themselves.
hey slashfish, remember when nasrallah said we must negotiate from a position of strength?
forget about the position of strength, you're obviously accustomed to another type of position and wouldn't know what that means, but what does "we must negotiate" mean to you?
almost 10 years
Dear flamethrower RIP RIP RIP
almost 10 years
funny how M8er quickly forget that aoun and hezbis said no to negotiations with daesh a one cannot negociate with terrorists...
their brain is sooo easy to manipulate according to what their leaders say.
almost 10 years
I nominate Mr. Mowaten and Mr. Mystic to negotiate on our behalf from a position of strength.
almost 10 years
lol. can't be worse than rifi and his goons hujairi & fleiti
almost 10 years
Mr. Qassem, which state are you alluding to? The one you literally killed? The one that has no president? The one you wish to give a lame duck rubber stamper lunatic like Aoun to head a whole nation? Which state ya Mr. Qassem? The one you got involved in one war or the other, wars that never concerned us in the first place? Mr. Qassem, not only is Hezbollah bleeding profusely in Syria, but your businesses too are suffering like never before, be they here in Lebanon or abroad, your cash inflow is in dire trouble. Stop your arrogance including your party's, the day is fast closing on you when you will be on your own, stop harming your fellow Lebanese, stop frustrating them, your missiles and guns can never make them bow to you, but you instead, you will bow when the sentiments of the people blow out of proportion.
almost 10 years
Well said phoenix.
They are extending the hand that promised to liberate Baabda from President Suleiman. What a bunch of traitors.
almost 10 years
Filthy murdering militia
bless anyone person, entity, brigade, organization or country that inflicts pain and suffering, death and destruction upon the iranian sectarian terrorist militia and its supporters, followers, and members wherever they maybe.