Case of hostages now about politics, not security

The case of the 11 Lebanese pilgrims kidnapped in Syria some three months ago has become a political issue. This, at least, is the impression of some ministers who believe a solution will require more political maneuvering than direct security action. Cabinet’s formation of a crisis committee last week is perhaps a step in that direction. According to political and diplomatic sources, two of the pilgrims recently escaped and found themselves on Turkish territory. After informing the Lebanese Embassy in Ankara that they were free but did not know their location, they were told to wait. Turkish authorities told embassy officials – who in turn told the escapees – that Turkish security forces would transport them safely to Ankara. Their captors arrived first, however, and the pilgrims were taken back to Syria. Lebanese and Turkish politicians have been privately exchanging accusations on who bears the responsibility for this incident and for the general situation of the hostages. Cabinet officials blame the continued captivity on an early announcement of the pilgrims’ impending release, and Turkish officials say the use of English to discuss the issue has resulted in misunderstandings between the two governments. Lebanese political sources fear that those Lebanese officials who are dealing with the issue have fallen victim to an internal political struggle in Ankara, as well as to the agenda of Turkish intelligence. After Tuesday’s meeting of the crisis committee, Labor Minister Salim Jreissati said that “the committee met in the office of Interior Minister [Marwan Charbel] and it was briefed by the interior minister on the results of his most recent visit to Turkey. It was also informed of the phone calls made by Foreign Minister [Adnan Mansour] and it agreed on future steps for both the Interior and Foreign ministries, as well as the committee at large.” He added that “communication is ongoing and progressing, and will continue until we reach tangible results, as we have said before. All we can say today is that the committee will continue its open meetings.” Jreissati said that the committee, which is made up of the justice, interior, labor and foreign affairs ministers, will next meet Friday afternoon. He apologized for not answering media questions. Charbel appealed to the media for assistance, saying “let us work calmly so we can resolve the issue away from the media. Please help us.” (daily star)