Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the return of any Lebanese prisoner to his country safely represents an important step toward resolving the captives issue. Salam thanked the United States administration, particularly ambassador Michael Issa, for efforts in this area.
"We will continue working until all our prisoners are released, the fate of the missing is revealed, and we achieve a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory," Salam said in a statement.
Salam said Lebanon will press ahead with required diplomatic efforts regardless of how difficult the negotiating process appears, aiming to protect the country's rights and interests, particularly for residents of the south. He said the goal includes ensuring their safe and dignified return to their lands and villages, and extending state sovereignty over all Lebanese territory.
The statement came after the Lebanese army received a Lebanese captive held by Israel on Thursday through the International Committee of the Red Cross at the Naqoura border crossing in southern Lebanon.
