Lebanese hostages in Syria released, Hariri's private plane flying them in

Lebanese pilgrims abducted on Tuesday by the Free Syrian Army were released Friday afternoon. Popular celebrations prevailed in Beirut southern suburbs (Dahiyeh) amid fireworks and triumph gunshots.      

According to information made available to LBCI, Saad Hariri's private jet will fly in the released detainees from Adana airport in Turkey into Lebanon. Sources close to Hariri later denied, through LBCI, that Hariri will be aboard the plane with them.         

The released Lebanese men left Turkish territories and they are on their way to Lebanon. Before their departure, the Turkish police took note of their testimonies and they underwent medical tests.       

In those regards Premiere Najib Mikati received a phone call from Turkish Foreign Minister Mohammad Davutoglu confirming that the released Lebanese are safe and sound.     

House Speaker Nabih Berri also received a phone call from former PM Saad Hariri who reassured him that the released Lebanese are in good health.    

Upon the news of the release, Minister of Public Works Ghazi Aridi said that this occasion opened communication channels that must remain open if we wanted to save the country.         

MP Ammar Houry praised Hariri saying that the latter never hesitates to act for the sake of Lebanon. He hoped that this release will be a good start for happy endings in Lebanon.      

For his part, Amal MP Yassin Jaber also praised Hariri's move saying that it shows that nothing divides the Lebanese; he added that people must unify their ranks and that dialogue is the only key towards stability.      

As for Loyalty to the Resistance MP Ali Ammar, he said that Hezbollah is open to deal with all parties.     

Crowds began flocking to Rafic Hariri International Airport to greet the 11 released Lebanese hostages.       

According to information made available to LBCI, upon their arrival, the released Lebanese men will go to Ain el Tineh then to Dahiyeh to join in the ceremony.