Turkish ambassador to Lebanon: Turkey committed to settling file of Lebanese hostages in Aazaz

Turkish ambassador to Lebanon Inan Ozyildiz met on Tuesday with MP Bahia Hariri in Majdeliyoun, whereby he asserted Turkey's commitment to finding a solution for the Lebanese hostages case in Syria's Aazaz.

He noted that negotiations are ongoing in this regard, highlighting Lebanese General Security Chief Major General Abbas Ibrahim's efforts to reach a common ground in this regard.

Asked about Turkey's stance regarding the European Union labeling Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, ambassador Ozyildiz said that his country has relations with Lebanon and Hezbollah, adding Turkey did not issue any comment in the wake of the decision.

On Turkey's participation in the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL), ambassador Ozyildiz described the current security situation in South Lebanon as "calm", adding that there is no danger on the UNIFIL Turkish soldiers serving as part of the International Forces.

Following the visit, ambassador Ozyildiz toured in Sidon's Abra where clashes had erupted last month between partisans of hardline Shiekh Ahmad al-Assir and the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Eleven Lebanese pilgrims were kidnapped on their way back from Iran by insurgents hoping to use them for a prisoner swap on the 22nd of May. Only two have so far been released.

Their families have vowed to continue their movements until all their loved ones have returned home "safe and sound".

They accuse Ankara of sponsoring the kidnapping and the Lebanese government of inaptness in this regard.