Lebanese PM: Syrian Refugees, Kidnapped Soldiers Top Issues Discussed in Doha

Doha, September 14 (QNA) - Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam described his talks with HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani as positive and constructive, saying he discussed issues of concern to the two countries and the region. In a press conference held here on Sunday afternoon on the occasion of his visit to Qatar, the Lebanese Prime Minister said that a spirit of brotherhood and transparency dominated his talks with HH the Emir, which addressed a range of issues of mutual concern for both countries and the Arab region. During the talks, Salam said that HH the Emir and HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani expressed their support for Lebanon. The talks, he added, addressed issues and concerns taking place in Lebanon as a result of the uneasy situation in the region which had its impact on Lebanon, such as the Syrian refugees and the need to extend a helping hand to ease their suffering and to strengthen the role of Lebanon in this regard, in addition to the issue of the abducted Lebanese soldiers by terrorists. Salam said that HH the Emir has expressed the State of Qatar's willingness to assist in alleviating this crisis, since Lebanon is currently home to about 1.3 million Syrian refugees. He praised the great support which Qatar has been providing to Lebanon, saying this continued support is not limited to a certain issue, project or stance but it covered several aspects that are of concern to the two countries. The Lebanese Prime Minister went on to say "we came to Doha to extend our thanks to Qatar for its support to and solidarity with Lebanon and the Lebanese people over the past years". He expressed his pleasure at visiting Qatar and the warm welcome accoreded to him by HH the Emir who wished the best for Lebanon and the Lebanese people. The Lebanese Prime Minister Tama Salam, during the press conference, addressed the issue of the Lebanese soldiers who are detained by terrorists and facing inhumane killing, describing the issue as delicate and requires careful handling and patience. Salam pointed that he is following, with Lebanese relevant officials on a daily basis, the issue which is putting significant burden on everyone, especially the families of the detained soldiers. Freeing them safe requires internal unity, Salam said, adding that the assistance of the 'brothers' in the State of Qatar can make a significant difference. "We must ask our brothers in Qatar to help us out of this crisis," he said, adding that HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani has been following the issue and its developments. Salam pointed that the General Directorate of General Security of Lebanon Major General Abbas Ibrahim, will stay in Doha to follow up the issue of the detained soldiers, expressing hope in achieving progress in the complex issue. The are intentions, determination and hard work to resolve this issue, said the Lebanese Prime Minister vowing to make every effort in it. This issue requires secrecy in order to facilitate handling it with every available means, he said. The Lebanese premier reiterated the depth of the relations between his country and the State of Qatar, saying that his visit to Doha would further promote and cement the fraternal ties. Salam said that the relations between Lebanon and Qatar are deep-rooted and this was evident in many aspects, adding "it is natural that our brothers in Qatar react and respond to different Lebanese issues and concerns". Responding to a question, he said that Lebanon is a target for terrorism and terrorists, adding that his country would spare no effort in confronting terrorism and cooperate with those concerned. In response to a question by Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the current priorities for Lebanon, the Lebanese prime minister said the political issue was a priority and is of great concern, referring to the election of a new president and the security concerns in this regard. He underscored the role of the Lebanese army in the face of terrorism and terrorists, while lauding the support extended by Saudi Arabia to the Lebanese army. (QNA)