Lebanon seeks Qatar's help to release abducted soldiers

Lebanon has sought Qatar's help to secure a safe release of Lebanese soldiers, kidnapped by a militant group based in Syria, and to deal with the non-stop influx of Syrian refugees into its territories.
"We must ask our brothers in Qatar to help us out of this crisis," visiting Lebanese Premier Tammam Salam said in a press conference following talks with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and Premier Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al-Thani.
Salam said that the assistance of the 'brothers' in Qatar can make a significant difference.
He pointed that the Director of General Security of Lebanon Major General Abbas Ibrahim will stay in Doha to follow up the issue of the detained soldiers.
"There are intentions, determination and hard work to resolve this issue," said the Lebanese Prime Minister, vowing to make every effort. "This issue requires secrecy in order to facilitate handling it with every available means," he said.
He unveiled that the talks also addressed developments in Syria and its impact on Lebanese security, economy and society, as well as the need to help countries hosting Syrian refugees.
He added the Qatari Emir has expressed his country's willingness to help in alleviating this crisis, since Lebanon is currently home to about 1.3 million Syrian refugees.
He praised the great support Qatar has been providing to Lebanon, saying this continued support is not limited to a certain issue, project or stance, but covered several aspects that are of concern to the two countries.
Salam went on to say "we came to Doha to extend our thanks to Qatar for its support and solidarity with Lebanon and the Lebanese people over the past years".
Terming his talks with Qatari officials as "positive and constructive," Salam said that Lebanon is a target for terrorism, and that his country would spare no effort in confronting terrorism and cooperate with those concerned.
On the priorities in the current stage, he said the political issue was a priority and is of great concern, referring to the election of a new president and security concerns in this regard.
He underscored the role of the Lebanese army in the face of terrorism, while lauding the support extended by Saudi Arabia to the Lebanese army.