Salam thanks U.S. for helping secure release of Lebanese captive

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam thanked the United States after Israel released Lebanese captive Malek Ghazi, calling the safe return of any Lebanese citizen a step toward resolving the wider issue.

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The safe return of any released Lebanese citizen to their homeland constitutes a significant step towards resolving this file.

Salam specifically praised the U.S. administration and Michel Issa, the U.S. ambassador to Lebanon, for their efforts. He said Lebanese authorities would keep working until all Lebanese captives were released and the fate of missing people was known.

He also linked the negotiations to Lebanon's territorial claims, saying the government would continue pressing for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory. Salam said the authorities would mobilize the necessary efforts to protect Lebanon's rights and the interests of people in the south.

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I extend my gratitude to the U.S. administration, and especially to U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa, for their efforts in this regard.

The prime minister said those efforts should ensure the safe and dignified return of southern residents to their land and villages and restore the state's full sovereignty over its territory.

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We will continue working until the release of all our captives, the unveiling of the fate of the missing, and the achievement of a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.