Kidnappers release Lebanese hostage

SYRIA: Syrian rebels released a Lebanese hostage yesterday who was among a group of Shiite pilgrims kidnapped after crossing into the country from Turkey in May.

A rebel source said the release of Hussein Omar, the first hostage to be freed, was a “goodwill gesture”.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said he received a call from Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu confirming the release.

“Mikati wished that Turkish authorities will continue efforts to release all the kidnapped Lebanese in Syria as soon as possible,” a spokesman for Mikati said.

Turkey has strong ties with the Syrian opposition, with most of the Free Syrian Army based there. It also shelters army defectors and channels funds to President Bashar 
al-Assad’s opponents.