Salam: The kidnapping of two pilots "distorts Lebanon's image and reputation"

Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam followed up on the abudction of two Turkish pilots with caretaker Interior Minister Marwan Charbel.

Salam condemned the kidnapping operations and " all things that exacerbate tension in the country".

"We already condemned the abduction of Lebanese pilgrims in Syria and called for exerting utmost efforts, in cooperation with Turkish authorities, in order to grant their release. However,  we cannot fall silent on the kidnapping operation which took place today because it aims at distorting Lebanon's image and reputation," Salam said.

The PM-designate urged political forces to use their leverage and shore up the efforts exerted by official authorities in order to grant the release of the two pilots.