Positive development for kidnapping case of Lebanese pilgrims in Syria: minister

BEIRUT, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Interior Minister Marwan Charbel said Wednesday that there was a "positive development" for the case of 11 Lebanese pilgrims kidnapped in Syria, hoping a " happy ending be reached soon," the National News Agency reported.

"There is full coordination between the Turkish and Lebanese governments (on the case of the kidnapping of the Lebanese people), " The NNA quoted Charbel as saying, who added that "I hope we reach a happy ending. I am satisfied with the latest developments. "

After the kidnapping occurred, the Lebanese government started to exert diplomatic efforts towards the release of the pilgrims. Communication has been made mainly with the Turkish government, who is a neighbor of the unrest-hit Syria.

Charbel revealed that the Turkish officials promised him to work for the release of the Lebanese pilgrims in Syria.

A total of 11 pilgrims were kidnapped by the rebel Free Syrian Army in Syrian northern province of Aleppo on May 22 while they were returning from Iran. One of them was released last month as a goodwill gesture. Enditem