Salam thanks US, says Lebanon to seek release of all captives

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Thursday that "the safe return of any released Lebanese citizen to their homeland constitutes a significant step towards resolving this file," after Israel released Lebanese captive Malek Ghazi.

"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," Salam said.

He vowed that Lebanese authorities "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."

"However difficult the negotiation process may seem, we will continue to mobilize all necessary efforts to safeguard Lebanon's rights and the interests of the Lebanese people, particularly our people in the South, ensuring their safe and dignified return to their land and villages, and restoring the state's full sovereignty over its territory," Salam added.