PM confirms release of 45 peacekeepers By NASIK SWAMI Friday, September 12, 2014 Update: 8:36AM THE 45 Fijian soldiers held captive by an al-Qaida affiliated Syrian rebel group - the al-Nusra front in the Golan Heights have been released. This was confirmed by Prime Minister Rear Admiral (Ret) Voreqe Bainimarama in a press briefing this morning. He labelled the soldiers as heroes. The soldiers were released safe and unharmed last night about 11.50pm (Fiji time) at the Quneitra crossing point in the Syrian-controlled part of the Golan Heights. Rear Admiral (Ret) Bainimarama says the 45 are now safely back in a United Nations compound. They are all healthy, they are in high spirits and they will soon be in contact with their families and loved ones here in Fiji, he said. The Prime Minister confirmed that the men would be debriefed and deserve a period of rest before they return to their duties. I know all Fijians join me in feeling a great sense of relief and joy, as well as a deep appreciation for all those who had a hand in securing their safe release, including the skilled group of UN negotiators and our superb team in New York and Suva, who worked constantly behind the scenes to produce this outcome. As a nation, we thank you. These 45 men are heroes. They kept their cool and showed restraint under the most extreme circumstances imaginable. Because of their discipline, not one militant was killed and none of our soldiers were harmed. They upheld the integrity of UN peacekeeping and as a result have strengthened Fijis reputation in the international community.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 22:00:12 +0000
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