ANKARA
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said that the Turkish businessman Aydin Tufan Tekin, who was abducted in Lebanon in mid-August, was handed over to the Turkish Ambassador in Beirut Inan Ozyildiz today.
Minister Davutoglu announced the release of Tekin on his Twitter account.
Davutoglu also underlined Turkey continued efforts for the release of other Turkish citizens being held hostage in Syria and Lebanon after a Turkish businessman was released in Lebanon.
Lebanese army were staging operations in the past two days to rescue Tekin
Lebanese Minister of Interior Marwan Charbel and Turkish Ambassador in Beirut Suleyman Inan Ozyildiz also welcomed Tekin with remarks "Welcome, you are now free!".
Tekin's first words after getting released was "I am so happy to be able to meet my family soon".
Sources told the Anadolu Agency (AA) correspondent that certain members of the Miqdad family on Tuesday held a meeting with officials from the Lebanese security forces.
Following the meeting, an agreement was reached for the release of Tekin.
The Lebanese army in the past two days were staging operations against the homes of members of the Miqdad tribe in Beirut's south to rescue the Syrians and two Turkish hostages at the hands of the Miqdad tribe.
Four Syrian hostages were rescued by the Lebanese army earlier on Tuesday morning.
Turkey continues efforts for release of other Turkish citizens, says FM Davutoglu
ANKARA (AA) - September 12, 2012 - Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Tuesday said that Turkey continued efforts for the release of other Turkish citizens being held hostage in Syria and Lebanon after a Turkish businessman was released in Lebanon Tuesday.
On his Twitter account, Davutoglu stressed that efforts were being made so other Turkish citizens in a similar position as Aydin Tufan Tekin get released.
Minister Davutoglu had announced Tekin's release on his Twitter account earlier on Tuesday night.
Davutoglu had said Tekin was handed over to Turkey's Ambassador in Beirut Inan Ozyildiz and that the Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Miqati made available his personal jet to Tekin for his return to Turkey.
