Turkish citizen abducted in Lebanon says he's in good health

Speaking to Anatolia, Tekin said the Lebanese Meqdad clan, which kidnapped him, was taking good care of him. Explaining that he was abducted by tribe members as soon as he exited Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport on Wednesday, Tekin said he was kidnapped in retaliation for Hassan Meqdad's abduction by the Free Syrian Army (FSA) in Syria.

He added that he was optimistic that he would be released if Hassan Meqdad was freed.

Expressing the hope that the problem would be solved in a diplomatic way, Tekin requested Turkish authorities contact the FSA concerning the release of Hassan Meqdad. “The best way to solve the problem is [to remain in] close contact with the authorities in a diplomatic way. I have been seeking the assistance of the Turkish government,” said Tekin.

Meanwhile, the Turkish Foreign Ministry has stated that intense efforts are under way to secure Tekin's release as safely as possible.

The Lebanese Shiite Meqdad clan had said it kidnapped more than 20 people, including Syrians it says are fighters with the FSA, in retaliation for the arrest of one of their tribesmen by the FSA inside Syria. The Turkish hostage was interviewed by a Lebanese news station following his abduction. He said he had come to Lebanon on business.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry earlier said it was in contact with Tekin's family. “Our ministry and the Beirut Embassy are continuing intensive efforts to secure the safe release of our kidnapped citizen,” it added in a statement released late on Wednesday.