Fiji retracts claim release of UN peacekeepers imminent

SUVA, Fiji — Fiji on Wednesday retracted a claim that 45 UN peacekeepers being held hostage in the Golan Heights by Syrian Al-Nusra Front rebels were about to be released, blaming a communications mix-up.

“I don’t think so… someone has misinterpreted,” government spokesman Dan Gavidi told Agence France-Presse when asked if posts on official social media feeds on Wednesday morning trumpeting the impending release were correct.

The government later deleted the posts and released a statement saying negotiations with the rebels were continuing.

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