12 Sep 2014

Freed Fiji soldiers upbeat, says Commander

1:40 pm on 12 September 2014

The head of Fiji's military says the newly released soldiers are in high spirits and many may stay in the region until June.

The Fijians were acting as UN Peacekeepers when they were detained by an al-Qaeda-affiliated rebel group in the Syrian Golan Heights two weeks ago.

They were released in Israeli-held territory overnight.

Brigadier General Mosese Tikoitoga says he has made contact with the group's senior officer and they are all well.

"I spoke to Captain Rabuka straight after they came across. They were all in high spirits. Then we spoke to them again. They were in a grog ceremony after a welcome and service for them. We could hear the singing in the background, all the laughter, so they are all back to Fijian moods."

The men are to undergo medical and psychological assessments in Israel.

In a news conference, the prime minister Rear Admiral Frank Bainimarama said the men kept their cool under the most extreme circumstances imaginable, and are heroes.

"They are now safely back in a United Nations compound, they are all healthy, in high spirits and should soon be in contact with their families and loved ones in Fiji. Our men will need to be debriefed and they obviously deserve a period of rest before they return to their duties but I know they are keen to continue their mission."