Boroujerdi: Hostage Taking Of Defenseless Pilgrims, Against Religious, Humanitarian Criteria

Tehran, Oct 8, IRNA -- Chairman of Iran's Parliamentary Commission on Foreign Policy and National Security, Alaeddin Boroujerdi said on Sunday that hostage taking of defenseless pilgrims is against religious and humanitarian criteria. He made the remarks in a meeting with Turkish Ambassador to Tehran Umit Yardim. Iran has sought mediation efforts of the Turkish and Qatari governments to help release Iranian pilgrims taken hostage by Syrian rebel group. Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi telephoned to Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem, calling for the Syrian government to use influence with the opposition parties for freedom of Iranian pilgrims held in Syria. Boroujerdi said that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Turkish government help sustainable peace and tranquility in the region. Boroujerdi said that the Iranian and Turkish senior officials continue with regular consultations to help peace and stability in the region. He thanked the Turkish government for mediation efforts made so far to release Iranian pilgrims in Syria. Boroujerdi called for intensified action by Ankara government for the immediate release of Iranian pilgrims. The lawmaker reiterated that hostage takers are responsible for the safety of Iranian hostages, therefore any unusual action against them will bring adverse consequences on rebels. Yardim deplored hostage taking of Iranian pilgrims in Syria and briefed Boroujerdi on his government's efforts to save the hostages. He said Turkish government continues with efforts to release the hostages./end