Deputy FM Meets Released Iranian Merchant

Tehran, Jan 7, IRNA – Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Hassan Qashqavi met Monday with Amir-Hossein Seirafi, an Iranian merchant who has been recently released from a US prison. Seirafi returned home last Friday receiving a warm welcome by Iranian officials. In his meeting with Qashqavi, Seirafi hailed efforts made by Iranian officials, particularly those of the Foreign Ministry for his release. Seirafi was arrested in Frankfurt Airport, Germany, in January 2010, on charges of bypassing US sanctions against Iran and purchasing products with dual-use. He was detained for eight months in Germany before being extradited to the US under Washington’s pressures. Seirafi was extradited to the US before completing judicial procedures in Germany./end