Salehi: Good News On Release Of Iran Hostages In Syria To Be Announced Soon

Tehran, Dec 31, IRNA – Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said on Sunday good news would be announced soon on release of 48 Iranian pilgrims taken hostage in Syria. In an exclusive interview with IRNA on Sunday, he said lots of lobbying has been done so far and people would hear good news soon about the release of the kidnapped Iranian pilgrims. According to a foreign ministry report, Salehi conferred with his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassem Al-e Thani over phone on Saturday and discussed regional issues and bilateral relations. The conversation is expected to bear positive results soon. A group of 48 Iranian pilgrims were taken hostage in Syria on August 4 by gunmen reportedly linked to the so-called Free Syrian Army. Lots of diplomatic efforts have been made by Iran to secure the release of its nationals./end