Salehi: Iranians abducted in Libya talk with families on phone

Tehran, Aug 31, IRNA – Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said here on Friday that the Iranians abducted in Libya conferred with their families on the phone. He said the seven abducted Iranians had telephon conversations with their families on Friday. Making the remarks at the sidelines of the second day of the 16th Non-Aligned Movement Summit, the foreign minister said pledges have been given to Iran that the hostages will be released soon. He noted that numerous contacts have been made for the release of the seven Iranian nationals since their abduction followed by discussions with the Libyan foreign minister during the Mecca meeting. Giving no definite date for the release of the abducted Iranians, Salehi said they will be freed soon. Libyan Foreign Minister Ashour bin Khayal said on Wednesday evening in Tehran that based on the latest information released by the informed sources, the kidnapped Iranians are in good health. Seven-member Iranian delegation comprising officials from the Iranian Red Crescent was kidnapped by the armed forces while visiting Benghazi to sign a cooperation agreement. The delegation arrived in Libya early August at the invitation of the Libyan Red Crescent.