Turkish FM Seeks Iran's Help For Release Of Abducted Pilots

Ankara, Aug 14, IRNA – Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davudoglu on Tuesday called for Tehrans help to secure release of two Turkish pilots kidnapped in Lebanon. Davutoglu made the appeal in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Ali-Akbar Salehi on Tuesday. Salehi, voicing deep sorrow over the event, hoped they would be released soon. Both ministers also exchanged views on developments in Egypt and Syria. Meanwhile, Turkish news sources on Tuesday quoted Irans Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Araqchi as saying that Tehran will do its best to provide assistance to Turkey in this regard. Two Turkish Airlines (Turk Hava Yollari) pilots were abducted in Beirut last Friday. Araqchi was further quoted as condemning the abduction of the Turkish pilots, saying Iran would not refrain from helping Turkey if it can. The pilot and co-pilot of Turkish Airlines, (both Turkish citizens), were abducted by unknown persons while they were heading to a hotel in Beirut by bus, according to Turkish media./end