Iranians Kidnapped In Syria, Released: Foreign Ministry

Tehran, Feb 8, IRNA – Eleven Iranians kidnapped in Syria were released, Iranian Foreign Ministry said. 'Following the diplomatic efforts and consultations with Turkish officials to seek immediate freedom of all Iranian nationals kidnapped in Syria, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu contacted Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi to inform him of the release of 11 kidnapped Iranians,' it said in a statement. Davutoglu told his Iranian counterpart that Turkey made every effort to secure release of the kidnapped Iranians to please the Iranian leadership, nation and president. Davutoglu said that Turkey will proceed with diplomatic efforts to help release other Iranians kidnapped in Syria. Salehi appreciated the Turkish government's efforts in this respect and sought Ankara's help for release of other Iranian nationals kidnapped in Syria. Meanwhile, Salehi expressed felicitations to the Turkish nation and government on birth anniversary of Great Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)./end