"The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran calls for the immediate release of its abducted nationals and is of the view that using the hostages as human shields violates… international law and (the) human rights of these innocent civilians," Salehi said in a letter to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday.
“I would like to seek the cooperation and the good offices of Your Excellency for securing the release of these hostages,” he added.
A UN spokesman confirmed that the letter had been received but did not offer an immediate response.
Meanwhile, during a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in Ankara on Tuesday, the Iranian foreign minister asked for Turkey’s assistance in efforts to obtain the release of the Iranian nationals abducted in Syria.
Davutoglu said he feels like the abducted Iranians are citizens of his own country and pledged to do his utmost to obtain their release. He also noted that Iran and Turkey have close ties and common interests.
On the unrest in Syria, Salehi said that the situation is at a critical juncture, adding that Turkey should help the efforts to find a political solution in order to prevent a catastrophe.
press tv/281
Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi has called on the United Nations to act immediately to obtain the release of the Iranian nationals abducted in Syria and Libya.
News ID 182394
