By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : Iran’s Ambassador to Iraq Hassan Kazemi Qomi confirmed Wednesday reports of an Iranian diplomat released by US forces in Iraq.
Qomi told KUNA that there are still six Iranian diplomats being held by the US, and that the “Americans released on Wednesday Haider Alawi, who spent more than three and one-half years in U.S. custody.” Last night, KUNA correspondent was informed of the Alawi release.
There are five other Iranian diplomats and officials, and about 20 Iranian citizens, who remain in U.S. custody, Qomi added.
The Iranian ambassador also denied reports of a link between yesterday’s release and the US-Iraq-Iran trilateral talks held here.
Qomi explained that Iraqi President Jalal Talabani’s efforts helped secured the release of the Iranian diplomats.