Iraq to release 50 Iranian prisoners

Tehran’s Ambassador to Baghdad Hassan Danaifar says some of the Iranians detained in Iraqi prisoners will be released in the near future.

“Nearly 15 days ago Iraq’s President Jalal Talebani issued the order for the release of some Iranian prisoners who were detained in Iraq for illegal entry,” Danaifar said on Sunday.

The Iranian ambassador added that Iraq’s executive apparatus had been informed of the order and 50 Iranian nationals would be released in the coming days, Fars News Agency reported.

Danaifar asked the Iranian pilgrims to only make trips to Iraq legally and through Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization, and refrain from individual trips and trips without first obtaining visas.

“Those who enter Iraq illegally will be sentenced to at least six years in prison,” Danaifar said.

He also described Iran’s caretaker Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi’s visit to Iraq as successful and as having come at a good time.

Salehi visited Iraq last week and held talks with senior Iraqi officials including President Jalal Talebani, on bilateral relations and regional issues.

He was welcomed by Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari at Baghdad International Airport upon his arrival.

In addition to holding meetings with prominent Iraqi political figures, the Iranian top foreign ministry official held talks with Iraq’s senior Shia cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.