Syrian government played key role to free abducted Iranians: Lawmaker

A senior Iranian lawmaker has hailed the key role of the Syrian government in securing the release of 48 Iranian pilgrims who were abducted by foreign-backed militants in Damascus several months ago.

According to Press TV, Chairman of the Majlis (parliament) Committee on National Security and Foreign Policy Alaeddin Boroujerdi said on Thursday: “Syrian President Bashar al-Assad played a very valuable role in the release of 48 Iranian pilgrims kidnapped in Damascus and if the Syrian government had not cooperated, the Iranian nationals would not have been set free.”
He added that the release of Iranian pilgrims after 159 days of captivity has been made possible through an orchestrated effort and intensive talks.
He noted that Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, Foreign Ministry and Intelligence Ministry also played a role in the release of the pilgrims. The legislator said that the Iranian nationals were finally released despite the destructive measures by a number of regional countries that tried to impede our efforts.
Boroujerdi added that Iran had been in contact with Qatar and Turkey which played a constructive role in the success of the efforts made to bring about the Iranians’ freedom.