1500 Iranian pilgrims held in Iraq

Addressing a gathering of the families of the captives in front of the Foreign Ministry premises, he added that the list of the captives have been submitted to the Iraqi officials.

"Through our efforts, merely 142 of the Iranian prisoners have been released."

Though positive negotiations have taken place between the two sides at embassy and consular level, the promises of Iraqi foreign ministry officials have not been materialized, added Khaleqi.

Turning to the unfavorable situation in Iraq, he said that the relevant correspondence with Iraqi Foreign Ministry cannot actually be followed up.

Iranians had earlier been warned of the unfavorable situation in Iraq but, their recommendations were not taken seriously and made them end up facing problems, the official said.

"We can only promise to take appropriate measures towards releasing those held in captivity through diplomatic channels," he added.

A few of the relatives of the Iranian prisoners called for follow-up of the issue via the International Committee of the Red Cross.

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