Iran calls on intl. bodies to charge 'Israel' over abducted officials
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Iran's Foreign Ministry issued a statement on the 41st anniversary of its diplomats' kidnapping, expressing condolences to the families of its abducted diplomats and calling on international bodies to hold the Zionist entity accountable.
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41st anniversary of the kidnapping of four Iranian diplomats in Lebanon. (File photo)
Iran has urged international groups to hold "Israel" accountable for the fate of four Iranian diplomats abducted in Lebanon in 1982 and to prosecute those responsible.
On the 41st anniversary of their kidnapping, Iran's Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing condolences to the families of its abducted diplomats.
"Based on the 1949 Geneva Conventions…, the Islamic Republic of Iran holds the Zionist regime and its supporters responsible for all aspects of the kidnapping and the terrorist act given the fact that the incident took place during the occupation of Lebanon by Israel."
Iran also "requests relevant international and human rights organizations to accept their legal and humanitarian responsibilities in this regard, take necessary measures to exert pressure on the Zionist regime...ensure its maximum cooperation towards shedding light on the fate of our loved ones, and provide the grounds for punishing those behind the crime and the violation of international law.”
On July 4, 1982, the year "Israel" invaded Lebanon, Ahmad Motevasselian, Seyyed Mohsen Mousavi, Taqi Rastegar Moqaddam, and Kazem Akhavan were kidnapped by a group of Israeli-backed gunmen at an inspection post in northern Lebanon.
Iran claims the diplomats were kidnapped and handed over to "Israel" by Lebanese Phalanges militiamen.
There have been various claims about their fate in recent years. Some said they were killed by the militia organization, but others claimed they were still alive and held captive by "Israel."
The Iranian Foreign Ministry expressed disappointment that, despite substantial political and legal efforts by the Lebanese government and international human rights organizations, efforts to determine the fate of the four diplomats had been "inconclusive."
The failed pursuit was also blamed on "the irresponsibility of the Zionist regime and those behind the kidnapping, the loss of evidence and documents with time, and the lack of a serious and effective action by relevant international organizations."
Iran expects the Lebanese government to maintain its efforts, both domestically and internationally, to help find the missing diplomats, adding that it will continue to diligently pursue the issue until the fate of its kidnapped diplomats is revealed.
