WASHINGTON – The United States on Wednesday reached out to the Islamic Republic of Iran and asked that it help return missing or detained Americans in that country.
The U.S. State Department implored leaders of Iran “to work cooperatively with us in our efforts to help U.S. citizens Robert Levinson, Amir Hekmati, and Saeed Abedini to return to their families after lengthy detentions.”
According to Secretary of State John Kerry, Mr. Levinson went missing from Kish Island, Iran, in March 2007.
“Mr. Levinson is not only a husband, but a caring father to seven children,” Kerry said. “His family has endured with courage and quiet dignity the pain of spending so many important family milestones without him there. They shouldn’t have to endure additional worry about his whereabouts and well being. We call again on the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to uphold its offer to help find Mr. Levinson and return him safely to his family.”
Kerry also said Wednesday that the U.S. is concerned about the fate of dual U.S. citizens Amir Hekmati and Saeed Abedini.
“Tomorrow marks the two-year anniversary of Mr. Hekmati’s detention in Iran on false espionage charges,” Kerry said. “On September 26, Mr. Abedini will have spent a year in detention in Iran. He was sentenced to eight years in prison on charges related to his religious beliefs.
“President Rouhani has shared in his speeches and interviews over the past few months his hope and vision to improve the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s relationship with the world.
We urge the Iranian Government to release Mr. Hekmati and Mr. Abedini and to help us locate Mr. Levinson so that they may be reunited with their families as safely and as soon as possible.”
