Iran Summons Saudi Charge D'affaires Over Executions

Tehran, June 12, IRNA – Iran summoned Saudi Charge d’Affairs Hassan Zaid Monday in the absence of Saudi ambassador to Tehran after the execution of some Iranians charged of drug trafficking. In a meeting between Director of Persian Gulf Affairs at the Iranian Foreign Ministry Ali-Reza Enayati and the Saudi official, Tehran strongly criticized the inhuman action of the Saudi government over the Iranian citizens jailed there. The Iranian official condemning the executions and the situation of Iranian citizens in Saudi prisons and called for the immediate explanation of Riyadh in this regard. Enayati protested at Riyadh's foul treatment of Iranian nationals jailed in the kingdom, adding that Saudi Arabia's refusal to give a clear response to Tehran will not free Riyadh from its legal and international responsibilities and its commitments within the framework of international conventions on the rights of prisoners. Saudi charge d’affairs to Tehran, too, after hearing Tehran’s official objection on the matter announced that he would reflect the matter to the Riyadh government and announce their respective reply upon receiving it. Speaking to media on May 30, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular, Parliamentary and Expatriates' Affairs Hassan Qashqavi had also pointed to the latest status of the Iranian inmates in Saudi Arabia, and said his ministry has made continued efforts to restore the rights of the Iranian inmates in Saudi Arabia. He added that the foreign minister himself is pursuing their case through direct contacts with relevant Saudi officials, including his Saudi counterpart. Iran raised the issue in a formal memo submitted by Tehran's Ambassador to Riyadh and also in his meetings with several Saudi officials, Qashqavi added. He noted that during contacts with Saudi officials, the Iranian envoy tried to find consular access to the inmates according to the 1963 Vienna Convention and also realize the truth of the rumors about the possible execution of these inmates, but we have unfortunately not received any definite and official response regarding these rumors./end