Iran pledges support on kidnapped pilots

Turkish foreign minister Ahmet Davutoglu held a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Ali Akbar Salihi on Sunday. Diplomatic sources said, Davutoglu called Salihi on Sunday to talk about the latest developments in Egypt, Syria and Lebanon. It was stated that Salihi expressed his sorrow about the kidnapped Turkish pilots in Lebanon, and wished them to be freed soon. Davutoglu, in turn, thanked Salihi and said Iran's efforts to contribute in release of the pilots would be welcomed. Salihi replied that they would be their best about the issue, said sources. Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Abbas Araghchi, said on Tuesday Iran was ready to help Turkey rescue kidnapped pilots in Lebanon. Araqchi said that his country would not hesitate to help find the hostages in Lebanon. He said Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu asked his Iranianpo counterpart Ali Akbar Salehi in a phone conversation to help Turkey rescue the kidnapped pilots. He also strongly condemned the abduction of the Turkish pilots saying kidnapping was an inhumane act. Two Turkish pilots were kidnapped in Beirut by gunmen who intercepted their bus last Friday morning. Six Turkish Airlines crew were on board, but only the pilot and co-pilot were taken. On Friday, a shuttle carrying the pilot, the assistant pilot, and the crew of the Turkish Airlines plane which flew to Beirut from Istanbul had been stopped by four gunmen on the way from airport to the hotel. Gunmen abducted  the pilot Murat Akpinar and his assistant Murat Agca.