Iran Urges New Swedish Gov’t to Release Former Official Nouri

In a telephone conversation with Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billstrom on Friday, Hossein Amirabdollahian said the politicized case of Nouri and attempts by the Mujahedin-e-Khalq Organization (MKO) terrorist group to disrupt a legal probe into the case have seriously harmed relations between Tehran and Stockholm.

"In recent years, some issues have (negatively) affected the relations between the two countries, which were mainly the result of negative moves and measures of a third party," the top Iranian diplomat said.

The Islamic Republic, he said, "has always welcomed dialogue and cooperation with the European Union."

Nouri was arrested immediately upon his arrival at the Stockholm Airport three years ago. Swedish authorities alleged that he was involved in the execution and torture of the MKO members in 1988. He vehemently rejects the allegations.

In July, a Swedish court sentenced Nouri to life imprisonment. The court, which was described by Iranian officials as illegal, convicted Nouri of so-called war crimes and crimes against humanity, based on allegations leveled by the MKO terrorist cult.

Amirabdollahian pointed to deep cooperation between Iran and Sweden and called for the improvement of mutual relations with a bright view to the future, Press TV reported.

The Swedish foreign minister, for his part, expressed regret that Nouri's case has had negative impacts on bilateral relations and pledged to seriously pursue it.

He also called for more cooperation on the part of Iran in dealing with the cases of a number of Swedish nationals detained in Iran and emphasized that Stockholm is resolute on the expansion of ties with Tehran.

During the call, Amirabdollahian and Billstrom exchanged views on issues of common interests and international developments.