House Speaker urges Iran to release Jordanian detainees

 Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh on Monday received Iranian Ambassador Mojtaba Ferdowsi at the end of his tenure, for a discussion of bilateral ties and the issue of Jordanian detainees in Iran. 

Tarawneh stressed the importance of cooperation between Islamic parliaments to support pan-Islamic issues, foremost of which is the Palestinian cause, adding that Jordan will continue pushing for a just and comprehensive peace that ensures the historical and legitimate rights of the Palestinians, based on the two-state solution, and achieves regional peace and security.

Jordan, which adopts moderate policies, has gained the trust and respect of the international community, as the Kingdom advocates for dialogue and political solutions to solve various crises, including the conflict in Syria, towards which Jordan has called for a political solution that guarantees peace and security in the country and its unity and territorial integrity, Tarawneh added. 

On Iraq, Tarawneh said that during his recent visit to Baghdad he felt optimism for a bright future for the country, pointing out that "all parties in the Iraqi parliament are unanimous that sectarianism would not build nations, and had come together to further the country's interests". 

The meeting also touched on the issue of three Jordanians held in Iran after crossing into Iranian waters by mistake, and Tarawneh asked Iranian authorities for their release. 

The Iranian envoy said that the issue of the detainees "will be solved in a matter of days", assuring that they were treated well.

He also said that Tehran recognizes Jordan's moderate positions and supports the Hashemite custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. 

He emphasized the importance of coordination among Islamic parliaments in support of Islamic causes.