[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
[June 1, 2007]
[Pages 678-679]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on the American Citizens Held in Iran
June 1, 2007

    Several of our fellow American citizens--including Haleh 
Esfandiari, Parnaz Azima, Kian Tajbakhsh, and 
Ali Shakeri--are being held against their will 
by the Iranian regime. I strongly condemn their detention at the hands 
of Iranian authorities. They should be freed immediately and 
unconditionally.
    These individuals have dedicated themselves to building bridges 
between the American and Iranian people, a goal the Iranian regime 
claims to support. Their presence in Iran--to visit their parents or to 
conduct humanitarian work--poses no threat. Indeed, their activities are 
typical of the abiding ties that Iranian Americans have with their land 
of origin.
    I am also disturbed by the Iranian regime's refusal so far to 
provide any information on Robert Levinson, 
despite repeated U.S. requests. I call on Iran's leaders to tell us what 
they know about his whereabouts.
    The United States is committed to protecting its citizens at home 
and abroad. We will maintain our efforts on behalf of these citizens 
until all of them are reunited with their families.
      
      

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