'US behind Iran pilgrim disappearance'
Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:16:05 GMT

Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki has said the US is behind the disappearance of the Iranian Umrah pilgrim, Shahram Amiri, in Saudi Arabia.

"We have found documents that prove US interference in the disappearance of the Iranian pilgrim Shahram Amiri in Saudi Arabia," Mottaki told reporters after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

The Iranian minister, however, pointed out that the Saudi government is responsible for its failure to fully protect the Iranian pilgrim.

"Iran's Foreign Ministry will follow the case," Mottaki concluded.

Amiri, a researcher at Tehran's Malek Ashtar University, went missing after he traveled to Saudi Arabia for the Umrah Hajj (a shortened version of the major hajj pilgrimage) on the June 4, 2009.

According to his wife, the missing Iranian pilgrim has not contacted his family except for a few phone calls he made at the beginning of his trip.

Mohammad Marandi, a Tehran University professor, described the event as a “disturbing sign,” and drew a parallel between Amini's case and another incident in which US soldiers kidnapped Iranian diplomats and held them for two years.

"But I think what is even more disturbing is the fact that the Saudi regime has effectively discredited itself and...will be seen by those who know what has gone on in the region as being confined to American demands and effectively abiding by American wishes," the scholar said.

Marandi added that the incident will impede any move towards rapprochement between Iran and the United States.

"because it would be considered as a hostile act by the Iranian people on the part of the United States. Kidnapping the citizen of one country is unacceptable and I think it will raise questions as to whether the United States is truly willing to resolve these issues with Iran or whether it wishes to continue confrontations."

" As long as the United States continues to behave in an unacceptable manner, I think it will be very difficult for Iranians to be convinced that true negotiations can lead to a fruitful conclusion."

HRF/SC/HN/AKM/MMN