InfoAnda - Iran holds 3 Americans for illegal border crossing

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

"Glee" contest gets own reality TV show | 17 November 2010
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary | 22 January 2010
Julian Assange set free on bail: WikiLeaks spokesman | 17 December 2010

U.S. and EU regulators eye Apple subscription plan | | 19 February 2011

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Iran holds 3 Americans for illegal border crossing

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Africa Europe Latin America Middle East North America Search Search: Iran holds 3 Americans for illegal border crossing By NASSER KARIMI and JASON KEYSER,Associated Press Writers AP - Wednesday, August 5 TEHRAN, Iran - Iran has arrested three Americans for illegally entering the country from neighboring Iraq and a prominent Iranian lawmaker said Tuesday that authorities were investigating whether to charge them with spying. ADVERTISEMENT A U.S. official rejected the allegation, and a security official in Iraq said the three were merely backpackers who got lost while hiking in a mountainous region where the Iran-Iraq border is not clearly marked. The case is the latest source of friction with Washington over the detention of Americans, following the espionage trial earlier this year of American-Iranian journalist Roxana Saberi. Such a confrontation could be especially thorny this time around, when Iran is mired in its worst political crisis in 30 years over the disputed June 12 presidential election. The Americans _ freelance journalist Shane Bauer, his girlfriend Sarah Shourd and Joshua Fattal _ were hiking in a picturesque region of Iraq's northern Kurdish region near the Iranian border that is known for lush vegetation, pistachio groves and fruit trees. The Iraqi regional security chief in Sulaimaniyah said the area is poorly marked and the three simply lost their bearings when they crossed into western Iran and were arrested on Friday. He urged Iranian authorities to free them. "Our investigations proved there was no political or military reason for the border crossing. They simply made a mistake," said the Iraqi official, Hakim Qadir Humat Jan. "They came as tourists. Nothing about the way they were traveling points to a possibility of spying. Their financial situation was also weak _ they traveled in a crowded bus and stayed at a cheap hotel _ and they entered Kurdistan legally." "I call on the Iranians to set them free," Jan said, adding that the mountainous area where the Americans were arrested contains dense foliage and narrow trails, and it's difficult to make out where Iraqi Kurdistan ends and Iran begins. An Iranian lawmaker and member of parliament's National Security Committee rejected the suggestion the Americans were tourists and said authorities were investigating whether to charge them with espionage. "Surely we can say that they came as spies," said Mohammad Karim Abedi, a hard-line lawmaker, speaking on Iran's state-run Al-Alam TV. "The concerned authorities will decide whether they were spies or not. If it is proven that they were spies, the necessary legal procedures will be sought against them." "The U.S. forces are trying to leave some security elements behind, after leaving Iraq," Abedi added. "It's unacceptable to penetrate Iran's borders this way. ... We condemn this." He sought to compare the matter with a case involving British military personnel seized by Iran in March 2007 after Tehran said they had entered Iranian waters from Iraqi territory. The 15 sailors and marines were held for nearly two weeks, and some were paraded on Iranian television to deliver supposed confessions of trespassing. State television said the latest case involving the Americans was being used by the West as anti-Iranian propaganda, and questioned whether they were hikers, saying they had been identified in Western reports as journalists. U.S. State Department deputy spokesman Robert A. Wood dismissed the allegations of espionage and said U.S. officials were still trying to determine the fate of the Americans. He said the Swiss ambassador in Tehran had met with Iranian officials on Washington's behalf "trying to ascertain the information and location of these individuals, but hasn't been able to do so. He's going to continue to push to try to get that information for us." Switzerland represents U.S. interests in Iran because the two countries have not had diplomatic relations since the American hostage crisis of 1979. Earlier, the hard-line Fars news agency, considered close to the elite Revolutionary Guard, quoted the deputy governor of Iran's Kurdistan province as saying the Americans entered Iran at the Malakh-Khor border point, near the town of Marivan, about 370 miles west of the capital Tehran, and were arrested. The three had Iraqi and Syrian visas, said the official, Iraj Hassanzadeh. The case against Saberi put new strains on the already rocky U.S.-Iran relationship at a time when President Barack Obama sought to reach out to Tehran for a dialogue over its contentious nuclear program. Saberi, who had lived in Iran for six years and also had Iranian citizenship, was arrested on Jan. 31 and accused of spying. She denied the charges, but was sentenced to eight years in prison. An appeals court reduced that to a two-year suspended sentence and she was released on May 11. Bauer, one of the Americans detained last week, identifies himself as a freelance reporter and photographer based in the Middle East and says he has reported from Iraq, Syria, Sudan's Darfur region and Yemen, according to his Web site. He was in the region to cover the July 25 regional elections in Iraq's self-ruled Kurdish area, according to Pacific News Service Executive Director Sandy Close, who said she does not believe he ever intended to go to neighboring Iran. In an e-mail, Bauer told Close he wanted to "feel out the situation (in Kurdistan) and get some ideas for deeper stories," she said. "Kurdistan is the big story in Iraq now," Bauer wrote in the e-mail provided to The Associated Press. "I'm off to Kurdistan ... " She said Bauer told her he planned to go backpacking with Shourd in a popular tourist area known for its scenery, where the pair met up with Fattal. All three were graduates of the University of California, Berkeley. Close said Bauer would not have deliberately tried to enter Iran. "He did not express any interest in going to Iran. He did not speak Farsi, his passion was Arabic," she said. Bauer has traveled to the Middle East and North Africa and was most recently based in Damascus where he is working on a film about Darfur. Shourd has written for a number of online publications, including Brave New Traveler. Ross Borden, founder of an online travel magazine that includes Brave New Traveler, described her as "very professional. She wrote a great story for us." Fattal had been a teaching assistant with the International Honors Program from January to June, visiting Switzerland, India, South Africa and China on a global ecology program, according to program president Joan Tiffany said. "He's a very thoughtful, caring person, soft-spoken, smart, bright. Has lots of travel experience," Tiffany said. ___ Keyser reported from Cairo. Associated Press writers Yahya Barzanji in Sulaimaniyah, Iraq, Jason Dearen in San Francisco, Patrick Condon in Minneapolis, Maryclaire Dale in Philadelphia and Michelle Locke in Berkeley, Calif. contributed to this report. Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Sign in to recommend this article » 0 users recommend Related Articles: World Evacuations around site of Mich. fuel storage fireAP - 1 hour 11 minutes ago Clinton to address trade meeting in KenyaAP - 1 hour 13 minutes ago Ahmadinejad sworn in as police break up protestsAFP - 1 hour 48 minutes ago Honduran generals defend exiling ousted presidentAP - 2 hours 4 minutes ago Silent gunman's Pa. health club shooting kills 4AP - 2 hours 10 minutes ago Most Popular – World Viewed Tamiflu-resistant swine flu found on US-Mexico border Mexico swine flu cases jump, LatAm deaths soar UBS posts four-fold increase in quarterly loss Cupcakes for reporter on Obama's birthday Mexico registers jump in swine flu cases View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Wednesday, 5 August 2009
Iraq to impose controls on Internet
Georgia, Russia stoke fears of new conflict
"Sexting" craze on the rise among British children
North Korea frees two U.S. journalists after Clinton trip | International |
Renny Harlin to direct film on Russia-Georgia conflict
Iraq arrests man over journalist killing in 2006
Standard Chartered bank posts record profits
Iran interrogates three detained Americans
Israelis quietly question U.S. resolve against Iran | International |
Abbas admits errors at first Fatah congress in 20 years
Israel's Barak says U.S. to present peace plan soon
Iran opposition to keep pressure on Ahmadinejad | International |
Afghan suicide attack kills five as vote nears: govt
Failed Iraqi female teen suicide bomber sentenced
BMW, Toyota lift auto industry spirits
S.African union threatens power strike | International |
Russia says raises readiness of troops in S.Ossetia | International |
Czech election race starts, with economy at center | International |
Madagascar rivals to hold talks in Mozambique | International |
Cruise line calls missing Alaska passenger suicide
Spielberg to be awarded Philadelphia Liberty Medal
U.S. military reviews use of Twitter, other sites | Technology |
Biden says economic stimulus meeting its goals
Theodore Nierenberg, Dansk tableware founder, dies
Clinton begins Africa tour in Kenya
Defense minister: Israel should join US initiative
Pentagon reviews social networking on computers
Baby born outside upstate NY firehouse
Ga. terror suspect: Jihad chatter was 'empty talk'
Low-altitude rocket launched in New Mexico
S&P downgrades India's Tata Motors
S&P cuts Tata rating over Jaguar Land Rover worries
Jackman to play legendary showman Barnum: report
No go: Paramount won't show critics `G.I. Joe'
The top 10 singles and albums on iTunes
Berlin exhibit celebrates 90 years of Bauhaus
Club kid, gay, Asian? Sex and the City wants you | Entertainment |
Beyonce and friends to rock Formula 1 night race | Entertainment |
Ahmadinejad sworn in as police break up protests
German market operator posts 34 pct drop in profits
Sony plans $199 U.S. e-reader, takes on Amazon
U.N. council condemns deadly attack in south Sudan
Ahmadinejad sworn in as Iran's president: radio | International |
Mexico swine flu cases jump, LatAm deaths soar
Georgia, Russia stoke fears of new conflict
Clinton, U.S. journalists leave North Korea after pardon | International |
Mexico registers jump in swine flu cases
US Marines renew ban on Twitter, Facebook
Iran holds 3 Americans for illegal border crossing
U.S. drone hits a family home of Pakistan Taliban chief | International |
Top US general in Iraq calls American role crucial
Experts predict quieter Atlantic hurricane season
White House still seeking cybersecurity czar
Russia backs EU, not U.S., role in Georgia | International |
A look at travel in Iraq's Kurdish region
Dish, Echostar happy on Tivo development
Afghans say foreign strike kills four from one family | International |
Arrest of US hikers mars Iraqi Kurd tourism boom
Google invites US soldiers to Voice telephone service
More charged with terrorism offences in Australia | International |
U.S. can end Honduras crisis in seconds: Zelaya | International |
Atom-smasher relaunch delayed to November: official
Europe well-placed to profit from digital economy: study
Afghan suicide attack kills five as vote nears: govt
U.S. military reviews use of Twitter, other sites
U.N. team to visit Myanmar over child soldiers | International |
Ahmadinejad sworn in as Iran's president
Abbas admits errors at first Fatah congress in 20 years
Britain backs Syria-EU pact despite concerns | International |
Ahmadinejad sworn in as Iranian president
Missile kills relatives of Pakistani Taliban chief
Silent gunman's Pa. health club shooting kills 4
Sony plans $199 U.S. e-reader, takes on Amazon | Technology |
White House still seeking cybersecurity czar | Technology |
BREAKING NEWS: North Korea Pardons U.S. Journalists During Clinton Visit
Nepalese angry over hit-and-run riot in capital
Up to 5 killed in Pennsylvania gun massacre: reports
NY 5-Year-Old Boy Shoots, Injures 4-Year-Old Playmate With Flare Gun
Pakistan air force fighter jet crashes, pilot dies
Los Angeles fire 70 percent contained
In Poll Conducted After NJ Corruption Sweep, Christie Gains Among Key Voters
Heath Ledger targets whalers in new music video | Technology |
Missile kills relatives of Pakistan Taliban chief
Small movie software firm gets Hollywood traction | Technology |
Former Motown singer loses Detroit council seat
U.S. Pending Home Sales Surge Higher In June
Philippines lays to rest democracy icon Aquino
5 killed in fiery freeway crash in Orange County
Microsoft deal will pay Yahoo more after 5 years | Technology |
Hong Kong triad boss killed at luxury hotel: police
New Bedford Massachusets Investigators Still Searching For Cause Of Toxic Fumes That Sent 119 To Hospital
Families, Gore asked Clinton to intervene
Transpo Dept. Announces "Distracted Driving" Summit
Stakes huge for Pacific in climate change talks: Rudd
Clinton, U.S. journalists leave North Korea after pardon
Update: White House Makes Clear Clinton's Pyongyang Visit A "Private Mission"
US concerned over Russia, Georgia tension
Rep. Joe Sestak Makes His Challenge To Specter Official
Dish, Echostar happy on Tivo development | Technology |
China quake dissident on trial: lawyer
Muni's chief operating officer gives resignation
Reports: Top Obama Cyber Security Aide Resigns
Court urged to deny bail to US 'homegrown terrorists'
Obama Marks 48th Birthday As Birthers Continue Questions
Rights group asks Malaysia to drop protest charges
Modest Mouse video directed by Heath Ledger debuts
"Melrose Place" gets scandalous Hollywood makeover
Heath Ledger targets whalers in new music video
Jackman may join the circus with Barnum musical
Hugh Jackman gets his movie musical wish
Cathay returns to profit on fuel hedging gains
China electricity output rises: state media
SKorean police in helicopters raid auto plant
Korea Hot Stocks- Ssangyong Motor up on retail buying
S.Korean T-bond futures fall early, auction eyed
Seoul shares open up after U.S. data, N.Korea news
Paula Abdul quits American Idol, giving no reason | Entertainment |
Melrose Place gets scandalous Hollywood makeover | Entertainment |
Japan's Elpida loses 466 mln dlrs in Q1
Fox says Paula Abdul quitting 'American Idol'
Dump kids: Why Jon & Kate should lose some 8 | Entertainment |
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Cigarette packets dupe smokers by design: study
G.I. Joe is AWOL for critics | Entertainment |
Beyonce, Lady Gaga top MTV music award nominees | Entertainment |
Court filings detail Michael Jackson film
Heath Ledger targets whalers in new music video | Entertainment |
Fantasy rules at Japan 'Cosplay' world summit
Jason Segel seeks adventure with Handbook | Entertainment |
Pope Benedict tunes up for believers with first album
CW says female niche model works with advertisers | Entertainment |
Jason Segel seeks adventure with "Handbook"
Pope Benedict tunes up for believers with first album | Entertainment |
Hugh Jackman gets his movie musical wish | Entertainment |
"Melrose Place" gets scandalous Hollywood makeover
Heath Ledger targets whalers in new music video
CW says female niche model works with advertisers
Singer John Mayer Jokes He Wants To Bed A Transsexual
Report: Third of Europeans Have Never Been Online
Transpo Department Announces "Distracted Driving" Summit
Prince Harry Getting Motorcycle Lessons From Champion Racer
Four-Year-Old OK After Playmate Shot Him With Flare Gun
Scraps Of Princess Diana's Wedding Dress Being Sold On eBay
US strike 'kills wife of Pakistani Taliban chief'
Small movie software firm gets Hollywood traction
Lloyds bank hits huge loss as bad debts rocket
New York chapel offers gay marriage service
Israeli writer, artist Amos Kenan dead at 82
Government map shows dire Afghan security picture | International |
Russia opens new Politkovskaya murder trial: AFP
Swiss Re slips back into red in second quarter
Turkish police, Kurds clash in pro-Ocalan protest
Zimbabwe's Msika dies, raising Mugabe succession issue | International |
Passengers escape Spanish jet engine fire | International |
Cupcakes for reporter on Obama's birthday
Politkovskaya family bids to halt new Moscow trial | International |
Early count shows Niger's Tandja extending power | International |
Baghdad blast walls to come down | International |
Filipinos bid goodbye to ex-leader Aquino | International |
Key witness to testify in Ga. terror trial
Report: Leahy blocks report on Mexico human rights
More time given to developer of Ohio uranium plant
Koala saved from Australian fires battling disease
3 more quakes rattle southern NZ, no damage
Richardson: Freed journalists a win for both sides
Cops: Shooting in Buffalo leaves 2 dead, 3 wounded
Tweet tweet: You're not Lithuania's president! | Technology |
Official: All 16 on crashed Indonesian plane dead
Gas leak sickens more than 200 in China
Suspension for Ohio chief in stars' surrogate case
Malaysia confirms 4 more swine flu-related deaths
Gov't insurance would allow coverage for abortion
Obama ventures back to hurting region _ with money
Uighur accuses China of inflaming ethnic tension
Obama visits Indiana to highlight recovery efforts
Afghan villagers say 3 boys killed in airstrike
Florida Bay's ecology on the brink of collapse
Small Pacific islands call for big carbon cuts
No survivors in Indonesia plane crash: airline
All 16 on crashed Indonesian plane dead
JAL mulling 10% cut in passenger services: report
Pakistani stocks end higher; rupee firms
Pakistani central bank seen changing rate structure
Japan's Nikon sinks into red, downgrades forecast
Shanghai bourse to see foreign listings next year
Japan's NTT logs 20 percent profit drop
China probes top nuclear chief for wrongdoing: report
Seoul shares fall 0.4 pct; LG Elec, Display down=2
Seoul shares fall 0.4 pct; LG Elec, Display down
Chris Brown to be sentenced for assault
Paddling French women make it half-way to Canada
Paula Abdul quits 'American Idol'
Deals could bring more Jackson products
Dump kids: Why "Jon & Kate" should lose some "8"
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01