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Iran's diplomat released in Iraq

Atul Aneja

Hopes rise over the release of sailors

DUBAI: A series of developments including the release of an Iranian diplomat in Iraq have raised hopes that the standoff between Britain and Iran over the seizure of 15 British sailors may be coming to a close.

The Iranian embassy in Baghdad said on Tuesday that Jalal Sharafi, its second secretary, had been released. Mr. Sharafi was seized in Baghdad in February by gunmen outside the branch of the Iranian state-owned Bank Melli. "Yes, he was released yesterday [Monday]," an official at the Iranian embassy in Baghdad was quoted as saying. The diplomat is expected to return to Tehran later on Tuesday.

Iraqi officials have said they are working on the release of the five other Iranian nationals seized by the Americansfrom an Iranian official building in Irbil. Analysts point out that the possible release of seized Iranians and the fate of the British soldiers might get interlinked. British Prime Minister Tony Blair said on Tuesday the next two days were "fairly critical" to resolving the dispute. His remarks came after Iran's national security head Ali Larijani made conciliatory remarks.

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