The news reports that a Turkish Army General from the Turkish Armed Forces was apprehended in the city of Haleppo in Syria by no means reflect the truth.

Furthermore, as a part of the unfounded claim in question, an allegation that the said Turkish Army General would be exchanged against 48 Iranian pilgrims who were believed to have been kidnapped in the vicinity of Damascus is far from the facts.

Yesterday, Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Salihi called H.E. Mr. Minister on the phone and requested for Turkey’s assistance for the release of 48 Iranian pilgrims. H.E. Mr. Minister expressed to him that we consider the matter from the humanitarian perspective as we have always done, and efforts will be exerted in this vein.