Secretary-General, Welcoming Release of Iranian, United States Citizens, Expresses Hope for Improved Ties between Two Nations

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes reports of the release of a number of Americans who had been detained in Iran, including The Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian, and of a number of Iranians held by the United States following an agreement between the two Governments.

The Secretary-General commends the recent moves by the Governments of the United States and Iran to improve ties.  He is also heartened by the lifting of sanctions on Iran.

He expresses the hope that the parties move on to fully implement the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in good faith and to increase cooperation on other pressing international and regional matters.

Finally, the Secretary-General affirms the need for all concerned in the region to make the world a safer place through dialogue and peaceful means.