Specter, Casey Applaud Passage of Resolution Advocating for American Hikers’ Release from Iran

October 7, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey applauded Senate passage of the concurrent resolution encouraging the Government of Iran to grant consular access by the Government of Switzerland to the three American citizens that have been held in Iran since July 31, 2009 when they were detained after reportedly crossing into Iranian territory while hiking in Iraqi Kurdistan.

The resolution also encourages the Government of Iran to allow the three young people to communicate by telephone with their families in the United States.

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“The passage of this resolution represents the Senate’s sincere belief that the Government of Iran quickly release the three hikers so they may be reunited with their families,” Senator Specter said. “I am pleased that Iran has granted consular access to the Swiss government, and it is my hope that they move beyond this conciliatory gesture to allow the young hikers to come home to the United States.”

“We were encouraged by President Ahmadinejad’s comments at the UN General Assembly last month where he called for a merciful resolution to this unfortunate incident – the Iranian judiciary has had enough time to determine the hikers’ innocence. It is time for them to come home,” said Senator Casey. “My hope is that passage of this resolution is a step in the right direction towards bringing Josh, Sarah and Shane home and reuniting them with their loved ones.”

The resolution was introduced by Senators Specter and Casey along with Bill Nelson (D-FL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Al Franken (D-MN) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA).

Source: Senator Bob Casey