Seven members of Iranian Red Crescent kidnapped in Libya

Azerbaijan, Baku, Aug. 1 /Trend S.Isayev, T. Jafarov/ The Libyan Red Crescent said seven members of its Iranian counterpart have been kidnapped shortly after their arrival in the western city of Benghazi, IRNA reported. The members of Iranian Red Crescent arrived on Sunday in Libya with an official visit to meet with their Libyan counterparts, and to discuss co-operation. Another reason for the official visit was to discuss transport of medicine from Iran to Libya. According to the statement released by the Libyan Red Crescent, the Iranians were snatched as they headed to their hotel. The statement appealed to the gunmen to release them, commending the Iranian Red Crescent for its role in helping Libyan rebels during the civil war that unseated longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi last year. The Libyan Red Crescent condemned the kidnapping act, noting that everything possible will be done to release the members of Iranian Red Crescent. Since Gadhafi's capture and killing in October, Libya has been beset by a wave of score-settling between rival armed groups, as well as lawlessness, including frequent abductions. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az