Islamabad, May 4, (dpa/GNA) – Pakistan on Monday, welcomed a US move to hand over 22 crew members held aboard a seized Iranian container ship, amid ongoing efforts to negotiate an end to the war in the Middle East.
“As a confidence-building measure by the United States of America, 22 crew members held aboard the seized Iranian container ship, ‘MV Touska’, have been evacuated to Pakistan,” the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
“Pakistan welcomes such confidence-building measures, and will continue to facilitate dialogue and diplomacy, while pursuing ongoing mediation efforts for regional peace and security,” the statement added.
The crew members were flown to Pakistan last night, and are due to be handed over to Iranian authorities on Monday.
The Iranian vessel was struck by US forces on April 19, after it refused to comply with orders and continued its journey through the Strait of Hormuz, despite a blockade.
The US and Israel have been at war with Iran since February 28 and the two-week ceasefire, announced in April, was extended by the US president.
Key sticking points in negotiations include the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran blockaded following the beginning of the war, causing oil and gas prices to surge worldwide.
The two sides held an initial round of talks in Islamabad, but the negotiations ended without a breakthrough. Speculation over a second round in the city are high, despite no visible preparations.
The Touska will be transported to Pakistani territorial waters for return to its original owners after necessary repairs, the statement said. The returns are being coordinated in tandem with the support of both the Iranian and US sides.
GNA