The chairman of the Irish Red Cross has met the Iranian ambassador to discuss an Irishman kidnapped in Iran.
Mr David Andrews was assured at the meeting the "every assistance" would be given to the Ireland and Germany in Tehran for the safe return of Mr Aidan Leahy, the Red Cross said.
Mr Leahy, who is in his thirties, was kidnapped by Iranian drug dealers on December 1st while on a cycling holiday in the country. Two Germans he was travelling with were also seized.
They were abducted near the city of Zahedan, capital of the Sistan-Baluchestan province, close to Iran's borders with Pakistan and Afghanistan. The kidnappers are demanding a ransom of €5 million.
The Red Cross said Mr Andrews learned that the provincial authorities in Baluchistan were working to secure the release of the three EU citizens. A top-level committee has also been formed in Tehran, involving officials from the Interior, Intelligence and Foreign Affairs Departments.
The Iranian government is believed to be willing to make arrangements for officials from Ireland or Germany to travel to the area, where they would be met by provincial authorities and given full security.
