German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle on Friday called upon Iran to respect international law in its treatment of two German journalists detained in the country on charges of espionage, DPA reported
"In particular, this includes appropriate custodial conditions," Westerwelle told the Deutschlandfunk public broadcaster.
The minister said he was sending his Middle East envoy to Iran "with this clear message."
The two reporters for Bild am Sonntag newspaper were arrested on October 10 in north-western Iran while interviewing the son of Sakineh Mohammadi-Ashtiani, a woman sentenced to death by stoning for murder and adultery.
"Our goal is to return our two German compatriots to Germany as quickly as possible, unharmed," Westerwelle said.
He acknowledged that they were in a "very difficult" position, and said the foreign office was trying to establish regular access to them.
The men - apparently a journalist and a photographer - had entered Iran with tourist visas. They have been accused of espionage and engaging in a smear campaign against Iran.
Earlier this week, they appeared on Iranian state television, admitting to their alleged wrongdoings.