Iranian says it pursues seizure of cargo ships in Singapore

Iran said on Tuesday that it would pursue confiscation of its cargo ships in Singapore, ISNA reported.

"What we have got is that two of our cargo ships have been impounded in Singapore, we are pursuing the issue legally to solve it," Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast told a press conference.

The ships were seized several days ago in Singapore waters.

The Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines Managing Director Mohammad-Hossein Dajmar rejected reports that the seizure is due to Iran's failure to pay back a loan received from a French bank.

Dajmar said the measure came following sanctions against Iran.

Mehmanparast then turned to the death of the US special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke who died at 69 following heart attack and said world politicians should learn lesson from his death.

"World politicians should take a closer view at behaviors and politics to create justice in the world," Mehmanparast said.

"The US policies will fail as long as it does not have a correct direction," Mehmanparast added.

Also regarding appointment of the Head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi as acting Foreign Minister, he said, "Mr Salehi is a highly-cultured and valuable person and is fully aware of diplomacy."