U.S. State Department negotiating release of U.S.-Iranian journalist Roxana Saberi through Switzerland

Missoula, March 2 (Al-Masakin)–Deputy Acting Spokesman for the U.S. State Department Gordon Duguid said that the United States asked Switzerland to inquire about the status of American citizen Roxana Saberi, a freelance journalist for National Public Radio (NPR).  The State Department could not confirm that Saberi is a dual national with Iran and could not confirm whether her detention is related to either the purchase of alcohol or was related to her journalistic activities there.

Mr. Duguid said that although the U. S. State Department  is currently reviewing its policy toward Iran, the Department’s first duty is its consular duty to protect American citizens abroad but the current incident would probably not affect the outcome of that review.

Q. If State is undertaking a review of Iran policy, is this something that factors into that review and could it affect the outcome?

A: Protection of American citizens is not subject to any review. It’s something that we do. It’s our first duty as the State Department. Our consular duty is our first and foremost duty. 

EHC / EHC

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