Three Iranians stranded in Merauke

MERAUKE, Irian Jaya: Three Iranians have been stranded in the town of Merauke since November awaiting financial aid from the Iranian embassy in Jakarta, Antara reported on Thursday.

The three, identified as Gholamreza, 37, Beigi Jabbar, 29, and Zahiri, 22, were arrested by Merauke Police at the Akat Hotel on Nov. 23 for allegedly overstaying on their visas.

They arrived in Jakarta on Oct. 11 and planned to visit Papua New Guinea and Australia.

The local immigration office has requested the help of the Iranian embassy in Jakarta.

He said his office would send the three to Jakarta aboard a commercial flight after reaching an agreement with the Iranian embassy. (rms)