Jimmy Carter photo

American Hostages in Iran Statement by the White House Press Secretary.

December 13, 1979

We have read reports from Iran today that international observers will be allowed to see our people who are being held hostage.

I want to emphasize that for any such visit to the hostages to accomplish a humanitarian objective and to be responsive to international opinion and to acceptable standards of behavior, it is important that those who see the hostages be allowed to see all of them, to talk with them, and to report to the families of the hostages and to the world on the condition of each hostage. Any observers allowed on the Embassy compound should be qualified, internationally recognized, impartial, neutral observers and should include a qualified medical doctor. Visits by these observers should occur regularly and frequently until the hostages are released.

If this occurs, we would consider it a step forward.

Note: Press Secretary Jody Powell read the statement at approximately 11: 45 a.m. during his regular briefing for reporters in the Briefing Room at the White House.

Jimmy Carter, American Hostages in Iran Statement by the White House Press Secretary. Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/248216

Filed Under

Categories

Location

Washington, DC

Simple Search of Our Archives