BONN The German government welcomed German businessman Helmut Hofer's release and described it as a measure which will pave the way for reinforcing mutual relations. According to a report by the office of the German Chancellor, its Chief of Staff Bodo Hombach welcomed the release of Hofer on bail and said it will direct bilateral relations in the right channel. He believed a satisfactory solution to the problem will serve to expand good political, economic and cultural relations between the two countries.

He said in Tehran Sunday that he, himself, had met with Hofer and found him in good physical and mental health. He also stressed that Germany was ready to resume good ties with Iran. Hofer, detained in Sept. 1997 was sentenced to death in Jan. 1998 on charges of illicit sexual relations with a Muslim Iranian woman. But after he appealed he was released on a bail of 500 million rials in Tehran on Sunday pending new trial.

Hofer will not be allowed to leave Iran until his trial resumes, the judiciary announced. (IRNA)