TEHRAN Head of the Union of Lebanese Writers and Deputy Head of the Arab Journalists' Association, Molhem Karam, here Thursday called the abduction of IRNA correspondent Kazem Akhavan and three Iranian diplomats in Lebanon in 1982 as a violation of human rights.

Speaking to IRNA on the occasion of the 19th anniversary of the Iranians' abduction, he said that the act was in violation of the principles of democracy and freedom of thought and expression.

He pointed out that the measure taken by a group of paramilitary troops, to kidnap a reporter on the basis of sectarian and unprincipled tendencies and with the aim of covering up realities was condemnable.

He urged kidnappers of the Iranian diplomats to release the group, whose only sin was to fulfill their duty, or at least present a report on their fate.

He termed the abduction of the group as an "inhumane measure and a move running against ethical principles."

Karam called on all journalists and writers to strive to obtain information on the fate of the group, who were without any fault.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Lebanese National News Agency, Khalil Khouri, said here on Wednesday that the Zionist regime must accept responsibility for the abduction of the four Iranians in Lebanon in 1982.

Four Iranian diplomats were kidnapped on July 4, 1982 by pro-Israeli Christian militiamen at a checkpoint in the northern outskirts of Beirut in 1982 when Israeli forces took the Lebanese capital by siege.

Israel and Christian militia sources have said the diplomats are dead, but Tehran says it has information that they are alive.

The diplomats are Mohsen Mousavi, charge d'affaires at the Lebanese Embassy in Beirut, Ahmad Motevasselian, another diplomat, Taqi Rastegar-Moqaddam, the embassy driver, and IRNA correspondent Kazem Akhavan.

While some circles believe that the Iranian hostages have been martyred by Phalangist forces, some information indicate that the Phalangists have delivered the hostages to the Zionist regime and that they are still in Israeli captivity.

Following his two-day visit to Lebanon in mid-March 2001, Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi told a press conference that the country has enough evidence that the kidnapped are alive and being held in occupied Palestine.

He stressed that the Islamic Republic is in contact with Hizbollah officials to uncover the fate of the Iranian hostages.