An Iranian MP said President Ahmadinejad’s decision to pardon the British troop proved Iran’s role in international issues and displayed the Islamic Republic’s might and authority.

Iranian Intelligence Minister said that the foreign ministry has made continued efforts to set free the five Iranian diplomats kidnapped during a raid by the US on Iran’s consulate general in Iraq’s northern city of Erbil, adding that Americans have remained unresponsive to Iran’s demands in this regard.

 UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, in a phone conversation with Iranian President on Wednesday, appreciated Ahmadinejad for pardoning the 15 British troops.