Iran recalls Cyprus envoy after Iranian extradited

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Cyprus officials say Iran has recalled its ambassador to the country “for consultations” after an Iranian man was extradited to the US to face charges of allegedly breaching United Nations sanctions against Tehran.

A Cyprus Foreign Ministry statement says that Iran is objecting to last month’s extradition of Saeid Mohabat. But the ministry said Thursday a Cypriot court had ruled that there was enough evidence to indicate that Mohabat may have “committed serious offenses” and that authorities were therefore obligated to satisfy the US extradition request.

A Justice Ministry official who insisted on condition of anonymity because she isn’t authorized to speak to the media said 45-year-old Mohabat is accused of trying to ship “military spare parts” to Iran in contravention of UN sanctions imposed over Tehran’s nuclear program.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.