FED: Ruddock says Iran responsible for Iranian detainees

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FED: Ruddock says Iran responsible for Iranian detainees

SYDNEY, Jan 16 AAP - Iran was responsible for the 190 Iranians currently in Australiandetention, Immigration Minister Philip Ruddock said today.

But Mr Ruddock said Iran would only allow its countrymen to return home if they volunteeredto do so.

"These people are sitting on their hands and saying we refuse to volunteer," Mr Ruddocktold Sydney radio 2GB.

"I'm pressing as much as I can to get Iran to recognise the importance of taking backtheir nationals but there are some political reasons why Iran has been difficult aboutit."

Mr Ruddock said Iran's …