Japanese student kidnapped in Iran

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TOKYO, Oct 11 (AFP): A 23-year-old Japanese male university student was kidnapped as he travelled alone in southeastern Iran, the foreign ministry said Thursday.
The student was taken captive Monday, said a foreign ministry official, who declined to say who was suspected of the kidnapping.
Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura has contacted Iranian authorities to ask for their assistance, the official said.
"The Japanese government is trying to resolve this issue and to collect information through diplomatic channels," he added.
Japan has discouraged its nationals from visiting the area, known for banditry, near the border with Pakistan and Afghanistan.
In August, two Belgians went missing in southeastern Iran but were soon found free and unharmed.