Iranian businessman released in Azerbaijan

A prominent Iranian businessman has been released from detention in Azerbaijan after the authorities dropped charges against him of offering bribes to officials.

The businessman, Abdulhussein Moinzadeh -- chairman of the association of Iranian businessmen -- was arrested in Baku last month on suspicion of bribing the State Property Committee.

His arrest prompted a protest from the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

The Azeri authorities were reported as saying that the crime had not been proven, but they recommended that Mr Moinzadeh return to Iran.

He was apparently released last week but reports have just emerged.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service