Obama meets released American hiker

Washington: US President Barack Obama has met American hiker Sarah Shourd, who was recently freed by Iran, and her mother and the mothers of the other two hikers, who are still held by the Islamic republic.

The President today personally welcomed home Sarah Shourd, the American hiker who was detained for over a year by Iran, the White House said in a statement.

"In a meeting with Sarah and the mothers of the three hikers who were detained by the Iranian government, the President noted that this occasion remains bittersweet," the White House said as Sarah's fiance Shane Bauer and their friend Josh Fattal are still in detention in Iran.

"We remain hopeful that Iran will demonstrate renewed compassion and do the right thing by ensuring the safe return of Shane, Josh and all the other missing or detained Americans in Iran," the statement said.

"We continue to salute the courage and strength of the Shourd, Bauer, and Fattal families, who have endured the unimaginable absence of their loved ones. We have gained strength from their resolve, and the President underscored that we will continue to do everything we can to secure the release of Shane and Josh," the White House said.