From Global Security
The EU has demanded that Iran immediately and unconditionally release the sailors and marines, who were detained more than a week ago, and warned of undefined "appropriate measures." Full EU Support
Meanwhile, Iran's ambassador to Russia has denied reports quoting him as saying that the British personnel might be put on trial.
Gholam Reza Ansari, speaking today to official news agency IRNA, said that his reported remarks to Russia's Vesti-24 television were mistranslated. The channel had quoted him as saying on March 30 that "the legal phase concerning these British soldiers has started and if charges against them are proven, they will be punished."
A statement by EU foreign ministers, approved on March 30 in the German city of Bremen, gave full support behind Britain. London denies Iran's claims that the U.K. crew was in its waters when seized on 23 March.
The EU statement says that "all evidence clearly indicates that at the time of the seizure, the British naval personnel were on a routine patrolling mission in Iraqi waters" -- in accordance with a United Nations mandate. The statement adds that the seizure "therefore constitutes a clear breach of international law."
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I don't think the main point is whether they where in Iraqi or Iranian waters. The point is they were there trying to stop Iranians smuggling arms into Iraq.
ReplyDeleteWhatever pressure is needed to get them back including force as a last resort.
We can't allow these people to behave like bullies.
Kiiiiing - did you delete your own writing? ;) (sorry I don't have an email for you or I would've done that instead)
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