UK demands answers from Iran on arrested sailors

Reuters ^ | June 22, 2004 | Paul Hughes

[MadIvan]

LONDON, June 22 (Reuters) - The British government said on Tuesday it was demanding an explanation from Iran on reports that it would prosecute eight British sailors arrested in Iranian waters on Monday.

"We are trying to get the Iranians to explain exactly what they mean by that," a Foreign Office spokesman said. "They have got to come up with some answers to our questions and we are pressing them for answers."

Iran's state-run al Alam television said on Tuesday: "Iran intends to prosecute the eight British detainees on charges of illegally entering Iran's waters." It quoted unnamed Iranian military sources.

The Foreign Office spokesman said Iranian authorities had not yet confirmed the report.

Iran seized the sailors and three British naval boats on Monday, saying they had entered its waters near the Iraqi border.

The incident -- the latest in a string of boat seizures in the Gulf by Iran's Revolutionary Guards -- was the most serious between Iran and foreign forces operating in Iraq and threatens to further complicate the difficult relations between Tehran and London.

Britain's Foreign Secretary Jack Straw spoke by telephone to his Iranian counterpart about the detentions early on Tuesday. "Mr Kharrazi said he would look into it personally," the Foreign Office spokesman said.

He added that London still had no idea where the eight sailors or their vessels were being held.

"We have asked for full details on who is holding them, where they are and for access to them," said a spokeswoman for the British Embassy in Tehran.

[MadIvan]

Just don't do it, Iran - let them go immediately.

Regards, Ivan

[MadIvan]

Ping!

[datura]

I guess they forget about the Falklands. Hey Ivan - we'd probably race your guys to level that $hithole. At the very least, you know we'd be more than willing to help in any way we could.

[nunoste]

So far I am severely underwhelmed by Britains response. I was expecting them to send the Scottish chaps who conducted the bayonet charge over in Iraq to bring their colleagues back. Instead, they are playing the Jimma Carter shuffle.

[MadIvan]

Come on, it's only been 24 hours.

Regards, Ivan

[lainde]

bttt

[Mr Rogers]

Folks wanted Bush to rush after 9/11...patience isn't only a virtue, it's a martial art.

Best wishes & prayers from someone with fond memories of RAF Upper Heyford & the English countryside.

[zarf]

You're joking - right Rambo?

[drlevy88]

The "questions" should be posed with cruise missiles or worse.

[nunoste]

yeah mostly.. Im just pissed. Sorry.

[rbmillerjr]

We stand together, and WE will get them out.

[Bon mots]

Hey all you Brits. Guess who's in your corner?



I say we nuke 'em.

[Dallas59]

Would this have anything to do with the intimidation of Coalition Forces?

"Let's see if we can scare them into pulling out"

[Dallas59]

Would this have anything to do with the intimidation of Coalition Forces?

"Let's see if we can scare them into pulling out"

[MadIvan]

They definitely need to be punished. Let's start by taking away their shiny, new, nuclear toys.

Regards, Ivan

[FranklinsTower]

I am shaking my head in disbelief in that the Iranians could possibly be this stupid. Who do they think they are dealing with? Jimmy Carter?

Within 2 weeks they will really regret they made this mistake.

[Ichneumon]

They definitely need to be punished. Let's start by taking away their shiny, new, nuclear toys.

I was going to suggest sending in a strike force to look for the detainees -- starting at Iran's nuclear facilities, since you've gotta start *somewhere*.

[MadIvan]

I'd be willing to bet that the Iranians will detain the sailors at their nuclear facilities. "Human shields".

Regards, Ivan

[Pan_Yans Wife]

ping

[ovrtaxt]

Just a theory-- the sailors will be held at the plutonium enrichment facility, as hostages, or human shields.

This keeps Israel's jets on the ground, or anyone else who feels the need to level the place.