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27/03/2007
Blair warning for Iran over captured Britons
Prime Minister Tony Blair has warned Iran that a "different phase" in efforts to win the release of fifteen British military personnel captured by Iranian forces will be entered into if diplomatic efforts fail.
Mr Blair's spokesperson said that Downing Street was "utterly certain" that HMS Cornwall had been in Iraqi waters when the eight sailors and seven marines were captured.
Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett also called for the matter to be resolved "speedily".
Meanwhile, the family of the only woman among those detained - 26-year-old mother-of-one Faye Turney from Shrewsbury - have said that this is a "very distressing time" for them.
The military personnel were taking part in a routine operation in the Shatt Al Arab waterway when an Iranian naval force detained them.
Iran accused the Britons of being in Iranian waters illegally, but Mr Blair, Ms Beckett and Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari all insisted that the Britons were in Iraqi waters when they were captured.
On Monday, the Foreign Office confirmed that all the personnel were "fit and well". However, Britain's ambassador to Iran, Geoffrey Adams, has not been informed of where the Britons are being held or gained consular access to them, in spite of meetings with officials from Iran's foreign ministry.
(KMcA/JM)
Mr Blair's spokesperson said that Downing Street was "utterly certain" that HMS Cornwall had been in Iraqi waters when the eight sailors and seven marines were captured.
Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett also called for the matter to be resolved "speedily".
Meanwhile, the family of the only woman among those detained - 26-year-old mother-of-one Faye Turney from Shrewsbury - have said that this is a "very distressing time" for them.
The military personnel were taking part in a routine operation in the Shatt Al Arab waterway when an Iranian naval force detained them.
Iran accused the Britons of being in Iranian waters illegally, but Mr Blair, Ms Beckett and Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari all insisted that the Britons were in Iraqi waters when they were captured.
On Monday, the Foreign Office confirmed that all the personnel were "fit and well". However, Britain's ambassador to Iran, Geoffrey Adams, has not been informed of where the Britons are being held or gained consular access to them, in spite of meetings with officials from Iran's foreign ministry.
(KMcA/JM)
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29 March 2007
Iran offers conditional access to captured Britons
Iran has offered to allow British officials access to the 15 Royal Navy personnel captured in the Gulf last week, but only if the UK admits that they had strayed into Iranian waters.
Iran offers conditional access to captured Britons
Iran has offered to allow British officials access to the 15 Royal Navy personnel captured in the Gulf last week, but only if the UK admits that they had strayed into Iranian waters.
28 March 2007
MoD releases evidence over Iran boat dispute
The Ministry of Defence has released evidence confirming that the British vessel at the centre of a dispute with Iran was 1.7 nautical miles inside Iraqi territory when Iranian forces seized the personnel on board.
MoD releases evidence over Iran boat dispute
The Ministry of Defence has released evidence confirming that the British vessel at the centre of a dispute with Iran was 1.7 nautical miles inside Iraqi territory when Iranian forces seized the personnel on board.
04 April 2007
Iran to release Britons
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has announced that 15 British naval personnel, detained for allegedly trespassing in Iranian waters, are free to return home. In a news conference marking the Persian New Year, Mr Ahmadinejad said that the Britons had invaded Iranian waters, but said that they were being released as a "gift" to Britain.
Iran to release Britons
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has announced that 15 British naval personnel, detained for allegedly trespassing in Iranian waters, are free to return home. In a news conference marking the Persian New Year, Mr Ahmadinejad said that the Britons had invaded Iranian waters, but said that they were being released as a "gift" to Britain.
05 April 2007
British naval crew return to the UK
Fifteen British sailors and marines held captive in Iran have returned to Britain. The group travelled back to Britain from Iran on a British Airways flight which touched down at Heathrow shortly after midday on Thursday.
British naval crew return to the UK
Fifteen British sailors and marines held captive in Iran have returned to Britain. The group travelled back to Britain from Iran on a British Airways flight which touched down at Heathrow shortly after midday on Thursday.
03 April 2007
Next 48 hours 'critical' in Iran crisis
The next two days will be "fairly critical" in the bid to secure the release of 15 Royal Navy personnel detained in Iran, Prime Minister Tony Blair has said. Mr Blair said: "The most important thing is to get our people back safe and sound.
Next 48 hours 'critical' in Iran crisis
The next two days will be "fairly critical" in the bid to secure the release of 15 Royal Navy personnel detained in Iran, Prime Minister Tony Blair has said. Mr Blair said: "The most important thing is to get our people back safe and sound.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
