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04/04/2007
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.
The sailors and marines will be handed over to the British embassy in Tehran and are expected to fly home to Britain tomorrow.
According to reports, the Britons "shouted for joy" when they heard the news.
The Iranian President announced the release of the Britons after he awarded medals to the commanders who had arrested them.
Downing Street has welcomed the news of the Britons' release.
Iranian forces captured the British sailors and marines on March 23. The personnel from HMS Cornwall were taking part in a routine operation in the Shatt Al Arab waterway when they were detained.
Iran has claimed that the Britons had strayed into their waters. However, the British government denied this and last week, the Ministry of Defence released evidence confirming that the personnel were 1.7 nautical miles inside Iraqi territory when they were seized.
(KMcA/SP)
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.
The sailors and marines will be handed over to the British embassy in Tehran and are expected to fly home to Britain tomorrow.
According to reports, the Britons "shouted for joy" when they heard the news.
The Iranian President announced the release of the Britons after he awarded medals to the commanders who had arrested them.
Downing Street has welcomed the news of the Britons' release.
Iranian forces captured the British sailors and marines on March 23. The personnel from HMS Cornwall were taking part in a routine operation in the Shatt Al Arab waterway when they were detained.
Iran has claimed that the Britons had strayed into their waters. However, the British government denied this and last week, the Ministry of Defence released evidence confirming that the personnel were 1.7 nautical miles inside Iraqi territory when they were seized.
(KMcA/SP)
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02 April 2007
British crew 'admit trespass'
All 15 British sailors and marines detained in Iran have admitted that they illegally entered the country's waters, Iranian state radio has reported. Previous footage of four crew members - three men and one woman - have been broadcast on Iranian television showing the Britons saying that they had entered Iran's waters.
British crew 'admit trespass'
All 15 British sailors and marines detained in Iran have admitted that they illegally entered the country's waters, Iranian state radio has reported. Previous footage of four crew members - three men and one woman - have been broadcast on Iranian television showing the Britons saying that they had entered Iran's waters.
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.
27 March 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.
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.
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:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
