|
|
| By: israelinsider staff |
| Published: April 5, 2007 |
| |
Fifteen members of the British Royal Navy finally returned to England under heavy guard Thursday after being accused of entering Iranian waters and held captive for thirteen days by the Islamic State.
After their arrival, the British Prime Minister Tony Blair stressed that no deal was made for their release, but commented that a new and varying communication had opened with Iran.
No public apology was made to Iran for illegally entering its waters, as Britain maintains that the naval crew was in Iraqi waters.
The British Prime Minister also expressed the need for continued pressure against Iran after four soldiers died in an attack in Iraq Thursday.
"Now it is far too early to say that the particular terrorist act that killed our forces was an acted committed by terrorists that were backed by any elements of the Iranian regime, so I make no allegation in respect of that particular incident," Blair stated.
Though it is "sensible" for Britain to keep seeking new lines of communication, stated Blair, "the international community has got to remain absolutely steadfast in enforcing its will whether it is in respect of nuclear weapons or in respect of the support of any part of the Iranian regime particularly when directed against democratic governments."
"Wednesday's announcement of their release in Teheran was a breakthrough in a crisis that had escalated over nearly two weeks, raising oil prices and fears of military conflict in the volatile region. The move to release the sailors suggested that Iran's hard-line leadership decided it had shown its strength but did not want to push the standoff too far," reported the Associated Press.
Syria, a known ally to Iran, claimed to have helped secure the release of the British crew. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Click on the blue headline to read a Talkback comment and respond to it. Click on the  icon to send a private email to the talkback writer. The icon appears only if the writer has decided to be contacted. If no popup window appears, please make sure your popup blocker allows israelinsider.com.
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
