|
''We want them back'', Beckett tells Iran
(KUNA) -- British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett tonight demanded Iran provide a "full explanation" for the detention of 15 British servicemen seized in Iraqi waters. The Foreign Secretary said in a statement "We are disturbed to learn that some 15 Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel and their equipment have been detained by the Iranians today. We understand that they were in two boats that were operating in Iraqi waters in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1723 in support of the government of Iraq to stop smuggling. So the Iranian Ambassador was summoned to the (British) Foreign Office this afternoon and seen by our Permanent Secretary Sir Peter Ricketts. And we also raised the incident in Tehran through our ambassador there." "We have asked for a full explanation on what has happened and we are leaving them in no doubt that we want the immediate and safe return of our personnel and their equipment. I understand that the meeting with the Iranian Ambassador was brisk but polite. But he was left in no doubt that we want them back", Beckett concluded. Posted by: Fred 2007-03-24 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=183915 |