The EU called on Iran to release the 15 British sailors and marines it is holding in its custody "immediately" and sent a warning it would "decide on appropriate measures" if Tehran did not comply. The statement The EU told Tehran to tell the British government where the prisoners are being held to allow British diplomats access to them. In a statement released after EU foreign ministers met in Bremen, Germany, on Friday, they said "all evidence clearly indicates that at the time of the seizure, the British naval personnel were on a routine patrolling mission in Iraqi waters in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolution 1723."
"The seizure," the statement went on to say, "represents a clear breach of international law."
The EU statement is stronger than that of the UN Security Council which on Thursday expressed "grave concern" at the naval personnel's detention but declined to back Britain with a call for their immediate release.
Britain froze official contacts on Wednesday with Iran as the dispute over the detained sailors intensified, with Prime Minister Tony Blair vowing to "ratchet up" pressure on Tehran.EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana called the Iranian action "a big mistake" and called for the release of the sailors, who were captured on March 23. "I don't understand. It's a big mistake. They should release the soldiers immediately," he said as he entered the meeting. "I have total confidence that the British boat was in Iraqi waters," he added, alluding to Iran's claims that the boat had entered its waters. However, there was opposition in the EU to freezing business with Tehran, which diplomats said Britain had initially sought.
Guess who?
French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said Friday that all steps must be taken to avoid an escalation between Britain and Iran.
Yup.
"We must avert a course towards confrontation, any escalation," said Douste-Blazy in an interview to RTL radio. "The Iranian authorities must simply return to dialog."
(burp) "Try the squab!"