AFP: President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Wednesday met the 15 British sailors as they were released at the presidential compound, wishing them success for the future, state television pictures showed. TEHRAN, April 4, 2007 (AFP) – President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Wednesday met the 15 British sailors as they were released at the presidential compound, wishing them success for the future, state television pictures showed.
“We are grateful for your forgiveness,” one of the sailors was heard telling the president. All the men were wearing blue or grey suits. The sole woman captive, Faye Turney, has not yet been shown.
Amid smiles, cheerful conversations then followed between Ahmadinejad and four sailors who were filmed queuing up to shake his hand.
They could not be identified at their backs were to the camera and their comments were translated.
Ahmadinejad: “I hope that you will have good luck.”
First sailor: “Thank you very much.”
Second sailor: “Nice to meet you. (Ahmadinejad nods). I want to thank you and the Iranian nation.”
Ahmadinejad: “Have success!”
Sailor: “How are you?”
Ahmadinejad: “How are you”
Third sailor: “Thank you very much.”
Ahmadinejad: “You came here on a compulsory trip.”
Sailor: “I don’t know if I’d put it like that but you could call it that.”
Ahmadinejad: “Your release is because of the birthday of the great prophet of Islam.”
Fourth sailor: “I appreciate it and you have been kind to us.”
