Iraqi FM says British sailors outside Iranian waters on arrest

Iran Focus: London, Mar. 27 – Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari issued a statement on Monday on the capture of 15 British Navy and Marine personnel by Iranian Revolutionary Guards last week. The following is the full text of the statement: Iran Focus

London, Mar. 27 – Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari issued a statement on Monday on the capture of 15 British Navy and Marine personnel by Iranian Revolutionary Guards last week. The following is the full text of the statement:

26 March, 2007

FM Zebari Calls up Iranian Counterpart

Mr. Hoshyar Zebari, Minister of Foreign Affairs, called up on 25 March his Iranian counterpart, Mr. Manouchehr Mottaki, and discussed with him the detention by the Iranian authorities of British sailors. Minister Zebari pointed out that according to competent Iraqi authorities’ information, the UK Navy personnel had been captured on Iraqi territorial waters and they operate within the Multi-National Forces with the Iraqi government’s consent and in conformity with the relevant Security Council resolutions. He called for their release and for addressing their issue legally and wisely.