Blair: UK committed to diplomatic solution in standoff with Iran

Iran Focus: London, Apr. 04 – British Prime Minister Tony Blair is committed to a diplomatic solution to Britain’s standoff with Iran over the arrest of 15 British navy personnel by Iranian forces, according to a statement issued by Downing Street late Tuesday. Iran Focus

London, Apr. 04 – British Prime Minister Tony Blair is committed to a diplomatic solution to Britain’s standoff with Iran over the arrest of 15 British navy personnel by Iranian forces, according to a statement issued by Downing Street late Tuesday.

The statement said there have been more discussions between Britain’s Foreign Office and Ali Larijani, the secretary general of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).

The 15 Britons were seized while conducting a routine early morning anti-smuggling check on a merchant vessel in the Gulf on March 23.

A spokesperson for Blair said, “There have been further contacts between the United Kingdom and Iran this evening, including directly with Dr Ali Larijani. On the basis of these, the Prime Minister believes that both sides share a desire for an early resolution of this issue through direct talks”.

“The Prime Minister remains committed to resolving this by diplomatic means. The UK has proposed direct bilateral discussions and awaits an Iranian response on when these can begin”, the spokesperson added.

Blair told Glasgow-based Real Radio on Tuesday that the next two days were “fairly critical” in the bid to secure the release of the marines and sailors.