AP: An Iranian diplomat freed two months after being abducted in Iraq accused the CIA of torturing him during his detention, state television reported Saturday. The United States immediately denied any involvement in the Iranian’s disappearance or release.
U.S. denies Iranian claim of CIA torture
Iranian “diplomat” alleges CIA torture
AP: An Iranian diplomat freed two months after being abducted in Iraq accused the CIA of torturing him during his detention, state television reported Saturday. The United States immediately denied any involvement in the Iranian’s disappearance or release.
US condemns Iranian treatment of Britons
AFP: The United States on Friday condemned as “unfortunate and extremely disappointing” any mistreatment by Iran of British naval personnel held captive by Tehran for nearly two weeks.
Iran president to announce nuclear ‘good news’
AFP: President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is expected to unveil what he has described as “good news” on Iran’s nuclear programme on Monday amid international calls for a suspension of uranium enrichment.
Police chief says device may have been made in Iran
The Times: The commander of Basras police force said yesterday that the huge bomb that killed the four British soldiers on Thursday was similar to Iranian-made devices used to deadly effect in other parts of Iraq.
Britons say they feared for lives in Iran captivity
New York Times: Their greatest scare, they recalled, came on the second day, when they were flown to Tehran, blindfolded and backed up against a prison wall while their Iranian captors fiddled with weapons, cocking rifles and making them fear for their lives.
Iran calls for UK goodwill gesture
Press Association: The Iranian ambassador to London Rasoul Movahedian has called for a goodwill gesture from Britain following the release of 15 Navy captives.
British press says Iran behind Iraq attack as detainees return
AFP: The return of 15 British naval personnel from Iran was overshadowed in the press here Friday by the deaths of four troops in Iraq, including two women, which they said may have had Iranian involvement.
Teheran thinks it has moved one step closer to a nuclear arsenal
Daily Telegraph: Suddenly, Iran is everybody’s friend. The safe return to Britain of 15 sailors and Marines in time to celebrate Easter with their families and friends has shown the ayatollahs in a new light. Gone is the image of a regime that represses its people and seeks the annihilation of its foes. Forgotten are the chants of the Friday prayer worshippers calling for the destruction of America, the “Great Satan”, and “Little Satan”, as Britain is disparagingly referred to in the parlance of Iran’s radical mosques.
Russia dismisses ‘gas OPEC’ plans
AFP: Russian Industry and Energy Minister Viktor Khristenko on Friday dismissed the idea that gas exporting countries would announce the creation of “gas OPEC” cartel at a meeting in Qatar next week.
