UK keeps cool over the capture of its sailors, issue to be resolved peacefully

April 4: Britain calls for a direct talk with Iran over the dentations of fifteen captive soldiers by Iranian naval guards. Both countries have shown interest in resolving the issue through diplomatic efforts. After talking to the chief negotiator Ali Larijani, UK officials are now willing to resolve this issue through possible diplomatic means.

Earlier on March 23, fifteen soldiers of British Royal Marine were detained from a British patrol boat in the Shat al-Arab waterway. Iran alleges that the marines had entered the territory illegally and has released videos of some of the captives. In return for the release of the British soldiers, Iran demanded the release of their diplomats hosted in Iraq. In a positive response so far Britain released on Tuesday Jalal Sharif one of the Iranian diplomat kidnapped by Iraqi men.

Previously Britain did not agree to accept any kind of terms and conditions but are now in direct talk with Iranian ambassador and are waiting for a positive response from the other side. UK Prime Minister Tony Blair in an address to reporters said that the next two days are crucial and critical in this way of diplomatic cycle.

According to IRNA reports, the Vice President, Parviz Davoudi, said that Britain should admit their fault of illegally entering into the Iranian waters and officials should guarantee as not to repeat any such further incidents. However, he also mentioned that Britain has gradually changed its attitude and hence Iran is ready to resolve the issue through dialogue.

In this face-to-face dialogue, London will send to a technical delegation to Tehran comprising of officials from Defense Ministry and Foreign Offices. British officials at the same time are calculating the extent to serve Iran’s interest in resolving the issue.

Though, it’s not clear how much time the whole process will take but both parties will try to end the crisis through a bilateral agreement, which would also make sure to tackle such instances in Right now all eyes are on the visiting delegation and the attitude of Britain as Washington has already warned against any kind of condition on the issue. A peaceful solution will also prove beneficial for Iran’s ongoing nuclear program as it is been opposed both by UK and US.