Posted on 03/27/2007 9:52:36 AM PDT by maquiladora
The government is attempting to "discreetly" talk to the Iranians to secure the release of 15 Royal Navy personnel, Downing Street has said. Tony Blair's spokesman said that if the talks were unsuccessful, the government may have to become "more explicit".
He said they were "utterly confident" the 15 had been in Iraqi, not Iranian, waters, when they were captured.
Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett will shorten a visit to Turkey to fly home to help manage the crisis.
The prime minister's spokesman said the matter was being dealt with "privately" but the Iranians could be "in no doubt that we expect the immediate release of our personnel".
His spokesman told reporters: "We are utterly confident that we were in Iraqi waters, and not just marginally in Iraqi waters but in Iraqi waters. It's a case of tactics and if and when we have to prove that."
Asked how the government could prove their location, he added: "There is a boat which we inspected," but would not explain further.
The BBC has been told the group are being held at an Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps base in Tehran.
On Tuesday, Defence Secretary Des Browne chaired a meeting of ministers and officials - under the auspices of the government's "civil contingencies committee" known as Cobra - to discuss the situation.
Officials said it was intended to ensure coordination across Whitehall and keep civil servants updated on the latest developments.
Cobra leads responses to national crises and convened in recent years for the 7 July London bombings, the fuel protests and 11 September attack.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.bbc.co.uk ...
Ugh. More Chamberlain-ing. I bet the Iranians are enjoying their ability to make the infidels dance upon command.
They must show courage this time.
But they are probably checking to see what Sean Penn thinks they should do.
Iran has already presented the GPS coords to the Brits. The case is already proven one way or the other. However, the situation is not to be resolved by this proof. Iran wants war.
Yes, let's understand WHY they kidnapped them/sarc
Theodore Roosevelt
Sean Penn and Rosie O'Donnel are in negotiations right now.
I don't think anyone would need to fire a shot if the Brits organized a gasoline embargo.
Maybe the Brits should contact Ross Perot.
No need for all of this! Rosie O'Donnel says that this event never happened, that the UK made it up so they can start a war with Iran..
She must have no screws to even have loose.
Exactly.
She's beyond a useful idiot.
"Yes, let's understand WHY they kidnapped them/sarc"
In my view, the "why" is the only thing that might qualify as something to discuss with them. Other that that, if the Brits are sure they were in Iraqi waters, WHAT THE HELL IS THERE TO TALK ABOUT? DO SOMETHING TONY!
"Let's get tough. The time for talking is over. Call it extreme if you like, but I propose that we hit it hard, and hit it fast, with a major -- and I mean major -- leaflet campaign. And while it's reeling from that, we follow up with a whist drive, a car-boot sale, some street theatre, and possibly even some benefit concerts. Okay? Now, if that's not enough, I'm sorry, it's time for the t-shirts."
-- Arnold Rimmer
My idea of 'discreet talks' would be along the line of "Release our men now or face our nukes in 15 minutes!!"
This whole situation seems easily resolved. Drop 1 nuke per sailer captured unless they are returned within 12 hours.
Now, you've got to at least give them two for the Sheila...
I have the feeling this is going to turn into one of those situations where Iran releases the captives while extolling the 'goodness of its own soul'. They'll then announce that they did it because England isn't like that mean old U.S.
In short, it's a stunt aimed at dividing the opposition.
Why should they have to prove anything?
They just say, give us back our damn servicemen or reap the whirlwind..its your choice.
I think just idiot is fine!
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