Blair prepared to move to ‘next phase’ with Iran
The prime minister warned Iran the UK would enter the “next phase” of negotiations if it failed to respond to diplomatic means.
The UK is seeking the release of 15 sailors captured at gunpoint on March 23rd. Iran claims the eight navy personnel and seven marines were in Iranian waters at the time.
However, Tony Blair maintains the sailors, based on HMS Cornwall, were in Iraqi waters under a UN mandate.
In an interview with GMTV, Mr Blair said Iran should be prepared for negotiations to move into a “different phase”.
He explained: “What they should understand is that we cannot have a situation where our servicemen and women are seized when actually they are in Iraqi waters under a UN mandate.
“In the end, it is a question really for the Iranian government as to whether they want to abide by international law or not.”
The prime officer’s official spokesman explained a “different phrase” would not mean military action or extreme diplomatic action, such as the expulsion of Iranian diplomats.
Instead it is thought it could be mean pressure on Iran from the international community.
Meanwhile, in a pre-planned visit to Turkey, the foreign secretary said it was in everyone’s interest Iran “speedily and peacefully” releases the sailors.
Speaking to the BBC, shadow foreign secretary William Hague said it was “not entirely clear” what the government meant by a “different phase”.
He called on the government to seek the “maximum solidarity” of the UN Security Council and other European nations to resolve the situation, but requested the government give “quiet diplomacy” a chance.
The Iranians should have a clear and united message the UK is not escalating the situation, Mr Hague said, but we are demanding the return of personnel.
Based on all the evidence, the shadow foreign secretary said he was “absolutely certain” the sailors were in Iraqi waters, giving the Iranians no basis in international law.
MPs will have a chance to discuss the situation tomorrow, Mr Hague confirmed, when the government is expected to make a statement to parliament.
The Liberal Democrats called on the government to explore further diplomatic options, arguing any “next phase” must involve the UN and EU rather than military action.
Leader Sir Menzies Campbell added: “Iran has many complex political, religious and security layers and the Foreign Office has been right to adopt a firm but measured diplomatic approach.”
