UN’s ‘grave concerns’ up diplomatic heat on Iran
The UN security council has voiced its “grave concerns” over Iran’s capture of 15 British sailors, in statement calling on Tehran to allow UK consular access to the detainees.
Produced after several hours of negotiations, the statement stopped short of the UK’s request for the UN to “deplore” the actions and call for the sailors’ immediate release.
Iran rejected the UN’s involvement as “not helpful”, claiming the case should be settled through bilateral channels.
In its first formal written communication with the Foreign Office, Tehran sent a note to the British embassy. The Foreign Office declined to divulge the note’s “confidential details” but said it would be responding shortly.
The exchange marks a new phase of discussion and diplomatic pressure is expected to increase throughout Friday.
The UN statement came as Iran released a second letter purportedly written by Leading Seaman Faye Turney. In her letter, addressed to “representatives of the House of Commons”, LS Turney allegedly calls for the withdrawal of British troops from Iraq.
Foreign secretary Margaret Beckett said she had “grave concerns” over how the letter was prepared and issued and said the use of the 26-year-old sailor for propaganda purposes was “outrageous and cruel”.
Experts say the second letter, in which LS Turney claims the Iranians have treated the sailors well despite their own wrongdoing, is different to her normal writing style, raising concerns it was written under duress.
Downing Street condemned the release of the note, saying: “It is cruel and callous to do this to someone in this position. To play games like this is a disgrace.”
In an interview with ITV, Tony Blair deplored the treatment of the 15 personnel. “I just think it’s completely wrong, a disgrace, when people are used in that way,” he said.
The government will continue to explain to the Iranian regime further measures will be taken if it is not “reasonable”, he added, insisting: “What you can’t do is end up negotiating over hostages.”
Mr Blair said he would not enter into any quid pro quo agreement, as some begin to suspect Iran is holding out for the release of five of its people held by the US.
Iran has criticised the UK’s response to the situation and yesterday revoked an earlier agreement to release LS Turney in protest. It is reported the head of Iran’s national security council has appeared on state television to say the UK has “miscalculated the issue”.
The UN declined to issue a more strongly worded statement after other members insisted there was no independent way of verifying HMS Cornwall was not in Iranian waters.
Following the UK’s decision to release GPS data proving the personnel were in Iraqi waters, the Iranians have broadcast their own data showing the sailors in Iranian waters.
