Iranian Radio Reports Margaret Beckett's Shortened Visit to Turkey

Mar 28, 07:49 AM

Current Headlines: Text of report by Iranian radio on 28 March

The Foreign Ministry spokesman has said: The subject of Britain's violation of Iran's territorial waters will be solved with restraint and respect for laws and regulations.

Seyyed Mohammad Ali Hoseyni, speaking to IRNA, added: Media publicity and inexpert and provocative comments will not help solve the problem.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman said that the British military forces had entered Iranian waters unlawfully and that the relevant officials were following the legal and judicial course, adding: The British embassy can contact its forces after this stage [after the legal procedures].

At the same time, the British foreign secretary cut short her visit to Turkey in order to brief her country's parliament on the situation of the 15 British marines in Iran.

After meeting the Turkish prime minister, Margaret Beckett said that, following telephone discussions with Manuchehr Mottaki, her Iranian counterpart, she had decided to return to London.

In the meantime, British Prime Minister Tony Blair said: If diplomatic means for freeing these people reach an impasse, the issue will enter a different stage.

Iranian border guards arrested 15 British military personnel last Friday because they entered Iranian waters in the Persian Gulf.

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