Author Topic: hostage release (Read 2452 times)

Edbert · « **on:** April 04, 2007, 08:39:39 AM »

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Iranian Leader Says He Will Free Britons

By Howard Schneider
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 4, 2007; 9:26 AM

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad today said he had pardoned 15 British sailors seized by the Iranian military two weeks ago and would free them today to be with their families.

In a Tehran press conference Ahmadinejad first decorated members of the Republican Guards who had taken the 15 British personnel captive -- then announced that the British personnel would be released.

"After our meeting they will go to the airport and be with their families," the Iranian president said, according to a translation of the press conference aired on CNN.

The release comes in the midst of intense diplomatic contacts. In addition, in recent days Iraqi authorities released an Iranian diplomat held in Iraq. The Islamic Republic News Agency also reported that Iranian personnel would be allowed to meet with five Iranian men taken by U.S. forces late last year in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil.

Yeager · « **Reply #1 on:** April 04, 2007, 09:47:35 AM »

I just heard a commentator on the radio saying that within the last few days two american warplanes overflew a primary oil refinery in southern Iran. I haven't heard of this in the news so it was odd to hear a local radio talk show guy (liberal democrat) reporting this as fact. Anyone hear about this.

Good on the Brits. SHould be intersting to hear their explanation for admitting guilt in trespassing into Iranian waters

Edbert · « **Reply #2 on:** April 04, 2007, 09:58:51 AM »

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Originally posted by Yeager
Good on the Brits. SHould be intersting to hear their explanation for admitting guilt in trespassing into Iranian waters

Yeah, and particularly so with no obvious signs of coercion.

I think though that the military needs to do some explaing why a group of their marines were taken prisoner without a fight AND right under the nose of a RN Warship.

Hap · « **Reply #3 on:** April 04, 2007, 10:32:02 AM »

Looks on the surface, our British brothers did not cut off their nose to spite their face.

Hope they arrive home safe and sound.

JB88 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 04, 2007, 10:40:00 AM »

"This pardon is a gift to the British people."

— MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD
the president of Iran announcing Wedenesday that he is releasing the 15 British sailors and marines seized almost two weeks ago

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Maverick · « **Reply #5 on:** April 04, 2007, 10:43:38 AM »

They aren't out yet so don't count it as a done deal. Threatening a fellow hostsage with execution to coerce a "confession" doesn't leave any marks so no visible marks is not a sign of a free admission.

soda72 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 04, 2007, 12:59:45 PM »

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An unidentified crew member said: "I'd like to say that myself and my whole team are very grateful for your forgiveness. I'd like to thank yourself and the Iranian people... Thank you very much, sir."

Mr Ahmadinejad responded in Farsi: "You are welcome."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6525905.stm

Thank you Mr. Ahmadinejad.... Even though they were not in Iranian waters...

Ball · « **Reply #7 on:** April 04, 2007, 01:03:00 PM »

I am guessing they were released on the condition that the British will not publicly release details of their detainment.

Be interesting to see if the hostages will do this on their own accord in the newspapers.

Edbert · « **Reply #8 on:** April 04, 2007, 01:04:27 PM »

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Originally posted by Ahmadinejad

I'm asking Mr Blair to not put these 15 personnel on trial because they admitted they came to Iranian territorial water

he added, referring to taped "confessions" made by the British sailors and marines.

john9001 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 04, 2007, 01:11:37 PM »

so ah , are they going to be punished by England for violating Iranian holy waters?

Estel · « **Reply #10 on:** April 04, 2007, 01:31:40 PM »

Why do you call them as "hostages"? They were arrested for illegal border crossing. So they are prisoners. Or suspected. But not hostages.

john9001 · « **Reply #11 on:** April 04, 2007, 01:34:56 PM »

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Originally posted by Estel
Why do you call them as "hostages"? They were arrested for illegal border crossing.

no, no, that makes them undocumented workers.

Shamus · « **Reply #12 on:** April 04, 2007, 02:06:07 PM »

Good thing they wern't labeled terrorists, then they could have denied having them.

shamus

Ack-Ack · « **Reply #13 on:** April 04, 2007, 03:40:38 PM »

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Originally posted by Estel
Why do you call them as "hostages"? They were arrested for illegal border crossing. So they are prisoners. Or suspected. But not hostages.

Every evidence that has been provided clearly showed that the British sailors and marines were not in Iranian waters. The GPS coordinates clearly showed that. So in my book, they were held hostage.

ack-ack

Torque · « **Reply #14 on:** April 04, 2007, 03:44:19 PM »

yeah...no midnight express for them.