by C. L. Cook 

In a surprise move, Iran has announced it will release, on the strength of a presidential amnesty, the 15 British sailors and marines captured last week in the disputed Shatt al-Arab waterway. The seizing of the Britons has played across the front pages of every European and North American newspaper, with some speculating it could provoke a broader war in the region.

 

 

President  Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said his decision to grant the release was in spite of Great Britain's failure to apologize for what he claims was their violation of Iranian territorial waters. He criticized Tony Blair's lack of courage, insisting it was "Islamic goodwill," and not the Prime Minister's bellicose statements that led to the release. 

 

Ahmadinejad also criticized the United Nations Security council for giving in to the "bullying" behavior of Britain and the United States in issuing sanctions against Iran due to its nuclear program; a program the Iranians have always insisted is for domestic power only, and their right to develop under the guidelines of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, saying;

 

"The resolutions issued by the UNSC show that today, the Security Council is influenced and pressurized by the bullying powers," adding;

 

"How long should humanity bear the pressure exerted by propaganda, political and economic pressures or threats aiming to prevent materialization of justice?"

 

Reaction from Downing Street was muted, with Tony Blair saying he was "glad" the service personnel were safe, adding;

 

"Throughout, we have taken a measured approach, firm but calm, not negotiating but not confronting either."