Britain demands release of captured marines, sailors
By Stephanie Kennedy
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200703/s1880404.htm
The British Government has asked for a full explanation after 15 of its sailors and marines were taken prisoner by Iran.
During a routine patrol in the Persian Gulf, the British men were captured at gunpoint by Iranian forces.
The Royal Navy insists they were in Iraqi territorial waters when they were taken prisoner and were escorted to an Iranian base.
In London, Iran's ambassador was summoned to the Foreign Office.
British Foreign Minister Margaret Beckett has demanded the safe return of the men.
"We have left them in no doubt we want our personnel and equipment back," she said.
Mrs Beckett says she has also sought a full explanation about why the 15 men were captured.
Iran state television insists the group had illegally entered Iranian territorial waters.