Iran's ambassador in London has called on Britain to offer a goodwill gesture to Tehran in response to the freedom of 15 British sailors and marines. The 15 naval crew, held captive in Tehran for 13 days, were beginning two weeks' leave with their families in Britain Saturday. Ambassador Rasoul Movahedian told the Financial Times newspaper that Iran had «showed our goodwill» by freeing the Britons. «Now it is up to the British government to proceed in a positive way,» he was quoted as saying. «We share in the British people's happiness and we believe it is the right time for the British government to affirm its willingness to establish sensible lines of communication with Iran,» the ambassador was quoted as saying. He said «the prime issue for Iran» was recognition from the West of its right to a nuclear power program. Movahedian said the release of the British crew was not connected to the fate of five Iranians held by U.S. forces in Iraq. But Movahedian indicated help from the British on the matter would be appreciated. «If they want to be helpful and use their influence we will welcome that. ... We will welcome in general any steps that could defuse tensions in the region.»
