22 June 2004 -- An Iranian military official says that eight British sailors detained for allegedly entering Iran's waters illegally could be released soon i-f investigations show they entered Iranian territory without "bad intentions."
Ali Reza Afshar, a member of the general staff of Iran's military, made the remark today in Tehran.
Earlier, the British government summoned the Iranian ambassador in London to demand the release of the eight sailors.
That came after Iranian media earlier said the eight would be prosecuted for illegally entering Iranian territory.
Iran has been holding the sailors since yesterday after seizing three patrol boats after they entered Iran's waters.
Britain says the sailors were assisting in the training of Iraqi forces.
Ali Reza Afshar, a member of the general staff of Iran's military, made the remark today in Tehran.
Earlier, the British government summoned the Iranian ambassador in London to demand the release of the eight sailors.
That came after Iranian media earlier said the eight would be prosecuted for illegally entering Iranian territory.
Iran has been holding the sailors since yesterday after seizing three patrol boats after they entered Iran's waters.
Britain says the sailors were assisting in the training of Iraqi forces.
