Britons head for London, ending Iran standoff

Tehran, Apr 5: The 15 British military personnel who had been held by Iran left Tehran on a flight to London today, ending a two-week standoff that raised international tension and rattled financial markets.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told a news conference broadcast round the world yesterday he had decided to forgive and free the 15 sailors and marines even though Britain was not ''brave enough'' to admit they had strayed into Iran's territory.

The peaceful end to the standoff, which began when the world's fourth largest oil exporter seized the 15 in the northern Gulf on March 23, prompted a drop in oil prices from recent highs. US stock futures and the dollar rose in relief.

Iranian officials whisked the 15 through the airport to board a scheduled flight operated by British Mediterranean Airways. The flight 6634 left Tehran about half an hour late and was due to touch down at London's Heathrow at 1635 IST.

The aircraft's business class section was cleared for the exclusive use of the former captives and those accompanying them.

A 57-year-old Iranian businessman, one of at least two people downgraded to economy class as a result, said: ''We understood the reason. We are very happy this (standoff) has been concluded.'' On their arrival, the 15 will be transferred to military helicopters and flown to a Royal Air Force base in southwestern England to meet their families away from the eyes of the media before extensive debriefing about their ordeal.

At his news conference, Ahmadinejad said: ''Under the influence of the Muslim Prophet, (Iran) forgives these 15 people and gives their freedom to the British people as a gift.'' ''NO ILL WILL'' In London, British Prime Minister Tony Blair welcomed the release of the 15.

''Throughout we have taken a measured approach, firm but calm, not negotiating but not confronting either,'' Blair told reporters. ''To the Iranian people I would simply say this: we bear you no ill will.'' The dispute centred on where the Britons were when they were seized. Britain says they were in Iraqi waters on a routine UN mission. Tehran says they strayed into its territorial waters.

After his announcement, a smiling Ahmadinejad met several of the sailors and marines, dressed in suits apparently made for them in Iran, shaking hands with them and exchanging a few words through an interpreter.

''We are very grateful for your forgiveness,'' one of the sailors told Ahmadinejad. ''I would like to thank yourself and the Iranian people.'' US President George W Bush welcomed the news, as did European Union president Germany.

In Britain, relatives of the 15 expressed their joy. ''It is brilliant news. I am very happy with it,'' Nick Summers, brother of Nathan Summers, one of the captives, told Sky News.

British newspapers also welcomed the end of the standoff but questioned how it came about.

''They're coming home,'' read the headline in the Daily Telegraph, adding: ''But was a secret deal struck to secure the release of 15 British prisoners?'' The Daily Mirror carried the headline ''Freedom!'' but said: ''Now the questions: Were they in Iranian waters? What deals were done? And has this been a diplomatic triumph for Blair or a humiliation for Britain?''

Reuters

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