Russia hails release of British sailors by Iran

Moscow, Apr 5 (UNI) Russia has welcomed the release of 15 British naval personnel by Iran, calling it a ''gesture of goodwill''.

''We regard it as a gesture of goodwill on the part of the Iranian leadership,'' Interfax news agency quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Losyukov as saying.

''We also made certain moves, appeals to the Iranian side,'' Mr Losyukov said, adding ''We proceeded primarily from humanitarian considerations and the understanding that such incidents are aggravating tension which is absolutely undesirable in the present situation.'' British sailors and marines were officially freed following Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's announcement yesterday as a ''gift'' to British people.

UNI