EU demands release of UK troops in Iran

BERLIN - The European Union demanded the immediate release of 15 British navy personnel detained by Iran in the Gulf, EU president Germany said today.

"The Presidency of the Council of the European Union calls upon the Iranian Government to immediately release the 15 British seamen detained yesterday," a statement issued by the German Foreign Ministry said.

It said the German Embassy in Tehran had raised the matter with the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier told reporters ealier that Berlin had obtained official confirmation that the troops were under arrest for an alleged border violation.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair avoided reporters' questions about Iran on arrival in Berlin for ceremonies marking the EU's 50th anniversary.

Iran says the sailors entered Iranian waters illegally while Britain says they were carrying out routine checks on shipping in Iraqi waters.

- REUTERS