Britain has welcomed the announcement by Iran's president that 15 British sailors and marines captured in the Persian Gulf almost two weeks ago are to be released.
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad repeated allegations that the British sailors and marines ‘invaded’ Iranian waters, but said they would be freed as a ‘gift’ to Britain.
They will now be handed to the British embassy in Tehran and will be allowed to fly out of Tehran tomorrow. The White House has also welcomed their release.
In a dramatic announcement, Mr Ahmadinejad said while he was 'saddened' by what he called Britain's violation of Iran's borders, and felt the country was not 'brave enough' to admit it made a mistake, he was willing to forgive.
He wished the Britons good luck and joked with them at a ceremony to mark their release.
During a news conference marking the Persian New Year, the Iranian president also said the British government had promised not to repeat the incident.
Mr Ahmadinejad said Iran could establish diplomatic ties with the US if the Bush administration 'changed its attitude', but that Iran would not have its right to nuclear technology deprived by UN resolutions and would 'retaliate' against sanctions on Iranian banks.
The announcement sent oil prices down after a sharp rise during the 13-day crisis.
