Iran tells EU to stay out of British sailors row

TEHRAN - Iran on Friday told European Union leaders to stay neutral in a standoff with Britain over Tehran`s detention of 15 British naval personnel.
"EU officials should refrain from taking a partial stance in support of British aggression in Iran`s territorial waters," the official IRNA agency quoted foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini as saying.
EU foreign ministers meeting in Germany were on Friday to send a message of solidarity with Britain over the March 23 seizure of its 15 sailors and marines in the northern Gulf.
Hosseini was reacting to comments on Thursday by EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, who called the detention "unacceptable" and promised Britain solidarity.
"Mr Solana`s statements and some European stances over this issue are unjustified, irrational, undocumented and irresponsible," Hosseini said, insisting the British presence in Iranian waters was "clear and certain".
"Iran regards these (statements) as meddling in its affairs," he said.
Iran says the forces illegally entered its waters but Britain insists they were operating in Iraqi waters.

03/30/2007 14:05 GMT