Turney

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters):

The United Nation Security Council expressed "grave concern" yesterday at Iran's detention of 15 British sailors and Marines and asked for their release.

In a press statement, negotiated for hours and watered down considerably from the original British draft, the 15-member body called for an "early resolution of this problem" and appealed to Iran to allow consular access.

Britain says satellite data proved its sailors and Marines were seized last Friday in Iraqi waters. Iran responded by showing video of the capture and charts it says show the opposite.

Iran immediately responded by saying the council statement was "not helpful."

"This case can and should be settled through bilateral channels. The British government's attempt to engage third parties, including the Security Council, with this case is not helpful," Iran's U.N. mission said in a statement.

In negotiations among the 15 council members, first the word "deplores" was dropped in regard to Iran's action, followed by deletion of any reference to London's contention the British crew was in Iraqi and not Iranian waters as Tehran maintains. Also deleted was a call for the crew's "immediate" release.

Russia, with some backing from South Africa, was the main holdout. Moscow wanted only to repeat a statement from U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who wished for an "early resolution of this problem."

"We will not be able to accept a call for the immediate release of the 15 United Kingdom naval personnel," Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin was quoted by diplomats as telling the 15-nation council in closed consultations.

Britain's U.N. ambassador, Emyr Jones Parry, told reporters he was grateful for a united council stand.

Second letter from captive woman sailor released

LONDON (Reuters):

The Iranian embassy in London released a second letter yesterday it said was from British woman captive Faye Turney in which she called on Britain to start with-drawing its troops from Iraq.

"Isn't it time for us to start withdrawing our forces from Iraq and let them determine their own future?" said the letter, addressed to the British parliament and faxed to Reuters from the Iranian embassy.

Turney is one of 15 British sailors and marines seized last week by Iranian forces. Britain insists they were in Iraqi waters in the Gulf but Tehran says they were trespassing in Iranian waters.

In her letter, Turney said that her group had entered Iranian waters.

"Unfortunately, during the course of our mission, we entered into Iranian waters," the letter said. "Even through our wrong-doing, they have still treated us well and humanely, (for) which I am and always will be eternally grateful."

She added: "The Iranian people are kind, considerate, warm, compassionate and very hospitable.

"They have brought me no harm, but have looked after me well. I have been fed, clothed and well cared for."

It could not immediately be confirmed that the letter was written by Turney.