The Presidency of the European Union welcomes the release of the 15 British naval personnel captured on 23 March and their return today to Britain.
From the very beginning of this crisis, the European Union lent its support in calling for a rapid solution, and repeatedly contacted the Iranian authorities to intercede strongly on behalf of the 15 British sailors and marines.
The Presidency hopes that Iran will now avail itself of the opportunity to work with the international community and the European Union to find solutions in other areas. It refers in particular to the offer made by the Foreign Ministers of China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States of America to seek a solution to the controversy over the Iranian nuclear programme through dialogue and negotiation.
