Blair: ‘Door Is Open’ for Deal to Free Sailors

British Prime Minister Tony Blair believes there is a window of opportunity over the next two days to negotiate the release of the 15 captive British sailors accused of trespassing in Iranian waters.  Blair indicated that British and Iranian government officials have been in talks to work out a way to bring the Britons home without putting them on trial in Iran.

The Guardian:

Mr. Blair was responding to comments by a key player in the Iranian government who had raised hopes by referring to secret talks going on between his foreign ministry and the Foreign Office.

Iran’s chief negotiator Dr. Ali Larijani stressed such moves were at an early stage but added: “If they continue on this path, they can change the situation logically.”

Referring to Dr. Larijani’s comments, Mr. Blair said: “The next 48 hours will be fairly critical.”

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