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Iran Broadcasts Another 'Confession'

Another questionable confession made by British Navy serviceman was broadcasted by Iran's state television on Friday.

 
Another "confession" made by British Navy serviceman was broadcast by Iran's state television on Friday.

A footage of a male British naval serviceman confessing to entering Iran "without permission" sparked an uproar of criticism worldwide.

"I deeply apologize for entering your waters," the British sailor, identified as Nathan Thomas Summers, said in an interview with the Al-Alam, Iran's state-run Arabic-language television.

"We trespassed without permission," he said.

Summers, who wore camouflage fatigues, was shown sitting with another British serviceman and Faye Turney, the only female among the 15 British naval personnel seized by Iranian forces last week.

His confession came after Turney was shown on Iran's television earlier this week admitting "illegal entry" into Iranian waters. She appeared frightened and nervous, hinting that her confession might have been made under pressure.

Britain's Foreign Office on Friday denounced Iran for showing footage of the detained naval serviceman confessing to illegally entering Iranian waters.

"Using our military personnel in this way for purposes of propaganda is outrageous," a Foreign Office spokesman said.

Prime Minister Tony Blair said Thursday that Britain would not negotiate over British sailors and marines held hostage by Iran. In an interview with ITV News, Blair again called for the unconditional return of the 15 Royal Navy personnel.

Same day, Iran took back its promise to release a female British sailor, and country's top official said the 15 captives may be put on trial.

Last Friday, 15 British naval personnel were seized by Iranian forces when they were patrolling off the Iraqi borders. Iran has insisted that the British boats illegally entered its territorial waters. However, Britain maintains its boat was in Iraqi waters and proves it with satellite data.

The UN Security Council in a statement on Thursday called for early solution of the 15 British sailors detained by Iran.