Iran parades hostages on TV

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TEHRAN - Iranian state TV showed video yesterday of 15 British sailors and marines who were seized last week, including a female captive in a white tunic and a black head scarf who said the British boats had "trespassed" in Iranian waters.

Britain called the broadcast "completely unacceptable" and said it was concerned that the statements from sailor Leading Seaman Faye Turney were coerced. The British government earlier released what it called proof the boats' crews were seized in Iraqi waters, and said it was freezing all "official bilateral business" with Iran except negotiations to release them.

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, that Seaman Turney would be released, and he suggested that the British vessels' purported entry into Iranian waters may have been a mistake.

"This is a violation that just happened. It could be natural. They did not resist," he told the AP.

"Today or tomorrow, the lady will be released," Mr. Mottaki said yesterday on the sidelines of an Arab summit in the Saudi capital.

Later yesterday, Mr. Mottaki backed off his prediction on the female sailor.

Retreating from his statement that she would be freed by today, the foreign minister said Iran will look into releasing her "as soon as possible."

Asked when she would be released, Mr. Mottaki said, "We will look into this as soon as possible."

British Prime Minister Tony Blair's office said it had received no confirmation on the matter.

Mr. Mottaki also said Iran has agreed to allow British officials to meet with the detainees.