이란군의 알리 레자 아프샤르 장군은 현재 이란이 억류하고 있는 15명의 영국 해군 수병들이 불법적으로 이란 영해에 들어왔음을 시인했다고 밝혔습니다.
아프샤르 장군은 24일 이란 언론과의 회견에서 영국 해군 수병들이 조사중에 이같이 자백했다고 밝히고, 이들이 붙잡힐 당시 이란 영해 안에 들어왔었다는데 동의했다고 말했습니다.
아프샤르 장군은 현재 테헤란에서 이들 15명의 영국 해군 수병에 대한 심문이 진행중이며, 이들의 건강은 양호하다고 말했습니다.
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An Iranian military commander says 15 British Navy personnel in Iran's custody have admitted to illegally entering Iranian waters.
In interviews with Iranian media today (Saturday), General Ali Reza Afshar said the British detainees offered, in his words, "confessions during interrogations." He said they agreed they were in Iranian territory when they were seized.
The general said interrogations are continuing in Tehran, and that the 15 Royal sailors and marines are in good health.
The European Union today (Saturday) echoed Britain's demand for the immediate release of the 15.
Iran's navy detained the crew Friday after the British conducted a routine inspection of a merchant ship in the disputed Shatt al-Arab waterway between Iran and Iraq.
Iranian officials say there is proof that the crew knew they were in Iranian waters. The Iranian call it an "aggressive action."
Britain insists its navy was conducting routine anti-smuggling operations in Iraqi waters.