Spain calls for immediate release by Iran of 15 British sailors

Spain on Tuesday called for the immediate release by Iran of 15 British sailors and marines it arrested last week.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said the marines were arrested by Iranian forces while serving under a United Nation mandate covering the multinational force in Iraq.

It added that "while the release is being processed, the Iranian government, in line with international law, must authorize, without further delay, access by British consular officials to the detained marines.''

The government also called on Iran to exercise responsibility in solving regional problems. Iran says it is interviewing the 15 to determine if their alleged entry into Iranian waters was intentional or not before deciding what to do with them.

Britain insists they were in Iraqi waters after searching a civilian cargo vessel.