Bush: Capture of sailors 'indefensible'

US President George Bush today said Iran’s seizure of British sailors is indefensible and that he supported the British government’s attempts to solve the matter peacefully.

“I also strongly support the prime minister’s declaration that there should be no quid pro quos when it comes to the hostages,” Bush said.

He was responding to a reporter’s question about whether the United States would be willing to give up Iranians held in Iraq if it would help in the release of the British sailors.

Bush’s comments came as an Iranian diplomat seized two months ago in Iraq by uniformed gunmen was freed – a move that suggested progress in British efforts to win the freedom of the 15 sailors and marines held by Iran.

Neither British, US nor Iraqi officials would say if the release of diplomat Jalal Sharafi was linked directly to Britain’s efforts to gain its sailors’ release.

Britain has publicly sworn not to negotiate.