Teharn, Iran – Iran to Free British Sailors.

Teharn, Iran – President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad defused a growing confrontation with Britain, announcing the surprise release of 15 captive British sailors Wednesday and then gleefully accepting the crew’s thanks and handshakes in what he called an Easter gift.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair expressed “profound relief” over the peaceful end to the 13-day crisis. “Throughout we have taken a measured approach — firm but calm, not negotiating, but not confronting either,” Blair said in London, adding a message to the Iranian people that “we bear you no ill will.” [AP]