Britain's position unchanged after detainee broadcasts

LONDON: Britain ruled out Monday any climb-down over demands for the unconditional release of 15 sailors held captive by Iran, following their 'stage-managed' appearances on Iranian television.

Prime Minister Tony Blair's spokesman also said that 'a lot is going on behind the scenes' to secure the release of the 15 British naval personnel captured in the northern Gulf on March 23.

"The Iranians know our position. They know that stage-managed TV appearances aren't going to affect that position. They know that we have strong international support," the spokesman told a press briefing.

"We have responded to the Iranians initial letter and we are waiting for further responses," he said, without elaborating.

"There's a lot going on behind the scenes."

Iranian state television has broadcast footage of the British personnel apparently confessing to having tresspassed into Iranian waters.

Britain, which insists they were seized in Iraqi waters, has voiced outrage at the sailors being paraded on television.