LONDON, April 7, SPA -- Iran's ambassador in London has called on Britain to offer a goodwill gesture to Tehran in response to the freedom of 15 British sailors and marines. The 15 naval crew, held captive in Tehran for 13 days,were beginning two weeks' leave with their families inBritain Saturday. Ambassador Rasoul Movahedian told the Financial Times newspaper that Iran had «showed our goodwill» by freeing the Britons. «Now it is up to the British government to proceed in apositive way,» he was quoted as saying. «We share in the British people's happiness and webelieve it is the right time for the British government toaffirm its willingness to establish sensible lines ofcommunication with Iran,» the ambassador was quoted assaying. He said «the prime issue for Iran» was recognition fromthe West of its right to a nuclear power program. Movahedian said the release of the British crew was notconnected to the fate of five Iranians held by U.S. forcesin Iraq. But Movahedian indicated help from the British on thematter would be appreciated. «If they want to be helpful and use their influence wewill welcome that. ... We will welcome in general any stepsthat could defuse tensions in the region.»--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/438940