AP News, March 30th, 2007
Text of three letters released by Iranian authorities and purportedly from captured British sailor Faye Turney, with spacing, spelling and grammar as they appear in the originals.
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RELEASED FRIDAY BY IRANIAN EMBASSY IN LONDON:
To British People,
I am writing to you as a British service person who has been sent to Iraqi, sacrificed due to the intervening policies of the Bush and Blair governments.
We were arrested after entering Iranian waters by the Iranian forces. For this I am deeply sorry. I understand that this has caused even more distrust for the people of Iran, and the whole area in the British.
The Iranian people have treated me well and have proved themselves to be caring, compassionate, hospitable and friendly. For this I am thankful.
I believe that for our countries to move forward we need to start withdrawing our forces from Iraq and leave the people of Iraq to start re building their lives.
I have written a letter to the people of Iran apologising for our actions.
Whereas we hear and see on the news the way prisoners were treated in Abo-Ghrayb and other Iraqi jails by British and American personnel, I have received total respect and faced no harm.
It is now our time to ask our government to make a change to its oppressive behaviour towards other people.
Faye Turney 27/3/07.
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RELEASED THURSDAY BY IRANIAN GOVERNMENT:
Representative of the House of Commons,
I am writing to inform you of my situation. I am a British serviceperson currently being held in Iran.
I would like you all to know of the treatment I have received whilst here. The Iranian people are kind, considerate, warm, compassionate and very hospitable. They have brought me no harm, but have looked after me well. I have been fed, clothed and well cared for.
Unfortunately during the course of our mission we entered into Iranian waters. Even through our wrongdoing, they have still treated us well and humanely, which I am and always will be eternally grateful.
I ask the representatives of the House of Commons after the government have promised that this type of incident would not happen again why have they let this occur and why has the government not been questioned over this? Isn't it time for us to start withdrawing our forces from Iraq and let them determine their own future?
Faye Turney
27/3/07
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RELEASED WEDNESDAY BY IRANIAN EMBASSY IN LONDON:
Dear Mum & Dad
I am writing to you from Iran where I am being held. I will try to explain to you the best what has happened.
We were out in the boats when we were arrested by Iranian forces as we had apparently gone into Iranian waters. I wish we hadn't because then I'd be home with you all right now. I am so sorry we did, because I know we wouldn't be here now if we hadn't.
I want you all to know that I am well and safe. I am being well looked after. I am fed 3 meals a day and have a constant supply of fluids.
The people are friendly and hospitable, very compassionate and warm. I have written a letter to the Iranian people to apologise for us entering into their waters.
Please don't worry about me, I am staying strong. Hopefully it won't be long until I am home to get ready for Molly's birthday party with a present from the Iranian people.
Look after everyone for me, especially Adam and Molly.
I love you all more than you will ever know.
All my love,
Faye xxxxxxxxxxxx
(EDITS throughout to correct spacings, spellings and grammar to conform to original texts.)
