Kucinich: Release of British Personnel Proves the Value of Diplomacy

Ohio Democratic congressman Dennis Kucinich's congressional website http://kucinich.house.gov/ posted the following press release.

Kucinich: Release of British Personnel Proves the Value of Diplomacy

Washington, Apr 4 - WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 4) — Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) commended Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for resolving the issue of the 15 British sailors and marines detained by Iran and announcing their release today.

“President Ahmadinejad’s announcement proves the value of diplomacy,” Kucinich said. “The United States should be using diplomacy with Iran instead of rattling the sabers and ramping up for another war.

“I’m glad to see the Iranian President utilized the instrument of diplomacy to extend amnesty to the 15 British citizens.

“Time and time again, Iran has offered to enter into dialogue with the United States, including an offer to resolve tension with the state of Israel. But this Administration has shut the door to dialogue and put the United States on a track toward a military conflict with Iran.

“Instead of sending a second aircraft carrier toward the Persian Gulf, the United States should be focused on promoting diplomatic talks. The news of the Iranian release of British captives proves that we can talk to Iran to solve our differences, and we should.”