US 'not ramping up warnings'
02/04/2007 23:26  - (SA)  

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Washington - The White House on Monday defended calling the 15 British sailors and marines held by Iran "hostages" and denied ramping up rhetoric towards Tehran to set the stage for war.

"We reject any notion that suggests that we are ratcheting up the language in terms of trying to prepare to go to war with Iran. That is certainly not the case," said spokesperson Dana Perino.

US President George W Bush "believes that the Brits have shown that the sailors were in Iraqi waters and that they need to be returned immediately and unconditionally", Perino told reporters.

Asked about the decision to label the sailors "hostages" rather than "captives", Perino explained: "They were doing nothing wrong.

"They were summarily plucked out of the water and are being held.

"So the president believes that's appropriate language," she said.

Bush on Saturday said Iran's seizure 15 British sailors and marines was "inexcusable behaviour" and he opposed any "quid pro quos" to get them back.

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