The 15 British sailors and marines captured and held in Iran said in a joint statement that they got through the ordeal "by staying together as a team." But they have been criticized by some since their release for their so-called confessions and apologies broadcast on Iranian TV.

By Newsday, Melville, N.Y. Apr. 5--Quiet diplomacy, carefully calibrated responses and a mutual willingness to cool overheated tempers have worked to resolve the 13-day standoff over Iran's seizure and detainment of 15 British sailors and marines.

By The Baltimore Sun Apr. 4--The recent purported confessions of 15 British sailors and marines that they trespassed in Iranian waters should be taken for what they appear to be -- statements made under duress.

By Newsday, Melville, N.Y. Mar. 31--Great Britain now has its very own hostage crisis, along with an ever-louder war of words with Iran's ayatollahs.

The British sailors and marines were detained in the Arabian Gulf after searching a merchant vessel. Iran claims they had illegally entered Iranian waters, but the British Government has insisted that they were in Iraqi territory at all times.