European Union foreign ministers Friday urged Iran to immediately and unconditionally release the 15 British sailors captured last week.

At a two-day informal meeting in Bremen, Germany, the ministers from the 27 EU member states underlines their "unconditional support" for Britain, a statement said.

"All evidence clearly indicates that at the time of the seizure, the British Naval personnel were on a routine patrolling mission in Iraqi waters in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1723," the statement added.

"The seizure by Iranian Forces therefore constitutes a clear breach of international law," it said.

The ministers called for "the immediate and unconditional" release of the British Royal Naval personnel.

"Should the UK citizens not be released in the near future, the EU will decide on appropriate measures," the ministers said in the statement.

A week ago, Iran seized 15 British sailors as it said they violated Iranian territory, but Britain has insisted that the two British patrol vessels were in Iraqi waters.

On the first day of the informal meeting, the ministers will discuss the situation in the Western Balkans, in Kosovo in particular, and the future relations with Belarus within the framework of development of the European Neighborhood Policy.

On the agenda of Saturday, discussions will focus on recent developments in the Middle East peace process and on Iran's nuclear program.

Source: Xinhua