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 WASHINGTON (AP) - The Bush administration accused Iran on Thursday of using hostage diplomacy to boost its status, turning up U.S. criticism after the release of 15 British sailors and marines.
With the troops safely back on British soil, the White House and the State Department changed the nature of comments that had been deliberately toned down during the captivity.
From his ranch in Crawford, Texas, President Bush spoke with British Prime Minister Tony Blair in a lengthy video conference telling him he was pleased that the 15 had returned home, National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said.
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