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23/06/2009
UK Expels Two Iranian Diplomats
The PM Gordon Brown has announced two Iranian diplomats are to be expelled after the "unjustified" expulsion of two British envoys.
The move, which the Prime Minister said was in response to Iran ordering two UK diplomats to leave the country, was announced today in the House of Commons.
Mr Brown said: "Iran yesterday took the unjustified step of expelling two British diplomats over allegations which are absolutely without foundation.
"In response to that action, we informed the Iranian ambassador today that we would expel two Iranian diplomats from their embassy in London."
The PM added: "I am disappointed that Iran has placed us in this position."
He also said Britain expected Iran "meet its obligations to the international community", adding that "the onus is on Iran to show the Iranian people" that the presidential elections earlier this month were credible.
The Iranian government claimed the British diplomats who were expelled were "engaging in activities compatible with their diplomatic status".
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, however, slammed the claims as "baseless"
"We think the Government of Iran is seeking to blame the UK and other outsiders for what is an Iranian reaction to an Iranian issue," the spokeswoman said.
"This has a potential impact on our staff safety and is unacceptable. We have taken the decision to reciprocate."
(JM/BMcc)
The move, which the Prime Minister said was in response to Iran ordering two UK diplomats to leave the country, was announced today in the House of Commons.
Mr Brown said: "Iran yesterday took the unjustified step of expelling two British diplomats over allegations which are absolutely without foundation.
"In response to that action, we informed the Iranian ambassador today that we would expel two Iranian diplomats from their embassy in London."
The PM added: "I am disappointed that Iran has placed us in this position."
He also said Britain expected Iran "meet its obligations to the international community", adding that "the onus is on Iran to show the Iranian people" that the presidential elections earlier this month were credible.
The Iranian government claimed the British diplomats who were expelled were "engaging in activities compatible with their diplomatic status".
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, however, slammed the claims as "baseless"
"We think the Government of Iran is seeking to blame the UK and other outsiders for what is an Iranian reaction to an Iranian issue," the spokeswoman said.
"This has a potential impact on our staff safety and is unacceptable. We have taken the decision to reciprocate."
(JM/BMcc)
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