MP: Tehran-London relations should change in both nations’ interest

Tehran, Dec 8, IRNA – Despite negative memories in Iranian nation’s mind about British government, changing current atmosphere based on mutual respect and using existing potentials will serve both nations’ interests, said head of Iran-Britain parliamentary group. Abbassali Mansouri Arani highlighted the bad memories in the mind of the Iranian nation and politicians of the conduct of the British government throughout the history of bilateral ties in his Monday evening meeting with Vice-Chairman of Britain-Iran Parliamentary Friendship Group, Richard Bacon, but meantime said that the present atmosphere should change in favor of the two nations by utilizing the existing potentials, constructive dialogue and on the basis of mutual respect. Arani who is also a member of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission pointed out that the Iranian foreign policy has always been favoring regional peace and stability, criticizing the western countries’ interferences in the region that create tension and lead to insecurity. “The nations should be permitted to decide their own fates,” he added. Bacon: Iran, most stable country in region Deputy Head of the British Parliament’s Britain-Iran Friendship Group, too, for his part expressing delight for having the chance to visit Iran, said that the Islamic Republic is the most stable country in the region. “Iran’s efforts in anti-terrorism campaign and its continuous cooperation with the international community in that campaign shows Iran’s strong and constructive role in establishment of regional stability and security,” added Bacon. He also expressed hope that the two countries’ embassies will be opened in near future and said that the present atmosphere of mistrust should not be permitted to create an obstacle in the way of expanding bilateral political, economic and cultural ties./end