Severance of consular relations proves London’s irresponsibility’

TEHRAN, Dec.4(MNA) – Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Parliamentary and Consular Affairs Hassan Qashqavi said that the severance of consular relations between the Islamic Republic and Britain is indicative of the British government’s irresponsibility. Britain on Wednesday shut down the Iranian embassy in London and expelled all its staff one day after Iranian students entered the British Embassy compound in Tehran and pulled down the Union Jack. Qashqavi described the British government’s move as ‘emotional and unwise’ and said Iranian immigrants to Britain have provided many services for the country both before and after the Islamic Revolution (in 1979), and the unwise move to close the Iranian Embassy shows how irresponsible London is in dealing with the rights of immigrants. He also said, “The Iranian Majlis had been seeking to break off relations with London since a year ago, but the Foreign Ministry did not want to sever ties completely mainly because of consular issues of the Iranian expatriates living in Britain.” “Political, cultural, and economic ties between Iran and Britain were never close, he said, adding, “The most important issue for us was to stand up for the rights of tens of thousands of Iranians living in Britain who are among the most successful and best-educated immigrants in this country.” Over 90 percent of Iranian expatriates living in Britain are willing to make trips to home, and “we have always taken the issue into account in relations with London,” Qashqavi said.