Spokesman: British ambassador summoned to Foreign Ministry

Tehran, Dec 10, IRNA – Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi announced on Saturday that British Ambassador Nicholas Hopton was summoned to Foreign Ministry. According to the report of Foreign Ministry Media Department, following 'meddlesome' claims of British Prime Minister Theresa May in the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council summit, the ambassador was summoned to the Foreign Ministry to receive Iran's strong protest against 'uncalculated' claims of the prime minister. Deputy Director General for West Europe in Foreign Ministry, in the meeting with Ambassador Hopton said irresponsible, stimulating and divisive claim of Prime Minister Theresa May at that summit is 'unacceptable and rejected'. 'It is strongly expected not to witness such unacceptable claims any longer.' Qasemi quoted Director General of the West Europe Department at Foreign Ministry as emphasizing in meeting with British ambassador that such moves are in contradiction with the cause to expand declared ties and will more than ever damage bilateral relations. The spokesman further quoted the diplomat as telling Ambassador Hopton that Iran's regional policy is based on establishment of peace, stability and security through concentration on fight against terrorism, while policies of some regional countries favor support for terrorism and this reality has been neglected by British officials and prime minister, which is regretful and wondering. Ambassador Nicholas Hopton said his country's policy favors expansion of ties with Iran and underlined that he will reflect promptly on Iran's clear message to Foreign Ministry and the prime minister office. 1378/IRNA