It’s humble pie or bitter fruit for Britain

TEHRAN, Dec.3 (MNA) -- The decision to downgrade diplomatic ties with the United Kingdom was a move that was comprehensively discussed in the Iranian parliament for months before action was taken, and the MPs came to the conclusion that the current state of relations between the two countries had nothing to offer Iran. Bilateral diplomatic relations are supposed to be based on bilateral interests. If one side enjoys the benefits and the other only suffers losses, the diplomatic relationship is doomed to fail. It is common knowledge that since the victory of Iran’s Islamic Revolution in 1979, Britain has adopted hostile policies toward the Iranian nation. The words “Britain” and “the British” have become synonymous with conspiracy and malevolence for the Iranian people. Even before the revolution, Britain and its old ally, the United States, had a hand in every plot against the country. Over the few past months, Iran repeatedly warned British officials that the Iranian people and government were becoming fed up with this situation. However, London continued its hostility in the form of imposing new unilateral sanctions on the Iranian government and Iranian institutions. The British government also played a major role in facilitating the latest round of international sanctions, which was devised by Western countries to hinder Iran’s peaceful nuclear program. In addition, London was a very important player in the efforts to remove the Mojahedin Khalq Organization from the European Union’s list of terrorist organizations. The Iranian parliament’s decision to downgrade diplomatic ties with London was actually the least that could be expected in response to all these hostile moves. And the downgrade is not only restricted to political relations but also covers a wide range of cultural and economic interactions. If the British government shows contrition after this measure, relations will be restored to the normal level. Otherwise, Iran’s parliament and administration will be forced to cut off relations with the country in all areas. The reduction in the level of diplomatic ties was expected to create no problems for Iranian citizens residing in Britain. However, the British government’s hasty decision to close down the Iranian Embassy in London has created a new situation for both sides. But the Iranian government will do its utmost to stand up for the rights of Iranian citizens living in Britain through the establishment of an interests section in London.