Brown: Iran Embassy Arrests ‘Unacceptable’
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4:02pm UK, Monday June 29, 2009
Gordon Brown has described the detention of British Embassy staff in Tehran as “unacceptable” and “unjustified”.
Riot police during a protest outside the British embassy in Tehran
The Prime Minister has also called for the release of those still being held.
He said: “We are deeply disappointed that Iran has detained some of Britain’s staff in Tehran.
“Some have now been released but we must now see that the others are set free to resume their work.”
Mr Brown added that Iran’s actions were “unacceptable, unjustified and without foundation”.
Angry scenes in capital Tehran
Britain’s diplomatic row with Iran intensified after nine embassy employees were arrested at the weekend. Five have now been released.
Mr Brown was speaking at a press conference with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, who expressed his “full solidarity” with the UK.
EU foreign ministers meeting in Corfu at the weekend had already warned Iran to expect a “strong and collective reponse”.
Iranian media announced on Sunday the embassy staff had been detained due to their “considerable role” in the unrest which followed the contested June 12 elections.
Foreign Secretary David Miliband
Tehran has accused the West of stoking unrest, singling out Britain and the United States.
Speaking in Corfu, Foreign Secretary David Miliband said: “These are hard-working diplomatic staff.
“The idea the British Embassy is somehow behind the demonstrations… is wholly without foundation.”
Tehran has yet to respond to the protests from Britain and the EU.
admin @ June 29, 2009