Government of Iran Expels Diplomats: Britian Retaliates

by peder.sande | June 23, 2009 at 10:29 am

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British and Iranian diplomats have been expelled from each of their opposing countries today June 23, in response to political strife between the two countries. Earlier, two British diplomats were expelled by the Government of Iran. Later in retaliation, the British Government expelled Iranian diplomats. This international debacle has been played out under the backdrop of additional tension between the Government of Iran and Iranian civilians, with the ruling guard today deciding not to annul the election of president Mahmoud Ahamdinejad.

"It is with regret that I should inform the House that Iran yesterday took the unjustified step of expelling two British diplomats over allegations which are absolutely without foundation," Mr Brown told MPs.

"In response to that action, we informed the Iranian ambassador today that we would expel two Iranian diplomats from their embassy in London. I am disappointed that Iran has placed us in this position."

The Government of Iran has alleged the British diplomats of spying. Britain believes it to be a scapegoat for the civil unrest in Iran. In a speech on Friday, Ayatollah Khamenei attacked the west and outside forces. The speech blamed the post-election protests on western governments. Unfortunately, this unfounded political move by the Government of Iran further deteriorates the already fragile relationship between Tehran and the western world.

The Foreign Office revealed that the Iranians had accused the expelled British diplomats of "activities inconsistent with their diplomatic status", which is diplomatic code for spying.

British Foreign Secretary David Miliband has insisted that he would not allow Khamenei to turn Tehran protests into a "battle" between Britain and Iran.

The State run news network has been notoriously biased against British and foreign powers and their media. On June 21, Iran expelled a BBC correspondent, Jon Leyne, for distortion of the news. The BBC has reported that their satellite feed for their Iranian language channel has been experiencing 'persistent interference.' This interference is located in Iran; casting suspicions on the Government of Iran. These are only a few of the censorship scandals the Iranian government has been involved in, following their media restrictions on June 16.

"distortion of news regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran and particularly news pertaining to the election."

The Iranian state media routinely refer to Britain as the "Little Satan", a "fox" and the "most treacherous" of the Western powers, and a report claims that British spies have been flooding into Iran in droves for up to two years.

Tehran has accused The UN secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, of meddling in Iran's internal affairs. This statement agrees with the stance Iran has taken on the unrest. Clearly blaming outside forces for the unrest. Ban Ki-moon made a statement on June 22, asking the Iran government to stop abusing state powers and acts of censorship and coercion agaisnt civilians.

On Monday, Ban called on the Iranian authorities to stop resorting to arrests, threats and the use of force against civilians in the post-election unrest that has gripped the country for more than 10 days.

A large government protest orchestrated and taking place at the British embassy in Tehran has been called off, due to the Iran-Britain strife.

Czech Republic, France, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Britain, Finland have recalled their ambassadors stationed in Iran for a formal dressing room. The meeting will allow the ambassadors to express their fears of censorship and unfair election practices. In turn the Government of Iran has recalled the British, Czech and Swiss ambassadors to vent their own grievances.

Iran's ambassadors abroad have been summoned by

France (twice), Sweden, Czech Republic (holders of EU presidency), Finland, The Netherlands, Denmark, Germany (twice), Britain, Belgium, Canada

Foreign ambassadors summoned by Tehran

Britain, Czech Republic, Switzerland (who also represents US interests in Tehran)

Countries which have accepted Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's election victory

Venezuela, Iraq, Afghanistan, Russia, China

Foreign embassies in Tehran willing to offer sanctuary to protesters

Italy, Austria