Tehran threatens to expel the British ambassador

The threat comes two days after the arrest of this diplomat, whom the Islamic Republic accused of having participated in an illegal rally.

“Tehran requires immediate suspension of all intrusive and provocative actions by the British Embassy in Tehran”, a foreign ministry statement said, warning that the latter will not be limited to the ambassador's call, if this stance continues.

The British Foreign Ministry summoned Iran's ambassador to voice strong objections to the arrest of British Ambassador to Tehran, the prime minister's official spokesman stressed today.

“Talk of an unacceptable violation of the Vienna Convention”, the spokesman stressed, adding that Great Britain will seek Ambassador Hamid Baiiddineyad, assurance of the fact that this will not happen again.

Tehran criticised British Ambassador Rob Mactaire for participating in an illegal manifestation, in violation of diplomatic conventions.

Yesterday, manifesters burned a British flag and another Israeli in front of the British Embassy in Tehran, with calls “Death for Great Britain”.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister confirmed yesterday the brief arrest of British Ambassador Rob Mactaire as a stranger suspected of participating in an illegal manifestation, adding that he had been released shortly after confirming his identity. / ATSH/