Britain withdraws embassy staff from IranNovember 30, 2011 - 19:48 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Britain's Foreign Secretary says the U.K. has withdrawn its entire diplomatic staff from Iran following attacks on the country's embassy and a residential compound in Tehran. William Hague told the House of Commons on Wednesday that Britain had also ordered all Iranian diplomats to leave the U.K. Mobs hauled down British flags and ransacked offices in Tehran on Tuesday in retaliation for Britain's support of tighter sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program. Hague said Britain and allies would consider other measures in response at a European Union meeting Thursday. He said it was "fanciful" to believe the attacks did not take place with support from Iran's regime. Norway, meanwhile, closed its embassy in Tehran due to security concerns after Tuesday's assault. "Ensuring the safety of our staff and their families is our immediate priority," said the statement. It noted some diplomatic work is ongoing, though the embassy is officially closed. The Iranian government has expressed regret about "unacceptable behavior" of protesters, whose attacks began after anti-British demonstrations apparently authorized by authorities. But Iran's Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani said that the "wrath of (students) resulted from several decades of domination-seeking behavior of Britain." Larijani — addressing an open session of parliament Wednesday — also called the U.N. Security Council's condemnation of the embassy attack a "hasty move." Washington and Tehran have had no diplomatic relations since militants stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran after the 1979 Islamic Revolution and held 52 hostages for 444 days. In the early moments of that siege, protesters tossed out papers from the compound and pulled down the U.S. flag. Britain broke off relations with Iran after the Islamic Revolution and gradually restored them during the 1990s, AP reported. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | SBP instant transfers now available from 190 Russian banks to Armenia To receive money from Russian banks, easywallet users need to go to their easywallet accounts. Armenia's Davit Chaloyan qualifies for Paris Olympics The Armenian boxer qualified for Paris Olympics after a series of successful bouts at the 2nd World Qualification Tournament. Lemkin Institute urges Armenia to respect people’s right to dissent The Lemkin Institute has urged the Armenian government to respect people’s fundamental human right to express their dissent. French-Armenian journalist returns to France after 41-day hunger strike Nicolian said on social media on Sunday, June 2 that he needs to improve his health in order to “continue the fight”. |