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EU weighs recalling envoys to Iran due to UK embassy arrests
EU weighs recalling envoys to Iran due to UK embassy arrestsThe European Union on Friday called Iran's decision to put detained British Embassy staff on trial "not acceptable" and was considering a British request to recall EU ambassadors from Teheran to protest the detentions of local embassy staff.
Published: July 03, 2009, 09:43
Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, whose country hold the EU presidency, said he was awaiting confirmation of reports that Iran will put some of the detained staffers on trial. "It's not acceptable to file charges against the ones released or to the ones still in custody," he said.
Bildt said Thursday the EU is taking a "step-by-step" approach to Iran, suggesting it would give Iran a chance to release the detainees before deciding on sanctions.
On Friday, the head of Iran's powerful Guardians Council said that the British embassy staff, accused of inciting violence in post-election protests, would face trial.
Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, who is close to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali
Khamenei, made the announcement during Friday prayers in Teheran.
"Naturally they will be put on trial, they have made confessions," Jannati said. "In these incidents, their embassy had a presence, some people were arrested."
Jannati told the thousands of worshippers Friday that the British "had designed a velvet revolution ... In March, they said [in their Foreign Ministry] that street riots were possible during June elections. These are signs ... revealed by themselves."
He also said those involved in protests "need to repent and ask God to forgive them."
The British foreign office said it was very concerned and urgently seeking an explanation from Iran on the matter.
"We are very concerned at these reports and are investigating them," a foreign office spokesperson said. "The allegations that embassy staff were involved in instigating the recent demonstrations are wholly without foundation."
Protests were widespread across Iran following last month's presidential election amid claims the vote had been rigged in favor of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. At least 20 people were killed in the disturbances and many more arrested by the authorities.
On June 27, nine embassy staff were arrested in Teheran accused of playing a role in post-election protests. All except two were eventually released.
Teheran has repeatedly accused foreign powers - especially Britain and the US - of meddling and stoking the unrest after the June 12 election. Last month Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, described Britain as the "most evil" of its enemies.
