Iran FM says reopening of British embassy in Tehran takes time

Tehran, Iran, Jan. 28

By Milad Fashtami - Trend:

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that the reopening of British embassy in Tehran and Iranian embassy in London takes time.

Zarif rejected the rumors that Britain has asked for compensation in order to reopen its embassy in Tehran, Iran's Fars News Agency reported on Jan. 28.

"We don't need to pay them any compensation, but for opening an embassy certain facilities should be prepared and it takes time for the both sides to pave the way," he explained.

"Once the British embassy is reopened, we will treat them like any other embassy, without any discrimination," Zarif said, noting that Tehran expects the same treatment from Britain.

The Iranian minister also referred to Tehran-Ottawa relations, saying that Canada needs to adopt a realistic approach towards Iran.

"The Canadian government doesn't show any diplomatic respect for Iranian nation," he said.

On November 27, 2011, Iranian lawmakers voted by a large majority to downgrade diplomatic ties with the United Kingdom, in response to Britain's decision to impose sanctions on the Central Bank of Iran over the allegation that Iran is pursuing non-civilian objectives in its nuclear energy program.

Two days after the decision by the Iranian parliament, hundreds of Iranian students staged a protest outside the British Embassy in Tehran and pulled down the UK flag.

On November 30, 2011, London cut off its ties with Tehran, withdrew its diplomatic staff from Iran and the Iranian Embassy in London was closed.

Iran recalled all its staff and closed its embassy in London the same day Britain recalled its diplomatic mission in Tehran due to massive protests in front of the British embassy complex by thousands of Iranian students who demanded a cut of ties with London.