Iran has slammed Britain for denying visas to Iranian publishers who were planning to take part in the 2011 edition of London Book Fair, Press TV reported with reference to Fars News Agency.
Deputy Minister of Iran's Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance Bahman Dorri raised objections to Britain's decision, saying that the London Book Fair organizers will also receive a firm response.
The British Foreign Ministry refused to issue visas for more than 20 Iranian publishers who had applied to attend the London Book Fair which ran from April 11 to 13 at the city's Earls Court.
Britain denied visas to all Iranian publishers except two, claiming that it was not assured if the team had enough money to return home.
An official with the British Embassy said they were not sure if the main goal of the publishers was attending the book fair, and if they would return home after the event was over.
The two publishers who were granted visas did not attend the fair to show their solidarity with their colleagues and raise their objections to Britain's decision.