Expulsion of Iranian diplomats from Paris could damage bilateral ties, Tehran warns

TEHRAN- Iran has warned that France’s expulsion of two Iranian diplomats could seriously damage relations between Tehran and Paris, after both countries took reciprocal measures amid accusations of diplomatic interference in Iran’s internal affairs.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said on Sunday that France’s action was “unjustifiable” and potentially “destructive” to the continuation of bilateral relations. He stressed that relations between the two countries should be based on mutual respect, adherence to international law and non-interference in each other’s domestic affairs.

Baqaei said Iran had acted after determining that the French Embassy in Tehran had exceeded its diplomatic mandate and engaged in activities contrary to its responsibilities under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

“As soon as we felt that the French embassy was acting beyond its responsibilities, we took action and announced that two French diplomats must leave Iran and would not be allowed to return,” he said.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Aug. 18 declared two French diplomats working at the French Embassy in Tehran persona non grata and barred them from returning to the country. The decision came after Iranian authorities accused the diplomats of engaging in activities that violated international law and interfered in Iran’s domestic affairs.

The dispute escalated after Iran’s Intelligence Ministry said on Aug. 15 that the two diplomats had attended a secret meeting in Tehran in July with individuals linked to a major case involving 'foreign infiltration and interference.' Iranian authorities said the diplomats’ activities violated their diplomatic obligations and Iranian law.

The Foreign Ministry said several weeks had passed since the activities were identified, but that France had taken no measures to address the issue or provide assurances that similar conduct would not be repeated.

Baqaei said Iran’s response had been taken in accordance with international law and that Tehran would continue to issue warnings and take necessary measures whenever it considered such action warranted.

“Relations between Iran and France must be based on mutual respect and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs,” he said, warning that France’s retaliatory move could undermine the future of bilateral relations.

The diplomatic dispute adds another strain to relations between Tehran and Paris, with both sides now having taken reciprocal action against diplomats. Iran believes that its measures were a lawful response to 'activities outside the accepted scope of diplomatic duties,' while France’s decision to expel Iranian diplomats has prompted a warning from Tehran over the potential consequences for bilateral ties.

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Tehran Times. Open at source →