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UK expels two Iranian diplomats UK expels two Iranian diplomats
(10 minutes later)
The UK is to expel two Iranian diplomats in a tit-for-tat action after Tehran ordered two UK diplomats to leave the country.The UK is to expel two Iranian diplomats in a tit-for-tat action after Tehran ordered two UK diplomats to leave the country.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced the move in the House of Commons.Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced the move in the House of Commons.
He said it was in response to Iran ordering two UK diplomats to leave the country over allegations that were "absolutely without foundation".He said it was in response to Iran ordering two UK diplomats to leave the country over allegations that were "absolutely without foundation".
Mr Brown added that he was "disappointed that Iran has placed us in this position".Mr Brown added that he was "disappointed that Iran has placed us in this position".
The prime minister said: "Iran yesterday took the unjustified step of expelling two British diplomats over allegations which are absolutely without foundation.The prime minister said: "Iran yesterday took the unjustified step of expelling two British diplomats over allegations which are absolutely without foundation.
"In response to that action, we informed the Iranian ambassador today that we would expel two Iranian diplomats from their embassy in London.""In response to that action, we informed the Iranian ambassador today that we would expel two Iranian diplomats from their embassy in London."
The onus is on Iran to show the Iranian people that recent elections have been credible Prime Minister Gordon BrownThe onus is on Iran to show the Iranian people that recent elections have been credible Prime Minister Gordon Brown
Mr Brown added that the outcome of the disputed Iranian elections should reflect the aspirations and choices of the people there.
"The onus is on Iran to show the Iranian people that recent elections have been credible and that the repression and curtailment of democratic rights that we've seen in the last few days will cease," he said.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) did not specify the identities of the individuals being expelled from Iran, except to say they are diplomats, rather than support staff, and the British ambassador is not one of them.
Conservative leader David Cameron supported the decision to expel the Iranian diplomats.
He said: "The expulsion of diplomats by Iran is clearly not acceptable and Britain should respond."
Mass unrest erupted in Iran after the results of presidential elections on 12 June were contested.Mass unrest erupted in Iran after the results of presidential elections on 12 June were contested.
The protests have left at least 10 people dead in the capital.The protests have left at least 10 people dead in the capital.
Mr Brown added that the outcome of the elections should reflect the aspirations and choices of the people there.
"The onus is on Iran to show the Iranian people that recent elections have been credible and that the repression and curtailment of democratic rights that we've seen in the last few days will cease," he said.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) did not specify the identities of the individuals being expelled from Iran, except to say they are diplomats, rather than support staff, and the British Ambassador is not one of them.
An FCO spokesman said the Iranian Ambassador was summoned to the Foreign Office earlier to be told two Iranian diplomats holding equivalent positions in London were also being asked to leave by the end of the week.
'Forced to respond'
He said the action was "regrettable" but the UK had been forced to respond.
He added that Tehran had claimed the British diplomats had been "involved in activities incompatible with their status" - an allegation the UK rejected.
The spokesman dismissed further accusations Iran has made of the UK's alleged involvement in provoking protests as "absurd".
Conservative leader David Cameron supported the decision to expel the Iranian diplomats.
He said: "The expulsion of diplomats by Iran is clearly not acceptable and the British government was absolutely right to respond."
Iran has singled out the UK in its widespread condemnation of what it calls meddling by foreign powers in its affairs.Iran has singled out the UK in its widespread condemnation of what it calls meddling by foreign powers in its affairs.