The Prime Minister has called for the release of British embassy staff being held by the authorities in Iran.
Nine local staff from the embassy in Tehran were arrested and questioned about their alleged role in protests against June’s disputed presidential election. Five were released this morning but the others are still being detained.
Speaking at a press conference at Number 10 this afternoon, Gordon Brown said the arrests were “unacceptable” and “unjustified”.
The Prime Minister said:
“We are deeply disappointed that Iran has detained some of Britain’s staff in Tehran. Some have now been released but we must now see that the others are set free to resume their work. Iran’s actions - first the expulsion of two diplomats, now the arrest of a number of our locally-engaged staff - is unacceptable, unjustified and without foundation.”
Mr Brown spoke about the arrests following talks at Downing Street with EU Commission President José Manuel Barroso and Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, whose country takes over the presidency of the EU Council this week.
The three men discussed the situation in Iran during their meeting, which covered a number of major issues the EU will face in the coming months, including economic recovery and December’s climate conference in Copenhagen.
Mr Brown also pledged his support to Prime Minister Reinfeldt’s six-month term as President of the EU Council and to President Barroso, who earlier this month was unanimously backed by European leaders to remain in his post.
He said:
“I believe that [Prime Minister Reinfeldt's] presidency of the council will make major achievements over the next few months. I would also like to congratulate President Barroso… We have supported you thoughout and we continue to support your efforts as head of the Commission to take all the actions necessary to build a strong, fairer Europe.”
Speeches and transcripts: Press conference with President Barroso and Prime Minister Reinfeldt
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