European leaders warn Iran regime over British arrests

[frigidmagi]

timesonline

[quote]European leaders finally began to throw their weight behind Britain today after Iran announced that British embassy staff would be forced to stand trial in Tehran.

In a co-ordinated diplomatic move, EU nations responded by simultaneously summoning Iranian ambassadors across Europe. They will be asked to explain the arrest of British diplomats for allegedly inciting the violence and demonstrations that greeted the re-election of President Ahmadinejad.

The EU had last night rebuffed calls from London to withdraw ambassadors from Iran after nine British officials were arrested. But today Iran’s top legislative body announced that some of the diplomats would be charged and face trial, prompting a firmer response from Europe.

Carl Bildt, the Foreign Minister of Sweden, which assumed the EU presidency this week, said: “It’s not acceptable to file charges against the ones released or the ones still in custody.â€