The Hague, 1 May 1997 (RFE/RL) - The Dutch government today urged European Union members not to return ambassadors to Tehran after Iranian authorities refused to welcome back German and Danish envoys.
A statement by the Dutch EU presidency urged partners who have not yet sent back their ambassadors to suspend their return until further notice. Dutch Foreign Minister Hans van Mierlo also summoned Iran's representative to the Hague to explain Tehran's decision.
Iranian authorities announced yesterday that German and Danish ambassadors would not be welcome and said the EU had no moral standing to criticize Iran's policies.
Tensions have soared between Iran and the EU since April 10, when a German court ruled that Tehran authorities ordered the 1992 assassination in a Berlin restaurant of Iranian opposition figures. The 15-nation EU recalled its ambassadors from Tehran following the ruling and broke off dialogue with Iran.
A statement by the Dutch EU presidency urged partners who have not yet sent back their ambassadors to suspend their return until further notice. Dutch Foreign Minister Hans van Mierlo also summoned Iran's representative to the Hague to explain Tehran's decision.
Iranian authorities announced yesterday that German and Danish ambassadors would not be welcome and said the EU had no moral standing to criticize Iran's policies.
Tensions have soared between Iran and the EU since April 10, when a German court ruled that Tehran authorities ordered the 1992 assassination in a Berlin restaurant of Iranian opposition figures. The 15-nation EU recalled its ambassadors from Tehran following the ruling and broke off dialogue with Iran.