Bahrain not after severing ties with Iran: Diplomat
A senior Iranian diplomat says Manama has recalled its ambassador to Tehran for consultation but the move does not mean that it seeks to “sever or downgrade” ties with the Islamic Republic.
There are always such issues in the diplomatic arena, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Hassan Qashqavi told IRNA on Sunday.
He said Manama is critical of Iran’s support for the oppressed people of Bahrain.
"We defend the rights of the oppressed people in Bahrain," Qashqavi said, adding that Tehran always places emphasis on respecting the aspirations of the Bahraini nation.
The Iranian diplomat said Tehran maintains mutual relations with Manama and looks to continue consultations with all the regional countries.
The Iranian official made the remarks after Bahrain recalled its ambassador to Tehran on Saturday in protest against Iran's support for a pro-democracy movement in the Persian Gulf kingdom.
Manama recalled its ambassador for consultation, the official Bahrain News Agency reported.
Earlier this month, Bahrain also summoned Iran’s ambassador to Manama over similar claims.
The monarchy has repeatedly accused Iran of meddling in its internal affairs. Iran has strongly denied any interference in Bahrain, stating that it only supports attempts to address human rights violations in the tiny Persian Gulf state.
Manama's move came despite international criticism on numerous occasions by prominent human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch for state crackdown on pro-democracy protests, including detention of activists, violent methods used to disperse demonstrators, and a media blackout on rallies.
Iran: Israel's occupation, nuclear weapons main obstacles to West Asia security
Iran voices readiness to assist flood-stricken people in Afghanistan
Iran offers condolences to Afghanistan over deadly flash floods
VIDEO | Duke University commencement speech prompts walkout over speaker's Israel support
‘500 medical personnel killed since Israeli onslaught on Gaza started’
Hamas condemns Biden’s remarks on Israeli captives as ‘setback’ to ceasefire talks
VIDEO | US-Israeli genocide in Gaza
VIDEO | Iranian capital hosts 35th Tehran International Book Fair
US admits Israeli assault on Rafah wouldn't eliminate Hamas
Lebanese MP: Israel's war will eventually strengthen Hamas
VIDEO | Palestinian resistance factions discuss Al-Aqsa Flood developments in Damascus
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
