Iran parliament votes to downgrade relations with UK

[dipsydoodle]

Source: BBC News 27 November 2011 Last updated at 09:01 GMT

Iran's parliament has voted by a large majority to downgrade diplomatic relations with the UK.

The move comes after the UK Treasury imposed sanctions on Iranian banks on Tuesday, accusing them of facilitating the country's nuclear programme.

Iranian radio reported some MPs chanted "Death to Britain" during the vote, which was approved by 87% of MPs.

The move needs approval by Iran's Guardian Council, which vets all legislation, before it can take effect.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-15908525

---

Iran parliament votes to downgrade ties with Britain
By REUTERS AND JPOST.COM STAFF
11/27/2011 10:05 ......not GMT

After London increases sanctions on Tehran over nuclear program, Iran parliament votes in favor of bill that would force British ambassador to leave, embassy to be run by charge d'affaires.

TEHRAN - Iran's parliament approved a draft bill on Sunday to downgrade diplomatic and economic relations with Britain after London increased sanctions on Tehran over its nuclear program, the official IRNA news agency reported.

In the 290-strong parliament, 179 voted in favor, four against and 11 abstained. The bill obliges the government to downgrade ties within two weeks, a move that would force the ambassador out and leave the British embassy to be run by a charge d'affaires.

http://www.jpost.com/IranianThreat/News/Article.aspx?id=247105

Previous news from earlier this week :

The Iranian parliament introduced an emergency bill to be voted on Sunday that would see diplomatic relations downgraded to the more junior level of charge d'affaires if passed, the parliamentary website said.

"We are aware of the Majlis's (parliament's) decision that it will vote on whether to downgrade ties with the UK," a spokesman for Britain's Foreign and Commonwealth Office said.

"It is too early to say what will happen next. But it would be regrettable if they were to take such action.

"We believe that it is important to maintain senior channels of communication and especially at times like these. It is only through dialogue that we can solve the problems we face."

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gZaA5bTNfesMMhRPY_mUd3V-q4-w?docId=CNG.2ea489d4968e0381d77af390f1393c76.541