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.
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