WANA (Aug 23) – Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said relations between Iran and France must be based on mutual respect and full adherence to international law, including the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of states.

 

Baghaei said Iran took action after determining that the French Embassy in Tehran had gone beyond its diplomatic responsibilities under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and engaged in activities that amounted to interference in Iran’s internal affairs.

 

He said Iran had officially announced that two French diplomats involved in such activities would have to leave the country and would not be allowed to return to Iran.

 

Baghaei stressed that Tehran’s relations with all countries, including France, are governed by the principles of mutual respect and international law, adding that Iran would issue warnings and take necessary measures whenever required.

 

He also described France’s recent move as unjustifiable, saying it was a reaction to an action by Iran that was fully lawful and consistent with international law.

 

According to Baghaei, such measures could have a negative impact on the continuation of relations between Iran and France.