Iran may review ties with Britain

Following Britain's interference in Iran's recent post-election unrest, Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani has called for a revision in Tehran-London ties.

Addressing Iranian lawmakers on Monday, Larijani called on the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission to carefully review the issue of Tehran-London relations.

In recent days, the US and a slew of European powers namely Britain and France have lashed out at the Iranian government for its attempts to restore security in the country.

Following the victory of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Iran's 10th presidential elections, the country has become the scene of rallies with defeated presidential hopefuls Mir-Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi rejecting the result as fraudulent and demanding a re-run.

Members of the Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission also urged the Foreign Ministry to review Iran's ties with Britain.

"While the Islamic Republic of Iran favors amicable relations with all countries, it will not allow other states to meddle in its internal affairs," Commission spokesman Kazem Jalali said Monday.

He added that the Islamic Revolution is based on independent principles.

In a Sunday address to foreign reporters, Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki spoke out against Western efforts that seek to dramatize the post-election violence in the country.

He focused much of his criticism on France, Germany and Britain, advising them to "think twice before questioning the democratic process of the recent election."

Mottaki criticized the British foreign secretary for his inappropriate and illogical comments on Iran's elections. He blamed Britain for causing insecurity in the Middle East by helping create the Zionist regime decades ago.

However, British Foreign Secretary David Miliband rejected the claims made by his Iranian counterpart, saying, "Foreign Minister Mottaki's attempt in remarks to diplomats in Tehran this morning to turn the dispute among Iranians about the election results into a battle between Iran and other countries -- the UK in particular -- is without foundation."

"I reject categorically the idea that the protestors in Iran are manipulated or motivated by foreign countries," Miliband said on Sunday.

"The UK is categorical that it is for the Iranian people to choose their government, and for the Iranian authorities to ensure the fairness of the result and the protection of their own people," he added.