Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Seán Crowe TD, has reiterated his calls for the Irish Government to re-open its Embassy in Iran.

Crowe was speaking following the British Government’s announcement that they were now re opening their Embassy in Tehran, which is located on Bobby Sands Street.

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“It was truly historic and welcome that negotiations between Iran and the EU3 +3 came to a successfully conclusion and that the potential for greater co-operation now exists. I believe this deal strengthens the potential for peace and security in the region.

“The re-opening of the British Embassy in the Iranian capital is another indication of the potential of dialogue and diplomacy.

“Iran is a hugely strategic and important country in the Middle East and has an important role to play in ensuring that ISIS and its genocidal sectarian project is stopped and defeated.

“Sinn Féin opposed the Irish Government’s decision to close Ireland’s Embassy in Tehran in 2012. I believe this short-sighted decision harmed the public perception of Ireland as a neutral and independent broker in international affairs, as well as negatively impacting on the potential for Irish trade with this huge country.

“I raised the issue directly with Iranian Government Ministers when I visited Iran as part of an Oireachtas Foreign Affairs and Trade Committee delegation January 2014.

“I am again reiterating my calls for the Government to re-open the Irish Embassy in Tehran. It will be a positive step and will improve relationships between the peoples of our two countries.”

ENDS