Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman strongly criticized the UK government for not paying its debts to Iran that have been delayed for over 40 years, saying Tehran is waiting for practical measures by London.

Iran PressIran News: "Harsh tweets-contrary to IRL tone-may fetch headlines. But slogans can never replace lawful verdicts issued by courts. As FM @Amirabdollahian has made clear, UK must adopt long-overdue change its approach," Saeed Khatibzadeh tweeted.

Iran’s foreign minister in a meeting with his British counterpart on Wednesday in New York asked her for implementing the payment of Britain’s four-decades-delayed debt to Iran, IRNA reported.

In the meeting of the two countries’ new foreign ministers Hossein Amirabdollahian and Elizabeth Truss on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, the two sides exchanged viewpoints on bilateral ties, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and the latest developments in Afghanistan.

The Iranian foreign minister said in the meeting that reconstruction of bilateral ties needs serious efforts, emphasizing that implementing the four-decades-delayed British debt to Iran is quite necessary.

Amirabdollahian said that in the JCPOA there were many promises, but they were none materialized.

“Unfortunately, Britain has played a part in that inaction, and that approach needs to be changed,” said Iran's top diplomat.

He also said that the US administration amid the EU’s silence and collaboration continues its illegal sanctions against Iran and meanwhile claims its intention to return to the JCPOA. 

“That is an obvious contradiction that is carefully observed by the Iranian people. For the current Iranian government, the index and measurement stick is actions and measurable deeds of the other sides of the JCPOA, as mere words are not meaningful,” said Amirabdollahian.

He further emphasized that it is necessary that Britain act under its commitments, as that is the only way for reconstruction of ties, and Tehran will respond to any positive and constructive step appropriately.

In the meeting meanwhile, consular issues, including the subject of the double nationality citizens was discussed.

The Iranian top diplomat turning to the existing human catastrophe in Yemen and Bahrain stressed the need to pay special attention to easing those people’s pains.

On the situation in Afghanistan, too, Amirabdollahian reiterated the need for the establishment of an all-encompassing government to reflect the tribal and ethnic population of that country, as the only comprehensive plan for the establishment of peace and stability there.

The British foreign secretary, for her part, said in the meeting that London is ready for paying its debts to Iran.

Turning to the JCPOA issue, Elizabeth Truss said that presently the main issue for every side is the time for those negotiations and their process.

The British foreign minister meanwhile appreciated the Islamic Republic of Iran for facilitating the exit of the remaining British citizens from Afghanistan.

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