Iran’s president has said the downing of a plane in Tehran is an “unforgivable error” – and “all those involved will be punished.”
In a televised speech on Tuesday, Hassan Rouhani added that the“tragic event”would be investigated thoroughly, claiming “one person cannot be solely responsible for the crash “.
“There are others, too, and I want that this issue is expressed honestly,” he said, without elaborating.
He continued: “Iranian armed forces admitting their mistake is a good first step.
” We should assure people that it will not happen again “- but said his government was” accountable to Iranian and other nations who lost lives. “
He also called for a special court to be set up to investigate, with a “ranking judge and dozens of experts”.
“This is not an ordinary case” – he said.
“The entire the world will be watching this court.”
Iran’s judiciary spokesman, Gholamhossein Esmaili, has said some people have been arrested for their role in the incident on Wednesday – but he did not give any further details.
Ukrainian Prime Minister, Oleksiy Honcharuk, said there were passengers and nine crew members on the Ukraine International Airlines flight to Kiev.
Initially, Iranian state television said flight PS 752 came down due to what it described as “technical problems” after leaving Imam Khomeini airport.
But after Iran admitted it had “unintentionally” shot down the plane, protesters took to the streets to denounce the country clerical rulers – and riot police were deployed to face them in a third day of demonstrations on Monday.
Britain’s ambassador to Iran was arrested during the demonstrations.
Rob Macaire was detained on suspicion of organizing, provoking and directing radical actions – something he denied – and he was released after more than an hour in custody.
After he was freed, he said he had gone to a vigil for the victims of the crash and left when some chanting began.
Iran’s ambassador to the UK, Hamid Baeidinejad, was subsequently summoned to the Foreign Office on Monday following the ” unacceptable “treatment of Mr Macaire – enabling ministers to convey their” strong objections “.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab called Mr Macaire’s arrest a “flagrant violation of international norms”.
“The Iranian government is at a cross-roads moment.
“It can continue its march towards pariah status with all the political and economic isolation that entails, or take steps to de-escalate tensions and engage in a diplomatic path forwards,” he said.
Boris Johnson has defended his role during the tensions with Iran, after facing criticism for not returning from his holiday immediately.
“I was not in this country but I worked very hard, as you can imagine, in making sure there was a European response, “he told the BBC.
The prime minister said Britain had played its” traditional role “in serving as the bridge between the” European powers and the United States “.
He added that there was no need for Britain to have been informed before the attack, saying: “This was not our operation. There was no reason for us to be told.”
Mr Johnson also called on Donald Trump to replace the Iranian nuclear deal with his own new agreement.
“If we’re going to get rid of it, let’s replace it and let’s replace it with the Trump deal, “- Mr Johnson said of the nuclear arms control deal with Tehran.
“That would be a great way forward.” I don’t want a military conflict between us, the United States and Iran, let’s dial this thing down. “
Five nations whose Citizens died in the plane crash will meet in London on Thursday to discuss taking legal action against Iran, Ukraine’s foreign minister said.
Vadym Prystaiko added that the countries will also discuss compensation and the investigation
All 728 people onboard died, including four Britons, (Canadians,) **************************************************************** Iranians, ******************************************************** (Ukrainians, Swedes, four Afghans and three Germans.
There were also several children among the passengers, including an infant.
More follows …
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