英國駐伊使館重新開放

　　8月26日VOA聽力：英國駐伊使館從新開放

　　After visiting the newly re-opened British Embassy inTehran, London’s Foreign Secretary Philip Hammondsaid it was vital to open a dialogue with Iran'sleaders.

　　“We are clear-eyed about what the future offers us:big opportunities. But we know that there will beareas where we continue to disagree and sometimes to disagree strongly," "We won't shirkfrom that.”

　　Iran expelled Britain’s ambassador in November 2011 over its support for tougher sanctions.

　　Two days later hundreds of protesters stormed the embassy. Britain responded by closingIran’s embassy in London.

　　Relations have steadily improved since the election of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Hisforeign minister hailed a new start in relations. Today，we have entered a new stage of tiesbased on mutual respect and a policy of constructive interaction and dialogue.

　　The British government says the reopening of the embassies is not just a symbolic move, butalso a practical channel to engage on many issues of concern.

　　Iran’s embassy in London also reopened this week. The British government says the reopeningof the embassies is not just a symbolic move, but also a practical channel to engage on manyissues of concern.

　　With diplomatic ties warming, countries like Britain are eyeing economic opportunities, saysformer diplomat Mehrdad Khonsari.

　　“Given that Iran is perhaps the largest ‘untouched’ you might say, major market in the world,”

　　The rise of the Islamic State terror group is also forging new alliances.

　　“Iran, which has been perceived as a hostile country, is actually engaging these people on theground," Khonsari said. "So the time for re-evaluation, I think, has arrived.”

　　The British foreign secretary said the first Western sanctions against Iran could be lifted earlynext year. Iranians are desperate for investment and opportunities, says Khonsari.

　　“The priority of the people at this time is not obviously thinking about democracy," "Thepriority at this time is jobs, it’s social security, it’s pensions.”

　　Iran’s foreign minister said Monday it was ‘too early’ to consider re-opening the U.S. Embassyin Tehran, but Washington has not indicated its willingness to restore full diplomatic ties.

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