LONDON, July 16 (KUNA) -- The British government, ending a complete travel ban, Tuesday urged citizens who want to travel to Iran to do so only in case of extreme urgency.
Foreign secretary William Hague, speaking before the House of Commons foreign relations committee, said easing the travel advisory has been adopted following the change of the Iranian regime's hostile speech against Britain.
But he added that time was not yet suitable to reopen the British Embassy in Tehran, which was closed after it was stormed by demonstrators in 2011.
Hague said Britain was ready to take positive steps aimed at improving relations with Iran in the wake of elections of Hassan Rouhani as president of the Islamic Republic, succeeding Mahmoud Ahmadinehad "who was representing more extremist" approach.
Britain, added Hague, would be keeping a close eye on Iran's intentions to take similar positive signs.
He said the political initiative by Rouhani's government vis-a-vis the nuclear program would be the most important steps that would determine progress in relations.
Hague said he did not object in principle the exchange of ambassadors and opening of official communication channels in future, but Britain must be certain of the safety of its diplomats before thinking of reopening the embassy in Tehran. (end) kd.bs KUNA 162232 Jul 13NNNN