Iran must take punitive measure against S. Arabia: Iranian MP

TEHRAN,June 19(MNA) - Iranian MP Mahdi Davaatgari called on the government to downgrade diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia in response to the recent execution of a number of Iranian prisoners in Saudi Arabia for alleged involvement in drug smuggling. “Reducing diplomatic relations is the least punitive measure that Iran can take in response to Saudi Arabia’s unwise behavior,” Davaatgari told the Mehr News Agency in an interview published on Sunday. Davaatgari, who is a member of the Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, mentioned expulsion of the Saudi ambassador, recall of the Iranian ambassador, and downgrading diplomatic ties as possible options. He also called on the Foreign Ministry to follow the case of the executed prisoners very seriously. Davaatgari also criticized the self-proclaimed advocates of democracy in the world for keeping silent about the execution of Iranian prisoners in Saudi Arabia. On the death of Saudi Crown Prince Nayef bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, the lawmaker stated that during the seven months that he held the post of crown prince, he made great efforts to promote Wahhabism.