Iran's newly-appointed ambassador to the United Nations, Hamid Aboutalebi[/caption]A senior Iranian official says the Islamic Republic will file a lawsuit against the United States over its decision to deny visa to Tehrans newly-appointed ambassador to the United Nations, Hamid Aboutalebi.
The official mechanisms for following up the case have been activated, and are underway, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham said on Sunday evening.
She further stated that Washingtons decision not toissue a visa for Aboutalebi is in breach of international treaties, and runs contrary to the agreement between the UN and the US government.
The 1947 basing agreement between the US and the United Nations stipulates that the federal, state or local authorities of the United States shall not impose any impediments to transit to or from the headquarters district of representatives of members or officials of the United Nations.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Seyyed Abbas Araqchi said on Saturday that Iran is not considering any replacement for Aboutalebi, and is pursuing the issue through legal mechanisms.
On Friday, the White House said it had announced to Iran and the UN that the US would not issue Aboutalebi with a visa.
The announcement came a day after the US House of Representatives unanimously approved a legislation that prevents Aboutalebi from entering the United States.
The bill, sponsored by Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz, was passed by the Democratic-controlled Senate through voice vote on April 7.
The legislation will be sent to the White House to be signed by President Barack Obama to take effect.
Iran has rejected the US decision as unacceptable and says it will follow up on the issue through diplomatic channels at the United Nations.
Washington has decided to deny a visa to Aboutalebi over his involvement in the takeover of the US Embassy in Tehran during post-revolution incidents in 1979. Aboutalebi denies any direct role in the embassy takeover, saying he worked as an interpreter while negotiations for the release of the hostages were going on.
On November 4, 1979, a group of Iranian university students took over the US Embassy in Tehran, which they believed had turned into a den of espionage. Documents found at the compound later corroborated the claims by the students.
By Press TV
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