UK has to change anti-Iran policy

Ali Larijani made the remarks in a meeting with visiting British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond in Tehran on Monday evening.

Larijani expressed hope that Britain's new approach can be built on mutual respect and interest and be in line with wiping out the negative mentality of Iranians regarding its past policies.

Welcoming Hammond's remarks on opening a new chapter between Tehran and London, Larijani reiterated that Iranian people should not feel that Britain's approach toward them is unfriendly and ambiguous.

He criticized double-standard policy of certain western countries with regard to important issues, including fight against terrorism, drug trafficking, human rights and foreign occupation. "Countering terrorism should not be 'tactical or nominal;' those who created, armed and supported takfiri terrorism should be held accountable for their mistaken policies," Larijani highlighted.

Explaining objectives of his visit to Iran, British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond pointed to reopening of his country's embassy in Tehran as a new step in bilateral ties.

"New areas of cooperation have been emerged in the wake of nuclear agreement between Iran and world states," Hammond said, adding that London is interested in expanding ties in areas of mutual interest.

Pointing to Iran's determination to improve relations with the world, Hammond said Britain hopes both sides would remain committed to implementing their obligations under Vienna nuclear agreement.