Gambia-Iran diplomatic tie ends abruptly

By Femi Peters – The Gambia severed diplomatic ties with Iran putting an end to all diplomatic, economic, political and social ties with the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran effective 22nd November 2010 and all Iranian nationals representing the interest of the government of Iran were requested to leave the Gambia with 48 hrs from the effective date.

The press release notified the general public of the decision of the Government of the Gambia through The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Relations and Gambians Abroad. In respect to this decision all Government of the Gambia projects and programmes which were being implemented in cooperation with the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran have been cancelled.

Below is the full text of the press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Relations and Gambians Abroad in Banjul, and aired over GRTS yesterday evening:

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Relations and Gambians Abroad notifies the general public that the Government of the Gambia has taken the decision to sever all diplomatic, economic, political and social ties with the government of the Republic of Iran effective 22nd November 2010.

“A press release issued from the Foreign Affairs ministry says all Government of the Gambia projects and programmes which were being implemented in cooperation with the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran have been cancelled.

“Consequently, the despatch requests all Iranian nationals representing the interest of the government of Iran in the Gambia to leave the country within 48 hours from the effective date stipulated through a notification issued to the Government of Iran.

“The general public is requested to take note of this development.”