Britain expresses concern over embassy staff in Iran

LONDON, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Britain's Foreign Office on Friday expressed concern over reports in Iran that staff of its embassy in Tehran involved in post-election riots will face trial.

"We are very concerned by these reports and are investigating," a spokeswoman said, "Allegations that our staff were involved in fomenting unrest are wholly without foundation. We will be seeking an urgent explanation from the Iranians."

Earlier media reports said that nine local staff at the British Embassy in Iran had been arrested for their alleged "considerable role" in the post-election riots.

Iran has repeatedly accused foreign powers, especially Britain and the United States, of stoking unrest in the country after the June 12 presidential election, which handed incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad a decisive victory.