London Criticized for Double Standard Attitude towards Democracy
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – A prominent Iranian political figure censured the British government for its double-standard policies towards democracy, saying London should respect Scotland’s decision to hold referendum on independence.
“The British politicians are showing double standard behavior towards democracy,” Chairman of the Strategic Council on Foreign Policy Kamal Kharrazi told the Tasnim News Agency.
Kharrazi, the former Iranian foreign minister, was referring to London’s fierce opposition to Scotland’s secession from Britain.
“If the Britons are serious about their comments on democracy, so they should respect the demand of Scottish people, who want to secede from Britain,” he stressed.
“Britons are showing double standard behavior. On one hand, they are talking about democracy, and on the other hand they are opposing the enforcement of democracy for themselves,” added Kharrazi.
Scotland will hold a national referendum on September 18 to determine the country’s future. The independence referendum could result in Scotland’s breakaway from the United Kingdom after more than 300 years of political union.
Meanwhile, Pollsters YouGov and TNS have shown a surge in support for independence since late August.
The polls showing a swing in support to the nationalists sowed fear in London.
On Wednesday, British Prime Minister David Cameron rushed to Edinburgh where he begged Scots not to break his heart by destroying the United Kingdom's "family of nations".
