Iran Denies Visas for U.S. Women's Badminton Team

[ensho]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/04/AR2009020400817.html?hpid=topnews


Iran did not issue visas for a group of U.S. female badminton players it had invited to compete in the country in events starting Friday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said Wednesday, citing the "time-consuming process" of handling such applications.

"They will not participate in the competition," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hassan Qashqavi said during his weekly news conference.

The Iranian Badminton Federation, a part of Iran's Physical Education Organization, which is headed by Vice President Mohammad Aliabadi, had invited the eight players, along with four coaches and managers, to participate in a tournament during celebrations to mark the 30th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution.

"We are disappointed and hope the Americans will forgive us," said Zahra Tayyebin, head of the Badminton Federation's public relations office. "They should know that the Badminton Federation did all the necessary follow-ups for the visas."

Thirteen other foreign teams, including squads from Malaysia, Syria, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq, will take part in the tournament.

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"You know, as the secretary and others have said, when the Iranians unclench that fist, there will be a hand waiting to greet them," Wood added. "We are very interested in trying to improve relations between the American people and the Iranian people, and this is not a good step forward in terms of trying to promote people-to-people exchanges."
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don't worry Zahra we know this is about politics and you all did your best. I'm sure everyone is disappointed.

[stray cat]

1. Petty