http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/04/08/iran-hostage-taking-un-envoy/7473075/The White House has said it will deny the issuance of a visa to Hamid Abutablei, the former Iranian ambassador to Belgium, the European Union, Italy and Australia. U.S government officals, as well as Senators Ted Cruz and Rep. Doug Lamborn have stated Abutablei was a member of the group that participated in the taking of fifty-two hostages in Iran in 1979. Abutablei has insisted his involvement in the crisis was negotation and translation.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Aragachi was quoted by Iran's Mehr news agency as saying that "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is trying to pursue the issue through legal channels at the U.N" and that " Iran has no choice to substitute Mr. Aboutalebi".
Hamid Babei, spokesman for the U.N mission of Iran said the decision was "in violation of International Law, the obligation of the host state, and the right of member-states to designate their representatives."
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/04/12/iran-un-envoy-selection/7634591/
