Yeah, their government might have shot a young girl in the heart and killed a bunch of other people protesting for freedom and fair elections.  But that doesn’t mean their diplomats aren’t welcome at US embassy parties around the world . . .

At today’s press conference, a testy PBO repeatedly dodged Major Garrett’s question as to whether the invitation the Obama admin has extended to Iranian diplomats to attend 4th of July celebrations at US embassies still stood.

Things had gotten off to an edgy start between the Fox News correspondent and the prez, when, referring to PBO’s press conference-opening claim to be “appalled and outraged” by events in Iran, Garrett asked “what took you so long?” A stone-faced Obama responded “I don’t think that’s accurate,” and went on to claim that “we have been entirely consistent.”  Yeah, right.

Then came Garrett’s follow-up.

MAJOR GARRETT: Are their diplomats still welcome at the embassies on the 4th of July, sir?

Obama then offered the first of a few evasive non-answers.

BARACK OBAMA: Well, I think as you’re aware, Major, we don’t have formal diplomatic relations –

GARRETT: [Indistinct but clearly trying to restate question about invitations. Obama cuts him off].

OBAMA: We don’t have formal, we don’t have formal diplomatic relations with Iran.  I think that we have said that if Iran chooses a path that abides by international norms and principles then we are interested in healing some of the wounds of 30 years in terms of US-Iranian relations. But that is a choice that the Iranians are going to have to make.

GARRETT: But the offer still stands?

OBAMA: That’s a choice the Iranians are going to have to make.

Huh? Are they invited or not, Mr. President?  Will the Iranian government have to do something specific between now and The Fourth to keep their invitations alive?  If the prez is so “appalled” why didn’t he simply say that the invites are off the table?