Source: RFE/RL
Security forces used tear gas against the protesters (photo:
www.kosoof.com)
The United States, Italy, and France have all
come out with statements condemning violence by Iranian security forces against
civilian protesters.
The White House said it "strongly condemns" what it described as the "unjust
suppression" of civilians by the Iranian government -- and said the United
States is on the side of Iranian protesters.
White House National Security Council spokesman Mike Hammer said in a statement
that "governing through fear and violence is never just," and that it is
revealing when a regime "fears the aspirations" of its own people more than the
power of any other nation.
Photos: War In Tehran Streets on Ashura Day
The U.S. statement added that "hope and history
are on the side of those who peacefully seek their universal rights, and so is
the United States."
A French Foreign Ministry statement said France condemns what it described as
"the arbitrary arrests and the violent actions committed against simple
protesters who came to defend their right to freedom of expression and their
desire for democracy" in Iran.
A statement from the Italian Foreign Minisry also condemned the crackdown by
Iranian security forces on protesters, saying that "safeguarding human lives is
a fundamental value" and urging a dialogue between the Iranian government and
opposition.
compiled from agency reports
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