U.S., France, Italy Condemn Iranian Violence

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.

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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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