Iranian reformist: We will continue demonstrating
Numbers of protestors getting smaller, but reformist camp not giving up. Mehdi Karoubi, who, like Mir-Hossein Mousavi, ran in recent presidential elections under reformist camp and allegedly lost, publishes series of demands on regime and calls to renew protests on Thursday
"Unfortunately, those who cannot tolerate the greatness of the nation's quiet, civilian approach are interested in creating an atmosphere of fear and violence in order to impose the will of the minority on the majority," wrote Karoubi in a communiqué published on his website.
"Unfortunately, the quiet protest of my civilian friends against the falsification of the elections has been met by disregard for their rights on the part of the most senior officials in the country and by indescribable violence," Karoubi continued.
Despite the violent repression of the mourning protest Monday in Tehran's Haft-e Tir Square, Karoubi called civilians to attend a memorial ceremony being held Thursday for the victims of the recent riots. He did not publish the specific time or place of the event, and emphasized that despite the efforts made thus far, an appropriate venue for holding the ceremony has not yet been found.
Karoubi also demanded that the government provide resources for treating those wounded during the riots.
"If the government was elected through legitimate elections, why must it create an atmosphere of fear and terror?" wondered Karoubi, who is considered a more radical reformist than opposition leader Mir-Hossein Mousavi. Karoubi emphasized a number of times following the elections that he does not recognize the election results or the re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as president.
Related articles:
- Lieberman: World must respond to 'mad' Iranian regime
- Fiancé of slain Iranian protestor: Neda wanted freedom
- Iran's Revolutionary Guard threatens protesters
Meanwhile, the White House said President Barack Obama has been "moved" by the television images of people in Iran taking to the street in protest.
Said White House press secretary Robert Gibbs of Obama: "I think he has been moved what we've seen on television. I think particularly so by images of women in Iran who have stood up for their right to demonstrate, to speak out and to be heard."
Gibbs said Monday that Obama continues to have "concerns and questions" about the way Iran's presidential election was conducted this month.
Obama has faced criticism from Republican lawmakers who say he has not spoken forcefully against Iran's leaders.
Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said that he estimates Iran will not participate in the upcoming meeting of the industrialized countries (G8), since it has yet to respond to the invitation extended to the country.
"I presume that Iran is rejecting the invitation," he said in an interview with Rome television. The meeting will take place in central Italy in July.
News agencies contributed to this report
