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Ahmadinejad - Western leaders won't be calling
Photo: AFP

White House: Ahmadinejad 'elected leader' of Iran

White House recognizes Ahmadinejad win but says US won't congratulate him

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs says Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is "the elected leader" of the Islamic republic.

 

Gibbs was asked Tuesday if the White House recognized Ahmadinejad as the country's legitimate president.

 

"He's the elected leader," Gibbs responded.

 

However, US President Barack Obama does not plan to congratulate Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on his inauguration after his disputed election, the White House said.

 

"I don't have any reason to believe we will send any letter," Spokesman Gibbs told reporters.

 

Iranian opposition to Ahmadinejad's re-election claimed he stole the vote, and there have been massive street demonstrations that have shaken the religious leadership of the country. Ahmadinejad reports to the religious establishment. Dozens of demonstrators were killed or wounded in the uprising.

 

Meanwhile, a spokesman for British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he will not send a congratulatory message to Ahmadinejad when he is sworn in for a second term as Iran's president, a spokesman said on Tuesday.

 

"The prime minister will not be writing to congratulate Mr. Ahmadinejad," the spokesman said. He declined to elaborate.

 

Siimilar sentiments were expressed by France and Germany. "There is no plan to send any message," an official at the Elysee Palace told Reuters.

 

Meanwhile, the wife of Iran's opposition leader Mirhossein Mousavi said he would continue to fight against result of June's presidential election, a reformist website reported on Tuesday.

 

"Despite all the hardship, we will continue our path to fight against the result (of the election)," Zahra Rahnavard was quoted as saying by the Mowjcamp website.

 


פרסום ראשון: 08.04.09, 20:00
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