Foreign Secretary responds to Foreign Minister Mottaki's remarks (June 22, 2009)
Foreign Secretary David Miliband responded in a statement 21 June 2009 to Iran's Foreign Minister Mottaki's remarks.
He said: 'We continue to follow events in Iran closely. The reports of ten further deaths of demonstrators will raise the level of concern among Iranians and around the world. Foreign Minister Mottaki's attempt in remarks to diplomats in Tehran this morning to turn the dispute among Iranians about the election results into a battle between Iran and other countries - the UK in particular - is without foundation. .
I reject categorically the idea that the protesters in Iran are manipulated or motivated by foreign countries. The UK is categorical that it is for the Iranian people to choose their government, and for the Iranian authorities to ensure the fairness of the result and the protection of their own people. I therefore deplore the continuing violence against those seeking to exercise their right of expression. This can only damage Iran's standing in the eyes of the world. The blame being heaped on foreigners is no excuse.'
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