Iran's FM blames Britain for disturbances

Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki says British efforts to disrupt calm in Iran are futile attempts of a "frightened" enemy.

"Enemies are afraid of the anti-oppression movement Iran has started in the world. So, they are constantly scheming to stop it from spreading in the Muslim world and elsewhere," Mottaki said in Iran's northeastern Province of Gorgan on Friday.

"Vain enemy support for these scattered incidents that have recently occurred in the country on an insignificant scale, will lead to nothing," he added.

He then made a direct reference to the UK and said that Britain was famous for her role in Fitnas (anarchist movements) targeting other countries.

He said, however, that British schemes would not bear fruit, as they are not based on a correct understanding of the Iranian people.

"The enemies defended the former Shah during his reign, but the people prevailed. Their support for Saddam's regime also ended with the victory of the people," he said, implying that the British can not learn from their past mistakes.

The Iranian foreign minister was referring to clashes that broke out between security forces and anti-government protesters in Tehran on Sunday during the Shia Muslim ceremonies of Ashura.

According to police reports, Sunday's disturbances left seven people dead and led to the arrest of a number of others.

In reaction to Sunday's events, British Foreign Secretary David Miliband hailed what he called the “great courage” of those who took part in the illegal protests.

In response to the desecration of Ashura during Sunday riots, millions of Iranians across the country took to the streets in a show of strength and unity against anti-government protesters on Wednesday.

Source: PressTV.
Link: http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=115168§ionid=351020101.