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David Miliband: “It is for the Iranian people to decide on their government”

David Miliband on his Foreign Office blog addresses why the government shouldn’t take sides in Iran’s election protests:

“People ask whether or not we are doing enough to back Mousavi supporters. Fair question – Senator John Kerry also addressed this issue in a typically eloquent piece today. The fact is that those on the streets have not asked for us to be their spokesmen. We need to stand for our deeply held commitment that it is for the Iranian people to decide on their government, and we will continue to call for peaceful respect for media and protestors. The fact is that many Iranians have severe doubts about the outcome announced on Friday. They deserve to have their doubts addressed.

These are fine lines but we know the cost of crossing them. The memory of foreign intervention throughout their history is deep within all Iranians. A proud people wants to decide its own future. We should defend that.”

Read the full article.

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