STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

I am very disappointed in the recently disputed parliamentary elections in Iran. The disqualification of some 2,400 candidates by the unelected Guardian Council deprived many Iranians of the opportunity to freely choose their representatives. I join many in Iran and around the world in condemning
harshest language available in diplomat-speak
the Iranian regime’s efforts to stifle freedom of speech -- including the closing of two leading reformist newspapers -- in the run-up to the election. Such measures undermine the rule of law and are clear attempts to deny the Iranian people’s desire to freely choose their leaders.
It’s the people v. the Mullahs. No question whose corner GWB is in. This is as close to a call for the people to rise up as I’ve heard, esp. from the highest levels. Does GWB know of something brewing over there beyond what we hear in the press?

The United States supports the Iranian people’s aspirations to live in freedom, enjoy their God-given rights, and determine their own destiny. ###