Khamenei warns against protests

Tehran: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday demanded an end to street protests that have shaken the country since the disputed presidential election a week ago.

He defended Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as the rightful winner of the vote and denied any possibility that it had been rigged, as Ahmadinejad's opponents have alleged.

"If there is any bloodshed, leaders of the protests will be held directly responsible," Khamenei said in his first address to the nation since the upheaval began.

"The result of the election comes from the ballot box, not from the street," the white-bearded cleric told huge crowds thronging Tehran University and surrounding streets for Friday prayers.

Supporters of runner-up Mir Hussain Mousavi have called another rally for today. If they proceed in defiance of Khamenei's warning, they risk a severe response from security forces. A Mousavi aide said last night he did not call for more protests himself.

Mousavi has called for the annulment of the result, which gave him 34 per cent of the votes compared to Ahmadinejad's 63 per cent.

Khamenei said: "It is a wrong impression that by using street protests as a pressure tool, they can compel officials to accept their illegal demands. This would be the start of a dictatorship."

He dismissed charges by Mousavi supporters of fraud. "Iran's laws do not allow vote-rigging, especially at the level of 11 million," he said, referring to Ahmadinejad's victory margin.

State television showed Ahmadinejad and defeated candidate Mohsen Rezai attending Khamenei's speech. There was no sign of Mousavi or two former presidents who have backed him - reformist Mohammad Khatami and the powerful Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.

Britain on Friday told Iran's charge d'affaires in London Khamenei's comments were "unacceptable". A Foreign Office spokesman said Khamenei's comments were not based on fact.

Will the speech bring any change to the current situation? Do you think the protests are making any difference? Why?

Aga Khamenie's words are last in Iran becuase he is the supreme leader of Isalmic Republic of Iran. for sure there will be change in situation.
Kumail
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 20, 2009, 11:53

it is the start of a new period for Mr. Ahmadinejad who is the best Muslim leader in a sense that he consider his country first. He is the person who showed courage to respond America in positive
Amjad Majeed
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 20, 2009, 09:44

Rafsanjani will pull thru in this power struggle...
From A Reader
Sacramento,USA
Posted: June 20, 2009, 08:12

Mr. Khamenie's response only escalates emotions on the street and can be labelled as "Bias". History can attest that" People Power" from the Philippines, China and list goes on has proven that a united peaceful assembly calling for a change shown a positive effects results but "history will judge".
Jhel Villaruel
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 20, 2009, 06:07