Posted on 08/05/2009 12:45:13 PM PDT by G8 Diplomat
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's inauguration as Iranian president for a second term was marked by opposition walkouts, demonstrations and criticism from his own conservative camp today as pressure mounted on the disputed winner of Iran's election.
Senior officials and clerics attended the ceremony at Iran's parliament but it was boycotted by many opposition leaders and moderate politicians. Those of the reform faction who did attend walked out when Ahmadinejad started speaking, according to the opposition website Parleman News. Hundreds of opposition supporters gathered outside parliament and further protests were reported to be planned for 30 locations at 7pm Iranian time (3.30pm GMT).
The opposition claims Ahmadinejad stole the vote in the 12 June presidential elections. At least 30 demonstrators were killed in uprisings that followed.
Despite recent friction between Iran and Britain, the British ambassador, Simon Gass, was there to hear Ahmadinejad renew his attacks on western countries, which Iranian officials blame for stirring up unrest after the election. "Some governments should feel responsible for the words and deeds, interferences, occupations … they need to be accountable for this," the president said.
(Excerpt) Read more at guardian.co.uk ...
One of my Iranian tweeters:
You know you are a dictator when you have to hire an army during your ignauration.
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