Clinton slams Iran for ‘hypocrisy’February 15, 2011 - 11:08 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that Tehran's crackdown on demonstrators, after it had praised the popular uprising in Egypt, shows the "hypocrisy" of the Iranian government. Emerging after a budget discussion with the new House leader, Clinton said the United States "clearly and directly" supports the aspirations of the protesters in Iran, who were violently dispersed on Feb 14 by security forces in Tehran. She said the United States stood for political change in Egypt and wants the same for Iran. Clinton stressed the irony of the Iranian government’s crackdown at home, while paying lip service to the rights of protestors elsewhere. "What we see happening in Iran today is a testament to the courage of the Iranian people and an indictment of the hypocrisy of the Iranian regime - a regime, which over the last three weeks has constantly hailed what went on in Egypt. And now, when given the opportunity to afford their people the same rights as they called for on behalf of the Egyptian people, [Iran's leaders] once again illustrate their true nature," she said. State Department Spokesman P.J. Crowley later expressed deep concern about reported casualties in the Tehran crackdown and said Clinton’s critical depiction of the Iranian government response was "well earned." "Security forces are arresting, beating and using tear gas against protesters as well as blocking them from using public transportation, cell phones and other means of communication. Iran reportedly continues to jam news coverage in the country. Both major opposition leaders remain under house arrest, and this is in conjunction with a wave of other arrests of opposition figures," he said, VOA News reported. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |