Obama slams Iranian government for its crackdown on opposition protestersFebruary 15, 2011 - 21:19 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. President Barack Obama slammed the Iranian government on Tuesday for its crackdown on opposition protesters, drawing a sharp contrast with the Egyptian military's more restrained handling of Egypt's upheaval. "I find it ironic that you've got the Iranian regime pretending to celebrate what happened in Egypt, when in fact they have acted in direct contrast to what happened in Egypt by gunning down and beating people who were trying to express themselves peacefully," Obama said at a White House news conference. Obama said Egypt's new military rulers, who took over last week after Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak stepped down amid mass protests, were sending the "right signals" about moving toward democracy after three decades of autocratic rule. But he had tough words for Iran's government after it broke up an opposition rally on Monday inspired by the popular uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia, and expressed Washington's solidarity with the Iranian protesters. "My hope and expectation is that we are going to continue to see the people of Iran have the courage to be able to express their yearning for greater freedom and a more representative government," Obama said. But Obama, who has led international efforts to impose sanctions on Tehran because of its nuclear program, insisted the United States "cannot ultimately dictate what happens inside of Iran." Iranian lawmakers on Tuesday called for the death penalty for opposition leaders they accused of fomenting unrest after a Monday rally in which security forces clashed with protesters. At least one person was killed and dozens were wounded, state media said. The Iranian demonstration revived mass protests that shook the country after a presidential vote in 2009. Obama had been widely criticized for not doing enough to show U.S. support for the Iranian opposition, Reuters 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 | About 32,000 rally in Yerevan to deman Pashinyan’s resignation About 31,700 people attended an opposition rally on Thursday, May 9 in Yerevan demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Armenian, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister to meet in Almaty Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov will meet in Almaty. Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. |