15/02/2011 (Agence Europe) - Ashton: respect the citizens' right to demonstrate! Catherine Ashton has asked the Iranian authorities to respect the right of the citizens to demonstrate and to remove restrictions in place against the opposition. The high representative for foreign affairs is following events in Iran closely, “notably the apparent restrictions placed on the freedom of movement of certain members of the opposition and protests taking place on the streets today”, and calls on Tehran to protect the rights of their citizens, including freedom of expression and the right to assemble peacefully, said Ashton's spokesperson. She also calls on the Iranian authorities to refrain from using force against peaceful demonstrators. (H.B./transl.fl)