26/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament's foreign affairs committee (AFET) has strongly criticised the Iranian authorities. Jacek Saryusz-Wolski (EPP-ED, Poland), AFET Chairman, states in a declaration: “It is clear from the widespread mobilisation of civil society in Teheran and other Iranian cities that the movement refuting the official election results (Ed: elections of 12 June) has broad popular support, and we urge the Iranian authorities to allow peaceful demonstrations to be held and to respect freedom of expression so that the aspirations of the Iranian people can be addressed through peaceful means”. The committee is “appalled” to learn that Iranian security forces have threatened “a decisive and revolutionary confrontation” with opposition demonstrators if protests continue against the regime. It also pays “tribute to the courage and dignity of the Iranian people who have been keen to build on the relatively open and encouraging period in the run-up to the election but whose hopes for reform have been sorely dashed”. (A.By./transl.jl)