Iran blames foreign countries for protester deaths

AP: The Iranian foreign minister is blaming foreign countries for the deaths of opposition supporters in Iran's post-election turmoil.

The Associated Press

By NASSER KARIMI

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — The Iranian foreign minister is blaming foreign countries for the deaths of opposition supporters in Iran's post-election turmoil.

Hundreds of thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets since the June 12 presidential election, claiming the vote was fraudulent.

Authorities say some 20 protesters have died in the government crackdown on the protesters, although rights groups say the number is probably far higher.

Manouchehr Mottaki says Western "interventionist countries are accomplices in all the committed crimes and murders."

He didn't explain how they were implicated, but singled out Britain and said its meddling into Iranian affairs was the "worst."

Mottaki's speech before Friday prayers was broadcast by state radio.