France leads the way in questioning Iran Election results

The Iranian Ambassador in Paris, Seyed Mehdi Miraboutalebi, was summoned to the French Foreign Ministry today in order that he explain events in Iran and that he respond to French doubts concerning the legitimacy of the recent election results in Iran.

The message from Paris was extremely blunt and unequivocal, and the tone used was far more direct than that used by any other major Western leader up to now. “We hope that the Ambassador will bring with him some explanations on the subject of events in Iran (and) respond to doubts being expressed on the regularity of the vote” said the French Foreign Ministry during a press conference published in part by Le Figaro. “France, like its European partners, is expecting clear answers to doubts expressed about the vote” it said, adding that “Paris condemns the numerous arrests, notably of political personalities, that have taken place since Saturday. France equally condemns the brutal repression of peaceful demonstrations and the repeated attempts to muzzle the press, expression and communication.” The Iranian Embassy later issued a statement which fustigated “the hasty, irresponsible and interventionist declarations by certain French political leaders. (...) Neither France or any other country is in a position which permits it to emit the least doubt on the Iranian Presidential elections.” This incident is largely being seen here as indicating President Sarkozy’s strong intention to exert more French influence on Middle and Far East conflict flash-points and international affairs in general. An Ambassador cannot be summoned by anyone but the President in France, and the rebuke or questions put to the Ambassador concerned are invariably those that the President decides upon.