Secretary-General discusses situation in Iran with Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has voiced his concern regarding the situation in Iran and his dismay over the post-election violence, particularly the use of force against civilians, in his talks with Iranian human rights activist and Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi.

The two spoke by phone yesterday, according to information provided by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson.

On Monday, Mr. Ban urged an immediate end to the arrests, threats and use of force taking place in Iran amid the post-election violence that has already claimed a number of lives.

Protesters have taken to the streets following the 12 June presidential poll, which opposition candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi has said was fixed in favour of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The Secretary-General told Ms. Ebadi that he had called on the Iranian authorities to respect fundamental civil and political rights, especially the freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of information.

He has also called on the Government and the opposition to resolve peacefully their differences through dialogue and legal means, and hoped that the democratic will of the people of Iran would be fully respected.