Envoy Hails Turkey’s Stance on Iran Unrest

“Our neighbors, particularly the Turkish officials, adopted stances on the recent events (in Iran) with a proper understanding of the process of developments and a correct analysis of the situation and the main factors provoking crises in the region,” Mohammad Ebrahim Taherian told journalists in Ankara.

He also highlighted the close interaction between Tehran and Ankara, saying the presidents and foreign ministers of the two neighboring countries have held constructive talks about bilateral, regional and international issues.

In late December, peaceful protests over economic problems broke out in a number of Iranian cities, but the gatherings turned violent in some places when groups of participants, some of them armed, vandalized public property and launched attacks on police stations and government buildings.

Following the unrest, people held several demonstrations across the country to condemn the violent riots and acts of vandalism, and voice support for the Islamic Republic’s Establishment.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has stressed that people have the right to protest and voice criticism, but noted that such measures should be organized in compliance with the regulations.

A source in Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s office said he has discussed the unrest in Iran during a telephone call with Rouhani.

Erdogan told his Iranian counterpart that “he found his (Rouhani’s) comments about not violating the law while exercising their right to peaceful protests were appropriate,” the source said.