Tens of thousands of Iranians took to the streets of Tehran on Friday, condemning U.S. President Bush for criticizing their government with calls of "Death to America" and "Death to Bush."
State-run radio and television have called on people to demonstrate against the United States and rally behind their government following Bush's statement last week in which he denounced Iran's "uncompromising, destructive policies" and expressed American support for the reform movement.
Many of them families, the demonstrators marched under a scorching sun in front of downtown Tehran University. They chanted and burned the effigies of Uncle Sam and the U.S. president, AP reported.
"America cannot do a damn thing against Iran," read one of the banners. "The great Satan is not able to harm Iranians," read another, in reference to the United States.
Among those taking part in the protest were former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, head of the Expediency Council, Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref and the head of the judiciary, Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi.
"As Iran's people move towards a future defined by greater freedom, they will have no better friend than the United States of America," Bush said on last Friday. He also called for removal of existing obstacles hindering reforms
in Iran. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
