2 Jul 2009

Defeated candidate considers Iran govt illegitimate

7:06 am on 2 July 2009

A defeated presidential candidate in Iran says he considers the new government of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to be illegitimate.

Having said nothing publicly for a week, Mir Hossein Mousavi broke his silence about the situation in Iran in a statement on his website.

The BBC reports Mr Mousavi said he will not compromise regarding people's rights. He also called for the lifting of a ban on some moderate newspapers and websites.

Meanwhile, an Iranian news agency has published a letter from the Basij militia accusing Mr Mousavi of complicity in disrupting national security.

Mr Mousavi was defeated by President Ahmadinejad in the election on 12 June.

The Guardians Council election watchdog on Tuesday declared the poll results to be final following a recount of 10% of ballot boxes.