Iran Salutes Libyans, Says Foreigners Shouldn't Meddle

Iran's Foreign Ministry congratulated Libyans while it urged them to prevent interference from foreign "oppressors" after rebels said they gained control of most of the nation's capital and western leaders declared an end to Muammar Qaddafi's 42-year rule.

"Iran congratulates the Muslim people of Libya for the latest developments that arose from their months-long resistance and stand as another symbol of the popular movements in the region," the ministry said in a statement published by the official Islamic Republic News Agency. "The popular uprising in Libya shows once more that meeting people's rightful demands and respect for their opinions are undeniable necessities."

Iranian authorities have applauded the ouster of Egypt's Hosni Mubarak and Tunisia's Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, whom they portrayed as U.S. "puppets," and expressed support for Bahrain's mostly Muslim Shiite protesters, a faith Iran shares.

Iranian officials have cracked down on domestic opposition movements formed after the 2009 disputed presidential election that led to a second term for President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Mass protests in June 2009 and a string of demonstrations in the following months left dozens dead and thousands initially jailed.

Iran, which is at loggerheads with the U.S. and its western allies partly over the Persian Gulf nation's nuclear program, cautioned Libyans to "prevent foreigners, especially yesterday's oppressors and those which have claims today, from meddling with their fate."

Source: BLOOMBERG