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TEHRAN — Reformist ex-president Mohammad Khatami and opposition candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi on Friday condemned the "security climate" and continued arrests in Iran, an opposition website reported.

The two men at a meeting "expressed concern over the continuation of the present situation, especially the continued arrests and curbs on liberties," said Parlamannews.

Khatami and Mousavi stressed "the need to return to the constitution ... and to come out of the security climate so that the media and newspapers can do their work."

"Society has found its way to reach justice, freedom, independence and greatness, and it will not deviate under pressure and force."

The opposition called for a re-run of Iran's June 12 presidential election charging that the poll was massively rigged to keep hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in power.

Khatami had endorsed Mousavi for the poll, which bitterly divided Iran's political elite and triggered mass street protests in which dozens of people were killed and thousands arrested.

About 140 people are facing trial for taking part in the protest movement.