News

Iranian cleric and opposition leader Mehdi Karrubi has reportedly said in an interview with the German weekly "Der Spiegel" (to be published on April 26) that the opposition will launch fresh street demonstrations on June 12, the anniversary of last year's disputed presidential vote. Karrubi says that he has called on authorities to grant official permission for a rally. But it is highly unlikely that Iranian leaders would grant such a permit to the opposition that they have tried to silence with the use of force.

Karrubi and opposition leader Mir Hossein Musavi have asked for permission to demonstrate in the past, but never successfully.

Karrubi says that although calm has been restored in Iran's streets, a sense of deep disappointment remains. "Society is awaiting a spark," he is quoted as saying.

The Iranian cleric adds that the Green opposition movement will continue its efforts and its campaign aimed "at observing the constitution in which freedom of expression and democracy has been clarified."