Washington: The US has condemned Iran`s moves
to block its website, launched to provide virtual embassy
services to Iranians, terming it another attempt to build
"censorship" around people.
The `Virtual Embassy Tehran`, was launched by the US as
part of American efforts to directly reach out to the people
of Iran, but within 24 hours of its launch, Iran blocked the
website, accusing it of "meddling" in the internal affairs of
the country.
"We condemn the Iranian government`s efforts to deny their
people the freedom to access America`s recently launched
Virtual Embassy Tehran," White House Press Secretary Jay
Carney told reporters in a statement.
The Iranian government should explain to its own people
why it fears their ability to access the information that they
Choose, he demanded.
"Through this action, the Iranian government has once
again demonstrated its commitment to build an electronic
curtain of surveillance and censorship around its people," he
said.
The Iranian government`s systematic efforts to deny
information to its citizens is doomed to fail at a time when
technology is empowering citizens around the globe, he added.
"The United States remains steadfast in our commitment to
a dialogue with the Iranian people based upon mutual
interests, mutual respect, and admiration for a great and
ancient civilisation," Carney said.
PTI
