U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has marked the first anniversary of Iran's disputed presidential election and the deadly unrest it triggered by calling on Iranian authorities to meet their international obligations and release all political prisoners, as well as three American hikers who have been held in Iran for almost a year without being charged.
In a written statement, Clinton said the Iranian regime continues to deny its citizens their fundamental constitutional rights.
One year after the disputed June 12, 2009, election that returned President Mahmud Ahmadinejad to office, Clinton said many Iranian political prisoners continue to suffer in jail, some facing death sentences for expressing their opinions.
She added that other civil society activists in Iran are not in prison, but face other forms of persecution.
Clinton reaffirmed Washington's commitment "to engage with Iran on all issues in pursuit of a negotiated diplomatic resolution, on the basis of mutual respect and mutual interests."
But she said the U.S. will continue to speak out in defense of basic human liberties and in support of those around the world who seek to exercise their universal rights.
compiled from agency reports
