EU shuns Ahmadinejad re-election

[August 06, 2009]  BRUSSELS (AP) -- The European Union will not send a traditional not of congratulations to Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on being sworn in to a second presidential term.

EU spokesman Amadeu Altafaj Tardio says the EU "has not sent a congratulatory message and does not intend to do so." He gave no further comment Thursday.

The EU move is seen as showing a cold shoulder by the 27-nation bloc to Ahmadinejad over the crackdown against protesters and opposition groups who claim his re-election in June was rigged.

Ahmadinejad was sworn in Wednesday during a ceremony in Tehran despite continuing claims of massive voting fraud.

The EU traditionally sends such notes to newly elected leaders around the world as a courtesy.

[Associated Press]

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