Iran Diplomat Expects More To Quit In Protest

A former Iranian diplomat who resigned in protest over the government's crackdown on pro-reform demonstrators in December has told Radio Farda he expects other diplomats to do the same.

Mohammed Reza Heydari resigned his post as consul at the Iranian Embassy in the Norwegian capital, Oslo, earlier this month.

Heydari said he wanted to show the Iranian people and Green Movement that he was on their side.

"As I have said repeatedly, the main reason for my decision was to announce to the Iranian people and those who are with the Green Movement that I am on their side, and that I want to help them with my action. And also, to denounce the killings and the crackdown on my fellow citizens by agents inside the country. The whole world is saddened by [what is happening]," Heydari told Radio Farda.

Heydari said he had not yet decided whether to apply for political asylum in Norway, but that he did fear for his life.

Iran's Foreign Ministry dismissed Heydari's resignation announcement, saying his posting had ended.

December's unrest left at least eight demonstrators dead.

Over 40 reformists, including four advisers to opposition leader Mirhossein Mousavi, have been arrested.