Venezuela blames U.S. for destabilizing Iran

CARACAS, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela on Wednesday blamed the United States for destabilizing Iran by instigating violent protests in the Asian country.

The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Venezuela rejects the destabilization attempts "promoted by the government of the United States against the government and people of Iran."

"Venezuela is surprised that a group of countries led by the North American Empire are echoing a campaign to divide and spread violence among Iranians, in contravention of the fundamental norms of peace, non-interference and respect for sovereignty," the foreign ministry said.

Venezuela also expressed its solidarity with Iran "for its fight for the consolidation of the Islamic Revolution."

During the annual Ashura commemoration by Shiite Muslims on Sunday, anti-government protestors clashed with security forces in Tehran. The riot led to eight deaths.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Tuesday that Sunday's anti-government protests in Tehran were plays staged by Israel and the United States.