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- Dec 29, 2008
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Germany's foreign minister on Wednesday urged countries to vote against Iran when it seeks a seat later this year on the United Nations' Human Rights Council.
Guido Westerwelle said having Iran in the 47-nation body would be an affront to human rights.
Westerwelle told the council Wednesday that Iran was undeserving because it has violated many of its citizens' human rights, including during a post-election crackdown on protesters last year.
Iran is expected to run for a seat when countries vote for new members in May.
Iran was heavily criticized last month at the council's first review of how it upholds human rights.
Meanwhile, a group of German nuclear scientists protested growing human rights abuses in Iran on Wednesday.
A total of 177 scientists - mostly nuclear physicists - signed a petition to be presented to the German government later this week.
They demanded Germany condemn torture, show trials and rape in Iran, and called for pressure to be increased on the country to end such practices.
The petition also called for the immediate release of prisoners of conscience, and insisted on press freedom and free elections.
Germany urges UN: Vote against Iran for Human Rights seat - Haaretz - Israel News