World/AP
European Union will not send a traditional note of congratulations to Iran's Ahmadinejad
Associated Press
08/06/09 8:50 AM EDT
BRUSSELS — The European Union will not send a traditional note 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.
