Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, Dr Hamidreza Assefi, on Tuesday termed as 'ridiculous and baseless' the allegations made against the Iranian president-elect, Dr Mahmood Ahmadi Nejad, based on his involvement in assassination of an Iranian Kurd leader in Vienna in 1989.

Interviewed by Agence France Press, Dr Assefi said: These allegations are ridiculous and baseless; and for this same reason we have summoned the Austrian ambassador to Tehran, to foreign ministry. Pointing to the recent presidential election in Iran, Dr Assefi said: We categorically condemn these allegations which constitutes part of the scenario masterminded by the Zionist circles displeased with the massive turnout of Iranian people in the election.

He further said: It is better that the Austrian authorities, concentrate on the good relations existing between Iran and Austria, instead of assisting those who want to damage the ties between the two countries. In the context of international norms, it is not fair that one level unjust accusations against someone else and involve the judicial authorities in the issue.