Iran summons the Italian Ambassador to Tehran Alberto Bradanini in protest against the violent suppression of anti-G8 protesters.

Bradanini was summoned to the Iranian Foreign Ministry on Friday to hear Tehran's concerns about the "violent suppression of justice-seeking protesters by the Italian police."

A Foreign Ministry statement included Iran's "strong condemnation" of the "suppressive actions ... which are clear breaches of civil freedoms and fundamentals of democracy."

The Foreign Ministry's Director for West European Relations 'condemned the use of violence by Italian police against protesters and opponents of the Group of Eight industrialized nations (G8) summit in the city of L'Aquila, and demanded the compliance of the Italian government with its international obligations'.

Italy holds the presidency of the G8 Summit, which is being held in L'Aquila from July 8 to 10.

ZAP/HGH