Iran's foreign ministry has reacted angrily to UN criticism of the country's execution of 20 Kurdish militants earlier this month.

A report on Iran's state TV website quotes foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi as accusing the West of meddling in internal Iranian affairs.

Mr Ghasemi said: "While Iran is itself victim of terrorism, it will do its best to maintain the safety of its citizens."

His comments follow a statement from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, which criticised Iran for the executions.

Mr Ghasemi said the judiciary had found the 20 men guilty of several charges, including attempting to establish a militant group, making explosives and planting bombs in Iranian cities.

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