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Iran's Supreme Leader has issued a stern warning that protests against the country's disputed presidential election results must end.

In his first public remarks after days of demonstrations, Ayatollah Khamenei said the outcome must be decided at the ballot box, not on the street.

He said political leaders would be blamed for any violence.

Demonstrators calling for a new election earlier vowed to stage fresh protests on Saturday.

Addressing thousands of people at Tehran University, the ayatollah voiced support for President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, saying his views on foreign affairs and social issues were close to his.

Responding to allegations of electoral fraud, the ayatollah insisted the Islamic Republic would not cheat.

He appealed to candidates who had doubts about the election result to pursue legal avenues.

BBC Tehran correspondent Jon Leyne says that Ayatollah Khamenei appears to have staked everything on this election result and Mr Ahmadinejad.

It all points to heavy crackdowns if the protest continue, our correspondent says.

The Guardian Council - Iran's main electoral authority - has invited Mr Ahmadinejad's main election rival Mir Hossein Mousavi and two other defeated candidates to discuss their objections tomorrow.

Source BBC