Britain denies "manipulating" Iran protesters

LONDON (Reuters) - Foreign countries have played no part in supporting the violent street protests that erupted in Iran after its disputed presidential election, Britain's Foreign Secretary David Miliband said Sunday.

He dismissed earlier comments from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad calling on the United States and Britain to stop interfering in the Islamic Republic's internal affairs.

"I reject categorically the idea that the protesters in Iran are manipulated or motivated by foreign countries," he said in a statement. "The UK is categorical that it is for the Iranian people to choose their government and for the Iranian authorities to ensure the fairness of the result and the protection of their own people."

Escalating clashes, in which Iranian state TV said 10 people have died, were to be "deplored," he added.

"This can only damage Iran's standing in the eyes of the world," he said. "The blame being heaped on foreigners is no excuse."

(Reporting by Peter Griffiths; Editing by Louise Ireland)