Iran incensed by German Embassy attack

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TEHRAN, Nov. 30 (UPI) -- The Iranian envoy to Germany said there was a general lack of security in the country after the Iranian Embassy in Berlin was attacked.

The official Islamic Republic News Agency reports 20-30 protesters broke through a security fence at the Iranian Embassy in Berlin this week and enter the embassy's grounds. The embassy itself remained secure, though the Iranian flag was burned.

Iranian Ambassador to Germany Alireza Sheikh-Attar told IRNA the attack was premeditated. The German government, he said, is called to "prevent illegal activities against the diplomatic missions, because it is not only Iran. It is also a problem for the security of Germany."

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, in a letter to Berlin's mayor, criticized the police response to the attack.

"I call on you immediately to undertake all possible measures with Berlin's security authorities so similar attacks against foreign missions can be prevented," read Westerwelle's letter, which was obtained by Bloomberg News.

Embassy police reportedly called in reinforcements in response to the attack. IRNA reports that a number of people were eventually arrested by German authorities. Protesters there, reports Bloomberg, where demonstrating against Iran's "authoritarian policy."