DATE=11/4/1999 TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT TITLE=IRAN / HOSTAGES / ANNIVERSARY (L) NUMBER=2-255823 BYLINE=SCOTT BOBB DATELINE=CAIRO CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: In Iran, the 20th anniversary of the takeover of the U-S embassy in Tehran is being marked by protests against the United States and U-S policy in the Mideast. V-O-A Middle East Correspondent Scott Bobb reports the protests followed an earlier rally in which students called for a more moderate approach to relations with the U-S government. TEXT: The students marched in front of the former U-S embassy chanting slogans against the United States and burning American flags. The scenes evoked memories of the days following the Iranian revolution. The students also listened to speakers condemn Israel and criticize U-S policies toward the Middle East. The Iranian News Agency reports they approved a nine- point resolution pledging obedience to Iran's supreme religious leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Ayatollah Khamenei Wednesday said those who support a softening of Iran's hardline position against the U-S government are naive, if not treasonous. And he rejected recent calls for dialogue by U-S diplomats as the words of an enemy trying to act like a friend. Ayatollah Khamenei's remarks came as several hundred moderates gathered at Tehran University, where they heard former leaders of the embassy takeover call for an easing of the hostile relations between the two governments. The moderates support Iranian President Mohamed Khatami, who has called for a break in the wall of mistrust and urged a dialogue between civilizations. Iran this year has mended ties with most of its neighbors in the Gulf region. President Khatami has expanded the opening beyond the region in recent months, visiting both Germany and France. The occupation of the embassy and seizure of 52 U-S hostages for 444 days led to a diplomatic rift that continues today. Although there have been academic and sports exchanges with the United States, official ties remain frozen. /// REST OPT /// U-S officials have called for a face-to-face dialogue between the two governments. However, they say the Iranian government must end its opposition to the Middle East peace process, stop supporting violent groups in the Middle East, and prove it is not building weapons of mass destruction. The Iranian government rejects these conditions. It wants the U-S government to end economic sanctions against Iran, release frozen Iranian assets in the United States, and ease opposition to a proposed petroleum pipeline across Iran from the Caspian Sea. (Signed) NEB/SB/JWH/KL 04-Nov-1999 12:48 PM EDT (04-Nov-1999 1748 UTC) NNNN Source: Voice of America .
