DATE=10/04/00
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=IRAN / MIDEAST (L)
NUMBER=2-267456
BYLINE=SCOTT BOBB
DATELINE=TEHRAN
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Iran's President Mohammed Khattami is calling an emergency foreign ministers' meeting of the Organization of Islamic Conference. Correspondent Scott Bobb reports from Tehran that the call is in response to the violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories.
TEXT: President Khattami issued the call in his capacity as chairman of the Islamic Conference. He said the foreign ministers are to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East and draft a program of action aimed at countering what was called - the latest aggression by the Zionist regime, Iran's term for Israel.
Earlier this week, President Khattami condemned the killing of Palestinian civilians and said the Muslim world must firmly support the Palestinian's right to self-rule and the return of Jerusalem.
The violence broke out after former Israeli defense minister Ariel Sharon visited the Temple Mount, which is claimed by both Israel and the Palestinians. Fighting subsequently spread to the West Bank, Gaza, and several towns in Israel.
Iran does not support the Middle East peace process and has criticized Palestinian negotiators for compromises made so far.
Iran's supreme religious leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei met Sunday with a delegation from the Palestinian opposition group, Hammas. He told them the final solution to the plight of the Palestinian people lies in what he called - a full-fledged jihad - a holy struggle.
Iranian news media across the board have angrily condemned the violence. They call it a massacre and a disgrace, and blame it on the Israeli government.
Authorities here have called for a large demonstration Thursday in Tehran to protest the clashes. (SIGNED)
NEB/SB/GE/RAE
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