DATE=10/05/00
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-267519
TITLE=IRAN / DEMONSTRATION (L)
BYLINE=SCOTT BOBB
DATELINE=TEHRAN
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Thousands of people have demonstrated in central Tehran to protest the violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories, in which about 70 people, mostly Palestinians, have died. Correspondent Scott Bobb reports from the Iranian capital that condemnation by the country has been among the strongest in the region.
TEXT: /// SOUND OF CHANTING, FIREWORKS ///
The protesters burned flags and chanted slogans against Israel and the United States, after marching to Palestine Square in downtown Tehran.
The speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mehdi Karrubi, condemned the Israeli government, which he blamed for the violence.
/// KARRUBI ACT IN FARSI, ESTABLISH AND FADE ///
The Iranian leader said the only solution to the Palestinian problem is holy struggle.
Iranian President Mohammed Khatami Wednesday called an emergency meeting of foreign ministers of the Islamic Conference to forge a common response to the crisis.
The Iranian president earlier said the Muslim world must firmly support the Palestinians' right to self-rule and the return of Jerusalem.
Iran's supreme religious leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made a similar call after meeting a delegation from Hamas, the Palestinian group that opposes the peace accord between Israel and the Palestinian authority.
Ayatollah Khamenei pledged continued Iranian support for the Palestinian resistance.
The latest developments come on the seventh day of the clashes, which began when former Israeli defense Ariel Sharon visited the Temple Mount, which is claimed by both sides.
The violence nevertheless has subsided somewhat following meetings between Palestinian and Israeli leaders. (Signed)
NEB/SB/KL/FC
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