DATE=10/17/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=IRAN/U-S (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-255156
BYLINE=SCOTT BOBB
DATELINE=CAIRO
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Iranian leaders say the U-S government must
restore trust before the two governments can engage in
dialogue. The leaders were responding to remarks by
Assistant Secretary of State (for Near East Affairs)
Martin Indyk four-days ago when he called for face-to-
face talks between the two longtime rivals.
Correspondent Scott Bobb reports from our Middle East
Bureau in Cairo.
TEXT: Politicians, government officials, and the news
media have largely dismissed the call for dialogue,
saying two-decades of poor relations cannot be
reversed by mere words.
The conservative "Tehran Times" newspaper said
(Sunday) -- although the remarks give the impression
that the U-S government is eager for improved ties
with Iran, underneath the surface they indicate it is
seeking to dictate preconditions.
Two parliament members were quoted as saying U-S
support for the opposition Mojahedin Khalq contradicts
its call for improved relations. They urged
Washington to prove it was serious by deporting U-S
based opposition leaders.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said Saturday
the U-S government continues to level, what he called
-- unfounded charges Iran is building chemical and
nuclear weapons. He said relations cannot improve
until the United States changes its behavior toward
Iran.
Mr. Indyk issued the call for face-to-face talks
during a speech last Thursday. He said it was time
for the two governments to engage each other on the
basis of equality and mutual respect.
/// REST OPT ///
U-S officials say their government placed the
Mujahedin Khalq on its list of terrorist organizations
because of assassination attempts against Iranian
officials. They say they also have placed
restrictions on an affiliated lobby group based in the
United States, "The National Council of Resistance".
Critics say these moves are aimed at placating the
Iranian leadership, currently in a power struggle
between moderate and conservative religious leaders.
Twenty-eight U-S senators have criticized the U-S
State Department for designating the Mujahedin Khalq
as a terrorist organization. They have urged the
Clinton administration to take a tougher stance on
Iran, saying despite the election of a moderate
president two-years ago, there has been no real
evidence of change in Iranian policies. (SIGNED)
NEB/SB/ALW/RAE
17-Oct-1999 11:58 AM EDT (17-Oct-1999 1558 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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