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
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