Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=7/9/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=IRAN / DEMOS (L-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-305258

BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE

DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Amid reports that hundreds of Iranian pro-democracy protesters clashed with Islamic vigilantes and police in Tehran, hundreds gathered here in Washington in a show of support for democratic change in Iran. The demonstrations in both capitals were called to mark the fourth anniversary of violent student protests in Tehran. Correspondent Deborah Tate reports from Capitol Hill.

TEXT: A sea of red, white and green Iranian flags waved over the front lawn of the U-S Capitol, as the message of pro-democracy demonstrators was heard loud and clear:

/// PROTESTERS ACTUALITY ///

Lead protester: Down with the Islamic Republic of Iran!

Crowd: Down with the Islamic Republic of Iran!

Lead protester: We support democracy for Iran!

Crowd: We support democracy for Iran!

Lead protester: We support freedom in Iran!

Crowd: We support freedom in Iran!

/// END ACT ///

Among the lawmakers who addressed the rally was Senator Sam Brownback, a Kansas Republican, and sponsor of legislation aimed at boosting support for pro-democracy advocates in Iran.

Senator Brownback said democratic change will have to come from the Iranian people, not their leaders, who he said have not made good on promises of reform:

/// BROWNBACK ACTUALITY ///

We are here today to stand in solidarity with the Iranian people who are resisting an oppressive regime.

/// END ACT ///

Senator Brownback noted that pro-democracy demonstrations in Iran have grown in recent years. In a note of encouragement, he said such protests will eventually lead to real change, perhaps as early as next year.

/// BROWNBACK ACTUALITY ///

Stay strong, and know that America supports you, and we will be there to help you rebuild your beautiful land, hopefully next July, hopefully next July, as America celebrates its Independence Day, we can rejoice with you in celebrating your independence! (crowd cheers)

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Brownback's so-called "Iran Democracy Act" would, among other things, expand U-S-funded radio and television broadcasts to Iran and call for an internationally-monitored referendum to allow the Iranian people to peacefully change their system of government. (signed)

NEB/DAT/RH/FC