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Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: BigBull who wrote (98249)	5/14/2003 10:33:06 AM
From: BigBull	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 281500

Hope for reforms in Iran fading: Khatami's brother TEHRAN, May 11 (AFP) - Hope for reform in the Islamic Republic of Iran is "dying out," the brother of President Mohammed Khatami and key reform campaigner was quoted as saying Sunday by the student news agency ISNA. ©2002 IranMania & AFP iranmania.com Photo/Behrouz Mehri Brother of embattled President Mohammad Khatami and leader of Iran's main reformist party (IIPF), Mohammad Reza Khatami. "The last glimmers of hope that existed are dying out following the recent decisions taken by the Guardians Council and the judicial authorities," said Mohammed Reza alluding to the powerful conservative-dominated bodies. The council, Iran's constitutional watchdog, rejected Friday a second bill passed by parliament aimed at boosting the authority of Khatami and enabling him to challenge as unconstitutional rulings by the Judiciary. The move was seen as yet another setback for Iran's embattled reformists, who have consistently seen their agenda blocked by conservatives. Iran's Revolutionary Court Saturday sentenced 15 members of the liberal opposition to jail terms of up to 11 years on charges of trying to overthrow the Islamic regime. "National interests are only served when the population supports the regime. Unfortunately, day after day, we see that the people are taking their distance from the regime," Mohammed Reza said. He also justified threats by reformists, who dominate the parliament, to quit the government. "In the current situation, staying in power means either keeping quiet ... or expressing (anger), which in the currently tense (regional) situation is dangerous" for the country, he added. Mohammed Reza heads the main pro-reform party in parliament, the Islamic Iran Participation Front.

To: BigBull who wrote (98249)	5/14/2003 10:37:52 AM
From: Sun Tzu	Respond to of 281500

Ah...I was wondering what he was going to say. Thanks for bringing it up. This is what I think was key in his speech: "We warn the U.S. administration against plans to create other crises in the region and in the world following the Iraqi case," In other words, don't use Iraq as a base against us. It is interesting that Hamas was not there to join the ralley. I think the negotiations are going to involve having a moderate shia government and no anti-Iran bases in Iraq in exchange for Iran's help in the peace process.