NICOSIA [MENL] -- Iran faces a threat of a new round of violent protests
against corruption and the nation's deteriorating economy.
Already, riots were reported in at least one Iranian city and opposition
sources said they could spread to towns close to Teheran. Authorities have
launched a campaign of arrests to prevent the violence from spreading.
In Ramharmed, rioters torched two government buildings during huge
protests demanding improved wages and services. Opposition sources and
witnesses said thousands of people participated in the demonstrations.
The unrest comes as Iran prepares for parliamentary elections on Feb.
13. The Islamic regime has conducted a crackdown on reformers aligned with
President Mohammed Khatami.
Parliament is currently dominated by conservative Islamic clerics loyal
to the regime.
On Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi is scheduled to arrive
in London for the first visit by an Iranian foreign minister to Britain
since the Islamic revolution in 1979. Kharazi will meet Prime Minister Tony
Blair, and Foreign Minister Robin Cook.
Blair is expected to raise the detention of 13 Jews arrested in Iran on
accusations of spying for Israel and the United States. Western diplomats
have said this would be a major issue in any Iranian attempt to reconcile
with European countries.
