The World Tribune


New statement on Jewish spy suspects reveals split in regime

Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE

Tuesday, December 28, 1999

NICOSIA [MENL] -- A leading Iranian official, reflecting the debate over their fate, said 13 Jews charged with espionage for Israel and the United States will be prosecuted.

It was the first assertion in months by Iran that the 13 Jews would be tried. Earlier, Iranian officials had raised the prospect that at least some of the suspects would be freed.

Habibolah Asgarowladi, secretary general of the Islamic Coalition Association said the Jews should receive a fair trial under Iranian law. "The government should not bow to the pressures being exerted by the European Union and the United States to release the 13 [alleged] Israeli spies," Asgarowladi told the group on Sunday. "Since they are Iranian nationals, the government must tell them [the West] to stop meddling in our affairs."

Diplomatic sources said the statement reflects continued debate within the Islamic regime regarding the fate of the Jews. They said the debate is largely within the conservative ruling clergy loyal to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The 13 Jews, including rabbis and Hebrew teachers, were arrested with eight other Iranians in the southern city of Shiraz between March and April and charged with espionage for Israel and the United States.

Earlier, Iranian President Mohammad Khatami pledged that the 13 Jews would receive a "just and fair" trial.

On another issue, Asgarowladi criticized the Arab-Israeli peace talks. "The Israelis are following up vicious objectives in their talks with the Syrians," he said. "The [promise of] withdrawal from the Golan Heights may be only a trick to force the other party to recognize the aggression and oppression of the Zionists. [Syria] must be vigilant not to be deceived by the usurper Israelis."

The statement was the clearest reaction to the resumption of Israeli-Syrian negotiations. Iran has largely been silent over the talks but diplomatic sources and one leading Iranian newspaper said the regime is divided over how to react.

Western intelligence sources said the ruling clergy in Teheran has been upset over the talks. Israeli intelligence sources said Teheran will likely try to torpedo the talks by encouraging Hizbullah to attack Israeli targets abroad.

Tuesday, December 28, 1999


Contact World Tribune.com at world@worldtribune.com

Return toWorld Tribune.com front page
Your window on the world