New statement on Jewish spy suspects reveals split in regime
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.
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