LETTERS: IRAN STILL SUPPRESSES BAHA'IS

To the editor:

An article in the Southeast Missourian Feb. 1 quoted Iran's foreign minister Kamal Kharrazi -- at an international gathering of political and business leaders in Switzerland -- citing the need for "positive deeds" on the part of the United States before normal relations with Iran can be established.

Kharrazi's remarks seemed to be in direct response to a CNN interview with President Mohammad Khatami, wherein he expressed the hope for better cultural ties between the U.S. and Iran and declared "religiosity, liberty and justice" to be the aspirations of the Islamic revolution today. The article also stated that a major obstacle to establishing such relations is the U.S. accusation that Iran sponsors international terrorism.

Lest we forget, Iran also suppresses human rights of religious and ethnic minorities within its own borders, especially members of the Baha'i faith. (In America, more than 130,000 Baha'is reside in more than 7,000 cities and towns and represent all races, cultures and ethnic origins. Some 10,000 Iranian Baha'is have taken refuge here since 1979.)

Although it originated in Iran more than 150 years ago, the Baha'i faith is not recognized as a legitimate religion in its country of origin. The community of approximately 300,000 is not permitted to elect its leaders, organize schools or hold public meetings. Since the 1979 revolution, more than 200 Baha'is have been executed solely on account of their religion.

While violent actions against individual Baha'is have been markedly reduced since the late 1980s, they continue to be harassed and imprisoned for their religious beliefs. Since President Khatami took office last summer, there has been no discernible lessening of Baha'i persecution. Community property seized after the revolution has not been returned. Baha'is continue to be denied jobs and pensions and are barred from enrollment in universities.

There can be no doubt whatsoever that these measures reflect Iranian government policy, because the U.N. Human Rights Commission has published a secret Iranian government document which specifies them.

JOANN M. TAYLOR, Secretary

Baha'is of Cape Girardeau