P.L.O. accused of role in Iranian rioting

Press, 18 August 1978, Page 6

P.L.O. accused of role in Iranian rioting

NZPA-Reuter Teheran Iran has accused Palestinian extremists of helping to foment the latest antiGovernment riots, still troubling several towns. The information Minister (Mr Dariush Homayoun) told a press conference extremists in Iran were making contact with groups belonging to the Palestine Liberation Organisation and added: “A lot of money is exchanged.” Mr Homayoun said the iP.L.O. was among groups instigating the riots. He did I not elaborate, but he said the [ agitators had considerable [arms, money, and transport [ available. I It was the first official [allegation of Palestinian encouragement for antiI Government agitators who | have launched three waves | of bloody rioting this year in

which at least 45 people have died. There were small disturbances in Teheran on Wednesday. Troops — some with bayonets fixed — patrolled the entrance to the main bazaar when shopkeepers downed shutters. Mr Homayoun said most shopkeepers had closed down for fear of reprisals, not as a protest. He confirmed there had been a minor incident in the bazaar, but denied rumours that tear gas had been used.

Troops were helping policemen tackle riots where necessary, he said. But the over-all situation was not serious, and the Government was not considering any new declarations of martial law at present.

Mr Homayoun described continuing disturbances in other towns as small-scale.

He blamed the disturbances on Leftist extremists “who use extremism and religious fanaticism to instigate people.” The instigators were an “organised group which is part of a very large conspiracy against Iran and our national security.” Mr Homayoun said the conspiracy was well-planned, and estimated the daily amount spent on antiGovernment propaganda inside and outside Iran at 10 million rials ($143,000).

The United States has turned down a request by the Shah of Iran for 31 F4G Phantom war planes equipped with an advanced anti-radar system, the State Department has announced. Instead, it had offered Iran 31 older model F4E Phantoms and 1000 Shrike missiles.