Socialists in Iran for 'fact-finding'

A Socialist International delegation led by Austrian Chancellor Bruno Kreisky conferred with Iranian politicians Monday, still insisting that it was gathering information only on Iran's revolution.

In quick succession, the trio of Dr. Kreisky, Swedish oppostion leader Olof Palme, and Spanish Socialist Party chief Felipe Gonzalez met Foreign Minister Sadeq Ghotbzadeh, President Abolhassan Bani-Sadr, and former Premier Mehdi Bazargan.

The delegation, which has stressed from the start it is not trying to mediate in the six-month hostage crisis between Iran and the United States, also had a brief session with Dariush Forquhar, leader of the Iran Nation Party.

It was due to see Ayatollah Muhammad Beheshti, leader of the hardline Islamic Republic Party (IRP), and possibly to attend a meeting of the ruling Revolutionary Council before flying out Monday night after a visit of about 27 hours.

Despite speculation that their mission might be linked with moves to free the 53 American hostages held here since militant students seized the US Embassy Nov. 4, the three socialist leaders have declined to confirm that they even discussed the question.

You've read  of  free articles. Subscribe to continue.
QR Code to Socialists in Iran for 'fact-finding'
Read this article in
https://www.csmonitor.com/1980/0527/052721.html
QR Code to Subscription page
Start your subscription today
https://www.csmonitor.com/subscribe