Senators Seek Assurances on Jews and Other Minorities in Iran

Nine Senators disclosed yesterday they have asked Iranian Prime Minister Mehai Bazargan for assurances on the treatment of Jews and other minorities in Iran. In a letter to him, the Senators said they “recognize and appreciate the efforts your government has made here in Washington” to meet with representatives of the American Jewish community “to discuss the future of that religious minority in Iran.”

The Senators said that while statements by Ayatollah Khomeini before he returned to Iran from his exile in France provide “us with a most important source of assurance on this matter,” the Senators sought reaffirmation of that position.

“We would welcome any comment or message of reassurance concerning your government’s policy this area since it would address fundamental and genuine concern felt by those we represent,” they wrote. The letter said the Senators were pleased by actions of Iranian representatives in Washington and statements by the Ayatollah related to religious freedom but some concerns still remain.

“The communities of Bahais, Zoroastrians, Jews and Christians appear particularly vulnerable to mistreatment by some groups claiming to act with the authority of your government,” the Senators stated. “We remain aware of, and must communicate to you, the concerns expressed to us about the potential for harassment of these religious groups” and the concern here over how the Iranian upheaval would affect members of religious minorities in Iran.

Sen. Donald Stewart (D. Ale.) originated the letter which was signed by Senators Jacob Javits (R. NY), Birch Bayh (D. Ind. ), Howard Metzenbaum (D. Ohio), Abraham Ribicoff (D. Conn. ), Richard Stone (D. Fla.), Robert Dole (R. Kans.), George McGovern (D. SD), and Carl Levin (D. Mich.)