A dispactch from behind the "Axis of Evil". The "major" media, even the "liberal" press, probably won't go near this story. After all, some of the signs read: "Death to America." Not too good for PR.

Thousands rally in Iran against occupation of Iraq

20 May 2004

TEHRAN: Tens of thousands of Iranians took part in a state-sponsored rally yesterday to demand US-led forces leave Iraq.

Shi'ite Muslim Iran has voiced growing opposition to the occupation of its western neighbour in recent days with senior government and religious figures incensed by the presence of US military forces in the holy cities of Najaf and Kerbala.

Chanting "Death to America! Death to Britain!", the crowd burned the US flag at Tehran's central Enqelab square.

"We will not tolerate the occupation of Shi'ite Iraqi holy sites," said an angry protester who was burning an Uncle Sam effigy.

The demonstration was organised by a state body which plans and arranges most major rallies in the Islamic Republic. Many of those present were government employees or members of various security organisations such as the Revolutionary Guards.

State radio said similar demonstrations were held in the cities of Isfahan, Qom and Mashhad.

As the main rally began to wind down, several hundred demonstrators gathered outside the British embassy in Tehran, chanting slogans calling for it to be closed, witnesses said.

The embassy, which was well-guarded by police, typically bears the brunt of Iranian anger against US foreign policies due to the absence of a US embassy in Iran. Washington severed diplomatic ties with Iran in 1980.

On Sunday, about 200 student demonstrators briefly clashed with police and pelted stones at the embassy building. Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called for US forces to leave Iraq and has condemned US forces for their actions in Shi'ite holy cities.