Official Iranian sources say President Khatami is to broadcast to United States citizens on New Year's Eve.

The announcement follows a statement by Mr Khatami earlier this month that he would like to start a dialogue with what he described as the great American people.

Correspondents say his move appears to be a further gesture of reconciliation with the United States.

However, at the same time, the interior minister, Abdollah Nuri, who's seen as a moderate, was summoned by parliament to explain why he permitted a student demonstration in October against the supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
 

Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage	©