Khatami bemoans 'lack of power'

Students demand the release of jailed dissidents

Iran's reformist president, Mohammad Khatami, has said he lacks sufficient power to do his job properly and guarantee the constitution.

Speaking to several thousand people celebrating Student Day in Tehran, Mr Khatami accused his hardline opponents of trying to cling to power at any expense.

When I see the law is broken I should be able to stop it immediately - I should have [this perogative] to do my job properly

President Khatami

He called on the students, who helped bring about his victory in the 1997 presidential elections, to stand firm against those who advocated violence.

It is the second time in less than three weeks that the president has bemoaned his impotence to to stop violations of the constitution.

Mr Khatami's term as president ends next year, and the BBC's Jim Muir in Tehran says it is thought he will run again.

'Unfair' trials

Holding pictures of Mr Khatami and of jailed dissidents, the students chanted slogans demanding the release of all political prisoners.

Khatami: Cannot stop violation of constitution

Many journalists and reformist figures have been jailed or prosecuted recently as part of what many see as a campaign to silence liberal voices.

Mr Khatami told the crowd that, as president, he could not interfere in the workings of the judiciary, which was independent.

He said that it was not for the students to judge whether the accused were innocent, but those being tried should have the right to a fair trial.

"Unfortunately, some press violations have been tried without jury," he said.

"When I see the law is broken I should be able to stop it immediately and send it for investigation. But I don't have this prerogative. I should have it to do my job properly," added Mr Khatami.

Mr Khatami urged the students not to allow themselves to become disappointed and demoralised.

In turn, they said they understood the problems he was up against.