The Tudeh (Communist) Party of Iran has declared its full support for the call by the Ayatullah Khomeini for the formation of Islamic revolu- tionary councils throughout the country. The declaration, came amidst swift-moving events in Iran, given impetus by the return from Paris of the long exiled Shi’ite Muslim leader and his defiant appointment . of a provisional government headed by oil engineer Mehdi Bazargan. The appointment of Bazargan, coupled with the imminent resigna- tion Of Shah-appointed prime minister Shapour Bakhtiar, brought Iran a major step closer to the establishment of an Islamic republic for which millions have thundered their support in mass demonstra- tions across the country. i i j sio mation of Islamic councils, the a eccive popwer sepnort: Tudeh Party which, despite its il- legality has maintained its strength among the country’s oil and steel alliance with the traitorous army generals, manage to hatch a new workers, stated: “If the im- Z nos perialists, anti-national and anti- plo assinse Meson le Achat will democratic forces in Iran, in be only the armed masses of the people who will be able to thwart it. “Tt is, therefore, with this con- sideration in mind that the Tudeh Party of Iran declares its full sup- port for the formation of the Islamic revolutionary councils in- itiated by Ayatullah Khomeini.’’ - The party stated that the councils should act to ‘‘form a constituent assembly and draw up a new con- stitution.”’ The declaration noted that the Tudeh Party had found the political program of Ayatullah Khomeini, For International Women’s Day and Year of the Child with particularly as outlined in recent weeks, in accordance with the posi- GEORGE HEWISON, tion it itself had adopted. OTHERS “It listed eight recent statements by the Ayatullah — referring to his aim of establishing a ‘‘free and in- MARCH 2 at 8 p.m. UKRANIAN HALL dependent Islamic republic’’ that: 805 East Pender would be ‘‘neutral and non-aligned’’ — and said the Tudeh L_— MEET THE ARIS VELOUHIOTIS CLUB , FOR AN EVENING OF GREEK * ENTERTAINMENT AND FOOD * FEBRUARY 24; poe 6:30 PM, Ukrainian Hall, 805 East Ponder St., Van. THE ‘COMPLETE / TRAVEL SERVICE / | We wl professionally look after all your travel needs. We specialize in tickets, tours, passports, permits and reservations. Call us today — for prompt personalized service. GLOBE TOURS 2679 E. Hastings St., - Vancouver, B.C. 253-1221 Party would support any govern- ment embarking on a program to realize these objectives. The main Shi’ite Muslim leader in Tehran, Ayatullah Mahmud Taleghani said in an interview with foreign reporters last week that “‘we are united in common struggle”’ with the Iranian Communists, the members of the Tudeh Party. Taleghani said in the February 7 interview that the Iranian Com- munists “‘gave their lives as martyrs in the struggle against the Shah’s despotic regime. “They were tortured by SAVAK (the Shah’s hated secret police) and suffered long imprisonment. “This is why there is no doubt that despite ideological differences, we are united in common struggle. And since an Islamic government would be based on the principles of freedom and justice, the Com- munists can also be free both in the expression of ideas and organiza- tionally,’’ he said. Taleghani’s statement was seen as particularly significant, not only because of his position as the. leading Shi’ite spokesman inside the country, but also because of his im- mense personal following. Together with prime minister-designate Bazargan, he had been among the leaders of the National Resistance Movement which was established in the early 1960’s and later merged with the National Front, to become the focus of political opposition to the Shah’s regime. The religious leader’s declara- tion, which echoed similar views ex- pressed by Ayatullah Khomeini before his departure from Paris, reflected the breadth of the political opposition and the powerful move- ment for change that has developed inside the Shi’ite Muslim communi- ty. : In a wide-ranging interview with Le Monde last month, Khomeini Outlined his view of a new Iran which would be governed by Islamic law but which would give freedom to all ‘‘to live their daily lives.’’ Khomeini touched on issues in in- ternational relations pointing out that the U.S. ‘“‘wants to keep all countries under its thumb. But we ‘cannot tolerate such domination and our people are fed up with it,”’ he said. Questioned about the Soviet Union and its support for the peo- NORMAN BETHUNE MARXIST FORUM “State of the B.C. Economy” with Dave Fairey Trade Union Economist SUNDAY, FEB. 18, 8 p.m. Britannia Library 1661 Napier St., Vancouver ple’s movement in Iran, Khomeini stressed: “‘The Soviet Union is one of the countries which has come to understand the Iranian people’s situation and has acted accordingly. We shall have . friendly relations with it and with all other countries so long as they don’t try-to interfere in our affairs.”’ In the same interview, Khomeini warned of the continuing threat of a military coup, a danger which became more apparent earlier this month with the sudden, ominous SHI'ITE LEADER TELEGHANI . “united in common struggle with Communists”. arrival in Tehran of U.S. Air Force general Robert Huyser, the com- mander of the U.S. Troops in Europe and second only to general Alexander Haig in the NATO com- mand. However, his departure February 6 and the reduced participation of the Iranian military in political events suggested, at least for the moment, that the strength of the popular movement had thwarted any plans for any military coup aimed at restoring the Shah. Disaffection in the army, many of whose members have not receiv- ed wages for some time, has also presented difficulties for the sup- porters of the Shah both inside the country and abroad. In Tehran last week, Bazargan “New Perspectives for Organized Labor” with Jack Phillips labor secretary, Communist Party SUNDAY, FEB. 25, 8 p.m. Britannia Library All forums sponsored by Greater Vancouver Region, Communist Party. Each forum includes discussion period. Admission by donation. SURREY BETHUNE FORUMS “New Perspectives for Organized Labor” with Jack Phillips SUNDAY, FEB. 18 — 7:30 p.m. Room 406 — Douglas College 9260 - 140th St., Surre : “Economic Growth of Socialist World” with Dr. Emil Bjarnason SUNDAY, FEB. 25 — 7:30 p.m. Room 406 — Douglas College Sponsored by the South Fraser Reg / C’tee, C ist Party. Admissi | Support for Mehdi swells across Iran told a rally of 150,000 at the city’s university: ‘‘The Shah’s departure was only the beginning. Today is the start of phase two of the revolu- tion.”’ Bazargan outlined the program of the provisional government which, he stated, consists of six points: e@ Transfer of power from the Bakhtiar regime to the provisional government; e@ A_ popular Iran’s state system; @ Reorganization of the power structure in Iran; e@Elections for a assembly; @ The drafting of a new con- stitution; @ Formation of a new govern- ment. Reports at Tribune press time in- dicated that the withdrawal of military support from prime minister Bakhtiar had compelled him to submit his resignation, thus paving the way for the assumption of government by Bazargan. General Abbas Quarbaghi, the Iranian chief of staff had warned Iranian armed forces not ‘“‘to in- terfere in politics,’’ although Bazargan had earlier warned that when the anti-Shah movement had “‘asked the generals to cooperate, they said they would not.’’ ’ In urging the army to confine itself to its mission of defending Iran’s frontiers, Bazargan said, “The army should be together with the Rone and not with a dictator- CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING COMING EVENTS KOBZAR DANCERS Feb. 17 — St. Valentine’s Day Dance Marathon, Saturday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., 805 E. Pen- der St. Admission $2.50. Snacks and refreshments. Come and dance or sponsor a dancer. Pro- ceeds to the Kobzar Dancers’ trip to the Ukraine. Feb. 22 — ‘‘B.C.° Labor-Which Way?’’ hear Dave Werlin long- time trade unionist, Thursday, Feb. 22 at 8 p.m., Trout Lake referendum on constituent Community Centre, 3350 Vic- toria Dr. Spons. by Kingsway Club, CPC. Feb. 23 — Welcome home party for George Gidora Jr., Friday, Feb. 23 at 8 p.m., 12715-66th Ave., Surrey (for directions 594-0539). Admission $2.50, or $3.50 which includes new sub to New Hori- zons. Proceeds to the NH fund drive. Mar. 3 — Veterans of the Mac- kenzie Papineau Battalion 42nd Anniversary Social and Dance, March 3 at 6:30 p.m., Russian Peoples Home, 600 Campbell Ave. $6 admission. Smorgas- bord, music, dancing-9 p.m. BUSINESS PERSONA MOVING? CLEANUP?—Wanted articles for resale. All proceeds to P.T. Phone 526-5226. ‘‘The Goodie Bin’’. ROOF REPAIRS — Reasonable 254-5836 and 277-3352. HALLS FOR RENT “WEBSTER’S CORNERS HALL — Available for banquets, meetings, etc. For rates: Ozzie,. 325-4171 or 685-5836. RUSSIAN PEOPLE’S HOME — Available for rentals. For reservations phone 254-3430. UKRAINIAN CANADIAN CULTURAL CENTRE — 805, East Pender St., Vancouver. Available for banquets, wed- _ dings, meetings. Ph. 254-3436. - PACIFIC TRIBUNE— FEBRUARY 16, 1979—Page 11