TEHRAN The Iranian Jewish MP Mouris Mo'tamed denied a report by Jerusalem Post newspaper on the trial of ten Jewish spies. Tel Aviv-based Jerusalem Post quoted Mo'tamed as describing the trial of the Jewish spies a disaster that has injured the prestige of the Jewish community of 25,000 in Iran.
The Post said Mo'tamed made the remark in an address to a gathering of 400 U.S.-based Iranians during Saturday's religious ceremony in Los Angeles. "It is totally baseless," Mo'tamed told the TEHRAN TIMES in a telephone conversation from Los Angeles. "I am normally criticized by others for not speaking too much," Mo'tamed said, adding my stance on the trial of the Jews is clear; I have already stated my stance clearly.
Mo'tamed was also quoted by the Post as saying that restrictions against Jews in Iran rebuts hopes of a better future, while depicting a sympathizing picture in the words of President Khatami. "Look, this is also a baseless report," he said adding I have never made such a statement. I have officially announced my stance and the Post's story is baseless, he said. Ten Jews and 8 Muslims were convicted of spying for the United States and Israel. Mo'tamed was quoted as saying the Iranian Jewish community succeeded in regaining control over Jewish schools after meeting with President Khatami. During his 10 day stay in Los Angeles, he met with his mother and four sisters and leaders of Iranian Jewish Federation.
Mo'tamed's private talks with different sources indicate that his visit to Los Angeles predominantly aimed to find ways to encourage the U.S. administration to lift the remaining economic sanctions against Iran, particularly in development of the oil resources, the Post said.
Mo'tamed has predicted that lifting of such sanctions will favor Iran and contribute to progress of Jewish community, it added.