TEHRAN -- The Second Seasonal Conference of the House of Parties opened yesterday to discuss a proposed social accord.

Seyed Hossein Mousavi, head of the House of Parties, speaking to the Central News Bureau's reporters on Monday, said that the conference's main agenda was to achieve national harmony, which is also the goal of the entire society. He added: "The attainment of national harmony requires a national will, and calls for a study of its weak and strong points."

Mousavi said the conference was aimed at identifying the capabilities and goals of the various councils of the country, and to define and identify the obstacles and criticisms against the current movement for reform.

The conference, which coincided with the annual observance of Reporter's Day, also discussed matters such as publications, mass media activities and their role in achieving a social concord.

Mousavi further said that in the last conference about 80 parties and political camps took part, but now since 120 parties are members of the House more were represented. Moreover, he said, 160 parties and political camps received licenses to operate according to the Article 10 of the Parties' Commission.

When asked whether the Freedom Movement participated in the conference, he said that the party has now been banned and was not therefore invited.

Mousavi said the parties that hold licenses from the Interior Ministry are legal and can freely engage in activities unless they are banned by the public prosecutor.