Iran criticizes US decision to beam Farsi programs

Teheran has criticized the American government's decision of broadcasting radio programs in Farsi, directly to Iran.

The US intends to specify funding for Radio Free Europe to -- and the Voice of America -- to broadcast to Iran in Farsi, and is in the process of finalizing related details.

US State Department Spokesman James Rubin said "The purpose of these broadcasts is not to beam anti-government propaganda into Iran; rather, this new service would provide more detailed factual reporting on political, social, and foreign policy issues affecting Iran."

Rubin added that "Improvement in the breadth and diversity of information in the public media will add to the political debate, which we know is already taking in Iran -- taking place in Iran. In other words, whatever happens with this radio broadcasting, we think it will enrich what is already a lively political debate in Iran."

The Iranian foreign minister Kamal Kharazi said that this step proved the contradictions of the American officials' words and deeds concerning Iran.

The American foreign ministry announced on last Wednesday that it will Broadcast new radio programs in the Persian language confirming that it does not aim at shaking the stability of Khatami's government.