New pro-Khatami newspaper hits the streets of Iran
TEHRAN, Feb 20 (AFP) - A new newspaper hit the newsstands of Iran on
Saturday, the latest in a wave of moderate journals to appear since reformist
President Mohammad Khatami took power 18 months ago.
Directeur Latif Safari described his newspaper Neshat (Vitality) as
"pluralist and independent" and said it supported Khatami's efforts
"to strengthen political openness and the civil society."
Neshat employs several former staff from Jameeh and Toos, two moderate
newspapers now banned from publishing.
In all, the Iranian authorities have announced that more than 1,000
publications are now authorised, double the number in existence before
Khatami took power in August 1997.
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