BRIEF ON IRAN No. 257 Thursday, September 21, 1995 Representative Office of The National Council of Resistance of Iran 3421 M Street NW #1032 Washington, DC 20007 U.S. Legislators Pay Tribute to Iran's Grande Dame, From Statement by the Representative office of NCR - Washington, DC, September 20 Washington, D.C. -- Last night, a dinner hosted by members of the U.S. Congress in honor of Marzieh, the Grande Dame of Iranian music and Advisor on the Arts to Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the Iranian Resistance, was attended by more than 140 legislators, legislative aides to representatives and senators, government officials, dignitaries, and members of the press... Thanking the American legislators for their support for the Iranian Resistance, in her remarks Marzieh called for a new policy, both comprehensive and more decisive, against the Tehran regime... Representative Dan Burton (R-IN), chairman of the International Relations Committee's Western Hemisphere Sub-committee, said: "I think we feel of one mind in saying that we have to do our part in working with you (the Iranian Resistance), and everyone else who believes in freedom, democracy and human rights, to bring about an end to the tyranny in Iran. And I believe that day is coming in a not too distant future." Rep. Robert Torricelli (D-NJ), a senior member of the International Relations Committee, said: "What you have seen tonight from the United States government, are Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives, from the north and south. They represent over 200 members of the United States Congress. A statement of policy pledged allegiance to the National Council of Resistance, an undying Resistance to the tyranny and oppression of the regime in Tehran. That is as strong a statement by as broad a coalition of members of this government as I have ever witnessed."... Representative Bob Ney (R-OH) noted in his introduction of Marzieh: "I can think of few instances of an artist of such achievement, such a Mrs. Marzieh, who in fact has really risked everything... in order to bring the cries of her people around the world." He added: "I could not agree more, that we have to do more. We must listen to the cries of Iran's men and women. I am proud to have been among those members of Congress who have co-sponsored letters... in support of the National Council of Resistance of Iran." At the close of the evening, Marzieh performed two songs, which were warmly received by the audience. Marzieh is scheduled to give a concert in Hollywood, California, on September 30. Iran Harasses Diplomat, Reuters, September 20 A Norwegian diplomat in Tehran denied on Wednesday a report in an Iranian magazine that his embassy was under investigation for drug dealings in Iran. Charge d'Affaires Einar Tallaksen laughed off as "groundless" the story in the hardline weekly Kayhan Havai quoting an unnamed police official as saying "the Norwegian embassy in Tehran has...become a base for the transport of drugs."... Tehran-Oslo ties have deteriorated over Iran's refusal to withdraw a death edict against the British author Salman Rushdie and after Iranian complaints over "anti-Islamic" stands by Norway... Iran to Start Amphibious War Games in Gulf, Reuters, September 20 Iranian naval forces are to start amphibious military exercises at the mouth of the Gulf on Friday, Iran's official news agency IRNA said on Wednesday. Naval commando units will be among navy and Revolutionary Guards forces taking part in the four-day war games in the Strait of Hormuz and on nearby Hengam island, it said... "Special programs" will be carried out by Iranian forces on Abu Musa island which Iran shares with United Arab Emirates (UAE) member Sharjah, IRNA said without giving details.... Iran on Wednesday rejected as "ballyhoo" a call by its Gulf neighbors to refer the territorial dispute over the three islands to the International Court of Justice. Mullahs Call the Hijaking U.S. - Israeli Conspiracy, Reuters, September 20 Iran accused Israel on Wednesday of backing terrorism... Israeli Education Minister Amnon Rubinstein had earlier said Israel would question the passengers and crew about airman Ron Arad... Israel believes Arad was seized by Lebanese militants who later handed him over to Iran, but Iranian officials deny knowledge of his whereabouts... Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Akbar Nateq-Nouri denounced Israel's interrogation of the passengers as a conspiracy against the Islamic Republic... "Down with you and with those who support you...," Nateq-Nouri told the Iranian parliament. "That the plane was not returned to Iran just after the surrender of the hijacker indicates a conspiracy...It is in line with the American embargo against Iran," he said...