SOVIET, IRANIAN & PAKISTANI COMMENTS ON MECCA, ISLAMABAD SITUATIONS

• Document Type: FOIA
• Keywords: SAUDIA ARABIA
• Keywords: MECCA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 0001365014
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Release Date: August 25, 2008
• Case Number: F-2006-00995
• Publication Date: November 21, 1979

 Memorandum TO     .  Mr. Paul. Henze                                 DJ! 21 November 1979 sunjEcr:  Soviet, Iranian & Pakistani Comments on Mecca, Islamabad Situations National Security Council Staff t+aou     Chief, Covert Action staTT El 1. The Soviets appear to be hunkering down somewhat over the .Iranian crisis. and trying to put some distance between themselves and the Iranians. -- 20 November National Voice of Iran commentary welcomed the release of some of the American hostages and said a way should be found to release the rest. -- Same day commentary-by-influential, Kremlin-.connected Izvestia observer, Bovin, took a?swipe at Khomeini over treat- ment of the Kurds (paralleled in NVOI commentaries). -- Miiscow Radio Domestic Service report on 21 November said that some of those involved in the Mecca action are people of "Iranian descent." 2.  Last item stands in contrast to Khomeini's attempt to link the U.S. and Israel to the Mecca situation. Khomeini's office issued a, statement today at 1030 GMT which said that "it is not farfetched;' to believe U.S. imperialism and Zionism were behind the seizure of the mosque.  (Note:  Mobs moved against the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan at 0830 GMT) 3.  FBI:S analyst reports that Bangkok bureau knows of no Karachi broadcast whtch-claimed that the U.S. is behind the Mecca disturbance, although'sucb a statement may not have been monitored by the bureau.. 4.  At '1575 GMT today President Zia made a statement denying that either non-Muslims or any particular Western nation was. responsible for the Mecca situation.  A.statement by Karachi radio at 1700 GMT` warned the rioters that further' acts of violence would be dealt with, harshly.          . Gary U.S Savings Bow R? d rlj ex rim Parelt'Saving Flaw- APPROVED FOR RELEAS DATE:  NOV 2006.1