The following information was provided during an 8 June 1997 telephone interview with a specialist on Iran based in England who is a contributor on security issues for Jane's Intelligence Review.

The source stated that the Liberation Movement of Azerbaijan (LMA), which is based in Azerbaijan, promotes the emancipation of Azeris and the liberation of Nagorno-Karabagh territory from Armenia. The LMA is active in Azerbaijan, mainly in Baku. The LMA is not known to be active in Iran.

The following information was provided during an 8 June 1997 telephone interview with the Head of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Persian-Pashtoun Service in London, England. The source has recently completed a biography of Ahyatollah Khomeiny and has contributed a chapter to a book entitled The Vanguard of Islamic Revival, published by Zed Publishing in London. The source also appeared on several occasions on British and American television programmes about Iran.

The source stated that he had never heard of the LMA being active inside Iran. The source added that the LMA is active in Azerbaijan.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

References

Head of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Persian-Pashtoun Service, London, England. 8 June 1997. Telephone interview.

Specialist on Iran based in England. 8 June 1997. Telephone interview.

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