In a 23 April 1996 telephone interview, a representative from Middle East Watch stated that the Sultenat-Talaban is known to have members active outside Iran, who support the restoration of the monarchy in Iran. The source stated that if the organization was operating in Iran, they would be involved in underground and/or covert activities, as they could not be open about their actions under the present government.

A representative from the Secretariat of His Majesty Reza II, Shah of Iran stated in a 24 April 1996 telephone interview that the Talaban is active inside Iran and draws the largest proportion of its membership from followers of the Sunni sect.

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. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Middle East Watch, New York. 23 April 1996. Telephone interview with representative.

Secretariat of His Majesty Reza II, Shah of Iran, Virginia. 24 April 1996. Telephone interview with representative.

Amnesty International Report. Yearly. 1994, 1995.

DIRB Indexed Media Review. Weekly. 21/12/93-26/03/96.

The Europa World Yearbook. Yearly. 1995.

Foreign Broadcast Information Service (FBIS) Reports. Daily. 1991-1996.

Iran: A Country Study. 1989.

Middle East International. Weekly. Jan. 1990-Dec. 1991, Jan.-Mar. 1996

Middle East Report. Quarterly. 1993-1995

On-line search of media sources.

Oral sources.
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