NCR, July 23—A majority in the United States House of Representatives reaffirmed the need for the United States to continue with its determined policy towards the Iranian regime and encourage democratic change in Iran, by supporting the Resistance's President-elect, Maryam Rajavi…

In a statement signed by 222 members of the House of Representatives, the lawmakers added that the Iranian regime directs the most active terrorist network around the globe and that despite international pressure, continues its barbaric crimes against humanity.

The signatories include 10 committee chairmen, 10 committee ranking members, 37 subcommittee chairs, and 38 subcommittee ranking members.

The statement says: "The Iranian regime has not only continued to abuse the human rights of its own people, but it has also continued to procure nuclear, chemical and biological weapons from around the world. Already, long range missiles and 'super' mortars have been used in attacks on the opposition National Liberation Army. Without immediate action, the United States could face an Iran armed with weapons of mass destruction."

The statement adds: "A clear line must be drawn between the Iranian people and the crimes of the ruling theocracy. Support for advocates of democracy such as the Iranian Resistance's President-elect Maryam Rajavi would contribute to peace and stability in the region. This resistance has called for free and fair elections under the auspices of the United Nations and the creation of a democratic, secular, pluralist government….

Reuter, July 23—…Underlining U.S. concern over Iran, more than 200 members of the House called for a tougher global policy against Teheran Wednesday, in particular urging a more aggressive policy from European states.

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a Florida Republican, and Gary Ackerman, a New York Democrat, formally released a "Statement on Iran" signed by 222 members of Congress which they said would be sent to President Clinton.

The statement declared: "The time has come for a unified effort to isolate the Teheran regime" and urged European countries to follow the tough line by Washington, which has imposed tight economic sanctions on Iran….

Dow Jones News, July 23—Several members of Congress on Wednesday released a letter to President Clinton signed by 222 U.S. House members, calling on the administration to keep its tough sanctions policy on Iran and do more to encourage Europe to join this effort.

At a press conference…the members said that U.S. sanctions on Iran aren't enough to change Iranian behavior and promote democracy.

Reps. Gary Ackerman, D-N.Y., Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., and James Traficant, R-Ohio, called on the U.S. State Department to do more to condemn Iranian terrorism, economically isolate Iran and encourage democratic government in that country.

The members also called on the State Department to begin talking to and working with the National Council of Resistance of Iran, an opposition group not recognized by the administration.

The members of Congress complained that the recent election of Mohammad Khatemi in Iran, a so-called moderate, brings Iran no closer to changing its policies….

Deutsche Presse Agentur (DPA), July 23—A majority of the members of the US House of Representatives signed a non-binding resolution Wednesday, calling for tougher action against Iran for its support of terrorism, including sweeping sanctions on all trade.

Congressman Gary Ackerman, a New York Democrat, also called for the United States to support internal opposition to the Islamic regime. He said the most viable opposition group is the National Council of Resistance (NCR), which is dominated by the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran….

The non-binding resolution says, in part, "the time has come for a unified effort to isolate the Tehran regime. The United States has taken the initiative with a decisive approach. In light of the Berlin court decision and other recent developments, our European allies would do well to abandon their 'critical dialogue' and follow the US lead."…

A Republican member of Congress, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida, said: "The Iranian government will only change its policies and allow democratic reforms when we form a united global front. The Iranian regime remains one of the biggest sponsors of international terrorism in the world. This wave of terrorism must be stopped. Helping the Iranian people build democratic institutions in Iran is the surest way to end this rampant aggression."

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