Help for Rushdie

BRUSSELS (AFP) - Belgium and its 11 EC partners are to increase pressure on Iran over its death threat to the novelist Salman Rushdie, the Belgian Foreign Minister, Willy Claes, said.

'In view of the importance of Iran in the region, and the instability in the Middle East, the 12 have until now decided to maintain a critical dialogue with Iran,' Mr Claes said. 'Belgium, with its partners in the Community, will take steps to make Iran understand that its interests are not served by provoking the international community, in particular over the Rushdie affair.'