Death Of The Ayatollah : Islamic Nations Mourning; Bhutto Hails Leadership

Muslims the world over mourned the death of the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini of Iran, and leaders of several governments proclaimed periods of mourning.

“Leaders like Imam Khomeini are born but once in centuries,” Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto said in a message to Iran before her departure for a visit to the United States.

“The people of Iran have lost a divine guide and the world of Islam a spiritual leader of unique qualities and strength,” she said.

In a 10-day period of state mourning for Khomeini, the Pakistani flag will be flown at half-staff at government buildings and at its missions abroad, the government said in a statement.

OPEC Delay

In Vienna, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries delayed opening its midyear conference today by several hours in honor of Khomeini. Iran is one of 13 OPEC members.

Afghan President Najibullah described the ayatollah’s death as “an irreparable loss” and declared three days of national mourning, state-run Kabul Radio reported. “The vacuum created by his death cannot be filled,” Najibullah said in condolences sent to the Iranian leadership.

Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Shiite militant group in Lebanon, staged marches in eastern Lebanon to express grief over Khomeini’s death.

Grieving Crowds

In Beirut, the Muslim Cabinet of Premier Salim Hoss announced three days of mourning in Muslim areas and lowered flags to half-staff. Thousands of grieving men, women and children took to the streets.

Syria, Iran’s only Arab ally in its devastating eight-year war with Iraq, declared a week of mourning.

In Iraq itself, news of the ayatollah’s death was reported with little comment. Arab states that generally backed Iraq in the conflict, which ended in a cease-fire last August, were also restrained in their reactions.