Marchers Protest Khatami’s Visit

President Mohammad Khatami launched a “new beginning” in relations with Germany as he became the first Iranian leader to visit the country since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. But even as he and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder spoke of their desire for stronger ties, thousands of opponents of Iran’s clerical rulers protested in the streets. Police said about 7,000 people marched through Berlin, the capital. German leaders said they want to give Khatami support against powerful Islamic hard-liners who oppose reform.