TEHRAN. Mar 2: President Mohammad Khatami called for Iranians to tone down the demonstrations they hold during the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Makkah. reports AP.

The call made in a speech broadcast on state-rtin television Sunday appears to be aimed at improving relations with Saudi Arabia, which has long opposed the political rallies staged by Iranian pilgrims during the Hajj. or annual pilgrimage.

The Hajj should be free of "fanaticism, backwardness and the propensity to impose one's views."

The followers of unnecessary rigidity in the observance of (religious) injunctions are not the representatives of the Muslim community," Khatami said. 'They should not be allowed to breed hatred, dissension. and ignite the flames of conflict in the holy precincts where unity, solidarity and fraternity should be preached."

Ever since some 400 pil-

grims, mostly Iranians, died in clashes with Saudi police during a rally at the 87 Hajj, the demonstrations have been something of a test of honour for the Iranians.

Every year, urged on by their leaders. Iranian pilgrims have defied a Saudi ban on demonstrations to hold a small rally in their living quarters in Makkah. Such rallies tend to condemn the United States and other perceived enemies of Islam.

Khatami is the first Iranian president to speak out against the rallies and the move reflects his desire to forge a new relationship with Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh and Tehran have been edging closer since May's election of Khatami, a moderate cleric who has been trying to temper Iran's militant foreign policy.

During the Organisation of Islam! Conference summit in Tehran in December. Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah held two meetings with Khatami.