Israel's Iranian-born President, Moshe Katzav has hosted an emotional radio talk show with listeners from his native country.
The broadcast earlier this week on the Persian service of Israel Radio linked President Katzav with listeners from all over the Islamic Republic, service director Menashe Amir said on Wednesday.
It marked the first time Katzav has addressed Iranians on the radio since assuming his post in 2000.
Katsav spoke with Iranian listeners in a mix of Hebrew and Farsi, who called in during the program, recalling his fondness of the country he left as a young boy.
"My family lived in Iran for over 2,500 years," he said. "We absorbed the Persian culture and mentality, and we nurture in our hearts very warm feelings for Iran's history and culture."
Katsav's comments and those of listeners, reported in the Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot, were confirmed by radio officials.
Israel Radio reaches over one million listeners in Iran and can be heard over the radios in Tehran's markets, said Amir, who translated for Katsav.
The phone connection was routed through Europe because the two countries have no direct link. (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
