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Iranian Shakes Woman's Hand, Drops Prez Bid

Youtube video shows reformist leader with uncovered females

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 3, 2007 5:56 AM CDT

(Newser) – Iran's opposition leader has dropped out of the race to unseat Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as president after the circulation of a Youtube video that appears to show him shaking hands with a woman, says the Guardian. The video and several photographs of Mohammad Khatami also show the reform-minded former Iranian president speaking to several women without head coverings while leaving a speech in Italy in May.

In the face of singeing opposition from right-wing clerics, who have called for him to be defrocked, Khatami chose to end his presidential bid rather than damage the reformist movement's electoral chances. Khatami won two terms as president, in 1997 and 2001; Iran's next presidential election is in 2009.

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

Still from a Youtube video featuring Mohammad Khatami shaking hands with an unidentified woman in Udine, Italy. (Youtube)

Reformist former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, center-right, gets into his car after meeting with Egyptian Minister of Endowments Mahmoud Hamdi Zaqzouq, center-left, and Mohammed Sayed Tantawi,... (Associated Press)

Reformist former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami attends the opening of the 19th annual conference of the Egyptian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Cairo, Egypt Tuesday, March 27, 2007. The conference... (Associated Press)

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Footage of President Khatami in Udine, Italy (7citylove (YouTube))

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Iranian Shakes Woman's Hand, Drops Prez Bid