IRAN GRANTS BASIJ DEFENSE, POLICE POWER

NICOSIA [MENL] -- Iran has expanded the authority of the Basij militia toinclude police, defense and relief operations. Officials said the new government of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejadapproved a plan to enhance the role of the Basij Resistance Force. Underthe plan, the Basij would become a fully-fledged defense unit withpolice and military authority.