MIDDLE EAST IMPROVES RECORD ON RELIGIOUS RIGHTS

WASHINGTON [MENL] -- The Middle East appears to have increased religiousfreedom but still continues to violate the rights of minorities, a new StateDepartment report says. The State Department cited improvements even in such countries as Iranand Sudan, regarded as the worst violators of religious and other humanrights. The report said Shi'ite Iran continues to abuse the freedom ofreligious minorities, including Baha'is, Jews, Christians, and SunniMuslims.