Iran's Khamenei casts off robes for first-hand look at quake-hit Bam

TEHRAN (AFP) Jan 18, 2004
Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has disguised himself in civilian clothes to get a better look at how relief and recovery operations are progressing in the quake-hit city of Bam, press reports said Sunday.

According to the conservative Ressalat newspaper, the Islamic republic's all-powerful leader donned a coat and hat and strolled around the southeastern city with a top local official during a surprise visit there on Friday.

"Only a few officials were aware of the visit, and when residents saw the local official they approached him and told them of their problems, without realising the Guide was there," the Javan newspaper said, saying there were several complaints over aid distribution.

The incognito walkabout prompted Khamenei to urge local officials to speed up reconstruction efforts. During his visit, his office also upped the death toll from 30,000-35,000 to 41,000-45,000.

Khamenei is no stranger to donning less religious attire. He is a keen and accomplished mountaineer, and is sometimes spotted in hiking boots and an anorak walking in Iran's lofty mountains.

TERRA.WIRE