The World - News from Jan. 13, 1988

The Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini expressed support for President Ali Khamenei five days after a rebuke by Iran’s supreme leader triggered speculation that the president would be ousted because of his political views. In a letter to the president, Khomeini said he has confidence in Khamenei’s loyalty to his political philosophy, Tehran radio reported. “I count your excellency as one of the able limbs of the Islamic republic,” the letter said, as quoted by Tehran radio. Last week, Khomeini rebuked the Iranian president for having “misquoted and misinterpreted” a decree he issued Dec. 25 giving “absolute power” to the Iranian government.