Khatami appeals for backing

TEHRAN, Iran -- Iranian President Mohammad Khatami has appealed for support in his attempts to reduce resistance to his reform packages.

In his sole rally ahead of the June 8 elections in Iranl, Khatami told a crowd of around 30,000 people a large turnout was vital in the elections, Reuters reported.

"The main aim is to establish the rule of the people," Khatami said, according to the agency. "What we want is reform in all areas -- political, economic and social."

Khatami said voters wanted equality before the law and freedom from arbitrary arrest, prosecution and punishment.

"Nothing and no one should be above the law. In a government ruled by the people, the law is not a tool, the law is a framework," he said.

"The power of government is dependent on the connection between it and the people."

Khatami is being challenged by nine other candidates, including a doctor, a lawyer, an academic and an admiral. They have concentrated on attacking Khatami's economic performance.

Khatami said his greatest success had been in shifting political debate towards reform since 1997.

"People proclaiming these slogans were accused of opposing the revolution and Islam," the president said.

"But your votes brought those slogans out of isolation and today everyone who is dealing with the people is talking about reform and civil society, freedom, justice and rights of the people.

"Is there a greater victory than this?" he asked.