Debate that could topple Bani-Sadr is postponed

The speaker of Iran'S Majilis temporarily blocked a debate Sunday of the political competence of President Abolhassan Bani-Sadr which could lead to the President's dismissal.

Over 120 deputies had signed a petition calling for urgent discussion by the assembly on President's position. They accused Mr. Bani-Sadr of violatting the Constitution and said his office and newspaper had caused clashes in Iran. But sources said the speaker's postponement of the debate reflected strong opposition among senior clergymen to seeing Iran's first-ever President after 2, 500 years of monarchy dismissed in disgrace.

Later, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini made a strong plea to the armed forces to stay out of politics -- four days after he dismissed Mr. Bani-sadr as military commander in chief.