From the State Department:

Press Guidance: Tuesday, August 29, 2006
IRAN: KHATAMI VISIT TO THE US
Q: Why have you issued a visa to Khatami and what are your views about his trip? Former Iranian President Mohammed Khatami has requested a visa to come to the United States, where he plans to attend the Alliance of Civilizations meetings at the UN, as well as other U.S.-based speaking events during the first two weeks of September. Former President Khatami has been invited by private organizations in the United States. We are an open society, tolerant of diverse viewpoints. Q: Why are other Iranian Government officials not allowed to travel beyond the 25-mile ban? Khatami is a former Iranian official. He is not part of the current Iranian regime. Q: Why let the former head of a terrorist regime into the country at a time when his successor stands in total defiance of the international community on Iran’s nuclear program, support for terror, etc.? What are we hoping to accomplish?
· We recognize that former President Khatami headed a regime that is a leading sponsor of terrorism, human rights abuses, and, presided over Iran’s secret nuclear program which is now the focus of possible UN action · After careful deliberation, however, we determined that issuing Mr. Khatami a limited visa, and allowing Mr. Khatami to present his views directly to the American people, will demonstrate to Iran that the United States upholds its commitment to freedom and democracy.
· We expect that Khatami will face tough questions from his audiences in the United States about the past and present behavior of the Iranian regime.
Q: Has the Administration’s view of the Iranian Government changed? No. Khatami’s visit does not signal a change in U.S. policy toward Iran. Should we grant this visa, it would not alter our concerns about the regime that Mr. Khatami led. Should Mr. Khatami visit the United States, we trust this occasion would send a message to all Iranians that the United States is an open society, tolerant of diverse viewpoints. As we have said repeatedly, the United States remains gravely concerned about the regime’s violent rhetoric and its efforts to obtain nuclear weapons. Iran continues to flout international norms and its responsibilities to the international community. We remain deeply concerned about the regime’s violent rhetoric and its efforts to obtain nuclear weapons. Iran remains the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism. As the President and Secretary Rice have made clear, America stands with those who are striving to expand democracy and build a better future. Q: Will Khatami meet with Administration officials during his visit?
· There are no plans for Mr. Khatami to meet with any Administration officials during his visit.
Q: Who will provide security for Khatami during his visit? · Per diplomatic protocol, the State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security will oversee security arrangements for Mr. Khatami during his visit.
Q: What kind of visa will Mr. Khatami receive?
· A G-4. We are obligated to issue Mr. Khatami a visa under the U.N Headquarters Agreement. The U.N. has invited him to come to the U.N. to attend a meeting of the “Alliance of Civilizations”, a high level panel set up by U.N. Secretary General Annan, who appointed Khatami as a member.