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GV EXTERIOR Iraqi prisoners of war playing volleyball at Qasr prison in Teheran (2 shots)
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SV Reporter talking to prisoner (2 shots)
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SCU PAN Guards looking into prison yard
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CU Necklace on prisoner PULL OUT SV Prisoners standing in line in prison yard
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TELERECORDING

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The Iran-Iraq war has entered its fourth month. The hostilities have reached a stale-mate, with the opposing forces digging in and trying to hold their respective positions to outlast the winter months. The fighting has taken its toll, casualty lists are long and in Iran's case long enough to make an extension of Teheran's cemetery necessary.

SYNOPSIS: For these men the fighting is over. They are Iraqi prisoners of war, held in Teheran at the city's Qasr prison. They appear in good health although the fact they are not held in a special prisoner of war camp indicates that Iran lacks the facilities and resources to cope with an extended war.

When asked if he wanted to be in a special camp, this prisoner said he preferred to be at Qasr prison. With no end in sight to the fighting, no one knows how much longer these prisoners will have to stay in Teheran. Their comrades on the distance battle-fields are preparing for a long winter. Over recent weeks, both sides have consolidated, trying to hold their positions until warmer spring weather permits new offensives. In the meantime active soldiers and prisoners alike have to wait out the winter stalemate.