By Laurie Kellman, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Claiming racist impulses and misunderstandings prompt the United States to crack down on Muslim countries, Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan embarks Sunday on a round-the-world tour he says will give American leaders diplomacy lessons.

"I don't know who advises the president, but he needs better advisers'' on the subject, Farrakhan told hundreds of followers late Friday at a Baptist church.

"And so, America, with deep respect, I would like to demonstrate how diplomacy and friendly relations should be carried out,'' he said.

After attending the Unification Church's marriage affirmation ceremony at RFK Stadium today, Farrakhan will depart Sunday on what he said is a 50-nation "friendship tour.''

His full itinerary was not released, but Farrakhan said the trip will include stops in Iran, Iraq and Israel, then to Central Asia, China, Africa, Australia, South America and Cuba. Farrakhan said he would end the tour in Canada in late February.

Farrakhan said his first stop will be at a conference of Islamic leaders in Iran, where he plans to "represent the Nation of Islam and United States.'' He will pray in Mecca and meet with Fidel Castro in Cuba.

During an 80-minute speech on Friday, Farrakhan accused American leaders --he named President Clinton and made references to Congress -- of antagonizing Iraq, Iran and other Muslim nations.

He attacked Americans who think Iraqi President Saddam Hussein should be assassinated. During the Cold War, "I never heard that (Soviet leader Nikita) Khrushchev should be assassinated,'' or any of his successors, Farrakhan said. "That's only reserved for black leaders.''

Americans generally misunderstand Muslims, who believe persecution is worse than death, and would rather die than give in to American demands, he said. Sanctions and threats of force on nations like Iraq and Libya have punished the wrong people - children, Farrakhan said.

"You can bomb Iraq if that's what you want to do,'' Farrakhan said, speaking directly to Clinton and other U.S. leaders he did not name.

"But remember this: With every Iraqi baby that dies, and with every bomb that falls, the Muslim world becomes more angry and more hateful of American foreign policy.''

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