Strange problem with interactive mode, possible bug in Python?

[Steve Menard]

I have a strange problem with Python command-line interactive mode. 
Problem has been observed on every 2.3 version where it was tested, from 
2.3 alpha to 2.3.4

Test is run on windows XP and 2000

I have written a ptyhon extension module called jpype, and run the 
following code

D:\>python
Python 2.3.3 (#51, Dec 18 2003, 20:22:39) [MSC v.1200 32 bit (Intel)] on 
win32
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
 >>> import jpype
 >>> jpype.startJVM(jpype.getDefaultJVMPath())
Attempting to startup JVM
JVM has been initialized, using C:\Program 
Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_04\bin\client\jvm.dll
 >>> foo=3
   File "<stdin>", line 1
     foo=3
          ^
SyntaxError: invalid syntax
 >>>

If the startJVM method is not called, everything remains fine.

Using a debug version of python 2.3.3 that I compiled myself (but havent 
changed anything), does not exhibit the problem either.

If the same script is run in batch mode (python test.py), there 
everything is fine too.

As far as I know, there should be no interactions between the JVM and 
python's parser. the JVM may touch the "regular" IO channels though and 
screw up the interactive mode ...

I am lost here and would welcome any suggestions.

Steve