Iranian Vice President Mohammad Ali Abtahi said he has submitted his resignation from the increasingly isolated pro-reform government.(AFP/File/Behrouz Mehri)
Posted on 10/12/2004 7:57:40 AM PDT by TexKat
TEHRAN, Iran - An Iranian vice president, who was a close ally of reformist President Mohammad Khatami, resigned Tuesday, saying he could not work with the conservative-dominated parliament.
Mohammad Ali Abtahi first tendered his resignation in February, but it was not accepted. He said Tuesday that the president had accepted his resignation after he insisted he was unable to work with the hard-line parliament.
"I feel more than any other time that I can't carry out my responsibilities," Abtahi said in his latest resignation letter, dated Oct. 4.
Abtahi was vice president for legal and parliamentary affairs, one of several vice presidents.
Abtahi said he would continue to work for Khatami as an adviser.
"No matter where I go, I will remain committed to Khatami's reform program and I believe that the package of peaceful democratic reforms he presented to the nation is the only solution to resolve the country's problems," Abtahi said.
Abtahi originally tried to resign after hard-liners in the Iranian establishment managed to disqualify hundreds of reformist candidates from running in the parliamentary elections.
Hard-liners recently accused Abtahi of seeking to bring about the collapse of the Islamic establishment.
Iranian Vice President Mohammad Ali Abtahi said he has submitted his resignation from the increasingly isolated pro-reform government.(AFP/File/Behrouz Mehri)
Expect a Kerry press conference to blame President Bush.
Guess Khatami finally accepted his resignation.
This is not a good sign.
It's been expected. Khatami's Presidency is up next summer.
By GEORGE JAHN, Associated Press Writer
VIENNA, Austria - Reconsidering its hard line on Iran, the United States is weighing the idea of rewarding the Islamic republic if it gives up technology that can be used for nuclear arms, diplomats said Tuesday.
The diplomats, who spoke to The Associated Press from Vienna and another European capital, said senior European negotiators directly answerable to their foreign ministers planned to go to Washington this week for discussions with top U.S. State Department officials on a common Iran strategy.
"Discussions are ongoing between the Americans and the Europeans on how to address the nuclear question in Iran," a diplomat said.
The diplomats, who spoke on condition of anonymity, emphasized that the talks were still at an initial stage. They also said the United States was holding on to its option of pushing for U.N. Security Council action against Iran if it is found in defiance of international demands to stop all activities related to uranium enrichment.
For more than a year, the United States has pushed other nations at board meetings of the International Atomic Energy Agency to find Iran in violation of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty because of past clandestine activities and refer it to the Security Council, which could impose sanctions. But its attempts foundered due to resistance from other members of the 35-nation IAEA board of governors.
The new strategy, disclosed by the diplomats, appeared in part prompted by recognition that Washington could again fall short of support at the next board meeting in Vienna in November.
Uranium enrichment can be used to generate power or make nuclear warheads. The Americans insist the Iranians are hiding a secret weapons program — something Tehran denies.
The Americans have in the past said they welcomed attempts by France, Britain and Germany to get Iran to shelve plans to enrich in exchange for pledges to help Tehran develop its peaceful nuclear program.
But one of the diplomats said the Americans now are more actively involved in planning the package — which would offer incentives but also penalties should Iran remain defiant.
"I think they are speaking less about sanctions and how to move the process forward," said the diplomat, who is familiar with the talks.
Ever notice when a foreign political party is anti-reformist, they are invariably characterized as "conservative?"
I thought the present Iranian gov't was a bunch of radical Islamist revolutionaries who took power just 25 years ago. These are no conservatives.
"One wonders what the purpose of a Parliament is in what is basically a dictatorship"
Looks nice on group photos
VIENNA, Austria - Reconsidering its hard line on Iran, the United States is weighing the idea of rewarding the Islamic republic if it gives up technology that can be used for nuclear arms, diplomats said Tuesday.
The diplomats, who spoke to The Associated Press from Vienna and another European capital, said senior European negotiators directly answerable to their foreign ministers planned to go to Washington this week for discussions with top U.S. State Department officials on a common Iran strategy.
Someone really needs to be taken to the woodshed and given a talking too.
God save us from the State Dept.!
I think within merit, it’s a ploy to create a Moderate imaged candidate for Iranian presidency. Another rotten apples from the same crate going for wax and polish.
I think within merit, it’s a ploy to create a Moderate imaged candidate for Iranian presidency. Another rotten apples from the same crate going for wax and polish.
You mean someone run against Rafsanjani?
You may be right.
Amen
You know its pathetic, one of the richest men in the world (in only two terms of presidency), Rafsenjani, was said to want to change the Iranian constitution so he could run a third term before Khatami. I guess being the richest man in the world is the new goal for him. Human rights and lives (constitution) are an obstacle for this man and his crud and he’ll find a way to do a way with them as well. The resigned minister and other candidates could be his window dressing. Majority of Iranian people boycotted the elections last time; Rafsenjani is counting on that for his bid for reelection again.
"one of the richest men in the world "
Hey! Didn't you read his denials about his wealth? He only owns 2 properties in his name. He doesn't have any more money now than he did when he first became president. LOL!
Yes, he is scum.
Thank you. I certainly was fooled by reports from the rest of the world that smeared this man of faith. In light of this new information, I wonder if he needs volunteers for his door-to-door campaign to acquire couple of more houses. where do I sign up?
LoL
This guy is giving up the fight, to fight another day.
I say he is signaling the U.S. or the Internal forces that may overthrow the Mullahs, I am ready to do business when the time is right.
Anyone keeping tabs on Vegas? Any lines on when Israel kicks the tires and lights the fires?
"I am ready to do business when the time is right."
If the regime thinks this, he'll be dead soon.
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