Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 18
By Umid Niayesh - Trend:
Iranian president Hassan Rouhani said that the universities' atmosphere should be more cultural and scientific rather than political.
Rouhani made the remarks at a parliament's open session on Nov. 18 while defending the qualifications of the proposed candidate for minister of Science, Research and Technology, Fakhredin Ahmadi Danesh Ashtiani, Iran's Fars news agency reported.
On Oct. 29, the parliament rejected Mahmoud Nili Ahmadabadi - Rouhani's previous nominee for the post.
Iranian Parliament dismissed former minister of science, research and technology, Reza Faraji Dana on Aug.20. Rouhani then appointed Mohammad Ali Najafi, a reformist politician as the caretaker for the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology.
On Nov. 11, Rouhani introduced Ahmadi Danesh Ashtiani to Parliament.
The Iranian president in his speech said that he was not under pressure by political groups in introducing his nominee.
He also said that he will materialize his words during presidential campaign last year on "rule of law" in the universities.
He added that his government attached the highest importance to scientific and research progress of the country.
Iran seeks to become a global scientific and research resource, Rouhani said.
First vice president Eshaq Jahangiri, Vice President for Parliamentary Affairs Majid Ansari, Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, Justice Minister Mostafa Pour Mohammadi, Communications and Information Technology Minister Mahmoud Vaezi were also accompanying the president in the parliament session.