Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 18
By Umid Niayesh - Trend:
The Iranian parliament has rejected Fakhredin Ahmadi Danesh Ashtiani's candidacy, nominated by the Islamic Republic President Hassan Rouhani for the post of Minister of Science, Research and Technology, Iranian state IRINN TV reported Nov. 18.
While 70 MPs voted for Ahmadi Danesh Ashtiani, 171 MPs voted against, and 16 MPs abstained.
Rouhani was in attendance at the open session of the parliament to defend his nominee. He asked the MPs to vote for Ahmadi Danesh Ashtiani, saying he was not under pressure by political groups.
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.
The MPs' chief demand was reportedly the re-expulsion of students who had been marked for their political activity under the former administration and banned from continuing their education. They also have called for the expulsion of persons who involved in the 2009 protests against the disputed presidential elections.
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.