Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 19
By Umid Niayesh - Trend:
Iran's President Hassan Rouhani introduced a new candidate for Ministry of Science, Research and Technology to Parliament on Nov. 19, the Islamic Republic's ISNA news agency reported.
Rouhani introduced Mohammad Farhadi as his nominee for the post. Farhadi who currently heads Iran's Red Crescent Society, served as Minister of Health and Medical Education during ex-president Mohammad Khatami`s administration (1997-2001) and Minister of Science in the cabinet of former prime minister, Mir Hossein Mousavi(1985-1989).
Within ten days, the parliament must make a decision regarding the nominee.
Farhadi is Rouhani's fifth nominee for the post. On Nov. 18 the parliament rejected Fakhredin Ahmadi Danesh Ashtiani - Rouhani's previous nominee for the post. While 70 MPs voted for Ahmadi Danesh Ashtiani, 171 MPs voted against, and 16 MPs abstained.
Former nominee Mahmoud Nili Ahmadabadi also was rejected by the parliament on Oct. 29.
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.