Iran's Parliament To Debate Ahmadinejad's Proposed Cabinet

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The Iranian parliament has begun a session to debate and vote on the Cabinet proposed by re-elected President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejahd. The debate is expected to last three days, with voting on each nominated minister to take place on Wednesday.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is forming his new government. He is still under attack by the pro-reform opposition, which claims that his re-election in June was fraudulent. But he is also under pressure from fellow conservatives. They have long criticized the president for hoarding power by putting close associates in key posts.

Conservative lawmaker Ali Motahari said, "The president wants to be the sole ruler of the sensitive ministries, such as Intelligence, Petroleum and Foreign Affairs. Therefore, he has picked nominees whose most important feature is their obedience. This issue is not in the interest of the country."

One of the most controversial areas is the appointment of three conservative women for the posts of health, education and welfare. If approved, the women would become the first female ministers since Education Minister Farrokhroo Parsay, who served in the 1970s.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said, "The important and unique feature of this Cabinet is the presence of women. For the first time after the Revolution, three faithful, professional and sympathetic women have been introduced to the Parliament."

The president said he plans to maintain peace and security in the country, support marriage and families, and provide grounds for the more active participation of women in politics and other social arenas.

On the economy, he identified Iran's over-reliance on its oil exports as a fundamental weakness, which he said he would strive to correct.