Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Iran assembly approves most of hard-line Cabinet
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Search
Search:
Iran assembly approves most of hard-line Cabinet
By ALI AKBAR DAREINI and SEBASTIAN ABBOT,Associated Press Writer AP - Friday, September 4
TEHRAN, Iran - President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad received a broad mandate Thursday as parliament backed his main Cabinet choices _ naming the first woman minister since the 1979 Islamic Revolution but showing international defiance by supporting a suspected mastermind in the bombing of an Argentine Jewish center that killed 85 people.
ADVERTISEMENT
The conservative-dominated legislature rejected Ahmadinejad's choice for energy minister and two other women nominated for less prominent posts. The rest of his 21-member Cabinet was approved.
The broad backing was somewhat stronger than many in Iran had expected because even some of the president's fellow conservatives had criticized him for nominating unqualified ministers. Ahmadinejad is also under fire for the abuse of protesters detained following the disputed June presidential election, which the pro-reform opposition claims he stole with massive vote fraud.
Analysts said parliament's strong support could indicate that despite differences among conservatives, they believe it is better to present a fairly united front as Iran faces possible harsher international sanctions over its nuclear program and continued pressure from reformists at home.
The most defiant message parliament sent was its overwhelming support for Ahmad Vahidi as defense minister. He is wanted over charges of involvement in the 1994 bombing of the Argentine-Israeli Mutual Association building in Buenos Aires.
Vahidi was the commander of a special unit of Iran's Revolutionary Guard known as the Quds Force at the time of the attack and is one of five prominent Iranians sought by Argentina in the bombing.
Lawmakers chanted "Allahu Akbar, or "God is great," as parliament speaker Ali Larijani announced the vote for Vahidi. Among the 286 lawmakers who attended, Vahidi received 227 votes _ the most of any of the proposed ministers.
Argentina on Thursday called it an affront to Argentine justice and to the 85 victims of the attack.
"We reiterate once again that his confirmation as defense minister merits the most energetic condemnation from the government of our country," said a spokesman for foreign minister Jorge Taiana, who was traveling in India Thursday. They spoke on condition of anonymity according to ministry rules.
Argentine-Israeli Mutual Association president Guillermo Borger told the AP that Vahidi's confirmation "is a cruel joke aimed at AMIA, at the Jewish collective, at society, at the government and at all Argentina. More than that, it's a cruel joke at the world..."
In 2008, President Cristina Fernandez called on the suspects to face Argentina's justice system, which she said would treat them fairly.
U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley told reporters Thursday that the United States had been hoping Iran would take a "fresh approach" and be willing to engage the world.
"We find today's action disturbing, and, for Iran, it is sending precisely the wrong message," he said, adding that "Iran is taking a step backward" with the appointment of the defense minister.
Crowley added that the United States supports Argentina's efforts to bring justice to the perpetrators of the bombing.
Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor also criticized it, saying it "is more proof of the violent nature of the regime and a total disregard of the need to work with the international community."
Interpol issued a "red notice" for Vahidi in 2007, placing him on the equivalent of its most wanted list. An Interpol spokeswoman said Thursday that the notice will still be valid even if Vahidi travels on a diplomatic passport. She spoke on condition of anonymity according to Interpol's standard policy.
Shortly before the Cabinet vote, Ahmadinejad told parliament that Western countries he accuses of stoking postelection unrest deserve "a crushing response from lawmakers to disappoint them."
President Barack Obama has stepped up diplomatic engagement with Iran to reduce international tension, but the turmoil and allegations of Western interference have hampered the effort.
The U.S. and its European allies have given Iran until the end of September to agree to nuclear talks or face harsher sanctions. They are worried that Iran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons _ a claim Tehran denies.
Iran's top nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili, offered an opening for possible compromise with the West on Tuesday, saying Iran would present new proposals and would be ready to open talks to ease international concerns.
But Ahmadinejad was as defiant as ever Thursday, saying "no one can impose sanctions on Iran anymore."
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Hasan Qashqavi also took a tough stance, proclaiming Iran would not bend to Western deadlines set by "threat and pressure."
Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki will continue in his post in Ahmadinejad's second term. Parliament also endorsed the president's nominees in key posts heading the interior, intelligence and oil ministries.
Alireza Nader, an Iran specialist with the Washington-based RAND Corp., said he believed conservative lawmakers rallied around Ahmadinejad because of growing foreign pressure and the continuing postelection turmoil.
"This is not a good time for the conservatives to engage in their squabbles," said Nader. "It is better for them to stand at least somewhat united in the face of external and internal pressures and form a government that is able to function under adverse circumstances."
But Nader said significant differences remained between Ahmadinejad and other conservative factions.
Some of those differences were apparent in the vote over the three women who Ahmadinejad proposed as Cabinet ministers. Lawmakers approved a 50-year-old gynecologist, Marzieh Vahid Dastjerdi, as health minister but rejected his nominees to head the education and welfare and social security ministries.
"With a woman in the Cabinet, women have achieved their long-awaited dream," said Dastjerdi after she was approved.
Some conservatives have criticized Ahmadinejad for elevating women to the Cabinet. Last month, the Emrouz newspaper quoted Mohammad Taghi Rahbar, a member of the parliament's judiciary committee, as saying there were "religious doubts" over how women would cope with the positions.
Women's rights activists have criticized Ahmadinejad's appointments as a desperate ploy to improve his popularity rather than a true interest in promoting women's rights. Since coming to power in 2005, Ahmadinejad has cracked down hard on women activists.
Dastjerdi is the first female minister since Education Minister Farrokhroo Parsay, who served in the 1970s but was executed for corruption shortly after Islamic clerics seized power in the 1979 revolution.
____
Abbot reported from Cairo. Associated Press Writer Michael Warren contributed to this report from Buenos Aires.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Sign in to recommend this article »
0 users recommend
Related Articles: World
DNA testing for NY wrong-way driver's toothbrushAP - Friday, September 4
U.S. cuts more than $30 million in aid to HondurasReuters - Friday, September 4
Summary Box: Jobless claims dip less than expectedAP - Friday, September 4
Deadly Jimena claims first victim in MexicoAFP - 2 hours 40 minutes ago
Plastic bags are only onboard bathroom, pilots sayAP - Friday, September 4
Most Popular – World
Viewed
Kidnapped US girl walks into police station 18 years on
British finance minister's recession warning
World heading for climate 'abyss': UN chief
Chappaquiddick 'haunts me,' Kennedy said
When it comes to hurricanes, what's in a name?
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Friday, 4 September 2009 Iraq accuses Syria of harboring armed groups
Outspoken Arctic Sea ship commentator flees Russia
US-TECH Summary
Chappaquiddick 'haunts me,' Kennedy said
Israeli team working to decipher ancient texts
Another blogger held in Vietnam: diplomat
French documentarian killed in El Salvador
EU leaders want binding G20 finance rules, sanctions
Millions in Australia lose international Internet link
US, Europe set to exit recession: OECD
Israel: pictures of St. Mary as terrorist removed
Iran's list of approved Cabinet ministers
Sprint to release Android phone in October
Iran's new key Cabinet ministers
Sprint backs Hero, the latest HTC Android phone
Building of new West Bank housing drops
Nokia seeking developers' help in Apple rivalry
Music videos return to YouTube after licensing deal
U.N.'s Ban raises alleged killings with Sri Lanka aide
| International
|
Virtual detectives stalk in-game spammers
Walkman outsells iPod in Japan: survey
Website says to carry bin Laden present to Muslims
| International
|
EU reveals probe into Oracle bid
Body handed over in Iraq confirmed as British hostage
| International
|
Nokia seeking developers' help in Apple rivalry
Walkman outsells iPod in Japan: survey
US cuts aid to Honduras in support of ex-leader
Security assigned to watch guards at Kabul embassy
Embracing social media, photo sites stay in the game
| Technology
|
Hundreds of feral animals found at California home
Australia open to military exercises with China: PM
Stray bullet kills student walking Atlanta campus
Biden defends stimulus plan
Parents held after lead poisoning protest in China: police
Biden: Obama health plan to be bold, contentious
Terror mastermind likely hiding in Java: Indonesia anti-terror chief
Schwarzenegger gets firsthand look at fire ruins
'Fresh protests' in China's Xinjiang
Del. dad pleads guilty in international kidnapping
CDC study: Swine flu deaths higher in older kids
Swiss, Chinese unveil new swine flu vaccines
Dealers should get 'Clunkers' money by Sept. 30
2 crashes in 1 day claim boy's grandfathers in Pa.
Japan wonders if new leaders have economic vision
NATO: 2 US service members killed in bomb attack
Syringe attacks spark new protest in Chinese city
Army: 11 killed in spate of violence in Thai south
Tensions brewing between Japan Inc. and new govt
Japan's Dainippon Sumitomo to buy US drugmaker Sepracor
Trade ministers put Doha deal in sight
Thai police push tax charges against Philip Morris
Study: Bigeye tuna stocks in Pacific under threat
Korea's KNHC bond to be sold at UST+265 bps -source
Happiness sequel revisits family misery
| Entertainment
|
Just a Minute With: Audrina Patridge on Sorority Row
| Entertainment
|
Fox business TV to simulcast Don Imus radio show
| Entertainment
|
Radiohead singer releasing solo single this month
| Entertainment
|
Fox Business Network to simulcast Imus
AP source: 'SNL' adds 2 performers for fall season
Artists protest Tel Aviv focus at Toronto film fest
| Entertainment
|
Carrie Underwood rushes new single to YouTube
| Entertainment
|
Madonna visits Jordan's Petra ruins
SAfricans target roots of anti-foreigner anger
Black Eyed Peas, Peal Jam shine on singles chart
| Entertainment
|
Tornatore in nostalgic mood with lengthy homage
| Entertainment
|
Indonesian quake leaves 57 dead, dozens missing
Spain forecasts 10 percent drop in foreign tourists
Madonna concert leaves Bulgaria facing pitch battle
No Impact Man charts U.S. couple's climate fight
| Entertainment
|
New novel, new movies in works for writer Sparks
`Life During Wartime' quasi-sequel to `Happiness'
Movie remake for McCarthy's bleak novel "The Road"
Top 15 programs on cable networks for Aug. 24-30
Not enough Facebook friends? Buy them
US must stay in Afghanistan to defeat Al-Qaeda: chiefs
Gangs are the heart of violent crime in Salvador, Central America
Google's China head to leave company: source
North Korea says in last stage of enriching uranium
| International
|
Poignant final farewell as Jackson laid to rest
Five years on, 334 balloons mark Beslan tragedy
Blast after Afghan air strike, scores feared killed
| International
|
Sony throws down the 3D gauntlet with new TV
Iran assembly approves most of hard-line Cabinet
Canada seeks to overturn South Africa refugee ruling
| International
|
Netanyahu to allow new Israeli settler homes: aide
| International
|
World heading for climate 'abyss': UN chief
EU's Barroso vows 'ambitious' Europe in new term
U.S. appeals court stays Microsoft Word injunction
Iraqi deputy minister arrested in corruption sting
Russia orders new search for journalist's killers
La Presse publisher threatens to close Quebec daily
ECB chief upbeat on economic recovery
Four dead in bomb blast at south Iraq mosque
Taiwan drops annual U.N. bid as China relations warm
| International
|
Apple iPod updates expected, Jobs show uncertain
Unrest flares in far-west Chinese city
| International
|
Iran gets first woman minister as MPs back Ahmadinejad list
Iraq PM asks for U.N. inquiry into Baghdad bombings
| International
|
Doubts raised as former leader gets key Japan role
| International
|
FTC urges privacy policy for Google books
Facebook members who buy 'friends' could be banished
Sprint, HTC to release Android phone in October
Hurricane Jimena kills one in northern Mexico
| International
|
Fire on Air India flight put out, passengers safe
| International
|
Sony throws down the 3D gauntlet with new TV
NKorea says in final stage of uranium enrichment
Dalai Lama says 'always ready to go back to Tibet'
Deadly Jimena claims first victim in Mexico
Apple iPod updates expected, Jobs show uncertain
| Technology
|
China seeks to quell unrest in far-west city
FTC urges privacy policy for Google books
| Technology
|
Indonesian quake kills 57, leaves dozens missing
Google's China head to leave company: source
| Technology
|
10,000 Chinese protest series of needle stabbings
Jaycee kidnapper raped 14-year-old in 1972: police
U.S. appeals court stays Microsoft Word injunction
| Technology
|
Spacewalk performed despite approaching space junk
North Korea says in final phase of uranium enrichment
Hawaii gov: Budget woes may prompt 'restructuring'
Zheng rallies to reach third round at US Open
Ancient skeleton found with gun under Mass. shed
LA blaze ruled arson, homicide probe launched
NKorea says at final phase of uranium enrichment: Yonhap
Feds: Calif. water crisis isn't Washington's fault
Philly basketball court shooting kills 1, wounds 1
G20 to debate tough action on bankers' bonuses
Taiwan dollar flat as exporter deals meet c.bank
S.Korean bonds steady before auction, rate vote
Japan wonders if new leaders have economic vision
Korea Hot Stocks
Seoul shares open up;muted reaction to N.Korea news
NZ new car registrations fall in August
Dainippon of Japan acquires US drug maker Sepracor
Bullock comedy "Steve" knows little about humor
Indonesia quake toll at 59, search ongoing
Michael Jackson laid to rest, surrounded by stars
| Entertainment
|
Telluride unveils festival films, Oscar looms
| Entertainment
|
Mourners gather for Michael Jackson funeral
Kimchi brings health and beauty, enthusiasts say
Berlusconi docu in spotlight at Venice fest
| Entertainment
|
Russell Crowe challenges columnist to bike duel
Bullock comedy Steve knows little about humor
| Entertainment
|
Just a Minute With: Audrina Patridge on Sorority Row
| Entertainment
|
Rapper gets 75 years for fatal NJ robbery
Judge questions whether Salinger harmed by spin-off
| Entertainment
|
It's a boy for Idina Menzel and Taye Diggs
Telluride unveils festival films, Oscar looms
Barrymore to host skating event in Detroit area
CORRECTED: Artists protest Tel Aviv focus at Toronto film fest
Camera turns on 'Videocrat' Berlusconi at Venice
Aides: Israel to build new houses in settlements
4 suicide bombers detained in Chechnya: official
IMF chief sees global recovery, urges exit strategies
Up to 90 killed as NATO hits Afghan fuel trucks
Nifty and stylish is aim at Berlin gizmo fair
Indonesia quake landslide attracts voyeurs
| International
|
Israel to approve hundreds of new settler homes
Iran leader helped secure backing for government: MP
| International
|
BP warned UK of risk in delayed Libya prisoner deal
| International
|
H1N1 has killed 2,837, but not more serious: WHO
| International
|
UNHCR urges China grant access to Myanmar refugees
| International
|
Nifty and stylish is aim at Berlin gizmo fair
| Technology
|
Samsung: LED TV sales to grow at least five fold in '10
| Technology
|
China police break up angry crowds near party HQ
Indonesian quake toll at 63, dozens still missing
Bomb in south Thailand kills policeman, wounds 12
Texas DNA exonerees find prosperity after prison
Philippines: Talks with communist rebels postponed
Indonesia quake landslide attracts voyeurs
Ex-POW hopes German cellar holds his pilot's wings
Thaksin supporters to mark Thai coup anniversary
North Korea says uranium program near completion
The Nation's Weather
Former soldier to be sentenced in rape, murders
Indonesia quake toll rises to 63, dozens missing
Guest: Many wept during Jackson's Calif. funeral
Japan's new leader backs fiscal regulation
Obama speech to students sparks new controversy
Health care lobbyists target returning Congress
NATO airstrike in Afghanistan kills up to 90
Kennedy's death impacts Wall Street reform effort
Rio Tinto suspends iron ore talks with China
US trade chief sees hope on global trade talks
Nicolas Cage plays unhinged cop in Bad Lieutenant
Cast and creators recall the birth of 'Avenue Q'
Warner Bros. poised to take summer box-office crown
| Entertainment
|
Philippine inflation down to 0.1 percent in August
Warner Bros. poised to take summer box-office crown
Stars, family honor Michael Jackson at funeral
Japan shares lower ahead of US employment data
China shares rise on rumors of IPO slowdown
S.Korea curbs home loans, rate rise looms
Kashmiris relishing drop in violence
Nicolas Cage plays unhinged cop in Bad Lieutenant
| Entertainment
|
Artists protest Tel Aviv focus at Toronto film fest
| Entertainment
|
Medi-dramas give patients 'unrealistic expectations'
Google China president steps down
Fitch may cut Taiwan rating over typhoon costs
Official: 115 die of malnutrition in Indonesia
Pakistani stocks close on year high; rupee weakens
Car-crazy Dubai gears up for first Gulf metro
Venice documentary attacks Berlusconi media empire
Welcome to Montreal Beach, new river surf capital
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights