DUSHANBE, August 6, 2013, Asia-Plus — Iran”s supreme leader yesterday appointed Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to the Expediency Council, the country”s top political arbitration body.
APF news agency reports that in announcing the appointment, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised Ahmadinejad”s “worthy efforts” as president.
“Considering the profuse experience you gained during eight years of worthy efforts, I appoint you as a member of the Expediency Council,” read a statement posted on Khamenei”s website
The council is headed by ex-president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani who repeatedly criticized Ahmadinejad during his turbulent eight-year presidency for his controversial political and economic policies.
It is reportedly dominated by conservatives and acts as an advisory body for Khamenei, the supreme leader of the Islamic republic who has final say on all key policies, including nuclear talks and foreign policy.
Ahmadinejad officially left office on August 3, when newly elected President Hassan Rohani received confirmation from Khamenei.
He was succeeded by moderate cleric Hassan Rohani, who has promised to engage constructively with world powers over Iran”s contentious nuclear drive and to stave up the shrinking economy.
The Expediency Council comprises high-ranking religious and political figures and former government officials.
It is also tasked with resolving legislative issues between the parliament and the Guardians Council, which interprets the constitution.
Meanwhile, Reuters reports that by choosing ministers known more for their experience than their political views, President Hassan Rohani has proposed a cabinet that achieves a rare feat in Iranian politics – it satisfies both reformist and conservative factions.
The headline choice for Rohani”s cabinet is reportedly Mohammad Javad Zarif, who was picked as foreign minister. The U.S.-educated Zarif served both under pragmatist President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani in the 1990s and under reformist President Mohammad Khatami before retreating into academia after Ahmadinejad came to office in 2005.
Another big name is Bizhan Zanganeh, Rohani”s choice for oil minister. Well respected among OPEC colleagues, Zanganeh also served under both Khatami and Rafsanjani.
Technocrat Mohammad Ali Najafi was picked for education minister. , Mohammad Ali Najafi visited Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to speak on behalf of reformist opposition leaders, under house arrest after anti-government protests that followed the 2009 presidential election.
Mostafa Pourmohammadi was nominated for justice minister,
But Rohani has yet to announce his choice for nuclear negotiator, a post which would help determine the tone and tactics of Iran”s diplomacy with world powers over its disputed nuclear program, Reuters said.
