Iran lawmakers warn of clash over new govt

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Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, seen, prior to the arrival of his Syrian counterpart Bashar Assad, for an official welcoming ceremony at the presidency in Tehran Wednesday. —AP

TEHRAN, Aug 20 (AP): President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad submitted a new cabinet purged of critics and packed with loyalists and little-known figures, and lawmakers Thursday warned it could face a challenge from members of his own conservative camp in parliament.
Ahmadinejad is forming his new government while still under a cloud from claims by the pro-reform opposition that his victory in June elections was fraudulent. But he is also under pressure from fellow conservatives, who have long criticised the president for hoarding power by putting close associates with little experience in key posts.
Parliament must approve the new government lineup, setting the stage for a possible fight over the nominees. Mohammad Reza Bahonar, one of parliament's deputy speakers, told state television that Ahmadinejad's list of 18 names was submitted late Wednesday.
Parliament speaker Ali Larijani indirectly criticised Ahmadinejad, suggesting his nominees lacked experience and political weight.
"Ministers must have enough experience and expertise, otherwise a huge amount of the country's stamina will waste," he said, according to state radio. "A ministry is not a place for tryouts."
Larijani appeared to focus on the nominee for intelligence minister - Heidar Moslehi, a close Ahmadinejad loyalist - as too inexperienced. "A security official should have a vision" and know how to deal with both security and political issues, Larijani said.
Bahonar also warned that some of the nominees would not be approved.
"Our initial estimation shows some four or five members of the list would not achieve a vote of confidence," he said, according to the state news agency IRNA.