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MPs` mass resignation draws mixed reactions
IRNA
One hundred and sixteen Iranian parliament members extended their resignations on Sunday in protest to mass disqualification of candidates from standing in the parliamentary elections on February 20. They announced their resignations in a joint letter, read by Tehran MP Mohsen Mir-Damadi and the MP from central Isfahan Rajab-Ali Mazrouie. The move by the lawmakers has entailed mixed reactions among the Iranian officials. The following are excerpts of comments made by some Iranian officials and parliamentarians concerning the issue: ** Interim Friday prayers leader of Qum, Ayatollah Abdullah Javadi Amoli: Resignation plus strike are not a prestige.
**Deputy Governor General of Qum for the Political and Security Affairs, Fathollah Haqiqi: Officials in Qum will for the best of their efforts make sure rights of those branded unfairly as disqualified be restored.
**Secretary of the Association of University Instructors Mohsen Rahami: People, students and academicians are seriously concerned over and embarrassed by mass resignation of more than 122 MPs; definitely, Iranian nation will not remain indifferent towards the issue. There is no way but postponing the elections.
**Head of Justice Department in Khuzestan Province Amir Abbas Sohrab Beig: Disqualification of certain volunteers by Guardian Council does not mean refusing to hold the upcoming elections; the elections are of high significance and any effort to avoid their holding will be a crime.
**Chief of Justice Department in Tehran Abbasali Alizadeh: Justice Department will bar itself from any action as long as the strikes remain something civil and as long as no crime is committed; no crime has thus far been committed.
**MP from Qazvin Nasser Qavami: Guardian Council has been unfair in screening the would-be candidates; ulima, high religious authorities, government and President Mohammad Khatami in particular are urged not to allow the "illegal" elections be held.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt 2004-02-03 |
