| Iranian MPs critical of remarks about Israelis by a close aide of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad began new moves Sunday to strip him of his position as vice president, the Fars news agency reported. Esfandiar Rahim Mashaie is one of 10 vice presidents and the MPs voted to take up as a priority a bill to merge the tourism and cultural heritage organization which he heads with the Culture and Islamic Guidance Ministry, Fars said. Vice presidents, unlike ministers, do not need a parliamentary vote of confidence before their appointment and are immune from impeachment. Mashaie's remark that Iranians are "friends with Israelis" in July sparked fury among conservatives and over 200 MPs urged Ahmadinejad to take action against his ally. But Mashaie, whose daughter is married to the president's son, vowed to remain in the job despite calls for his resignation. Ahmadinejad has also ignored the criticism. |