Khatami Names New Cabinet, Retains Core Ministers

Published August 12th, 2001 - 03:00 GMT

Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, who took his oath of office Wednesday in Parliament, appointed new faces to his new cabinet Sunday but also retained core ministers, reported the official Iranian news agency, IRNA.

Under the Constitution, the president's appointees must win the vote of confidence of Parliament before they can assume office.

Most ministers in Khatami’s current cabinet have been retained in their posts despite criticism of some of them in various political circles, said the agency.

The new cabinet adds but a few new faces to the old, "notwithstanding calls for a greater revamp,” IRNA said.

Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh is to serve for another four years despite criticism and allegations of mishandling of the ministry and corruption, especially in awarding government buy-back oil deals to foreign companies.

Kamal Kharrazi is also to serve a second term at the helm of the foreign ministry.

Intelligence Minister Ali Younessi, Defense Minister Rear-Admiral Ali Shamkhani and Interior Minister Abdulvahed Mousavi Lari have been retained in their posts, IRNA added - Albawaba.com