Iran will maintain an "exceptional" security presence during next year's presidential elections, the deputy interior minister for security affairs said in Saturday's press.
Gholamhossein Bolandian said officials were at work on a plan that would prevent any attacks on political rallies like those reported to have taken place in recent weeks.
"The time of illegal actions is over, and authorities will not tolerate any more attacks and violent acts," he said.
Earlier this month a gang of reportedly hardline militant youth attacked a political meeting in the southern city of Bushehr where two pro-reform MPs were due to speak.
The youths attacked participants with knives, axes and brass knuckles, press reports said. Several people were wounded.
Iran will hold its presidential election on May 29, 2001, when voters will also go to the polls for parliamentary by-elections -- TEHRAN (AFP)
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
