This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/8229147.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Iran MPs debate proposed cabinet Ahmadinejad defiant on ministers
(about 13 hours later)
Iran's parliament has begun a session to debate the cabinet proposed by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has defended his choice of ministers at the start of a three-day nomination vetting process in parliament.
With the president currently facing strong opposition inside Iran, some of his choices are expected to provoke stormy debate. He said the appointment of three women to health, education and welfare would encourage young Iranian women and be a good example to other nations.
One of the most controversial areas is the appointment of three conservative women for the posts of health, education and welfare. A number of MPs strongly opposed some nominations, saying they lacked the necessary experience.
Their nominations are likely to be challenged by hardline clerics. The president was re-elected this year in polls opponents say were rigged.
Analysts say Mr Ahmadinejad seems to have chosen a cabinet loyal to him but not necessarily more efficient.
He was re-elected earlier this year in polls the opposition say were rigged.
Hundreds of people were arrested in the wake of mass protests that followed the election. Many have been released but Iran is currently trying more than 100 detainees over their alleged involvement in the protests.Hundreds of people were arrested in the wake of mass protests that followed the election. Many have been released but Iran is currently trying more than 100 detainees over their alleged involvement in the protests.
New names Consultation
Of 21 ministers proposed by Mr Ahmadinejad, there are 14 new names.Of 21 ministers proposed by Mr Ahmadinejad, there are 14 new names.
Speaking at Tehran University on Friday, he urged parliament to trust his nominations. He defended his government as the "cleanest" and rejected accusations he had chosen ministers who would simply be obedient.
"In choosing the cabinet I have not considered my personal views... but I have only considered what is in the country's interest," he said. He also defended the choice of the three conservative women.
The parliamentary session on Sunday began with Mr Ahmadinejad introducing his nominees ahead of the debate, state radio said. "I take pride in selecting them," he said.
BBC World Affairs correspondent Peter Biles says the main changes in the cabinet list suggest Mr Ahmadinejad is more concerned with domestic issues than the economy or foreign affairs. Urging parliament to accept his nominations, Mr Ahmadinejad said: "We are committed to spreading justice, preserving the national dignity, achieving progress and confronting the bullying powers."
Parliament will debate the cabinet over three days and vote on Wednesday. A number of lawmakers spoke out against the nominations.
Reformist MP Sadollah Nasiri said: "The majority of the nominees do not have the relevant education and experience."
Conservative MP Mohammad Reza Bahonar added: "Some nominees of four or five ministries have an educational background which is contradictory to their portfolios."
Reformist Mostafa Kavakebian said that to accept such inexperience would be "a betrayal to God, the Prophet and all Muslims".
Mr Ahmadinejad was also criticised for not consulting MPs on appointments.
The president rejected the argument, saying he had even "answered a letter by a young boy who had some ideas".