Khatami's vice-president nominated as minister of interior

Iranian President Mohammed Khatami nominated his vice-president in charge of legal and Parliamentary affairs and one of his close assistants, Abdolvahed Mousavi Lari to occupy the post of minister of interior.

Abdullah Nouri had occupied that post until he was discharged by the Parliament in June.

Speaker Ali Akbar Nateq Nouri, the head of Iran's Parliament, announced Mousavi Lari's nomination yesterday and said this nomination will be presented for a vote on next Wednesday in the parliament.

The Iranian constitution states that a vote of confidence should be made before appointing any minister.

Mousavi Lari, 44, is described as one of Khatami's most influencial counselors.