Tehran, Nov 22, IRNA � Caretaker of the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology Mohammad Ali Najafi said on Saturday that he remained in the post upon a recent permission issued by the Supreme Leader.
He made the remarks while commenting on some reports about his stay in the Ministry.
Najafi said President Hassan Rouhani received the permission from Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

Najafi was appointed by President Rouhani as caretaker of the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology after the former minister, Reza Faraji-Dana, was dismissed from the post by lawmakers on August 20.

According to the Article 135 of Iran's Constitution, 'The President may appoint, for a maximum period of three months, acting heads for ministries not having ministers.'

The three-month term for Najafi expired on November 20.

Secretary of the Guardians Council Abbasali Kadkhodaei had previously said that extension of the term of a caretaker over a ministry with no minister was not envisaged in the Constitution and that is within the authorities of the Supreme Leader.

President Rouhani has so far, introduced three nominees for the post: Mahmoud Nili Ahmadabadi, Fakhroddin Ahmadi Ashtiani and Mohammad Farhadi. The two first candidates have failed to gain the vote of confidence from Majlis.

The MPs are to decide on Farhadi on November 26.

By IRNA

 

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