Iran's Parliament Summons Ahmadinejad to Explain Economic Policies
16:27 - 8 February 2012
Kurdpa - Lawmakers in Iran have summoned President Mahmud Ahmadinejad to respond to a long list of complaints, particularly concerning his handling of the economy.
Reports say it is the first time the Iranian parliament has summoned a president since the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
The conservative lawmakers who dominate parliament accuse Ahmadinejad of trying to undermine the Islamic establishment, of using state assets to support favored parties in advance of the March 2 parliamentary elections, and of involvement in an embezzlement scandal engulfing a pro-Ahmadinejad parliamentary faction.
Deputies considered a similar measure last year, but instead decided to submit written questions to Ahmadinejad.
However, they were not satisfied with his responses.
Ahmadinejad, who rejects the accusations, has until March 8 to appear before parliament.
Reports say it is the first time the Iranian parliament has summoned a president since the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
The conservative lawmakers who dominate parliament accuse Ahmadinejad of trying to undermine the Islamic establishment, of using state assets to support favored parties in advance of the March 2 parliamentary elections, and of involvement in an embezzlement scandal engulfing a pro-Ahmadinejad parliamentary faction.
Deputies considered a similar measure last year, but instead decided to submit written questions to Ahmadinejad.
However, they were not satisfied with his responses.
Ahmadinejad, who rejects the accusations, has until March 8 to appear before parliament.
