Iran's nuclear body gets acting deputy

Head of Iran's Nuclear Power Plants Production and Development Company has been appointed as the acting deputy of the country's Atomic Energy Organization.

Mohammad Ahmadian was assigned to the post on Tuesday in a decree issued by Head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi, Fars news agency reported.

The new AEOI acting deputy is a university professor and has also served in different administrative posts, including the position as the country's deputy energy minister.

Ahmadian was also the Managing Director of Atomic Energy Production and Development Company -- the Iranian contractor for the Bushehr Atomic Power Plant Construction agreement.

The decision comes on the heels of a presidential decree appointing Salehi to the post of acting foreign minister. Salehi will, for the time being, replace Manouchehr Mottaki, Iran's foreign minister since 2005, while retaining his position as the AEOI chief.

"Considering your commitment, knowledge, and valued expertise, and in accordance with Article 135 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and based on this decree, you are appointed as acting foreign minister," read the presidential directive appointing Salehi to the new post.

In a separate statement, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad also expressed his gratitude to Mottaki for his five-year service in his cabinet.


/Press TV/