Iran FM appoints new deputy

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi has appointed Ali Ahani as his new deputy for Europe and the Americas' affairs, Press TV reported with reference to IRNA.

"With regard to sincere services and valuable experience you have displayed in various posts, you are appointed as the deputy for Europe and the Americas' affairs," read a decree that announced Ahani's appointment.

A distinguished Iranian official, Ahani has an experience of 30 years of service in the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

He holds a Ph.D. in management and previously served as Iran's ambassador to France, Italy, Belgium, and the European Union, as well as Iran's deputy foreign minister for European affairs.

Ahani's appointment came after the Iranian foreign minister appointed Behrouz Kamalvandi - the former deputy foreign minister for the Americas - as his new deputy for administrative and financial affairs.

Kamalvandi replaces Mohammad Sharif Malekzadeh, whose nomination sparked controversy and drew criticism from senior Iranian officials, calling on the foreign minister to immediately dismiss him.

On Tuesday, 33 Iranian lawmakers submitted an impeachment draft for Salehi, under which the foreign minister would have to defend his decision at the Parliament (Majlis).

Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani made it clear later on the same day that despite Malekzadeh's resignation, the impeachment effort will go forward as planned unless legislators move to withdraw their motion against Salehi.


/Trend/