  Iranian MFA spokesman quits, new official appointed May 14, 2013 - 13:51 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi has been appointed as the new Foreign Ministry spokesman, after Ramin Mehmanparast, who has signed up as a presidential hopeful for the June 14 election, said he is quitting. According to Press TV, in his letter of resignation, Mehmanparast stated that although there is no law requiring that he resign in order to run for president, he decided to do so in order to assure the public that he would not use state facilities or his position to give himself a boost in the election. Salehi accepted the resignation and appointed Araqchi as the new spokesman but announced that he would retain his position as deputy foreign minister for Asia-Pacific affairs. The foreign minister also thanked Mehmanparast for his untiring efforts during his tenure as Foreign Ministry spokesman. Mehmanparast is one of the 686 individuals who have signed up as presidential candidates.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty  Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty.Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza.Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations.Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |
