http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-237/0805213867180504.htm
President: Gov't serious in financial corruption campaign
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Wednesday said his government is firm with its
pledge to launch stern campaign against financial corruption.
"Government has become more decisive in campaign against economic corruption,"
said President Ahmadinejad in a press briefing after weekly cabinet session.
Ahmadinejad ruled out claims that his government has become less serious in its
drive to fight corruption and improve conditions.
"That's not true, on the contrary government has become firmer and has blocked
all main ways leading to the corruption, taking conditions under control," he
added.
He said that though being alone in the path, government will continue with the
campaign, trusting divine assistance in the way.
The president said Majlis Speaker Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel had provided him with
copy of a report by Majlis Article 90 Commission on economic corruption and he
is to brief the next meeting of the heads of the three branches of government
on the document.
The president however declined to name those involved in the corruption.
"Government is not to deal with individuals. We should undermine a sort of
lifestyle which leads to financial corruption. Then, people will come to know
the individuals themselves," he said.
He added that financial corruption exists worldwide and is something natural.
Asked about the Commerce Minister Masoud Mirkazemi's impeachment motion which
was discarded from Majlis agenda Wednesday, Ahmadinejad said the impeachment
had not been a right move.
"We are happy that the impeachment has been removed from the agenda."
He said Mirkazemi has been one of the successful ministers in his cabinet for
undertaking big and infrastructural projects during his ministerial mission.
He noted that government will pursue tariff cut and subsidy payment mechanisms
as two influential tools to curb soaring prices and expenditures.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Ahmadinejad said he will take part in the FAO meeting
in Italy on an invitation by the FAO head.
He said food management worldwide has not been appropriate thus far and Iran
has some proposals that he would present to the FAO meeting on drought control
and food management.
Elsewhere in the interview, Ahmadinejad welcomed intra-Lebanese consensus and
called on foreigners not to interfere in Lebanese affairs.
As for replacement of Interior Minister Mostafa Pourmohammadi, Ahmadinejad
said, "We are a team engaged in a coordinated work and that replacement are
something natural. Cabinet change should no longer be considered a taboo.
Cabinet reshuffle twice a year is something normal without leading to any
substantial event and that the state of affairs continue with their normal
course despite reshuffle."
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