Guardian Council: We Will Not Surrender to Pressure

The Guardian Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran announced that it will not yield to pressure to change or reconsider its recent decision to disqualify thousands of reformists who sought to participate in the parliamentary elections. Spokesman Mohammad Jahromi stated that this body has fulfilled its legal and religious duty. He added that the council members will not submit to threats of resignation from members of President Khatami's cabinet. Meanwhile, Mohammad Khatami stated that his solidarity with his reformist allies will continue. Additionally, Mohammad Setareh Far, the Iranian Vice President, previously announced that if Khatami's government cannot guarantee the freedom of the upcoming parliamentary elections, there would be no reason for the cabinet members to continue serving. However, Setareh Far also expressed that the government is still hopeful of resolving the issue. The Guardian Council recently deemed over three thousand individuals, including 85 current members of parliament, as unfit and disqualified for candidacy in the parliamentary elections. The Guardian Council has not provided any explanation for its decision regarding this large group, but news reports indicate that some reformists have been barred from participating in the elections due to what the Guardian Council members describe as 'lack of commitment to Islam.' Meanwhile, the sit-in by reformist representatives in the parliament building continues, and governors across Iran have threatened to resign in solidarity with them if the Guardian Council does not reconsider its decision within a week. Ayatollah Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, has stated that before he intervenes as the leader to provide a solution to this political deadlock, all possible legal avenues must be pursued.