Hassan Rouhani appoints new vice-presidents

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has appointed new vice-presidents of the country, the official website of the President reported today.

Former MP Mohammadbaker Noubaht is appointed Vice President of Strategic Planning and Control. He is also appointed as the head of presidential administration for management and development of human resources. Noubaht has a degree in economics from the University of Paisley in Scotland and was a member of the electoral headquarters of Rouhani, ITAR-TASS quotes an official source.

Former Minister of Industry and Mines Eskhak Jahangiri has also been appointed as a Vice-President.

A graduate of George Washington University, 58-year-old Mohammad Nahavandiyan was promoted to the post of Chief of Staff of the President. Nahavandiyan is the chairman of Iran's Chamber of Commerce.

Today, Iran's Majlis began the process of establishing a new government, the composition of which was presented at the inauguration ceremony last week by the President. For three days parliamentarians will consider and discuss the candidacy of each of the 18 future ministers.

Most of the candidates selected by Rouhani previously held posts in the governments of presidents of Iran Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and Mohammad Khatami, and are known for their moderate and pragmatic views.

After the three days of debate, the new government will start its work in full or part, depending on whether MPs reject individual candidates.