No way left for seditionist reformers: Iranian MP

TEHRAN,June 27(MNA) – Conservative lawmaker Mohammad Reza Bahonar said on Monday that reformists should show commitment to the Constitution if they wish to reenter political competitions. However, he said the door is closed to those whom he called “seditionist reformers.” The remark by Bahonar comes as there is speculation that reformists are preparing to contest the 2013 presidential election. Bahonar categorizes reformists into several groups with different approaches and says reformists should not be seen as a homogenous bloc. The veteran lawmaker told the Persian service of the Mehr News Agency that “seditionist reformers can never return to the system” and that the only way left for them is “to repent until God forgives their sins.” On possible candidates of reformists in the next presidential election being cited in certain media outlets, he said, “Judgment about candidates of reformists should be left to the Guardian Council because it is the Guardian Council which is obligated to comment on the qualification of candidates.” Former MP Hassan Ghafourifard told the MNA on Tuesday that reformists will “most likely” nominate Mohammad Reza Aref as their candidate in the next year’s presidential polls. Aref served as communications minister and first vice president in President Mohammad Khatami’s administration.