Linking inflation to sanctions is an excuse, Iranian MP says

KERNAMSHAH, July 23 (MNA) – MP Fatollah Hosseini said on Sunday that linking the high inflation to economic sanctions is just an “excuse” since Iran has been under sanctions over the past 33 years and this is not a new issue. Hosseini said the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Trade has failed to control prices and therefore on Sunday he triggered the move to impeach Mehdi Ghazanfari, the man in charge of the ministry. “Due to the failure of the minister of industry, mines and commerce in controlling the market, today (Sunday) we decided to impeach the minister,” the MP told the Mehr News Agency. He said move to impeach the minister has been welcomed by lawmakers and the impeachment motion is being circulated among MPs for signature. According to Hosseini the letter of impeachment will be handed over to the Majlis presiding board on Tuesday. Hosseini who represents the people of Sarepol-e Zahab, Qasr-e Shirin and Gilan Gharb in the Majlis added, “As people’s representatives, it’s our responsibility to take care of the matter because the pressure of high prices and instability in the market is not acceptable to people.” He said, “The impeachment of the minister is certain and the representatives won’t back off on the issue.” He claimed that backing down from the impeachment move will be possible only if the market bounce back to its original place.