Iranian lawmaker backs appointment of terrorist as defense chief
Senior MP says media frenzy surrounding accusations nominee for defense minister Vahidi was involved in bombing of Jewish center in Argentina won't affect parliament's approval
The head of an influential committee in Iran's parliament says he supports the nominee for defense minister and rejects accusations he was involved in the 1994 bombing of a Jewish cultural center in Argentina.
The backing of parliament's foreign policy and national security committee raises the likelihood that Gen. Ahmad Vahidi will be confirmed as defense chief.
Vahidi is one of five prominent Iranians sought by Argentina in the bombing, which killed 85 people. He was the commander of a special unit of Iran's Revolutionary Guard known as the Quds Force at the time of the attack.
Iran's official news agency, IRNA, on Sunday quoted committee chairman Alaeddin Boroujerdi as saying the accusations would not effect parliament's approval.
He said the "Zionists" were behind the accusations, adding that "the media frenzy surrounding the accusations will result in a larger number of parliament members backing Vahidi's appointment."
It is estimated that Vahidi will be named defense minister regardless of the controversy due to the fact that he has served as deputy defense minister for a number of years and is considered the best candidate for the job.
On Saturday the Argentinean Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning the appointment, calling it an affront to Argentine justice and the victims of the terrorist attack on the Jewish community center.
The statement further read that news of the nomination was received with grave concern in Argentina.
