25 Jul 2009

Appointment of vice president cancelled

11:02 am on 25 July 2009

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran has bowed to pressure and cancelled the appointment of his chosen vice-president, Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei.

He made his decision after receiving a direct order from Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Mr Mashaie angered hardliners last year by saying Iranians and Israelis were friends.