Ex-Nuclear Negotiator Jalili Named To Iranian Arbitration Body
September 12, 2013 15:19 GMT
Said Jalili shows thanks to supporters on June 12, during his ultimately unsuccessful presidential campaign.
Hard-line former top nuclear negotiator Said Jalili has been appointed to Iran's top political arbitration body, the Expediency Council.
State media reported that the appointment was made by Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The council provides advice to Khamenei on various issues of national interest, and consists of high-ranking religious and political figures and former government officials.
Jalili was secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) under former President Mahmud Ahmadinejad.
PRE-ELECTION PROFILE of Said Jalili
He also placed third among candidates in Iran's presidential election in mid-June in a vote won by cleric and relative moderate Hassan Rohani.
After his swearing-in in early August, Rohani on September 12 replaced Jalili with Ali Shamkhani, who served as defense minister under two reformist administrations.
Until now, the SNSC has been heavily involved in Iran's nuclear talks, but its role is expected to decline after Rohani charged the Foreign Ministry last week with taking the lead on negotiations.
Based on reporting by AFP and en.irna.ir
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