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Constitution
Of IRAN .........................................................................
Constitutional Background
The former monarchy and the Constitution of 1906 were abolished by
the revolution of February 1979. The 1979 Constitution dates 24
Oct 1979 and is in force since 3 Dec 1979. Significant amendments
were adopted on 28 July 1989.
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1. The 270-member Majlis (Islamic Consultative Assembly)
can initiate laws (cf.Art. 71), but is subject to a number of
restrictions (Art. 72) and needs the support of at least fifteen
members (Art. 74). The Majlis can hinder the President's policy,
veto cabinet appointments, and even impeach ministers. Its speaker
is powerful due to his seat on all of the main councils of state.
2. The Preamble is very long, containing a history of the
revolution, a description of the new state, and quotes of Koranic
verses. The Preamble states that Economy is a Means, Not an End.
It also asserts that the home centered role of Women in Islam is
actually a liberation, assigning women special rights. Iran places
no belief in Government Control.
3. Iran has an official religion, some recognized religious
minorities, and acknowledges rights of non-Muslims. Iran grants a
right to work, extensive welfare rights, and a right to fruits of
business. The Constitution requires that the taking of foreign aid
be approved by the Parliament. Concessions for foreign businesses
are forbidden. The Constitution acknowledges committee legislation
and features a religious leader as well as a Head of Judiciary.
Public officials are subject to an asset control.
History and News
23 May 1997: Surprisingly, presidential elections are won
by Mohammad Khatami, favored by the intellectual left. After 11
years in office, he was disposed of his position as minister of
culture and Islamic guidance in 1992 by President Ali Akbar
Rafsanjani. Rafsanjani was barred by the Constitution from seeking
a third consecutive term and did not get his favorite successor,
the conservative cleric and speaker of parliament Ali Akbar
Nateq-Noori, elected.
10 May 1997: Earthquake near the Afghan border kills at
least 1,600 people and makes 50,000 homeless.
8 March 1996: Elections for the 270-seat Majlis, the
consultative parliament.
1990: With the Soviet's retreat from Afghanistan, refugees
were sent back to their home country.
1979: With the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan
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