Date:27/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/27/stories/2008082760181600.htm

International

Khamenei backs Ahmadinejad for another term

Atul Aneja

DUBAI: Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has expressed his support for President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for another term in office.

He praised Mr. Ahmadinejad for standing up to the West and predicted he would retain office for four more years after his term expires in 2009.

“Do not think that this year is your final year,” Ayatollah Khamenei told Mr. Ahmadinejad at a meeting with Cabinet Ministers, reported the state-run IRNA. “Work as if you will stay in charge for five years. In other words, imagine that in addition to this year, another four years will be under your management and plan and act accordingly.”On the economy, which has witnessed an inflation rate of 26 per cent, Ayatollah Khamenei backed Mr. Ahmadinejad’s plan to redirect state subsidies, running into billions of dollars, towards lower-income groups. However, he urged the government to examine all aspects of the initiative.