This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/8180811.stm

The article has changed 16 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 13 Version 14
Iran poll critics shun ceremony Iran poll critics shun ceremony
(about 4 hours later)
Senior Iranian political figures appear to have snubbed the formal endorsement of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as president by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Senior Iranian political figures appear to have snubbed the formal endorsement of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as president by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Influential former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani was among those not at Monday's ceremony, state TV said. His predecessors as president, Mohammad Khatami and Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, did not attend the ceremony.
Another former president, Mohammad Khatami, was also absent, as were defeated election candidates Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi. Also missing were the two opposition candidates defeated in June's election - that was mired in claims of rigging - Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi.
Mr Ahmadinejad won a June election but allegations of fraud sparked protests. Later, riot police reportedly prevented several opposition protests in Tehran.
Thousands of Iranians took to the streets in the largest mass demonstrations in Iran since the 1979 revolution, which brought about the current Islamic system of government. After the 12 June election, thousands of Iranians took to the streets in the largest mass demonstrations since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Splits on show: how Iran's political elite has changed from 2005 to 2009Enlarge Image
Public protests have ebbed since in the face of a strong police and militia presence on the streets, but the country's political elite has been been in open disagreement about how to move forward.
Mr Ahmadinejad will be inaugurated for a second term in office on Wednesday, and will have two weeks to form a government which can be approved by parliament.
Hints of tensionHints of tension
In a ceremony broadcast live on state-run TV, Ayatollah Khamenei gave his backing to Mr Ahmadinejad ahead of Wednesday's formal inauguration. The BBC's Tehran correspondent, Jon Leyne, says public protests have ebbed since, in the face of mass arrests and a strong police presence on the streets.
The BBC was sent video of a purported opposition protest in Tehran on Monday
But Iran's political elite has been in open disagreement about how to move forward and opposition to the president continues to grow, our correspondent adds.
Mr Ahmadinejad will be inaugurated for a second term on Wednesday, and will have two weeks to form a government that must be approved by parliament.
In Monday's ceremony, broadcast live on the state-run Arabic and English TV, but not on the Farsi channels, Ayatollah Khamenei formally gave his backing to Mr Ahmadinejad.
Describing last month's poll as a "golden page" in Iran's political history, he declared the incumbent the victor with more than 60% of the vote.
"Iranian people have voted in favour of a fight against arrogance, to confront destitution and spread justice," al-Alam TV quoted the Supreme Leader as saying.
Mr Ahmadinejad, 52, accepted a decree from Ayatollah Khamenei, bowing as the Supreme Leader offered his hand.
There was apparent confusion between the two men as the Supreme Leader appeared to offer his hand, only for Mr Ahmadinejad to reach out and kiss his shoulder.
ANALYSIS Jon LeyneTehran correspondent, BBC News By endorsing the disputed election victory, Ayatollah Khamenei has tied his political future, and perhaps even the future of the Islamic Republic, to the fate of this controversial president. Today that bond was sealed. But the leader must already be wondering whether he might need to jettison the president to secure his own future, even though it would cause him enormous political damage. The real threat to Mr Ahmadinejad could come from his former allies. An increasing number have been expressing doubts about the president's behaviour since the election. As the president attempts to form a new cabinet, and win approval by parliament, his troubles could just be beginning. Send us your commentsANALYSIS Jon LeyneTehran correspondent, BBC News By endorsing the disputed election victory, Ayatollah Khamenei has tied his political future, and perhaps even the future of the Islamic Republic, to the fate of this controversial president. Today that bond was sealed. But the leader must already be wondering whether he might need to jettison the president to secure his own future, even though it would cause him enormous political damage. The real threat to Mr Ahmadinejad could come from his former allies. An increasing number have been expressing doubts about the president's behaviour since the election. As the president attempts to form a new cabinet, and win approval by parliament, his troubles could just be beginning. Send us your comments
He declared the incumbent president to be the victor of June's election with more than 60% of the vote. The official Irna news agency later reported that Mr Ahmadinejad had not kissed Ayatollah Khamenei's hand or cheek because he had a cold.
"Iranian people have voted in favour of a fight against arrogance, to confront destitution and spread justice," al-Alam TV quoted the ayatollah as saying. Whatever the reason, the strangely awkward moment was a graphic representation of the sometimes difficult relationship between the two leaders, says our correspondent.
Mr Ahmadinejad, 52, accepted a decree from Ayatollah Khamenei, bowing as the supreme leader offered his hand. After the ceremony, witnesses said hundreds of people had attempted to hold a demonstration in Vanak Square in the north of Tehran, but that they were dispersed the Revolutionary Guards, the Basij militia and police.
There was confusion between the two men as the supreme leader appeared to offer his hand only for Mr Ahmadinejad to reach out and kiss his shoulder. One protester called Maryam told BBC Persian the protest had been peaceful and that they were attacked indiscriminately.
Whatever the precise symbolic significance, the strangely awkward moment was a graphic representation of the sometimes difficult relationship between the two leaders, says the BBC's Tehran correspondent, Jon Leyne. "Plain-clothed officers started attacking people from the middle of the crowd," she said. "People were chased away and many were beaten up. Electric batons and tear gas were being used to displace the crowd."
But the real challenge to Mr Ahmadinejad after his swearing-in could be whether he can assemble a credible government that can be endorsed by parliament, our correspondent says. There were also reports of a demonstration being prevented by riot police in Vali Asr Square. Mr Karroubi is also said to have appeared at one rally.
Our correspondent says the real challenge to Mr Ahmadinejad after his swearing-in could be whether he can assemble a credible government that can be endorsed by parliament.
Splits on show: how Iran's political elite has changed from 2005 to 2009Enlarge Image
He has been dogged by controversy in recent weeks, becoming embroiled in a series of disputes with conservative politicians who would normally be his allies.He has been dogged by controversy in recent weeks, becoming embroiled in a series of disputes with conservative politicians who would normally be his allies.
He promoted a close ally, Esfandiar Rahim Mashaie, who had angered the establishment by suggesting that Iran was friends with the Israeli people.He promoted a close ally, Esfandiar Rahim Mashaie, who had angered the establishment by suggesting that Iran was friends with the Israeli people.
The appointment led to anger among conservatives, the resignation of one minister and reports of "chaos" within the government.The appointment led to anger among conservatives, the resignation of one minister and reports of "chaos" within the government.
Protester trialsProtester trials
The inauguration events come as the authorities continue a crackdown on many of those they allege were involved in directing mass demonstrations after the election results. The confirmation took place as the authorities continue a crackdown on many of those they allege were involved in directing mass demonstrations after the election results.
INAUGURAL WEEK Monday: endorsed by the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali KhameneiWednesday: sworn in by parliament Profile: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Who's who in Iran
About 100 reformists and activists were put on trial in Tehran on Saturday.About 100 reformists and activists were put on trial in Tehran on Saturday.
Both Mr Mousavi and former President Mohammad Khatami denounced the hearings, which continued on Sunday. The charges include conspiracy, rioting and vandalism. Both Mr Mousavi and former President Khatami denounced the hearings, which continued on Sunday. The charges include conspiracy, rioting and vandalism.
INAUGURAL WEEK Monday: endorsed by the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali KhameneiWednesday: sworn in by parliament Profile: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Who's who in Iran
They were among thousands of Iranians who rejected the official declaration that Mr Ahmadinejad had won the election.They were among thousands of Iranians who rejected the official declaration that Mr Ahmadinejad had won the election.
Televised confessions have been broadcast, in which a former vice-president, among others, thanked his interrogator for showing him the error of his ways.Televised confessions have been broadcast, in which a former vice-president, among others, thanked his interrogator for showing him the error of his ways.
But the process looks more like an attempt to intimidate the opposition than to present credible evidence, our correspondent says.But the process looks more like an attempt to intimidate the opposition than to present credible evidence, our correspondent says.
IRANIAN UNREST 12 June Presidential election saw incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad re-elected with 63% of voteMain challenger Mir Hossein Mousavi called for result to be annulled, alleging poll fraudMass street protests saw at least 30 people killed and foreign media restricted
Mr Mousavi accused the authorities of forcing detainees to confess to the crimes.Mr Mousavi accused the authorities of forcing detainees to confess to the crimes.
"Witnessing such trumped-up trials, the only judgment that the conscience of humanity can make is the moral collapse and discredit of its directors.""Witnessing such trumped-up trials, the only judgment that the conscience of humanity can make is the moral collapse and discredit of its directors."
Foreign media, including the BBC, have been restricted in their coverage of Iran since the election protests turned into confrontations with the authorities in which at least 30 people were killed.Foreign media, including the BBC, have been restricted in their coverage of Iran since the election protests turned into confrontations with the authorities in which at least 30 people were killed.
Are you in Iran? What are your views on the latest events in your country? Send us your comments.Are you in Iran? What are your views on the latest events in your country? Send us your comments.
The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & ConditionsThe BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions