TEHRAN Following recent remarks by Major General Rahim Safavi in a gathering of IRGC Naval Commanders, it was expected that the issue would be a subject of crucial debate in Majlis open session on Sunday. But against all expectations a strange silence ruled over the Majlis yesterday, and the MPs from both factions preferred not to express their views on the issue.

Denouncing General Safavi's ramarks, however one MP emphasized that it was the age of free discussion and not the era of terror and beheading. Majlis Hezbollah Group had urged its members not to express their views on Safavi's ramarks. It is believed that members of different political factions were awaiting for the atmosphere to become more clear and see what the reaction of higher authorities in the government would be in near future.

Government Spokesman Attaollah Mohajerani and Interior Minister Abdullah Nouri, also attending the Majlis session, declined to answer the questions posed by reporters concerning Safavi's remarks. Ahmad Nateq Nouri of Nour and Mahmoud Abad as a pre-agenda speaker said the current economic stagnation may lead to serious cricis. He further said the drop in hard currency incomes, an increase in foreign debts and a recession in stock market are among the main factores leading to economic stagnation.

Ahmad Nateq Nouri also called President Khatami to put the settling of economic problems on top of his agenda.