TEHRAN – MP Ali Motahhari revealed on Saturday that some principlists will negotiate with former president Mohammad Khatami to convince him not to contest the June presidential election so that principlists would consider candidates other than the current President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

“We will discuss a plan with Khatami according to which (principlists) introduce two candidates in the presidential election such that Ahmadinejad is not one of them… ” he told Mehr News Agency.
“The plan … was discussed with many people and all of them agreed with that. However, the pursuit of the plan will depend on Khatami’s withdrawal from the election.”
Motahhari added if Khatami runs for president, the plan will be abandoned.
He also stated if Khatami runs for president, then there will be a general agreement among principlists on Ahmadinejad candidacy.
The conservative MP also said Khatami is not fit for presidential post.
“I do not agree with Khatami’s candidacy because I see him as an intellectual figure not an as administrative one, and I do not see him as suitable for presidency. All in all, if Khatami does not nominate, it is better for him although he is the final decision maker.”