TEHRAN The former managing editor of the banned daily **** Khordad****, Abdollah Nouri, who is currently serving time in prison, is writing an article in response to the allegations made by dissident cleric Hossein-Ali Montazeri against some officials of the Islamic Republic. The allegations, entitled "Montazeri's Memories", have been published on the Internet. ****************************************

Shamkhani Does Not Participate in Cabinet Meetings

TEHRAN Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani, a candidate for the June 8 presidential elections, has not participated in the cabinet meetings in the recent past.

Some observers believe that Shamkhani's absence is due to his involvement in his election campaign. Others believe that the absence is due to a recent debate between him and Energy Minister Habibollah Bitaraf about his candidacy during the cabinet meeting on May 20.