TEHRAN In a somewhat unexpected move President Mohammad Khatami has decided against sweeping changes in the cabinet for the start of his second term in office.

The TEHRAN TIMES has learnt that five ministers will definitely be leaving the cabinet when the new administration starts work next month. They are Health Minister Mohammad Farhadi, Labor Minister Hossein Kamali, Education Minister Hossein Mozaffar, Finance Minister Hossein Namazi and Justice Minister Esmaeil Shoushtari.

Kamal Kharrazi, Ahmad Masjed-Jame'i and Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani will definitely remain at their present portfolios in the ministries of foreign affairs, culture and Islamic guidance and defense.

The Chief of the President's Office Hojjatoleslam Mohammad-Ali Abtahi will give his position to the president's brother Ali Khatami and will be appointed deputy president for parliamentary affairs.

Ataollah Mohajerani will remain deputy president with new duties as chief of tourism and cultural heritage organizations.

Although it has been rumored for some time that Tehran MP, Behzad Nabavi is a serious contender for the post of first deputy president, the TEHRAN TIMES can definitely report that Khatami's first choice for the position of his first deputy is Mohammadreza Aref. It is possible however that should Mostafa Moin decide to leave the cabinet due to ill health and tiredness, then Aref may be offered the Ministry of Higher Education. In any case Aref will vacate his present post and Behzad Nabavi will become the next deputy president in charge of the Management and Planning Organization.

No final decision has been made regarding the Interior Ministry, although it can be reported that Mohammad Sadr of the Foreign Ministry is one of the contenders for the post.

Finally the present post of deputy president for executive affairs will be scrapped and the present holder of the position Mohammad Hashemi will automatically leave the cabinet.