TEHRAN -- Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Ahmad Masjed Jamei, on Monday appointed Dr. Mohammad Javad Haqshenas as his deputy for parliamentary and legal affairs.

Haqshenas, who has a PhD in international relations, has previously served as an advisor on political affairs to the Interior Minister. He was also responsible for the granting of licenses to political parties, in line with President Mohammad Khatami's program to promote diversity in the political spectrum.

Masjed Jamei also appointed Haqshenas' predecessor, Mrs. Azam Nouri, to the post of advisor to the Minister.