The plan for the division of Khorasan Province has caused some tensions in the Majlis and even caused some unrest in one of the provincial cities, which left one dead. On these grounds, deputies plan to impeach the interior minister.

*15 MPs Present Motion to Impeach Housing Minister to Presiding Board

Fifteen MPs have presented a motion to impeach the housing minister to the Majlis Presiding Board, citing the dramatic increase in the price of land and houses. However, some deputies argue that the increase in the price of land and houses has no relation to the ministry's policies and is a result of a rise in the price of construction materials and a sharp increase in demand in the housing sector. According to Majlis by-laws, the minister has a ten-day grace period to appear in the Majlis.

* Majlis Performance Over Past Two Years Evaluated

MP Ahmad Bourqani, a member of the Majlis Presiding Board, has described the performance of the Sixth Majlis since its term began two years ago. He said that the deputies have asked 571 question of executive organizations, 85 of which were related to the Interior Ministry and 4 related to the Ministry of Labor. Bourqani added that of the 63 bills ratified by the Majlis, 20 have been referred to the Expediency Council. He stated that most Majlis ratifications have been related to social and cultural issues. He also declared that the Majlis would convene two public sessions per week and that the deputies would also participate in specialized commissions twice a week.

*Majlis Approves Bill Prohibiting Torture

The Majlis on Wednesday approved the details of a bill which prohibits all kinds of torture including physical abuse and solitary confinement.

*Decisions on Caspian Sea Status Should Be Based on Previous Treaties

Hussein Roozbehi, a Majlis deputy from Sari, said on Wednesday in his pre-agenda speech that any decisions on the Caspian Sea surface or seabed should be based upon previous treaties and that the Foreign Ministry should prevent the conclusion of any bilateral agreements which pave the way for the presence of alien countries in the Caspian Sea.

*200 MPs Call For Water Management System to Be Upgraded

In a letter to President Khatami, 200 Majlis deputies have asked for serious changes to be made to the country's water management system, citing high water consumption and economic inefficiency.

*80 Percent of Construction Allocations Spent on Salaries Mustafa Khanzadi, a Majlis deputy from Damavand, said that 80 percent of the constructional budget is spent on paying salaries and benefits, causing delays to construction projects.

*Political Unity on Principles of System

Majlis Vice Speaker Mohammad Reza Khatami said that every Iranian should have the opportunity to realize his or her potential and that there is no legal obstacle in this regard. He added that the system is based upon the principles of independence, development, freedom and justice and also the realization of an Islamic Republic in which spirituality plays an important role. Khatami stated that all the political factions are united in these principles and are trying to avoid deviating from the principles of the system and the revolution.