TEHRAN Rules and regulations to govern the powers and functions of the "House of Iranian Political Parties" were approved by representatives of all political groups and factions Monday night who voted overwhelmingly for their approval.

The house is intended to act as a supervisory body over the activities of political parties in the country.

"The development of a culture of political parties and strengthening of the spirit of cooperation among them" are some of the other goals of the house.

The House of Iranian Political Parties' first general assembly opened at the auditorium of the Interior Ministry Monday attended by 70 representatives of political groups which proceeded to elect members of its central council and supervisory board.

Hassan Ghafouri-Fard, a founding member, later told IRNA that the task of approving regulations for the house took a year of unsparing efforts of the founding board and the support of the Interior Ministry which are aimed to regulate party activities.

He said that 37 people were nominated for membership in the central and supervisory boards. Fifteen were elected as members of the central council, 6 as substitutes, 3 as main inspectors and 2 as substitutes.

(IRNA)