IRAN: Ayatollah Khameini hands Ahmadinejad 2009 election - not bothering to wait for polls

Report: Iranian Supreme Leader backs Ahmadinejad's second term
+ - 08:52, August 26, 2008

[link to english.people.com.cn]

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah AliKhamenei asked Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to prepare for a second term in office, the official IRNA news agency reported on Monday.

Khamenei praised Ahmadinejad for standing up to the West and predicted he would retain the office for four more years at the 2009 presidential election.

"Do not think that this year is your final year," the supreme leader told Ahmadinejad earlier at a meeting with cabinet ministers.

"Work as if you will stay in charge for five years. In other words, imagine that in addition to this year, another four years will be under your management, and plan and act accordingly," Khamenei said.

"Some bullying powers and their worthless followers of attempt to impose their will on the Iranian nation," he said. "The president and the government have stood up to their excessive demands and moved forward."

Ahmadinejad has been facing criticism from the public and pro-reform opponents over the country's economy and rising inflation.

Iran's inflation rate once hit about 26 percent this year, leaving price hikes the biggest problem for ordinary Iranians.

Khamenei has told Ahmadinejad's government to control inflation.

Ahmadinejad took office in 2005. Iranian political groups are now preparing for the 2009 race which will be held in June nest year.

Source:Xinhua