Larijani acknowledges political splits

TEHRAN, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Iran's Parliament speaker confirmed differences of opinion among many conservative lawmakers in Iran as the political turmoil in Tehran escalates.

Speaker Ali Larijani confirmed emerging divisions among conservatives, known as Principlists, in a speech before the Islamic Society of Engineers in Iran, a conservative political group close to the official.

"I confirm that there are differences among Principlists, which are mostly differences of opinion," he said.

Civil unrest in the wake of the disputed June 12 presidential election has evolved into political upheaval, with questions emerging about the legitimacy of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the clerical leadership in Tehran.

Lawmakers in their latest criticisms attacked Ahmadinejad for his decision to replace 11 of his Cabinet ministers, including the nomination of a top aide to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as his next intelligence minister.

Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati told worshipers during his sermon for Friday prayers, however, that lawmakers should move on the Cabinet with the people in mind, the semiofficial Mehr news agency reports.

"The Cabinet has been introduced with all the characteristics it has, but the Parliament has a responsibility to consider the people's interests only," he said.

Meanwhile, Larijani promised he would address issues regarding the reported rape of many dissenters locked up in the wake of the June election.

"We never want to hide anything from people," he said.