TEHRAN, March 15: Iran’s ex-president Mohammad Khatami is considering withdrawing from the June presidential vote to support another reformist candidate, Iranian news agencies reported on Sunday.

The Mehr agency quoted a source close to Mr Khatami as saying the former president during a meeting with members of his campaign had indicated he would withdraw.

It did not say when the official announcement was expected.

Fars reported that Mr Khatami had decided to withdraw from the election race but gave no details.A close aide of Mr Khatami said that there “was no decision yet.”

“He is meeting Mir Hossein Mousavi later today and tomorrow he will meet other reformist leaders. After these meetings a decision will be taken,” the aide said on condition of anonymity.

Mr Mousavi is a reputed moderate and former prime minister of Iran who also plans to contest the June 12 vote.

Mehr reported that during the meeting with his campaign officials, Mr Khatami had spoken out against what he said were attempts to dilute support for reformists.

“Opponents want to divide my supporters and supporters of Mousavi,” Mr Khatami was quoted as saying.

“It is not in our interest. Also some conservatives are supporting Mousavi.

He (Mousavi) thinks that we have to change the situation. Mousavi is popular and will be able to execute his plans and I prefer he stays in the race.” Before announcing his candidacy on Feb 8, Mr Khatami had had indicated that either he or Mr Mousavi would contest the vote.

Former Iranian parliament speaker Mehdi Karroubi is also planning to run in the election while incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is yet to announce his candidacy.—AFP
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