Iranian president to replace two ministers

Tehran: President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will replace two ministers, including the economy minister, Iranian newspapers reported on Thursday.

Analysts said the latest move was an attempt to shift blame over his failed fiscal policy.

Government spokesman Gholamhossein Elham was quoted as saying that Economy and Finance Minister Davoud Danesh Jafari and Interior Minister Mostafa Pourmohammadi would be replaced. He did not say when or why.

"Ahmadinejad has asked the two ministers to serve the government in other posts," Elham was quoted by the Etemad-e Melli daily as saying.

Iranian media had in recent days cited rumours about the replacement of some ministers, including the economy, interior and foreign ministers. Elham denied the rumours.