TEHRAN, Feb. 9--Guardians Council’s spokesman, Abbasali Kadkhodaei, said about 3,000 hopefuls, whose applications were rejected, have lodged complaints with the council.
Speaking during his weekly press briefing on Saturday, the spokesman added that the figure includes those whose competency has not been ratified and those who lacked the required qualification, IRNA reported.
“If the rights (of candidates) were violated, then we would definitely revise (the initial disqualifications),“ he said.
Kadkhodaei also said some 160 candidates have so far announced their withdrawal from the upcoming Majlis elections.
The Guardians Council is the final body charged with verifying the competency of hopefuls for all elections in Iran.
Over 7,000 hopefuls have registered for the upcoming Majlis elections, of which some 6,549 applicants are male.
The next Majlis election and the midterm election for the Experts Assembly in the constituencies of Tehran, Qazvin, Ilam and East Azarbaijan provinces will be held concurrently on March 14.
All those having completed 18 years and above are eligible to vote for the 290-seat parliament.
Belief in and commitment to Islam and the Islamic Republic of Iran, allegiance to the Iranian Constitution and leadership of supreme jurisprudent, having good physical health, holding at least a master’s degree or its equivalent, lack of criminal records and aged between 30 and 75 years are the terms required for the eligibility of nominees.
Meanwhile, Police Chief Brigadier General Esmaeel Ahmadi-Moqaddam said on Saturday the police force will implement a special plan to promote security and callm during the elections.
“Basiji (volunteer) forces and other military sections will help police, if necessary,“ he said.

The simulator will reduce air accidents, fuel consumption and improve the quality and quantity of the education of Air Force members.

TEHRAN, Feb. 9--Simulators for helicopter models Cobra and 206 have been designed and manufactured by Iran’s Air Force.
Army commander, Major General Ataollah Salehi, and commander of Iran’s Ground Forces, Brigadier General Mohammad Hassan Dadras, attended the inauguration ceremony of simulators held in the Air Force’s headquarters on Saturday, Fars News Agency reported.
The simulators will reduce air accidents, fuel consumption and improve the quality and quantity of the education of Air Force members.
The simulator will warn the pilot automatically in case of any problem.
“Maneuvers can be held in different weather conditions with the help of the 206 helicopter simulator,“ Air Force Commander Ahadi said, adding that 8 billion rials have been spent for the manufacture of the simulator and all related software and electronic equipment have been designed and made by experts of the Army’s Ground Forces and Defense Ministry.

MADRID, Spain, Feb. 9--Iran’s ambassador to Spain, Davoud Salehi, has expressed the Islamic Republic’s willingness to boost cooperation with the European Union.
In a meeting with former Spanish prime minister, Felipe Gonzalez, in Madrid on Friday, Salehi delivered a message from Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki, Presstv reported.
Gonzales was appointed by the EU leaders in December to head a “Reflection Group“ to look at the future of Europe in 2020-30, focusing on the economic challenges of globalization.
The diplomat stressed that Iran carries out its nuclear activities for peaceful purposes, adding that Tehran has always held constructive talks with European countries to build confidence and establish stability and tranquility in the Middle East.
“Tehran hopes its efforts will have positive results for the country,“ he said.
Gonzales referred to Iran’s important role in strengthening peace and stability in the region and looked forward to playing an effective role in consolidating relations between Iran and the EU.

TEHRAN, Feb. 9--Iran’s ambassador to Azerbaijan Republic said on Saturday citizens of the two countries may no longer require tourist visas.
“The Islamic Republic is ready to eliminate the need for a visa to Azerbaijan to facilitate traveling and develop trade ties,“ Nasser Hamidi-Zare’ said in Baku, Presstv reported.
“Around 600,000 people travel between the two countries every year,“ he said.
The ambassador pointed out that investments made by several Iranian companies in economic, trade and energy fields in Azerbaijan are ample proof that the two countries have the potential to further expand bilateral ties. “Iran and Azerbaijan agree on most regional and international issues,“ Hamidi-Zare’ concluded.