Iranian Leader Ousts Directors Of State-Owned Banks

President Ahmadinejad (file photo) (epa) 6 November 2005 -- Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad today dismissed the directors of six state-owned banks as part of his continued reshuffle of state personnel.

Iranian news agencies report new directors for the six banks will be announced tomorrow. The Iranian leader has often criticized the banking system as being responsible for many of the country's problems, including unemployment.

Since coming to office in early August, Ahmadinejad has weeded through state structures in what observers say is an attempt to purge the system of personnel loyal to reformers.

Most recently, Iran's Foreign Ministry announced the recall of some 40 ambassadors from their diplomatic posts.

(AFP)