Iran government threatens to quit

IRAN’S reformist government threatened to resign yesterday as other reformers accused hardliners of treason for disqualifying candidates in next month’s parliamentary elections.

In a deepening of the nation's political crisis, the official Islamic Republic News Agency quoted vice president Mohammad Sattarifar as saying: "If the government feels that it can't fulfil its responsibilities in protecting legitimate freedoms, such as defending the rights of the nation for a free and fair elections, then it does not believe that there is any reason to stay in power."

That statement late Monday is the strongest yet indicating President Mohammad Khatami's government may be willing to resign if it cannot ensure fair elections February 20.