Blow to Iran’s Prez

TEHRAN: In a blow to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, top conservative lawmakers openly opposed his cabinet line-up after he urged parliament on Sunday to approve his nominees. “Sixteen nominees have no experience required for the ministries they have been nominated for,” said MP Ahmad Tavakoli as parliament began a debate on the 21-member new cabinet ahead of Wednesday’s vote of confidence. “The cabinet lacks harmony when it comes to handling crucial issues such as economic development. The views of candidates nominated to head the economy, oil and commerce ministries contradict that of the agriculture ministry nominee.” Another conservative, Mohammad Reza Bahonar, said he will “definitely not vote for a few nominees. — AFP

Polish jet crashes

WARSAW: Police say a fighter jet has crashed during an air show in central Poland. The Su-27 aircraft was performing maneuvers Sunday at the festival in Radom, 105 kilometres south of Warsaw, when it went down. The plane was not near the tarmac or crowds attending the air show when it crashed. Footage broadcast on state television showed the plane turning in the air, then dropping behind trees. A cloud of black smoke appeared on the horizon where the plane went down. — AP

SA kidnap plot

JOHANNESBURG: A South African newspaper says the army is investigating an alleged plot by disgruntled soldiers to kidnap the defence minister and top military officials. The Sunday Times quoted a court affidavit by the acting chief of the South African Defence Forces, Lt General Themba Matanzima. The story says the affidavit was filed last week to support Matanzima’s appeal to the court to stop a planned protest by soldiers who want more pay. The court banned the march, but soldiers went ahead. Defence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu condemned the violence and ordered the soldiers’ dismissal. — AP