February 14-2014
The Supreme Leader’s representative to the Pasdaran has told reporters the Pasdaran have “limited” their work on economic projects.
Hojatoleslam Ali Saeedi, who represents Ali Khamenehi in the Pasdaran, said: “Just as up until now it has limited its projects, the Pasdaran plan to continue to do this and turn over national projects to private sector firms that have the capacity for these projects.”
The issue of the Pasdaran’s construction arm dominating major construction in Iran has been an issue for more than a year.
Since taking office, President Rohani has maintained a conflicting stand on the issue, telling the Pasdaran to continue their large-scale infrastructure projects while at the same time saying he seeks a larger role for the private sector, especially in smaller economic projects.
Saeedi did not say what formula would be used to limit the Pasdaran’s economic role.
Saeedi defended the past role of the Pasdaran in construction, including oil development projects. “When two large companies, Shell and Total, pulled out of their prime projects, some institution had to carry this load so that harm would not be done to the revolution,” he said.