Iran gives key oil role to a Revolutionary Guard on sanctions list

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http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-iran-oil-20110805,0,1910933.story

Reporting from Tehran and Beirut—
A deal between beleaguered Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his opponents has given control of Iran's crucial Oil Ministry to a commander of the Revolutionary Guard who is under international sanctions, according to analysts and a former industry official in Tehran.

Ahmadinejad, his rivals in parliament and leaders of the Revolutionary Guard put aside months of differences this week and appointed four new Cabinet members, including the controversial Brig. Gen. Rostam Ghassemi as overseer of the country's vast oil and natural gas riches.

Parliament on Wednesday approved his ascent 216 to 22, with seven abstentions, in a vote many saw as a further weakening of the president.

"For six or seven years the Revolutionary Guard has been imposing its own candidates for top posts," said a recently retired Oil Ministry executive who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution. "After several times resisting the Revolutionary Guard's proposals, finally submitted."