21.   The president also downplayed speculation of dissension within the ranks of the ruling conservative clergy following the latest political developments.

22.   The ruling conservative clergy has primed parliamentary speaker Ali Akbar Nategh Nuri to replace him.

23.   The ruling Shiite Moslem clergy here deeply distrust the Americans and has ruled out any negotiations with the super power.

24.   The speaker is favoured by the ruling Shiite Moslem clergy to replace Rafsanjani in the presidential elections expected to be held in July.

25.   The speaker is backed by the ruling Shiite Moslem clergy to replace Rafsanjani in presidential elections expected to be held in July.

26.   The speaker is favoured by the ruling Shiite Moslem clergy to replace Rafsanjani in presidential elections expected to be held in July.

27.   The speaker is favoured by the ruling Shiite Moslem clergy to replace Rafsanjani in the presidential election expected to be held in July.

28.   The two factions, along with several smaller groups, are all supported by the ruling Shiite Moslem clergy.

29.   The two men were sidelined from power after being branded by the ruling clergy as liberal and pro-Western.

30.   The conservatives, who dominated the outgoing parliament, are backed by the ruling Shiite Moslem clergy and merchant classes.