TEHRAN – Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani on Thursday called on the government to prepare next year’s budget bill according to the Article 44 of the Constitution.

He said the Majlis will study the national budget bill and will reject those parts which run counter to the policies of the Article 44.
The new Iranian calendar year starts March 2009.
Speaking at a ceremony in Qaem-Shahr, Mazandaran province, Larijani warned the government not to implement the Article 44 based on its own interests.
He said the policies of Article 44 outlined by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution have opened the “path of survival” to the country.
In a letter sent to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad earlier this month, the Supreme Leader outlined the general policies of Iran’s Fifth Five-Year Development Plan (2010-2015).
The general policies of the Fifth Development Plan focus on cultural, scientific, social, economic, political, defense and security issues.
The letter called for realization of an annual 8 percent economic growth, reducing dependence on oil and gas revenues, privatizing state companies envisioned in the Article 44 of the Constitution, and promoting a competitive market economy.
Larijani stressed that Iran can emerge as the first economic powerhouse in the region through implementing the Article 44.
He said the real implementation of the Article 44 means giving opportunity to talented and capable persons.
The Majlis speaker also said gaining access to nuclear technology will accelerate the country’s progress.
He said the change of governments will not change Iran’s nuclear strategy and that is due to the unifying leadership of the Supreme Leader