IRNA - Iran's Vice President for Legal Affairs described the adoption of the bill on the reform of the Anti-Money Laundering Law as a step forward, saying government had asked the Expediency Council (EC) to give priority in its discussions to Palermo Bill.

Laya Joneydi, pointing out that the Palermo bill is at the EC�s disposal, added, 'I suppose that the bill discussion will soon be prioritized�.

She recalled, �Chairman of the Expediency Council�s remarks show that he would like to address this issue quickly. I hope that the good result will be achieved in practice.�

Referring to the adoption of the bill to amend the anti-money laundering law, Vice President for Legal Affairs noted, 'The law is one of a series of laws that we need to reform the banking system and the total monetary and banking relations,'

Joneydi said, 'To be less affected by the money laundering crimes, the financial and non-financial institutions will be the concern of this law. Regarding the issues, it was necessary to amend the laws so as to fill the gaps, if any.�

She noted that the law is also necessary for maintaining and developing international banking relations.

�Considering the above considerations, it was necessary to amend the law to fill the gaps,� she expressed.