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Mysterious Flight Lands in Riyadh: Netanyahu in Saudi Arabia?

By
IFP Media Wire
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The eyebrow-raising flight departed from Ben-Gurion International Airport, landing first in the Jordanian capital of Amman and then in Riyadh on Tuesday evening, a report by The Jerusalem Post said.

In Jordan, the plane remained on the ground for some two minutes before taking off again and landing in the Saudi capital, which it left after a little less than an hour.

The plane, privately owned and registered in the United States, arrived in Saudi Arabia at the same time as US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper was in Riyadh.

Israeli media speculate that Netanyahu or Mossad chief Yossi Cohen have been on the mysterious flight, and held a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh.

The plane has also made trips in recent months between Tel Aviv and Cairo.

Tel Aviv and Riyadh have no diplomatic ties as Saudi Arabia does not recognize Israel. But the two sides have increased backchannel cooperation in recent years.

Last year, the Israeli regime’s then chief of staff of the military Gadi Eizenkot held talks with his Saudi counterpart, Major General Fayyad bin Hamid Raqed al-Ruwaili, in Washington.

Later in June 2019, it was revealed that Saudi Arabia had purchased $300 million worth of spy software from Israel.

Representatives from the Riyadh regime and Israeli firms reportedly met and struck a deal without a mediator in the British capital city of London at the end of last May.

Tel Aviv has in recent months moved to make its secret ties with Persian Gulf Arab governments public.

Netanyahu in late November last year visited Oman, where he met Sultan Sayyid Qaboos bin Said Al Said at the Bait al-Barakah Royal Palace in the coastal city of Seeb near the capital Muscat.

On October 26 last year, Israeli culture and sports minister Miri Regev traveled to the UAE to accompany Israel’s judo team at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 2018.

Her visit to the UAE marked the first of its kind by an Israeli minister to a Persian Gulf littoral state.

The president of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) said last December that Eisenkot had secretly traveled twice to the UAE a month earlier, and had met with senior officials there.

Among Arab countries, Israel has diplomatic relations only with Egypt and Jordan.

Iran’s Beauties in Photos: Autumn in Hamadan

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Hamadan is a mountainous city located in western Iran. Believed to be among the oldest Iranian cities, Hamadan was the capital of the Medes, around 700 BCE.

What follows are YJC’s photos of nature during autumn of Hamadan:

First Dynamic School Opened in Iran

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Education ministry officials say one of the major plans for elementary schools has long been running a dynamic yard to improve students’ kinetic activities. The plan has now been implemented in a girl-only public school north of Tehran.

“In this plan, students are allowed to work based on activities planned for them in the school yard. The project has developed today and we inaugurated the first dynamic school,” said Mohammad Jafari, a physical education official.

Improving students’ physical fitness, enhancing their health, and creating more joy and happiness among them and more locally driven activities is the goal of a dynamic school project.

“Throughout the school environment, the schoolyard, corridors, classroom, walls and floor we have provided opportunities for students to achieve these goals,” noted Jafari, according to Pupils Association News Agency (PANA).

“We are looking for an active lifestyle for students,” he said, underlining that turning a dynamic schoolyard to a dynamic school means we use all of the school’s capacities to develop a range of kinetic skills in students,” he concluded.

Here you can see photos of the school retrieved from the Young Journalists’ Club (YJC):

Welcome to Wooden Mosque of Nishapur

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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It is one of the wooden masterpieces in architecture built by late Hamid Mojtahedi (grandson of Akhound Khorasani, famous cleric of late 18th century).

What follows are photos of the mosque retrieved from the Young Journalists’ Club (YJC):

Iranian, Cuban Nations Standing Up to US Pressure: Rouhani

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Hassan Rouhani told his Cuban counterpart Miguel Díaz-Canel that the two nations are paying the price for their resistance and insistence on independence in the face of Washington’s policy of acquisitiveness.

“We regard the Cuban nation as a people of struggle and resistance,” said President Rouhani in the meeting held on the sidelines of the 18th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit in the Azeri capital, Baku.

“Cuba and Iran are paying the price for their freedom. Our nation’s resistance is well known in the Middle East, and if it weren’t for your resistance, the US would have dominated not only Cuba, but [the whole] Latin America,” he said.

“Cuba and Iran have always enjoyed warm and friendly relations as well as similar stances on their regional and international policies,” he said.

“At this juncture, the two sides should explore new channels to expand mutual economic relations in the energy sector,” the president added.

Elsewhere in his remarks, President Rouhani said the two countries have common ground on key international issues, namely terrorism, the Zionist regime of Israel and the need to further strengthen NAM.

He touched upon the “positive economic indicators” in Iran despite US pressure.

“In spite of the United States’ maximum pressure, we have been able to weather problems with reliance on domestic potentialities,” said the president.

The Cuban president, in turn, said his country has always condemned Washington’s hostile policies toward Iran.

He also referred to Washington’s violation of its agreements with Havana as well as its withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

“Cuba condemns the US pullout from the JCPOA, and we have always supported the ideals of the Iranian government and nation,” he added.

He said Cuba has also suffered as a result of the United States’ unfair policies. He noted Washington now seeks to stop fuel from reaching Cuba, but the country will weather this problem as well in cooperation with its people. He also called for closer economic ties with Iran.

Iran President Urges Islamic Nations to Remain United

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

Hassan Rouhani told Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that problems gripping the Middle East region emanate from foreigners’ interference.

He was speaking on the sidelines of the 18th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in the Azeri capital, Baku.

He further touched upon the Saudi-led aggression against Yemen, the killing of people in that country, and the effect of the Yemen war on relations between regional countries.

“Iran is making every effort to be able to settle the problems that have caused divisions in the region,” he said.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Rouhani referred to the plight of displaced Rohingya Muslims in Bangladesh, and said Iran is ready to offer help in that regard.

He described Bangladesh as a major Islamic country and a friend of Iran and highlighted age-old historical and cultural bonds between the two countries and nations.

“We are interested in further boosting Tehran-Dhaka relations on bilateral, regional and international levels,” said President Rouhani.

He also expressed pleasure over the economic progress of Bangladesh, saying Tehran stands ready to enhance its economic relations with Dhaka, especially on the economic front.

The Bangladesh premier, in turn, expressed her country’s willingness to boost all-out ties with Iran.

She said unity holds the key to success for Muslim countries, saying Islamic nations will turn into a major power if they band together.

She also censured the use of sanctions as a tool against nations, criticizing Washington for slapping sanctions on other countries.

She said her country’s motto in the foreign policy domain was “friendship with all, enmity with none.”

She also presented a report on the status of Rohingya refugees displaced from their homes in Myanmar, saying Dhaka was in talks with Nay Pyi Taw to set the stage for their return home.

NAM Can Found New Pole of Power in Future World: Iran

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

In his address, the president highlighted the significant position of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in the world given the huge population and vast area of land and territory of its member states as well as their votes in international organizations.

He said the Non-Aligned Movement can found a new pole of power in the multipolar world of future, but “for this to happen, we need to understand the new realities of the region and the world and utilise new tools and facilities of the world today.”

What follows is the full text of his speech:

In the name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

Your Excellency Mr Ilham Aliyev, the Honourable President of Azerbaijan

Honourable Presidents and Prime Ministers

Distinguished Heads of Delegation

Distinguished Participants

I should like to begin by appreciating the efforts of HE Mr Aliyev the Honourable President of the brother and neighbour country the Republic of Azerbaijan to hold this glorious summit with such warm and cordial hospitality. Also I would like to thank the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and especially President Maduro for his valuable efforts and measures during his chair of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Ladies and Gentlemen

With the collapse of the bipolar system in international arena, the United States tried to impose on the world a unipolar and hegemonic order under the slogan of the new global system with reliance on its military, economic and media power. In the opposite front, the Non-Aligned Movement demonstrated its determination to withstand unilateralism in international system.  And the main tools in the hands of the US to impose unilateralism turned actually against it. In the area of economy, the expansion of free global trade in practice prepared the grounds for the growth of the developing world and the rise of new economic and technologic powers thus seriously challenging the US hegemony in economy and technology.

In the area of military and in order to impose its domination, the US staged extensive and destructive wars in various regions of the world and especially in West Asia and inflicted hundreds of thousands of casualties and thousands of billions of dollars in damages on the nations of the region.

These wars fuelled the blaze of sectarianism, extremism and terrorism in the region and the world, which will not leave people free for tens of years to come.

Notwithstanding, the failure of aggressors in realising their goals in the occupied countries caused the breakdown of the military and political hegemony of the United States in the international arena and  boosted the self-confidence of independent states to pursue their rights and interests.

During these times, the Americans’ discontent has been provoked with the sacrifice of thousands of their youth and misappropriation of thousands of billions of dollars of public resources in unfruitful wars as well as the waste of hundreds of thousands of jobs and spread of inequalities and poverty as the result of the wave of the globalisation of economy. The drastic reduction in public confidence in the US political establishment, parties and ruling elite has finally resulted in the emergence of people in politics whose policies have marked the beginning of the end of US hegemony and unilateralism.

Ladies and Gentlemen

This summit is convened under circumstances in which the world is rapidly transiting to multilateralism. In such complex period, violence and confrontation in various regions are on the rise. National sovereignty of independent countries are being violated in various forms. Inclination towards military polarisation, arms race, intensification of wars and conflicts as well as sectarian and regional divergence is increasing; So are law evading and violation of international commitments and interference in the domestic affairs of independent countries. Today the US is employing oppressive economic tools in order to impose its illegitimate political goals on independent nations out of desperation in such outrageous and arrogant ways considered to be economic terrorism. Under such turbulent conditions, the Non-Aligned Movement, as a set of countries representing more than two thirds of the UN member states, can be the pioneer on behalf of its members and the human society in finding solutions for the current global problems and within the framework of law abiding, fulfilment of international commitments, moderation and prevention of violence and extremism. The Islamic Republic of Iran, understanding the risks of terrorist and extremist groups, presented in the sixty eighth General Assembly of the United Nations a proposal under the title of the World Against Violence and Extremism (WAVE), which resulted in the subsequent adoption of two General Assembly resolutions in 2013 and 2015 and was noted with great attention in the Seventeenth NAM summit in Venezuela. Under such circumstances, independent countries require more exchange of views, synergy and coordination in order to safeguard their interests. Here, the Non-Aligned Movement, thanks to its valuable history and experience, can play an effective role in securing the interests of its members proportionate with the requirements of the new world.

Excellencies

Today, we are witnessing regional conflicts in places such as Palestine, Yemen, Syria and Afghanistan. The only way out of these crises passes through respect to the rights of nations to self-determination, commitment to non-interference in internal affairs of the others, strengthened regional cooperation for guaranteeing peace, stability and counter terrorism and establishment of proper grounds for engagement and dialogue. Such a framework is the best solution to end regional conflicts and we have been vanguard. On Syria, the participation of Iran, Russia and Turkey in the Astana format has brought peace and stability in major parts of that country while helping millions of refugees to return their homes. On other standing issues in West Asia, we welcome any initiative based on dialogue, negotiation and mutual respect. And we have been pioneer. Last month, I unveiled in the General Assembly of the United Nations the HOPE initiative, which stands for the Hormuz Peace Endeavour. The HOPE coalition aims to enhance peace, stability, progress, mutual understanding and peaceful and friendly relations among all the countries located in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz as well as avoidance of intervention and intimidation. This plan includes various avenues for cooperation in guaranteeing energy transfer security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and beyond with the participation of all the countries of the region. We believe that stability and security of our neighbours are tied to our own stability and security. And regional security and development are attainable only through cooperation and collective participation of neighbours.

Ladies and Gentlemen

America’s domination over the international monetary system has encouraged the United States in the past several decades and particularly in recent years to misuse dollar regularly to put political pressure on independent states most of which  NAM members and enforce various sanctions and limit access to international monetary systems. Such measures are in direct conflict with the legitimate freedom and rights of independent nations and the Non-Aligned Movement can take important steps to neutralise the impact of such tools. This can take place with international commitment to the requirements of economic sustainability, expansion of trade ties on the basis of bilateral and multilateral monetary treaties، employment of independent and alternative initiatives on banking services and increased use of crypto currencies. Of course, all of this should be accomplished in line with upholding international anti-money-laundering and terrorism financing rules. Many NAM member states including Iran have placed this important issue on their agenda.

Distinguished colleagues 

One of the other threats to the security and independence of free nations in the world today is the insecurity of cyberspace and illegitimate use of social networks and macro data for influencing global public opinion especially in politics. The security of the cyberspace and integrity of social networks are prerequisites for freedom and prosperity of independent nations in the 21st century. Our movement can be at the forefront of taking a coherent strategy and devising an international agreement on cyber security and help reduce the vulnerability of independent nations against cyber attacks and misuse of virtual space.

Distinguished Participants

I believe that the Non-Aligned Movement blessed with a big population and vast area of land and territory as well as votes in international organisations can found a new pole of power in the multipolar world of future. For this to happen, we need to understand the new realities of the region and the world and utilise new tools and facilities of the world today.

The Islamic Republic of Iran like in the past would spare no efforts for the further success of the Non-Aligned Movement and its sublime goals.

Thank you for your attention.

Venezuela Praises Iran’s Resistance in Face of US Pressure

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Speaking in a Friday meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Baku, Maduro said that unfortunately in the United States the most warmongering, extremist group has taken power, and is acting against Iran, Venezuela and the independent states.

“Now all independent countries have formed a large front against the US’ extremist and terrorist behaviour, and this is very valuable,” he added.

He also called for further development of relations between Iran and Venezuela, saying, “The economic cooperation committee has prepared all solutions and groundwork for cooperation and we should act quickly based on them.”

Rouhani, in turn, referred to the US’ plots in the region, and said the US has failed to achieve its goals in regional countries, from Iraq and Syria to Palestine, Afghanistan and Yemen. 

“All their conspiracies against us have failed as well,” he said, adding that “in the recent months, Iran’s major economic indices have shown positive trend and this indicates that the plots of the Arrogance and the United States, and their pressures have been fruitless.”

Rouhani referred to bilateral ties between Tehran and Caracas, and said, “Iran and Venezuela have always supported each other in all international and political communities and will continue to do so.”

“We are ready to develop our financial and banking relations and cooperation, and offer our experiences to Venezuela in technical fields, cyber infrastructure, modern technologies and agriculture,” the president said.

He also invited the President of Venezuela to make an official visit to Iran.

The meeting was held ahead of the NAM Leaders’ Summit, which was held with the participation of the heads of 60 member states.

At the Summit, the Republic of Azerbaijan took over the presidency of the NAM for a three-year period (2019-2022).

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is an international organization (group of countries) that do not want to be officially aligned (friends) with or against any major power bloc (group of countries). In 2018, the movement had 125 members and 25 observer countries, which account for 55 percent of the world’s population.

NAM Summit 2019 Kicks Off in Baku

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is a forum of 120 developing world states that are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc. After the United Nations, it is the largest grouping of states worldwide.

During the Summit the Republic of Azerbaijan will take over the presidency of the Non-Aligned Movement for the next three years.

The Iranian president arrived in Baku on Thursday to attend the summit at the official invitation of Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev.

On the sidelines of the meeting, President Rouhani has so far held separate meetings with Aliyev on Thursday and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Friday.

Rouhani also held talks with Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshükür Hummat Pashazade, the chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Bureau.

Iran Minister Boycotts IMF Meeting in US after Colleagues Denied Visa

By
IFP Media Wire
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Iranian state news agency IRNA said on Thursday that Dejpassand had cancelled his planned presence in Washington, DC, on October 14-20, for attending the annual meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

It said Dejpassand, holding the post since October last year, had issued a letter to WBG  President David Malpass protesting against the unlawful decision of the US government to deny visas to the second top member of the Iranian delegation as well as members in the team who served as advisors.

He called the decision as “unprecedented and hostile”, telling Malpass that the move was the reason why he had cancelled his visit to the US to attend the WBG/IMF meeting.

The Iranian minister said in the letter that the United States had disrespected the principle of avoiding political approaches in dealing with visiting delegations from countries member to the WBG, saying the move could also tarnish the image of the international organization and its reputation for fair governance.

The announcement comes more than a month after the US government denied visas for certain members of an Iranian political delegation who travelled to the country for a United Nations General Assembly meeting.

The White House had indicated at the time that it could deny visa for Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, prompting President Hassan Rouhani to warn that he would cancel the trip altogether.

International organizations, including the UN, have criticized the US for similar decisions affecting Iranian officials in the past, insisting that Washington is required under the international laws to allow access to foreign officials visiting headquarters of international bodies.

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