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German Band Schiller Stage Performances in Tehran

The renowned music group, which rose to fame in 1988, is staging concerts at the auditorium of the Interior Ministry in Tehran.

This group is named after the 18th-century German poet and dramatist Friedrich Schiller.

Originally it was a duo consisting of Christopher von Deylen (German: [ˈdaɪlen]) and Mirko von Schlieffen. Around 2001 or 2002, von Schlieffen left the band, leaving von Deylen the solo member.

After staging several successful performances in Iran, von Deylen decided to record several symphonies in cooperation with several Iranian artists such as Pirooz Arjmand, Yalda Abbasi, Niloofar Parsa and Pouya Saraee. The cooperation resulted in “Berlin-Tehran”, “Love” and “The Golden Gate” symphonies.

In September 2018 when von Deylen came to Iran to record part of his new album called morgenstun, he worked with Hojjat Ashrafzadeh and Niloofar Parsa to produce several tracks.

Schiller has, so far, performed symphonies such as sommernacht, lightyears, don’t say good bye, geborgenheit, Berlin muskau, shangari la, ultra marin, mitternacht, and midnacht I feel you in Tehran over the past days.

The group will stage its last performance in Tehran on November 11, 2019.

Robert Levinson Has No ‘Criminal’ Case in Iran: Spokesman

“Based on the latest information I received from respected Judiciary officials, Mr [Robert] Levinson has no judicial or criminal case in any of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s courts,” Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyyed Abbas Mousavi told a press conference on Sunday.

“We speculate that the reports released on the issue are related to his disappearance. When they asked Iran to help find him, the Islamic Republic naturally opened a disappearance case as a humanitarian issue, as it does on any other people who go missing in Iran,” he added.

“But this case is not criminal or judicial, as some are trying to misrepresent. It’s just the case of a person’s disappearance.”

Mousavi said based on the request submitted to Iran, the Islamic Republic is pursuing the issue with good will and for humanitarian grounds.

“We have already announced a number of times that we don’t have any information about this person’s fate. But if we can do anything to shed light on his condition, wherever he is, we are ready to do so,” he vowed.

“That doesn’t mean he has an open case in Iran. We deal with it just like other disappearance cases, and his name can be among the missing people, which we will do anything we can to find,” Mousavi noted.

NBC News on Saturday cited a filing to the UN’s Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances as saying, “According to the last statement of Tehran’s Justice Department, Mr. Robert Alan Levinson has an ongoing case in the Public Prosecution and Revolutionary Court of Tehran.”

Levinson’s family claimed Iran had told both the UN and their lawyer it has an open case “about our husband and father.”

“We welcome Iran’s taking the first step to finally end this nightmare. Now it is time to send him home to us,” the family said in a statement.

US President Donald Trump also reacted to the report on Sunday, urging Iran to “turn over” the missing FBI agent who disappeared during an unauthorized secret mission for the CIA in 2007.

The Trump administration offered a reward this month of up to $20 million for information about Robert Levinson’s disappearance in Iran 12 years ago.

Trump weighed in on Sunday tweeting, “If Iran is able to turn over to the US kidnapped former FBI Agent Robert A. Levinson, who has been missing in Iran for 12 years, it would be a very positive step.”

The president did not elaborate but he seemed to link Levinson’s case to Iran’s nuclear program.

Trump pulled the US last year unilaterally out of Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal, which saw Tehran limit its enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.

Bolivian President Evo Morales Resigns amid Protests

Bolivian President Evo Morales Resigns amid Protests

The head of the army had called on him to go after protests over his election win.

Auditors found irregularities with the poll but Mr Morales said he had been the victim of a coup.

He said he was leaving to help protect families of political allies, after their homes were burned down.

In a televised address, Mr Morales urged protesters to “stop attacking the brothers and sisters, stop burning and attacking”.

On the streets of La Paz, celebration – for millions of Bolivians, the demise of the region’s longest-standing president could not have come soon enough.

In the end it was a call by the armed forces that signalled the end, telling Evo Morales he had to go for the sake of Bolivia’s stability.

But while for many he was an undemocratic leader holding on to power, for others, especially poor Bolivians, Evo Morales was a president who gave a voice to millions. The first indigenous leader Bolivia ever had, he succeeded in making a deeply unequal society more inclusive.

His supporters have called this a coup – his detractors the end of tyranny. These are uncertain days in South America’s poorest nation.

The Vice-President, Alvaro Garcia Linera, and Senate President Adriana Salvatierra, also resigned, BBC reported.

Protesters took to the streets to celebrate, chanting “yes we could” and setting off fire crackers.

Bolivia has been rattled by weeks of anti-government protests, following the reports of election fraud.

Tensions first flared on the night of the presidential election after the results count was inexplicably stopped for 24 hours. The final result gave Mr Morales slightly more than the 10-percentage-point lead he needed to win outright in the first round of the race.

At least three people died during clashes that followed. Some uniformed police officers also joined the protesters.

On Sunday, the Organization of American States, which monitored the elections, said it had found evidence of wide-scale data manipulation, and could not certify the result of the previous polls.

Pressure continued to build on Mr Morales during the day, as several of his political allies resigned, some citing fears for the safety of their families.

The army chief, General Williams Kaliman, also urged Mr Morales to resign “to allow for pacification and the maintaining of stability”.

The military also said it would conduct operations to “neutralise” any armed groups that attacked the protesters.

Female Indian Journalists Meet with Iran FM

Female Indian Journalists Meet with Iran FM

In the Sunday meeting, the Indian women discussed with Zarif issues such as Tehran-New Delhi relations, the United States’ economic terrorism against the Iranian nation, and Washington’s unilateralism.

They also asked questions from him on the social and economic situation in Iran, especially the status of women.

Tips for Proper Estate Planning

While the plan may to remain healthy for a long life, when it comes to a spouse, children, and even grand-children, preserving a legacy, along with the assets, is important for a smooth process after you’re gone. A few tips for proper estate planning can ensure the major details are worked out in advance so there is no confusion after the fact.

The Difficult Discussion is Necessary

Sure, a conversation regarding your final demise may be a difficult one to have with loved ones, but it’s one that’s necessary to plot out all the details needed within the estate. First, taking inventory of all assets & liabilities will be important in figuring out not only net worth, but payments that will need to be distributed in order to pay off any outstanding balances and close the accounts. Next, a determination of who will manage the plan and execute wishes, typically a friend or family member, will need to be decided. While professional help is not required, it may help sort out the details for a complicated estate planning process.

A Modified Endowment Contract May be Useful

As assets are sorted out, tax implications can be a large factor in distribution. Endowment insurance can be a great option if leaving heirs a large, tax-free amount, with no additional out of pocket costs comes to mind. Before converting assets, you’ll want to make sure the process is followed accurately to avoid a large tax bill later on down the road. During estate planning you can review funds to ensure the proper amounts are allocated so there is not a shortage prior to death.

Execute a Proper Will or Trust

While both are tools for essential estate planning, a decision will need to be made on which option best meets your needs. If staying away from probate is high on the list, then a trust could make more sense in order to avoid having a court oversee, as well as maintain privacy. A will would become part of a public record. If looking to name a guardian for children or plan funeral arrangements, then a will could meet your specific estate requirements.

A Power of Attorney Could Protect Finances

In the event of incapacitation, selecting a power of attorney is a great option to choose a trusted representative to manage financial affairs and avoid going by the wayside. There are limitations that can be selected based on when you’re comfortable taking action. Often couples will select each other as power of attorney, although there certainly can be a friend or another family member to act on your behalf. Keep in mind that this benefit will expire at death, so it should not be assumed that this same individual will represent the affairs long after you’re gone.

Iran Arms Embargo to Be Lifted by 2020 If JCPOA Saved: Rouhani

“With the continuation of the JCPOA, next year we will achieve a very great political, security, and defence goal,” he told a huge crowd of people in Kerman province, southern Iran, on Monday.

Rouhani said Iran has long been banned from purchasing any weapons from other countries.
“It is also illegal for other countries to buy weapons from Iran, so we cannot sell weapons, as well.”

“Based on this agreement (JCPOA) and the UN Security Council Resolution 2231, if we keep this JCPOA, next year the arms embargo against Iran will be lifted,” he added.

The nuclear deal was reached in Vienna in July 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 group of states — the US, Britain, France, Russia, and China plus Germany. It lifted nuclear-related sanctions against Tehran, which, in turn, voluntarily changed some aspects of its nuclear energy program.

The US, however, left the accord in May last year and reinstated its unilateral sanctions against Iran. The Islamic Republic, in turn, has decided not to leave the JCPOA for now, but to start reducing its commitments under the JCPOA in a bid to force other parties to fulfill their commitments.

One of the major benefits of the deal for Iran is the end of decades-long arms embargoes on the country.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently pushed the international community to work out how to stop Iran when a United Nations arms embargo on the country expires in October 2020.

Iran has taken great strides seeking to attain self-sufficiency in producing essential military equipment and systems in the face of decades-long sanctions and arms embargoes on the country.

The country consequently produces a wide variety of advanced weapons systems and equipment based on its own technological capabilities.

Iranian Tourist Embarks on Journey around World on Camel

Iranian Tourist Embarks on Journey around World on Camel (1)

Mohammad Amiri Roodan began this long, tough adventurous journey from the city of Meshkinshahr in Ardabil province, north-west of Iran.

“This trip has been organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in cooperation with the country’s Research Organization for Cattle Affairs,” he says.

Amiri Roodan intends to leave Iran via the border with the Azerbaijan Republic and continue his journey through Europe, Latin America, South America, Africa and the Pacific before returning to Iran via the Persian Gulf coast.

Iranian Tourist Embarks on Journey around World on CamelAn official says the camel is the result of an embryo transfer, which also shows Iran’s scientific capabilities.

The official underlines that the Persian Bactrian camel is regarded as a national genetic asset and is, unfortunately, on the verge of extinction.

According to the official, there are currently around 200 Persian Bactrian camels in the country.

Iran to Produce 3k Megawatts of Nuclear Power by 2027

Iran to Produce 3k Megawatts of Nuclear Power by 2027
File photo of Bushehr nuclear power plant in southern Iran

“By 2027, we will have three thousand megawatts of nuclear electricity, which would prevent the emission of more than 21 million tonnes of pollutant gasses,” Ali-Akbar Salehi said in a ceremony where concrete placement work was done for one of the reactors of unit two of the Bushehr nuclear power station in southern Iran.

Salehi, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), further described nuclear energy as a clean form of energy.

“Every one thousand megawatts of [electricity generated by] nuclear power stations will stop the emission of seven million tonnes of pollutants or greenhouse gases.”

Salehi said the Bushehr facility saves the country $660 million annually.

The AEOI chief also underscored that most operations at Bushehr power plant are done by Iranian experts.

“More than 90 percent of contractors working here are Iranians,” he said.

“All construction and infrastructural work is being done by Iranian contractors, and if these power stations become operational, we will be able to generate 22 billion kilowatts of electricity and save 25 million barrels of oil and prevent the spread of 22 million tonnes of pollutants,” said Salehi.

He also underlined Russia’s cooperation with Iran in different sectors over years, saying the Russians have also contributed to the Bushehr nuclear power plant project.

“We are working with the Russians extensively in the scientific domain, including in the production of stable isotopes, and this trend is going well,” he said.

Iran Says Tensions with GCC States Provoked by ‘Hidden’ Actors

Iran Says Tensions with GCC States Provoked by ‘Hidden’ Actors

Seyyed Abbas Araqchi said some unknown parties support differences between Tehran and the Persian Gulf states.

In an interview with RT’s Arabic service, he noted that it is clear some of the Persian Gulf states are involved in these divisions, leading them to a direction that the people do not want.

Tehran expects regional countries to examine Iran’s initiative to support shipping in the Persian Gulf and to submit Iran their opinion on the matter, Araqchi added.

Regarding the ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia he underlined that “We have only been in touch with Saudis on the issue of Hajj, and in fact there have been some phone conversations between Iranian and Saudi officials to facilitate pilgrimage. We believe that Hajj is an Islamic duty to be held without any problems.”

The UAE’s response to the initiative of Hormuz Peace Endeavor (HOPE) was better. Some mutual trips were made, and we believe there is a greater understanding between Iran and the UAE regarding the issue, added Araqchi.

“We hope that more calm will be restored between Iran and the UAE to lead to more calm in the region.”

Araqchi also talked about the unrest in Iraq saying that social networks are the key player of many tweets and statements that reach out to Iraq and the Iraqi people. However, the source of the unrest is known.

The Iranian diplomat made the comments during a visit to Moscow to attend 2019 Non-Proliferation Conference (The 2019 MNC).

Dutch Football Legend Seedorf Enjoys Warm Reception in Iran

Seedorf (4)

He arrived in the Iranian capital last Wednesday. A dinner banquet was held at a luxury Tehran restaurant to welcome the former footballer, attended by him and a number of veteran Iranian football players.

Ali Daei, Afshin Peirovani, Karim Bagheri and Vahid Hashemian were among those present at the dinner banquet with their families. Seedorf’s fans were also present.

After having dinner, the five former football stars went in to the coffee shop at the restaurant to have their photos taken by photographers.

Seedorf’s Spanish agent as well as his Swedish-Indian friend was also seen at the meal. Seedorf’s Indian friend is one of influential agents at the Indian Football Federation and has played a key role in some of Seedorf’s transfers.

Dutch Football Legend Seedorf Enjoys Warm Reception in IranSeedorf’s Spanish agent and he himself were warmly talking to Hashemian. The agent also invited Daei to go to Spain. Meanwhile, Adel Ferdowsipour, the former presenter of popular Iranian sports program called Navad, spent a few minutes at the coffee shop before leaving there. In the last minutes of the get-together, Seedorf asked Daei to play computer games with him, but Daei turned down the offer with a smile.

Seedorf expressed pleasure to be meeting Iranian football icons, and said he liked to see Ali Daei in person. He described Daei as Iran’s great football icon.

Dutch Football Legend Seedorf Enjoys Warm Reception in IranThe former Dutch player is one of Europe’s greatest football stars. He holds the record by securing four championships in the European League contests while playing for Ajax, Real Madrid and Milan. Seedorf has played for the Netherland’s National Football Team 87 times.

Prior to travelling to Iran, he had said that his trip was personal and that he was coming to Iran to see the country. He had said he was happy to be visiting one of Asia’s beautiful cities and its monuments.

The former footballer said one of the destinations that he wanted to travel to was Iran, adding he was happy to have found such an opportunity.

Seedorf is in Tehran on holiday and he is going to stay in Iran for quite some time.