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Iranian Reporters Nominated for Int’l Journalism Award

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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A report titled “Tradesmen of Censorship” written by the two Iranian journalists is about the smuggling of books in Iran and has been nominated for the prestigious award, reports Mehr News Agency.

The “Tradesmen of Censorship” published in a domestic newspaper in January, 2019 explains a standoff between the legal and illegal publication of books in Iran and shows some major Iranian publishers have contributed to illegal publishing despite a fuss they themselves have kicked up over illegal publications.

According to the report, official publishers had a declining business in the early 1990s due to a drop in book sales which was the result of strict rules enforced by relevant authorities. So, these publishers began to sell offset-printed books in their bookshops and practically set the stage for the growth of a network of offset printing.

In recent years, a number of book titles have been illegally offset-printed by publishers and inflicted losses on Iran’s publishing industry. Accordingly, the Publishers and Book Sellers’ Union in cooperation with police and the Judiciary has dealt with and arrested unauthorized publishers. Nevertheless, the “Tradesmen of Censorship” report shows that offset-printing makes up a tiny part of the so-called “book smuggling network” where books are found that are not authorized to be published.

The report says major official publishers as well as the Ministry of Culture conduct censorship on the one hand, and overlook copyright on the other, setting the scene for a rise in the smuggling of books in Iran.

The True Story Award whose three main winners will be announced on August 31, 2019 in the Swiss capital of Bern is contested by as many as 924 journalists from dozens of countries whose works have been presented in Persian, Arabic, English, Russian, French, Chinese, Indian, Portuguese, Japanese and German.

Thirty-nine reports in 12 different languages published in media such as the New York Times, the Guardian, Le Monde, Süddeutsche Zeitung, BBC, etc. have stepped up to the final phase of the competition.

The Persian reports nominated for the prize include “Merchants of Censorship” by Alireza Gholami and Hassan Homayoon (published in Tajrobeh or Experience magazine), “If you are arrested on murder charges and you have no money, …” by Fatemeh Karimkhan (published by ISNA), and “Telegram: A Hated Favourite” by Tahereh Rahimi (carried by Seda-ye Parsi or The Persian Voice).

The nominees will attend the three-day International Journalism Festival as of August 30 and put their works to debate. All nominees will also receive 3,000 Swiss francs each.

Iran Calls for Establishment of ‘Regional Dialogue Forum’

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Addressing the 16th ministerial meeting of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) in Doha on Wednesday, Zarif said there is a “dialogue deficiency” in the region, which can be resolved by the establishment of a Regional Dialogue Forum in the Persian Gulf.

“Every player in our region should understand that we are neighbors forever, and that the only way to secure peace and prosperity is through the recognition of a common destiny. And an acceptance that inclusive multilateral dialogue is the only way out of the current multidimensional crises facing us all,” he added.

What follows is the full text of his statement:

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Mr. Chairman,

It is a great privilege to participate in this important forum of our Dialogue. Allow me to take this opportunity to first express my appreciation to the government and people of the State of Qatar for organizing this event in their marvelous capital of Doha, and for their gracious hospitality.

Distinguished Friends;

Since 2002, we have worked together as the community of Asian Cooperation Dialogue and have exhibited the spirit of amity in pursuit of a prosperous, functional and inclusive multilateral framework. The Islamic Republic of Iran views the Dialogue as a significant achievement of our continent, and is determined to promote its lofty values and develop its practical agendas envisioned in the ACD Vision for Asian Cooperation 2030, the ACD Blueprint for 2017 -2021, and the ACD Summit Declarations.

Embracing the aspirations of our peoples for a peaceful and prosperous region, my country has utilized all its capacities and advantages in national, regional and international arenas to move towards Pan-Asian Cooperation 2030 and building the Asian Community. In this regard and as the “Prime Mover of Culture and Tourism”, we have initiated and implemented various programs, events and projects to foster mutual understanding among our nations and to make Asia a prime, sustainable tourist destination: They include organizing a grand festival celebrating Hamadan as Asian Capital of Tourism (ACT), and conducting various cultural activities through the ACD Cultural Center in Tehran.

The position of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the North-South and East-West transit corridors—along with a well-developed transportation infrastructure—plays a crucial role in connecting members of our community to other regions and contributing to the “Pillar of Connectivity” of our forum. Conclusion of various transit agreements, including the Agreement on International North- South Transit Corridor, Ashkhabad International Transit Agreement and Chabahar Trilateral Agreement, along with bilateral arrangements, are all among the instruments that are promoting our shared target of connectivity.

Moreover, building upon our experience of hosting the Asian Clearing Union, a similar financial mechanism will become operational within the D-8 Organization to facilitate financial transactions between member states utilizing national currencies. We believe that the same arrangement can be adopted by the ACD in order to create institutional connectivity for an enabling business environment, and to reduce administrative and regulatory business roadblocks.

Asian culture is imbued with noble values such as moderation, wisdom, inclusiveness, and peaceful co-existence. Our cooperation for the promotion of human prosperity and dignity affects not only Asian politics but reverberates in global politics through various multilateral arrangements.

For example, multilateral mechanisms such as ECO, D-8, IORA, ASEAN, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and SAARC can help promote the ACD’s objectives; individually or in an inter-agency context.

For ACD to play its constructive role and materialize its objectives, a functional, professional and well-represented Secretariat is of vital importance. As such, a working group of interested member states should be established to discuss ways and means of strengthening ACD through reform or restructuring.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our continent in general and West Asia and the Persian Gulf region in particular are undergoing crises caused primarily by the lack of inclusive regional dialogue coupled with short-sighted adventures and the aggressive unilateralism of the current U.S. administration.

To address dialogue deficiency, I have for some time proposed the establishment of a Regional Dialogue Forum in the Persian Gulf. Every player in our region should understand that we are neighbors forever, and that the only way to secure peace and prosperity is through the recognition of a common destiny. And an acceptance that inclusive multilateral dialogue is the only way out of the current multidimensional crises facing us all.

We also need to collectively address the alarming unilateralism of the current U.S. administration. The imposition of the will of a single power over all other nations is an existential threat—sooner or later—for everyone. Unless we align our capabilities to secure multilateralism, a rising and aggressive unilateralist wave can cover the entire world, quickly replacing the rule of law with the rule of the jungle.

Distinguished friends;

Let me assure you that in the relentless pursuit of dialogue and multilateralism, Iran will always be a steadfast partner.

Thank you for your attention.

Iranian Scientists Build Device to Convert Air Humidity to Drinking Water

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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The produced water is of higher quality than mineral water and could be used in regions that are suffering from shortage of drinking water.

Speaking to ISNA, project manager Rouhollah Ahmadi referred to the shortage of drinking water in the Persian Gulf region, saying that there is just seawater in these areas which is salty and the cost of desalination is very high.

He stated that in these areas humidity is generally high, ranging from 50 to 100 kilometres deep in the earth. “There are about 430 villages in the south of the country that use water tankers while the villages have significant amount of humidity.”

“Therefore, by converting moisture to water, the problem of water shortage in these areas can be solved, and we have been able to build the air-to-water conversion machine through the implementation of this research project,” he added.

“With the processes that are involved as well as the 9 steps of filtration, the water entering the device, which is initially distilled water, turns into drinkable water.”

According to the project manager, some amount of calcium, potassium and other minerals are added to this water to make the product better than mineral water in terms of quality.

“The unit is not so large and families can easily buy this device and counter their shortage of drinking water.”

For a brief review of Iran’s achievements in various fields of science and technology, check the book “Science and Technology in Iran: A Brief Review”

Regarding the price of this unit Ahmadi said the it is widely used in the world, and it used to be imported from Canada before forex fluctuations, but at present the price of this device is about 3,000 USD, while the domestic unit could be purchased for 500 USD.

Ahmadi emphasised that the machine is capable of producing 50 litres of “extra clean” drinking water per day with a higher quality than mineral water.

The designer of the unit described the water production process as similar to the air conditioners, explaining that the air conditioners are optimised to produce more cold air and less water, but this machine is designed to produce less cold air and more water.

According to him, a small amount of water is produced by air conditioners, but the changes in this device has increased the volume of water output.

“This device, like the air conditioners, needs to have an outdoor unit to get access to fresh air,” he concluded.

Persian Gulf Weakened by Mass Arms Purchases: Iran

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Zarif made the remarks in a message to a conference marking National Persian Gulf Day in the southern city of Shiraz on April 30. The message was read out at the event by the Foreign Ministry’s director general for Persian Gulf affairs.

“In our national calendar, this day is a reminder of a glorious memory in Iran’s history and is a well-established witness to the identity of the people who have lived next to its blue waters for centuries,” read the message.

“The Persian Gulf is the origin of age-old, everlasting cultural and social values that have been manifested in its people’s identity,” he added.

“The Persian Gulf is the source of producing wealth in different forms in this region and is reminiscent of bravery, zeal, a courageous spirit and a dedicated campaign against the aggression of any foreigner who has an eye on it (the Persian Gulf),” Zarif said.

He said in his message that the geo-political and geo-economic importance of the Persian Gulf region has always drawn the attention of extra-regional players.

“The energy and international trade lifelines in the heart of the Persian Gulf have upgraded and institutionalized the status of this region as one of the most vital international issues,” he noted.

The foreign minister noted political and social developments in some regional countries over the past several decades have set the stage for the unnecessary presence of trans-regional players in this area.

“Having the longest coastline, the Islamic Republic of Iran believes the Persian Gulf should stay strong to remain safe in the face of events and greed,” he added.

The top diplomat underscored that the growth and development of the Persian Gulf is contingent upon a “strong region” approach, not simply a “strong state” one.

“But the presence of foreign military troops and mass arms purchases have weakened the region instead of strengthening it, and we are of the conviction that security, strength and tenacity of the Persian Gulf can be insured through cooperation and constructive interaction among regional countries, not through purchases of weapons along with reliance on foreign powers and coalitions which are doomed to fail,” Zarif noted.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has always insisted on its fundamental positions regarding the necessity of confidence-building, dialogue and cooperation among regional countries, and has underlined the need to refrain from relying on extra-regional powers,” Zarif said.

“The idea of establishing a regional forum for dialogue emanates from this strategic viewpoint,” he said.

He expressed hope the conference will be able to realize its objectives.

Dialogue Best Way to Settle Differences in Venezuela: Iran

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Members of the Bolivarian National Guard loyal to Venezuelan opposition leader and self-proclaimed acting president Juan Guaido take position in front of La Carlota base in Caracas, on April 29, 2019. / Photo by AFP

“We are closely watching the current developments in Venezuela,” Mousavi said in a Tuesday statement, adding that “chaos and anarchy can by no means resolve political differences in the country.”

“The best way [to settle the differences] is to establish dialogue and develop the required mechanisms between all parties in order to have the people’s problems resolved by forces committed to the development and prosperity of the country, under the leadership of the legitimate government of Venezuela,” he added.

Tensions are high in Venezuela amid a standoff between the government and the opposition. The government says it is confronting a small group of military traitors that are seeking to promote a coup.

Thousands of government supporters have gathered in front of the presidential palace, slamming the coup attempt. The coup began after opposition leader Juan Guaido released a video, saying that he has launched the final phase of his plans to oust President Nicolas Maduro.

Iran Rejects US Accusations on Yemen Truce Deal

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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In a Tuesday statement, the spokesman described Mike Pompeo’s anti-Iran accusations as an “escape forward” and part of a blame game aimed at covering up the Saudi-UAE coalition’s crimes in Yemen and their efforts to stonewall and hamper the implementation of Stockholm agreements.

“Reports indicate that the National Salvation government in Sana’a has cooperated with the United Nation’s special envoy and is prepared to implement the Stockholm agreements. The reports also reveal the other sides’ efforts to hamper the implementation of the agreements,” he noted.

Mousavi then underlined the positive role played by the Islamic Republic of Iran in achieving the Stockholm agreements last year and said it is better for the US, as the supporter of the crimes committed by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in Yemen, to urge the aggressors of Yemen to stop hampering the agreements and remain faithful to their pledges instead of levelling unfounded accusations against other countries.

Pompeo accused Iran on Monday of instructing Yemen’s Houthis to reject political process in the war- torn country.

“The Houthis continue to refuse to comply with the agreements that they signed up for in Stockholm, Sweden, they refuse to withdraw from the port of Hudaydah … this is because Iran has chosen to direct them to do that”, Pompeo claimed at an event in Washington.

‘US Reveals Its Crocodile Tears by Ignoring Iran’s Prisoner Swap Offer ’

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Iran Appoints Female Ambassador to Denmark

“The US, which always used to take advantage of the issue of prisoners as a means of spreading Iranophobia and anti-Iran propaganda, was pinned down after Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif put forward the proposal [to swap prisoners with America],” Mousavi told reporters on Tuesday.

On Washington’s response to Iran’s proposal, he said the American side has not yet given a positive and constructive response.

The way the US responded to Iran’s proposal proved that it used to shed crocodile tears for prisoners, and that has been acknowledged even by the opponents of Iran, he said, adding that the US is now stripped of this means of propaganda.

Mousavi further noted that the fate of prisoners with American nationality held in Iran is not a new issue and has been discussed by the two sides since a long time ago.

“Before the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal last year, the American side frequently raised the issue during every direct meeting with the Iranian delegation held on the sidelines of the regular meetings of the Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).”

“In all these meetings, given the humanitarian aspects of the issue, the Iranian side also used the chance to discuss the fate of the Iranian nationals detained either in the US or in a third country at the US request,” he noted.

“After the direct meetings were stopped [following the US’ withdrawal from the JCPOA], the issue used to be followed up by intermediators,” Mousavi said.

“We have always underlined the independence of the Judiciary and the need for administering justice following all legal procedures. However, as the Iranian foreign minister told the American side several months ago, Iran is prepared to consider the issue of ‘swapping’ the prisoners,” he noted.

“The proposal was mainly aimed at offering support to our oppressed fellowmen who have run into trouble because of the US’ illegal sanctions and held captive for seeking to transfer some basic goods to Iran (including spare parts for passenger planes) or even held in a bad situation similar to captivity in a third country due to the US pressure,” he said.

According to Mousavi, the proposal set forth by the Iranian foreign minister was aimed at exchanging prisoners and not holding talks on disputed issues.

Regardless of the way the US responded to the proposal, “the Islamic Republic, with all its legal and political capacities, will seek to protect its nationals who have been in trouble either in the US or other countries and will do its best to relieve the sufferings of their families,” he added.

Back on Sunday, Zarif criticized the US government for refusing to engage with Tehran in a humanitarian deal for exchange of prisoners.

In an interview with the CBS, Zarif said Washington had refused to discuss the status of prisoners in Iran and in the US when Iran put forward a proposal six month ago.

Zarif’s new remarks on prisoner swap with the US come several days after he announced that Tehran was ready to negotiate the issue with Washington.

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 30

By
Seyedeh Maryam Hosseini Lahijani
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A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 19

Several papers today covered the visit of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, to Tehran International Book Fair, and his criticism of the ministries of culture and trade over the hiking price of paper.

Also a top story was the strong opposition of Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani and IRGC Quds Force Commander Major General Qassem Soleimani to the idea of holding bilateral talks with the US. Larijani called it a strategic mistake, and General Soleimani described it as an instance of submission under the current circumstances.

The upcoming visit of Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to North Korea, and the visit of a Korean delegation to Iran also received great coverage.

The above issues, as well as many more, are highlighted in the following headlines and top stories:

Abrar:
1- Pompeo: We Hope Tehran Changes Its Behaviour
2- North Korean Delegation Visiting Tehran
3- Araqchi: We Won’t Let Any Country Replace Iran in Oil Market
4- Iran Leader Calls for Decrease in Paper Prices
5- Kuwait Concerned about Closure of Strait of Hormuz

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 30

 

Aftab-e Yazd:
1- Iran-North Korea Detente, a Message for White House
2- Gen. Soleimani: Negotiation with US Amounts to Submission

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 30

 

Arman-e Emrooz:
1- Iran to Think of New Methods of Earning Income after Oil Bans: VP

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 30

 

Besharat-e Now:
1- Parliament Speaker: Iran Open to Negotiation with Saudi Arabia
2- Closing Strait of Hormuz Imminent? Tensions to Escalate between Iran, US
3- Iran’s Oil Exports Not to Decrease to Less than 1m Barrels per Day

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 30

 

Ebtekar:
1- Iran First VP Outlines Solutions to Overcome Challenge of Oil Sale
2- Fragile Victory of Leftists in Spain Parliamentary Elections

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 30

 

Etemad:
1- Negotiation under Current Circumstances ‘Strategic Mistake’ or ‘Total Submission’?
* Iran Parliament Speaker, IRGC Quds Force Commander Reject Talks with US
2- First VP: Iran Protects Persian Gulf Security, Stability

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 30

 

Ettela’at:
1- Iran, Turkey Agree to Increase Transit from South Asia to Europe
* Tehran-Ankara Train to Be Launched in 1.5 Months
2- Parliament Speaker: Negotiation with US Strategic Mistake
3- Iran Leader Pays 2.5-Hour Visit to Tehran Book Fair

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 30

 

Kayhan:
1- Economists to Trump: Iran Bans to Increase Oil Price to $100
2- Arab Media: Saudis Afraid of Street Protests after Mass Beheadings
3- Iran Leader Urges Culture, Industry Ministers to Decrease Paper Price
4- Araqchi: We’ll Soon Give Appropriate Response to US’ Unlawful Measures

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 30

 

Sazandegi:
1- Head of Team-B; Zarif Gives Ultimatum to Trump through Fox News

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 30

 

Shargh:
1- Talks with US Strategic Mistake
2- Humiliating a King: NY Times’ Report on Trump’s Recent Remarks
3- Iran First VP: Don’t Remain Silent about US’ Illegal Policy
4- How Are Iran-Russia Military Ties? Joint Naval Drill to Be Held in Southern Iran

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 30

Pakistan Steps Up Security Along Border with Iran

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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A Pakistani soldier keeps guard at the Friendship Gate, a crossing point at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border town of Chaman, Pakistan, March 7, 2017. / Photo by Reuters

In a press conference on Monday, Ghafour said the forces have been deployed to step up border security.

“We have not only increased the number of our forces along the borders with Iran but also have adopted preemptive measures against any possible terrorist or criminal attack in the region,” he said.

The spokesman then added that the border guards of Pakistan also known as FS are tasked with providing security of Balochistan province in southwestern Pakistan. “The forces have already been deployed to the region.”

The general also said Pakistan’s army has for the first time divided its border guards into two northern and southern groups. “The southern group is missioned to protect the joint borders with Iran.”

In response to a question on the fate of the abducted Iranian border guards, he said for the time being there is no information about them.

“Over the past month, Pakistan’s security forces received some information from unknown sources saying that the abducted Iranian border guards had been transferred to Pakistan by terrorist groups. We launched an operation against the terrorists and released some of the guards. But unfortunately we don’t have any information yet about the fate of the remaining guards abducted by the terrorists,” he said.

The spokesman also described the joint border between Iran and Pakistan as the border of peace and friendship and added Pakistan feels obliged to keep the border peaceful.

“The joint border between Iran and Pakistan is not comparable with that of Pakistan and Afghanistan. We don’t feel any threats from the Iranian side of the border. And Pakistan and Iran have established good cooperation in border operations,” he noted.

During the visit of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan to Iran earlier this month, the two sides agreed to establish a joint Rapid Reaction Force to combat militants based along the two countries’ shared borders.

Iran and Pakistan say militant groups operate from bases on the other country’s soil, occasionally carrying out deadly cross-border attacks.

Iran FM Departs for Doha to Attend ACD Meeting

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

The high-level meeting started on Tuesday, April 30, and will run until Thursday.

Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani has tweeted that the country’s priority during its presidency over the ACD meeting will be to reach an Asian consensus, enhance co-operation, develop mechanisms for joint work, and strengthen economic and commerce ties.

He added that enhancing understanding and economic integration in all fields will help advance joint work to higher levels.

The top diplomat said Qatar encourages the deepening of trade and economic partnerships and enhancing the economic competitiveness of Asian countries in global markets, particularly as the Asian continent has all the capabilities required to push the development of human resources and economic wealth.

The Asian Co-operation Dialogue was established in 2001 and has 34 member countries. Its first meeting was held in Thailand in 2002 with the participation of 18 Asian founding countries.

In 2006, Qatar hosted the fifth meeting. The Doha Declaration included a number of decisions, such as the establishment of an Energy Forum for cooperation under the framework of the ACD, the need for Asia to make productive use of its core savings, including financial returns from the energy trade to benefit the region, and the need for the successful implementation of the e-University project as a tool for building human capacity, closing the digital divide and increasing access to higher education.

Among the main objectives of the ACD are to promote interdependence among Asian countries in all areas of co-operation by identifying Asia’s common strengths and opportunities which will help reduce poverty and improve the quality of life for Asian people whilst developing a knowledge-based society within Asia and enhancing community and people empowerment, expand the trade and financial market within Asia and increase the bargaining power of Asian countries.

Ultimately it aims to transform the Asian continent into an Asian Community, capable of interacting with the rest of the world on a more equal footing and contributing more positively towards mutual peace and prosperity.

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