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Iran’s Leader Pays Visit to Tehran International Book Fair

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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The Leader was accompanied by Culture Minister Seyyed Abbas Salehi during the visit.

The unannounced visit surprised those attending the book fair, as they didn’t think the Leader would visit pavilions where ordinary people were hanging around, Fars News Agency reported.

“During the visit, the Leader called for further promotion of [publishing] books and reading culture,” a deputy head of the exhibition said.

Ayatollah Khamenei also urged further support for books that promote beliefs and values of the Iranian nation, are closer to the culture of revolution, and focus on Iranian-Islamic identity, the official added.

The 32nd edition of Tehran International Book Fair kicked on Tuesday with the motto of “Reading Is Ability”.

“With this motto, we welcome not only the great cultural event of our country, but also one of the largest cultural events in the world,” said Mohsen Javadi, the head of this year’s exhibition.

In addition to 2,400 domestic publishers, 800 international publishers offer their valuable works at this edition to book enthusiasts.

Last year 1,400 titles were published and put on show at the exhibition, he noted, adding that cultural events and discussion sessions about the books are being held at the venue of the fair.

“The history of Iran is known via the great books of scientists and wise men. We are glad we can develop friendship among nations and governments by books,” the official maintained.

China is the special guest of the exhibition this year. China’s news conference was held Monday (April 22) with the presence of Iranian and Chinese officials.

Iran’s Larijani Says Europe’s Credibility Ruined

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Ali Larijani said on Sunday that there are some problems which need to be solved, and the EU has thought of some solutions, but Iran still has not seen the results.

Speaking in a meeting with members of Austria-Iran Parliamentary Friendship Group in Tehran, Larijani hailed Vienna’s active role in the conclusion of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

“This agreement was sealed with your help and after the deal the level of business relations increased,” noted Larijani.

Iran accepted to negotiate the Joint Comprehensive Plan of action after the United States requested twice. So the talks got underway at the time of Barack Obama’s presidency, and a nuclear deal was reached, he added.

Iran’s Larijani Says Europe’s Credibility RuinedLarijani further said part of the deal was spoiled by Trump’s approach that eliminated US obligations, while the collaborations of the EU and other countries were stopped for unknown reasons.

“Europeans said the US is threatening the private sector. At the same time, the European leaders also emphasised that within a few weeks, they would create a mechanism for oil sale and economic relations, but it lasted almost a year.”

“At first, they stressed the economic transactions will be carried out through the Bank of France. Then, they spoke about the launch of the SPV, but eventually they launched INSTEX which did not yield a result. Now, the question is that why the European leaders and the EU just support us verbally and regret over the US behaviour just in words,” he underlined.

The Iranian parliament speaker maintained that even Austria, that used to buy oil from Iran, did not continue to cooperate.

Addressing the group, he said you may say there are problems due to the US pressures. “However, we look at the issue from our viewpoint, and the most important thing for us is that with these measures the credibility of the European Union has been questioned. So, this means the EU has no capacity to solve the problem.”

“However, we have to take a step, especially after the US decided to bring Iran’s oil exports and sales to zero. When the European Union did not react, we became more resolute,” he added.

This top Iranian official further underscored that the Islamic Republic increased its trade ties with Austria to $700 or $800 million, but now it is stopped.

“We will teach the Americans a lesson. They should know that they cannot put pressure on Iran and expect us to remain silent. The EU should not make any request because it has not done anything for us. So, more serious developments would unfold.”

For his part, the head of the Austria-Iran parliamentary friendship group said “the JCPOA has been one of the key issues over the past two years, so while I am presenting my country here today and I am seeking to achieve Austrians goals, I believe some things must not happen.”

Austria and the European Union looked at the process of US withdrawal from the nuclear deal with deep regret. Europe moves based on the old Greek-Latin principle, and this principle is based on the fulfilment of obligations, said Wolfgang Gerstl.

“Therefore, this is our most important task at this time; Europe and Iran, on the other hand, must continue to abide by their commitments and use the right to peaceful nuclear energy on one hand and fulfil economic obligations which leads to the prosperity and comfort of the people of both sides.”

“You referred to Vienna as the venue of the nuclear talks; an issue that has not been zoomed in on very much. We cannot establish peace in the whole world, but we were able to reach an agreement on a critical region to establish peace there,” stressed Wolfgang Gerstl.

“With this mechanism, we might find a way to continue cooperation,” he added.

Gerstl further noted international relations are interlinked in terms of economic and security, but it must be emphasised that the EU has no executive power over the state, especially in relation to economic enterprises. “As there is a free market economy in Europe; we can only facilitate the framework of relations,” he said.

“All Iranian banks have not contracts in accordance with international treaties and within the framework of anti-money laundering laws, he said, explaining that some of the companies had withdrawn from cooperation with Iranian companies before Washington’s withdrawal. Therefore, some European companies are not happy about this. However, the volume of exchange between Iran and Austria is indicative of the interest of both sides to move in the right direction.

Head of the Austria-Iran parliamentary friendship group also stated that Europe has had plenty of problems to set up the INSTEX, so it does not seem it did not have any intention to perform economic and financial exchanges.

“Unfortunately, with this European mechanism, we noticed a lot of our dependence on the United States, especially in financial issues, and we realised that we should make reforms in our domestic policies,” concluded Gerstl.

Iran’s Patience Not Unlimited, Europe Warned

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi meets the chairman and a number of members of the Austria-Iran parliamentary friendship group in Tehran on April 28, 2019 / Photo by Foreign Ministry

Araqchi made the remarks in a Sunday meeting with the chairman and a number of members of the Austria-Iran parliamentary friendship group in Tehran.

He said “the JCPOA is an international agreement and the United States has violated the UN Security Council resolution 2231 by withdrawing from it, but unfortunately this illegal action has not been addressed with an appropriate response from the Security Council or European countries.”

Referring to the fact that Iran has fulfilled its commitments under the JCPOA, Araqchi criticised Europe’s policies and actions regarding the nuclear accord, warning that “the patience and tolerance of the Islamic Republic is not indefinite.”

“By making a comprehensive assessment of the present conditions and without emotional reactions, we will soon adopt an appropriate response to the illegal US actions.”

Araqchi said Iran has so far given enough time and chance to other parties to compensate for the consequences of the US withdrawal from the deal, and now it is time to act.

“We welcome the political positions of the European Union, but just political support does not help any further to preserve the JCPOA. The JCPOA is not an economic agreement and it is of security nature. If it matters to Europe, then it should also pay the costs to maintain it,” he noted.

The Iranian official also commented on the White House’s decision to “bring Iran’s oil exports down to zero”, saying that the Islamic Republic of Iran does not allow any country to replace it in the global oil market, and the responsibility for any consequences falls on the US and the country/countries seeking to replace Iran in the market.

In turn, Wolfgang Gerstl, the head of Austria-Iran parliamentary friendship group in the Austrian parliament, praised Iran’s wise policies regarding the nuclear deal, stating that Austria and the European Union reject the US decision to withdraw from the JCPOA, and are worried about the decline in the value and importance of this agreement.

“This is a fact that Europe needs the JCPOA more than America does; therefore, Austria, along with the European Union, remains committed to supporting the deal,” underlined Gerstl.

He also expressed regret over the recent floods in Iran and conveyed his country’s sympathy.

Deputy FM Araqchi, for his part, expressed gratitude for the sympathies of the government and the people of Austria after the recent floods and their dispatch of aid to the flood victims.

Europe Fails to Fulfill Pledges under JCPOA: Iran Envoy to France

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Qassemi noted the Iran nuclear agreement known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was a historic and effective achievement that was gained thanks to efforts by, and marathon talks between UN Security Council members plus Germany and Iran.

“The JCPOA showed once again that diplomacy is the art of overcoming some problems in a bid to prevent the outbreak of war and tension,” he said in a meeting with students at a political studies institute in Paris.

“The result of two years of intense talks was not only success for Iran, but also a victory for world politics with regards to multilateralism,” said the top Iranian diplomat.

“Unfortunately, we are seeing that with a change of government and a new ruling elite coming to power in the United States, this country changed tack in dealing with global issues and adopted the policy of unilateralism, and not only withdrew from the JCPOA, but, in an unprecedented move, urged other countries, too, to breach international agreements and threatened to impose sanctions on them if they complied with UN Security Council resolutions,” he said.

“Over the past year, Iran has made good on its JCPOA obligations as confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency 14 times, and has remained in the deal upon the recommendation of European countries,” said Qassemi.

“Of course, the European countries have undertaken to make the necessary arrangements such as the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEXT) in order for Iran to reap the economic benefits of the JCPOA, and both sides are following up and implementing measures in that regard. However, we expect this trend to gather pace,” he said.

He underlined that the European countries have not yet been able to deliver on their commitments under the JCPOA, so the quick steps and measures of some European countries will be a very serious and determining yardstick against which Iran would adopt its policies. He said the Europeans’ behaviour is being monitored precisely.

During his speech, Qassemi also elaborated on the measures Iran has adopted to maintain stability in the region, fight terrorism and cooperate with other countries.

Iran Denies Claim Its Cargo Ship Seized in Libya

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

“No ship has been seized,” said Mohammad Saeidi, the head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines, on Sunday.

“There are disagreements with the Libyan government over a ship, but it’s not been seized, and we are in talks to settle the differences,” he added.

“An African news agency has published the incorrect news. We’ll announce the results of our talks later,” the top official added.

Back on Saturday, the Libya Observer quoted a statement by the Libyan Interior Ministry as saying that it has seized the Iranian cargo ship Shahr-e Kord, with the number 9270684, as it was blacklisted by the US government.

The Public Prosecutor had ordered the seizure of the vessel until investigations into the shipment end with no reports of illegal goods on board, the statement said.

The statement added that the seizure of the ship came after news had broken on social media and media outlets that the Iranian vessel was entering Misrata port with unknown shipment on board.

“The cargo ship, which was carrying 144 containers, was anchored off the Misrata port and was found to be under US and European sanctions,” the statement said.

The vessel was blacklisted back in November 2018, according to the US Treasury.

The Shahr-e Kord had departed from Bulgaria’s Burgas port and headed to Misrata on April 20.

Media outlets loyal to Khalifa Haftar claimed that the Iranian ship was bringing weapons and Iranian fighters to help Libyan Army forces under Presidential Council’s government command in their fighting against Haftar’s forces.

Libyan National Army spokesman Ahmed al-Mismari had previously charged that the vessel was illegally transporting weapons and ammunition to Misrata, which is opposed to Haftar’s forces.

Iran Leader Urges Police to Prevent Arms Sales, Ensure Cybersecurity

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

Speaking in a Sunday meeting with police commanders and executives in Tehran, Ayatollah Khamenei said a major responsibility of law enforcement forces is to prevent weapons sales.

“In some countries such as the United States, it is free to buy and sell weapons as the arms companies mafia makes profits from it, and this creates problems for the people,” said the Leader.

“But it should be stopped in our country where we don’t have such a problem and where the purchase and sales of weapons are forbidden,” he noted.

The Leader then referred to the recent murder of an Iranian cleric in Hamadan, saying online weapons sales should be stopped as well.

“The murderer of the cleric from [the Iranian province of] Hamadan has posted photos of himself with four types of rifles on Instagram, and it falls upon police to deal with such cases,” said the Leader.

A 46-year-old clergyman named Mostafa Qassemi was murdered in Hamadan province on April 27, 2019. He was gunned down by an assailant and was killed on the spot. The gunman confessed to killing the cleric on his Instagram page.

After identifying him, the police found him in the suburbs of Hamadan on Sunday morning, and shot him dead after a bloody clash, in which two others were injured.

In his Sunday remarks, the Leader also urged the Police to do more to ensure the security of the cyberspace.

“Today, the virtual space is considerably making its presence felt in people’s lives, which has advantages and merits as well as major hazards,” said the Leader.

He said cyberspace insecurity will be to the detriment of people, saying it falls upon police to ensure the security of the cyberspace.

Zarif Hailed for Interview with Trump’s Favourite Channel

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

“Zarif’s interview with Fox News was a good move,” says Iran’s former ambassador to Jordan Nosratollah Tajik.

“Fox News is [US President Donald] Trump’s media outlet. This move (Zarif’s interview) shows Zarif wants to talk to Trump directly. I regard it as a good move, but as to how Trump will deal with it, I feel Trump is preparing his tweet,” the former diplomat said.

Tajik said the Iranian foreign minister’s trip to New York began with a good approach and a “domestic prelude.”

“In my opinion, Trump’s team is comprised of different people, too, and we should not regard them as being all the same,” he noted.

“John Bolton has a certain viewpoint, Pompeo has another, and the State Department has a different view. We should not treat the United States as one whole. Rather, we should try to address different sectors inside the US, namely the American people,” Tajik stressed.

“Upon arrival at the meeting, Mr Zarif reiterated the offer to swap prisoners, which shows we have also taken a humanitarian approach into consideration and wouldn’t like our issues with the US to edge toward animosity and confrontation,” said Tajik, who is also an expert on foreign policy issues.

Tajik said he believes Zarif’s visit took place in coordination with the Iranian government and was aimed at “managing” the hostility between Iran and the United Sates, “And it is a good move.”

He then touched upon domestic problems in Iran, namely economic problems and other issues, adding, “We’d better ease tensions in our foreign policy as much as possible.”

He also referred to Washington’s flip-flop on Iran.

“On the one hand, as [US Special Representative for Iran] Brian Hook says, the Americans are seeking talks; but on the other hand, they, for example when we put forward the idea of a prisoner swap, did not welcome the proposal as much as they should have with regards to the humanitarian aspect of the issue,” said Tajik.

“I hope Zarif’s interview with Fox News will somehow persuade the Americans to do something which would enable us to follow up on these messages, including the issue of prisoners as well as other issues,” said the ex-diplomat.

“Trump respects Fox News as much as he is furious at CNN,” he noted.

“If Zarif had had an interview with CNN, we could say he intended to deal a blow to Trump. But when he gives Fox News an interview, that means Zarif wants to say his words to Trump directly and open up an opportunity for the next steps,” said Tajik.

He then touched upon the problems between Iran and the United States as well as the approach adopted by Trump.

“We shouldn’t expect all issues to be settled, or rapidly move towards settlement during this trip,” said the former diplomat.

“If the two countries set the stage for listening to each other and prevent the deterioration of their relations, it will be a good opportunity,” he said.

“North Korea and the United States moved toward nuclear threats, but an event, i.e., the Seoul Olympics were utilized and it initiated a relationship between them followed by negotiations,” he noted.

“The negotiations got nowhere due to Trump’s excessive demands, approach and way of treating countries, but it was a positive move as it warded off a nuclear threat in the world,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zarif himself has weighed in on the reasons behind his interview with Fox News.

He said the interview was done to establish a connection with that group of American people who are supporters of Trump.

“It was necessary to remind them that US interests were falling victim to the interests of Israel and a bellicose group,” Zarif explained.

“This reality is nothing new, but they have tainted the atmosphere with so much propaganda and rowdyism that many of those who believe in this reality do not dare even talk about that reality. That is why expressing these realities is necessary in this environment and can help break this climate of oppression which runs counter the claim that freedom exists there,” said the Iranian foreign minister.

“We countered sanctions for 40 years as we needed to, and we have a PhD now in the field of countering sanctions,” said Zarif.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has managed to weather sanctions with reliance on people. This time, too, Iranian people are present with more solidarity and unity than ever in the face of US pressure, and we, as the government, have a duty to minimize these pressures,” he noted.

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 28

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

The top story in all Iranian papers today was the rare interview Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif gave to Fox News, the favourite news channel of US President Donald Trump and his fans.

Also a top story was the repercussions of the US’ decision to stop issuing oil waivers for the customers of Iran’s crude oil.

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

 

Abrar:

1- Experts: Europe to Cooperate with US in Exerting Maximum Pressure against Iran

2- Reuters: No New Oil Waivers for China

3- Zarif: Trump’s ‘Maximum Pressure’ Policy Doomed to Failure

4- Putin: We’re Not Going to Increase Oil Output for Now

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 28

 

Aftab-e Yazd:

1- Biden’s Chance against Trump

2- Zarif’s Interview with Trump-Friendly Channel

3- On FATF, We Should Make Less Evil Choice

4- South Korea Eying Saudi Oil

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 28

 

Arman-e Emrooz:

1- Zarif’s Offer to Americans Humanitarian

2- Iran’s Reaction to US Show: We’ve Made No Request for Talks with US

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 28

 

Besharat-e Now:

1- EU Spokesperson: For Sanctions Removal, We’re Committed to Our Pledges

2- US’ Non-Interactive, Unilateral Approach

* Reactions to Iran-US Prison Swap Continue

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 28

 

Etemad:

1- Why Zarif Gave Interview to Fox News

* Holding Talks with Trump’s Fans, Voters

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 28

 

Hamdeli:

1- UNSC Resolution 2231, Achiles’ Heel of Trump

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 28

 

Hemayat:

1- Tragedy of Mass Executions in Saudi Arabia

* CNN Reveals Al Saud’s Anti-Human Measures

2- WSJ: Europe’s New Moves to Pressure Iran’s Missile Program

3- Iran’s Oil Clients Not to Back Off: Experts

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 28

 

Kayhan:

1- Iran Can Wreak Havoc on Persian Gulf Littoral States

* Closing Strait of Hormuz as Dangerous as Nuclear Bomb

2- Ansarullah Pound Southern Saudi Arabia with 17 Missiles

3- Mr Zarif! Don’t Send Enemies Message of Weakness

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 28

 

Sazandegi:

1- Liberalism against Populism

* Biden Raises $6.3 Million 24 Hours after Announcing Presidential Bid

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 28

 

Setareh Sobh:

1- Tehran-Washington Tension Escalates

* Zarif: Trump Not after War with Iran, but His Fans Are

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 28

 

Shargh:

1- Trump Not after War with Iran: Zarif to Fox News

2- Foreign Ministry: Iran Hasn’t Asked for Meeting with US

3- Will Iran’s Oil Importers Ignore Cancellation of Exemptions?

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 28

 

Vatan-e Emrooz:

1- Don’t Be Upset Trump!

* What US Media Say about Result of White House’s Oil Sanctions on Iran

2- France Declares War on Journalists

* 3 Journos Prosecuted for Revealing France’s Role in Yemen War, 2 Others for Releasing Films of Yellow Vest Crackdown

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 28

Turkish Sufi Festival to Give Majid Majidi Plaque of Honour

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

Forouzandeh Arbabi said every year on the occasion of the arrival of Rumi’s family in Konya, the festival is held from May 1 to 7 in the Turkish city, in which films with a mystical and religious theme are admitted. Then, salient directors from Turkey select films and directors.

“Last year, this festival was held for the first time, and Reza Mirkarimi’s ‘Under the Light of the Moon’ was accepted. He was the only director receiving the plaque of appreciation from the festival and the Turkish Ministry of Culture. His film was warmly welcomed by the public as well,” added Arbabi.

Turkish Sufi Festival to Give Majid Majidi Plaque of HonourThis year, the secretariat of the festival has invited Majidi with “The Willow Tree” and “Children of Heaven” and he has accepted their invitation, she added.

Forouzandeh further noted that Majidi will be in Konya from May 3 to 6 and “The Willow Tree” would be screened in his presence. He will hold academic meetings as well.

“This year, Majidi will be the only director to receive the special prize of the festival and plaque of honour. The plaque is given to the directors who have remained loyal to their spiritual and religious beliefs,” noted Forouzandeh.

Iran Not After Closing Strait of Hormuz: Top General

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-
Iran Will Definitely Change Approach to UAE: Top General

“Iranian security forces provide the security of the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Republic is not after closing the strait but if any country decides to destabilize it, Iran will give a crushing response,” General Baqeri told reporters on Sunday.

The Iranian commander went on to say that the Islamic Republic of Iran is interested in keeping the strategic strait open because various countries like Iran pass their oil and non-oil exports through the strait on a daily basis.

“As our top officials have said, we are not after closing the Strait of Hormuz but if the animosity of certain states against us gets on rise, we may decide to close it,” he said, adding that Iran is the main provider of the strait’s security.

According to the top general, all regional and extra-regional warships passing through the Strait of Hormuz should responsibly respond to questions raised by Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).

“So far, American warships have responded to the IRGC’s questions. That’s why, we have had no problems with them in the strait so far,” he added.

The general also touched on the case of Iranian border guards abducted by militants along Pakistan’s border and said Pakistan’s prime minister in his recent visit to Iran promised to offer help for releasing the guards.

On the terrorist attack on an IRGC bus boarding members of the military force in southeastern Iran, he said some people have already been arrested in connection with the attack.

“Unfortunately, some others behind the attack have fled the country,” he noted.

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