Tehran to Host Worldwide Nowruz Festival

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February 25, 2019

The program, which will be held at Milad Tower, focuses on the cultural significance of Nowruz as a regional factor in building empathy among nations.

The festival will be jointly organised by Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organisation (ICHTO) and Iranian National Commission for UNESCO, Mehr News Agency reports.

On the sidelines of the opening ceremony, an exhibition of Nowruz photos and calligraphy will be held and a number of professors will deliver speeches on the significance of the traditional custom.

Nowruz which literally means “new day” is the name of the Persian New Year’s day.

Despite its Iranian origins, Nowruz has been celebrated by diverse communities. It has been celebrated for over 3,000 years in Western Asia, Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Black Sea Basin, and the Balkans. It is a secular holiday for most celebrants that is enjoyed by people of several different faiths.

It marks the first day of the first month of the Iranian calendar. It usually falls on March 21 or the previous or following day, depending on where it is observed.

CODEPINK Members Meet with Iran FM in Tehran

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IFP Editorial Staff

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February 25, 2019

CODEPINK Members Meet with Iran FM in Tehran

During the friendly meeting, FM Zarif elaborated on the concepts of “independence” as a clear principle of Iran’s foreign policy and the country’s “endogenous security” which is based on its people.

He also outlined the Islamic Republic’s stances and views regarding the most important regional and international issues, the issue of human rights, and that of Palestine.

Zarif also responded to the questions raised by the participants.

Code Pink: Women for Peace (often stylized as CODEPINK) is an internationally active NGO that describes itself as a “grassroots peace and social justice movement working to end US-funded wars and occupations, to challenge militarism globally and to redirect our resources into healthcare, education, green jobs and other life-affirming activities.”

In addition to its focus on anti-war issues, it has taken action on issues such as drones (including protests, trips to meet with drone victims in Pakistan and Yemen, bringing them to the US), Guantanamo Bay prison (including a delegation that included former prisoners and yearly protests at the White House), Palestinian statehood (including its involvement in the BDS movement to protest Ahava, SodaStream, ReMax, and AirBnB), the Iran nuclear deal, Saudi Arabia (including protests to end US alliance with Saudi Arabia, its airstrikes on Yemen, and its executions of its political dissidents), and Women Cross DMZ.

The organization characterizes itself as women-initiated. It has regional offices in Los Angeles, California and Washington, D.C., and many more chapters in the US as well as several in other countries.

With members wearing the group’s signature pink colour, Code Pink has conducted marches, protests, and high-visibility actions in order to promote its goals. Although women initiated and lead the group, Code Pink encourages people of all genders to participate in its activities.

Iran Launches Its First Radio Telescope into Space

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IFP Editorial Staff

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February 25, 2019

The minister said that the project is in line with the policy of making space technology more applicable.

During a Monday ceremony to inaugurate an EMC lab in Tehran, Azari Jahromi noted that the ten-year plan for the space sector has been completed and now a new plan should be devised, dolat.ir reported.

“For example, monitoring rice and poppy cultivation in the country used to be carried out through this space technology, and now we have localized this technology technically and scientifically.”

He also commented on the construction and launching of satellites as another mission of the Ministry saying that ‘Message’ and ‘Friendship’ satellites could not be put in the orbit, but this is part of the space knowledge experience that the country needs.

Azari Jahromi further announced that a telecommunications satellite called Nahid 1 will be launched in June adding that its construction process began in the second administration of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and ended in President Hassan Rouhani’s second administration.

“Nahid 1 is currently being delivered to the Ministry of Defence and is scheduled to be put 250 kilometres into orbit,” underlined Azari Jahromi.

According to the ICT minister, another satellite called Victory of Science and Industry would be placed 500 kilometres into the orbit next year as well, while the construction process of “Pars 1” will be finished.

“Based on these experiences, we will build “Pars 2” and “Nahid 2”, and work on “Geo” satellite in the future,” stressed the Iranian minister.

Yazd Selected as Book Capital of Iran

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IFP Editorial Staff

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February 25, 2019

The title was given to the city during a ceremony attended by First Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri and Culture Minister Seyyed Abbas Salehi.

During the ceremony, the people of Yazd were awarded with plaques of appreciation of the Interior and Culture ministries as well as the UNESCO’s appreciation plaque.

An appropriate amount of money was also allocated for the establishment, renovation and equipping of bookstores and distribution centres.

According to IRNA, the selection and introduction of the “Book Capital of Iran” is one of the four programs promoting the culture of book reading which is held by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Iran’s interior ministry.

Previously, the cities of Ahvaz, Nishapur, Bushehr and Kashan had managed to get this title.

This event introduced the culture and civilization of the people of Iran more evidently to the world.

According to Culture Minister Salehi, the city of Yazd is a symbol of the Iranian culture, art and architecture, and is the portfolio of a cultural panel.

Director General of Culture and Islamic Guidance Department of Yazd province says the city has created 1,833 reading clubs to win the second rank after Isfahan. However, in terms of the number of people, it is the country’s first city in creating these reading clubs.

With 111 public libraries, Yazd ranks first in the country. In the public libraries of the province there are over 2 million books with 108,000 members.

Yazd has a population of 138,000 people, 85% of whom live in cities and others in rural areas and villages.

Yazd, as the second historical city of the world, is also known as the city of wind-catchers, bicycles, sweets, adobe, Qanats, and sunshine.

Iranian Scientists Produce Edible Colours Using Pomegranate Peel

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IFP Editorial Staff

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February 25, 2019

Most conventional edible colours are produced synthetically and chemically in the food and medicine industry. Although the use of these compounds is approved at a level that is acceptable, these chemical compounds may be hazardous to the consumer in the long run.

Colours have been used in food and medicine industry for many years and today about 10 authorized chemical compounds are widely used in the food and medicine industry.

Although the use of these compounds is approved internationally, many countries are reducing and changing these compounds to minimise the harmful effects.

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”

Therefore, Iranian scientists have succeeded in producing a product from pomegranate peel to stabilise food colorants. These edible colours can be used in the food industry, cosmetics industry, and animal and poultry feed.

Achieving one or more natural colourant with good colour and stability without side effects will be cost effective because the use of natural colourants will increase the general health of the community and reduce the cost of treatment.

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on February 25

By

Fatemeh Askarieh

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February 25, 2019

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 19

The top story in all papers today was the remarks made by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif about the need for Iranian officials to decrease pressure on the nation, and avoid taking advantage of people’s patience.

Also a top story was the details of Iran’s recent penetration into the US’ drone system in Iraq, which were outlined by IRGC Aerospace Commander Brigadier General Hajizadeh.

A lawsuit allegedly filed by 2,000 people in Ahvaz against Iranian Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi also received great coverage. These people have reportedly sued the minister for refusing to obey certain censorship requests.

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

Abrar:

1- Lavrov: Russia, Iran, Turkey Have No Plan for Joint Operation in Syria

2- Israel FM: Iran Still Wants to Destroy Us despite Thaw in Tel Aviv’s Ties with Arabs

Aftab-e Yazd:

1- Plaintiffs of Two Anti-Iran Cases in US Fighting over Money Earned from Iran Sanctions!

2- Kenya Blocks Account of Iranian Businesspeople!

3- Zarif Changes His Tone, Makes Notable Remarks

* We Can’t Deny Our Incompetence, Pin Blame on Hegemonic Powers, Hide behind People’s Resistance

Arman-e Emrooz:

1- Zarif: We Must Decrease Pressure on People

2- Analyst: Trump Needs Clash with Iran for Re-Election

* Trump Afraid of Failing in 2020 Election

3- ICT Minister Should Either Leave Office or Censor What He’s Told to

Ebtekar:

1- Final Round of Power Struggle in Venezuela

Etemad:

1- Two Kings in One Realm: Saudi King, Crown Prince Make Different Choices in Foreign Policy

2- Power Struggle in Saudi Arabia [Editorial]

3- Zarif: If People Were Supposed to Resist, What’s Our Duty?

Ettela’at:

1- Zarif: Our Independence Means Being Endogenous, Not Isolated

2- Afghanistan Turned into Global Trade Hub with Iran’s Help

3- Prosecutor-General: In Islamic Society, This Level of Corruption Is Very Much

Iran:

1- Young Minister under Fire

* Lawsuit Filed against ICT Minister for Refusing to Block Certain Media

2- Reformist Figure Says Both Left-Wingers, Conservatives Must United against Hardliners

Javan:

1- IRGC Aerospace Commander: Iran Infiltrated into US Command System in Reaction to Their Insolence

2- IRGC General: We Won’t Leave Aggressors Unpunished

3- Government Evading Consequences of Adopting FATF!

Jomhouri Eslami:

1- Iran FM Warns about Consequences of Not Adopting FATF

2- Venezuelan People Hold Anti-US Rallies in Protest at US Interference

3- US Forces Take Control of 50 Tonnes of Gold Belonging to ISIS

4- Zarif: We Shouldn’t Rely on People’s Resistance; We Should Do Our Own Duty

Kayhan:

1- IRGC: “US Infiltration” into Iran’s Missile Program Turned into “Iran’s Infiltration” into US’ Drone System

2- Suspicious Tension in Forex Market

Sazandegi:

1- “Bint” to Replace “Bin”

* Saudi Gov’t for First Time Names Woman as Its Ambassador to US

* Reema bint Bandar Replaces Khalid bin Salman

Shargh:

1- Araqchi: We Must Join FATF in Order to Evade US Bans

2- Invisible Hand in Forex Market

Austrian Tourists in Iran to Visit Sistan & Baluchestan Province

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IFP Editorial Staff

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February 25, 2019

Assistant Director of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Department of Sistan and Baluchestan Mojtaba Mirhosseini said these tourists will visit Hamun lake (in north of the province) and also Makran beaches in the south.

He noted that these foreign tourists are in Sistan and Baluchestan to get familiar with the historical and cultural capacities of the province, the customs and traditions of the people, the handicrafts and lifestyle of the villagers, local music and natural attractions, and, most importantly, the people of the province.

“Austrian tourists will stay for eight days at local traditional inns. Even in some areas where there is no accommodation facility, they may set up a camp.”

“The visit of foreign tourists represents the stability and security in the province and proves that the efforts made by the government and the people to make Sistan and Baluchestan the tourism destination of domestic and foreign tourists have borne fruit.”

The active participation of the people, the activities of the local communities and the private sector in the field of tourism have led to the introduction of the security and capabilities of the province to the people of other countries, stressed Mirhosseini.

The popularisation of tourism in this province has been the cause of the sustainability of this industry, he noted.

He also stressed that even the recent terrorist attacks could not prevent the development of tourism in this region of Iran, IRNA quoted him as saying.

Sistan and Baluchestan has hundreds of ancient, historical, cultural and recreational sites such as the burnt city, Khajeh Mountain, Taftan Peak, Tang port, numerous castles, beautiful beaches of Oman Sea, tropical fruit gardens, Martian mountains, etc.

It is known as the paradise of archaeologists and the new destination of domestic and foreign tourists.

Iran Frees French Citizen Detained for Illegal Entry

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IFP Editorial Staff

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February 24, 2019

In response to IRNA’s question on Sunday, Qassemi said the French citizen has been freed in the past few days after legal proceedings were completed and other charges were dropped.

His comments came after French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told lawmakers Wednesday France was in touch with Iran to improve the conditions of the woman arrested in October on Iran’s Persian Gulf island of Kish for allegedly signing an illegal mining contract.

Qasemi did not give further details, but Le Drian said on Wednesday that the woman was held “on the grounds of having signed an illegal contract and carrying out a non-authorized trip”.

Nelly Erin-Cambervelle, a 59-year-old businesswoman from Martinique, had been on Kish – a free-trade zone allowing visa-free entry for visitors from most countries – as part of her import-export business.

Details over her arrest first appeared in Martinique media last week after Patricia Gros-Desirs Dicanot, a friend and colleague, was quoted as saying that Erin-Cambervelle had been arrested for illegally buying gold after originally going to Kish to begin negotiating a minerals contract.

“The consular services have been able to meet her several times and are very concerned about her situation,” Le Drian said on Wednesday. “We are in touch with the family and with the Iranian authorities to ensure that Mrs Erin’s situation improves, while respecting Iranian procedures.”

Iran, Venezuela Condemn US’ Meddlesome Measures

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IFP Editorial Staff

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February 24, 2019

During the Sunday meeting, the Venezuelan official briefed Zarif on the latest political situation in his country and appreciated Iran’s efforts to help improve the situation in Venezuela.

For his part, Zarif rejected any foreign interference in Venezuela’s internal affairs and expressed support for the Venezuelan government and people.

He further threw his weight behind Venezuelan president’s proposal for political talks between the government and the opposition to resolve the differences.

The two sides also condemned the meddlesome measures of the US government in the internal affairs of Venezuela and other Latin American countries, saying that threatening to use force against Venezuela is a doomed measure in violation of the international law and the United Nations Charter.

Venezuela has been in political turmoil over the past weeks. The opposition has been holding widespread anti-government protests, blaming President Nicolas Maduro for an ailing economy, hyperinflation, power cuts, and shortages of basic items, and urging him to resign while branding his re-election in last year’s vote as a sham.

Iran Names 11 Candidates for ‘Person of the Year’ Award

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IFP Editorial Staff

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February 24, 2019

The candidates have been chosen out of 40 figures in semi-final through the votes of a jury and public votes.

The jury was composed of more than 30 celebrities from various social, cultural, artistic, political, scientific and academic areas who selected the final candidates within the past few days.

The mission to choose and announce the list of the finalists was carried out by Iran’s Vice-President for Science and Technology Sorena Sattari; Iranian filmmakers Narges Abyar and Mohammad Hossein Mahdavian; lawmakers Ali Motahari, Tayyebeh Siavoshi, Behrouz Ne’mati and Elyas Hazrati; environmentalist Mohammad Darvish; international football referee Alireza Faghani; senior journalist Arash Khoshkhu; writer Morteza Barzegar, and many others.

Public votes collected through the social media also played a key role in this stage.

After all votes were counted, the final 11 candidates with the highest number of votes were announced as follows: (The names are sorted based on an alphabetical order)

Esmat Ahmadian: Mother of an Iranian martyr who creates jobs for women in the southern city of Ahvaz

Mohammad Reza Amouzadeh: A judge from Golestan province who issues cultural verdicts instead of prison sentences.

Yousef Aslani: An activist in rehabilitation area and an entrepreneur for the disabled

Esmaeil Azarinejad: A clergyman who travels to deprived areas of the southwestern province of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad to tell stories to children.

Ziba Azizi: A rural woman from Sistan and Baluchestan province who won the fourth prize of Women’s World Summit Foundations (WWSF) for creativity in rural life

Tannaz Bahri: A physician who has made a reverse migration from the Netherlands to offer services to Iranians

Lo’bat Geranpayeh: Also known as the surgeon of the poor, she has so far visited 54,000 people and carried out surgeries on 1,500 others free of charge.

Haj Kazem Kabir Saber: A fair tea-seller from the city of Tabriz who takes into account the weight of the pocket in which the tea is sold.

Narges Kalbasi: A young woman who has dedicated her life to the lives of the earth-quake people in the northwestern city of Kermanshah.

Mojtaba Mohammadi: A soldier from Khuzestan who did a great job in saving civilians during the terrorist attack on a military parade in the city of Ahvaz.

Noureddin Tavassoli: A shepherd from the central Ilam province who plants trees while watching his sheep.

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