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Iran Censures EU’s ‘Non-Constructive’ Statement

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-
Iran Appoints Female Ambassador to Denmark

“The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes the European Union’s positive positions on Iran, particularly those on the Iran nuclear deal or JCPOA, expressed in a statement released Monday. However, there are points and criticisms to express regarding the statement,” the foreign ministry said in its statement.

What follows are the points mentioned in the statement:

 

  1. Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX):

The Islamic Republic of Iran is seriously critical of positions of the European Union in this regard. As announced before, Iran welcomes the registration of the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges. But there are natural and realistic expectations that the mechanism, introduced following delayed and inadequate efforts by the EU, goes operational accurately and quickly and covers other sectors of trade between Iran and European countries, as obliged in a May statement by the foreign ministers of Iran and the E3. For us, the economic aspects of JCPOA and its benefits for Iran are of particular importance and the implementation of obligations of European signatories to the nuclear deal could be an important criterion determining the future course of relations. This is unacceptable to link the implementation of this mechanism, which is part of JCPOA-related commitments, with the requirements of institutions such as FATF.

  1. Allegations of Plots in Europe:

Raising baseless allegations that Iran has designed or carried out terrorist plots in Europe was baseless and surprising in the first place. Raising such empty allegations and expressing concerns at a time when notorious terrorist and criminal groups who are freely active in Europe is not only non-constructive but is in line with the goals of enemies who want relations between Iran and Europe to sour. The Islamic Republic of Iran, as one of the biggest victims of terrorist attacks who has been a pioneer in fight against groups such as ISIS who even threaten Europe’s security, expects the EU to deal with these allegations seriously, while holding a realistic view and putting aside double standards.

  1. Iran’s Defence Activities:

As announced before, Iran’s defence activities are only defensive, deterrent and home-grown, and this issue has never been included in the agenda of our talks with other countries. We firmly believe that raising such issues is not constructive and useful and not in line with the security interests of the region and real interests of Europe, considering the current circumstances in the region and clear threats against Iran’s national security.

  1. Regional Issues:

The Islamic Republic of Iran strongly advises European countries to hold a realistic view about incidents and issues in the region and not to believe the suggestions of elements who are against peace, stability and security of the region and development of relations between governments and nations. The Islamic Republic of Iran always supports dialogue, interaction and political solutions for settling regional crises.

  1. Human Rights:

The Islamic Republic of Iran condemns the use of human rights as a political tool against independent countries. The behaviour of Iran in the past four decades shows Iran’s seriousness in promoting human rights and fulfilling international commitments through constructive cooperation and dialogue-based mechanisms. Positive measures and interactions of Iran with the UN’s human rights bodies and related international institutions indicate Iran’s commitment to continuing constructive cooperation. Expressing concern about the conditions of human rights in Iran, while it is clear to everyone that Iran’s human rights conditions are immaculate compared to that of others in the region, is an attempt to divert public opinion and an insistence on a wrong approach that can deepen distrust in bilateral relations.

In a region where the main crises are the massacre of children at the hands of the Zionist regime and the crimes of the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen (carried out by conventional and non-conventional weapons provided by western governments including some EU members), such positions are undoubtedly non-constructive and rejected in the world’s eyes. The silence of the EU regarding widespread violations of human rights in its member countries, including violations of basic rights of refugees and immigrants, the growth of alt-right tendencies, and racist attacks against ethnic and religious minorities, particularly Muslims (due to hate speeches by European officials and violent moves by extremists), contradicts EU’s claims that they are advocating human rights.

 

Conclusion

The Islamic Republic of Iran seeks constructive dialogue with the EU, based on mutual interests and respect. The history of dialogues and cooperation between Iran and the EU, particularly the experience gained in the past three years, shows that there are great capacities for developing relations between the two sides. We hope that the fulfilment of Europe’s commitments would prepare the ground for deepening relations as soon as possible.

Iran Self-Sufficient in Manufacturing Oxygen-18: Nuclear Chief

By
IFP Media Wire
-

Speaking to reporters in the city of Khondab in Iran’s Markazi Province on Monday, Salehi said Iran has managed to produce oxygen-18 with a purity level of 97 percent.

Iran has the capacity to produce 60 kilograms of oxygen-18 in a year, he added, saying each kilogram of the substance would cost 30,000 if it were to be purchased from abroad.

Salehi finally noted that only a few countries in the world have the technical know-how to produce oxygen-18, saying Iran has gained self-sufficiency in producing the substance which is an important precursor for the production of fluorodeoxyglucose used in positron emission tomography.

Iran Not to Accept E3’s ‘Humiliating’ Conditions on INSTEX

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

“Countries who in the face of the US rascality claimed they will be faithful to the nuclear deal have limited their moves to the so-called INSTEX and according to reports have set two odd conditions,” he said.

The Europeans have urged Iran to adopt the FATF standards and engage in talks on its missile program, he said.

“These countries should know that Iran would by no means accept these conditions,” he said, without elaborating further on the conditions.

Last week, Europeans announced they are ready to launch a financial mechanism to enable non-dollar trade between Iran and Europe called Instrument In Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX).

In their statement announcing the move, European powers said the mechanism will function under international standards against money laundering and financing of terrorism, hence they expect Iran to “swiftly implement all elements of its FATF action plan”.

Under INSTEX, European companies would initially sell food, medicine and medical devices to Iran in return for oil, the statement suggested.

Ayatollah Lairjani said Iran’s drug and food imports are not under sanctions, so Iran does not need a mechanism that facilitate importing food.

He said Europe is walking the same path the US was taking, pointing to the US withdrawal from the nuclear pact.

The judiciary chief said Iran must resist against pressures and not trust western governments.

Iranian officials, who were lamenting for months Europe is dragging its feet on carrying JCPOA-related commitments, have shown mixed reactions to the E3 plan.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi welcomed the move last week, but said Europe should be quick to take next steps to compensate for the US withdrawal from the nuclear pact.

But Iran’s Ambassador to UK said on Monday Europe is in no position to set conditions for implementing the new financial mechanism.

“Europe has no right to set conditions for implementing the new financial mechanism. This move was part of their obligations under JCPOA that was delayed,” Hamid Baeidinejad said.

Iran’s Araqchi in Paris to Hold High-Level Iran-France Talks

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-
Iran Says Concerted Global Effort Needed to Fight Coronavirus

The talks, which is part of continued consultations between Tehran and Paris, will be held on Tuesday.

The talks are to be co-chaired by Araqchi and Secretary-General of ‎France’s ministry of foreign affairs Maurice Gourdault-Montagne.

The fifth round of political talks were held in Tehran last June, IRNA reported.

Iran Using Adult Colouring Books to Attract Foreign Tourists

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

Tourism officials in the holy city of Mashhad have decided to export a huge number of adult colouring books with patterns of handicrafts and tourism-related designs as part of a larger plan to attract more foreign tourists.

“We are exporting the special books with the aim of promoting Iran as the best choice for people from other nations as a tourist destination,” an official in charge of the city’s Idea Centre was quoted as saying in a report by IBNA.

“We are also preparing some attractive events to encourage tourism in Iran and change the overall attitude of other nations towards the country.”

The official also referred to the growing popularity of the colouring books for the adults in the international arenas over the past years and said given the technological advancements as well as the destructive impacts of the cyberspace including daily stress on the lives of people, the idea of preparing these books was brought about to find a convincing response to these problems.

Iran Using Adult Colouring Books to Attract Foreign Tourists“In this project, we have decided to use the books as a platform to showcase Iran’s beauties for the foreign tourists. These books will attract more tourists,” he noted.

Elaborating on the cultural aspect of the plan, he said the city’s officials are determined to press ahead with the projects to promote the city and Khorasan province’s tourism industry.

“The foreign tourists can take these books as a cultural souvenir with themselves and present our city as a good choice for a tour,” he said.

According to the official, in line with the book project, the city’s officials will put their efforts into producing other national handicrafts and souvenirs so that people from various nations can get more familiar with our heritage including Persian carpets with their ancient designs and colours and meet the tastes of people from various cultures.

Iran Condemns Brutal Attack on Pilgrims’ Bus in Iraq

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

In a Monday statement, Qassemi strongly condemned the brutal and inhumane attack, saying that the Iranian foreign ministry and the country’s embassy in Baghdad are seriously looking into the incident and pursuing the conditions of those wounded.

“The rejected and defeated terrorist groups in Iraq are still under the delusion that they are in existence,” he noted.

“They wishfully think that they can damage the strong bonds and unity among the Iranian and Iraqi nations by committing such inhumane crimes, but they won’t achieve their inauspicious goals,” Qassemi said.

“Such disasters will strengthen the two nations’ resolve to fully eradicate the remnants of criminals,” he added.

Several Iranian pilgrims were wounded on Sunday after the bus carrying them in the south of Iraq’s Saladin governorate was targeted by terrorists, an Iranian official confirmed.

Nine Iranian pilgrims and an Iraqi assistant driver have sustained injuries in the attack, three of whom are in serious conditions, said Morteza Aqaei, a senior Iranian pilgrimage official.

Seven people have been transferred to a local hospital in the city of Al-Balad, and others to Kadhimiya hospital, he added.

The pilgrims were from the Iranian city of Parsabad Moghan in Ardabil province, north-west of Iran.

Regarding the type of the attack, some media reports described it as an improvised explosive device (IED) that exploded in the roadside, but there were also reports that the terrorist have opened fire on the bus.

EU’s INSTEX Not to Affect Iran’s FATF Approach, Officials Say

By
Alireza Hashemi
-
Foreign Ministry Condemns FATF’s Blacklisting of Iran

Britain, France and Germany said they are to launch a new trade vehicle called Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges, which was set up to enable non-dollar trade between Europe and Iran.

In their statement announcing the move, European powers said the mechanism will function under international standards on anti-money laundering, combating the financing of terrorism, so they expect Iran to “swiftly implement all elements of its FATF action plan.”

Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi, Iran’s former defence minister, said on Saturday the EU move was just a small step toward fulfilling its commitments under the JCPOA.

“The move by European countries was a small part of Europe’s commitments to Iran on JCPOA,” he said, adding that the EU’s limited obligations have not been implemented yet.

General Vahidi, a member of the Expediency Council, said the implementation of Europe’s financial mechanism would not affect the Expediency Council’s decision on approving parliamentary bills required for Iran’s FATF accession.

Iran’s accession to the G7-created FATF has faced problems in recent months, mainly over concerns among some officials that the move could endanger Iran’s national security and economic interests.

This is while proponents of the FATF accession say the measure would smooth the path for Iran’s increased financial transactions with the world and allow Iranian financial sector to function more easily in the international economy.

General Vahidi, himself a critic of FATF, warned that the world body is a framework for eliciting information that is controlled by the US and its European allies.

Hence, he said, the body could be used for boosting effectivity of anti-Iran US sanctions.

Last month, the council, which is Iran’s state arbitration body, approved a bill to amend Iran’s anti-money laundering law in compliance with the FATF guidelines, pushing Iran closer to fulfilling requirements for getting out of the body’s black list.

However, out of four bills proposed by the government and approved by the Parliament in order to take Iran out of the blacklist of the global anti-money laundering body, only two of them have so far gone into effect and the fate of the other two are still in limbo.

 

EU Yet to Take Practical Moves

Separately, the chairman of the Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission echoed Vahidi’s stance, saying the EU should not expect Iran to take positive moves on FATF because of INSTEX.

Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh told ISNA the mechanism does not fulfill much of Iran’s economic needs.

The lawmaker said the mechanism’s real importance is in its political effect,

The implementation of the mechanism would further isolate the US in the international scene, showing other countries are not following the path US is taking, he said.

However, the lawmaker said the EU should not relate the mechanism with FATF.

“Europeans have not taken practical steps on JCPOA yet, so they should not expect Iran to take steps on FATF for Europe,” he said.

Falahatpisheh said Europeans should know that implementing their obligations on JCPOA would be the best move they can take to motivate Iran to work closer with them.

Moreover, the lawmaker said Europeans must be assured that Iran would not yield to pressures for talks on limiting its missile and nuclear activities.

Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi after Strongly Condemning Yemen Atrocities

By
IFP Media Wire
-

“The cry of these children and their parents rise up to God,” the Pontiff told tens of thousands of people in Vatican City on Sunday, before traveling to the United Arab Emirates which is a part of the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen since 2015.

“The people are exhausted by the long conflict and many children are hungry, but humanitarian aid isn’t accessible.”

“Let us pray strongly because they are children who are hungry, who are thirsty, they don’t have medicine and they are in danger of death,” he said.

The Pope said that he was following the urgent humanitarian crisis in Yemen with great concern during the first-ever papal visits to the Arabian Peninsula. He also urged all sides to implement a fragile peace deal and help deliver food, water, and medicine to millions of hungry people.

Also on Sunday, the United Nations mission in Yemen warned warring sides that the Hudaydah truce is fragile.

Retired Dutch General Patrick Cammaert, who also chairs Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC) – a UN-appointed committee tasked with monitoring the Hudaydah ceasefire – made the comment during meetings with former government officials and Ansarullah forces aboard a ship anchored off the key port city.

He said the talks were cordial and constructive and urged both sides to observe the ceasefire. Cammaert said any violations would jeopardize the Stockholm Agreement and the Yemeni peace process.

The talks were held on a ship because the representatives of Ansarullah refused to enter areas controlled by Saudi-led aggressor forces.

According to a UN statement, Cammaert boarded the vessel on Saturday and picked up representatives of the former regime at a rendezvous in the Red Sea before returning to Hudaydah to await Houthi envoys, who arrived later on Sunday.

The RCC was formed on the back of an agreement reached under the auspices of the UN in Sweden last December.

The breakthrough deal calls for a ceasefire in Hudaydah — which has been under a Saudi-led siege — the withdrawal of both Saudi-backed forces and the Yemeni defense units from the city, and the deployment of UN observers there.

Saudi Arabia and some of its vassal states invaded Yemen four years ago to restore a Riyadh-aligned regime that had resigned and fled the country. The Houthis and their allies — who have since been running state affairs — have been defending the country against the Saudi-led invasion.

The onslaught has killed tens of thousands of people and driven the entire Yemen close to the edge of famine.

UAE violation of human rights

Pope Francis raised his criticism of the war in Yemen before boarding a flight to Abu Dhabi, where he was warmly greeted by its Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan.

Vatican officials have said it is not clear whether Pope Francis will address the sensitive subject in public or private during his visit to Abu Dhabi, which is aimed at promoting interfaith dialogue.

The Pontiff has also been urged to use the historic visit to raise human rights concerns with Arab officials.

Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi after Strongly Condemning Yemen Atrocities
Pope Francis (Left) is greeted by Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan during the former’s visit to the UAE on Feb. 3, 2019. (Photo by AFP)

 

The UAE faces criticism from human rights groups for jailing activists, including Ahmed Mansoor, an Emirati who is serving a ten-year sentence for criticizing the government on social media.

“We are calling on Pope Francis to raise the issue of their incarceration with his hosts, and urge their immediate and unconditional release,” Amnesty International said in a statement on Saturday.

“The UAE authorities are trying to brand 2019 as the ‘year of tolerance’ and are now seeking to cast the Pope’s visit as proof of their respect for diversity. Does this mean they are ready to reverse their policy of systematic repression of any form of dissent or criticism?” said Lynn Maalouf, Amnesty International’s Middle East Research Director.

“Since 2011, the authorities have systematically cracked down on their critics, including activists, judges, lawyers, academics, students and journalists by way of arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearance, torture and other-ill-treatment”.

Amnesty have said that the papal visit should not be used as an opportunity to mask over human rights violations taking place within the UAE.

“It will take more than symbolic meetings to gloss over the UAE’s appalling human rights record. The fanfare around Pope Francis’ visit will be missed by the many human rights defenders, including Ahmed Mansoor, Nasser bin Ghaith and Mohammed al-Roken, who are serving lengthy prison sentences simply for exercising their right to freedom of expression. We are calling on Pope Francis to raise the issue of their incarceration with his hosts, and urge their immediate and unconditional release,” said Maalouf.

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on February 4

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

Iranian papers today widely covered the latest developments in Venezuela, including simultaneous rallies held by the supporters of President Nicolas Maduro and his main rival Juan Guaido in the streets of Venezuela.

Reactions to Europe’s special payment channel, known as INSTEX, remained a top story in Iranian papers today.

The Israeli regime’s reaction to Iran’s test of its new cruise missile Hoveizeh also received great coverage.

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

 

Abrar:

1- Masoud Barzani Meets Leader of Erbil-Based Syrian Opposition

2- Netanyahu’s Reaction to Iran’s New Missile Test

3- Trump: We’ll Stay in Iraq to Keep Close Eye on Iran

4- Israel Meddles in Iran-Bulgaria Ties after Araqchi’s Visit

5- Theresa May Stresses Brexit in Due Time

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on February 4

 

Arman-e Emrooz:

1- INSTEX Is Europe’s Financial Independence from US

2- Central Bank Obliged to Pay Tax

3- Iran Must Seize Opportunity of Europe’s Assistance

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on February 4

 

Asrar:

1- INSTEX Includes Conditions that Keep Iran Hopeful: Senior Lawmaker

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on February 4

 

Ebtekar:

1- INSTEX, Beginning of Europe’s Departure from US

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on February 4

 

Etemad:

1- Who Will Remain the Leader? Maduro, Guaido Threatening Each Other’s Seats

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on February 4

 

Hamdeli:

1- Venezuelan Presidents Bring Their Supporters to Streets

* Two Simultaneous Rallies Held at 20th Anniversary of Bolivarian Revolution

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on February 4

 

Iran:

1- Iran to Send ‘Friendship’ Satellite into Orbit

2- 47-Percent Increase in Water Reserves of 178 Dams of Iran

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on February 4

 

Jame Jam:

1- Controversial Visit of Pope Francis to UAE, Saudi without Regard to Yemen Crimes

2- Value of Iran’s Exports $1bn More than Its Imports This Year

3- Iran Nuclear Chief: Valuable Iron, Copper Mines, Uranium Assets Discovered

4- Trump Threatens Venezuela with Military Intervention

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on February 4

 

Kayhan:

1- UN: In Three Decades, Poverty in Iran Decreased by 85%

2- Clash of Yellow Vest Protesters with French Police in 12th Black Saturday

3- Venezuela’s New Envoy: Guaido Is CIA’s Agent; US Has Long Sought Regime Change

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on February 4

 

Resalat:

1- Former German Chancellor: Europe Can’t Stand against US without Russia

2- US Will Definitely Fail in Venezuela as Well: Analyst

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on February 4

 

Setareh Sobh:

1- Maduro on Decline

2- First Step for Financial Exchanges [Editorial]

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on February 4

 

Vatan-e Emrooz:

1- No Defence System Can Intercept Iran’s Hoveizeh Missile

* Zionists’ Reaction to Iran’s New Cruise Missile

2- Fear from Inside, Bullying on Surface

* US, UK, French, Russian Officials’ Reactions to Reports of Iran JCPOA Pullout

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on February 4

Bus Carrying Iranian Pilgrims in Iraq Hit by Terrorist Attack

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-
A file photo of a burnt bus in Taji, north of Baghdad July 24, 2014. / Photo by Reuters

Nine Iranian pilgrims and an Iraqi assistant driver have sustained injuries in the attack, three of whom are in serious conditions, said Morteza Aqaei, a senior Iranian pilgrimage official.

Seven people have been transferred to a local hospital in the city of Al-Balad, and others to Kadhimiya hospital, he added.

A woman, in serious condition, has also been transferred to a hospital in Baghdad.

The pilgrims were from the Iranian city of Parsabad Moghan in Ardabil province, north-west of Iran.

On the type of the attack, some media reports have described it as an improvised explosive device (IED) that exploded in the roadside, but there were also reports that the terrorist have opened fire on the bus.

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