FIFA Chief Vows to Work for Settling Iran-Saudi Venue Dispute

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March 1, 2018

“I don’t think problems related to the venue for matches between Iranian and Saudi clubs are unsolvable”, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said.

Infantino was speaking after a meeting with Iran’s Sports Minister Massoud Soltanifar in Tehran on Thursday, the Persian-language Varzesh3 website reported.

Tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, who have had no diplomatic relations since an attack on the Saudi embassy in Tehran in 2016, have affected matches between Iranian and Saudi teams in the AFC Champions League.

Saudi Arabia does not want its teams to play in Iran over what it calls security concerns. Tehran, on the other hand, has opposed playing games in neutral venues.

The AFC has mainly chosen to side with Saudi Arabia, refusing to allow the Iranian clubs to host Saudi teams at home.

“Neither politics nor football should intervene in each other. You can be sure that I will talk with whoever I can in this regard”, Infantino said.

He entered Iran Wednesday, upon the formal invitation of the Iranian Football Association.

Early February, IFA President Mehdi Taj had flown to Switzerland to urge Infantino to intervene in a politically-charged Asian Champions League game between Tehran-based Esteghlal and Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal scheduled for late last month.

Esteghlal opted to host their game in Qatar on February 20 with Al-Hilal choosing Kuwait as hosts on April 16.

However, the Iranian team’s choice was vetoed by the AFC, who choose Oman with no opportunity to find an alternative venue.

The replacement was made due to recent tensions between Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

The match was finally held in Oman, where the Tehran-based team beat the Saudi side 1-0.

Speaking after the meeting, Soltanifar said he asked Infantino to urge the AFC to adopt a non-political stance and allow Iranian teams to host Saudi teams in Iran in the next fixture of the Champions League.

“Iran is a secure country. Infantino totally agrees with us and said he will inform the AFC of his view to help address the problem”, Soltanifar said.

Soltanifar also said Infantino is to invite Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to attend the opening ceremony of the 2018 FIFA World Cup to be held in Russia.

Infantino also held a meeting with Rouhani later on Thursday.

He had earlier congratulated IFA on booking a berth in the 2018 World Cup after Iran qualified for the tournament last year.

The FIFA president also watched Tehran’s derby between Esteghlal and Persepolis at Azadi stadium later Thursday, which ended with Esteghlal’s 1-0 win.

Infantino visited Tehran in February 2017 as the UEFA chief and visited the Iran National Football Academy during his one-day trip.

He also held a meeting with the Iranian media and negotiated with Iranian officials on solutions to develop football in Iran.

EU Fully Backs “Robust” Iran Nuclear Deal: Croatia

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IFP Editorial Staff

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March 1, 2018

In the Thursday meeting held in Zagreb, Pejčinović expressed Croatia and Europe’s full backing for the implementation and maintenance of the Iran nuclear deal, describing the JCPOA as one of the most significant and robust agreements of its kind.

She said the deal laid the groundwork for further cooperation between Iran and other countries around the world.

The Croatian foreign minister said Tehran and Zagreb have had age-old and strong relations over the years, and hailed Zarif’s trip to her country as an opportunity to further boost reciprocal political and economic relations.

“Good agreements were signed during the Croatian president’s trip to Iran, and your presence here along with an important economic delegation is a sign that those agreements are going into force,” she said.

The Iranian foreign minister, in turn, emphasized Tehran’s determination to promote mutual cooperation in all areas and work towards the implementation of the agreements reached during his visit to Croatia.

The two top diplomats further reviewed bilateral relations in all political, economic and cultural areas as well as the agreements already clinched during trips by the officials of both countries. They also highlighted the need to further enhance mutual ties on all fronts.

Also high on the agenda of the talks were key regional and international issues, including the JCPOA and fighting violence, terrorism and extremism all around the world, the crises in Syria and Yemen, and the current situation in Afghanistan and the Balkans.

Iran Gets Closer to Removal of US Dollar from National Economy

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IFP Media Wire

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March 1, 2018

Iran’s domestic media reported that the policy was in line with an official request by the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) and was specifically meant to address fluctuations in market rates of the dollar.

IRNA news agency quoted Mehdi Kasraeipour, CBI’s director of Foreign Exchange Rules and Policies Affairs, as saying that the move had become effective from Wednesday by virtue of a letter sent to the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Trade.

Kasraeipour emphasized that this was not expected to create any major trouble for traders, stressing that this was because the share of the dollar in Iran’s trade activities was not high.

“It’s been for a long time that Iran’s banking sector cannot use the dollar as a result of the sanctions,” he said.

US banks are still banned from dealing with Iran as part of an old US trade embargo that still remains in place. Accordingly, this is believed to have already effectively blocked any transactions with Iran which is based on US dollars because they would ultimately have to be cleared in the US.

“Considering that the use of the dollar is banned for Iran and traders are literally using alternative currencies in their transactions, there is no longer any reason to proceed with invoices that use the dollar as the base rate?” Kasraeipour said.

The official further emphasized that Iranian merchants would need to inform their suppliers to change the base currency from the dollar to other currencies so that the related import documentations can be proceeded at Iran’s entry points.

He said the merchants also needed to specify whether they would proceed with their payments through banks or currency exchange shops.

Kasraeipour said when an invoice is issued in dollars, a demand naturally develops in the network of exchange shops for dollars. He further suggested that this could eventually lead to a rise in the rates of the hard currency.

Meanwhile, criticisms are emerging in Iran’s media over the costs that this policy could create for merchants and eventually the consumers.

ISNA, for example, quoted unnamed merchants as saying that they and the foreign suppliers would have to consider an extra expense for converting the base currency from the dollar to other currencies. This, it said, would increase the costs for imports and eventually push up the prices of commodities imported.

Abjection of Muslim Nations Blamed on Their Leaders: Ayatollah Khamenei

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IFP Editorial Staff

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March 1, 2018

In a meeting with the Syrian Minister of Endowment and his accompanying delegation on Thursday afternoon, the Leader stated that if a nation is ruled by leaders who feel proud of their identity and Islam, they will retain dignity, and the enemy cannot inflict harm on such a nation.

Speaking on the issue of Syria, Ayatollah Khamenei added that “Syria is at the forefront [of resistance] today and it is our duty to support the Syrian resistance. Distinguished President of Syria Bashar al-Assad appeared as a great example of resistance. He never hesitated and stood strong. This is extremely important for a nation.”

“If the leaders of the countries and the regional nations decide decisively to resist, the enemy cannot do anything,” highlighted the Leader.

Ayatollah Khamenei further pointed to the enemy plots targeting the Islamic Republic during the past decades, and said, “We are almost in the fortieth year after the [1979] Revolution. From the very first day, all of the world’s top powers became united and acted against us. The US, the Soviet Union, the NATO, and the Arab and regional reactionaries all united [against us].”

“But we survived and prospered. What does this mean? It means what the domineering powers want is not necessarily possible. This issue gives insight to the nations and this insight gives them hope and power,” Ayatollah Khamenei added.

“So if we and you and the rest of the resistance elements stay determined, the enemy cannot accomplish a single thing,” underscored the Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution.

Ayatollah Khamenei further mentioned that “This is our duty is to support and defend Islam and Islamic movement. One of the preliminaries is to forget these sectarian and historical differences, but there are some who disagree and do not want to see that happen.”

Iran’s Leader went on to say that they provoke some Shiite people and also some of our Sunni brothers and they [Shiites and Sunnis] are forced to act and work against the unity movement.

“Those who play this role should be disregarded if they are not dependent on global politics and arrogance.”

However, he added, “if like Saudis and some others, creating such differences arises from arrogant policies, it must be countered. [We] should stand up against them strongly.”

Ayatollah Khamenei further noted that “We do not recognize the Shiite that London supports. We do not recognize as Muslim the Sunni that is supported by the US and Israel.”

“[The real] Islam is against disbelief, cruelty and oppression. These are our commonalities. Tawhid, Kaaba, the holy prophet (PBUH), and the love for Ahlul-Bayt (AS), etc, are our commonalties. These commonalities are all of our Faridahs. Now if I say Qunut in my prayers and you don’t, it’s not something to make differences.”

The Leader also added that what is important is to believe in one God, Nubuwwah (prophecy), divine support and the doomsday.

Croatian PM Praises Iran’s Constructive Role in Mideast

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IFP Editorial Staff

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March 1, 2018

In a Thursday meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Zagreb, PM Plenković praised the positive and constructive role of Iran in the Middle East.

He also referred to the Islamic Republic as an influential country that is doing its best to bring stability into the region.

The Croatian prime minister hailed the very good level of ties between Tehran and Zagreb, and said, “In recent years, major steps have been taken to boost cooperation between the two sides, especially in the economic and commercial spheres, and they need to be continued and promoted.”

For his part, Zarif conveyed the greetings of the First Vice President of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Croatian Premier, saying that “We are interested in developing bilateral relations with Croatia in all fields.”

The Iranian FM also stated that Halal tourism, energy, agriculture, food industry, advanced technology and banking are among the areas of cooperation between the two countries which are currently underway.

Cooperation with Croatia for investment and implementation of joint projects in neighbouring countries of Iran was one of the other points raised by Zarif.

He also emphasized the promotion of collaborations between the two countries at the regional and international associations and organizations, both bilaterally and within the framework of the European Union.

“Iran Important Country in Croatia’s Foreign Policy”

Earlier in the day, Zarif also met the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Gordan Jandroković.

At this meeting, the speaker of the Croatian parliament described the two countries’ relations as perfect saying that “I am sure that your visit to Croatia will strengthen relations between the two countries.”

He emphasized that Iran is an important country in Croatia’s foreign policy and Zagreb is ready to develop ties with Tehran in all fields.

For his part, FM Zarif said bilateral relations in the political and economic spheres are at a very good level, especially the ties between the people of the two countries. He also conveyed the greetings of Iran’s Parliament Speaker to Jandroković.

He further expressed hope that by removing some obstacles and providing the necessary facilities, Tehran and Zagreb could witness the prosperity of mutual relations.

Strengthening parliamentary ties, the visit of the Croatian parliamentary friendship group to Iran, reviewing the areas of business, economic, scientific and cultural cooperation, as well as discussing the most important regional and international issues, especially the need to combat terrorism and extremism were among the other topics discussed at this meeting.

Iran FM, Croatian Economy Minister Discuss Business Ties

Zarif has also held talks with Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Martina Dalić.

The meeting was held before the beginning of a joint meeting between Iranian and Croatian businessmen in Zagreb.

On the sidelines of the talks, the Iranian foreign minister signed the book of commemoration of Croatian Chamber of Commerce as well.

The two sides also attended the joint meeting of Iranian and Croatian businessmen.

Visit to Zagreb Islamic Centre

Zarif also paid a visit to the Islamic Centre of Zagreb as the last part of his trip to Croatia. During the Thursday visit, Zarif met with the Mufti of Zagreb Mosque Aziz Hasanovic and toured various parts of the mosque.

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on March 1

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IFP Editorial Staff

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March 1, 2018

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 18

Almost all papers today covered the controversy over the Munich Airport’s refusal to provide fuel for Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif’s plane for the fear of US sanctions. The plane finally was refuelled by the German army, but the issue has turned into a pretext for critics of Rouhani’s government, and the nuclear deal in particular.

The 86th derby between Tehran football giants Esteghlal and Persepolis also received great coverage. The great match will see FIFA president Giani Infantino as its special guest.

A decision by the Central Bank and Ministry of Trade and Industry to remove the US dollar from certain commodity exchanges was also a top story today, as it will help the country’s economy get rid of the greenback gradually.

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

Abrar:

1- Prosecutor General: Intelligence Ministry Responsible for Identifying Spies

2- Zarif Calls for Establishment of Tehran-Sofia Joint Energy Committee

3- Rouhani: Persian Gulf States Must Think of Forming Bigger Alliance

4- US, European Allies Issue Anti-Iran Statement on Yemen

5- US Shows Meddlesome Reaction to Iran Justice Minister’s Participation in UNHRC Session

Aftab-e Yazd:

1- German Army Refuels Zarif’s Plane to Prevent It from Being Grounded

2- Politician Calls for Live Debate between Veteran Conservative, Reformist Figures

Arman-e Emrooz:

1- Central Bank Governor Discloses Ambiguous Bank Accounts

2- Rouhani: I’ll Fight to Let People Know about Details of Budget

Ebtekar:

1- Syria, Hell on Earth: UN Security Council Once Again Convene on Eastern Ghouta

2- Everything Prepared for Great Derby in Tehran: Revenge of Sweet Championship

3- Parliament Trying to Revise Law on Value Added Tax, Which Swallowed Iran’s Economy

4- Rouhani: We Won’t Hold Talks with Any Country over Defence Power

Etemad:

1- Iran’s Economy Surprised: Dollar Removed from Forex Basket

2- New Case against US President: Trump’s Trade Deals with Russia under Scrutiny

Ettela’at:

1- Russia: We’ll Support Assad Gov’t until Full Eradication of Terrorism

2- NPR: Defeat in Yemen War Reason for Dismissal of Saudi Commanders

3- Iran First VP: No One above Law; People’s Legal Freedom Must Be Ensured

4- Population Density Cause of Landslide in Tehran

Ghanoon:

1- Who Will Represent Reformists in Meetings with Leader

2- Science Minister’s Justifications for Dismissal of University Professors

3- Persepolis-Esteghlal Derby, Clash of Croatian, German Coaches

Iran:

1- Rouhani Calls for Formation of Regional Alliance

2- Good Step to Remove US Dollar from Iran’s Economy

Orders Will No Longer Be Placed for Iranian Goods Using USD

3- 15 Construction Projects Opened in Hormozgan Province

Javan:

1- $200m Tax Evasion of Four Brothers: Three Private Banks Cooperating with Evaders

2- Shining Sun of JCPOA Could Not Even Provide Fuel for Zarif’s Plane!

3- IRGC Chief-Commander: Ground Force Equipped with Choppers to Show Faster Reactions

4- University Professor Zibakalam Has Illegally Had Two Jobs in Past 20 Years!

Jomhouri Eslami:

1- Rouhani Inaugurates Several Major Economic Projects in Bandar Abbas

2- 374 Emergency Water Reservoirs to Be Built in Tehran

3- If Gov’t, Parliament Approve, Tax on Production to Be Decreased by 5%

Kayhan:

1- Judiciary Starts Probing into Reformists’ Corruption in Rasht Electric Factory Case

2- Germans Didn’t Even Give Fuel to Zarif’s Plane for Fear of US Sanctions!

3- Rouhani: US, UK Conspiring against Us in UN Security Councul

4- UN: Yemen Engaged in World’s Worst Humanitarian Crisis: 22m People Hungry

Khorasan:

1- Caution and Suicide! Waiting for 86th Tehran Derby

2- Companies Affiliated to Revolutionary Bodies Pay Their Taxes on Time: Official

Resalat:

1- Al Saud in Deadlock: Consequence of Saudis’ Defeat in Yemen War

2- Cleric Asks Rouhani: Has Neo-Liberalist Model of Economy Resolved People’s Problems?

Sayeh:

1- Continued Tsunami in Wrestling: Several Members of Iran Wrestling Federation Resign

Resignations came after the federation asked officials to make a clear decision on Iranian athletes’ matches against Israeli opponents

2- Rouhani: Iranian People Have Never Wanted to Take Revenge from Anyone

Shahrvand:

1- People Must Be Able to Return Goods They Have Bought According to Law

2- Nurses Taking Care of Patients Diagnosed with Tuberculosis, Flu Sacrificing Their Lives

Shargh:

1- One Week after FM Zarif’s Return from Europe: Controversy over Plane Fuelling in Munich

2- Ahmadinejad’s Culture Minister: I Wish He Could Stop Being So Narcissist

Iran Reliable Source of Energy for Croatia: Zarif

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IFP Editorial Staff

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March 1, 2018

During the Thursday meeting, Zarif said the Islamic Republic can be a reliable source of energy, especially for Croatia’s oil and gas needs.

The Iranian top diplomat also announced that Iran is going to fund the construction of a power plant in Croatia based on combined cycle technology.

“We are ready to strengthen economic relations to the same level as our political ties,” he said, adding that some of the existing barriers will be resolved with prudence.

Iran’s foreign minister also commented on other areas of cooperation between the two countries saying that in the field of automotive and automobile parts, as well as in the field of new technologies and infrastructure the two sides can develop their cooperation.

Zarif also referred to international threat of terrorism, adding, “With regard to the common concerns of the two countries, including the fight against terrorism and extremism, Tehran and Zagreb can have closer bilateral or multilateral cooperation.”

He also pointed to the Croatian president’s 2016 visit to Iran, and stressed that the trip opened a new chapter in the two countries’ relations.

Hailing the “historical” friendship between the two nations of Iran and Croatia, Zarif said, “During this trip, a large business delegation is accompanying me. This is the third largest business delegation that has traveled to Croatia within the past year, and it shows the interest of Iranian businesses and entrepreneurs in working with Croatian counterparts.”

The Croatian President, for her part, referred to her official visit to Iran saying that “We have good and friendly political ties and are ready to expand our relations with Tehran.”

“Croatian businesspersons are keen on working with their Iranian counterparts. There are, of course, some problems, especially in the investment sector, which I hope would be resolved soon,” she added.

President Kitarović said tourism, food industry, science, technology and petrochemicals are good grounds for cooperation between the two countries.

The Croatian side also expressed interest in investing up to $1 billion in Iran’s petrochemical sector.

The two sides also exchanged views on regional issues, in particular the current situation in Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan, as well as the issues in the Balkans.

The talks were held at the same time as a meeting was underway between Iranian and Croatian businessmen.

The increase of bilateral trade ties, which is currently around 20-50 million dollars annually, was one of the issues highlighted by the two countries.

The Iranian and Croatian parties also expressed the hope that with negotiations between Iranian and Croatian private sectors, bilateral trade would increase rapidly.

The Iranian delegation headed by Zarif arrived in Zagreb on Wednesday night on the third leg of their regional tour. Croatia is the third destination of Zarif and his team during their tour of the Balkans and Eastern Europe.

Third Iranian Film Week Underway in Bosnia (+Video)

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IFP Editorial Staff

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March 1, 2018

During the opening ceremony held on Monday, February 26, organized by the cultural office of Iran’s Embassy, a huge crowd of Bosnian cinema fans watched “Muhammad (PBUH): the Messenger of God”, the latest film directed by Majid Majidi.

The movie portrays the life of Islam’s Holy Prophet and narrates his early years in Mecca, and is the first part of a trilogy expected to cover the entire life of the Prophet.

The movie, which marks the biggest-budget production in the Iranian cinema to date, received mostly positive reviews from fans and critics during its screening in Iranian theatres and abroad, including in Russia, Turkey, Iraq, and Azerbaijan Republic.

According to a Farsi report by Sahar TV, the other movies expected to be screened during the cinematic event in Sarajevo are “A Cube of Sugar”, “As Simple As That”, “Days of Life” and “The Season of Narges”.

Ali Asghar Ameri, Iran’s cultural attaché in Bosnia, told Sahar’s correspondent on the sidelines of the ceremony that the film week is held on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Embryo Donation Centre Opened in Iran

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IFP Editorial Staff

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March 1, 2018

Embryo donation is an advanced infertility treatment method, defined as the giving of embryos remaining after one couple’s in vitro fertilization (IVF) to another person or couple for implantation

Dr. Farhad Yaghmaee, the head of the donation centre of the clinic, described the establishment of the bank as a “substantial progress” in the treatment of infertility in Iran.

At present, there are 3 to 5 million infertile couples in the country and the figure is increasing by 15% each year.

“The greatest benefit of this bank is that we can ensure safety of the donation process and prevent commercialization of this medical service,” Yaghmaee told the Persian-language news agency Sina Press.

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”

Avicenna clinic is affiliated to the Avicenna Research Institute, which was established in 2003 by the Academic Centre for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR) in collaboration with the medical centre of the UKSH University in the northern German city of Luebeck.

ACERCR is a public non-governmental higher education institution established in 1980, which is involved in innovative research and development projects in clomid-info.com of science and technology.

Ovulation induction, IVF, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and finally surrogacy are other advanced infertility treatment methods currently performed in Iran.

Most infertile couples can conceive with simple infertility treatments like medications or lifestyle changes; however others may require more advanced technologies.

One of the five leading causes of divorce in Iran is infertility of one of the spouses, according to official reports.

Susa Museum; A Gem Located in Southern Iran

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IFP Editorial Staff

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March 1, 2018

The small museum displays ancient stones and pottery excavated from archaeological sites in the region. At this charming museum you will find many objects not only from Susa itself, but also from towns in the neighbourhood, the province of Khuzestan.

There are six main rooms in the museum, where you will find architectural remains from the palace of Darius; also ceramics, weapons and sculpture from Masjed Soleiman (home of Iran’s first commercial oil well); and funerary masks from Haft Tepe.

When Susa was excavated in the late nineteenth century, the archaeologists agreed that all gold and silver would remain in Asia; while finds of stone and other less precious materials could be brought to France. This is why the most famous objects from Susa are now in the Louvre. Other objects, like the splendid Egyptian-style statue of Darius that was excavated in the 1970s, were brought from Susa to the Archaeological Museum of Tehran.

Following you can find IRNA’s photos of the museum; located on the way to Susa castle and opposite the Tomb of Daniel the prophet:

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