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Iran Judiciary Dismisses Reports on Nazanin Zaghari’s Release

By
IFP Media Wire
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Gholam Hossein Esmaili said, “None of the claims Western media have so far made with regard to this case is verifiable by the judicial authorities,” the Tasnim news agency reported.

“Apart from the [prison term] sentence that the individual is currently serving, she is facing a case involving another accusation, which has been sent to the court and the legal proceedings are underway,” he added.

Esmaili noted that the court has issued no sentence with regard to Zaghari’s new case and that it is still unclear whether she will be cleared or not.

“The court can convict or acquit her. If she is convicted, we don’t know what the sentence will be. So we don’t know when she will be able to be released,” the Iranian Judiciary’s Mizanonline news service quoted the official as saying.

On Thursday, The Independent cited Zaghari’s lawyer as saying that she could be released “within a couple of weeks.”

Iran’s intelligence authorities arrested Zaghari at the Imam Khomeini International Airport in April 2016 as she was on her way back to London. She was subsequently put on trial and handed a five-year jail term after being found guilty of spying and spreading propaganda against the Islamic Republic.

As per the released documents, Zaghari had played an active and leading role in holding training courses for recruits at BBC World Service Trust and the ZigZag Academy.

The ZigZag academy, the documents suggest, pursued two main goals, namely training and recruitment of human resources for the launch of BBC Persian Service and deployment of undercover reporters in Iran to gather intelligence.

She identified potential Iranian recruits and invited them to attend the training courses, received and reviewed their resumes, managed financial affairs related to the courses in Malaysia and India, picked trainers, assessed the performance of the participants and managed the ZigZag Academy’s websites.

The Telegraph has cited unidentified sources as saying that London was planning to transfer over £400 million ($528 million) in debt to Iran to have Zaghari released.

The debt is related to an arms deal signed during the 1970s, with the paper saying that Britain had sought legal advice about the transfer of money to Iran.

The British tabloid daily, The Sun, said Iran had demanded that Britain return the money which the former Shah of Iran paid in 1979 for 1,750 Chieftain tanks and other vehicles, almost none of which was eventually delivered.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Bahram Qassemi, dismissed the report earlier in November, saying that “the British government’s debt pay-off to Iran has no connection to the case of Mrs. Nazanin Zaghari and these two issues are two separate cases.”

Sochi to Host Syrian National Dialogue Congress in Late January

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-
Sochi to Host Syrian National Dialogue Congress in Late January

Following eight rounds of talks in the Kazakh capital of Astana brokered by Iran, Russia, and Turkey, the guarantor states of Syria ceasefire, the dates of the Congress of Syrian National Dialogue were announced.

According to a Joint statement by Iran, Russia and Turkey released on Friday, the Congress will be held in Sochi on January 29-30.

Here is the full text of the statement:

 

The Islamic Republic of Iran, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Turkey as guarantors of the observance of the ceasefire regime in the Syrian Arab Republic:

  • reaffirming their strong and continued commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic;
  • welcoming progress in the implementation of the Memorandum on the creation of the de-escalation areas in the Syrian Arab Republic of 4 May 2017;
  1. Welcome the achievements made in the fight against terrorism in Syria, particularly the defeat of ISIL and imminent liberation of all the Syrian territory from ISIL;
  2. Reaffirm their determination to continue cooperation in order to ultimately eliminate DAESH/ISIL, Nusra Front and other terrorist entities as designated by the UN Security Council and to prevent the relocation of international terrorists to other countries and regions;
  3. Express joint determination to continue coordinated efforts to ensure that the progress in reduction of violence is irreversible. They underscore the necessity to take urgent and active international steps in order to assist the Syrians in restoring unity of the country, and achieving a political solution of the crisis in accordance with the provisions of UNSC resolution 2254 (2015) through an inclusive, free, fair and transparent Syrian-led and Syrian-owned process leading to a constitution enjoying the support of the Syrian people and free and fair elections with the participation of all eligible Syrians under appropriate UN supervision;
  4. Reaffirm their determination to closely interact on a regular basis to support preparation for and convening of the Syrian national dialogue congress in Sochi on 29-30 January 2018 with the participation of all segments of the Syrian society and call on the representatives of the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic and the opposition that are committed to the sovereignty, independence, unity, territorial integrity and non-fractional character of Syria to actively cooperate. To this end three guarantors will hold a special preparation meeting in Sochi before the congress, on 19-20 January 2018;
  5. Emphasize that they view the upcoming Syrian national dialogue congress as an initiative aimed at giving momentum to negotiation process under the UN auspices in Geneva and facilitating an intra-Syrian agreement based on mutual consent;
  6. Adopt, with a view to building confidence between the conflicting parties in Syria, the “Regulation on the Working Group on the release of detainees/abductees and handover of the bodies as well as the identification of missing persons” and the “Joint statement on humanitarian mine action in Syria including the UNESCO list of cultural heritage sites”;
  7. Reaffirm their determination to continue implementing the provisions of the Memorandum of 4 May 2017 and other decisions adopted earlier within the framework of the Astana process;
  8. Emphasize the need to continue efforts aimed at strengthening the ceasefire regime and ensuring the effective functioning of all four de-escalation areas;
  9. Express their sincere gratitude to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, His Excellency Nursultan Nazarbayev and the Kazakh authorities for hosting in Astana the 8th high-level International Meeting on Syria;
  10. Decide to hold the next high-level International Meeting on Syria in Astana in the second half of February 2018.

 

Astana, 22 December 2017

Iran’s Beauties in Photos: Darak Beach

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Darak, a village in the Zarabad county of Konarak city, is located where the Sea of Oman reaches the Indian Ocean. The hills and palm trees on the beach create lovely scenes. There are very few such beaches around the world.

Darak in local language means living by the sea.

Here are Tasnim News Agency’s photos of the Darak beach:

Iranian Diplomat, UN’s de Mistura Discuss Syria Peace

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

During the Friday meeting, Jaberi Ansari underlined the UN’s decisive role in resolving regional crises. He also outlined measures adopted by the Islamic Republic to contribute to efforts to resolve Syria crisis, especially in the fields related to humanitarian issues.

For his part, de Mistura briefed the Iranian diplomat on the eighth round of Astana Talks attended by the Syrian government and opposition delegations. He also elaborated on the UN’s plan to continue Syrian-Syrian talks.

The new round of Syria peace talks backed by powerbrokers Iran, Russia, and Turkey kicked off in Astana on Thursday. Delegations from Russia, Iran and Turkey along with the Syrian government’s representatives and a 20-strong opposition delegation are in Astana for the two-day talks.

The Astana talks are focused on shoring up the buffer zones, as well as issues including humanitarian aid and freeing prisoners. Recent rounds of talks in Kazakhstan have focused on implementing a plan for four “de-escalation zones” to stem fighting between government and the militants.

 

Iran Blasts Bahraini FM’s Remarks on Palestine

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

In a statement on Thursday, Qassemi slammed Sheikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa for terming Jerusalem al-Quds a “side issue”, saying the Bahraini foreign minister makes such remarks to appease the American and Zionist rulers.

“It is so regrettable that an Arab and Muslim country refers to a seven-decade-old wound on the injured body of Muslim world as a ‘side issue’, and is still unable to understand the most simple issues of the world in such an unwise way,” he noted.

Qassemi went on to say that such cheap and groundless remarks would just destroy and tarnish the reputation and image of Bahrain and its people at the global level.

“Despite all complicated plots and conspiracies and the fabricated threats and crises created by the American-Zionist axis, Palestine has remained the top issue of Muslim world and an inseparable part of it and will remain so until its full liberation,” he added.

“No individual, country, and topic can distract the Muslim society’s attention from this crucial issue,” Qassemi noted.

Qassemi’s remarks came after Bahrain’s foreign minister downplayed as a “side issue” the controversy over US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem al-Quds as the capital of the Israeli regime, while urging a united front with Washington against what he called “Theo-fascists” Iran.

The Bahraini FM said in an English tweet on Wednesday, “It’s not helpful to pick a fight with the USA over side issues while we together fight the clear and present danger of The Theo-Fascist Islamic republic.”

Iran, Russia, Turkey Hold Trilateral Meeting on Syria

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-
Iran, Russia, Turkey Hold Trilateral Meeting on Syria

After separate meetings with the heads of Russian, Syrian, and Turkish delegations to the eighth round of Astana Talks, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Jaberi Ansari on Thursday took part in the trilateral meeting of guarantor states.

During this round of talks, the participants try to prepare the grounds for the Syrian National Dialogue Congress, which was approved to be held during a meeting of the leaders of guarantor states in Sochi.

The delegations attending this round of talks also work to approve two documents remaining from previous rounds of Astana Process. The documents are focused on the exchange of detainees, abductees, and the bodies of those killed from the two conflicting sides, and also demining Syria’s protected cultural heritage.

During the Astana Process, the Islamic Republic of Iran has endeavoured to remove the existing obstacles to the adoption of these documents.

Earlier in the day, Jaberi Ansari held talks with his Turkish counterpart Sedat Onal.

The two diplomats, who head their country’s delegations to Astana Talks, discussed the latest developments in Syria as well as the trilateral agreement achieved by Syria peace guarantors (Iran, Russia and Turkey) during earlier rounds of Astana Talks.

They also exchanged views on international efforts aimed at finding a peaceful solution to Syria crisis.

The Iranian and Turkish diplomats also underlined the necessity of adopting trust-building measures by the conflicting sides in Syria with the aim of putting an end to the crisis in the war-torn country.

The Iranian diplomat also met Russian President’s Special Envoy for Syria, Alexander Lavrentiev.

During the talks, the two sides discussed the latest political and field developments in Syria. They also exchanged views on ways to continue implementing measures adopted in previous rounds of Astana talks in different fields including fight against terrorism.

Talks over holding national dialogue in Syria as well as urgent humanitarian aid were also high on the two sides’ agenda.

Jaberi Ansari underlined that the Islamic Republic of Iran attaches significant importance to finding an urgent political solution to Syria crisis and adopting humanitarian measures including exchange of prisoners, captives and bodies of the forces of the conflicting sides in Syria.

He also elaborated on the stance of the Islamic Republic towards Syrian-Syrian dialogue and its commitments to finding a solution to Syrian crisis.

 

Iran Prepares to Celebrate Yalda Night

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Yalda Night

Yalda Night (Shab-e Chelleh) is Persian winter event which is commemorated on or around December 20 or 21 each year.

Despite a 5.2-magnitude earthquake in Tehran and Alborz provinces, which scared millions of people on Wednesday night, many Iranians are out making their purchases of fruits such as pomegranates, watermelons and various dried nuts for the Thursday night celebration.

Today, Yalda celebrations have become a social occasion when friends and family gather to eat, drink and read poetry (especially Hafez) until after midnight.

Each member of the family makes a wish and randomly opens Hafez’s book of poems and recites the poem, which is believed to be an interpretation to the wish.

Fruits, particularly pomegranates and watermelons, and nuts are served in this night. The fruits signify the hope for having a fruitful spring and summer.

The red-colored fruits are believed to symbolize the crimson hues of dawn and glow of life, invoking the glory of Mithra. Pomegranates with angelica powder are also believed to protect individuals against the Devil.

Central Asian countries such as Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and some Caucasian states like Azerbaijan and Armenia share the same tradition as well and celebrate Yalda Night annually at this time of the year.

Yalda Night was officially added to Iran’s List of National Treasures during a special ceremony in 2008.

The annual winter ceremony manifests the traditional concept of light and good prevailing over darkness and evil in the ancient Iranian religion.

Sir-Qalyeh; Delicious Iranian Garlic Stew

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

Some 170 types of local foods are cooked in Gilan. Experts believe a favourable climate and fertile soil in the province contribute to the growth of different types of natural foods, including vegetables, fruit, beans, etc., and are the reason behind the food diversity in Gilan. One of the foods originally made in Gilan is the Sir-Qalyeh made with fresh garlic leaves, chicken or duck, eggs and split peas. It has a unique and delicious taste.

 

Ingredients

Fresh garlic leaves: 3 leaves

Average-size onions: 1

Eggs: 3

Split peas: a cupful

Chicken or duck: half a chicken or duck

Vinegar or sour orange juice: As much as needed

Salt, pepper and turmeric: as much as necessary

 

Recipe

First, wash the garlic leaves and cut them with a knife into half-a-centimetre pieces. Then sauté them with shredded onion until the mixture turns gold. Then add the split peas, salt, pepper and turmeric and sauté the whole stuff for some more time.

Chop the chicken or duck into small pieces and remove the bones. Fry them in another pan. Then add to it the mixture of onion, garlic leaves and split peas. Add some water and allow the ingredients to be cooked through. Then add vinegar or sour orange juice.

When some of the food’s water is evaporated, beat the eggs with a fork and add it to the ingredients. The food can be served after five minutes.

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on December 21

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 5

A magnitude 5.2 earthquake that jolted Tehran and Alborz provinces late Wednesday made the headlines in a few newspapers on Thursday.

Several papers also covered the severe air pollution in the capital and other megacities of Iran, reporting that Wednesday has been the most polluted day of the year in Tehran.

The UN General Assembly’s vote for a Resolution on Palestinians’ right to decide their fate also received great coverage. The vote came after the US vetoed an Egyptian-drafted UNSC Resolution against Trump’s controversial decision on Jerusalem al-Quds.

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

 

Abrar:

1- Anti-Iran Human Rights Resolution Passed in UN

2- Erdogan’s Rival Makes Promises on Turkey’s Presidential System

3- UAE, Bahrain Accuse Iran of Being Involved in Yemen Missile Attack on Saudi Arabia

4- UN Security Council Expresses Support for Lebanon Stability

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on December 21

 

Afkar:

1- Senior Cleric Criticizes Gov’t for Indifference to People’s Protests at High Prices

2- Every Single Day Off in Tehran Causes Over $23m in Damages

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on December 21

 

Aftab-e Yazd:

1- IRGC Chief-Commander: Temporary Accommodation of Quake-Hit People 80% Complete

2- Ayatollah Haeri Shirazi Passes Away

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on December 21

 

Arman-e Emrooz:

1- Missile Accusations against Iran, and Iran’s Vow to Legally Pursue Them

2- Details of Magnitude 5.2 Quake in Tehran: People Stayed Outdoors Wednesday Night

3- Happy Yalda Night! A Report on Customs of Longest Night of Year

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on December 21

 

Ettela’at:

1- UNSC: JCPOA Implementation Necessary for All Sides

2- Spokesman: Government’s Success Hinges on People’s Satisfaction

3- UNGA Votes for Resolution on Palestinians’ Right to Decide Their Fate

4- Kurdistan Region’s Government on Verge of Collapse

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on December 21

 

Iran:

1- National Document of the Elderly Approved by Iran’s High Council of Health

2- Wednesday, Most Polluted Day of Year in Tehran

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on December 21

 

Javan:

1- Recession in House Market Thanks to 5.3 Empty Houses

2- Kurdistan Independence Referendum Leads to Riot

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on December 21

 

Jomhouri Eslami:

1- 183 UNGA Member States Vote for Palestinians’ Right to Decide Their Fate

2- Labour Minister: Gov’t Resolved to Help Livelihood of Retired People

3- Kremlin: Assad Is and Will Be Legitimate President of Syria

4- Iraqi Gov’t Warns Kurdistan Region about Protecting Lives of Kurds

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on December 21

 

Kayhan:

1- Government of Secrets Calling for Transparency!

2- Ansarullah Managed to Take Yemen War to Heart of Saudi Arabia

3- Central Bank: Industrial Units Out of Recession

4- Quake-Hit People Thank IRGC Chief-Commander

5- Intifada (Uprising) of Quds Enters Third Week

  • Reuters: Situation at Critical Level

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on December 21

Iranian, Syrian Top Negotiators Hold Talks in Astana

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

The two diplomats, who are heading their countries’ delegations to the eighth round of Astana Talks on Syria, exchanged views on the latest political and field developments in Syria.

Jaberi Ansari and Jaafari also discussed the prospect of Syrian-Syrian negotiations to find a peaceful solution to the crises in the war-torn country.

The new round of Syria peace talks backed by powerbrokers Iran, Russia, and Turkey kicked off in Astana on Thursday.

Delegations from Russia, Iran and Turkey along with the Syrian government’s representatives and a 20-strong opposition delegation have all arrived in Astana for two days of talks.

Reports say the UN’s envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, is expected to attend the second day of talks on Friday. On Thursday, he is expected to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu in Moscow.

The eighth round of talks come after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a partial withdrawal of Russian forces during a surprise visit to the war-torn country last week.

The Astana talks will also focus on shoring up the buffer zones, as well as issues including humanitarian aid and freeing prisoners, the foreign ministry has said.

Recent rounds of talks in Kazakhstan have focused on implementing a plan for four “de-escalation zones” to stem fighting between government and the militants.

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