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Top Officers of Iran, Iraq Meet amid Kurdish Referendum

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Top Officers of Iran, Iraq Meet amid Kurdish Referendum

Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri on Wednesday received his Iraqi counterpart Major General Othman al-Ghanmi, who arrived in Tehran at the head of a military delegation earlier in the day.

The issue of terrorism, the Kurdish independence vote and matters of mutual interest were among the major topics discussed in the meeting between the top military officials.

During the meeting, Baqeri hailed the latest achievements gained by the Iraqi army in the fight against terrorists.

“We are so pleased that the Iraqi nation and army have made great gains in the battle against terrorists and have crushed the Takfiris,” he said.

The Iraq official, for his part, said that Iraq was targeted by Takfiri terrorism, adding, however, that most of the territories held by Takfiri militants had been liberated.

He reiterated that Iraq would continue its fight against terrorism until the ultimate defeat of the terrorists.

Ghanmi also praised Iran’s full support for Iraq, particularly in hard times.

Separately on Wednesday, Baqeri met with senior military and political officials from Turkey, during which the two sides discussed a variety of issues, including the Kurdish referendum in Iraq.

Baqeri told reporters after the meeting that both the Iranian and Turkish sides were concerned that the Kurdish vote in Iraq could lead to tensions in the Arab country, the repercussions of which could haunt regional countries.

Top Officers of Iran, Iraq Meet amid Kurdish Referendum

A statement from the Iraqi military said earlier that the top ranking delegation from Iraq’s armed forces would visit Iran on Wednesday “to coordinate military efforts” without giving further details.

Ghanmi also visited neighboring Turkey, where he met with his Turkish counterpart, General Hulusi Akar, on Saturday, two days before the Kurdish referendum, the Turkish military said.

It added that two sides discussed the Kurdish referendum and stressed the importance of maintaining Iraq’s territorial integrity.

Regional powers, including Iran and Turkey, have opposed the Kurdish referendum in Iraq, warning that the controversial vote could lead to further instability in the entire Middle East, a region already ravaged with numerous conflicts and terror threats.

The European Union has also expressed concern about the vote, describing it as “counterproductive.”

The central government in Baghdad has also rejected the vote.

Despite international criticism, the Kurdish plebiscite took place on September 25.

Official results showed 92.73 percent of voters backed the secession in Monday’s non-binding referendum. Turnout was put at 72.61 percent.

Kurdish Referendum: Geopolitical Move or Attempt to Realize a Dream?

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-
US Favours Separation of Kurdistan Region from Iraq

In a political action, it is not the dreams that guarantee the results; rather, the results are the sum of political, economic, and geopolitical relations and calculations.

A political analyst says the recent referendum held on the independence of the Iraqi Kurdistan region has scuppered the chances of having a bright future for Iraq.

Iranian Kurdish lawmaker Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh has, in an interview with the Persian-language Iran daily on September 26, weighed in on the referendum held on the independence of the Iraqi Kurdistan region. The following is the full text of the interview.

Iraq had a bright horizon ahead in recent weeks after ISIS was brought to its knees. The unity among different groups in the country, from Popular Mobilization Units to Kurdish Peshmerga, was an ideal opportunity for closer cooperation in a bid to bridge their differences. However, the plebiscite on Kurdistan’s independence has put this bright horizon in a shroud of mystery, especially at a time when remnants of ISIS are still out there in parts of Iraq, including Kurdish regions.

The referendum held on September 25, 2017, will not only pose a challenge to Iraq’s unity, but set the scene for a serious standoff between two major forces which are confronting ISIS, namely the Iraqi military troops and Kurdish Peshmerga. The question is whether the outbreak of a conflict between these two forces will lay the groundwork for an ideal opportunity for future activities by ISIS and Takfiri groups.

The plebiscite has only aimed to make the dream of one group of people come true without providing any answers for a whole lot of issues facing Iraq and the region. In a political move, it is not dreams that guarantee the desired result, but the outcome is the overall result of political, economic and geopolitical calculations. For instance, the borders of Iraq’s Kurdistan have not officially been agreed upon, and either side has some claims on the frontiers. Add to it ambiguities in Iraq’s multi-ethnic regions populated by Arabs, Turkmens and Kurds. There are no answers to such issues each of which can trigger a costly conflict and confrontation. That means the referendum on the independence of the Iraqi Kurdistan region was held almost without political insight and prudence.

But it has come to that point. This is the reality. Under such circumstances, and given the unwarranted positions and actions taken by Kurdistan authorities, regional countries such as Iran, Turkey and Iraq should use their political insight to control the situation from now on. At the moment, the region needs serious and continuous talks with Kurds and also between influential powers in the region and in the world.

The Middle East definitely cannot afford to see another tension and confrontation, especially at a time when terrorism still has not been completely destroyed in this part of the world. Many a nation or political leader in the region will come to realize that, at this juncture, the Middle East is in dire need of powerful governments and the establishment of deeper bonds between these governments and their people.

Iran, Cyprus Call for Expansion of Bilateral Ties

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

During the Wednesday talks, the two sides emphasized the necessity of expanding bilateral ties in economic, political, cultural and educational fields.

Sarmadi pointed to the European Union’s support for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed between Iran and world powers and said the collective reactions of the EU members can thwart the US officials’ anti-Iran rhetoric.

The Iranian diplomat also stressed tackling of the current banking problems between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Cyprus can pave the way for expansion of economic ties between the two sides.

“On the other hand, as a member of the EU, Cyprus can help the bloc develop a better understanding of the issues of extremism and terrorism,” he said.

Sofocleous, for his part, appreciated Iran’s stance towards Cyprus talks and reiterated the EU’s support for the JCPOA.

He emphasized Cyprus’ determination to expand economic and political ties with Iran and said the visit of the Cypriot delegation including economic and political officials to Iran reveals the country’s firm resolve to strengthen its relations with the Islamic Republic.

Telegram Messaging App Sued by Iran, Warned by Russia

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-
CEO of Telegram messaging app

Tehran Prosecutor General Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi declared on Tuesday that criminal charges have been filed against the “management” of Telegram, the popular encrypted messaging app founded by Russian social-networking mogul Pavel Durov.

He said the charges stemmed from Telegram’s role as a platform for child pornography, drug and human trafficking, and extremist content, including by ISIS terrorists.

Dolatabadi said the matter had been handed to the international affairs department of the Tehran prosecutor’s office.

Telegram, which Durov launched in 2013, is used by at least 40 million Iranians for messaging as well as for exchanging news and information.

Later on Tuesday, Durov said that he was surprised to learn of the reported charges and that he believes the “real reasons are different” than child pornography and extremism.

“We are actively blocking terrorist and pornographic content in Iran,” Durov said on Twitter:

Meanwhile, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has sent an official request to the instant messenger demanding that the network decipher all user correspondence in accordance with the so-called Yarovaya laws, according to Durov.

Durov published photos of official FSB documents dated September 14, showing administrative charges against Telegram for failing to comply with the law.

The FSB’s letter indicates that it first issued its demands to Telegram on July 14 (two weeks after the messenger was added to the Russian government’s registry of “information distribution organizers”), and given five days to comply.

As a result, Telegram (a London-registered legal entity) was found to be in violation of Russian Administrative Code Article 13.31, which carries fines as high as a million rubles ($17,180).

Durov says the charges will “inevitably lead to litigation,” though he says he “lacks the opportunity” to set foot in Russia.

Iranian Parliament Condemns Kurdistan’s Independence Referendum

By
IFP Media Wire
-
23 Iranian Lawmakers Test Positive for Coronavirus

In a statement, signed by 210 lawmakers, the parliament voiced support for the Iraqi government and legislature and condemned the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG’s) plan to secede from Iraq.

The Iranian parliament believes that any measure creating crisis in Iraq would harm the Arab country’s democratic progress and that separatist measures are detrimental to the Iraqi nation and the entire region, the statement added.

The lawmakers also asked the Iranian administration to promote cooperation with the Baghdad government to prevent Zionists adventurism in Iraq.

The Iraqi Kurdistan Region went ahead with its plan to hold the referendum on Monday while Iraq’s neighbors and countries in the Middle East, including Iran and Turkey, had voiced opposition to such a move and supported the Baghdad central government.

On Monday night, thousands of Kurdish people in favor of KRG’s secession from Iraq took to the streets in Erbil, with some waving Israeli flags to celebrate.

Thousands Attend Funeral Ceremony of Iranian Martyr Hojaji

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

At the beginning of the funeral procession in Tehran, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, accompanied by the country’s top military commanders, prayed near Hojaji’s Iranian-flag-wrapped casket.

Ayatollah Khamenei also met the family of the revered young martyr and praised their fortitude.

Thousands of people also attended the mass funeral, which has begun from Imam Hussein square in downtown Tehran.

Here are photos of the ceremony retrieved from various news agencies:

Since the martyrdom of 25-year-old Mohsen Hojaji, many Iranian artists have memorialized his death in videos and paintings.

The Lebanese Hezbollah Resistance Movement on August 31 received the body of Hojaji from ISIS based on a ceasefire deal between the two sides.

The transfer of Lebanon’s captured soldiers and two martyrs, as well as the body of Martyr Hojaji, took place after the buses carrying ISIS militants and their families arrived in the ancient city of Palmyra in Homs Province, according to media reports.

Paris to Host Art Festival of Persian-Speaking Population

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-
Leily Anwar

Leily Anwar, who holds a PhD degree in Persian Language has been chosen as the director of the first edition of Art Festival of Persian-speaking population in Europe, a Farsi report by Khabar Online said on Wednesday.

An expert in Iranian studies, Anwari is now serving as the head of Persian Literature Department of Eastern Languages and Civilizations Institute in Paris.

She has authored a number of books including Spiritual Islamic Encyclopedia, Orient: Thousand Years of Poetry and Painting. She has also translated some of the Iranian classic books like The Conference of the Birds by Iranian classic poet, Attar of Nishapur.

The festival is organized by Cultural-Artistic Persian Association based in Paris. The association has launched a number of cultural projects in Europe in recent years with the main goal of promoting the rich Iranian culture which dates back to thousands years ago. The association includes a spectrum of members from various Persian-speaking populations including Iranians, Tajiks and Afghans. It is mainly focused on the promotion of the Persian culture and language across the globe.

The organizers hope the festival can play a role in introducing Iranians’ rich culture and language to the world and establish direct connections with the Iranian artists inside and outside of the country to exchange art and cultural experiences.

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on September 27

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

The top story in today’s newspapers was the Wednesday funeral ceremony for Mohsen Hojaji, the Iranian soldier beheaded by the ISIS terrorist group in Syria.

The reactions to the Iraqi Kurdistan’s independence referendum also remained a top story in today’s newspapers.

Iranian papers also covered the support voiced by a number of European ambassadors to the US for the nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers.

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

19 Dey:

1- First VP: There Should Be No Red Line in Countering Corruption

2- Parliament Speaker: We Won’t Accept Secessionism in Region

3- Rouhani’s UNGA Speech Was What Iranian Nation, Leader Wanted to Say: Military Aide

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on September 27

 

Abrar:

1- Kurdistan Independence to Cause Numerous Troubles for Iraq, Neighbours: Iran Leader’s Chief of Staff

2- Funeral to Be Held Today for Mohsen Hojaji in Tehran

3- Defence Minister: Iran Opposed to Any Change in Regional Countries’ Borders

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on September 27

 

Arman-e Emrooz:

1- We Shouldn’t Show Sensitivity to Kurdistan Referendum: Vice-Speaker of Iran Parliament

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on September 27

 

 

Asrar:

1- Gov’t Supports Women’s Management in Iranian Media: Deputy Minister

2- Iranian Engineers to Build Oil Refinery in Syria

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on September 27

 

 

Etemad:

1- Iranian Diplomat: Kurdish Referendum Held with US Design, Israel Support

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on September 27

 

Ettela’at:

1- First VP: Safety of Investment Shouldn’t Be Sacrificed in Fight against Corruption

2- Iranian Oil Industry’s Indigenous Technologies Enter Global Markets

3- Iraqi PM: We’ll Never Recognize Kurdistan Region’s Referendum Results

4- 770 School Classes Opened in Iran’s Deprived Regions by Iran Leader’s Office

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on September 27

 

 

Farhikhtegan:

1- Hojaji’s Funeral to Be Held in Tehran 50 Days after ISIS Beheading

2- Velayati: Barzani Is Zionists’ Middleman

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on September 27

 

Iran:

1- Only Death Is Not Starving Here: A Report on Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar-Bangladesh Border

2- Tehran Prosecutor Says Telegram CEO Indicted

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on September 27

 

Javan:

1- 3 Zionists Killed in Young Palestinian’s Suicide Attack

2- Senior Gov’t Executives Build 7,000 Villas in a Northern Village with 6 Houses!

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on September 27

 

Jomhouri Eslami:

1- World Rejects Barzani’s Secessionism: No Country Welcomes Results of Barzani’s Plebiscite

2- Siege on Sheikh Qassim’s House Intensified during Muharram

3- European Ambassadors to US Support Iran Nuclear Deal

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on September 27

 

 

Kayhan:

1- West’s New Dreams for Mideast

  • Those behind Yesterday’s Crime against Kurds Now Supporting Their Separation
  • Turkey Releases Documents on US, Europe’s Cooperation for Kurdistan Secession

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on September 27

 

 

Resalat:

1- Commander: Iran Studying Equipment of Army’s Warships with Nuclear Fuel

2- Parliament Speaker: Separating Region Is a Zionist Plot

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on September 27

 

 

Shargh:

1- MP: Iran Shouldn’t Take Harsh Stance towards Iraqi Kurdistan Plebiscite

2- Kurdish Woman to Be Appointed Iran’s Deputy Interior Minister

3- Parliament Speaker: We Don’t See Kurdistan’s Behaviour in Interest of Mideast, Erbil

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on September 27

 

Iran Calls Barzani Tel Aviv’s Middleman to Divide Muslim States

By
IFP Media Wire
-

“Barzani is a middleman for Zionists [whose goal is] to disintegrate Islamic countries,” Ali Akbar Velayati said on Tuesday, adding that in view of the bitter experience of Palestine, Muslim nations will not allow “a second Israel” to be created in the region.

Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region held an independence referendum on Monday in the face of strong objections from the central government in Baghdad and urgent calls from the international community to scrap the vote.

The voting stations were dotted across the three provinces of Erbil, Sulaimaniyah and Dohuk that form the Iraqi Kurdistan Region as well as in the disputed bordering zones such as the oil-rich province of Kirkuk.

Iran Calls Barzani Tel Aviv's Middleman to Divide Muslim States

United Nations Secretary General António Guterres on Monday voiced his worries over the “potentially destabilizing effects” of the controversial independence plebiscite.

“The Secretary General respects the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of Iraq and considers that all outstanding issues between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government should be resolved through structured dialogue and constructive compromise,” said Guterres’ spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, on Monday.

Iran Calls Barzani Tel Aviv's Middleman to Divide Muslim States

Velayati further emphasized that Barzani was on the verge of defeat, expressing confidence that the Kurdish people would certainly oust him before Baghdad’s central government takes any steps in this regard, and would “remove this stain of disgrace from the Muslim world.”

“Unfortunately, Barzani has been linked with the Zionists since a long time ago and has not learnt his lessons from [the issue of] Palestine,” the senior Iranian official added.

Velayati noted that the independence vote in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region had triggered the political demise of the KRG president, saying that the noble Kurdish people would not tolerate such disgrace.

The result of this referendum cannot be verified and true turnout figures are not clear, the Iranian official said, emphasizing that Barzani should either abandon his policies or face confrontation.

“The Kurdistan Region is undoubtedly a part of Iraq and the Islamic Republic of Iran is adamant that the territorial integrity of regional countries, particularly such friendly countries as Iraq and Syria, must be preserved,” he pointed out.

Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami also on Tuesday voiced the Islamic Republic’s opposition to any change in geographical borders in the Middle East and disintegration of regional countries.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran opposes any move, which will lead to a change in geographical borders and partitioning of regional countries,” Hatami said.

Iran Calls Barzani Tel Aviv's Middleman to Divide Muslim States

He added that Iran’s principled policy was to respect the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of regional countries, stressing that the plebiscite in the Kurdistan region “was tantamount to playing into the hands of Daesh terrorists and their regional and international allies.”

Havij-Polo; A Delicious Combination of Rice, Carrot

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

Havij-Polo is one of the old Iranian mixed pilafs that is usually cooked with darker orange carrots to make the food look more colorful.

Ingredients (6-8 people):

1 kg of carrots

6 cups of rice

200 grams or one cup of sugar

6 tablespoon of frying oil

Water

500 grams of minced meat

1 teaspoon of saffron

1 medium onion

Half a tablespoon of cinnamon

Salt

Recipe:

  • Wash and rinse the rice, then soak it in water for a few hours. Add salt to the water you are soaking the rice in.
  • Wash the carrots and peel off the outer skin, then slice them in small pieces.
  • Fry the grated carrots a bit in the oil. Mix the sugar with 1 cup of water and then pour it in the pan of carrots. Allow the carrots to cook until most of the water is gone. Then you can add the saffron. After some minutes, turn off the stove; now, the carrot broth is prepared.
  • Peel off the onion, wash, grate and add it to the meat. Add salt and cinnamon to the meat and knead. Form the mixture like meatballs and put them in a pan of frying oil. Leave them on heat to sauté and then add the meatballs to the carrot broth.
  • Prepare the rice by bringing it to a boil and straining it. Bring a pot and pour half a cup of water and oil into it and then put bread or potatoes at the bottom of the pot. Now cover it with a layer of strained rice. Place the carrot broth on top. Repeat this so that the rice and the broth are finished. In the end, pour some water and oil on the rice, place a towel on top of the pot and allow it to be cooked by the steam. Then fry some sliced pistachios in a little oil to design the dish.

When you are ready to serve the dish, design the pilaf with saffron and the fried pistachios. 

Notes:

* Some people like Havij-Polo with chicken, so they should use chicken rather than minced meat. For this amount of Havij-Polo, you will need one and a half kilograms of chicken meat.

* As this dish contains sugar syrup and the syrup is left at the bottom of the pot, the possibility of burning is more than the other pilafs. So, either lower the heat, or use a flame spreader. Usually it takes about 45 minutes till the pilaf is ready.

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