Iranian Petroleum Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh has hit back at the legislators who have expressed their opposition to a contract recently signed by the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) and the French energy giant Total to develop one of the phases of Iran’s South Pars Gas Field.
Speaking on the parliament floor on Wednesday, the minister said he respects the opinion of the MPs who believe such agreements are against the Constitution, but “the regulations allow me to sign contracts.”
“They say instead of Total, you should sign contracts with a company which has a good reputation,” he said.
“All right, you name a couple of companies with a good reputation!”
“If we sign a contract with [a company from] Britain, they term it (the UK) the old fox,” he said, noting that their reaction is the same in case of making deals with France and the US.
He then took a swipe at the lawmakers who ‘say they agree with foreign investment in the country, but in practice show the opposite.’
“If you are against foreign investment, say it loud and clear,” Zaganeh said critically.
The oil minister also blasted the lawmakers who claim Total has been bribed.
“If you have documents [to prove that Total has received bribes] give them to the Judiciary to find the company guilty and ban it from signing contracts,” he said.
“Without an injunction, I cannot stop signing deals,” the minister underlined.
He also underscored that the presence of companies such as Total in Iran will prevent the imposition of sanctions on the country because if bans are slapped on Iran, it will be to their detriment.
Asked about the accuracy of reports on firing of three rockets at Pakistan’s soil, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Bahram Qassemi said sometimes tensions build up at Iran-Pakistan border.
In a Farsi interview with ILNA on Wednesday, Qassemi was also asked about the visit of a Pakistani delegation to Iran after the recent terrorist attack on Iranian soldiers in Mirjaveh, and said the issue of Mirjaveh is totally different.
“The kind of mechanisms that two countries have, like the formal protocols of each country, is different.”
Qassemi also referred to the number of martyrs of the Mirjaveh incident and added the situation at that time forced us to act promptly, but now there is no such thing at all.
Considering the claims by the German intelligence agency regarding the alleged sale of missile carrier technology to Iran and also the spying charges raised against the Islamic Republic, Qassemi said Iran will protect its citizens anywhere in the world.
“If such a thing happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Foreign Ministry will definitely look into it and follow up the case.”
Qassemi also said that he does not have any information about the alleged arrest of three German nationals charged with cooperating with Iran to sell nuclear items for Arak reactor and for missiles that can carry nuclear warheads.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Qassemi talked about the stance of Iran on the presence of the US and Turkish military forces in the region despite the liberation of Iraqi city of Mosul and the defeat of ISIS.
“In this case, the central government of Iraq should comment, but no one can be present in this country without the Iraqi government’s permission.”
Qassemi further responded to a question on Iran’s participation in reconstruction of Iraq saying that Iraq is an important country for Iran.
“Our behaviour in the aftermath of the imposed war is clear. After the war, we have done what we could do for the Iraqi people. If requested, Iran looks positively at the reconstruction of the Arab country.”
Quenching the fire in the Middle East requires further coherence and cooperation in the region, President Hassan Rouhani said in a meeting with Omani Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi in Tehran.
The Iranian President added that the Islamic Republic of Iran has responded positively to the governments that have called for help to combat terrorism.
“When the Iraqi people needed assistance in their fight against terrorism, Iran helped them until they liberated the city of Mosul. The Islamic Republic will continue providing help for the Iraqi people and other oppressed people of the region to fight against terrorism,” Rouhani added.
He said terrorism is an infectious microbe in the region whose eradication requires the assistance and cooperation of all countries.
All capabilities and facilities of these countries must contribute to this goal, he underlined.
The Iranian President pointed to the wrong decisions by some governments as the root cause of ongoing problems in the region, including those in Yemen, Syria, Bahrain and Qatar.
“The continuation of this process is not at all in the interest of the regional countries and the first victim of these policies will be the governments that make such decisions.”
Rouhani also stressed that negotiation and keeping peace are the only ways to resolve problems in Yemen and Bahrain.
“Use of threat, pressure and the siege in dealing with a neighbouring country, such as Qatar, is a false policy. Everyone should do its best to end these tensions in the region,” the Iranian President added.
Referring to the fact that Iran, Oman and Kuwait have always had positive negotiations for regional issues, Rouhani stressed that Tehran welcomes any attempt to end conflicts in the region.
Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani meeting Oman’s Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs on July 12 / Retrieved from President.ir
Elsewhere in his remarks, Rouhani called the relations between Iran and Oman “brotherly and close”, and emphasized that the ties between Tehran and Muscat must be developed and consolidated in all fields.
“During the past years, Iran and Oman have had intimate and brotherly relations at bilateral and regional levels,” he added.
“We should use the opportunity of good relations between Tehran and Muscat in order to develop, strengthen and consolidate ties that are in the interest of the people of both countries.”
Rouhani also touched upon Iran and Oman’s economic agreements in various sectors such as energy, bilateral cooperation in ports, the North-South transit corridor, and the development of trade and economic relations between business and private sectors of the two countries.
He also urged the officials at the Iran-Oman Joint Commission to put more efforts into implementation of these agreements as soon as possible.
Rouhani highlighted the advanced facilities in southern Iranian ports, including the Chabahar port, as an opportunity for developing trade and economic relations with regional countries.
“Omani companies and private sectors from the Arab country can participate in various projects in Iran and invest in them.”
For his part, the Omani minister said relations between Iran and Oman are very close.
“Relations between the two countries are not only diplomatic. They are friendly and brotherly. The interest in developing ties with Iran is not only a diplomatic compliment, but also a belief in the entire Omani sovereignty,” bin Alawi added.
The Omani top diplomat hailed Iran’s progress, especially in the field of nuclear technology, and said the implementation of the JCPOA has led to the country’s authority in the region and the world.
“Iran has been able to convince the international community that it is an international power.”
Bin Alawi underlined the need for resolving regional disputes through diplomatic solutions and said the role of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the peaceful settlement of regional issues, including the resolution of the Syrian crisis and the fight against terrorism and ISIS, has been very important and influential.
The Omani official also emphasized the need for boosting of ties between Tehran and Muscat and said the development and consolidation of ties with Iran is one of Oman’s principle policies. He also called for the development of relations in various economic sectors, particularly in ports.
Newspapers today widely covered the remarks made by President Hassan Rouhani about his government’s tolerance towards insults and attacks.
Rouhani also highlighted his government’s role in the country’s military achievements by saying that the recent missiles launched on ISIS positions in Syria were built by his defence ministry.
The above issues, as well as many more, are highlighted in the following headlines and top stories:
Abrar:
1- Zarif to Visit New York to Address Council on Foreign Relations
2- Gov’t Spokesman: No Need for Parliamentary Motion to Stop Total Deal
3- US Defence Secretary: Tehran Has Supplied Yemen with Ballistic Missiles
Aftab-e Yazd:
1- Rouhani: Don’t Pay Attention to Insults
2- Qatar Is Ultra-Regional Country, Cannot Be Boycotted: Analyst
Arman-e Emrooz:
1- Rouhani: We’ll Stay, We’re Not Afraid of Insults
2- Government, Defence Ministry Built Missiles Launched on Syria: President
Etemad:
1- Russia Has Warned US against Playing with JCPOA: Deputy FM
2- Rouhani: Happiness Not Haram (Forbidden)
3- Revival of Lake Urmia Saves 14 Million Lives: President
4- Academic: Trump Incapable of Forming Coalition against Iran
Ettela’at:
1- President: Gov’t Attacked, Insulted Because of Its Successes
2- Niyayesh Highway, Tunnel in Tehran to Be Named after Ayatollah Rafsanjani
3- 27 Billion Cubic Metres of Water Wasted Each Year: Official
Haft-e Sobh:
1- Iranians Fly to Iraq’s Najaf More than Istanbul, Dubai: Official Statistics
Iran:
1- People to Counter Those Who Prevent Iran’s Development
2- Imam Khomeini’s Grandson: Unethical Political Behaviours Result of Lack of Dialogue
3- Qatar to Leave Persian Gulf Cooperation Council If Boycott Not Lifted in 3 Days
Javan:
1- Partner in Missiles! The Gov’t without Guns Becomes Gov’t with Missiles!
Rouhani: Government Paid for Missiles [Fired by IRGC]
2- Four Bodies Receiving Highest Number of Complaints
Most Lawsuits Filed against Labour Ministry, Social Security Organization, Municipalities, Education Ministry: Judiciary Official
Jomhouri Eslami:
1- Russian Deputy FM to US Officials: No Alternative to Nuclear Deal
2- Washington’s Support for Doha’s Stances; Qatar’s Ultimatum to Arab States
3- Deal Signed with Total Shows Iran’s Successful Diplomacy: Official
Kayhan:
1- Gov’t Gives Expert Response: Critics of Total Deal Talking Nonsense!
2- ISIS Confirms Death of Its Leader Al-Baghdadi
3- Yemen Official: Al Saud behind Cholera Outbreak in Yemen
Khorasan:
1- Rouhani Highlights Unprecedented Number of Strategic Weapons Built in His Term
2- Millions of Fish Die in Hamun Lake in Southeast Iran
Resalat:
1- General Soleimani: Some Problems Not Solvable through Diplomacy
2- President: Missiles Are Built by Government
3- Cabinet of Old Men Cannot Make Courageous Decisions: Official
4- Foreign Ministry: US Trying to Prevent Iran from Benefitting from JCPOA
Shahrvand:
1- Iran to Send 570 Doctors, Nurses to Saudi Arabia for Iranian Pilgrims
Shargh:
1- Female MPs Working on Women’s Right to Go Abroad without Husband’s Permission
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif meeting his Omani counterpart Yusuf bin Alawi in Tehran on July 12 / Photo retrieved from the Iranian Foreign Ministry
During the Wednesday meeting, the two sides explored avenues for promoting Iran-Oman bilateral relations in all fields.
They hailed the currently good level of bilateral political ties and underlined the need for expansion of economic relations between the two countries.
Zarif and bin Alawi also conferred on latest developments in the Middle East.
Renato Mazzoncini, CEO of Ferrovie dello Stato (FS), and head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways Saeed Mohammadzadeh oversaw the signing of the agreement in Tehran on Tuesday for the first stretch of a high-speed rail line which FS plans to build in Iran.
The other link is to be built between Tehran and Hamadan, with the overall deal worth 5 billion euros which Ferrovie initially signed under a framework agreement when former Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi visited Tehran with a delegation of business leaders last April.
The Italian group has also been connected with the planning and construction of a high-speed rail corridor between Tehran, Qom and Isfahan, and electrification of the rail link between Tehran and Tabriz on the way to the Caucasus and Turkey.
The deal signed on Tuesday foresees FS supplying assistance to the Iranian railways for both high-speed and conventional rail lines, including a complete program for training personnel.
Iran plans to invest $25 billion over the next 10 years in the modernization and expansion of its railway network, stretching out its railroad line to 25,000 kilometers by 2025 from under 15,000 kilometers now.
On Tuesday, Mohammadzadeh said one percent of oil and gas sales have been dedicated to rail development in Iran’s sixth development plan.
The country’s transport expansion plans include aligning with the regional rail networks in the Persian Gulf, the subcontinent and Central Asia.
In July 2015, France’s architectural firm AREP signed a $7 million deal for redevelopment of three main railway stations in Iran, marking a return of European companies to the country after the conclusion of a nuclear accord.
AREP, a subsidiary of France’s national railway company SNCF, will rebuild the stations in the Iranian capital, Tehran, as well as the holy cities of Mashhad and Qom which attract millions of pilgrims every year.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani Receives Oman's Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi in Tehran on July 12 / Photo retrieved from IRNA
During the first meeting, bin Alawi and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani discussed Tehran-Muscat bilateral relations, including the construction of a transport corridor linking Iran’s Chabahar Port to Oman and the formation of an economic hub in eastern Iran.
The two sides also conferred on the growing threats against smaller countries in the region, from Yemen to Qatar, and the roles of Oman and Kuwait in the process of restoring peace and stability to the Middle East.
The Omani foreign minister arrived in Tehran on Wednesday night for a two-day visit.
According to Farsi a report by ISNA, Yusuf bin Alawi will meet Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Wednesday morning in Tehran.
In this meeting, which is going to be held at the Iranian Foreign Ministry building, bilateral relations and regional issues will be top on the two sides’ agenda.
Later in his trip to the Islamic Republic, the Omani official will also meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.
“Regional nations will counter any act of aggression and crush enemies of any size,” Deputy Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces Brigadier General Massoud Jazayeri said on Tuesday.
He added that the move to drive out the mercenaries of the US and reactionary countries in the region from Iraq would be repeated in Syria and Yemen as well as other war-stricken states.
“Violent terrorism in the region is not something different from US proxy wars and this is the reason that the terrorists’ defeat in major parts of Iraq, particularly in Mosul, is regarded as the US defeat in the region and this means the victory of resistance,” the Iranian commander pointed out.
Jazayeri offered his congratulations to the Iraqi military and Popular Mobilization Forces over their victory against Daesh and other terrorist groups in Mosul.
This victory would be the beginning of greater achievements and efforts to maintain Iraq’s territorial integrity, he said.
Delivering a formal statement aired by the state television on Monday, Iraq’s Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi formally declared the victory of the country’s forces over the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in Mosul, one day after Iraqi military and Popular Mobilization Forces took full control of the city.
The recapture of Mosul marks the biggest blow to the Takfiri extremist group since it declared its so-called caliphate three years ago.
Abadi’s statement came after Iraqi forces mopped up the last pockets of Daesh resistance in Mosul’s Old City, where the Takfiri terrorists were surrounded in a sliver of territory about 200 by 100 meters.
“Any crime is expected from the enemies and in the meantime, the blows that the Saudi-UAE attacks have dealt on the Yemeni nation have had more (destructive) effects than nuclear or biological attacks,” Yasser al-Houri said in an interview with the Tasnim News Agency.
“That is why the Yemeni officials have obliged the involved parties to investigate and identify the source of the outbreak of the disease,” he said, adding, “We are waiting for the results of the investigation.”
The Yemeni official further said the number of deaths by the cholera outbreak has reached about 1,700 people, adding the cases of the disease also amount to hundreds of thousands.
According to the World Health Organization, Yemen is facing the “world’s worst cholera outbreak”.
More than 200,000 suspected cases of cholera have been recorded in the war-torn country and as many as 300,000 people could become infected by the end of August, Margaret Chan, WHO’s director-general, said in a recent statement.
Yemen’s defenseless people have been under massive attacks by the Saudi-led coalition for more than two years but Riyadh has reached none of its objectives in Yemen so far.
Since March 2015, Saudi Arabia and some of its Arab allies have been carrying out deadly airstrikes against the Houthi Ansarullah movement in an attempt to restore power to Hadi.
Over 12,000 Yemenis, including thousands of women and children, have lost their lives in the deadly military campaign.
