The tournament was held in Kish Island on the occasion of 38th anniversary of the victory of Iran’s Islamic Revolution.
The winners of the tournament were selected as new members of Iran’s national cable ski team.
Here are photos of the games:
President Rouhani Calls on EU to Support Firms and Banks Working with Iran
Speaking at a joint press conference with Sweden’s prime minister in Tehran on Saturday, President Rouhani called for EU’s backing for trade between Iran and European banks and companies in order to tap into the post-JCPOA situation for serving the mutual interests of the two sides.
He further said Iran and Sweden are determined to restore economic relations to pre-sanctions levels, adding that Tehran counts on the potential of the Export Guarantee Fund and pursues closer banking ties with Sweden to that end.
President Rouhani described the Swedish PM’s landmark visit to Iran with a big economic delegation, including representatives of 40 major corporations, as a sign of both countries’ serious resolve to enhance relations, discuss ways to ease tensions in the Middle East, and contribute to regional and international peace and stability.
For his part, Stefan Lofven described it as an honor to be the first Swedish prime minister to pay an official visit to Iran, saying the high-ranking delegation accompanying him in the visit indicates the significance Stockholm attaches to closer ties with Tehran.
The Scandinavian country’s premier went on to say that his talks with President Rouhani earlier in the day revolved around regional developments, human rights issues, the crisis in Syria, Iran’s relations with other major regional players such as Saudi Arabia, and stronger trade interaction.
In a meeting of high-ranking delegations before the press conference, Iran and Sweden signed five memoranda of understanding on various issues, such as academic and scientific cooperation, road construction, and telecommunication, as well as women and family.
CIA Honours Saudi Crown Prince for Fight against Terrorism!
The medal was handed to Nayef, who is deputy prime minister and minister of interior, by CIA Director Micheal Pompeo on Friday during a reception ceremony in Riyadh.
Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, second deputy premier and minister of defense, and several other senior Saudi officials were also in attendance.
In a statement after receiving the medal, Nayef said he appreciated the CIA honor and framed it as a recognition of what he called Saudi Arabia’s anti-terrorism efforts under the directives of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
“Saudi Arabia rejects and denounces strongly terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” the crown prince was quoted as saying by the Saudi media.
“The kingdom has been keen to combat terrorism based on its conviction that terrorism has no identity and no religion, and from its belief that the terrorists are committing these acts stemming from their deviant ideologies and evil thought,” he stated.
“All negative religious, political and social ideologies that use religion as a tool throughout human history, do not reflect the absolute truth about religion,” Nayef added.
This is while Saudi Arabia, where Wahhabism is widely preached and practiced, stands accused of supporting terrorist groups fighting the Syrian government since 2011.
Daesh and other Takfiri terror groups use the extremist ideology to declare people of other faiths as “infidels” and thus to kill them.
In his statement, Nayef also underlined the importance of the “strong and historic” US-Saudi ties, saying the two sides would not allow anything or anyone to come between the allies.
Relations between Washington and Riyadh strained last year over congressional legislation seeking to make it easier for families of 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia.
Fifteen of the 19 hijackers who allegedly carried out the September 11, 2001 attacks came from Saudi Arabia and available evidence suggests some of them were linked to high-ranking Saudi officials.
Saudi Arabia has been engaged in a military campaign against Yemen since March 2015 to reinstate the country’s resigned president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, a staunch ally of Riyadh, and undermine the Houthi Ansarullah movement.
The Saudi war has killed more than 11,400 Yemenis, and taken a heavy toll on the country’s facilities and infrastructure, destroying many hospitals, schools, and factories.
The Pentagon has been providing logistic and surveillance support to the Saudi regime in the military aggression against Yemen. Riyadh has purchased billions of dollars worth of American warplanes and other weaponry that it is using in Yemen.
Amazon Discloses Business Ties with Iran
The company said in a regulatory filing that from 2012 to 2016 it “processed and delivered orders of consumer products for certain individuals and entities located outside Iran covered by the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act (ITRA).”
Amazon said it reported the transactions to the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control and the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security.
The world’s biggest e-commerce retailer said it will cooperate with a review by the agencies, and added that this could result in “penalties,” according to the filing, as reported by Bloomberg.
In 2012, President Barack Obama signed the ITRA to strengthen trade restrictions on Iran and try to persuade the country to stop its nuclear activities. This law imposes civil penalties and takes other action against foreign subsidiaries of US companies engaging in transactions with Iran. In January 2016, the US lifted some of the economic sanctions tied to the nuclear program.
Amazon said Friday it sold a variety of consumer products to individuals and unspecified groups controlled or owned by the Iranian government. The goods ranged from apparel to software to pet products and cost $50 to about $2,400, according to the filing. Amazon said it doesn’t plan to sell to these accounts in the future.
“Our review is ongoing and we are enhancing our processes designed to identify transactions associated with individuals and entities covered by the ITRA,” Amazon said.
Chief of Iraqi Hezbollah Assassinated in Basra
“Bassem Al-Moussawi, the secretary-general of [Iraq’s] Hezbollah, was killed when unidentified assailants opened fire on his car in Basra province’s Al-Hayyaniya district,” the Basra police force spokesman, Major Jumaa Al-Hamrani, told Turkish state-run Anadolu.
An associate of Al-Mousawi was injured in the attack, after which the gunmen fled the scene, Al-Hamrani said.
No group has yet has claimed responsibility for the assassination.
Iran and Sweden Ink 5 Documents of Cooperation
The documents were signed between the concerned Iranian and Swedish officials in the presence of the visiting Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Tehran on Saturday.
Löfven had been officially welcomed by the Iranian chief executive earlier in the day. He is in the Islamic Republic at the head of a high-ranking political and economic delegation on a three-day visit.
The documents enabled cooperation in the areas of innovation and technology, higher education and research, road construction, communication and information technology, and family and women’s affairs.
Upon the conclusion of the event, the Iranian president and the Swedish prime minister attended a press conference.
President Rouhani said, “The visit by the Swedish prime minister and a ranking delegation [to Iran] signifies the two countries’ serious will to develop bilateral ties and consult toward the reduction of tensions in the region as well as international peace and stability.”
The countries are determined to have the level of bilateral ties returned to the pre-sanctions era, he said.
Elsewhere in his remarks, the Iranian president said the European Union (EU) should fully support European firms and banks so that the opportunities that have been created as a result of a nuclear deal between Iran and six other countries can be tapped in the best possible way.
The nuclear deal, called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was signed in 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries, namely the US, the UK, France, Russia, China, and Germany. It lifted nuclear-related sanctions on Iran, offering big opportunities for foreign businesses.
Rouhani also hailed Sweden’s “moderate” approach vis-à-vis Iran, which he said was maintained even when Tehran was under sanctions over its nuclear work.
Löfven, for his part, stressed the historic nature of his visit, of which he said he was “very proud.”
He added that the ranking of his accompanying delegation indicated the importance his country attached to Iran and to relations with the Islamic Republic. He also announced that his visit was to be followed by several more high-level trips by Swedish officials to Iran.
Iranian Inventors Supported by Iran Patent Office: Official
The director of Iran Patent Office, Mehdi Zaghimi, says Iranian inventors can envoy the support of the Vice-Presidency for Science and Technology Affairs to take out patent for their scientific and industrial achievements and commercialize them, which is a costly and difficult process.
Iran Patent Office is affiliated to the Vice-Presidency, according to a report by IFP.
Zaghimi added over the past two years, the Iranian industrial and scientific society has witnessed an almost 100-percent growth in the number of patents issued by leading international centres for its inventions.
In 2015, only 48 patents had been granted to Iranian inventions, he said, adding, however, that in 2016, the figure rose to 94.
“Among the services Iran Patent Office provides domestic knowledge-based companies with is offering a 90-percnt support [to them] in the process of obtaining patent protection from leading international centres. This is because the process of taking out international patent rights is quite costly and time taking. Over the past few years, Iran Patent Office has shored up more than 30 percent of the Iranian inventions in the process of getting patent rights.”
He said previously, the entire process of the patent issuance took place outside Iran and was conducted by foreign lawyers.
However, he added, currently half of the related activities are carried out inside Iran.
“In two years, the entire process will be carried out in the country.”
He added Iran Patent Office has set up a number of [invention] commercialization and intellectual property offices in Iranian universities which hold specialized workshops on the process of obtaining patent protection for inventions.
Zaghimi put the number of these offices at 41, adding they have been established with the cooperation of Iran’s Ministry of Science, Research and Technology and domestic universities.
In 2015, he said, some 160 patent applications were submitted to Iran Patent Office.
“In 2016, the figure rose to 300, of which only 30 percent are processed.”
A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on February 11
The participation of millions of Iranian people in nationwide rallies to commemorate the 38th anniversary of the victory of Iran’s Islamic Revolution was the top story today.
Many newspapers covered the remarks made by various Iranian officials including President Hassan Rouhani who described people’s presence as a harsh and crushing response to the anti-Iran threats made by US President Donald Trump.
Another top story today was Trump’s defeat in the US Court of Appeals that ruled against the US President’s ban on the entry of seven Muslim-majority countries’ citizens to the US.
The above issues, as well as many more, are highlighted in the following headlines:
19 Dey:
1- Rouhani: Whoever Tries to Demonize the Country Is Not a Revolutionary; We’re Obliged to Allay People’s Concerns
2- Parliament Speaker Calls on American Officials Not to Try to Spoil Nuclear Deal
Abrar:
1- Rouhani in Nationwide Rallies: We Seek National Reconciliation and Solidarity While Following Leader’s Orders
2- Saudi FM: We Share Turkey’s Stance towards Iran
3- Trump’s Aide: We Won’t Stop until Full Eradication of ISIS
Abrar-e Eqtesadi:
1- Eight-Fold Increase in US Imports from Iran
2- Eurasia to Decrease Customs Duties for Iranian Agricultural Products
3- Boeing CEO Hopeful about Implementation of Deal with Iran
Afkar:
1- Parliament Speaker: We Are Resolved to Protect Our Nuclear Knowledge
2- Iran and Netherlands to Cooperate in Construction of New Petchem Complex
Aftab-e Yazd:
1- National Solidarity: People’s Glorious Participation in 22 Bahman Rallies
2- President: Ballot Box Is Iranian Nation’s Language
3- Trump Defeated by Appeals Court 3 to 0
Arman-e Emrooz:
1- Prosecutor General: ISIS Elements Arrested around Tehran
Asrar:
1- Demonstration of National Unity and Power: Millions of People Attend 22 Bahman Rallies
2- Intelligence Minister: All Anti-Iran Enemy Plots Foiled
Besharat-e Now:
1- A Report of People’s Massive Participation in February 10 Rallies: Everyone Came
2- Trump Defeated in Court: Court of Appeals Opposed to Trump’s Visa Ban
Ebtekar:
1- President: We’re Looking for National Reconciliation and Solidarity
2- Trump Defeated by US Constitution
Emtiaz:
1- Anti-MKO Film Awarded Best Feature in Fajr Film Festival
2- Health Minister: 50% of Iranian People Are Overweight
Etemad:
1- National Might: All Groups, Movements, and Millions of Loyal People Underlined National Solidarity and Resistance to Threats in Nationwide Rallies
Ettela’at:
1- President: We’re United against Force and Threat
2- NAM Condemns US Measures against Iranian Individuals and Bodies
3- Leader’s Advisor in Interview with France 24: We’re Ready to Counter US Pressures
Forsat-e Emrooz:
1- Rouhani: Economic Growth Not Possible as Long as There Is Corruption
2- Why Fiat Doesn’t Come to Iran? A Report on Challenges of Italian-American Carmaker’ Presence in Iran
3- After 100 Years, Iran’s Western Provinces Will Finally Join National Railway System
Ghanoon:
1- Humiliation of Threat: Iranian People with All Political Tastes Gathered for National Ceremony
2- Jordan, New Partner of War against Terrorism? Analysts Discuss Regional Developments
Haft-e Sobh:
1- Reconciliation in Iran’s Cinema: Fajr Festival’s Closing Ceremony Influenced by FM Zarif’s Meaningful Presence and Declaration of Iranian Cinema’s Support for Rouhani’s Gov’t
Iran:
1- Show of Power, Message of Unity: Nationwide Rallies Held to Commemorate Anniversary of Iran Revolution’s Victory
2- President: Newcomers in Region and the World Should Know They Must Respect Iranian Nation
Jame Jam:
1- Revolutionary Answer
Javan:
1- Millions of Iranians Once Again Pledge Allegiance to Islamic Revolution and Give Harsh Response to Novice US President
Jomhouri Eslami:
1- Iranian People Demonstrate Their Solidarity and Power in February 10 Rallies
2- Associated Press: Extreme Cold Didn’t Stop Iranians from Attending Nationwide Rallies
3- Over 6,000 Journalists, Photographers, and Cameramen from Iranian and Foreign Media Outlets Covered 22 Bahman Rallies
Kayhan:
1- Imam Ali (AS) Says We Won’t Rain, but If We Do, We’ll Bring about a Flood [A description of 22 Bahman rallies]
2- Hezbollah Chief’s Threat Works: Haifa Ammonia Tank to Be Closed
3- Russia Opposed to Trump’s Plan for Creating Safe Zone in Syria
Quds:
1- People Give Crushing Response to Trump in National Celebration
Resalat:
1- President: Iranian Nation Will Give Firm Response to Threats
Setareh Sobh:
1- Millions of Iranians Take Part in Anniversary of Revolution
2- Trump Defeated in US Court
Shahrvand:
1- President: We’re All Looking for National Reconciliation
Shargh:
1- Rouhani: Our Concern Is to Fully Realize the Republic and Islamic Nature of Our Establishment
2- History Never Repeats Itself: Governments’ Different Interpretations of the Notion of Revolution [Editorial]
Shorou:
1- People Humiliate Trump through Their Revolutionary Response
Ta’adol:
1- Solidarity in Celebration of Revolution
2- Total Gives Ultimatum to Trump: A Report of Total Senior Manager’s Remarks about Iran’s South Pars Gas Field Deal
Tejarat:
1- National Consensus: Allegiance to Leader in Response to Nonsense Remarks
Vaghaye Ettefaghieh:
1- Manifestation of Iranian People’s Resistance: Revolution Rallies Held More Glorious than Ever
2- Female Excitement with Cross Motorcycles: Women Ride Bikes on Azadi Stadium’s Court after 6 Years
Vatan-e Emrooz:
1- Wear Glasses! Millions of Iranians Chant Slogans of ‘US Can’t Do Any Damn Thing’ in Response to Trump’s Threats
Security Forces Arrest ISIS Elements near Tehran
“These individuals sought to [carry out their] plots during Bahman 22 rituals,” Iran’s Attorney General Mohammad Ja’far Montazeri said on Friday, referring to celebrations marking the victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
Millions of Iranians filled the streets countrywide on Friday to relive the day 38 years ago when the nation’s hard-fought Islamic Revolution against the former US-backed regime became victorious.
On, February 11, 1979, the Iranian nation’s struggles and protests against the tyrannous monarchical Pahlavi regime came to fruition under the leadership of Imam Khomeini, the religious and spiritual leader who is known as the “great architect of the Islamic Republic.”
Referring to Iran’s support for anti-terrorist operations outside its borders, particularly Syria and Iraq, he said, according to intelligence obtained, the ISIS Takfiri group had had plans to conduct acts of terror inside the country.
He noted that further information on the plots of these nabbed ISIS operatives would be revealed to the Iranian nation within the next few days.
The senior Iranian judicial official emphasized that if the resistance front, supported by Iran, had not stood up against terrorists, ISIS Takfiri terrorists would have reached the country’s borders.
“Know that if you do not slap the enemy in the face outside the country and outside the borders, it will arrive at your gates,” Montazeri said.
Iran has been providing advisory assistance to Syria and Iraq as per a request by the governments of the two countries in their battle against ISIS terrorists.
An Iranian official said in August 2016 that security forces killed an “instrumental” member of the Takfiri terrorist group of ISIS and busted the terror cell he belonged to during clashes in the country’s west.
Governor General of Kermanshah Province Asadollah Razani added that the terror cell had infiltrated the western province, which borders Iraq, and had been tasked with staging suicide strikes against different targets across the country.
Iranian forces have, over the past months, engaged in clashes with terrorist groups, thwarting plots on the border and within the country, arresting several operatives, and confiscating large amounts of explosives and bomb-making materials.
Bosnian Business Delegation Due to Visit Iran on Saturday
The 14-strong economic delegation from Tuzla Canton, the third biggest of 10 cantons of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, will be headed by Governor of Olovo Jamal Mamduch.
The Bosnian delegation will take part in Albroz Chamber of Commerce meetings to hold talks with businessmen and industrialists of the province and pay visit to Tehran, Isfahan and Kashan afterwards for evaluating various tourism and economic opportunities.
Iran-Bosnia Economic Friendship Group will also meet with the visiting Bosnian delegation to confer on improving cooperation and making use of existing trade opportunities in the private sector, Mehr reported.
