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Iran Settles €500m Debt to Germany’s Hermes Firm: Envoy

Iranian Ambassador to Berlin Ali Majedi
Iranian Ambassador to Berlin Ali Majedi

Majedi announced on Sunday June 19 that Iran has paid off its €500m ($569 million) debt to Hermes, a German government arrangement that protects German companies if foreign debtors fail to pay.

He added that the payment has removed obstacles in the way of Tehran-Berlin business ties and that the two countries’ banks can now boost their cooperation.

Earlier, Michael Kemmer, the head of the German banking association said, “Rebuilding ties with Iran requires patience.”

“To begin with, the transactions regimen has to work again before the next step of financing projects can take place,” he added.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Kemmer referred to Tehran’s Hermes debt to Berlin and said banking ties between the two countries will revive only after Iran pays its debt to Germany.

One of the main reasons that the Islamic Republic, despite a lasting nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers, had not been able to repay its debts to the German firm was due to difficulties in working with foreign banks.

Indian Journalist: Iran’s SCO Membership Will Enhance Regional Security

Indian journalist

In an exclusive interview with IRNA, Miss Arti Bali of the international desk of one of India’s biggest media groups, Sahara, said: “A full-flagged membership in the SCO will make Iran an integral part of the organization’s security structure, and this will enhance security not only in Iran but also in the entire region through minimizing the possibility of occurrence of political and armed conflicts in the Persian Gulf.”

“Containing the political and armed unrests and conflicts in the Persian Gulf like the one currently going on between Iran and some Arab states, particularly Saudi Arabia, is highly important for Iran. After Iran’s inclusion in the SCO, these unrests will also concern the organization’s other member states, and this will reduce the chances of such flare-ups occurring.”

On the impact of Iran’s SCO membership on stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan, the seasoned analyst of world affairs said, “Iran is facing lots of problems along its long border with Afghanistan and Tehran is concerned more than any nation in the world over the situation in Afghanistan. Iran’s full membership in the SCO will enhance the organization’s efforts to ensure security and stability in Afghanistan.”

On the possible stances of the SCO member states on Iran’s joining the regional body, Bali said, “Given Iran’s strategically important geographical location and its important role in the region, China and Russia have already welcomed Iran’s full-flagged membership in the SCO, and its other members should not have any problem with it.”

“By signing 17 agreements […] during President Xi Jinping’s visit to Iran in January, China has emerged as a major trading partner of Iran. Iran is also a crucial link in the Chinese project of the “New Silk Road’. Beijing, therefore, will support Iran’s full flagged membership in the SCO.”

“Russia has already extended its support for the full and direct engagement of Iran with the SCO and its member states.”

Elaborating on the importance of Iran joining the SCO, Bali said, “Due to the international sanctions on Iran, a large number of economic and logistics projects in the region such as the International North-South Transportation Corridor have been blocked. Iran’s joining to the SCO would help the organization to revive them”.

MP Calls for Strong Sentences against Saudi Embassy Attackers

Heshmatollah Falahatpishe

The lawmaker told ICANA on Saturday June 18 that the court should pass a preventive verdict on the irrational move that in fact helped Saudis divert attention from their wrongdoing in last year’s hajj disaster in Mina, and sway international public opinion in their favour.
“It is expected that the court ruling will be [harsh enough to produce] deterrent effects, so we never again see such incidents which weaken our position in the international arena.”
The attackers were angered over the execution of top Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, which provoked international condemnation. Although Iranian authorities condemned the attack and called for the prosecution of perpetrators, the Saudi regime used the incident to cut already strained diplomatic relations with Iran.
Judiciary spokesman Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei said last week that those accused of involvement in the attack will appear in court on July 18. He had previously said 48 people have been indicted in the case, of which three to four are clerics, who will be tried in a separate Special Clerical Court.

Reviving Iran’s Image
Another parliamentarian, Ardeshir Nourian, said he expects fair, appropriate sentences that help “revive the image of peace-loving Iran” in the world. “Under international law, diplomatic premises of any country are parts of its assets, and attacking them means attacking that country,” he noted.
Nourian said that Iranians who, for whatever reason, are disappointed with the moves of a foreign government should not get “emotional” and their protests should be “in line with national interest”.

Iran Registers Original Pomegranates, Dates, and Carpets at WIPO

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The products registered at WIPO include the pomegranate of Saveh, dates of Kerman and Bam, and the hand-woven carpets of 14 Iranian regions, according to a report by IRNA, as translated by IFP.

Different types of carpets from Ardakan, Ilam, Torkaman regions, Jargalan, Bojnord, Kurdish regions of Northern Khorasan, Charmahal and Bakhtiari, Qashqai tribes of Fars, Gabbeh of Fars, Lorestan, Mud village of Birjand, Qahestan of South Khorasan, Varamin, and Sonqor of Kermanshah have been registered, according to Mahdi Mirsalehi, an Iranian official from Ministry of Industry.

These strategic products were submitted one year ago, and registered based on Lisbon Agreement [The International System of Appellations of Origin], to which Iran has been a party since 2005, he noted.

The Lisbon System for the International Registration of Appellations of Origin offers a means of obtaining protection for an appellation of origin (AO) in the contracting parties to the Lisbon Agreement through a single registration.

The Lisbon Agreement for the Protection of Appellations of Origin and their International Registration (Lisbon Agreement) was adopted in 1958 and revised at Stockholm in 1967.  It entered into force on September 25, 1966, and is administered by the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), which keeps the International Register of Appellations of Origin and publishes a bulletin entitled Appellations of origin.

IIASA Approves Iran as 24th Member State

IIASA-logo

The 88th meeting of the Council of Directors of IIASA was held in the Austrian city of Laxenburg with Austria, Australia, Britain, Indonesia, Ukraine, the US, Germany, Republic of South Africa, Brazil, Russia, Japan, China, South Korea, Pakistan, Finland, Sweden, Egypt, Mexico, Malaysia, Norway, India, and the Netherlands, during which Iran’s membership to the IIASA was ratified as the 24th member state.

A voting session had been held earlier on March 28 and all 23 member states believed Iran’s membership to the Board of Governors was important and demanded that Iran actively participate in the programs of the Institute.

Iran-EU Banking Issues Resolved in Mining Sector

Iran, EU banking

Mehdi Karbasian made the remarks, stating, “Finances from South Korea, Germany, Italy and France will be raised for the mining sector.”

“Fortunately, following the attempts made by the Central Bank of Iran (CBI), banking issues between Iran and Europe have been resolved completely,” stressed the official, expressing hope that foreigners will make investments in Iranian mines.

Karbasian, who also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO), added, “At the present time, finances from South Korea, Italy, France and Germany have been validated for Iranian mines and relevant negotiations are being pursued seriously.”

“Major barriers to the opening of Chinese finance have largely been removed,” noted the Deputy Industry Minister, saying, “The issue was delayed due to the existence of serious challenges over pricing, as well as the type of machinery and equipment.”

Karbasian underlined that “There were many challenges over the price; nevertheless, numerous talks were held within the past 1.5 years as prices have now dropped to reasonable figures.”

“Moreover, major equipment will be purchased from European countries instead of China, alleviating all problems from Iranian steel projects,” said the official, concluding, “Bills have also been prepared and payments to China will begin in the near future.”

Official Urges Universities to Enhance Ties With Global Science Bodies

Mohammad Akhbari 2

Talking to IRNA on Monday, June 20, he said universities which cannot establish cooperation with world scientific centres would fall behind, which is why the Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution stressed the importance of scientific diplomacy.

Recently, in a meeting with university deans and professors, Ayatollah Khamenei said “We need to speed up our scientific growth”.

“We have been kept behind at least 60-70 years by traitorous or ignorant governments. If we want to advance, we shouldn’t move forward with the speed of those who are ahead of us,” Khamenei added.

Akhbari said Iranian academics needed to both domesticize foreign technologies and work to advance scientific diplomacy.

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 20

Iran Newspaper front pages

The recent changes in Iran’s Foreign Ministry were the topic of various articles in Monday’s newspapers. A number of journalists speculated that Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif changed his Deputy for Arab Affairs because he is going to make some changes to the country’s regional policies.

The issue of huge salaries paid to certain executives has also remained the top story in many papers. New paycheques belonging to different officials and executives are being leaked every day. This time, the managers and board members of Bank Tejarat are the ones under scrutiny.

The elections in Iran’s Parliament for specialized commissions were also widely covered. Reformists were selected as the heads of only two commissions, while the rest went to the conservatives.

 

Abrar:

1- Taliban Using Children to Kill Afghan Police Forces

2- Ahmadinejad’s Adviser Javanfekr Condemned to 91 Days in Prison

3- Zarif to Visit Paris on Tuesday

4- I Tried to Protect Defenceless People: UN’s Ban on Last Days of His Term

 

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 20


Abrar-e Eqtesadi:

1- 300 Factories Shut Down during Ahmadinejad’s Term

2- Iran and China in Talks for Funding Private Sector Projects

3- Change in Iran’s Import Sources: US to Replace China

 

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 20


Aftab-e Yazd:

1- Aref’s Strategy of Silence and Contentment: Only 2 of 12 Commission Heads Are Reformists!

2- Revival of an Old Factory during Rouhani Administration

3- Most Experienced OPEC Minister Revives Iran’s Oil Industry: Record-Breaking Exports

4- Rouhani Should Settle the Issue of Astronomical Salaries Once and for All

 

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 20


Arman-e Emrooz:

1- Funeral for Habib Mohebian [famous Iranian pop singer] behind Closed Doors

2- Sudden Changes in Foreign Ministry

3- Suicide Attack Foiled in Tehran

4- Motahari’s Solution for Settling Minoo Khaleghi Problem [She was the parliamentary candidate who won a seat in recent votes, but was disqualified by the Guardian Council after being elected.]

5- Astronomical Salaries, the Seed Planted by Previous Gov’t

6- Countdown for Cabinet Reshuffle: 2 Ministers to Bid Farewell to Cabinet

7- Will Aref Run for Next Year’s Presidential Elections?

 

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 20


Asia:

1- US to Replace China in Iran’s Economy

 

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 20


Asrar:

1- Mohammed bin Salman on Verge of Becoming Saudi King

2- $200m Annually Spent on Foreign [School] Students in Iran

3- A Movement Is Trying to Paralyze Rouhani’s Administration: Ex-Minister

4- Third Round of Zarif’s European Tour to Begin Tomorrow

 

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 20


Ebtekar:

1- Post-JCPOA Changes in Foreign Ministry

2- Changes Expected in Rouhani’s Administration

3- No Problem with Concerts If They Observe Law and Sharia: Judiciary Spokesman

4- Speech and Behaviour of Iranians Should Be a Role Model for World Muslims: Rafsanjani

5- Pressure on Rouhani’s Administration More than That on Khatami’s: Ex-Minister

6- Agriculture, the Killer of Iran’s Water

 

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 20


Emtiaz:

1- Hacker of Government Portals Had Access to 3,000 Paycheques

2- 6,000 Hectares of Forests and Meadows Burnt by Fire Each Year

 

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 20


Etemad:

1- Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab Affairs Changed

2- Ex-Minister Urges Rouhani to Reveal What Happens behind the Scenes

 

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 20


Ettela’at:

1- 5 Ministers Hold Urgent Meeting to Discuss Dust Pollution

2- Each Day, 3,300 Containers Smuggled into Iran without Inspection: Official

3- People Mobilized in Libya to Fight ISIS

 

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 20


Ghanoon:

1- Oh My Dear Habib! Ghanoon’s Report on Certain Media’s Politicized Abuse of an Artist’s Death

2- Continued Recession, Collapse of Production

3- Mohammed bin Salman Trying to Hunt bin Nayef

 

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 20


Haft-e Sobh:

1- Murder in Front of the University: Father Shoots His Daughter Dead in Street

 

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 20


Iran:

1- Changes in Ministry of Diplomats

2- Iranian Music Needs No Change

3- Extraordinary Meeting to Control Dust

 

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 20


Jame Jam:

1- Smuggling Restricts Resistance Economy: [Each Day] 3,300 Goods Containers Imported Uninspected

2- Criminal Records Card for Criminals [Judges can have access to an online record of convicts’ previous crimes]

3- Saudi Arabia Playing with Hariri

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 20


 Javan:

1- Astronomical Salaries Should Be Returned to Public Funds: Judiciary Spokesman

2- Dust of Imprudence Overwhelms Half the Country

3- Change of the Number-One Man behind Iran’s Regional Diplomacy

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 20


 Jomhouri Eslami:

1- Zionist Rabbi Calls for Poisoning Palestinian People’s Drinking Water

2- Genocide in Palestine Using Rabbis’ Calls

3- Change in Shares of US and China in Trade with Iran after JCPOA

4- Spirituality of Ramadan in Daily Life: We’re out Saying Our Prayers, Take Anything You Want and Leave the Money If You Want [the photo of a grocery store]

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 20


 Kayhan:

1- It’s People’s Right to Know, but They Shouldn’t Know the Amount of Astronomical Salaries! Reformist Efforts to Whitewash a Scandal

2- Largest Anti-US Protest Rally in Japan in 2 Decades

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 20


 Khorasan:

1- Details of Arab Reactor Reconstruction

2- 8 Provinces under Influence of Dust

3- Mostafa Chamran: From Berkeley to Beirut

4- Life in United States of Fear: Trump and Neo-McCarthyism in US

5- Largest European Insurance Company Resumes Cooperation with Iran

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 20


 Resalat:

1- Nuclear Industry Should Be Maintained and Developed: 237 MPs

2- Return of Nationalism to Europe

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 20


Roozan:

1- Domestic Diplomacy: Delicate but Important Changes in Foreign Ministry

2- Will Changes in Foreign Ministry Influence Iran’s Regional Policies?

3- Rouhani’s Cabinet Not Homogenous

4- Emergence of Minority in Face of Majority: Reformists Take Leadership of Only 2 Specialized Parliamentary Commissions

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 20


Sepid:

1- 10 Patients Die in Iran Each Day Awaiting Organ Transplant

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 20


Shahrvand:

1- Zarif’s New Mission: The Dust Pollution

2- Shahran-Like Explosion Could Occur in 400 Other Parts of Tehran: Mayor

3- Trade in the Next Decade: Exporting Air

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 20


Shargh:

1- Life and Martyrdom of a Guerrilla Fighter: Which Chamran?

2- Moscow and Washington Agree on Syria: Russian DM Visits Syria in Unexpected Trip

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 20


Sobh-e Now:

1- What Foreign Media Say about Ayatollah Khamenei’s Interest in Poetry and Literature

2- Jaberi Ansari Replaces Amir Abdollahian: Iran’s New Diplomacy in West Asia?

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 20


Vaghaye Ettefaghieh:

1- Pause of Life under Rain of Dust

2- Fair Criticism Differs from Lying: Rouhani

3- Change in Arab Department of Foreign Ministry

4- Environmental Diplomacy is Key to Settlement of Dust Crisis

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 20


Vatan-e Emrooz:

1- These Strange Figures! Paycheque Scandal Continues with Huge Salaries of Bank Tejarat Executives

2- Removal of Resistance Diplomat: Amir Abdollahian, Iran’s Fluent Diplomat in Region, Dismissed by Zarif

3- Mohammed bin Salman Is White House’s Option for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

4- Heavy Reformist Loss in Specialized Parliamentary Commissions: Aref Withdraws Once Again

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 20

Rain and Hail in Tabriz

n3154650-5095449

Heavy rainfall and hail in Tabriz in the last hot days of spring shocked and surprised local citizens. Some of the hailstones were as large as several centimetres in diameter, and drainage systems experienced brief overflows, though no serious damage was recorded.

Pictures from Mehr and IRNA.

Iran Basketball Team Crowned Atlas Challenge Cup Champions

Iran Basketball Team

The Iranian team had already defeated the European team in group stage. Hamed Haddadi led the way for Iran with 22 points.

The completion was an international basketball tournament hosted at the Suzhou Sports Centre in Suzhou, China, with eight teams participating.

The national team advanced to the final in last year’s edition but finished in second place after losing to China.

Iran is preparing for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament which will be held in Turin from July 4 to 9.