No obstacle for implementation of Iran Pakistan Pipeline when sanctions are lifted

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January 18, 2016

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Pakistani Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources, on Saturday Jan. 16, after meeting new Iranian ambassador to Islamabad ‘Mahdi Honardoost’, in an interviewwith IRNA said Mr. Honadoost has assured him that the sanctions will be lifted very soon. ”After lifting of sanctions, there would be no more obstacles or pressure from any country to prevent completion the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project and it can be completed by end of 2017″ he said.

“However, foreign banks and companies are concerned about the possibility of restorations of some sanctions while we do not yet know what kind of sanctions might re-imposed on Iran. Are all sanctions to be lifted at once or they will be a gradual relief”, said the Pakistani Minister.

He said that I shared with Iranian Ambassador the issues and details of the project and told him that Pakistan is working on the plan. Maps have been prepared and the route is determined and we are in talks with foreign contractors for the project and we are very hopeful to complete the project by the end of 2017. “We are in talks with a Chinese company to finance the project but this has not been finalized yet. In any case, we have had talks with a Chinese company which has sufficient financial resources to finance 85 percent of required credit for the implementation of this project. The company has completed the feasibility studies and design works of the project and we are in talks with the company officials to finalize the construction contract from Gwadar Port to Pakistani city of Nawabshah “he Pakistani Minister of Petroleum said.

In response to the question whether Pakistan could give a specific timetable for completion of the project within its territory, he said construction of pipeline between Gwadar Port and Nawabshah needs 30 months but we are trying to reduce this period to 24 months. There is a great potentials for expansion of ties between Iran and Pakistan and Pakistani refineries run by the private sector can also import their required crude oil from Iran, meanwhile Pakistan is interested in importing liquid gas from Iran”, Said Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.

Somalia Received Saudi Aid the Day It Cut Ties with Iran: Document

By

Golrokh Askarieh

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January 18, 2016

The government, which did not confirm or deny the pledge, has said there was no link between long-running Saudi financial support and its diplomatic decision to break ties with Iran. The Saudi Foreign Ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

But diplomats said it was the latest sign of patronage used by the kingdom to shore up regional support against Iran, a rivalry that deepened this month when Saudi Arabia executed prominent Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr and Iranian protesters responded by torching the Saudi embassy in Tehran.

Sheikh Nimr was a vocal supporter of the mass pro-democracy protests against Riyadh, which erupted in Eastern Province in 2011, where a Shiite majority has long complained of marginalization.

A document from the Saudi embassy in Nairobi to the Somali embassy in the Kenyan capital showed the kingdom pledging $20 million in budget support and another $30 million for investment in Somalia, a nation trying to rebuild after two decades of war.

The two grants would come from the Saudi Development Fund, according to the document that was dated Jan. 7, the same day Somalia cut ties with Tehran.

Somalia cut relations with Iran claiming Tehran had meddled in Somali affairs and threatened national security. Mogadishu gave Iranian diplomats, among the few stationed in the Somali capital where bomb attacks are frequent, 72 hours to leave.

Somalia’s Finance Minister Mohamed Aden Ibrahim declined to comment on the pledges, but claimed any financial assistance from Saudi Arabia was not related to Mogadishu’s stance against Iran.

“Our relationship with Saudi Arabia was long-standing and is not something that has just started,” the minister told Reuters.

Iranian companies to join Omani Markets

By

Golrokh Askarieh

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January 18, 2016

“Increasing domestic and foreign investments on non-oil sectors, Omani government provides opportunities to encourage investors to participate. Accordingly, extensive plans are proposed for development of Iranian private sectors in the Oman trade markets for the first time in this period,” said Seyed Ali Etedali and added that “Iranian companies can attend this national event in Muscat to stabilize and develop Islamic Republic of Iran’s markets.”

Pointing to Iran-Oman trade and economic relations as well as Omani government’s plan for replacing oil revenues by non-oil economy till 2020 he added that the exhibition would be an opportunity for developing industrial relations and export between two countries.

With reference to Iran’s exhibition in Oman, Etedali stated that “car industries, services, food industries, industrial and infrastructure industries, and large manufacturing plants have attended this course, so many extensive meetings in this regards are going to be held.”

“Islamic Republic of Iran’s exhibition in Oman will be held in Muscat from 26th to 30th January, 2016. Also this exhibition is aimed at providing opportunities for investment, trade and manufacturing, consuming goods, banking and insurance services, engineering services, tourism, handicrafts and country’s export capabilities,” he added.

He expressed that this exhibition is intended to result in Iranian companies’ joint activities to gain market share in goods and services at Oman, the capital of the Arabic country, also international exhibitions stock company of Islamic Republic of Iran had held private exhibition on behalf of the government at Muscat, the capital of Oman last year in December.

Security Council removes Bank Sepah, Bank Sepah Int’l from 2231 list

By

Golrokh Askarieh

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January 18, 2016

According to the UN Information Center in Tehran (UNIC), the delisting of the Iranian banks took place one day after the beginning of the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and accordingly, the removal of economic sanctions against Iran.

The Implementation Day has officially started on January 16 (Saturday) after a joint statement was read in Vienna, Austria, by Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and the EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini.

…

Official: First Airbus deliveries in July

By

Golrokh Askarieh

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January 18, 2016

Minister of Roads and Urban Development Abbas Akhoundi made the announcement on Saturday to coincide with the official lifting of sanctions, putting an end to decades of economic embargoes, including sales of aircraft and their parts to Iran.
Another official, quoted by Bloomberg, said the deal includes a mix of new and used jets from the A320 family and the out-of-production A340s to feed domestic demand at 50 airports in the country of 80 million.
Iran Air is also interested in wide-body planes including A350s and A380 to add destinations in the US, Canada, Australia and Europe to its network, the official said on condition of anonymity because the details were private.
Airbus makes up about 50 percent of Iran’s current aviation fleet.
Furthermore, Iran is considering the purchase of narrow-body 737s for domestic flights and two-aisle 777s for long-haul routes from US aircraft maker Boeing, the official reportedly said.
The country is also looking to purchase smaller planes from Canada’s Bombardier and Brazil’s Embraer, the official added.
On Friday, US President Barack Obama lifted a ban on exports of civilian passenger aircraft to Iran and imports of Iranian carpets and pistachio.
Iran has a potential order list for 500 commercial planes to renovate its aging fleet. According to Akhoundi, Iran’s current civil aviation fleet consists of 248 aircraft with an average age of 20 years, of which 100 are in storage.
The country will need to buy 500 commercial jets of various models at a cost of $50 billion and has been talking to both Airbus and Boeing to acquire aircraft under lease or sale/leaseback deals, he has said before.
‘Since there is no such money in Iran, we have to go after the leaseback method,’ he said.
‘If we try to buy new aircraft, we will need 400 jets to develop our long- and medium-haul fleet and at least 100 planes for use in our local airports which will cost $50 billion with a rule of thumb,’ Akhoundi said.

JCPOA implementation, political victory for Iran: Rouhani

By

Emad Askarieh

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January 17, 2016

“Today is the day of the victory of the people of Iran on the political arena,” Rouhani said in a televised address on Sunday, adding, “As of today, it is clear that our country has a big power called the power of diplomacy.”

“Many did not believe in this power,” he added. “They did not believe that our politicians and diplomats are able to sit at negotiating table with the most adept negotiators from world powers and conduct negotiations and defend the rights of their nation and their country.”

Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council – Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States – plus Germany finalized the JCPOA in Vienna on July 14, 2015.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and European Union foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini announced the implementation of JCPOA during a joint press conference in the Austrian capital on Saturday.

Yukiya Amano, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), also said on the same day that Iran had taken the “necessary preparatory steps to start the implementation of” JCPOA.

“Today is a historic day and an exceptional one in the political and economic history of the people of Iran,” said Rouhani.

“After 12 years of steadfastness and resistance as well as patience and sacrifice and also martyrdom of a number of nuclear [scientists] and on the back of indefatigable efforts of our nuclear scientists, diplomats, politicians, lawyers as well as the economic officials of the country, today, we are at a turning point,” he added.

The president noted that the JCPOA implementation proved that “we can interact with the world in the interest of our nation” without harming others’ interests.

“The people of Iran proved that constructive interaction is the true and right way,” he said.

“From today on, Iran’s nuclear program will not, under false pretexts, be considered as a threat to peace and security for the world and the region,” Rouhani said, adding, “Now the nuclear program is being regarded as a plan for scientific, technological, business, and economic interaction and cooperation.”

“Iran’s nuclear program will be a means of new technology on the path of progress of the nation and stability and regional security.”

Rouhani also said in the light of the new development, Iran expects its economy to grow by as much as five percent in the next year. The president said, however, that the countryneeds to see an eight-percent economic growth rate.

To that end, he added, Iran needs “cutting-edge technologies” and “foreign investment.”

“Today, it has turned out that the win-win policy is an accurate one. For those, who thought that either you need to cheat others or you will be cheated, it turned out that it is possible to speak to the world, to have dialog with the world and to reach an agreement that could be in the interests of the peoples of the region and the world,” said the Iranian chief executive, adding that the nuclear deal can be used as a model to resolve regional issues.

Rouhani stressed, “We would not taste the sweet taste of this great victory without the instructions and guidelines of the great Leader of the Islamic Revolution [Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei] and without the protection provided for this people by the religious jurisprudence.”

Saudi expected to change behavior

Rouhani also expressed hope that Saudi Arabia would reconsider its hostile policy vis-à-vis Iran.

“I hope that the new rulers in Saudi Arabia have already learnt the lesson and reconsider their behavior in the interest of the region and their own people,” he said, adding that the kingdom itself is the source of its problems with Iran.

The president, however, added, “Our administration, our people will not accept undiplomatic behavior and if necessary, we will give a firm response to certain behaviors.”

Rouhani said Saudi Arabia has “started a wrong path”, adding: “We hope that it would not continue.”

Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic relations with Iran on January 3 following demonstrations held in front of the Saudi embassy in Tehran and its consulate in the northeastern city of Mashhad by angry protesters censuring the Al Saud family for the killing of top cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.

“Saudi Arabia’s problem emanates from inside Saudi Arabia,” Rouhani said.

“Regarding the Mina incident, the reaction of Saudi Arabia and its approaches did not fall within moral and diplomatic norms,” saying Riyadh did not offer an apology to the nations, which had lost their people in the disaster.

Two large masses of pilgrims converged at a crossroads in Mina, near the holy Saudi city of Mecca, during Hajj rituals on September 24, causing a human crush. Saudi Arabia claims nearly 770 people were killed in the incident, but Iranian officials say about 4,700 people, over 460 of which were Iranians, lost their lives in the tragedy.

Riyadh’s behavior toward the people of the region “is not the right one,” Rouhani also noted, citing the kingdom’s continuing massacre of Yemenis in a military aggression it launched against the impoverished nation last March.

“Saudi Arabia started on the wrong path on its own. We hope it will not continue treading on that path…I hope that the new rulers in Saudi Arabia have already learnt the lesson and reconsider their behavior in the interest of the region and their own people.”

Zibakalam: zarif and Kerry should be awarded!

By

IFP Editorial Staff

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January 17, 2016

Sadegh Zibakalam, Iranian researcher and political analyst, commenting on implementation of Comprehensive Joint Plan of Action (CJPA) known in Iran as Barjam said that the role played by foreign ministers of Iran and the US was “outstanding” adding that there is no reason for failure of the deal and it will take effect definitely.

Zibakalam was quoted by Asriran website as saying implementation of (CJPA) would be a turning point in the history of Islamic Republic of Iran. ” After 37 years since Islamic Revolution, despite opposition of radicals and hardliners both in Iran ,US, Israel lobbies and Saudi Arabia, this is the first time that Iran has been successful in defusing tension with the West and especially the United States.

“Success of the nuclear talks reflects patience, tolerance and goodwill of the American and Iranian officials and this led them to overcome all difficulties” he said. Referring to positive role played by Iranian nuclear negotiating team, Mr. Zibakalam added efforts by Araghchi, Majid Takht-Ravanchi and Ali Akbar Salehi is undeniable in this respect. In other words, the role of officialsparticularly Mohammad Javad zarif and John Kerry were outstanding. Zibakalam considered quite wrong to say that if instead of Kerry and Zarif other politicians were involved, negotiations would proceed. He said it is true that arrangements were made and largely in place to finalize the negotiation but it was not in any way that we can achieve the desired results, he said.

Zibakalam, professor of political science at Tehran University said that there was no halt despite stalemate during implementation stage of the nuclear agreement. “The negotiations had reached the verge of collapse at one point but John Kerry and zarif discussed mutually for a couple of hours and they both agreed that reaching agreement would be in interest of Islamic Republic of Iran, America, peace and stability in the region, “he said.

Zibakalam said prize should be awarded to zarif and John Kerry for their efforts. “Both Foreign Ministers did their utmost to take steps based on both countries’ conditions and problems and at the end they succeeded, said Mr. Zibakalam.

Iran, Czech discuss venues for boosting ties

By

Golrokh Askarieh

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January 17, 2016

Iran’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Mines Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh met and talked with Jan Mládek, Czech Republic’s Minister of Industry and Trade, on Sunday morning in Tehran.

Nematzadeh stressed that, “a slew of business opportunities have emerged in Iran and the lifting of sanctions could bring about proper grounds for cooperation and collaboration of countries in various economical fields.”

“We seek long-term and joint investments which are supported by the country’s laws and regulations,” he added.

The Iranian minister referred to the prior cooperation with the Czech Republic expressing hope that the visiting economic delegation will help strengthen bilateral ties.

The official further enumerated possible venues for cooperation between the two countries including electronics, equipment, machinery as well as vehicle industries.

“Iran holds plans for renovation and expansion of steel, copper and aluminum industries which mark suitable cooperation plans with foreign partners,” he underlined.

Czech Republic’s Minister of Industry Jan Mládek, for his part, noted the existence of great potentials for deepening of relations between the two countries; “the huge accompanying economic delegation seeks to facilitate the boosting of bilateral ties.”

“Industry has become privatized in the Czech Republic,” emphasized Mládek expressing readiness to collaborate with Iran in the areas of vehicle manufacturing, machinery and railroad transport among the others.

He went on to announce that another Czech delegation is scheduled to visit Iran in the coming weeks expressing hope for further strengthening of bilateral ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Antibacterial nanocomposites designed for food packaging

By

Golrokh Askarieh

-

January 17, 2016

According to Iran Technology Initiative Council (INIC), Iranian researchers produced antibacterial nanocomposite samples that have applications in foodstuff packaging that increase durability of the foodstuff without using preservatives.

Nanocomposite synthesized in this research is a combination of copper nanoparticles and polymers used in packaging industry. Copper is an essential element for cellular metabolism, and one of the important elements for connection between neurons. Taking into consideration the fact that the allowed amount of copper in diet should be 2-10 mg according to global standards, it can take the place of silver as an antibacterial material with better properties but less toxicity.

Based on studies, the nanocomposite has appropriate antibacterial properties against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Therefore, nutritional value of foodstuff and drugs will be preserved by using the nanocomposite without the need for harmful chemical preservatives. In addition, flexibility, formability and mechanical resistance are among the important issues in packaging. Studies also showed that the produced nanocomposite has higher mechanical resistance in comparison with the pure polymer.

The use of nanoparticles with antibacterial and antifungal properties in milk packaging resulted in the preservation of milk up to 32 days without using any preservatives.

Results of the research have been published in Journal of Food Science and Technology, vol. 52, issue 9, 2015, pp. 5982-5988.

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Jan 17

By

IFP Editorial Staff

-

January 17, 2016

ARMAN-e EMROUZ:

1- Sanctions become history

Sanctions imposed on Iran over its nuclear program are lifted following confirmation of Tehran’s commitment to Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

2- Hardline reformist: No miracle expected by sanctions relief

Sadeq Zibakalam, an outspoken Iranian intellectual and political commentator, has posted an article on the daily saying that the sanctions relief will not do miracles in Iran’s economy.

3- Who made it to the ballots?

A report on the list of qualified Assembly of Experts candidates.

42% of applicants qualified

4- Firms line up to sell planes to Iran

Obama allows sale of aircraft to Iran as nuclear deal nears implementation stage

5- Burden of pollution shirked [by state organizations in Iran]

A report on the organizational responsibilities for curbing the choking air pollution of Iran’s mega cities.

ABRAR:

1- Zarif, Mogherini meet in Geneva

2- Guardian Council spokesman resigns

3- Second UNSC meeting on seized Syrian regions

ABRAR EQTESADI:

1- Admin’s plan to run Iran out of recession

2- Wall Street Journal: Reshaped Iran to enter world oil market

3- Forex rate spikes after sanctions removal

4- Shell, Total in talks with Iran

AFKAR:

1- Budget bill submitted to parliament

2- Argentinean-made medicines sold as locally produced drugs

3- World music managers heading to Iran

4- Soaring disputes over hotel room prices

EBTEKAR:

1- Sanctions gone too

2- Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani congratulates leader, nation on the nuclear victory

3- Iran releases four dual-national inmates in prisoner swap with the US

ETEMAD:

1- Morning without sanctions

2- Markets on the last days of sanctions

A report on Iran’s market on the last day of the country under sanctions

ETTELA’AT:

1- Majlis Speaker: Sanctions relief favorable opportunity for Iran development

2- Iran, France agreement on buying 114 civilian aircraft from Airbus

Iran will buy 114 passenger planes from Airbus Group SE after the removal of sanctions, Minister of Roads and Urban Development Abbas Akhoundi told state media on Saturday.

3- Moscow: Russian forces released 217 Syrian regions from terrorists’ occupation

4- US releases 7 Iranian detainees

5- Avian industry development needs national resolve

EMTIAZ:

1- Children rise in honor of veteran musician

Ostad Homayoun Khorram was an Iranian musician, composer, violinist, and a member of the high council of Iran’s house of music. He died in 2013 but was revered in a ceremony in Tehran on Saturday.

2- Iran capital sinking 36cm annually: Power Minister

Plans must be adopted to prevent the megacity’s sinking. This may affect railroad network and the subway system.

3- Police: Online trickster captured

HEMEYAT:

1- JCPOA test for P5+1

2- Excitements in forex, stock markets

3- $30m US budget for infiltrating into Iran

4- Cleric criticizes illegal ownership of river banks

Head of Iran’s Court of Administrative Justice criticized illegal ownership of lands in river banks across the country.

IRAN:

– Sanctions’ dissolution

After 13 years, Iran turns nuclear crisis to diplomatic victory.

President Rouhani thanks nation for nuclear victory

JAMEJAM:

1- Iran fulfills nuclear commitments; JCPOA on implementation stage

JCPOA ball in West’s court

2- Iran market reacts to JCPOA implementation

3- Warm winter hangouts in Tehran

4- Man uses Facebook to get even with wife

5- Beneath GEM [satellite channel]

JAVAN:

1- Most competitive elections ever

A report on the campaigns by hopefuls of the Assembly of Experts and Parliament elections due next month in Iran.

2- Iran road map one day after JCPOA implementation

3- Iran, US swap prisoners

JOMHOURI ESLAMI:

1- Senior state officials endorse JCPOA implementation

2- No one honors Iran’s avian industry: Minister of Roads

3- Landmark political, economic deals by sanctions removal

4- 6 Saudi, 1 UAE officers wasted in clashes with Yemeni forces

5- Petchem feedstock pricing details released

KEYHAN:

1- Canadian analyst: Iran world’s only real Islamic state

2- MAPNA Chief: Admin ensures ROI to foreign investors only

Managing director of Iran Power Plant Projects Management Company (MAPNA) said the Iranian administration’s only guarantee for foreign financiers in the country is the return on their investments.

3- Global Research: US dropped 23,000 bombs, missiles on world people in 2015

4- Parliament focused on increasing FTZs

A report by Keyhan on a disastrous bill.

KHORASAN:

1- Surprising resignation of Guardian Council Spokesma

2- JCPOA Implementation in injury time

Intense talks between Zarif, Kerry, Mogherini, Amano in Vienna

3- Free safes for visitors of Imam Reza holy shrine

AstanQodsRazavi offers free safekeeping services to the visitors of Imam Reza (8^th Shia Imam)’s holy shrine in the norther eastern city of Mashad.

4- Iran markets’ smile to JCPOA

5-Admin receives 41 proposals for developing city of Mashad

6- Editorial: Is sanctions relief enough?

RAHE MARDOM:

1- Warning: Tsunami of drug overuse, excessive prescriptions

2- Oil priced below $30/b

RESALAT:

1- No economic miracle under way: economists

2- Rise of Islamic civilization has started: expert

3- Zarif: Iran monitors P5+1’s honoring of JCPOA

4- White House: Iran sanctions option still on the table

5- MP: Increasing FTZs act of treason to nation

6- Over 139 retaliatory operations against US: Iran Cmdr

IRGC Navy Commander Brigadier General Ali Fadavi said Iran has carried out more than 139 retaliatory operations against the US.

7- West’s 12 years of calling off Iran enrichment fruitless: Majlis Speaker

ROUZAN:

1- Sanctions removal new beginning for Iranian nation: Majlis Speaker

2- Reformist generals failed to make way to elections: MP

3- Fall in Fedowsi (Iran market for gold and foreign exchange); rise in Hafiz (a street in Tehran where the stock market is located)

4- Zarif in Kerry meeting: The job is done

A good day for everyone

ROOYEAH MELLAT:

1- US State Department: Lifting of sanctions our top commitment

2- No hurries needed for Yemen talks

3- Dimensions of Yemen destructions by Saudi-led attacks horrific

SHARGH:

1- After 9 years:

Now without sanctions!

Rouhani tweets congratulation to Iran nation

Obama’s 8-page directive for sanctions removal on Iran

EU issues document on lifting Iran sanctions

Amano visits Tehran on Sunday

TA’ADOL:

1- 14 new opportunities for Iran economy

2- First Taiwanese women sworn in as president

3- MAPNA’s oil, gas challenges

IRAN FRONT PAGELatest News and Views From Iran, Middle East and the World

IRAN FRONT PAGELatest News and Views From Iran, Middle East and the World

IRAN FRONT PAGELatest News and Views From Iran, Middle East and the World

IRAN FRONT PAGELatest News and Views From Iran, Middle East and the World

No obstacle for implementation of Iran Pakistan Pipeline when sanctions are lifted

Somalia Received Saudi Aid the Day It Cut Ties with Iran: Document

Iranian companies to join Omani Markets

Security Council removes Bank Sepah, Bank Sepah Int’l from 2231 list

Official: First Airbus deliveries in July

JCPOA implementation, political victory for Iran: Rouhani

Zibakalam: zarif and Kerry should be awarded!

Iran, Czech discuss venues for boosting ties

Antibacterial nanocomposites designed for food packaging

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Jan 17

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