Zibakalam: zarif and Kerry should be awarded!

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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

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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

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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

Korean agency raising Iran credit rating

By

Golrokh Askarieh

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January 17, 2016

The Korea Eximbank said it is considering to upgrade Iran’s credit rating to C2 from C3, the sixth-highest on its nine-grade rating system, Yonhap news agency reported.

Eximbank forecast Iran’s economy to grow by four percent this year after sanctions were removed on the country on Saturday.

KEXIM said the upgrade will lead to an increase in the state lender’s credit line to Iran, which fell to $60 million last year from $1.44 billion in 2011.

In July last year, the agency pledged to provide financial support to Korean firms trying to secure business in Iran as international companies jockey to enter the market.

Eximbank has offered project financing, loans and credit and signed an MoU with an Iranian entity to build 10 hospitals and pharmaceutical centers in the country.

On Friday, South Korean media reports said an Iranian firm had signed an agreement to invest some $2 billion over the next decade to construct a pharmaceutical plant in the Asian country.

Under the agreement, the company will build an Iranian traditional medicine joint research institute in Osong in South Korea’s North Chungcheong Province, they said.

South Korea is one of the biggest buyers of Iranian crude and Eximbank has said it could support Korean firms looking to secure a slice of $31 billion of gas and $25 billion of oil projects being offered by Iran this year.

The bank reportedly invited 10 major builders to explain to them the overall investment environment in the Islamic Republic, telling them the Iranian government will seek bidders for $160 billion worth of projects this year.

South Korean Steel firm POSCO has said it was in touch with several Iranian firms on potential business tie-ups.

Executives of Hyundai and Daewoo engineering and construction companies and other private builders such Daelim Industrial Co and Eximbank and Korea Expressway Corp visited Tehran last August.

They were among 30 representatives of oil, gas and construction industries accompanying South Korean Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Yoo Il-ho on an official visit to Iran.

Defense minister: Iran to continue supporting Iraq in fight against terror

By

Golrokh Askarieh

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January 17, 2016

In a meeting with the visiting Iraqi National Security Adviser Faleh al-Fayyad in Tehran on Sunday, Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan said unity among Iraq’s Shia and Sunni groups in the campaign against terror has been a major achievement.

The Iranian defense minister also stated that Iraqis should remain united until the day of final victory over Daesh Takfiri terrorists.

Fayyad, for his part, said the Iraqi army and popular fighters have recently gained ground against terrorists in the country, adding that Daesh is approaching its collapse.

He added that Iran played a leading role in Iraq’s fight against its enemies.

The northern and western parts of Iraq have been plagued by violence ever since Daesh began an offensive in the country in June 2014.

Army soldiers and Popular Mobilization Units have joined forces and are seeking to take back militant-held regions in joint operations.

Iran firing up first LNG project

By

Golrokh Askarieh

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January 17, 2016

According to General Manager of marketing at NIGEC Mostafa Sharif, the company plans to sell at least 20% of its 49% shares in Iran LNG joint venture project to foreign companies.

Along with Iran Oil Pension Fund which holds the remaining 51%, NIGEC hopes to complete the project in just under three years, making the country’s first LNG exports ready for the market.

Iran LNG is a $3.3 billion project to produce 10.5 million tons of liquefied gas per year. It is 60% complete, according to officials, pending imports of new equipment and structures to bring it online.

Revival of abandoned projects

With sanctions formally removed on Saturday, many of Iran’s oil and gas development projects are expected to gain pace as foreign companies are offering funds and technology in anticipation of big dividends.

Sharif, quoted by London-based Argus Media, said Iran Oil Pension Fund may also seek to sell some of it 51% stake in Iran LNG. Discussions with foreign oil companies could be concluded this year, he added.

German industrial gases group Linde has already offered to help Iran complete its LNG projects which also include LNG Pars and LNG Persian.

The three projects had been awarded to Royal Dutch Shell, Spain’s Repsol and France’s Total to produce 40 million metric tons of LNG a year for exports but the three companies abandoned them in 2011 when Iran came under sanctions.

Foreign companies are also weighing $800 million-$1 billion of investment in floating production of LNG from associated gas at offshore fields in the Persian Gulf, a senior energy official has said.

Last November, Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh said Iran and Belgium were in talks for possible FLNG production off the Kharg Island.

Linde Chief Executive Wolfgang Buchele visited Tehran in September, announcing the company’s readiness to resume its “legitimate presence in Iran” as “one of the biggest players in the global market” in the LNG industry.

“We are definitely seeking to cooperate with Iranian companies on transfer of technology” to carry out petrochemical and other projects, he said then.

Investment plans

Germany’s BASF, the world’s largest chemical producer, also plans $6 billion of investment in Iran’s petrochemical sector, director of planning at the National Petrochemical Company (NPC) Hamid Reza Rostami said last month.

Zangeneh has said the lifting of sanctions would enable Iran to fulfill its 20-year vision plan, including its target to produce $70 billion of petrochemicals a year at current prices.

With more than 34 trillion cubic meters under its belt, Iran owns the world’s largest natural gas reserves but its share of the global trade in gas is less than one percent. Officials hope to attract $40 billion in the gas industry now that sanctions are lifted.

Iran seeks to raise gas production to 1.2 billion cubic meters (bcm) a day in five years, from 800 million cubic meters now. Annual output totals 166 bcm, which is mostly used at home.

UK to pay £50m to British companiese seeking to work in Iran

By

Golrokh Askarieh

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January 17, 2016

UK Export Finance has reintroduced cover to support UK companies seeking to compete for business in Iran, the agency said in a statement on Sunday.

Cover is now available on a case-by-case basis in Pounds Sterling and Euros. Within this, and in recognition of the UK’s place as a global centre of excellence for financial and professional services, UKEF will make available a £50 million facility guaranteeing payments to UK professional advisory service providers advising the government of Iran.

This can cover advice on areas such as: accounting standards; capital market development; compliance with global regulatory requirements; accessing and reducing the cost of financing; and facilitating new trade. UKEF will also consider applications for direct lending to purchasers of British exports to Iran.

To improve UK-Iran trade, UKEF will work directly with the Export Guarantee Fund of Iran and the Iranian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance.

Minister for Trade and Investment, Lord Francis Maude, said:
The UK government fully supports expanding our trade relationship with Iran and we would encourage UK businesses to take advantage of the commercial opportunities that will arise from sanction relief. Following the reopening of the British Embassy in Tehran in August last year, UKTI now has a presence on the ground to support trade between our 2 countries.

UK Trade and Investment and UK Export Finance will be leading a whole of government approach to engage with UK companies to ensure that we are well equipped to benefit from increased trade with Iran as the country re-establishes itself within the international business community.

Iran has received extensive economic and financial sanctions relief as a result of meeting its obligations under the nuclear deal agreed on 14 July 2015, meaning the country is now able to trade more freely.

On 16 January Implementation Day was triggered following the verification by the International Atomic Energy Agency of Iran meeting its requirements as part of a comprehensive agreement on Iran’s nuclear program. This has resulted in the termination of EU nuclear related financial and economic sanctions, and the suspension of US nuclear related secondary financial and economic sanctions.

The Implementation Day started when Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and the EU Foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini read a joint statement in Vienna, Austria.

National Animal Day Marked in Iran (PHOTOS)

By

Golrokh Askarieh

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January 17, 2016

In ancient Persia, people celebrated a day named “Bahmanagan” in which they did not eat any type of meat. Environment and animal rights activists have now named the day “National Animal Day”, which is annually marked on January 16 to protect the rights of animals.

National Animal Day Marked in Iran (PHOTOS)

6 Iranian films vying in 14th Pune Intl. filmfest.

By

Golrokh Askarieh

-

January 17, 2016

The Pune International Film Festival, established in 2002 and now enjoying its 14th year, has given its silver screen in its latest edition to six Iranian film productions.

The short film ‘Elegy’ directed and written by Yousef Kargar, is participating in the Volkswagen International Student Competition: Live Action section. The film narrates the story of an old man who has been waiting for the return of his missing son for 25 years.

In the Global Cinema section, ‘I Am Not Angry!’ by Reza Dormishian, ‘Risk of Acid Rain’ by Behtash Sanaeiha, and ‘Avalance’ by Moreza Farshbaf are competing with other titles.

‘Risk of Acid Rain’ which has been screened in many international film festivals and garnered several awards, narrates the story of a lone employee of a tobacco company after retirement. Writer Mohammad Shams Langerudi also stars in the film.

‘Taxi’ by Jafar Panahi and ‘Immortal’ by Hadi Mohaghegh will be screened in Asian Cinema and World Competition sections, respectively.

The 14th Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) is currently underway in India, from 14-21 Jan, 2016.

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

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

Korean agency raising Iran credit rating

Defense minister: Iran to continue supporting Iraq in fight against terror

Iran firing up first LNG project

UK to pay £50m to British companiese seeking to work in Iran

National Animal Day Marked in Iran (PHOTOS)

6 Iranian films vying in 14th Pune Intl. filmfest.

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