UN must be cornerstone in Syria national talks: Iran

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December 25, 2015

A senior Iranian official says the United Nations must play a pivotal role in the Syrian national dialog aimed at finding a settlement to nearly five-year-long crisis in the Arab country.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian held a telephone conversation with UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, on Friday to discuss the latest developments pertaining to international talks on the Syrian conflict.

Amir-Abdollahian underlined that the list of terrorist groups in Syria should not divide terrorism into good and bad and should be based on the recent talks in New York on the Syrian crisis. He also urged the international community to adopt a realistic approach toward fighting terrorism and promoting a political process in the Arab country at the same time.

He said the crisis in Syria will only be resolved through respecting the country’s sovereignty, independence, national unity and territorial integrity as well as the Syrian people’s will.

The Iranian diplomat emphasized that all Syrian parties, including the opposition groups that are committed to a political approach, should engage in the talks about the Syrian conflict.

“Therefore, the Islamic Republic of Iran believes that [Syrian] national dialog should be [held] with the United Nations as its cornerstone,” Amir-Abdollahian added.

The UN envoy, for his part, praised Iran’s constructive and positive role in previous international talks on the Syrian crisis in Vienna and New York.

He added that respect for the Syrians’ viewpoints as well as the maintenance of the country’s integrity are among the UN’s principles.

De Mistura expressed hope that intra-Syrian talks will be held by the end of December.

The UN envoy is reportedly scheduled to pay a visit to some regional countries, including Iran, ahead of a new round of talks on Syria.

The foreign-sponsored conflict in Syria, which started in March 2011, has claimed the lives of more than 250,000 people and left over one million injured, according to the United Nations. The foreign-sponsored militancy has also displaced nearly half of the country’s population.

The UN says 12.2 million people, including more than 5.6 million children, remain in need of humanitarian assistance.

Syria blames the crisis on some countries, including Turkey and Saudi Arabia, saying that if it had not been for their support, the terror groups, particularly the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group, could have never taken control of the territories across the country.

The Austrian capital of Vienna hosted the first two rounds of talks on Syria on October 30 and November 14. The third round of Syria talks was held in New York on December 18.

The UN Security Council on December 18 adopted a resolution supporting an international roadmap for a peace process in Syria. The UN seeks to convene peace negotiations in Geneva some time in January 2016.

The participants in the talks are trying to work out a list of legitimate opposition groups, as opposed to terrorists, in Syria to engage in talks with the government in Damascus.

Iran slams ‘unlawful’ US bid to seize assets

By

Emad Askarieh

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December 25, 2015

A senior Iranian official has censured US efforts to have Tehran’s assets frozen in the country turned over as compensation to American victims of bombings in Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.

“The US judicial apparatus, with the support of the country’s administration and Congress, has been issuing and enacting rulings against the Islamic Republic of Iran for years, violating basic principles of international law with recourse to unsubstantiated and baseless allegations,” Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hossein Jaberi Ansari said on Friday.

“Some US courts are making a travesty of justice and law, having sentenced the Islamic Republic of Iran over the past few years to paying restitution to victims of terror acts carried out by known citizens of US allies.”

The case in the US involves over 1,300 plaintiffs, who have demanded compensation over two bombings, namely the 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Beirut, Lebanon, and the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia.

The US Supreme Court is mulling a case on appropriating $2 billion of Iranian assets.

Iran has dismissed any role in the attacks and rejected rulings by US circuit and appeals courts to hand over $2 billion in frozen Iranian assets in Citibank accounts in New York to the plaintiffs.

The money belongs to Bank Markazi, the Central Bank of Iran (CBI), and has been blocked under US sanctions.

The CBI has appealed against such rulings, and the case has reportedly moved to the Supreme Court, with the administration of US President Barack Obama urging it not to overturn previous verdicts in favor of the plaintiffs.

In his Friday comments, Jaberi Ansari said, “The US government has demonstrated that its hostile measures against Iran persist regardless of realities and under the influence of Zionist circles, and that there are no signs of efforts toward understanding and utilizing the situation and reducing the Iranian government’s and nation’s deep mistrust of US policies.”

Jaberi Ansari’s reference to US failure to “utilize” the situation apparently relates to the new opening after the conclusion of a deal between Iran and P5+1 in July.

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 24

By

Emad Askarieh

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December 24, 2015

The comments of President Rouhani about a wide range of issues, including the nuclear deal, economic growth and elections, dominated the front pages of Iranian newspapers on Thursday. Also on the cover of dailies was the latest from registration for the upcoming elections.

Ettela’at: We will open the gates to investment and global technology, President Rouhani told locals in Shahr-e Rey.

He further said that next year’s budget will rely on oil revenues by as little as 25 percent.

Ettela’at: Congratulations on the birth anniversary of the prophet of peace and friendship, harbinger of heavenly compassion and laughter, the Messiah of love and good-naturedness. Merry Christmas

Ettela’at: The interior minister has said that 10,000 addicts who openly use drugs on the streets will be rounded up.

Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli further blamed pocketbook issues as the root cause of all social harms.

Ettela’at: The Washington Post has said that the US has bowed to the demand of Iran and Russia to keep Assad in power.

In another development, President Assad said that he would step down if the Syrians want him to.

Ettela’at: Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said that the JCPOA Supervision Panel will make a decision about the new law passed by the US Congress.

The Iranian top diplomat further said that internal disagreements should not stop the US administration from complying with its international commitments.

Ettela’at: The idea of asking [political] questions in universities should be promoted, said Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani in a ceremony to mark Research Day.

Political issues should not be used as an excuse to restrict analyses and research, the chairman of the Expediency Council said.

Ettela’at: With the registration of candidates for Assembly of Experts elections coming to an end, the screening process has started.

The head of the Electoral Headquarters said that by 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, 731 individuals had fielded their candidacy for the Assembly of Experts.

Ettela’at: Iran and Oman hold joint naval maneuvers in the eastern part of the Hormuz Strait.

The drill is meant to ensure the security of commercial vessels and tankers crossing the strategic strait.

Abrar: The Egyptian president has said that he won’t remain in office even for a second if the Egyptians don’t want him to.

Abrar: Despite booby-traps, strategic parts of the Iraqi city of Ramadi have been taken back from Daesh terrorists.

Afarinesh: President Rouhani has said that the country’s development budget will increase by as much as 90 percent next year.

Afkar: Shipping lanes between Iran, the US and Africa have been activated.

Aftab-e Yazd: We need to accommodate each other’s opposing views, said former parliament speaker Akbar Nategh Nouri.

Aftab-e Yazd: President Rouhani has urged fellow officials not to forget the fact that [free and fair] elections are a right members of the public are entitled to.

Arman-e Emrooz: In case I am disqualified [from running for parliament] I will appeal, but I won’t beg, said outspoken principlist MP Ali Motahari.

Arman-e Emrooz: President Rouhani has said that Iranians will make an epic in the late February elections.

He further said the country’s economic growth is projected to stand at 5 percent next year.

Asrar: Inflation slipped into single digits in the fall.

Asrar: Tabriz, an exemplary Islamic tourist destination in 2018.

Bahar: The Tehran prosecutor has said that judicial orders have been issued for the police to deal with those who have satellite dishes and women who fail to observe the Islamic dress code.

Ebtekar: Women extensively seek to win seats in both assemblies.

A large number of women have fielded their candidacy for the upcoming elections for the Assembly of Experts and the Islamic Consultative Assembly.

Etemad: Inflation has plunged into single digits for the first time in five and a half years.

Etemad: Tehran MP Ali Motahari has said that he won’t be alone [in speaking out] in the next parliament.

Etemad: With an unprecedented wave of scholars and figures signing up, the number of potential candidates for the Assembly of Experts is 35 percent up, setting a new record.

Javan: The chain of sanctions will break up this year, said President Rouhani.

Jomhouri Islami: President Rouhani has said that the Executive and Legislative branches should work together to settle the problems of the public.

Kar va Kargar: The Supreme National Security Council will decide on the US measure to limit visits to Iran by foreign nationals, said Foreign Minister Zarif.

Kayhan: The countdown is on for the liberation of Ramadi in Iraq.

Daesh terrorists have fled to nearby deserts.

Kayhan: The schools of the capital were not closed on the most polluted day of the week!

Rah-e Mardom: An Iranian tanker has been saved from the pirates in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.

Resalat: Full implementation of the changes to the Visa Waiver Program adopted by the US Congress will amount to breach of the nuclear deal, said Foreign Minister Zarif.

Sharq: Some $380 billion went up in smoke during the presidency of Ahmadinejad, said the economy minister.

Vaghaye-e Etefaghiyeh: The Law Enforcement Force has signaled readiness to ensure the security of upcoming elections.

Special police will have access to urban traffic cameras.

Nondescript choppers drop off Daesh fighters in Afghan province

By

Emad Askarieh

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December 24, 2015

Two helicopters have dropped off a number of militants wearing Daesh uniforms in the Afghan province of Nangarhar, a member of the Afghan Senate has told the Islamic Republic News Agency in an interview conducted over the phone.

The following is the translation of a report the Iranian official news agency ran on its website on December 23:

A number of people in Tor Ghar, Nangarhar Province have contacted me to say that nondescript helicopters have airlifted Daesh militants there, Afghan SenatorHaji Lutfullah Baba said on Wednesday.

They asked me to follow up the issue and urge security and military officials to look into the militant movements which pose a threat to the security of the province and the entire nation, he said.

He went on to say that the people of Nangarhar are worried about security in the province. Deterioration of the security situation in Nangarhar, a major economic hub, will deal a body blow to the Afghan economy, he said.

He added that an investigation has been launched to determine to which country the helicopters belong.

A spokesman for the province of Nangarhar has confirmed reports that the choppers have dropped off men in black uniforms.

It is not the first time choppers are sighted dropping off militants in areas controlled by the opposition. Similar sightings have been made in Kunduz, Baghlan and Badakhshan.

Daesh has picked Nangarhar as the hub of its Afghan operations. The Afghan national security advisor has said that Daesh in Afghanistan has established structural links with their leaders in Iraq and Syria.

Some Afghan officials, though, accuse the National Directorate of Security (NDS) of failing to crack down on the terrorist grouping.

A few weeks ago, a vice-speaker of the Afghan House of Representatives alleged that government officials and the NDS support the Daesh terrorists.

A day after those allegations were made public, the interior minister, chief of staff and head of the national security agency held a news conference to refute those allegations. The deputy should produce evidence to shore up those allegations, they demanded.

A few days later, the vice-speaker responded to that call by saying that provision of evidence will result in the collapse of the national unity government.

Iran to get T-90 tanks soon: commander

By

Emad Askarieh

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December 24, 2015

Iran’s Army will be equipped with Russian-made T-90 tanks in the near future, Commander of the Army’s Ground Force Brigadier General Ahmad Reza Pourdastan said Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters in Tehran, the top general said preparations have been made for the purchase of the Russian tanks, and his forces will soon obtain the combat vehicles.

Pourdastan said last week that Iran itself is producing T-72 tanks, which have “good capacities”, but noted that the Russian-made T-90’s are more advanced.

Iran and Russia in recent years have boosted their cooperation in various defense fields, including the supply of military equipment. In the most recent case, Russia has started delivering the S-300 missile defense system to Iran.

Back in October, Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehghan highlighted the significance of defense collaborations between Tehran and Moscow, especially under the current circumstances in the region.

Orumiyeh Lake (Aerial PHOTOS)

By

Fatemeh Askarieh

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December 24, 2015

The Oruliyeh Lake the likelihood of whose drying up a few years ago caused a flurry of activities to save it is still in dire conditions.

The following images of the lake taken recently near the Sharafkhaneh Port have been released by Mehr News Agency.

Iran to implement JCPOA despite foreign plots: Rouhani

By

Emad Askarieh

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December 23, 2015

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the Islamic Republic is determined to make sure its nuclear agreement with P5+1 will come to fruition despite enemy attempts to sabotage the deal.

Rouhani said on Wednesday that Iran is now in the final stages of implementing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) it clinched with P5+1 – the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia plus Germany – in Vienna on July 14.

“Despite the shameful dreams of American hawks, the Zionist regime (of Israel) and certain reactionary countries in the region that wanted JCPOA not to come into effect, our nation will help JCPOA bear fruits,” Rouhani said in an address to a large crowd of people in Rey, a Tehran suburb.

Under the agreement, Iran will accept restrictions on its nuclear program in return for the removal of sanctions imposed on Tehran by the US and the European Union.

Several US Republican lawmakers as well as the Israeli regime engaged in a host of activities, financial and otherwise, to torpedo the nuclear negotiations between the Islamic Republic and the six other countries that culminated in JCPOA as well as to undermine the accord itself.

Immediately after the signature of the deal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a hostile campaign against JCPOA, calling it a “historic mistake.”

Referring to nuclear- related resolutions adopted by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) against Tehran, Rouhani said that all sanctions will be lifted on Iran in January.

“With the implementation of JCPOA in January all 18 unjust resolutions [imposed] against the Iranian nation will be terminated for good,” he said.

The Iranian nation will soon see the country’s economic gates open to the world, he said.

Zarif: Implementation of new US visa law tantamount to breach of JCPOA

By

Emad Askarieh

-

December 23, 2015

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said should the new law that tightens visa-free travel to the US come into force, it would be tantamount to a breach of the July nuclear deal between Tehran and six world powers, known as the JCPOA.

If the law takes effect exactly as approved by the US Congress, it would amount to the breach of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Zarif said in a joint press conference with his Mongolian counterpart Lundeg Purevsuren in Tehranon Wednesday.

The Iranian top diplomat was referring to a new bill passed by the US Congress and signed by President Barack Obama, which will prevent visa-free travel to the United States for people who have visited Iran or hold Iranian nationality.

However, Zarif added, if the US administration utilizes its power and officially announces, as did Secretary of State John Kerry, that the law will not prevent the implementation of the JCPOA, Iran will consider the issue and decide whether the law is a breach of the agreement or not.

Zarif said Iran discusses the issue with the US administration as the representative of the entire US and that Iran does not care about the Congress and its laws.

He further emphasized that the US government has certain commitments based on international law and rules set for relations between states and that it should resolve its domestic issues as it sees fit.

According to the bill, which was passed in the US House by 407 to 19 on December 8, visitors from the 38 “visa waiver” countries will need to obtain a visa to travel to the US if they have been to Syria, Iraq, Iran or Sudan in the past five years.

It means citizens of many EU countries and the rest of the 38 states participating in the program who travel to Iran either for business or visiting the country’s attractions will have to obtain a visa should they ever want to enter the US.

[…]

Siberian tiger returns to zoo after quarantine (PHOTOS)

By

Fatemeh Askarieh

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December 23, 2015

A Siberian tiger, which had to spend five years in quarantine suspected of suffering from glanders, has returned to Tehran’s Eram Zoo.

Officials with the Veterinary Organization have eventually given the tiger the all clear to return to the zoo.

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 23

By

Emad Askarieh

-

December 23, 2015

The comments of President Hassan Rouhani on the impartiality of the Intelligence Ministry in vetting the candidates for the upcoming elections dominated the front pages of Iranian newspapers on Wednesday. Continued registration of potential candidates was also a hot topic. Reformist-leaning and sport newspapers lashed out at IRIB for its failure to air a pre-recorded interview with Foreign Minister Zarif.

Ettela’at: Widening divisions is no skill; social cohesion should not be harmed, President Rouhani said in a meeting with the managers, advisors and staff members of the Ministry of Intelligence.

He further said the administration’s main responsibility is to ensure the security of all members of the public.

Ettela’at: The minister of science has said that overexpansion of universities poses a serious challenge to higher education.

Dr. Farhadi further said quality is the most important aspect of higher education; the country has as many as 4.8 million university students and around 2,000 institutes of higher education.

Ettela’at: The secretary of the Lebanese Hezbollah has said the movement reserves the right to retaliate against Israel for the assassination of Samir Kuntar.

He further said the message Kuntar’s blood sends [to the world] is that the flag of resistance will keep flying.

Ettela’at: First Vice-President Eshagh Jahangiri has said that public hope and confidence has prevented an economic turmoil in the country.

Ettela’at: The government spokesman has said economic growth will hit 6 percent next year.

Ettela’at: The increase in birth rate continues, said a spokesman of the Organization for Civil Registration.

He further said the number of births in the first nine months of the year [started March 21, 2015] was up 4.5 percent over the similar period last year.

Ettela’at: Registration of candidates for Assembly of Experts elections comes to an end Wednesday.

Ettela’at: The top seven books of a book critique festival have been named.

Abrar: Iran’s support for Syrian strategy is unchangeable, said Brigadier General Jazayeri, the deputy chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces.

Afarinesh: Some 100 MPs have sent a notice to the president about unprecedented, deep recession gripping the country’s economy.

Afkar: Next year’s spending bill and a draft of the Sixth Development Plan will be presented to parliament in two weeks.

Afkar: The Danish foreign minister is due in Tehran in January.

Afkar: Iran has made it to the list of top 10 countries in the world when it comes to maritime science.

Arman-e Emrooz: The president has ordered an investigation into a $57 billion offense by the previous government.

Arman-e Emrooz: Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting would not allow Ferdowsipour [the host of its widely-viewed sport program] to broadcast a previously-recorded interview with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

Asrar: The government spokesman has said that the national broadcaster should not allow its position to plunge to the level of representing a single political taste.

Mohammad Bagher Nobakht said the administration will use all legal tools to ensure the rights of all candidates.

Bahar: Behind the scenes of a decision not to air an interview with Foreign Minister Zarif

Sadegh Zibakalam, a political analyst, has said that IRIB belongs to the supporters of Saeed Jalili.

Ali Motahari, an MP, has said one needs to cry over the country’s political atmosphere.

Etemad: A second grandson of the late Imam Khomeini [Morteza Eshraghi] has fielded his candidacy for upcoming elections.

Tehran principlist MP Ahamd Tavakoli has said that Ahmadinejad is not qualified to enter parliament.

Sadegh Kharrazi, a former Iranian ambassador, went to the Electoral Headquarters but did not sign up.

Ghanoon: The National Security Committee has not called for the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action to stop.

The announcement came after opponents of the government falsely claimed such an appeal has been made by the parliamentary committee.

Hamdeli: Foreign Minister Zarif has texted Ferdowsipour [the host of a widely-watched late-night sport program that airs on IRIB Channel Three].

That my interview was not aired is not important; do not get involved in a fight.

The Foreign Ministry has urged the national broadcaster to provide explanation to the public for its decision not to air the interview with Foreign Minister Zarif.

Hamdeli: Iran has made [CNN’s] list of 2016 tourist destinations.

MORE

Hemayat: The interior minister has said thanks to the efforts of the Judiciary, illegal appropriation of land has decreased by 70 percent.

Iran: The number of hopefuls [in the upcoming parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections] has set a record. Women have a strong presence on the list of potential candidates.

Iran: The government spokesman has slammed IRIB [the national broadcaster] as playing the role of the opposition.

Javan: The Oil Ministry has put forth a suggestion that would make gasoline prices competitive.

Jomhouri Islami: Some talk about the leader in a way that suggests they are his representatives, Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said.

Kayhan: In Iraq, a very important operation to wrest control of Ramadi from Daesh terrorists has gotten underway.

Mardomsalari: Joint construction by Iran and Russia of two nuclear power plants on Iranian soil gets underway next week, said the spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran.

Resalat: Former MP Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh has said if Iran files a complaint, the US will back down.

Saheb Ghalam: The director of the Trade Promotion Organization has said that there are no restrictions in doing business with the United States.

Sharq: The oil minister has taken a swipe at privatization of the oil industry.

Sharq: A spokesman for the Guardian Council has said laws do not ban women from the Assembly of Experts.

Sobh-e Eghtesad: No Islamic sect favors the ideologies championed by terrorists, said Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani.

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

UN must be cornerstone in Syria national talks: Iran

Iran slams ‘unlawful’ US bid to seize assets

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 24

Nondescript choppers drop off Daesh fighters in Afghan province

Iran to get T-90 tanks soon: commander

Orumiyeh Lake (Aerial PHOTOS)

Iran to implement JCPOA despite foreign plots: Rouhani

Zarif: Implementation of new US visa law tantamount to breach of JCPOA

Siberian tiger returns to zoo after quarantine (PHOTOS)

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 23

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