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Iran to sell 10 tons of enriched uranium to Russia: Deputy FM

By
Emad Askarieh
-
Araghchi

Iran’s deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that after adoption of a resolution by the IAEA Board of Governors, Iran is expected to sell its enriched uranium to Russia and receive 140 tons of uranium ore in exchange for 10 tons of its enriched uranium.

The IAEA Board of Governors is expected to adopt a resolution on Tuesday which closes the so-called possible military dimensions (PMD) of Iran’s nuclear program, paving the way for the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) reached between Iran and the six world powers in July.

Nowzar Shafiei, the rapporteur of Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, told IRNA on Monday that during his presence before the legislative committee earlier in the day, Araghchi also briefed the lawmakers on redesigning the Arak Reactor.

A document has been signed on redesigning Arak Reactor and Iran is currently in talks with China for signing an agreement on modernizing the reactor, Araghchi was quoted as saying by Shafiei.

It seems that JCPOA will become implemented as of next month, Araghchi said.

 

US Congress bill is in contradiction to nuclear deal: Spokesman

By
Emad Askarieh
-
Jaber Ansari

Hossein Jaber Ansari, the new spokesman of Iranian Foreign Ministry, in his first press conference after his designation to the post said Monday, “From the perspective of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the US congressional bill on Iranian nationals entering the US is contradictory on several fronts.

[As it currently stands, the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of 38 countries — namely European states, Australia, Japan and South Korea — to travel to the United States without having to obtain a visa. However, the US House of Representatives passed a bill (H. R. 158) on Dec. 8 that aims to exclude from this program all dual nationals from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Sudan, and anyone else who has traveled to those countries in the past five years.]

Jaber Ansari said, “The bill which is in contradiction to both international free trade and basic human rights principles has yet to run its course.”

The Foreign Ministry spokesman added, “This bill which amounts to collective punishment of the citizens of one or several countries is against the most fundamental principles of human rights.

“The bill is in conflict with the spirit of the nuclear deal. The legal dimensions of this issue are under study by the Foreign Ministry. If the bill is proven to have breached the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the Iranian Foreign Ministry will seriously follow the issue.”

Jaber Ansari then underlined, “Even if the legal aspects of the bill do not prove to be in contradiction to (JCPOA), the bill and the legal course it took in the US send a negative message to the Islamic Republic of Iran and its great nation.

“There have been vast oppositions to the bill both inside Iran and also by Iranian nationals abroad.

“We hope the bill is not approved, and if it happens, it would be another indication of the unilateral and contradictory policies of the US toward global issues.

Jaber Ansari added: “The US administration claims to want to take on terrorism; it comes as Iran and the nationals of the Islamic Republic of Iran have paid the dearest price in confronting terrorism in the region in recent years. In this bill the Iranian nationals have been targeted and this is another aspect of the contradictory US policies.”

US automakers can invest in Iran: Deputy industry minister

By
Emad Askarieh
-
Mahmood Dodangeh

The presence of American brands in Iran has kicked up a controversy in recent years. In the early months of the Rouhani presidency, Iranian officials gave Philip Morris International Inc. – an American global cigarette and tobacco company – the nod to produce cigarettes in Iran; [In light of recent instructions by the Supreme Leader, talks with the US company have now stopped], and more recently, a KFC outlet was inaugurated in Tehran only to be shut down 24 hours before the anniversary of the US Embassy takeover.

With the nuclear deal Iran and P5+1 clinched in Vienna on the cusp of implementation, many American companies are dreaming of making their way back onto the Iranian market. Local businesses which identify themselves as representatives of American firms have long been trying to have the American brands registered in Iran. Some pharmaceutical and food brands have already been registered.

Although many construed a recent statement by the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Trade as a blanket ban on imports of all American products, the deputy trade minister has said in an interview with Vaghaye-e Etefaghiyeh [a daily that recently hit newsstands] that American automakers can invest in Iran.

The following is the translation of part of a report the daily published on the possibility of American investment in Iranian automotive industry on December 14:

Deputy Minister of Industries, Mines and Trade Mahmoud Dodangeh said the government’s policy with regard to imports of goods from the US is in line with the laws. Under the laws, imports of consumer products are banned.

He further said that the ban only applies to consumer products and should not be generalized to other areas. Presently imports of technological and intermediate goods are not banned. Companies can place orders for science-based and industrial products and import them.

He also said under the country’s investment regulations American investors can find their way into the Iranian market too. As consumer products, American cars cannot be imported, but in accordance with the law, American carmakers can make investment in Iran and roll out vehicles in Iran.

Ettela’at managing editor arraigned: Spokesman

By
Emad Askarieh
-
Mohseni Ejei

A recent republication by the Ettela’at daily of an interview former President Mohammad Khatami gave to Lebanon’s As-Safir daily has caused quite a stir on the country’s media stage.

Judiciary Spokesman Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei dedicated a major part of his news conference on Sunday to the issue. The following is the translation of part of his comments as reported by Vaghaye-e Etefaghiyeh daily on December 14:

Prosecutors at the Special Court for the Clergy summoned [Mahmoud] Doaei twice. The first time, he made a promise [not to release news stories about and images of the former president]. In light of the fact that the daily went ahead with its measures, he was called in once again.

During the second appearance, he was arraigned and released on bail. The case is set to be sent to court for trial. The other day, Doaei made statements in his defense. Prosecutors allege that Doaei has acted against a directive of theirs which is based on a decision of the Supreme National Security Council and that charges should be brought against any person or media outlet that violates the directive.

The decision to bring charges against the managing editor of this daily shows that the ban [on the former president] remains in effect. When the Supreme National Security Council makes a general decision, its secretariat maps it out. The ban [on stories about the former president] comes on a prosecutorial order which has its roots in the decision of the council.

Prosecutors do not issue rulings, they issue judicial orders. As long as the council’s decision remains in place, prosecutors can issue indictments against individuals. And as long as judicial orders remain in place, they are legally binding. Failure to comply with such orders carries punishment.

Iran to Check Possible Breach of JCPOA in US Visa Waiver Bill: Diplomat

By
Emad Askarieh
-
Abbas Araghchi

A senior Iranian foreign ministry official said Tehran would take “action” against Washington if a new bill passed by the US House of Representatives tightening visa-free travel to the US is proved to have breached the July comprehensive nuclear deal between Iran and world powers.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Abbas Araghchi said Iran is negotiating with P5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany) and with the European Union’s foreign policy coordinator on the recent legislation passed by the US House of Representatives.

According to the bill, which was passed by 407 to 19 on Tuesday, 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.

Araghchi said the bill has “diverse legal aspects” and Iran is examining them.

“If it is proved to be in breach of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), we will take action,” he said.

Araghchi noted, though, that the bill has not been finalized yet.

Citizens of 38 countries, many in the EU, can currently fly to the US without applying for a visa under America’s Visa Waiver Program.

The new legislation initially said those eligible for the waiver program who had travelled to “terrorist hotspots” like Iraq and Syria where the ISIL terrorist group controls territory would need to obtain a US visa.

But the final version included Iran and Sudan to the list of countries.

The bill HR158 means citizens of many EU countries and the rest of the 38 states participating in the program who travel to Iran for pleasure or business will have to obtain a visa should they ever want to enter the US.

The decision comes before implementation of the JCPOA.

The final nuclear deal, known as a big confidence-building step in relations between Iran and the West, is going to terminate all nuclear-related sanctions against Tehran after coming into force.

 

Iranian Diplomat: No Disagreement between Iran, Russia over Syria

By
Emad Askarieh
-
Amir Abdollahian

Iran and Russia have no disagreement over Syria, a senior Iranian foreign ministry official underlined on Sunday.

The comment by Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir Abdollahian came in reaction to some media reports on alleged disagreements between Tehran and Moscow over Syria.

Amir Abdollahian said that both Iran and Russia “are seriously helping the Syrian army in fighting against terrorism”.

He also denied claims that Iran is withdrawing its military advisers from Syria, and said, “Iranian military advisers are continuing their counterterrorism measures.”

The Iranian diplomat further described as “positive” Russia’s move against terrorism in Syria which is underway in coordination with the Syrian government.

Syria has been gripped by civil war since March 2011 with Takfiri terrorists from various groups, including Daesh (ISIL), currently controlling parts of it.

According to the United Nations, more than 250,000 people have been killed and one million wounded during the conflict.

 

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 14

By
Emad Askarieh
-
Iranian Newspapers Headlines
Iranian Newspapers Headlines

Tehran playing host to a 12th edition of Iran Petrochemical Forum and the wide-ranging comments of the Judiciary spokesman dominated the front pages of Iranian newspapers on Monday. Also on the cover of reformist-leaning dailies were the all-important remarks of the chairman of the Expediency Council about upcoming elections and the Assembly of Experts.   Ettela’at: Employment and welfare will be [the country’s] top priorities in the post-sanctions era, First Vice-President Eshagh Jahangiri told an international petrochemical forum. He further said that the resistance-based economy will be the flagship policy of the post-sanctions era. Ettela’at: As of December 22, home loans totaling around $23,000 will be on offer. Ettela’at: Thirty-five were killed when the Nigerian army staged an attack on a Shiite funeral service in Zaria. Ettela’at: The world agreed to save Planet Earth. The representatives of 195 countries have given a nod to a global march toward renewable energies. Ettela’at: Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani has said that going to extremes won’t serve the interests of the Revolution and Islam. The chairman of the Expediency Council further said that some groups always take political advantages of the warnings of the Supreme Leader whose real and legal reputation should not be used in political gamesmanship. Ettela’at: Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that failure to take note of the achievements of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action will harm the country’s interests. He further said that implementation of the Iran-IAEA roadmap has spelled an end to divisions over the removal of sanctions.   A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 14  

Afarinesh: Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani has denounced the comments of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.   A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 14

Afkar: The solution to the Syrian crisis lies in a political approach, said an Iranian deputy foreign minister.   A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 14

Aftab-e Yazd: Chairman of the Expediency Council Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani has said that hardliner pressure won’t have an impact on him.   A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 14

Arman-e Emrooz: The managing editor of Ettela’at daily is out on bail. Seyyed Mahmoud Doaei was summoned to court for a second time and arraigned. [It came after his daily republished an interview former President Mohammad Khatami gave to a Lebanese newspaper. According to the Judiciary, there is a ban on publication of news stories and images of the former reformist president in place in Iran.]   A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 14

Asrar: The first vice president has said that Iran is facing a plot to keep oil prices low. Asrar: The director of the Environment Protection Organization has hailed the Paris summit on climate change as a “milestone for humanity”. Asrar: Two Iranian wrestlers have been banned from the sport for using performance enhancing drugs.   A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 14

Bahar: The Judiciary spokesman has said that the ban [on publication of news about and images of former President Mohammad Khatami] is still in effect.   A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 14

Ebtekar: The deputy foreign minister has reported the start of bilateral talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Ebtekar: Abbas Araghchi, a deputy foreign minister, has said that if the recent decision of the US House of Representatives turns out to contradict the provisions of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Iran will take action. Ebtekar: Ayatollah Rafsanjani has said that a leadership election council has been formed at the Assembly of Experts.   A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 14

Emtiaz: Police on skis have been deployed to ski slopes of the capital.   A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 14

Etemad: Tochal Cable Car [in the mountains to the north of the capital] is in dangerous conditions.   A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 14

Ghanoon: A broad-based Assembly of Experts will promote the cachet of the leader, said Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani.   A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 14

Hadaf va Eghtesad: The Judiciary spokesman has said that four people have been arrested for forging the signature of senior officials.   A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 14

Hambastegi: The number of defendants in the Babak Zanjani corruption trial is more than three, said the Judiciary spokesman.   A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 14

Hemayat: The Judiciary spokesman has said that if he were a prosecutor, he would have brought charges against the individual who recently insulted the Guardian Council. Hemayat: The justice minister has said that unauthorized financial and monetary institutes should be seriously dealt with.   A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 14  

Iran: There are individuals who do not want the nuclear deal to be implemented before elections are held in late February, said the chairman of the Expediency Council.   A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 14

Javan: The Judiciary spokesman has said that those who commit electoral offenses will be seriously dealt with.   A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 14  

Jomhouri Islami: Foreign Minister Zarif has said that Iran is on the cusp of the post-sanctions era. His deputy meanwhile said that the so-called PMD (possible military dimension) file will soon be history. And a number of MPs have said that the draft resolution of the IAEA Board of Governors shows that Iran’s PMD case will be declared closed.   A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 14

Kaenat: Government is determined to take giant strides. Oil Minister Zanganeh: Planning is underway to make a leap in the petrochemical industry. Foreign Minister Zarif: The stage is set for development of the petrochemical industry in the post-sanctions era.   A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 14  

Kayhan: The American dream of an Iraqi breakup is on the agenda of Erdogan.   A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 14

Mardomsalari: Influenza is inching in on the capital. Forty-six people have died of the flu across the country so far this year.   A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 14

Nasl-e Farda: With salary talks around the corner, laborers have sent a letter to the president.   A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 14

Resalat: Ayatollah Nasser Makarem Shirazi has urged Azeri statesmen to respect the religious sentiments of their people.   A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 14  

Saheb Ghalam: As many as 250,000 engineers graduate from Iranian universities each year.   A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 14  

Sayeh: The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was the result of efforts to ward off war, said Secretary of the Expediency Council Mohsen Rezaei.   A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 14  

Sharq: The intelligence minister has said that efforts are being made to ensure job security for those involved in media.   A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 14

Vaghaye-e Etefaghiyeh: The deputy minister of industries, mines and trade has said that American automakers can invest in Iran.   Vaghaye

Sixth Development Plan: To trim a fat government

By
Emad Askarieh
-
Government

The eleventh government finally put out its proposed draft of the Sixth Development Plan with some delay. Downsizing the Power [Energy] Ministry and merging part of it with the Oil Ministry to form a new Energy Ministry is one of the main goals of Iran’s 6th Five-Year Development Plan (2016 – 2021).

Dissolution of a number of organizations affiliated to the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Trade, mergers and bans on new hiring by state agencies, dissolution of the Housing Foundation, etc. envisioned in the proposed bill [drafted by Iranian Management and Planning Organization] all show the eleventh government’s determination to trim the government. Experience has shown that such downsizing does not necessarily bring about a decline in government costs and that the shrinking of the government should be done with some considerations.

Vaghaye-e Etefaghiyeh on December 13 published a piece on the drafted Sixth Development Plan. The following is the translation of part of that piece:

The birth of [new] Energy Ministry

Creation of a new energy ministry and dissolution of parts of the Power Ministry which focused on energy comes as the ministry has the most subsidiaries in the country. These subsidiaries placed a heavy burden on the government’s shoulders. […]

The Oil Ministry which is a giant ministry is unable to handle certain parts of itself. By the end of the first year of the Sixth Development Plan, the Energy Ministry will be created after the energy-related parts of the Power Ministry are merged with the Oil Ministry.

The Environment Protection Organization, the Forests, Range and Watershed Management Organization, and Iran Water Resources Management Organization will integrate to form a new Environment Protection, Natural Resources and Water Organization run under the supervision of the president.

Transformation of Ministries of economy and industries

Under the Sixth Development Plan, the responsibilities of the ministries of industries and agriculture on the commercial front will be delegated to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance which is among the smallest ministries in the country.

The Trade Promotion Organization of Iran will merge with the Organization for Investment Economic and Technical Assistance of Iran to create a new Organization for Development of Foreign Economic Ties in the Economy Ministry. The Iran International Exhibition Company will be ceded to the private hands, and the Consumers and Producers Protection Organization will be dissolved and its responsibilities will be handed over to the private sector’s [trade] unions and guilds.

Scaling down the government size and hiring

Dissolution of University of Applied Science and Technology, and the shutdown or takeover by the private sector of more than 50 percent of the branches of Payame Noor University is simply part of the plans to make the government thinner.

Under the Sixth Development Plan, only 15 percent of executive bodies are to be dissolved. The government has characterized the deletion of these bodies as a decision in line with efforts to help the resistance-based economy. The question is whether downsizing the government can help maintain its efficiency and reduce its size.

The previous cabinet showed that the government costs can be raised by reducing the number of [state] institutions and increasing the unrestrained hiring [in government offices]. But the fact is that a smaller government does not mean the number of institutions and companies should be decreased; rather, it translates into the agility of the government, something Ahmadinejad failed to do.

[…] In other words, the Rouhani administration is not expected to repeat the mistake of its predecessor and start a wave of hiring (as the labor minister has put it).

Iran calls on Nigeria to respect religious figures, sites

By
Emad Askarieh
-
Shia muslims Nigeria

Iran has called on Nigerian authorities to respect religious figures and sites following two days of deadly persecution against the country’s Shia Muslims.

“Nigeria… is now dealing with problems arising from extremism and Takfiri terrorism and we hope that in these conditions preservation of calm and national unity in battling terrorism is prioritized while rash and unconstructive measures are avoided,” IRNA quoted Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hossein Jaber-Ansari as saying on Sunday.

Jaber-Ansari expressed sorrow over the recent bloody clashes, which broke out between Muslim worshipers and government troops earlier in the day.

Nigerian forces raided the home of the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Ibrahim al-Zakzaky, and arrested him after reportedly killing several of those protecting him including one of the group’s senior leaders and its spokesman.

Since their arrest, the fate of Zakzaky and his wife remains unknown

The developments followed the Saturday clashes between troops and Shia Muslims in the country’s city of Zaria, in Kaduna state, in which at least 15 people were killed and many more injured.

Reports said soldiers opened fire on the people attending a ceremony in Hussainiyyah Bagheeyatullah, a religious center in the northern city. The Shias had reportedly stopped the convoy of the Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai as the top Shia cleric was planning a speech in the religious center.

 

Iran: Sanctions to be lifted in ‘next few days’

By
Emad Askarieh
-
Zangeneh-oil-min

Oil Minister Bijan Zangeneh says oil sanctions against Iran will be lifted in the “next few days.”

He made the announcement as Iran’s Petrochemical Forum (IPF) opened in Tehran with an appeal to foreign companies to re-open their offices in the resource-rich country.

“Iran’s oil sanctions will be completely annulled in the next few days,” Zangeneh said.

The lifting of sanctions will enable the country to fulfill its 20-year vision plan, including its target to produce $70 billion of petrochemicals a year at current prices, the minister added.

“Iran has enough feedstock at its Persian Gulf coasts for new projects, including its plans for production of ethylene from LNG, ethane and propane,” Zangeneh said.

The minister called on leading energy companies to re-open their offices in Iran in order to get Iranian support.

“Oppressive sanctions will be removed soon and international exchanges will become possible,” he said.

Managing Director of the National Petrochemical Company (NPC) Abbas Sheri Moghaddam said Iran’s petrochemical production will hit 70 million tonnes in the new Persian year which begins on March 20, 2016.

The products will be worth $27 billion at current prices, the official said.

“After nuclear negotiations, we must expect a boom in the petrochemical sector,” Sheri Moghaddam added.

 

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