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Home Blog Page 4686

Leader says Iran progressed despite Western restrictions

Golrokh Askarieh

November 11, 2015

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says conditions set by Western countries for supplying Iran with nuclear fuel prompted the country’s young scientists to produce the fuel on Iran’s soil.

Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks in a meeting with heads of Iranian universities and higher education centers in Tehran on Wednesday.

“For selling 20-percent [nuclear] fuel [to Iran], Westerners set humiliating conditions. Of course, this ended in our favor and our youth made effort and produced it [inside the country],” the Leader added.

Ayatollah Khamenei stated that the success of the Iranian youths in producing nuclear fuel inside the country put Western countries “on edge.”

The Leader noted that according to the latest figures, Iran has gone down two notches in terms of the pace of its scientific progress. “This is bad. With this pace of scientific progress we are way behind. We have been kept behind for many long years.”

Noting that the United States started its scientific progress 140 years ahead of Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei said, “The issue that amazed the world is the speed of our progress. They said the speed of the Islamic Republic’s scientific growth is 13 times that of the world’s [scientific] growth figure.”

Criticizing occasional un-Islamic moves in some universities, Ayatollah Khamenei said, “Some people have mistaken cultural work in universities for mixed concerts and camps.”

Ayatollah Khamenei underlined that cultural activities should train students who are “creative, revolutionary, believing in [religious] ideals, loving their country and the Establishment, with insight, with self-confidence” and full of hope.

The Leader also told officials to give enough latitude to “faithful and revolutionary” youth for their activities.

Advising Iran’s academic community to fight off the feeling of humiliation, the Leader said, “The feeling of humiliation is very dangerous. The entire world says that Iran is a dignified and powerful country and enemies are dismayed at Iran’s [rising] influence, then some [people] in universities or in [their] newspaper say due to a sense of low esteem that ‘we are nothing and are isolated’. Now, if you underestimate yourself, why underestimate the Iranian nation and the Islamic Republic Establishment?”

Iran to buy shares of African banks

Golrokh Askarieh

November 11, 2015

Iran has plans to buy shares in some major African banks and apply for membership in the African Development Bank, an Iranian trade official announced.

Head of the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran Valiollah Afkhami-Rad described the plan as part of efforts to reduce the risk of investment in African countries.

He also unveiled plans for establishing joint funds and commercial chambers and councils with African states as well as an increase in the number of Iranian commercial attachés in Africa in order to broaden economic ties with the continent.

Iran is going to dispatch four new commercial attachés to Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt and Tanzania and seeks to establish shipping and air routes to African destinations to boost trade, Afkhami Rad added.

Expansion of relations with the African nations in all political, economic and cultural fields is top on the agenda of Iran’s foreign policy.

President Rouhani has repeatedly stressed his government’s interest in boosting relations with the African states.

Iran nabs terrorists in several provinces: Intelligence minister

Golrokh Askarieh

November 11, 2015

Minister of Intelligence Seyyed Mahmoud Alavi said that several terrorist elements have been arrested in different parts of the country in recent days.

Speaking at a press conference in Tehran Tuesday, Alavi said 10 terrorist elements have been captured in the provinces of Golestan, Mazandaran, Tehran, and Sistan and Baluchestan.

Also, 20 terrorists were arrested in border areas before leaving the country for Iraq and Syria, Alavi added.

He also referred to terrorist activities in western parts of the country, including in the city of Dezful and a couple of attacks on police stations in the city of Soosangerd, and said 14 individuals have been arrested in this regard. Alavi said, “These terrorists are sponsored by reactionary regional states.”

He pointed to enemies’ schemes to create insecurity in Iran in Muharram, when Iranian people mourn the martyrdom of the third Shiite Imam Hussein ibn Ali (PBUH), saying that the ministry has managed to foil the plots.

“The country’s unmatched security has somehow humiliated the enemies of Iran,” the minister said.

Official hails unprecedented like-mindedness among government branches

Golrokh Askarieh

November 11, 2015

The government spokesman has said the current cooperation and like-mindedness among the heads of government branches is unprecedented.

Mohammad Bagher Nobakht, who is also the director of the Management and Planning Organization, made the remark in his weekly press conference which was held at the site of the Press and News Agencies Exhibition on Tuesday and thanked the Judiciary chief for closely cooperating with the Cabinet.

Entekhab.ir on November 10 covered the press conference. The following is the translation of part of Nobakht’s remarks which focused on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the Mina tragedy and comments by the Judiciary chief:

JCPOA

The Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) has been working on the country’s nuclear case and its decision on how the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action should be implemented is now being enforced. A committee to oversee the implementation of JCPOA will be named in the near future.

The SNSC held a meeting on Sunday. It will hold another meeting later this week to decide – among other things – on members of the oversight committee.

Mina tragedy

In line with Iran’s follow-up efforts, an Iranian expert group has been dispatched to Saudi Arabia to identify those missing in the deadly stampede and reassert the violated rights of the Iranian people. As I have already said, the government will tap into all official and unofficial tools it has at its disposal to get to the bottom of this case.

Reaction to Judiciary chief’s complaints

To be honest, never in the previous governments has there been such good cooperation and like-mindedness among the heads of government branches. This period [the Rouhani presidency] is among the best periods during which officials are working together cooperatively. As for the Judiciary, I should thank the Judiciary chief on behalf of the Cabinet for his cooperation with the government, especially cooperation over the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Differences of opinion are normal and people may hold different views on one single issue. We abide by Article 57 of the Constitution which deals with the Separation of Powers [The powers of government in the Islamic Republic are vested in the legislature, the judiciary, and the executive powers, functioning under the supervision of the absolute religious Leader and the Leadership of the Ummah, in accordance with the forthcoming articles of this Constitution. These powers are independent of each other.].

But the fact remains that Article 113 of the Constitution has given special prominence to the president describing him as the highest ranking official in the country after the Supreme Leader and responsible for enforcing the law [After the office of Leadership, the President is the highest official in the country. His is the responsibility for implementing the Constitution and acting as the head of the executive, except in matters directly concerned with the office of the Leadership].

By the same token, the president sincerely spoke his mind in the presence of the media [a few days ago]. The government will pursue efforts to help ease the president’s concerns. On the other hand, we respect the viewpoints of the esteemed Judiciary chief.

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Nov. 11

Golrokh Askarieh

November 11, 2015

Apprehension of dozens of terrorists by the Intelligence Ministry agents and the wide-ranging comments of the government spokesman and secretary of the Supreme National Security Council dominated the front pages of Iranian newspapers on Wednesday.

Ettela’at: The vice-president has said that the Supreme Leader has issued guidelines on how the macro-policies of a resistance-based economy should be implemented.

According to those guidelines, measures to introduce a resistance-based economy should be integrated into the Sixth Development Plan.

Highlights of Ettela’at newspaper on Nov. 11

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Nov. 11

Abrar: The office of Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani has rejected rumors that the source of emulation is ill.

Abrar: We are following the Leader’s orders in implementing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said.

Aftab-e Yazd: “I don’t like [Oil Minister Bijan Namdar] Zanganeh to drive my car!” said Babak Zanjani in a seventh hearing of his corruption trial.

The young billionaire further told the court, “You forced my hand; I have to say I have €22 billion in cash.”

Aftab-e Yazd: Why isn’t Rouhani entitled to being a critic?

The Worriers [opponents of the Rouhani administration] should be asked whether they expect the president to remain silent in the face of their mudslinging, insults and other tools they employ to attack the government. Such expectation is definitely irrational.

Arman-e Emrooz: The intelligence minister has said that 40 terrorists have been arrested across the country.

Asia: The investment Iranian expatriates make in Iran will be guaranteed, said the minister of labor, cooperatives and social welfare.

Asr-e Iranian: There has been a sinkhole on Tehran’s Vali Asr Street.

Asr-e Rasaneh: Germany’s BASF has signaled readiness to have a presence in Iran’s petrochemical industry.

Asrar: Reformist leader Mohammad Reza Aref has said that reformists and government supporters are likely to release a single ticket for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Asrar: Hossein Sobhaninia, MP, has said the [continued existence of] JCPOA Committee is now irrelevant.

Bahar: Police offer an explanation about recent street protests

State institutions carry on with their measures to win back the trust of the Azeri people [after the airing by IRIB of a program the Azeris have found insulting.]

The interior minister has said after the program was aired on Friday the Supreme National Security Council asked the broadcaster to apologize to the public.

Ebtekar: Will the national medium become what it’s called: national?

In a report featuring interviews with experts the daily takes a look at the performance of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting in an election year.

Ebtekar: Majid Ansari, the vice-president for parliamentary affairs, has said he is likely to run for the Assembly of Experts.

Emtiaz: The minister of industries, mines and trade has underlined the importance of measures to establish direct flights to African destinations.

Etemad: The health minister has said that middlemen will be eliminated from the pharmaceutical supply cycle.

Farhikhtegan: “Iran stands ready to have scientific cooperation with the rest of the world,” said the chairman of the Expediency Council at a meeting with a delegation of Norwegian academics.

Hemayat: Deep cracks are emerging in the Saudi-led coalition attacking Yemen.

Hemayat: The removal of centrifuges was halted after a warning, said Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani.

Iran: The secretary of the Supreme National Security Council has said that the case involving the recent apprehension of a number of journalists is being “managed”.

Iran: “The president stands up for the rights of all ethnic groups,” said the government spokesman.

Jomhouri Islami: A final hearing has been held in the trial of people who attacked Tehran MP Ali Motahari when he was in Shiraz to deliver a speech earlier in 2015.

Kaenat: The secretary of the Supreme Free Zones Council has said that an international center is to be set up to finance Iranian projects.

Kayhan: With a third Intifada expanding, the Zionist regime has called up army reservists.

Payam-e Zaman: Car imports have registered a 68 percent decline.

Payam-e Zaman: Production of petrochemicals is to post a 100 percent increase.

Qods: The new motion in the US Congress to block Iranian assets focuses on compensations for hostages in Lebanon and the alleged problem associated with IRGC operations.

Resalat: In the 2009 sedition [unrest in the wake of presidential elections] the US served as the operations commander, said Mohammad Hossein Saffar Harandi, a former minister of culture and Islamic guidance.

Sepid: In the absence of criticism, there will be no progress, said the health minister as he visited the stall of the daily at the Press and News Agencies Exhibition.

Sharq: Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said that he thinks critics of his performance are unlikely to have threatened him with assassination.

Sharq: Government supports the legitimate freedoms of citizens, said the vice-resident for parliamentary affairs.

Highlights of Ettela’at newspaper on Nov. 11

Golrokh Askarieh

November 11, 2015

Ettela’at: The vice-president has said that the Supreme Leader has issued guidelines on how the macro-policies of a resistance-based economy should be implemented.

According to those guidelines, measures to introduce a resistance-based economy should be integrated into the Sixth Development Plan.

Ettela’at: Dr. Mohammad Bagher Nobakht has said that a bill designed to shed light on the campaign finances of parliamentary candidates will be sent to parliament.

The government spokesman further said that the president will step in anytime he feels the rights of citizens as envisioned in the Constitution are being violated.

Ettela’at: German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has said that there will be no solution to the Syrian crisis unless talks are held with Bashar al-Assad.

His comments came ahead of a new round of Syria talks in Vienna come Saturday.

Ettela’at: “Investment in terrorism won’t bring about security to your countries,” Foreign Minister Zarif said in comments aimed at regional countries.

The top diplomat further said that security for one country does not come at the expense of insecurity for others.

Ettela’at: The intelligence minister has said 20 terrorists have been arrested in border areas.

A recent operation by the Intelligence Ministry agents has foiled terrorist plots which were to be carried out in the mourning months of Muharram and Safar, Mahmoud Alawi said.

Ettela’at: The president of Tehran University has said that expansion of international communications is among the priorities of the higher education system.

Ettela’at: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he has serious differences with President Obama over the Iran nuclear deal.

Netanyahu’s comments came as scores of people gathered outside the White House to denounce his US visit.

Ettela’at: The winners of Tahereh Saffarzadeh Literary-Scientific Award have been named.

Military approaches no solution to Mideast crises: Iran

Golrokh Askarieh

November 11, 2015

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has warned against the adoption of military approaches to resolve the ongoing crises in the Middle East.

“If some players still have the illusion of a military solution to regional crises, that would be disastrous,” Zarif said in a meeting with Tunisia’s Secretary of State for Arab and African Affairs Touhami Abdouli in Tehran on Tuesday.

He added that regional crises should only be settled through dialogue and political approaches.

The minister also commended Tunisia’s contribution to the settlement of regional conflicts.

Zarif further said Tehran and Tunis have great potential to improve relations and emphasized that no obstacle can hinder expansion of political and economic cooperation between them.

War, militancy will never solve ME crisis: Abdouli

The Tunisian official said regional crises would never be settled through war and military intervention.

Abdouli added that the Tunisian people have suffered greatly at the hands of terrorist groups such as IS and the al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front and would never tolerate terrorists.

He also called for closer cooperation with Iran and expressed hope that political relations between the two countries would positively affect economic ties.

A mosque unearthed in the desert (PHOTOS)

Golrokh Askarieh

November 11, 2015

Archeological excavations have dug up a mosque in Rezvanshahr, Yazd Province, which dates back to the Timurid Empire (1370-1507 AD).

Rig Mosque, which has been unearthed from the sands in the desert in central Iran, hosts pilgrims from across the country.

The following are the pictures shabestan.ir has released of the unearthed mosque at the heart of the desert:

Iran will receive Russian S-300 missile system by yearend: Dehghan

Golrokh Askarieh

November 11, 2015

Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehghan has said Iran will take delivery of Russian-made S-300 surface-to-air missile defense system by the end of the year.

Speaking to reporters in Tehran Tuesday, the minister added that the “executive stage” of the agreement for the delivery of the missile system is over, adding that Iran will receive a “major part” of the shipment in less than two months.

“We have concluded a contract with the Russian side and it has also been signed,” Dehghan said in response to a question about an earlier report on an agreement between Tehran and Moscow on the delivery of the S-300 system.

RIA Novosti on Monday quoted Sergei Chemezov, the chief executive of Russian state-owned defense conglomerate Rostec, as saying that Tehran and Moscow have signed a contract for the long-overdue delivery of the missile defense systems to Iran.

Dehghan said Iran has purchased as many S-300 missile defense batteries as it needs.

He also said that Iranian forces are currently undergoing training in Russia on the S-300 system.

Russia banned the delivery of the S-300 system to Iran back in 2010 under the pretext that the agreement it signed with Tehran in 2007 was covered by the fourth round of the UN Security Council sanctions which barred hi-tech weapons sales to the Islamic Republic.

In April 2015, however, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a presidential decree paving the way for the long-overdue delivery of the missile defense system to Iran.

Iran, Russia stress political solution in Syria

Golrokh Askarieh

November 11, 2015

Iran and Russia have reiterated the necessity of finding a political solution to ongoing crisis in Syria.

Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir Abdollahian and his Russian counterpart Mikhail Bogdanov discussed the latest developments in Syria in a meeting in Moscow Tuesday.

The two officials underscored the need for the convergence of the countries’ stances about regional policies in the run-up to upcoming international talks on Syria in Vienna.

US State Department Spokesman John Kirby said Monday a new round of international talks aimed at resolving the crisis in Syria will be held in Vienna Saturday.

The event will be a continuation of October 30 negotiations in Vienna, which were attended by 17 nations, including Iran, as well as envoys from the United Nations and the European Union.

At the end of the talks, the participants agreed on respecting Syria’s national unity and sovereignty as well as eradicating the terrorist groups operating in the Arab country.

However, they remained at loggerheads over the role President Bashar al-Assad would play in Syria’s political process. While some countries, such as the US and its regional allies, want the removal of the Syrian leader as part of a solution to the issue, others, including Iran and Russia, say only the Syrian nation can have a say on that matter.

Amir-Abdollahian and Bogdanov also stressed intra-Syrian negotiations under international supervision for the settlement of the Syrian crisis.

The two diplomats further emphasized the continuation of consultations between Tehran and Moscow for the restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East, particularly in Syria.

The foreign-backed militancy in Syria, which flared in March 2011, has so far claimed the lives of over 250,000 people and displaced millions.