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Armenian music performed at Tehran’s Vahdat Hall in Fajr Music Festival

The concert highlighted the cultural and musical ties between Iran and Armenia, drawing an enthusiastic audience.

Tevanyan, reflecting on the shared musical heritage of the two nations, stated, “Armenia and Iran have been neighbors for centuries, and it’s natural for our musical traditions to share similarities.”

“I deeply admire Iranian music, which is profoundly rich and expressive. I particularly enjoy listening to the works of the late singer Mohammad Reza Shajarian and his son, Homayoun Shajarian,” he noted.

Asatourian praised the Fajr Music Festival for its role in promoting cultural exchanges, saying it is “an excellent platform that has been showcasing Iranian and international music for 40 years.”

The 40th Fajr International Music Festival, organized by Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, took place from February 12 to 18, 2024, in Tehran and 21 other provinces.

The festival featured performances by artists from various countries, emphasizing the universal language of music.

Tunisian qanun player praises similarities between Iranian, Tunisian melodies

She believes that Iranian and Tunisian musical melodies have striking similarities and aims to bridge the two musical traditions through her performances.

With a strong passion for Iranian traditional music, Al-Farsi said she has befriended many Iranian musicians and is familiar with their works, adding she has even performed with them in Europe, which introduced her to the Fajr International Music Festival.

Al-Farsi highlightd her admiration for the qanun playing style of Iranian musician Simin Agharazi and her love for the santur, inspired by Parviz Meshkatian’s works.

She believes that the shared roots between Iranian and Tunisian music create similar emotional tones and melodies, allowing composers from both cultures to create alike tunes.

Al-Farsi also appreciated the global recognition of Iranian musicians such as Kayhan Kalhor, Hossein Alizadeh, and Mohammad Reza Shajarian.

She expressed her gratitude for the warm reception in Iran, adding she is eager to collaborate with Iranian artists during the festival.

Al-Farsi clarified that, while her name often confuses Iranians due to its similarity to Persian names, she is Tunisian.

Iran, Armenia plan joint cultural festivals to strengthen ties

The announcement came during the 40th Fajr International Music Festival, where H.E. Grigor Hakobyan attended a joint concert featuring Armenian and Iranian musicians.

Speaking to reporters, Hakobyan expressed gratitude to Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance for inviting Armenian artists to perform at the festival.

“Such events provide an excellent opportunity for both countries to better understand each other’s art and culture. They bring our nations closer and strengthen our bonds,” he said.

The concert, performed by Armenian musicians Levon Tevanyan and Armen Asatourian alongside Iranian artists, showcased a fusion of Armenian and Iranian music.

Hakobyan praised the performance, noting the similarities between Armenian and Iranian melodies.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the concert and found many shared elements in our musical traditions. Programs like this are invaluable for promoting our cultures,” he added.

The Armenian envoy emphasized Armenia’s commitment to expanding cultural and artistic ties with Iran, revealing that preparations are underway to implement several cultural cooperation ideas, which will be unveiled soon.

The head of Iran’s Music Office, Ahmad Sadri, also highlighted the musical commonalities between the two countries, particularly the shared use of the duduk, a traditional wind instrument.

President Pezeshkian: Neighbors can take steps towards regional security

On Wednesday, during a joint press conference with Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, in Tehran, President Pezeshkian noted that the Islamic Republic of Iran pursues the development of relations in all political, economic, cultural, military, and security fields with neighboring countries and the region.

Pezeshkian, referring to his discussions with the Emir of Qatar in Tehran, added that important decisions were made regarding bilateral issues to develop and deepen relations and open new avenues for cooperation. The Emir of Qatar also stressed the need to create new cooperation opportunities between Tehran and Doha.

President Pezeshkian stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran believes that regional countries can take steps towards maintaining stability and security in the region based on good neighborliness and constructive interaction.

He emphasized that both sides also reiterated their respect for the territorial integrity of Syria and the participation of all Syrians in determining their own destiny.

Pezeshkian also thanked Qatar for its mediating efforts in the release of Palestinian prisoners and noted that during his meeting with the Emir of Qatar, the necessity of adopting coherent measures among Islamic countries to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza and stop the crimes of the Zionist regime against the residents of Gaza was emphasized.

He added that all governments and peoples in the region, based on divine and human values, should make every effort to defend the rights of the Palestinian people and Gaza to enjoy a safe life in their historical land.

Famous Iranian dubbing artist Manouchehr Valizadeh dies

He had been hospitalized for two weeks in the ICU. Valizadeh began his career in radio
broadcasting in 1958.

He started voice acting at the age of 16.

Throughout his career, Valizadeh did many memorable roles, including the cartoon character Lucky Luke.

He was also known for voicing Michael Schofield in the television series “Prison Break,” as well as
providing the Farsi voice for actors such as Tom Hanks, John Travolta, Tom Cruise, Harrison Ford, Nicolas Cage, Jason Statham, Jim Carrey, Will Smith, Eddie Murphy, Robert Wagner, and Elvis Presley.

Valizadeh considered himself a student of prestigious voice actor late Houshang Latifpour and said about his teacher, “He was one of the first-class dubbing artists… all of us, from dear Manouchehr Esmaeili to myself, were his students and that’s how we got here”.

Iran President officially welcomes Emir of Qatar

Zelensky: Russia behind Trump’s false claim of 4% approval rating

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky

“We saw this disinformation. We understand it comes from Russia. We understand, and we have evidence that those figures have been discussed between the U.S. and Russia,” Zelensky said.

Trump made the claim without providing evidence, presenting it as an argument that Ukraine should hold elections soon. Speaking the same day when a U.S. delegation met top Russian officials for talks in Saudi Arabia without Ukraine’s participation, Trump also laid the blame for the war on Kyiv.

Kremlin propaganda has pushed the narrative that Zelensky is an illegitimate leader, relying on the premise that his first presidential term was originally meant to end on May 20, 2024.

The false allegation ignores the fact that the Ukrainian constitution prohibits elections during martial law, which went into effect after Russia launched the full-scale invasion in 2022.

While voicing his respect for Trump and the American people, Zelensky stated that the U.S. president “sadly lives in this disinformation space.”

Zelensky also pointed to the latest survey that put the president’s approval rating at 57%, adding that efforts to replace him at this moment would not be successful.

Iranian expert: Accepting FATF improves currency management

FATF

Speaking exclusively to ISNA news agency, Masoud Tavakoli noted that if the enemy wants, it will eventually gain access to Iran’s commercial information and interactions from some point.

Tavakoli added that failure to join the FATF will hurt Iran.

He also spoke about the advantages of joining the FATF. He said sanctions have resulted in many costs for Iran despite that Tehran has managed to bypass them, but the country still faces a barrier called FATF.

Tavakoli underlined that joining the FATF can bring significant benefits for Iran under the current conditions, saying this will facilitate the country’s currency transactions.

“When currency transactions are facilitated, the supply of currency increases, and as a result, the inflow of currency is increased, allowing the policy makers to better manage the market”, Tavakoli said.

He added that those who do not agree with the FATF believe this will tie Iran’s hands in the political, military and other areas.

According to the economic expert, all countries, including China and Russia, have similar conditions to Iran, but there is no other choice.

Iran UN envoy deplores US’ Gaza plan for forced relocation of Palestinians

Gaza War

Addressing an open debate of the United Nations Security Council about “Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance”, held in New York on February 18, Saeed Iravani said the Gaza Strip is the rightful land of the Palestinian people.

The full text of his statement is as follows:

Mr. President,

We appreciate China for organizing this important and timely high-level open debate. We also thank Minister Wang Yi and the Secretary-General for their valuable insights and for reaffirming the vital role of multilateralism.

Mr. President,

Multilateralism is essential for tackling global challenges, requiring adherence to international law, transparency, and accountability. However, trust in multilateral institutions is declining due to selective international law, unilateral coercion, and violations of sovereign equality.

In this context, I wish to highlight the following points:

1. Multilateral mechanisms lose their credibility when manipulated for political agendas. Selective enforcement of international norms, imposition of unilateral sanctions, and economic coercion undermine the core principles of multilateralism. The United States and its Western allies, who enforce unlawful unilateral coercive measures, must be held accountable for the suffering, death, and destruction they cause to targeted nations, including my own people in blatant violation of international law, and basic principles of human rights.

2. The Security Council must uphold its mandate to resolve conflicts through multilateral cooperation. However, its current structure fails to reflect global power shifts and the legitimate aspirations of the Global South. To restore its credibility, the Council must become more representative, democratic, and accountable. A truly inclusive body with equitable regional representation would enhance both its legitimacy and effectiveness. Regrettably, certain permanent members have repeatedly exploited the Council to advance its own political interests. A glaring example is the United States’ persistent use of its veto to shield Israel from accountability for its systematic violations of international law and the UN Charter, particularly its genocidal crimes against the Palestinian people and acts of aggression against other nations in the region. Gaza is the rightful land of the Palestinian people and Iran strongly condemns the U.S. colonial plan to forcibly displace and uproot Palestinians from their own land, a flagrant violation of international law and a grave assault on fundamental human rights.

3. The global financial system, shaped by outdated institutions, must be restructured to ensure fair participation for developing nations. Their marginalization deepens inequalities and hinders sustainable development.

Mr. President,

We face a critical choice: allow divisions and unilateralism to dictate global affairs, or reaffirm our commitment to a just, equitable, and rules-based international order upheld by the UN system. To do so, we must take decisive action:

First, Global governance must be built on open, fair, and transparent negotiations, ensuring disputes are resolved through diplomacy, not coercion.

Second, the UN must ensure all nations have fair access to technology, resources, and trade, fostering sustainable growth for all.

Third, closer collaboration between the UN and regional organizations such as the African Union, the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization), and BRICS will reinforce collective security and economic resilience.

As a founding member of the United Nations, the Islamic Republic of Iran once more reaffirms its sustained commitment to effective multilateralism, grounded in international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Thank you.

Britain mulling alternative to troop deployment in Ukraine: The Times

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that the UK is “ready and willing” to station troops in Ukraine as part of a security arrangement following a potential truce with Russia. A senior government source told the newspaper that an air patrol initiative involving British military aircraft and anti-aircraft systems protecting them could complement a small number of troops inside Ukraine.

The proposed arrangement would be modeled after NATO’s air power sharing scheme, which allows patrols over the Baltic States, likely requiring dozens of Typhoons on standby. A Royal Air Force source remarked, “We are prepared to do whatever we are told to do.”

Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenksy has suggested that at least 200,000 foreign troops would be needed for a sufficient security guarantee. However, European NATO allies are reportedly considering a much smaller force – an approach that, in Zelensky’s words, would amount to “nothing.”

Meanwhile, the US has ruled out any involvement of its military or NATO as an organization in any potential peacekeeping arrangement.

Senior American and Russian officials convened in Saudi Arabia this week to mend bilateral relations, with hopes that a diplomatic thaw will lead to a swift resolution of the Ukraine conflict. After Tuesday’s meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stressed that Moscow will not tolerate any military presence of NATO nations in Ukraine, “even under the EU flag or as part of national contingents.”

The British publication underscored the dilemma, titling its report: “British Typhoons may help keep peace in Ukraine – if Russia drops objections.”

Following a shift in Washington’s Ukraine policy under President Donald Trump, several European nations, including Poland, Germany, and France, have expressed skepticism about deploying troops to Ukraine without US support. Some officials view a UN mission as a viable option that Russia might endorse, The Times daily reproted.