You’d better speak for yourself, not on behalf of Leader

By

-

August 17, 2015

An advisor to the commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps has said that Kayhan daily’s chief had better express his own views and not speak on behalf of the Supreme Leader.

Hamid Reza Moghaddam-Far, a media advisor to Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari, made the comment in an opinion piece released Sunday in reaction to a Saturday editorial by the principlist daily’s Hossein Shariatmadari and added, “I wonder why you insist on inculcating in your readership that the Supreme Leader thinks like you?”

Entekhab.ir on August 16 published a brief report on the advisor’s piece and Kayhan’s editorial. The following is the translation of that report:

IRGC media advisor’s piece

I read your piece on the nuclear issue and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in Kayhan daily on Saturday (August 15) and pondered on it. How come a revolutionary brother like you is insisting on instilling in his audience a feeling that the Supreme Leader’s line of thinking is like his? Or the Supreme Leader’s analysis and understanding is similar to the way [Kayhan’s managing editor] analyzes and understands things?

This comes despite the fact that the Supreme Leader took a candid stance on this issue [nuclear question] in his Eid-ul-Fitr prayer sermons and made transparent comments when addressing state officials. ….

If we are to pick and choose, which one do you think would be our pick: the Supreme Leader’s line announced by his website [leader.ir] or your piece of writing? Are we supposed to lend our ears to the straightforward remarks of the Supreme Leader that anything [the deal] should go through legal channels and should be approved or rejected in line with national interests, and avoid making hasty judgments or drawing quick conclusions?

Or shall we dig in our heels, insist on and promote our interpretation that any conclusion which is drawn outside the legal channels is viewed as running counter to the Supreme Leader’s view?

Don’t you think such posturing will create a chasm among revolutionary forces at a time when they need solidarity and unity more than ever before? Don’t you think it would be better if you expressed your own views, rather than talk on behalf of the Supreme Leader?

Hossein Shariatmadari’s editorial

Remarks by the Supreme Leader in Eid-ul-Fitr prayer sermons this year leave no doubt that he knows full well about the catastrophic consequences and shortcomings of the Iran nuclear deal. One can definitely say that the Leader is not, by any means, satisfied with the text of the deal; otherwise, given the Supreme Leader’s thorough knowledge about the Vienna agreement, his stress on and frequent repetition of “We will not let go of the revolution’s principles whether or not the deal is approved” would be unnecessary.

So those who are in charge of reviewing the text of the Vienna accord have an unshakable responsibility to reject those articles, chapters and provisions of JCPOA which do not conform to the principles of Islam, the revolution and the establishment so that they – as the Supreme Leader has put it – will not feel disgraced and humiliated before people and later before the divine court.

[…]

If we believe that the Vienna agreement and its related documents – including Resolution 2231 and the IAEA’s roadmap – come with articles and points which are catastrophic for the revolution’s principles and that the very articles and points have concerned the Supreme Leader and all those caring [for the establishment], the only way forward is the rejection of JCPOA in its entirety. Is there any other way?

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on August 17

By

Golrokh Askarieh

-

August 17, 2015

The comments of the judiciary spokesman about cases involving the former director of the Social Security Organization and Babak Zanjani and allegations against the chief of staff of the former president dominated the front pages of Iranian newspapers on Monday.

Ettela’at: Supporters of the Iran nuclear deal hold rallies in 100 cities around the world.

Thousands of ralliers in Washington DC, New York, Berlin, Paris and London called on US hawks and the Zionists to stop their efforts to sabotage the deal.

Highlights of Ettela’at newspaper on August 17

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on August 17

Aftab-e Yazd: The spokesman of the judiciary has said that the reason why some MPs want to meet with Babak Zanjani [a young billionaire who stands accused of massive corruption when Ahmadinejad was in office] should be made clear.

Aftab-e Yazd: The director of the Atomic Energy Organization has said that some act as if nuclear negotiators have backed off in a traitorous way in talks with P5+1.

Amin: “The anti-IS coalition is a fabrication,” said the speaker of the Iranian parliament.

Arman-e Emrooz: The former director of the Social Security Organization has been sentenced to jail term and fine. He has been cleared on certain count(s).

Asr-e Azadi: “Foreign presence in Iranian market improves medical service standards,” said the Iranian health minister.

Asr-e Iranian: Germans are to build a power plant in Iran.

Asr-e Rasaneh: “The decisions of the previous government poured Iran’s national interests down the drain,” said Mehdi Asali, a senior Oil Ministry official.

Asrar: American businessmen will visit Iran, said the director of the National Carpet Center.

Asrar:Iran’s Farzan Ashurzadeh has won a gold medal in the World Taekwondo Grand Prix.

Ebtekar: “A vote for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in parliament will add to our obligations,” said Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Emtiaz: Migrant villagers account for 60 percent of the homeless in Tehran.

Hambastegi: “A commission is formed to implement the Free Access to Information Law,” said Hossein Entezami, a deputy minister of culture and Islamic Guidance.

Hemayat: “Allegations of land grab in Heyran Village in the north are being investigated,” said the judiciary spokesman.

Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei further said that the case involving Washington Post correspondent Jason Rezaian has nothing to do with his journalistic activity.

The spokesman went on to say that the role of [Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei] the chief of staff of the former president in the embezzlement case involving $1 billion has not been proven.

Sharq: “The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action has no confidential section,” said Iranian nuclear negotiator Abbas Araghchi.

Highlights of Ettela’at newspaper on August 17

By

Golrokh Askarieh

-

August 17, 2015

♦ Supporters of the Iran nuclear deal hold rallies in 100 cities around the world.

Thousands of ralliers in Washington DC, New York, Berlin, Paris and London called on US hawks and the Zionists to stop their efforts to sabotage the deal.

♦ Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani has said that the Iranians are entitled to using the best products made in the world.

“We need to make plans to promote exports. Making use of up-to-date foreign products does not run counter to efforts to promote local production,” said the chairman of the Expediency Council.

♦ Ahmed Al-Assir, a Salafist Lebanese cleric who was arrested at the airport in Beirut on Saturday, has said that he’s been in the pay of Saudi Arabia to take measures against Hezbollah.

The Lebanese prosecutor general has said the trial of the extremist sheikh will be open.

♦ Ali Akbar Velayati, an aide to the Supreme Leader, has said that without media support, Muslim countries fail to catch up to global developments.

The former foreign minister made the comment at the inaugural of the eighth General Assembly of Islamic Radios and TVs Union in Tehran.

♦ A Palestinian commander has died in an Israeli airstrike against a Syrian city.

In another development, an Iranian deputy foreign minister said Tehran’s support for Syria is immutable.

♦ Warning about growing social harms women and girls are exposed to

A senior cultural official with Tehran Governor’s Office has said if the current trend persists, a divorce tsunami would be around the corner.

♦ Multipurpose smart ID cards will be issued.

The new card will replace electronic cards citizens use to receive a variety of services.

People in several cities around globe rally in support of JCPOA

By

Golrokh Askarieh

-

August 17, 2015

Thousands of people have taken part in marches across the globe to express their support for a historical nuclear agreement reached between Iran and six world powers.

The rallies were held on the “Global Day of Peace for Iran” on Saturday in a number of cities including Washington DC, New York, Berlin, Paris and London.

Participants in the marches, organized partly by Iranians living abroad with no affiliation with any group or political party, called on the American and Zionist warmongers to end their efforts to derail the agreement.

In a statement, the organizers said they intend to show their support for the agreement to the rest of the world.

“These days there are proponents of war in the US spending millions of dollars to kill this agreement,” the statement said, adding, “This deal is still fragile, this seed of reconciliation has to be protected until the day it spreads seeds of peace all over the region.”

The organizers warned that the alternative to the agreement – Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) – would be “another billion-dollar war in the Middle East.”

Iran and P5+1– the United States, Britain, France, China, Russia and Germany – finalized the text of JCPOA in the Austrian capital of Vienna on July 14.

Under JCPOA, limits will be put on Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for, among other things, the removal of all economic and financial bans against the Islamic Republic.

The United Nations Security Council on July 20 unanimously endorsed a draft resolution turning JCPOA into international law. All 15 members of the council voted for the draft resolution, setting the stage for the lifting of the Security Council sanctions against Iran.

Connection between missile test stop, JCPOA ruled out

By

Golrokh Askarieh

-

August 17, 2015

A senior member of Iran nuclear negotiating team, Abbas Araghchi, says the stop in missile tests has nothing to do with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Speaking at a session of parliament’s Foreign Policy and National Security Committee Sunday on JCPOA, Araghchi said, “Our missile tests are not the concern of Resolution 2231; the tests might have been stopped for some other reasons but none of them has anything to do with JCPOA.”

He also said the Iranian Foreign Ministry has no sensitivity to present a bill on JCPOA to parliament.

[…]

Certain groups, Araghchi added, resort to articles 77 and 125 of the Constitution, asking for presentation of a bill on JCPOA to parliament and its approval, while others believe JCPOA needs not be endorsed by the chamber.

However, politically speaking, he said, “There should be a balance between commitments of Iran and of P5+1, JCPOA consideration in parliament will add to Iran’s commitments—something that is not consistent with the JCPOA spirit, that is observing the balance. However, we do not have any sensitivity about submitting a JCPOA bill.”

He said that a comparison between Resolutions 2231 and 1921 will show to what extent limitations were set for Iran militarily.

“Restrictions enshrined in Resolution 1921 are many times more than those of Resolution 2231. This means we managed to scale down the strength of sanctions, i.e. replacing ban with limitation,” he added.

The official added, “This means that the arms embargo envisioned by Resolution 2231 has nothing to do with JCPOA. Furthermore, the arms embargo that is the subject of Resolution 2231, is not binding and we can skip its implementation.”

Araghchi further said, “The removal of the arms embargo has never been part of our red lines. The Supreme Leader has declared that the first priority is the elimination of sanctions, economic and financial restrictions. Other sanctions should be lifted in intervals.”

As for the joint commission, he said, “It is a body for settlement of Iran-P5+1 disputes. The commission will, per Annex 4, have working group(s) to help iron out likely disputes among countries. The commission’s members are Iran, the EU and P5+1. The commission approvals are on the basis of consensus.”

As for SWIFT, he said it is both against Iranian banks and individuals, both legal and real entities. He said 800 legal and real entities are freed from SWIFT restrictions and only about 240 legal and real entities are still within the scope of SWIFT concern and Iran is not an exception.

In conclusion, Araghchi said, “Iran’s model had already been observed in the case of other countries. India, Japan, Brazil, and Argentine are the instances. For example, at a juncture, 25 percent of the budget of the International Atomic Energy Agency was spent on inspection of Japan. The reason was concern over Japan’s record of militarism.”

Tabriz to host int’l seminar on e-marketing, tourism on September 1

By

Golrokh Askarieh

-

August 17, 2015

The director general of the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Department in East Azerbaijan Province said Sunday that a 5th International Seminar of Internet Marketing and Tourism will be held in Tabriz on September 1.

Farzin Haghparast said in light of the wide-scope activities of the private sector in tourism and high tourism capacity of East Azerbaijan Province, holding scientific and specialized seminars will be helpful in the transfer of advanced e-marketing and tourism industry to the public and private sectors to flourish the lucrative, independent tourism industry.

The conference will be held in the cities of Tehran on August 31, in Mashhad on September 2, and Bandar Abbas on September 6.

Sponsored by the tourism department of Iran Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, the conference will be attended by IT scholars.

Topics such as website optimization, Internet marketing and branding through social networks will be covered in the conference.

Focus will be on topics such as the impact of online tools on economic growth, expanding sales and export markets, Internet entrepreneurship and branding of local companies based on successful global models.

Experts in economics and international business are invited to speak at the conference.

The director of Travel Marketing Store in Dubai Duncan Alexander, founder and chief strategy officer of the web-based 90 Digital Company in UK Nik Garner, the managing director of the UK-based Marketing Signals Agency Gareth Hoyle are invited to the conference.

Iran warns Greek airline to remove Tel Aviv from Tehran office’s destinations list

By

Golrokh Askarieh

-

August 17, 2015

The Civil Aviation Organization of Iran (CAOI) has warned a Greek airliner operating in Iran to remove Tel Aviv from its list of online sales system.

“After a (Iranian) media outlet informed us that Greece’s Aegean Airline has included Tel Aviv in its online sales system, the CAOI in a written warning cautioned the airline to delete this fake name from its list,” CAOI Public Relations Manager Mohammad Rahimi said Sunday.

The official noted that the Civil Aviation Organization will closely follow up the case.

Iran does not recognize Israel and refers to it as Occupied Palestine. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran has cut off all ties with Israel and replaced its embassy in Tehran with a Palestine embassy.

Iran exported $60 million worth of carpets in 4 months

By

Golrokh Askarieh

-

August 17, 2015

Head of Iran’s National Carpet Center says the Islamic Republic has exported $60 million worth of hand-woven carpets during the first four months of the current Iranian calendar year (started March 21).

Speaking to reporters in Tehran on Sunday, Hamid Kargar noted that the Iranian hand-woven carpets have been exported to 80 countries during the period.

He added, “In the past three years, Iran faced major problems for exports of hand-woven carpets, but the process has been reversed” since the beginning of last Iranian year (March 21, 2014), and carpet exports have slowly but gradually increased.

The official said about $330 million worth of hand-woven carpets, weighing 5,100 tons, were exported last year, showing an increase of about 2.7 percent compared to the year before it.

Kargar stated that Iran will hold its 24th exhibition of hand-woven carpets on August 23-29, adding that 71 foreign merchants, including 54 foreign nationals and 17 Iranian businesspeople living abroad, will take part in this year’s exhibition, which will be held over a total area of 30,000 square meters.

He noted that businesspeople from many countries, including Japan, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, India, Denmark, Russia and the United States will take part in Iran’s 24th hand-woven carpet exhibition.

Last Tuesday, the Boston Globe published a report, saying that Iran’s hand-woven carpets will once again conquer US markets after sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic over its nuclear program are lifted.

It added that “Iran’s famed carpet weavers” are “anticipating a boost in [Iran’s carpet] exports as sanctions” will be soon lifted in line with an agreement reached between Tehran and six world powers in mid-July.

On July 14, Iran and P5+1– the US, the UK, Germany, France, China, and Russia – reached the conclusion of negotiations over Tehran’s civilian nuclear program, with the Islamic Republic and the sextet sealing an agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Based on JCPOA, the sextet agreed to remove all sanctions imposed on Iran’s economic and energy sectors in return for certain restrictions in Iran’s nuclear program.

The paper quoted Kargar as saying that before sanctions, Iran’s hand-woven carpets accounted for about one-fifth of the US carpet market, adding that Iran’s carpet producers are already making carpets for the US market, hoping that exports will resume next year.

“People in the carpet business have begun to produce carpets suiting the taste of the American market, receiving orders and negotiating with customers,” he added.

Iran is still the winner even if Congress rejects nuclear deal: Salehi

By

Golrokh Askarieh

-

August 16, 2015

Because of the ballyhoo which has pitted the US Congress against the Obama administration, the fate of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is far from clear, Director of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi said Sunday.

The following is the translation of a report Fars News Agency filed on what else Salehi had to say in a gathering in Qazvin on August 16:

The fight between Congress and the White House over the Vienna deal is as much theatrical as wrangling between reformists and principlists here in Iran!

We would be still winners whether JCPOA produces the intended results or the US Congress rejects it and President Obama fails to do anything to stop it.

We do not break with norms and stay committed to our obligations, because we believe in logic.

The wrangling in the US is so intense. As Secretary of State John Kerry has put it if JCPOA won’t clear Capitol Hill, America’s political credit and economy will take a hit.

Iran’s negotiating team was the representative of the Iranian nation; Iran is a country where different voices can be heard.

According to the guidelines issued by the Supreme Leader, we need to explain the outcome of nuclear talks to people to the best of our ability. I personally assume responsibility for the technical aspects of JCPOA.

Some 36 hours prior to the Vienna deal, we faced a serious deadlock and planned to return home. However, hurdles were cleared in the eleventh hour which coincided with an auspicious occasion in the holy month of Ramadan. In the end, we gained what we sought.

Birjand Castle in eastern Iran (PHOTOS)

By

Fatemeh Askarieh

-

August 16, 2015

Birjand Castle is a major tourist attraction in the city of Birjand in South Khorasan Province.

The mud and brick structure is 3,000 square meters in area and dates back to the Safavid era. It is said to have protected residents against invasion, especially by Turkmens, during the Safavid and Qajar eras.

Images of the castle published by the Iranian Students’ News Agency: