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IRAN FRONT PAGELatest News and Views From Iran, Middle East and the World

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Home Blog Page 4828

No one could claim Iran pursuing non-peaceful nuclear program: Rouhani

Emad Askarieh

February 23, 2015

President Hassan Rouhani said that no one now could claim that Iran is pursuing non-peaceful goals in its nuclear program.

He made the remarks on Monday while addressing the opening of a meeting of Science Ministers of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) member states.

He said those who are imposing sanctions against Iran as well as the ones who are running projects to make Iran’s nuclear program a matter of security, are both well aware of the real objectives of the Iranian nation and government.

The president also stressed that today in the world nobody could ever claim that Iran’s nuclear program is non-peaceful.

He said Iranians are under a lot of pressure only because of their determination to safeguard their inalienable right to nuclear technology for civilian purposes.

Discrimination in science, he added, is now used as a tool to keep up the process of underdevelopment, poverty and unemployment in non-developed countries.

He went on to underscore the need for independent countries to adopt collective policies to confront this trend.

The Iranian president also stressed that as long as politicians in developing countries fail to make any reforms and establish a proper link between science and industries, the brain drain will continue in their countries.

He urged the NAM member states to drop non-realistic missions and try to focus on areas of joint scientific and technological cooperation.

He said each NAM country enjoyed remarkable scientific capacities which could be shared with other member states.

President Rouhani said that scientific and technological cooperation within the NAM could serve to enhance progress and prosperity in member states and in the long run help attain the ultimate goal of the organization which is to establish peace and equality in the world.

He said extreme poverty and unemployment in developing countries which is exacerbated in turn by an impotent global political and economic system paves the way for growing extremism and violence in the world.

The president highlighted the right of people to knowledge and technology as an inalienable one.

As learning and teaching knowledge have no borders, he said, the benefits gained from them have no limits either.

Representatives from 58 countries and international organizations, as well as 31 science ministers from the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) states are participating in the meeting which is hosted by Iran’s Ministry of Science, Research and Technology.

Participants include officials from the Islamic Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, the Islamic Development Bank, the OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH), the African Union, and a number of deans of universities from NAM states.

This is the first specialized summit on science and technology by NAM.

It is aimed at boosting major policy-making cooperation among the member states and improving the movement’s diplomacy of science and technology.

Zarif, Kerry, Salehi, Moniz end nuclear talks in Geneva

Emad Askarieh

February 23, 2015

The negotiations which began late Sunday in the Swiss city of Geneva ended after 2.5 hours with the two sides agreeing on resuming negotiations on Monday.

A source in the Iranian negotiating team said that the agenda for Monday is yet to be determined.

The meeting between the two top diplomats was delayed for several hours due to Kerry’s late arrival from London.

Ali Akbar Salehi, the director of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and US Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz also attended the talks. The high-ranking officials have already held two rounds of negotiations to discuss the technical aspects of Iran’s nuclear program.

Iranian and US delegates, who attended a simultaneous meeting with negotiators from Russia, China, Germany, France and the UK, later joined talks between Zarif and Kerry.

Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the head of the Iranian delegation, said after the meeting with P5+1 in the EU mission building in Geneva that it is soon to claim any progress has been made.

The talks are expected to continue on Monday at an expert level with discussions on the technical issues.

The ongoing talks in Geneva, which kicked off on Friday, are among the last attempts by the involved parties to narrow gaps on the remaining issues as a deadline for reaching a comprehensive deal on July 1 draws closer.

The two sides have missed two deadlines since an interim deal was signed in November 2013.

Deputy minister tells colleagues to quit if they can’t manage

Emad Askarieh

February 23, 2015

On February 21, Etemad daily ran a report on water crisis in Iran and the need for urgent action to defuse it. What appears below is a partial translation of what the energy minister and his deputy have said about the country’s water resources:

“We will have a tough year ahead [starting on March 21]. Over the past 11 months there has been a 30 percent drop in rainfall,” said Energy Minister Hamid Chitchian.

Deputy Energy Minister for Water and Sewage Affairs Rahim Meydani urged officials who play a role in water management across the country to try in earnest to implement the plan aimed at reviving ground water resources.

He underscored that implementation of the plan requires determination and said, “As we joined hands during the Sacred Defense to safeguard our territorial integrity, we should now spring into action to properly protect the country’s water resources.”

Meydani warned, “If those at the helm of water management failed to seize the opportunity, they would be blamed by present and future generations. If a manager thinks that they are not motivated enough to step up to the plate in dealing with water crisis, they should let us know as soon as possible.”

He further said, “Drought has turned out to be a blessing in disguise. In fact it was a wake-up call; it has prodded us to take action to compensate for overconsumption of water and properly manage surface and ground water resources in the face of crises.”

Stray dogs are collected and rehomed in Tehran

Emad Askarieh

February 23, 2015

A collaborative project by Tehran Municipality and animal rights organizations got underway in Darakeh, north of Tehran, on Friday to collect stray dogs and fit them with GPS tracking collars.

Etemad daily on February 21 filed a report on the animal-friendly project. The following is a brief translation of the report:

[…]

The project aims to treat homeless dogs in fixed periods of time and save them from diseases such as rabies.

Reza Ghadimi, who is in charge of organizing businesses and industries in Tehran, said that the project is meant to protect animals, adding that over the past year no stray dog has been killed, not even one.

After being vaccinated, the dogs become traceable thanks to the yellow collars they wear which are equipped with GPS, he said, adding this way the non-domesticated animals can receive periodic treatment.

Ghadimi further said that Tehran Municipality and a number of NGOs have joined hands to carry out this collaborative project which intends to help the strays and promote the culture of protecting the animals.

[…]

In addition to animal advocacy groups, he went on to say, 12 teams of veterinarians have joined the project to help with the vaccination of the canines. He added as many as 3,000 dogs have been equipped with GPS tracking collars over the past year.

[…]

The Municipality is planning to provide food to these dogs in order to prevent them from straying into residential areas in the capital.

[…]

The project helps 20 percent of unclaimed dogs – which are of good breed and have been simply abandoned – get rid of a homeless and unprotected life, and be used as watchdogs in [government] organizations and institutions instead.

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Feb. 23

Emad Askarieh

February 23, 2015

Nuclear talks in Geneva between representatives of Iran and the US and the comments of President Rouhani on public support for the way his government handles the nuclear issue dominated the front pages of Iranian dailies on Monday.

News on the messages of condolences senior figures including the Supreme Leader released following the deaths of Seyyed Sadegh Tabatabai and Fatemeh Khatami also grabbed front-pages headlines.

Abrar: A plan to impose natural gas sanctions on Europe is on the agenda of Iranian MPs.

Afkar: Iran broke China’s steel production record

In January steel production in Iran posted a 20 percent growth.

Aftab-e Yazd: Gatherings to celebrate Chaharshanbe Suri [the fire-jumping festival that falls on last Tuesday of the year] are illegal.

The commander of the prevention department of the law enforcement force said.

Arman-e Emrooz: “We should not allow society to be divided,” said the president.

Speaking at a gathering on resistance-based economy Hassan Rouhani further stated in every poll conducted more than 70 percent of respondents have supported the government’s nuclear approach.

Arman-e Emrooz: When games become dangerous

Those who sell unauthorized computer games will be dealt with.

Ebtekar: “Some 80 percent of Iranians support nuclear talks with P5+1” said President Rouhani.

It came as Foreign Minister Zarif said that Tehran won’t accept any deal which is vague, incomplete or keeps sanctions in place.

Ebtekar: There has been an outpouring of sympathy with the family of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khatami.

Senior clerics, the chairman of the Expediency Council, the chairman and secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and the grandson of the late Imam Khomeini have all released messages of condolences following the passing of Fatemeh Khatami.

Etemad: A stern warning by Rouhani

“Let me once again tell all provincial governors, those who do not believe in what happened on June 14 [people overwhelmingly voted for Rouhani in 2013] should not hold high-level positions,” the president said.

Ettela’at: There have been two explosions near the residence of the Iranian ambassador to Libya.

No one was injured in the two blasts. In other news, IS launched its first radio service in Libya and residents of Sirte fled the Libyan city as IS militants took over.

Ettela’at: Twenty-one economists support the plan to secure sustainable development.

An economic adviser to the president has said that following a steep decline in oil prices, government faces a budget deficit to pay out cash subsidies.

And in other news, in the 30 days to February 20, inflation fell to 15.2 percent.

Iran: The Supreme Leader has released messages of condolences following the passing of Seyyed Sadegh Tabatabai and Fatemeh Khatami.

President Rouhani has offered condolences to [former President] Seyyed Mohammad Khatami [on the passing of his sister].

Jamejam: IS has set off a bomb outside the residence of the Iranian ambassador to Libya.

Javan: “We won’t adjust our behavior on the basis of American judgment,” said Ali Akbar Velayati, an adviser to the Supreme Leader.

His comments came after Secretary of State John Kerry said the US is ready to walk out of the talks.

Kayhan: Parliament has voted for a motion that bans the privatization of state schools.

Kayhan: In its latest crime, the Zionist regime [of Israel] has opened the floodgates of a dam, submerging the houses of Palestinians in Gaza.

Qods: “No power can isolate Iran,” said President Rouhani.

It came as an adviser to the Supreme Leader warned the West that its war of words won’t work in dealing with Iran.

SMT: The minister of industries, mines and trade has said that mining cooperation between Iran and Russia will increase.

Taadol: “It’s time to make serious decisions,” said Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

The comments by the Iranian top diplomat came after talks with his US counterpart John Kerry who said disagreements still remain.

No casualties in explosion in front of former envoy’s residence

Emad Askarieh

February 23, 2015

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marziyeh Afkham

The Foreign Ministry spokeswoman on Sunday condemned the explosion of a handmade bomb in front of former Iranian ambassador’s residence in Tripoli, Libya, saying that the terrorist attack had not caused casualties, or major damage.

‘We have precise information indicating that the explosion of a handmade bomb in front of the residence of the former Iranian ambassador in Tripoli only led to trivial material damage,’ said Marzieh Afkham Sunday evening.

She said that Iran is following up the situation in Libya and opposes foreign interference in the North African country.

The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that the problematic developments in that country must be resolved through holding national dialogues.

The Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said that the Libyan political parties are required to develop national reconciliation to establish a national unity government in Libya, something which will block the path for the activities of the terrorists and the extremists.

Rouhani highlights strong public support for Iran’s nuclear approach

Emad Askarieh

February 22, 2015

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani underlined that the vast majority of Iranians back his administration’s approach in the nuclear talks with world powers.

“All polls indicate more than 80 percent (public) support for the administration’s nuclear approach,” the president said on Sunday.

He also stressed “the seriousness” of the country’s negotiators in the talks with P5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany) over Tehran’s peaceful nuclear energy program.

Iran and P5+1 (also known as E3+3) are in talks to hammer out a final agreement to end more than a decade of impasse over Tehran’s civilian nuclear energy program.

Following the diplomatic and confidence-building measures taken by President Rouhani’s administration, the two sides in November 2013 signed an interim deal – the Joint Plan of Action – that took effect on January 20, 2014 and expired six months later. They later extended the deal until November 24, 2014.

After failing to hammer out a lasting accord by the self-imposed November 24 deadline, the parties once again decided to extend the deadline for seven more months.

With or without sanctions, we’ll pursue resistance-based economy: VP

Emad Askarieh

February 22, 2015

First Vice-President Eshagh Jahangiri has said resistance-based economy is a perfect recipe for simultaneous settlement of a variety of problems such as unemployment, inflation, sanctions as well as environmental woes.

According to a February 22 issue of Ettela’at daily, the vice president made the comment at a 14^th International Environment Exhibition Sunday. The following is what else he and the environment chief had to say at the expo:

A resistance-based economy is one which remains unfazed in the face of local and foreign shocks. Whether we succeed in having the sanctions lifted, which God willing we will, or not resistance-based economy will be pursued.

Everyone should contribute to efforts to fundamentally settle the environmental problems of the country. Taking political and factional advantage of the problems of the people is below officials. Those who resort to such practices should know that their impact is short-lived.

Air pollution affects as many as 30 million people across the nation and since the rise to power of the current government measures to settle the problem of air pollution have been a top priority.

Government is committed to environmental issues in its development programs. Without environmental studies no permission will be issued to development or industrial projects. Projects like the Gatvand Dam which affect the environment will be rectified.

Director of the Environment Protection Organization told the same gathering that sustainable development won’t be possible in the absence of efforts to protect the environment.

Experience shows that many of the harms the environment suffers are irreversible, so measures should be taken to secure development and protect the environment in parallel.

Time is perfect to cut dependence on oil: Economy minister

Emad Askarieh

February 22, 2015

Minister of Economy and Financial Affairs Dr. Ali Tayyebnia has said that reliance on oil and on government are the two main problems of Iran’s economy.

According to a February 22 issue of Ettela’at newspaper, the economy chief made the comment in an interview with Khamenei.ir, the website of the Center for Preserving and Publishing the Works of Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. The following is a partial translation of what else he had to say:

Opting for a resistance-based economy is inevitable today. Weaning the economy from its dependence on oil revenues should turn into a national issue with public consensus on its implementation. The present juncture offers the best opportunity to reform the economy and cut dependence on oil.

Dependence on oil is no superficial matter to be settled by short-term decisions; on the contrary, it is a fundamental, structural problem whose impact is evident in all aspects of our social, political and economic life.

To solve the problem of dependence on oil which has furtively found its way into various economic and social institutions, a common understanding of the problem should be developed first.

That should be followed by common resolve among all institutions and officials to make the problem a thing of the past. Joint action and supervision of measures taken to achieve the ultimate goal of cutting dependence on oil revenues should come next.

Low growth, low productivity, economic growth fluctuations and chronic inflation are some of the main problems of the country’s economy.

Over the past 18 months, we have been relatively successful in dealing with sanctions, and economic contraction has been replaced with positive economic growth. Thanks to public contribution and the guidelines of the Supreme Leader we have also managed to contain inflation.

The signal containment of inflation sent to the West was that sanctions could not be as biting as in the past. One of the reasons why the West came to the negotiating table and recognized Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear technology was the relatively successful management of economy and sanctions.

Reformation of an economy does not happen overnight. Still, the reformation process should start in earnest at a certain point in time. Of course, that process might leave a mark on public welfare at first.

We need to accept the realities: Thanks to sanctions our revenues have shrunk and oil exports have been cut in half. Again thanks to sanctions the limited oil revenues we earn are not fully at our disposal. And oil prices have dramatically declined.

Internal and external circumstances suggest that time is right for economic reforms. The Supreme Leader is well versed in economic affairs and is anxious to see the country secure sustainable economic growth based on knowledge and modern technologies.

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Feb. 22

Emad Askarieh

February 22, 2015

Nuclear talks in Geneva between representatives of Iran and the US and the addition of new faces to the Iranian negotiating team along with the passing of Seyyed Sadegh Tabatabai, an associate of the late Imam Khomeini during his years in exile, dominated the front pages of Iranian dailies on Sunday.

Abrar: Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has arrived in Geneva.

His arrival came as a second day of talks [at deputy ministerial level] joined by the director of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran was held on Saturday. Also over the weekend Zarif’s deputy Abbas Araghchi said there won’t be a two-stage deal.

Afkar: Ali Akbar Salehi has met with the US energy secretary.

The meeting between the director of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran with Ernest Moniz was held in Geneva.

Aftab-e Yazd: Parliament has voted for an increase in electricity and gas bills.

Arman-e Emrooz: Salehi and Fereydoon have traveled to Geneva

With nuclear talks between Iran and P5+1 entering a sensitive final stage, director of the Atomic Energy Organization Ali Akbar Salehi and Hossein Fereydoon, a special adviser to the president, have arrived in Geneva to join the negotiations.

Arman-e Emrooz: Some 120 bank accounts suspected of having been used for money laundering have been blocked.

Attorney General Seyyed Ebrahim Raeesi made the announcement.

Arman-e Emrooz: “We won’t give in to rogue elements,” said Ali Jannati.

The minister of culture and Islamic guidance also said that some are taking advantage of the religious sentiments of the public.

Asrar: “Supporters of the previous government do not allow the Rouhani administration to fulfill its responsibility,” said Masoud Pezeshkian, an MP.

Ebtekar: Seyyed Sadegh Tabatabai has passed away.

Tabatabai, a nephew of Imam Musa al-Sadr and the brother in law of Seyyed Ahmad Khomeini, the late Imam’s son, has died of lung cancer in Dusseldorf, Germany.

Ebtekar: Traces of laundered money in political games

Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani-Fazli has said drug trafficking money has been used in electoral campaigning.

Ettela’at: “Current juncture offers the best opportunity to cut dependence on oil,” said the Iranian economy minister.

The comment by Ali Tayyebnia came as First Vice-President Eshagh Jahangiri said, “With or without sanctions, the principles of a resistance-based economy will be followed.”

Ettela’at: The chemical weapons of Muammar Qaddafi have fallen into the hands of IS.

IS terrorists have test-fired the chemical weapons stolen from the military depots of the deposed Libyan leader. The terrorist group has also claimed responsibility for an attack on a Libyan town that left dozens killed.

Hemayat: The national police chief has said that provision of shelter for homeless addicts is on the agenda of law enforcement.

The comment by Brigadier General Esmail Ahmadi Moghaddam came as the interior minister said the turnover of drug trafficking stands at two-thirds of the country’s annual budget.

Iran: “Rouhani’s presidency is more difficult than the conditions that prevailed in the immediate aftermath of war,” said Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.

The chairman of the Expediency Council also said the problems the Rouhani administration has inherited from the previous government are worse than what we went through during the war. “I have full confidence in President Rouhani.”

Iran: “The Environment Protection Organization is no place for settling political scores,” said the first vice-president.

Eshagh Jahangiri made the comment at an international environment exhibition in Tehran.

Jomhouri Islami: Following a decision by the Expediency Council the way elections are monitored will undergo change.

Under the new arrangements a Central Election Commission, which brings together the representatives of all three government branches and national confidants, will be formed.

Kar va Kargar: “Rumors that there has been an Ebola outbreak in the country are a media mischief,” said Health Minister Hassan Hashemi.

Kar va Kargar: “Without environmental studies no permission will be issued to development or industrial projects,” said Eshagh Jahangiri.

The vice-president made the comment in a speech at an international environment exhibition.

Kayhan: More than 200,000 deaths and 10 million displacements, a present the West has offered to the Syrian people.

The figures were released by a spokesman of the UN secretary general who said Ban Ki-moon calls for an immediate end to the Syrian crisis.

Kayhan: Israel is training IS leaders in Sinai Peninsula.

Resalat: “The leader has the ultimate say, I have a duty to abide by,” said Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.

The chairman of the Expediency Council also said that he has no interest in running for chairmanship of the Assembly of Experts.

Resalat: “Products of countries which have imposed sanctions on Iran should not be bought or advertised,” said Gholamali Haddad Adel, [a principlist MP and a former parliament speaker].

Shahrvand: “As many as 30 million Iranians are affected by air pollution,” said the first vice-president.

Sharq: The daughter of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khatami has passed away.

The president has offered condolences to former President Mohammad Khatami on the passing of his sister.

Taadol: New nuclear lineup of Iran and the US in Geneva

Appearance of new faces on both sides has made a deal more likely than ever. Meanwhile, Seyyed Hossein Mousavian, a former Iranian nuclear negotiator, said that the current understanding is enough to strike a final deal.