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

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A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Jan. 27

January 27, 2015

A meeting between the Supreme Leader and the visiting secretary general of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine during which Ayatollah Khamenei said, “We will stay firm until the realization of the Palestinian cause,” dominated the front pages of Iranian papers on Tuesday. The lingering aftermath of the Iranian foreign minister’s stroll with US Secretary of State John Kerry in Geneva and the liberation of the Syrian Kurdish town of Kobani from the clutches of IS terrorists also appeared on the cover of the dailies.

Abrar: Universities of Tehran and Lisbon have signed a cooperation memorandum of understanding.

Afarinesh: President Rouhani has underlined regional security and intelligence cooperation to counter terrorist groups.

Afkar: “The outrageous crimes terrorist groups such as Boko Haram commit put a blight on human conscience,” said President Rouhani as he received the credentials of the new Kenyan ambassador to Tehran.

Afkar: Moscow is concerned about the security of Israel. The Russian foreign minister has said that conclusion of Iran’s nuclear case should not endanger Israel.

Aftab-e Yazd: The nuclear ping-pong of principlists carries on. Saeed Jalili [a former top nuclear negotiator under President Ahmadinejad] has denied reports that he was admonished [by the Supreme Leader] for his performance at nuclear talks in Istanbul, Turkey.

Arman-e Emrooz: “Nuclear talks should produce results as soon as possible,” said President Rouhani at a meeting with the visiting Portuguese foreign minister.

Arman-e Emrooz: “Criticism by some MPs of Foreign Minister Zarif [for his failure to call off his Paris visit and for his promenade with the US secretary of state in Geneva] is based on no solid ground,” said Principlist parliament deputy Ali Motahari.

Asia: The Portuguese foreign minister and 120 businessmen accompanying him have held talks with Iranian businesspeople.

Asia: Iran’s economy is on course to post eight percent growth.

Asr-e Eghtesad: Inflation is expected to slip below 16 percent by the end of the year, a senior economic official told a conference on electronic banking.

Asr-e Iranian: “The occupation of Palestinian territories lies at the center of regional problems,” said President Rouhani in a meeting with the new Jordanian ambassador to Tehran to receive his credentials.

Asrar: Why didn’t anyone take notice of the stroll [former nuclear negotiator Saeed] Jalili took with American diplomat William Burns?

Asrar: “Sanctions will be lifted in the near future,” said the Iranian economy minister.

Asrar: “In the absence of lame excuses, a nuclear deal is within reach,” said the Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani.

Asrar: “Those who have been involved in corruption will find no safe haven,” said the Iranian attorney general.

Ebtekar: The vice-president for parliamentary affairs has dismissed as libelous allegations that a member of President Rouhani’s Cabinet holds dual citizenship.

Ebtekar: IS has been kicked out of the Syrian town of Kobani near the border with Turkey.

Emtiaz: The picturesque northern Iranian town of Masouleh is one step closer to being registered as a world heritage site.

Emtiaz: “Star of the Persian Gulf Refinery needs some 650 million euros in investment,” said the Iranian oil minister.

Esfahan-e Emrooz: President Rouhani will visit Isfahan next week.

Etemad: “Is the walk Foreign Minister Zarif took with the US secretary of state in Geneva the only outstanding problem of the country!? Why didn’t anyone fault the former top negotiator [Saeed Jalili] for taking a similar stroll? The prospect of a nuclear deal sends shockwaves through the ranks of some groups. Criticism aimed at Zarif is not well-intentioned. Efforts to hammer the nuclear negotiating team are simply meant to settle a political score,” said Vice-President for Parliamentary Affairs Majid Ansari in reaction to a petition by 21 MPs to summon Zarif to parliament for explanation about his conduct.

Etemad: “We have not backed down in the face of pressures. The Tales reflect social realities; it does not seek to paint a negative image of society,” said the minister of culture and Islamic guidance.

Ettela’at: A second Iranian well dug in the Caspian Sea has hit oil.

Ettela’at: Top Shiite cleric Ayatollah Sistani has praised Iraqi volunteer forces for their contribution to the liberation of Diyala Province.

Ettela’at: “Iran’s economic growth will hit 3 percent this year,” said the governor of the Central Bank.

Ghanoon: “The nuclear case and the house arrest [of Messrs. Karroubi and Mousavi] won’t be settled through holding a referendum,” said Mohammad Reza Bahonar, a vice-speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly.

Hambastegi: “The West and Europe should win the trust of Iranians,” said Foreign Minister Zarif.

Hemayat: A number of MPs have called on the Foreign Ministry to summon the Germany ambassador to Tehran for “meddling in Iran’s internal affairs”. The appeal came after a top German MP called for an end to the house arrest of Mousavi and Karroubi [presidential hopefuls who disputed the results of the 2009 elections and sparked widespread unrest].

Hemayat: At a meeting with the Archbishop of the Armenian Church Nerses Bedros XIX, Iranian Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Sadegh Amoli Larijani said that the attitude of Western leaders to world nations is completely unjust.

Jomhouri Islami: “The preferential deal with Turkey is the brainchild of the previous government!,” said the deputy industry minister.

Jomhouri Islami: “Criticism of Zarif is rooted in ossified mentality and narrow-mindedness,” said principlist MP Ali Motahari.

Kaenat: “The 11^th government has stopped the distribution of cancer-causing gasoline,” said the director of the Environment Protection Organization.

Kayhan: “The youth will definitely witness the realization of the Palestinian cause,” said the Supreme Leader at a meeting with the secretary general of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.

Resalat: “The initiative of the Supreme Leader [sending a message to European and North American youth] was a perfect reaction to Islamophobia,” said Ayatollah Mohammad Yazdi, [a former judiciary chief].

Shahrvand: The Iranian national football team has returned home to a hero’s welcome despite being eliminated in the quarterfinals of the AFC Asian Cup.

Terrorist groups have nothing to do with Islam: Iran president

Emad Askarieh

January 27, 2015

“Unfortunately, many terrorist groups are operating in the name of religion and Islam, but their ideology and conduct bear no affinity to Islam,” Rouhani said on Monday.

The Iranian president made the remarks in a meeting with new Kenyan Ambassador to Iran Ruqyah Ahmad Sabu in Tehran, where the Kenyan official submitted her credentials to the president.

Rouhani said the heinous crimes committed at the hands of terrorist groups, including Boko Haram, have drawn global condemnation from people all across the globe.

Boko Haram, whose name means “Western education is forbidden,” control vast swathes of Nigeria’s northeastern Borno State and a number of areas in neighboring Adamawa and Yobe states.

The notorious terrorists group says its goal is to overthrow the Nigerian government. The terrorist group has claimed responsibility for a number of deadly shooting attacks and bombings in various parts of Nigeria since the beginning of its operations in 2009, which have claimed lives of thousands of people.

The Iranian president further described Kenya as an important and influential country in East Africa, calling for the further enhancement of all-out ties between Tehran and Nairobi.

The Kenyan official, for her part, expressed her country’s willingness to expand relations with the Islamic republic in tourism and development sectors.

US interventionist policies

Also on Monday, in a meeting with new North Korean ambassador to Tehran Kang Sam-hyon, President Rouhani condemned the US meddlesome and bullying policies in the region.

“We always condemn illegal sanctions and we should resist pressures and hegemony through cooperation,” Rouhani said, adding, that US sanctions against North Korea have merely affected the people of the country.

The Korean official, for his part, said the Iranian government and nation have achieved to thwart the US conspiracies and defend their right to use peaceful nuclear energy program.

Israel root of region woes

In a separate meeting with new Jordanian ambassador to Tehran Abdullah Sulaiman Abdullah Abu Romman on Monday, president Rouhani described the Israeli regime’s occupation of Palestine as the root cause of problems in the Middle East.

“Today, the world public opinion not only refuses to tolerate the Zionist regime’s oppression and aggression but also condemns them,” said Rouhani.

Rouhani voiced Iran’s support for the stability and security in the Middle East, adding that the Islamic Republic seeks the resolution of the Palestine issue and return of Palestinians to their homes.

The Iranian president further stated that Tehran is willing to expand friendly ties with Amman in different economic, cultural and political spheres, calling for bilateral consultations on regional and international issues.

The Jordanian official, for his turn, said his country considers the Islamic Republic as an influential country in the region and called for the enhancement of ties with Tehran in various domains.

Rouhani says Iran, Portugal could link Europe, Middle East

Emad Askarieh

January 27, 2015

President Hassan Rouhani said Iran and Portugal could build a bridge between the Middle East and Europe.

In a meeting with Portugal’s Foreign Minister Rui Machete, he pointed to the long-standing ties between the two countries and said that ranking officials from both countries have been exchanging visits during the past year.

The president said the visit of the Portuguese foreign minister is a staging area for the two countries to start more active cooperation in the international arena.

The Iranian president stressed that the world should focus on settling such major problems like violence and terrorism which are afflicting not only the Middle East, but the whole world, including Europe.

Referring to Iran’s nuclear talks with P5+1, the president said the Iranian nation is determined to safeguard its nuclear technology it has developed for peaceful purposes.

He said the remaining differences between parties involved in nuclear talks are neither legal nor technical but political and require firm determination to be settled.

President Rouhani went on to say that Iran’s nuclear activities have been under the constant supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency within the framework of international regulations.

He stressed the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear activities and underscored that pressures on Iran are quite baseless.

He said pressures and sanctions would harm all parties engaged in the talks.

He said Iran is determined to speedily settle the nuclear case to focus on the development of the country.

The Portuguese foreign minister voiced interest in expanding relations with Iran and said time is ripe for both countries to transform their ties.

He said he believed Tehran and Lisbon could cooperate not only in issues of mutual interest but act as a bridge between Europe and the Middle East.

As for Iran’s nuclear negotiations, he said his country was well aware of the positive consequences of any agreement between the negotiating parties.

Iran resolved to support Palestinian cause: Supreme Leader

Emad Askarieh

January 27, 2015

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei underlined Iran’s determination to continue support for the Palestinian cause until its materialization.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran will remain resolved (in its support) until the day that the cause of Palestine is materialized,” Ayatollah Khamenei said in a meeting with Head of Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine – General Command (PFLP-GC) Ahmed Jibril in Tehran on Monday, adding that youths will definitely see such a day.

The Leader reiterated that the issue of Palestine is among top issues of the entire Islamic world.

Imam Khamenei further lauded services and efforts made by Jibril in line with the fulfillment of the Palestinian cause.

The Leader then called on Jibril, as a person who plays a central role in the Palestinian issue, to maintain his spirit of resistance until the final victory.

For his part, Jibril noted that Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution has turned the country into an influential player on the international scene, and praised the Leader’s key role in the Islamic Republic’s current progress.

He also thanked Iran’s firm and principled stance on restoring the Palestinian nation’s rights.

Top cleric describes protection of public property as duty of Iraqi army

Emad Askarieh

January 26, 2015

According to hawzahnews.com, Hadi al-Ameri, who heads Iraq’s Badr Organization and is widely known as Iraq’s General Soleimani, has ordered his men to do their best to ensure public security and protect their property.

In a statement, Al-Ameri, the head of the military wing of the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council, said he has received a letter from Ayatollah Sistani in which the top Shiite cleric has thanked all military and volunteer forces who are fighting IS. Ayatollah Sistani has also described respect for rights of the public and protection of their property as religious and moral duty of all those who are fighting the terrorists.

On Sunday [January 25] Al-Ameri reported that IS terrorists have been lodged out of Diyala and a mop-up operation is underway in the province.

In conclusion, he said the Salah ad Din Province and Kirkuk will be the next battlegrounds in the fight against the terrorist group.

In other news, Qasim al-Araji, the head of the parliamentary Badr bloc, said that Al-Mansuriyain Diyala has been purged of IS fighters.

It seems that Iraq is preparing for a grand, fateful battle in Mosul to force IS terrorists from their northern stronghold. In the battle which is likely to get underway shortly, the Iraqi army will lead the charge against IS militants in Mosul and other forces, including the volunteers, will fought on other battlefields.

Individual actions have no place in the world

Emad Askarieh

January 26, 2015

Chairman of the Expediency Council Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani has said that a brand name is a national capital which can leave its mark on the lifestyle of other nations.

In a message to the first International Brand Strategy Conference on Sunday, the top councilor said that the time is at a premium and the world cannot wait to see people take individual actions to reach a bigger goal. The following is a partial translation of what else Rafsanjani said in his message to the international get-together as reported by Arman-e Emrooz daily on January 26:

[…]

It is praiseworthy that state and private organizations, universities and different trade guilds have joined forces, and work together to achieve a common goal.

[…]

Reliance on a resistance-based economy is a must at this critical situation in which the country is going through tough times. The country needs promising collective measures on all fronts to boost production, maximize productivity, and cut dependence on raw material and oil sales.

[…]

Business branding, which is an asset, does not simply help industrialists and service institutes register higher sales and more sustainable production; rather, it is a national capital which can enhance a nation’s credibility and extend its influence on the lifestyle of other nations. In today’s world the dignity of the Islamic Iran has been intertwined with the quality of products it makes at home or sends abroad.

[…]

Iran’s reliable brands and quality products can better promote its culture of compassion, compatibility and productivity in the world at a time when drums of Islamophobia and Iranophobia are being banged.

With that being the case, the mission of those involved in business activities is to hoist the flag of artistry, fairness and excellence of Iranian industrialists in the farthest reaches of the world. They also have an undertaking to help the country’s industries and businesses grow in keeping with Iran’s 2025 Outlook Plan.

[…]

Interaction and cooperation at a global level is what is needed at the current juncture. If Iran seeks to compete with the world’s big industries and trade systems, individual actions or overlapping measures should become a thing of the past. The country needs to mobilize what it has to get the job done, Jihad-style.

[…]

Brand activists should draw inspiration from valuable religious teachings, upgrade their knowledge and competence, and tap into world experience to gain a [solid customer] base in all industries.

[…]

To ride out the current stormy times and to play a historical role in the world order, Iran has to resolutely try to ensure that the reliable brands it has find their way into domestic, regional and global markets.

[…]

Iranian game Search for Happiness designed for the deaf

Emad Askarieh

January 26, 2015

Iranian computer game ‘Search for Happiness’, tailored for the hard of hearing, will be released by March.

The game is designed to educate its audience on informative and moral concepts and will come on Iran’s market by March 21.

Search for Happiness is a completely domestically-made video game by Pars Age of Games Company.

The social theme of the game with two endings addresses a variety of moral principles, educating the gamers among other things on the grave consequences of greed, probable problems of emigration, the concept of happiness and gratitude to God for His blessings.

One of the main features of the game is its ability to communicate with the deaf audience.

Every design used in the game including 47 locations and 58 characters has been developed through digital painting.

The game also enjoys traditional Iranian music for its soundtrack, namely tar, setar and the infusion of these two instruments in Dastgah-e Sur and dastgah Abuata recorded for approximately 3 hours.

Dastgah is a musical modal system in traditional Persian art music. Persian art music consists of twelve principal musical modal systems or dastgahs; a dastgah is a melody type on the basis of which a performer produces extemporized pieces.

Blasphemous cartoons insult all divine prophets: Iranian official

Emad Askarieh

January 26, 2015

Ali Younesi, a special assistant to the president for ethnic and religious minorities, said Iran’s religious and cultural teachings stress respect for all divine religions, adding that the Islamic Republic is committed to supporting the rights of all religious minorities.

In a meeting with the Archbishop of the Armenian Church Nerses Bedros XIX in Tehran on Sunday, Younesi said Iranian Armenians are part of the old history of the country and all Iranian ethnic groups have lived together peacefully throughout history.

He thanked the Pope Francis for his firm position on the abusive cartoons in the French magazine, saying it was not only an insult to Islam but to all divine prophets.

Stressing that all such sacrileges are masterminded by Zionists, Younesi said, ‘Certain sophisticated and secret activities are pushing the world toward atheism and insecurity. While the Middle East needs security, the Zionists are creating insecurity, hatred, and enmity in different ways.’

Referring to President Rouhani’s proposal at the United Nations to make a world without extremism and violence, he said the Islamic Republic is fighting against terrorist groups.

The Archbishop of the Armenian Church, for his part, expressed pleasure over his trip to Iran and meeting with high-ranking officials and minority members of parliament, saying it is obvious that the minorities in Iran are living in peace and have no problem thanks to government efforts to uphold their rights.

Referring to the insulting cartoon in the French magazine, the archbishop said freedom of speech does not let anyone insult other religions.

Culture minister stresses enforcement of Iran-Italy cultural MoU

IFP Editorial Staff

January 26, 2015

Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ali Jannati in a meeting with the Italian ambassador to Tehran has called for promotion of cultural ties between Tehran and Rome. What comes next is the translation of a report Ettela’at daily published on the meeting on January 26:

A report posted on the official website of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance Sunday said that in a meeting with the Italian diplomat, Ali Jannati stressed the implementation of cultural and arts deals between the two countries. “The draft of a memorandum of understanding has been handed to Italian officials. Now we are waiting for them to sign it,” Jannati said.

He went on to say, “The presence of centers which focus on Iran and Eastern studies in Italy shows the two nations have much in common when it comes to culture and rich ancient civilization. The approach of both nations to each other’s history and culture is positive.”

Hailing as constructive the role that Italy has played in the reconstruction of Bam, [a citadel city in southern Iran struck by a devastating earthquake in 2003], he added, “During the Iran visit of the Italian culture minister last year, a number of constructive meetings on closer cultural cooperation between the two countries were held. Iran has had long-running, close relations with Italy in different areas. Archeological excavations, especially in the city of Isfahan by a team of Italian experts, are an example of such ties.”

He added, “The willingness of the two countries to ink agreements in different fields including culture, politics and economy reflects their interest in establishing closer bilateral relations.”

Italian Ambassadorto Iran Mauro Conciatori, for his part, said, “Aside from the centuries-old culture and civilization, Iran has a geographically strategic position which can be used as a bridge among nations. Participation in Venice Biennial provides Iran with a perfect opportunity to end the unfair views some members of the international community have toward Iran. Such presence can spell an end to biased prejudgments.”

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Jan. 26

Emad Askarieh

January 26, 2015

The top story of most Iranian newspapers on Monday was former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s disavowal of the actions of his deputy Mohammad Reza Rahimi, who has been found guilty of corruption and sentenced to jail. Exchanges between Mahmoud Bahmani, a former governor of the Central Bank, and the presidential office over alleged violations of monetary rules and regulations by former and current governments and eruption of deadly clashes on the anniversary of the Egyptian revolution dominated the front pages of the Iranian dailies.

Afkar: “IS is neither Islamic nor a state,” said Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

Arman-e Emrooz: [Following the conviction of former first vice-president] Mahmoud Ahmadinejad opted for justification rather than an apology. “The case involving Mohammad Reza Rahimi has nothing to do with my government,” a statement by the former president said.

Arman-e Emrooz: Up to $3 billion in debts owed by Babak Zanjani [who stands accused of massive corruption and is expected to take the dock soon] has yet to return to government coffers.

Arman-e Emrooz:Saeed Mortazavi, a former judge and Tehran prosecutor who has been disbarred for five years, has called for an open trial.

Asr-e Eghtesad: In a bid to shore up the economy parliament has voted for a bill to cut customs red tape.

Asr-e Iranian: Some 20 MPs have released a statement that criticizes Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif for failing to call off his Paris visit [following the publication by a French weekly of cartoons insulting the Prophet Muhammad] and for taking a walk on the streets of Geneva with US Secretary of State John Kerry.

Asrar: “The danger posed by reactionaries is far greater than that of the enemies of Islam,” said Ayatollah Mousavi Bojnurdi, a member of the Combatant Clergy Association.

Ettela’at: More than 200 MPs have thrown their weight behind the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps and appreciated the efforts of its commander [Major General Ghasem Soleimani] for the role he has played in the fight against ISIL.

Ettela’at: “The road to security and stability goes through cooperation,” said President Hassan Rouhani at a meeting with the visiting Georgian parliament speaker.

Hambastegi: “I hope Saudi officials act realistically and set the stage for cooperation on all fronts,” said the Iranian FM in a news conference with his Croatian counterpart.

Hambastegi: “We will stick to our rights,” vowed the Iranian president.

Hemayat: “Those who hold dual citizenship cannot take charge of key state positions,” said the minister of justice.

Hemayat: Members of Parliament’s Judicial Committee have praised the Judiciary for not backing off in the corruption case involving a former government official [Mohammad Reza Rahimi, vice-president under Mahmoud Ahmadinejad].

Iran: “The entire world will benefit from conclusion of a nuclear deal,” said President Rouhani at separate meetings with Croatian and Georgian officials.

Iran Daily: Iran gas condensates exports fetch over $8 billion.

Jamejam: In a televised debate Sadegh Kharrazi, a former Iranian ambassador to Paris, and Alireza Zakani, a principlist MP, have evaluated the performance of the current and former Iranian nuclear negotiators.

Kaenat: “The West should make up its mind [in nuclear talks between Iran and P5+1],” said Foreign Minister Zarif.

Kayhan has taken a swipe at the visiting vice-president of the German Bundestag for “meddling in Iran’s internal affairs” by calling for an end to the house arrest of “seditionist leaders” [presidential hopefuls who doubted the results of the 2009 elections and caused widespread unrest].

Kayhan: “Claims that [the West] respects nations are not compatible with disrespect to their faith,” President Rouhani told the Georgian parliament speaker.

Mardomsalari: In a letter to the French ambassador to Tehran, Iran Press House has denounced the insulting behavior of Charlie Hebdo as being incompatible with human logic and instinct.

Mardomsalari: The Asian Football Confederation has dismissed Iran’s dope complaint against an Iraqi player in the AFC Asian Cup 2015.