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

Iran News
Politics
Business
Society
- Education
- Environment
- Health
- Human Rights
- Incidents
- Lifestyle
- Sport
- Women
Culture
- Art
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- Cinema
- Cultural Heritage
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- Media
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World
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Home Blog Page 4900

Russian film festival honors two Iranian figures

December 3, 2014

Celebrated female Iranian director Narges Abyar and actress Gelareh Abbasi have walked away with awards at the First Russian Silver Horse Film Festival.

Abyar was awarded the Best Film prize for her first feature film Objects in the Mirror Are Closer than They Appear and the film’s actress Gelareh Abbasi took the Best Actress award.

The film was presented at the event during two screening programs for different classes of audiences such as students, film critics, housewives and workers.

Abyar’s drama chronicles the life of a young pregnant woman and her husband.

The film was showcased at several international festivals, such as the 2013 Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) in China and the 30th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival in 2014.

Iranian documentary “Mashti Ismail” by Mehdi Zamanpour Kiasari also competed at the Russian film event.

The festival hosts 10 narrative films as well as 14 documentaries from Russia, Germany, Azerbaijan Republic, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Cuba, Bulgaria, Iraq and Lithuania.

The First Russian Silver Horse Film Festival was held in Ufa, the Muslim center of Russia.

Iranian scientist develops drug for treatment-resistant leukemia

Emad Askarieh

December 3, 2014

An Iranian researcher Anahita Rafiei along with hematologists from Goethe University Frankfurt, working with a Russian pharmaceutical company, have developed a new active substance that effectively combats the most aggressive forms of Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemia.

The chances of patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemia (Ph+) being cured has greatly increased in recent years.

Nevertheless, a high percentage of patients have developed resistance to available medication. But now, hematologists from Goethe University Frankfurt, working with a Russian pharmaceutical company, have developed a new active substance that effectively combats the most aggressive forms of Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemia, both in vitro and in vivo.

The research was reported in the most recent edition of the specialist journal ‘Leukemia’.

Patients with the Philadelphia chromosome develop chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) or acute lymphatic leukemia (Ph+ ALL).

These are the first types of leukemia that are treatable thanks to the development of targeted molecular therapy.

Selective kinase inhibitor active substances act directly on the cancer-inducing gene BCR/ABL. However, after a while, the treatment becomes ineffective for many patients — either due to BCR/ABL mutations or as a result of other mechanisms that are as yet unknown.

At present, there is only one substance, Ponatinib, which is able to overcome nearly all clinical resistance. Unfortunately, Ponatinib can only be used with extreme caution due to some of its life-threatening side-effects.

“These results provide the basis for the administration of PF-114 in treatment-resistant patients with Ph+ leukemia. The favorable efficacy and a good side effect profile now need to be further tested on patients in clinical phase I studies,” the researchers said.

“PF-114 would not have reached this level of development without our colleagues in Frankfurt. On the basis of this data, in the first half of 2015, we will be able to start international phase I studies.”

Iran to release Persian Carpet Encyclopedia

Emad Askarieh

December 3, 2014

Iran is set to publish Persian Carpet Encyclopedia, head of Iran Carpet Association, Amir Hossein Chitsazian, has announced.

The encyclopedia is programmed to be released next calendar year (which starts in March 2015), Chitsazian said.

“The book will focus on designs, patterns and aesthetics, technical knowledge, management, economics and trade, history, geography and the styles of carpets,” the official added.

The project, which began five years ago, will serve as a reliable source for researchers.

Compiling the encyclopedia aims to present a better understanding of Persian carpet as well as a comprehensive view about the industry.

Carpet-weaving is one of the most distinguished manifestations of Persian culture and art which dates back to ancient Persia.

Persian carpets often feature geometric patterns which are a reflection of Islamic influence, although many Persian rugs depict natural scenes of flora and fauna.

There is an estimated population of 1.2 million weavers in Iran, producing carpets for domestic markets and international exports.

Iran exports carpets to at least 70 countries in the world. Experts attribute the increasingly lucrative market for Persian carpets worldwide to their quality, color and design.

The United Arab Emirates and Germany are the main destinations for the Persian carpet, followed by Japan, Lebanon, and Qatar.

Iranian physicist wins German Alexander Von Humboldt fellowship

Emad Askarieh

December 3, 2014

An Iranian physicist Akbar Jafari at Sharif Poly Technique University won German Alexander Von Humboldt Fellowship for Experienced Researchers.

The fellowship is given by Von Humboldt Foundation to foreign associate professors and assistant professors who have graduated over the past decade.

Von Humboldt Foundation awards research fellowships at different levels to foreign researchers and professors. Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship for Experienced Researchers is given to young associate professors and assistant professors who graduated less than 10 years ago.

The individuals receiving the fellowship should present a proposal about a certain topic and carry out it along with a German professor.

[…]

Dr. Jafari is mainly working on condensed matter, and his research focuses on investigating the electronic structures of advanced materials and strong and irregular electronic systems.

He received his B.Sc. in physics from Sharif Poly Technique University in 1999, and received a Condensed Matter Diploma from the International Center for Theoretical Physics in Italy.

He received a PhD from Sharif Poly Technique University in the same field in 2004. He also completed his post-doctoral studies in Japan in 2006.

Iran denounces IAEA’s PMD claims as ‘forged’

Emad Askarieh

December 3, 2014

Iran has denounced as “forged” the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) claims about the possible military dimensions of Tehran’s nuclear energy program.

In a statement issued by Iran’s permanent mission to the IAEA on Tuesday, Tehran dismissed the allegations made by the UN watchdog over the possible military dimensions (PMD) of its nuclear energy program.

The IAEA has never provided “any authenticated documents for PMD claims,” said Iran’s explanatory note.

This is while Tehran has offered “pieces of evidence” during meetings with IAEA officials in October and November, proving that the agency’s accusations are fabricated, added the statement.

The IAEA’s documents “are full of mistakes and contain fake names with specific pronunciations [spellings], which only point toward a certain member of the IAEA as their forger,” read the statement.

The statement came in reaction to a report released by IAEA last month that called on Tehran to step up cooperation with the agency’s investigation in order to address moot points regarding Iran’s nuclear energy program.

In their last round of talks, Iran and P5+1 – Russia, China, Britain, the US, France plus Germany – wrapped up a week of intense closed-door nuclear negotiations in Vienna on November 24. The talks aimed to tackle the remaining obstacles that exist in the way of reaching a final agreement.

At the end of the talks, the two sides decided to extend their discussions for seven more months. They also agreed that the interim deal they had signed in the Swiss city of Geneva last November should remain in place during the remainder of the negotiations until July 1, 2015.

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 2

Emad Askarieh

December 2, 2014

Iranian dailies gave extensive coverage Tuesday to a press conference of Deputy Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei in which he touched on a wide range of issues including cases involving former President Ahmadinejad, former Vice-President Mohammad Reza Rahimi, those behind recent acid attacks, and the battle against drug traffickers. A rise in bread prices also made front-page headlines. The fluctuations of the foreign currency market which have seen the rial lose its value against major foreign currencies were at the center of another top story of the day.

Afarinesh: “Babak Zanjani [anIranian tycoon charged with corruption] is not cooperative enough in locating his assets at home and abroad,” said Judiciary Spokesman Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei.

Afarinesh: “Those behind the acid attack on Dr. Siamand Anvari, the director of the capital’s Ziaeian Hospital have been taken to police custody,” said Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei.

Afarinesh: “Air strikes [against IS] without a political plan behind them won’t help Iraq,” said Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani.

Afkar: “[Persian] Gulf states launch joint command to counter ISIS and Iran,” said Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid al-Khalifa.

Aftab-e Yazd: “The decision to lower interest rates has been shelved for the time being.”

Aftab-e Yazd: “Reaction of Mohammad-Reza Shajarian to the decision by Hossein Alizadeh” is the headline of a story about the comments of Shajarian, an internationally-acclaimed vocalist, after Hossein Alizadeh, a leading Iranian classical composer and musician, declined to receive France’s Chevalier of Legion of Honor. Shajarian described his refusal as an act of protest against sycophants who take advantage of such titles.

Arman-e Emrooz: “A manager at Tehran Municipality has been arrested on security charges,” said Judiciary Spokesman Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei.

Asrar: “The previous government has left a legacy of thousands of problems,” said Vice-President for Parliamentary Affairs Majid Ansari.

Asrar: “If people act impulsively [in buying and selling foreign currencies], they will incur losses,” said Economy Minister Ali Tayebnia after recent fluctuations on the foreign currency market where the rial has lost value against the dollar.

Emtiaz: “Two thousand marriages and 400 divorces are registered on a daily basis in Iran.”

Emtiaz: “Foreigners should be prepared for a return [to Iran for investment],” said Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh.

Etemad: “The case involving the Former President Ahmadinejad is still open and an investigation is underway,” said Judiciary Spokesman Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei.

Ettela’at: “The East Caspian Sea railway project between Iran, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan will become operational on December 3 with the presidents of the three nations in attendance.”

Hadaf va Eghtesad: “Inflation will plunge below 17 percent by March 21, 2015,” Governor of the Central Bank of Iran Valiollah Seif vowed.

Hambastegi: “Fanning the flames of dissent is a plot by colonial and hegemonic powers to shore up extremist groups,” said Chairman of the Expediency Council Hashemi Rafsanjani in a meeting withthe UN Secretary General’s Iraq envoy Nikolai Miladinov.

Hemayat: “Within a month, 15 tons of narcotics has been seized and 50 top drug traffickers have been taken into custody,” said Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei.

Iran: “World auto-making giants in Tehran” is the paper’s headline referring to a second International Conference on Auto Industry which opened on December 1.”

Iran Daily: “Poll: Majority of Iranians support nuclear talks extension.”

Iran Daily: “Iran, Russia set to bolster economic ties.”

Javan: “Acid attacks can be deemed as waging war against God,” said Judiciary Spokesman Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei.

Jomhouri Islami: “The fight against terrorism requires attention to all political and social tastes,” said Chairman of the State Expediency Council Hashemi Rafsanjani.

Jomhouri Islami: “Protests against the acquittal of former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s continue in Egypt.”

Kaenat: “Renault and Peugeot are vying for presence in Iran.”

Kayhan: “Iran stood by Iraq through its life-and-death war,” said Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.

Kayhan: “The start of a week of revolution in protest at the exoneration of the pharaoh [a reference to former Egyptian Leader Hosni Mubarak].”

Kayhan: “Economic issues have nothing to do with sanctions,” said Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani.

Resalat: “Four frigates and two cruisers have joined Iran’s Navy.”

Resalat: “The structural problems of parliament have to do with the absence of a partisan system,” said Ahmad Tavakoli, a Tehran MP.

Sepid: “Despite the beginning of the end of the AIDS pandemic, contraction of the infection in Iran is on the rise,” said the deputy health minister.

Sharq: “Concerns about an earthquake rocking the city were the reason behind the closure of the Canadian embassy in Tehran.”

Sharq: “ISIS has threatened to attack London with a dirty bomb [a weapon that combines radioactive material with conventional explosives].

Vatan-e Emrooz: “The government raised bread prices overnight.”

Iran will settle nuclear issue: Rouhani

Emad Askarieh

December 2, 2014

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani says the Islamic Republic will resolve the dispute over its nuclear program through constructive interaction with the world.

“In the path of constructive interaction with the world, we will get the nuclear issue to a conclusion,” President Rouhani said in an address to people in the northern Iranian Golestan Province on Tuesday.

“Do not doubt that the P5+1 countries, the Western world, the Eastern world and the region all need to have constructive interaction with Iran,” he said.

Pointing to Iran’s crucial steps to reach a deal with P5+1, he noted that world countries have recognized and accepted the main aspects of the country’s nuclear program.

“Today, the world accepts that enrichment will be carried out on Iranian soil; the world accepts that we will have a heavy water reactor in Arak; the world accepts that we will continue research and development (R&D) work; the world accepts that we will proceed with our activities at Fordow [nuclear facility],” Rouhani said.

The Iranian president noted that the world has realized that it is time to end the cruel sanctions against the country.

He expressed confidence that the Iranian nation would achieve the final victory in the nuclear issue.

He also added that the world needs Iran to improve global security and economic situation and noted that a large number of foreign companies are preparing for business with Iran in the coming months.

In their last round of talks, Iran and P5+1 – Russia, China, Britain, the US, France plus Germany – wrapped up a week of intense closed-door nuclear negotiations in Vienna on November 24.

Iran’s reaction to the US-Afghan security agreement

Emad Askarieh

December 2, 2014

On December 1, Aftab-e Yazd, a daily, ran a piece about the comments of Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham in reaction to a security agreement signed between the US and Afghanistan. The following is the translation of her comments:

Given the poor record of US forces, we are skeptical about their continued presence in the region, particularly in Afghanistan, because we are of the opinion that the continued presence of American troops there won’t help stability and security return to the country.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is of the opinion that aid from countries both within and beyond the region, which is in line with international commitments and aimed at reconstructing the country and restoring stability and security to Afghanistan, should not come in return for benefits or the use of military bases in Afghanistan.

The Islamic Republic of Iran respects Afghanistan’s independence and sovereignty. However, it views the establishment of American and NATO bases in the region as a threat to regional stability and wants to draw the Afghan government’s attention to the bilateral, regional and international commitments it has to Iran.

Why a top Iranian musician turned down prestigious French award, fellow musician answers

Emad Askarieh

December 2, 2014

Iran Student Correspondents Association (ISCA), a news agency, filed a brief report on December 1 on the comments of Mohammad-Reza Shajarian, an internationally-acclaimed vocalist known as Iran’s greatest living master of traditional Persian music, about Hossein Alizadeh’s refusal to receive France’s Chevalier of Legion of Honor. What appears below is the translation of Shajarian’s view posted on his page about the story:

“The refusal by Hossein Alizadeh [a leading classical composer] to get the award was done in protest at those sycophants who use such titles for their favorite artist.

“With pleasure, I congratulate Hossein Alizadeh, who turned down Chevalier of Legion of Honor after expressing his gratitude to the French government and officially offering apologies for turning down the award.

“His apology was not in protest at the French government; rather it was an objection to those among us who have taken and still take advantage of such awards. By ‘those’ I do not mean figures who hold such titles; rather I mean sycophants who put such titles before the names of their favorite artists. Some advertising and marketing companies, too, add titles to the names of artists or bands. Such titles are irrelevant to the type of art those artists preform and at time even sound funny. These measures are designed to make more profits for a special record label or get their concert halls packed. This misuse of titles will take a toll on the cachet of such awards.

“Hossein Alizadeh wanted to stop them from taking advantage of this and did not allow them to add irrelevant titles to his art and name.

“Extending my gratitude to French politicians who pay special attention to Iranian authors, scientists, artists and cultural and literary figures, [I must say] Hossein Alizadeh does not need any title before or after his name.”

FM: Iran-G5+1 nuclear talks, key issue in post-Cold War era

Emad Askarieh

December 2, 2014

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Tuesday that nuclear talks between Iran and the six world powers are one of the most important issues in the post-Cold War era.

Zarif, who also heads Iran’s nuclear negotiating team, made the remarks while addressing a meeting of university students hosted by Tehran’s Allameh Tabatabaei University. The meeting was dubbed the ‘Nuclear Diplomacy’.

‘We are very close to the framework of a final deal,’ Zarif told the audience in his first speech after the Vienna 8 nuclear talks which ended on November 24 in the Austrian capital with an agreement for extending the talks for another seven months (July 1, 2015).