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

Iran News
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- Human Rights
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- Lifestyle
- Sport
- Women
Culture
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Iran holds bilateral N-talks with Russia, US in New York

September 19, 2014

On Thursday, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Abbas Araqchi and Deputy Foreign Minister for Europe and the Americas Majid Takht-e Ravanchi held two hours of nuclear talks with their Russian counterpart Sergei Ryabkov in New York.

The two Iranian diplomats also sat down with US Undersecretary of State Wendy Sherman and Deputy Secretary of State William Burns to exchange views on the progress of nuclear discussions between Iran and the P5+1 – the US, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany.

The preparatory meetings come as Iran and the six states are set to officially kick off their seventh round of negotiations this year on the country’s nuclear energy program. The plenary talks will be held on Friday on the sidelines of the 69th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

On Wednesday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif attended a working lunch session with EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton in New York to review the latest on the talks aimed at reaching a final accord on Tehran’s civilian nuclear work by the November 24 deadline.

Zarif leads the Iranian delegation and Ashton represents the P5+1 states in the ongoing nuclear negotiations.

Last November, Tehran and its negotiating partners signed an interim deal in Geneva, which took effect on January 20 and expired six months later.

In July, the two sides agreed to extend the negotiations until November 24 this year after they failed to reach common ground on a number of key issues.

Iran plays constructive role in Mideast, says UN chief

Emad Askarieh

September 19, 2014

The Islamic Republic of Iran has a constructive and instrumental role in settling conflicts in the region and Iran’s potentialities should be utilized to resolve the current regional crises, Ban said in a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Thursday.

He also described Iran as a key player in the Persian Gulf region.

Iran has repeatedly voiced readiness to further contribute to the establishment of peace and security in the region.

The Islamic Republic has on several occasions voiced support for the Iraqi government since it began fighting against the ISIL Takfiri terrorists in June. The ISIL terrorists are in control of some areas in Syria and have captured large swathes of land in neighboring Iraq.

Zarif, for his part, said that Iran remains committed to working towards reinforcing regional security and maintaining good relations with its neighbors.

He also said that Iran is dedicated to fighting extremism and terrorism.

The senior visiting Iranian diplomat noted that Tehran was determined to reach a final nuclear deal with the P5+1 countries and added, “We are optimistic about the conclusion of an agreement and believe that it is possible.”

He also pointed to a recent report by the UN chief about the rights situation in Iran and said it contradicts the realities on the ground in the country.

Referring to the alarming human rights situation in the region, Zarif said the report is politically-motivated and bears testimony to the double standards adopted on the issue of human rights.

Zarif is in New York for a new round of talks between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council – the United States, Russia, China, France and Britain – plus Germany over Tehran’s nuclear work, scheduled to start officially on Friday.

IAEA report confirms Iran commitment: Najafi

Emad Askarieh

September 19, 2014

“The recent report by the IAEA Director General (Yukiya Amano) which confirmed no violations in Iran’s nuclear energy program is a clear evidence for Iran’s cooperation and fulfillment of its commitments,” Reza Najafi said on Thursday.

The Iranian official further refuted allegations that Iran’s nuclear energy program “has military dimensions,” saying the Islamic Republic of Iran does not consider such claims valid.

Najafi made the remarks after Laura Kennedy, the US representative at the IAEA, claimed, “Concerns about the possible military dimensions of Iran’s nuclear program must be addressed as part of any comprehensive” deal between Iran and the six powers.

Iran and the IAEA signed a joint statement on November 11, 2013, to outline a roadmap for mutual cooperation on certain outstanding nuclear issues.

On May 21, the two sides held a technical meeting within the Framework for Cooperation agreed in November 2013. During the meeting, they agreed to five practical measures which were to be implemented by August 25.

On September 15, Amano confirmed that Iran had enforced three of the five transparency measures it had previously agreed to, and said Tehran and the IAEA had begun talks on the implementation of the two remaining measures.

Earlier this month, Najafi said given the complexity of the issues, Iran and the agency had already predicted it might not be possible to finish their reviews of the remaining issues by August 25.

Last November, Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council – the United States, Russia, China, France and Britain – plus Germany signed an interim deal in Geneva, which took effect on January 20 and expired six months later. In July, Iran and the six countries agreed to extend negotiations until November 24 this year after they failed to reach common ground on a number of key issues.

Rica is doing well and his teeth are shining brightly

IFP Editorial Staff

September 18, 2014

IFP has recently reached out to Alireza Shahrdari-Panah, a photojournalist who served as an assistant to Dr. Memarian, to get the latest on Rica – the male leopard who underwent dental surgery to have his lower fangs implanted with gold crowns – and to find out if the surgery has been successful in lifting the big cat out of pain.

Mr. Shahrdari-Panah told us that Rica couldn’t be better and invited us to pay a visit to him in order to see his great implanted fangs in person.

Shahrdari-Panah, who is a wildlife enthusiast, has sent the latest photo of Rica to us along with a humorous note: “These are brushed, white teeth of Rica. He has asked us to have his upper fangs implanted, too!!!!!”

Upon a flow of demands by numerous visitors interested in wildlife we decided to post the latest on Rica.

ISIL product of foreign invasion in ME: Zarif

Emad Askarieh

September 18, 2014

Zarif made the remarks during a speech at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York on Wednesday.

He said the states that took part in a Paris conference on the US-led coalition against the ISIL earlier this week, had supported the Takfiris in the past.

“We do not support foreign military involvement in the region,” Zarif said, adding, “As a principle, we don’t believe that injection of foreign forces – either air or ground – solves our problem.”

The Iranian foreign minister noted that Iran was the first country to take measures to help Iraq in the face of the Takfiri threat.

He called for a Syrian-led solution to the crisis in Iraq’s neighboring country.

The Takfiri terrorists currently control parts of Syria and Iraq. They have threatened all communities, including Shias, Sunnis, Kurds, Christians, Izadi Kurds and others, as they continue their atrocities in Iraq.

Zarif also commented about Iran’s nuclear energy program, slamming the United States for its obsession with sanctions against Tehran.

Iran has lived up to its obligations regarding the nuclear program and is determined to resolve the issue, he stated.

Last November, Tehran and the six countries signed an interim deal in Geneva, which took effect on January 20 and expired six months later. In July, Iran and the six countries agreed to extend negotiations until November 24 this year after they failed to reach common ground on a number of key issues.

Iran has planned bilateral meetings with the six major world powers on Tehran’s nuclear energy program. Zarif said earlier that the meetings would take place before Iranian President Hassan Rouhani arrives in New York next week to attend the UN General Assembly.

President Rouhani slams US-led coalition against ISIL

Emad Askarieh

September 18, 2014

Rouhani made the remarks in an exclusive interview with NBC News in Tehran on Wednesday, saying the coalition members include those who provided the ISIL with weapons and training.

President Rouhani reiterated that Iran will not allow terrorists to occupy the Iraqi capital Baghdad or the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, calling it a “red line” for the Islamic Republic.

“We will not allow Baghdad… or the religious sites such as Karbala or Najaf to be occupied by the terrorists,” he said.

Rouhani also said Iran will provide Iraq with any support Baghdad asks for to fight the terror group.

The Iranian president went on to say that any airstrikes against the Takfiris must be conducted with permission from the government and people of that country.

Rouhani also slammed the ISIL for atrocities it commits in Iraq and Syria, saying, “The killing and beheading of innocent people is in fact a matter of shame for them and it’s a matter of concern and sorrow for all the human and all the mankind.”

Senior Iraqi officials have blamed Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and some Persian Gulf Arab states for the growing terrorism in their country.

The terrorist group has links with Saudi intelligence and is believed to be indirectly supported by the Israeli regime.

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Sept. 18

Emad Askarieh

September 18, 2014

Iranian Newspapers headlines — Iranian Newspapers Headlines

On Thursday several Iranian newspapers led on nuclear talks between Iran and P5+1 which open in New York later today. Confirmation by the government spokesman of the news that President Rouhani will attend the upcoming UN General Assembly also drew a lot of front-page attention. Comments by former President Mohammad Khatami that IS does not represent Islam were also highlighted by several reformist dailies on their front pages.

Abrar: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday underlined Iran’s important role in the region and said he looked forward to meeting with President Rouhani.

Afarinesh: The secretary of the Supreme National Security Council said, “Iran has turned down a Danish demand that Tehran be part of a Western-led coalition against IS militants.”

Afarinesh: A 16^th national Congress on Cardiovascular Diseases has closed in Tehran. In the event the services of veteran specialists in the field were praised.

Afkar: Iranian novelist Ahmad Bigdeli, who did not stop putting pen to paper until his final days, has passed away.

Aftab-e Yazd: “ISIL does not represent the Islamic civilization,” former President Mohammad Khatami said.

Aftab-e Yazd: The wrangling between the government and Ansar Hezbollah who are bent on hitting the streets as of next week to enforce morality laws rages on. The government spokesman said Wednesday “Violent tactics are bound to prompt some to show more disregard for the [Islamic] dress code…. Any disregard for women is unacceptable to the government…. It is Islam that pays a price for such measures, not Ansar Hezbollah…. Government does not approve of any measure which does not have the go-ahead of appropriate authorities.” Mohammad Bagher Nobakht’s comments came after the executive headquarters of the hard-line group said Ansar does not need permission to do what it is bent on doing. Meanwhile, a parliament deputy warned the grouping not to make the national atmosphere tense.

Arman-e Emrooz: “We’re ready for talks to strike a deal,” Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said ahead of talks with P5+1 in New York.

Asrar: “There has been no halt in construction of Arak reactor,” a senior project manager said.

Asrar: “Iranian tea growers are in a bad condition,” the head of the State Tea Organization said.

Asrar: “Terrorism lies in wait outside the borders of countries,” President Rouhani tells the Azeri minister of economy and industry.

Ebtekar: Recent recollections by the Chairman of the Expediency Council of a meeting that dated back to before the victory of the Islamic Revolution have stirred up a controversy. In his comments, Hashemi took a jab at a person, he did not name, for his failure to support the revolutionary struggle against the Shah. Now Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi and one of his students say those comments are not true.

Ebtekar: The government spokesman has put an end to speculations that the president might opt not to attend the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York. “Details of the president’s trip to New York will be released shortly.”

Etemad: “President Rouhani will travel to New York, but there are no plans for a meeting between him and President Obama,” the Iranian government spokesman said.

Ettela’at: “The president and his cabinet urge the public to consume less water.”

Farhikhtegan: “Islamic Azad University has suffered almost $250 million in losses as a result of stalled projects under the previous management,” Mohsen Hashemi said.

Iran’s lose to Germany in three sets at FIVB World Championships

Emad Askarieh

September 18, 2014

Iran’s loss to Germany in straight sets (15-25, 21-25, 19-25) at the FIVB Men’s World Championships in Poland on Wednesday made it difficult for the Iranian national volleyball team to make it to the semifinals of the event.

Germany had earlier lost in straight sets to France. In order to have a chance to advance, Iran will have to secure a 3-0 triumph over France when they line up against each other in the final clash of round three later on Thursday.

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Sept. 17

Emad Askarieh

September 17, 2014

Several Iranian newspapers on Wednesday highlighted the comments of the commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps Major Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari who said the government of President Rouhani has the support of the revolutionary guards. The arrival of Iranian nuclear negotiators in New York for talks with P5+1 also was on the front pages of a few Persian-language dailies.

Abrar: British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond has urged Iran to cooperate with an international coalition formed to fight ISIL terrorists in Iraq.

Abrar: Kuwait says it will not mediate to bring Iran on board in the fight against ISIL.

Abrar-e Eghtesadi: “Population of Iran goes beyond 77.7 million.”

Aftab-e Yazd put a large image of Chairman of the Expediency Council Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani whispering cordially with Seyyed Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of the founder of the Islamic Republic, on its front page. It was captioned “Important warnings by the grandson and close follower of Imam”. On page six of the same daily the two are reported to have taken a swipe at radicals. The daily quotes Hassan Khomeini as saying that independence and peaceful coexistence with the rest of the world were the pillars of Imam Khomeini’s line of thinking. “Peaceful coexistence does not mean that we have to let go of our independence. Similarly, preserving independence does not mean that we have to take on the world.”

Aftab-e Yazd: Hamid Baghaei [the former secretary of the Supreme Free Zones Council under Ahmadinejad] rented out the property of the council to himself, said Vice President Akbar Torkan. His comments came as a complaint by Rouhani’s government against the previous administration is under examination by the judiciary. The government alleges that one year on, public property and cars used by some officials of Ahmadinejad’s government have not been handed back.

Aftab-e Yazd quoted Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ali Jannati as saying that the number of banned newspapers and publications has fallen.

Arman-e Emrooz quoted Iranian politician and journalist Amir Mohebbian as saying, “Principlists are grappling with a political leadership crisis.”

Ebtekar:Following warnings by Interior Ministry officials that Ansar Hezbollah need official permission to enforce morality laws, the secretary of the group tones down his rhetoric and says, “The responsibility to enforce the law falls on officials who, God willing, will be more active in fulfilling their responsibility.” Abdolmajid Mohtasham went on to say, “We are focused on dishing out verbal advice.”

Ebtekar: “Iran has an advisory rather than military role in Iraq,” said the commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps.

Ebtekar: “The government has the backing of the leader. Establishing cordial relations with the clergy is one of the fundamental measures of the government,” said Ayatollah Mohammad Yazdi, a former judiciary chief who now heads the Association of Qom Seminary Scholars.

Eghtesad-e Pooya: “The Exports Guarantee Fund of Iran now has an additional $1 billion to promote exports,” said Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh.

Eghtesad-e Pooya: “The interior minister has required provincial governors to set up special headquarters to crack down on land-grab.”

Ettela’at: “Support for the government is part of IRGC policy,” the commander of the revolutionary guards said.

Financial Tribune: “Major tax breaks for foreign companies.”

Hambastegi: “Honesty is instrumental in the success of the nuclear talks,” said the chairman of the State Expediency Council.

Hemayat: A 50-page-long response pinpointing the legal problems of a recent report by the UN chief on human rights in Iran has been sent to the United Nations.

Hemayat quoted the police chief as saying, “The good management of the Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Sadeq Larijani has pushed down crime rates in recent years.”

Iran Daily: “European firms vie for Iranian gas project.”

Javan: Carlos Queiroz, the Portuguese head coach of Iran’s national soccer team, has renewed his contract to remain at the helm of the Iranian squad. “Don’t ask me to make any promises,” he said after signing the deal.

Jomhouri Islami: James Baker, a former US secretary of state, has admitted that the First Persian Gulf War set the stage for the emergence of ISIL.

Kar va Kargar: “Imposition of further sanctions at a time when nuclear talks are underway is not justifiable,” said Chairman of the State Expediency Council Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.

Kayhan: “Yemeni revolutionaries set up five military camps around Sana’a.”

Mardomsalari: Iranian officials have arrested 27 Afghan nationals who used the IDs of deceased Iranians to get cash subsidies.

Nasl-e Farda: “Chinese President Xi Jinping is to pay a visit to Iran” after President Rouhani invited him for a state visit.

Nasl-e Farda: “The most controversial episode of the TV sport program “90”” was the heading of a report that covered comments by former coach of Iran’s national football team Ali Daei. During the popular program, which is said to be the most-watched TV show in Iran, Daei said he was sacked as the national team’s coach on the direct orders of former President Ahmadinejad.

Quds: “Twelve new aircraft are to be added to the Iranian fleet,” said the minister of roads and urbanization.

Roozan: Former Interior Minister Abdolvahed Mousavi-Lari has said Former President Mohammad Khatami is likely to visit the Supreme Leader.

Roozan: “The suffering inflicted on the country during the eight years Ahmadinejad was in office was far more than that of the 8-year Iran-Iraq war,” said Parviz Kazemi, a former minister of welfare and social security under Ahmadinejad.

Shahrvand: Up to 100 hectares of protected land on the Iranian island of Ashooradeh in the Caspian Sea has gone up in flames.

Sharq: “Portrayal of problems on the big screen does not amount to spreading poison,” said Rakhshan Bani-Etemad after her movie “Tales”, which scooped the best award for screenplay at the Venice Film Festival, came under fire at home for what some alleged was a shot at painting a negative picture of the Iranian establishment.

Final N-deal needs tough work, hard decisions: Zarif

Emad Askarieh

September 17, 2014

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says any final agreement between the Islamic Republic and the P5+1 over Tehran’s nuclear energy program requires hard decisions.

Zarif on Wednesday expressed optimism over the clinching of a final nuclear deal with the six world powers, but stressed that it would require a lot of work and a lot of hard discussions.

“It’s going to be a very tough discussion because we have tough decisions that everybody needs to make in order to move this process forward,” he told Press TV correspondent ahead of the start of the next round of talks over Iran’s civilian nuclear work.

He, however, said that a final deal was possible if there was genuine will to reach an agreement.

“We believe it is possible. We believe that provided that everyone wants to reach a solution, that everybody wants to stick to the agreement that we had in Geneva in November of last year we can, in fact, reach an agreement but it’s going to require a lot of work, a lot of hard decisions,” he said.

Zarif said that Iran has planned bilateral meetings with various members of the P5+1 group. He said that the meetings will take place before Iranian President Hassan Rouhani arrives in New York next week to attend the UN General Assembly meeting.

Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council – the United States, Russia, China, France and Britain – plus Germany have been discussing ways to iron out their differences and start drafting a final deal that would end the West’s dispute with Iran over the country’s nuclear energy program.