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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
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Home Blog Page 5029

Iranian president, Omani foreign minister meet in Tehran

November 17, 2014

Omani Foreign Minister Youssef bin Alawi bin Abdullah has paid an unofficial visit to Iran and held talks with Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani over regional developments in the capital, Tehran.

In his Sunday visit, Alawi also met with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif.

An informed official told IRNA that Alawi’s one-day visit was aimed at discussing bilateral ties and ways to tackle extremism in the region.

The visit came a week after the Omani capital, Muscat, hosted three days of nuclear talks between Iran, the United States and the European Union. The talks were meant to facilitate the conclusion of a final deal between Iran and P5+1 over the Iranian nuclear program before a November 24 deadline.

On the top of the agenda of the Muscat talks were the extent of Iran’s uranium enrichment and the timetable for the removal of anti-Iran sanctions.

On November 11, Alawi expressed optimism that a final nuclear agreement between Iran and P5+1 – Russia, China, Britain, France, the US and Germany – is within reach.

Oman has played an intermediary role between Iran and the US since Tehran and Washington severed diplomatic ties in 1979.

In late August, Oman’s Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said visited Iran at the head of a high-ranking delegation.

Iran’s economy is in for a big shock: Economist

Emad Askarieh

November 16, 2014

Khabaronline filed an interview on November 16 with Mehdi Taghavi, an economic analyst and a member of faculty at Allameh Tabatabaei University, about the likely ramifications of a recent drop in oil prices on Iran’s economy. What appears below is the translation of part of the interview:

Since oil prices on the global market have hit a 4-year low and international institutions have projected that the prices will see additional decline in 2015, concerns among oil producers have heightened.

OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) has reported that countries whose economies are dependent on oil revenues should sell their crude at no less than $100 per barrel to balance their budget. However, over the past few weeks, oil prices have plunged $20 below that level.

In the run-up to a 166^th ministerial meeting of OPEC, Iran’s oil chief Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said that a return to $100-plus prices is difficult but that prices should be set in keeping with what the market warrants.

The question is how Iran’s economy which is dependent on oil revenues will fare in the months to come. Masoud Nili, an economic advisor to President Rouhani, says realistic projections about crude prices and oil revenues must be taken into consideration in putting together the spending package and steering the economy, especially now that it is in recession and the way out passes through a more active development sector.

Mehdi Taghavi is of the opinion that the fall in oil prices will have a serious impact on Iran’s economy and its budget plan.

“Traumatic effects lie ahead, because Iran’s economy has been long dependent on oil revenues. Oil is Iran’s staple export item and if we want to keep our economy afloat, oil exports will have to go according to plan. However, global oil prices are slumping by the day, this might send shockwaves into our economy,” he said.

He went on to say, “As oil prices dive, there will be a fall in foreign currency revenues. A decline in exports will see imports go down and send inflation surging.”

Estimating that a constant drop in oil prices will take a toll on production in industrial units, he added, “The government should not turn to quantitative easing to ride out the budget deficit, because such a measure will fuel inflation.”

“From my perspective, in these conditions, no matter what the government does, it will harm the economy. The government might be advised to lower its spending, but will it help put our financial house in order? In my opinion, it won’t, because the question is what sector can survive a reduction in spending. Anyway, I am of the conviction that the decline in oil prices will shock Iran’s economy to the core,” he concluded.

Tehran bids tearful farewell to pop singer Morteza Pashaei

IFP Editorial Staff

November 16, 2014

Thousands of people from the capital and elsewhere in the country turned out for the funeral procession of the late Morteza Pashaei, an Iranian musician, composer and pop singer, on Sunday (November 16), according to Fararu, a news website.

The emotion-filled farewell ceremony caused gridlock on the streets of Tehran, and the capital’s subway was almost brought to a standstill as a large influx of the late singer’s fans tried to reach the funeral procession.

The ceremony went off to a euphonious start when some of Pashaei’s songs were played in his memory with participants repeating the lyrics, among them Mohammad Alizadeh, a famous singer. Sounds of Senj (Cymbal) and Dammam were all in the air as more people joined the huge crowd.

Carrying photos of the late singer, the young music lovers had a strong presence in the ceremony joining other attendees to express condolences to the bereaved family of Pashaei.

Pashaei gained fame for singing Negaran-e Mani (You Are Worried About Me), the closing credit song of Maah-e Asal (Honeymoon) – a famous anthology TV talk show in Iran which goes on air each year in the holy month of Ramadan in the hours leading to Iftar, when the faithful break their day-long fast.

The 30-year-old Pashaei passed away on Friday November 14 after a long battle against gastric cancer.

[Dammam is the Persian drum which is played with a wooden stick and/or with hand. In southern Iran it is played in religious ceremonies.]

ISIL militant beheads US aid worker

Emad Askarieh

November 16, 2014

The footage, which was aired on Sunday, shows the masked terrorist claiming to have chopped off Kassig’s head as a warning to the government of the United States. However, there has been no verification of the clip.

The 26-year-old American was kidnapped in October 2013 on his way to Syria’s eastern city of Deir al-Zour.

The nearly 16-minute video also shows what appeared to be the mass execution of several abducted Syrian soldiers.

The ISIL militants first showed Kassig in the video of the beheading of British aid worker Alan Henning in early October. The terror group has posted numerous videos of its atrocities as a terror tactic.

ISIL have executed several foreign nationals including American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff and British aid workers David Haines, and Henning.

The ISIL terrorists currently control large areas of Iraq. The group sent its militants into Iraq in June, seizing large parts of land straddling the border between Syria and Iraq.

Oil Minister: Iran has tools to minimize damage by drop in oil prices

Emad Askarieh

November 16, 2014

Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh has said that Tehran has been affected by the recent plunge in the oil price but there are tools to minimize the damage.

[…]

By withdrawing money from the National Development Fund of Iran (NDFI), which is the country’s sovereign wealth fund, and paying those who are working in the upstream sector of oil industry, Iran will cushion the damage caused by the fall in oil price, the minister said in an interview with Azerbaijan’s Trend News Agency.

[…]

Turkish architects urge Pope not to visit Erdogan’s palace

Emad Askarieh

November 16, 2014

The controversial decision by Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan to build a new presidential complex near Ankara continues to meet with outcry at home. On November 12 Alef website reported that Turkey’s Chamber of Architects has taken its opposition beyond national borders, asking Pope Francis not to go to the Ak Saray (White Palace) when he visits Turkey in late November. What you go through below is the translation of the report:

The Ankara branch of the Chamber of Architects has in a letter asked Pope Francis to turn down an invitation by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to go to his palace when he visits Turkey on November 28.

The leader of the Catholic Church is the first foreign guest Erdogan is to host in his new palace.

The Turkish architects have argued that the palace has been erected illegally and that the Pope should not legitimize the construction of the [sprawling] palace during his [three-day] stay.

The Chamber has also stressed in the message that it would send similar letters to heads of states, Ankara-based foreign embassies, and heads of international organizations urging them not to show up in the new presidential palace if and when they make a trip to Turkey.

The letter comes against a backdrop of fierce opposition to the gigantic palace by members of the public and environmentalists who say Erdogan has destroyed one of the few remaining green spaces in the capital to construct his mega mansion.

Several court orders blocking the project failed to halt the construction of the presidential palace [which was inaugurated on October 29 when Turkey celebrated the 91^st anniversary of the Republic Day].

Erdogan’s new palace is a reminder of Iran’s Alighapoo

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Nov. 16

Emad Askarieh

November 16, 2014

Iranian newspaper front pages were dominated on Sunday by speculations on whether the Islamic Consultative Assembly will endorse President Rouhani’s fourth nominee to take over the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology. Another pervasive front-page headline was the confirmation by the Supreme Court of a lower court verdict barring Saeed Mortazavi, a former Tehran prosecutor, from the bench for life and from public office for five years.

Afkar: The Middle East’s largest gold factory has been inaugurated in northwestern Iran.

Asr-e Eghtesad: “Iran is 17^th in the world when it comes to tourist security,” said the director of the Cultural Heritage, Handcrafts and Tourism Organization.

Asr-e Iranian: Some 100 MPs have signed a petition to question Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on parliament floor.

Asrar: “The government [of President Rouhani] will not change its nominee for minister of science,” said the president’s deputy.

Asrar: “I hope the culture minister does not give in to pressures when it comes to defending press freedom,” said Rasoul Montajabnia, a reformist activist.

Ebtekar: Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has once again been summoned to appear before parliament.

Ebtekar: Pressure is building on President Rouhani to change his pick for the science ministry. Jafar Nili-Monfared, the deputy science minister and Saeed Semnanian, an advisor to the minister, have both resigned their posts amid a showdown between the Cabinet and parliament on who will take over the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology.

Emtiaz: “Iran has the tools to minimize the damage caused by a slump in oil prices,” said Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh.

Esfahan Emrooz: “Officials have discovered some leads based on victim accounts about acid attacks in Isfahan,” said an MP representing the central city where the attacks took place.

Etemad: “Some members of parliament desire to become minister of science,” said Ali Motahari, a Tehran MP, in an interview with the daily.

Etemad: Iran Air, Iran’s flagship carrier, says it has built on the Geneva Interim Agreement between Iran and P5+1 to purchase spare parts from Boeing.

Ettela’at: Fierce clashes have broken out between the Palestinians and the Israeli police in the West Bank and Quds.

Farhikhtegan: “Iran’s oil revenues have plummeted to $26 billion from a previous $110 billion,” said Government Spokesman Mohammad Bagher Nobakht.

Financial Tribune: Gasoline imports halved on lower consumption.

Hambastegi: “A draft bill on parties has been submitted to the government,” said Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli.

Hambastegi: “Proper management is needed to promote the public culture,” said Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ali Jannati.

Hambastegi: “The reform camp is moving according to the law and in line with Islam and Iran’s interests,” said Hadi Khamenei, a reformist cleric.

Hamshahri: Renowned Iranian director Majid Majidi is to head the jury of the upcoming Fajr International Film Festival.

Hemayat: “The Supreme Court has upheld the conviction of Saeed Mortazavi [a former Tehran prosecutor],” said a deputy Judiciary chief, confirming that the former Tehran prosecutor will be banned from judicial positions for ever. Other reports also indicate that he will be barred from all government portfolios for five years.

Hosban: A historical gate dating back to the Achaemenian era has been discovered 3 km away from Takht-e Jamshid (a.k.a. Persepolis) in southern Iran.

Iran: Global leaders meet in a tense atmosphere for the annual G20 summit in Australia.

Iran Daily: IAEA removes UAE’s fake Iran map.

Jamejam: Air pollution has made a comeback to metropolises.

Jomhouri Islami: “The government will draw up the country’s spending package for next year (starting March 21, 2015) based on an oil price of $70-80 per barrel,” said the vice-president for planning affairs.

Kaenat: Efforts are underway to implement the National Document on Senior Citizens.

Kaenat: Access to Viber and Instagram will not be banned.

Kar va Kargar: “More time is needed [for Iran and P5+1] to reach a final nuclear agreement,” said the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Kasbokar: Truck transit is cut in half between Iran and Turkey following a rise in tariffs.

Kayhan: Iran and China have concluded a major economic and industrial deal, the Iranian Energy Ministry announced.

Khorasan: Iran and China have inked a $50-billion agreement.

Mardomsalari: “Gastric cancer is the number one killer cancer in Iran,” said the health minister, offering condolences on the death of pop singer Morteza Pashaei [who died on Friday at the age of 30].

Payam-e Zaman: “Efforts should be made to set balanced prices for oil,” said President Rouhani in a meeting with the Venezuelan foreign minister.

Payam-e Zaman: “We will offer a clear report on recent acid attacks to people,” the interior minister told reporters.

Resalat: “Political bickering counters production and justice,” said Ahmad Tavakoli, a Tehran MP.

Resalat: The Iraqi Army and people are getting prepared to liberate Tikrit in northern Iraq. It comes as reports indicate that ISIL terrorists have lost ground in Baiji.

Roozan: “Efforts to dispute the nuclear talks [between Iran and P5+1] run counter to the policies of the establishment,” said Deputy Foreign Minister Hassan Qashqavi.

Sepid reported that the country’s complementary insurance companies have lent overwhelming support to the [government’s] Healthcare Transformation Plan.

Shahrvand: A deputy foreign minister has warned Iranian nationals that they risk death by trying to illegally find their way to Australia.

Sharq: The chairman of the Iranian National Olympic Committee has said in an exclusive that in some sports women’s presence in arenas is acceptable.

Taadol: “The Supreme National Security Council makes the final decision on a final nuclear deal,” said Deputy Foreign Minister Hassan Qashqavi, in response to calls by some MPs that any possible deal should secure parliament’s approval.

Tafahom: Record stagnation in ten years has hit the Iranian car market.

Tejarat: Interest rates might change in the next six months.

Vatan-e Emrooz: Some Iranian MPs say the parliament should confirm the final nuclear agreement between Iran and P5+1.

VP Underlines Respect for All Faiths in Iran

Emad Askarieh

November 16, 2014

An Iranian vice-president said the country treats people of different religions with respect.

“In Iran, the rights of all religions are held in high regard,” Vice-President for Legal Affairs Elham Aminzadeh said in a meeting with Meng Jianzhu, a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, held in Tehran on Saturday.

She also noted that the prevailing spirit in Iran is rejection of extremism and violence, making a reference to the Iranian President Hassan Rohani’s proposal for the fights against those threats in the world.

On December 18, 2013, the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly voted to approve Rouhani’s WAVE (World against Violence and Extremism) proposal, which calls on all nations across the globe to denounce violence and extremism.

Back on Friday, Armenia’s ambassador to Tehran also dismissed Western media outlets’ propaganda on alleged discrimination against religious minorities in Iran, and hailed the Islamic Republic for creating ideal conditions for Armenian Christians.

“The Armenians residing in Iran are offered tremendous possibilities for maintaining their national identity,” Grigor Arakelian said, noting, “Presence of two (Armenian) legislators in the Iranian parliament signifies that Armenians enjoy really good conditions in Iran and get great respect from the Muslim brothers.”

Iran inaugurates ME’s biggest gold-processing plant

Emad Askarieh

November 16, 2014

Iran has inaugurated the Middle East’s biggest gold-processing plant that will double the country’s annual production of gold bullion in the near future.

The Zarshouran plant, located in West Azerbaijan Province in northwest of the country, was inaugurated by First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri on Saturday.

With the completion of the first phase of the plant, Iran is expected to produce an estimated three tons of pure gold, 1.25 tons of silver and 500 kilograms of mercury in the future.

After undergoing development, the plant will bring the country’s annual production of pure gold to six tons. The new processing facility will also produce an estimated 2.5 tons of silver and 1.5 tons of mercury per year in the near future.

The plant is fed by a nearby gold mine, situated some 35 kilometers from the city of Takab and is estimated to hold over 100 tons of gold.

Iran president stresses need to balanced oil price

Emad Askarieh

November 16, 2014

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has stressed the need for stability in global oil prices, warning against consequences of sharp price fluctuations on world’s economy.

“Market turmoil and sharp rises or falls in oil prices will affect the stability of global economy; therefore, efforts should be made for oil to have a balanced price,” Rouhani said in a meeting with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Rafael Ramirez in Tehran on Saturday.

He also underlined the need for mutual consultation on major global economic issues, including oil price instability.

Rouhani’s remarks come as the 166th ministerial meeting of OPEC is scheduled to be held in Vienna on November 27 to discuss sharp reduction in oil prices.

Oil prices have plunged in Asia, with analysts laying the blame on the rise in the value of the US dollar and the improbability that the intergovernmental OPEC body cuts crude output.

[…]