Showing posts with label Iran. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Iran. Show all posts
even members of the Iranian Red Crescent अर्धचन्द्राकारwere released by their captors in Libya yesterday after 65 days in captivity. The Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said that the hostages were handed over to the Iranian Embassy in Tripoli. They are expected to reach Teheran today. The Red Crescent members were kidnapped in Benghazi by unknown armed men in July. The group was returning to their hotel after signing a document with Libyan officials.
However, there has been no word yet on the fate of 48 Iranians held hostage by the Syrian rebels. The rebels deadline of 48 hours for the Syrian Government to release the detained Syrian prisoners otherwise face execution of the Iranian hostages comes to an end today. Iran has requested Turkey and Qatar to help secure the release of 48 Iranians kidnapped in August by the one of the rebel Syrian Brigades associated with the rebel Free Syrian Army. Iran Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi spoke to his Turkish and Qatari counterparts on phone who assured him of all possible help.
The rebels claim that the hostages are the members of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, IRGC on a reconnaissance mission to help the Syrian regime. Iran says the 48 hostages are Shiite pilgrims and an Afghani interpreter who visited Syria for religious purposes and were kidnapped just outside Damascus as they visited the shrine of Hazrat Zainab, the daughter of Imam Ali.
However, there has been no word yet on the fate of 48 Iranians held hostage by the Syrian rebels. The rebels deadline of 48 hours for the Syrian Government to release the detained Syrian prisoners otherwise face execution of the Iranian hostages comes to an end today. Iran has requested Turkey and Qatar to help secure the release of 48 Iranians kidnapped in August by the one of the rebel Syrian Brigades associated with the rebel Free Syrian Army. Iran Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi spoke to his Turkish and Qatari counterparts on phone who assured him of all possible help.
The rebels claim that the hostages are the members of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, IRGC on a reconnaissance mission to help the Syrian regime. Iran says the 48 hostages are Shiite pilgrims and an Afghani interpreter who visited Syria for religious purposes and were kidnapped just outside Damascus as they visited the shrine of Hazrat Zainab, the daughter of Imam Ali.
The U.S. Senate has almost unanimously passed a non-binding resolution opposing Iran's development of nuclear weapons. The Senate passed the measure early on Saturday in a vote of 90 to 1. The wording of the non-binding measure specifically states that the measure should not be interpreted as an authorization for the use of military force or a declaration of war. Republican Senator Rand Paul, who cast the lone “no” vote, has denounced the resolution as an excuse for the use of military force.
he US is set to remove dissident Iranian group Mujahideen-e Khalq - MEK - from its terror blacklist. Officials said Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has sent a classified opinion to Congress and a decision is expected to be announced in the following days. A state department spokeswoman has not confirmed what the opinion contains, but US congressmen welcomed the expected decision in favour of MEK. Members of the group have been based at a refugee camp in Iraq but Baghdad is taking steps to expel them.
The state department says its presence on the list puts members living in Iraq under threat. The MEK, also known as the People's Mujahideen Organisation of Iran, was listed as a foreign terrorist organisation by the United States in 1997. But the MEK has insisted that it has renounced violence and has lobbied fiercely in Washington to gain congressional support for its delisting. Britain removed the group of its terror list in 2008, followed by the European Union in 2009.
The state department says its presence on the list puts members living in Iraq under threat. The MEK, also known as the People's Mujahideen Organisation of Iran, was listed as a foreign terrorist organisation by the United States in 1997. But the MEK has insisted that it has renounced violence and has lobbied fiercely in Washington to gain congressional support for its delisting. Britain removed the group of its terror list in 2008, followed by the European Union in 2009.
The IAEA Chief Yukiaa Amano has urged Iran to grant the UN Nuclear Inspectors access to the Parchin military site. He also said that in case any clean up activity has taken place at Parchin facility, it would have an adverse impact on the IAEA’s investigation, if and when it was allowed to go there. Amano was addressing the 35-nation governing board meeting of IAEA in Vienna. The IAEA Chief expressed frustration at the lack of progress in the talks over Iran’s nuclear program.
The IAEA Chief’s statement comes ahead of the talks between the UN Nuclear watchdog, and Iran over Teheran’s controversial nuclear program in Vienna. The talks assume significance in the wake of the report released by the agency on August 30 that Iran has doubled its uranium centrifuges at its underground Fordo facility.
The IAEA report also expressed concern that at the Parchin site Tehran may have conducted explosives tests for the development of nuclear weapons and the site might have been clean up or sanitized.
The IAEA has held several rounds of talks with Iran in recent months to press for access to sites and to talk to the scientists involved in its nuclear program. Iran denies conducting any such research and says that the IAEA’s allegations are baseless.
On the other hand, the western nations have been insisting that Iran should shut down its Fordow plant, stop uranium enrichment and ship already enriched uranium to other countries. They allege that Iran is trying to acquire nuclear weapons capability. Iran denies the charges and says its nuclear program is for peaceful civilian purposes.
The IAEA Chief’s statement comes ahead of the talks between the UN Nuclear watchdog, and Iran over Teheran’s controversial nuclear program in Vienna. The talks assume significance in the wake of the report released by the agency on August 30 that Iran has doubled its uranium centrifuges at its underground Fordo facility.
The IAEA report also expressed concern that at the Parchin site Tehran may have conducted explosives tests for the development of nuclear weapons and the site might have been clean up or sanitized.
The IAEA has held several rounds of talks with Iran in recent months to press for access to sites and to talk to the scientists involved in its nuclear program. Iran denies conducting any such research and says that the IAEA’s allegations are baseless.
On the other hand, the western nations have been insisting that Iran should shut down its Fordow plant, stop uranium enrichment and ship already enriched uranium to other countries. They allege that Iran is trying to acquire nuclear weapons capability. Iran denies the charges and says its nuclear program is for peaceful civilian purposes.
ehmanparast said Iran's participation in the meeting is within the framework of solving the Syrian crisis and to listening to the Egyptian proposal. He said Iran will use this opportunity to provide its views, in addition to those of the other countries to this group. Egyptian officials in Cairo were not immediately available to confirm the meeting.
The meeting, if confirmed, would be the first of a regional contact group on Syria proposed by Egypt's new president, Mohamed Morsi, at an August summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Saudi Arabia that suspended Syria's membership.
The meeting, if confirmed, would be the first of a regional contact group on Syria proposed by Egypt's new president, Mohamed Morsi, at an August summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Saudi Arabia that suspended Syria's membership.
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UN chief Ban Ki-moon today asked Iran to build "international confidence" in its nuclear programme by fully complying with the global obligations under NPT and cooperating with IAEA, shortly after Tehran slammed the UNSC for being "unjust and completely undemocratic".
Addressing the leaders and delegates gathered in Tehran for the 16th NAM Summit, Ban also urged the sanctions-hit country to engage constructively in P5 plus 1 (US, UK, Russia, France and China plus Germany) talks while pursuing its nuclear programme. The UN chief also said Tehran, during its chairmanship of the 120-nation Non-Aligned Movement, could demonstrate that it can play a moderate and constructive role.
Ban also stressed that all leaders should ensure that the world should be free of nuclear weapons and work together to check illicit arms trade.
Addressing the leaders and delegates gathered in Tehran for the 16th NAM Summit, Ban also urged the sanctions-hit country to engage constructively in P5 plus 1 (US, UK, Russia, France and China plus Germany) talks while pursuing its nuclear programme. The UN chief also said Tehran, during its chairmanship of the 120-nation Non-Aligned Movement, could demonstrate that it can play a moderate and constructive role.
Ban also stressed that all leaders should ensure that the world should be free of nuclear weapons and work together to check illicit arms trade.
he Prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh today called for reforms at the UN Security Council and global financial institutions. Addressing the NAM summit in Tehran, Dr Singh said NAM should take the lead in building global governance structures that are representative, credible and effective.
He said there is a need for new instruments of global governance to confront cross-cutting and trans-national challenges through coordinated global action. The Prime minister said these include international terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the menace of maritime piracy, the growing threat to cyber security and the challenge of sustainable development while ensuring energy, water and food security. Dr Singh said today’s structures for global governance remain driven by the power equations of the past and have proved inadequate in dealing with the economic and political crises.
Expressing concern over the deteriorating situation in Syria, Dr Singh urged all parties to recommit themselves to resolving the crisis peacefully through a Syrian-led inclusive political process that can meet the legitimate aspirations of Syrian people.
Dr Singh said the Non-Aligned Movement should renew its pledge to support the Palestinian cause. He called for an early resolution of the issue, so that they can live in peace and dignity in a state of their own. He said developing countries need to have a greater say on matters of global trade, finance and investment. The Prime minister said excessive speculation, structural bottlenecks and lack of coordination are fuelling food inflation at the global level.
Dr Singh said NAM should push for effective food policy coordination and cooperation at the global level in areas such as agricultural productivity, weather forecasting and research and development. Dr Singh said India would be happy to contribute to a NAM initiative on skill development, particularly focused on the knowledge economy.
He urged upon NAM members to work with India in areas of priority to Africa. Dr Singh expressed hope that deliberations will be helpful in restoring this historic Movement to its rightful place on the international stage.
He said there is a need for new instruments of global governance to confront cross-cutting and trans-national challenges through coordinated global action. The Prime minister said these include international terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the menace of maritime piracy, the growing threat to cyber security and the challenge of sustainable development while ensuring energy, water and food security. Dr Singh said today’s structures for global governance remain driven by the power equations of the past and have proved inadequate in dealing with the economic and political crises.
Expressing concern over the deteriorating situation in Syria, Dr Singh urged all parties to recommit themselves to resolving the crisis peacefully through a Syrian-led inclusive political process that can meet the legitimate aspirations of Syrian people.
Dr Singh said the Non-Aligned Movement should renew its pledge to support the Palestinian cause. He called for an early resolution of the issue, so that they can live in peace and dignity in a state of their own. He said developing countries need to have a greater say on matters of global trade, finance and investment. The Prime minister said excessive speculation, structural bottlenecks and lack of coordination are fuelling food inflation at the global level.
Dr Singh said NAM should push for effective food policy coordination and cooperation at the global level in areas such as agricultural productivity, weather forecasting and research and development. Dr Singh said India would be happy to contribute to a NAM initiative on skill development, particularly focused on the knowledge economy.
He urged upon NAM members to work with India in areas of priority to Africa. Dr Singh expressed hope that deliberations will be helpful in restoring this historic Movement to its rightful place on the international stage.
Kendriya Vidyalayas are among one of the best schools in India and their branches abroad have also brought laurels to the country. Iran’s capital Teheran has one of the Kendriya Vidyalayas since 1952. The school came once again in to the focus today as Prime Minister’s wife Gurusharan Kaur visited the school today. She presented a cheque of Rs. 2 crore to the school for the welfare of the children. The star attraction was a cultural program by the school kids .The school has at present 190 children out of which 50 are foreign nationals from Bangladesh, Korea etc. The School Principal told AIR that the performance of students has seen a quantum jump over the past two years. The Prime Minister’s wife also visited the Sikh Gurudwara in Teheran.
he Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan today said Non Alligned Movement NAM should help in tackling key political and economic challenges, including worsening situation in Syria and a persistent global economic slowdown. Dr. Singh left this evening on a four-day visit to attend the 16th NAM Summit in Tehran .
In his statement prior to his departure, the Prime Minister lamented the outdated structures of global governance have not been able to keep pace with contemporary political and economic challenges. The Prime Minister's remarks come in the backdrop of questions being raised over the relevance of 120-nation NAM.
Dr. Singh said that NAM presents tremendous potential for collaboration and cooperation among the member nations to resolve shared developmental challenges.
He asserted that the movement must catalyze such opportunities for mutual benefits and renewed India's commitment to contribute in these endeavors of south-south cooperation. The Prime Minister said he will hold bilateral meetings with the Iranian leadership and other leaders of NAM countries participating in the summit. Dr.Singh said that he is looking forward to opportunity to review bilateral relations with these countries and exchange views on regional and global issues.
AIR Correspondent covering the summit reports from Tehran that Dr. Singh's bilateral meetings with Khamenei and Ahmadinejad assume significance as they will take place at a time when the US is pushing India to reduce engagement with Iran and implement sanctions imposed by some countries over its controversial nuclear programme. India being a founding member of NAM, the member countries are looking forward to its guidance and support .
Ahead of the summit, the Prime Minister has a busy schedule in Teheran on Wednesday. He will be meeting Iran President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad and the Supreme leader Ayatollah Khamnei. Another important likely meeting of the Prime Minister on the sidelines of NAM Summit is with the Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari. He will also be meeting the Afghan President Hamid Karzai and the Egyptian President Mohammad Morsi. This will be the first meeting of the Prime Minister with the Egyptian President after he assumed power. In the run up to the summit, the Foreign Minister's from the 120 member bloc of nations began discussions on the theme Lasting peace through Joint Global Governance. The talks focussed on the role of non aligned movement in promoting global peace and development. Indian delegation is led by the External Affairs Minister S.M.Krishna.
The foreign ministers of 120 member bloc of nations have adopted the draft document to be considered by the Heads of States during the summit on August 30-31.The document reflects the NAM stand on a host of issues such as Syria, Palestine, Human rights, UN reforms, food and energy security ,sustainable development and south -south co-operations among others.
In his statement prior to his departure, the Prime Minister lamented the outdated structures of global governance have not been able to keep pace with contemporary political and economic challenges. The Prime Minister's remarks come in the backdrop of questions being raised over the relevance of 120-nation NAM.
Dr. Singh said that NAM presents tremendous potential for collaboration and cooperation among the member nations to resolve shared developmental challenges.
He asserted that the movement must catalyze such opportunities for mutual benefits and renewed India's commitment to contribute in these endeavors of south-south cooperation. The Prime Minister said he will hold bilateral meetings with the Iranian leadership and other leaders of NAM countries participating in the summit. Dr.Singh said that he is looking forward to opportunity to review bilateral relations with these countries and exchange views on regional and global issues.
AIR Correspondent covering the summit reports from Tehran that Dr. Singh's bilateral meetings with Khamenei and Ahmadinejad assume significance as they will take place at a time when the US is pushing India to reduce engagement with Iran and implement sanctions imposed by some countries over its controversial nuclear programme. India being a founding member of NAM, the member countries are looking forward to its guidance and support .
Ahead of the summit, the Prime Minister has a busy schedule in Teheran on Wednesday. He will be meeting Iran President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad and the Supreme leader Ayatollah Khamnei. Another important likely meeting of the Prime Minister on the sidelines of NAM Summit is with the Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari. He will also be meeting the Afghan President Hamid Karzai and the Egyptian President Mohammad Morsi. This will be the first meeting of the Prime Minister with the Egyptian President after he assumed power. In the run up to the summit, the Foreign Minister's from the 120 member bloc of nations began discussions on the theme Lasting peace through Joint Global Governance. The talks focussed on the role of non aligned movement in promoting global peace and development. Indian delegation is led by the External Affairs Minister S.M.Krishna.
The foreign ministers of 120 member bloc of nations have adopted the draft document to be considered by the Heads of States during the summit on August 30-31.The document reflects the NAM stand on a host of issues such as Syria, Palestine, Human rights, UN reforms, food and energy security ,sustainable development and south -south co-operations among others.
he Official level meeting of the Non Aligned countries continued for the second day to prepare the ground work for stand of the 120 member bloc on several international issues and to promote multilateral co-operation among them. External Affairs Minister S.M.Krishna is arriving in Teheran today in the run up to NAM Ministerial level meet scheduled for tomorrow and the day after.
The top officials from the 120 member bloc of nations are working on the draft document for the 16 th Non Aligned Movement Summit, The issues include among others the developments in Syria, Palestine, UN reforms, human rights, food and energy security, sustainable development etc.
As a convention the NAM meetings are held first at the official level followed by the Ministerial level and then the Summit of the Heads of States or their representatives. The NAM stand on the conflict in Syria will be keenly watched with the Syrian Prime Minister Wael Nader Al Halqi attending the summit on August 30-31.
The movement is expected to reiterate its support for the Palestinian state. The concerns of the developing nations over the much delayed reforms at UN giving a stronger say to them will figure prominently. A concerted effort to weed out terrorism is also on the cards.
Another key area is expanding multi lateral collaboration and co-operation among the member nations to meet their needs. 2012 being the year of Sustainable development, the NAM countries are expected to voice their concerns.
Meanwhile, preparations are on for the 16th NAM Summit. Teheran city is being spruced up with posters and billboards showcasing the motto and the logo of the Non Aligned Movement prominently at vantage points. Security has been beefed up and all roads leading to the summit venue have been blocked.
A five day public holiday has been declared in Teheran. Over 51 Heads of States and International Organizations have confirmed their participation in the summit. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Egyptian President Mohammed Morsey, Cuban President Raul Castro, Sultan Qaboos of Oman, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari are among those taking part in the summit.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has also confirmed his participation despite the protests from US and Israel. The focus will be on Syria with its Prime Minister Wael Nader Al Halqi attending the summit on August 30-31.
Presence of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsey in Iran will be another attraction since the two countries didn’t have diplomatic ties since the days of Iranian revolution. The Palestinian delegation row has just been resolved with Iran declaring that a formal invite has been sent only to the Palestinian Authority President Mahmood Abbas.
The top officials from the 120 member bloc of nations are working on the draft document for the 16 th Non Aligned Movement Summit, The issues include among others the developments in Syria, Palestine, UN reforms, human rights, food and energy security, sustainable development etc.
As a convention the NAM meetings are held first at the official level followed by the Ministerial level and then the Summit of the Heads of States or their representatives. The NAM stand on the conflict in Syria will be keenly watched with the Syrian Prime Minister Wael Nader Al Halqi attending the summit on August 30-31.
The movement is expected to reiterate its support for the Palestinian state. The concerns of the developing nations over the much delayed reforms at UN giving a stronger say to them will figure prominently. A concerted effort to weed out terrorism is also on the cards.
Another key area is expanding multi lateral collaboration and co-operation among the member nations to meet their needs. 2012 being the year of Sustainable development, the NAM countries are expected to voice their concerns.
Meanwhile, preparations are on for the 16th NAM Summit. Teheran city is being spruced up with posters and billboards showcasing the motto and the logo of the Non Aligned Movement prominently at vantage points. Security has been beefed up and all roads leading to the summit venue have been blocked.
A five day public holiday has been declared in Teheran. Over 51 Heads of States and International Organizations have confirmed their participation in the summit. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Egyptian President Mohammed Morsey, Cuban President Raul Castro, Sultan Qaboos of Oman, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari are among those taking part in the summit.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has also confirmed his participation despite the protests from US and Israel. The focus will be on Syria with its Prime Minister Wael Nader Al Halqi attending the summit on August 30-31.
Presence of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsey in Iran will be another attraction since the two countries didn’t have diplomatic ties since the days of Iranian revolution. The Palestinian delegation row has just been resolved with Iran declaring that a formal invite has been sent only to the Palestinian Authority President Mahmood Abbas.
Iran is gearing up to host the 16th Non Aligned Movement Summit. Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi told that top leaders from 30 countries including India , Egypt and Cuba will be attending the summit and more than 100 out of the 120 nation bloc have confirmed their participation. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Egypt President Mohammad Morsi and Cuban President Raul Castro are among the world leaders who will be there at the summit.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has also confirmed his participation despite the protests by US and Israel. Experts say, the NAM Summit is an important opportunity for Iran to portray itself as part of the international scene despite the efforts by the western nations to isolate it diplomatically and economically. Around 7000 participants including the delegates and media are expected for the summit.
In the run up to the event, a five-day public holiday has been declared in Teheran to clear the stifling( दमघोंटू) traffic and pollution. Visa-free entry to Iran normally offered to nationals from Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Ecuador, Georgia, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Turkey, Syria and Venezuela has been temporarily suspended. Hospital staff have had their vacations suspended.
Parts of the capital have been beautified, with lamp posts and road markings freshly painted. For Security reasons all the roads leading to the summit venue have been blocked except for the official vehicles.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has also confirmed his participation despite the protests by US and Israel. Experts say, the NAM Summit is an important opportunity for Iran to portray itself as part of the international scene despite the efforts by the western nations to isolate it diplomatically and economically. Around 7000 participants including the delegates and media are expected for the summit.
In the run up to the event, a five-day public holiday has been declared in Teheran to clear the stifling( दमघोंटू) traffic and pollution. Visa-free entry to Iran normally offered to nationals from Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Ecuador, Georgia, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Turkey, Syria and Venezuela has been temporarily suspended. Hospital staff have had their vacations suspended.
Parts of the capital have been beautified, with lamp posts and road markings freshly painted. For Security reasons all the roads leading to the summit venue have been blocked except for the official vehicles.
Tanzania has said a shipping agent based in Dubai had re-flagged 36 Iranian oil tankers with the Tanzanian flag without the country's knowledge and approval. Tanzania said it was now in the process of de-registering the vessels after an investigation into the origin of the ships concluded they were originally from Iran.
Re-flagging ships masks their ownership, which could make it easier for Iran to obtain insurance and financing for the cargoes, as well as find buyers for the shipments without attracting attention from the United States and European Union. The National Iranian Tanker Company changed the names and flags of many of its oil tankers ahead of the EU ban, part of sweeping economic measures aimed at pressuring Tehran to end its nuclear programme.
Re-flagging ships masks their ownership, which could make it easier for Iran to obtain insurance and financing for the cargoes, as well as find buyers for the shipments without attracting attention from the United States and European Union. The National Iranian Tanker Company changed the names and flags of many of its oil tankers ahead of the EU ban, part of sweeping economic measures aimed at pressuring Tehran to end its nuclear programme.
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he US Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney has said his country has a moral imperative to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Mr Romney, speaking during a visit to Jerusalem, said Iran was the most destabilising country in the world. He said the US recognised Israel's right to defend itself and that it was right for the US to stand with Israel.
In his speech in front of Jerusalem's Old City, Mr Romney said Iran's leading ayatollahs were testing our moral defences. They want to know who will object and who will look the other way.
Mr Romney, speaking during a visit to Jerusalem, said Iran was the most destabilising country in the world. He said the US recognised Israel's right to defend itself and that it was right for the US to stand with Israel.
In his speech in front of Jerusalem's Old City, Mr Romney said Iran's leading ayatollahs were testing our moral defences. They want to know who will object and who will look the other way.
Iran has decided to introduce a three-tier exchange rate system for the different categories of imports. Iranian news Agency ISNA reported that the government will provide dollars at the official rate of 12,260 Rials to import basic goods, and a rate of 15,000 rials to the dollar for capital and intermediate goods Luxury goods such as cars and dolls will be imported using dollars bought at the free market rate, making them costlier inside Iran.
Arsalan Fathipour, the head of the Parliament's economic committee said that there is no new plan for a change in the exchange rate and the Government has simply accepted the suggestion that basic goods be part of the priority imported goods and use the official rate.
Analysts say the move is an indication that the Government's stores of hard currency is under pressure from Western sanctions. The Iranian rial has lost nearly half its value and oil sales have come down. Though the official government exchange rate is 12,260 rials to the dollar the unofficial market rate at which most Iranians can access dollars is closer to 19,000 rials.
A US Senate investigation has found that poor controls at the global bank HSBC allowed Mexican drug traffickers and other criminals to launder billions of dollars into the United States. A report released before a Senate hearing on the matter today said the London-based bank also did business with firms linked to terrorism and bypassed US financial sanctions against states such as Iran. It said HSBC executives and U.S. regulators routinely ignored warning signs and failed to stop illegal behavior between 2002 and 2010, effectively giving criminals and terrorists a portal into the U.S. financial system. HSBC, Europe's largest bank, has released a statement saying its executives will apologize at the Washington hearing, during which lawmakers will question bank officials and U.S. regulators.
The United Nations envoy, Kofi Annan has warned that failing to resolve the crisis in Syria, could bring unimaginable consequences. He was speaking after talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi in Tehran today as part of an effort to rescue his peace plan for Syria. Mr. Annan said the Iranian government has cooperated with his efforts and he looks forward to continuing to work with Tehran toward a peaceful solution. Iran is Syria's top ally in the region. Yesterday, Mr. Annan held talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and said they agreed on a new approach to ending the violence.
Iran is to start a three-day missile drill from today. The semi-official Mehr news agency said, the maneuver, dubbed "Great Prophet 7", will be conducted by the aerospace division of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps. It said, the surface-to-surface missile drill will be staged in different parts of the country. The aerospace division commander, Amir Ali Hajizadeh told reporters that in the drill, more than 100 hypothesized spots in the central desert area of the country will be targeted by various kinds of short-range, medium-range and long-range missiles. The commander said the hypothesized targets are similar to the air bases of some countries.
The deadline for the US legislation which calls for action against countries buying large volumes of Iranian oil through the Central Bank Of Iran comes to an end today. The law authorizes the US President to cut off the financial institutions US President Obama gains authority to impose sanctions on countries doing oil deals with Iran’s central bank from today.
17 countries including India, Japan, Turkey etc. have been granted waivers from sanctions by US because of reducing the purchases of Iranian oil significant reductions The European Union’s full oil embargo against Iran which was approved in January comes into effect on Sunday.
Iran has asked EU to reconsider the oil embargo. Iranian Foreign Minster Ali Akbar Salehi told reporters in Cyprus that EU should look into the matter with more rationality and wisdom since nobody benefits from confrontations.
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