US assertion that Lebanon war is war against Iran `a mistake': Elham Tehran, July 24, IRNA Iran-Lebanon-Elham Government spokesman Gholam-Hossein Elham here Monday said that the United States and certain other countries were making "a mistake" in saying that the current Israeli war on Lebanon is a war against Iran.
"The (Zionist regime's) war is against all international and human principles which should not be permitted," Elham told reporters at his weekly press conference.
"The US lacks justification for its irrational support for the Zionist regime.
It is currently under international pressure.
"Washington sees Iran's hand wherever it fails.
It shows that there are two systems: a system committed to international law which Iran is an example and the bullying system which the US symbolizes."
The spokesman urged US officials not to blame others for its failures.
"Today, Hezbollah is the symbol of resistance of the oppressed Lebanese nation.
Lebanon is a part of the Islamic world," he said.
"This land belongs to all who are for peace, tranquility, freedom and a rational and peaceful co-existence," he added.
Elham said an "attack on Lebanon is an aggression on all international and human principles.
Every country which respects independence, territorial integrity and international rights cannot be indifferent to the atrocities" (of the Zionist regime).
He termed as "vital" the international support for the oppressed Lebanese people, saying "one cannot live without feeling responsible for human life and for defending peace in international relations."
The spokesman said all regional states feel such responsibility and urged all to take urgent steps to stop the aggressions of the Zionist regime.
пятница, 20 июня 2008 г.
Army
`Blow of Zolfaghar' maneuvers start
Tehran, Aug 19, IRNA Iran-Wargames The Army headquarters in southeastern Sistan-Baluchestan province is to command wargames that are to be launched starting Saturday.
The first stage of the wargames, code-named `Blow of Zolfaghar', will start in the northeast, northwest, west and southern parts of Iran.
According to the news center of the maneuvers, assault and transport helicopters, parachutists, electronic war units and the army's special forces will participate in the wargames.
"Army commandos, parachutists, mobile shoulder-firing units, electronic war forces and rapid reaction units enjoying high combat spirit have been deployed in the operational theater and will demonstrate their readiness," wargames spokesman Brigadier General Kiumars Heidari said on Friday.
The wargames, he added, are aimed at improving and updating the Army's tactics.
He said the Iranian government has an office in Basra with temporary authority under the Iraqi government to issue visas to Iraqi applicants to visit Iran but that the consulate has not been officially inaugurated.
Tehran, Aug 19, IRNA Iran-Wargames The Army headquarters in southeastern Sistan-Baluchestan province is to command wargames that are to be launched starting Saturday.
The first stage of the wargames, code-named `Blow of Zolfaghar', will start in the northeast, northwest, west and southern parts of Iran.
According to the news center of the maneuvers, assault and transport helicopters, parachutists, electronic war units and the army's special forces will participate in the wargames.
"Army commandos, parachutists, mobile shoulder-firing units, electronic war forces and rapid reaction units enjoying high combat spirit have been deployed in the operational theater and will demonstrate their readiness," wargames spokesman Brigadier General Kiumars Heidari said on Friday.
The wargames, he added, are aimed at improving and updating the Army's tactics.
He said the Iranian government has an office in Basra with temporary authority under the Iraqi government to issue visas to Iraqi applicants to visit Iran but that the consulate has not been officially inaugurated.
Competition
International wushu competitions to kick off in Warsaw
Tehran, June 2, IRNA Sports-Wushu-Int'l Competitions The Third Grand International Wushu Festival will kick off in Warsaw, Poland, Friday afternoon.
Secretary General of the International Wushu Federation Wang Xiaolin will address the inauguration ceremony.
The weighing-in ceremony and drawing-lots were scheduled to be conducted Friday morning.
Warsaw is to host the international wushu competition from June 1-5. Iran's national wushu team arrived in Warsaw Wednesday afternoon.
The 33-strong squad comprising men and women teams will represent the country in sanshu and taolu events.
Head of the Iranian squad, Samad Alizadeh, told reporters world heavyweight wushu teams are taking part in the competitions.
Teams from Belarus, Ukraine and Russia will compete in Sanshu events and Singapore in Taolu, he said.
Thirty countries will take part in the competitions.
Tehran, June 2, IRNA Sports-Wushu-Int'l Competitions The Third Grand International Wushu Festival will kick off in Warsaw, Poland, Friday afternoon.
Secretary General of the International Wushu Federation Wang Xiaolin will address the inauguration ceremony.
The weighing-in ceremony and drawing-lots were scheduled to be conducted Friday morning.
Warsaw is to host the international wushu competition from June 1-5. Iran's national wushu team arrived in Warsaw Wednesday afternoon.
The 33-strong squad comprising men and women teams will represent the country in sanshu and taolu events.
Head of the Iranian squad, Samad Alizadeh, told reporters world heavyweight wushu teams are taking part in the competitions.
Teams from Belarus, Ukraine and Russia will compete in Sanshu events and Singapore in Taolu, he said.
Thirty countries will take part in the competitions.
Iran-Iraq-Open
Iran to re-open its consulate in Iraq's Basra soon Baghdad, May 1, IRNA Iran-Iraq-Consulate The Iranian consulate in the Iraqi city of Basra, 550km south of Baghdad, will be re-opened in the near future.
"Before ties were suspened with the former Iraqi regime in the 1980s Iran had a consulate in Basra.
Iran will re-open it as soon as possible," Iran's Acting Charge d'Affaires to Iraq Hossein Zolanvar said here Monday.
He said Iran and Iraq had consulates in their border provinces before the suspension of diplomatic relations and eventual cutting of bilateral relations following the imposed war.
"Iran also had consulates in the Iraqi cities of Karbala and Basra before diplomatic ties with Baghdad were cut while Iraq also had consulates in the Iranian cities of Kermanshah and Khorramshahr."
Zolanvar said the two countries plan to re-open their consulates in accordance with official agreements.
"Currently, Iran has a consulate in Karbala and Iraq also has a consulate which operates actively in (Iran's) Kermanshah."
"Before ties were suspened with the former Iraqi regime in the 1980s Iran had a consulate in Basra.
Iran will re-open it as soon as possible," Iran's Acting Charge d'Affaires to Iraq Hossein Zolanvar said here Monday.
He said Iran and Iraq had consulates in their border provinces before the suspension of diplomatic relations and eventual cutting of bilateral relations following the imposed war.
"Iran also had consulates in the Iraqi cities of Karbala and Basra before diplomatic ties with Baghdad were cut while Iraq also had consulates in the Iranian cities of Kermanshah and Khorramshahr."
Zolanvar said the two countries plan to re-open their consulates in accordance with official agreements.
"Currently, Iran has a consulate in Karbala and Iraq also has a consulate which operates actively in (Iran's) Kermanshah."
Mubarak sounds alarm on Iraq, Iran
President Hosni Mubarak, often seen as an elder statesman of Arab leaders, questioned the loyalties of Shiite Muslims to their home countries over the weekend and expressed concerns about the destruction of Iraq and Iran's growing influence.
"Most of the Shiites are loyal to Iran and not to the countries they are living in," Mubarak, who is Sunni, said in an hour-long interview Saturday night on Al-Arabiya television. His remarks indicate a growing unease among Arab leaders over the political ramifications and potential backlash from the Iraq war.
Iran has increasingly been accused by Western and Arab observers of provoking violence in Iraq and wielding influence among Shiites there. Iran is a Shiite Islamic republic; Iraq, which has a mixed population with a Shiite majority, has been rattled by attacks targeting Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds. Many other Arab countries, including Egypt, are largely Sunni and wary of Iran's ambitions.
Mubarak said he believes that after three years of conflict, Iraq is heading deeper into misery and could harm others.
"Civil war has almost started among Shiites, Sunnis, Kurds and those who are coming from Asia," he said. "I don't know how Iraq will be brought together. At this moment, Iraq is almost close to destruction."
Mubarak added that a U.S. withdrawal would hurt the situation and increase the possibility of terrorism beyond Iraq.
Troop withdrawal "would be a blow. The war would be inflamed among Iraqis. It would become a theater for a dreadful civil war and then the terrorist operation will be escalated--not only in Iraq," he said.
Mubarak's interview was remarkable for its breadth and the blunt manner in which he parsed Sunni and Shiite allegiances. A spokesman said Sunday night on state television that the remarks were made "out of extreme concern for the continuing deterioration of the situation in Iraq."
The remarks resonated throughout the weekend as reports surfaced that intelligence chiefs from several Arab countries, including Egypt, were meeting secretly to plan strategies in case civil war fully erupts in Iraq.
The Reuters news service reported that intelligence officials from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey had been meeting for weeks to plan for possible unrest and to contain Iran's influence.
Quoting unnamed diplomats, Reuters said at least one of the meetings was held in Cairo in late March. Turkey, which has a significant Kurdish population and borders northern Iraq, has been concerned about Kurdish ambitions for independence.
Mubarak's remarks drew swift denunciation from Iraqi leaders, including Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari. A Shiite, al-Jaafari has been unable to pull together a government since national elections four months ago, a failure due largely to sectarian disagreements.
Still, al-Jaafari, President Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, and Adnan Pachachi, a Sunni and acting speaker of the parliament, stood together Sunday to register dismay at Mubarak's remarks.
"We are astonished that Egypt identifies Iraq's security problems as a civil war. Our people are still far away from any sectarian conflict or civil war," al-Jaafari said, reading a joint statement.
British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw also responded to Mubarak's remarks, discussing the possibility that Iraq soon would form a government and then better address its security.
"Why I hesitate about saying there's civil war is because we're on the verge of seeing the beginning of a democratic and permanent government," Straw said on BBC television. "It is a high level of slaughter, so I understand why people are saying this. I also say that most people, most of the leaders in Iraq take a different view from President Mubarak."
Mubarak's comments followed warnings from other Arab leaders about Iran's intentions. More than a year ago, Jordan's King Abdullah II accused Iran of trying to affect events in Iraq and spoke of a "Shiite crescent" that could threaten Arab stability. Saudi Foreign Minister Saud bin al-Faisal also has voiced concerns.
Mohammed Salah, bureau chief of the London-based Al Hayat daily, said Mubarak expressed what many Arabs see.
"The Iraqi official response is artificial," Salah said Sunday. What Mubarak said is what Iraqi people say "in the privacy of their homes. Even though no one will actually come out and say them," Salah said.
"Most of the Shiites are loyal to Iran and not to the countries they are living in," Mubarak, who is Sunni, said in an hour-long interview Saturday night on Al-Arabiya television. His remarks indicate a growing unease among Arab leaders over the political ramifications and potential backlash from the Iraq war.
Iran has increasingly been accused by Western and Arab observers of provoking violence in Iraq and wielding influence among Shiites there. Iran is a Shiite Islamic republic; Iraq, which has a mixed population with a Shiite majority, has been rattled by attacks targeting Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds. Many other Arab countries, including Egypt, are largely Sunni and wary of Iran's ambitions.
Mubarak said he believes that after three years of conflict, Iraq is heading deeper into misery and could harm others.
"Civil war has almost started among Shiites, Sunnis, Kurds and those who are coming from Asia," he said. "I don't know how Iraq will be brought together. At this moment, Iraq is almost close to destruction."
Mubarak added that a U.S. withdrawal would hurt the situation and increase the possibility of terrorism beyond Iraq.
Troop withdrawal "would be a blow. The war would be inflamed among Iraqis. It would become a theater for a dreadful civil war and then the terrorist operation will be escalated--not only in Iraq," he said.
Mubarak's interview was remarkable for its breadth and the blunt manner in which he parsed Sunni and Shiite allegiances. A spokesman said Sunday night on state television that the remarks were made "out of extreme concern for the continuing deterioration of the situation in Iraq."
The remarks resonated throughout the weekend as reports surfaced that intelligence chiefs from several Arab countries, including Egypt, were meeting secretly to plan strategies in case civil war fully erupts in Iraq.
The Reuters news service reported that intelligence officials from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey had been meeting for weeks to plan for possible unrest and to contain Iran's influence.
Quoting unnamed diplomats, Reuters said at least one of the meetings was held in Cairo in late March. Turkey, which has a significant Kurdish population and borders northern Iraq, has been concerned about Kurdish ambitions for independence.
Mubarak's remarks drew swift denunciation from Iraqi leaders, including Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari. A Shiite, al-Jaafari has been unable to pull together a government since national elections four months ago, a failure due largely to sectarian disagreements.
Still, al-Jaafari, President Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, and Adnan Pachachi, a Sunni and acting speaker of the parliament, stood together Sunday to register dismay at Mubarak's remarks.
"We are astonished that Egypt identifies Iraq's security problems as a civil war. Our people are still far away from any sectarian conflict or civil war," al-Jaafari said, reading a joint statement.
British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw also responded to Mubarak's remarks, discussing the possibility that Iraq soon would form a government and then better address its security.
"Why I hesitate about saying there's civil war is because we're on the verge of seeing the beginning of a democratic and permanent government," Straw said on BBC television. "It is a high level of slaughter, so I understand why people are saying this. I also say that most people, most of the leaders in Iraq take a different view from President Mubarak."
Mubarak's comments followed warnings from other Arab leaders about Iran's intentions. More than a year ago, Jordan's King Abdullah II accused Iran of trying to affect events in Iraq and spoke of a "Shiite crescent" that could threaten Arab stability. Saudi Foreign Minister Saud bin al-Faisal also has voiced concerns.
Mohammed Salah, bureau chief of the London-based Al Hayat daily, said Mubarak expressed what many Arabs see.
"The Iraqi official response is artificial," Salah said Sunday. What Mubarak said is what Iraqi people say "in the privacy of their homes. Even though no one will actually come out and say them," Salah said.
Iraq-Iran-Government
Iran to talk with US in line with assisting Iraq Tehran, March 17, IRNA Mottaki-US-Iraq Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said here on Friday that Iran is ready to hold direct negotiations with the United States in line with its humanitarian contributions to Iraq and to assist the government-building process there.
Speaking as the pre-sermon speaker at Tehran Friday Prayers on last Friday of the Iranian year 1384 (ending on March 20th), Mottaki said, "Some political circles and US government spokesmen have begun a round of opportunist strategies in that respect, while the Islamic Republic of Iran's stands are crystal clear."
He added, "The only existing contradiction is to be sought in US conduct in Iraq."
Referring to the looming insecurity prevailing in Iraq today, Mottaki said, "Despite having suffered grave losses during Saddam's eight-year imposed war, Iran has always supported the territorial integrity of Iraq and national solidarity of the Iraqi nation during the past couple of years."
The Iranian top diplomat added, "Iran has also always been assisting the process of democratic reforms in Iraq and been asking for the full exit of the occupiers, all of which have roots in the nobility of the Iranian nation, and would be marked as the glorious conduct of the Iranian government eternally."
The Minister of Foreign Affairs said, "We have never had a sectarian approach towards Iraq and have permanently been insisting on the need for cooperation among all tribes and sects there, and even sponsored two international conferences in line with those objectives."
He emphasized, "Iraq is confronted with a challenge today since despite the announcement of the results of the elections and the establishment of the parliament still no government has taken shape there, because those that interpret the developments in Iraq waywardly have not achieved their pre-defined objectives."
Mottaki referred to the prevailing terrorist moves and the continuation of occupation of Iraq as two major challenges with which Iraq is faced today, arguing, "Iran supports the time schedules for the evacuation of occupiers and the phased plans for establishment of democracy in Iraq."
The Iranian Foreign Minister drew conclusion, "Therefore, we accept Ayatollah Hakim's recent proposal for holding talks with the United States on Iraq, keeping in mind the particular conditions in that country today, and are ready to hold talks with Washington on issues related to Iraq.
Speaking as the pre-sermon speaker at Tehran Friday Prayers on last Friday of the Iranian year 1384 (ending on March 20th), Mottaki said, "Some political circles and US government spokesmen have begun a round of opportunist strategies in that respect, while the Islamic Republic of Iran's stands are crystal clear."
He added, "The only existing contradiction is to be sought in US conduct in Iraq."
Referring to the looming insecurity prevailing in Iraq today, Mottaki said, "Despite having suffered grave losses during Saddam's eight-year imposed war, Iran has always supported the territorial integrity of Iraq and national solidarity of the Iraqi nation during the past couple of years."
The Iranian top diplomat added, "Iran has also always been assisting the process of democratic reforms in Iraq and been asking for the full exit of the occupiers, all of which have roots in the nobility of the Iranian nation, and would be marked as the glorious conduct of the Iranian government eternally."
The Minister of Foreign Affairs said, "We have never had a sectarian approach towards Iraq and have permanently been insisting on the need for cooperation among all tribes and sects there, and even sponsored two international conferences in line with those objectives."
He emphasized, "Iraq is confronted with a challenge today since despite the announcement of the results of the elections and the establishment of the parliament still no government has taken shape there, because those that interpret the developments in Iraq waywardly have not achieved their pre-defined objectives."
Mottaki referred to the prevailing terrorist moves and the continuation of occupation of Iraq as two major challenges with which Iraq is faced today, arguing, "Iran supports the time schedules for the evacuation of occupiers and the phased plans for establishment of democracy in Iraq."
The Iranian Foreign Minister drew conclusion, "Therefore, we accept Ayatollah Hakim's recent proposal for holding talks with the United States on Iraq, keeping in mind the particular conditions in that country today, and are ready to hold talks with Washington on issues related to Iraq.
Crime-General-Iran
Iran expects Saddam to undergo a fair and impartial trial Tehran, Nov 19, IRNA Iran-Saddam-Trial Prosecutor General Hojatoleslam Qorbanali Dorri Najafabadi said on Saturday that as a victim of the eight-year Iraqi-imposed war, Iran expects the prosecutor general and judges of Iraq's special court where Saddam Hussein stands trial to be fair and impartial.
As the head of Iran's judicial delegation attending the Second World Summit of Attorneys General, Prosecutors General and Chief Prosecutors currently underway at Doha, Qatar, Najafabadi underlined that "No crime should be dealt with without punishment".
According to a report released by the Public Relations of Iran's Prosecutor General's Office, he added that the trial of the former Iraqi dictator and his henchmen, whose crimes made the residents of Iraq and the region incur great loss, would be a positive step towards doing away with injustice.
The summit, which opened in Doha on November 14, is attended by representatives of more than 100 countries.
Judicial issues, ways of campaign against money laundering, organized crimes, terrorism, financial and economic frauds as well as the challenges facing the world are high on the agenda of the event.
The Iranian prosecutor general referred to the gathering of the prosecutors general and senior judicial officials from various countries in Doha as a good opportunity and noted that it would certainly contribute to bolstering international cooperation in campaign against international crimes.
"To overcome the challenges facing us such as the transnational organized crimes, international terrorism and modern forms of transnational crimes more than anything requires close inter-state cooperation.
He added that similar to the passengers on board of a single vessel, every country is responsible to guarantee its safety.
"Given its national and international responsibilities in campaign against various forms of crime, Iran is prepared to collaborate with other countries to the effect, in particular by adopting the regional strategies," concluded Najafabadi.
As the head of Iran's judicial delegation attending the Second World Summit of Attorneys General, Prosecutors General and Chief Prosecutors currently underway at Doha, Qatar, Najafabadi underlined that "No crime should be dealt with without punishment".
According to a report released by the Public Relations of Iran's Prosecutor General's Office, he added that the trial of the former Iraqi dictator and his henchmen, whose crimes made the residents of Iraq and the region incur great loss, would be a positive step towards doing away with injustice.
The summit, which opened in Doha on November 14, is attended by representatives of more than 100 countries.
Judicial issues, ways of campaign against money laundering, organized crimes, terrorism, financial and economic frauds as well as the challenges facing the world are high on the agenda of the event.
The Iranian prosecutor general referred to the gathering of the prosecutors general and senior judicial officials from various countries in Doha as a good opportunity and noted that it would certainly contribute to bolstering international cooperation in campaign against international crimes.
"To overcome the challenges facing us such as the transnational organized crimes, international terrorism and modern forms of transnational crimes more than anything requires close inter-state cooperation.
He added that similar to the passengers on board of a single vessel, every country is responsible to guarantee its safety.
"Given its national and international responsibilities in campaign against various forms of crime, Iran is prepared to collaborate with other countries to the effect, in particular by adopting the regional strategies," concluded Najafabadi.
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