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leader: tariq al-qods manoeuvres no threat to regional states
bandar abbas (hormuzgan), april 24, irna -- the leader of islamic revolution and commander in chief of the armed forces, ayatollah seyyed ali khamenei said here on wednesday that viewing the grand tariq al-qods manoeuvres as a threat to regional countries is a purely american-zionist propaganda. he said the military exercises being staged by iran were neither a threat to the persian gulf states nor to any other neighboring countries whose intentions were not transgressional in nature. ayatollah khamenei stated that the presence of iranian armed forces in the persian gulf was based on the objective of safeguarding the borders of islamic republic of iran, ensuring the country's independence and firmly standing against any oppressive and domineering power. "the grand tariq al-qods manoeuvres are a demonstration of the power of a dignified and honorable nation desiring to make use of its strength to lead a respectable life and decisively confront enemies and transgressors," he added. referring to the conspiracy of cultural encroachment, ayatollah khamenei warned that global arrogance intends to deviate the youth with such pervasive issues as pornography and immorality around the world. he, however, felt proud of the iranian youth to lead a clean and honorable life with souls filled with the light of spriritualism and morals, which he termed as "one of the exceptional phenomena of our times." ayatollah khamenei was speaking to tens of thousands of personnel of the islamic revolution guards corps (irgc) which have converged on the southern port city of bandar abbas to take part in the tariq al-qods manoeuvres starting thursday. the commander in chief of the armed forces, ayatollah khamenei, then went on to say that "world arrogant forces are trying to impose their domination through every possible means in order to spread their octopus-like tentacles extend in every nook and corner of the world. he stated that the arrogant powers want to impose their presence in all sensitive and strategic regions, vital waterways and in areas where there are abundant natural resources. the ayatollah pointed out that they want to impose their will over the nations of the world, adding that islamic iran will neither accept such an attitude or bend to such a force, nor is it ready to bear such meddling nuissance. he said the transgressing forces abused their power to exploit the ingenious iranian nation during the pre-revolution period of the corrupt regime. the ayatollah stated that islam revived the iranian nation, and its ideology intilled strength and power into its sinews. almighty allah sent the late imam khomeini to talk in the language of the prophets in order to awaken the nation to the facts that will and determination can bring about miracles, he added. islamic iran acquired those divinely lessons to unchain itself from the bondages of domination and today the country is far ahead in education and development-wise, said ayatollah khamenei. the islamic republic is not inferior to any world power and has sufficient strength to defend itself and that no country in the world can deviate it from islam and the teachings of the holy qur'an, he remarked. the leader of revolution also pointed out that islamic iran does not feel the need of remoulding its culture according to the faulty cultural designs. he said the western countries will become equal business partners for the islamic republic only when they separate themselves from the united states. ayatollah khamenei warned western countries that if they consider themself as undivisible partners of the united states then they should know that islamic iran will have nothing to do with them either political or business-wise. "it would be a great mistake to assume that the islamic republic of iran would be forced to maintain its relations with a specific group," he added. the commander in chief of the armed forces stated that the basic policy of islamic republic of iran is the maintenance of peace, preservation of security, and assurance of blissful life according to the islamic teachings. "the wheels of science, education and islamic civilization are moving smoothly and islamic iran is determined to promote spritual values, norms of fair play and justice on the basis of the teachings of the prophets and divine values, so that people can attain development, enjoy the fruits of welfare, achieve success in science and industry, and gain power in the political sphere and transcend to the spiritual realms," he added. ayatollah khamenei called on the armed forces to be prepared to encounter any transgressor and domineering power. he said iran is determined to safeguard its independence based on divine laws and teachings and that it will never kneel down to the enemies.
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russian parliamentarian: berlin court ruling has no validity
tehran, april 24, irna -- sergei mitrokhin, a member of the russian duma here thursday stressed that the political ruling of the berlin court against iran has no validity but at the same time moscow is interested in a quick solution to the crisis created in the irano-germany relations. the duma member who is visiting iran at the invitation of the armenian deputies of the majlis said, perhaps the west wants to use the ruling of this court as a ploy to isolate iran but russia does not believe in this. this russian parliamentarian in an interview with irna added, ''this move of the west will not only have no harm on iran but the main losers will be the west.'' referring to the social and political status of religious minorities in iran, he said that during his short stay in iran he has noticed the excellent living conditions of religious minorities in iran. he added that a very clear argument which proves this claim is the equal privilages given to deputies representing religious minorities in the majlis in the time alloted for approving or rejecting bills. on the political and economic ties existing between iran and russia, he said without doubt the russian government is deeply interested in expanding these ties in all areas.
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3rd phase of 'tariq qod' maneuvers launched
bandar abbas, hormuzgan prov., april 24, irna -- the third and main phase of the amphibious tariq qods maneuvers code-named 'ya zahra' started thursday in the presence of the supreme leader of the islamic revolution and commander-in-chief of the armed forces ayatollah ali khamenei. the war games are being held simultaneously along 2,000 kms extending from kermanshah, in western iran, to hormuz strait, in south of the country. the participating forces are to carry out ground, air and missile attacks against pre-determined targets in their land operations and defend against offensives launched by the hypothetical enemy. this stage comprises sea operations, shore-to-sea missile operations, air and sea support, artillery attacks and defence against the hypothetical enemy. aimed at upgrading the military power of the islamic revolution's guards corps (irgc) and volunteer (basij) forces and their ability to counter possible attacks of the hypothetical enemy, the amphibious operations are being carried out in the provinces of kermanshah, khuzestan, bushehr and hormuzgan, in west, southwest and west of iran. launching simultaneous military exercises on ground and sea as well as coasts and islands of the persian gulf demonstrates the high power of islamic combatants to defend the might of the islamic republic.
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iranian soccer team in beijing, daie's fans await anxiously
beijing, april 24, irna -- iranian national soccer team arrived here thursday morning to take part in a friendly match with china. the 26-member iranian soccer team was welcomed at beijing airport by the iranian ambassador to beijng hussein mirfakhar and members of the chinese soccer federation. meanwhile many fans of the famous iranian striker ali daie, in telephone contacts with the iranian embassy, irna bureau here and other affiliated iranian firms have asked to meet ali daie. they asked for daei's autograph on balls and sports jersies which they have already procured. it may be mentioned that the iranian soccer team was chosen best in asia for sportsmanship last year by the asian soccer confederation. ali daei was the best scorer and khodadad azizi the best player at the 11th round of the asian soccer games held in uae last year in which iran came third after saudi arabia and uae.
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ambassador stresses determination of caspian sea legal regime
almaty, april 24, irna -- iran's ambassador to almaty hassan qashqavi said here tody that determination of the legal regime of the caspian sea should be given priority by the littoral states. speaking to irna, he expressed hope that clearly defined approaches on the regime would be reached in the forthcoming meeting of the experts of the littoral states to be held here. he stressed that the littoral countries should, through unanimity of views, prevent foreigners from interfering in the regional affairs.
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Iran, uzbekistan to expand railway cooperation
tehran, april 24, irna -- iran and uzbekistan here wednesday signed a letter of understanding on expansion of railway cooperation. the agreement was signed by the visiting uzbek head of railways and his iranian counterpart sadeq afshar. the agreement calls for increase in railway transportation between the two countries and determines transportation tarrifs. based on the letter of understanding, the iranian railways in order to boost volume of its cargo will offer special discount rates to uzbekistan.
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women's role in development of islamic societies discussed
abu dhabi, april 24, irna -- iran's permanent representative to the organization of the islamic conference (oic) sabah zanganeh here wednesday held a meeting with secretary general of the islamic jurisprudence academy habib belkhoja in jeddah wednesday. the two sides discussed the recommendations made by an oic-sponsored gathering on women's role in development of islamic societies held in tehran in 1995. it was decided at the meeting that a committee be formed on the sidelines of the 10th general assembly of the islamic jurisdiction association to be held in jeddah this summer to study the issue. the tehran gathering adopted a resolution which outlined the principles and fundamentals of women's rights in islam and gave the necessary recommendations to the oic foreign ministers.
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second international silk road conference concluded
tehran, april 24, irna -- the second international conference on the 'silk road' concluded its two-day session here wednesday night with an emphasis on the further strengthening and expansion of regional ties as well as boosting up of tourist industry in the countries located on the historical silk road. the iranian minister of culture and islamic guidance seyyed mostafa mir-salim in talks at the conclusion ceremony of the meeting expressed hope that the conference and the next such gathering will prepare the ground for bringing about mutual understanding, the broadening of cultural exchange among the countries on the ancient silk road. at the ceremony the participants emphasized on the preparation of a comprehensive program for the countries on the ancient silk road with the help of the united nations educational, scientific and cultural organization (unesco).
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iranian ambassador meets greek communist party leader
athens, april 24, irna -- iran's ambassador to athens, mehdi khandaq-abadi, today met the leader of the greek communist party (kke), aleka papariga, and discussed greek-iranian ties and the recent crisis in relations between some european union countries and iran in the aftermath of the german court verdict. papargia told the iranian envoy that her party fully supports the position of the greek government in not recalling its ambassador from tehran, according to an iranian embassy source. kke has 11 deputies in the 300-seat greek parliament. yesterday, greek foreign minister theodoros pangalos reiterated that athens has not recalled its ambassador from tehran and voiced his opposition to the isolation of iran. the dutch presidency of the european union recently suggested that the 15 member-states should recall their ambassadors from tehran in solidarity with germany, but greece expressed its opposition to the move.
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borujerdi hold talks with afghanistan's dostum
tehran, april 24, irna -- deputy iranian foreign minister for asia- pacific affairs alaeddin boroujerdi as part of his mediation efforts between different afghan factions and ethnic groups held his first round talks in shiberghan, capital of the jawzjan province, on wednesday with leader of harakat-i milli-i islami abdur-rashid dostum. in the meeting, general dostum praised iran's peace efforts, saying the supreme national defense council of afghanistan is determined to resist any threats. he said the taliban militia and its foreign supporters with their war-mongering policies are responsible for the current crisis and bloodshed in afghanistan, and expressed hope for a speedy end to the interal conflicts in the interests of peace and tranquility in the country. boroujerdi for his part voiced iran's concern on continuation of inter-factonal conflict in afghanistan and said the state of tension and unrest is not only against the interests of the afghan people but also against the interests of whole of the region. he added that the united nations representative for afghan affairs should further activate his peace efforts by frequent exchange of views with regional states and should try more to assist afghan people get rid of their present problems.
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most advanced communication technology to be tested in war games
bandar abbas (hormuzgan), april 23, irna -- colonel gholami, irgc intelligence and operation naval deputy said here wednesday that "irgc personnel taking part in the tariq al-qods maneuvers are expected to employ the latest techniques of modern warfare and the most advanced communication techniques starting thursday." he stated that the new techniques have been devised by top irgc military experts in naval warfare, adding that the techniques would greatly increase the efficiency of the fighting forces. these techniques, said gholami, are not based on the known naval systems in the world. the naval official said that most of the newly devised techniques originate from the experiences of eight years of the holy defense (1980-88 iraqi aggression), and the techniques were mainly applicable for defense purposes under the special geographical conditions of the borders of the islamic republic of iran.
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velayati back home from two-nation visit
tehran, april 23, irna -- iranian foreign minister ali akbar velayati returned home this evening at the end of his two-day visit to the republics of azerbaijan and turkmenistan. in his talks with reporters at the mehrabad airport here, velayati said the objects of his two-nation visit was to deliver president akbar hashemi rafsanjani's invitations to his azeri and turkmen counterparts, heydar aliyev and safarmurat niyazov, for attending the summit of the organization of the islamic conference (oic) in tehran in december. velayati said that both aliyev and niyazov welcomed rafsanjani's invitations and announced their readiness to attend the summit. according to velayati, aliyev has called on iran to use its influence to end the karabakh dispute between the the azeri and armenian republics. referring to iran's earlier mediation efforts to estabish a durable peace in karabakh, velayati said the interferences of certain foreign countries has created obstacles for peace. he said the islamic republic of iran will resume its peace efforts and prepare the ground for the return to their homes of the displaced karabakh people. in ashkhabad, he said, talks centred on the scheduled visit of president rafsanjani to turkmenistan, determination of the caspian sea legal regime, the foreign ministerial meeting in tehran of member states of the economic ooperation organization (eco), the extraordinary meeting in ashkhabad of eco heads of state and the crisis in afghanistan.
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c-in-c ayatollah khamenei reviews parade
bandar abbas (hormuzgan), april 23, irna -- the leader of islamic revolution and the commander in chief of the armed forces, ayatollah seyyed ali khamenei, reviewed the parade of the islamic revolution guard corps (irgc), the tank unit and the basij resistance group here wednesday prior to the start of massive maneuvers of tariqat-al qods. high ranking irgc officers, top military brass and provincial officials were at the parade accompanying the c-in-c. irgc commander, major general mohsen rezaie, delievered a brief speech at the end of the review ceremony saying that irgc personnel and basij are all set to follow the orders of their supreme commander, ayatollah khamanei. he pointed out that "the irgc forces are in bandar abbas in the presence of our leader with the grace of almighty allah with the cry of `allah-o akbar' to tell the world that the spirit of imam khomeini lives on and that we shall never leave our leader all alone." the irgc commander stated that "we are here to renew our covenant with the martyrs, the committed, the islamic scholars and especially with the ideals of the late imam khomeini and once more pledge our allegiance to the father of islamic revolution and founder of the islamic republic of iran that we shall carry out our duty to the end and that we shall remain faithful to the present leader of islamic revolution, ayatollah khamenei."
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iranian-turkmen foreign ministers exchange views
ashkhabad, april 23, irna -- visiting iranian foreign minister ali akbar velayati and his turkmen counterpart boris sheikh-muradov in their meeting here today exchanged views on tehran-ashkhabad bilateral and multilateral relations, scientific cooperation and regional issues of mutual interests. issues related to the preliminaries of president rafsanjani's visit to turkmenistan, importance of cooperation in the oil and gas sector and speedy execution of the two countries' long-term bilateral agreements were also reviewed. cooperation of the five caspian sea littoral states, the need to soon determine the legal regime of the caspian sea, the latest developments of the afghan crisis and ways to find a solution to the interal conflicts and bloodshed in afghanistan were among other topics discussed at the meeting.
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pangalos: iran, a guarantor of peace for the west
athens, april 23, irna -- greece's foreign minister theodoros pangalos today said iran is a country which guarantees security for the west and rejected the policy of isolating the islamic republic. "we believe that the domestic situation in iran is progressing towards the better and slowly slowly conditions are being created for adoption of normal relations with iran," pangalos told a press conference. "iran is one of the two countries which guarantees peace and conditions of peace and active security for the west. active security for the west cannot be guaranteed through turkey," pangalos said. in reply to irna's question on the invitation of the dutch eu presidency to recall their ambassadors from tehran, pangalos said the greek ambassador "has not been recalled from tehran." pangalos explained that the greek ambassador to tehran, dimitris tsikouris, was taking part in a joint meeting of eu ambassadors based in tehran in brussels and that he was expected to come to athens wednesday noon. tsikouris will spend the easter holidays in athens with his family and then return to tehran, pangalos said. "i do not see why i should punish him for something he is not responsible," he told the jam-packed press conference at the greek foreign ministry. "our position is that iran should not be isolated and that all possibilities have to be exhausted, criticism levied , explanations called for and to strengthen the forces in iran which accept the international legality and which do not beleive in acts which are at the sidelines of the international legality," pangalos added. lastly, pangalos said said he has proposed a date for june for a joint meeting with the foreign ministers of iran and armenia in athens following his recent visit to the caucasus.
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nouri extols leadership and praises people for foiling mykonos plot
tehran, april 23, irna -- majlis speaker hojjatoleslam ali akbar nateq nouri said here on wednesday the vigilant and staunch leadership served to foil the conspiracy of the enemies. speaking at the open session of majlis, hojjatoleslam nateq nouri said the aware people of iran following the supreme leadership emerged victorious in the scandalous `politically motivated decision' of the mykonos affair in berlin. the majlis speaker said that "the u.s. and the zionists imagined they could isolate iran by creating a political scenario placating the islamic iran and its officials, adding that "the return of the european union ambassadors to tehran clearly indicates the failure of the world arrogance in the attainment of its objectives.
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president niazov condemns external intervention in regional affairs
ashkhabad, april 23, irna -- turkmen president safar morad niazov here on wednesday condemned any external intervention in the regional affairs. in a meeting with iranian foreign minister ali akbar velayati, president niazov said regional states should determine their own fate. velayati offered an invitation from president rafsanjani to president niazov to attend the summit of the organization of the islamic conference (oic) due to be held in tehran in december. niazov hoped that the success of the upcoming oic summit would guarantee the prestige of the world of islam. president niazov referred to the forthcoming summit of the economic cooperation organization (eco) scheduled to be held in ashkhabad and said the turkmen government and nation are waiting for president rafsanjani to attend the summit. condemning the anti-iran propaganda campaign, niazov said turkmenistan gives no heed to the allegations attributed to iran. he described iranian policies at regional and international levels as principled and meditated serving to peace, security and reconstruction of the regional states. niazov and velayati exchanged views on the legal regime of the caspian sea and stressed the need for an immediate approval of a legal system to optimize exploitation of the caspian sea resources.
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weekly tehran-jeddah flights soon
tehran, april 23, irna -- iran's national airlines homa, will soon start weekly flights between tehran and jeddah, it was announced here on wednesday. the announcements comes following an agreement between the islamic republic of iran and the saudi kingdom to expand aviation cooperation, but a cetrain date for starting regular flights between the two capitals is yet to be set. also in perspective are flights between tehran and dhaka via dubai, where passengers from other countries can take homa on their way to bangladesh. a debut date for the flights is expected to be announced soon
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iranian mps condemn german parliament's anti-iran approach
tehran, april 23, irna -- 160 iranian members of parliament here on wednesday condemned the recent anti-iran moves taken by the german parliament. issuing a statement, the mps strongly criticized the german parliament's action to support the political and illegal verdict of the berlin court and called it a hasty decision. the statement said, ''german support for the terrorist groups is the flagrant violation of human rights.'' the mps said the german role in iraqi chemical bombardment of iran had been clear and that iranian judicial body would take legal action to restore the rights of iranian nation. the statement said the berlin court was designed in reaction to the failure of the u.s. and israeli conspiracy to isolate iran as well as in reaction to the deadlock in the middle east peace process. the mps appreciated the sensitivity and timely action of iranian officials and people which led the conspiracy to a dead