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fis congratulates new president of iran

athens, may 26, irna -- the islamic salvation front (fis) of algeria sunday sent a congratulatory message to hojjatoleslam seyyed mohammad khatami on his election as the new president of the islamic republic of iran. the message, sent by the head of fis' executive committee abroad, rabeh kabir, said "i, in the name of the fis leadership and on behalf of the aglerian muslim people, express my heartful and sincere congratulations on this happy occasion." "i also pray to allah to strengthen your steps in the service of your brotherly people and in effective contribution in the serivce of islam and its noble ummah," it added. fis faxed a copy of the message to irna from germany.

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uk muslim leader congratulates iran's president-elect

london, may 26, irna -- head of the british muslim parliament, ghiyas ud-din siddiqui cabled a congratulatory message on sunday to hojjatoleslam seyyed mohammad khatami on his election as the new president of the islamic republic of iran. part of the message read: "the british muslims who were following the iranian presidential elections with keenness become pleased with its results." he also expressed hope for the success of hojjatoleslam khatami and wished that the iranian and british muslims will establish closer ties.

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bosnian president, premier felicitate hoj. khatami

sarajevo, may 26, irna -- president alija izetbegovic of bosnia- herzegovina in his cable on sunday felicitated iran's president-elect hojjatoleslam mohammad khatami. he also congratulated the iranina people for the result of the 7th presidential polls. in a separate message prime minister haris silajdzic congratulated the new iranian president and the iranian nations.

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assad congratulates khatami

damascus, may 26, irna -- syrian president hafez al-assad in a message to seyyed mohammad khatami on sunday congratulated his election as the new president of the islamic republic of iran. "i am sure the friendly and brotherly ties between tehran and damascus will be continued in the interest of the two nations and in defending the sacred ideology of islam," said assad's message. he also expressed hope for further progress and promotion of the iranian nation under the new president.

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pak president, premier congratulate iran's president-elect

islamabad, may 26, irna -- pakistan's president farooq ahmad khan leghari and prime minister mohammad nawaz sharif in separate messages to hojjatoleslam seyyed mohammad khatami on sunday congratulated him on his election as the new president of the islamic republic of iran. leghari said "we are sure that during your term in office iran will reach higher levels of progress and the grounds will be prepared for iran and pakistan to promote their cooperation in the interest of the two nations." prime minister nawaz sharif in his message said: "i will raise my voice in consonant with the pakistani governemnt and people to convey you to the warmest regards on the occasion of your election as the new president of iran. the decisive victory is an indication that the iranian people have confidence in you." in his message the pakistani premier promised to promote bilateral cooperation with the next iranian administration in order to realize the two countries' joint objectives

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armenian archbishop congratulates hojjatoleslam khatami

tehran, may 26, irna -- the armenian archbishop of tehran, ardak manokiyan, felicitated president-elect hojjatoleslam seyyed mohammad khatami on sunday for his success in the presidential campaign. the message reads "the armenian society of iran congratulates your worthy election as iran's new president and we pray for your success in serving the noble people of iran under leadership and guidelines of the supreme leader of islamic revolution ayatollah seyyed ali khamenei."

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qatari, s.arabian, kuwaiti rulers congratulate new president

abu dhabi (uae), may 26, irna -- qatar's amir sheikh hamad bin khalifa al thani cabled a message to iran's president-elect hojjatoleslam seyyed mohammad khatami on sunday on his election in the 7th presidential campaign in iran. the qatari news agency added that the qatar's heir apparent in a separate message also felicitated the new iranian president. in related news, the saudi arabian news agency has reported that king fahad ibn abdel-aziz and his heir apparent abdullah ibn abdel- aziz in separate messages on saturday night congratulated hoj. khatami. the kuwaiti news agency reported that amir of kuwait sheikh jaber al-ahmad al sabah cabled a message of congratulation to hojatoleslam mohammad khatami and congratulated him on his success in the presidential campiagn.

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president-elect thanks iranians for massive turnout

tehran, may 26, irna -- iranian president-elect hojjatoleslam seyyed mohammad khatami in a statement issued here on sunday underlined the need for further strengthening of basic islamic values, safe-guarding of civil rights and freedom of all citizens and the realization of social justice, in pace with national development and reconstruction. khatami lauded the iranian nation's massive turn out in the 7th presidential elections profusely thanking the supreme leader of islamic revolution ayatollah seyyed ali khamenei for his vital message which, khatami pointed out to be a beacon of guidance. the leader's message read: "the iranian nation had successfully passed yet another test and that a new era has been opened in the history of the islamic republic of iran." the president-elect called on the almighty allah to assist him in responding to people's grace and in acting in accordance with the guidelines of the supreme leader. he stated that "there is no doubt that the aware ummah are indebted to the great teacher of religion, the late imam khomeini, who taught us all how to lead a dignified and free life and we remember him with with reverance." the hojjatoleslam considered it as a duty by all those interested in the sovereignty of islamic iran to contribute towards ensuring a better future for a free, developed, independent and secure iran. "the revolution belongs to all muslims and independence seeking individuals," said hojatoleslam khatami, adding that iran also belongs to all iranians, who pin their hope on their country and its sovereignty. he said that iran needed all the forces, all thoughts, all tacts and all skills to strive for the progress of the revolution and the country. he thanked the youth for turning out in the elections and had words of profound praise for outgoing president hojjatoleslam akbar hashemi rafsanjani.

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turkish charge d'affaires summoned to foreign ministry

tehran, may 26, irna -- turkish charge d'affaires to tehran aydin evirgen was summoned to foreign ministry sunday evening in connection with the turkish military incursion in northern iraq. the turkish diplomat was informed of iran's protest and tehran's concern over the continated military presence of turkey in northern iraq. rvirgen was also told that the latest measure of ankara is in violation of all international laws and ergulations and that iran calls for immediate and unconditional withdrawal of turkish army from northern iraq.

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president-elect calls on rafsanjani

tehran, may 26, irna--the president-elect hojatoleslam mohammad khatami called on the president akbar hashemi rafsanjani and held discussions at his office sunday night. president rafsanjani said that inspite of the enemies propaganda against iran the elections were held in a fair and disciplined manner in line with the prestige and dignity of islamic iran. the president stated that the decisive and massive verdict of the people provides khatami a good opportunity to serve the people and realize the lofty ideals of the late imam khomeini and aspirations of the supreme leader of the islamic revolution ayatollah ali khamenei. he continued, ''i hope that the president-elect, with the support of the people and cooperation of all different bodies as well as the efficient and competent forces, will be able to continue the construction and development of the country.'' the incoming president while expressing his gratitude for the role, attention and kindness of the wise leader of the revolution and president hashemi rafsanjani for conducting the elections in a smooth manner, said the nationwide construction programs has paved the way for continuing the progress towards an advanced, independent and free iran. he added that in his future programs he would certainly make use of the valuable experience and guidance of the great warrior of construction who powerfully steered the nation in its worst situation towards development and independenc

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monday morning newspaper headlines

tehran, may 26, irna -- the following headlines appeared in tehran' newspapers monday morning:
tehran times:
-rafsanjani on domestic, regional, int'l developments
-khatami's first message to nation
-iran calls for immediate evacuation of turkish army from n. iraq
-uzbek gnereal dostam in turkey
-focus: hard task in store for khatami
-pakistan recognizes afghan taleban government
-religion not a hindrance to women's activities
-more than 200 majlis deputies pledge to cooperate with khatami
iran news:
-khatami meets with leader, issues important message
-stunning participation in friday polling a serious blow to mko
-iran calls for turkish withdrawal from n. iraq
-rafsanjani press meet touches on germany, u.a.e. and khatami's win
-pakistani president farooq ahmed leghari is greeted upon his arrival in abu dhabi, may 24, by u.a.e. president sultan al-nahyan
-communist supporters wave red and soviet flags during a meeting of european communist party leaders in lisbon's bullring, may 24
kayhan international:
-rafsanjani at press conference...rebuilding country new president's prime object
-arafat orders probe - palestinian authority accused of financial mismanagement
-200 plus mps pledge to cooprate with khatami
-indonesia campaign - borneo riots claim 136 lives
-turkey triples troop presence in northern iraq
-three more land-sellers arrested in w. bank
-north, south korea close talks with no clear outcome
-viewpoint: tolerance, open-mindedness
-jew burns zionist flag causing outcry in israel
-fahd congratulates khatami
-dostam arrives in turkey
-iran, pakistan agree on marine border
-pakistan recognizes taliban government
-rafsanjani felicitates president-elect
-leader receives president-elect...election result a victory for nation
iran:
-hashemi rafsanjani at press conference: i will support khatami
-khatami's first message to nation: the way to development has already been paved by mr. hashemi
-nateq nouri at majlis open session: majlis will support mr. khatami, his government
-iran calls for immediate withdrawal of turkish army from n. iraq
-total expresses willingness to invest dlrs. 2 bn in southern
pars gas field
iran daily:
-president meets the press: next govt. will pursue development agenda
-moving towards efficient investments
-khatami: iran belongs to everybody
-leader receives president-elect
-perspective: the message
jomhuri eslami:
-president: leader's guidelines will be axis for furture plans in the country
-khatami's first message to nation
-foreign ministry calls for immediate withdrawal of turkish forces from northern iraq
-collaboration of zionists with turkish army in military occupation of northern iraq unveiled
-president-elect meets with leader, president separately
salam:
-khatami: today the country, more than ever, needs to consolidate islamic values, principles
-khatami meets with leader
-president at press conference says he will spare no effort for the success of mr. khatami's government
-over 200 mps pledge to cooperate with khatami
-general dostam arrives in turkey
abrar:
-khatami's message to the nation: for the dignity of islamic revolution, iran, we are in need of the cooperation of all forces, thoughts, tastes amd skills
-president-elect meets leader
-majlis speaker: majlis will support mr. khatami, his government
-iran a safe route for trade transactions in world... transportation experts meet in almaty
-people in mazar-i-sharif experience life under the rule of taliban
hamshahri:
-khatami meets with leader
-hojatoleslam khatami's message to the nation: for the dignity
of islamic revolution, iran, we are in need of the cooperation of all forces, thoughts, tastes, and skills
-khatami meets with president: way has been paved for continuation of trend of development
-president at press conference: everything is calm, consolidated in iran
-martyr ya'quibi reservoir dam, neishabour combined cycle power plant to be inaugurated thursday
akhbar:
-president-elect meets with leader
-hashemi rafsanjani says he will support khatami's government
-khatami in message to the nation stresses strengthening of islamic principles, preserving civil rights and personal freedom
-dostam flees to ankara
-majlis speaker: majlis will support khatami, his government
kar va kargar:
-khatami meets with leader
-president at press conference: leader's guidelines will be axis
for all affairs
-khatami in message to the nation: for dignity of islamic revolution, iran, we are in need of the cooperation of all forces, thoughts, tastes and skills
-iran calls for withdrawal of turkish army from northern iraq
-pakistan recognizes taliban
kayhan (arabic):
-president: priority will be given to asia, expansion of cooperation with arab countries
-president-elect meets with leader
-congratulatory messages from president rafsanjani, religious, scientific organizations for khatami
-president-elect receives messages of congratulations from heads of state
-majlis approves, qazvin becomes a province

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khatami showered with messages of congratulations

tehran, may 26, irna -- congratulatory messages continue to pour in from foreign dignataries as well as political figures and organizations within the country following the landslide victory of president-elect hojatoleslam mohammad khatami in friday's presidential elections. the cabinet sunday evening congratulated hojatoleslam khatami in securing the confidence of the majority of the people and support of the leader of the islamic revolution ayatollah ali khamenei. it expressed complete readiness to cooperate with hojatoleslam khatami as iran's fifth president. president akbar hashemi rafsanjani, who chaired the meeting, also praised the massive turnout of the iranian nation, particularly the youths, in the seventh presidential elections. meanwhile, jamey'e rohaniyat-e mobarez (jrm), in a statement issued here yesterday, felicitated hojatoleslam khatami on his success in the presidential elections and announced its willingness to cooperate with him in carrying out the important tasks. it also called on the iranian nation to follow the guidelines of the supreme leader of the islamic revolution, to preserve the ideals of the late imam khomeini and make efforts to further develop islamic iran. the islamic association of culture and higher education ministry as well as those of different universities also issued separate statements congratulating khatami as the new president of the islamic republic of iran.

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over dlrs 24m worth of industrial goods exported

tehran, may 26, irna -- some dlrs 24.3 million worth of industrial products of the mostazafan and janbazan (oppressed and disabled) foundation were exported to european, african and central asian countries last iranian year, 1375 (ended march 20 1997). managing director of the industries and mines organization, affiliated to the foundation, mahmoud ahmadpour said here monday that the figure shows an increase of 57.8 percent compared to the dlrs 15.4 million exports in the preceding year, 1374. the highest growth rate belonged to chemical and celluloid products as well as textiles, garments, machineries and foostuff, he said. ahmadpour added that the sales of the organization's products rose from rls 1,493 billion in 1374, and reached 1,828 billion last year, registering a growth of 22.4 percent.

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king hassan congratulates iran's president-elect

tehran, may 26, irna -- king hassan of maghreb sunday felicitated hojatoleslam mohammad khatami on being elected iran's fifth president in may 23 elections. in a cable to khatami, king hassan expressed hope that tehran-rabat ties would further expand in future, said the maghrebi embassy in tehran monday.

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tehran, seoul discuss promotin of relations

tehran, may 26, irna -- south korean ambassador to tehran kim jae kyu and majlis deputy from miyaneh, seyyed hussein hashemi, here monday discussed promotion of bilatearl ties in all fields. hashemi is chairman of iran-south korea parliamentary friendship group.

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religion not a hindrance to women's activities

tehran, may 26, irna -- religion has never hindered women's activities in scientific and research fields, said chancellor of al-zahra university, koohian. speaking to the english-language daily 'tehran times', printed monday, koohian said that islam, which underlines learning sciences as a religious duty for every man and woman, puts no obstacle in the way of women's acquisition of knowledge but, rather, encourages it. pointing to the factors which hindered women's total participation in society under the previous regime, he said that after the culmination of the islamic revolution, women asserted their islamic identity and took part in different tasks alongside men, without feeling gender discrimiantion. ''women wearing the islamic dress (hijab) work shoulder to shoulder with men and without attracting men's attention which is the most valuable aspects of the islamic way of dressing,'' koohian told the paper. commenting on western accusations that iran is violating women's rights, he said that such propaganda campaign is a gimmick of the western mass media to try either to remove muslim women from society or to use them for political advantage, he said. vigilant muslim women who participated in the social-political affairs during the revolution today are active in executive and legilation, he remarkled, adding that women mps are present in the majllis and their number is increasing. ''iranian women have proven to be able to take part in different social and political activities with holding fast to the islamic teachings,'' the official stressed. ''today'', he said in conclusion, ''we witness their activities in research, education, scientific and artistic areas and even in the most high positions like president advisor.'

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president-elect renews allegiance with late imam's ideals

tehran, may 26, irna -- iran's incoming president hojatoleslam mohammad khatami visited the mausoleum of the late founder of the islamic republic imam khomeini, in southern tehran, monday morning. hojatoleslam khatami, who was accompanied by imam's grandson, hojatoleslam hassan khomeini, laid wreath on the tomb of the late imam and renewed allegiance with his ideals. he later visited the tombs of martyrs of islamic revolution and islamic republic including the late ayatollah mahmoud taleqani and martyrs president mohammad ali rajaie, prime minister mohammad javad bahonar and mostafa chamran.

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daily on elections: iran is moving forward, power lies with people

tehran, may 26, irna -- the english language paper 'iran daily' in an editorial sunday reflected on the audience president-elect khatami had with the supreme leader of the islamic revolution, ayatollah ali khamenei. it commented: ''late saturday the leader in a statement paid tribute to khatami and strongly endorsed the unexpected results of friday's presidential elections. with 20 million plus votes in favor of khatami, local and foreign observers were taken by surprise.'' the paper said that one need not be a professional political auditor to see through khatami's books. ''his early audience with the leader is ample proof of the former minister's standing with the leadership and his preparedness to get down to business with the leader's recommendations and guidelines.'' the paper noted that khatami ''was actually a part of the system. his allegiance and commitment to the system's value was more than fool-proof during his tenure as minister of culture for more than a decade.'' ''even those who are against iran and its revolutionary credentials, admitted that our country is steadily moving towards a functioning democracy.'' iran daily observed, ''iranians from all walks of life came to vote to send a clear message to allies and adversaries. at the home front, the situation was made amply clear: power lies with the people.'' it concluded, ''politicians and policymakers have to simplify their terms to meet the people's demands and rule over their hearts. c mmand ng obedience is one thing, but generating sympathy, enthusiasm nd support is a different story.''

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iranian assyrians congratulate president-elect

tehran, may 26, irna -- the association of iranian assyrians, in a statement issued here monday, congratulated the president-elect hojatoleslam mohammad khatami for his stunning success in the seventh presidential elections on friday. the iranian assyrians along with their fellow countrymen have always taken part in all the elections held in iran since the stablishment of the islamic republic, the message read. hojatoleslam khatami gained over 20 million votes, or nearly 70 percent of the total votes cast, in friday presidential elections. he will replace president akbar hashemi rafsanjani whose eight years of office will end in august.v

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kurdish opposition asks turkey to pull out of northern iraq

sanandaj, kordestan prov., may 26, irna -- barzani's self-proclaimed government monday called for withdrawal of turkish military forces from northern iraq, an iraqi opposition radio announced today. the radio kurdistan democratic party (kdp), monitored here, quoted barzani's spokesman as saying that the turkish government and the forces of kurdistan's workers party (pkk) should solve their problems within the turkish territories. the continued conflicts between the turkish army and pkk separatist guerrillas have endangered the process of peace and tranquility in northern iraq, the radio added. the kdp radio further stressed that the pkk terrorist and military operations paved the ground for turkish army attack on northern iraq.

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friday voting demonstrated people's support for islamic system

tehran, may 26, irna -- a morning daily here monday said that the friday presidential elections without doubt was another demonstration of the people's support for the islamic system. ''now that the elections got a clean bill of health, things will, and should soon start falling in place,'' commented the english language paper 'iran daily' in its editorial. the voting, rightly called a referendum and explicit show of confidence and trust in the republic's future viability, was a historic event, stressed the article. ''even those who are against iran and its revolutionary credentials, admitted that our country is steadily moving towards a functioning demoncracy,'' remarked the daily. it further added that iranians from all walks of life came to vote to send a clear message to allies and adversaries. ''at the home front, the situation was made amply clear: power lies with the people.'' stressing that holding political office or being elected to power will not be an easy enterprise in iran, the editorial wrote: ''politicians and policymakers have to simplify their terms to meet the people's demands and rule over their hearts.'' commanding obedience is one thing, but generating sympathy, enthusiasm and support is a different story, it said, adding, ''this was the message the iranian electorate gave at the weekend.

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khatami: ''imam's path, thought light of our path''

tehran, may 26, irna -- president-elect hojatoleslam mohammad khatami said here monday that the late founder of the islamic republic imam khomeini was the manifestation of the iranian nation's love for religion. he pledged, ''the imam's path and thought will serve as light clarifying our path.'' the president-elect made the remark after paying a visit to the mausoleum of the late imam khomeini in southern tehran and renweing allegiance with his ideals. hojatoelslam khatami added that the islamic republic gained its independence and prestige through the efforts of the late imam and unity of people. ''we are indebted to the leadership of the late imam and the supreme leader ayatollah ali khamanei and should always try to preserve the independence and prestige of the islamic republic.'' the president-elect added that the leader is the center of all activities in the islamic republic and ''we consider ourselves duty-bound to apply the leader's wise guidelines.'' turning to his meeting with the supreme leader on sunday, khatami said that he received instructions which he hopes to apply and thus enhance the prestige and pride for islam and the valiant nation of iran. appreciating the enthusiastic turnout of the nation at the presidential elections, khatami said that the unprecedented participation of the iranian nation in different state affairs including the recent elections indicates their vigor and enthusiasm. the president-elect stressed that the enthusiasm demonstrated by the people in the 7th presidential elections once again showed that the revolution and the country belong to the people. hojatoleslam khatami added that attention should be paid to rule of law in order to preserve islamic values. furthermore, special attention must be paid to the issues of the youth whom he described as the main force of the revolution. he expressed hope that the future government would be able to serve the muslim nation of iran under the leadership of ayatollah khamenei and through cooperation of all organizations.

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export of non-oil products increases

tehran, may 26, irna -- a large amount of non-oil products were exported from different provinces of west azarbaijan, chahar mahal-bakhtiari and hamedan from april 21 to may 21, it was announced monday. nezameddin barzegari, director general of institute of standard and industrial research (isir) of west azarbaijan told irna today that some 4,833 tons of products worth over rls five billion were exported from the province in the period, showing a rise of 88 percent compared to the preceding year. fruit concentrates, dried fruits, vegetables, sanitary equipment, metal works and clothings were major items exported to different countries, he added. jahanbakhsh reza-pourian, director general of isir in chahar mahal-bakhtiari province announced today that 946 tons of various products worth over rls 2.39 billion were exported from the province in the same period, indicating an increase of 84 percent in weight and 190 percent in value compared to last year. almond, soap, noodles and apple concentrate were exported to uzbekistan, armenia, afghanistan, dubai, germany and italy, he added. meanwhile, abdolhussein habibi, an official at isir in western province of hamedan also said that 626 tons of agricultural and livestock products worth rls 1.1 billion were exported to canada, ukraine, russia, poland, italy, turkey, romania, armenia, uzbekistan and azerbaijan republic in the period.

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quake jolts abdanan in ilam prov.

abdanan, ilam prov., may 26, irna -- a tremor with the magnitude of 4.2 on the open-ended richter scale jolted the city of abdanon in ilam province at 05:48 hours local time (01:18 gmt) on monday. the seisimological center of kermanshah, affiliated to the geophysics institute of tehran university, registered the epicenter of the tremor at 155 km south of the center in the suburb of abdanan. there has no report on casualties or losses. abdanan, located in nourtheastern ilam province has a population of 55,000 people.

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monday afternoon's newspaper headlines


tehran, may 26, irna -- the following headlines appeared in tehran's newspaper this afternoon:
kayhan
-khatami: let's be unanimous and moving towards gaining more power, honor under leadership of revolution leader
-president elect meets with leader
-hojatoleslam khatami's meeting with president
-president: iran's economic development program for next three years, written
-iran: turkey should withdraw troops from northern iraq immediately, unconditionally
ettela'at:
-president: new president can go on road of construction with popular support
-president elect: we need all forces, thoughts, styles, skills for honor of islamic iran
-khatami: i will certainly use valuable experiences of president rafsanjani in my plans
-hojatoleslam khatami's meeting with leader
-iran calls for unconditional withdrawal of turkish troops from iraq resalat:
-president: leader center of affairs, construciton plans to gain momentum
-khatami: we need to bolster islamic values, administer social justice more than ever before
-jame'eh rouhaniyat-e mobarez: national unity, massive contribution by people, support country's independence, dignity
-iran's foreign ministry summons turkish ambassador

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boroujerdi: only broad-based gov't will resolve afghan crisis

tehran, may 26, irna -- deputy foreign minister for asia-pacific affairs alaeddein boroujerdi said here monday that "only a broad-based government" in kabul is the solution to the ongoing conflict in afghanistan. responding to the latest development in war-torn northern afghanistan, boroujerdi told iran daily "alienating of different ethnic groups in that country will only alter the features of the crisis and not resolve it." iran is closely monitoring events in that country, he said. reiterating tehran's stance on the situation in the neighboring country, the deputy foreign minister for asia and pacific affairs observed "from the outest we have made it known that any developments inside that country is its internal affair." neverthelesss, the islamic republic will continue its declared "policy of helping achieve peace in afghanistan and forge understanding between all the warring factions. in recent days the fratricide in afghanistan took a turn for the worst as the taliban militia embarked on new offensives in the north to capture more territory. presently more than 90 percent of afghan territory is under taliban control. the taliban appeared abruptly on the afghan scene in 1994 with the help of the u.s. and pakistan. with respect to humanitarian aid to afghanistan, he noted "assistance to the innocent afghans will continue as before. the lslamic republic will not change its policy in this regard." reflecting on the "paramount importance" of stability in central asia, boroujerdi told iran daily "iran will oppose any element that endangers the security of this region."

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nateq-nouri thanks people for unprecedented turnout in election

tehran, may 26, irna -- majlis speaker hojatoleslam ali akbar nateq nouri here on monday thanked the iranian people for their unprecedented turnout in firday's presidential election. issuing a message addressed to the nation, the majlis speaker said the voting indicated the people's deep enthusiasm for deciding their own destiny, the broad popular base of the islamic republic, and the national unity and the people's response to the call by the supreme leader of the islamic revolution ayatollah seyed ali khamenei. nateq nouri, who was one of the four presidential contenders, appreciated people's support for his candidacy. he secured 7,242,859 votes in the presidential election on friday. he promised to closely cooperate with the president-elect and asked his supporters not to withhold any assistance from the new president seyed mohammad khatami.

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bahrain's emir congratulates president-elect khatami

abu dhabi, may 26, irna -- bahrain's emir sheikh isa bin sulman al-khalifa cabled a message to iran's president-elec hojatoleslam seyed mohammad khatami on sunday, congratulating him on his election as the next president of iran. the bahraini news agency reported on sunday night that the bahraini emir while wishing success for the iranian president-elect, praised the trust put by the irnaian people in him. the report added that the bahraini crown prince sheikh hamad bin isa al-khalifa and prime minister sheikh khalifa bin sultan al-khalifa in separate messages on sunday night felicitated khatami on success in presidential election. in related news, kuwaiti cabinet, too, sent a congratulatory message to khatami. kuwaiti televion announced that the cabinet has wished success for khatami and prosperity for the iranian nation.

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chinese premier for lasting, amicable relations with iran

beijing, may 26, irna -- prime minister of the people's republic of china li peng, received visiting iranian oil minister gholam-reza aqazadeh here on monday. at the meeting the chinese premier described as ''good'' the sino-iranian ties, saying that the two states could have long standing and stable relations with each other. he noted that china would like iran to help it improve the structure of its oil refineries, adding that the two countries can also cooperate in oil exploration and exploitation. li peng emphasised that understandings achieved during aghazadeh's visit to china would be useful for further improvement of oil cooperation between china and iran. the prime minister also congratulated election of hojatoleslam mohammad khatami as iran's new president. aqazadeh, for his part, expressed tehran's resolve to continue its strategic cooperation with the east, pointing out that understandings shared by iran and china could be effective in expanding relations between the two countries. during his five day visit, aghazadeh conferred with chinese officials on bolstering sino-iranian oil cooperation.