Iran Early Bird

Political and Diplomatic Affairs

· Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman reacts to French navy base in UAE (1)

· Iran Diplomacy website’s political analyst believes the establishment of an “extreme government” in Israel would be an opportunity for the countries of the region to isolate Israel and would not represent a threat to peace (2)


· ‘Jomhouri Eslami’ editorial emphasizes desperate efforts by the United States to save the Lebanese ‘May 14’ coalition, noting that the Lebanese people will neutralize foreign intervention and strongly affirm Hezbollah’s victories (3)

· Foreign Ministry spokesman denies knowledge of renewal of Iran-U.S. talks (4)

· Ahamadinejad on Italian FM’s cancelled visit: “We do not really care about the stands adopted by some European countries” (5)

Domestic Affairs

· Few greet Ahmadinejad on his visit to Khoramshar, with some bearing signs reading, “Only lies (12)

· Ahmadinejad delivers key campaign message for the upcoming presidential election (13)

· Representatives of the private sector present questions to presidential candidates, demanding frank answers (14)

Economic Affairs

· Bank Meli CEO: EU decision to sanction bank’s foreign branches is a “political” move (17)

· Freeze in Iranian real-estate market will continue until end of year (19)

· Pars Khodro reports production record despite economic slowdown (20)

Security Affairs

· IRGC troops stage amphibious war games; Majlis speaker during exercises: “The manufacturing of long-range missiles and development of advanced technologies, including nuclear technology, are results of resistance against enemies” (22)

· Iranian Navy commander: The deployment of six combat and logistics ships in the Gulf of Aden indicates the military might of the country in the face of any foreign threats at sea (24)

Human Rights and Minorities

· Another convicted minor facing execution in Iran (25)

· Condition of detained Kurdish-minority teacher deteriorates (27)

· Baha’i-minority citizen seized from home in Tehran (29)

· Majlis Law Committee: Stoning to be stricken from Islamic penal law (30)



Full Report

Political and Diplomatic Affairs

1. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman reacts to French navy base in UAE

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman has come out strongly against the establishment of military bases and selling arms in the Persian Gulf region. In response to a journalist asking about the establishment of a new French naval base in Abu Dhabi, Hassan Qashqavi said, "In our view, escalation of militarism in the region and the presence of distant powers result in the fragility of security and stability, and will - in practice - lead to an arms race. …Certain countries wish to present an insecure image of the region, by creating false and illusory threats, to sell ever more weapons," he added.
He called on the regional countries "not to permit the bankrupt Western arms producers to serve their own interests under baseless pretexts.". The spokesman expressed regret that France had departed from its usual moderate policy path and was creating tension along with other extremists, and said the decision of the United Arab Emirates to give a military base to foreigners "was not comprehensible and it was not considered an act in the direction of regional security."

2. Iran Diplomacy website’s political analyst believes the establishment of an “extreme government” in Israel would be an opportunity for the countries of the region to isolate Israel and would not represent a threat to peace

Writing under the headline, “The extreme government in Israel – an opportunity or threat?” the Iran Diplomacy website’s political analyst, Bahram Golzade, comments that the ideology and extreme policies of elements in the new Israeli government such as Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman are a cause of crisis and tension for Israel. Contrary to the position of other analysts, who believe that the rise to power of a right-wing Israeli government headed by Benjamin Netanyahu constitutes a threat to peace in the region and the Palestinians, Golzade writes that “if we take a more comprehensive look at the issue, in a mature and wise manner, we will realize that in fact this is an opportunity for the Islamic and Arab states. It is an opportunity that if properly taken advantage of, Israel and its positions can be isolated.”

3. ‘Jomhouri Eslami’ editorial emphasizes desperate efforts by the United States to save the Lebanese ‘May 14’ coalition, noting that in upcoming elections, the Lebanese people will neutralize foreign intervention and strongly affirm Hezbollah’s victories

The daily’s editorial, appearing under the headline, "Opportunity to stabilize the victories of the resistance," views the visit to Lebanon by U.S. Vice-President Joseph Biden as a sign of Washington's concern over the weakness of the March 14 coalition under Sanyurah. According to the editorial, Washington’s outright support for the coalition will eventually lead to its complete downfall. It also notes that a number of Israeli spy networks have been exposed in Lebanon, commenting that this is evidence of the awareness and intelligence control of the Lebanese resistance [Hezbollah] and also exposes “the intervention of the Zionist regime and the treacherous Arab heads of state in behind-the-scene events in Lebanon. Nasrallah said that awareness and information are the basis of the resistance and the secret of its victory. The elections in Lebanon are not far off, but the expectation is that the Lebanese people will in this sphere too neutralize the foreign intervention and turn the election arena into an opportunity to firmly establish the victories of the resistance.”

4. Foreign Ministry spokesman denies knowledge of renewal of Iran-U.S. talks

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hassan Qashqavi has denied any knowledge of the renewal of Iran-U.S. talks, commenting: “We are respectfully following the recent U.S. statements.”

5. Ahamadinejad on Italian FM’s cancelled visit: “We do not really care about the stands adopted by some European countries, since they are under the influence of the others."

Ahamadinejad at the press conference with foreign reporters: “Regarding Mr. Frattini's visit …we do not really care about the stands adopted by some European countries, since they are under the influence of the others." Foreign Ministry spokesman Hasan Qashqavi added that the cancellation of the visit of Italian Foreign Minister had nothing to do with elections and missile tests in Iran . He claimed that the Italian foreign minister had requested a visit to Iran to invite Iranian officials to take part in an upcoming meeting on the situation in Afghanistan which is to be hosted by Italy.

6. Kayhan editorial: “Creating terrorists the cowboy way”

According to the editorial, Tehran has accurate information pointing to the fact that the United States is conducting intelligence operations along Iran’s western borders, investing money, supplying arms, organizing acts of terror and stirring incitement between the Sunni and Shia. The editorial notes that Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei stressed “the need for awareness in light of the enemy’s desire to create such a rift” and comments that “the wisdom and courage of the supreme leader, and the following he has among the heads of regime, will win support and solidarity from the people for the purpose of neutralizing the plots of the enemy.”
According to the editorial:

1. The United States’ plans to expand its control in the region have failed and it is looking therefore for new challenges in the area, and is aiming false accusations at Iran on a daily basis. Since its occupation of Iraq, the U.S. and treacherous allied forces [Saudi Arabia, Egypt – Terrogence] have brought down a wave of terror against the Iraqi people, particularly the Shia, by, among other methods, arming Al-Qaida.
2. The U.S. terror plots are being carried out to round off American control of the golden strip [Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria], the area that connects the Middle East to China and the Indian Ocean. Iran is seen as a principal target and therefore constituted a target for its “satanic ideas.” Already at the outset of the revolution, the United States tried to incite the minorities in Iran, and now that it has failed, it is trying to create a rift between the Sunni and Shia.

7. Ahmadinejad holds press conference with foreign reporters

1. Iran's nuclear issue - “In our view Iran's nuclear issue has come to an end. We will pursue the nuclear case within the framework of the Agency's regulations and our negotiations with anyone outside the Agency will be merely regarding cooperation for managing the global issues and establishing lasting peace and security for all”.
2. The ‘Zionist regime’ - "The Zionist regime is a fake entity and its foundations were laid aimed at threatening, occupying, and waging wars, since without waging wars and threatening the others, it is dead. The [Zionist] regime's expiry date is over and it has lost its entire value, while all the point it is still trying to prove to its supporters is that it is at least still worth their support. Of course, those who have forged this fake regime, too, no longer believe it is capable of changing any equations in the Middle East…Even regimes that are stronger than the Zionist regime cannot take any steps against Iran and they will not even commit such a stupid move as invading Lebanon, or Syria, knowing that resorting to such moves, their life will not be extended any longer than its doomed end, since the reality of their face is revealed to all and the fakeness of their entire lies and the propagation that led to their establishment is now well known for all, which is why such hue and cry is no longer worth heeding."
3. US – Iran engagement; Iran’s strategic posture - "The most important change should be in the US leaders' viewpoints and mentalities. If they keep on pursing maximizing the US hegemony, they will face defeats not only in the Middle East, but also around the globe. …The United States has to yield to the reality that its government is like the others and its nation should enjoy equal rights with other nations. Iran's status in the world is clear. Those who up to three years ago argued that Iran should be wiped off the world map are now competing for having relations with Iran”. Ahmadinejad said that dozens of friends of the former US president who have criticized him for not responding to his letters, arguing that diplomacy is a scientific matter, not a sentimental issue in which not responding to a letter and resorting to irrational methods would work…”.

8. Ahmadinejad challenges Obama on “global issues”

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that he would like to hold a debate on global problems with U.S. President Barack Obama at the United Nations and that if he is reelected president, he will invite Obama to a debate on the root causes of global problems. He said he had invited former U.S. president George W. Bush to hold talks on global issues when he was in New York to address the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, 2008.

9. Khamenei: US is the most hated country in the region

Supreme Leader Khamenei said in a meeting with Presidents of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, and Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, that US has been strongly subject to hatred of regional nations as the main cause of regional problems. Prior to the Supreme Leader's remarks, Ahmadinejad offered a report on the outcome of the tripartite summit which was held earlier. The three presidents signed a 25-article 'Tehran Statement' at the end of the Summit. President Ahmadinejad said that the foreign military intervention, smuggling of illegal drugs and terrorism were three major threats posed to the regional nations.

10. Iran examining US proposal for friendly soccer match

Chairman of Iran's Football Federation Ali Kafashian said Iran is examining the US proposal for friendly play with Iran's national succor team. Kafashian said Iran will inform the US federation after carrying out the legal stages and agreement on holding the friendly race. He continued details for holding the contest will be declared in case Iran agreed with the proposal.

11. Interview with Noam Chomski in E'temad daily - “the American doctrine and the Iranian independence”

The exclusive interview with Noam Chomski covers comparison of the government of Barack Obama to the Bush administration and how this could effect the relations between Iran and the United States. The interview also discusses American policy towards Israel. (E'temad May 25)



Domestic Affairs



12. Few greet Ahmadinejad on his visit to Khoramshar, with some bearing signs reading, “Only lies

Opposition websites claim that on his visit to Khoramshar on the anniversary of its liberation, Iran President Ahmadinejad was welcomed by a very small crowd and that some individuals appeared with signs reading “Only lies” (see picture). Since its liberation from Iraqi forces during the Iran-Iraq War, Khoramshar has not undergone any development and Ahmadinejad declared himself deputy governor of the city with the purpose of dealing with its numerous problems.

13. Ahmadinejad delivers key campaign message for the upcoming presidential election

a. Nuclear and strategic issues: "They threatened Iran to an extent that they clearly said they wanted to uproot the Iranian nation. We say how rudely they stated that [they would deal] first [with] Afghanistan, then Iraq and then Iran. We saw how regarding the nuclear issue they imposed the worst conditions on the Iranian nation. … They placed a huge obstacle on the way of the Iranian nation's scientific and progressive move. They closed down the nuclear facilities. They even closed the parts which had nothing to do with the regulations of the agency (IAEA). They rudely asked for the closure of laboratories, workshops and academic majors which could be a support for the country's nuclear progress. They continued this rudeness to an extent that they insulted the Iranian nation. They said that the Iranian nation is [part of the] axis of evil."

b. On foreign relations: "Even though many people think that a threat should be replied by being soft, forgiving, and compromising, the Iranian nation showed that the only way of removing threats forever is to move with strength and courage. Countries which were against Iran are now willing to establish relations. Today, the Iranian nation is ready to take part in international management to establish stable peace, security and brotherhood… we proved that we can."

c. Ideology and politics: "At that time [four years ago, when Ahmadinejad first ran for the presidency] there was a general feeling in the nation that we had drifted from the ideological and spiritual path of the Islamic Revolution. This distance between us and the spiritual and ideological values was growing each day. As a small member of the family of Iran's great nation, I shared the same feeling. The reason why this feeling had appeared and this distance can be summarized and found in two elements. "

14. Representatives of the private sector present questions to presidential candidates, demanding frank answers

The ‘Iranian Chamber of Commerce – Industries and Mines’ issued a statement containing a list of 25 questions for the presidential candidates and urged them to answer the queries straightforwardly. Key questions:

a. What are the challenges and opportunities for Iran in light of the current financial crisis and how should the country counter the repercussions of this crisis?

b. With the current difficulty in attracting foreign investment, what solutions do you put forward to increase foreign investment?

c. Given that the current rate of inflation has its roots in the country's large budget deficit, the excessive use of the national foreign exchange reserve fund, the decision to cover national budget costs through borrowing, and the fact that many manufacturing sector companies are operating at a loss, what is your plan to rein in inflation?

d. In light of the current critical situation of the domestic economy and the global economy and the fact that the country's industries are in urgent need of financial resources, what are your views on the redirection of state subsidies to support production?

e. In your opinion, what has been the impact of oil revenues on Iran's economy and also on the government's relations with the private sector? What is your plan to end the government's heavy dependence on oil revenues?

15. ‘Council of Guardians’ reject all women who registered for presidential elections

Writing under the headline, “Women, once more discarded,” in the E'temad-e Melli daily, Issa Saharkhiz comments on the disqualification by the Council of Guardians of all 42 women, including Raf'at Bayat, a prominent Majlis MP, who registered as candidates for the upcoming presidential elections. The writer harshly criticizes the Reformists for not putting enough pressure on the council. (E'temad-e Melli, May 25)

16. Combatant Clergy Association will not voice support for any particular candidate

Ayatollah Mahdavi Kani, secretary-general of the CCA, has announced that most members, including himself, will support Ahmadinejad and believe that he is the right man to continue managing the affairs of the country. He noted that a vote on whether to officially express support for the current president had narrowly missed achieving the required two-thirds majority to do so, adding that even those who had voted against were not opposed to Ahmadinejad but preferred the CCA to remain silent on the issue. For his part, Nateq-Nuri, an aide to the Iranian supreme leader, criticized the personal viewpoints of some of the CCA members, stressing that the CCA had not adopted any official decision with regard to supporting any particular candidate. He said the CCA’s task was to remain silent on the matter and call on the public to participate in the elections.

Economic Affairs



17. Bank Meli CEO: EU decision to sanction bank’s foreign branches is a “political” move

Bank Meli CEO Mahmud Reza Khavari said that the decision made by the EU, and backed by the U.S., to sanction the bank’s foreign branches is a political move and is not related to the bank's performance. Khavari said BMI had filed a complaint against the EU over the sanctions and must stand up and defend itself in order to lift the sanctions against the bank’s foreign branches. As a result of the EU sanctions, the bank’s branches in London, Hamburg and Paris have ceased operations.

18. Sums the government expects to earn from privatization of state-sector shares “are not realistic”

Majlis member Dr. Hasan Sobhani said with regard to the figures in the 2009-10 budget that the sums the government expected to earn from the privatization of state-sector shares were not realistic. (Jomhouri Eslami, May 25)



19. Freeze in Iranian real-estate market will continue until end of year

Senior economist and mortgage bank Maskan CEO Ahmad Farshchian does not expect any developments in the real-estate market in the country over the coming year, commenting that the freeze in the market is expected to continue until at least the end of the year. The very small rise recently in housing prices in Tehran and a number of other cities stemmed in all likelihood from the low interest rates on offer, he said.



20. Pars Khodro reports production record despite economic slowdown

Iranian car manufacturer Pars Khodro notched a production record of 25,247 vehicles last month – a 23-percent rise on the corresponding period last year. The company’s PR division said Khodro’s performance was based on the abilities of local engineers and workers and that it had upped production despite the global economic crisis.



21. Tractor-building company shuts down production

The managing director of the tractor-building company in the Kurdestan Province has announced the shutdown of production operations due to poor sales. A number of the plant’s workers have been laid off. The company’s current stock numbers more than 1,000 tractors.



Security Affairs



22. Thousands of IRGC troops in Tehran stage amphibious war games; Majlis speaker during exercises: “The manufacturing of long-range missiles and development of advanced technologies, including nuclear technology, are results of resistance against enemies”

Thousands of Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) troops in Tehran staged amphibious war games to mark the 27th anniversary of the liberation of the southwestern city of Khorramshahr during the Iraq-Iran in the 1980s. The IRGC and Basij units deployed more than 100 armored vehicles and equipment, including tank and artillery units, BMP2 cars, 240 mm, 106 mm and 130 mm artillery cannons, Katyusha rockets and anti-aircraft cannons in the war games. Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani, who was present during the exercises, pointed out that Iran's defensive tools and equipment bring security to the region. Larijani reiterated: "Today, Iran is a powerful country in the region and the other powers always acknowledge that they need to interact with Iran." He stressed that the manufacturing of long-range missiles by Iran and the advanced technologies, including nuclear technology that Iran enjoys, are the results of its resistance against the enemies.

23. Iranian defense minister: The production of important products such as Sijjil-2 missile, as well as access to space and space technology should be attributed to ministry’s planning

Addressing a Defense Ministry conference in Tehran, Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Mostafa Mohammad Najjar said that "the production of important equipment such as the Sijjil-2 missile, the access to space and space technology and the tripling of military production are all achievements of correct planning in the Defense Ministry. … Thanks to our advanced defensive power, our armed forces today enjoy full preparedness on the ground, in the sea, under water and in space and are able to confront any threat against Iran with maximum power."

24. Iranian Navy commander: The deployment of six combat and logistics ships in the Gulf of Aden indicates the military might of the country in the face of any foreign threats at sea

Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, the commander of the Iranian Navy, referred during a visit to surface, defense, and logistics units, to the deployment of six combat and logistics ships to the Gulf of Aden and international waters and added: “This move indicates the military might of the Iran in the face of any foreign threats at sea. I hope that Iran's Navy will progress technologically day by day in the production of surface and sub-surface weapons, with the help of capable domestic experts.”



Human Rights and Minority Affairs



25. Another convicted minor facing execution in Iran

Mohammad Reza Hadadi, currently 20, awaits execution at Adel Abad prison in Shiraz on Wednesday for a murder he committed at the age of 15.

26. Condition of Kurdish-minority prisoner deteriorates

Masoud Karimpour, the Kurdish-minority teacher currently in detention at Orouyime prison, is in very poor physical condition. According to reports on Kurdish websites, he is being held in a wing usually used for drug-addicted thieves and has undergone severe torture, leaving him in a serious condition.

27. Political prisoner’s hunger strike enters 20th day

Behrouz Javid Tehrani, the political prisoner serving a seven-year sentence, is on the 20th day of his hunger strike against the terms of his detention. Despite his very poor physical condition, he is being held in solitary confinement, with his feet and hands chained. Human rights activists and bloggers say he is in critical condition following torture that has also left him partially blind.

28. Two prisoners placed in solitary confinement ahead of execution

Two prisoners, aged 23 and 25, at the central prison in Esfahan have been placed in solitary confinement ahead of their execution in the coming days.

29. Baha’i-minority citizen seized from home in Tehran

Shahram Hasim, a Baha’i-minority citizen left his home in Tehran two days ago and has since been missing. The incident occurred after Hasim ignored a telephone message instructing him to report to the Internal Security Forces’ Minorities Division. Hasim’s mobile phone is turned off and his wife has no knowledge of his whereabouts.

30. Majlis Law Committee: Stoning to be stricken from Islamic penal law

The Majlis Law Committee has completed its review of the Islamic penal law proposal, which does not include stoning as a punishment due to the damage it has done to the image of Iran. The law proposal will now go the Majlis for approval, and then to the Council of Guardians.

31. Basij forces arrest member of ‘satanic cult’

Basij intelligence personnel in Shiraz arrested a group of 104 people accused of being members of a ‘satanic cult’ in the city. The arrests were carried out during a night-time party, which was being broadcast live on the Internet. The Basij forces also seized items such as swords, knives and musical instruments.

32. Bad joke: Azeri-speaking students demand apology from Khatami

Azeri students at Tehran University staged demonstration after the distribution of a clip in which presidential candidate Khatami is seen telling a joke about the Azeris. The students' representative is quoted as saying: "We are soldiers of Azerbaijan,” and demanding Khatami's formal apology. He also asks Reformist candidates Karrubi and Mousavi to clarify their positions on the issue. (Iran, May 25)