Iran Early Bird

Political and Diplomatic Affairs

· Supreme Leader’s advisor on international affairs: The struggle against Israel is Khomeini’s legacy (1)

· Ahmadinejad: Reconciliation with the enemies is not an option (2)

· Iranian foreign minister “we still have differences of opinion with France over Middle East issues” (3)

· PRESSTV: Washington may place Jondallah on terror list (4)


Domestic Affairs

· International human rights group: The “democratic” elections in Iran are a farce, Iran suffers from the systematic oppression of its civilian society (5)

· Heated (recorded) debate between Ahmadinejad and Mousavi (6)

· Ahmadinejad visits holy city of Mashhad (11)

· Three students injured in clashes at Open University in Tehran (12)

· Iranian blogger: A pair of eyes and a nose, or a real first lady? Blogger asks whether Iran might have a real “first lady,” presumably in the form of Zahra Rahnavard, the wife of Reformist candidate Mousavi (13)

· Karoubi’s wife: The One Million Signatures campaign is not a security issue (14)

Economic Affairs

· Foreign investments in Iranian railway projects (15)

· JP Morgan meeting called off (16)

· Iran and China sign $5 billion deal on development of Stage 11 of southern Pars gas field (17)

Security Affairs

· Sunni opposition continues anti-government activities (19)

Human Rights and Minority Affairs

· May 2009 sees 52 executions in Iran (21)

· Charges filed against two of the individuals arrested in connection with operating anti-religious and inappropriate websites (22)

Full Report



Political and Diplomatic Affairs



1. Supreme Leader’s advisor on international affairs: The struggle against Israel is Khomeini’s legacy

Ali Akbar Velayati, the Iranian Supreme Leader’s advisor on international affairs and former foreign minister, says that the struggle against Israel is the eternal legacy of the Imam Khomeini.

2. Ahmadinejad: Reconciliation with the enemies is not an option

Speaking at a gathering of the organizers of Khomeini's memorial day, Iranian President Ahmadinejad said that there was no place for reconciliation in the Imam's culture. “For those who follow the path of the late Imam, reconciliation with the enemies is not an option,” he commented.

3. Iranian foreign minister “we still have differences of opinion with France over Middle East issues”

Commenting after his meeting in Paris with the French president, Iranian Foreign Minister ManouchehrMotaki said they had held frank talks that had helped the two countries get better acquainted with the viewpoints of one another. Referring to the presence of a number of French companies, including Total, in Iran, Motaki said: “I believe… the potentials of each country will gradually be identified and introduced to the other country, and therefore, we hope this process will also continue in the future.” Motaki added: “Over certain issues, such as the Middle East crisis, we still have differences of opinion with France, as we did in the past… The positions of France on the Middle East issue, including with respect to Gaza, the separation wall, the settlement building and Beit ul-Muqaddas differ from those of certain other European countries; but all the same, our positions on the Zionist regime are quite clear, although some countries might be opposed to them.”

4. PRESSTV: Washington may place Jondallah on terror list

Washington is reportedly considering a bid to place Jondallah on its list of terror groups in what U.S. officials claim would be a sign of goodwill toward Tehran.





Domestic Affairs

5. International human rights group: The “democratic” elections in Iran are a farce, Iran suffers from the systematic oppression of its civilian society

The International Federation of Human Rights and Iran Human Rights have published a statement defining the elections in Iran as “an election farce,” and charging that the process is not a free or objective one. The fact that only four candidates were approved by the Council of Guardians is an indication of the systematic oppression of the civilian society and the lack of freedom in the election process, the human rights groups say.

6. Heated (recorded) debate between Ahmadinejad and Mousavi



a. Mousavi on Holocaust: “we mentioned the Holocaust, and after the damage we faced, and a resolution passed by the General-Assembly, it became an offense to talk about the Holocaust… Then there was an incident in Switzerland (Durban II). If I had not seen it, I wouldn’t have believed that our president could be so insulted. Our President represents our nation, he represents our country… Then we started mentioning this as an epic. What epic? Except the fact that another ratification was made on the Holocaust there? Except the fact that relations between Europe and Israel had worsened due to the crimes in Gaza, and that due to these remarks it [Europe] stood behind Israel? Where have we been able to support our interests at an international level?”

b. Mousavi on Israel: Ahmadinejad "crossed the lines when it came to Israel… AIPAC members were very satisfied with Ahmadinejad’s performance."

c. Mousavi on relations with the US: "We believe that America will be defeated. It is falling. If this is so, then why did we visit it four times? Why did we send them two letters? Why do we constantly try to - in a specific way… [change of thought] ... He had talked to the Swiss president and someone takes the risk and lies that we were asked to tell Obama to hold talks with us before the election to solve the issue of relations between Iran and America somehow or start having talks. Is this in our country's interest? Is it in our interest?" Pointing to the change in the U.S. administration's attitude towards Iran, Mousavi said: "If this different literature is put into practice, then [the resumption of] relations with the United States will not be taboo.. It should be stressed that the United States avoided attacking Iran not because of a change of mind, but in fear of the Iranian nation and our people's resistance.” Mousavi also criticized Ahmadinejad’s decision to free five kidnapped British sailors and ridiculed his claims that during a visits to Iraq and Italy, some people tried to kidnap him, commenting that such incidents were detrimental to Iranian foreign policy.

7. Ahmadinejad:

a. Mousavi called me dictator: “I’m a patient man, but Mousavi "cruelly called me a dictator and insulted my government… I have evidence of Mousavi's wrongdoings… I never closed down any of the newspapers.”

b. Ahmadinejad’s personal attacks: "In the early days of this government, Mr. Hashemi sent a message to the king of one of the countries along the Persian Gulf and told him: ‘Don't worry, within six months, this government will fall.’ Then later, some people went and explained it and the issue was over. These remarks clearly indicated the plots against this administration… Rafsanjani introduced aristocracy to the country…. Rafsanjani's sons were involved in white-collar crime.” The president also questioned the wealth of some officials who had supported Mousavi and accused Mousavi's wife of “misusing” her authority for personal interests. (Iranian TV, June 3)



8. Hashemi clan comes together to slam Ahmadinejad and his failed performance

With Mehdi and Faze Hashemi already actively involved in Mousavi’s election campaign, now Expediency Council Chairman Hashemi Rafsanjani, too, has joined the bandwagon, harshly criticizing the performance of Ahmadinejad in interviews with the Jomhouri Eslami daily. In one lengthy interview, which is due for publication in the coming days, Rafsanjani unprecedentedly slams the performance of the executive branch of government over the past four years.



9. Efforts to ensure Hashemi Rafsanjani leads this week's prayer session in Tehran

The ‘Iran’ daily is reporting that Rafsanjani's aides have been making every possible effort to ensure the last Tehran Friday prayer session before next week's election is led by him, so as to serve certain "election and propaganda objectives" (pro-Mousavi and anti-Ahmadinejad – TG). However, according to a set timetable, this week's Imam is Conservative-affiliated Council of Guardians Secretary Ayatollah Ahamad Jannati. (Iran, May 3)



10. Alef website polls: Selected responses from readers who were asked to say why they are/aren’t voting for each of the candidates:

a. Why I will vote for Ahmadinejad
The symbols of the revolution are fairness, the fight against corruption and more, and he again raised these ideas and also put them into practice.
He is making efforts to solve the public’s problems.
He is not without fault, but he is the best of the four choices.
His modest and humble lifestyle.
There is no reason why Israel and other hostile states should have a nuclear bomb and be able to attack Iran whenever they please. I am voting for Ahmadinejad because he is the only courageous man in Iran who supports our right to nuclear energy. We don’t want a nuclear bomb and we would never attack another country, but we have to be prepared to defend our country when we are attacked. (83 people supported this opinion, while 225 voted against it)
His trips to all of Iran’s provinces for the purpose of solving problems.

b. Why I will not vote for Ahmadinejad
Because of the people he has around him in the executive branch of the government.
To prove that my country is worth more than the vouchers and potatoes that he handed out to the public.
He does not hold consultations with experts on matters vital to the running of the country. I get the impression that he makes his decisions on his own.
His rash statements have caused many problems for Iran – things like wiping Israel off the map. (hundreds supported this viewpoint)
He is a man of slogans only and no deeds. He has not upheld his promises. (hundreds supported this viewpoint too)

c. Why I will vote for Mousavi
To prevent Ahmadinejad from being elected. (hundreds of thumbs-up for this viewpoint)
He has surrounded himself with worthy and capable people.
He seems to be a man who knows how to get close to all levels of society. Mr. Khatami’s support for him is also important to me, along with his desire to promote equal rights for women.
He has proved himself in the past by means of wise and good performances.
He respects minorities, is fair, and understands that there is no one in the world who can run such a big country alone.

d. Why I will not vote for Mousavi
Because he is a pawn in the hand of Hashemi and his family and Khatami and his friends.
Because of the support of parties such as the Freedom Movement and others.



11. Ahmadinejad visits holy city of Mashhad

Among the people who welcomed Ahmadinejad on his visit to the holy city of Mashhad was one carrying a sign that read: “I won’t go to heaven if Ahmadinejad isn’t there.”



12. Three students injured in clashes at Open University in Tehran

Clashes broke out Wednesday at Tehran’s Open University after a student on campus tore up a Karoubi election poster. Students later assembled in the university courtyard and the student who tore up the poster apologized. However, when some of the students were leaving the university, they were attacked by another group of students, presumably Basij members, with pepper spray and clubs. Three students were injured and taken to hospital from treatment, and security forces have closed the university’s main gates.



13. Iranian blogger: A pair of eyes and a nose, or a real first lady? Bloggerasks whether Iran might have a real “first lady,” presumably in the form of Zahra Rahnavard, the wife of Reformist candidate Mousavi

“Has there ever been a female senior appointment in the country's political realm who has had the courage and bravery to wear a mantel with jeans and wave in response to people's displays of emotions, while hand in hand with her husband, and with a face adorned in makeup? Or have we seen nothing more than a pair of eyes and a nose from senior women appointees?”



14. Karoubi’s wife: The One Million Signatures campaign is not a security issue

Fatemeh Karoubi, the wife of Reformist presidential candidate Mehdi Karoubi, says that the activities of the One Million Signatures campaign for equal rights for women do not undermine national security. The organization, she adds, is not an underground group and does not have a hidden agenda.



Economic Affairs



15. Foreign investments in Iranian railway projects

Speaking during ceremony to mark the opening of the Shiraz-Esfahan rail line, Iranian Transportation Minister Hamid Behbahani announced that one of his ministry’s goals was to recruit foreign investors for railway projects in Iran. The matter, he said, was currently under review.

16. JP Morgan meeting called off

A scheduled meeting between J. P. Morgan Bank executives and Iranian Vice-President Parviz Davoudi has been cancelled.

17. Iran and China sign $5 billion deal on development of Stage 11 of southern Pars gas field

According to a Mehr News report, Iran and China have signed a $5 billion contract on the development of Stage 11 of the southern Pars gas field, with the objective of producing 50 million cubic meters of natural gas per day. The contract was signed by the managing director of the National Iranian Oil Company, Seyfollah Jashnsaz, and the managing director of China's oil company. Meanwhile, the former head of the International Institute for Energy Studies, Gholamhoseyn Hasantash, said that the government had made irreversible mistakes in the energy sector, citing its performance vis-à-vis the southern Pars project as the worst. (Mardom Salari, June 3)

18. Agriculture minister: Potato distribution to be doubled to prevent shortage

Due to the potato shortage in Tehran’s markets in recent days, Iran’s agriculture minister has issued an order to double the regular number of the vegetable that is distributed to the markets. Some 400-500 tons of potatoes are consumed in Tehran on a daily basis, but the markets will now receive 1,000 tons a day in order to make up for the shortage. The minister said the shortage was the result of a plot to prevent the delivery of the vegetable to the market.



Security Affairs

19. Sunni opposition continues anti-government activities

a. Jondallah claims responsibility for attacks on gas trucks and tankers – The Jondallah movement has claimed responsibility for a number of attacks on gas trucks and tankers along the Zahedan-Bam road. The organization has also called on Balouch youths to join the anti-government resistance, and has threatened to carry out similar activities in all of Iran’s big cities. Zahedan is currently under a security siege, with unofficial martial law in place.

b. Balouch forces attack IRGC base – Guerrilla forces from among the Balouch minority attacked the IRGC’s Fahraj base. According to Balouch sources, a number of IRGC soldiers were killed in the RPG and mortar attack. Iranian security forces are conducting land and sea patrols in an effort to find those responsible for the attack.

20. Loud blasts in Khoramshahr stir panic among residents of area

Two loud blasts heard Wednesday morning in Khoramshahr stemmed in all likelihood from the destruction of minefields that have been in the area since the Iran-Iraq War. Despite the fact that residents of the area are used to such activities, the blasts stirred panic due to the sensitive mood ahead of the elections.



Human Rights and Minority Affairs

21. May 2009 sees 52 executions in Iran

Five people, all drug offender, were hanged late May in the Kerman prison. Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, spokesman for Iran Human Rights said: "At least 52 people have been executed in the month of May 2009 in Iran… This number is only based on the official reports from the Iranian authorities. But we have reports on at least three other executions that have not been reported by the authorities.”

22. Charges filed against two of the individuals arrested in connection with operating anti-religious and inappropriate websites

Reza Jafari, chairman of the special court for computer crimes, has announced that charges have been filed against two of the people arrested in connection with operating anti-religious and immoral websites. Of the 53 people initially arrested, 30 were released on bail, while the remainder are still in detention. The two have been charged with conducting anti-religious activities and undermining the sanctity of the religion – charges that carry the death penalty.

23. IranSeda - Iran’s first Internet radio station has officially begun broadcasting.



24. No information on political prisoner

A Kurdish-minority political prisoner, Yadollah Ahmadi, who was arrested by security forces the day before Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s trip to Sanadaj, has been severely beaten and transferred to the Intelligence Ministry’s detention center. His current whereabouts and condition remain unknown.