February 2004
Early Elections to be Held in India
India's Election Commission has announced that early elections will take place from April 20 to May 10, 2004. Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee initiated this…
Security Forces in Egypt Attack City in the South of the Country
Security forces in Egypt launched an attack on the city of Nakhila, where armed groups have taken hostages. The situation is tense, with conflicting reports…
More than 6,000 International Peacekeepers to be Sent to Ivory Coast
The UN Security Council has authorized the deployment of over 6,000 international peacekeepers to Ivory Coast, including existing West African troops. This move, supported by…
Nazi Baghlari Report: UN Special Envoy Visits Iraq to Review Reconstruction Program - 2004-02-27
The UN Secretary-General's special envoy is in Iraq to assess the reconstruction program, coinciding with the World Bank's announcement of its potential support for the…
UN Spokesperson: Installation of Listening Devices Constitutes Violation of 3 International Treaties
The UN spokesperson condemned the alleged installation of listening devices by British intelligence in the UN Secretary-General's office, calling for an immediate halt to such…
Mikhail Saakashvili: Russia Must End Its Harmful Policies in the Abkhazia Region
Mikhail Saakashvili, the President of Georgia, called on Russia to cease its support for the separatist region of Abkhazia during a speech at the UN…
New Regulations for American Travelers to Cuba - 2004-02-27
President Bush has implemented stricter regulations for American travelers to Cuba, allowing the Department of Homeland Security to block unauthorized vessels. This move is aimed…
Clashes Between Israeli Forces and Palestinian Protesters Outside Al-Aqsa Mosque - 2004-02-27
Israeli security forces engaged in clashes with Palestinian protesters outside the Al-Aqsa Mosque after stones were thrown during prayers. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in…
European Union Allocates Over $300 Million to Strengthen Peacekeeping Programs in Africa - 2004-02-27
The European Union has committed over $300 million to support peacekeeping initiatives in Africa, as announced by Romano Prodi during a summit in Libya. This…
The Security Council Holds a Meeting to Address the Situation in Haiti - 2004-02-26
The UN Security Council is convening to discuss the worsening situation in Haiti, where rebel groups have gained control over the north and are demanding…
Iraq's Shia Leader Seeks UN Guarantees for Elections
Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, the leader of Iraq's Shia community, is calling for international guarantees from the UN to ensure that elections for an independent…
69 People Prosecuted in Turkey for Involvement in 4 Deadly Explosions
In Turkey, 69 individuals are being prosecuted for their involvement in four deadly explosions that killed over 60 people in November. The attacks targeted Jewish…
The Persian Section of Voice of America Celebrates Three Years Online
The Persian section of Voice of America marks its third anniversary, reflecting on its challenges and achievements in providing news to Iranians amidst censorship. The…
Life and Progress in America: Mardi Gras - Louisiana Spirit Exhibition - 2004-02-23
The article discusses the Mardi Gras tradition and the cultural spirit of Louisiana as reported by the Persian section of Voice of America. It highlights…
Sunday Night Phone Program, February 22: Conversation with Hassan Masali and Morteza Anvari - 2004-02-22
The Sunday night phone program featured a discussion with Iranian political analysts Hassan Masali and Morteza Anvari. They addressed listener questions regarding Iranian political issues,…
British Security Agency to Hire at Least 1,000 New Employees
The British security agency MI5 plans to hire at least 1,000 new staff to enhance its counter-terrorism efforts, raising its workforce to unprecedented levels since…
Muslim Militants in Pakistan Set Another Girls' School on Fire - 2004-02-20
In northern Pakistan, suspected Muslim militants have burned down another girls' school, marking the eighth such incident in under a week. Local authorities report no…
Monsieur Hire
The article discusses the film 'Monsieur Hire' directed by Patrice Leconte, which explores themes of love, intrigue, and crime through the relationship between a man…
The Hairdresser’s Husband
The article discusses the film 'The Hairdresser’s Husband,' directed by Patrice Leconte, which tells a stormy love story between a calm man and a sensual…
A Chef in Love
The film 'A Chef in Love' tells the story of a French chef, Pascal, who falls in love with a Georgian princess and opens a…
A terrorist was responsible for the explosion in the Moscow subway system - 2004-02-17
A terrorist attack occurred in the Moscow subway, resulting in 40 deaths and over 100 injuries. The Russian government blames Chechen separatists, who deny involvement.…
Jordan's Military Prosecutor Accuses 4 Men of Conspiracy to Attack U.S. Targets
Four men have been accused in Jordan of plotting to attack U.S. targets, including a Ministry of Finance employee who is currently at large. This…
Elections in Iraq Could Be Held in Early Next Year
The UN announced that elections in Iraq could take place early next year, following a meeting between UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi and Ayatollah Sistani, who…
A Former Separatist Leader of Chechnya Killed in a Bomb Explosion in Qatar - 2004-02-13
Salim Khan Yandarbiyev, a former separatist leader of Chechnya, was killed in a bomb explosion in Qatar, with his son critically injured. The attack raises…
Israeli Security Forces on Full Alert
Israeli security forces are on high alert following threats from Hamas to retaliate for the deaths of 15 Palestinians in Gaza. The situation escalates tensions…
Amnesty International's Request for Turkey to Implement Democratic Reforms - 2004-02-12
Amnesty International urged Turkey to implement democratic reforms after a meeting between Irene Khan and Prime Minister Erdoğan. While acknowledging some progress in human rights,…
France Aims to Strengthen Its Military Role in Afghanistan - 2004-02-12
France plans to enhance its military presence in Afghanistan and increase financial support following discussions between Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin and Afghan leader Hamid…
Meeting of Security Officials and Experts from 16 Asian Countries in Almaty - 2004-02-11
Security officials and experts from 16 Asian countries convened in Almaty to establish a legal framework for a regional security organization. The discussions will focus…
Reduction in Oil Production Starting April 1
OPEC has announced a reduction in oil production by one million barrels per day starting April 1 to address overproduction by some member countries. This…
Los Angeles Report: Interview with Engineer Iraj Ibn Sanjari about the Bam Earthquake - 2004-02-09
The article features an interview with Engineer Iraj Ibn Sanjari discussing the Bam earthquake and its implications for housing construction in Iran. This conversation highlights…
Under the Microscope: Prince Charles's Visit to Iran and Student Protests - 2004-02-09
Prince Charles visited Iran amid significant student protests at major universities. Dr. Alireza Nourizadeh discusses the implications of the visit and the protests. This situation…
Interview with Engineer Barghai from the Association of Architects and Urban Planners about the Reconstruction of Bam - 2004-02-08
Engineer Barghai discusses the efforts and plans for the reconstruction of Bam following its devastation. The conversation highlights the involvement of Iranian architects and engineers…
Issues with Broadcasting Voice of America Programs on the Persian Section Website - 2004-02-08
Voice of America has acknowledged issues with the repetitiveness and outdated content of its programs on the Persian section website. The organization is working to…
Nasrin Mahdavi Report: Focus Interview with the Spokesperson of the German Prosecutor's Office - 2004-02-08
The article highlights an interview conducted by the German weekly 'Focus' with the spokesperson of the German Prosecutor's Office. This interview is reported by Nasrin…
Governments Worldwide Condemn Bomb Explosion in Moscow Subway - 2004-02-07
A bomb explosion in the Moscow subway killed at least 39 people and injured over 130. President Bush and Russian President Putin condemned the attack…
Surgery to Remove Second Head of a Girl from the Dominican Republic - 2004-02-07
An international medical team is performing a complex surgery to remove the second head of Rebeca Martinez, a girl from the Dominican Republic, which is…
Russian Defense Minister: Subway Bomb Explosion in Moscow Linked to Elections
A bomb explosion in the Moscow subway is believed to be politically motivated and linked to the upcoming presidential elections in March. Russian officials are…
Explosion on Moscow Metro Line Kills 39 People
A terrorist explosion on the Moscow Metro killed 39 people and injured over 120. Eyewitnesses reported a massive fire following the blast. The incident raises…
President Bush Appoints Commission to Investigate Pre-War Intelligence - 2004-02-06
President Bush has established a commission to investigate the intelligence reports leading to the Iraq war and their discrepancies. The commission will also review issues…
German Court Acquits Abdul Ghani Mzoudi
A German court acquitted Abdul Ghani Mzoudi of aiding the September 11 terrorists after a lengthy trial. The decision followed a request for a delay…
Approximately 500 Canadian Soldiers Will Remain in Kabul - 2004-02-05
Canadian officials announced that around 500 soldiers will stay in Kabul following the withdrawal of a larger military unit. The exact roles of these soldiers…
David Beckham: I Want to Be the Best Player in the World - 2004-02-05
David Beckham expressed his desire to win the World Player of the Year award while playing for Real Madrid. He emphasized the importance of upcoming…
Report from Shahid: Reflection of the News on the Resignation of Iranian Parliament Members in France - 2004-02-03
The article highlights the recent developments concerning the resignation of Iranian parliament members, as reported by a correspondent in France. This situation is significant as…
Los Angeles Report: Interview with a Member of the Border of Precious Gems Party - 2004-02-02
The article features an interview with Babak Namdar, a member of the Border of Precious Gems Party, discussing the party's activities. This is significant as…
UN Resolution on Imposing Further Sanctions Against Taliban and Al-Qaeda - 2004-02-01
The UN Security Council has approved a resolution to increase sanctions against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. This decision involves international efforts to combat terrorism and…
Possible Use of Passenger Jets by Al-Qaeda as Flying Bombs - 2004-02-01
U.S. officials reported potential threats from Al-Qaeda using passenger jets as bombs, leading British Airways and Air France to cancel multiple flights to the U.S.…
Paul Wolfowitz: The War in Iraq Was Necessary - 2004-02-01
Paul Wolfowitz, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense, argues that the Iraq war was justified despite the absence of found weapons of mass destruction. He…
President Bush May Agree to an Independent Commission to Investigate the Issue of Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq - 2004-02-01
President Bush is considering the establishment of an independent commission to investigate the intelligence reports on weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, which were pivotal…