April 2004
Report by Nasrin Mahdavi: Meeting of the German Minister of Agriculture and Nutrition with the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic
The German Minister of Agriculture and Nutrition, Renata Kunas, met with the Iranian Ambassador, Shams al-Din Kharaqani, in Berlin. This meeting highlights ongoing diplomatic engagements…
US Issues Warning to Its Citizens
The US government has issued a travel warning for Israel and the West Bank, urging citizens to leave Gaza due to increased terrorist threats following…
Under the Microscope: The Instrumental Role of Mosques and Iran's State Television and the Holding of the Seventh Congress of the Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization in Tehran - 2004-04-29
Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh analyzes the role of mosques and state media in Iran's political landscape and the intimidation climate, alongside the seventh congress of…
Warning from the UN Special Representative in Iraq - 2004-04-28
The UN Special Representative in Iraq, Lakhdar Brahimi, warned that the ongoing conflict in Fallujah could hinder the establishment of a temporary government. Despite the…
Asian Club Volleyball Championship: Sanam Team Crowned Champion of the 15th Edition
The Sanam volleyball team won the 15th Asian Club Volleyball Championship by defeating Peykan 3-0 in the final. Kazakhstan secured third place by beating Shanghai,…
Kofi Annan's Request to Warring Parties in Iraq - 2004-04-28
Kofi Annan has called for an end to violence in Iraq to facilitate the formation of a provisional government. He supports the view that ongoing…
Interview with Mr. Mahmoud Rafi, Secretary of the Human Rights Defense Association in Iran - 2004-04-28
Mr. Khatami addressed young people, clarifying that he never claimed there are no political prisoners in Iran. Ibrahim Bi Parva interviewed Mahmoud Rafi, who questioned…
Under the Microscope: Important Circular from the Head of Iran's Judiciary and Mr. Khatami's Remarks - 2004-04-28
Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh discusses a significant circular issued by the head of Iran's judiciary and comments made by former President Mohammad Khatami. This analysis…
Ukrainian and Georgian Soldiers Will Remain in Iraq Until the End of Their Mission - 2004-04-27
Ukrainian and Georgian leaders confirmed their troops will stay in Iraq until their mission concludes, emphasizing the need for a swift transition to civilian governance.…
Nazi Baghlari's Report: Seyyed Hossein Khomeini's Views on Salman Rushdie - 2004-04-27
Seyyed Hossein Khomeini, grandson of Ayatollah Khomeini, discussed his views on the fatwa against Salman Rushdie and the concept of 'Velayat-e Faqih' following a recent…
Under the Microscope: What Does Ali Abtahi Say About Khatami's Problems?
Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh discusses Ali Abtahi's comments on the challenges faced by former President Khatami and the political situation in Iraq. This conversation highlights…
Interview with Ali Kashtgar about the Letter from the Association for the Defense of Press Freedom to Khamenei
Ali Kashtgar discusses an open letter from the Association for the Defense of Press Freedom to Khamenei in an interview. This letter raises concerns about…
Persepolis 2 - Zob Ahan 1 - April 25, 2004
Persepolis defeated Zob Ahan 2-1 in a Premier League match, with key goals scored by Khan Mohammadi and Sohrab Entezari. The match was marked by…
Witness Report: The People of Iran Do Not Want a Religious System - 2004-04-25
A report highlights that the Iranian populace is not in favor of a religious system of governance. The discussion involves Zeynab Mirhashemi, a prominent figure…
Ibrahimi: Although forming a new Iraqi government by June 30 will not be easy, it is possible
Lakhdar Brahimi, the UN envoy to Iraq, believes that forming a new government by June 30 is possible despite challenges. The US and UN plan…
Report: Akhdar Brahimi's Meeting with the President of France and Misunderstandings and Criticism Regarding Israel - 2004-04-24
Akhdar Brahimi, the UN envoy in Iraq, met with the French President to address misunderstandings and criticisms concerning Israel. This meeting highlights ongoing diplomatic tensions…
Report by Shahid: Meeting of Mr. Kamal Kharrazi with Mr. Jacques Chirac in France - 2004-04-23
Mr. Kamal Kharrazi, Iran's Foreign Minister, met with French President Jacques Chirac for 55 minutes in Paris. The meeting highlights ongoing diplomatic relations between Iran…
Under the Microscope: Open Letter from the Association for the Defense of Press Freedom to Ayatollah Khamenei - 2004-04-22
Dr. Alireza Noorizadeh analyzes an open letter addressed to Ayatollah Khamenei from the Association for the Defense of Press Freedom, along with discussions between Iranian…
Pakistan's 10-Day Deadline to Find Al-Qaeda and Taliban Fugitives Near Afghanistan Border - 2004-04-21
Pakistan has set a new 10-day deadline for a private army to locate Al-Qaeda and Taliban fugitives near the Afghanistan border. This decision follows a…
Report by Shahid: Meeting of Mr. Kamal Kharrazi with the French Foreign Minister and President - 2004-04-21
Mr. Kamal Kharrazi met with the French Foreign Minister and President during his visit to France. The report also mentions the expulsion of an imam…
Asian Club Champions Cup; Draw Between Zob Ahan Football Team and Qatar Sports Club - 2004-04-21
Zob Ahan Isfahan and Qatar Sports Club played to a goalless draw in the Asian Club Champions Cup. Zob Ahan leads the group with five…
Libya Calls for the Lifting of U.S. Economic Sanctions Against the Country
Libya is urging the U.S. to lift economic sanctions, with expectations of an announcement soon. The sanctions have been in place since 1986 due to…
Temporary Suspension of Private Army Operations Pursuing Al-Qaeda and Taliban Fugitives
A private army in Pakistan has paused its operations against Al-Qaeda and Taliban fugitives to negotiate with tribal leaders. The U.S. ambassador has softened his…
Los Angeles Report: Interview with Fariborz Mokhtari about the Historical Role of Abdolhossein Sardari - 2004-04-20
The article discusses an interview with Fariborz Mokhtari regarding Abdolhossein Sardari's significant role in rescuing Jews during World War II while he served as Iran's…
Award for 'Free Writing' Given to Nasser Zarafshan by the American PEN Association
The American PEN Association is awarding Dr. Nasser Zarafshan, an imprisoned Iranian lawyer, with its Free Writing Award for his defense of freedom of expression.…
Joint Statement by the Foreign Ministers of Italy and Iran Regarding Iraq - 2004-04-19
The Foreign Ministers of Italy and Iran issued a joint statement advocating for the immediate transfer of power in Iraq to its citizens and a…
Iran Crowned Champion of Asian Freestyle Wrestling
Iran's national freestyle wrestling team won the Asian Championship, securing three gold medals, two silver medals, and one bronze medal. Key victories included Fereydoun Ghanbari…
18 Months in Prison for Ensaf Ali Heydat - Interview with the Defendant's Lawyer - 2004-04-18
Mr. Ensaf Ali Heydat, a journalist, was sentenced to 18 months in prison by Judge Naqavi after being acquitted of charges that could have resulted…
Political Prisoners in the Slaughterhouse of Political Deals: EDA - April 17, 2004
The article discusses the plight of political prisoners in Iran, highlighting the government's human rights abuses and the complicity of the Syrian government in the…
Abdulaziz Rantisi, Leader of Hamas, Killed in Israeli Missile Strike - 2004-04-17
Abdulaziz Rantisi, the leader of Hamas, was killed in an Israeli missile strike in Gaza. This attack follows the earlier killing of an Israeli soldier…
Extension of Combat Mission for 20,000 U.S. Troops in Iraq - 2004-04-16
The U.S. has extended the combat mission for 20,000 troops in Iraq for another 90 days amid ongoing conflict with insurgents. Concurrently, the assassination of…
Under the Microscope: The Current Political Situation of Mr. Khatami, President of Iran - 2004-04-16
The program discusses the political challenges faced by President Khatami of Iran, particularly following the withdrawal of two legislative proposals. It also touches on international…
Report by Shahid: Summary of French Press 24 Hours After the Assassination of Iranian Diplomat
Khalil Naeimi, an Iranian diplomat, was assassinated, prompting significant media coverage in France. The report summarizes the reactions and discussions in the French press regarding…
Interview with Ahmad Fawzi, Spokesperson for Lakhdar Brahimi, Advisor to the UN Secretary-General - April 16, 2004
Ahmad Fawzi, spokesperson for UN advisor Lakhdar Brahimi, emphasized that without improvements in Iraq's security, plans for a temporary government and elections cannot proceed. This…
Khalil Naeimi, Senior Iranian Diplomat in Baghdad, Shot and Killed
Khalil Naeimi, a senior Iranian diplomat, was shot and killed in Baghdad amid rising tensions involving U.S. forces and Iraqi factions. This incident highlights the…
Interview with Amir Reza Bakhtiar, Head of the Iran Party - 2004-04-15
An event celebrating the sixtieth anniversary of the Iran Party is scheduled in Khuzestan, featuring speeches from key party leaders. Ibrahim Bi Parva interviews Amir…
UN Envoy: Interim Government in Iraq to be Formed by June 30
The UN envoy to Iraq, Lakhdar Brahimi, expressed confidence that an interim government will be formed by June 30, transitioning power from American officials. He…
A Senior Police Officer Injured in Bomb Explosion in Southern Kandahar
A senior police officer was injured in a bomb explosion in Kandahar, attributed to Taliban remnants. This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in Afghanistan,…
Nazi Baghlari's Report: Interview with Hossein Khomeini Regarding the Situation in Iraq - 2004-04-13
The article features an interview with Hossein Khomeini, grandson of Ayatollah Khomeini, discussing the potential for civil war in Iraq following U.S. withdrawal. Khomeini, who…
USA: Parties in Sudan Conflict Will Face Economic Sanctions if Peace is Not Achieved
The U.S. has warned that economic sanctions may be imposed on the conflicting parties in Sudan if they do not reach a peace agreement. Ongoing…
UN Activities to Assist the People of Fallujah (Iraq) - 2004-04-13
The UN is actively working to provide emergency assistance to the people of Fallujah, Iraq, amidst ongoing violence that has reportedly resulted in over 600…
Under the Microscope: Change of Position by the Guardian Council at Khamenei's Order - 2004-04-13
Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh discusses the recent shift in the Guardian Council's stance, attributed to Supreme Leader Khamenei's directives, and comments on the ongoing situation…
Crisis in Iran - What Should Be Done?
A meeting discussing the current crisis in Iran was held by the Iranian Mothers for Freedom committee, featuring speeches from notable figures including Dr. Ismail…
Report on This Year's 'SIRA' Conference - 2004-04-11
The SIRA conference took place in Orlando, Florida, featuring discussions on Iranian and Russian issues led by Professor Gregory Glasson. The report includes insights from…
The President of Pakistan has pledged to continue dialogue with India - 2004-04-09
The President of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf, has committed to ongoing dialogue with India, emphasizing that sustainable peace in the region hinges on a just…
Kazakhstan Will Not Withdraw Its Soldiers from Iraq - 2004-04-09
Kazakhstan's government has decided not to withdraw its soldiers from Iraq despite rising violence in the region. The Minister of Defense indicated that the deployment…
One Year Since the Killing of Seyyed Abdul-Majid Khoei, Shiite Cleric of Iraq
One year after the murder of Seyyed Abdul-Majid Khoei, a prominent Shiite cleric in Iraq, tensions remain high as coalition forces pursue those responsible, including…
At least 26 police killed in a landmine explosion in eastern India - 2004-04-08
A landmine explosion in eastern India killed at least 26 police officers while they were en route to confront suspected Maoist rebels. The incident occurred…
Iranian Table Tennis National Team Announced for Athens 2004 Olympic Qualifiers
The Iranian national table tennis team has been formed for the Olympic qualifiers in Athens 2004. Mehran Ahadi led the qualifiers, with three others joining…
Under the Microscope: Mr. ElBaradei's Visit to Tehran - 2004-04-07
Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh discusses Mr. ElBaradei's visit to Tehran, highlighting the conflicting statements from Iranian officials and the links between Muqtada al-Sadr and the…
Pakistan's Angry Reaction to Zalmay Khalilzad's Statements
Zalmay Khalilzad faced backlash from Pakistan after criticizing its counter-terrorism efforts. In response, he has attempted to clarify his statements, suggesting that Pakistan is making…
Nazi Baghlari's Report: Meetings of the UN Special Representative with Iraqi Officials - 2004-04-07
UN Special Representative Lakhdar Brahimi is meeting with Iraqi officials to discuss support for the interim government after the power transfer on July 1. This…
London Report: Human Rights Violations in Iran - April 6, 2004
The Observer highlights human rights abuses in Iran, particularly the harsh treatment of political prisoners like Ahmad Batebi and Arzhang Davoodi. The Iranian regime's tactic…
Interview with Dr. Bahman Aqa'i Diba, Expert on Caspian Sea Issues, Regarding Kamal Kharrazi's Trip to Moscow
Kamal Kharrazi, Iran's Foreign Minister, is in Moscow for a conference with foreign ministers from Caspian Sea countries. The article features an interview with Dr.…
U.S. Ambassador Warns Pakistan - 2004-04-06
The U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, warned Pakistan to eliminate terrorist sanctuaries or face U.S. intervention. This statement highlights the ongoing security concerns in…
Pakistan's Angry Reaction to U.S. Diplomatic Criticism
Pakistan has reacted angrily to U.S. criticism of its efforts to combat al-Qaeda and Taliban fighters. U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad warned that if Pakistan does…
Hosseyn Faraki Appointed as Head Coach of Iran's Olympic Team
Hosseyn Faraki has been appointed as the head coach of Iran's Olympic football team, with Fakhruddin Davood Bagovich joining him as the coach of the…
Trial of an Iraqi Man in Australia for Human Trafficking
An Iraqi man is on trial in Australia for human trafficking related to a 2001 boat sinking that resulted in 353 deaths. Khalid Dawood claims…
Leader of Shia in Lebanon Criticizes the Killing of Iraqi Shia by Coalition Forces
Grand Ayatollah Sheikh Muhammad Hussein Fadlallah criticized the killing of Iraqi Shia by coalition forces, linking it to U.S. deceit regarding its post-war intentions in…
Nigeria National Football Team's Training Camp in Paris - 2004-04-05
The Nigeria national football team is preparing for an important Olympic qualifying match against Tunisia by training in Paris. The team is currently leading their…
Coalition Forces in Iraq Announce Arrest Warrant for Muqtada al-Sadr
Coalition forces in Iraq have announced an arrest warrant for radical Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, linked to a murder case. Al-Sadr is reportedly holed up…
In Memory of Morteza Khan Varzi, Mohammad Quds Razavi Talks with Reza Torshizi in Los Angeles - 2004-04-03
A memorial ceremony was held in Los Angeles for Morteza Khan Varzi, a renowned Iranian musician who recently died. Mohammad Quds Razavi engaged in a…
Arrest of Canadian Computer Programmer on Charges of Assisting Terrorist Groups - 2004-04-01
A 29-year-old Canadian computer programmer, Mohammad Momen Khajeh, has been arrested for allegedly assisting terrorist activities in Ottawa and London. This marks the first charge…
Arrest Warrant Issued for Tunisian in Connection with Madrid Bombings
A Spanish judge has issued an arrest warrant for Serhan Abdulmajid Fakhit, a Tunisian identified as the leader of the group responsible for the Madrid…
Arrest of a Suspected Muslim Militant in Karachi
A suspected Muslim militant was arrested in Karachi with explosives and weapons. He is linked to the Sunni extremist group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, which has a history…