January 2003
Mohammad ElBaradei: Iraq Must Provide Inspectors More Opportunities to Speak Privately with Iraqi Scientists
Mohammad ElBaradei, head of the IAEA, emphasized that Iraq needs to provide more opportunities for inspectors to engage privately with Iraqi scientists and allow reconnaissance…
Four Men Executed Publicly for Rape in Arak
Four men were executed in Arak for the kidnapping and sexual assault of a young woman. This incident highlights the strict application of Islamic law…
Reactions of the US and UK Ambassadors at the United Nations - January 30, 2003
The UN Security Council discussed the report from UN inspectors, prompting reactions from the US and UK ambassadors. This session is significant as it reflects…
Ivory Coast Rebels Refuse to Negotiate Again - 2003-01-30
Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo is facing increasing opposition to a recent power-sharing agreement with rebels, leading to violent protests in Abidjan. The rebels, who…
Report from UN Inspectors - 2003-01-30
UN inspectors submitted a report to the Security Council about their findings in Iraq, indicating limited cooperation from the Iraqi government. This matter is significant…
Reactions to President Bush's Speech in the U.S. - 2003-01-29
President Bush's recent speech to Congress has shifted public opinion, with a significant increase in support for military action against Iraq. A Gallup poll indicates…
Interview with Dr. Hossein Bagherzadeh on the Future Outlook of Iran - 2003-01-29
Dr. Hossein Bagherzadeh advocates for a unified approach among Iranian opposition groups to embrace democracy and human rights as a shared goal. The discussion highlights…
Continued Protests by Residents of Abidjan, Ivory Coast - January 28, 2003
Residents of Abidjan protested against a peace agreement signed to end a civil war, claiming it favored extremist factions. French President Jacques Chirac urged Ivorian…
Report of the United Nations Weapons Inspectors on the Armament Situation in Iraq - 2003-01-27
The United Nations weapons inspectors are set to submit a report on Iraq's armament situation, signaling a crucial week ahead. This report is significant as…
Continued Protests in the Capital of Ivory Coast - 2003-01-27
Protests continue in Abidjan against a peace agreement brokered by France to end the civil war in Ivory Coast. Demonstrators are demanding explanations for the…
Nazi Baghlari Report: UN Weapons Inspectors' Report in Iraq - 2003-01-27
The UN weapons inspectors' report on Iraq indicated a lack of compliance with disarmament resolutions. This report was presented to the Security Council and highlights…
Colin Powell: Washington Willing to Improve Relations with North Korea
Colin Powell announced that the U.S. is ready to improve relations with North Korea if it stops its nuclear programs. North Korea is open to…
Colin Powell: Washington is Willing to Improve Relations with Pyongyang - 2003-01-26
Colin Powell announced that the U.S. is open to better relations with North Korea if it fulfills its nuclear disarmament commitments. This statement was made…
Government Supporters Riot in Abidjan - 2003-01-26
Government supporters in Abidjan rioted against a peace plan that grants significant power to northern rebels. President Laurent Gbagbo called for calm and urged citizens…
Colin Powell Optimistic About Resolving North Korean Nuclear Crisis Through Diplomacy - 2003-01-25
Colin Powell expresses optimism about resolving the North Korean nuclear crisis through diplomacy, despite ongoing tensions. South Korea is actively engaging in negotiations and has…
Agreement Between Ivorian Government and Rebels to End War - 2003-01-24
Representatives from the Ivorian government and rebels have reached an agreement in Paris to end a four-month conflict. President Gbagbo is expected to share power…
IAEA to Hold Meeting Next Week to Intervene in North Korean Nuclear Crisis - 2003-01-24
The IAEA will meet next week to discuss intervention in the North Korean nuclear crisis, urging diplomatic solutions. If unsuccessful by February 3, the issue…
U.S. Cooperation with Russia to Identify Chechen Terrorist Groups - 2003-01-23
The U.S. is collaborating with Russia to identify Chechen separatist groups potentially labeled as terrorist organizations. Richard Armitage condemned violence against civilians while urging respect…
Ivory Coast Government: Liberian Soldiers Collaborate with Rebel Forces Against the Government
The Ivory Coast government has accused Liberian soldiers of collaborating with local rebels against government forces, endangering ongoing peace negotiations in France. President Laurent Gbagbo…
Referral of the North Korea Issue to the United Nations - 2003-01-22
John Bolton announced that the North Korean nuclear crisis will likely be discussed at the UN Security Council soon, with the support of South Korea.…
Possibility of Reaching an Agreement in Ivory Coast Negotiations - 2003-01-21
French mediators express optimism about reaching a peace agreement in Ivory Coast negotiations before the deadline. President Jacques Chirac is scheduled to meet with President…
The United Nations Security Council Discusses International Counter-Terrorism Efforts - 2003-01-21
The UN Security Council convened a special meeting to address international counter-terrorism efforts and the Iraq crisis. This meeting involved foreign ministers and highlights ongoing…
Dalai Lama Urges Tibetan Exiles to Follow Buddhist Teachings
The Dalai Lama concluded an eight-day Buddhist ceremony in India, urging Tibetan exiles to follow Buddhist teachings and calling for peace with China. His remarks…
On This Day, January 20: Release of American Hostages After 444 Days - 2003-01-20
On January 20, 1981, Iran released American hostages who had been held for 444 days. This event marked a significant moment in U.S.-Iran relations. The…
Exhibition of Genghis Khan's Heritage at the Famous Metropolitan Museum in New York City - 2003-01-20
The Metropolitan Museum in New York is hosting an exhibition focused on Genghis Khan's heritage, featuring artifacts primarily from pre-14th century Iran. This event highlights…
Interview with Taghi Rahmani, Imprisoned Iranian Journalist - 2003-01-20
Taghi Rahmani, a journalist imprisoned for 12 years in Iran, discusses the challenges faced by journalists in the country and the influence of foreign media…
Ayatollah Mohammad Sajjadi, Judge of Iran's Supreme Court, Says Hashem Aghajari's Death Sentence Should Be Revoked - 2003-01-20
Ayatollah Mohammad Sajjadi has called for the revocation of Hashem Aghajari's death sentence, arguing it is unjustified. Aghajari was convicted for suggesting that Muslims should…
Hans Blix stated that war with Iraq is avoidable - 2003-01-19
Hans Blix, head of UN weapons inspectors, emphasized that war with Iraq can be avoided if Iraq cooperates in revealing its weapons programs. He and…
Mohammad ElBaradei: 3000 Pages of Unreported Nuclear Information from Iraq Discovered and Seized - 2003-01-19
Mohammad ElBaradei announced the discovery of 3000 pages of undisclosed nuclear information from Iraq, which may detail uranium enrichment. An Iraqi scientist claimed these documents…
Protests Against Potential War with Iraq Continue for Second Consecutive Day - 2003-01-19
Protests against a potential war with Iraq continued for a second day, with demonstrations in Washington and other cities worldwide. The protests involved several hundred…
Australian Officials Estimate Fire Damage in Hundreds of Millions of Dollars - 2003-01-19
Fires in Canberra, Australia have resulted in four deaths, the destruction of hundreds of homes, and the displacement of thousands. Prime Minister John Howard has…
Condoleezza Rice: North Korea's Nuclear Activities Are an International Threat
Condoleezza Rice emphasizes that North Korea's nuclear activities pose a global threat, not just to the U.S. The Bush administration is open to various solutions…
American Protectors of Mr. Karzai - 2003-01-19
American agents are currently providing security for President Karzai, but Afghan protectors are set to take over within six months to a year after receiving…
Five Former First Ladies of the United States Gathered in California
Five former First Ladies of the U.S. attended a fundraising event in California for the Betty Ford Center, marking its 20th anniversary. The event aimed…
Demonstration in Ivory Coast Concurrent with Fourth Day of Peace Talks in France - 2003-01-18
Thousands marched in Ivory Coast during the ongoing civil war, coinciding with peace talks in France. Government supporters rallied in Abidjan while rebels in Bouake…
Concert for AIDS Patients in South Africa Canceled
A planned concert in South Africa to raise funds for AIDS patients has been canceled due to disagreements among organizers. Nelson Mandela was set to…
Discovery of Ricin Poison in the Apartment of Two Al-Qaeda Network Members in Manchester - 2003-01-17
Two men linked to an Al-Qaeda network were arrested in Manchester for possessing ricin, a deadly poison. This incident raises concerns about the presence of…
Saudi Arabia's Plan to Encourage Iraqi Military to Overthrow Saddam Hussein - 2003-01-17
Saudi Arabia is reportedly working on a plan to encourage a military coup against Saddam Hussein in Iraq, offering amnesty to lower-ranking officials. This initiative…
French Scientists Develop New Method for Diagnosing and Treating Plague - 2003-01-17
French scientists have created a rapid testing method for the plague that provides results in 15 minutes, significantly improving diagnosis and treatment. This innovation is…
Possibility of Sabotage in Explosion in China - 2003-01-16
An explosion at a hotel in Shanxi, China, resulted in five deaths and eleven injuries, with officials suspecting sabotage. Evidence points to a chemical fertilizer…
The Wandering of Refugees in Paris - 2003-01-16
The closure of a refugee camp in northern Paris has led to an increase in the wandering of refugees in the city. The camp housed…
Extension of the U.S. Trade Law with Sub-Saharan African Countries - 2003-01-16
President Bush plans to extend the U.S. trade law with sub-Saharan African countries beyond 2008, emphasizing its role in promoting economic and democratic reforms. This…
Statement by Reporters Without Borders Regarding Arrests in Iran - 2003-01-15
Two journalists, Alireza Eshraghi and Rahman Ahmadi, have been arrested in Iran. Reporters Without Borders has issued a statement condemning these arrests. This situation highlights…
Interview with American Expert on the Iraq Issue - 2003-01-15
Nazi Baghlari interviews an American expert about the ongoing crisis in Iraq, focusing on U.S. democratization efforts, Kurdish issues, and Iran's influence in the region.…
Inspection Process in Iraq Expands with Help from US and UK Intelligence Agencies - 2003-01-14
Hans Blix, head of the UN weapons inspection team, announced an expansion of inspections in Iraq with support from US and UK intelligence. The inspectors…
Mohammad ElBaradei: US Military Pressure on Iraq Has Yielded Results - 2003-01-14
Mohammad ElBaradei stated that US military pressure on Iraq has produced results, while the UN weapons inspection team indicated that the search for prohibited weapons…
Donald Rumsfeld Orders Deployment of Thousands More American Soldiers to the Persian Gulf - 2003-01-13
Donald Rumsfeld has ordered the deployment of thousands more U.S. soldiers to the Persian Gulf as tensions rise over a potential war with Iraq. The…
Mohammad ElBaradei Plans to Visit Moscow to Discuss the Situation in Iraq and North Korea - 2003-01-12
Mohammad ElBaradei is set to visit Moscow to discuss Iraq and North Korea's nuclear situations. He will meet with Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Igor…
I Call Myself Persian
The documentary "I Call Myself Persian" explores the identity of young Iranians in the diaspora, created by Tanaz Ishaqian and Sara Najumi. It highlights their…
ElBaradei: The Patience of the International Community with Iraq's Slow Disarmament Has Run Out - 2003-01-11
Mohammad ElBaradei, head of the IAEA, expressed frustration over Iraq's slow disarmament progress and called for more cooperation from both Iraq and the U.S. to…
Reduction of Death Penalty in Illinois, USA - 2003-01-11
Governor George Ryan of Illinois plans to commute the death sentences of 156 inmates to life imprisonment, citing concerns over wrongful convictions and torture in…
Turkey Doubles Its Troops at the Border
Turkey has increased its military presence at the border with Iraq in anticipation of potential conflict. This move is aimed at safeguarding its resources. The…
Participation of the Afghan National Football Team in the South Asian Championship - 2003-01-10
The Afghan national football team participated in the South Asian Championship, marking a new beginning for sports in Afghanistan after the Taliban era. This event…
North Korean Ambassador to the United Nations: The U.S. is Responsible for the Nuclear Crisis on the Korean Peninsula - 2003-01-10
The North Korean ambassador to the UN blamed the U.S. for the nuclear crisis on the Korean Peninsula, claiming that U.S. threats prompted North Korea's…
North Korea Withdraws from International Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons - 2003-01-10
North Korea has officially withdrawn from the international nuclear non-proliferation treaty, blaming the United States for its decision. This move escalates tensions in the Korean…
British Foreign Secretary Urges Muslims Worldwide to Support Disarmament Efforts in Iraq - 2003-01-09
British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw urged global Muslims to back disarmament efforts in Iraq, highlighting the perceived threat from the Baghdad government. His remarks were…
An American Soldier Injured After Stepping on a Mine in Afghanistan - 2003-01-09
An American soldier was injured by a landmine at Bagram Air Base during a mine-clearing operation. His injuries are severe but stable, and he has…
Under the Microscope: Examination of Iran's Prisons - January 8, 2003
Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh discusses the upcoming investigation into Iran's prison conditions by a UN delegation and highlights Dr. Hashem Aghajari's request for his statements…
Pentagon Deploys More War Planning Specialists to the Gulf - 2003-01-08
The Pentagon is sending additional war planning specialists to the Gulf amid preparations for a potential conflict with Iraq, while Britain and France also take…
North Korea Threatens War
North Korea has issued a warning of war if international sanctions are imposed due to its nuclear program. This threat follows a final warning from…
President Bush: The United States Does Not Intend to Attack North Korea - 2003-01-07
President Bush reassured that the U.S. will not attack North Korea but expects compliance with nuclear disarmament. The IAEA has warned North Korea to allow…
IAEA Gives North Korea One Last Chance to Abandon Its Nuclear Activities - 2003-01-06
The IAEA has issued a final ultimatum to North Korea regarding its nuclear program, urging compliance with international agreements and warning of a referral to…
Over Two Hundred Thousand People Registered for Local Elections in Iran
More than 200,000 Iranians have registered for upcoming local elections, with significant competition in Tehran for city council seats. Notably, reformist candidates are participating due…
Chinese Spacecraft Returns to Earth
A Chinese unmanned spacecraft successfully returned to Earth, marking a significant step towards China's goal of launching a manned mission later this year. This achievement…
Ivory Coast Government and Main Rebel Group to Participate in Peace Talks
The Ivory Coast government and its main rebel group are set to engage in peace talks in Paris starting January 15. French Foreign Minister Dominique…
IAEA Urges North Korea to Reconsider Recent Decision
The IAEA has urged North Korea to reconsider its decision to expel international observers and restart its nuclear program. The situation involves North Korea, the…
The Ivorian Government and Rebels Pessimistic About Peace Prospects - 2003-01-05
The Ivorian government and rebels are meeting this month but remain skeptical about achieving peace. The rebels demand the resignation of President Laurent Gbagbo, while…
Watching Foreign Films: One of the Afghan People's Pastimes
After the fall of the Taliban regime, Afghan people have taken to watching foreign films as a popular pastime. This shift reflects a broader cultural…
Interview with Mania Akbari, Actress of the Film 10 - 2003-01-04
Mania Akbari, the actress from Kiarostami's film 10, has gained international recognition, with her image prominently featured in film magazines. An interview with her was…
New traces of explosives discovered in a special box at the airport belonging to Abd al-Razzaq Basaghir - 2003-01-03
New traces of explosives were found in a box at Charles de Gaulle Airport linked to Abd al-Razzaq Basaghir, who was arrested for weapon possession.…
Housing Crisis in Afghanistan - January 3, 2003
The UN Refugee Agency has organized housing for 1.8 million returning Afghans, yet the Afghan government struggles with a severe housing crisis due to a…
French Foreign Minister Goes to Ivory Coast to End Rebellion - 2003-01-03
The French Foreign Minister is visiting Ivory Coast to facilitate peace talks amid ongoing rebellion. The visit comes after a deadly helicopter attack on a…
French Foreign Minister Arrives in Ivory Coast to End Rebellion - 2003-01-03
French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin is in Ivory Coast to negotiate an end to the ongoing civil war and instability. He is engaging with…
Inspection of Travelers' Luggage Upon Arrival in the United States - January 3, 2003
Starting January 1, 2003, the United States has enforced new regulations concerning the inspection of travelers' luggage. This change is reported by Nazi Baghlari from…
French Defense Minister's Visit to Kabul - 2003-01-03
The French Defense Minister visited Kabul to meet with Afghan officials, highlighting France's commitment to supporting the Afghan government and building a new military. This…
Ongoing Investigation into Terrorism Suspect in France - 2003-01-02
French police have arrested Abd al-Razzaq al-Balsaghir, a porter suspected of terrorism, after explosives were found in his car and a safe deposit box. This…
An FBI Team Arrives in Jibla, Southern Yemen, Site of American Killings - 2003-01-01
An FBI team has arrived in Jibla, Yemen, to investigate the site where Americans were killed. This development involves U.S. authorities responding to incidents affecting…
New Year's Celebration in New York - January 1, 2003
The New Year's celebration took place in New York amidst strict security measures. The event is reported by VOA Persian, highlighting the significance of security…
Restrictions on Iraqi Imports - 2003-01-01
The UN Security Council, at the behest of the US and UK, has voted to impose import restrictions on Iraq to hinder its ability to…
Peace Treaty Between Japan and Russia - January 1, 2003
Japan and Russia have reached an agreement on a peace treaty to officially end World War II hostilities. The treaty involves resolving disputes over four…