January 2004
Interior Minister of the Islamic Republic: There is no chance for holding legitimate elections
The Interior Minister has declared that the disqualification of reformist candidates by the Guardian Council undermines the legitimacy of upcoming elections. President Khatami's negotiations with…
Iran's Foreign Ministry Denies Visit of US Congressional Officials to Iran
The Iranian Foreign Ministry has refuted claims of a planned visit by US congressional officials, despite a senator's announcement of such a trip. This denial…
Interview with Former French Health Minister Bernard Kouchner by Middle East News Site - 2004-01-31
The Middle East news site interviewed Bernard Kouchner, a notable figure in French politics and health, as reported by Voice of America. This interview highlights…
Iran's Interior Minister Requests Delay of Parliamentary Elections
Iran's Interior Minister has requested a delay in parliamentary elections due to the disqualification of thousands of candidates, but the Guardian Council has rejected this…
According to a survey, Iran's national futsal team ranked sixth in the world - 2004-01-30
In a recent survey by futsalplanet.com, Iran's national futsal team ranked sixth in the world for 2003. Key players like Vahid Shamsaei and coach Mohammad…
Los Angeles Report: Interview with Mohammad Arsi on Iran-U.S. Relations - January 30, 2004
This article features an interview with political researcher Mohammad Arsi discussing the implications of Iran-U.S. relations on Iran's social, economic, and political landscape. The conversation…
Weekly Discussion, January 29, 2004: Continuation of the Sit-in by Members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly
On January 29, 2004, members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly continued their sit-in protest. The discussion featured insights from Dr. Ahmad Madani and Engineer Bijan…
Iranian Governors Call for Delay in Parliamentary Elections
Iranian governors are urging a postponement of parliamentary elections due to concerns over fairness after the disqualification of many reformist candidates. This situation has led…
Guardian Council Approves 600 Candidates for Parliamentary Elections
The Guardian Council has approved 600 candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections, amidst widespread disqualifications. Reformist President Mohammad Khatami condemned the disqualifications and called for…
Report by Shahid: Interview with Ghafour Wahabi Regarding the Mojahedin Organization - 2004-01-29
The article features an interview with Ghafour Wahabi discussing a report from a French newspaper about the Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization. This highlights ongoing international scrutiny…
Mohammad Khatami Hopes All Representatives Will Be Approved
President Mohammad Khatami expressed hope that all unfairly disqualified candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections will be approved. The Guardian Council has disqualified a significant…
Collaboration of Two Prominent Pakistani Nuclear Scientists in Transferring Nuclear Technology to Iran and Libya - 2004-01-28
Two prominent Pakistani nuclear scientists, Abdul Qadeer Khan and Muhammad Farooq, are implicated in transferring nuclear technology to Iran and Libya via a black market…
President of Iran Wrestling Federation: We Will Send the Best Team to Athens
The President of the Iran Wrestling Federation announced plans to send the best wrestling team to the Athens Olympics, aiming for gold medals. The team…
Report Shahid: Interview with Dr. Etemad, Head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization - 2004-01-27
Dr. Akbar Etemad, head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, spoke at a conference about Iran's nuclear activities. Following the conference, he was interviewed by a…
Shohreh Aghdashloo Nominated for an Oscar
Shohreh Aghdashloo has received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in 'House of Sand and Fog.' Ben Kingsley and the film's…
Agreement Between Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Mohammad Khatami to Resolve Crisis from Candidate Disqualifications - 2004-01-27
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Mohammad Khatami have reached an agreement to address the political crisis caused by the disqualification of over 3,000 reformist candidates.…
IRNA: Mohammad Khatami Did Not Accept Resignations of Government Officials - 2004-01-27
President Mohammad Khatami rejected the resignations of several senior officials who protested the disqualification of thousands of candidates for upcoming elections. This situation highlights tensions…
Trial of Second Suspect in Jakarta Marriott Hotel Bombing Begins
The trial of Muhammad Rais, accused of aiding the 2003 Marriott Hotel bombing in Jakarta, has commenced. The bombing resulted in the deaths of 12…
Hamid Karzai Signs New Constitution of Afghanistan - 2004-01-26
Hamid Karzai signed Afghanistan's new constitution, which aims to unify the country after years of conflict. The signing ceremony was attended by key figures including…
Ronaldo Scores His Sixteenth Goal in the Current Season of the Spanish Club Championship
Ronaldo scored his sixteenth goal of the season, helping Real Madrid secure a 2-1 victory over Villarreal and maintain their lead in the La Liga…
Interview with Abutaleb Abutalebi, Member of the National Front of Iran - 2004-01-24
The article features an interview with Abutaleb Abutalebi, who discusses the ongoing political and economic crises in Iran. The interview sheds light on the perspectives…
Year of the Monkey: Mohammad Reza Shahid's Report on the Chinese New Year Celebration in Paris - 2004-01-24
The article reports on the Chinese New Year celebrations in Paris, detailing the cultural festivities and community involvement. It underscores the significance of cultural exchange…
Arrest of a Former Taliban Governor
Pakistani security forces arrested Maulvi Abdul Manan Khwajazi, a former Taliban governor, in Chaman. His arrest is significant as it reflects ongoing efforts to combat…
Beyond the Veil: A Book by Carmen bin Laden - January 23, 2004
Carmen bin Laden, the wife of one of Osama bin Laden's brothers, has authored a book titled "Beyond the Veil." This work may provide insights…
Under the Microscope: European Officials' Concerns About the Electoral Situation in Iran - 2004-01-23
European officials are expressing concerns regarding the electoral situation in Iran, particularly in light of recent meetings with Iranian officials and statements made by Ahmad…
Jannati: The Guardian Council Follows the Guidelines of Ayatollah Khamenei
Ahmad Jannati, a member of Iran's Guardian Council, stated that the council aims to rectify any potential errors in disqualifying parliamentary candidates. He emphasized that…
Report by Shahid: Reflection of Iran News in French Media - 2004-01-23
The article discusses how conservative demonstrations in Iran and other related news are being reported in French media. Mohammad Reza Shahid highlights the coverage and…
Los Angeles Report: Interview with Congresswoman Jane Harman - 2004-01-23
This article features an interview with Congresswoman Jane Harman conducted by Mohammad Qods Razavi. The discussion likely touches on U.S. political perspectives relevant to Iranian…
Report by Nazi Baghlari: Interview with Spokesperson of Mohamed ElBaradei, Head of the IAEA - 2004-01-23
The spokesperson for the IAEA's head, Mohamed ElBaradei, commented on Iranian President Mohammad Khatami's claims that Iran does not possess nuclear weapons, expressing no surprise.…
Under the Microscope: Mr. Khatami's Speech at the World Economic Forum
Mr. Khatami addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, discussing key issues facing Iran. Despite the ongoing protests by parliament representatives, public participation was…
John Ashcroft to Speak at the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland - 2004-01-22
U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos, focusing on corruption and peace, respectively. Iranian…
Khatami: Iran Has Never Sought to Acquire Weapons of Mass Destruction - 2004-01-22
Seyyed Mohammad Khatami, the Iranian President, asserted that Iran has never sought weapons of mass destruction during an interview at the World Economic Forum in…
Report by Nazi Baghlari: Interview with Mohammad Dabashi and Reza Youssefian - 2004-01-22
Nazi Baghlari conducted an interview with Mohammad Dabashi and Reza Youssefian discussing President Bush's annual report. The conversation likely touches on U.S.-Iran relations and the…
Kuwait is Ready to Reduce Billions of Dollars in Iraq's Debt
Kuwait's Prime Minister announced the country's willingness to forgive part of Iraq's debt, contingent on parliamentary approval and the recognition of Iraq's government. This move…
Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Switzerland - 2004-01-21
The World Economic Forum is taking place in Davos, Switzerland, with over 30 heads of state, including Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, expected to attend. Discussions…
In the country's political crisis, several Iranian government officials have resigned - 2004-01-21
Several Iranian government officials, including the Vice President, have resigned amid a political crisis following the Guardian Council's decision to accept some disqualified candidates for…
Syria is Ready to Resume Official Talks with Israel
Syria is prepared to resume official talks with Israel, as stated by Syrian Ambassador Imad Mustafa. President Bashar al-Assad has suggested continuing discussions from where…
Los Angeles Report: Interview with Mohammad Arsi, Part One and Two - 2004-01-20
The article features an interview with political analyst Mohammad Arsi discussing the upcoming seventh parliamentary elections in Iran. This is significant as it provides insights…
Discussion, Questions, Answers, January 19: Parliamentary Elections in Iran - 2004-01-19
The program on January 19 features a discussion about the parliamentary elections in Iran with guest Mahdi Ahmad, a legal expert and former parliament member.…
Mohammad Khatami's Political Party Threatens to Boycott Parliamentary Elections
Mohammad Khatami's political party threatens to boycott the upcoming parliamentary elections unless the ban on reformist candidates is lifted. The Guardian Council has disqualified a…
Saudi Arabia Suppresses Groups Sending Money to Chechen Separatists - 2004-01-19
Ahmad Kadyrov, the leader of Chechnya, reported that Saudi Arabia is cracking down on groups that financially support Chechen separatists. This action follows a meeting…
Head of Parliamentary Election Organizing Committee in Iran Threatens Resignation
The head of the election organizing committee in Iran has threatened to resign if candidate bans are not lifted, amid a political crisis following the…
Muhammad Reza Noroozpour's Blog Focused on Media and Journalists - 2004-01-17
The article highlights the significant growth of Persian blogs, which now rank third globally after English and Portuguese blogs. The NITLE Blog Census reports that…
Under the Microscope: Mr. Khatami Calls for an End to the Sit-in of Parliament Representatives
Former President Mohammad Khatami has called for an end to the sit-in by members of Parliament, while Western diplomats are worried about Iran's ongoing nuclear-related…
Continuation of Sit-in by Reformist Members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly
Reformist members of the Iranian parliament are continuing their sit-in until they can ensure free and fair elections. They welcomed a directive from Ayatollah Khamenei…
Khamenei: The Guardian Council Should Reconsider!
Ayatollah Khamenei has urged the Guardian Council to reconsider its mass disqualification of reformist candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections, emphasizing the need for a…
Islamic Republic State Television: Ayatollah Khamenei has asked the Guardian Council to reconsider its decision
Ayatollah Khamenei has urged the Guardian Council to review its disqualification of reformist candidates, which has led to a political crisis in Iran. The Guardian…
Theft of Muhammad Ali's Sports Memorabilia from a Gallery in England - 2004-01-14
Muhammad Ali's sports memorabilia was stolen from a gallery in Southampton, England, including signed boxing shorts and photographs. The police believe the thieves targeted only…
Guardian Council: We Will Not Surrender to Pressure
The Guardian Council of Iran has refused to reconsider its disqualification of thousands of reformist candidates for the parliamentary elections, asserting its legal and religious…
Documenting the Bam Citadel Using Modern Technologies - 2004-01-13
The documentation of the Bam Citadel will commence next week using modern laser and photogrammetry technologies to aid in its revival after significant earthquake damage.…
Dozens of Members of the Iranian Government Threaten to Resign
Dozens of Iranian government officials, including ministers and advisors, have threatened to resign over the disqualification of reformist candidates from parliamentary elections. The Vice President…
Los Angeles Report: The Role of California's Economy in the Overall Economy of the United States (Part One and Two) - 2004-01-12
This article features an interview with Dr. Ismail Adibi about the significance of California's economy in the broader U.S. economy. The discussion highlights California's unique…
Threat of Resignation by Iranian Governors - 2004-01-12
Governors in Iran have threatened to resign if the disqualification of 80 reformist lawmakers is not reconsidered. This situation arises from the Guardian Council's decision,…
Guardian Council Rejects Qualifications of Many Reformist Parliamentarians for Next Month's Elections
The Guardian Council has disqualified many reformist parliament members from the upcoming elections, leading to protests in parliament. President Mohammad Khatami has urged calm and…
Report by Shahid: Interview with Mr. Sami about the Current Situation and Future of the People's Mojahedin Organization - 2004-01-11
In an interview, Mr. Sami discusses the current status and future prospects of the People's Mojahedin Organization. This conversation is significant as it reflects the…
Palestine Liberation Organization Reaffirms Right to Declare Independent State - 2004-01-11
The Palestine Liberation Organization has reiterated its right to declare an independent state in response to Israeli threats of new borders. Ahmad Qurei, the Palestinian…
Ahmad Qurei, Prime Minister of Palestine, said he may work towards establishing a single state with Israel
Ahmad Qurei, the Palestinian Prime Minister, suggested he might shift from pursuing an independent Palestinian state to advocating for a single state with Israel. This…
Report by Shahid: Ceremony for Victims of Egyptian Plane Crash - 2004-01-09
A ceremony took place in Sharm El Sheikh for the victims of an Egyptian plane crash, primarily involving French nationals. The event highlights international concerns…
Discussion of January 8, 2004: Conversation with Dr. Hooshang Amir Ahmadi and Engineer Farood Arasanjani
On January 8, 2004, a discussion took place between Dr. Hooshang Amir Ahmadi and Engineer Farood Arasanjani about the temporary lifting of U.S. sanctions on…
Baztab Reports Disqualification of Key Figures from the Participation Front
Baztab has reported the disqualification of prominent candidates from the Participation Front ahead of the seventh parliamentary elections, including key figures like Behzad Nabavi and…
Report Shahid: Interview with Mohammad Haghighat, Filmmaker - 2004-01-08
Mohammad Haghighat's film 'Two Angels' will be showcased at the Palm Springs Festival. The filmmaker discussed his role on the selection committee for the Cannes…
Amputation of Hand as a Vow Fulfillment!
A 70-year-old farmer in Nishapur amputated his hand to fulfill a vow after his wish was granted. He was successfully treated and underwent surgery to…
Tickets for Bam Citadel to Be Sold
To support the reconstruction of the Bam Citadel, symbolic tickets for visits will be sold in museums across Iran. Ahmad Mohit Tabatabai announced this initiative…
Iran and Egypt to Resume Diplomatic Relations After 25 Years - 2004-01-06
Iran and Egypt have agreed to resume diplomatic relations after 25 years, as announced by Vice President Mohammad Ali Abtahi. This decision is expected to…
Ariel Sharon Booed at Likud Party General Assembly - 2004-01-06
Ariel Sharon was booed at a Likud Party assembly for suggesting that Israel might need to withdraw from some settlements if a peace treaty with…
Purchase of Manchester United Shares by Three Iranians - 2004-01-05
Three Iranian investors have purchased over one million shares of Manchester United, marking their first entry into the London Stock Exchange. This move aims to…
Egypt's Request to Iran to Change the Name of Khalid Islambouli Street
Egypt has requested Iran to change the name of a street honoring Khalid Islambouli, Sadat's assassin, as a condition for restoring diplomatic relations severed in…
Discussion Among U.S. Military and Intelligence Officials on How to Utilize Elite Military Units
U.S. military and intelligence officials are debating the deployment of elite units to capture suspected terrorists like Ayman al-Zawahiri. Current policies may have hindered effective…
Unprecedented Gathering of Iranians in France in Unity to Aid the Earthquake Victims of Bam - 2004-01-03
Iranians in France held a significant gathering to express solidarity and provide assistance to the victims of the Bam earthquake. The event highlights the diaspora's…
The Bam Earthquake Did Not Spare the Shazdeh Garden in Mahan Either
The recent earthquake in Bam has also caused damage to the historic Shazdeh Garden in Mahan, as reported by Ahmad Mohit Tabatabai of Iran's Cultural…
Report by Shahid: Complete Reconstruction of Bam City Before the End of Khatami's Second Presidential Term - 2004-01-02
President Khatami expressed optimism about the complete reconstruction of Bam City being finished before his second term ends. The article includes insights from Engineer Amir…
Report by Shahid: Nostradamus, the Most Famous Seer in the World - 2004-01-02
The article discusses the 500th anniversary of Nostradamus, the renowned French seer. Mohammad Reza Shahid highlights the significance of this milestone. Nostradamus's predictions continue to…
Report by Shahid: Interview with Mr. Manoochehr Pirouz, Former Governor of Fars - 2004-01-01
The article features an interview with Manoochehr Pirouz, the former governor of Fars province, focusing on the challenges faced by this earthquake-prone region. The discussion…