January 2004
The UN Must Increase Activities in Areas of Afghanistan Where Women's Participation in Elections is Minimal - 2004-01-31
The UN is enhancing its efforts to promote women's participation in Afghanistan's elections, particularly in areas where their involvement is low. This initiative is crucial…
Deadly Avian Influenza Detected One Year Ago - 2004-01-31
The World Health Organization reports that a deadly strain of avian influenza has been present for about a year, first detected in April 2003 in…
Destruction of Palestinian Bomber's House - 2004-01-31
Israeli forces destroyed the home of a Palestinian suicide bomber responsible for a deadly attack in Jerusalem. They also engaged in a separate incident involving…
The U.S. Opposes the Legal Status of Israel's Security Wall at the International Court
The U.S. has requested the International Court of Justice to dismiss the UN's inquiry into the legality of Israel's security wall in the West Bank.…
The Second Mars Rover Begins Planet Exploration Today - 2004-01-31
The Mars rover Opportunity is set to begin its exploration today, potentially confirming the presence of water on Mars. Scientists are analyzing data from the…
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…
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…
New Iraqi Intelligence Agency to Root Out Foreign Militants - 2004-01-31
Iraqi officials are collaborating with U.S. intelligence to create a new intelligence agency aimed at eradicating foreign militants before the U.S. transfers power to an…
The U.S. Warns Its Citizens to Avoid Travel to Pakistan
The U.S. government has issued a travel warning for its citizens against visiting Pakistan due to security threats posed by Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. This…
New NATO Secretary General Calls on Member States to Consider Their Involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan
The new NATO Secretary General, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, has called for member states to reassess their roles in Iraq and Afghanistan, emphasizing that the…
Kofi Annan Urges the European Union to Reduce Immigration Restrictions - 2004-01-30
Kofi Annan called on the EU to ease immigration restrictions during his acceptance of the Sakharov Prize in Brussels. He emphasized the need for Europeans…
FIFA's Doubts About Joining WADA - 2004-01-30
FIFA is hesitant to join WADA's anti-doping regulations, along with some other sports federations. This hesitation comes as WADA seeks to strengthen its anti-doping efforts…
The Islamic Republic is Considering an American Delegation's Visit to Iran - 2004-01-30
The Islamic Republic is considering a visit by a U.S. Congressional delegation, which would be the first since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. This follows a…
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…
Japanese Parliament Approves Government Plan to Deploy Ground Troops to Iraq - 2004-01-30
The Japanese Parliament has approved a government plan to send ground troops to Iraq, with 600 soldiers designated for humanitarian and reconstruction efforts. The decision…
Nazi Baghlari's Report: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's Concerns About Iran's Nuclear Program - 2004-01-29
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, discussing Turkey-U.S. relations and the situation in Iraq, while expressing…
Rejection of the Election Law Bill by the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran
The Guardian Council has rejected a bill concerning election laws, causing speculation about the upcoming elections on February 20. This decision has sparked reactions within…
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…
Nigerian Police Arrest Iranian Man on Suspicion of Espionage - 2004-01-29
An Iranian man has been arrested in Nigeria on suspicion of espionage while photographing government buildings, including the Ministry of Defense and the British consulate.…
A South Korean Politician Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Bribery
A prominent South Korean politician was sentenced to 5 years in prison for taking a $17 million bribe to help a company establish a casino…
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…
Under the Microscope: The Guardian Council's Approach to Ongoing Sit-ins - 2004-01-29
Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh analyzes the Guardian Council's response to ongoing sit-ins and the support expressed by various groups and officials for the protesters. This…
USA: Components of Libya's Nuclear Weapons Program Transferred to the US - 2004-01-28
The US announced the transfer of components from Libya's nuclear weapons program to a secure location in the US, marking a significant step in the…
Six American Soldiers Killed as UN Delegation Arrives in Baghdad - 2004-01-28
As a UN delegation arrived in Baghdad to evaluate the security situation for potential elections, six American soldiers were killed in insurgent attacks. This incident…
The United States Sends a Scientific Delegation to Assist in Combating the Avian Influenza Outbreak in Asia
The U.S. has sent a team of six experts to Vietnam to help combat avian influenza, which has already claimed several lives in Vietnam and…
One-Day Conference of Asian Countries to Combat Avian Influenza - 2004-01-28
Asian countries convened a one-day conference to address the avian influenza outbreak affecting at least nine countries and Taiwan. They agreed to enhance surveillance and…
European Commission's Annual Report on Airline Safety Inspections to be Released
The European Union is enhancing its airline safety monitoring by requiring member states to review airlines from non-EU countries and will publish an annual report…
Meeting of the Chinese President and French Business Leaders in Paris - 2004-01-28
Chinese President Hu Jintao is meeting with French business leaders to discuss bilateral economic relations and infrastructure investments. This visit is significant as it highlights…
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…
Cancellation of Two-Month Ban on Al-Arabiya TV Network in Iraq
The Iraqi interim government has lifted a two-month ban on Al-Arabiya TV, which was imposed after the network aired a tape of Saddam Hussein inciting…
Pentagon Believes Remnants of Taliban and Al-Qaeda Are Waiting for Winter's End
The Pentagon is preparing for a new military offensive against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, expected to take place in the spring. Thousands of American soldiers…
Missile Fired at Coalition Military Command in Iraq - 2004-01-27
A missile was fired at a U.S.-led coalition military command in Iraq, causing no damage. Prior to this, a bomb in Ramadi killed an Iraqi…
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…
Kofi Annan to Send Delegation to Iraq
Kofi Annan announced plans to send a UN delegation to Iraq to explore options for establishing a transitional government. This comes amid opposition from Iraqi…
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.…
Self-immolation of an Iranian man in front of the UNHCR office in Malaysia - 2004-01-27
Gholamhossein Anvari, an Iranian man denied asylum in Malaysia, self-immolated in front of the UNHCR office as a protest against his situation. This tragic act…
Women of Bam at Risk of Infectious Diseases
The UNFPA has identified that women in Bam are at significant risk of infectious diseases following the earthquake. They are seeking $710,000 to improve health…
Request for Help from Iranian Refugees Facing Deportation by the Turkish Government - 2004-01-27
Iranian refugees in Turkey are appealing for help as they face deportation after their asylum claims were rejected. They have been in limbo for years,…
Colin Powell: Russia Should Clarify Arms Sales to Iraq Before the War
Colin Powell urged Russia to clarify its arms sales to Iraq before the war, expressing willingness to discuss the matter with Russian officials. This statement…
A Truck Carrying Equipment Attacked Near Baghdad - 2004-01-26
A truck carrying equipment for Japanese forces in Iraq was attacked near Baghdad, killing the Jordanian driver. The attack seems to have been unintentional, as…
Kofi Annan's Proposal to Establish a Committee to Prevent Genocide - 2004-01-26
Kofi Annan proposed the formation of a committee aimed at preventing genocide during a conference in Stockholm. He emphasized the need for a UN official…
Colin Powell's Meeting with Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin - 2004-01-26
Colin Powell and Vladimir Putin met to discuss U.S.-Russia relations, expressing satisfaction with cooperation in Iraq and Afghanistan while acknowledging ongoing differences. The U.S. is…
Ban on New Fuel Tax in Nigeria Extended
A Nigerian court has indefinitely extended a ban on new fuel taxes and a potential strike by labor unions. The government argues that tax increases…
An Iraqi man killed in a bomb explosion in western Baghdad - 2004-01-26
An Iraqi man was killed in a roadside bomb explosion in Ramadi, shortly after four police officers were killed in the same area. Kofi Annan…
Under the Microscope: Rejection of the Urgent Three-Article Bill by the Guardian Council
The Guardian Council has rejected an urgent three-article bill proposed by the Iranian Parliament. Dr. Alireza Nourizadeh discusses this rejection and comments on U.S. Vice…
Iran's Parliament Approves Changes to Public Election Law - 2004-01-25
Iran's Parliament has passed amendments to the election law that limit the Guardian Council's ability to disqualify candidates, particularly targeting reformists. This change comes after…
Opportunity Sends First Image from Mars to Earth - 2004-01-25
The Opportunity rover has successfully transmitted its first image from Mars, showing the Meridiani Planum area. This marks a significant milestone for NASA's exploration of…
The United Nations Will Send a Delegation to Assess the Possibility of Elections in Iraq - 2004-01-25
The United Nations is sending a delegation to Iraq to evaluate the potential for elections before June 30, as the U.S. aims to end its…
Sunday Night Phone Program, January 25: Conversation with Dr. Mansour Farhang - 2004-01-25
On January 25, 2004, Ibrahim Biparva interviewed Dr. Mansour Farhang, the first Iranian UN representative, discussing various topics. The program allowed listeners to engage directly…
Calendar Day, January 25: The Beginning of the War Between America and Spain - 2004-01-25
On January 25, 1898, the United States Navy anchored in Havana, Cuba, signaling the start of the Spanish-American War. This conflict involved the United States…
Clashes in Shahrebabak, Kerman Province; Possible Civilian Casualties
Workers at the Khatunabad Copper Smelting Company in Shahrebabak, Kerman Province, went on strike due to layoffs, leading to violent clashes with riot police who…
Sealed Plans of Libya's Nuclear Program Arrive in Washington - 2004-01-24
Sealed plans of Libya's nuclear program have been sent to Washington for inspection by American experts and UN officials. The International Atomic Energy Agency is…
U.S. Vice President Calls on Nations to Join America in Promoting Democracy in the Middle East - 2004-01-24
U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney urged global nations to collaborate with America to advance democracy in the Middle East, linking this effort to the fight…
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…
Ceasefire Agreement Between Burmese Rebels and Government - 2004-01-24
The Burmese military and the Karen National Union have agreed to a ceasefire to end a long-standing conflict. This agreement aims to promote national unity…
Interview with Omid Abbasali Nejad, Member of the Central Committee of the Democratic Council - 2004-01-23
Omid Abbasali Nejad discusses the dire conditions in Iranian prisons, the ongoing protests and sit-ins by reformists, and the upcoming elections. This interview highlights the…
Ayatollah Sistani Calls for Temporary Halt to Protests in Iraq
Ayatollah Sistani has called for a temporary halt to protests against a US-backed plan for a temporary government in Iraq until the UN decides on…
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…
Kofi Annan Urges World Leaders to Focus on Economic Development Issues - 2004-01-23
Kofi Annan urged global leaders at the World Economic Forum to prioritize economic development over security issues, which have been overshadowed by the Iraq conflict…
Turkey and the U.S. Agree on Plan for Return of Turkish Kurds from Northern Iraq to Turkey - 2004-01-23
Turkey and the U.S. have reached an agreement that permits approximately 13,000 Turkish Kurds living as refugees in northern Iraq to return to Turkey. This…
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…
Review of Candidate Disqualifications
The Guardian Council is reviewing its earlier decision to disqualify more than 4,000 candidates for parliamentary elections. This reconsideration could significantly impact the electoral landscape…
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…
Attack by Hardliners on Reformists' Gathering in Hamedan - 2004-01-22
A gathering of reformists in Hamedan was violently disrupted by hardliners from the Ansar Hezbollah group, resulting in injuries among attendees, including reformist lawmakers. The…
Japan Suspends Chicken and Chick Imports from Thailand
Japan has suspended imports of chicken and chicks from Thailand due to concerns over avian influenza, with the EU considering similar measures. This decision follows…
Airport and Hospital Workers in France Go on Strike - 2004-01-22
Airport and hospital workers in France have gone on strike in protest against government plans to privatize parts of the Paris airports organization. Their demands…
A Former Education Minister Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Genocide
Jean de Dieu Kamuhanda, a former education minister in Rwanda, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in the 1994 genocide. The UN…
Officials from the US, Japan, and South Korea Prepare for Trilateral Talks
Officials from the US, Japan, and South Korea are set to engage in trilateral talks to address North Korea's nuclear ambitions. The discussions will involve…
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…
Student Publication 'Kavir' Suspended
The student publication 'Kavir' at Shahrekord University has been suspended for six months due to a complaint from the Basij student organization. The suspension raises…
End of the Fourth World Social Forum in India - 2004-01-21
The Fourth World Social Forum took place in Mumbai, India, concluding with a large march and deemed a success by organizers. It gathered over 100,000…
President Bush's Two-Day Trip to Ohio, New Mexico, and Arizona - 2004-01-21
President Bush is on a two-day trip to key states to bolster support for his reelection, discussing economic policies and the war on terrorism. He…
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…
Nationwide Strikes in Nigeria Suspended
Nationwide strikes in Nigeria have been suspended after the government agreed to temporarily stop fuel taxes. The largest labor union leader warned that strikes could…
German Foreign Minister's Visit to Ankara - 2004-01-21
German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer visited Ankara to discuss Turkey's EU membership request. He emphasized the strategic importance of Turkey's entry into the EU and…
Kofi Annan's Hope for Free Elections in Iran - 2004-01-21
Kofi Annan expressed optimism about the possibility of free elections in Iran, urging both conservatives and reformists to overcome their differences. This statement comes in…
UN Considers Possibility of Direct Elections in Iraq - 2004-01-20
The UN is assessing the feasibility of direct elections in Iraq before a planned power transfer on June 30, 2004, following requests from U.S. and…
IAEA Reaches Agreement with the US and UK on Inspections in Libya - 2004-01-20
The IAEA has reached an agreement with the US and UK to oversee the dismantling of Libya's nuclear program. This agreement was announced by IAEA…
Visit of American and British Experts to Libya - 2004-01-20
American and British experts have arrived in Libya to start dismantling its nuclear technology and materials. This initiative is part of a broader effort to…
Temporary Suspension of New Fuel Tax in Nigeria - 2004-01-20
The Nigerian government has temporarily suspended a new fuel tax following a court order, just before a planned nationwide strike against rising fuel prices. Labor…
Guardian Council Approves Qualifications of About 200 Rejected Candidates
The Guardian Council has reinstated the qualifications of around 200 candidates previously disqualified from the parliamentary elections, following a directive from Ayatollah Khamenei. This decision…
Spokesperson of the National Anti-Doping Committee: No Federation Has the Right to Collect Samples
The National Anti-Doping Committee in Iran has announced that no sports federations are allowed to collect doping samples anymore. This decision follows Iran's membership in…
Most Japanese Oppose Sending Troops to Iraq - 2004-01-19
A recent poll indicates that a majority of Japanese citizens oppose the government's plan to send troops to Iraq, with 52% disapproving of Prime Minister…
Israel in the World Court - 2004-01-19
Israel is preparing to respond to a legal case at the World Court regarding its fencing project separating it from Palestinian territories. The Israeli government…
20 Killed in Sunday Bombing in Baghdad - 2004-01-19
A suicide bombing in Baghdad killed at least 20 people, including 18 Iraqi civilians and two Americans, while over 100 were injured. This attack comes…
Guardian Council: We Have Begun Reviewing the Cases of Disqualified Candidates
The Guardian Council has started reviewing the cases of candidates disqualified for the upcoming parliamentary elections due to protests from various officials and groups. The…
IAEA to Confirm Libya's Nuclear Program Dismantlement - 2004-01-19
The IAEA has reached an agreement with the U.S. and Britain to confirm the end of Libya's nuclear program. Mohamed ElBaradei announced this after meetings…
A Pioneering Team from Japan's Defense Forces Arrives in Baghdad - 2004-01-19
A team from Japan's Defense Forces has arrived in Baghdad to prepare for the deployment of non-combat troops, marking Japan's first military presence in a…
The Effects of the Political Battle Between the President and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka on Peace Negotiations - 2004-01-19
The political conflict between Sri Lanka's President Chandrika Kumaratunga and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is jeopardizing a two-year ceasefire with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil…
Freddy Adu, the 14-Year-Old Soccer Prodigy, Officially Joins D.C. United
Freddy Adu, a 14-year-old soccer prodigy, has officially joined D.C. United as the first draft pick of the upcoming Major League Soccer season. His talent…
Meeting of the UN Secretary-General with the American Director of Iraq - 2004-01-19
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan met with officials from the Iraqi Governing Council and the US-led coalition to discuss the UN's role in Iraq's power transfer.…
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…
Under the Microscope: Continued Sit-in of Representatives - UN Participation in Iraqi Elections - 2004-01-19
The sit-in by Iranian parliament members continues despite pressures from hardliners. Additionally, there are ongoing efforts by the U.S. to involve the UN in the…
Nazi Baghlari Report: Meeting of Kofi Annan, Iraqi Delegation, and Paul Bremer - 2004-01-19
Kofi Annan, the Iraqi delegation, and Paul Bremer held meetings at the UN headquarters in New York. The discussions included both public and private sessions.…
Nigerian Labor Union Leaders Call for Protests Against Fuel and Diesel Prices - 2004-01-19
Nigerian labor union leaders are mobilizing the public for a nationwide strike against a new tax on fuel and diesel prices. The government is attempting…
Anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birth - 2004-01-19
On the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birth, Americans honor his legacy through various ceremonies and events. Government offices and schools are closed for…
Daily Calendar, January 19: The First Press Conference of the President of the United States - 2004-01-19
On January 19, 1955, the first press conference of the U.S. President was recorded, marking a significant moment in political communication. This event involved the…
Life and Progress in America: Ms. Mosley Braun, Candidate for the Presidency of the United States - 2004-01-18
The article discusses Ms. Mosley Braun's candidacy for the U.S. presidency in 2004, highlighting her life and achievements. This is significant as she was one…
Historical Calendar: January 17, 1903 - The First Radio Conversation Between the President of the United States and the King of Britain - 2004-01-18
On January 17, 1903, the first radio conversation took place between the President of the United States and the King of Britain. This event marks…
Opponents Disrupt Pervez Musharraf's Speech
Opponents of President Pervez Musharraf disrupted his speech in Parliament, marking his first address there in over four years. Musharraf called for a fight against…
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…
Paul Bremer: The U.S. Will Not Change the Date for Transferring Power to the Iraqi Government
Paul Bremer announced that the U.S. will stick to the July 1 deadline for transferring power to Iraq despite opposition from Shiite leader Ayatollah Ali…
European Commission President: Turkey's Significant Progress in Reforms for EU Membership
European Commission President Romano Prodi highlighted Turkey's significant progress in reforms necessary for EU membership after meeting with Prime Minister Erdogan. He emphasized the need…
American Rover on the Red Planet Searching for Signs of Water - 2004-01-16
The American rover Spirit has successfully landed on Mars and is now exploring the surface for signs of water. This mission is significant as it…
Under the Microscope: The Strategy of Iranian Reformists - 2004-01-15
Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh discusses the strategies of Iranian reformists who have been disqualified by the Guardian Council and comments on Iraq's electoral positions. This…
Calendar Day, January 14: Ratification of the Paris Treaty - 2004-01-15
On January 14, the U.S. Congress ratified the Paris Treaty, which marked the official end of the war between the U.S. and Britain. This event…
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…
Iraqi Kurdish Leader: Kirkuk Should Be Part of the Autonomous Region
Barham Salih, a prominent Iraqi Kurdish leader, has called for Kirkuk to be included in an autonomous region, suggesting that a referendum should be held…
Qom Students: We Will Resolve the Situation of the Sit-in Representatives!
A group of Qom seminary students and teachers gathered to demand action against sit-in representatives in parliament. They threaten to travel to Tehran if the…
FAO Calls for Funds to Rebuild Agriculture in Bam
The FAO has requested $2.5 million to help rebuild agriculture in Bam following a devastating earthquake. This funding is crucial for restoring water supplies and…
Bomb Explosion at Christian Study Center in Karachi, Pakistan - 2004-01-15
A bomb exploded at a Christian study center in Karachi, injuring at least 11 people, including police officers. The attack appears to be linked to…
Russia's Concerns About Its Military Equipment - 2004-01-15
Russia is worried about its outdated military equipment from the Soviet era and acknowledges the need for modernization. Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov highlighted the insufficiency…
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…
Warning from a Senior UN Official about Civil War in Sudan - 2004-01-15
A senior UN official warned that the ongoing conflict in Darfur, Sudan, is leading to a humanitarian crisis with nearly 100,000 fleeing to Chad and…
Report by Nazi Baghlari: UN Security Council Meeting with Iraqi Officials - 2004-01-15
The UN Security Council is set to meet with Iraqi officials to discuss the UN's future role in Iraq. This meeting is significant as it…
Visit of the President of the European Commission to Ankara - 2004-01-15
The President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, is visiting Ankara to discuss Turkey's EU membership bid with its leaders. He commended Turkey for recent…
Kayhan's Indifference to Khamenei - 2004-01-15
The conservative newspaper Kayhan has downplayed Ali Khamenei's recent remarks about the disqualification of election candidates, marking a shift in its usual practice of prominently…
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…
Crash of Uzbek Passenger Plane in Tashkent - 2004-01-14
An Uzbek passenger plane crashed in Tashkent, resulting in the deaths of all 37 people on board, including a senior UN official. The cause of…
New NATO Secretary General's Request to Member Countries
The new NATO Secretary General has requested more troops and equipment from member countries for peacekeeping in Afghanistan, highlighting the need for increased military presence…
Turkmen and Arabs of Iraq Oppose Kurdish Autonomy Plan - 2004-01-14
Barham Salih, a Kurdish leader, supports the inclusion of Kirkuk in a proposed autonomous region for Kurds but acknowledges that the final decision rests with…
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…
Mexico Welcomes Bush's Proposed Changes to U.S. Immigration Regulations - 2004-01-13
Mexico expressed support for President Bush's immigration reform proposal during a summit in Monterrey. The plan aims to provide temporary residency for illegal foreign workers…
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…
Iran Holds Record for Deaths in Natural Disasters - January 13, 2004
Iran has the third highest death toll from earthquakes globally, following China and India. This statistic highlights the significant impact of natural disasters on the…
Protests by Parliament Representatives as a Clear Example of Election Boycott and Demand for Referendum - 2004-01-13
Islamic Parliament representatives protested against the disqualification of some members by the Guardian Council, leading to calls for an election boycott and a referendum. This…
Request for $11 Million to Assist Thousands of Sudanese Refugees - 2004-01-13
The UN World Food Programme has requested $11 million to help Sudanese refugees affected by the ongoing conflict in Darfur. The situation is dire, with…
Report on the Ninth Gulf Security Conference in Abu Dhabi - 2004-01-13
The Ninth Gulf Security Conference took place in Abu Dhabi, involving regional experts and representatives from various countries. This event highlights ongoing discussions about security…
Under the Microscope: Meeting of Iranian Governors with Ayatollah Khamenei - 2004-01-13
Iranian governors met with Ayatollah Khamenei to protest the Guardian Council's disqualification of numerous parliamentary candidates. Dr. Ali Reza Nourizadeh analyzes this meeting, highlighting its…
Sharon: We Will Secure U.S. Approval Before Separating Israel from Palestinians - 2004-01-13
Ariel Sharon announced that Israel would seek U.S. approval before any unilateral separation from the Palestinians, contingent on Palestinian leaders rejecting the peace plan. This…
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,…
Ayatollah Sistani Rejects US Proposal Again - 2004-01-12
Ayatollah Sistani has rejected a US proposal for a temporary Iraqi government without elections, emphasizing the need for direct elections to ensure true representation of…
Spirit Rover to Begin Soil Sampling on Mars This Week - 2004-01-12
NASA's Spirit rover is set to begin soil sampling on Mars this week after overcoming technical delays. This mission aims to find evidence of past…
Khamenei Does Not Intervene in Guardian Council's Decision to Disqualify Candidates - 2004-01-12
Ayatollah Khamenei has refused to intervene in the Guardian Council's decision to disqualify reformist candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections, stating that legal procedures must…
Nigerian Labor Union Leaders Demand Government Reduce Oil Prices
Nigerian labor union leaders are urging the government to lower oil prices or risk a nationwide strike. They have given the government until January 20…
Use of Incirlik Air Base in Turkey for Transfer of American Soldiers
The U.S. has started using Turkey's Incirlik Air Base for troop transfers to Iraq, marking a significant policy shift from Turkey's previous refusal. This development…
Pope John Paul II's Call for International Community to Help Build a Democratic Iraq - 2004-01-12
Pope John Paul II urged the international community to support the establishment of a democratic Iraq during his annual address to foreign ambassadors. He recognized…
Under the Microscope: Disqualification of Candidates for the Islamic Consultative Assembly
Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh discusses the extensive disqualification of candidates for Iran's Islamic Consultative Assembly by the Guardian Council and how this has been reported…
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…
Bayern Munich's One-Week Training Camp in the United Arab Emirates - 2004-01-12
Bayern Munich has begun a one-week training camp in the UAE to prepare for the Bundesliga's resumption. Michael Ballack emphasized the team's need to perform…
Report by Nasrin Mahdavi: Solana's Visit to Iran - 2004-01-12
Javier Solana, the EU's foreign policy chief, visited Iran and met with Islamic Republic leaders, which garnered considerable attention in German media. This visit is…
Report by Nasrin Mahdavi: Nationwide Conference of Iranian Republican Union at Free University of Berlin - 2004-01-11
The article reports on a nationwide conference of the Iranian Republican Union held at the Free University of Berlin, featuring an interview with Abdolkarim Lahiji,…
Nazi Baghlari Report: Kofi Annan Prepares for Talks with Iraqi Officials - 2004-01-11
Kofi Annan is preparing to engage in discussions with Iraqi officials, having met with U.S. and British ambassadors at the UN. This is significant as…
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…
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…
Influential Religious Leader of Iraqi Shiites Rejects U.S. Plan for a Non-Elected Transitional Government - 2004-01-11
Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, a key Shiite religious leader in Iraq, rejected the U.S. proposal for a non-elected transitional government. This decision follows a visit by…
North Korean Officials Reveal Their 'Plutonium Reprocessing' Capability to an Unofficial American Delegation - 2004-01-11
North Korean officials disclosed their plutonium reprocessing capabilities to an unofficial American delegation during a visit to the Yongbyon nuclear complex. They indicated that they…
Kofi Annan Invites Senior Representatives of Coalition Forces - 2004-01-11
Kofi Annan has invited senior representatives of coalition forces to discuss the potential return of UN staff to Iraq on January 19 in New York.…
Hamid Karzai Will Participate in Afghanistan's Presidential Election - 2004-01-10
Hamid Karzai has confirmed his participation in the upcoming presidential elections in Afghanistan, expected in about six months. The new constitution approved by the Loya…
Dara Nouraldin: The People of Iraq Must Decide the Fate of Saddam Hussein - 2004-01-10
Dara Nouraldin, an Iraqi Governing Council member, criticized the U.S. for recognizing Saddam Hussein as a prisoner of war without consulting Iraqi leaders. He emphasized…
Four Mild Earthquakes Terrify Residents of Khuzestan Province
Four mild earthquakes struck Khuzestan province, causing fear among residents but no reported damages or casualties. This follows a history of seismic activity in the…
Philippine Rebels Attack Power Plant South of Manila - 2004-01-10
Communist rebels in the Philippines attacked a power plant south of Manila, resulting in the deaths of 3 soldiers and injuries to 7 others. The…
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…
Colin Powell Defended the War with Iraq - 2004-01-09
Colin Powell defended the U.S. invasion of Iraq, claiming it was necessary due to Iraq's possession of weapons of mass destruction. His comments followed a…
The Cost of Rebuilding Bam City May Reach One Billion Dollars
The United Nations estimates that rebuilding the city of Bam, devastated by an earthquake, could cost up to one billion dollars. The Iranian government will…
Kofi Annan Meets with US and UK Diplomats - 2004-01-09
Kofi Annan is meeting with US and UK diplomats to discuss the UN's future role in Iraq after a deadly attack on its headquarters. The…
Cyprus Greek Officials Doubt Turkey's Commitment
Greek Cypriot officials are skeptical about Turkey's commitment to UN efforts for resolving Cyprus's division. Turkey's recent statements suggest support for a bi-zonal solution, which…
Hezbollah Rally Against Renaming Khaled Islambouli Street
Hezbollah supporters in Tehran protested the renaming of Khaled Islambouli Street to Intifada, which they view as a concession to improving Iran-Egypt relations. The name…
Bam Will Revive in Bam - 2004-01-09
The Iranian Deputy Minister of Urban Development announced plans to rebuild the city of Bam at its original location despite concerns about its position on…
Report by Nazi Baghlari: Interview with the Spokesperson of the UN Refugee Agency in Geneva - 2004-01-09
The UN Refugee Agency is not promoting the return of Iraqi refugees from Iran and Saudi Arabia due to security concerns in Iraq, yet many…
President Bush Proposes Major Changes to U.S. Immigration Laws - 2004-01-08
President Bush has proposed significant reforms to U.S. immigration laws to allow temporary work permits for undocumented immigrants. The proposal faces opposition from Republican representatives…
North Korea's Proposal to Halt Nuclear Programs - 2004-01-08
North Korea has proposed to halt its nuclear weapons programs in exchange for concessions from the United States. A senior Russian diplomat has urged the…
Turkey Supports UN Efforts to Resolve Cyprus Issue - 2004-01-08
Turkey's senior leaders have backed UN efforts to address the division of Cyprus, emphasizing the need for solutions based on the realities of the island.…
Invasion of Land Grabbers in the Deserts Surrounding Bam - 2004-01-08
Land grabbers are purchasing cheap desert land around Bam amid reports of a potential relocation of the earthquake-affected city. This situation involves opportunists from Kerman…
Impact of America's Economic Problems on Other Countries - 2004-01-08
The IMF has issued a warning about the significant risks posed by America's economic problems to the global economy, particularly due to rising public debt…
Hamid Karzai: The Kandahar Bombing is a Brutal and Inhumane Act - 2004-01-07
A bombing in Kandahar, Afghanistan, killed at least 13 people, mostly children, prompting interim President Hamid Karzai to condemn the act as brutal and inhumane.…
NATO Peacekeepers Begin Mission in Northern Afghanistan - 2004-01-07
NATO peacekeepers, including 170 German soldiers, have commenced their mission in Kunduz, Afghanistan, taking over from U.S. forces. This deployment is part of a broader…
Kofi Annan: Possibility of Signing a Peace Agreement Between the Sudanese Government and Rebels Has Arisen
Kofi Annan announced that a peace agreement between the Sudanese government and rebels is likely to be signed soon, following hopeful progress in negotiations to…
Signing of Historic Agreement Between India and Pakistan - 2004-01-07
India and Pakistan signed a historic agreement to negotiate over the Kashmir dispute, welcomed by global leaders including Kofi Annan. The agreement aims to address…
Kofi Annan's Warning About Violence in Afghanistan - 2004-01-07
Kofi Annan has issued a warning regarding the escalating violence in Afghanistan, which threatens the upcoming parliamentary elections. He emphasized the critical state of the…
Sudan Government and Main Rebel Group Agree on National Wealth Sharing - 2004-01-07
The Sudanese government and the main rebel group have agreed on a wealth-sharing deal, marking a significant step towards peace after two decades of civil…
Kofi Annan: An American Delegation Should Participate in Iraq Negotiations
Kofi Annan anticipates that a high-level American delegation will join upcoming negotiations on Iraq at the UN. The talks aim to address the UN's role…
Escalation of War in Western Sudan Forces Thousands to Flee
The war in Darfur, western Sudan, has intensified, leading to a mass exodus of people. Thousands have fled to Chad, with estimates suggesting that nearly…
United Nations Requests Millions to Assist Earthquake Victims in Bam - 2004-01-06
The United Nations has launched a global appeal for millions of dollars to assist victims of the Bam earthquake and support reconstruction efforts. Over 30,000…
UNICEF Warns About the Situation of Children in Bam - 2004-01-06
UNICEF has raised alarms about the dire situation of children in Bam following a devastating earthquake, highlighting their lack of clothing, exposure to cold, and…
Nazi Baghlari's Report: An Interview with Homayoun Payvar about Engineer Amir Payvar - 2004-01-06
Nazi Baghlari interviews Homayoun Payvar about his father, Engineer Amir Payvar, highlighting his contributions to cinema and political activism. This conversation sheds light on the…
NATO Secretary General's Efforts to Achieve Consensus Among Coalition Members in Afghanistan - 2004-01-06
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer is focusing on expanding NATO's role in Afghanistan to support President Hamid Karzai's government. He also addressed the…
Israeli Justice Minister: Israel Faces Severe Risk of International Isolation
Israeli Justice Minister Yossi Lapid warns that the construction of a security barrier separating Israel from Palestinian territories could lead to severe international isolation. He…
Relocation of the Capital to a Safer Area in Iran - 2004-01-05
The devastating Bam earthquake has reignited the debate over moving Iran's capital from Tehran to a safer location. Officials are considering Isfahan as a potential…
Voice Attributed to Bin Laden: Muslims Should Confront Anti-Islam Conspiracies - 2004-01-05
An audio tape attributed to Osama bin Laden condemns peace efforts in the Middle East and calls on Muslims to fight against anti-Islam conspiracies. The…
New Round of Negotiations on North Korea's Nuclear Weapons Program Will Not Take Place This Month
A new round of negotiations regarding North Korea's nuclear program is unlikely to occur this month due to disagreements between North Korea and the U.S.…
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…
Release of an Islamic Militant Leader Ordered by a Court in Norway - 2004-01-05
A Norwegian court has ordered the release of Mullah Krekar, leader of the Islamic militant group Ansar al-Islam, but he will remain in detention pending…
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…
On This Day, January 3: Alaska Joined the United States - 2004-01-04
On January 3, 1867, the United States acquired Alaska from Russia, marking its entry as the 49th state. This historical event highlights the expansion of…
Tony Blair's Unexpected Visit to Southern Iraq - 2004-01-04
Tony Blair unexpectedly visited British soldiers in southern Iraq, thanking them for their role in the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. He emphasized the importance of…
The Number of Israeli Outposts Recently Dismantled Reaches Six
Israel has dismantled six outposts in recent weeks due to U.S. pressure to stop settlement activities in Palestinian areas. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Defense…
Loya Jirga Representatives Approve New Constitution of Afghanistan - 2004-01-04
The Loya Jirga in Afghanistan has approved a new constitution, concluding intense debates among political factions. This constitution establishes a strong presidential system under interim…
On This Day, January 4: James Hoban's Design for the White House Selected - 2004-01-04
On January 4, James Hoban's design for the White House was chosen. This event is significant as it marks an important moment in American architectural…
Afghans, American Officials, and UN Representatives Hold Closed-Door Talks
Afghan leaders, after a deadlock in constitutional negotiations, held closed-door talks with American and UN officials to resolve their differences. Interim President Hamid Karzai advocates…
Government Forces in Western Sudan Kill Approximately 200 Civilians - 2004-01-03
Government forces in western Sudan are accused of killing about 200 civilians in a Darfur village, leading to mass displacement. The Sudan People's Liberation Army…
Rescuers Pull Elderly Woman Alive from Rubble of Her Home
Rescuers successfully saved a 97-year-old woman from the rubble in Bam, eight days after a devastating earthquake. The Iranian government plans to invest over $2…
Request from the US, Japan, and South Korea in the Second Round of Negotiations - 2004-01-03
The US, Japan, and South Korea are set to demand that North Korea cease all nuclear programs in upcoming negotiations aimed at curbing its nuclear…
The U.S. Increases Efforts to Protect Pervez Musharraf
The U.S. is enhancing its protective measures for Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf after two assassination attempts. This includes providing electronic equipment to disrupt attacks and…
Rally of Supporters of the National Council of Resistance (MEK) in Front of the American Embassy in Berlin - 2004-01-03
Supporters of the National Council of Resistance (MEK) gathered in front of the American Embassy in Berlin to express their views. This event highlights the…
Minister of Information and Security of the Islamic Republic and the Reason for Rejecting the High-Level American Delegation - 2004-01-03
Iran's Minister of Information, Ali Younesi, announced that the country declined a U.S. offer to send a high-level aid delegation due to America's failure to…
More Peacekeepers Needed to Support the Peace Process in Liberia
The UN has called for more peacekeepers to support the peace process in Liberia, having approved the deployment of 15,000 soldiers but only sending 8,000…
Secret Meeting of Afghan Leaders with US and UN Officials - 2004-01-02
Afghan leaders met secretly with US and UN officials to resolve a deadlock over a new constitution draft. Hamid Karzai supports a strong presidential system,…
Rescue Efforts to Save People in Bam from Death Due to Cold and Hunger
Following a devastating earthquake in Bam, Iran, rescue workers are working to prevent deaths from cold and hunger. The Iranian Red Crescent is distributing essential…
Do Dictators Even Care About Human Lives? - Pouya Arjomand
The article questions whether dictators value human lives, particularly in the context of Iran's vulnerability to earthquakes. It argues that the government prioritizes censorship and…