Break News
– Expectations of Iranian-Egyptian restoration of diplomatic relations, which might lessen regional tension
Press Editorials
– Parliamentarians call for a review of the Russian military presence in Iran following Russian airstrikes in Syria
– Parliamentary elections draft amendment in light of Isfahan deputy, Mino Khaliqi case
Economics
– South Korea increases Iranian oil imports
– An agreement of cooperation between Iran and the Chinese Development Bank
– Plans to turn Iran into the top economic nation in the region in 2025
“Lots of questions about Russian-Iranian cooperation,” Mardemsalari Newspaper handled the Iranian parliamentary discussions about the Russian use of an Iranian air base to launch airstrikes in Syria. This cooperation has faced wide criticism internally and externally. MP, Hashmatullah Flahat Bisha announced yesterday that this step is unconstitutional, adding, “Article 146 of the Constitution forbids the establishment of foreign military bases in Iran.” The editorial asserts that Russia’s use of Nojeh Air Base does not contradict the constitution since it has not become a Russian base. Certainly, the editorial presents Khamenei’s point of view, the only one that can make such decisions but not Rouhani. Another question that rises here, “does the Russian use of the Iranian Base to launch airstrikes in Syria comply with the International law?” In fact, this can’t be considered a violation of the international law since Iran’s Supreme National Security Council had authorized Russia to use the base for the first time since World War II.
“Dramatics for responding to public opinion,” Jehan Sanaat Newspaper ridiculed the Guardian Council resolution that banned the Isfahan deputy, Mino Khaliqi from entering the Iranian parliament on accusations of shaking hands with men although the recently ratified parliamentary resolution, “The Guardian Council cannot impeach any MP after being elected,” which, in fact, cannot be fully implemented because all parliamentary resolutions must be ratified by the Guardian Council. Some MPs abstained from voting on this issue fearing the ban of running the upcoming parliamentary elections by the Guardian Council. According to the constitution, the parliament has the right to take any law rejected by the Guardian Council to the Expediency Council under the condition of Khamenei’s approval who has already opposed Mino Khaliqi’s membership many times. This whole process is just like a play aimed to display the power and dictatorship of Khamenei. In fact, the structure of the Iranian regime is far away from Islamic Shura and western democracy.
“Enhancing popular sovereignty,” Iran Newspaper handled the parliamentary elections draft amendment, which was submitted to the Iranian parliament for ratification, especially, Article 73 paragraph 3, and Article 52. Surprisingly, Reformists combined between Mino Khaliqi’s issue and this draft law, which will hinder the amendment in the case of rejecting proposals in favor of Khaliqi. Perhaps, Reformers did not learn the lesson from Khatami’s experience concerning press laws that ended up with forcing sit-ins to break up dramatically. In fact, reformists should have separated the two drafts through the support of people’s rights away from Khaiqi’s crisis.
♦ Noboukht: Iran will be top economic and scientific nation in the region in 2025
Chief of Management and Planning Commission, Mohammad Baqer Noboukht stated that Iran should turn into a developed country and occupy the top economic, scientific and technical rank in the region in 2025. He asserted that 2020 will be the final stage of the sixth program that focuses on water, environment, employment, social justice, and reducing economic inequality. Noboukht added that this ambitious plan requires economic development and stability, in addition to 8% annual growth rate to achieve.
Source: Abrar Eghtesadi Newspaper
♦ Seven thousand cases against doctors
Head of Medical Systems Commission stated that there are seven thousand cases against doctors for medical malpractice, mainly in gynecology and birth, and general medical care. He asserted that medical errors have increased 9.7% in comparison to last year in Iran.
Source: Iran Newspaper
♦ Three Executions in Ahwaz for accusations of terrorism
Ahwaz Judiciary Department passed execution rules on three people for terrorist actions after killing three Iranian security personnel in addition to attacking the earthquake monitoring center in Hamediah and Rahian Nour.
Source: Asr Iran
♦ Vilaiati: Russian-Iranian cooperation is no surprise
Head of strategic studies center in the Expediency Council, Ali Akbar Vilaiaty stated that the Russia-Iranian cooperation in countering terrorism is normal and no surprise, stressing on the strategic relations between both countries and cooperation in all aspects. Vilaiaty also asserted “Iran now has a new vision for the region, which requires strategic relations with countries like Russia and China.”As for the United States and Israel, Vilaiaty said, “The United states and Israel sought to break down the axis of resistance and hired mercenaries from 80 countries to kill innocent people, leading to the Iranian intervention based on the Syrian government demand.”
Source: Watan News
♦ An Iranian official criticizes water distribution and empty governmental promises
Higher Council of provinces MP, Mujahid Maqsoudi criticized the way of delivering drinking water to Edeh city over 30 years. He said that the transportation of water to the city is not difficult, but the government is giving promises with no real action to solve this problem.
Source: ILNA Agency
♦ Chief of Staff stresses on the formation of joint border committees between Iraq and Iran
The Iranian Chief of Staff, General Mohammed Baqeri stressed the importance of the formation of joint border committees between Iran and Iraq in a meeting with Secretary General of the Iraqi National Security, Faleh Faiad in Iran. They both discussed the latest regional conditions and strengthening ties between the two countries.
Source: ISNA Agency
♦ An Iranian MP: No influential governmental action toward the Nuclear Deal
Member of the national security and Foreign Affairs Committee in the Parliament, Hishmatallah Falahat Beeshah, has opposed the plan of developing international relations by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, saying that laws are passed by the Parliament but unfortunately, are not implemented by the government. He added, “The government has not responded to the American offense yet, so what is the point of taking the issue to the parliament again?” Beeshah asserted that the government in obliged to defend people’s rights by law, saying, “Iran is committed to its obligations toward the Nuclear Deal, but the United States and its Western allies are violating their commitments, which requires the government to respond and disclose the practical impacts of the Deal.”Beeshah Concluded, “Revolutionary Slogans are fine, but actions are much better”
Source: Siasat Rooz
♦ Abdullahian: Tehran and Cairo can play a major role in lessening regional tension
Assistant Head of International Affairs in the Shura Council, Amir Abdullahian stated, in a meeting with head of Egyptian Interests Section in Tehran, Khalid Amarah, that Iran and Egypt can play a major role in lessening tension in the Middle East region, stressing on the significance of relations between the two countries and their influential roles on the international level. He also referred to the American presidential elections and the American policies in the region and expressed his willingness to increase cooperation between the Iranian Shura Council and the Egyptian Parliament.
Source: Tasnim Agency
