Iran Daily Brief

What would Erdogan seek in US?

Semantica — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:20:42 +0000

A Mehr News Agency editorial criticizes the visit to the US by Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish Prime Minister. The editorial maintains, “The Turkish government has worked to pave the way for NATO intervention in Syria by sabotaging the political solution to the Syrian crisis… Iran and Egypt have sought political solutions within the quartet committee framework, working to bring the position of countries like Saudi Arabia to their side. A Qatari delegation will soon visit Tehran to negotiate the Syria issue, but Erdogan still emphasizes that a no-fly zone should be imposed over Syria, thus preparing the scene for NATO intervention.”

Two Iranian diplomats declared “personae non grata” by Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Security Ministry

Semantica — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:19:30 +0000

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Ministry of Security issued a statement, according to which Ahmad Hamzeh Dulab and Sohrab Jadidi (Iranian embassy diplomats in Sarajevo) violated Article 41 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic (Relations) and will be expelled from the country. The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied reports that two Iranian diplomats were expelled from Bosnia and Herzegovina and insisted that the two had “completed their missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina and returned to Iran. The accusations are not correct.”

Iran retains right to host IFWLA

Semantica — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:18:03 +0000

The Iranian delegation participating in the annual meeting of the International Federation of Warehousing and Logistics Associations 2013 in China (IFWLA) thwarted an attempt by Western countries to prevent Iran from hosting the International Federation in 2016 on the pretext of sanctions. Federation members confirmed that Iran has every right to host the conference, as a founding member of the Federation.

Saeed Jalili, nuclear negotiator holds press conference following another futile round of nuclear talks with EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton in Istanbul

Semantica — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:16:16 +0000

Key points:

Inalienable right to enrich uranium – We welcome any kind of cooperation within the framework of the NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty) on the condition that Iran’s inalienable right o to use peaceful nuclear energy and particularly the right to enrich uranium is accepted… There is a national consensus inside the country and hopefully, in the course of the upcoming presidential elections, the person who is elected president will defend the Iranian nation’s rights more vigorously.
Turkey’s security – our security – We have friendly and brotherly relations with Turkey. We regard Turkey’s security as our security.

IRGC Public Relations Deputy: IRGC will not support any one candidate, but will help election security

Semantica — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:15:34 +0000

Ramezan Sharif spoke of Iran’s current sensitive situation and the need to carry out all the arrangements to ensure that the epic elections would be held. He stressed that the enemies of the Revolution and the Iranian people are doing all they can to prevent the public from participating in the upcoming elections in an intelligent and revolutionary manner, and to prevent the election of a suitable person who identifies with the highest values of the Revolutionary Leader and the Supreme Leader. He added, “The enemy’s evil schemes” mean that public figures and groups must warn the Iranian public. He referred to the role of the IRGC in protecting the achievements of the Revolution and added that the IRGC would be carrying out its mission during the elections, namely to help secure the elections, but would never support a single candidate or any political movement. The IRGC will not be supporting any one candidate in the elections.

Sharp decline in Iran Shipping Lines revenues

Semantica — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:14:14 +0000

The Managing Director of the Republic of Iran Shipping Lines, Mohammad Hossein Dajmar, has reported a drop in the organization’s revenues, from USD 2 billion to below USD 1 billion. He said that in addition to the sanctions, the global economic crisis has greatly affected global trade, and these are the main reasons for the decline in Iran’s shipping revenues. Dajmar also said that because of Western pressure, Iranian ships cannot fly the Iranian flag, and the Iranian flag is only being flown in some instances. He also pointed out the decline in oil volumes being shipped from Iran to foreign countries, and said that European countries are currently preventing Iranian ships from docking at their ports, and only countries like India and China, with whom Iran has trade relations, are not preventing the docking of Iranian ships.

Detention of persons responsible for human rights coverage for Mokrian news agency extended

Semantica — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:12:20 +0000

Massoud and Khosro Kordpour will be under arrest for two more months. Khosro ended his hunger strike on his family request. One of their relatives said, “It seems that the authorities want to keep them under detention through end of the presidential elections.” Khosro Kordpour was arrested on March 7 in his home by intelligence agents, and Massoud Kordpur, his brother was arrested the following day when trying to establish Khosro’s whereabouts. Khosro Kordpour is the administrator of the Mokrian News Agency, which publishes human rights news in Iran.

Human rights activist arrested

Semantica — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:11:27 +0000

Abdullah Saduki, a resident of Tabriz was arrested by the security forced and sentence to one year in prison on charges of participation in a rally against the security interests of the country. He has evidently been arrested to serve his prison sentence.

More executions

Semantica — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:10:57 +0000

7 prisoners hanged in Rasht prison on charges of drug trafficking.

3 prisoners charged with murder hanged in Rajai Shahr prison
Prisoner hanged in public in Noshahr

Law prohibits women from running for president

Semantica — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:09:09 +0000

Ayatollah Mohammad Yazdi, a member of Iran’s Guardian Council (the vetting body) said, “The law does not allow women to become president.”

Reformist clerical group, Militant Clerics Society, voiced its support for Rafsanjani as a presidential hopeful

Semantica — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:08:17 +0000

The Militant Clerics Society held a meeting on May 16, chaired by former President Mohammad Khatami. The Militant Clerics Society was formed by a group of reformists in March 1988. It was granted legal recognition as a political party in March 1989. Mohammad Khatami is the chairman and Mohammad Musavi-Kho’inia is the deputy chairman of the group.

Fars News Agency: BBC Persian supports seditionist and deviant current in Iranian presidential elections

Semantica — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:07:21 +0000

Fars maintained that “analyzing BBC Persian’s discourse regarding the upcoming presidential elections… We can see that it is acting as the mouthpiece of the sedition (reformists behind the post-June 2009 presidential elections protests, perhaps hinting at BBC’s support for Rafsanjani) and the deviant current (referring to Ahmadinejad’s controversial aide and presidential hopeful Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei)… BBC Persian has expanded its coverage of Iran’s presidential elections and not a single day passes without reports about Iran’s election by this media, which is the enemy of the Islamic Republic.” Fars maintained that BBC Persian uses comments by key opposition figures such as Abolhasan Banisadr (first President of Iran from 4 February 1980 until his impeachment on June 21 1981 by the Majlis).

Hassan Rouhani indicates he may step down in favor of Rafsanjani

Semantica — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:06:33 +0000

Rouhani said, “I am happy that Rafsanjani registered his candidacy, and people should be patient for another 10 days (for the Guardian Council to decide the final candidates), as I think some candidates will step down in favor of other candidates.

“Qom” standing alongside Rafsanjani in elections

Semantica — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:05:43 +0000

In an interview with Asr Iran, Mohsen Ghoruyan, an Islamic philosophy lecturer at Qom Religious Seminary, claimed that “Qom” was standing alongside Hashemi Rafsanjani in the elections, including both experts in religious law and the local residents. He said that Hashemi’s candidacy in the elections was received with great enthusiasm among religious scholars, clerics and religious students, and welcomed with joy by the public in the streets and markets of Qom. According to Asr Iran, although Ghoruyan believes efforts to “sully Hashemi’s image” should not be ignored, he believes that Hashemi will be the next President of Iran. In his view, the situation now is different than in the previous elections, when Hashemi failed to win in political, social and economic terms. The situation is such that citizens are impatiently looking forward to Hashemi being president, and are very happy he decided to join the race. Ghoruyan said that expressions of public joy and enthusiasm are obvious throughout Qom.

Coalition of three will not withdraw for anyone, not even for Jalili

Semantica — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:04:25 +0000

Mohammad Qalibaf’s campaign spokesman referred to statements by Haddad Adel and Velayati about Jalili’s participation in the 2+1 coalition, or the possibility that the coalition may withdraw in favor of Jalili. He said that statements by the two about Jalili’s acceptance do not mean that the coalition has decided to change its structure. If there were any such decision, it would have to be discussed in the coalition council, and this has not yet happened. He said that Haddad Adel has not announced that Jalili is the coalition’s final choice; he only said that if Jalili’s popularity were to increase, he might be one of the coalition’s options. He emphasized that the coalition of three will not withdraw for anyone, not even for Jalili.

Presidential election debates will be aired live

Semantica — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:01:55 +0000

Ezzatollah Zarghami, head of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), said that any televised debates between the presidential candidates will be aired live. Zarghami noted that the IRIB will wait for the Guardian Council’s final announcement on the registered candidates before announcing the details of its election-related programs.

Presidential candidate summoned for interrogation by Intelligence Ministry

Semantica — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:00:19 +0000

Ghasem Sholeh Saadi, a former Majlis deputy and professor of law at Tehran University, who submitted his candidacy for president, was summoned for interrogation at the headquarters of the Intelligence Ministry. He previously spoke with journalists and young reformist activists about the situation in Iran. According to him he was threatened no to speak with journalists, particularly BBC Persian and VOA. Sholeh Saadi was arrested back in 2002 and accused of insulting the Supreme Leader and propaganda against the government. He served his term.

Khamenei ordered house arrest of Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi to keep Iran calm

Semantica — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:59:06 +0000

Gholam Ali Haddad Adel, a presidential hopeful and adviser to the Supreme Leader, said that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei ordered the house arrest of opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karrubi (more than two years) to maintain peace and calm in the country.

400 candidates disqualified for city councils in Iran, 90 of them in Tehran

Semantica — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:57:58 +0000

Hossein Tala, Head of the High Elections Oversight Committee for Islamic Tehran Province City and Village Councils has said that thus far 90 candidates have been disqualified in the City of Tehran and 311 disqualified candidates from towns have filed grievances about the vetting process.

Gholam Ali Haddad Adel: There is no need to confront the whole world; we do not acknowledge the existence of Israel

Semantica — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:04:07 +0000

Presidential candidate Haddad Adel said at a meeting with students that the economy is at the top of the country’s priorities, and added that Iran is currently waging an economic war. The enemy is trying to increase sanctions in various sectors, because Iran is refusing to withdraw from its nuclear program. Regarding foreign policy and the relationship with the US, he said that there is no need to fight all the peoples of the world, since the Islamic Revolution is spreading to other countries not through war but through changes in behavior. Haddad Adel added, “We do not recognize the existence of the Zionist regime and, as Muslims, we cannot accept this injustice, which goes against all international law.”

More tension between Iran and Canada

Semantica — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:02:41 +0000

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyyed Abbas Araqchi responded to the Canadian Foreign Minister’s statement at the Global Dialogue on the Future of Iran, and said that the Canadian government’s efforts to play along with several anti-Iranian elements are significant. The Canadian Foreign Minister’s anti-Iranian comments are irresponsible and unintelligent, and constitute clear interference in Iran’s internal affairs. They are unequivocally condemned by Iran. He recommended that Canada ensure the credibility of the information it obtains about Iran before making such senseless remarks ”and resorting to such cheap statements and actions” against the Iranian people, that are aimed at diverting public attention from Canada’s domestic problems.

SNSC Secretary, EU FP Chief: talks “useful”; date of the next round to be discussed soon

Semantica — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:01:42 +0000

Saeed Jalili, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and European Union Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton have said that their talks (on May 15) were useful and stressed the need to continue their negotiations. Jalili said that he and Ms. Ashton agreed on meeting again to close their ranks on discussed issues… The date of the next round of their talks would be discussed soon.

The 10th round of talks between Iran and IAEA ends in Vienna

Semantica — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:00:19 +0000

Ali Asghar Soltanieh headed Iran’s negotiating team and Deputy Director General, Head of the Department of Safeguards at the IAEA, Herman Nackaerts, headed the agency team. At the end of the talks, Soltanieh and Nackaerts called negotiation “very compressed” and said the talks would continue in the future.

South Korea cuts crude imports from Iran by half in April

Semantica — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:59:28 +0000

According to customs data for South Korea, the country has reduced the volume of oil imports from Iran by 50%. According to the report, oil imports from Iran this April stood at approximately 507,000 tons, whereas last April the oil imports were over one million tons.

Possible rise in prices of milk and dairy products

Semantica — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:58:32 +0000

Market sources have reported the possibility of a 70% increase in food prices, which may lead to the disappearance of some products from Iranian families’ shopping carts.

Prominent union leader flees Iran after receiving death threats

Semantica — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:57:31 +0000

Mansour Osanlou, President of the Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company, who is described by some as “Iran’s Lech Walesa” has warned that the atmosphere in Iran is becoming more repressive “by the day.”
“We were trying to bring unity among various worker groups in order to achieve solidarity or a workers federation. I had become very active in this effort since last year, and it didn’t remain secret from [authorities], who would send me all kinds of messages and threats.”

Guardian Council may extend its five-day deadline for announcing the names of candidates deemed qualified to run for president

Semantica — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:56:49 +0000

A member of the Guardian Council said that it is likely that more than ten presidential candidates will be approved.

Pro-reform online network for election news

Semantica — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:55:14 +0000

Pro-reform Green Movement activists have set up an online network, entitled “25 Khordad net” for news, comments and analyses on the upcoming presidential elections. The network can be accessed through Facebook (www.facebook.com/25KhordadNet) and Youtube (www.youtube.com/25KHORDADNET), and people can send e-mails to address: khordadan@gmail.com.

100 Majlis deputies ask GC not to approve candidacy of Hashemi Rafsanjani (seditionist, too old) and Rahim Mashaei (replaced Islamism with nationalism)

Semantica — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:53:09 +0000

Calling Rafsanjani and Mashaei “seditionists and deviants,” the Majlis deputies asked the Guardian Council (GC), Iran’s election vetting body, to carefully consider Rafsanjani’s and Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei’s eligibility before allowing them to run for president. The letter reads, “The role of certain candidates (Rafsanjani) and their children (Faezeh) in managing the sedition (post-June 2009 presidential election protests) and organizing and unifying the leaders of sedition is not hidden to anyone.” The letter listed Rafsanjani’s “provocative open letter, which fanned the flames of the unrest (in 2009 elections), his insistence on nullifying the results of the election and questioning of the legitimacy of the Guardian Council in the tenth elections” as well as his old age as some of the reasons why the Majlis deputies thought Hashemi Rafsanjani should be disqualified in the vetting process. Referring to President Ahmadinejad’s adviser and close aide, Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei, who is regarded by conservatives as the leader of the deviant current, the Majlis deputies maintained, “On the other hand, the deviant current has risen to capture the highest executive fortress …those who carried out the biggest betrayal against this nation by deviating from the principles of the Islamic Revolution… Those who tried to replace Islamism with nationalism, corruption with principle-ism and alienated the Hezbollah (forces) and gathered the corrupt and the liberals around them.” In this regard, Ahmadinejad was asked what would happen if Mashaei were disqualified. He replied, “Great weather today, and I think this is one of the finest spring days.”

“If he wins the election, Rafsanjani will establish relations with US and set up capitalist economy”

Semantica — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:52:11 +0000

At a meeting with professors and students, Ahmad Bakhshayesh, a member of the Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said that during the eight years that Hashemi Rafsanjani was in power, he was never able to serve the people with the closed group he created around him, and that Iranians would certainly not be willing to repeat the experience. He said that all those plotting the fitna and the reformists are trying to come to power under Rafsanjani’s protection. He stressed that if Hashemi Rafsanjani were to win the election, he would establish relations with the US and base the economy on the principles of capitalism and liberalism.

Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei: We are here to stay

Semantica — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:51:41 +0000

Rahim Mashaei said at a public meeting, “We have come here to stay and to make progress, and we will continue in our joint resolve.” Elsewhere in his remarks, he referred to claims that if elected, he would change the constitution, and said that “these false claims have been published by Zionist and British media, and are completely untrue.” He spoke of his silence over the last two years and said that although he chose to keep completely silent for a long time, he knows what is being planned and at a future date he will reveal what sometimes happened behind the scenes. He stressed his hope that, in the emerging atmosphere, he will be able to reveal many of the issues to the public. Mashaei finally stressed, “We have come to stay and to progress, and patience is required. It will take a long time, but the way is clear. We will make progress together, with resolve. The Spring has come to stay.”

Gholam Ali Haddad-Adel: The registration of certain political figures for the election necessitates more unity than ever among principlists

Semantica — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:50:35 +0000

Haddad-Adel said, “With the recent registrations of certain hopefuls such as Mr. Hashemi Rafasnjani and Mr. Rahim Mashaei for the election, we feel it is more necessary than ever to reach a consensus.” He went on to say, “Principlists need to be more united than ever before, and they are more likely to be united now.” The principlist hopeful also said that due to the diversity of hopefuls among the principlist camp, the Coalition of Three “has agreed to reach a consensus on who should run for president.” The other members of the principlist coalition are former Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Velayati, who is currently a senior advisor to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and Tehran Mayor Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf.

Reaching out: Jalili is first presidential candidate to join social network Google+

Semantica — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:48:41 +0000

Presidential candidate and nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili joined Google+ with 624 followers. Jalili also has a twitter account and a webpage.

Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade leaves for Vietnam

Semantica — Wed, 15 May 2013 08:22:23 +0000

Mehdi will discuss bilateral relations and attend a meeting of the Iran-Vietnam Joint Economic Cooperation Commission from May 14 to 15.

Al Quds Commander announces plans to increase production capacity of Hezbollah missiles to 400km range missiles

Semantica — Wed, 15 May 2013 08:21:31 +0000

In an interview with Al Mayadeen network, a source close to IRGC Quds Forces Commander, Qassem Suleimani, said that the Zionist regime (Israel) cannot harm the strength of Hezbollah through actions similar to those it took in the Damascus suburbs. This source quoted Suleimani as saying, “We will soon increase the production capacity of the resistance’s missiles to 400km.”

Shortage in medications and price surge continues hand in hand with government negligence

Semantica — Wed, 15 May 2013 08:20:32 +0000

Quds newspaper is reporting the steady increase in the dollar rate and its negative impact on the prices of medications and medicine in Iran. The report further states that although sanctions do affect the drug supply to a certain degree, the policy-makers and hospitals in Iran play a significant role, and they are unable to manage the health sector under emergency conditions. If until several days ago citizens were only concerned about special and rare drugs for terminally ill and chronically ill patients, their concern today goes far beyond this. The shortage and price surge for more simple medications such as antibiotics and pain killers, and even anesthetics has caused concern among citizens and physicians. The director of the infectious disease department at one hospital warned against a shortage of antibiotics needed by hospital patients and particularly those in the ICU. According to the manager, the shortage in basic medications coupled with the tremendous increase in the cost of medical expenses have become a major concern for citizens. When turning to pharmacies, hospitals and even doctors, citizens hear, “There are no drugs. There is a shortage. The price has gone up. We are not importing. Look for it on the black market,” etc. This reveals the difficulty in importing drugs and raw materials. Despite this, government officials are not assuming any responsibility and are reporting that everything is normal and coming up roses. The Central Bank, for example, announced that there is no problem allocating foreign currency to import staple products and raw materials for drugs and medical equipment. As such, the Bank Governor reportedly stated in a meeting with Majlis members that subsidized foreign currency would not be allocated for the import of drugs, thereby increasing concern over this issue. In an interview with Asre Iran, Daoud Moradi, who was born in 1975 and who suffers from MS, says that he is a simple worker and must support his family of four on minimum wage and pay for medical expenses for his disease. Due to the increase in the dollar exchange rate, he cannot purchase the imported drugs he needs to take. According to Moradi, for the past eight months, he has not taken the drug, resulting in a progression of his illness. He further claims that the specialists have recommended that he not take any Iranian-made medications.

Ministry of Oil to conduct exchanges of crude oil and liquid gas

Semantica — Wed, 15 May 2013 08:19:54 +0000

The Majlis has voted to allow the Ministry of Oil to conduct exchanges of crude oil and liquid gas in consideration of Ministry debts to Iranian and foreign companies – up to a ceiling of $7 billion.

Caning punishment imposed on individual for criminal activity was carried out in public in the city of Abyek in the presence of law officials

Semantica — Wed, 15 May 2013 08:19:12 +0000

Green Movement activists summoned for questioning and arrested

Semantica — Wed, 15 May 2013 08:18:31 +0000

Javad Abu-Ali and Mohammad Danaei, two Green Movement activists in Khuzestan Province were summoned for questioning by the revolutionary court several days ago and were arrested. No information has been released regarding their condition or whereabouts, which has sparked concern among their family members.

Prison authorities refuse political prisoner in Rajaei Shahr Prison furlough to attend father’s funeral

Semantica — Wed, 15 May 2013 08:18:03 +0000

Mustafa Nili, a student and manager with Mehr newspaper, was charged with insulting the Supreme Leader and was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison.

Tehran Mayor: Iran’s poor management is even more problematic than sanctions

Semantica — Wed, 15 May 2013 08:17:12 +0000

In an interview with Fars News Agency, presidential candidate Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf claimed that poor management is Iran’s main problem, more than sanctions. According to Qalibaf, the sanctions are important, but poor management is even more critical. In order to understand our main problem, we must realistically examine Iran’s position. We have a wealthy country in terms of human capital and energy resources, but look at where we are. We have one of the highest inflation and unemployment rates in the world. Industry, agriculture and national production have weakened. Our economy is acutely dependent on oil. We are subject to international sanctions and statistics on depression, drug addiction and divorce among young people show a significant rise. Only efficient and experienced managers can transform the material and immaterial resources into progress, success and welfare. This is why I am insisting that management is a factor in Iran’s current circumstances.

Ashaq Jahangiri denies reports of his appointment as head of Hashemi Rafsanjani’s election headquarters

Semantica — Wed, 15 May 2013 08:16:21 +0000

No votes for candidates who have shown affinity to US and Britain in the past

Semantica — Wed, 15 May 2013 08:13:58 +0000

At a meeting with senior military commanders, Chief of Staff Hassan Firouzabadi, discussed the upcoming elections. He stated that in order to choose correctly, we must follow the instructions of the Supreme Leader. “Voting in the elections is a religious obligation. We must vote based on intelligence, to open our eyes and choose. We must not vote for candidates who have shown affinity to the US and Britain in the past.”

In the upcoming elections, Iranian people will hand the US and Zionists a death blow

Semantica — Wed, 15 May 2013 08:12:48 +0000

Deputy of Culture and Propaganda in the Supreme Leader’s representative office in the IRGC, Mohammad Ali Assoudi, said that the wise Iranian people do not fear the propaganda of foreign media. He added that in the upcoming elections, the Iranian people will hand the US and Zionists a final crushing blow.

Conservative Alef website affiliated with Ahamad Tavakoli compares and summarizes the economic positions of the leading candidates Jalili, Qalibaf and Hashemi

Semantica — Wed, 15 May 2013 08:11:51 +0000

On sanctions:

Jalili: Iran is today interested in a format that will break the exclusivity and facilitate fortitude that will be accompanied by progress. Sanctions are making Iran stronger and causing it to act more seriously.

Qalibaf: They used to say that the sanctions were harmless, and now they say that the sanctions are paralyzing, that they are the cause of all of the problems. This is an unwise perspective. Intelligence says that the sanctions are not harmless and their being lifted will not resolve all of the problems.

Hashemi: We have no dispute with any country. We cannot develop without relations with the world.

Inflation:

Jalili: His position on this issue is not known.

Qalibaf: inflation is a burden on the citizens. Inflation has created numerous problems and hardships in terms of public welfare.

Hashemi: Inflation can be restrained by increasing production. Inflation can be regulated, but this is not being taken seriously.

Unemployment:

Jalili: His position on this matter is not known.

Qalibaf: Unemployment has become pervasive among residents of all cities. According to Central Bank statistics, the unemployment rate is rising. Iran is struggling with particularly high unemployment among the educated and academics.

Hashemi: The surge in unemployment and economic instability are future threats. Granting allowances to families will not resolve the economic problems, and production in the country will in and of itself become an even bigger problem and result in even higher unemployment.

Hassan Rouhani: Hashemi Rafsanjani told me he would not be running. One of us will drop out by June 14

Semantica — Wed, 15 May 2013 08:10:39 +0000

Mohammad Reza Rahimi, First Vice President, drops out of presidential race

Semantica — Wed, 15 May 2013 08:10:15 +0000

He claims that he would rather continue to work in the government than run in the elections.

Social media campaign heats up

Semantica — Wed, 15 May 2013 08:09:43 +0000

Clash at speech of hard-line presidential candidate, former Health Minister Kamran Bagheri Lankaraniin Qom (photos)

Semantica — Wed, 15 May 2013 08:09:01 +0000

Main problems in country today are in three arenas, in order of importance: economics, foreign relations and behavior of officials

Semantica — Wed, 15 May 2013 08:07:45 +0000

Former Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki, who is running in the upcoming presidential elections, said that this past August, the value of the money in citizens pockets dropped by one-third. During a visit to the city of Shush, Mottaki said that the main problems in the country fall into three categories: economics, foreign relations and the behavior of officials towards each other. The surge in prices this past summer has reduced the purchasing power of citizens by one third, and this is completely unacceptable.