(Thanks to Ali Alfoneh for his compilation)
Politics
- Azad Unversity defends itself against attacks from the Institute of Contemporary Iranian History’s Abbas Salimi-Namin, apparently part of the Ahmadinejad government’s campaign against institutions affiliated with former president Rafsanjani.
- Ahmadinejad visits Mashhad.
- Speaking to a huge crowd in Mashhad, Ahmadinejad says he will explain his comprehensive economic reforms on television soon.
- Adds those who criticize his announced economic reforms are enemies of Iran.
- Hossein Mousavian, just convicted of endangering Iran’s national security, meets Rafsanjani.
- Government spokesman Gholam-Hossein Elham, who earlier refuted rumors of government reshuffle, says he was not aware of the changes in the government which were announced by the Iranian president.
- Elham announced changes in the ministries of Economy and Finance, and Interior.
- New appointments of provincial governors to be announced soon.
- According to E’temad, guarantees have been issued to Iranian parliamentarian Nour al-Din Pir-Moazzen, who currently resides in the U.S. as a defector.
- Ahmadinejad’s office vetoes a cabinet decision to change government employee benefits.
Economy and Trade
- Iranian academic Dr. Hossein Sobhani: “The responsibility of the injustice of inflation lies with those who remain at their top positions regardless of their record of incompetence.”
- Delivering a speech to the Foundation of Housing [Bonyad-e Maskan], Ahmadinejad demands the Foundation relieve the Iranian nation of “pressures when it comes to the housing situation.”
- The Jerusalem Post says the German firm Siemens has sold advanced espionage equipment to the Islamic Republic.
- An old school friend of Ahmadinejad, Mohsen Me’mari, appointed head of the Qadir Investment Enterprise of Bank-e Saderat.
Nuclear Issue
- Chairman of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian parliament says “achievement of nuclear technology is more important than nationalization of oil in Iran.”
- Iran to end testing of new centrifuges in two months.
Diplomacy
- Afghan Foreign Minister condemns sabotage of Iran-Afghanistan ties.
- Hardline Iranian press highlights Arlen Specter’s criticism of Bush on Iran.
- Swiss authorities intend to ignore the protests of “Jewish organizations” to the latest oil and gas deal between the Islamic Republic and Switzerland.
- Foreign Ministry Spokesman dismisses General Petraeus’ comments on Iran’s role in Iraq as “a misunderstanding and misrepresentation of the bitter realities of Iraq.”
- Iraqi ambassador to Tehran says U.S allegations against Iranian involvement in Iraq are “politically motivated.”
- Emir of Qatar to Ayatollah Shahrudi during his visit to Doha: “Nothing can stop the good relations of our countries.”
- Institute for Political Studies in Tehran publishes a ten volume series of documents from the U.S. embassy in Tehran. For more information see: www.ir-psri.com.
- Some students at theological seminaries in Qom stage a demonstration in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanding that Iran sever relations with “countries which insult Islam.”
- Ahmadinejad uses meeting with Senegal’s president to denounce Zionism.
Human Rights and Labor
- Khadijeh Moghadam Women’s rights activist and member of One Million Signatures Campaign Against Discriminatory Laws detained. Radio Farda talked to her sister.
- Imprisoned Iranian civil society activist Emad al-Din Baghi awarded the “Oscar” of British reporters.
Picture of the Day
- Ahmadinejad’s triumphant arrival in Mashhad.
