Mottaki: G5+1 ignores Iran’s suggestion for talks
Mottaki said in order to break the deadlock that the western countries themselves have created, there must be a political will in that side. Mottaki emphasized that the Group 5+1 does not have an approach of interaction and cooperation with Iran.
"They themselves asked us to accept fuel exchange, but after Tehran Declaration, which was a positive and constructive approach, they did not take a constructive step and issued a resolution against us," said Mottaki.
Oman mediate on release of 2 US men
ILNA: A delegation from Oman is visiting Iran to try to secure the release of two American men imprisoned for illegally crossing the border, the U.S. State Department said Tuesday.
In Washington, State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley gave the first official confirmation that such a visit was taking place. Crowley said the State Department has received no word of any progress in the Omanis’ discussions with Iranian officials, but he said the U.S. appreciates Oman’s efforts.
"The Omanis pledged to continue to help with the release of the two hikers and we’re very grateful for their efforts," Crowley told reporters. "For the details I’ll defer to the Omani government." Earlier Tuesday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Ramin Mehmanparast, hinted that the visit might be taking place.
Asked about the weekend newspaper report, Mehmanparast said only that "delegations from various countries travel to Iran" and vice versa. Mehmanparast also said the two men’s cases were still under investigation by Iran’s judiciary.
Omani officials have not confirmed the delegation’s visit. Shourd’s release by $500,000 bail and on compassionate grounds .
Last week, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad met with Shourd while in New York to attend the U.N. General Assembly.
He told The Associated Press that he hopes Bauer and Fattal will be able to provide evidence "they had no ill intention in crossing the border" so they can be released but that would be up to the judiciary.
Larijani: China can play more effective role in Iran’s nuclear issue
IRNA – China can play a more significant and effective role in Iran’s nuclear issue, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament (Majlis) Ali Larijani said Tuesday evening He made the remark in a meeting with the visiting member of China’s leadership council Li Changchun.
Larijani stressed that no international pressure or threat could ever stop Iran from using its legitimate right of making peaceful use of nuclear energy.
’They (Western states) should talk to the Iranian nation in a different language,’ Larijani said, criticizing West’s approach of using language of force and threat against Iran. Referring to Tehran-Beijing relations, Larijani said parliaments of the two countries could help promote bilateral ties and cooperation between the two capitals.
Meanwhile, the Chinese part said in return, that Beijing would strongly continue its policy of promoting friendly ties and all-out cooperation with Tehran.
He also reiterated China’s support for Iran’s peaceful nuclear program
170 lawmakers criticize president for controversial remarks
TABNAK- In a letter issued on Tuesday, 170 lawmakers censured President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for his latest remarks about the role of Majlis
Ahmadinejad had recently said the statement by the late Imam Khomeini that “Majlis is on top of affairs” was expressed at a time that not president but prime minister, whose candidacy had to be approved by the parliament, was in charge of the executive body.
The letter noted that these statements not only weaken the Islamic democracy and unity among officials, it may also prevent the administration and other government branches from serving the nation or solving their problems properly, Mehrnews reported Tuesday.
It underscored that people and officials expect the president to handle major issues such as creating jobs for the youth, controlling prices of basic commodities, putting a brake on excessive imports, supporting local businesses, and fighting economic and social corruptions.
The letter added that it is necessary that the government fulfill its duty rather than interfering in the affairs of other branches or undermining the status of Majlis which is the main symbol of Islamic democracy.