- Columbia University Aftermath:
- Iranian Foreign Minister Mottaki: At Columbia University the President gained access to “the inner sanctum of liberalism.” and adds: “No foreign statesman has ever had the courage to look the enemy in the eyes and expose him self to the unknown.” Mottaki concludes: “Bush has no choice but to negotiate with Ahmadinejad.
- Iranian parliamentarian and former Ahmadinejad supporter Emad Afrough: If Bush says yes to Mashhad University’s invitation, “I’ll throw eggs and tomatoes at him.”
- Afrough continues: “Ahmadinejad’s speech at Columbia University was a symbol of relative cultural integrity [of academic institutions in the U.S.] and rather than inviting Bush we should establish freedom of thought” in Iran
- Economics:
- By presidential decree, Ahmadinejad convenes a council for the Fifth Development Plan of the Islamic Republic of Iran. More, in English.
- Head of Iran’s stock exchange: Foreign citizens and companies allowed to buy 100 percent of shares in companies registered in Iran.
- Oil ministry exempts most oil companies from privatization.
- Iran imported $2.6 billion in gas, oil during first five months of year.
- Diplomacy:
- Supreme Leader Khamenei: “One should not fear the enemy, but don’t underestimate the enemy either.”
- The anti-American shuttle: Weekly Caracas-Damascus-Tehran flights.
- Ahmadinejad: No more negotiations with U.S., until Washington reverses its positions, changes its approach. Rejects any enrichment suspension.
- Iran ready to help U.S. evacuate Iraq.
- German ambassador in Tehran: Seeks expansion of ties with Iran.
- Dialogue of civilizations? Iran blocks Israel’s participation in int’l games.
- Politics:
- Former Presidential candidate Karrubi: “Those who oppose political party formations are political monopolists.”
- Foreshadowing a new cultural revolution? Supreme Leader stresses that a Hezbollah-i [follower of the party of God – in Iranian context meaning ideological] government has paved the way for “deep cultural initiatives.” More, in English.
- Ettela‘at reports false death rumor of ex-Empress Diba.
- Picture of the Day:
- U.S. donations at work: Under UNICEF’s supervision, Rafsanjani gives gifts to little children.
(Thanks to Ali Alfoneh for his assistance in compiling)
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