Friday, September 16, 2005

Friday's Daily Briefing on Iran

DoctorZin reports, 9.16.2005:

U.N. envoy urges release of Iranian journalist (Ganji)

Reuters:
A United Nations rights investigator on Friday called for the release of dissident Iranian journalist Akbar Ganji, reimprisoned upon discharge from hospital despite poor health after a lengthy hunger strike.

Ambeyi Ligabo, U.N. special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, said Tehran should grant Ganji an "unconditional amnesty". READ MORE
Here are a few other news items you may have missed.
  • Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting reported that President Ahmadinejad will be on CNN for an exclusive interview on Saturday. 11AM PST.
  • F14 Pilot took issue with a recent interview on VOA with Iranian blogger, Hoder.
  • The Times of India reported India Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said: There is no difference in objectives between India and the United States vis-a-vis Iran.
  • Radio Free Europe published an interview with Iran expert, Ilan Berman. Berman said growing Iranian government "activism" throughout both the Middle East and Central Asia poses a major challenge to U.S. interests.
  • ABC News reported that President Bush said Friday that he's confident that the international community will refer Iran to the U.N. Security Council if it does not account for what the United States contends is a record of nuclear deceit.
  • SMCCDI reported that Iranian activists are planning two protest actions on the dates of Friday September 16th and on Saturday September 17th.
  • Yahoo News reported that Ayatollah Jannati said that the US does not deserve Katrina Aid.
  • The Wall Street Journal reported that President Bush hopes to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to toughen his stance on Iran.
  • The Times UK reported that speculation was growing that the Iranian leader planned to propose joint ventures in uranium enrichment with Europe, Russia, China and South Africa to allow a degree of international oversight.
  • ABC News reported that comments by U.S. President George W. Bush have given fresh impetus to Tehran's talks with the European Union.
  • BBC News reported that Iran's president met three leading EU foreign ministers a in the highest-level talks on the subject since his election.
  • CNN reported that western leaders are waiting to hear what Iran's new president will say Saturday at the United Nations about the country's nuclear program.
  • KWQC reported that a 54-year-old sales director plead guilty in Chicago to violating a ban on exporting high technology to Iran.
And finally, More Photos of the NYC Demonstrations: