Shahcheraghi had previously said that around 60,000 polling stations have been set up for Friday’s presidential elections.
He added that equipment and facilities have been dispatched to the country’s provinces and necessary measures have been taken to ensure a smooth voting process.
Meanwhile, the elections headquarters said in a statement released on Thursday evening that the polls open at 8 o’clock in the morning. The voters will need IDs to be able to cast their votes at the polling stations, the headquarters stressed.
The presidential elections, scheduled for June 28, come under extraordinary circumstances following the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raeisi and his entourage in a helicopter crash on May 19. The crash occurred in Iran’s northwestern mountainous region, leaving a significant leadership void.
Speaking in a radio interview on Thursday a day after the Iranian National Gas Company (NIGC) and the Russian company Gazprom signed a memorandum of understanding for gas transfer from Russia to Iran, the Iranian oil minister said that the deal with Moscow will sharply increase Iran’s share in the international gas market.
“With this agreement, Iran’s share of trade will rise causing changes in international balances. In other words, the agreement will act as a revolution in the energy and industry scene of the region,” he said.
The bilateral agreement between the holders of 60 percent of the global gas reserves, as clean energy, has been concluded based on mutual interests in the international frameworks and will soon enter the contract and implementation stage, the Iranian said.
“Over the past three months, my colleagues were engaged in talks with Gazprom officials which bore fruit and fortunately led to the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between NIGC and Gazprom in the presence of the Iranian acting president Mohammad Mokhber and the managing director of the Russian company Alexi Miller,” he continued.
Owji said that Iran and Russia sit atop 60 percent of the world’s gas reserves, so signing this MoU is a great achievement with an impact on evolving energy equilibrium in the region. He further said that Iran with its widespread national gas pipeline network and the related infrastructures is fully prepared to take the gas.
The principal framework for gas transfer from Russia to Iran has been on the agenda since a long ago and the late president Ibrahim Raeisi insisted on being finalized, he said adding there is a readiness for changing the MoU into a contract in a short time that will be a turning point for both countries.
Country of 12 million people has seen intensifying protests in recent months over economy’s precipitous decline from one of the continent’s fastest-growing two decades ago to one of its most crisis-stricken
Updated On – 27 June 2024, 05:02 PM
Bolivian President Luis Arce raises a clenched fist surrounded by supporters and media, outside the government palace in La Paz, Bolivia. Photo: AP
La Paz: Armoured vehicles rammed the doors of Bolivia‘s government palace on Wednesday in an apparent coup attempt against President Luis Arce, but he vowed to stand firm and named a new army commander who ordered troops to stand down.
The soldiers later pulled back as supporters of Arce waved Bolivian flags and cheered in a central square.
In a video of Arce surrounded by Ministers in the palace, the Bolivian leader said: “Here we are, firm in Casa Grande, to confront any coup attempt. We need the Bolivian people to organise.”
Arce confronted the general commander of the army — Juan José Zúñiga, who appeared to be leading the rebellion — in the palace hallway, as shown on video on Bolivian television. “I am your captain, and I order you to withdraw your soldiers, and I will not allow this insubordination,” Arce said.
Before entering the government building, Zúñiga told journalists in the plaza: “Surely soon there will be a new Cabinet of Ministers; our country, our State cannot go on like this.” But, he said, “for now” he recognises Arce as commander-in-chief.
Zúñiga did not explicitly say he’s leading a coup, but in the palace, with bangs echoing behind him, he said the army was trying to “restore democracy and free our political prisoners.”
In a message on his X account, Arce called for “democracy to be respected.” It came as Bolivian television showed two tanks and a number of men in military uniform in front of the government palace.
“We cannot allow, once again, coup attempts to take the lives of Bolivians,” he said from inside the palace, surrounded by government officials, in a video message sent to news outlets.
An hour later, Arce announced new heads of the army, navy and air force amid the roar of supporters. Video showed troops setting up blockades outside the government palace.
“I order all that are mobilised to return to their units, said the newly named army chief José Wilson Sánchez. “No one wants the images we’re seeing in the streets.” Soon after troops and armoured vehicles start pulling back from Bolivia’s presidential palace.
The leadership of Bolivia’s largest labour union condemned the action and declared an indefinite strike of social and labour organisations in La Paz in defence of the government.
The incident was met with a wave of outrage by other regional leaders, including the Organization of American States; Gabriel Boric, the president of neighbouring Chile; the leader of Honduras, and former Bolivian leaders.
Bolivia, a country of 12 million people, has seen intensifying protests in recent months over the economy’s precipitous decline from one of the continent’s fastest-growing two decades ago to one of its most crisis-stricken.
The country also has seen a high-profile rift at the highest levels of the governing party. Arce and his one-time ally, leftist icon and former President Evo Morales, have been battling for the future of Bolivia’s splintering Movement for Socialism, known by its Spanish acronym MAS, ahead of elections in 2025.
Iran’s Judiciary chief has called for an end to the discriminatory approaches of international bodies influenced by Western powers towards human rights violations, saying such double standards have weakened the rule of law worldwide.
Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei made the remarks in a meeting with foreign ambassadors and heads of offices of international organizations in Tehran on Wednesday.
He said Iran believes the international community must fight against human rights violators without discrimination and not be swayed by Western powers, who have often exploited human rights as a means to further their own agenda.
“We believe that international institutions and organizations have often acted discriminately and have ignored blatant human rights violations, aligning themselves with the goals of global powers; the same powers that have repeatedly instrumentalized human rights to push their desires and political agenda.”
The Iranian official highlighted the crimes of the Zionist regime in Gaza, expressing dismay that international organizations and human rights bodies have not taken effective measures to halt the atrocities.
“In the Gaza situation, the world has been a witness to the regime’s brutal crimes and acts of genocide against the defenseless people for several months now.”
“It is evident how children and infants are being dismembered by missiles and heavy bombs, and, regrettably, human rights organizations and institutions have yet to act decisively to prevent these heinous crimes.”
Mohseni Ejei also addressed the Western double standard in combating terrorism, exemplified by their long-standing support for the terrorist Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO).
“After the triumph of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, the MKO was responsible for the bloodshed of thousands of our citizens in the streets and markets.”
The Iranian official was referring to a 1981 bombing by the MKO that resulted in the death of over 70 Iranian officials.
“The criminal leaders of the same terrorist group, with this disgraceful record, are under the protection of which countries? Why are these countries not willing to hand over these criminals to us or at least set restrictions against their activities?”
The MKO has perpetrated numerous terrorist attacks against Iranian civilians and government officials since 1979. Of the nearly 17,000 Iranians who have been victims of terrorist attacks over the past four decades, approximately 12,000 have been killed by the MKO’s acts of terror.
The group aligned with Saddam Hussein during Iraq’s imposed war on Iran in the 1980s but lost favor with Baghdad following his overthrow by a US-led invasion in 2003.
The European Union, Canada, the United States, and Japan had previously listed the MKO as a terrorist organization.
In 2012, the group was taken off the US blacklist. The EU followed suit, removing the group from its list of terrorist organizations.
Bagheri Kani made the remarks on a post on his X account on Thursday where he wrote about his meeting with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Republic Samir Sharifov. He described the meeting as fruitful and constructive.
Meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart to open two joint projects was the last measure taken by late Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi and his cabinet members, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, to develop foreign policy, Bagheri Kani wrote.
Tehran and Baku can deepen cooperation as the two enjoy many commonalities, he added.
President Raeisi and his companions including his foreign minister Amir-Abdollahian were martyred after the May 19 helicopter crash in northwest Iran.
The director general of consular affairs of Iran’s foreign ministry Alireza Mahmoudi said in an interview on Thursday that it is the Iranians’ inalienable right to turn out to vote
This is a entirely consular matter, he said, adding that the issue should not be politicized.
Ballot boxes for Iran’s presidential elections will be set up on the border between Canada and the United States following coordination with Iran’s Interest Section in Washington after Canada refused to allow Iranian nationals residing in that country to have ballot boxes in its territory, he said.
Iran’s election for its next president will take place a year early, on June 28, after President Ebrahim Raeisi lost his life in a helicopter crash 40 days ago.
Polling stations will be set up in countries such as Germany, Iraq, the US, and the UK, Mahmoudi said.
Iranian voters can vote in neighboring Iraq, where 24 ballot boxes will be set up, he stated.
The official said that Iran and Saudi Arabia are negotiating to lay the ground for Iranians who are on Hajj pilgrimage in the Arab country.
The diplomatic efforts have not been effective so far, he further pointed out.
Nine train carriages overturned on Wednesday, causing injuries but no fatalities, according to the RIA news agency, citing Russia’s state railroad company.
Updated On – 27 June 2024, 03:10 PM
Moscow: At least 70 people were injured after a passenger train derailed in Russia’s northwestern Komi region, local media reported, citing authorities.
Nine carriages of the train overturned on Wednesday, resulting in injuries, but no deaths were reported in the accident, reported the RIA news agency, citing Russia’s state railroad company.
Emergency services and medical teams have been sent to the location.
Heavy rain was said to be the possible major cause of the accident, Xinhua news agency reported, citing media reports.
The train carrying over 200 passengers was reportedly on its way from Vorkuta, a mining town near the Arctic Circle, to the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk.
Iranian presidential candidate Alireza Zakani waves to his supporters during a gathering at Imam Hossein Square in eastern central Tehran, Iran, on June 26, 2024. (Photo by Tasnim news agency)
Iranian presidential candidate Alireza Zakani has formally pulled out of the country’s presidential race, becoming the second nominee to announce his withdrawal in support of other contenders just a day before the election.
The 58-year-old Zakani, the current mayor of the capital Tehran, made the announcement in a post published on his official X account on Thursday.
He stressed that remaining on the path of late Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi, who passed away in a helicopter crash along with his companions in the northwestern province of East Azarbaijan on May 19, is of much greater significance than his candidacy.
He pleaded with fellow candidates Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Saeed Jalili to unite in order to secure victory for the “Revolutionary Front”.
Earlier, another candidate Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, 53, pulled out from the race. Hashemi is currently serving as the vice president.
The remaining contenders in Iran’s presidential race are Saeed Jalili, a former lead nuclear negotiator, Parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, former interior minister Mostafa Pourmohammadi, and former health minister Masoud Pezeshkian.
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Brigadier General Esmail Gha’ani was speaking in a ceremony held in the capital Tehran on Thursday to commemorate the 40th day of the martyrdom of Raeisi and Amir-Abdollahian, who lost their lives alongside a number of their companions in a tragic helicopter crash in northwestern Iran on May 19, according to Press TV.
Describing the late Iranian foreign minister as “indefatigable and plucky,” Gha’ani said Amir-Abdollahian opened a new era in defense of resistance and was the “sonorous voice” of the resistance front.
The IRGC commander said the words and actions of Raeisi and Amir-Abdollahian proved that the Islamic Republic can “confront major powers,” and “isolate” a heavyweight like the US.
Gha’ani stressed that the efforts of the two figures in the international arena were very effective and managed to safeguard Iran’s authority against child-killing Israel and criminal America.
“These men fought with the US and proved that things can be done without relying on America,” Gha’ani said.
“You should know that those who attribute the resolution of problems to relations with America are the ones who do not want to fight valiantly. If you talk from the position of authority and power, even the US will be forced to comply.”
Amir Saeed Iravani made the remarks in a letter to the head of the UN Security Council and the secretary-general of the United Nations in reaction to the provocative act of Canada on Thursday.
The full text of the letter is as follows:
Excellency,
Upon instructions from my Government, I would like to bring to your attention a blatant violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations committed by the Government of Canada against the Islamic Republic of Iran. In an unlawful, dangerous, and politically motivated action, Canada has designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)—an official and constitutionally-based branch of the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran—as a so-called “terrorist group.” This is not the first time Canada has systematically violated norms, rules, and principles of international law against Iran. Canada has repeatedly breached fundamental principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations which my Country has already been prompted to institute legal proceedings against that Country before the International Court of Justice for grave violations.
The Islamic Republic of Iran condemns in the strongest possible terms this illegal and provocative action by the Government of Canada and considers it a hostile act against the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as a grave threat to regional and international peace and security given the significant role of the IRGC in fighting against terrorism and extremism as well as in preserving peace and stability in our region. This unlawful and irresponsible action constitutes a breach of generally recognized principles of international law and of the Charter of the United Nations, including the well-established principles of sovereign equality and non-interference in internal affairs.
Given the IRGC’s role, tasks, and mandate, which include ensuring maritime safety and security in the Persian Gulf, Sea of Oman, and beyond, the Government of Canada is well aware that its irresponsible and provocative act will heighten tensions and increase the risk of accidents and incidents between IRGC forces and the Canadian armed forces, whether acting independently or as part of the so-called coalition, in the region already facing unprecedented challenges. It is self-evident that Canada—along with the US and those who have publicly supported this internationally wrongful act—will bear full responsibility for all consequences of such reckless behavior.
It is noteworthy that the Iranian armed forces, particularly the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), have consistently played a pivotal role in safeguarding Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, notably during the imposed 8-year war by Saddam’s regime in Iraq against Iran from 1980 to 1988. The role of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, especially Major General Qasem Soleimani, the hero Commander of the Quds Force of the IRGC, who was assassinated by US forces at Baghdad International Airport on 3 January 2020 during an official visit to Iraq at the Iraqi government’s invitation, in battles against the UN Security Council designated terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda, ISIS, the Al-Nusra Front and other terrorist groups in the region, has been widely recognized and commended by affected people and governments in the region.
The armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran are resolute in their commitment to fulfill its regional responsibilities and counter-terrorism efforts, as well as support regional nations and governments, upon request, in their efforts to eliminate foreign-backed terrorist groups. This provocative action taken by the Government of Canada will neither affect nor obstruct this firm determination.
The Islamic Republic of Iran reserves its inherent right to take appropriate countermeasures in accordance with international law in response to this illegal action and serious violation by the Government of Canada.
It would be highly appreciated if the present letter could be circulated as a document of the General Assembly, under agenda item 83, and of the Security Council.
Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.
