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Iran dodging deadlines; Europe yet to take a firm stand

Nima Sharif
catoon solanaJust before the 5+1 meeting in Paris on July 11, and the upcoming ‘G8’ summit in Petersburg, Russia, once again Iran’s nuclear standoff takes the center stage at the international scene.

The mullahs’ regime, after receiving the “incentive package” from 5+1 group, once again adapted the old “waist time” tactic and sent the Foreign Minister, Mottaki, and its nuclear negotiator, Larijani to some east-Asian and also European countries to attracted some support.

But as the observers and diplomats say, all parties approached including Russia and China called on Iran in one voice to reply positive to the 5+1 package of incentives, meaning to suspend uranium enrichment.

Iran dodging deadlines; Europe yet to take a firm stand

Incentive Packages

Solana delivered Europes Incentive package to Tehran on June 6.


Just before the 5+1 meeting in Paris on July 11, and the upcoming ‘G8’ summit in Petersburg, Russia, once again Iran’s nuclear standoff takes the center stage at the international scene.

The mullahs’ regime, after receiving the “incentive package” from 5+1 group, once again adapted the old “waist time” tactic and sent the Foreign Minister, Mottaki, and its nuclear negotiator, Larijani to some east-Asian and also European countries to attracted some support.

But as the observers and diplomats say, all parties approached including Russia and China called on Iran in one voice to reply positive to the 5+1 package of incentives, meaning to suspend uranium enrichment.

Last week, Mohammad ElBaradaie, head of International Atomic Energy Agency, warned Iran that the “international community’s patience” is running out.  European diplomats also commented that there is “not much maneuvering room left” and Iran’s answer to the package can be a “turning point” in how the international community would deal with this country.

Iran Ahmadinejad calls for annihilation of Israel

Mahmoud AdmadinejadStop Fundamentalism, July 8, TEHRAN – On Saturday Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran’s hardliner president called on Islamic countries to mobilize against Israel and "remove" the "Zionist regime".

"The basic problem in the Islamic world is the existence of the Zionist regime. The Islamic world and the region must mobilize to remove this problem," said Ahmadinejad at the opening of a two-day regional conference on security in Iraq..

"Today there is a strong will to remove the Zionist regime and implement a legal Palestinian regime all over Palestine. The continued survival of this regime (Israel) means nothing but suffering for the region.

"I am reminding them to stop the crimes of this corrupt government before it is too late, and open the way for a government arising from the votes of the indigenous people of Palestine, all over Palestine."

Bremer: Iran plays a dangerous, very negative role in Iraq

Paul Bremer

Paul Bremer, former Civil Administrator of Iraq


Stop Fundamentalism, July 9 – Paul Bremer, the former Civil Administrator of Iraq in an exclusive interview with the Arabic language television Al-Hurra on July 7 called Iran’s involvement in Iraq a “dangerous and very negative role.”

Bremer who was answering questions said, “Since the outset, Iranians never played a helpful role in Iraq. In the past year, Iran intervened most in the internal affairs of Iraq.”

“Iranians have brought some techniques into Iraq that led to serious damages to British, American and Multi-National forces. Iranians have had the most activity in support of Iraqis who are at war with the MNFI” said Bremer.

About the Iranian intelligence activities in Iraq Bremer stressed, “The Intelligence and Propaganda ministries have been active in Iraq. In some instances, at least when I was the administrator in Iraq, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards sent units to Iraq and occasionally the Qods Corps’ forces were present in Iraq. General Sulaimani who commands the Qods forces, was present in Iraq. It seems to me that Iranian have thus played a dangerous role in Iraq.”

Beckenbauer sees tight final

BERLIN, July 7, 2006 (AFP) – Sunday’s World Cup final here between France and Italy will be a closely-fought affair which could well go to extra-time and even penalties in the view of German legend Franz Beckenbauer.

The player known as "The Kaiser" for his imperial style of play, said that he saw the final as a real 50-50 match-up.

Last orders before France and Italy march on Berlin

France coach Raymond Domenech and his Italian counterpart Marcello Lippi were both gathering their troops on Friday for one last effort aimed at winning the World Cup final in Berlin on Sunday.

Italy have an early advantage in that their 2-0 semi-final win over Germany came on Tuesday, one day before France defeated Portugal 1-0 to join them in the title match.

Lavolpe to stand down as Mexico coach

MEXICO CITY, July 5, 2006 (AFP) – Mexico’s World Cup coach Ricardo Lavolpe is to stand down from the position and instead take up a managerial job in Europe, Mexican Football federation chief Alberto de la Torre said late Tuesday.

World Cup reaches in vain for the stars as veterans bow out

Chris Wright
BERLIN, July 5, 2006 (AFP) – Pele in 1958, Geoff Hurst in 1966, Maradona in 1986, Ronaldo in 2002.

The first three quarters of a century of World Cup action has been marked by the heroics of stars who thrilled and personified a generation.

Pele’s stunning exploits aged 17, when he followed up a hattrick against France with a double in the final over Sweden propelled the man from Tres Coracoes christened Edson Arantes do Nascimento into the history books.

Rome explodes with joy as Italy reach World Cup final

ROME, July 5, 2006 (AFP) – The Italian capital burst into wild celebrations on Tuesday after Italy scored two late goals to beat host nation Germany in the World Cup semi-final.

After watching TV coverage of a tense two hours of play in Dortmund, cries of joy rang out from apartments and cafes in Rome after Fabio Grosso and then Alessandro Del Piero scored the decisive goals to take Italy into Sunday’s final.

Beckenbauer says Klinsmann must stay

BERLIN, July 4, 2006 (AFP) – World Cup organising committee head and former world champion both as player and coach Franz Beckenbauer said Tuesday Jurgen Klinsmann should remain as German coach despite their 2-0 defeat by Italy in the World Cup semi-final in the dying minutes of extra-time.