Category: World

Hundreds of thousands of Iranians have gathered in Tehran to mark the 35th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution that toppled the pro-U.S. shah and brought Islamists to power.

State-run media said millions of people attended similar rallies elsewhere across Iran on February 11.

Many in the crowd in Tehran’s Azadi Square chanted, “Down with the U.S.” and, “Death to Israel,” ahead of a speech by President Hassan Rohani.

In his address, Rohani vowed Iran would continue with what he called peaceful nuclear development and warned outside powers against military action over the Islamic republic’s nuclear program.

“Any threat made against the Iranian nation is unworthy and childish,” Rohani said.

Despite Iran’s recent diplomatic outreach to the West, both the United States and its ally Israel have refused to rule out possible military action over the nuclear issue.

Rohani, a relative moderate in comparison to his more hard-line predecessor Mahmud Ahmadinejead, made a point of reaching out to the West after he took office in August after a landslide election victory.

His initiative saw quick results, with Iran and world powers reaching a landmark nuclear deal in November.

Under the deal, Tehran has agreed to curb uranium enrichment and other nuclear activities in return for the partial easing of international sanctions.

Years of such sanctions have restricted Iranian crude exports and dealt a crippling blow to the economy. Analysts say easing such measures was a key driver of Rohani’s initiative.

Rohani addressed the sanctions issue in his anniversary speech, denouncing them as “cruel” for their effect on ordinary Iranians.

“The sanctions against our nation are cruel, unlawful, and wrong,” Rohani said. “The world cannot continue these sanctions against our nation.”

Rohani also called the nuclear negotiations a “historic test” and pledged Iran would be a reliable partner if the West demonstrates respect and cooperation.

“The nuclear negotiations are a historic test for Europe and the United States,” Rohani said. “In these negotiations, if they act within the framework of the law, in the framework of the Iranian nation’s rights, in the framework of mutual benefits, mutual respect, and cooperati

on, they would hear a positive and appropriate response from Iran and the great Iranian nation.”

Talks between Iran and the world powers are due to resume next week on a longer-term pact aimed at resolving the decade-long standoff over allegations Iran has been trying to develop an atomic weapon.

Iran denies any military element to its nuclear program, instead saying it needs atomic power for energy production and other civilian uses.

In his speech, Rohani also reached out to Iranian young people and pledged that his government was taking action to reduce Iran’s massive inflation.

“During the past six months, we brought down a 43 percent inflation rate to 35 percent,” Rohani said. “God willing, the government will reduce the inflation rate to 25 percent next year.”

The United States and Iran have not had diplomatic relations since 1980, after Washington severed ties in the wake of the 1979 revolution. During that upheaval, the American Embassy in Tehran was seized and U.S.-backed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was toppled.

However, high-level diplomats from the two countries have met repeatedly in recent months as Iran and the world powers pursued a breakthrough on the nuclear issue.

Islamabad, Feb. 07: A member of the team of negotiators representing the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan in peace talks with the Pakistani government has expressed his reservations over the dialogue, saying he won’t be part of further negotiations.
Talks to end the militants’ bloody seven-year insurgency formally kicked off Thursday between a four-member government committee and a three-man Taliban team, amid much scepticism over whether dialogue can yield a lasting peace deal.
The first round of talks ended with both sides charting a roadmap for future negotiations, with the government team proposing that the peace talk be pursued within the framework of the constitution of Pakistan.
However, Maulana Abdul Aziz urged the government on Friday to remove the condition of holding talks under the constitution.
“There would be no problems if our constitution were the Quran and Sunnah. But the Taliban say they do not recognise the prevailing constitution,” Aziz told a press conference in Islamabad. “The people should not be misled into believing that our constitution is Islamic.”
Aziz, who rose to prominence during the 2007 military operation in Islamabad’s Lal Masjid where he is the chief cleric, said Pakistan’s constitution should be replaced by the teachings of the Quran and the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
“That should be the law in Pakistan and until the committee brings this point on the agenda I won’t be part of negotiations,” he told reporters.
He said he would remain part of the TTP’s three-man delegation led by fellow cleric Maulana Sami-ul-Haq, unless told otherwise, but would not come to the negotiating table.
“I won’t participate in talks until they include a clause about the imposition of Islamic law,” he said. (Sources)

Salman Khan is known to be a fitness freak. So on Sunday, on the sets of his upcoming movie ‘Kick’, as he was shooting a funny scene with a female bodybuilder in Mehboob studio, the star was in for a shock of sorts.

There were strong rumours doing the rounds on social networking sites that actor and fitness idol Arnold Schwarzenegger had died. Salman rushed to confirm with the trainers on sets whether this news was true, “It was a funny scene that Salman was shooting when he got to know about Arnold’s death. Him and Sajid (Nadiadwala), both being avid bodybuilding fans, started making inquires with the female bodybuilder who called people in the fitness industry in the USA to check whether Arnold’s death rumors were true. “

However, it turned out to be a hoax, and Salman and Sajid, both relieved, continued shooting for the funny scene in better spirits than they started.

The 9th Renault Star Guild Awards, took place at the National Sports Club of India stadium, Mumbai, honoring the extraordinary achievements in cinema and television in 2013. The event was presented by Renault and Star TV. Renault showcased their SUV, Renault Duster at the event which was appreciated by some of the biggest names in Bollywood. Catch a glimpse of these exclusive pictures.