Tehran Times
Bushehr nuclear plant operating normally: Russian company


A strong earthquake that struck close to Iran’s only nuclear power plant on Tuesday did not affect the plant and it continues operating normally, according to a spokesman for Russia’s Atomstroy export, a Rosatom subsidiary that completed the construction of the Bushehr plant.
Syrian terrorist group vows allegiance to Al-Qaeda
The leader of a terrorist group fighting on the side of Syria’s foreign sponsored rebels has for the first time pledged allegiance to Al-Qaeda and the terror network’s No. 1, Ayman al-Zawahri.
Eni sees activity in Iran not sanctionable
Eni SpA (E), Italy’s biggest oil and natural gas company by volume, said Tuesday that it doesn’t believe its activities in Iran are sanctionable under current U.S. rules.
Bahrainis hold protests despite crackdown
A large number pf anti-government protesters have staged demonstrations across Bahrain despite the ruling Al Khalifa regime’s heavy-handed crackdown.
China detains 10 for bird flu rumors, death toll at 9
Chinese police detained at least 10 people for spreading rumors about the H7N9 bird flu virus, state media said on Wednesday, as the death toll from the new strain rose to nine.
Gitmo captive’s condition unknown after ‘suicide attempt’ – lawyer
Another detainee stuck in limbo in Guantanamo Bay for over a decade has tried to kill himself in solitary confinement, after being on a desperate hunger strike for 43 days, his lawyer told U.S. media.
Syria opposition leaders invited to London
British Foreign Secretary William Hague has invited the leaders of Syria’s foreign-backed opposition coalition to London in a latest instance of foreign meddling in the domestic affairs of the Arab country.
Iran welcomes progress of African countries: Leader
Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has said that Iran welcomes the development and progress of Africa and unity among African countries.
NAM reiterates call for intl. summit to formulate organized response to terrorism
In a statement read out at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Monday, Iran and other members of the Non- Aligned Movement reiterated their call for an international summit conference under the auspices of the UN to formulate a joint organized response of the international community to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Iran calls for punishment of those behind reported chemical attack in Syria
Iran’s representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has called for the identification and punishment of the groups who have reportedly used chemical weapons in Syria and the suppliers of chemical weapons to these groups.
Iran dismisses Canadian accusation of interference in neighboring countries
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast on Wednesday dismissed Canadian allegations of interference in the internal affairs of neighboring countries, saying that they were not based on the realities on the ground in Iran and the region.

‘North Korea did not ask foreign diplomats to leave’
Iranian police seize over 1 ton of narcotics in northeastern province
Iran’s drug combat squads have seized more than 1 ton of narcotics in the northeastern province of Khorasan Razavi in the current Iranian year (started March 21), a provincial police chief announced on Wednesday.

 
Iran Daily
Bushehr Quake Death Toll Rises to 39
Death toll from a 6.1 magnitude earthquake that hit the southern province of Bushehr has risen to 39, officials said.
Leader: Iran Welcomes African States’ Progress
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in a meeting with Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza underlined Tehran’s positive look at the African countries and its support for their progress.
IAEO Chief: Uranium Enrichment to Be Continued
Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) said the Islamic Republic will not suspend uranium enrichment in its nuclear energy program.
Taliban Peace Envoys at Loose Ends in Qatar
When a handful of Taliban emissaries flew into Qatar on an American plane in 2010, the Obama administration hoped they would help negotiate a peace deal that could stabilize Afghanistan and allow the United States a graceful exit.
G8 to Discuss Iran’s Nuclear Dossier
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said on Wednesday that Iran’s nuclear program is on the agenda of G8 foreign ministers meeting in London.
Africa Remittances Beat Foreign Aid
The African diaspora is a major source of foreign income--so large that it now outstrips foreign aid sent by Western donors.
Terrorist Group in Syria Vows Allegiance To Al-Zawahri
Terrorist group in Syria, Al-Nusra Front formally pledged allegiance to Al-Qaeda leader Ayman Al-Zawahri.
Esteqlal on Top Despite Home Loss
Nawaf Al-Abid’s scrappy first- half goal proved the difference as Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal edged out Iran’s Esteqlal 1-0 at Azadi Stadium on Tuesday to leave all four teams firmly in the hunt for a place in the last 16 of the AFC Champions League from Group D.
NAM, China Urge Global WMD Disarmament
China and the members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in a joint statement demanded total disarmament and elimination of the Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) worldwide.
Iran Ready to Help Solve Korean Crisis
Deputy Foreign Minister for Asia-Pacific affairs Abbas Araqchi voiced Iran’s readiness to help find a peaceful solution to the Korean crisis.
Call for Broader Nicaragua Cooperation
Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi and Nicaraguan Parliament Speaker René Nunez in a meeting in Tehran underlined the need for the further expansion of mutual cooperation between Tehran and Managua.
Police Seize 1 Ton of Drugs
Iran’s drug combat squads have seized more than one ton of narcotics in the northeastern province of Khorasan Razavi in the current Iranian year (started March 21), a provincial police chief announced on Wednesday.
Navy Will Unveil New Achievements on Army Day
Iranian Navy plans to display its latest achievements on the National Army Day next week.
Regional States Cautioned About Covert US Agenda
A senior military commander asked regional states to be watchful of Washington’s covert agenda in the region, and cautioned that the US is seeking to stir tension in region to attain its own interests.