This column features excerpts from news articles, editorials, commentaries, and interviews of the leading Iranian newspapers and websites. 

JAVAN: Iran’s biggest arch earth-filled dam, Agh Chai, inaugurated

TEHRAN-E EMROOZ: All of a sudden, they (told us) not to release statistics, says Bahmani (central bank governor)  

HAMSHAHRI: Central bank promises to deal with those who disturb banking system 

JAME JAM: Cash subsidies allocated to production sector has not been paid yet: industries, mines, and commerce minister  

KAYHAN: Do not doubt that Libyan revolution is Islamic in nature, head of Tripoli military council says   

IRAN: Private sector’s unprecedented involvement in national economy 

ETEMAD: Salary level should not be below 10 million rials (about $950), Mohsen Rezaii says

SHARQ: Private hospitals cancel deal with supplemental insurances 

FARHIKHTEGAN: Iran will not stop 20% enrichment, atomic energy organization director says

FARHIKHTEGAN: Iran warns NATO against attacking Syria 

MELLATEMA: Leader advises government to clarify ambiguities and answer questions 

JAVAN, in a news report, has quoted Deputy Majlis Speaker Shahabeddin Sadr as saying that reformist groups, 2009 seditionists, and the deviant current form a chain against principlists. Sadr stated that unity was the key to the success of principlists in the previous parliamentary elections, and now the true principlists should become united. 

In a interview with JAM-E JAM, Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi has said foreign policy is determined by the system. Salehi stated that the Foreign Ministry should not have any political inclination toward any particular group or faction and should not be influenced by domestic political issues. However, that does not mean that the ministry does not welcome views expressed by people of different political persuasions. Elsewhere in his remarks, the foreign minister commented on the pro-democracy uprisings in the region and said, “I assure you” that serious efforts have been made by the ministry in this regard. Salehi also said, “We want to make the Westerners understand that Iran is an independent country.” “If they understand this, our issues will be resolved,” he added. 

In an interview with HAMSHAHRI, MP Hassan Sobhaninia of the Majlis Presiding Board has commented on the plan calling for the severance of ties with Britain. On December 19, 2010, the Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Committee voted to completely cut relations with London. The plan was then submitted to the Majlis Presiding Board, but no final decision was made. Asked why the plan has not been put on the agenda of the Majlis Presiding Board, Sobhaninia said the plan has not been discussed at the open session of the Majlis due to some considerations. “We were discussing whether we should cut ties (with London) or downgrade the level of relations,” he added. There were some differences of opinion in this regard, but the final decision which was ratified was to sever ties. Sobhaninia said that the Foreign Ministry and the Supreme National Security Council opposed the severance of ties and believed that the goal can be achieved through downgrading relations. He also stated, “I was among those who agreed with a reduction in the level of relations with Britain.” Sobhaninia added he believes that London’s interference in the internal affairs of the country should not “cause us to make hasty decisions”. He also said that the plan should be revised.