Today's Iran News (February 3, 2009)

Iran sends domestically-built satellite into space
Iran said today that it had successfully launched its first domestically-built satellite into orbit a move that coincided with the 30th anniversary of Irans Islamic revolution.
The Omid [Hope] satellite was sent into space last night, carried by the Iranian-built Safir-2 space rocket.
Irans President Ahmadinejad said: Today, we must link arms and expand the culture of the correct use of science and technology in the world, which is needed by humankind.
امروز باید دست به دست هم بدهیم و فرهنگ استفاده درست از علم و فناوری در دنیا را که نیاز بشری است گسترش دهیم.
France and Britain expressed concern regarding the launch.
French Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Eric Chevallier, said: The technology is very similar to ballistic capabilities.
However, Irans Foreign Minister Mottaki, reiterated that Irans satellite technology is for purely peaceful purposes.
Hamas leader addresses the Majlis, thanks Irans leaders for helping Gaza
Hamas leader, Khaled Mashaal, addressed Irans parliament [Majlis] in Tehran today, and claimed that Israels withdrawal from Gaza after its 22-day incursion is a de facto admission of its defeat and Hamas victory.
Mashaal characterized Hamas victory as Quranic miracle and called it a victory for Iran too. He thanked Irans leaders for helping Hamas.
During his speech, Mashaal said: Such victories will not be complete if Palestine does not overcome and the holy land is not returned to Palestinian sovereignty and the refugees have not returned.
He vowed that we shall be victorious in liberating our land, regaining Jerusalem, and rendering all the sacred Islamic and Christian sites.
Gaza rocket strikes Israeli town, draws reprisal threats
Palestinian militants in Gaza today fired a rocket into the Israeli town of Ashkelon, causing no casualties but prompting Israel to threaten retaliation.
It was the first rocket fired into Israel since Israel and Hamas announced separate ceasefires on 18 January, ending the 22-day offensive in Gaza.
Israeli Likud Party leader, Netanyahu, who, opinion polls forecast will win next weeks election for prime minister, visited the area afterwards, saying: The only way to remove the rocket threat is to topple the Hamas regime.
The Israeli army warned residents of Rafah, in southern Gaza, that they should leave their homes to avoid being caught in an Israeli air strike.
Meanwhile, a Hamas delegation in Cairo today is expected to deliver the groups response to an Egyptian-brokered long-term truce proposal.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• 2009)