The Foreign Ministry of the Islamic Republic of Iran once again emphasized the inseparable nature of the three Iranian islands of Abu Mussa, the Greater Tunb and the Lesser Tunb. Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Hassan Qashqawi has rejected the statement issued at the PGCC foreign ministerial meeting concerning the three Iranian islands terming it as repetitive, baseless and unacceptable.

Head of country's Expediency Council in a meeting with head and members of Tehran Chamber of Commerce and Industries stressed Iran's need for wide scale privatization, "in real sense of the word." According to a fax received here at IRNA Head Office from the Public Relations of the Expediency Council, Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani meanwhile asked for the drafting, ratification, and implementation of the country's 5th Development Plan in line with the system's major policies.

Bolivian President Evo Morales, heading a delegation, arrived in Assalouyeh, in this southern province to inspect oil and gas installations of South Pars Project. Several Oil Ministry officials, including Managing Director of National Gas Company Reza Kasaei, and Deputy Oil Minister for International Affairs Noqreh-Kar Shirazi are accompanying the Bolivian president in his Assalouyeh tour. Upon arrival at Assalouyeh airport, the Bolivian president and his accompanying delegation were welcomed by the provincial governor Aboutaleb Shafeqat and several local officials.

Supreme National Security Council Secretary Saeed Jalili said on Wednesday that Lebanon has become a role model for many countries worldwide. “The main reason for Lebanon’s recent achievements in defense and political spheres is the national view of the Lebanese nation,” Jalili told former Lebanese prime minister Omar Abdul Hamid Karami. He called for unity among all Lebanese factions in the face of the enemies’ efforts to undermine the country’s independence. “Lebanon’s success is important for all Muslim states because it is on the frontline of fighting against the Zionist regime,” Jalili stated.

After Iran’s last training session in Kish Olympic stadium in Iran, Daei told the reporters that he has focused all his thoughts on defeating Saudi Arabia and qualifying to the World Cup 2010 in South Africa in September 6. “Although there has been a lot of side issues and controversy around the national team recently, I don’t pay any attention to these marginal things. I am entirely concentrated on my team’s preparation and urge the media to help us in this way,“ Ali Daei told Mehr News Agency.