Iranian Alert -- January 29, 2004 -- IRAN LIVE THREAD --Americans for Regime Change in Iran

The Iranian Student Movement Up To The Minute Reports ^ | 1.29.2004 | DoctorZin

[DoctorZIn]

IDF: Ron Arad in Iran

January 29, 2004
The Associated Press
The Jerusalem Post

An Iranian delegating visiting Beirut may present findings that place missing aviator Ron Arad in Iran, according to an IDF official on Israel Radio Thursday morning.

The delegation, allegedly attending the welcoming ceremonies for returning prisoners as part of the Israel – Hizbullah swap, includes the younger brother of Iran's spiritual leader Ali Khamenei, and Ali Akbar Mohtashami, an aide to Iran's President and speaker of Iran's parliament.

Khamid Riza Dahakani, an Iranian diplomat stationed in Beirut, said that the delegation was there "to closely follow the negotiations pertaining to the second stage of the deal."

Mohtashami, reiterated Wednesday that missing Israeli airman Ron Arad is not in Iran.

Heading a parliamentary delegation, Mohtashami came to Beirut to participate in an official reception of Lebanese and other Arab prisoners that Israel has undertaken to release as part of an exchange due to take place Thursday.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has declared officially, and more than once, that the Israeli pilot Ron Arad is not in Iran, and that Iran has no information about his fate," Mohtashami said when he arrived at Beirut airport.

There have been persistent rumors that Arad, who bailed out of his plane due to mechanical failure over Lebanon in 1986, was transferred to Iran.

Speaking on Hizbullah's al-Manar television on Wednesday deputy Hizbullah leader Sheikh Naim Kassem denied that Ron Arad is being held in Syria or Iran.

"It is natural that he is in Lebanon where he disappeared" said Sheikh Kassem.

Under the terms of the exchange, Israel is expected to release more prisoners at an unspecified later date in return for information on the fate of Arad.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1075263110549&p=1008596981749

[DoctorZIn]

Iranian held over Nigeria photos

January 29, 2004
BBC News
BBCi

An Iranian has been arrested by Nigerian police for taking photographs of what they say are strategic buildings in the capital, Abuja.

The man is alleged to have taken pictures of sites such as the Supreme Court and the Nigerian National Petroleum Tower.

Nigeria has strict rules on photography and the police are sensitive about public buildings being photographed.

There has been no comment on the arrest from the Iranian embassy.

Investigations going on

National police spokesman, Chris Olakpe, said the man was arrested last week on suspicion of spying on the nation.

Presidential spokeswoman Remi Oyo said: "In his camera he had about 15 shots of important buildings including the Ecowas secretariat and some buildings of foreign countries."

Both said the man was being interrogated.

The Nigerian security agencies are trying to establish whether there is a link between the Iranian and militant Islamic groups or "Talebans" in Yobe and Borno states, northeast of the country.

Ms Oyo said: "Investigations are going on and the government will continue to ensure that we are not drawn into unnecessary chaos of any kind."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/3442035.stm

[PhilDragoo]

Up the Ayatollah, up the revolution, up Khatami.

Stay home.

[nuconvert]

"After many painful years, Iranians have realized the face of the same persecutor behind the reformist and conservative masks. The curtain seems to be fast coming down on the mullahs' political circus."

(I like it.)

Now if they can yank out the stakes and collapse the tent, they'll be in business.

[DoctorZIn]

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