TEHRAN - President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad here Sunday in a tatement addressing the dignified and courageous nation of Iran referred to some points about the government's firm determination to defend the inalienable national rights to nuclear activity. Meanwhile, the statement, , referred to the concurrence of the Ten-Day Dawn ceremonies and the mourning of Imam Hossein (AS) as a suitable opportunity to stress the close relation between the movement of the Iranian nation and the path of human perfection, the prophets movement, the nation's exclusive features in the field of culture and civilization and its effort towards human perfection. Addressing the nation, it said, "Today, you are the flag-bearer of peace and sustainable tranquility based on justice and spirituality. You are a model for all the world freedom-seeking and justice-seeking nations.
"Your resistance, effort and assistance over the past 27 years has prepared all the grounds for a great leap and establishment of a developed, advanced, powerful and exemplary Islamic community and has opened the route of elevation and progress to all generations." In his statement, the president said that the leaders of several world hegemonic powers who have bowed down to your glory and been disappointed at dealing blows on you attempt to disrupt the progress of the gifted and wise Iranian youth by propaganda, psychological warfare, hue and cry, causing panic and making use of some international bodies. "They have announced that the Iranian nation does not even have the right to conduct research on peaceful nuclear energy. Their excuse for such an illegal move was said to be the possible deviation of Iran towards nuclear weapons.
"This is while despite extensive unprecedented inspection of the country's nuclear installations and installation of numerous cameras, not even the slightest evidence proving such a claim has so far been found. Therefore, the following points should be noticed," added Ahmadinejad. "Peaceful nuclear technology is the best achievement of Iranian youth and scholars, which has not been availed neither by any individual nor by any country, so it cannot be denied. "The extent of its application in industries, agriculture, medicine, environment and energy is such that access to high economic and social aims is impossible without it.
"If we let them deprive us of such a right, in a not-too-far future, we should regret and extend our hands towards the big powers for it. Then what will be our response to the courageous offsprings of the Iranian nation in future for any possible shortcoming? "Without paying attention to their own measures and that of their allies in development of nuclear weapons and power plants, some of which are even members of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors without even joining the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) they intend to interrupt our completely transparent, legal and peaceful activities even research on it under various excuses, unfounded charges and using their influence in some international bodies.
"Iran's government voluntarily suspended its nuclear programs for three years with the aim of confidence building. However, despite full cooperation, the claims of these countries kept increasing day by day instead of appreciating Iran's proper move so that resumption of the measures suspended on a voluntary basis was considered as a great and unforgivable crime.
"Not only did they fail to take a positive step to call off the ban on the nation's legal right, but also announced a new expectation every day. Now they will not be satisfied unless all our nuclear activities and any measure taking our nation one step forward are completely stopped.
"Iran's government volunteered to implement the Additional Protocol merely for confidence building and even cooperated with the UN nuclear watchdog beyond the framework of the law to allow inspection of the country's nuclear installations without the ratification of Majlis.
"This is while, no other IAEA member state has ever agreed with such inspection. Besides, to do away with any excuses, Iran even went so far as declaring its readiness for participation of other countries in the process of its nuclear fuel cycle. However, even this effective and unprecedented proposal did not stop the opposition of the said countries.
"The unlawful approach of these countries assuming themselves to represent all governments and nations proves that their opposition is based on their selfishness and monopolism.
"They keep on pointing to the UN Security Council, which is supposed to safeguard the world peace and security, as a threat for pressurizing the nations and thus question the reputation of the international institutions.
"They are aware that they are not able to take any remarkable and effective step against the interests of the Iranian nation and wish to make us withdraw under political pressure.
"As a servant of the nation, the government considers itself duty-bound to support the noble and courageous people and strongly defend their rights." The president ended his statement by calling on people to participate in the mourning ceremonies commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hossein (AS).
"In particular on Bahman 22, (February 11), the anniversary of the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, you should cry out for your nuclear right, which is not less important than that of nationalization of oil, to let the world hear the request and determination of the Iranian nation. "Meanwhile, the government will comply with its tasks to this end," concluded the chief executive.
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Sunday that demand for nuclear energy is a national resolve and the nation will strongly reach its goal. In a meeting with Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque, President Ahmadinejad said that the negative votes and abstention of governing board's member states to anti-Iran resolution indicated that there is no consensus about Western states allegations against Iran.
He thanked Cuba for the negative vote for the resolution and hoped that upcoming Summit of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) would be held at higher level with groundbreaking outcome. Felipe Perez Roque said that Iran is entitled to produce nuclear energy for civilian use. He said that the Islamic Republic of Iran defends its legitimate right to produce nuclear energy and rights of all the developing nations as well. "Cuba admires Iranian strong determination to defend its rights enshrined by the international convention and stands by Iran," Cuban foreign minister said. Perez Roque extended an invitation from President Fidel Castro to Iranian president to attend upcoming Summit of NAM member states. Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki was also present in the meeting.
Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque said on Sunday that Cuba honors friendship with the Islamic Republic of Iran. In a meeting with Majlis Speaker Gholam-Ali Haddad Adel, Perez Roque said that Cuba supports Iranian legitimate rights in the context of Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). "I've come to Iran to convey the respect and support of Cuban government and nation to Iranian government and nation," Perez Roque said.
Cubai supports Iran's Nuclear Research
"Cuba supports the Islamic Revolution and Cuban government and nation appreciates the solidarity of Iranian nation with Cuba." Perez Roque said that economic relations lag behind diplomatic ties and hoped that the upcoming visit to Havana of Haddad Adel would help boost economic ties.
For his part, Haddad Adel said that US and the Europeans thought that Iran would retreat in the face of intimidation, but, they should know that Iranian nation has experienced the sweet taste of independence and a national resolve has taken shape to defend the right of Iranians to use nuclear energy for civilian purpose.
Majlis speaker said that Iran has been subject to US embargo since the victory of the Islamic Republic Republic in 1979. "The US was under the impression that Iran would not stand a single day without depending upon it, but, Iranian nation made progress and advance in all fields in the past 27 years without (any help from) the US," he declared. "We have learned the lesson of self-reliance from late Imam Khomeini and the current nuclear facility was established during US embargo," Haddad Adel said. He hoped that his upcoming visit to Cuba would serve to develop parliamentary cooperation.
"I would say that there are extensive potentials for Tehran-Havana economic cooperation which have remained idle. Our cooperation should not be exclusive to political field and grounds for economic and cultural cooperation should also be explored," Haddad Adel said. He described Perez Roque's visit to Iran as a positive step forward in boosting bilateral cooperation."You are from a country which ushered in the greatest revolution of the world. That's why you understand Iran," Haddad Adel said. "Iranian nation accords highest esteem to Cuban nation as free nation which stood against US tyranny," stated Haddad Adel.
Gulf Air American Airlines Code Sharing
Manama, Bahrain: Gulf Air (GF) has expanded its existing codeshare agreement with American Airlines (AA), whereby AA will codeshare on two more GF destinations, i.e., Kuwait and Doha via Bahrain.The sale of tickets on this codeshared sectors began from 30 January for travel from 8 February onwards. "This agreement is significant for both the airlines as we were able to build on the successful re-implementation of the AA codeshare agreement at the end of 2004," says Gulf Air Vice President Network Fareed Al Alawi. "We have seen commendable rise in our revenue from AA after the alliance."
"We see this as important development with regard to passenger traffic to and fro these destinations. AA will now be able to leverage its selling ability for US military traffic to the Middle East by utilising GF services as its codeshared partner," adds Fareed Al Alawi. Gulf Air and American Airlines signed the codeshare agreement in 1994, which was expanded in 1998 and now covers flights from Bahrain/Muscat/Abu Dhabi to London–Boston/Miami/Los Angeles/New York/Chicago, Paris–Dallas/Miami/Chicago/New York and, Frankfurt -Dallas/Chicago.
Gulf Air already has codeshare agreements with Thai Airways, BMI, Cyprus Airways, Egyptair, Garuda Indonesia, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, KLM, Olympic Airlines, Oman Air, Qantas Airways, Royal Jordanian Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines and Middle East Airlines.
Record amount raised for charity at 2006 Challenge Match
February 4, 2006, Dubai, UAE Nakheel, the UAE’s leading property developer, raised a record-breaking amount for UAE charities at the 2006 Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa Challenge Match.Nakheel, a key sponsor for the event fourth consecutive year, helped to attract the world's leading players to Dubai who raised an impressive 180,000 Dirhams for the three designated charities Al Noor Training Centre, Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre, and Dubai Centre for Special Needs - more than double the amount of last year’s event
During a thrilling day’s golf in which three of the four world’s top four ranked players participated, Ernie Els joined forces with compatriot Retief Goosen to win the now customary pre-Desert Classic greensomes event. The two South Africans were in imperious form during the nine-hole shoot-out over the Resort Course, combining to fire a 5-under 31 to edge out Ryder Cup pair Thomas Bjorn and Darren Clarke by one shot. The other paring of world number 1 Tiger Woods and former Masters and Open champion Mark O’Mera could have tied for second, but Woods missed his eagle putt on the last.
Nakheel, showcasing it’s Jumeirah Golf Estates development at the event, sponsored both the ‘hole-in-one competition’, and the ‘Birdie, Eagle, and Albatross Challenge’. For every Birdie achieved AED10,000 was raised with AED15,000 offered for each Eagle, and AED20,000 for an Albatross. Nakheel also paid a further AED5,000 for each shot under par (36 strokes) by each competing team. US$1 million was also up for grabs in the hole-in-competition, but unfortunately on this occasion none of the players were able to achieve the phenomenal feat.
Ms Dina Al Jaflah, General Manager, Jumeirah Golf Estates, said: "It’s a shame that on this occasion none of the players were able to achieve a hole-in-one, but that would have been an incredible feat and I’m sure you’ll agree 180,000 Dirhams is a fantastic amount of money which will benefit the three charities enormously. It really was a rare treat to see so many of the world’s best players playing together in this format and I must offer my congratulations to the players for providing such an entertaining day of golf.
“For Nakheel, the Challenge Match was an excellent opportunity to showcase our Jumeirah Golf Estates development, which will feature four world-class championship golf courses, designed by superstars such as Vijay Singh and Greg Norman, within a community featuring a variety of housing opportunities, world-class amenities and premier services. We are just about to break ground on the project so there are some exciting times ahead.”
Foreign Content Policy in Indian Televisions
Ravinder Singh
Media scene in the country has changed drastically over the last decade, ever since the dish and satellite signal systems took over. The consequent ease and facility of downlinking/broadcast resulted in proliferation of TV channels. Transmission signals are now available from all over the globe for telecast. Hitherto, the Cable and Television Network (Regulation) Code 1995 was the only provision available to regulate downlinked TV signals in the country. With a view to ensuring that TV channels operate responsibly and content provided to the viewers is healthy and conforming to times, downlinking guidelines were imperative.
Policy GuidelinesMinistry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, formulated policy guidelines for downlinking all satellite television channels downlinked /received/ transmitted and re-transmitted in India for public viewing. Consequently, no person/entity shall downlink a channel, which has not been registered by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under these guidelines. Henceforth, all persons/ entities providing Television Satellite Broadcasting Services (TV Channels) uplinked from other countries to viewers in India as well as any entity desirous of providing such a Television Satellite Broadcasting Service (TV Channel), receivable in India for public viewership, shall be required to obtain permission from Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in accordance with the terms and conditions prescribed under these guidelines.
Eligibility CriteriaThe entity applying for permission for downlinking a channel, uplinked from abroad, must be a company registered in India under the Indian Companies Act, 1956, irrespective of its equity structure, foreign ownership or management control. It must have a commercial presence in India with its principal place of business in India.
The applicant company must either own the channel or it should have exclusive marketing/ distribution rights for the same, inclusive of the rights to the advertising and subscription revenues for the channel and must submit adequate proof at the time of application.
For down linking one channel, required net worth of the applicant company is Rs. 1.50 crores where as for every additional channel, it would be one crore. The downlinked channel must be licensed or permitted for being broadcast by the regulatory or licensing authority of the country of transmission, proof of which would have to be submitted at the time of application.
News & Current Affairs Channels
No News and Current Affairs channel shall be permitted to be downlinked unless it meets additional conditions i.e. it does not carry any advertisements aimed at Indian viewers; it is not designed specifically for Indian audiences; it is a standard international channel and it has been permitted to be telecast in the country of its uplinking by the regulatory authority of that country.
Registration and Permission
Registration to each channel will be granted for an initial period of 5 years, which is extendable further. The applicant company will be granted permission for one or more years up to a maximum of five years, co-terminus with the registration of the channel.
Registration fee of Rs. 5 Lakhs for each channel has to be paid, for the initial period of five years. Extension beyond five years shall be again for a period of five years at the same rate. Besides registration fee, every company shall pay an amount of Rs. 1 lakh per channel per annum as annual fee. Every channel for downlinking will be registered separately.
Basic ConditionsThe Company permitted to downlink registered channels shall comply with the Programme and Advertising Code prescribed under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.
The sports channels/sports rights management companies having TV broadcasting rights shall share their feed with Prasar Bharati for national and international sporting events of national importance, held in India or abroad, for terrestrial transmission and DTH broadcasting (free-to-air). In case of cricket events, these shall include all matches featuring India and the finals and semi-finals of international competitions. The other events of national importance shall be determined by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in consultation with Ministry of Sports & Youth Affairs, Prasar Bharati and the concerned sports channels/sports rights management companies.
Revenue sharing formula of 75:25 in favour of rights holders without any minimum guarantee/opportunity cost should be applied.
Ensuring Quality of Content
The Union Government shall have the right to suspend the permission of the company/registration of the channel for a specified period in public interest or in the interest of National security to prevent the misuse of the channel. The company shall be bound for immediate compliance of any directives issued in this regard.
The applicant company shall keep a record of programmes downlinked for a period of 90 days and to produce the same before any agency of the Government as and when required.
The applicant company shall provide the necessary monitoring facility at its own cost for monitoring of programmes or content by the representative of the Ministry of I&B or any other Government agency as and when required.
Offences and PenaltiesIn the event of a channel found to have failing to comply with the directions given in the guidelines the permission granted can be revoked and the company disqualified to hold any such permission for a period of five years, apart from liability for punishment under other applicable laws. Further, the registration of the channel shall be revoked and the channel disqualified from being considered for fresh registration for a period of five years.
Besides, in the event of violations by a permission holder and/ or channel, the Government have the right to suspension of the permission of the company and/or registration of the channel and prohibition of broadcast up to a period of 30 days for first violation. For second and third violations, such prohibition of broadcast would be for a period of 90 days and remaining period of permission respectively. For failure to comply with the penalties imposed, permission and /or registration would be revoked and broadcast prohibited for the remaining period of the permission and the violators disqualified to hold any fresh permission and /or registration for a period of five years.
ImplicationsThe fresh guidelines would enable the Government to monitor the programmes and content being downlinked and served/broadcast on channels. These would also put the onus on both the MSO and the TV channel for ensuring the quality of content. Companies whose channels are being downlinked at present have to comply with all formalities of registration of these channels and obtain the necessary permission for downlinking their respective channels under these guidelines within 180 days.
This policy will prove helpful in controlling content being transmitted through satellite either at the point of uplinking or after downlinking.
In the event of any war, calamity/national security concerns, the Government shall have the power to prohibit for a specified period the downlinking/ reception/ transmission and re-transmission of any or all channels.
