AFP: Shops in Iran have been banned from selling Valentine cards and gifts, the ILNA news agency reported on Sunday, as the traditional lovers’ day gains increasing popularity in the Islamic republic.
Iran shops banned from selling Valentine gifts
Germany urges release of reporters jailed in Iran
Reuters: One hundred German political and business leaders published an appeal to Iran on Sunday to free two German reporters held in Iran since October.
Canada decries rights violations in Iran
AFP: Canada’s top diplomat Saturday denounced Iran for imposing draconian death sentences and unfair jail terms, urging Tehran’s incoming foreign minister to improve the country’s human rights record.
Son of Iranian woman sentenced to death urges clemency
Reuters: The son of Iranian woman Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, sentenced to death by stoning, asked the Iranian judiciary on Saturday to spare his mother’s life.
Egypt bars Iranian activists from Gaza
Reuters: Egypt will allow an Asian aid convoy to enter the Gaza Strip through its Rafah border but has barred Iranian activists from travelling with the convoy for security reasons, Egyptian sources said on Friday.
India may settle Iran oil imports in Dirham, Yen, Asharq says
Bloomberg: India may pay for its oil imports from Iran in yen or the United Arab Emirates’ dirham to avoid straining its relations with the U.S. and the European Union, Asharq al-Awsat said today, citing an Indian official.
India, Iran have not yet resolved oil payments impasse – sources
Reuters: India and Iran have not yet resolved an impasse over settlement of payments, three Indian industry sources familiar with the matter said on Friday, contradicting reported comments by Iran’s deputy oil minister.
India, Iran aim to resolve oil payments impasse
Reuters: Central bank officials from India and Iran were due to meet on Friday to try to keep their oil trade running, with New Delhi aiming to balance its energy needs with global diplomatic interests.
A banking giant’s moral bankruptcy on Iran
Wall Street Journal: HSBC’s glib ad suggests that the Islamic Republic is hospitable to artists, especially women.
Essar Nov oil imports up 7.6 pct y/y, Iran top – trade
Reuters: Essar Oil raised monthly imports from top supplier Iran by over a third in November and may have bought for the first time Lavan and Marum grade from the OPEC member, data from trade sources showed.
