AP: Iranian opposition members say another Iranian diplomat has defected in Europe — this time in Belgium.
Iranian diplomats defect in Finland, Belgium
Ahmadinejad to attend UN disarmament meeting – Ban
Reuters: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad plans to attend a high-level U.N. meeting next week aimed at reviving stalled global disarmament talks, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Monday.
Iran holds Asian reporter for suspicious questions
AP: Iran’s state TV says authorities have detained an Asian reporter for asking suspicious questions about the country’s disputed nuclear program.
Iran bail decision on American stirs backlash
AP: Iran’s internal battles over the handling of American detainee Sarah Shourd flared again Monday as the mouthpiece of the powerful Revolutionary Guard led the backlash against a decision to free her on $500,000 bail.
Iran ayatollahs issue fatwas against Koran-burners
Bloomberg: Two Iranian grand ayatollahs issued fatwas calling for the killing of those who insult the Koran, including anyone who burns the Islamic holy book, the state-run Fars news agency reported.
Iran expert to become top U.N. nuclear investigator
Reuters: The U.N. nuclear watchdog has selected a senior agency expert on Iran to head all of its inspections worldwide, diplomats said on Monday.
Iranian diplomat says he’ll seek asylum in Finland
AP: An Iranian diplomat who quit his job at his country’s embassy in Finland said Monday he will apply for political asylum there.
Comic appeals to save Iran stoning woman
AFP: Controversial French comic Dieudonne arrived in Tehran on Monday planning to plead for clemency in the case of Sakineh Mohammadi-Ashtiani, who has been sentenced to death by stoning for adultery.
To pressure Iran, squeeze Russia and China
Wall Street Journal: European governments have joined the international sanctions effort. But Beijing and Moscow aren’t going along.
Iranian women’s rights activist released on bail
AFP: A vocal Iranian women’s rights activist and journalist, charged with “warring against God”, has been released after posting bail of around 500,000 dollars, an opposition website reported.
