Trade concerns mark commemoration

The grim outlook on Iran’s post-sanctions international trade is certainly no reason for the country’s embassy in Jakarta to hold back on any festivities, with the Iranian Ambassador opening his house on Friday evening to commemorate the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Guests were greeted amicably by Ambassador Mahmoud Farazandeh and his wife. Deputy Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Widjajono Partowidagdo, Democratic Party politician Hayono Isman, former women’s empowerment minister Meutia Hatta, former foreign minister Alwi Shihab and noted cleric Umar Shihab were among the dignitaries.

“I think there is not much to talk about the Islamic Revolution that is not known by all of the world,” Mahmoud said during his opening speech. “[The] Islamic Revolution is a cultural revolution that brought peace and justice to the world.”

The 1979 revolution effectively ended a 2,500-year monarchy rule in Iran, overthrowing the then-ruling, US-backed Pahlavi dynasty under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and replacing it with an Islamic republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the revolution.

Iran has been at odds with western countries ever since, with various sanctions imposed over the years.

The latest are the financial sanctions imposed by the United States that are targeting financial institutions that deal with Iran’s central bank in the hope if stemming the country’s oil revenues.

It tightened the sanctions another notch this month, again targeting Iran’s central bank and giving US banks new powers to freeze assets linked to Tehran.

The European Union (EU) has agreed to ban Iranian oil imports, a measure expected to take full effect within six months.

“Despite tremendous pressure, Iran is showing nothing but progress and prosperity,” Mahmoud said.

According to Mahmoud, Iran currently stands as the first among Middle-Eastern countries and 17th in the world, in terms of scientific activities.

“Thirty-two years of embargoes, 32 years of sanctions — and yet 32 years of nothing but pro-democracy movement in our country,” he said to great applause.

Special Persian delicacies were served at the reception and guests were entertained by the performance of a traditional Persian music group who were brought in from Tehran. (mim)