Iranian President rejects Foreign Minister's resignationFebruary 27, 2019 - 13:46 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iranian President Hassan Rohani has rejected Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif's resignation, saying it was “against the country's interests,” RFE/RL reports. "You are trusted by me and the whole Islamic establishment, particularly the supreme leader," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Rohani wrote in a letter to Zarif that was posted on the government's official website on February 27. The president called on his foreign minister to continue his work with "strength" and "courage." Zarif offered to resign in a message posted on Instagram late on February 25, amid mounting pressure from hard-liners who have criticized his role in negotiating a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. The United States pulled out of the deal in May 2018 and reimposed crippling sanctions on Iran, fueling a deepening economic crisis and political infighting in the country. On February 27, Zarif attended a ceremony to welcome Armenia's prime minister to Tehran, the semiofficial ISNA news agency reported. In an Instagram post, the minister thanked Iranian officials and nation for their support, saying he has always been committed to serving the country. "As a modest servant, I have never had any concern but elevating the foreign policy and the status of the foreign ministry," he wrote. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |