Iranian Minister Deplores Regional Countries' Stance on Syria
TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi blasted the attitude and policy of certain regional countries towards the crisis in Syria, and said that the so-called 'Friends of Syria' are seeking Israel's friendship rather than being worried about terrorist operations and deaths in Syria. ( 17:22:09 - 2012/04/03)

Lebanese Minister: Anti-Iran Sanctions Not to Affect Tehran-Beirut Ties
TEHRAN (FNA)- Lebanese Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour said that pressures and embargos against Iranian economy will only harm the western countries and Tehran and Beirut will maintain their ties irrespective of sanctions. ( 16:35:45 - 2012/04/03)

Senior Politician Calls for Change in Venue of Talks with World Powers
TEHRAN (FNA)- Expediency Council Secretary Mohsen Rezayee called on Tehran's nuclear and foreign policy officials to change the venue of the upcoming talks with the world powers from Istanbul, Turkey, to another regional capital like Baghdad, Damascus or Beirut. ( 20:38:20 - 2012/04/02)

US Cautions Egypt against Growing Ties with Tehran
TEHRAN (FNA)- US Ambassador to Cairo warned Egypt against resuming relations with Iran after several key Islamist figures were named as presidential contenders for the upcoming elections in the Arab country. ( 19:52:55 - 2012/04/02)

Defense Commission Chairman:
S. Arabia Repeatedly Warned by Iran over Syria
TEHRAN (FNA)- Chairman of the Iranian Parliament's Defense Commission Gholam-Reza Karami said Iran has issued several informal warnings to Saudi Arabia about its interventionist policies on Syria. ( 19:24:44 - 2012/04/02)

Iran Planning to Ink Security Pacts with Central Asia
TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian Interior Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar said Tehran plans to endorse security agreements with the countries of Central Asia this Iranian year (started on March 20). ( 17:59:58 - 2012/04/02)

Ahmadinejad Reiterates Expansion of Ties with Turkmenistan
TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in a letter addressed to Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, stressed the importance of expanding the friendly relations between the two Caspian countries. ( 17:00:52 - 2012/04/02)

Indian PM Likely to Visit Iran in Summer
TEHRAN (FNA)- Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will likely visit Iran later this year, notwithstanding the US frowns on India's continued energy ties with the Islamic Republic. ( 16:52:38 - 2012/04/02)

US Polling Center: Egyptians Want Iran to Replace US as Strategic Partner
TEHRAN (FNA)- A new survey conducted in post-revolution Egypt found that the Muslim nation has an increasingly deep trust and admiration for Iran and wants a replacement of the US with Iran in their country's foreign policy. ( 16:31:20 - 2012/04/02)

Iran Praises Syrian Gov't, Nation for Prudent Undertaking of Reforms
TEHRAN (FNA)- A senior Iranian foreign ministry official praised the "prudent" move by the Syrian government and nation to undertake reforms, and said Iran "would not spare any effort to" support Syria. ( 15:58:32 - 2012/04/02)

MP Blames US for Unrests in Syria
TEHRAN (FNA)- A senior Iranian lawmaker blamed the United States for the start of unrests in Syria, saying that Washington sought to change the Syrian regime after it lost its key ally in the region, Egypt. ( 15:36:47 - 2012/04/02)

Tajikistan May Not Leave Support for Iran against US
TEHRAN (FNA)- Tajikistan's important economic and cultural ties to Iran leave the Tajik government with no doubt about supporting Tehran against the US sanctions. ( 15:35:31 - 2012/04/02)

Iranian Deputy FM Meets Lebanese President
TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian met with Lebanese President Michel Sleiman in Beirut to discuss regional developments and submit a message from Iran's President Ahmadinejad to Suleiman. ( 14:39:54 - 2012/04/02)

Pakistani PM Calls for Stronger Ties with Iran
TEHRAN (FNA)- Pakistani Prime Minister Yousef Raza Gilani asked for stronger ties between Islamabad and Tehran, and announced that Pakistan will purchase 1,100 MW of electricity from Iran in a bid to overcome its energy shortages. ( 20:05:26 - 2012/04/01)