Middle Orient

TEHRAN (FNA) – The fourth most important oil company in the world’s western countries, Total SA , said Wednesday it will continue doing business with Iran and Venezuela and highlighted its good relations with Caracas.

TEHRAN (FNA) – The UN Security Council will revise a draft resolution on new sanctions against Iran over its atomic program and call a vote after the International Atomic Energy Agency issues its report on Iran, Britain’s UN envoy said on Wednesday.

TEHRAN (FNA) – Iranian ministers elaborated on the latest decisions adopted during a cabinet meeting here on Wednesday.

GAZA – Hamas Islamists on Wednesday called for the Arab world to unite against Israel after Hezbollah accused the Jewish state of assassinating one of its founders.

BAGHDAD – Iraqi lawmakers met on Wednesday in an attempt to end a protracted standoff over the 2008 budget and other bills, which has led to some calls for parliament to be disbanded.

OXFORD – Mistakes made in Iraq and Afghanistan should not deter Britain from exercising its moral duty to spread democracy, by military means where necessary, Foreign Secretary David Miliband said on Tuesday.

Iraq’s parliament is deadlocked over passing key legislation, including the 2008 budget. At the same time, the government of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki is under mounting pressure to take advantage of better security to improve the delivery of basic services and speed up reconciliation by pushing through important laws.

TARMIYA, Iraq – Six months ago, the Iraqi town of Tarmiya near Baghdad was a lawless al Qaeda lair, a springboard for launching attacks on the capital.

TEHRAN (FNA) – The 26th Fajr Film Festival ended work here in Tehran on Thursday.

TEHRAN (FNA) – Iranians from different parts of the country congregated in the northwestern city of Zanjan to stage their artistic talent in making snowmen.