Iran, Algeria strengthening bilateral relations in various fields

With the passing of our beloved Pope the media will most likely be fixated on Vatican City such that unless something blows up we won't be getting any important news. I on the other hand still remember that the world does indeed keep spinning and my eye is trained on our enemies in the Tehran government.

Now, undoubtedly someone will remark in my comments section that Iran has the right to weave a tapestry of allies against any American/Israeli invasion or military strike and that any action on their part is at least partially a retliation against the US for short-sighted and ham-fisted policies against Tehran. Um...OK. When I make mention of these stories it's more just to point them out and to say to anyone within the sound of my virtual voice, "Hey, the pieces on the chess board are moving! Is anyone other than me noticing this?" Iran has the right to defend itself and I have to right to report on it doing so.

I'm not calling for an attack on Iran, China, Venezuela et. al. just yet. While I think the worst is yet to come I also believe there's some time yet before the danger is imminent. There's also the possibility that the EU could actually pull off a diplomatic effort...but I doubt it. In the meantime PC is all about keeping it's eye on the Google News boards and seeing what's cookin'.

This from the Tehran Times:

ALGIERS (IRNA) -- Iran's Defense Minister Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani, during a three-day official visit, conferred with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

Addressing issues of interest, the two sides stressed the significance of strengthening bilateral relations in various fields.

Shamkhani arrived in the Algerian capital on Saturday morning at the invitation of President Bouteflika who is also the country's defense minister.

The Iranian minister, holding his first round of talks with Algerian Interior Minister Nourredine Yazid Zerhouni, cited further cooperation among Islamic states in the fields of defense and security as key to restoration of peace and stability.

Shamkhani said diplomatic relations between Tehran and Algiers in economic, political and cultural fields are at an 'acceptable level' which, in turn, have led to further bolstering of military and defense cooperation.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Shamkhani denounced double standards adopted by the world arrogance toward such issues as terrorism, nuclear energy and human rights which, he said, have escalated security crises in the world.

The Iranian minister stressed that cooperation and convergence among world countries is key to safeguarding security across the world.

Zerhouni described Shamkhani's visit to Algeria as a turning point in defense relations between Tehran and Algiers.

He stressed the Algerian president's determination to upgrade bilateral ties with Iran, particularly in the defense field.

The Algerian minister also highlighted the cultural, historical and ideological affinities which drive the two Muslim countries to boost their defense relations.

Shamkhani and his accompanying delegation on Sunday paid tribute to the Algerian martyrs.

The Iranian minister, on behalf of the Iranian nation and government, laid a wreath of flowers on the tomb of Algerian 'Unknown Martyr' to commemorate the martyrs of this country.

Shamkhani also visited Algeria's National Museum and was briefed on the works and courage of more than 1.5 million Algerian martyrs who dedicated their lives to national independence in the 1950s.

In a short interview with IRNA upon his arrival, Shamkhani voiced pleasure over his visit to Algeria which has a long record of campaign against tyranny and colonialism, saying talks on bilateral ties and exploration of grounds for expansion of ties were among the goals of his visit.