Iran

TEHRAN (FNA)- Foreign investment in Iran’s industries and mining sector has increased 900% from 2005 to 2007, a ministry official said.

TEHRAN (FNA)- The Philippines is raising its level of diplomatic ties with the oil-rich Islamic Republic, as the Department of Foreign Affairs seeks to finalize various agreements on terrorism, transnational crimes, as well as the extradition of criminals and the transfer of sentenced persons.

TEHRAN (FNA)- The Central Bank of Iran plans to lop four zeros off the country’s national currency and rename it to toman, a CBI official said.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran’s deputy Industries and Mines Minister said the country plans to extract 10 tons of gold from 15 mines by the end of the current Iranian year (March 20).

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran has invited Brazil to join the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, according to a Brazilian senior government official.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said Iran’s nuclear issue can only be solved through dialogue and peaceful means, warning against a catastrophe if Iran was attacked.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran’s oil minister held talks with Omani officials and agreed to set up a joint technical committee on development of Kish gas field.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Oil prices closed modestly lower Wednesday as the market focused on demand amid a slowing global economy and signs that OPEC is under pressure to cut supply.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian archeologists have started the third phase of excavations at the country’s ancient Tappeh Shoqali site in the city of Varamin.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran summoned the French charge d’affaires on Wednesday to voice its concern about an anti-Islamic congress to be held in Germany later this month.