Iran

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran’s central bank has begun issuing its own high-denomination paper notes to replace the certified checks issued by private banks which will now be banned.

TEHRAN (FNA)- The crash of a passenger jet outside Kyrgyzstan’s main airport which killed 66 people is being blamed on technical issues.

TEHRAN (FNA)- The organizers of the 12th annual Iran Cinema Celebration held their animation festival in a ceremony that took place on Friday evening at the Aseman Art and Cultural Complex.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Head of Russia’s Federal Atomic Energy Agency Sergei Kiriyenko will visit Iran to finalize the launch date of Bushehr power plant.

TEHRAN (FNA)- OPEC’s oil supply will probably increase in August by 400,000 barrels a day, or 1.2 percent, as Iran releases crude held in storage, according to preliminary estimates from PetroLogistics Ltd.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran’s Experimental and Documentary Film Center (EDFC) managing director lauded Bosnian director Aida Begic for her efforts in making the film “Snow”.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Archeologists excavating Iran’s Sheikhi Abad mound in Kermanshah Province believe the site was home to the earliest human settlers.

TEHRAN (FNA)- The Parseh and Pasargadae Research Foundation plans to restore the structures added to Pasargadae during the different Islamic eras.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi’s Song of Sparrows is slated to be screened at the 2008 Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF).

TEHRAN (FNA)- Tehran has stepped up efforts to secure the release of two Iranian nationals kidnapped in the western Afghan city of Herat.