Sanctions Not Affecting Iran’s Cultural Programs : Minister

Tehran, Nov 18, IRNA – Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Mohammad Hosseini said Saturday evening that western sanctions against Iran have had no effects on the country’s cultural programs. Referring to the West's anti-Iran sanctions as “useless,” the minister commented on blacklisting Iranian officials by the US and the European Union. It was only a gesture to only influence western public opinions, he noted. According to reports, the EU has blacklisted a total of 77 Iranian officials, including the culture minister, under the pretext of the human rights violation. Speaking on the sidelines of a local ceremony in the Iranian capital, Hosseini told reporters that Iran enjoyed good relations with various countries despite the current sanctions. “Even countries with no common political views with Iran, are interested in Iran's culture and art and are invited to attend its cultural weeks and programs,” said the minister. He added that the invited countries have actively participated in Iran's festivals and cultural programs held both inside and outside the country./end