Iran calls for establishment of regional UNIMA commission

TEHRAN,Nov. 23 (MNA) -- Mobarak UNIMA, the Iranian branch of Union Internationale de la Marionnette (UNIMA), has proposed that the international puppetry association establish a new commission for regional strategic development. The proposal was presented to the International UNIMA General Secretary Jacques Trudeau during his visit to Tehran earlier this week, Mobarak UNIMA Director Hamidreza Ardalan told on Tuesday. Ardalan has also proposed that Iran play host to the UNIMA congress in 2020. The proposals were warmly welcomed by Trudeau, Ardalan stated. He also said that the proposals will be discussed at the 21st UNIMA Congress and International Puppet Festival, which will be held in Chengdu, China from May 28 to June 4, 2012. The UNIMA is a non-governmental organization affiliated with UNESCO. The Mobarak UNIMA has established offices inthe Iranian provinces of Gilan, South Khorasan, Golestan, Hormozgan and Qazvin. It has recently also set up an office in Deh-Cheshmeh, a village in Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari Province.