Page 9 - IRANRptFeb19

Rouhani reportedly suggested that the hardliner moves that block citizens’ enjoyment of social media and the internet were pointless as the approach turns applications “into the forbidden fruit, which people crave more”.
"Resisting new technologies and modern developments is an outdated approach," Rouhani stated on public broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).
Iran has blocked nearly all social media in the country, bar apps like Instagram which are now used for a myriad of uses including selling items online. Facebook, Telegram, Twitter and YouTube are just some of the popular foreign apps and websites placed behind the firewall. However, seemingly contrary to the law, top Iranian politicians maintain Twitter accounts. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, for instance, is usually quick to respond to any hostile tweets from the US with some return-fire on Twitter.
Rouhani went on to criticise the state of media in the country, saying “we don’t have free media in the country we only have state television and radio”. "Everything is congested in cyberspace ... everyone wants to say everything in this space since they don't have any other media [they can turn to]," he added.
2.5 Turkish and Iranian presidents hold joint press call after shock Trump announcement on US pullout from Syria
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for a strengthening of efforts to bring peace to Syria after meeting Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani for talks in Ankara on December 20.
Their meeting came one day after US President Donald Trump shocked his own defence officials and allies by announcing that he wanted a "full" and "rapid" withdrawal of US military from the conflict-torn country, declaring that American forces had defeated Islamic State.
"We must intensify our efforts to establish peace in Syria that embraces all Syrians," Erdogan said at a joint press conference with Rouhani after their discussions.
Later on December 20, US Defence Secretary James Mattis announced his resignation with clear references to disagreements with Trump over matters including how he treats allies of Washington.
"We have not and will not allow any organisation that threatens the security and stability of our country or our region," Erdogan added. "Our will is steadfast in continuing and increasing our cooperation with Iran on this issue and neutralising common targets together."
Although Iran, like Russia but in contrast to Turkey, back the Damascus regime headed by President Bashar al-Assad, Rouhani said at the press conference that "Turkey and Iran are in agreement when it comes to preserving the territorial integrity of Syria."
9 IRAN Country Report February 2019 www.intellinews.com