Brussels - The public mass execution of 29 convicted criminals in Iran was an "affront to human dignity," the European Union said in a statement condemning the move on Tuesday.

The 27-member bloc "condemns in the strongest terms the 29 simultaneous executions which took place in Evin prison, Iran, on Sunday," a statement written by the French government, which currently holds the EU's rotating presidency, and approved by all EU member states, said.

The EU "considers that the Iranian regime's action of staging these executions and making them the focus of media attention is an affront to human dignity," the statement said.

Tehran, July 29 : Stating that Iran has a rig

Tehran, July 29 : Visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee today urged Pakistan to respect and maintain the sanctity of the cease-fire that the two countries had agreed to in November 2003 for the sake of peace, stability and future progress in the composite dialogue process.

Tehran - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Tuesday that the world was entering a "new phase" in which the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) could turn into an alternative to the United Nations Security Council.

Speaking at the 15th NAM foreign ministers' meeting in Tehran, Ahmadinejad once again criticized the UN Security Council for serving the interests of world powers rather than all of its member states.

Tehran, July 28 : India is to lobby for the US-India civil nuclear deal at the Ministerial meeting of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Tehran.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee arrives here a shortwhile ago to attend that meeting which from New Delhi’s point of view is being seen as the final countdown for the voting on India specific safeguards agreement at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) which is set to take place early next month.

Tehran - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad claimed Saturday that the world powers have agreed that Iran could have up to 6000 centrifuges at the Natanz nuclear plant in the centre of the country.

State media quoted Ahmadinejad as saying the five United Nations veto powers plus Germany have said that the operation of 5000 to 6000 centrifuges would be "no problem" and basis for continuing nuclear talks.

According to Ahmadinejad, Iran last April started installation of 6,000 new centrifuges of which, he said Saturday, 5,000 have in the meantime become operational.