Iran launches Islamic radio service in English

Tehran Times Culture DeskTEHRAN -- The English language department of Iran's Islamic Education radiostation was launched here on Sunday.Expediency Council member Seyyed Ahmad Khatami, manager of the IslamicEducation radio station Mohammad-Hossein Mohammadzadeh, IRIB deputy managerAli Darabi and several officials from the Qom Seminary attended thelaunching ceremony.Khatami made an opening address, in which he said, "It is no exaggeration tosay that our two radio stations, one of which is dedicated exclusively tothe Holy Quran and the other to Islamic teachings, are the pride of thiscountry and I must acknowledge that the great scholars of the Seminary atQom have always praised them."Ali Darabi also spoke at the ceremony, saying, "The Islamic Republic of IranBroadcasting (IRIB) airs programs in 31 languages with the assistance of agreat number of professional personnel. The countries with which we havesigned contracts of bilateral collaboration also draw on the experience ofthese people."Radio deputy manager Hassan Khojasteh, expressing his pleasure over thelaunching of the English department explained, "The world is in dire need ofIslamic teachings to help people find the right path in life, so we mustmake use of this channel as a source of guidance."He continued that the department commenced its work with three hours ofprograms in English covering various issues, adding, "Although digitaltechnology is not yet being used in the production of programs in ourPersian section, the programs in English are all being produced digitally."Khojasteh concluded that the radio station is making use of local expertsfor writing and supervising the programs.RM/MA END MNhttp://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=163582