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(单词翻译:双击或拖选)
This is IN THE NEWS in VOA Special English.
Iran is observing the thirtieth anniversary of the country's Islamic revolution with a ten-day celebration that began last Saturday. The nineteen seventy-nine revolution forced Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi out of power and made Ayatollah Khomeini the country's leader. The revolution replaced the country's monarchy1 with an Islamic religious government. Between two and three million Iranians left the country during and after the revolution.
An Iranian military member by a picture of the revolutionary founder2, Ayatollah Khomeini near Tehran (file photo)
The revolution was meant to end a repressive rule. Yet pro-democracy reformists say the changes have not brought the freedom and justice for which many had hoped.
The anniversary celebration is called "Ten Days of Dawn." It comes about four months ahead of the nation's presidential elections in June. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is seeking re-election for another four-year term.
Also this week, the country launched its first Iranian-made satellite into space. President Ahmadinejad reportedly called the satellite launch "a message of brotherhood3 and peace" to the world. But the satellite launch caused international concern.
Western nations are concerned that Iran could use the missile technology to launch a nuclear weapon, which Iran is suspected of building. Iran says its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes. The United States government said it will use "all elements" of its national power to deal with Iran.
On Wednesday, diplomats4 from six major powers met in Germany. They discussed steps to take in dealing5 with Iran and its nuclear program. The representatives from France, Germany, the United States, China, Russia and Britain said they would seek a diplomatic solution. They also urged Iran to honor the United Nations demands to stop enriching uranium and open its nuclear program to international inspectors6.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki
Also this week, early results were announced from provincial7 elections held in neighboring Iraq. The results from last Saturday's elections show Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's coalition8 won a strong victory over Shi'ite religious parties. Prime Minister Maliki is Shi'ite. But he has taken action against religious extremist military groups.
Fourteen of Iraq's eighteen provinces voted for ruling councils. It was the nation's first election since two thousand five. United Nations officials were heavily involved in planning the elections, which took place without any major violence. The elections are being seen as a vote on Mister Maliki's leadership ahead of national parliamentary elections to be held later this year.
In Washington, President Obama said the provincial elections were very important. He said they showed that Iraqis are ready to take over more of their own security.
And that's IN THE NEWS in VOA Special English, written by Brianna Blake. Get transcripts9 and MP3s of our programs, and watch Special English on TV, at voaspecialenglish.com. I'm Steve Ember.
1 monarchy | |
n.君主,最高统治者;君主政体,君主国 | |
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2 Founder | |
n.创始者,缔造者 | |
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3 brotherhood | |
n.兄弟般的关系,手中情谊 | |
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4 diplomats | |
n.外交官( diplomat的名词复数 );有手腕的人,善于交际的人 | |
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5 dealing | |
n.经商方法,待人态度 | |
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6 inspectors | |
n.检查员( inspector的名词复数 );(英国公共汽车或火车上的)查票员;(警察)巡官;检阅官 | |
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7 provincial | |
adj.省的,地方的;n.外省人,乡下人 | |
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8 coalition | |
n.结合体,同盟,结合,联合 | |
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9 transcripts | |
n.抄本( transcript的名词复数 );转写本;文字本;副本 | |
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