VOA慢速英语2009-IN THE NEWS - Iran Marks the 30th Anniversary of

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

参考例句：

• The monarchy in England plays an important role in British culture.英格兰的君主政体在英国文化中起重要作用。
• The power of the monarchy in Britain today is more symbolical than real.今日英国君主的权力多为象徵性的，无甚实际意义。

2 Founder   

n.创始者，缔造者

参考例句：

• He was extolled as the founder of their Florentine school.他被称颂为佛罗伦萨画派的鼻祖。
• According to the old tradition,Romulus was the founder of Rome.按照古老的传说，罗穆卢斯是古罗马的建国者。

3 brotherhood   

n.兄弟般的关系，手中情谊

参考例句：

• They broke up the brotherhood.他们断绝了兄弟关系。
• They live and work together in complete equality and brotherhood.他们完全平等和兄弟般地在一起生活和工作。

4 diplomats   

n.外交官( diplomat的名词复数 )；有手腕的人，善于交际的人

参考例句：

• These events led to the expulsion of senior diplomats from the country. 这些事件导致一些高级外交官被驱逐出境。
• The court has no jurisdiction over foreign diplomats living in this country. 法院对驻本国的外交官无裁判权。 来自《简明英汉词典》

5 dealing   

n.经商方法，待人态度

参考例句：

• This store has an excellent reputation for fair dealing.该商店因买卖公道而享有极高的声誉。
• His fair dealing earned our confidence.他的诚实的行为获得我们的信任。

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

参考例句：

• They got into the school in the guise of inspectors. 他们假装成视察员进了学校。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Inspectors checked that there was adequate ventilation. 检查员已检查过，通风良好。 来自《简明英汉词典》

7 provincial   

adj.省的，地方的；n．外省人，乡下人

参考例句：

• City dwellers think country folk have provincial attitudes.城里人以为乡下人思想迂腐。
• Two leading cadres came down from the provincial capital yesterday.昨天从省里下来了两位领导干部。

8 coalition   

n.结合体，同盟，结合，联合

参考例句：

• The several parties formed a coalition.这几个政党组成了政治联盟。
• Coalition forces take great care to avoid civilian casualties.联盟军队竭尽全力避免造成平民伤亡。

9 transcripts   

n.抄本（ transcript的名词复数 ）；转写本；文字本；副本

参考例句：

• Like mRNA, both tRNA and rRNA are transcripts of chromosomal DNA. tRNA及rRNA同mRNA一样，都是染色体DNA的转录产物。 来自辞典例句
• You can't take the transfer students'exam without your transcripts. 没有成绩证明书，你就不能参加转学考试。 来自辞典例句