Following are excerpts from a Press TV report on NY "Granny Peace Brigade" celebrating Iranian New Year, which aired on March 22, 2012 :

Reporter : It's not every day that you see a haft-sin table in the heart of New York City's Times Square, but with the advent of spring and the start of the Persian New Year, Norouz, Wednesday seemed to be the prefect time to celebrate this festive occasion that has been around for thousand of years. The haft-sin, or the "table of seven S's," is, of course, a hallmark of Norouz.

Iranian-American celebrant : We are celebrating the Persian New Year, which is a wonderful time of coming together, of rebirth and renewal, and it is at time like this, when Iran is being so threatened by the Untied States and by Israel…

Reporter : The event was organized by the Granny Peace Brigade, aimed at raising public awareness about the US policies towards Iran, and the misconception the mainstream media has caused regarding the country.

Granny Peace Brigade member : The haft-sin table really evokes real people in Iran taking the time to celebrate the New Year together with their families. We're hoping that the reality and humanity of people celebrating new life and renewal with their families will begin to reach people.

Reporter : Organizers gathered with friends, offering a chair and sweets to anyone who would spare a minute of their day to learn more about Iran and its culture and why ongoing sanctions and talk of war will be disastrous for everyone. A fact sheet about Iran was also handed out. Some of the facts printed were that Iran does not possess a nuclear weapon, and that Iran's oil reserves are the fourth largest in the world, second only to Saudi Arabia in the Middle East, greater than those of Iraq.

Granny Peace Brigade member : We're happy to clear up their misconceptions and misunderstandings about this so-called threat from Iran. We know that Iran is not a threat, except that… It is a very proud country that likes being who it is, and it is not interested in being bossed around by anyone else.

Reporter : A sign showing US military bases across the Middle East was also held by one of the organizers, in a bid to shed light on the high cost of US military expenditures around the world.

Organizers say their message is clear and simple: to demonstrate peace and friendship by offering a window to a people whose lives have been compromised by US sanctions.

The official statement of the Granny Peace Brigade reads: The first day of spring is the time to harness the power generated by the Arab Spring and Occupy movements. Let us all joint together to embark on an international initiative to build a peaceful and just world for all.

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