Iranians clone first sheep in Middle East

  It was a win some lose some for Iranian scientists who on Monday claimed to have cloned sheep, said to be the first in Middle East. However, the sheep died minutes after it was born, according to Guardian website.
   The sheep was delivered at Tehran�s Royan Institute, a research centre specialising in fertility issues, after months of unsuccessful cloning attempts also involving cows and mice.
   It died minutes after being born before its creators had the chance to give it a name. But specialists say its birth represents a scientific landmark for Iran and will form the basis for other attempts to produce cloned animals.
   Reza Samani, the Royan Institute�s public affairs officer, said: �We are not yet satisfied with our efforts. We will continue until we produce a clone that survives.�
   �We tried with a cow and the process was almost successful, but the gestation was so long that the mother miscarried. Work with the sheep is at a more advanced level.�
   Iran�s cloning programme has the blessing of the country�s supreme spiritual leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. TNN