Melikian

MEMORANDUM **

Heranush Melikian, a native and citizen of Iran, petitions for review of the Board of Immigration Appeals’ (“BIA”) order affirming the Immigration Judge’s (“IJ”) denial of her application for asylum, withholding of removal and relief under the Convention Against Torture (the “Convention”). We have jurisdiction under 8 U.S.C. § 1252 , and we deny the petition.

Melikian contends that the IJ’s adverse credibility determination lacks a valid basis. The record belies this contention. Indeed, the IJ identified numerous inconsistencies and implausibilities within and between Melikian’s testimony and asylum application. Each of these inconsistencies was specifically and cogently described by the IJ, and supported by the record. Since many of these inconsistencies also cast doubt on the events that go to the heart of Melikian’s claim, substantial evidence supports the denial of asylum. See Chebchoub v. INS, 257 F.3d 1038, 1043 (9th Cir.2001).

Because Melikian failed to establish eligibility for asylum, she necessarily failed to meet the more stringent standard for withholding of removal. See Pedro-Mateo v. INS, 224 F.3d 1147, 1150 (9th Cir.2000).

' Substantial evidence…