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8 Pages Price 50,000 Rials 1.00 EURO 4.00 AED 42nd year No.13932 Saturday MAY 1, 2021 Ordibehesht 11, 1400 Ramadan 18, 1442

Iran closely watching learn fate at Home appliance Claudio Noce’s Tajikistan-Kyrgyzstan FIBA U19 production increases “Padrenostro” to compete border conflict Page 2 World Cup Page 3 by 36% Page 4 in Fajr filmfest Page 8

Dozens ‘crushed to death’ in See page 3 pilgrimage stampede Deciphering A stampede at a religious festival attended will not give up until the last victim by tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox is evacuated.” Jews in northern Israel has killed at least Zaki Heller, spokesman for the Magen 44 people and injured about 150 early David Adom, said that among the 150 Friday, medical officials said. people who had been hospitalized, six Magen David Adom, the Israeli were in critical condition. bin Salman’s emergency service, said that at least On social media, Benjamin Netanyahu 44 people were killed during the event called it a “heavy disaster” and added: early on Friday, adding “MDA is fighting “We are all praying for the wellbeing of for the lives of dozens wounded, and the casualties.” change of Water, development projects worth over $619m inaugurated - Iranian President Hassan million) in Khuzestan, Mazandaran and Rouhani on Thursday inaugurated three Hormozgan provinces. water supply projects as well as a dam in The projects were inaugurated under tone three provinces through vide conference, the framework of the Energy Ministry’s IRNA reported. A-B-Iran program and also as part of The mentioned projects including a the series of inaugurations made by the water supply project, a water treatment president over the past year and in the plant, a wastewater treatment plant, and cuurrent Iranian calendar year (started a dam were put into operation with a total on March 21). investment of 26 trillion rials (over $619 Continued on page 4 Book on Lorish activist of Iran’s Constitutional Revolution published in Johannesburg TEHRAN - A book on Bibi Maryam Bakh- Soltani-Kharaji has spent 11 years col- tiari, a Lorish Iranian revolutionary and lecting information for writing the book activist of the Constitutional Revolution, translated into English by Shima Elahi. has recently been published in the South As a military commander, Bibi Maryam African capital of Johannesburg. played a distinguished role when Bakhtiari Parichehr Soltani-Kharaji is the writer tribal forces, with the help of modern arms of the book “Sardar Bibi Maryam Bakhtiari” from the German Empire, successfully cap- published by Krown Printers in collabo- tured Tehran in 1909 as part of the rev-

ration with the Iranian Cultural Center olutionary campaign to force the central in Johannesburg, the center announced government to establish democratic reforms. AFP on Thursday. Continued on page 8 Biden’s team is very The IRGC and the army monitoring enemy’s Abbas delays first Palestinian elections anti-Russian in its movements in : Tangsiri in 15 year ideology: Russian TEHRAN— the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps 70 trillion natural gas reserves are available Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has effectively, a cancellation. Navy Force Commander Admiral Alireza Tangsiri in this region, which has doubled its strategic postponed planned parliamentary elections amid a The decision came three months after he is- expert spoke at the “National Persian Gulf and Makran importance and role,” Tangsiri said on the im- dispute over voting in Israeli-annexed East Jerusalem sued a formal decree ordering a vote for the Coast” conference on Thursday and warned the portance of Persian Gulf. al-Quds as well as splits in his Fatah movement and Palestinian legislature on May 22 and a Pales- BY MOHAMMAD MAZHARI enemies that Iran “authoritatively” monitors He noted that the strategic and geopolitical its unpopularity, triggering protests in the occupied tinian presidential election on July 31. Russian expert believes the and controls any movement of the enemy and situations of the Persian Gulf have caused the West Bank and the besieged Gaza Strip. Several demonstrations took place in the Biden administration is an- ships entering the waters of the Persian Gulf. illegitimate presence of some Western powers Abbas told a conference of senior Palestinian occupied West Bank and the besieged Gaza ti-Russian and needs to prove “Today, every ship that enters the Persian and foreign countries. officials on Thursday night that the first Pal- Strip just after Abbas postponed next month’s A Gulf is monitored in the , cit- The general noted, “This important and estinian national elections in 15 years would long-awaited parliamentary vote. its seriousness through sanctions on Moscow. ing the law on channel control, and is forced to strategic position of the Persian Gulf has led be indefinitely delayed. The dispute over East Hundreds of protesters took to the streets in «Biden›s team is very anti-Russian introduce itself,” he said. to some regional challenges, including the fierce Jerusalem al-Quds was reportedly the official the central occupied West Bank city of Ramallah, in its ideology, at the same time thy need The general stressed that the presence of competition in the field of military arms sales rationale for the postponement cited by Abbas located 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of Jerusa- to show their seriousness with anti-Rus- the Islamic Republic in the Persian Gulf region in the region.” in a speech early Friday following the meeting lem al-Quds, late on Thursday to demonstrate sian sanctions to prove they are “more is not merely related to the military field, but According to General Tangsiri, the wrong of Palestinian political factions. against the postponement of legislative elections. effective in a struggle with Moscow” Iran also has a strategic presence in various policies of some countries in the Persian Gulf “Facing this difficult situation, we decided The marchers waved placards as well as na- than Trump,» Stanislav Mitrakhovich economic, political and even cultural sectors in have led to the formation of a kind of market for to postpone the date of holding legislative elec- tional Palestinian flags and chanted slogans from the National Energy Security Fund the national and international domains. sale and trade of arms between trans-regional tions until the participation of al-Quds and its such as “We are looking for a legitimate gov- and the Financial University tells the “Currently, over 62% of the world’s oil reserves and western countries in the Persian Gulf, and people is guaranteed,” Abbas said in the speech ernment” and “The people want the ballot box” Tehran Times. of 730 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, “its position will be challenged in the future.” on Palestinian TV. in al-Manara Square. U.S sanctions on Russia are not 40% of the world’s gas resources equivalent to April 30 marks the Persian Gulf National Day. Most observers see the indefinite delay as, Continued on page 5 limited to political struggles between two powers; it is a competition over economic interest. «Washington will intensify its war Army to set up five field hospitals nationwide Intl. conference against Nord Stream 2 project,» accord- TEHRAN – The Iranian Army will set up ward, ventilators, cardiac monitoring systems, ary Guard Corps (IRGC) doubled the number addresses tourism ing to Mitrakhovich. five field hospitals in the country to offer oxygen generators, and resuscitation rooms, of beds in its affiliated hospitals allocated to Observers say that U.S. policy on services to COVID-19 patients, IRIB reported which offer services to coronavirus patients. the treatment of COVID-19 patients. potentials of Lut Nord Stream 2 is mainly dictated by a on Thursday. The Army, as it is present in various fields, The IRGC-affiliated health and medical bipartisan approach of lawmakers led A 120-bed field hospital built by the Army, can provide significant services to those in- centers are fully prepared to provide the Desert equipped with advanced medical devices to fected with the pandemic with all its might, necessary assistance in the treatment of by Texas Senator Ted Cruz. TEHRAN – Tens of tourism and cultural her- They are insisting on sanctions on all provide services to the people and medical Abdolrahim Mousavi, Commander-in-Chief COVID-19 patients whenever the Ministry staff, was inaugurated on April 24 in of the Army said. of Health announces, IRGC’s health de- itage experts, academia, and researchers dis- companies engaged in the project, even- cussed the lesser-known tourism potentials of tually including German ones. For this province. Earlier this month, due to the rising number partment head Brigadier General Ahmad This field hospital is equipped with an ICU of coronavirus patients, the Islamic Revolution- Abdollahi said. Lut Desert in a two-day online conference that group of lawmakers, especially Cruz, the ended on Friday. U.S. response to Nord Stream 2 boils down The second International Conference on Lut to one aim: A harsh stance against Russia. Desert and Tourism was co-organized by the However European countries, see University of Sistan-Baluchestan and the tour- Nord Stream 2 as strengthening the ism directorate of Sistan-Baluchestan province, EU›s energy security and believe that CHTN reported. U.S. hawkishness on Russia is uncon- Iranian anti- The event aimed to boost tourism across the structive. In the long term, Europe UNESCO-registered desert through both scien- considers the relations with Russia as corona spray tific methods and regional studies, paving the a clear-eyed and cautious step to get way for sustainable development of tourism in rid of America›s hegemony. the province. American policymakers need to unveiled The Lut Desert, widely referred to as Dasht-e Lut acknowledge other powers, including (“Emptiness Plain”), is a large salt desert encircled Russia and . TEHRAN – Iran unveiled a domesti- cally-made spray on Thursday, which by the provinces of and Sistan- Baluchestan, «Without modern and strengthened and South Khorasan. It is the world’s 27th-largest Russia and China, American — actions is used to convert ordinary masks into masks that can kill coronavirus. desert and was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Her- definitively might have been much harsh- itage List on July 17, 2016. er,» the Russia expert emphasizes. «One In addition to masks, this product can also be used on personal protective The vast desert is teemed with giant dunes, shifting can easily remember wars against sands, salt plains, and wind-hewn kaluts, offering and Iraq just one decade ago.» equipment and clothing to prevent the virus from entering the body, which has visitors epic journeys of breathtaking beauty and Now Vienna talks about reviving Iran›s wilderness. It is a destination for people who are nuclear deal (signed in 2015) is going on; been developed by the researchers of Masih Daneshvari Hospital. in search of new adventures; outstanding scenery Iran is negotiating with five powers that and unparalleled serenity. remain in the agreement - , Ger- What sets the coronavirus apart from other viruses is the S protein that when It is considered as one of the top areas in the many, Britain, China, and Russia. world for finding meteorites, thanks to its unique Political pundits believe that China it is eliminated or removed, the virus is virtually inactivated, Jalaleddin Ghanavi, parameters. In recent years, significant finds have and Russia had a crucial role in balancing been made, with the efforts of national and inter- Western powers› demands. research project director said. Continued on page 7 national teams of researchers. Continued on page 5 Continued on page 6 I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y POLITICS MAY 1, 2021

Top Iranian general sends message of condolence to Foreign Minister holds Iraqi counterpart

POLITICAL TEHRAN — Chief of Staff of the Iranian deskArmed Forces Major General Mohammad week-long regional tour Hossein Baqeri sent a message of condolence to Briga- dier General Abdul- Amir Rashid Yarallah regarding the POLITICAL TEHRAN—Iranian For- said, “once again stressed our country’s view desk explosion at Ibn Khatib hospital in Baghdad on Friday. eign Minister Mohammad regarding the political solution being the only In his message, he stated that the news caused him Javad Zarif continued his regional tour by solution to the crisis of Yemen.” “great sorrow and grief.” visiting Oman on Wednesday, April 28 and He added that Iran supports ceasefire and on April 29. Yemeni-Yemeni dialogue. Zarif went to and met with Qatar’s Yemen’s war, which has killed tens of Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, thousands of people since it erupted in 2014, and his Qatari counterpart, Mohammed bin has flared up again in the last two months Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. with a rebel attempt to retake Marib city, the During his meetings with the Qatari officials, government’s last stronghold in the north. Zarif discussed the approaches to the Hormuz Saudi Arabia has suggested a “compre- Peace Endeavor (HOPE) and stressed that hensive” truce and a return to the negotiation “Neighbors are Iran’s priority.” table, which the Houthis immediately refused, “Excellent consultations with my brothers claiming that the country’s blockade must H.H. Emir of Qatar @TamimBinHamad & first be lifted. DPM/FM @MBA_AlThani_ on the expan- accuses Iran of arming the insur- sion of constructive bilateral relations & en- gents and assisting them in creating drones hanced coordination on regional & global ni, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, In a meeting with Fahd bin Mahmoud Al used to invade the kingdom. issues. #HOPE initiative is Iran’s approach Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of Saeed, Deputy Sultan of Oman, the Iranian Tehran rejects the claims, claiming that The top general also expressed his condolences to the to the region. Neighbours are our priority,” the Kurdistan Region, Nechirevan Barzani, Foreign Minister discussed the latest develop- its support for the Houthis is purely political. Iraqi Armed Forces, Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), he tweeted on Monday. President of the Kurdistan Region, and Bafel ments in relations between the two countries ’Positive signs in Kuwait’ the government and the brotherly nation of Iraq, and ’Busy days in Iraq’ Jalal Talabani, Co-President of the Patriotic and regional issues of mutual interest. He then stopped at Kuwait, meeting with expressed his sympathies with the grieving families and Zarif arrived in Baghdad on Monday for Union of Kurdistan. During the meeting, the two sides empha- the Kuwaiti Prime Minister, Sabah Al-Khalid prayed that may God grant patience to them. the second leg of his regional tour and was According to Zarif’s tweet, “extensive sized the distinctive relations between Iran Al-Sabah, discussing HOPE. The tragic incident at Ibn Khatib hospital took place greeted at Baghdad International Airport by consultations” happened at the numerous and Oman based on the will of the leaders of He also met Kuwaiti Foreign Minister in the Diyala Bridge area of the Iraqi capital on April Iraqi deputy Foreign Minister Nazar Khairal- meetings in Iraq. the two countries and their determination to Sheikh Ahmad Nasser. 24, resulted in the death of at least 82 people and the lah, some officials from the prime minister’s ’Iran thanks Oman for having a remove obstacles and speed up the decisions Hormuz Peace Endeavor, or HOPE, is an injury of another 110 citizens. office, Iran’s ambassador to Baghdad, and positive mediatory role in the Iranian taken by the high officials of the two countries. initiative introduced to the world by President Iraq’s Health Ministry said the fire occurred after an some Iranian diplomats in Iraq. foreign affairs’ “Excellent meetings in Muscat w/ Om- Hassan Rouhani in his speech in the United accident caused an oxygen tank to explode. Zarif met with his counterpart Fuad After he visited Qatar and Iraq, Zarif ar- ani friends. Fruitful talks/ w H.H. Fahad Nations General Assembly in September 2019. Hussein. He called for Iraq to play a more rived at the Omani capital of Muscat to discuss bin Mahmoud, FM @badralbusaidi, Royal HOPE provides a platform for the Euro-At- prominent role in the , praised regional and bilateral issues. Min. Numani, former FM Yousuf bin Alawi. lantic community to engage constructively Iran closely watching the Arab country’s importance in the area, He was welcomed by his Omani counter- Focus: Enhanced bilateral, regional & global with Iran and its neighbours, beginning with and expressed Tehran’s hope that Baghdad’s part, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al coordination. Discussed Yemen w/ Omanis inclusive and sustained dialogue at the ex- Tajikistan-Kyrgyzstan role would result in positive developments Busaidi and Iranian Ambassador Ali Najafi. & @abdusalamsalah Next stop: Kuwait,” he pert and semi-official levels. Iran’s ‘Plan of border conflict in the region. According to Iranian Foreign Ministry tweeted on Thursday. Action’ calls for a mix of Track I and Track II In a meeting with Iraqi President Barham spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh, the inten- According to Zarif’s tweet, he also discussed engagement to “find common approaches” tion of Zarif’s visit to Oman is to hold talks on the Yemeni crisis Mohammed Abdul Salam, POLITICAL TEHRAN— Iranian Foreign Ministry Salih on Monday, Zarif emphasized Iraq’s in- on energy protection, freedom of navigation, Tehran-Muscat relations and their cooperation Houthi spokesman. deskspokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said on fluential position in the region while describing arms control, knowledge sharing, conflict pre- on regional issues. In a statement, the Iranian foreign minister Friday that Iran is following the recent border conflicts Iran’s perspective on regional stability, which vention, and non-aggression. between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan with “concern.” has already been introduced to the world in It also calls for the establishment of “joint In his statement, he the context of HOPE. Excellent meetings in Muscat w/ Omani task forces to envision realistic steps to grad- said, “The Islamic Repub- He also met with Ammar Al-Hakim, head friends. Fruitful talks/ w H.H. Fahad bin ually build trust and extend cooperation” in a lic of Iran is following with of the Hikma National Movement, Nouri variety of military-security, economic, cultural, concern the recent clashes Al-Maleki, Leader of the State of Law Coali- Mahmoud, FM @badralbusaidi, Royal Min. science, and humanitarian spheres. Rather in the border areas between tion, Adil Abdul-Mahdi, former Iraqi Prime Numani, former FM Yousuf bin Alawi. than a comprehensive solution, HOPE could Minister, and Qassim Al-Araji, Iraqi National develop into a regularized, confidence-building the two friendly and broth- Focus: Enhanced bilateral, regional & global erly countries of Tajikistan Security Advisor. mechanism that addresses both issue-specific and Kyrgyzstan, which have He then went to the Kurdistan Region to coordination Discussed Yemen w/ Omanis & issues and broader questions about security resulted in the death and meet the leader of the Kurdistan Democrat- @abdusalamsalah Next stop: Kuwait in the Persian Gulf, similar to Cold War-era injury of some citizens of ic Party, Masoud Barzani, Masrour Barza- platforms for ongoing discussion and exchange. both sides.” Khatibzadeh thanked the leaders of the two countries for taking “urgent meas- ures” that have led to the We are at full-blown economic war, says Iranian diplomat cessation of these conflicts POLITICAL TEHRAN — Seyed Rasoul Mohajer, Deputy Stating that Iran has to start signing contracts and implement and stated that Iran is con- deskForeign Minister in Economic Diplomacy, the 25-year Iran-China cooperation plan as soon as possible, fident that the continuation of negotiations between the spoke with state news IRNA on Friday, stating that the United the senior diplomat said that the Chinese are looking for this two countries will lead to the peaceful settlement of any States government and its various entities are trying to close document to become operational soon, and Iran will present border dispute. all of the economic openings in Iran. the operational results of this document soon. The spokesman emphasized that the Islamic Repub- The senior diplomat stated that the interpretation of full- ’Europe’s lack of free will is the reason for less lic of Iran declares its readiness to assist in advancing blown economic war is not an exaggeration. “In recent years, Iran-Europe relations’ the negotiations of the parties and present its legal and all of our Iranian banks and shipping have been sanctioned, The Deputy Foreign Minister stressed that the ministry is technical experiences in this field. and the Americans have tried to prevent any Iranian ships the flagship of supporting and developing foreign relations Clashes between the two sides started on Wednesday from sailing.” and Iran’s relations with Europe. when people from both countries threw stones at each other He explained that the main task of the Ministry of Foreign “We are preparing this document with other neighbouring after installing surveillance cameras at a water facility. Affairs is to direct and balance foreign relations in various countries, including Afghanistan, and it will be finalized and The disputed area is around the Batken region of matters, including economic. signed,” the diplomat said. Kyrgyzstan. He stated that the sweetest fruit of the Islamic Revolution Explaining the reasons for having less relations with Europe According to the local Kyrgyz media, 13 people were is the independence of Iran. than other countries, Mohajer said that this is due to the lack killed, while the Tajik numbers remain vague. “It is no exaggeration to say that the Islamic Republic is of free will in the Europeans. and this resistance of the people has made our diplomats have Dozens have been injured, and according to the Guard- the most independent country in the world. Even the United “This is because Europe owes itself to American policies the upper hand in the Vienna talks. The outlook is positive, ian, more than 800 people awere evacuated from several States is not independent, and its policies depend on the and could not even develop its economic relations with Iran and I hope we will see new openings based on the resistance villages surrounded by the clashes. Zionist regime. In the years after the revolution, the slogan through the INSTEX mechanism,” he remarked. of the people of our country,” the senior diplomat said. of ‘neither the East nor the West’ has been well preserved in He reminded the global community that Iran would not Mohajer believes that Iran has to join two United Nations the country,” he said. forget the countries that kept their relations with the Islamic conventions. Terrorist Financing Convention (CFT), and United Mohsen Rezaei officially ’Iran-China cooperation plan is a symbol of de- Republic during harsh and unjust sanctions. Nations Conventions against Transnational Organized Crime velopment’ ’Biden is following in Trump’s footsteps’ (Palermo Convention) announces presidential He described the 25-year cooperation plan with China Responding to a question about the differences between “These two conventions are a prerequisite for the action candidacy as one of the symbols of the development of relations and the Biden administration and the Trump administration, plan we have agreed with the Financial Action Task Force moderation. the diplomat said that the methods of Trump and Biden are (FATF), and by joining them, we will be removed from the POLITICAL TEHRAN— Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of the “Despite the fact that the enemies sought to provoke public different. Still, there is no difference between how the Islamic FATF blacklist,” the diplomat explained. deskExpediency Discernment Council, officially opinion in this field to consider the signing of this document Republic will encounter the U.S. governments. The Deputy Foreign Minister elaborated that if Iran were announced that he would run for the president on Friday. incorrect. In their view, if the document had been signed with “The Vienna talks are underway now, but the Biden ad- not removed from the blacklist, it would not benefit from the In his statement, he explained that this decade would a European country, there would have been no such media ministration is still following in Trump’s footsteps, but the lifting of sanctions if the sanctions were lifted. be the “last step to the victory of the Islamic Republic and controversy,” Mohajer stated. government has managed to handle the country despite all Mohajer stated, “The FATF has nothing to do with Iranian’s consolidation of successes and independence and freedom Referring to the signing of the 25-year cooperation plan the pressure and oppressive sanctions, and the US has not private accounts. Iran is involved in drafting the Palermo and of the country.” with China, Mohajer said that Iran has already signed such been able to reduce Iran’s oil sales to zero,” Mohajer said. the CFT conventions and is a party to the UN conventions.” He noted that the impe- a document with Russia, and now it’s looking to develop that He expressed hope that the Vienna negotiations would “It is contrary to popular belief that if we become a member rialist system tries to pre- document. open economic opportunities. of the FATF, our surveillance will increase. Now that we are vent the advancement of the Elaborating on the Iran-China cooperation plan, he described The senior diplomat stated that he is optimistic about on the blacklist, our surveillance has increased a lot, and front and the movement of it as a roadmap that was drafted and signed and therefore unfreezing Iranian assets. there are many restrictions for Iranians abroad,” he explained. resistance in the region by did not need parliamentary approval. “I am optimistic about the release of Iranian resources. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an international using evil-seeking, rioting “Iran has maintained its independence despite this doc- Trump’s maximum pressure was not effective against the en- organization founded in 1989 to develop policies to combat and expanding the scope of ument, and cooperation will be based on mutual respect and durance of the Iranian people. The purpose of the sanctions was money laundering. As of March 2021, Iran and psychological and perceptual win-win. We do not give our market to any country,” he said. to put pressure on the people, but the people bravely resisted, are blacklisted. warfare in various political, social, cultural and economic fields. “Iran seeks the establish- ment, stability and consol- Ballet boxes to increase for presidential elections idation of successes and POLITICAL TEHRAN— Jamal Orf, vestigation and review of objections in the healthy and safe.” the growing growth of the deskthe election headquarters election calendar. As a precautionary method, the Ministry of horizons of progress and in- chief, spoke at a press conference on Thursday, Noting that there won’t be campaigns and Interior is planning to hold council elections dependence of the country discussing election news and updates, stating meetings due to the coronavirus pandemic, he electronically in more than 30 cities. and right and justice,” he remarked. that about 7,000 to 8,000 ballot boxes will be said, “The pandemic conditions make it impos- Responding to a question about electronic The secretary stated that his future government, with added to crowded constituencies. sible to hold rallies and election campaigns, elections in Tehran, he said, “In Tehran, the the help of God and the talented youth of Iran, will be “An increase of about 7,000 to 8,000 ballot and for this reason, the candidates will present approach of the Ministry of Interior is to hold named “The government of the national movement for the boxes is projected on 18 June to reduce con- their strategic plans during the opportunities electronic elections, yet, Central Election Mon- development of Iran and the fight against corruption and gestion in crowded constituencies,” he said. they will have in the media.” itoring Board has not given its final response.” the network of influence.” He asked the media to play a more signif- Orf stressed that the Ministry of Interior The election official noted that the media The upcoming presidential elections will be held on June 18. icant and more influential role in the field has taken the necessary health precautions into should build trust and hope for the people. So far, many prominent political figures have announced of elections. account, saying, “With the planning done by “We must try to show that the voting is strong presidential candidacy, such as Rostam Ghasemi, former The election official said that after the reg- to 20 May. the Ministry of Interior, all the necessary health and effective (in making people’s demands come Minister of Petroleum, Fereydoun Abbasi, head of the Energy istration stage, there is the reviewing process He noted that a five-day extension pe- principles and protocols have been considered true) by building trust and hope, and this de- Committee in the parliament, Ezatollah Zarghami, former of eligibility of candidates, which the Guard- riod is also provided for the consideration for the voting day, and we are trying to hold the pends on the professional and coherent work director of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting. ian Council must finalize in the period of 16 of candidates’ qualifications for further in- elections while keeping the lives of the people of the media,” Orf told the media. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y MAY 1, 2021 IRAN IN FOCUS 3 SPORTS Deciphering bin Salman’s Iran learn fate at FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup

SPORTSTEHRAN – Iran knew their rivals at the change of tone desksummer’s FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2021 on Wednesday. POLITICAL TEHRAN – Saudi Ara- for dialogue and cooperation in the Persian between Iran and Saudi Arabia, implying sive Plan of Action (JCPOA), from which the In the 15th edition of the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup deskbia’s de facto ruler has Gulf region, including the Hormuz Peace that the tour is aimed to “bridge the divide Trump administration withdrew in May 2018. 2021, which will take place in the cities of Riga and Daugavpils expressed desire to mend ties with Iran for Endeavour (HOPE), the Islamic Republic of between long-standing rivals Iran and Saudi As regards Yemen, the Saudis welcomed from July 3 to 11, teams were divided into four groups of four the first time in years but he refrained from Iran has been a pioneer in the path of ami- Arabia and launch a dialogue between them.” the new American effort without offering teams each. offering any goodwill gesture to build confi- ty and regional cooperation, and welcomes Regardless of the motivation behind Zarif’s any serious concession to the Sanaa-based Iran have been drawn with hosts Latvia, Serbia and Puerto dence between Tehran and Riyadh. the change in Saudi Arabia’s tone,” Saeed visits, relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia government. They even refused to lift their Rico in Group B. In a dramatic turnabout in his views on Khatibzadeh, a spokesman for Iran’s Foreign seem to be experiencing a period of de-es- blockade on the import of humanitarian goods, Eight different countries have won the FIBA U19 Basketball Iran, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Ministry, said in a statement on Thursday. calation at least for now. Whether this thaw conditioning it on a political solution to the World Cup since its inception in 1979, with the reigning cham- Salman called for a “distinguished relation- Public diplomacy between Iran and Saudi would continue for a long time or advance long-running Yemen crisis. pions USA leading the field with seven titles. The USA won the ship” with Iran amid reports of a possible Arabia came after several Western media to a full-fledged restoration of diplomatic On Iran, the Saudis first called on the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2019 in Crete, Greece, after thaw in Tehran-Riyadh ties. outlets reported that the two countries held ties remains to be seen. U.S. to include them in the ongoing Vienna defeating Mali in the Final. “At the end of the day, Iran is a neighboring direct talks in Baghdad in early April for the But the Saudis demonstrated little en- nuclear talks and expand the JCPOA in a way Groups: country. All we ask for is to have a good and first time in at least five years. These talks thusiasm about mending ties with Iran be- that encompasses other thorny issues such Group A: , Lithuania, , Senegal distinguished relationship with Iran. We do are widely expected to continue in the com- yond a change of tone that was more likely as Iran’s missile program and its regional Group B: Latvia, Iran, Puerto Rico, Serbia not want the situation with Iran to be difficult. ing weeks especially after Iranian Foreign necessitated by the changing dynamics of influence. The U.S. rejected the call to in- Group C: Spain, France, , Argentina On the contrary, we want it to prosper and Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif visited a the region’s politics after Joe Biden moved clude the Saudis in the nuclear talks while Group D: USA, Turkey, Australia, Mali grow as we have Saudi interests in Iran, and number of regional countries -Iraq, Qatar, into the White House. The Saudi apparent assuring them that these talks will not harm they have Iranian interests in Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait- enjoying good relations flexibility came amid renewed American dip- their interests. which is to drive prosperity and growth in the with Tehran and some of them with both lomatic efforts meant to put an end to the Facing a changing international environ- Ex-Iran weightlifter region and the entire world,” the Saudi crown Tehran and Riyadh. world’s worst humanitarian crisis in Yemen. ment, the Saudis seem to have decided to Amirian dies prince said in a recent televised interview. During his regional tour, Zarif once again Right from the start, Biden made it clear tone down their rhetoric against Iran and He also expressed hope that his country presented the long-standing Iranian peace to the Saudis that the days of them having increase diplomatic contacts with the U.S. SPORTSTEHRAN — Former Iran national team would be able to overcome some challenges initiative Hormuz Peace Endeavor (HOPE), full American support for their regional and other Western powers. Therefore, bin deskweightlifter Mangashti Amirian passed away affecting Iranian-Saudi relations. “We really which is mainly intended to foster dialogue adventurism are over. He started his new Salman’s diplomatic maneuver is unlikely on Thursday. hope we would overcome them and build among regional states on security. Saudi policy by focusing more attention on to heal the wounds Iranian-Saudi relations He died at the age of 82. a good and positive relationship with Iran Zarif’s tour raised speculations over a possi- the Yemen crisis, naming a special envoy for suffered in the past few years because this Amirian represented Iran at the 1960 Summer Olympics, that would benefit all parties,” bin Salman ble exchange of messages between Tehran and the war-torn country. He then announced that maneuver is not driven by a genuine desire where he finished seventh at the 82.5 kg weight class. pointed out. Riyadh. The Arab Weekly, a publication close his administration would pursue diplomacy to change tack on Iran but by an intention to Tehran Times extends deepest sympathy to Amirian’s family, Iran was quick to welcome this change of to the United Arab Emirates, has put Zarif’s with Iran to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, ingratiate bin Salman with the new American loved ones, and friends over his demise. tone. “By presenting proposals and initiatives visits into a broader context of de-escalation officially known as the Joint Comprehen- administration. Persepolis delegation return Iran welcomes change in Saudi tone: spokesman to Iran SPORTSTEHRAN — Persepolis football club delegation POLITICAL TEHRAN – In its first reaction to the “problems” with Iran, hoping that his country would be The Financial Times reported that Saudi and Iranian desk deskrecent remarks by Saudi Crown Prince able to overcome these problems. officials held the first round of their bilateral talks in Baghdad returned to Tehran early Friday. Mohammad bin Salman, Iran welcomed the change in Saudi “We are working now with our partners in the region and the on April 9 and the next round was scheduled to take place in The Iranian giants qualified for 2021 AFC Champions League Arabia’s tone, expressing hope of a beginning for convergence world to find solutions for these problems. We really hope we the coming weeks. Citing regional officials, the newspaper round of 16 with 15 points. among Muslim countries. would overcome them and build a good and positive relation- said the Yemeni Ansarallah’s attacks on Saudi Arabia were Persepolis are forced into 14 days of hotel quarantine after “By presenting proposals and initiatives for dialogue ship with Iran that would benefit all parties,” bin Salman said. discussed in the negotiations. returning from India. and cooperation in the Persian Gulf region, including the Khatibzadeh said Tehran and Riyadh can open a new Reuters confirmed the Saudi-Iranian talks, saying they Iran on Saturday announced the halt of all flights to and from Hormuz Peace Endeavour (HOPE), the Islamic Republic chapter of cooperation. touched on Lebanon, which is facing a political vacuum India until further notice over a COVID-19 variant to avert its of Iran has been a pioneer in the path of amity and regional “Iran and Saudi Arabia, as two important countries in amid a dire financial crisis. spread in the already-stricken country. cooperation, and welcomes the change in Saudi Arabia’s the region and the Muslim world, can enter a new chapter Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic relations with Iran in A charter flight brought back Persepolis home and the team’s tone,” Saeed Khatibzadeh, spokesman for Iran’s Foreign of interaction and cooperation to achieve regional peace, January 2016 after Iranian protesters, enraged by the Saudi members went to Azadi Football Academy Hotel. Ministry, said in a statement on Thursday. stability, and development by adopting constructive and execution of prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nimer al-Nimr, The statement came in response to a recent interview by dialogue-based approaches,” the spokesman said. stormed its embassy in Tehran. Since then, Saudi Arabia Golmohammadi hopes the Saudi crown prince in which he expressed willingness Khatibzadeh finally expressed hope that the holy month has struck a tough tone on Iran and strongly supported to mend ties with Iran. of Ramadan, the month of divine mercy, would be a blessed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s so-called “maximum Persepolis to continue good form “At the end of the day, Iran is a neighboring country. All beginning for convergence among the Islamic society and pressure” campaign against Iran. we ask for is to have a good and distinguished relationship end of war, displacement, and insecurity in this region. But tensions in Saudi-Iranian relations seem to be coming SPORTSTEHRAN — Yahya Golmohammadi hopes with Iran,” Mohammad bin Salman said on Tuesday. The recent thaw in Iranian-Saudi relations comes against to an end at least for now. Iranian Foreign Minister Mo- deskthat Persepolis football team can continue its “We do not want the situation with Iran to be difficult. a backdrop of renewed diplomacy between the two regional hammad Javad Zarif has embarked on a regional tour that good form in the next stage of 2021 AFC Champions League. On the contrary, we want it to prosper and grow as we have powerhouses. included Qatar, Iraq, Oman, and Kuwait. During his trip to Persepolis announced their arrival into the 2021 Round of Saudi interests in Iran, and they have Iranian interests in Western media outlets have reported in recent weeks these counties, the chief Iranian diplomat discussed ways to 16 in style after defeating Al Rayyan SC 4-2 to top the Group E Saudi Arabia, which is to drive prosperity and growth in the that officials from Iran and Saudi Arabia held direct talks reduce tensions in the region. He once again presented the standings on Thursday. region and the entire world,” he added. in Baghdad for the first time since the two regional rivals Iranian peace initiative Hormuz Peace Endeavor (HOPE), Golmohammadi was all smiles after watching his team hold At the same time, the Saudi crown prince highlighted severed diplomatic ties in 2016. which is aimed to foster dialogue and security in the region. off Al Rayyan’s second half resurgence, with the former Iran defender saying his players never surrendered. “I want to thank everyone from the club, the players, and the fans. They players never surrendered and they did their best for Iran, P4+1 hold all-day talks in Vienna the Persepolis fans,” said Golmohammadi. POLITICAL TEHRAN – Diplomats the main hurdles that prevent Iran from taking “It was a good match, everyone who watched the match would deskfrom Iran and the P4+1 full advantage of the JCPOA are executive be happy because there were plenty of goals scored and it was an group of countries held on Thursday inten- orders 12959, 13599, 13876, and 13949 signed energetic game. Technically, we were better than our opponents. sive talks aimed at reviving the 2015 Iran by the US president. Based on Press TV’s Hopefully we can continue producing this form in the next stage nuclear deal. report, such U.S. acts as CAATSA and ISA of the competition as well as in the Iran Pro League,” he added. Top Iranian nuclear negotiator Seyed as well as visa and U-turn regulations and “It doesn’t matter who we will face in the Round of 16. What Abbas Araghchi said the talks began in the the so-called Section 311 of the USA Patriot matters is our focus on reaching the final,” Golmohammadi early hours of the morning and lasted until Act are other major obstacles that prevent concluded. late at night. Iran from availing itself of the full benefits “Talks between Iran and the P4+1 group of the JCPOA. were intensively followed in Vienna yester- Press TV reported that other problems Former Iran day, and meetings were held at various levels not allowing Iran to benefit from the JCPOA player Shariat passes away and formats from the early morning hours include non-removal of sanctions and tem- until late last night,” Araghchi, who serves porary 120- and 180-day lifting of U.S. bans. SPORTSTEHRAN —Former Iran water polo national as Iran’s deputy foreign minister, said in a On Thursday, the informed Iranian sources deskteam player Morteza Shariat passed away on statement on Friday noon. told Press TV that the U.S. must accept that Thursday. “A quadripartite meeting was also held in case of restoration of sanctions, foreign Shariat lost his battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 68. yesterday between Seyed Abbas Araghchi, companies would be authorized to continue He was a member of Iran water polo national team who made head of the Iranian negotiating team, and to work with Iran for a period of four years. history in the 1974 , winning the gold medal by heads of delegations from three European Press TV also quoted informed Iranian beating China in the final match. countries,” the top Iranian negotiator added. sources as saying that the United States Tehran Times extends deepest sympathy to Shariat’s family, Araghchi also met with the Deputy Sec- must accept that in case of Washington’s loved ones, and friends over his demise. retary General and Political Director of the removal of sanctions and then the US return minister said on Twitter. return to the JCPOA, it would never activate European External Action Service, Enrique to the JCPOA. The Third group held its first Meanwhile, two informed Iranian sources the so-called “snapback” mechanism of the Mora, and Austrian Foreign Minister Alex- meeting on Wednesday. told Press TV that the United States must nuclear deal. Manavinejhad joins French ander Schallenberg. These groups report their discussions to first remove all sanctions that do not allow The sources further told Press TV that According to Araghchi, talks will continue the JCPOA Joint Commission. Iran to benefit from the nuclear deal it signed the United States must accept to make up team Stade Poitevin Poitiers on Friday on texts at various expert-level Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad with world powers in 2015, officially known for all the losses incurred by Iran as a result SPORTSTEHRAN — French team Stade working groups. Javad Zarif said on Thursday that there are as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action of Washington’s illegal withdrawal from the deskPoitevin Poitiers completed the signing of So far, the Vienna talks have resulted in the positive signs coming from Vienna talks and (JCPOA), before the Islamic Republic accepts JCPOA. Iranian outside hitter Mohammadjavad Manavinejhad. establishment of three expert-level working his regional talks with several regional coun- results of the ongoing talks in Vienna. The remarks by the Iranian sources came The 26-year-old player will play for the French team in the groups, one to identify the sanctions that the tries such as Qatar, Iraq, Oman, and Kuwait. The sources told Press TV on Thursday after the Associated Press quoted “current 2021/22 season. U.S. should remove in order to return to the “As DFM @araghchi ably leads Vienna that the Islamic Republic’s authorities would and former US officials and others familiar Manavinejhad started his playing career in his homeland Is- JCPOA, and another to specify the nuclear talks on resuscitating JCPOA, I wind up my accept the outcomes of the ongoing Vien- with the matter” as saying that the Biden fahan in 2011 and was a member of Italian club BluVolley Verona activities that Iran should reverse. The third tour of the Persian Gulf in Kuwait, meeting na talks on the revival of the JCPOA only administration is considering a near whole- from 2017 to 2019. group was set up recently and is called “Expert PM H.H. Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid and FM when all sanctions unilaterally imposed on sale rollback of some of the most stringent He has most recently played at Iranian club Saipa. Group on Practical Arrangements,” which Dr. Sheikh Ahmad Nasser. Focus: HOPE for the country by the US are removed and Iran sanctions imposed on Iran in a bid to get the Manavinejhad will represent Iran at the 2021 Volleyball Na- is formed with the aim of holding talks on our region. Indications of positive signs on verifies the removal of sanctions. Islamic Republic to return to compliance tions league and Olympic Games. the practical arrangements required for the horizon in both tracks,” the Iranian foreign According to Press TV, at the present time, with the JCPOA. Tractor did a great job: Khatibi

U.S. should act first to save JCPOA: Xinhua SPORTSTEHRAN — Tractor football club head coach POLITICAL TEHRAN – The United States should act from the JCPOA and apply maximum pressure on Iran lift sanctions against Iran. deskRasoul Khatibi was full of praise for his players deskfirst to save the 2015 Iran nuclear deal if thereafter, setting off the current crisis,” Xinhua wrote. Removing all illegal unilateral sanctions is “the key to and technical staff as his side completed the 2021 AFC Champions it is sincere in its intent to return to the pact, Chinese state “The U.S. administration under former President Donald the success of the negotiations,” said Wang Qun, Chinese League group stage unbeaten. news said on Thursday. Trump withdrew from the JCPOA in May 2018 and uni- envoy to the United Nations and other international organ- Tractor defeated Sharjah 2-0 in Group B and became the only In a commentary on the ongoing Vienna talks over the laterally reimposed sanctions on Iran. In response to the izations in Vienna. unbeaten side in the West zone of the 2021 AFC Champions League. nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive U.S. moves, Iran gradually stopped implementing parts of “The one who began the trouble should end it. The ne- “First of all I have to congratulate the very real fans of Tractor Plan of Action (JCPOA), Xinhua said the unilaterally with- its JCPOA commitments from May 2019. Therefore, in the gotiations have entered a crucial stage, and steps by the all around the world for the result. The players did a great job and drew from the JCPOA and applied pressure on Iran, and quest for some real progress, Washington must take the United States are of paramount importance to the fate of the played well in a very technical game,” said Khatibi. set off the current crisis. Therefore, it is the U.S. that should first step by lifting all illegal unilateral sanctions against historic nuclear deal and future stability of the region and “We gained three points. I admire the technical staff and their act first to salvage the nuclear deal. Iran and involved third parties.” the world. It is time for Washington to shoulder its global analysis in this match. As you have seen, we have rotated our “Washington, if sincere in its intent to return to the pact, Xinhua noted that China shares the view of Iran and responsibility by taking the first step toward a breakthrough team and changed players based on our needs and played well. should act first, given its decision to unilaterally withdraw Russia that the U.S. should immediately and completely in the nuclear talks,” the Chinese news agency concluded. We collected seven points in the second half of the competition. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 4 ECONOMY MAY 1, 2021

$4.8b of non-oil income Water, development injected to NIMA in a month ECONOMY TEHRAN — Iran’s non-oil exporters projects worth over deskinjected $4.8 billion of their revenues into the Forex Management Integrated System, locally known as NIMA, during the first Iranian calendar month of Farvardin (March 21-April 20), according to the Central $619m inaugurated Bank of Iran (CBI) data. NIMA, which seeks to boost transparency, creates competitiveness among exchange shops, and promotes 1 The president also ordered the across the country. a secure environment for traders, is a new chance for beginning of a project for constructing an- In the second phase of the program that importers to supply their required foreign currency with- other dam in in which was carried out in the previous Iranian cal- out specific problems and for exporters to re-inject their nine trillion rials (about $214.2 million) is endar year (ended on March 20) 250 water earned foreign currency to the domestic forex market. It going to be invested. and energy projects worth 500 trillion rials was inaugurated to allow exporters of non-oil commod- The first phase of the A-B-Iran program (about $11.9 billion) were inaugurated in ities to sell their foreign currency earnings to importers (the acronyms A and B stand for water and several provinces. every week. phase of the ministry’s A-B-Iran program. of consumer products. electricity in Persian) was initiated in the The third phase of the program was offi- In the first week of the third phase, Iranian The inaugurated projects comprised As stated by Hamid Zadboum, the head of Iran’s Trade Iranian calendar year 1398 (ended on March cially started on April 6 and like the previous Energy Minister Reza Ardakanian inaugu- of 8,142 sub-projects including numerous Promotion Organization (TPO), expediting the process of 19, 2020), during which 220 major projects phases, this year, too, the Energy Ministry rated five major electricity projects worth 29 electricity supply projects, as well as pow- returning non-oil export revenues to the economic cycle with a total investment of 335.6 trillion rials is planning to inaugurate numerous water trillion rials (about $690.4 million) across the er network modification and optimization through NIMA has been the result of expert policies of the (about $7.99 billion) were put into operation and electricity projects in various provinces country to mark the beginning of the third projects. TPO and cooperation among the industry, mining, and trade departments of the provinces as well as chambers of cooperatives and guilds, and many fruitful measures have been taken in this regard. Home appliance production increases by 36% ECONOMY TEHRAN — Iran’s Deputy Industry, Stating that the Industry, Mining, and Trade Minis- deskMining, and Trade Minister Mehdi try will definitely support domestic manufacturers and Sadeqi Niaraki said on Thursday that the production national brands, the official added: “Today we have the of home appliances in the country has increased by 36 necessary manpower, knowledge, and infrastructure in percent following the exit of foreign brands. the field, so there is no reason to look for foreign sources “Following the imposition of U.S. sanctions and the to meet the country’s demands.” withdrawal of South Korean companies from Iran, the Over the past few years, the Iranian government has production of Iranian home appliances increased by 36 been following a new strategy for supporting domestic percent,” Niaraki said on the sidelines of a visit to a pro- production to neutralize the impacts of the U.S. sanctions duction unit. while reducing the reliance of the economy on oil revenues. According to Niaraki, the indigenization of the knowledge The home appliances sector has been one of the pioneers for the production of such products has also increased by in this regard and like many other areas, the production 20 percent since the Iranian calendar year 1396 (ended of home appliances has witnessed a significant rise in the on March 20, 2018). past two years so that in the Iranian calendar year 1398 “Currently, Iranian producers have indigenized the (ended on March 19) this industry’s production capacity knowledge for manufacturing about 70 percent of the increased by 10 percent compared to the preceding year. In late May 2019, the CBI unveiled a directive package country’s home appliance needs, and the figure has reached the mentioned sector are produced domestically. Iranian Industry, Mining, and Trade data indicates that provided the country’s exporters with guidelines 90 percent for some products,” he said. Regarding the return of foreign brands like Samsung that the country’s home appliance manufacturers pro- about how they should re-inject their foreign currency Niaraki noted that considering the Iranian home appli- and LG to the country, Niaraki said: “Currently, the re- duced 2,801,100 sets of refrigerators, freezers, washing incomes into the country’s economy. ance industry’s infrastructure and capacities, the country turn of foreign companies is not on the agenda; domestic machines, and televisions in the first eight months of the Based on the new directive, for the petrochemical sector, will be able to become an exporter of such products in the companies have found their place and are fully capable previous Iranian calendar year (March 20-November the exporters should present at least 60 percent of their near future because most of the raw materials needed by to produce and meet the needs of the country.” 20, 2020). foreign currency incomes into NIMA, and a maximum of 10 percent could be injected into the financial system in the form of hard currency and the rest could be used for importing necessary goods. Iran exports sanitary, hygienic products to EU, U.S. despite pandemic As for other exporters, at least 50 percent of the total earnings should be presented at the NIMA system and ECONOMY TEHRAN – The head of previous Iranian calendar year (March 20, active in this sector are currently facing in desk a maximum of 20 percent could be distributed in form the Iranian Association 2020-January 19, 2021), the official said. the country, saying that supply of raw ma- of hard currency and the rest can be used for imports. of Detergent, Hygiene, and Cosmetics In- He mentioned the decline of the said terials especially petrochemical products, The instructions aimed to lead the export revenues dustries (DHCI) said on Thursday that the products’ exports due to the special condi- and also liquidity problems are the two main from the non-oil exports back into the country’s econo- country has been able to export sanitary tions created by the coronavirus pandemic challenges that the producers are currently my through NIMA, mandate all the exporters of goods and hygienic products to the European and and the U.S. sanctions and said: “In previous struggling with. and services to guarantee to bring back to the country American markets despite the restrictions years we were able to export over $1 billion Iranian Industry, Mining, and Trade the foreign currency amount allocated to them by the created by the coronavirus pandemic. worth of such products.” Ministry has been following new strategies government at lower prices than the free market. “Despite all the problems caused by the “Although, in addition to the neighboring for supporting the country’s producers in pandemic and the sanctions, the production countries and other CIS nations, Iranian order to decrease reliance on imports and of such products is sufficient in the country, companies have also been able to export promote exports in various sectors. TSE admits 68 new and some companies have even exported to their products to the U.S., Canada, and EU, Earlier this year, Industry Minister Alireza the markets of the United States, Canada, and but sanctions restrictions have made it dif- Razm Hosseini had said that the country’s companies in a year Europe,” Bakhtiar Alam-Beygi told IRNA. Iranian calendar year (ended on March 20). ficult for them to boost their exports and idle hygiene and sanitary production units According to Alam-Beygi, the production Domestic producers managed to export transfer their revenues,” Alam-Beygi added. should be revived to meet the domestic needs ECONOMY TEHRAN— A director in Tehran Stock of the mentioned products in the country over $117 million worth of sanitary and hy- The official further mentioned some and to boost the export of such products to desk Exchange (TSE), which is Iran’s main stock increased by 10 percent in the previous gienic products in the first 10 months of the of the problems that the production units help other countries. exchange, said 68 new companies have been accepted to the TSE in the past Iranian calendar year (ended on March 20). Mohammad-Amin Qahremani put the nominal capital of these companies at 4.259 quadrillion rials (about 40 idle production units revived in in a year $101.404 billion). ECONOMY TEHRAN—As announced by a provin- orientation of all government organizations and execu- Unprecedented fluctuations in the Iranian stock market deskcial official, 40 idle production units tive bodies should be towards supporting the country’s over the past few months have led shareholders, experts, were revived in Qazvin province, in the northwest of Iran, industrial and mining units.” and scholars to call for the government to increase its in the past Iranian calendar year (ended on March 20). Niaraki pointed to a 40-percent increase in the is- support for the market, some shareholders want the Hamidreza Khanpour, the managing director of Qa- suance of establishment licenses for industrial units in government to guarantee the return of their stocks, some zvin’s Industrial Parks Company, also said that 100 idle the previous year, saying: “The number of establishment believe providing infrastructure is the best way to help units are planned to return to the production cycle in the licenses increased to more than 36,000 last year, which this market. province in the current year, which is named the year of shows that people are encouraged to invest in the pro- Some, on the other hand, believe that the government “Production: support and the elimination of obstacles”. ductive sectors.” should not interfere in the stock market, saying the The official further said that in addition to attracting He also mentioned an 85-percent rise in the alloca- government’s pre-ordered and unrealistic pricing of some new investors, reviving stagnant and inactive production tion of land for establishing industrial units across the state-owned shares is the main reason for the capital units and adding them to the active industries is one of country and noted that over 4,500 hectares of land were market’s current downward trend. the priorities of Iran Small Industries and Industrial handed over to applicants in the previous calendar year. Parks Organization (ISIPO) and provincial subsidiaries. According to the official, there are over 46,000 small He went on to say that the problem of liquidity and and medium-sized industrial units in Iran’s industrial working capital, shortage of raw materials, management parks and zones, of them about 9,200 units are inactive. issues and disputes, wear and tear of machinery and were also established across the country during the men- Iran’s industrial parks play a significant role in mak- equipment, and the problem of marketing along with tioned year which created jobs for over 121,000 people. ing the country independent through boosting produc- sanctions are among the issues and problems facing Touching upon the Industry Ministry’s plans for the tion, which is a major strategy of Iran to combat the stagnant production units. realization of the motto of the current year which is named U.S. sanctions. As announced by Deputy Industry, Mining, and Trade the year of “Production: support and the elimination of In fact, strengthening domestic production to achieve Minister Mehdi Sadeqi Niaraki, 1,500 idle industrial units obstacles” by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, the self-reliance is the most important program that Iran is have been revived in the country during the past year. official said: “In the year that has been dedicated to the following up in its industry sector in a bid to nullify the According to Niaraki, over 6,500 new industrial units production sector by the Leader of the revolution, the effects of the U.S. sanctions on its economy.

Monthly export from rises 306% yr/yr ECONOMY TEHRAN – The value commodities worth $22.674 million have Mir-Ashrafi stated. deskof non-oil exports from been imported to the province during The country’s trade balance was $174 Kerman province, in the southeast of the first month, and mentioned China, million positive in the said month, ac- Two weeks ago, in the 216th meeting of the Government Iran, rose 306 percent during the first Britain, the UAE, Japan, South Korea, cording to the official. Economic Coordination Headquarters, President Rouhani month of the current Iranian calendar India, Malaysia, , Spain, and China, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates presented a report on the government’s supportive measures year (March 21-April 20), as compared as the main sources of export to (UAE), Turkey, and Afghanistan were the for the stock market, saying: “This year, which has been to the same month of the past year, ac- Kerman in the mentioned month. Islamic Republic’s top export destinations named the year of supporting production and eliminating cording to a provincial official. Iran exported 8.302 million tons of in the period under review. obstacles, the government is trying to remove obstacles to Mohammadreza Qader, the direc- non-oil commodities worth $2.968 billion Mir-Ashrafi noted that gasoline was the growth of the capital market and will try to encourage tor-general of Kerman’s customs depart- in the first month of the current Iranian the top exported item in the mentioned people to enter this market with the necessary training ment, said that 27,328 tons of commod- calendar year, registering an 80 percent month. and arrangements.” ities worth over $57 million have been rise in terms of value compared to the According to the official, Iran also im- Russia were Iran’s top five import sources Meanwhile on Tuesday, senior Iranian officials gathered exported from the province during the same period in the previous year. ported 2.041 million tons of goods worth in the mentioned month. at the country’s parliament to explore ways for supporting first month of this year, indicating also According to the Head of Islamic Re- $2.794 billion in the said month, which The value of Iran’s non-oil trade stood the stock market and resolving its current issues. a 650-percent rise in terms of weight public of Iran Customs Administration indicated an 18 percent decrease in terms at $73 billion in the past Iranian calendar Chaired by the parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer year on year. (IRICA) Mehdi Mir-Ashrafi, the country’s of weight and a 47 percent increase in year (ended on March 20). Qalibaf, the meeting was also attended by the Governor He named China, India, Germany, Iraq, non-oil exports in the said period also terms of value. According to Mir-Ashrafi, Iran’s non- of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) Abdolnaser Hemmati, Turkey, the Unites Arab Emirates (UAE), increased by 56 percent in terms of weight. Mobile phones, sunflower oil, wheat, oil export was 112 million tons valued at Finance, and Economic Affairs Minister Farhad Dejpasand, Italy, and Russia as the export destinations Iran traded 10.343 million tons of non- rice, and meal were the top imported items $34.5 billion, while that of import was and the Head of Iran’s Securities and Exchange Organization of the province’s commodities. oil goods worth $5.762 billion with its of the country during the mentioned period. 34.4 million tons worth $38.5 billion in (SEO) Mohammad-Ali Dehqan Dehnavi. The official further announced that trade partners in the mentioned month, The UAE, China, Turkey, India, and the past year, the official added. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y MAY 1, 2021 ANALYSIS/INTERVIEW 5

Biden’s team is very anti-Russian Abbas delays first Palestinian elections in 15 year

1 Earlier in the day, hundreds of people had staged rallies in its ideology: Russian expert in the Gaza Strip to condemn the Palestinian Authority chief’s plans to call off the vote. 1 On the one hand, Iran says that the “Washington won’t leave the Middle East Hamas slams ‘coup’ nuclear deal won’t be restored until Wash- (West Asia); it’s a region of interest for any The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas denounced Ab- ington lift all sanctions reimposed on Iran world superpower,” Mitrakhovich argues. bas’s decision, calling it “a coup.”“This represents a coup against by the Trump administration. On the other Asked about Russia’s desire to consolidate the path of partnership and national consensus. Our popular and hand, American diplomats are making every its ties with Iran after Iran-China’s 25-year national consensus cannot be pawned as collateral for the agenda effort to retains some parts of relabeled sanc- partnership agreement, the Russian aca- of a faction,” Hamas said in a statement.“We knew in advance tions on Iran. demic points to the Iran-Russia strategic that Fatah and the Palestinian Authority were going to disrupt Nevertheless, Mitrakhovich notes that cooperation deal, saying that “the deal could the electoral process, due to other interests that have nothing to “current talks are still on a preliminary stage develop much more and benefit from Iran do with the issue of al-Quds (Jerusalem),” the statement added. because the U.S. and Iran can’t talk face to face joining Eurasian Economic Union and in “The Fatah movement and the Palestinian president bear full openly and need mediators. Sanction’s lift is case of Iran’s willingness to increase tech- responsibility for this decision and its consequences,” it added. still long away from the current moment.” nological import from Russia (importing Afghanistan is the other point that reflects Russian machinery, etc.).” confrontation between Russia and the U.S. On March 27, Iran and China signed a U.S., NATO begin U.S. administration is going to withdraw 25-year strategic cooperation agreement Afghanistan pullout as American troopers from Afghanistan by Sep- addressing economic issues amid crippling tember 11, declaring an end to the nation’s U.S. sanctions on Iran. Taliban vow forced eviction longest war. According to the report, the Comprehen- Biden, in fact, is overruling warnings from sive Strategic Partnership agreement covers U.S .and NATO troops have started to withdraw from Afghani- Pentagon that the departure could prompt a variety of economic activities from oil and stan, the White House and several alliance officials say, amid a a resurgence of the same threats that sent mining to promoting industrial activity in reported surge in Taliban attacks. hundreds of thousands of troops into combat Iran and transportation and agricultural “NATO Allies decided in mid-April to start the withdrawal of over the past 20 years. “Washington won’t leave the Middle East collaborations. Resolute Support Mission forces by May 1 and this withdrawal In rejecting the military advisors’ push The deal marked the first time Iran has has begun. This will be an orderly, coordinated, and deliberate to remain until Afghan security forces can (West Asia); it’s a region of interest for any signed such a lengthy agreement with a major process,” a NATO official said. assert themselves against the Taliban, Biden world superpower,” world power. In 2001, Iran and Russia signed The White House said earlier Thursday that U.S. troops had forcibly stamped his views. Now, after 20 a 10-year cooperation agreement, mainly started withdrawing, confirming comments made over the week- years of American military presence in Af- things his way. pullout from West Asia because it has vital in the nuclear field, that was lengthened to end by a senior U.S. general. ghanistan, the American president is doing But many experts rule out America’s interest there. 20 years through two five-year extensions. President Joe Biden earlier this month announced the with- drawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan by September 11, four months later than the May 1 deadline agreed to with the Taliban by the previous administration of Donald Trump. Hezbollah is the main target of Riyadh’s ban on Lebanon The decision came amid warnings by Taliban militants to resume attacks on U.S.-led forces in the country. TEHRAN — Riyadh has kicked off a series of widespread a severe economic crisis at the moment. They (the Sau- The NATO official threatened a “forceful response” to any economic pressures on Beirut to push the Lebanese gov- dis) became convinced of this a while ago after Hassan attacks by Taliban militants, who have opposed Biden’s post- ernment to exclude Hezbollah from the country’s political Diab’s remarks about the deterioration of the economic ponement of withdrawing U.S. forces from Afghanistan. and military scene. conditions in Lebanon. Then, they have made every ef- “Any Taliban attacks during the withdrawal will be met with Saudi officials announced on Friday an indefinite ban fort to achieve their political goals through a package a forceful response. We plan to have our withdrawal complet- on Lebanese agricultural products under the pretext of of economic pressure on Lebanese people. ed within a few months,” the NATO official added, refusing to a failed attempt to smuggle 5.3 million pills of the illegal Arab political observers believe that Saudi Arabia tries elaborate further on details about the timeline of the pullout. amphetamine Captagon hidden in a shipment of pome- to tighten the siege on Lebanon, a move encouraged by granates at Jeddah Port. the United States and the Zionist regime to keep the Leb- Waleed Bukhari, the Saudi ambassador to the Re- anese people hungry and lead the country to a civil war. Turkish military base public of Lebanon, has said in a tweet the kingdom had So, it seems quite clear that the primary goal of Saudi found more than 57 million illicit pills from cash-strapped Arabia in banning the import of fruits and vegetables from in northern Syria hit by Lebanon since the beginning of 2020. Lebanon is to increase political pressure on a country that has unknown aircraft Riyadh is going to prevent Lebanese vegetables from lost 85 percent of its value against the U.S. dollar, pushing it entering or passing through Saudi Arabia. a country like Saudi Arabia has made such a hasty and into alarming inflation rates that are hamstringing farmers. An unidentified aircraft has reportedly bombarded a base be- The move has provoked reactions inside Lebanon. unstudied decision. Saudi officials seek to take full advantage of the current longing to Turkish military forces in Syria’s northern province Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab, reacted Lebanon is concerned about other countries’ intention dire economic situation in Lebanon so that the Lebanese of Raqqah as the troops are conducting a military campaign in to the Saudi ban on his country, saying that “Lebanon to follow Riyadh’s decision, endorsed by Bahrain, Kuwait, government gives up and kneels. the area against U.S.-sponsored Kurdish militants from the so- and the Lebanese people do not want to irritate the Saudi Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. One of the most critical demands of Saudi Arabia from called People’s Protection Units (YPG). brothers. We want the best relations with Saudi Arabia. Lebanese farmers and the agricultural sector are Lebanon is to exclude Hezbollah from the country’s po- Russia’s RT Arabic television news network, citing a report We support Saudi Arabia in fighting the smuggling net- facing an immense tragedy as every farmer is going to litical structure. published by online Kurdish news service Hawar, said the un- works and their perpetrators.” yield less and earn less. According to Aljazeera, various This is a demand that the Saudis have made from known plane conducted an airstrike on the outskirts of Ayn Issa Furthermore, Lebanese President Michel Aoun com- estimates say the Lebanese fruit and vegetable trade is Lebanese officials for at least over a decade. town on Thursday evening.The report, however, did not provide mented on the Saudi ban on Lebanon. “It is important for worth between $20m and $34m annually. Indeed, Saudi Arabia has always been a staunch oppo- any further information about the extent of damage caused. us to maintain economic cooperation with Saudi Arabia, Although Saudi Arabia’s sanction against Lebanon has nent of Hezbollah’s role in Lebanon’s political scene and The Tal Abyad region in northern Syria, where the town of and we are working today to explain the existing ambi- caused controversy in the country’s agricultural sector system. Now, the Saudis who never miss the opportunity Ayn Issa is located, has been the scene of bitter clashes between guities and return to the right stance.” and among farmers, it seems that Riyadh is exploiting to apply their agenda against Hezbollah are trying to fish the Turkish forces and the YPG militants. But many experts say that Saudi Arabia and the Per- the story of smuggling only as a pretext to put pressure in troubled waters and make their old dreams come true. Turkey views the YPG as a terrorist organization tied to the sian Gulf states are well aware that banning the import on Hezbollah. Marginalize Hezbollah through spreading dissent in homegrown Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). The PKK has been of Lebanese crops does not prevent drug trafficking. Indeed, this is an attempt to cover up the actual di- the country, because in their eyes, Lebanon as a whole seeking an autonomous Kurdish region in Turkey since 1984. This is an unjust decision in the eyes of Lebanese mensions of Riyadh’s policies against Beirut. must pay the price for hosting the resistance axis and According to Press TV, on October 9, 2019, Turkey launched a farmers and agriculture workers who are astonished that The Saudis are aware that Lebanon is living through defending Palestine’s cause. cross-border invasion of northeastern Syria in an attempt to push Kurdish militants affiliated with the YPG away from its borders. China’s economy gets off to a good start Israel’s Iron Dome missile By Chang Hua averaged 5.4%, with a decrease of 0.4% year- Entrepreneurship enhances employment, on-year, and there were 2.97 million new we support the healthy development of system causing cancer According to the statistics recently released jobs created in urban areas. Second, indus- new forms of employment, safeguard the among soldiers by China’s National Bureau of Statistics, trial production grows rapidly. In the first legitimate rights of flexible employees, China’s GDP increased by 18.3% year-on- quarter, the added value of industries above and continue to strengthen employment A group of Israeli soldiers, who served at the battery units of the year in the first quarter of 2021. Consider- the designated size increased by 24.5%. promotion and services for key groups Iron Dome mobile missile system and who became ill with cancer, ing the test by the COVID-19 pandemic in The industrial electricity consumption and such as college graduates, veterans, and say there is a connection between the anti-missile armament winter and spring and the uncertainty of the railway freight volume rose by 23.9% migrant workers. The second is to continue and their ailment. the external environment, it is fair to say and 13.9%, respectively, and the utilization to reduce the burden on market entities. At least 10 Israeli soldiers, in their 20s and 30s, said at the end that China’s economy has witnessed an rate of industrial capacity was the highest We use more fair and inclusive policies to of their military service or after they were discharged that they exciting start at the beginning of this year. since 2013. Third, the development of new increase the support for market entities, had developed cancer following their stint with the Iron Dome China’s economic data in the first quarter driving forces is strong. The added value continue to promote mass entrepreneur- unit, according to an investigative report by the Hebrew-lan- have attracted worldwide attention, and of high-tech manufacturing increased ship and innovations, pay close attention in depth, further strengthened the build- guage Yedioth Ahronoth daily newspaper. Iranian people and media are also highly by 31.2% in the first quarter. Fourth, the to the tax and fee reduction policies for ing of science and technology innovation They called the radar box of the Iron Dome system, which interested in it. Therefore, I would like market vitality is effectively stimulated. In small and micro enterprises, and promote capabilities, continuously promoted the intercepts short-range missiles, “the toaster.” to make a few comments on this aspect. the first quarter, there were 2.792 million the implementation of new structural tax high-quality development of manufactur- Many of the soldiers have already filed lawsuits against Israel’s Firstly, the sustained and stable re- new market entities nationwide handling reduction measures. The third is to optimize ing. Rural revitalization and agricultural ministry of military affairs, while others say they are too weak to fight it. covery of China’s economy is the result tax-related matters, showing an increase of the business environment to promote fair modernization have taken new steps. We The Israeli army has denied any connection between their of China’s overall coordinated planning 86%. Fifth, the growth of foreign trade and competition. We continue to promote the also actively carry out the work on carbon service at the Iron Dome and contracting cancer. of pandemic prevention and control as foreign investment is substantial. In the first reforms to “streamline administration and peak and carbon neutrality. Ran Mazor, who served in an Iron Dome unit, said he suffered well as the continuous socio-economic quarter, the value of exports and imports of delegate power, improve regulation, and China’s economy has developed from constant leg and back pain during his service for which development. All regions and sectors in goods trade denominated in RMB increased upgrade services”, promote the reduction through overcoming hardships and has members of his unit called him a “crybaby.” China have been determined to act on the by 38.7% and 19.3%, respectively, and the of links, materials, and expenses related grown in braving challenges. Reviewing general principle of pursuing progress while actual use of foreign capital denominated to enterprise approval, strengthen inno- the achievements of the first quarter and ensuring stability, ground their efforts in in RMB grew by 39.9%. Sixth, investment vative supervision during and after the looking at new prospects for high-quality Resistance News the new development stage, apply the new and consumption steadily recover. In the event, carry out business environment development, China’s economy has shown development concept, create a new pat- first quarter, the fixed-asset investment assessment in some regions, issue an strong resilience to move forward steadily Hamas delegation meets Qatar’s tern of development, pursue high-quality increased by 25.6%, and the total retail sales action plan for building a high-standard without fear of setbacks, highlighting the development, and ensure stability on six of consumer goods increased by 33.9%. market system, and release anti-monop- basic trend of steady and long-term bright foreign minister in key fronts and maintain security in six Seventh, the market confidence and expec- oly guidelines in the field of the platform prospects. At present, the global economic INTERNATIONAL TEHRAN— A high-level delegation from the key areas. In the end, China’s economy tations significantly improve. In March, the economy. The reform of market-based al- recovery, the international financial market, deskHamas Movement led by head of its political showed a steady recovery with solid and manufacturing manager purchasing index location of factors of production has made and the international trade situation are bureau Ismail Haneyya met in Doha with Qatari foreign minister sound growth in the first quarter. The sup- was 51.9%, 1.3% higher than the previous positive progress. The fourth is to promote still facing many uncertain and unstable Mohamed Al Thani on Thursday. ply increased both in quantity and quality month. The non-manufacturing business a high-level opening-up. We implement factors. China will continue to consolidate The meeting was attended by deputy head of Hamas’s for- while demand continued to pick up. The activity index was 56.3%, 4.9% higher than various foreign trade and investment the foundation of “stability”, accumulate eign political bureau Mousa Abu Marzouq and political bureau vitality of market entities kept being re- the previous month. Eighth, people’s liv- support policies, consolidate the overall the strength of “progress”, hold the bot- members Ezzat al-Resheq and Husam Badran. leased, which provided stronger momentum ing standard steadily improves. In the first performance of foreign trade and invest- tom line of “guarantee”, and do a solid According to a statement released by Hamas, the delegation for high-quality development. With the quarter, the personal disposable income ment, steadily advance the construction job on our own business to push China’s and the Qatari foreign minister had in-depth discussions on employment and people’s livelihood being per capita increased by 13.7% in real terms. of pilot free trade zones, accelerate the economy to get through hard times and several issues of mutual interest and the latest developments secured, the society also maintained har- The proportion of days with favorable air construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port, move forward steadily. At the same time, pertaining to the Palestinian question. mony and stability. It can be said that the quality nationwide was 80.9%, and the which has achieved initial results, and make China welcomes all countries around the The Hamas delegation briefed the Qatari minister on Israel’s giant ship of China’s economy has returned average concentration of particulates in preparations for the implementation of world, including Iran, to actively make use recent aggressive practices in the holy city of Jerusalem and to the track of stability after experiencing the air dropped by 2.2% in large and me- the Regional Comprehensive Economic of the opportunities brought by China’s the steadfastness of the Palestinian people there in the face of short turbulence caused by the pandemic. dium cities. Partnership (RCEP). The development development to promote the high-quality different violations. Secondly, China’s economic growth in Thirdly, the steady and orderly ad- of BRI and international economic and construction of BRI and help the world’s The delegation highlighted the importance of Jerusalem as the first quarter has rich connotations and vancement of key tasks has provided a trade cooperation has made remarkable economic recovery and further develop- the focal point of the Palestinian struggle against the occupation many highlights. First, the employment is strong impetus for China’s economic achievements. In addition, China has also ment through continuous expansion of and confirmed the Palestinian people’s upholding of their rights generally stable. In the first quarter, the development. The first is to continue to steadily promoted a new type of urbaniza- mutual openness and cooperation in trade, fully in the holy city. surveyed urban unemployment nationwide strengthen the employment-first policy. tion, implemented major regional strategies investment, industry, and other fields. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 6 HERITAGE & TOURISM MAY 1, 2021

Intl. conference addresses tourism potentials of Lut Desert First tourism farm to be

1 Seven years of satellite temperature data analyzed by NASA show that the Lut Desert is the hottest spot on Earth. Based on the research, it was hottest during 5 of the 7 years and had the launched in Qom highest temperature overall: 70.7°C in 2005. TOURISM TEHRAN – The tours, cooking classes, or tea or coffee deskfirst-ever agritourism tasting), entertainment (harvest festivals permit has been issued for Bidak farm or barn dances), hospitality services (farm in , a provincial tourism stays, guided tours, or outfitter services), official has announced. and on-farm direct sales (u-pick opera- Such permits are granted to eligible tions or roadside stands). farm owners in the country to launch Agritourism is a subset of a larger agritourism businesses, aiming to set industry called rural tourism that in- certain standards in a move to ensure the cludes resorts, off-site farmers’ markets, quality of such services in the country. non-profit agricultural tours, and other The farm, covering almost 20 hectares, leisure and hospitality businesses that is the first of its kind in the province, attract visitors to the countryside. Alireza Arjmandi said on Thursday. The country’s second-holiest city af- Pomegranate trees are the main part ter Mashhad, Qom is home to both the The collective province -- Sistan in the north and Baluchestan of the farm and harvesting in this farm magnificent shrine of Hazrat-e Masumeh in the south -- accounts for one of the driest regions of Iran with a is planned to be carried out by tourists, (SA) and the major religious madrasas slight increase in rainfall from east to west, and an obvious rise in the official added. (schools). humidity in the coastal regions. In ancient times, the region was When the farm becomes a tourist at- Apart from sightseers and pilgrims a crossword of the Indus Valley and the Babylonian civilizations. traction in the region, eco-lodge units who visit Qom to pay homage at the holy Sistan-Baluchestan possesses special significance because can be set up nearby to give travelers shrine, the city is also a top destination of being located in a strategic and transit location, especially the chance to experience rural life, he for Shiite scholars and students who come Chabahar which is the only ocean port in Iran and the best and explained. from across the world to learn Islam- easiest access route of the middle Asian countries to free waters. Agritourism is a relatively new branch ic studies at its madrasas and browse It is home to several distinctive archaeological sites and natural of the travel industry in which tourists through eminent religious bookshops. attractions, including two UNESCO World Heritage sites, namely stay with local people in rural areas. Experts believe that in addition to the a new chain and diversity in the field of The city’s antiquity goes back to the Shahr-e-Soukhteh (Burnt City) and Lut desert. Farm/ranch recreation refers to activ- customer services jobs, agritourism pays production and services. Sassanid era (224 CE–651) and sever- ities conducted on private agricultural special attention to the production sec- Agritourism and nature-tourism enter- al historical , mansions, and lands, which might include fee-hunting tor, saying agricultural tourism is much prises might include outdoor recreation natural sceneries have been scattered Restoration begins on historical and fishing, overnight stays, educational more important and practical than other (fishing, hunting, wildlife study, horseback across the city as well as towns and vil- palace in southernmost Iran activities, etc. branches of tourism because it creates riding), educational experiences (cannery lages nearby.

TOURISM TEHRAN – Restoration and vital rehabilitation deskworks have been commenced on Marjan Palace, a historical palace located in of the Persian Gulf. The project involves strengthening the historical structure, Glimpses of traditional locksmithing in Chaleshtar which has been damaged over the years due to poor maintenance, HERITAGE TEHRAN – Available evidence sug- Dari Masoureh. All of them are handmade. The key an island tourism official has said. deskgests that locks have been made in has four parts: Dasteh (handle), Varband, Masoureh Furthermore, it is aimed at preparing the historical monument Chaleshtar for centuries. Experts believe that the artistic and Marpich. Each key has its own unique padlock and for future stages of restoration and revival in the near future, values of Ghoflsazi (locksmithing) are more significant cannot be used to unlock another. That is why the keys Mahan Modavvan announced on Friday. from its industrial aspects. turn either clockwise or counterclockwise. The padlocks Chaleshtar is one of the oldest cities in the neigh- are usually made of copper, iron, brass, and iron cast. borhood of Shahr-e Kord in Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari One of the most ancient locks, dating to the 13th province. century BC, was excavated at Tchogha Zanbil, a UNESCO In Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari the padlocks were more World Heritage in southwest Iran. The lock consisted used as means of protection of objects such as sad- of a bolt and a tumbler and was probably used on a dlebags or Namakdan (a kind of handmade satchel). wooden door, according to Iranica. In addition to protection, people used some padlocks Numerous mechanisms are found in Iranian padlocks, as talismans. including barbed spring, bent spring, helical spring, According to Visit Iran, people believed their prayers shackle spring, notched shackle, hook and revolving would be answered if they latched padlocks to holy catch, and notched shackle with rotating discs, as well shrines. And sometimes they locked them as thanks to as combination and multiple mechanisms. an answered prayer. In some cases, specially designed Until not long ago, every bazaar had a section for padlocks were ordered by the rulers. They were ornated locksmiths (bazaar-e ghoflsazha), but the importation and come in all shapes. These are often small and made by the name of God and holy Imams. One example is of machine-made locks from the West drove the lock- of silver or steel inscribed with talismanic writing, the padlock on the door of Kaaba. It was made by Haj smiths out of the city bazaars. Those in the villages, and they have various functions, such as protecting a Abdolvahab Riyahi Chaleshtari (of Chaleshtar) in Mecca. however, managed to survive until the 1970s. child from the evil eye, “locking” an enemy’s tongue, A budget of 110 billion rials ($2.6 million at the official ex- One kind of these padlocks highlights the cultural Locks have also played an important role in popu- and so forth. change rate of 42,000 rials per dollar) has been allocated to the aspect and the belief of people. They are called “Ghofl-e lar beliefs. Pregnant women were hoping to prevent Throughout the Islamic period in Iran, locks were first round of the restoration project, the official added. Kamar”. Another kind, Bakhoo, was made to lock the miscarriage, wearing a small lock on a cord around made in all shapes and sizes. In the first centuries after After the Islamic Revolution in 1979, some attachments have mules to stop them from scattering. Today traditional their waist. the introduction of Islam (7th-9th centuries) in Iran, been added to the palace, which adds to the weight of the building padlocks of Chaleshtar are made in small sizes and as In addition to animals, many new shapes for locks locks followed the same style as those of the Sasanians. and constitutes the greatest damage to it, he explained. jewelry such as necklaces. made of steel were inspired by objects and vessels such With the rise of the Safavids (1501-1722) to power, The Marjan Palace is the latest monument built on the island A typical Chaleshtar padlock consists of 13 parts as the cradle, kashkul (a bowl in which dervishes put there was a major evolution in lock-making. The Sa- during the Pahlavi period (1925-1979). The building which was named Toopeh (the body), Do Payeh, Dasteh (han- the alms and food given to them), suitcase, and lantern, favids’ love of steel arms and other steel implements completed in 1975 was inscribed on the National Heritage list dle), Mikh (nail), Tah Ghofl (base), Tablak, Dari, Fanar as well as all kinds of geometric shapes. encouraged locksmiths to use this metal for locks, which in 2009. (spring), Zabaneh, Marpich, Washer, Masoureh and Talismanic locks constitute a great number of locks were previously made of bronze and brass. Amongst the Persian Gulf islands, Kish is the more luxurious and developed. Except for its unique nature such as waters and shallow beaches, the tourist attractions of this charming island are due to its rich historical background as well as kind and hos- pitable people. Traditional skills of sailing Lenj boats come one step closer to elimination The pristine and beautiful nature, the meeting of land and sea, HERITAGE TEHRAN — Iranian hand-built and are used by inhabitants fiberglass substitutes, and wooden the clear sky, the pleasant air, and the pleasurable reverberation deskcabinet has approved of the northern coast of the Persian Gulf Lenj construction workshops are be- of the waves create such a sense of calm that one cannot even a bill that may, according to cultural for sea journeys, trading, fishing, and ing transformed into repair shops for distinguish between imagination and reality. heritage experts, lead to the elimination pearl . The traditional knowledge older Lenjes. The philosophy, ritualistic About one million foreign and domestic tourists travel to the of the UNESCO-listed traditional skills surrounding Lenjs includes oral liter- background, culture, and traditional island every year and it is one of the most popular tourist des- of building and sailing Iranian Lenj ature, performing arts and festivals, in knowledge of sailing in the Persian Gulf tinations in Iran as it has magnificent attractions such as Kariz boats in the Persian Gulf. addition to the sailing and navigation are gradually fading, although some of Underground City, Harireh Ancient City, , and Grand “Despite the opposition of cultural techniques and terminology, and weath- the associated ceremonies continue to Recreational Pier to name a few. heritage enthusiasts to a possible de- er forecasting that is closely associated be practiced in a few places. cision of elimination the traditional with sailing, and the skills of wooden The List of Intangible Cultural Her- wooden lenjs, the cabinet agreed to al- boat-building itself. The navigational itage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding Iranian police seize ancient locate a budget for the destruction of knowledge used to sail Lenjes was tra- is composed of the intangible heritage relics from smuggler these vessels,” Mehr reported on Friday. knowledge of shipbuilding and navi- ditionally passed on from father to son. elements that concerned world cultur- Members of government on Wednes- gation in the Persian Gulf was on the Experts believe that specific music al communities and the states’ parties UNESCO list of intangible heritage. HERITAGE TEHRAN – A total of thirteen historical objects day rectified a bill for the replacement and rhythms also constituted insep- should consider urgent measures to Various activists, including the World deskhave recently been confiscated from a smuggler of traditional commercial vessels with arable parts of sailing in the Persian keep them alive. Inscription on this list Maritime Forum, Kang Municipality, in Hamedan, according to a senior police official in charge of a capacity of less than 500 tons, the Gulf, with sailors singing particular helps to mobilize international cooper- ICOM officials, cultural heritage lovers, protecting cultural heritage. report said. songs while working. Nowadays, the ation and assistance for stakeholders and the media, have repeatedly stated Recovered from the house of the smuggler, the objects date The Ministry of Cultural Heritage, community of practitioners is small and to undertake appropriate safeguarding their opposition to the resolution. from various periods including the prehistorical times and the Tourism and Handicrafts had previously mainly comprises older people. Wooden measures, according to the UN cultural Iranian Lenj vessels are traditionally Islamic era, IRIB reported. notified the cabinet that the traditional Lenjes are being replaced by cheaper body.

Mansions, mosques, cemetery made national heritage in Iran HERITAGE TEHRAN – A total of nine properties torical eras in the cemetery. deskincluding three mansions and two Although there are currently no burials in the mosques scattered across the Iranian , Muslim section of the cemetery, the Jewish section, have recently been added to the national cultural with its 22,000 square meters of area, still retains its heritage list. use, and religious services are also performed there The Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and apart from burying the dead. Handicrafts announced the inscriptions on Thursday In July 2017, the historical structure of the city of The accused was traced and lastly arrested after the police in separate letters to the governor-general of the Yazd was named a UNESCO World Heritage. Wedged received reports from cultural heritage aficionados about the central province, CHTN reported. between the northern Dasht-e Kavir and the southern [illegal] possession of the relics. The police detained and sur- Mostufi, Rahim Lari, and Purnemati mansions as Dasht-e Lut on a flat plain, the oasis city enjoys a rendered him to the judicial system for further investigation. well as Namadmal and Taghar Sanjar mosques are very harmonious public-religious architecture that Known in classical times as Ecbatana, Hamedan was once among the properties added to the National Heri- dates from different eras. one of the world’s greatest cities of ancient times. Pitifully little tage list. With its winding lanes, a forest of badgirs (wind remains from antiquity, but significant parts of the city center are The list also includes Kahdueieh Hosseinieh (a catchers), mud-brick houses, atmospheric alleyways, given over to excavations, and there’s a scattering of historical place used for religious mourning ceremonies) and and centuries of history, Yazd is a delightful place curiosities. Khezrabad and Sarhoz public bathhouses. The cen- to stay, referring to as a ‘don’t miss’ destination by Sprawling on a high plain, Hamedan is graciously cool in August turies-old cemetery of Juy-e Horhor is inscribed on almost all travel associates in the region. but snow prone and freezing from December to March. In sum- the prestigious list as well. Juy-e Horhor belongs to both Muslims and Jews Yazd Jameh , Dowlatabad Garden, the Yazd mer the air is often hazy, but on a rare, clear spring day there are The cemetery dates back centuries ago, but the with two different entrance gates on the north and Atash Behram, also known as Atashkadeh-e Yazd, impressive glimpses of snow-capped Alvand Kuh (3580m), sitting structures and some mausoleums inside it belong south sides. There are several graves of scientists, Towers of Silence, and adjacent desert landscape aloof above the ragged neocolonial cupolas of Imam Khomeini Sq. to the Qajar-era (1789–1925). mystics, literati, and clergymen from different his- are among its tourist sites. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y MAY 1, 2021 SOCIETY 7

Eastern borders closed World will lose 10% of glacier ice even if it hits climate targets

A tenth of the world’s mountain glacier ice will have melted by the middle of this century even if humanity meets the goals as virus surges of the Paris climate agreement, according to figures compiled SOCIETY TEHRAN – Iran halted some 224,150 passengers have so far been exclusively for the Guardian. deskthe entry of Pakistani and screened for coronavirus by thermal tests at The loss is equivalent to more than 13,200 cubic kilometres Afghan travelers and other foreign nation- the country’s official borders since March 10. of water – enough to fill Lake Superior, or more than 10m als from the eastern borders to the country During the aforesaid period, IRCS forc- Wembley Stadiums – with knock-on effects on highly popu- to contain the new wave of the COVID-19 es have screened 224,150 passengers for lated river deltas, wildlife habitats and sea levels. pandemic, IRIB reported on Friday. COVID-19, 11,107 of whom with symptoms On April 28, shared borders with underwent PCR and 31,366 rapid tests, he were closed, and a day later, the eastern border said, ILNA reported on Friday. terminals of the country stopped operation, He went on to lament that some 56 indi- Seyed Rouhollah Latifi, Customs Adminis- viduals, who tested positive, have so far been tration spokesman stated. temporarily quarantined, under a plan to All entry to the country is prohibited and rapidly identify suspected cases of coronavirus travelers can only return to their country, and prevent the spread of new UK strain. he noted. With the cooperation of ministries of health Over 2,000 passengers prohibited and transport, a plan is being implemented at the borders with the goal of rapidly identifying and testing Over the past few days, 2,100 Indian, incoming passengers and keeping them in Pakistani and Afghan nationals have been quarantine facilities, if necessary. barred from entering the country, Ahmad-Ali Thirty border checkpoints have been se- Goudarzi, the border police chief announced. lected, including 18 land borders, nine air Due to the outbreak of the Indian coronavi- the border crossing, he explained. COVID-19 screening for 224,000 borders, and three sea borders, all incoming rus, the National Headquarters for Coronavirus Through the plan, people infected with passengers at borders passengers will be tested and referred to the In some particularly hard-hit areas, including central Control with the cooperation of related organ- the coronavirus are tested and prevented to Mehdi Valipour, head of Relief and Res- quarantine facilities in case of necessity. Europe, North America and low latitudes, glacier mass is izations and the Police Force implemented a enter the country through the southeastern cue Organization affiliated to the Iranian Around 8,000 individuals enter the country expected to decline by more than half. plan to prevent the virus from spread through and southern borders. Red Crescent Society (IRCS), stated that via borders on a daily basis. Scientists said the overwhelming bulk of this melt-off, which does not include Greenland or Antarctica, is unavoidable because it has been locked in by the global heating caused by humans in recent years. Iranian anti-corona spray unveiled However, they say the actions governments take today – including the recent announcements of more ambitious emissions-cutting 1 Therefore, a molecule was designed to attack the S the virus, at a time when other developed countries were effective in countering coronavirus or approved by the sci- goals by the US, the UK and others – can make a big difference protein and kill the virus, he noted, adding, each spray of struggling with a severe lack of personal protective tools. entific committee within a week to 10 days, he noted. to the landscape in the second half of this century. this molecule on the mask and other protective equipment Iran is one of the top five manufacturers of coronavi- Mehdi Kashmiri, director for technology and planning “What we see in the mountains now was caused by green- lasts up to 8 hours. rus antigen-based rapid detection kits in the world; as at the science ministry, said in July that about 450 knowl- house gases two or three decades ago,” said the glaciologist Ben Alireza Zali, head of coronavirus control working group in homegrown antibody rapid test, which can detect coro- edge-based companies were active in the country for man- Marzeion from the University of Bremen. “In one way, we could Tehran said that currently, Tehran is going through tragic and navirus in 15 to 20 minutes, was unveiled in Tehran on ufacturing protective equipment and treatment products see it as a doomsday because it is already too late to stop many very difficult days of the pandemic, and Masih Daneshvari November 17, 2020. to fight the coronavirus. glaciers melting. But it is also important that people are aware Hospital provides very good and quality services to the people, Sepideh Golbaz, an official with the Food and Drug Production of more than one million face masks per of how decisions taken now can affect how our world will look and these scientific and research efforts have made this center Administration said on April 20 that imports of coro- day, production of more than 1.5 liters of disinfectants per two or three generations from now.” a reference for COVID-19 protocols and treatments. navirus detection kits have dropped to zero as some 24 day, diagnostic kits, non-contact thermometers, protective Marzeion extracted the data from a synthesis last year of “Today, the use of masks and protective equipment is knowledge-based companies are producing kits to meet clothing, ventilator are among the produces manufactured more than 100 computer models generated by research insti- still a very effective and inexpensive way and strategy to the domestic needs. by these companies, he added. tutes around the world. prevent virus transmission.” Sourena Sattari, vice president for science and technol- Iranian-made innovative products in the field of diagnosis, These studies projected various possible behaviours of the However, using a mask can still be effective even after ogy, told the Tehran Times in September 2020 that some screening, and fighting coronavirus were also unveiled to planet’s roughly 200,000 mountain glaciers, depending on dif- vaccination and in case of new mutations which is occurring of the knowledge-based companies reached a production combat the disease, namely, ozone generator, nanotechnol- ferent emissions pathways and weather circulation patterns. around the world, he added. capacity of more than 200-300 thousand diagnostic kits ogy face shields, disinfection gate, and molecular COVID-19 The compiled results are considered the most accurate “But with the method we unveiled today, we can make per day, which surpassed the country’s need for diagnostic diagnostic kits. estimate yet of how mountains will lose their white snow-caps ordinary masks very durable and turn them into special kits, and there is a great export potential. COVID-19 taking high toll in Iran and blue ice-rivers. masks that inactivate the virus, and we can take a much He also announced that two types of diagnostic kits are In a press briefing on Friday Health Ministry’s spokesperson, Between 2021 and 2050, Marzeion calculated the aver- more effective way to deal with the pandemic.” now mass-produced by knowledge-based companies, first Sima-Sadat Lari, confirmed 19,272 new cases of COVID-19 age mass loss over the various scenarios is 13,200 Gt. This is Zali went on to note that this is while sponge and cloth one is the RT-PCR tests, 8 million of which are being pro- infection, raising the total number of infections to 2,499,077. equivalent to melting almost five Olympic pools masks prevent up to 50 percent of bacteria from entering duced per month; while the other is serology-based tests She added that 1,954,321 patients have so far recovered, but of ice every second over the next 30 years. the body, and are not able to fight the virus. that a total of 400,000 are being manufactured monthly 5,398 remain in critical conditions of the disease. Aggressive emissions cuts would barely slow this. The differ- Self-sufficiency and is expected to reach up to 2 million. During the past 24 hours, 407 patients have lost their lives, ence between the best and worst-case scenarios was less than With the outbreak of coronavirus, Iran surged its produc- At present, 40 advanced ventilators are manufactured bringing the total number of deaths to 71,758, she added. 20%. The remaining 80% is already locked in. tion to meet the country’s need for self-protective equipment daily in the medical equipment sector, he explained. So far, 15,435,147 COVID-19 diagnostic tests have been That contrasts with projections for the second half of the century, along with medical and pharmaceutical items to fight against Knowledge-based companies can produce any medicine performed in the country. when the decisions taken now will make a huge difference. In a low-emissions scenario, current glacier mass is projected to diminish by about 18% by 2100, which would be a slowdown. By contrast, in a high-emissions scenario, the loss would accelerate to reach 36%. Some 40,000 premature deaths occur in Iran due to air pollution This has multiple consequences. Mountain glacier melt contrib- utes more than a third of sea-level rise, a higher contribution than SOCIETY TEHRAN – Air pollution announces the standard as 5 micrograms.” ing high levels of pollutants, with low- and lives per year due to air pollution, according deskis responsible for around “We conducted surveys based on sulfur middle-income countries suffering from the to statistics published by the ministry of the Antarctic, according to the latest European State of the Climate 40,000 premature deaths in Iran annually, dioxide pollutant data at monitoring stations. highest exposures. health in 2019. Report, which was released last week. This is steadily raising the risk Mohammad- Sadeq Hassanvand, head of This study showed that the number of peak From smog hanging over cities to smoke There are numerous vehicular trips per of floods and inundations along coastal regions and rivers. the air pollution research center at Tehran hours of sulfur dioxide concentration over inside the home, air pollution poses a major day in Tehran, which are the leading cause Depending on how quickly emissions can be cut, the extra University of Medical Sciences, has said. the past year (March 2020-March 2021) threat to health and climate. The combined of air pollution in the capital so that the air runoff is likely to add 79-159mm to sea levels by 2100, according Referring to Iran’s cooperation in compil- compared to a year before in Tehran and effects of ambient (outdoor) and household in Tehran is amongst the most polluted in to the synthesis paper. ing a new guideline of the World Organization other cities of the country have increased air pollution cause about seven million pre- the world, Tehran City Council member, At a local and regional level, it can also reduce the stability of river for Air Pollution, he said that according to significantly,” he lamented. mature deaths every year, largely as a result Arash Milani, said. systems. On a seasonal level, Alpine glaciers help to regulate water the findings of the study, the average annu- “Sulfur dioxide increases the risk of de- of increased mortality from stroke, heart dis- According to a report by World Bank pub- supply by storing precipitation in winter and releasing it in summer. al concentration of the most important air veloping respiratory diseases such as asthma ease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lished in April 2018, Tehran is ranked 12th But as they melt away over decades due to global heating, pollutant (PM2.5) in the country is almost and asthma attacks. Long-term exposure to lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections. among 26 megacities in terms of ambient more downstream areas will first experience a water boom, then three times the standard and six times the it reduces lung capacity in children and im- Air quality is closely linked to the earth’s PM10 levels. After Cairo, Tehran is the most a bust. Previous studies suggest 1.9 billion people are at risk of new WHO guidelines. pairs the respiratory system. Sulfur dioxide climate and ecosystems globally. Many of the polluted non-Asian megacity. In 2016, the mountain water shortages, most of them in China and India. The last time the WHO developed a guideline can cause the production of secondary par- drivers of air pollution (i.e. combustion of annual ambient level of PM10 was estimated The urgency varies according to altitude, ice thickness, for air pollution was in 2005. A new guideline ticles. Some of these secondary particles are fossil fuels) are also sources of greenhouse at 77 micrograms per cubic meter. This is weather patterns and a host of other factors. Lower moun- will be released in the summer of 2021, as new suspended particles that have the greatest gas emissions. Policies to reduce air pollution, almost four times the WHO’s recommended tain ranges, such as the European Alps or the Pyrenees, are studies on air pollution and its impact on humans effect on the human body. In addition, stud- therefore, offer a “win-win” strategy for both threshold of 20 micrograms per cubic meter. expected to be among the worst affected. In Switzerland and have been published, he explained. ies have shown that they have synergistic climate and health, lowering the burden of The pandemic has indirectly produced both Italy, there are already cases of famous glaciers retreating “Our national standard for the average an- effects when sulfur dioxide and particulate disease attributable to air pollution, as well positive and negative effects on the environ- rapidly or melting completely. nual PM2.5 is 12 micrograms per cubic meter, matter increase simultaneously, their effects as contributing to the near- and long-term ment, particularly in terms of air quality; in while it was 10 micrograms per cubic meter, are intensified,” he explained. mitigation of climate change. the city of Tehran, however, air reported even LET’S LEARN PERSIAN according to the 2005 WHO guideline. However, Air pollution kills an estimated seven Over 4,000 deaths in Tehran an- more polluted than it was before the outbreak. new studies have shown that air pollution can million people worldwide every year. WHO nually Contrary to expectation, the average (Part 172) (Source: saadifoundation.ir) cause serious damage even in less than the data shows that 9 out of 10 people breathe air Between 4,000 and 5,000 people resid- concentrations of both the PM2.5 and the standard range, so the new WHO guideline that exceeds WHO guideline limits contain- ing in the capital city of Tehran lose their PM10 were markedly higher.

ENGLISH IN USE LEARN NEWS TRANSLATION روند صعودی تراز دریاچه ارومیه Lake Urmia water level keeps rising تــراز دریاچــه ارومیــه رونــد صعــودی بــه خــود گرفتـ ـه اســت بــه طــوری کــه حجــم The level of water at Lake Urmia is on the rise, as increased by a آب دریاچــه در مقایســه بــا ســال گذشــته یــک میلیــارد و ۷۰۰ میلیــون مترمکعــب billion cubic meters compared to the previous year, according 1.7 افزایــش یافته اســت. to the studies conducted by the Lake Urmia restoration program دریاچــه ارومیــه از اواســط دهــه ۱۳۸۰ شــروع بــه خشــک شــدن کــرد و بنــا بــر آمــار .committee بینالمللــی تــا ســال ۲۰۱۵ میــادی حــدود ۸۰ درصــد از مســاحت آن خشــک شــد. (The lake is expected to reach its ecological level (1,274 meters ایــن دریاچــه در قالــب طرحهــای احیــا قــرار اســت ظــرف مــدت ۱۰ ســال /از within 10 years by completing the restoration plans which started /۱۳۹۴ بــه تــراز اکولوژیــک خــود )یکهــزار و ۲۷۴ متــر( برســد . .four years ago Farhad Sarkhosh, head of the Lake Urmia restoration program’s بــه گــزارش ایرنــا، فرهــاد ســرخوش رییــس دفتــر اســتانی ســتاد احیــای دریاچــه office in West Azarbaijan province, said the lake’s level has reached ارومیــه در آذربایجانغربــی بــا اشــاره بــه ثبــت تــراز یکهــزار و ۲۷۱ متــر و ۳۰ 1,271 meters, adding the figure has increased by 68 centimeters ســانتیمتری طبــق آخریــن پایــش بــرای دریاچــه ارومیــه اظهــار داشــت ارتفــاع .compared to last year, according to the latest survey دریاچــه نســبت بــه ســال گذشــته ۶۸ ســانت یمتر بیشــتر شدهاســت. He said that the ??lake surface area has reached 2,828 square وی بــا بیــان اینکــه مســاحت دریاچــه بــه ۲ هــزار و ۸۲۸ کیلومترمربــع رســیده، بیــان kilometers, adding that the figure is increased by 689 square کــرد ایــن رقــم نســبت بــه زمــان مشــابه ســال گذشــته ۶۸۹ کیلومترمربــع افزایــش .kilometers compared to the same period last year نشــان م ی دهــد. Prayer Times Noon:13:01 Evening: 20:10 Dawn: 4:38 (tomorrow) Sunrise: 6:11 (tomorrow) MAY 1, 2021 ART&CULTURE I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y www.tehrantimes.com Managing Director: Mohammad Shojaeian Editor-in-Chief: Ali A.Jenabzadeh Book on Lorish Editorial Dept.: Fax: (+98 21) 88808214 — 88808895 [email protected] Switchboard Operator: Tel: (+98 21) 43051000 activist of Iran’s Advertisements Dept.: Telefax: (+98 21) 43051430 Public Relations Office: Tel: (+98 21) 88805807 Subscription & Distribution Dept.: Tel: (+98 21) 43051603 Constitutional Printed at: Jame Jam Bartar Borna - 44197737

Tehrantimes79 Tehrantimes79 Tehrantimes79 Revolution published No. 18, Bimeh Alley, Nejatollahi St., Tehran, Iran P.o. Box: 14155-4843 Zip Code: 1599814713 in Johannesburg 1 The book is reminiscent of Bibi Bibi Maryam was an activist during the Maryam, known as Sardar Maryam, the Constitutional Revolution and, afterwards, daughter of Hussein Quli Khan Ilkhani an active nationalist and freedom activist Bakhtiari Dorki Haft Lang and Bibi Fatima, until the end of her life as a political fighter. the daughter of Alireza Khan Chaharlang She received the honorary certificate Kiansi. from the German government. Bibi Maryam The book carries memories from died in Isfahan in 1316, three years after the childhood of Bibi Maryam until her the death of her son, Ali Mardan Khan. GUIDE TO thirties, at the time of the beginning The final pages of the book showcase SPIRITUAL AWAKENING of the Constitutional Revolution and a photos of Bakhtiari’s leaders. few years after her liberation from the In June 2018, a bust of Bibi Maryam Allah will cover up on the day of resurrection husband who lived with her. He was Bakhtiari was set up at the NLAI Women’s the defects (faults) of the one who covers up the severely tormented and hindered by Studies Section of the National Library and Archives of Iran. Front cover of the English version of “Sardar Bibi Maryam Bakhtiari”. faults of the others in this world. his struggles. Prophet Muhammad (S) Canadian distributor Mongrel Media buys WHAT’S IN ART GALLERIES Calligraphy Iranian film “Bandar Band” A collection of calligraphy works featuring verses of the Holy Quran purchased by Canadian distributor Mongrel Media. International Film Festival, which took place in the Indian by a group of female calligraphers The film co-produced by Hekmat and Mahshid Ahangarani city in January. are on view in a virtual exhibition Farahani, has been screened in several international festivals. It also received the NETPAC Award at the 6th Ulju Mountain at the Iranian Academy of Arts. “Bandar Band” is about some Iranian women singers Film Festival in Ulsan, South Korea in April. The exhibition named “Fragrance who are going to enter an unofficial competition in a coffee Mongrel Media is an independent Canadian film of Inspiration” has been organized shop in Tehran. distributor, which is the exclusive Canadian theatrical to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, in collaboration with Pregnant Mahla along with the other members of Bandar distributor for Sony Pictures Classics, and , Tehran’s Palestine Museum of Contemporary Art. Band, her husband and one of their closest friends, start and titles from , , Saban Films Nafiseh Taqavi, Marzieh Saeidi, Maryam Khajerasuli, Leila their journey to Tehran from a southern province just when and IFC Films. Khazai, Mahbubueh Jeirani, Zahra Shirazipur, Azra Abdol- they have lost all they had in a flood. ’s Oscar-winning drama “A Separation”, lahpur, Faezeh Saeidi, and dozens of other calligraphers are They still keep their hopes alive, although every road ’s “Sun Children”, Bahman Farmanara’s “Smell contributing to the exhibit. “Bandar Band” by Iranian director Manijeh Hekmat. they take leads to a dead-end in a flood-stricken land. They of Camphor, Scent of Jasmine”, Faramarz Qaribian’s “Her The showcase will run until May 12 at intend to go to Tehran, but they wonder if it is just another Eyes”, Rasul Sadr-Ameli’s “The Girl In the Sneakers” and ART http://honar.ac.ir/index.aspx?fkey- TEHRAN – Iranian film “Bandar Band” turn around a vicious circle. several other acclaimed Iranian movies have previously desk been purchased by the company. id=&siteid=1&&siteid=1&page- directed by Manijeh Hekmat has been The film was named best film at the 26th Kolkata id=3012. Painting Najmeh Kazazi is hanging her latest collection of paintings in an Claudio Noce’s “Padrenostro” exhibition at Inja Gallery. The exhibit named “Where the to compete in Fajr filmfest Fish Goes the Water Flows” will run until May 8 at the gallery located ARTTEHRAN – Italian Pierfrancesco Favino, and later meets Five films by Noce have so far been at 4 Pedram Alley, Neauphle-le- deskdirector Claudio Noce’s Christian, played by Francesco Gheghi. screened at the five editions of the Venice Chateau St. drama “Padrenostro” will be screened at The film narrates the perspective of Film Festival. In 2009, his debut feature A group of artists, including Siavash the 38th Fajr International Film Festival Valerio whose heroic father was a decorated “Good Morning Amman” was screened in Kasrai, Behjat Sadr, Manuchehr Niazi, in Tehran following its world premiere at police officer. The powerful friendship of the the International Critics’ Week of the 66th Farid Jahangir, Sassan Nasiri, Ali The Venice International Film Festival 2020. two young boys is portrayed using Antonio Venice Film Festival. Golestaneh and Mostafa Dashti, “Padrenostro”, which means “our father”, Vivaldi’s composition “Summer from Four Earlier in 2005, he won the David di is displaying their paintings in an is Noce’s third film, and it is based on his Seasons”. Donatello award for best short film for his “Padrenostro” by Italian director Claudio Noce. exhibition at Saless Gallery. own personal life, narrating the powerful The music along with the mysterious “Aria”. His 2014 drama “The Ice Forest” starring However, the organizers announced last The exhibit named “Living Nature” friendship of two boys who manage to form feel it brings to the film adds excitement to Serbian actor Emir Kusturica was screened at week that Oscar-winning Hungarian director will be running until May 19 at the a different narrative of life. the scenes where the boys make discoveries both the Tokyo and the Rome film festivals. Istvan Szabo’s latest movie “Final Report” gallery that can be found at 148 The film’s story unfolds in Rome during that will change their lives forever. The 38th Fajr International Film Festival, and Ukrainian-Armenian filmmaker Roman Karim Khan Ave. 1976 where Valerio, played by Mattia Garaci, The film was screened at the 77th Venice which will take place in Tehran from May Balayan’s 2020 movie “We Are Here We An exhibition of paintings by suffers trauma after witnessing a terrorist Film Festival, and Favino won the Volpi Cup 26 to June 2, has not announced the lineup Are Close” have been selected to compete Mojgan Bakhtiari is currently attack on his father Alfonso, played by for best actor. for official competition as yet. in the event. underway at Asar Gallery. The exhibit will run until May 28 at the gallery located at No. 16 Barforushan St., Iranshahr St. “The White Darkness” falls on Iranian bookstores Calligraphic painting Gallery is playing host to an CULTURE TEHRAN – English writer Geraldine The novel won the Whitbread Children’s Book Award desk exhibition of calligraphic paintings McCaughrean’s novel “The White in 2005. by Alireza Astaneh, Fereidun Omidi, Darkness” has recently been published in Persian by Peydayesh McCaughrean has written over 120 books, 50 short plays Mohammad Bozorgi, Kurosh Publishing House in Tehran. for schools and a radio play. Qazimorad and Maryam Qanbarian. Farmehr Amirdoost is the translator of the book originally Her adult novels include “Fires’ Astonishment” and “The Hassan Mehrabani is the curator of published in 2005 by HarperCollins Publishers. Ideal Wife”, but she is best known for her children’s books. the exhibition entitled “Selection 3” In her first contemporary young adult novel, Carnegie She writes for children of all ages, from first readers, and will be running until May 11 at Medalist and three-time Whitbread Award winner picture books and younger children’s books, to children’s the gallery located at 33 Delaram McCaughrean delivers a spellbinding journey into the novels, which include “A Little Lower than the Angels”, “Gold Alley, East Roshanai St. in the frozen heart of darkness. Dust” and “Not the End of the World”, each of which have Qeitarieh neighborhood. In this book, shy teenager Symone “Sym” Wates is taken won the Whitbread Children’s Book Award, making her the Multimedia to Antarctica by her domineering “uncle”, Victor Briggs, who only writer to have won this award three times. Artworks in various media by after the death of her real parent has appointed himself as McCaughrean has also written several collections of her surrogate father. Front cover of the Persian translation of English writer stories, including bible stories and fairy tales. Maryam Nuri, Ruhollah Mohammadi, Geraldine McCaughrean’s novel “The White Darkness”. Azadeh Masumi, Nasrin Rahimi, An obsessive believer in the hollow earth theories of John She specializes in the retelling of classic tales such as Zahra Abedini, Kiana Yazdanju, Cleves Symmes, Jr., Briggs is convinced that in Antarctica he “Symone’s unforgettable voice propels this journey of “The Canterbury Tales”, “The Odyssey”, “Moby Dick” and Sanaz Hamed, Saeideh Farahani, will find the entrance to the Inner World and its inhabitants. discovery in a book that is intricately plotted, richly imaged “El Cid” and of myths and legends from around the world. Shahram Sharifi and several other He is ready to sacrifice Sym and others to prove his theory, and brings new meaning to the term unreliable narrator,” These books include “The Orchard Book of Greek Myths” artists are on display in an exhibition and increasingly puts her in danger until she finally sees said Printz Award Committee Chair Lynn Rutan. and “The Orchard Book of Roman Myths”. at Golhaye Davudi Gallery. the truth about him. She is then able to escape his plans “Readers will need to hang onto their snow goggles in this McCaughrean lives in Berkshire. Her book, “Not the End The exhibition entitled “Water for her. Briggs dies still pursuing his obsession while Sym compelling book in which nothing is as it seems at first glance.” of the World”, is currently being adapted for the stage. In Lilies” will be running until May returns to her own life with new freedom. It was also shortlisted for the Calderdale Children’s Book 2005, she was chosen to write the official sequel to J. M. 5 at the gallery located at 263 near The book won Michael L. Printz Award in 2008. Award in 2006. Barrie’s Peter Pan. Peter Pan in Scarlet was published in 2006. Nejatollahi St., Taleqani Ave. Five Five Gallery is hanging artworks in various media by Sima Shabahangpur, Behnaz Peter Singer’s “Animal Liberation” appears in Persian Abbasi, Elaheh Parsai, Nadia DElbasteh, Elnaz Sadeqi, Maryam CULTURE TEHRAN – Australian the supporter and the skeptic alike. In particular, he argues that while desk Golmohammadi, Nikta Jalali, Zahra philosopher Peter “Animal Liberation” is widely considered animals show lower intelligence than the Zanjani, Fatemeh Jahedi, Faezeh Singer’s book “Animal Liberation” has within the animal liberation movement to average human, many severely intellectually MOqaddam and Azadeh Darvari in been published in Persian. be the founding philosophical statement of challenged humans show equally diminished, an exhibition named “To My Sight”. Qoqnus is the publisher of the book its ideas. if not lower, mental capacity and that some The exhibit will be running until May translated into Persian by Behnam Singer himself rejected the use of the animals have displayed signs of intelligence 5 at the gallery that can be found Khodapanah. theoretical framework of rights when it (for example, primates learning elements of at No. 55, Seventh Negarestan, Since its original publication in 1975, this comes to human and nonhuman animals. American sign language and other symbolic Pasdaran Ave. groundbreaking work has awakened millions Following Jeremy Bentham, Singer languages) sometimes on a par with that of An exhibition of artworks in various of concerned men and women to the shocking argued that the interests of animals should human children. media by Alireza Arab, Shabnam abuse of animals everywhere, inspiring a be considered because of their ability to Therefore, intelligence does not provide Darvish, Aida Sadeqi, Amir Haddadi, worldwide movement to eliminate much of experience suffering and that the idea of rights a basis for giving nonhuman animals any Parisa Bakhshi, Sara Fakhrai, Shiva the cruel and unnecessary laboratory animal was not necessary in order to consider them. less consideration than such intellectually Ahrari, Farahnaz Mojtahedi and experimentation of years past. He popularized the term “speciesism” in challenged humans. A poster for the Persian translation of several other artists is currently In this newly revised and expanded the book, which had been coined by Richard D. Singer concludes that the most practical Australian philosopher Peter Singer’s underway at Ehsan Gallery. edition, Singer exposes the chilling realities Ryder to describe the exploitative treatment solution is to adopt a vegetarian or vegan diet. book “Animal Liberation”. The exhibit entitled “New Season” will run until May 4 at of today’s “factory farms” and product-testing of animals. He also condemns vivisection except where the gallery located at No. 22, East 14th St. in the Ajudanieh procedures, offering sound, humane solutions An important and persuasive appeal to In “Animal Liberation”, Singer argues against the benefit (in terms of improved medical neighborhood. to what has become a profound environmental conscience, fairness, decency and justice, what he calls speciesism: discrimination on the treatment, etc.) outweighs the harm done and social as well as moral issue. “Animal Liberation” is essential reading for grounds that a being belongs to a certain species. to the animals used.