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8 Pages Price 50,000 Rials 1.00 EURO 4.00 AED 42nd year No.13931 Thursday APRIL 29, 2021 Ordibehesht 9, 1400 Ramadan 16, 1442

Leader wishes Golmohammadi: Lebanese artist may have Leader regrets COVID-19 success for Hamas and Persepolis want Group faced Khashoggi’s fate in obstacles to annual Hezbollah Page 2 E top spot Page 3 Saudi detention Page 5 meeting with literati Page 8

U.S. must lift all post-JCPOA sanctions before returning to deal, top Iranian negotiator says Why Saudis and Israelis are TEHRAN – Iran’s top nuclear negotiator tions imposed on Iran during the terms underlined the need for the U.S. to lift all the of ex-president Barack Obama and his sanctions imposed after the signing of the successor, Donald Trump, following the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, saying the U.S. must implementation of the JCPOA in early do so before returning to the nuclear deal. 2016 must be terminated before the United Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Seyed States can return to the agreement. anxious about JCPOA talksSee page 3 Abbas Araghchi made the remarks on Araghchi said Tehran’s position with re- Tuesday following another round of talks gard to the landmark deal has not changed between representatives of Iran and other and will not, either, stressing that, “The signatories to the deal, officially called United States must first lift all sanctions, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and Iran will return to its obligations only Persian Gulf National Day: (JCPOA), in the Austrian capital of Vienna. after verifying the lifting of US sanctions.” Let’s protect precious He told Press TV that all the sanc- Continued on page 3 marine environment Iran-EAEU annual trade hits $2.1b TEHRAN- The value of non-oil trade between oil commodities to the EAEU members last Iran and the members of the Eurasian Eco- year, registering a four-percent decline nomic Union (EAEU) reached $2.1 billion in terms of value. in the previous Iranian calendar year (end- The Islamic Republic’s imports from the ed on March 20), data released by Tehran block stood at $1 billion, with a 16.5-per- Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, cent drop in value. and Agriculture (TCCIMA) showed. The main reason for the drop in the Based on the mentioned data, the value trade between the two sides has been of trade shows an 11-percent fall, as com- said to be the restrictions created by the pared with the figure for the preceding year. coronavirus pandemic. Iran exported $1.1 billion worth of non- Continued on page 4

BY FARANAK BAKHTIARI 241,000 square kilometers. Its length TEHRAN – The Persian Gulf is a valu- is some 990 km, and its width varies able water body in terms of ecosystem from a maximum of about 340 km to and biodiversity, but has been affected a minimum of 55 km in the Strait of severely due to different depleting factors. Hormuz. So, let’s mind its protection on April 30, It has its own environmental charac- Persian Gulf National Day. teristics, as it is a semi-closed sea, aging The day marks the anniversary of 15,000 years, with an average depth of

forcing out Portuguese navy of the Strait 35 meters, while being high salty with of Hormuz in the Capture of Ormuz severe heat fluctuations, and an annual (1622). evaporation rate of 140 cm. The Persian Gulf has an area of about Continued on page 7 File photo File

Iranian teams have Iran eyes UNESCO status for Anger as ex-generals warn about the been satisfactory in five intangible elements consequence of Macron’s Islamophobia policy ACL: expert TEHRAN – Iran seeks to register five intangi- According to UNESCO, Yalda ceremonies, in The French government has condemned an Florence Parly, tweeted: “Two immutable princi- ble elements on UNESCO’s list of Intangible the best way, point to cultural diversity and open letter signed by active soldiers that said ples guide the action of members of the military BY FARROKH HESABI Cultural Heritage of Humanity in near future, human creativity, especially when one con- the country was heading for “civil war” due to with regard to politics: neutrality and loyalty.” ootball expert Sattar Hamed- Mehr reported on Tuesday. siders the wide range of the communities that Government Islamophobia policy and extremism. She earlier warned that any signatories still anis says that Iranian teams The country has recently submitted [revised] celebrate it. About 1,000 servicemen and women, including serving in the military would be punished for have shown good perfor- dossiers for the ancient festivities of Mehregan Mehregan celebration, which falls on the some 20 retired generals, put their names to the letter. defying a law that requires them to remain po- F and Yalda, crafting and playing [the stringed 196th day of the Iranian calendar year that It blamed “fanatic partisans” for creating litically neutral. mance in the 2021 AFC Champions League. instrument of] the Oud, traditional craft of silk usually equals October 2 in the Gregorian divisions between communities, and said ex- What does the letter say? The fifth matchday of the ACL was the spinning, and Turkmen Duzi (a kind of tradition- calendar, brings together clusters of Iranian tremists were taking over whole parts of the It warns French President Emmanuel Macron, worst day of the matches for the Iranian al textile being practiced by Iranian Turkman Zoroastrians to hold reunions in celebration nation’s territory. his government, and MPs of “several deadly teams as they ended the day with three tribes), the report said. of Mithra, an ancient goddess of friendship, Ministers have condemned the message dangers” threatening France. draws and one defeat without a win. The Yalda (the birth of a new sun), which is affection, and love. A key feature for the event published in a right-wing magazine. The signatories go on to blame “a certain bad news was that Foolad Khoozestan’s also called Yalda Night, is celebrated on the is large spreads in purple laden with various The letter was first published on 21 April anti-racism” for splitting up communities, and defeat against Al Sadd which cost them eve of the winter solstice, which falls on the ingredients, dishes, and elements each on be- - the 60th anniversary of a failed coup d’état. seeking to create “racial war” by attacking statues the tournament. They have no chance to last day of Azar (the last month of autumn in half of a particular belief. Fruits, vegetables, “The hour is grave, France is in peril,” the and other aspects of French history. qualify for the knockout stage even if they the Iranian calendar year). On that graceful dried nuts, sweets, rosewater, grilled lamb signatories said. They also accuse the government of seeking win as they lost the chance to finish among night, the winter chill is vanquished and the meat, lotus seeds, and silver coins, and a scale Far-right leader Marine Le Pen, a candidate to use the police “as proxy agents and scape- the three best second-placed teams. warmth of love embraces the entire family. are typically placed, the latter symbolizes au- in next year’s presidential election, has spoken goats” by brutally repressing the popular “gilets Sattar Hamedani, a former player of It’s a time for pleasant family reunions that tumnal equinox. out in support of the former generals. jaunes”, or yellow vest protests of recent years. Esteghlal, believes that the Blues have a entails laughter, merriment, and good cheer. Continued on page 6 But the minister in charge of the armed forces, Continued on page 5 good chance to make it into the knockout rounds. “Esteghlal played cautiously against The region was able to defend itself from U.S. Hybrid War: analyst Saudi opponent, knowing that even a draw China will fill the gap would pace them in pole position to win BY MOHAMMAD ALI SAKI Central-South-West Asian space’s resilience to of troops into combat over the past 20 years. left by the U.S. in West the group. Now their chances to secure the TEHRAN — A geopolitical analyst says that the Afghan-emanating threats; and the emergence Biden forcibly stamped his views on a policy he top of the table remain in their own hands. Central-South-West Asian space has been resil- of a multipolar alternative to the U.S.’ plans led has long debated but never controlled in rejecting Asia: Pakistani expert ient to U.S. efforts to export Afghanistan’s crises. by Pakistan, Russia, and China.” the Pentagon’s push to remain in Afghanistan They still have a tough match ahead, but BY REZA MOSHFEGH “The broader region was able to defend it- Biden administration will withdraw American for a more extended period. Now, after years of the face-to-face battle between the two TEHRAN – Noting that China is not an “interventionist self from the Hybrid War threats that the U.S. combat troops from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, declaring arguing against an extended American military other teams (Al Duhail and Al Ahli) is in power,” a Pakistani journalist says that Beijing is attempted to export from Afghanistan,” Andrew an end to one of the nation’s endless war and over- presence in Afghanistan, the American president our interest. going to fill the gap left by Washington in West Asia. Korybko tells the Tehran Times. ruling warnings from American military advisers is doing things his way, with the deadline set “Al Ahli played much better than the “Chinese engagements with regional countries According to the American expert, the U.S. that the departure could prompt a resurgence of for the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks. first leg against Esteghlal; they were a will also ensure defence cooperation as Chinese en- is pulling out of Afghanistan because of “the the same threats that sent hundreds of thousands Continued on page 5 completely organized team. It proves the ergy needs which are expected to increase manifold high level of Group C and shows how diffi- come from West Asia, and China will fill the gap left cult has been the path for Farhad Majidi’s by the U.S. in the region,” Mobeen Jafar Mir tells side,” Hamedani said. Iranian Arabs the Tehran Times. “In my opinion, Iranian team are While China is searching for new ties in West showing signs of mental and physical celebrate Asia to expand its trade and find larger markets, fatigue, which is understandable given some Western critics warn about Chinese expan- the fixture pile-up they are facing with. traditional festival sionist plans. Persepolis started the tournament in However, the Pakistani expert in international the best way possible and secured their relations believes that “China is not an interven- qualification to the next round even as of Girgian tionist power and its stakes in the Persian Gulf will the second team of their group. Howev- TEHRAN –Tens of thousands of Iranian Arabs encourage it to maintain peace and stability there.” er, fatigue affected the performance of marked the mid-Ramadan celebration of Girgian Biden administration is trying to portray China Persepolis as well in their recent match, or Gargee’an on Wednesday amid concerns as a threat warning about Chinese possible military and they lost three points. over Covid-19. hegemony after finding a foothold in West Asia and “Tractor have been unbeaten so far in Girgian is a traditional celebration among Turkey. the competition, and they should fight to Iranian Arabs, which takes place on the 15th But political observers underscore Chinese eco- stay in the AFC Champions League because night of Ramadan every year. The occasion nomic plans and say that Beijing is reluctant to enter they are really deserved to be there. is said to be dating back to early Islam when a military competition with Washington. “It will take a huge effort for the Iranian Imam Hasan ibn Ali (AS), the second imam of Following is the text of the interview: outfits to pull clear of trouble at this last Twelver Shia, was born. Therefore, it is seen as What is the importance of Pakistan for stage of the campaign, but they need a a cheerful occasion to celebrate the birthday the economy of Asia and West Asia? renewed belief to overcome this challenge of the second imam. Pakistan is a crucial factor in bringing lasting in the best possible way,” he concluded. On the night of Girgian children usually stability in Asia, particularly in South Asia, Central Persepolis, Tractor and Foolad are Asia and the Middle East (West Asia). Two signifi- Mona Sayyafzadeh dress traditional attire and go door-to-door scheduled to play their opponents Thurs- to receive sweets and nuts from neighbors while cant conflicts in the region posing threats to Asia’s day night. also singing traditional songs. Girgian is also stability and prosperity are the Kashmir conflict Esteghlal will play their last match ISNA/ celebrated in Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain. and the interminable war in Afghanistan. Friday night. Continued on page 5 I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y POLITICS APRIL 29, 2021

Leader wishes success for Ghalibaf: The presence of foreign Hamas and Hezbollah

POLITICAL TEHRAN— In separate messages to the deskleaders of Lebanese and Palestinian resist- troops in the region is threat ance movements, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei wished Hez- bollah and Hamas fighters success and expressed solidarity for POLITICAL TEHRAN — Speaking at together, avoiding any differences and diver- the Palestinian cause. deska convention called “The gences. We are people who are culturally close Ayatollah Khamenei expressed gratitude to Lebanese and Persian Gulf Is Our Home” on the anniver- to each other, and we must stop backwardness Palestinian resistance leaders for their condolences following sary of Persian Gulf Day on Wednesday, and put the region on the path of progress the demise of Deputy Chief of the IRGC Quds Force Mohammad Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker with peace and security,” the senior MP said. Hejazi last week. of the Iranian parliament, noted that the He noted that the third necessary element presence of foreign military troops in the for the expulsion of the foreign troops is the region would only cause insecurity in the existence of a deterrent force in the region, region, not peace. saying, “We must be strong enough that the “The Persian Gulf is important and glo- disruptors of regional security do not have rious for us, but it will be more glorious and the opportunity to appear in the region, so greater than today when we see the withdrawal we need a security model that is in line with of all foreign troops from the region. That the conditions of the Persian Gulf.” day will be a day of joy for the people of the The legislature speaker drew two approach- region,” he stated. es for the security model of the region. The first The senior MP said that the Persian Gulf is approach in the security model of West Asia very dear to the people of Iran because “these focuses on the withdrawal of foreign troops. brave people have sacrificed their loved ones The second approach focuses on maximum for the security and stability of the region.” participation of West Asian countries in se- Ghalibaf stated that these foreign troops, curity, defence, economic, political, cultural led by the United States, have eroded econom- and social structures and cooperation. ic opportunities in the region and beyond. “If such a situation prevails in the Persian “If we see a gap in the south and north of Gulf, we will see how this region will calm The Leader said General Hejazi spent a lifetime of striving for the Persian Gulf today, it is because of the taining the security of the Zionist regime. Ghalibaf also stated that “there are three down and (this calmness) will have an impact the cause of God and passed away on that path. presence of the U.S. military troops in the The senior parliamentarian noted that crucial elements needed to expel foreign troops on security and the global economy,” he said. “I received your kind and brotherly condolence message on the region,” he said. the Islamic Republic has cut the U.S. hands from the region. Self-esteem, convergence, He pointed out the potentials in the Persian unfortunate demise of the mujahid, General Seyyed Mohammad He also emphasized, “These foreign from the north of the Persian Gulf. and the existence of a deterrent force in the Gulf and the Sea of Oman, calling all people, Hejazi, may God be pleased with him, and I thank you for your troops have come to the region to establish “Strong Iran has shown in practice that region.” from the private sector to the governments kindness,” Press TV quoted Ayatollah Khamenei saying in a message and control the procedures, and they have the U.S. will never reach the north of the Explaining the first element, which is and NGOs, to pay attention to the develop- to Lebanon’s Hezbollah resistance movement secretary-general also come to change the procedures in their Persian Gulf, and the U.S. movements will self-esteem, he said, “We must believe in ment of these two critical shores. Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Tuesday. own interest.” have no effect on the north of the Persian the power and belief of the youth and people “The strengthening of these shores will The Leader added that he always prays for Nasrallah, saying, “The only reason American military is Gulf,” he explained. of the region that the region can be managed make the country stronger, so transit op- “May God keep you safe and secure, and may He keep the blessing present outside its territory is to secure its He expressed hope that all countries, al- by relying on these capacities.” portunities in this region should be used,” of your presence for Islam and Muslims.” own interests,” the top parliamentarian said. together, expel the United States from the Moving to the second element, he said, Ghalibaf stressed. In a separate message on Tuesday, the Leader thanked Hamas’s Ghalibaf noted that another reason for the region and expel the foreign troops that have “One of the reasons for the presence of for- Persian Gulf National Day is an official political bureau chief, Ismail Haniyeh, and assured him of Iran’s presence of troops outside their territories is caused threats and insecurity to have a hap- eign forces is to prevent this convergence.” occasion in the Iranian calendar celebrated support for the Palestinian issue against Israeli occupation. to interfere in providing energy and main- pier West Asia. “The countries of the region must stand on the 10th day of Ordibehesht, or April 30. “In the case of Palestine, we always sympathize and go along with our Palestinian mujahideen brothers, and we regard ourselves as being in the same trench, and we ask God Almighty for the victory of the Palestinian people,” Press TV quoted the Leader as saying. The commander passed away at the age of 65 on April 18. The Presidential elections and Vienna negotiations: A Rubik’s cube Islamic Revolution Guards Corp said on the next day that the veteran general passed away due to the side effects of the chemical POLITICAL TEHRAN— On June 18, the people and prolonged” negotiations, Iran has expedited the desk weapons used by Saddam Hussein’s regime in eight years of war of Iran will freely and democratically process. Yet, the United States keeps saying that they against Iran in the 1980s. elect a new president. As President Rouhani’s term do not want to rush into a deal. In his message of condolence, the Leader described General expires, there are various important issues to be set- “We expect this to be -- these conversations to be Hejazi as a person with “dynamic thought, a heart full of the true tled. There are several vital questions to be raised. This difficult. We expect this to be a long process. And we’re faith and full of motivation and determination.” administration began a difficult round of negotiations very much at just the beginning period,” Jen Psaki, the with the P4+1 to revive the nuclear deal. Would the next White House spokesperson, said on April 8. administration inherit the negotiations? Will Iran’s The U.S. seems to be insisting that the negotiations U.S., P4+1 have no choice but to policies change? What did Rouhani mean when he said would take longer than expected, and it may even go he would lift the sanctions within the last 100 days of on after Iran’s upcoming presidential election on June surrender to Iran, says Rouhani his presidency? 18. History suggests that the U.S. is likely to wait and The Vienna negotiations entered their third week on see what happens in the elections, as they reportedly POLITICAL TEHRAN — Speaking to his cabinet on Wednes- Tuesday, April 27. So far as we know, the negotiations did in 2013, when John Kerry halted the negotiations. desk day, President Hassan Rouhani discussed sanc- have had some progress, with Seyed Abbas Araghchi, President Rouhani has stated that within the last tion issues and reiterated that the U.S. and P4+1 have no choice Iran’s top negotiator, describing the last meeting of the 100 days of his presidency he would be able to lift the is his first priority, and he will take the control of the but to surrender to Iran’s rightfulness. Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan sanctions and relieve the economy. Does this mean negotiations himself if elected. “They (the enemies) conspired for four years to isolate Iran, of Actions (JCPOA) “on the right track.” One thing is that the negotiations would likely reach a conclusion Making the sanctions ineffective is his next priority. but now the Americans and P4+1 have realized that they have no certain. There is a 3 vs. 3 battle going on. Iran, China in this administration? “If I want to negotiate, I will strengthen the country’s choice but surrender to the international law and Iran’s rightful- and Russia unanimously and unequivocally called for The answer is probably not. There are many details economy,” Ghasemi said. ness”, Rouhani added. the immediate lifting of the sanctions. Iran is patiently that need to be ironed out. For example, the sanctions “We should change the ‘imploring diplomacy’ to the ‘Framework for the nuclear deal has been designed waiting for E3 (Germany, France, and the UK) to call on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), along diplomacy of power,” he said on his possible govern- by the leader’ on the U.S. to lift all the sanctions. with the sanctions on the office of Ayatollah Khamenei, ment’s diplomacy. Elsewhere in his remarks, the president stated that the Leader But that is unlikely to happen, as E3 has shown in Leader of the Islamic Revolution, need to be resolved. He added that the United States “must return to the of the Islamic Revolution has helped the government in various the past that they have no free will of their own. Time According to the Wall Street Journal, there is a big JCPOA without any preconditions.” issues, such as the Vienna negotiations. and again, they have followed what the U.S. has said. difference of opinion about the removal of sanctions Saeed Jalili, another potential and highly anticipat- He reiterated that the Leader has clarified the path to the deal, The Biden administration is said to be looking into on these two entities. ed presidential candidate, is expected to continue the and the negotiating team is walking in the same direction. possibilities of easing banking, oil and finance sanc- It cannot be denied that the Natanz sabotage act, negotiations if elected. Based on his past experience tions on Iran. Immediate removal of all sanctions in a done by Israel, has accelerated the negotiations. After as the secretary general of Iran’s Supreme National verifiable way is the only demand Iran has. The JCPOA three weeks, the six delegations came from no common Security Council, and him being Iran’s chief nuclear Fereydoun Abbasi experience has proved to the Islamic Republic that thinking to “the right track”, as described by Iran’s top negotiator between 2010 and 2013, it is likely that he announces presidential when sanctions are lifted on paper, nothing practical negotiator Araghchi. would continue the negotiations. could be done. After the JCPOA, Iran kept struggling However, the potential presidential candidates have Saeed Mohammad, the former director of Khatam-al candidacy with issues such as transferring its money overseas, announced their plans for the continuation of negoti- Anbiya Construction Headquarters and a mysterious causing the economy to limp, but not cripple. ations, if elected. figure to many Iranians, has officially announced that POLITICAL TEHRAN— Fereydon Abbasi, head of the En- The Biden administration must understand that they Rostam Ghasemi, former Minister of Petroleum he is running for president. deskergy Committee of the parliament, announced barely have any time left. With the Leader of the Islamic during Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s administration and He has also declared that he is open to negotiations, on Wednesday that he is running for president. Revolution asking all sides not to engage in “erosive a presidential candidate, stated that sanctions removal on the condition that Iran “strengthens itself internally.” His campaign slogan is “Elite government, a return to the people.” Abbasi is the representative of Kazeroun in the parliament. Looking at the East and neighbors is key to development of Iran’s economy, says top advisor He was the head of the Atomic POLITICAL TEHRAN — At the Iran’s relations with the Asian continent public of Iran is located in Southwest Asia Energy Organization of Iran in desk“Makran Shores and Per- are insignificant. and this region is the link between Asia to Ahmadinejad’s administration sian Gulf” conference at Shiraz on Wednes- He suggested that improving the geo- Europe and Africa. West Asia enjoys the from 2010 to 2013. day, Assistant and Senior Advisor to the political situation of Iran and achieving heartland conditions in the new theories He is one of the nuclear phys- Commander-in-Chief, Major General Yahya the first power in the region in West Asia of the present century after the Cold War, icists who was Mossad’s assassi- Rahim Safavi discussed the importance of is possible through maritime transit. and Iran is located in the central core of nation target in 2010, alongside shaping diplomacy with the East. “Of course, all these goals require do- this heartland region and can be consid- martyr Dr. Majid Shahriari. A “From the point of view of foreign pol- mestic and foreign investment, and the ered as a country with a high proportion bomb was strapped to the door icy, if we look at the East, that is, to India, 25-year cooperation plan is one of those in all areas of geopolitics, geo-economics of his car while driving, yet, he China, Japan, Indonesia and Malaysia, as foreign investments,” the major general said. and geoculture.” narrowly escaped the assassi- well as Russia, 73% of which is in the Asian The former Islamic Revolution Guards The Senior Advisor to the Leader pre- nation attempt. region and 27% in the European region, Corp commander said that there does not dicted that at the next turn of the century, and if we look at our neighbors, using Iran’s seem to be a region more important on Iran could become one of the leading players very high capacity for geopolitical and ge- north of Iran and even to Europe through the map than Iran from the geopolitical, in the economy of Southwest Asia with a Student activists invite ographical position for export can be the the Mediterranean and Asia,” he said. geo-economics and geo-strategic aspects focus on the maritime economy (maritime Raeisi to field candidacy for key to Iran’s economic path for exporting The geopolitics professor at Tehran Uni- on a regional and global scale. transport and rail) and based on shared Iranian products and also for re-export versity said that unfortunately, the relations Explaining the reasons for the impor- interests with other world, continental and presidential elections using the location of Iran’s crossing to the of the region with the Asian continent and tance of Iran, he added, “The Islamic Re- regional powers.

POLITICAL TEHRAN— 1400 student activists wrote deskto Ayatollah Seyed Ebrahim Raeisi, head of the Judiciary, to field candidacy for the upcoming presidential elections. Sanctions prevent encountering health crisis Explaining the current situation of the Islamic Republic to POLITICAL TEHRAN— Majid Takht Ravanchi, Ira- stark contrast to digital equality and widen the digital gap the top cleric, the activists called for the active participation desknian ambassador to the United Nations between sanctioned countries and other countries.” of Raeisi in the battle for presidential elections. criticized United Nations Security Council’s inaction towards On October 8, 2020, the Trump administration announced Pointing to the last election in which Raeisi gathered 16 unjust sanctions against Iran during a severe pandemic on that the latest round of sanctions will be imposed against million votes, these activists stated that the Judiciary chief’s Wednesday. Iran’s banking system. popularity has increased in the society during the past few years. “All countries of the world, including the Islamic Republic Due to the restriction of Iran’s banking system, purchasing They noted Raeisi’s justice as one of the characteristics that of Iran, are grappling with the most dangerous epidemic of raw materials for drug synthesis and also medical equipment makes him an ideal presidential nominee. the new age. Unilateral coercive measures have created a and supplies for hospitals and health centers is limited. Iran On April 6, Manouchehr Mottaki, the spokesman for the unity serious obstacle to combating this disease,” he said. has also restrictions for importing some high-tech essen- council of principlists, said that Raeisi is the council’s priority. Stressing that the illegal sanctions have targeted, in par- tial equipment as a result of sanctions, including testing The upcoming presidential and council elections will be ticular, the general public and their right to life and health, equipment (e.g. real-time PCR and X-Ray Machine) and held on June 18. the diplomat noted that these illegitimate actions are “in some hospital equipment necessary for CCU and ICU beds. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y APRIL 29, 2021 IRAN IN FOCUS 3 SPORTS Why Saudis and Israelis are Golmohammadi: Persepolis want Group E top spot

SPORTSTEHRAN – Persepolis football team coach anxious about JCPOA talks deskYahya Golmohammadi says that they want to advance to the 2021 AFC Champions League Round of 16 POLITICAL TEHRAN – Israel and into power, they saw a new opportunity as the winners. deskSaudi Arabia have in- to scrub the deal. They may have even The Iranian giants are scheduled to meet Al Rayyan of tensified their efforts to influence any thought that the JCPOA would never Qatar on Thursday in final matchday of Group E. U.S. move to return to the 2015 Iran be revived given the blows the Trump Persepolis have accumulated 12 points so far and will qualify nuclear deal, which they have publicly administration delivered to it. This may for the next stage as the winners with a draw. opposed right from the start. explain why they are so anxious about the “First of all, I would like to thank my players who fought As Iran and world powers resumed JCPOA being revived after four years of hard in this difficult situation. I’m proud of them,” Golmo- nuclear talks on Tuesday, Saudi and Is- anti-JCPOA rhetoric from Washington. hammadi said in the pre-match news conference. raeli media outlets reported that there If the Biden administration is really “We have to show our quality against Al Rayyan. I think were consultations between Washington keen to revive the JCPOA, it needs to be Al Rayyan could be the favorites in Group E but they were and Tel Aviv on the one hand and Wash- aware of any possible unconstructive not lucky. We will play them with all our might tomorrow,” ington and the Persian Gulf Cooperation efforts on the part of the Saudis and he added. Council on the other hand. Israelis because they have never been Persepolis failed to record their fifth successive win in the The main issue of these consultations proponents of the deal and they are un- match against Al Wahda. However, Golmohammadi says was Iran. likely to change their mind just because that they didn’t deserve to lose against the Emirati team. As the Iranian negotiating team there is a new president in the White “We started bad and conceded a goal in the 5th minute. head to the Austrian capital of Vienna House. Of course, they may stop short Afterward, we played well and created so many chances but on Monday, a senior Israeli delegation of calling on the Biden administration our players failed to capitalize on their chances. Al Wahda comprised of Mossad chief Yosef Cohen, to refrain from rejoining the JCPOA but also defended well. head of military intelligence Tamir Hay- they will certainly ask the U.S. to at least “We have to find our weaknesses. The loss against Al Wahda man, and National Security Adviser Meir make some amendments to the original could help us to find our problem. We have learned from this Ben-Shabbat arrived in Washington for deal, something that will be opposed by defeat,” Golmohammadi concluded. talks on Iran. Chief of Staff of the Israeli eral high-level Biden officials including the growing threat of Unmanned Aerial other signatories to the JCPOA namely Army Aviv Kochavi was also supposed National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Vehicles and Precision Guided Missiles Russia and Iran. to join the delegation but the recent hike Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff produced by Iran,” the White House Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s permanent VAR set for ACL Knockout in Israel-Gaza tensions forced him to Mark Milley and senior U.S. military statement noted, claiming that these representative to international organi- Stage cancel his trip to Washington. and intelligence officials. The focus of the weapons are being provided to proxy zations in Vienna, has recently said that Palestinian residents of the occupied conversations is squarely on the terms groups in the West Asia region. the negotiators in Vienna have come SPORTSTEHRAN – The Video Assistant Referee East Jerusalem have recently taken of the US return to the 2015 nuclear Also on Tuesday, U.S. Special Envoy to conclude that regional security and desk(VAR) system will be implemented for the to the streets to protest Israel’s mis- deal, according to Israeli press reports. for Iran Robert Malley held talks with missile production are different from second straight season from the Quarter-final stage of the treatment, after the Israeli police set On Tuesday, Sullivan and Ben-Shab- Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal curbing Iran’s nuclear program. 2021 AFC Champions League and. up bans on public gatherings during bat held their first in-person meeting bin Farhan alongside officials from the “Curbing Iran’s nuclear program is a After the VAR’s debut in the last edition of the AFC Cham- the holy month of Ramadan, which since Joe Biden entered the White House. countries of the Persian Gulf Cooperation different matter from regional security pions League, which was the first in AFC Club Competitions Palestinians celebrate by holding “The U.S. and Israeli officials discussed Council (GCC). and missile production. At the end of two history, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will continue congregational prayers. These bans their serious concerns about advance- Malley said he discussed the Arab rounds of talks [in Vienna to revive the to set new benchmarks in Asian refereeing by adding the enraged Palestinians and prompted ments in Iran’s nuclear program in recent officials the situation around the JCPOA JCPOA], I came to the conclusion that it system in the AFC Cup Final. them to launch what some observers years. The United States updated Israel and the Vienna nuclear talks. was clear to all participants that only by The integration of VAR in AFC competitions started from called another Intifada which soon on the talks in Vienna and emphasized “Good discussion this morning with reviving the original agreement could the Quarter-final stage of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 before spread to other parts of Palestine, strong U.S. interest in consulting closely our GCC partners regarding the status we achieve our goals. No new terms or the system was adopted across all 32 matches at the AFC U23 including the Gaza strip. The armed with Israel on the nuclear issue going of JCPOA talks and regional security. clauses,” The Russian diplomat said in Championship Thailand 2020. wings of the Palestinian resistance forward,” a readout from the White Heading back to Vienna for the next an interview with Der Spiegel, according Through various initiatives and workshops, the AFC has groups in Gaza fired rockets on Isra- House said. round of talks toward our objective of to Fars News. been recognized for its implementation of the VAR system el in response to the Israel regime’s The statement also said that the U.S. a mutual return to JCPOA compliance,” Iran also strongly rejected any offer which has been endorsed by FIFA and the IFAB. atrocities against the Palestinians. The and Israel agreed on what it called “the he tweeted on Tuesday before heading to expand the JCPOA while calling on To ensure a seamless integration of VAR in AFC com- Israeli army also bombed Palestinian significant threat posed by Iran’s aggres- to Vienna. the U.S. to remove its sanctions. petitions, numerous VAR courses and seminars have been sites in Gaza. sive behavior in the region.” The U.S. discussions with Saudi Arabia The latest round of Vienna nuclear organized since March 2017 while AFC VAR Information But the Gaza events did not prevent Following the meeting of Sullivan aim to persuade them the U.S. return talks was held on Tuesday after negoti- Officer (VIO) Workshops have also been organized to ensure Israel’s senior military intelligence offi- and Ben-Shabbat, the White House said to the 2015 nuclear deal will not harm ating teams briefed high-level officials VIOs are kept up to date on the latest VAR developments. cials, except for Kochavi, from traveling the U.S. and Israel agreed to establish their own interests. But this is exactly at home on the outcome of their talks. The VAR system, which aims to provide minimum interfer- to Washington to dissuade the Biden a new group to counter Iran’s drones what the Obama administration told the Earlier on Sunday, top Iranian nuclear ence with maximum benefit, is limited to four game-changing administration from rejoining the nu- and missiles. Saudis and the Israelis after signing the negotiator Seyed Abbas Araghchi attend- decisions or incidents, specifically - goal or no goal, penal- clear deal, officially known as the Joint “The United States and Israel agreed JCPOA in 2015. Instead of supporting ed a meeting of the Iranian Parliament’s ty-kicks, direct red cards and mistaken identity decisions, Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). to establish an inter-agency working the deal, the Saudis and Israelis joined National Security and Foreign Policy the-afc.com reported. The visiting delegation met with sev- group to focus particular attention on forces to kill the deal and the Trump came Committee. ACL Group C: Al Ahli Saudi, U.S. must lift all post-JCPOA sanctions before returning to deal, Esteghlal settle for share of point SPORTSTEHRAN – Al Ahli Saudi and Esteghlal top Iranian negotiator says deskfootball teams played out a goalless draw at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Tuesday to set up 1 Elsewhere in the interview, Araghchi said be- international organizations in Vienna, said in a post on a thrilling final matchday in Group C of the 2021 AFC Cham- fore starting the third round of Joint Commission in his Twitter account that the participants have consen- pions League. Vienna, the Iranian delegation had held a number of sus on the full restoration of the JCPOA in its original A goalless draw means three teams – Saudi Arabia’s Al bilateral and trilateral meetings with other parties as form and decided to expedite the process. Ahli, Al Duhail of Qatar and Iran’s Esteghlal go into the final well as with representatives of Russia and China to “The new round of the Vienna talks started with matchday with eight points to their names. coordinate their positions on the revival of the JCPOA. official meeting of Joint Commission of JCPOA. The Esteghlal face Al Shorta on Friday while Al Ahli’s Matchday “We have common positions with Russia and China discussions proved that participants are guided by the Six game pits them against Al Duhail. on many Issues, almost on all issues, and there is a unity of purpose which is full restoration of the nuclear good understanding between the three delegations deal in its original form. It was decided to expedite and we have very close cooperation,” the top Iranian the process,” Ulyanov said on Twitter. Majidi blames fatigue after negotiator told Press TV. Mora also wrote on Twitter that the participants “We can see enough seriousness in all delegations,” in the JCPOA Joint Commission aim to “advance on Al Ahli stalemate our objectives: US rejoining the JCPOA and full im- he added. “Everybody is serious enough to work hard SPORTSTEHRAN – Esteghlal football team head plementation of the deal.” in order to come to a conclusion.” deskcoach Farhad Majidi said the physical Also on Tuesday, Araghchi held a trilateral meeting Araghchi also said the delegations at the meeting had status of the players was the reason why they failed to with the Russian and Chinese envoys to the talks. The decided to intensify the work of two previous working other purposes, we will certainly stop negotiations,” defeat Al Ahli. meeting was held hours before another meeting of the groups on sanctions lifting and also agreed on forming he noted. The Iranian team were held to a goalless draw against Al JCPOA Joint Commission, indicating the importance a third group called “Practical Arrangements” which is In response to Press TV’s question about bank- Ahli Tuesday night. Esteghlal had defeated the team 5-2 in Iran attaches to consultations with the Russians and to start work on Wednesday and its purpose is “to find ing sanctions and whether Iran would be allowed to Group C opening match. the Chinese. ideas and solutions for the question of verification, the have banking relations with the US dollar, the head “The two sides were tired and I appreciate all the efforts Ulyanov, who represented Russia in the trilateral implementation day and the timetable for implement- of the Iranian negotiating team said we should leave that my players put in the match,” said Majidi. “It was a meeting, described it as “very fruitful.” ing the commitments and measures by all parties.” the investigation of this issue to the experts, adding strong encounter against an organized side.” “We compared notes and exchanged views on the “We have made some good progress,” the senior that “conversion of different currencies” was currently “Al Ahli didn’t change much from the match that we won way ahead towards full restoration of the nuclear deal. Iranian diplomat underlined. “We are on the right under discussion. but fatigue played an important role in the result. We played It was a very fruitful meeting,” he tweeted on Tuesday. track but still we have lots of challenges ahead of us, During the Tuesday meeting of the JCPOA Joint smart and we couldn’t use our own attacking style because On the other hand, Araghchi underlined the shared important challenges that we have to address and we Commission, the negotiators agreed that expert groups of the physical aspect of the team,” he added. views of Iran, Russia, and China on the nuclear talks. have to deal.” would continue their work in two areas of lifting the US “The group now is unpredictable after Tuesday’s nights. “The heads of delegations of the Islamic Republic of On Tuesday, Negotiators from Iran and the P4+1 sanctions against Iran and the nuclear-related meas- We must be ready for the last match (against Al Shorta) in Iran, Russia, and China stressed the common ground group of countries wrapped up the first round of the ures required to be taken by Tehran in an “intensive order to achieve our target and advance from the group,” of the three delegations and the need for continued JCPOA Joint Commission’s fresh talks in Vienna, ac- and fast” way. Majidi concluded. cording to the Iranian Foreign Ministry. It was also decided to set up a third expert group to consultation and serious coordination between the In the plenary meeting, the participants decided examine practical arrangements needed to implement three countries in these negotiations,” the Iranian to speed up the process of negotiations, and agreed the process of sanctions removal and then the return nuclear negotiator said in a statement after the tri- Persepolis to head into that the activities of expert groups continue in a fast of the United States to the JCPOA. lateral meeting. and intensive way in the two domains of “removal of According to Araghchi, the two working groups The latest round of Vienna nuclear talks was held quarantine after India’s return sanctions” and “nuclear issues.” would start drafting solutions to the dispute, including on Tuesday after negotiating teams briefed high-level It was also decided that a third expert group, namely coming up with the lists of a list of measures that need officials at home on the outcome of their talks. Ear- SPORTSTEHRAN – Persepolis football team’s the “Expert Group on Practical Arrangements”, be to be taken by Iran and the sanctions that have to be lier on Sunday, Araghchi attended a meeting of the deskmembers will be forced into 14 days of ho- formed with the aim of holding talks on the practical removed by the US. Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign tel quarantine after returning from India. arrangements required for the removal of sanctions He added that the third working group should still Policy Committee. The Iranian team are in Goa, India at the moment for the and then the US return to the JCPOA. focus its efforts on macro issues, including Iran’s ver- Speaking on the sidelines of the Committee session, 2021 AFC Champions League. The Tuesday meeting was chaired, on behalf of EU ification of the US sanctions removal. Araghchi offered a glimpse into the outcome of the Iran on Saturday announced the halt of all flights to and High Representative Josep Borrell, by the Deputy Sec- “We are on the right path but there are still chal- talks, saying that, during these talks, U.S. sanctions from India until further notice over a COVID-19 variant to retary General and Political Director of the European lenges and difficult details. It is necessary for us to be on Iran were divided into two categories, one imposed avert its spread in the already-stricken country. External Action Service, Enrique Mora. able to agree on every word and phrase of them,” said on economic entities and activities while the other A charter flight will bring back Persepolis home but the Speaking after the latest round of talks in Vienna last Araqchi, who is the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister imposed on Iranian individuals. team’s members will go to Azadi Football Academy Hotel. week, Araghchi said the discussions are “progressive” for Political Affairs. “There is a better understanding as to the [lifting Providing the latest statistics on the coronavirus infection, despite “the existing difficulties” facing the diplomatic He added that the working groups will start their of] economic sanctions,” Araghchi noted. But sanc- Health Ministry’s spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said on process aimed at reviving the nuclear agreement. work today, and that the JCPOA Joint Commission tions on individuals, estimated to be more than 1,500 Wednesday that the total number of people tested positive Araghchi also pointed to the issue of avoiding would convene when it is necessary to examine the cases, are yet to be resolved, the top negotiator said, for COVID-19 in the country has surpassed 2,459,900 after protraction of talks and reiterated Iran’s position performance of the working groups or settle possible adding that they will be negotiated in the next round the detection of 21,713 new cases since yesterday. on abandoning the negotiations if the parties lacked problems. of talks, which are being held within the framework The pandemic has claimed 434 lives over the past 24 hours, enough seriousness. “We have still bigger difficult challenges on which of the JCPOA Joint Commission, with the three Eu- while the overall coronavirus death toll in Iran stands at “We monitor very closely the behavior of other par- we did not reach a solution and all the delegations are ropean signatories to the JCPOA -France, Germany 70,966, she added. ties. We would certainly not go for time-consuming trying to find a solution to these challenges,” he said. and the UK (E3)- acting as intermediaries between The number of people infected with COVID-19 across negotiations with no result. As soon as we see that the Following the end of the new round of the Vienna the Iranian and American diplomats who are present the world has surpassed 149 million and the death toll has other side is not serious and tries to waste the time for talks, Mikhail Ulyanov, the Russian ambassador to in Vienna in separate hotels. exceeded 3.15 million. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 4 ECONOMY APRIL 29, 2021

TEDPIX gains 5,000 points Iran-EAEU on Wednesday

ECONOMY TEHRAN — TEDPIX, the main index of Tehran deskStock Exchange (TSE), gained 5,072 points to 1.207 million on Wednesday. annual trade Over 6.455 billion securities worth 44.047 trillion rials (about $1.048 billion) were traded at the TSE on Wednesday. The first market’s index rose 5,710 points, and the second market’s index increased 3,363 points. After several days of decline, TEDPIX jumped 15,685 points hits $2.1b on Tuesday. The current trend of stock exchange trading will continue until 1 Exports to Eurasia accounted for and officially came into force on October relative stability is established in the market and the investors 25 percent of Iran’s total non-oil exports 27, 2019. are expected to return to the market, the capital market expert in the mentioned year. Iran is a very important market in the Amirali Amir-Aqaei stated. It is worth mentioning that over $256 region and the development of ties with “The demand side is now waiting for the internal and inter- million of the exported goods to EAEU have this country is of high significance for the national political condition to become clear, and investors will been items subject to preferential tariffs. EAEU members (Russia, Belarus, Armenia, invest in the stock market again as soon as the horizons are clear,” Iran and Eurasian Economic Union Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan). Amir-Aqaei told IRNA last week. reached a free trade agreement in October The free trade agreement between Iran 2018 based on which about 862 commodity and this union has laid the ground for the the Islamic Republic’s plans for boosting the TCCIMA Head Masoud Khansari, the Annual cement production items were subjected to preferential tariffs. expansion of trade ties between the two sides. non-oil exports during the U.S. sanctions. Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) Head The interim agreement enabling the for- The agreement with the bloc has increased In late January, TCCIMA hosted an Hamid Zadboum, and the Head of Islamic exceeds 68m tons mation of a free trade area between Iran Iran’s exports to the EAEU member states Iran-Eurasia economic diplomacy meet- Republic of Iran Customs Administration and the EAEU was signed on May 17, 2018, significantly, which is a turning point for ing, attended by senior officials including (IRICA) Mehdi Mir-Ashrafi. ECONOMY TEHRAN — Iran produced 68.3 million tons deskof cement during the past Iranian calendar year (ended on March 20), the secretary of Cement Industry Employers Association announced. Iran’s steel output to reach 32m Housing price in Tehran city falls 3% Abdolreza Sheikhan also said that the annual output can reach over 70 million tons in the current year. tons by Mar. 2022 in a month ECONOMY TEHRAN – Iran is ECONOMY TEHRAN — Housing deskplanning to produce 32 deskprice in Tehran city million tons of steel in the current Iranian dropped 3.1 percent in the last Iranian calendar year (March 2021-March 2022) calendar month Farvardin (March 21-April to register a 27.7 percent rise compared 20), from its previous month, according to the figure for the previous year (ended to the latest report released by the Central on March 20). Bank of Iran (CBI). Based on the Industry, Mining, The CBI’s report put the average price and Trade Ministry data, Iranian steel for one square meter of a residential unit companies managed to produce 28.374 at 293.2 million rials (about $6,980) in million tons of steel in the previous the capital city in the past month. Iranian calendar year. The housing market in Tehran was According to the ministry’s programs investment are some of the ministry’s the second-highest returning market “The affairs of real estate offices are for the current year, the production of 23 major plans for the current year. in Iran among the country’s four major mostly done through phone and social million tons of steel products has been Iran is currently the tenth largest markets in the previous Iranian calendar distancing and health protocols are ob- also put on the agenda, while last year steelmaker in the world and is estimated year (ended on March 20) with 85 percent served when the parties meet for signing 25 million tons of such products were to climb to seventh place by the Iranian annual growth. contracts. So, these offices which have been According to the production statistics of 68.3 million tons in manufactured. calendar year 1404 (March 2025). The information obtained from Kilid constantly closed since the beginning of the previous year, it can be concluded that more than 80 percent Sponge iron production is expected The country produced 7.5 million website (which is a major platform for the current [Iranian calendar] year (March of the capacity of 87 million tons of cement factories was active. to reach 33 million tons in the current tons of crude steel in Q1 2021, to housing trades) indicated that the housing 21) should be re-opened,” Khosravi said. Iran’s cement industry has a history of more than eight dec- year to register a 2.5 million tons rise maintain its place as the 10th biggest price index in Tehran grew by 85 per- The official also stressed the need for ades of activity. compared to the previous year’s 30.5 steel producer in the first three-month cent in the previous year compared to establishing a market regulation head- Currently, there are 96 cement production lines active in 74 million tons. of 2021, Iranian Mines and Mining its preceding year. quarters for housing sector to monitor factories across Iran, nearly half of them are less than 10 years The Industry, Mining and Trade Industries Development and Renovation The highest monthly price increase the activities of dealers and real estate old. This is an indication that new production units have a greater Ministry’s programs for the current year, Organization (IMIDRO) announced of 12.5 percent occurred in the Iranian agencies in order to balance the prices. share of the total output in this sector. which is called the year of “Production, referring to the data released by the calendar month of Mordad (July 22-Au- Housing prices in Iran have been With an annual production capacity of 87 million tons, Iran’s Support and Eliminating Obstacles”, have World Steel Association (WSA). gust 21, 2020), while the biggest monthly constantly rising over the past year due cement industry holds the world’s sixth place in terms of pro- been classified in seven main axes under According to the WSA’s data, Iran price decrease occurred in Azar (November to various internal and external factors. duction capacity. which 40 plans have been defined. produced 7.5 million tons of crude steel in 21-December 20, 2020) with a decline of Coronavirus has been reported to be The country’s annual cement consumption stands at about Boosting domestic production, Q1 2021, registering a 10.7 percent growth 8.1 percent. a major factor affecting the housing pric- 65 million tons and the annual exports of the commodity chain managing imports and developing the compared to the same period in 2020. On Monday, the head of Iran’s Prop- es in Iran as the pandemic has stoked are over 11 million tons. export of non-oil commodities, developing The Islamic Republic’s steel output erty Advisers Union said housing prices concerns about losing one’s savings and Neighboring countries are not only the consumers of Iranian mines and mineral industries with special stood at 2.6 million tons in March, in the country should decrease at least more people entered the housing market. cement but also demand the transfer of the cement industry’s emphasis on the mining roadmap, indicating a 10.7 percent rise year on year. 25 percent in order for people to be able “People are turning to the housing technology to their countries. developing technology and knowledge- The Iranian Steel industry has been to afford to purchase. market in order to protect their savings based products, managing market and constantly developing over the past years Mostafa Gholi Khosravi noted that the in the face of rising inflation. No one organizing trade logistics, improving against all the pressures and obstacles closure of real estate agencies due to the sees housing as a short-term consumer Tavanir defines 40 programs the country’s business environment, created by outside forces like the U.S. coronavirus pandemic has caused some commodity. Even real consumers view to prevent power outage and eliminating barriers ahead of the sanctions and the coronavirus outbreak problems in this market, calling for the purchasing a home as a long-term in- production process, as well as providing that has severely affected the performance re-opening of the agencies in compliance vestment,” Mehdi Soltan-Mohammadi, in summer financial resources and developing of the world’s top producers. with health protocols. a housing expert, said.

ECONOMY TEHRAN – Head of Iran’s Power Genera- desktion, Distribution, and Transmission Company (known as Tavanir) said the company has defined 40 programs for maintaining electricity supply and preventing power outages Senior officials gather to discuss supporting stock market during the hot season peak consumption period. ECONOMY TEHRAN – Senior Iranian officials emphasized that the proposals made for supporting As reported by IRIB, Mohammad-Hassan Motevalizadeh un- deskgathered at the country’s parliament the market are not enough and should be strengthened. derlined early increase in the temperature and water shortage for on Tuesday to explore ways for supporting the stock The official noted that any proposal should be in line hydropower plants as the most important challenges this year, market and resolving its current issues, IRNA reported. with the goal of restoring confidence in the capital market saying: “These issues have forced the early implementation of Chaired by the parliament speaker Mohammad and supporting long-term investment in the country. preventive programs and in this regard, 40 programs have been Baqer Qalibaf, the meeting was also attended by the “Professional regulations and proper policies should prepared by Tavanir, and will be implemented across the country.” Governor of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) Abdolnaser be implemented in order to lead to long-term investment Based on the mentioned programs, the responsibilities of Hemmati, Finance, and Economic Affairs Minister in this market,” Qalibaf stressed. various ministries and specialized parent companies have been Farhad Dejpasand, and the Head of Iran’s Securities Also in the meeting, Dejpasand and Dehqan Dehnavi determined and assigned, the official said. and Exchange Organization (SEO) Mohammad-Ali presented the proposals of the government’s economic He noted that the ceiling for incentive packages allocated to Dehqan Dehnavi. headquarters regarding the reform of the capital market, each province has also been determined and the governorates Speaking in the meeting, Qalibaf stressed the need and Hemmati also explained the CBI’s decisions for of the provinces have been notified in this regard. for ensuring the shares of small shareholders, the supporting the capital market. structural reforms of the SEO, and the amendment of Unprecedented fluctuations in the Iranian stock market the securities law. over the past few months have led shareholders, experts, He also called for allocating one percent of the National and scholars to call for the government to increase its Development Fund (NDF) resources for supporting Parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf (2nd L), support for the market, some shareholders want the the stock market. CBI Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati (1st L), and Finance government to guarantee the return of their stocks, The parliament speaker also expressed concern and Economic Affairs Minister Farhad Dejpasand (3rd some believe providing infrastructure is the best way over the current situation of the capital market and L) in a meeting on Tuesday to help this market.

Exports from Iran to Turkey stands at $2b in 2020 ECONOMY TEHRAN — Iran has indicators were selected in this field, be- mentioned expediting the process of im- deskexported $2 billion of cause if we want to improve the volume plementing bilateral agreements on trade “Government organizations and entities are the first priority commodities to Turkey in 2020, the head of of trade and achieve the goals, we must and economic issues as the most prioritized for implementing consumption management programs, and in Iran-Turkey Joint Chamber of Commerce take action to solve the root problems.” objective of the joint committee and said this regard monitoring and optimization of air conditioning and announced. “Preliminary studies have shown that Iran has no limitation for expanding and lighting systems in such offices should be seriously pursued”, Putting Iran’s imports from Turkey at many problems arise from business ethics deepening cooperation with Turkey. he stressed. $2.254 billion in 2020, Mehrdad Sa’adat that need to be addressed in order to allevi- Increasing non-oil exports to the neigh- According to the latest data provided by the Energy Ministry, said, “Iran-Turkey trade declined highly in ate the problems that traders are struggling boring countries is one of the major plans currently, 55 hydroelectric power plants with a total capacity of 2020, while we had experienced an annual with, and this issue was addressed last that the Iranian government is currently 12,169 megawatts (MW) are operating across the country and bilateral trade of $15 billion, and mean- year, and we hope for a favorable outcome”, pursuing. the water shortage will seriously affect their output. while our target is to reach $30 billion”. he added. First Vice-President Es’haq Jahangiri Iran’s current power generation capacity stands at about 85 Different factors led to decline in trade During the 27th meeting of Iran-Tur- has called for developing non-oil exports Emphasizing that 15 neighboring GW of which the share of hydroelectric power stands at nearly between the two neighbors in the previous key Joint Economic Committee, which was as the only way for realizing the motto of countries and countries such as China 16 percent. year, among them the U.S. sanctions and held in Ankara in mid-September, the two promoting production. and India and Eurasian members should Water shortage in Iran has become a serious issue in the the coronavirus pandemic were the most sides investigated different ways of reach- “The Foreign Affairs Ministry should be targeted as the most important export current Iranian calendar year (started on March 20) since the outstanding ones, he noted. ing the targeted $30-billion bilateral trade provide the necessary bases for the devel- destinations of the country, Jahangiri amount of rainfalls in the country have declined significantly in Saying that Iran-Turkey Joint Chamber and reiterated that reaching this figure is opment of [non-oil] exports by expanding called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the current water year. of Commerce is looking for a roadmap to possible despite the pressures of the U.S. and strengthening economic diplomacy,” and other relevant agencies to strengthen Earlier this week, the Iranian Deputy Energy Minister for improve trade transactions between the sanctions. he said in a meeting on reviewing ways economic diplomacy and focus on these Water and Wastewater Affairs Ghasem Taqizadeh Khamesi said two sides, Sa’adat said, “In this regard, During the meeting, the Iranian presi- of boosting economic relations with the export destination countries to provide the that the country will be facing some problems in providing water last year, the issue of trade ethics between dent’s chief of staff, Mahmoud Vaezi, who neighboring countries and supporting necessary infrastructure for the develop- for various sectors in the current year. the two countries was addressed and some is the Iranian chairman of the committee, non-oil exporters. ment of exports to these nations. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y APRIL 29, 2021 ANALYSIS/INTERVIEW 5

China will fill the gap left by the Anger as ex-generals warn about the consequence of Macron’s Islamophobia policy U.S. in West Asia: Pakistani expert 1 “It is no longer the time to procrastinate, otherwise tomor- row civil war will put an end to this growing chaos and deaths - for which you will be responsible - with numbers in the thousands,” the 1 Pakistan is a primary stakeholder in both these regional rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia or when letter concludes. crises, and no enduring solution can be achieved without the (Persian) Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) were facing In a country which pays for several thousand former generals on its proactive involvement. disputes among them, Pakistan played a role to unite the the retired and reserve lists, the support of just 20 of them to such The geostrategic importance of Pakistan is an impor- Muslim world without taking any side in conflicts. explosive language does call for a sense of perspective, the BBC’s tant element in materializing Chinese access to the Middle Despite being a Sunni-majority state, Pakistan has the Hugh Schofield in Paris says. East (West Asia) and Africa through the Arabian Sea. As second-largest Shia Muslim population outside Iran. Es- Nonetheless, that the letter was written at all is a sign of danger- Iran will remain central to Chinese energy policy and to tablishing a balance in its ties with both Islamic states is ous times, and the backing of Marine Le Pen means the themes will transport Iranian oil to China, Pakistan will be the only necessary for its domestic stability as Pakistani history is continue to resonate in the year of campaigning that lies ahead, our choice given political instability and deteriorating security long punctuated with sectarian violence. Resultantly, it correspondent says. in the war-ravaged Afghanistan. is cautious about being drawn into regional rivalry along Macron Islamophobia policy How do you read china’s moves to extend its sectarian lines. The presidential election is scheduled for April 2022, and the economic ties with Asian countries, including Iran, Western sanctions on Iran have remained an obstacle French president is seemingly running out of time to come up with Turkey, and Pakistan? in consolidating deep economic ties between Tehran and something that can help secure his re-election. His latest desperate Chinese plan to develop its economic exchanges with Asian Islamabad and have given the impression that Pakistan is attempt at gaining political ground – specifically at the expense of countries is a positive step towards regional development and closer to Saudi Arabia due to ideological affinity, economic the far right – seems to be his decision to come after the Muslim prosperity. Iranian envoy to Pakistan Ambassador Seyyed dependence and military ties. The Biden administration’s community in France. He knows that anything that has to do with Mohammad Ali Hosseini has already hinted at forming a decision to lift sanctions from Tehran and massive Chinese attacking Muslims galvanizes the supporters of the far right and its new bloc of five countries – Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, China economic engagements with Iran are two rays of hope racist and anti-Muslim agenda, as well as perhaps a good segment and Russia – to enhance regional trade and connectivity. It that can bring both neighbour states nearer and address of the French left. will boost the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) concerns of each other. Thus, in early October, Macron made a special address to the efficiency, a political and economic intergovernmental or- What are the main commonalities between Iran nation in which he insisted that Islam “is in crisis” and that he was ganization of Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan. and Pakistan? going to “liberate” it from foreign influences. Chinese economic rise will mitigate the economic fallouts Pakistan and Iran share religious, cultural, historical As a result, more than 50 charities – including the Collective of western imposed sanctions on Iran, and the geographic Talibanization of the Pashtun border areas was posing and geographical bonds. Iran was the first country that Against Islamophobia in France (CCIF), a mainstream organization contiguity of Pakistan, a friendly nation to both China and grave threats 22 Pakistan and Afghanistan. Pakistan has recognized Pakistan in 1947, and Pakistan was the first that combats Islamophobia – dubbed by Minister of the Interior Iran, can act as a conduit to stronger regional integration ensured economic development and political integration state to reestablish ties with Iran after the Islamic revo- Gerald Darmanin as “enemies of the Republic”, may face dissolution. and stability. of these long-neglected areas under a national umbrella. lution despite facing international pressure. Pakistan did Throughout the process, Macron and his government have kept Iran and China have been engaging tremendously even Across the border in eastern and southern Afghanistan, not become a part of Saudi-led intervention in Yemen in up their Islamophobic rhetoric, setting the tone for the public debate when Iran was reeling under punitive economic sanctions such economic development appeared like a pipe dream 2015 when its parliament refused to lend political and on the terror attack. slapped by the UN, U.S. and EU. In fact, China was one due to the poor security situation in Afghanistan. India military support to a sensitive issue concerning the Muslim The real problem of the countries that had received an exemption to trade exploits the poor situation as there are verified proofs of world. Iran and Pakistan were on the same page to find Amid this cacophony of Islamophobia and electoral scheming, with Iran. Indian involvement in shoring up anti-Pakistan elements solutions to the Muslim world’s issues through diplomatic the crux of the matter has not really been addressed. Chinese engagements with regional countries will also from Afghan soil. It revives terrorism in the region when- and peaceful means. For well over two decades, the French state has been moving in a ensure defence cooperation as Chinese energy needs, which ever the end of terrorist networks draws near. India aims Similarly, when Riyadh formed a 41-country Islamic vicious circle in its relationship with its Muslim citizens. are expected to increase manifold come from West Asia at sabotaging CPEC through supporting anti-Pakistani Military Alliance (IMA) where Shia majority Iran was exclud- According to al Jazeera, the state still does not acknowledge the and China, will fill the gap left by the U.S. in the region. outfits, like TTP, both militarily and economically. ed, Islamabad invited Iranian President Hassan Rouhani fact that Islam is a religion of France, that it is not wise to systemati- China is not an interventionist power, and its stakes in As far as Prime Minister Imran Khan’s policy towards and assured him of its neutrality by making clear that the cally remind or refer to French Muslims by their racial or geographic the Persian Gulf will encourage it to maintain peace and countering terrorism is concerned, he has made it a cor- alliance was not an anti-Shia military force. In 2016, both origins, and that French Muslim issues are inherently French issues. stability there. It will be a welcoming sign for political and nerstone of his policy to prevent extremism in all its forms countries agreed to initiate joint counterterrorism efforts security dimensions in the Middle East (West Asia), a region and manifestations. He has expedited efforts at taking against the militant group Islamic State (IS). always remaining under the shadow of political chaos. stringent actions against the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Pa- Bringing lasting peace in Afghanistan, tackling terror- Lebanese artist may have What are Imran Khan’s main plans to confront kistan has been placed in the Financial Action Task Force ism in the region and being a part of Chinese economic terrorist groups in Pakistan and its neighbouring (FATF) ‘greylist’. The Imran Khan-led government gives integration, there are many more commonalities existing faced Khashoggi’s fate countries? it an overriding priority to remove Pakistan from it as it between Pakistan and Iran. in Saudi detention Pakistan has played a significant role in countering tarnishes Pakistan’s image alone hurting financial inter- ests of Pakistan. The government has taken strict actions terrorism within its boundaries and its cooperation for Pakistan did not become a A Lebanese artist is speculated to have faced the same tragic fate against the Jaish-e-Mohammad, another extremist group tackling international terrorism is indispensable. The as Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, with media reports and handed imprisonments to notable heads of such mil- part of Saudi-led intervention saying he has been detained in Saudi Arabia for several days and itant groups. Chinese economic rise in Yemen in 2015 when its Riyadh suspiciously declining to allow his family a visit. Pakistan had compiled a dossier, which contained con- Lebanese media outlets said on Tuesday that Saudi authorities had will mitigate the economic crete evidence that was presented of Indian involvement parliament refused to lend a few days earlier arrested prominent composer Samir Sfeir after he in spreading terrorism in Pakistan and was handed over political and military support fallouts of western imposed arrived in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, at the invitation of an unknown to the UN and other governments. Unfortunately, no one sanctions on Iran, and the to a sensitive issue concerning Saudi official. raised their voice due to their vested interests with India. According to the al-Akhbar newspaper, Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry geographic contiguity of Pakistan has also devised a National Action Plan (NAP) the Muslim world. Iran and contacted the Saudi Embassy about the arrest and, later, Sfeir’s wife to counter terrorism at home. Pakistan, a friendly nation Pakistan were on the same was promised a visit to her husband but when she arrived in Riyadh, How can Pakistan establish a balance in its ties page to find solutions to she was not granted permission to visit him. to both China and Iran, can with Iran and its regional rival, Saudi Arabia? The Lebanese paper also said that Saudi authorities had so far act as a conduit to stronger Islamabad can play a pivotal role in mending fences the Muslim world’s issues refused to respond to requests for providing Beirut with information between Iran and Saudi Arabia through its neutral foreign regional integration and through diplomatic and on why Sfeir was arrested. policy towards the Muslim world. If we closely examine the Other media outlets said Sfeir, who is a known supporter of Leb- stability. foreign policy approach of Pakistan towards the deepening peaceful means. anon’s largest Christian bloc — the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) — set out for Riyadh following an invitation from Waleed bin Ghazi, a personal assistant to the Saudi information minister. According to reports, Sfeir’s family has been unaware of his con- The region was able to defend itself from U.S. Hybrid War: analyst dition for several days and the Lebanese artist is being kept in Saudi Arabia’s political prison, Dehun. successful in its War on Iraq than in Afghan- mentioned simultaneous pressure. From 1 However, many political pun- Charbel Khalil, a prominent FPM member, claimed that Saudi istan. The former eliminated a controversial the looks of it, the U.S.’ policy has backfired dits believe that the U.S withdrawal from Arabia had “kidnapped” Sfeir just because he was “Aounist,” referring beacon of regional stability and created such since it only accelerated the creation of Afghanistan is due to Biden’s push to con- to the supporters of Lebanese President Michel Aoun. chaos that it facilitated the emergence of that aforesaid strategic partnership and solidate ties with East Asian countries like “The Lebanese artist, Samir Sfeir, was kidnapped in the Kingdom easily manipulable non-state threats such recently made Russia so resolute in defence Japan to curb China’s influence. of Bin Salman only because he is Aounist,” he wrote in a tweet. “It is as ISIS, which greatly destabilized the rest of its interests that it’s finally describing Following is the text of the interview: the height of humiliation, shame and disgrace.” of West Asia. Regarding the latter, such a the U.S. as an “unfriendly state” instead of How do you evaluate the U.S. Some Lebanese sources have expressed concern that Sfeir may “Balkanization” scenario was thwarted by a “partner” like it’s done for years despite withdrawal from Afghanistan? Is have faced the fate of Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist who the regional states’ strong “Democratic ever-worsening relations. It’s also seriously Biden serious about ending the was brutally murdered in the Saudi consulate in the Turkish city of Security” (counter-Hybrid War) policies, considering ways to contain the spread endless wars? Istanbul in 2018. I elaborated on the reasons behind the which prevented that from happening. Had of U.S. influence proactively. U.S.’ planned withdrawal in my analysis it been different, then the entire so-called Why did Biden decide to recognize for Pakistan’s Express Tribune about “Greater Middle East” would have been the massacre of Armenians under the India tops 200,000 COVID “Why America Couldn’t Win Its War in in flames and Afro-Eurasian geopolitics Ottoman Empire? Is the U.S. going Afghanistan.” In short, the reasons are would look completely different today. to push Turkey out of NATO? deaths, record surge in daily cases that it lacked the political will to accom- How do you read the recent esca- I explained why this in my recent against China in East Asia? plish its objectives in total; the Central- lation between Russia and the U.S.? analysis for CGTN about why “Histori- The U.S. has already assembled the India has surpassed the grim milestone of more than 200,000 South-West Asian space’s resilience to Why is Biden insisting on putting cal Tragedies Mustn’t Be Exploited For Quad between itself, Australia, India, deaths caused by the COVID-19 disease as a devastating sec- Afghan-emanating threats; and the emer- pressure on Russia and China? Current Political Gain.” They boil down and Japan. Still, it’s unclear how effective ond wave of infections overwhelms the South Asian nation’s gence of a multipolar alternative to the Biden is simply continuing the Trump- to the need to repay political favours to it’ll be to contain China since India isn’t under-funded healthcare system. U.S.’ plans led by Pakistan, Russia, and era policy of simultaneously pressuring fellow Democrats, especially the powerful convinced of America’s overall reliability. Hospitals across the country are reporting a shortage of med- China. More specifically, the U.S. didn’t both of America’s top rivals. The U.S.’ Armenian lobby in the Democrat stronghold Recent examples that have made New Delhi ical oxygen and beds. Even crematoriums are running out of want to carry out a literal genocide of the permanent military, intelligence, and of California and the interest in increasing second-guess the wisdom of joining this space, with funerals held in parking lots, and parks turned into Afghans to achieve its military goals; the diplomatic bureaucracies (“deep state”) pressure on Turkey as punishment for its emerging bloc are Washington’s repeat- temporary cremation grounds. broader region was able to defend itself either think that they can take on both of increasingly independent policies towards ed threats to sanction the country for its According to al Jazeera, the World Health Organization says from the Hybrid War threats that the U.S. them at the same time or eventually put Russia, China, and Iran. Turkey is unlikely planned purchase of Russia’s S-400 air a variant of COVID-19 feared to be contributing to a surge in attempted to export from Afghanistan; enough pressure on Russia that the latter to leave NATO, nor will the U.S. seek to defence systems, the U.S. Navy’s provoca- coronavirus cases in India has been found in at least 17 countries. and Pakistan’s CPEC+, Russia’s Greater undertakes unilateral political concessions remove it from the alliance. Still, their tive violation of India’s exclusive economic Eurasian Partnership (GEP), and China’s in pursuit of a so-called “New Detente” ties will probably be forever changed from zone (EEZ) during a so-called “freedom Resistance News Belt & Road Initiatives (BRI) synergize which could in practice weaken the Rus- here on out and enter into a completely of navigation” operation (FONOP), the into a new promising future model for sian-Chinese Strategic Partnership that new and unpredictable phase. failure of both sides to reach a long-dis- Central-South-West Asia. That said, the was formed in response to the U.S.’ afore- Do you think Biden can form a bloc cussed trade pact, and America’s refusal Hamas: HRW report proves U.S. might retain some private military to provide meaningful COVID-19 aid to contractors (PMCs) and perhaps a limited The U.S. has already assembled the Quad the South Asian state during its latest Israeli crimes against military contingent to defend its diplomatic between itself, Australia, India, and Japan. outbreak. These moves have contribut- ed to India considering a recalibration Palestinians facilities. Still, Biden’s withdrawal plans Still, it’s unclear how effective it’ll be to are definitely a game-changer for the war. of its multi-alignment policy away from INTERNATIONAL TEHRAN — Hamas Movement welcomed What is America’s legacy in Af- contain China since India isn’t convinced of its hitherto American centricity and back deskthe report of the international Human Rights ghanistan and Iraq? America’s overall reliability. towards a more balanced relationship be- Watch (HRW) organization which confirmed with evidence that The U.S. was much more strategically tween the U.S., Russia, and China. the Israeli occupation has always committed crimes against hu- manity with its policy of persecution and apartheid against the Palestinians. Hazem Qassem, Hamas’s spokesman, said on Tuesday in a Yemeni army launches new drone strike against King Khalid Air Base in Saudi Arabia press statement that this report was issued by a neutral inter- Yemeni armed forces and fighters from allied Popular King Khalid Air Base near the Saudi city of Khamis the Riyadh regime’s devastating military campaign national party and relies on a set of facts. Committees have carried out another drone strike on Mushait, located some 884 kilometers south of the and crippling blockade against Yemen. “This confirms once again the Palestinian narrative that a major airbase in Saudi Arabia’s southern region of capital Riyadh, early on Wednesday, Spokesman for According to Press TV, on Tuesday evening, Saudi speaks of the continuous Israeli crimes against humanity and Asir in retaliation for the kingdom’s military aggression the Yemeni Armed Forces Brigadier General Yahya warplanes launched an airstrike against Maraziq area the Palestinians”, he pointed out. and blockade against the impoverished country. Saree announced in a post published on his Twitter in the Khabb wa ash Sha’af district of Yemen’s northern Qassem said that the HRW report stresses the need for serious A domestically-manufactured Qasef-2K (Striker- page. province of al-Jawf, and carried out another on al-Aqsha’ and practical international action to hold the Israeli occupation 2K) combat drone struck designated targets inside The attack, he said, was a “legitimate response” to area in the al-Hazm district of the same province. authority (IOA) accountable and punish it for these crimes. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 6 HERITAGE & TOURISM APRIL 29, 2021

Iran eyes UNESCO status for Iran extends ban on passenger five intangible elements

1 The oud is a pear-shaped stringed instrument fre- quently used in Persian and Middle Eastern music whose flights due to coronavirus surge construction is similar to that of the lute. It was thought that this musical instrument was invented by nomad tribes TOURISM TEHRAN – Iran has has brought the world to a standstill, and since it was light and mobile. Some believe it was originated deskextended travel restric- tourism has been the worst affected of all tions on flights to and from 15 countries major economic sectors. World tourist due to a surge in the coronavirus disease, arrivals fell by 72% over the first ten according to Iran Civil Aviation. months of 2020, according to data com- The Islamic Republic has banned flights piled by the World Tourism Organization to India, Pakistan, France, Botswana, (UNWTO) in December. Iran has also Brazil, Czech Republic, Iraq, Estonia, suffered the same fate as, according to Ireland, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, available data, its foreign arrivals plunged Slovakia, South Africa, and Zambia aimed 72% during the first eight months of 2020 to curb the disease, Meher quoted Hassan when compared to 2019. Khoshkhou, the director of Air Transport New cases and mortalities at the ICA, as saying on Wednesday. In a press briefing on Wednesday, Iran’s Moreover, the ban of selling air tickets Health Ministry’s spokesperson confirmed to the cited countries has been declared 21,713 new cases of COVID-19 infection, to the travel agencies based on a decree raising the total number of infections to issued by the National Headquarters for 2,459,906. She added that 1,923,081 pa- Coronavirus Control, the official explained. tients have so far recovered, but 5,338 Iranian citizens without a negative remain in critical conditions of the disease. in the Caucasus region, other sources report more western coronavirus PCR test result are subject “During the past 24 hours, 434 pa- regions as a point of origin. Some findings show an early to medical screening and quarantine tients have lost their lives, bringing the elliptical design of Oud found in the ruins of Shush, Iran. for 14 days at their own expense, while All passengers are subject to the med- a place specified by the Health Ministry total number of deaths to 70,966,” she Some experts theorize that a priest is shown to be playing it non-Iranian nationalities without the ical screening on arrival, and if they are at their own expense and Iranian citizens added. So far, some 15,562,560 COVID-19 in that depiction. certificate are not allowed to enter the suspected of having the disease, non-Ira- will need to self-isolate for 14 days. diagnostic tests have been performed in The Islamic Republic expects to reap a bonanza from its country. nian nationalities will be quarantined at The worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 the country. numerous tourist spots such as bazaars, museums, mosques, bridges, bathhouses, madrasas, mausoleums, churches, towers, and mansions, of which 24 being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Under the 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, Iran aims to increase the number of tourist arrivals from 4.8 No harm to Kermanshah historical sites by quake million in 2014 to 20 million in 2025. HERITAGE TEHRAN – A medium-sized 4.8 mag- archaeological museum in Darreh Shahr, Ilam Province. desknitude earthquake rattled parts of the Unfortunately, the natural disaster claimed the lives Over 260 historical sites western province of Kermanshah on Monday, but caused of at least 400 people and injured more than 6500 and no damage to historical sites across the province. it was felt in several other provinces. demarcated in eastern Iran Based on field visits by the experts assessors and ex- Iran is crisscrossed by major geological fault lines and perts from the province’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and has suffered several devastating earthquakes in recent TOURISM TEHRAN – Some 261 aging monuments and Handicrafts Department no serious damage to historical years. deskhistorical sites across the eastern South Kho- structures and monuments in the the counties of Qasr-e Kermanshah embraces a variety of awe-inspiring his- rasan province have been demarcated, the provincial tourism Shirin, Sarpol-e Zahab, Gilan-e Gharb, and Dalahu has torical sites including Bisotun and Taq-e Bostan, both chief has said. been reported so far, the provincial tourism chief Jabbar on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The demarcation will contribute to better preservation and Gohari said on Wednesday. Inscribed into the base of a towering cliff, Taq-e Bostan protection of the historical sites by creating legal bans against In 2017, a powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck comprises extraordinary Sassanian bas-reliefs of ancient intruders, IRNA quoted Hassan Ramezani as saying on Wednesday. the province causing relatively minor damage to sever- victorious kings divide opinions. Late afternoon is the al historic and heritage sites in Kermanshah and Ilam best time to visit, as the cliff turns a brilliant orange in provinces. the setting sun, which then dies poetically on the far side It damaged five historical sites including a Safavid-era of the duck pond. caravanserai and a Sassanid-era fortress in the counties of Bisotun is a patchwork of immense yet impressive life- testimony to the important interchange of human val- Qasr-e Shirin, Sarpol-e Zahab, and Dalahu in Kermanshah size carvings depicting king Darius I and several other ues on the development of monumental art and writing, province while it caused some cracks in the walls of an figures. UNESCO has it that Bisotun bears outstanding reflecting ancient traditions in monumental bas-reliefs.

Ancient mosque pulpit gains former glory HERITAGE TEHRAN – A resto- ed to the project, Jalil Jabbari announced Abbasid caliphs, the minbar also became deskration project has been on Wednesday. a religious object. It became more perma- commenced on a minbar (pulpit) of the On the back of the minbar the date of nent, the number of steps increased, and it centuries-old Jameh Mosque of Urmia, which its construction is inscribed, showing the was commonly executed in stone or brick. stands tall in the northwestern Iranian city, year 1302 AH, which dates back to the reign The Jameh Mosque of Urmia, known as the capital of East Azarbaijan province. of Nasser al-Din Shah Qajar (1848-1896), Rezayieh Mosque, is located in a historical It will also prevent the construction of high-rise buildings A minbar is where the imam stands to the official added. neighborhood of the city, and the mosque that distort the visual elements of the historical sites as well as deliver sermons in a mosque or in the Hus- Due to its value, the pulpit was inscribed was constructed in the 13th century during eliminate the threat of illegal constructions within their bound- sainia where the speaker sits and lectures on the National Heritage list last year, he the Ilkhanate era. aries, the official added. the congregation. explained. Urmia also spelled Orumiyeh, lies just Over 1,500 historical sites and natural sights have been iden- The restoration project involves strength- According to Britannica, during the first west of Lake Urmia on a large fertile plain tified across the province of which some 948 properties have ening, cleansing, and repairing the damaged century of Islam, provincial governors also that yields grains, fruits, tobacco, and oth- been inscribed on the National Heritage list. parts of the wooden pulpit, which dates back came to use the minbar, from which they er crops. The population is mainly Azeri Located in eastern Iran, South Khorasan province is home to to the Qajar-era (1789-1925), the provincial made speeches and heard petitions, pri- Turkish, with Kurdish, Assyrian Christian, many historical and natural attractions such as Birjand Castle, tourism chief has said. marily in their capacity as rulers. When the and Armenian minorities. The remains of Dragon Cave, Furg Citadel, and Polond Desert. A budget of 250 million rials (about khutbah lost its informative, political, and ancient settlements are scattered over the It is also known for its famous rugs as well as its saffron and $6,000 at the official exchange rate of discursive character and became a purely plain, as are traces of the ancient kingdom barberry which are produced in almost all parts of the province. 42,000 rials per dollar) has been allocat- religious sermon during the reign of the of Urartu. Gachsar Tulips Garden in Alborz Forgotten craft of Kiseh-bafi revived in Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Gachsar Tulips Garden has been lo- HERITAGE TEHRAN –Kiseh-bafi (traditional Shiraz was named a “world city of [diverse] handi- cated along the route to Chalus, before the village of Gachsar. deskwashcloth weaving), a handicraft field crafts”. Malayer was made a global hub for woodcarving Gachsar is a village in Nesa Rural District of Karaj County, that was obsolete beforehand, has been revived in and carved-wood furniture. Zanjan gained the title Alborz Province. Faradonbeh, western Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari province. of a “world city of filigree”. And Qassemabad village, Each year this area hosts the tourists and nature lovers during Reviving the handicraft field, which is mostly prac- which is nationally known for its traditional costumes, spring as it is the time that a great number of tulips that belong ticed by female crafters, will lead to create more jobs was also promoted to a world hub of handicrafts. to different breeds can be seen in bloom next to each other. and improve the living conditions of the locals as well Chador Shab, a kind of homemade outer-garment for as economic prosperity, the provincial tourism chief women, was, however, the main subject for the WCC Mehrdad Javadi said on Wednesday. assessment for the village. The traditional washcloth, known as Kiseh, is made Iran exported $523 million worth of handicrafts of fleece and has been used widely in public bathhouses. during the calendar year 1398 (ended March 19, 2020). Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari has various unique tra- Of the figure, some $273 million worth of handicrafts ditions and rituals relative to the ‘tribal’ lifestyles. were exported officially through customs, and about Special forms of music, dance, and clothing are note- $250 million was earned via suitcase trade (allowed for worthy. It has considerable potential to become a customs-free and tax-free transfer) through various vibrant tourist attraction because of its changing number of cities and villages registered by the World provinces, according to data provided by the Ministry natural landscape. Crafts Council, as China with seven entries, Chile with of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts. The province is also a hub for making wool felt four, and India with three ones come next. Ceramics, pottery vessels, handwoven cloths as products, majorly of which exported abroad. It is home In January 2020, the cities of Shiraz, Malayer, and well as personal ornamentations with precious and to some 500 crafters, in over 250 workshops, making Zanjan and the village of Qassemabad were designated semi-precious gemstones are traditionally exported handmade felt products. by the WCC- Asia Pacific Region, putting Iran’s num- to Iraq, Afghanistan, Germany, the U.S., the UK, and With 14 entries, Iran ranks first globally for the ber of world crafts cities and villages from ten to 14. other countries.

The breathtaking view of colorful flowers has been annually attracting many Iranians and foreigners. Tulips have so many breeds with different appearances, and it can be said all the Experts clean famed bas-relief in southern Tehran colors can be seen in them except brown. The garden covers a land that is spread over about one hectare. HERITAGE TEHRAN – A team of ational site of Cheshmeh-Ali, literally the aged Rey Castle. Another attraction All of the space of this land is full of kinds of tulips. Amongst deskcultural heritage experts meaning Spring of Ali, embraces an un- of the site is a 19th-century rock-carved them, the Iranian breeds and some of the exotic ones can be has cleaned the well-known 19th-century derground mineral stream that pours relief that overlooks the pool. The artwork found more than the others. bas-relief, which is carved on a rock face into an open-air pool that has long been was commissioned by the Qajar king Some of the breeds of tulips that can be seen are Star Shaped, in Cheshmeh-Ali, southern Tehran. a destination for sightseers and a rec- Fath Ali Shah who reigned from 1797 Fringed or Crispa, Double Bowled Shaped, Goblet Shaped, Cup A restoration operation has been reational center for the locals. During to 1834. Cheshmeh Ali also contains an Shaped, Single Cup Shaped. completed on the Qajar-era relief of the summertime, the site is occupied by archaeological site estimated to date One interesting point is the naming of the tulips with the Cheshmeh Ali, which had recently been hundreds of locals who came for swim- from the 4 millennium BC. name of drinking utensils. Tulips have always been considered damaged in an act of vandalism by an ming and having fun. Rey was one of the capital cities of the popular among the Iranian people. They have been mentioned individual (or individuals), throwing Cheshmeh-Ali is in the neighborhood Parthian empire (3rd century BC–3rd in many poems and songs, as well. hair dye and chemicals at the artwork, of the ancient Ebn-e Babveyh cemetery, century CE) and it was captured by the 8th century, the city grew in importance Each year in Ordibehesht (around April and May), Gachsar IRNA reported on Wednesday. the 12th-century Tughrul Tower, the Muslim Arabs in 641 CE. During the reign until it was rivaled in western Asia only Tulips Garden becomes the host to numerous travelers. The historical, cultural, and recre- historical Rashkan Castle, and next to of the Muslim caliph al-Mahdi in the by Damascus and Baghdad. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y APRIL 29, 2021 SOCIETY 7

50,000 houses to be Persian Gulf National Day: Let’s protect precious marine environment constructed for the deprived 1 There are 2 species of dolphin and whale in the area, SOCIETY TEHRAN – The Imam led to outstanding development in the in addition to 1,100 species of fish and 5 species of turtle, the deskKhomeini Relief Foun- rural regions. Persian Gulf also host to the second largest population of dation and the Islamic Revolutionary Many other efforts have been made over manatees, and 232 seaweed species and 4 million migratory Guard Corps have signed a memoran- the past couple of years by the government birds annually, but today 240 important species and many dum of understanding (MOU) to build to support villagers and slow down the habitats are under threat. 50,000 houses for the underprivileged trend of migration from rural areas to families residing in rural areas. cities while decreasing rural community As per the MOU, 50,000 deprived dependency on one main economic sector families will become house owners across (agriculture, forestry, energy, or mining), the country. including rural tourism, agritourism, re- To empower the vulnerable groups of ligious tourism, and ecotourism. the society, including, financially struggling Currently, 26 percent of the country’s families, provision of housing is of great population lives in villages, around 39,000 importance, which is a priority to the Relief villages have more than 20 households and Foundation, Morteza Bakhtiari, head of the 23,000 villages have less than 20 households. Foundation has stated. Mohammad Omid, the vice president He went on to state that these residential for rural development, said in November units will be completed and provided to 2020 that for the first time in the country, the families by the next 24 months, IRIB the migration of people from rural areas reported on Wednesday. to cities has reached zero. Most recently, Imam Khomeini Relief A total of 220 trillion rials (nearly $5.6 Foundation provided 9,305 housing units billion) has been approved for the develop- Oil production is to blame Until the discovery of oil in Iran in 1908, the Persian Gulf to the deprived families during Ten-Day housing, cultural services, medical services, in the country, the development of rural ment of villages in the current year (March Fajr celebrations (January 31-February 2020-March 2021), Omid said. area was important mainly for fishing, pearling, sailcloth and other facilities are provided, for example, areas has been always a top agenda of the making, camel breeding, and date growing. 10, marking the 42nd anniversary of the in the field of treatment, more than 80,000 governments’ activities. Some 140 trillion rials (about $3.3 bil- Islamic Revolution). lion) have so far been spent, he noted, Since World War II the Persian Gulf and the surrounding patients of incurable diseases are currently The sustainable economic, social, and countries have come to account for a significant proportion Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation works under the Foundation’s coverage. cultural development of the villages is adding, the unemployment rate in rural to provide employment in deprived areas and areas has reached 7.4 percent, which has of the world’s oil production. In addition, the area has ap- Rural development one of the major priorities of the current proximately two-thirds of the world’s estimated proven oil empowers financially struggling families, In Iran, where villages account for gen- government, and many projects imple- decreased by over one percent compared other services such as building or buying to last year. reserves and one-third of the world’s estimated proven nat- erating 20-23 percent of the value-added mented and underway in this regard have ural gas reserves. The region thus has acquired considerable strategic significance for the world’s industrialized countries. Oil pollution, extraction, and transportation caused the Persian Gulf to struggle with environmental issues. Out of 21 Rainfall drops by 54% compared to last water year largest oil spills in the world, 7 cases occurred in this water body, which is threatening the aquatic ecosystem. ENVIRONMENT TEHRAN – Precipitation in Iran amount- 40 percent decrease in rainfall, he explained. desked to 127.8 millimeters from the beginning Watershed management is a solution to strengthen the Aquatic species endangered of the current water year (September 22, 2020) until April ecosystem in the face of subsequent droughts by penetrating The Persian Gulf shores were once home to sea turtles, 24, which demonstrates a 54 percent decline compared to rainfall into the ground. which migrated to the surrounding islands due to the uneven the same period last [Iranian calendar] year. Wet spell or still short of rain? development. Sea turtles have lived for 150 million years, so In comparison with the long-term average (52 years), Rainfall extremes over the past three years slowly ques- we must work to protect them. rainfall dropped by 41 percent over the aforementioned period, tioned the conception that Iran is experiencing a long-term Hassan Mohammadi, coordinator of the Regional Organ- according to the data released by the Ministry of Energy. drought and some of the experts announced that a wet spell ization for the Protection of Marine Environment (ROPME), Over the past water year (September 2019-September will embrace the country. said in December 2019 that studies show that as the current 2020), the country received 279.3 mm of rainfall. So, some experts claimed that Iran has entered a pe- environmental issues continue, by the end of the century, During this period, northern Gilan province with 604.3 riod of a wet spell after experiencing dry spells over the about 20 percent of native species in the Persian Gulf will be mm, western Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province with past few decades, some others highly rejected the claim extinct and 10 percent of new species that might be invasive 542.6 mm, and western Lorestan province with 397.96 mm implying that the country faced a lack of rain by 50mm will replace them. were the rainiest provinces in the country, respectively. over the past 5 decades. However, experts believe that the situation of the Persian Now, the eastern and southern provinces of the country Climate disruption or global climate disruption, is the Gulf is critical and its survival is not possible without major have experienced a severe shortage of rainfall compared to Earlier in April, Abolghasem Hosseinpour, director of new term scientists are using to explain the extreme fluc- changes in the management policies. the same period last year. flood control at Forests, Rangelands, and Watershed Man- tuations that can and will occur to our weather systems as Mohammad Reza Fatemi, a marine ecologist, has said that The southern provinces of Sistan-Baluchestan and Hor- agement Organization said that Iran will probably experience anthropogenic-caused carbon dioxide and other greenhouse lack of ecosystem approach, lack of a positive and dynamic mozgan, and the eastern province of South Khorasan were drought over the current [Iranian calendar] year (began on gases increase in our atmosphere, the oceans get warmer, relationship with maritime organizations, and related organi- the three areas with the lowest precipitation, which recorded March 21), as only four provinces out of 31 provinces of the and weather events go wild. zation is the main barrier to the protection of the Persian Gulf. 6.9 mm, 18.6 mm, and 40.46 mm of rain, respectively. country received normal rainfall last year. The report regrets that climate disruption will be con- Mangrove forests and coral reefs of the Persian Gulf are one The amount of rainfall in Sistan-Baluchestan and Hor- Given that Iran is an arid and semi-arid region, the rainfall tinuing as climate change is on the rise and it calls on taking of the most biodiverse habitats but are under serious threat. mozgan provinces has decreased by 93 and 89 percent, rate is low, in other words, the fluctuations of rainfall vary proper and effective measures to alleviate the adverse effects Oil pollution, countless ships and fishing nets floating on the respectively, compared to the long-term run. However, significantly from year to year, he added. of climate change on the country. sea, on the one hand, the construction of artificial islands except for northwestern Ardebil province, which experi- Over the last two years, Iran was doused with rain which In fact, experiencing two or three consecutive years of in the surrounding countries and, most destructively, the enced a 4 percent increase compared to last water year, was unprecedented during the past 50 years, but last year, rainy days cannot ensure that drought no longer hits the presence of 90 percent of the world’s desalination plants in other provinces recorded a drop in rainfall. unfortunately, the country faced drought, which shows a country, but then it may enter a multi-year drought. the region, on the other hand, has created an ecosystem that is losing more aquatic species every day. Urban and industrial effluents from desalination plants increase the salinity of the Persian Gulf, in addition to climate change, which has destroyed coral reefs as seawater gets warmer, Four in 10 Americans live in counties with unhealthy air pollution levels while the habitat and breeding ground of three-quarters of marine species is among the coral reefs, he explained. New research from the American Lung As- quality of the air they breathe,” says Katherine of all of our lists,” Pruitt says. says, leading to more high ozone days, which Many species are on the verge of extinction, facing a constant sociation finds that more than four in 10 Pruitt, national senior director for policy at the That might be surprising, considering Cal- leads to more adverse health consequences. and growing threat, and the main victim of which is humans. people – a whopping 135 million in the US American Lung Association. “We feel there are ifornia is known as an environmental leader Breathing polluted air for long periods of time No collective effort yet to safeguard marine life – live in counties with unhealthy levels of way more people compared to last year living when compared with other states. But the state can damage a person’s lungs and make it more The enclosed water basin shares boundaries with Iran, particle or ozone pollution. in unhealthy places for particle pollution.” has ideal conditions for bad air with lots of difficult to fight respiratory disease, for instance. Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the In their 22nd annual “State of the Air” re- For their analysis, researchers examined shipping, trucking and mountain ranges that The report’s findings – 135 million people United Arab Emirates. The Strait of Hormuz connects the port, released on Wednesday, the group data collected by federal, state, and local and create bowls where air pollution can be trapped. live with dirty air – seem to be a slight im- Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. examined federal data on the two most tribal governments from 2017, 2018, and She adds that a key reason for the increase in provement over last year, where 150 million There are tens of international conventions and protocols widespread types of air pollution to create 2019 – the three years with the most recent air pollution was climate-change-fueled wild- people in the US were found to live in counties to protect the Persian Gulf marine environment, however, a comprehensive overview of toxic air across quality-assured air pollution data. The most fires. “It’s like a perfect storm for air pollution.” that flunked their air grade. despite the fact that the Persian Gulf is of utmost importance the country. The annual air quality “report widespread outdoor air pollutants, ozone There are other ways a warming world is “Last year’s report was really quite bad,” economically, environmentally, and socially for the littoral card” identifies the parts of the country with pollution and particle pollution, were analyzed. dirtying up the air. Ozone, commonly known Pruitt says. This year’s report did not look cities, there is no collective effort to safeguard its marine life. the most polluted air, and gives them a letter Cities with the worst, year-round particle as smog, is created when a combination of tail- at data from 2017 to 2019, but the last three Faced with a strange catastrophe, a comprehensive grade (from A to F). This year, it also found pollution include Fairbanks, Alaska, and a pipe, power plant and other health-harming reports included the year 2016, “the hottest operational plan is highly needed to deal with the de- that people of color were three times as likely slew of cities in California, including Los emissions bake in sunlight and heat. “As the year on record. Getting rid of that really hot velopment measures, effects of climate change and to to live in the nation’s most polluted places. Angeles and Bakersfield. “California has, climate is starting to warm, we’re starting to year, we had fewer places that had Fs for preserve coasts and species. “It’s important for people to know the unfortunately, always struggled at the top see that the ozone is more likely to form,” Pruitt ozone compared to last year.” LET’S LEARN PERSIAN ENGLISH IN USE (Part 171) (Source: saadifoundation.ir) LEARN NEWS TRANSLATION

افزایــش گو نههــای دریایــی مناطــق تحــت Marine species population increased in protected areas حفاظــت ســازمان محیــط زیســت According to the annual census, the population of marine species in الهیجــان زاده گفــت: براســاس سرشــماری ســاالنه تعــداد گون ههــای موجــود در زیســتگ اههای habitats under the Department of Environment (DOE) supervision has increased, Ahmad Lahijanzadeh, head of marine environment دریایــی تحــت حفاظــت رو بــه افزایــش اســت. .affairs at the DOE has said احمــد الهیجــان زاده معــاون محیــط زیســت دریایــی ســازمان حفاظــت محیــط زیســت در گفتوگو با The annual Census is the authoritative source of data determining خبرنــگار باشــگاه خبرنــگاران جــوان، در رابطــه بــا اهمیت حفاظــت از زیســتگاههای دریایی اظهــار کرد: the population and distribution of animal or marine species through حفاظــت از زیســتگاههای دریایــی و شناســایی ایــن مناطــق در اولویت ســازمان حفاظت محیط زیســت .counting them yearly قــرار دارد و تمــام ایـ ـن زیســتگاهها در قالــب مطالعــات جامــع و تعقیــب میدانی شناســایی شــده اند. Protecting marine habitats and listing them as protected areas are among the most important priorities of the DOE, he said, adding, all of the areas وی بــا بیــان اینکــه در بســیاری از ایــن زیســتگ اهها زادآوری صــورت م یگیــرد، افــزود: زمــان ایــن have been identified through environmental assessment and field surveys. زادآوریهــا بــا شناســایی زیســتگ اهها مشــخص اســت و ســازمان محیــط زیســت در ایــن بــازه The reproduction time is important, and the DOE forces stand guard زمانــی حفاظــت فیزیکــی را انجــام م ی دهــد. .and constantly supervise the area during this period, he noted الهیجــان زاده گفــت: براســاس سرشــمار یهای ســاالنه، تعــداد گو نههــای موجــود در He went on to say that annual census shows that the number of species زیســتگاههای تحــت حفاظــت رو بــه افزایــش اســت. in protected areas is increasing, probably due to favorable condition وی بــا بیــان اینکــه زیســتگ اههای تحــت حفاظــت دور از دســترس و زیــر نظــر جامعــه محلــی .and full-time control Although protected areas are far to reach and only accessible to locals, هســتند، افــزود: امــا در ایــن وضعیــت قابلیــت دسترســی بــرای صیــادان وجــود دارد و حفاظــت از some poachers find a way to illegally haunt the valuable species, so we ایــن زیســتگاهها بــه نوعــی حفاظــت از گو نههــا نیــز محســوب م ی شــود. .need to be vigilant to protect the wildlife, he highlighted Prayer Times Noon:13:02 Evening: 20:09 Dawn: 4:41 (tomorrow) Sunrise: 6:13 (tomorrow) APRIL 29, 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 First known Persian painting of African Editorial Dept.: Fax: (+98 21) 88808214 — 88808895 [email protected] Switchboard Operator: Tel: (+98 21) 43051000 figure sold for $515,000 at London auction Advertisements Dept.: Telefax: (+98 21) 43051430 Public Relations Office: Tel: (+98 21) 88805807 ART Subscription & Distribution Dept.: Tel: (+98 21) 43051603 TEHRAN – London confidence in his status and profession deskauction house Bonhams and dress, creating a well-to-do, almost Printed at: Jame Jam Bartar Borna - 44197737 has recently announced that the first known dandyish, image” said Oliver White, the Persian oil painting of an African figure head of Bonhams’ Islamic and Indian Art Tehrantimes79 Tehrantimes79 Tehrantimes79 was sold during its Islamic and Indian art section. sale for $515,000 (£375,250). Referring to the origins of the African The rare artwork is a portrait of an man depicted in the painting, White also No. 18, Bimeh Alley, Nejatollahi St., Tehran, Iran P.o. Box: 14155-4843 African soldier painted by an anonymous said, “He may have come via the Arab trade Zip Code: 1599814713 Persian artist, and it is understood to be the from East Africa and the Indian Ocean into first Persian art work of an African figure the Persian Gulf; he could have been freed as well as one of the most historical art as a condition of service in the Persian works depicting the African community, army, or he may simply have been a free which is present to this day in the Persian man who had ended up in the city, like so Gulf region. many others.” According to Bonhams, the painting The auction house has estimated that at belongs to the years between 1680 and 1690, least 21 other similar paintings are known and it displays a young African man dressed to exist portraying the Safavid costume, in a European style uniform of a soldier and there are theories of possibilities that GUIDE TO equipped with Persian weapons and tools. this painting may have a companion piece SPIRITUAL AWAKENING While the auction house has confirmed depicting a female African figure in the that the figure’s identity is unknown, same style. If a Muslim plants a tree or any plant and a human, however, there have been several theories Bonhams is one of the world’s largest of him being a real-life soldier or a Safavid privately owned auctioneers of fine art and bird, or any other animals use it, Allah counts it army “tofangchi”, which means musketeer antiques based in London and founded in as an act of charity. in Persian. 1793. It is also known to be the oldest auction Prophet Muhammad (S) “The artist has captured the soldier’s A rare Safavid oil painting of an African soldier. house in the UK.

Leader regrets COVID-19 “My Very Favourite Things” showcases works obstacles to annual meeting with literati by Iranian artists in Los Angeles Reza Rostampisheh, Turaj Khamenehzadeh, Omid many forms, of the world’s great metropolises have ARTTEHRAN – Leader of the Islamic Majidinejad, Bahar Sabzevari, Kamran Sharif, Nazanin given way to an urgent need to rethink intimate space, desk Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei Parviz, Semco Salehi and Ardeshir Mohasses are among both in terms of its physical character, and the human has expressed regret over the obstacles COVID-19 has the artists whose works have been selected for the relations it comprises. created for his annual meeting with literati. exhibit by curator Narges Hamzianpur. “Cultural and social diversity is becoming a rare Hamzianpur is an art market expert and consultant resource, leading us to question its place in our lives: with a focus on the art of the West Asia. on the one hand, its great richness, and on the other, In a statement for the exhibition, the organizers the new borders it imposes on us. wrote, “For the last year, many of us have been quite “Under lockdown, a new temporality is emerging, in stationary and confined to our homes. which objects around us sometimes play a primordial “The home or the spaces we reside in are a substitute role, forming at times a harmonious symphony, at A silkscreen on paper by Semco Salehi is among the vessel for the soul. The architecture protects and others a deafening racket that blows the whistle on artworks on display in “My Very Favourite Things” nourishes us, the interior objects distinguish and identify solitude. at the Lodge, Los Angeles. us. We signal our interior selves in their furnishings.” “Drawing together in one place works and pathways The works by these 21 artists from multiple artistic from diverse worlds, the exhibition ‘My Very Favourite ARTTEHRAN – An exhibition disciplines invite the viewer to stay and perhaps explore Things’ invites us to think about ways of arranging deskdisplaying a collection of works by in an unorthodox fashion. our personal space, by ‘locking diversity down’ within Iranian artists at the Lodge, a Los Angeles art center, The statement also added, “The COVID-19 pandemic a domestic setting, cut off from the wide world’s vast invites people to think about ways of arranging their has deprived us of the immediate means of access to the spaces, it questions our notions of cosmopolitanism, with personal space. world, or at least forces us to envisage it in new ways. the moral obligation it carries of trying to understand The showcase named “My Very Favourite Things” “The glamour of travel across the globe, the the ‘other’, but also the tendency it implies to ‘collect’ opened on April 22 and will run until May 22. cosmopolitan sociability and consumption, in their things and relationships.”

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei (file photo). In a letter sent to Islamic Ideology Dissemination Organization IIDCYA releases submission to Bologna (IIDO) director Hojjatoleslam Mohammad Qomi, the Leader wrote, “Reducing the pleasant annual meeting to a remote screen gathering, not only fails to calm my eager heart, but Illustrators’ Exhibition also somehow remains as a bitter taste.” CULTURE TEHRAN – Iran’s for the little rabbit. “You Are an Explorer” (also translated “God’s will is currently that I stay deprived of the delightful deskInstitute for Intellectual The book along with several other as “We Are Explorers”) by Ghazal meeting,” the leader noted in the letter, which was read by Development of Children and Young IIDCYA publications competed in the Fathollahi has also been selected for Qomi on Tuesday during a poetry night that replaced the Adults (IIDCYA) has recently published Bologna Illustrators’ Exhibition 2021, the Biennial of Illustrations Bratislava annual meeting. its entry to the Bologna Illustrators’ which is organized by the Bologna (BIB), which will be held in the capital IIDO Art Bureau, which is the organizer of the meeting, Exhibition 2021. Children’s Book Fair. of Slovakia from October 15, 2021 to announced on Tuesday that the annual meeting with the Leader The book entitled “Panbeduneh and The exhibition also showcased January 9, 2022. would be replaced with a poetry night due to a big rise in the Mahtutus in the Snowy Night” illustrated the IIDCYA books “The Story of This book written by Shahrzad A poster for “Panbeduneh and Mah- number of COVID-19 cases in the country. by Ghazal Fathollahi. the Flower of Regret” written by Shahrjerdi has been published in tutus in the Snowy Night” written by The poetry night named “Visiting the Moon” was held in Written by Meria Yazdani, the book Mohammad Dehrizi and illustrated Spanish by La Maleta, a publisher in Meria Yazdani and illustrated by Ghazal the courtyard of the Art Bureau in Tehran. tells the story of Panbeduneh, a little by Delaram Faghani, and “A Jacket the autonomous community of Asturias Fathollahi. Poets Morteza Amiri Esfandaqeh, Yusefali Mirshakkak, Ali rabbit that is lost in the jungle during for Ilya” written by Jalmalledin in northwest Spain. Ensani, Abbas Baratipur, Hadi Saeidi Kiasari, Mohammad- by some people as a result of conflicts a snowy night. Panbeduneh’s mother Akrami and illustrated by Pegah This book, through the love between Mehdi Sayyar and Qasem Sarrafan were among the attendees. in their countries of origin that force and other rabbits are worried about Derakhshani, however, they failed two brothers and their imagination, leads The poetry night, which was held with a limited number of them to leave their homes in search of Panbeduneh. So they begin praying to win an award. us to reflect on the hardships suffered poets and literary figures, was broadcast live on IRIB Channel 2. something better. “We hope the wretched virus misery will come to an end soon, and with God’s help, the meeting with the Leader will be organized as usual in next Ramadan,” the Art Bureau said in its press release. The annual meeting of the poets and literati with Ayatollah “Seven and a Half” honored at Texas filmfest Khamenei is organized on the eve of the birthday of Imam ARTTEHRAN – Iranian drama “Seven and The Mahmudi brothers were born in Afghanistan Hassan (AS) on Ramadan 14. However, the meeting has been desk canceled over the past two years due the COVID-19 pandemic. a Half” won an honorable mention at the but they migrated to Iran with their family during During the meeting, the poets and writers usually recited Indie Meme Film Festival in Austin, Texas, the Organizers in the 1980s. excerpts of their latest works. announced on Sunday. They made their debut feature film in 2014 with “A The poetry night “Visiting the Moon” was also held last The film written and directed by Navid Mahmudi Few Cubic Meters of Love”, which was warmly received Ramadan in the courtyard of the Art Bureau. received the honor in the narrative feature catgory. 16 by international filmgoers. films from South Asia were also screened at the festival, Their films “Parting” and “Rona, Azim’s Mother” were which was held April 16 to 18 and April 23 to 25. Afghanistan’s submissions to the Oscars. Produced by Jamshid Mahmudi “Seven and a Half” In the narrative feature section of the Indie Meme Roma Short Film Festival picks tells the stories of seven girls Shabaneh, Negar, Nahid, Film Festival, “Nasir” by Indian director Arun Karthick Fereshteh, Nilufar, Rahil and Shekar. Though each has won the award for best film. Majid Movasseghi for jury her own individual story, none had the chance of finding The award for best short film went to “Laali” by Abhiroop love once they lost control of their destiny through either Basu from India, while “Shut up Sona” by Deepti Gupta ARTTEHRAN – Zurich -based Iranian filmmaker forced marriage or rape. “Seven and a Half” by Navid Mahmudi. from India was named best documentary. deskMajid Movasseghi has been selected for the jury of the Roma Short Film Festival, which will take place in the Italian capital in May. Assistant director Jon Escuder is another member of the jury. He has also worked both as a stage director and assistant Iranian bookstores host “Charlie and the Grandmothers” director in Iranian cinema and television. From 2003 to 2009, he studied filmmaking at VGIK – CULTURE TEHRAN – “Charlie neighborhood who pay visits to their slowly sap each one of their memories All-Russian State Film Academy – under the supervision of deskand the Grandmothers” grandmothers never seem to return. and dreams. Russian director Vadim Abdrashitov. by American writer Katy Towell has And the third is that Charlie and Georgie But something is different about He also attended many workshops and master classes recently been published in Persian by don’t have any grandmothers. Charlie. His worrisome nature, so often a around the world. Peydayesh publishing house in Tehran. Upon their arrival, all of Charlie’s burden, proves an asset in this frightening He has served as a jury member in several international The book has been translated into concerns are confirmed, as “Grandmother world. Will he be able to harness this events. The Visions du Reel International Film Festival, which Persian by Eleheh Moradi and Milad Pearl” quickly reveals herself to be newfound power to defeat the queen and took place in the Swiss city of Nyon from April 15 to 25, also Babanejad. something much more gruesome than save his sister? selected him for its jury in the Interreligious Section. Charlie and Georgie Oughtt have been even Charlie’s most outlandish fears Towell is the creator of the Childrin He has judged movies previously in 2019 and 2020 at sent to visit their Grandmother Pearl, and could have predicted. R Skary website. She is also a graphic the DOK Leipzig, a German festival for documentary and this troubles Charlie for three reasons. He and Georgie are thrust into a designer, writer and illustrator in animated films. The first is that he’s an exceptionally creepy underworld created from stolen Portland with dreams of one day being The 22nd Videoex Experimental Film & Video Festival in nervous twelve-year-old boy, and Front cover of the Persian copy of Katy nightmares, where monsters disguised the scary old lady in the house about Zurich, Switzerland, also selected Movasseghi as a member he worries about everything. The Towell’s book “Charlie and the Grand- as grandmothers serve an ancient, evil which all the neighborhood children of its jury in 2020. second is that the other children in his mothers”. queen by holding children captive as they tell ghost stories.