Russia would benefit Iran’s quarterly Japanese train Iran will award from lifting sanctions crude steel output hits 603km/h record “Ali Daei Prize” to 2 on Iran: Lavrov 4 up 9.6% WSA 8 9 best international goalscorer NATION ECONOMY MED. & SCIENCE SPORTSO R T S

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12 Pages Price 10000 Rials 36th year NO.12252 Thursday APRIL 23 2015 Ordibehesht 3 1394 Rajab 4 1436 Rouhani, Abe hold talks 2 Rouhani: U.S. Oriental Rise up Institute against S. Arabia faces defeat sends back recruitment ancient of terrorists in Yemen, violates ceasefire Iranian By staff & agencies a Yemeni government that collapsed many means “the failure of unleashed aggres- Political Desk TEHRAN — Ira- weeks ago as Houthi rebels took over the sion.” artifacts nian President A member of Yemen’s Supreme Revolu- country’s capital, Sana. Analysts also said it was unclear exactly Hassan Rouhani has suggested that tionary Council has rejected Saudi Arabia’s The council said the decision to end a how much the airstrikes had advanced Saudi TEHRAN — The in addition to a need for “serious claims that its stated goal of helping restore month-long military operation in Yemen Arabia’s goal. Contd. on P. 11 Culture Desk Oriental Institute fight” against terrorism and ex- of the University of Chicago has tremism, the world should also rise sent back a collection of 108 ancient up against the ways terrorist groups Iranian tablets and artifacts, which recruit members. had been loaned to the university in He made the remarks in his 1962 for study. speech at the African-Asian Summit The collection arrived at the in Jakarta on Wednesday. Imam Khomeini International Air- He said that spread of terrorism port on a Lufthansa flight in the should be prevented through cut- early hours of Wednesday, Iran’s ting financial, political and intelli- Cultural Heritage, Tourism and gence help to terrorists. Political Desk Handicrafts Organization (CHTHO) “As long as some governments announced in a press release. follow the approach of good ter- Oriental Institute Director Gil rorism and bad terrorism, the in- Stein handed over the artifacts to ternational movement of terror- Iranian officials, including CHTHO ism does not receive a decisive Deputy Director Mohammad-Has- global message in fight against san Talebian, at the airport. this crime and will continue to A total 264 stone and clay tablets live with other names and with were excavated by Iranian archae- support of another government,” ologists and some scholars from Rouhani stated. the Oriental Institute in 1937 on the He said that it is the time to pres- Chogha Mish Mound, a prehistoric ent an “operational plan” to take site located near the southwestern action toward “a world against vi- Followers of Iranian city of Dezful. olence and extremism” to root out the Houthi The administrative tablets bear extremism and terrorism through group attend proto-Elamite pictograph signs. adopting a “wise approach”. a gathering Contd. on P. 12 Contd. on P. 2 at the group’s

Reuters camp near Sana’a. HARD TALKS PERSPECTIVE Bank of Industry and Mine’s managing Lausanne “Nothing director in a visit with Spanish ambassador: statement is for us, Bank of Industry and Mine is a reliable a great first without us” step: Harvard – A model partner for foreign banks and investors researcher for reversing Ali Ashraf Afkhami, the managing direc- jects in this country, Ahami said, adding tor of Bank of Industry and Mine, in a visit that while China follow sanctions on Iran, it INTERVIEW desertification with Pedro Villena, the Spanish Ambassa- is not as district as the West in this due. By Javad Heiraninia dor to Iran, said considering the important Referring to the special status of Spain in in Iran TEHRAN — An associate at Harvard By Gary Lewis and essential role of the bank in financing the world economy, he said: “We hope that infrastructural projects in the country, Spanish and European banks and companies Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for it could be a reliable partner for foreign return to Iran once the sanctions are lifted Science and International Affairs In keeping with current climate calls the Lausanne statement a change trends, Iran can expect a banks and investors once the sanctions on on the country.” the country are lifted. In terms of international interactions, the “great first step” for luring foreign hotter and drier future that could investment by Iran. dramatically affect hundreds of According to the information dissemina- managing director of bank said: “I am sure tion center of Bank of Industry and Mine, in that many companies are waiting for the “The Lausanne statement is a thousands of people, if action isn’t great first step. It’s paving the way for taken immediately. the beginning of his meeting with the Span- sanctions to be lifted on Iran. Last week, we ish ambassador, Ahami referred to the his- had a trading guest from Boston of the U.S., foreign investment in Iran,” Ariane M. According to national statistics, Tabatabai tells the Tehran Times. Iran’s land area is 165 million hec- tory and objectives of the bank and stated whose willingness to cooperate with Iran that supporting chemical, oil, energy, steel was very interesting and showed that there The Lausanne statement is con- tares, 32 million of which is desert. sidered a preliminary agreement No reliable statistics are available on and cement industries and also financing in- are positive signs in this due.” frastructure projects of different industries “I am so optimistic and hopeful in this for a final nuclear deal between Iran how much Iran has become deserti- and major powers. fied in the past half century. But the such as aviation industry are some of the ac- field, because, Bank of Industry and Mine tivities of the bank. noted, adding that the bank has been active has had many requests for the meetings and Following is the text of the inter- effects are apparent: water short- view: ages, encroachment by deserts on Enjoying experienced experts and proper in the infrastructural projects, mostly in the visits over two past months. One of our pol- financial status, Bank of Industry and Mine has railway sector. icies is to act as a consultant in this bank for What is your assessment of rangelands and urban settlements, the framework nuclear agreement? and dust storms. financed projects all over the country, he added. “We cannot use foreign finance because the investors.” Ahami mentioned. He said that the bank has 70 branches offer- of sanctions imposed on the country’s bank- The Spanish ambassador, for his part, A: The agreement that was an- If no remedial action is taken, nounced in Lausanne is good for Iran’s deserts will expand signifi- ing banking services as well as two branches ing system. We have started negotiations in spoke about different ties and interac- active in the field of investment making in the this due with some foreign banks and have tions with Iran and said that many large both sides. It’ll provide the assur- cantly in the future and threaten ance needed by the international sustainable livelihoods for citizens country, adding that; Bank of Industry and made good relations with them, while we Spanish banks and companies prevent Mine has made investment in many industries are still waiting for lifting the sanctions.” the from making relations with Iran because community that Iran’s program will everywhere, especially people living remain in compliance with its obli- on rangelands. in the country, such as 60 percent of invest- managing director of bank further stated. of fear from some Western countries spe- ment in the cement production factories (16 Referring to the China’s role in the world cially the U.S. gations under the NPT, while allow- Once famed for their natural ing Iran to continue its nuclear pro- beauty, rangeland plains across cement production units), 80 percent in tile economy, he said Bank of Industry and Mine He went on to say: “We intend to take making factories and 30 percent in the phar- has a very close relation with the East Asian the advantage of making investment in gram for research, energy, medical, Iran have now become severely and agricultural purposes. It’ll also degraded through unsustaina- maceutical industries. region, specially China, adding that; China has Iran once the sanctions are lifted. Spain Ahami went on to say that the bank has had definitely a deep effect on the economy of was not a large trading partner for Iran so grant Iran sanctions relief and rein- ble use and drought. The causes tegrate Iran into the international include: cattle farming that has been active in making investment for pro- world and even the region, it has recently made far; but, we hope that like Germany and duction of methanol and ethylene products about $47 billion investment in Pakistan, just France, we can obtain a special status in community. led to over-grazing, harvesting Why the French “fact sheet” of trees for fuelwood, and the in Assalouyeh, for example, making over €45 one Chinese bank has made about $4 billion having ties with Iran in different areas. We million in a ethylene production project. investment in the electrify sector of Pakistan. have had of course relations with Iran in about the Lausanne statement is erosion of vulnerable shrubbery. different from the American one in Many rangelands have actually It also has been very active in the steel in- China accounts for some high volume of different fields, but they are not enough dustry by opening over €2.2 billion credit, he Iran’s imports and it has financed some pro- and should be expanded.” some respects? been transformed into hostile en- A: Each country is highlighting vironments, where local people what it believes to be key for its face an unpromising future, where Voluntary repatriation of refugees dependent on own constituency. That’s normal. they cannot easily make a living, The U.S. fact sheet emphasizes the and are therefore forced to leave. security and development in Afghanistan: UNHCR rep. in Iran areas the U.S. believes to be key. Already, many rangeland dwell- Iran says the Lausanne state- ers have left, migrating across By Marjan Golpira words of UNHCR’s representative in Iran The partnership ceremony was ment is not obligatory while the the country in search of jobs. If Sivanka Dhanapala said on the occasion of held in the Milad Tower in Tehran on other side says it is binding. What is desertification is not stopped, TEHRAN — There is a need to create con- commemorating the 30th anniversary of Wednesday in which the head of BAFIA your assessment? more migration and displacement ditions that are eventually conducive for partnership between Bureau for Aliens and Ahamd Mohammadifar and the UN- A: The Lausanne statement is – with its inherent problems – will Afghan refugees for their voluntary repa- Foreign Immigration’s Affairs (BAFIA) and HCR’s representative were among the not legally binding. As noted by FM happen. triation to Afghanistan mainly in the area of United Nations High Commissioner (UN- speakers. Zarif; it’s a press statement. Contd. on P. 10 “security and development”. These are the HCR). Contd. on P. 10 Contd. on P. 11 I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 2 NATION APRIL 23, 2015 http://www.tehrantimes.com/politics

MEDIA MONITOR Iran says Saudis’ halt to Yemen

Iranians get TEHRAN — The Iranian min- fatter every ister of health says Iranian bombing amounts to defeat people are getting fatter day day: health after day. TEHRAN — An announcement by clear exactly how much the airstrikes had ad- MEHR Po l i t i c a l D e s k minister Hassan Ghazizadeh Hashe- Saudi Arabia that it has ended a mili- vanced Saudi Arabia’s stated goal of helping re- mi said on Wednesday that 50 per- tary campaign against Yemen indicates that Riyadh has store a Yemeni government that collapsed many cent of Iranians are considered fat, failed in it “childish” offensive, the Iranian parliament weeks ago as Houthi rebels took over the coun- the Mehr news agency reported. speaker says. try’s capital, Sana. He counted lack of activity Addressing an open session of the parliament on Since the onset of the airstrikes against Yemen in as the main cause behind their Wednesday, Ali Larijani criticized the Saudi Defense late March, Tehran saw the campaign as beneficial to Is- fatness. Ministry statement that the airstrikes have success- rael and reiterated that intervention in Yemen will have Hashemi further said that 50 fully removed “threats to Saudi Arabia’s security and no outcome other than a decline in Muslims’ power, he percent of the Iranian people un- that of neighboring countries.” added. dergo heart or brain strokes. “Firstly, more than a thousand people, including “Wise Saudis must now precisely assess their con- He said that people should men, women and children, were martyred and thou- duct, [and realize] that such methods will not only lower the risk of a stroke by eating sands were wounded. Secondly, some of the coun- ‘Operation Decisive Storm,’” Larijani said, us- have no benefit for their security but will totally lay less sweet foods and salty foods. try’s [Yemen’s] infrastructure was ruined; and third- ing the title of the first Saudi military operation to waste their Islamic dignity.” ly, Ansarullah revolutionary forces together with the against Yemen, which has now ended. Weeks of fighting in Yemen, which was already Yemeni army took control of several provinces in suffering from the absence of any central authority, Storm with a TEHRAN — Storm swept the The month-long bombing campaign caused a dev- Yemen,” Press TV quoted Larijani as saying. astating humanitarian crisis and threatened to ignite have left nearly a thousand people dead and provid- speed of 130 city of Mahabad, West Azer- “The Saudi government should now be asked ed an opening for Al Qaeda’s branch there to expand baijan Province, at 130 kmph a broader regional conflict.

IRNA which of the three was among the objectives of its territory. kmph hits on Wednesday morning. According to the New York Times, it was un- Mahabad The average speed of the wind was 95 kmph in the past 24 hours, Ghafour Mohammadpour, Rouhani to the world: Rise up against recruitment of terrorists director of Mahabad’s Meteor- ology Bureau, told IRNA news Contd. from P. 1 (the five permanent members of the agency. Rouhani highlighted the impor- UN Security Council plus Germany) to He added that unstable waves tance of “respecting human’s life” as the negotiating table. and lack of adequate moisture a “fundamental concept” in campaign He also described sanctions against were the causes of the storm. against terrorism. Iran as “cruel” and “illegal”. According to Mohammad- He went on to say that “human val- The six major powers got aware of pour, the wind passed over de- ues” of all people be it Muslim, Chris- the fact that “threat, humiliation and serts in Iraq before reaching Iran tian, Jew, Buddhist, African, Asian or sanction” do not create peace and se- and was carrying a lot of dust European should be viewed equally. curity and turned to negotiation with from there. The Iranian president also stated Iran, he explained. The minimum and maximum that “an expansive global movement” He went on to say that the nuclear temperatures in Mahabad were 18 should be initiated by the countries’ re- talks are based on “constructive interac- and 21 degrees on the Celsius scale ligious and cultural leaders to counter tion” that can lead to a final nuclear deal. respectively in the preceding 24 against religious justification of massa- A final agreement should guarantee hours. cring people. Long lasting peace depends on ‘Iranians’ resistance brought 5+1 the removal of sanctions and Iran’s Elsewhere in his remarks, Rouhani stopping military interventions and group to negotiating table’ right to peaceful use of nuclear tech- Iran arrests TEHRAN — Iranian security stated that foreign intervention is not creating a situation for dialogue Rouhani also stated that the Iranian nology, Rouhani stated. perpetrators forces have apprehended the a “good strategy” to settle crises and among various political groups, he people’s resilience and rapid techno- Rouhani also said that Iran seeks “con- perpetrators of a deadly at- result in exacerbating the situation. added. logical progress brought the 5+1 group structive interaction” with the world. of Khuzestan tack that killed a provincial of- terror attack ficial and three officers in the country’s southwestern prov- PRESS TV PRESS ince of Khuzestan. Iran, 5+1 may start drafting final agreement: Araqchi The General Intelligence Office TEHRAN — A senior of our meetings,” added Araqchi, who director Helga Schmid and Araqchi at final deal if world powers simultane- of Khuzestan Province announced Po l i t i c a l D e s k Iranian nuclear ne- is the head of the Iranian negotiating about 8 a.m. EDT. Talks between Iran ously lifted all sanctions imposed on it. on Tuesday that the assailants gotiator has announced that Iran and team in this round of talks. and the six powers, including U.S. Un- Zarif and Kerry hold phone talks were identified and eventually the 5+1 group of major world powers Araqchi, who is the deputy foreign der Secretary Wendy Sherman, will fol- Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokeswom- detained following an intelligence may start drafting the text of the long- minister for legal and international af- low this week, Reuters reported. an Marzieh Aham said on Iranian operation, Press TV reported on awaited final nuclear agreement soon. fairs, once again reiterated Iran’s posi- After a tentative deal between Iran state television on Wednesday that Wednesday. The drafting of the final nuclear ac- tion that “all sanctions should be lifted and the six powers was reached in U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, On April 2 three officers were cord is a very challenging and difficult upon the signing of the agreement.” Switzerland on April 2, different inter- and his Iranian counterpart, Moham- killed when unknown gunmen stage, Abbas Araqchi told reporters The timing and scope of sanctions relief pretations have emerged over what mad Javad Zarif, “discussed Iran’s nu- opened fire on a temporary police upon arrival in Vienna on Wednesday. are major sticking points in talks between was agreed in the framework and both clear issue by phone last night (Tues- station at a park in the city of Ha- “We would stay in Vienna for three Iran and the six major world powers. sides have given different versions of day night)”. midiyeh, about 25 kilometers (15 days and afterwards, decisions will be Talks began with a bilateral meet- the timing within that. miles) west of Ahvaz, capital of made with regards to the continuation ing between European Union political Iran insists it would only accept a Khuzestan province. The police officers were on duty at the makeshift station set up for the Noruz holidays when they Russia would benefit from lifting sanctions on Iran: Lavrov came under the attack. TEHRAN — The full lifting of sanc- the Iranian nuclear program. We believe that further 5+1 group of world powers, which include the United States, In April 2014, the Islamic Revo- Po l i t i c a l D e s k tions imposed against Iran over its progress in this direction, the swift lifting of sanc- Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany on April 2. lution Guards Corps (IRGC) said it nuclear activities would be in line with Russia’s national tions against Iran – restrictions imposed by the UN As part of the deal, Iran will not build new enrich- had busted a major terrorism and interests and would benefit the Russian economy, For- Security Council, as well as all unilateral restrictions ment facilities or heavy water reactors for 15 years, sabotage network in Khuzestan. eign Minister Sergei Lavrov was quoted as saying by – fully meets our national interests,” Lavrov said. and will also limit its stockpile of enriched uranium the Sputnik news agency. According to the Russian foreign minister, the eas- while abiding by enhanced transparency procedures. Majlis passes TEHRAN — Majlis on Wednes- “Russian diplomacy made a significant contribu- ing of tensions around Iran would benefit Russia’s In return, the United States and the European provincial day approved of an overview tion to the achievement of the Lausanne framework bilateral trade and economic ties with the country. Union promised to lift all nuclear-related sanctions of a plan on holding parlia- agreement on the settlement of issues related to The preliminary deal was struck between Tehran and the imposed against Iran. elections mentary elections at provin- overview cial level.

FARARU The plan received 149 Zarif and Kerry may Shia school of Islam shuns votes in favor, 69 against, and 9 abstentions, Fararu news website meet in New York: AFP terrorism: Judiciary chief reported. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry between the top diplomats since TEHRAN — The appointment over the Saudi-led ag- MPs Mehdi Davatgari, Shokrk- may meet next week with his Ira- the April 2 deal reached in Laus- Po l i t i c a l D e s k Shia school of Is- gression on Yemen, saying the Saudi hoda Mousavi, and Mohammad nian counterpart in New York, for anne, Switzerland, setting out the lam does not advocate terror and vio- atrocities in Yemen are akin to the Sadat Ebrahimi spoke as cons, the first time since their marathon parameters for a historic nuclear lence, as the true believers of the Sun- Zionist regime’s killing of innocent whereas Ali Motahari, Hossein Ga- talks which sealed the outlines accord. ni school of Islam also oppose such Palestinian women and children. rousi, and Mohammad Ail Moqimi of an emerging ground-breaking Kerry and Zarif huddled with acts, the Iranian Judiciary chief says. “The Saudi regime has announced defended the plan. nuclear deal, AFP reported on their teams for eight days in a Ayatollah Sadeq Amoli Larijani that they have accomplished all their Also, Vice President for Parlia- Wednesday. Lausanne hotel to hammer out the made the remarks on Wednesday in ‘preplanned objectives’ in Yemen. We mentary Affairs Mjid Ansari an- U.S. officials said it was pos- framework which will guide the a meeting with Judiciary officials. are very sorry [for the Saudis] that they nounced that the plan was raised sible Kerry and Iranian Foreign negotiations going forward for a He said Wahabism, Salafism, and define the killing of defenseless wom- in the cabinet meeting the same Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif comprehensive deal. Takfrism, all categorized as extremist en and children and the destruction of day where the government op- would have talks Monday on the Expert and political director groups, have been set up by colonial a country’s infrastructures as their pre- posed it. sidelines of the 2015 nuclear Non- level talks are due to resume powers to damage the image of Islam. planned objectives,” he noted. Proliferation Treaty review con- Wednesday in Vienna in a bid to Such deviated schools of He also lambasted the silence of Iran says TEHRAN — The Iranian For- ference being held at the United resolve the toughest issues in- thoughts portray a distorted image the international community in the received eign Ministry spokeswoman Nations. cluding lifting sanctions by a June of Islam, he added. face of the Saudi aggression against said that the Islamic Republic It would be the first meeting 30 deadline. Amoli Larijani also expressed dis- Yemen. no ‘special IRNA has received no “special mes- message’ on sage” on Yemen from the United Yemen from States. Rouhani, Abe hold talks U.S. Marzieh Aham made the re- marks in a press conference on TEHRAN — Iranian ing Asia-Africa Conference, met on ing the two leaders discussed bilateral, President Rouhani last met Abe Wednesday in response to reports Po l i t i c a l D e s k President Hassan Wednesday with Japanese Prime Min- regional, and international issues. in September on the sidelines of the that Tehran and Washington had Rouhani, who is in the Indonesian ister Shinzo Abe. The two also called for the enhance- United Nations General Assembly in conducted joint efforts on the on- capital of Jakarta to attend the ongo- According to IRNA, during the meet- ment of bilateral cooperation, IRNA added. New York. going crisis in Yemen. She answered in the posi- tive on whether U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry’s Tuesday Zarif says Iran is ready to broker intra-Yemeni dialogue phone call to Iranian Foreign TEHRAN — The Iranian Foreign Mohammad Javad Zarif made the remarks in a Now it is the time to send humanitarian aid to Yem- Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif Po l i t i c a l D e s k Minister announced on Wednesday Twitter message after Saudi Arabia declared an end en and the time for the Yemeni factions to hold talks to addressed Yemen. However, she that Tehran is ready to send humanitarian aid to Yemen to air strike against Yemen on midnight Tuesday. form an inclusive government, Zarif suggested. refrained from providing further and help broker dialogue among the conflicting sides in He evaluated halt to attacks on Yemen as a “posi- He added that Iran is ready to help start this pro- comments. Yemen with the aim of forming an inclusive government. tive development”. cedure. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y

http://www.tehrantimes.com/international APRIL 23, 2015 INTERNATIONAL 3 UK, France call for Israeli-Palestinian UN Obama will not label 1915 massacre of Armenians a deal, resolution being drafted genocide

Britain and France are urging the UN President Barack Obama will once again stop short of Security Council to restart the Israeli- calling the 1915 massacre of Armenians a genocide, Palestinian peace process, while New prompting anger and disappointment from those Zealand has begun drafting a resolu- who have been pushing him to fulfill a campaign tion on the issue. This was prompted promise and use the po- by the U.S. saying it may “reassess” its litically fraught term on position on the stalled talks. the 100th anniversary of France and New Zealand have the killings this week. stressed that it is imperative to act Officials decided now, given that the Israeli elections against it after opposi- are over and there is a current lull in tion from some at the the U.S. before the presidential elec- State Department and tion campaign heats up. the Pentagon. “We have been working on a text After more than a that might serve the purpose of get- week of internal debate, ting negotiations started,” said New top administration offi- Zealand’s UN Ambassador Jim McLay, cials discussed the final adding that the country is ready to decision with Armenian- wait and see how the French initiative American leaders Tues- for a resolution will turn out. day before making it pub- France announced last month that lic. it wanted to begin talks about draft- The White House said the officials pledged that the ing “parameters” for ending the con- U.S. would use Friday’s centennial anniversary “to flict in the Middle East, with the hopes urge a full, frank and just acknowledgement of the of bringing the U.S. onboard, which facts”. has repeatedly sided with Israel in the That language echoed the administration’s five past. previous statements on the anniversary, as well as “It’s the responsibility of this coun- those of previous administrations. But it did not use cil to adopt a consensual and balanced the word “genocide,” as many had hoped. resolution that sets the parameters of a final status and a timeline for the ne- Historians estimate up to 1.5 million Armenians gotiations,” French UN Ambassador were killed by Ottoman Turks, an event widely viewed Francois Delattre said at a Security Bank and East Jerusalem. They also ian-drafted resolution in December, American support for a two-state so- by scholars as genocide. Turkey, however, denies the Council meeting. want to reclaim sovereignty of the which called for the withdrawal of Is- lution in the Middle East is at a 20-year deaths constituted genocide and says the death toll The timing of the initiative is due lands captured by Israel in 1967. raeli troops from the occupied West low. has been inflated. to the U.S. stating that it might “reas- The UK has expressed support Bank and East Jerusalem and the es- Israeli and American representa- As a senator and presidential candidate, Obama sess” its Middle Eastern policies after for “setting out the parameters for a tablishment of the Palestinian state by tives also ended up missing the UN did describe the killings of Armenians as genocide Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Net- peaceful and negotiated solution,” ac- the end of 2017. Human Rights Council session on the and said the U.S. government had a responsibility to anyahu publicly said he was against cording to Britain’s UN Ambassador Even though the timing of these Palestinian territories on Monday, recognise it as such. Palestinian statehood during elections Mark Lyall Grant. “But this will require calls have been praised due to possi- which was dedicated to looking at the As a candidate in January 2008, Obama had pledged last month. proper consultation to achieve the full ble American diplomacy shift, a new Gaza conflict that killed 2,200 people to recognize the genocide and at least one of his cam- The Palestinians are seeking an in- backing of the council,” he added. Washington Post-ABC News poll re- in 50 days in 2014. paign surrogates, the current U.S. ambassador to the dependent state in Gaza, the West The U.S. voted “No” to a Palestin- leased at the end of March showed (Source: Itar Tass) United Nations, Samantha Power, recorded a nearly five-minute video at the time imploring Armenian- Americans to vote for Obama precisely because he would keep his word on the issue. Cyber criminals may provoke nuclear Mediterranean migrants could surge to But, Obama has never used that description since taking office, mainly out of deference to Turkey, a key disaster : U.S., Russian generals 500,000 this year: IMO chief U.S. partner and Nato ally, which is fiercely opposed to the genocide label. Modern technologies, coupled with functions. With the advent of precise The number of migrants crossing the hold or the middle deck of the Tuesday’s announcement, accompanied by word Cold War-era nuclear doctrines and computer technologies, the chance of the Mediterranean could surge to 20-meter (66-foot) boat which keeled that the treasury secretary, Jacob Lew, will attend a increasing tensions between the U.S. such an error occurring has been de- 500,000 this year, with deaths at sea over in pitch darkness after colliding ceremony in Armenia on Friday to mark the anniver- and Russia make a nuclear war a real creasing. However, at a time when cy- reaching thousands if no action is with a Portuguese container ship an- sary, was made shortly after the secretary of state, threat, say high-ranking retired offic- berattacks are becoming increasingly taken against the people who traffic swering its distress call. John Kerry, met with Turkey’s foreign minister, Mev- ers from both countries. common, the danger of someone de- them, the head of the UN’s maritime The United Nations refugee agen- lut Cavusoglu, in Washington. The New York Times opinion col- liberately triggering a false warning agency warned Wednesday. cy said those on board included Syr- In brief comments to reporters at the State Depart- umn by former U.S. Marine Corps has jumped. Koji Sekimizu, secretary general of ians, Eritreans and Somalians. ment, neither Kerry nor Cavusoglu mentioned Arme- General James E. Cartwright and re- “This makes it all the more critical the International Maritime Organiza- If we do nothing, I think this year nia or the upcoming 24 April anniversary. tired Russian Major General Vladimir for Russia and the United States to tion (IMO), called for a multinational we will see half a million of migrants The White House later said its national security Dvorkin, both from the Global Zero talk, to relieve the pressures to “use effort to ensure not only the safety of crossing over the Mediterranean adviser, Susan Rice, met with Cavusoglu and encour- Commission on Nuclear Risk Reduc- or lose” nuclear forces during a crisis the migrants but also to target those and potentially we will see probably aged him to take “concrete steps to improve rela- tion, warns of the dangers of old nu- and minimize the risk of a mistaken who smuggle them out for profit de- 10,000 of deaths if that is the case,” tions with Armenia and to facilitate an open and frank clear strike doctrines, at a time when launch,” their article reads. spite the risks. Sekimizu warned. dialogue in Turkey about the 1915 atrocities.” relations between the two superpow- The U.S. and Russia have signed a “This is a very serious issue,” “We should not only address the Several U.S. officials said there had been a sharp in- ers are at such a low point. They call joint nuclear arsenal reduction treaty Sekimizu said in a keynote address situation of search and rescue but ternal debate over whether to use the 100-year anni- on Moscow and Washington prevent called New START (Strategic Arms at Sea Asia, a major maritime confer- also we should address the smug- versary to call the killings “genocide” and make good possible provocations. Reduction Treaty), in April 2010. It is ence and exhibition in Singapore. glers, the traffickers behind the on the president’s campaign promise, particularly af- It says there are three strategic op- aimed at drastically decreasing the “It is time to really think about scene,” he said, adding that Europe- ter Pope Francis used the term earlier this month. tions at the two countries’ disposal, number of nuclear weapons available how to stop the very dangerous and an governments must play a crucial That comment by the pope prompted an angry re- which are relic’s of the Cold War: to both nations. unsafe passage of migrants on board role. sponse from Turkey, which recalled its ambassador to striking first, retaliation after an at- Despite both Russia and the U.S. small, very unsafe boats. We should Sekimizu cited the global effort the Vatican over the matter. Several European gov- tack and launch on warning. The final complying with the treaty and reduc- take action.” that successfully reduced the num- ernments and parliaments are also expected to use option is seen as the one posing the ing their arsenals to about 1,500 war- He said his office was working with ber of pirate attacks off the coast the word in discussions of the events 100 years ago. most danger. heads each, they remain in possession other UN agencies to establish a da- of Somalia as an example of how the Some at the State Department, particularly those Under the launch-on-warning strat- of two of the world’s largest atomic tabase of the people smugglers as an international community could come who deal directly with Turkey and its neighbours in egy, a country fires its nuclear missiles payloads. initial step to target them, but would together on the Mediterranean mi- the Middle East, as well as at the Pentagon, argued after it detects enemy rockets have Cooperation on the treaty remains not give any more details. grant crisis. against using the word, according to the officials who been launched. It is aimed at being “a silver lining” amid growing Russia- More than 170,000 migrants Italian officials believe there could spoke on condition of anonymity. able to use the missiles before they U.S. tensions, Assistant Secretary of crossed the Mediterranean into Eu- be up to one million more would- They said the damage it would cause to U.S. re- are destroyed by the incoming attack. State Frank Rose said on Thursday: rope last year, with 3,000 of them be immigrants to Europe waiting to lations with Turkey at a critical time, notably when Launch detection is carried out by “At such a hard time it is highly im- perishing at sea, according to Sekimi- board boats in conflict-torn Libya. Washington needs Ankara’s help in fighting the ISIL satellites and ground-based radars, portant to maintain transparency in zu. Many of them are refugees from (Islamic Statein Iraq and the Levant) terrorist group which give the target country a win- the displacement and deployment of In the latest incident, some 800 Syria’s civil war or persecution in in Syria and Iraq, would far outweigh the immediate dow of 10 to 30 minutes in which to strategic nuclear weapons... The two people are feared to have died when places like Eritrea. Others are seeking benefits. The safety of U.S. diplomats and troops in decide whether to launch a nuclear sides have made a significant pro- a boat packed with migrants capsized to escape poverty and hunger in Afri- Turkey was also a consideration, the officials said. strike of its own. gress over the restrictions presumed near Libya on Sunday. ca and South Asia and secure a better On the other side, officials at the White House and The two generals say this system is by the treaty by February 2018”. The victims, including an unknown future in Europe. State Department who deal more directly with human susceptible to provocations and mal- (Source: RT) number of children, were locked in (Source: AFP) rights issues, including Power, wanted the president to use the word genocide, the officials said. Asked if there was an internal rift on the issue, one senior of- ficial involved in the discussion simply said “yes”. U.S. open to improving ‘severely strained’ ties with Venezuela: Kerry That official noted that alienating the Turks at this point in Obama’s presidency would mean accepting U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says the United the region. that the U.S. investment in good relations with the States is willing to work with Venezuela in order to “I am confident that the Administration’s com- Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, had failed. address problems and improve relations. He also mitment to a new kind of relationship with Latin That relationship has been fraught with difficulty in added that he is keen to find “areas of common America will contribute significantly to our common recent years over human rights concerns, among oth- ground” between the two countries. agenda for the hemisphere,” he added, according to er issues. Speaking at the Washington Conference on the Fox News. This “includes the strengthening of de- Another senior U.S. official acknowledged the de- Americas on Tuesday, Kerry acknowledged that rela- mocracy and the respect for human rights. Already, cision would be a disappointment to some who were tions with Venezuela have deteriorated significantly. we are seeing the benefits of our partnership on “hoping to hear different language this year” and said “It is no secret that the relations between our these issues.” the administration understood that perspective. But, two countries have been severely strained in recent Tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela have the official also said the administration believed its years,”he said, according to AFP. been high since Venezuelan President Nicolas Ma- approach is right “both for acknowledging the past, “I began my tenure as Secretary with a long con- duro cracked down on opposition protests, includ- and for our ability to work with regional partners to versation with the then-foreign minister of Venezue- ing one instance in which a 14-year-old was shot save lives in the present.” la in an effort to promote a more productive relation- with Latin America – the recent Summit of the Ameri- and killed. The U.S. condemned the behavior and, in Negative reaction to the announcement was in- ship, and the United States remains open to further cas in Panama saw Obama and Cuban President Raul March, President Barack Obama declared Venezuela tense from both the Armenian-American community addressing our differences and attempting to find Castro meet to discuss continuing efforts to restore a national security threat, imposing sanctions on sev- and members of Congress who have championed the areas of common ground.” bilateral relations – Kerry said that the administra- en government officials. Armenian cause. Referring to attempts by the U.S. to improve ties tion will keep working to improve human rights in (Source: RT) (Source: The Guardian) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 4 ECONOMY APRIL 23, 2015 http://www.tehrantimes.com/economy

NEWS Iran’s quarterly crude steel Russia’s LUKoil plans return to Iran after removal of sanctions output up 9.6% WSA

HOUSTON (Sputnik) — Russia’s oil and gas company TEHRAN — Iran produced LUKoil plans to return to Iran once sanctions over Economic Desk 4.089 million tons of crude Tehran’s nuclear program are lifted, LUKoil’s President steel in the first quarter of 2015, a 9.6 percent Vagit Alekperov said Tuesday. rise from 3.729 million tons in the first quarter Alekperov added that LUKoil wanted to return of 2014, the World Steel Association said in its to Iran’s Anaran oil project, which the company had latest report. abandoned due to Iran sanctions. The country’s crude steel output stood at “We hope that the current political dialogues 1.315 million tons in March 2015, showing one will open up investment opportunities on the percent drop from 1.329 million tons in March Iranian territory in the medium term,” Alekperov 2014, according to the report. told reporters at the IHS CERAWeek 2015 Energy World crude steel production for the 65 Conference. countries reporting to the WSA was 138.045 The Anaran field, with estimated oil reserves million tons in March 2015, a 2.7 percent fall of 2 billion barrels, was operated by a consortium from 141.811 million tons in March 2014. of Norwegian StatoilHydro (75%) and LUKoil Overseas China, Japan, and India were the three (25%). biggest crude steel producers in March 2015, with 69.485 million tons, 9.286 million tons, and 6.950 million tons of output, respectively. According to the officials, Iran’s crude steel Russian business output is projected to increase to 55 million tons by the end of the Fifth Five-Year Development seeks review of WTO Plan (2010-2015). membership terms Iran was the biggest producer of crude steel in the Middle East in 2013, according to the WSA. MOSCOW (ITAR-TASS) — Representatives of Russian business ask the government for certain protectionist measures to support domestic producers. In a letter sent to the presidential administration Korea-Japan bilateral trade dips 14% in Q1 by ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) Russia proposes that terms of Russia’s WTO membership be Bilateral trade between South Korea the first quarter of 2015, while imports goods traditionally bought from $85.9 billion, declining by 9.2 percent reviewed, the Izvestia daily writes. and Japan stood at $18.4 billion (19.9 declined by 8.8 percent to stand at Japan ? such as assembly parts and on-year. The most active is the Russian Union of Entrepreneurs trillion won) in the first quarter of $12.54 billion. manufactured materials ? reportedly “The most important factor of Textile and Light Industry (Soyuzlegprom), uniting this year, dropping by 13.9 percent Market analysts said that shrinking led to a decline in imports. affecting bilateral trade between Korea major textile and footwear companies of Russia that compared to $21.4 billion during the trade between the two countries can Since annual bilateral trade peaked and Japan is the currency exchange seek protective duties on imports of clothes and same period in 2014, data showed. be attributed to the falling yen, which in 2011 at $108 billion, figures have rate,” a KITA official said, adding that footwear. According to the Korea International has lowered the price competitiveness been steadily declining to reach $103.1 “trade volumes are declining due to "It takes the World Trade Organisation several years Trade Association, the value of exports of Korean products in Japan. billion in 2012 and $94.6 billion in 2013. the further weakening of the yen this to achieve the abolishment of high duties, and this is from Korea to Japan dropped on-year Meanwhile, Korea’s increased In 2014, the total trade volume year.” (Source: heraldcorp.com) enough to strengthen positions of local producers. by 22 percent to reach $6.39 billion in dependence on China for acquiring between the two countries stood at We must take the same road instead of following all instructions that nobody but us abides by," the president of Soyuzlegprom, Andrei Razbrodin, said. EU charges Gazprom with ‘abusing’ market UK financial trader arrested over 2010 position in Central & Eastern Europe global markets ‘flash crash’ Russia’s biggest gas utility, Gazprom, the claim against the company A financial trader who played the three-bedroom semi-detached Parsian Bank offers was hit with an antitrust case by "unreasonable." The gas supplier has world’s futures markets from a houses, seemed to make such huge European Union regulators for 12 weeks to respond to the claim and small suburban house in Hounslow, rewards from his alleged scheme. clientele with safety “abusing” its dominant position call a hearing. EU antitrust fines cannot west London, has been arrested and However, the U.S. regulator, deposit boxes and overcharging customers for gas exceed 10 percent of global yearly faces extradition to the U.S. after the Commodity Futures Trading supplies. The investigation against the revenue, which for Gazprom in 2013 supposedly making $40m (£27m) for Commission, said Sarao and his TEHRAN — Parsian Bank has opened the first safety de- Gazprom has been ongoing for 2 years. was $164.62 billion, so the EU could his alleged role in the so-called “flash company had profited by more than posit box section at its Takhti branch in Tehran. "We find that it (Gazprom) may have hit the company with a more than crash” of 2010. $40m. The DoJ detailed a series of The measure has been taken in line with the bank’s built artificial barriers preventing gas $16 billion fine. To compare, Google's The U.S. Department of Justice supposed coups, including episodes goal of clientele-orientation and aiming to expand and from flowing from certain Central maximum fine is €6 billion. (DoJ) said that it was seeking the where Sarao is said to have made facilitate services. Eastern European countries to others, “Gazprom considers the extradition of Navinder Singh Sarao, profits of more than $820,000 during Dr. Parvizian, the managing director of Parsian Bank hindering cross-border competition," European Commission’s submitted 37, who it claims “spoofed” financial a day’s trading. attended the opening ceremony. The safety deposit box European Competition Commissioner claims baseless. At the same time, markets using commercially available In an affidavit published by the section includes 1248 boxes in different sizes and lets Margrethe Vestager said in a accepting the European Commission’s trading software to place $200m DoJ in support of its complaint, FBI customers to store valuable possessions and important statement. Vestager said there is no ‘Statement of Objections’ is just of false trades from his home in special agent Gregory LaBerta said documents. political element to the case. one phase of the anti-monopoly Hounslow. Sarao was “a futures trader who Gazprom, with annual sales of investigation, and does not mean that The U.S. agency added that operated from his residence in the some $100 billion, supplies about 30 Gazprom is guilty of any violation of EU Sarao’s supposed manipulation United Kingdom and who primarily percent of the natural gas used by the antitrust legislation,” the company said contributed to the flash crash on traded through his company, Nav 28 countries of the EU. in a statement. 6 May 2010, when the Dow Jones Sarao Futures Limited. TEHRAN STOCK EXCHANGE Gazprom is under investigation for The EU has been discussing the industrial average plunged 600 “On numerous occasions market dominance in Estonia, Latvia, creation of an ‘energy union’ which points in five minutes and created between at least in or about April Index Value Change Percent Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic, would force companies like Gazprom havoc on Wall Street. 2010 and in or about April 2014, Sarao Main Board Slovakia, Hungary, and Bulgaria. to sell gas supplies at a fixed rate to the Sarao is expected to appear in spoofed the market and manipulated 48763.6 -161.8 -0.33 Index The Russian gas major has individual entire 28-nation bloc. custody at Westminster magistrates the intra-day price for … S&P 500 Industry Index 54434.3 -311.5 -0.57 contracts with these countries that The European Union first court on Wednesday. He is accused futures contracts on the Chicago Overall Index 66569.2 -259.4 -0.39 allow company to charge each a launched an investigation into of duping the market into believing Mercantile Exchange, including on different price for gas supplies. Gazprom in 2012, blaming Russia’s there were a lot more sellers than or about 6 May 2010, when the U.S. Free Float Index 77313.7 -195.4 -0.25 "Keeping national gas markets biggest gas producer for anti- there really were and profiting from stock markets plunged dramatically Secondary Index 132714.8 -704.2 -0.53 separate also allowed Gazprom to competitive practices in Central and the market movement. He is said to in a matter of minutes in an event charge prices that we at this stage Eastern Europe. It said Gazprom have changed his orders more than that came to be known as the ‘Flash consider to be unfair," Vestager said. was hindering the free flow of gas 19,000 times before cancelling them. Crash’.” Gazprom’s unfair prices partly result to member nations, preventing the The episode, although not attributed The DoJ added: “By allegedly OVERALL INDEX DETAILS from the firm’s formula that link gas diversification of gas supplies, and to him, formed the backdrop for the placing multiple, simultaneous, prices to oil product prices and “have imposing unfair prices on customers Robert Harris novel The Fear Index. large-volume sell orders at different First 66828.6 unduly favored Gazprom over its by linking the price of gas to oil prices. A DoJ spokesman would not price points – a technique known Max Value 67034 customers,” the EU said. The antitrust case against Gazprom speculate on how one person, as ‘layering’ – Sarao created the With several clients, Gazprom has comes just days after the commission using widely available commercial appearance of substantial supply in Min Value 66569.2 a ‘take-or-pay’ clause,which forces launched a similar case against software, might have been able to the market … When prices fell as a Closing 66569.2 customers to pay for deliveries they American search supremo Google for crash the world’s financial markets. result of this activity, Sarao allegedly Variety (259.4) may not necessarily need or use. abusing its dominance in the European Nor would he comment on how an sold futures contracts only to buy individual, who appears to live in a them back at a lower price.” Change end of year(%) 735.61% Gazprom responded to the market. accusations, and said that it considers (Source: RT) street populated by unremarkable (Source: The Guardian) Historical highest 89500.6 (2014/01/05) Source: tse.ir ECB to fund The European Central Bank ExxonMobil Energy giant ExxonMobil’s China’s The People’s Bank of will continue to fund Greek oil production has not China may have tripled Greek banks banks as long as they stay oil been impacted by Western secret gold its gold stockpile since as long as solvent and have enough production sanctions against Russia, stockpile April 2009, when it last MAJOR CURRENCIES they stay collateral, Executive Board activities which the company strictly may be gave an official number, Member Benoit Coeure complies with, ExxonMobil which Bloomberg To U.S. To IR. To U.S. To IR. unaffected world’s 2nd Currency Currency solvent: told a newspaper on Chairman and CEO Rex Dollars Rial* Dollars Rial* Intelligence estimates Coeure Wednesday, dismissing talk by anti- Tillerson said at HIS biggest to be 3,510 metric US dollar 1 33290 UAE dirham 0.272 9130 that Athens might ditch the Russian CERAWeek in Houston, tons, second to United British Pound 1.506 49850 EURO 1.073 36120 euro. sanctions Texas on Tuesday. States 8,133.5 tons of *The free market rates (Sources: Mehrnews.com & xe.com) Worries over the standoff “It [sanctions regime] gold. between the leftist-led has had no effect on our The figure, almost triple government in Athens oil producing activity the 1,054 tons of gold and its creditors - the euro which are offshore the reported in 2009, was MAJOR COMMODITIES zone and the International Sakhalin Island,” Tillerson calculated based on Monetary Fund - over said, stressing that the trade data, domestic Light Crude $ / barrel 56.61 Silver $ / troy ounce 16.01 reforms needed to unlock company fully complies output, and China Gold Gold $ / troy ounce 1,203.10 Platinum $ / troy ounce 1,152.50 bailout funds has sparked with the anti-Russian Association figures by uncertainty and deposit sanctions over its alleged Bloomberg Intelligence. Copper $ / pound 2.7 Wheat ¢ / bushel 499 flight from Greek banks. involvement into eastern Source: cnnmoney.com NEWS IN BRIEF Ukraine crisis. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y http://www.tehrantimes.com APRIL 23, 2015 HISTORY & HERITAGE 5

Iranian birthdays and rituals of birth HISTORY For Iranians, having children is regarded a blessing Sheikh Bahaei: Prominent and a very important life task to be accomplished scholar of Safavid Era by married couples. All major religions in the area have recommended having children. Both the pre- Iranians commemorate the birth anniversary of Sheikh Islamic Zoroastrian and Islamic literatures advise Bahaei on April 23. the young that being married is preferable and Sheikh Bahaeddin al-Amili, Sheikh Bahaei (1547 - 1621) having children is far more praiseworthy than not was a scholar, philosopher, architect, mathematician, having any. astronomer and poet in 16th-century Iran. He was born The ritual of sismuni in Baalbek, Lebanon but immigrated in his childhood to The women’s parents were obliged to prepare Safavid Iran with his father. and send cloths and other baby items. The seventh He wrote over 88 books in different topics mostly in month was normally designated for this purpose. Persian but also in Arabic. He is buried in Imam Reza’s Number seven, so sacred to the ancient Zoroas- shrine in Mashad in Iran. trians was regarded as the lucky number and nor- He is considered one of the main co-founders of Isfa- mally seven sets of cloths, socks, hats for boys and han School of Islamic Phi- small scarves for girls, diapers, bibs etc. were made losophy. In later years he and send for the baby. became one of the teach- Diapers were made of cotton and were placed ers of Sadr al-Din al-Shirazi, inside a waterproof material called moshama. Mother and also known as Mulla Sadra. This was made of a natural fabric called metghal newborn His works include that was treated with hot wax to make it water- child paintings Naqsh-e Jahan Square in proof. An essential part was a cover material called Isfahan, as well as design- qondaq that was normally white. – “New Baby” ing the construction of the The whole collection was called sismuni and, with by Linda Manar Jonban, also known the wealthy, the collection was very elaborate. Nor- Crockett as the two shaking mina- mally color white was used for the baby’s clothing rets, situated on either mother was helped to sit on the platform. Through- A specially blessed safety pin was normally at- reminiscent of the ancient Zoroastrian traditions. side of the mausoleum of out the contractions, the midwife and others as- tached to the headgear while saying prayers to Earrings, necklaces and bracelets mainly gold Amoo Abdollah Garladani sisted the mother. Songs were sang, jokes were frighten the bad spirits away for forty days. (if affordable) were included for the girls, while in the west of Isfahan. told and prayers were recited. For the first three days, the baby was feed with boys received a small wooden knife in a green Sheikh Bahaei contrib- The two prophets, Khezr and Elias (Elijah), were tiny pieces of butter with a few spoonfuls of crys- velvet cover. uted numerous works in always asked for help. Both had found the fountain tallized sugar (nabat) dissolved in warm water. Due Nanu or a small hammock for summers and a philosophy, logic, astronomy and mathematics. His works of life and as a result became immortals. to fear from bad spirits, the baby would not be left rocking bed for other occasions with quilts, pillows, include 88 articles, epistles and books. He also composed po- Imam Ali (AS), the first Shia Imam, is also men- alone for forty days. sheaths etc. were also included. ems in Persian. His outstanding works in the Iranian language tioned. As is the custom with Iranians, “Ya Ali” is The sixth day was a very significant day. It was be- Talisman, written prayer rolls that were sometimes are Jame’ Abbasi and two masnavis (rhymed couplets) by always mentioned and repeated loudly when help lieved that on this day the baby and the mother were in gold or silver cases decorated with precious stones, the names of “Milk and Sugar” and “Bread and Halva”. in great danger and prone to attack by dark spirits. were always given to the baby for protection against is needed. His wife, Hazrat Fatemeh (AS), is also His fame was due to his excellent command of mathe- The midwife would visit again and the process evil eye, bad spirits, diseases etc. asked for by calling “Ya Zahra”. matics, architecture and geometry. He was the architect of of proofing against the bad spirits would start. The Other essentials like soap, cleansing powder, Once the baby was born, the mother and the Isfahan’s Imam Square, Imam Mosque and Hessar Najaf. first step was called mohr-kardan (to seal). One herbal medicine, the incense Espand, camphor, baby were cleaned. The mother was placed back He also made a sun clock to the west of the Imam Mosque. piece of cotton ball (panbeh) was made into a long powdered crystallized sugar (nabat) were placed in in her bed and was offered a local sherbet (mainly There is also no doubt about his mastery of topography. small white bags made from silk if affordable. The aragh e beadmesk) and a local hot food such as roll that was pressed down by fingers at regular in- He also designed and constructed a furnace for a new mother and her husband’s family were noti- Kachi. The placenta was cut and immediately it was tervals. This was called band band kardan. public bathroom, which still exists in Isfahan, known as fied in advance for delivery time. poked with a pin or a needle to frighten bad spirits Then these pressed areas were blackened, by Sheikh Bahaei’s bathroom. The furnace was warmed by Once everything was ready, all would be placed such as Al, which resembles the ancient spirits. rubbing them over the outside of a cooking pot. a single candle, which was placed in an enclosure. The in a chest or chests with candies and sweets like Placenta was buried outdoors with a piece of These were always burnt on the outside and were candle burned for a long time, warming the bath’s water. noql, gold and silver coins in between the items. charcoal to keep cats away. The belly button was black with charcoal (dudeh). The result was a long According to his own instructions, the candle’s fire Servants carried the cases to the expectant moth- cut and tied with two pieces of blue and white rolled piece of white cotton darkened at intervals. would be put out if the enclosure was ever opened. This er’s house. On the other hand, the Husbands’ family, colored threads. The baby was washed in warm This was called a mohr and was either hung over happened during the restoration and repair of the build- after receiving the sismuni, would slaughter an animal water with the powdered soap from sismuni. the mother’s head or was cut into smaller pieces and ing and no one has been able to make the system work Birthday rituals (calf or lamb) or a bird (chicken or roaster) and elabo- hung around the walls. Espand and camphor were again. He also designed the Manar Jonban (shaking min- The baby was first dressed in a long white cotton rate meals were provided for family and friends. burnt until they turned into ashes and a common aret), which still exists in Isfahan. material with a head-size cut in the middle to cover The baby is coming! prayer called ayat ul korsi from the Quran was recited. His poem, ‘Plead For Unison’, translated into English the front and the back. This was called Pirahan-e Qiy- The birth normally proceeded in a sitting rather The incense was turned around the room and by Maryam Dilmaghani, is cited below: amat meaning, ‘the dress of resurrection.’ than lying position. A huge copper tray was placed the midwife would blow toward the baby and the So long, in plead of unison with thee Next, diapers were put on and the baby was on large leather spreads. Inside of the tray was cov- mother and the so-called six directions (north, My eyelids are drowned in the deluge of tear. dressed with a shirt or a dress on top and was ered by extremely fine ash to absorb the blood. south, east, west, up and down) while verses from So long, in plead of unison with thee, placed in Qondaq, all in white. The head was cov- Brick (khesht) platforms were raised on either the Quran were recited. Thou, the sole beloved! ered with a small hat for boys and a scarf for girls. (Source: cultureofiran.com) side and, at the moment the baby was arriving, the The arrow of thy sorrow pierced all lovers’ heart… For how long, how long shall we be kept apart? We are countless, all occupied by thy thought Helas! Thou beest concealed of our sight. Top things to see and do in Japan Thou, the sole beloved! Visit the Tsukiji fish market – Tokyo’s lack of sleep is worth the jaw-drop- blossom trees, known as Sakura, and a learn about some of Japan’s history The bird found thy fine face in every turf fish market. This market starts bright ping sunrise. beautiful place for some pictures. The and culture. The butterfly enlightened in core of the flame and early at 4 AM and you can see Spend a day in the Gion District shrine is free but the garden nearby Visit Miyajima Island – Be sure to The mystic recognized thy essence the frenzied buying and selling of the – Otherwise known as the Geisha Dis- costs $6 USD Yen to enter. visit this “shrine island” for all its scenic In every scene and each face. world’s largest tuna market. Eat just- trict, you can spend the day here for Relax in Ueno Park – Ueno Park is beauty. It can easily be made into a full It means that one can see thee at every glance, caught sushi for breakfast and marvel as much, or as little, as you’d like to a great place to spend the day and for day’s trip with the walking trails nearby. In every instance. at the frenzied atmosphere. There’s spend. The area is filled with fascinat- free. Take your camera as it’s a perfect One way including the ferry to get you It means that I am not mad that I knock every door, nothing like it in the world. ing architecture and if you’re lucky you spot to record the many cherry blos- there will cost about $2 USD. I knock every door. Climb Mount Fuji – This 11,500 may be able to spot a geisha. It’s also a som trees, and take a lunch too to save Visit the Bitchu Matsuyama Castle In every sea I dive, thou beest the sole host. foot tall mountain is located near To- good area for window shopping. some extra money. – The entrance fee is $3 USD and well In every route I walk, thy shine is the lone light, kyo, and it makes for a worthy climb. Visit the Heian Shrine – The Heian Stop by the Imperial Palace – For worth it. See for yourself the only origi- In the tavern and mosque thou beest the only Lord, During the day it is often covered in Shrine is a popular tourist attraction another free event, visit the Imperial nal, still-standing castle in Japan. It’s the Thou beest the only Lord. fog and clouds, so ascents tend to so get there early if at all possible. The Palace which is home to the Emperor country’s highest castle as well. Thou beest the destination, thou beest the pledge. happen early in the morning, but the garden is filled with beautiful cherry of Japan and a perfect opportunity to (nomadicmatt.com) The reason is thee when I wander drunk, The reason is thee when I meet with the monk, The reason is thee when I am praying in the mosque. They are all pleas and thou beest the pledge Thou beest the sole pledge. A TASTE OF IRAN By shutterstock.com The reason is thee when I wander drunk, The reason is thee when I meet with the monk, The reason is thee when I am praying in the mosque. They are all pleas and thou beest the pledge. Thou beest the sole pledge (Source: Iran Review)

ON THIS DAY A temple is built on the Capitoline Hill dedicated to 215 Venus Erycina to commemorate the Roman defeat at BC Lake Trasimene.

1348 1st English order of knighthood founded (Order of Garter)

William Shakespeare’s “The Merry Wives of Windsor” is first 1597 performed, with Queen Elizabeth I of England in attendance.

Isfahan, 1867 Queen Victoria & Napoleon III turn down plans for a channel tunnel located in the center of Denmark, Germany, Britain, France, Netherlands & Sweden 1908 the country, sign North Sea accord is perhaps Iran’s most 1964 New York State Theater opens touristy city, it is 1972 Apollo 16 astronauts explores Moon surface famous for 1975 Harold Pinter’s “No Man’s Land” premieres in London its Islamic architecture, 1992 McDonald’s opens its 1st fast-food restaurant in China covered bridges, Sotherby begins 4 day auction of Jackie O stuff-take 1996 palaces, and in $34.5 million mosques. 1997 “Titanic,” opens at Lunt-Fontanne Theater NYC I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y

6 INTERNATIONAL APRIL 23, 2015 http://www.tehrantimes.com/international

ANALYSIS Migrants face Fortress Xi’s visit cements Sino-Pakistani cooperation Europe’s deadly moat By Tariq Osman Hyder By Kenan Malik was that of “defending Europe against hat is the significance of Chinese President Xi an enemy.” WJinping’s visit to Pakistan, his first abroad this P to 1,200 people are believed to The decision last year to scrap year? The answer reflects the many dimensions of a Uhave died this past week when, Mare Nostrum, the Italian-run search- relationship that has remained rock firm in the face of in several incidents, their flimsy boats and-rescue program, highlights this changing and sometimes difficult global and regional foundered in the Mediterranean. These strategy. Mare Nostrum was replaced currents. migrants from Syria, Mali, Eritrea, Soma- by Operation Triton, smaller in scope The political relationship between China and Paki- lia and beyond had set out from North and with an entirely different aim — stan is already at a strategic level. During the visit, it Africa hoping to reach Europe’s south- not saving lives but surveillance and was significantly upgraded to an all-weather strategic ern shores. Fleeing war and poverty, border protection. The number of cooperative partnership. Defense and defense tech- most had paid large sums to traffickers. migrants now attempting to reach nology cooperation, already significant for safeguard- The scale of the tragedies is shock- Europe is little different from that ing Pakistan’s national security in a difficult neighbor- ing but no novelty. It is estimated that for the same period last year, yet the hood, will be enhanced. It is a partnership not directed since 1993 some 20,000 migrants have death toll is about 18 times higher. against anyone, but that contributes to the mainte- died trying to cross Europe’s southern When the European Union treats nance of peace, stability and security in a region in borders. The true figure is undoubtedly immigration as a problem of criminal- flux, where others are balancing and rebalancing on higher: Thousands have perished, their ity, it is not just the traffickers who and offshore. deaths unrecorded. are targets. In 2004, a German ship The core objective of this visit is to lift the economic Who is to blame? European politicians rescued 37 African refugees from a aspect of the bilateral relationship to the same level as point the finger at traffickers. On Mon- dinghy. When the ship entered a Sicil- the political and strategic components. How is that to be day, European Union officials came up ian port, it was seized by the authori- done? with a 10-point plan, including military ac- ties who charged the captain and first First of all, there is a common overarching vision tion against smuggling networks. For more than three decades, the system of satellites and drones. When officer with aiding illegal immigration. of a community of shared destiny. Within that frame- The traffickers are certainly odious European Union has been constructing a journalist from Germany’s Der Spiegel They were acquitted only after a five- work, the hope is to make Pakistan’s port of Gwadar figures, recklessly placing migrants in what critics call “Fortress Europe,” a magazine visited the control room of year court battle. the southern anchor of the “One Belt and One Road” peril. But what pushes migrants into cordon protected by sea, air and land Frontex, the European border agency, Similarly, in 2007, the Italian authori- Eurasian connectivity for both the road and maritime the hands of traffickers are the Euro- patrols, and a high-tech surveillance he observed that the language used ties tried to block two Tunisian fishing silk routes. pean Union’s own policies. The bloc’s boats that had rescued 44 stranded mi- Then there is developing the China-Pakistan Economic approach to immigration has been to For more than three decades, the European Union grants from docking at Lampedusa, an Corridor (CPEC) from Gwadar to Kashgar to open up the treat it as a matter not of human need, island between Sicily and Tunisia. The hinterlands of both countries to connectivity and trade, but of criminality. It has developed a has been constructing what critics call “Fortress captains were charged with assisting internally, with other regional countries, and across the three-pronged strategy of militarizing Europe,” a cordon protected by sea, air and land illegal immigration. Not until 2011 did seas, cutting down distances, duration and costs of alter- border controls, criminalizing migra- patrols, and a high-tech surveillance system of an appeals court overturn all the con- native routes. tion and outsourcing controls. victions. Contd. on P. 11 Over three decades satellites and drones. Contd. on P. 11

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http://www.tehrantimes.com/economy APRIL 23, 2015 WORLD ECONOMY 7

Number of people in extreme poverty NEWS Top U.S. exports still generate $67b trade deficit could be greatly underestimated A newly released report found the U.S. possessed a trade Hundreds of millions more people could be living in deficit even among its top export categories — in stark con- extreme poverty than official estimates suggest, ac- trast to several top global competitors. cording to a study about how global development is According to the analysis by liberal think tank the Eco- being hindered by a lack of data about the world’s nomic Policy Institute, the country's top 30 export catego- poorest people. ries combined for a trade deficit of more than $67 billion in The Data Revolution: Finding the Missing Millions, 2013. a report published by the Overseas Development In- Japan, meanwhile, compiled a trade surplus of $232 bil- stitute (ODI), warns that poorer countries have no lion among its top 30 export categories; Germany saw a sur- way to adequately measure their progress in areas plus of $285 billion and China reported a $648 billion surplus. such as poverty, health and education. Report author Robert E. Scott said currency manipula- The ODI claims that the World Bank’s information tion and international barriers to U.S. exports played a key on the number of people living in poverty could be role in the discrepancy. Scott, however, also said the U.S. drastically underestimated because of inadequate failed to "invest in a strategy to develop the manufacturing data collection. It says that there could be a quarter sector." more people living on $1.25 a day – the World Bank Manufacturing accounted for all of the top export cat- definition of extreme poverty – than the official esti- egories in China, Japan and Germany, while six of the top mate of 1.01 billion. U.S. categories were attributed to commodities, largely in Across the world, 350 million people might not agriculture or energy. be included in household surveys, limiting what we In addition, the report found that Japan spends about know about them. Data gaps are often due to tra- 23 times more than the U.S. on manufacturing extension ditional collection methods, such as door-to-door services as a share of overall GDP, while Germany's manu- surveys, national censuses and government regis- facturing research funding exceeds the U.S. by a margin of trations, which are expensive or too infrequent to more than 10 to one. measure demographics in highly spread out, dense "The United States is the second largest exporter in the or shifting populations in, for example, urban slums world, but it is also the only major exporter that has con- or desert regions. sistently run overall goods trades deficits for more than two Between 2006 and 2013, 28 out of 49 countries in to support the most vulnerable and marginalised Data collection is expensive and time-consuming, decades,” Scott said. sub-Saharan Africa conducted household surveys, people without an overhaul of the current ways of meaning that detailed and accurate surveys are hard The U.S. saw a considerable trade surplus in its top ex- said the report. “This means that a quarter of the 414 gathering statistics,” said the report. to achieve, said the authors. To conduct a household port category of aircraft and spacecraft, but motor vehicles million people who are estimated to live under $1.25 a Elizabeth Stuart, research fellow at the ODI and survey in countries such as Tanzania or Malawi, for and electronics contributed heavily to its overall deficit. (Source: mbtmag.com) day in the region according to the most recent official author of the report, said that data is often not avail- example, it could cost the governments as much as poverty estimate are derived by extrapolating from able because “the right questions are not being $36.30 per person. surveys dating from 2005 or earlier,” said the report. asked, data is not being asked on the right people, However, the researchers believed there are Researchers claim this data lag means that in 2013, or governments choose to not ask certain questions several “quick wins” in gaining access to potential for example (the latest year for which there are fig- because of political difficulties”. data sources. These included opening up the World Gold near $1,200 as dollar, ures), the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 Countries survey their populations at different Bank’s hidden database on income distribution, de- live births could be anywhere between 160 and 290, times and in different ways, meaning that it is often veloping new technologies to allow data to be more equity gains weighed with rather then the estimated 210. hard to find comparable datasets internationally, the readily available, and investing more in government Greece The report also says that, globally, we do not ac- report found. It is also harder to get data about the data collection and statistical systems. curately know how many people live in cities, the vol- poorest and most vulnerable people in society, such Stuart said that such methods are required “to Gold held near $1,200 an ounce as investors weighed a strong- ume of global assets that are held offshore and unde- as people with disabilities and those with mental help the world’s poorest. You need to know where er dollar, rising equities and easing of tensions in the Middle clared to tax authorities, how many girls are married health problems. they live, what they look like and what they need. East against concern that Greece may default. Investor assets before the age of 18, the percentage of the world’s The report’s authors said governments can’t hope Data aren’t just about measuring stuff. They’re also expanded for a third day. poor who are women or the size of sub-Saharan Af- to tackle poverty and meet other development goals vitally important to tell governments what they need Bullion for immediate delivery fell as much as 0.3 percent rica’s economy. without information about the true scale of the to know to be able to lift them out of poverty.” to $1,199.42 an ounce before trading 0.1 percent higher at “The international community [will not] be able problem. (Source: The Guardian) $1,203.83 at 2:40 p.m. in Singapore, according to Bloomberg generic pricing. The metal rose 0.6 percent on Tuesday, the most since April 15. Gold in Shanghai advanced after dropping AIIB helps resolve Asia’s soaring infrastructure needs the most in more than a week. Asian stocks headed for a seven-year high and the Bloomb- Less than two years after reports first The kinds of infrastructure needed tricity, schools and hospitals has a and World Bank to allow greater input erg Dollar Spot Index held a two-day gain, paring demand for appeared in October 2013 about the range from the high-tech such as tel- “tremendous impact on improving the into its operations. alternative assets. Investors are assessing the outlook for formation of a new specialized devel- ecommunications services and high- quality of life,” while businesses need Last April Chinese Premier Li Ke- Greece, with the euro area viewing the end of June to be its opment bank focused on Asia, China’s speed railroads to the most basic and more reliable infrastructure to spur qiang said China was ready to intensify main deadline to unlock aid as expectations of a deal before Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank essential. About 1.8 billion are not con- growth, which boosts incomes and re- consultations with those interested April 30 decline, a European Union official said on Tuesday. (AIIB) has become a reality. nected to basic sanitation services, duces poverty, according to the ADB in joining the AIIB. By June China pro- Holdings in exchange-traded products backed by gold in- While its birth has given rise to in- 800 million lack electricity and 600 report. posed doubling the registered capital creased for a third day to the highest level since March 25. ternational tensions, it has also offered million do not have access to potable The addition of the AIIB to the fold of the bank from $50 billion to $100 “Firmness in U.S. dollar and easing tensions in Middle East hope to developing countries that water, according to the report. would bring many benefits especially billion and invited India to participate has resulted in some correction in gold,” Kotak Commodity need an enormous amount of infra- For those of us who have been in- to those parts of Asia in the South- in its founding. Just four months lat- Services Ltd. wrote in a report. “However, supporting the structure investment in coming years. volved in strategy debates over Asian east and South Asian regions that lag er, a signing ceremony held in Beijing price is ETF inflows, which shows pickup in investor inter- The tensions – the U.S. has fiercely development since the 1980s, Japan, behind in infrastructure investment. formally established the bank, with 21 est. Also supporting the price is concerns about Greece debt opposed China’s bank and lobbied its Korea, Taiwan and now China itself are Indonesia has the greatest needs, with initial signatories, including Thailand, deal.” allies not to join it – have been well all existing examples of the extent to the ADB estimating $450 billion will Singapore and Vietnam. Saudi Arabia called a halt to its campaign of airstrikes in reported and discussed. Overlooked which infrastructure investment is in- be required through 2020, mostly on Since then the number of countries Yemen, saying its goals were achieved and the focus will by these critics is that the region’s in- strumental in economic development. transport. China needs just a little less, agreeing to sign on as founders has move to political talks. The bombardment had spurred con- vestment needs are far too great to be In my many visits to East Asia – primarily due to electricity troubles, soared, such as Hong Kong in February, cern that the conflict may spread and could disrupt energy met by the West’s development banks most recently China – I have seen how while another seven countries require to 57. supplies. alone. China’s willingness to shoulder national and international linkages can at least $100 billion a piece. But the AIIB’s credibility was par- Assets in gold-backed ETFs increased 0.2 percent to more of the burden should be wel- be constructed through infrastructure In addition, the problem of a global ticularly enhanced when in early 1,624.54 metric tons on Tuesday, according to data compiled comed, and the decision of U.S. allies investment. China itself exemplifies lack of demand for goods and services March UK Chancellor of the Exchequer by Bloomberg. The third day of expansion was the longest like the UK and Germany to become how investing in roads and education due to the slowing economy will be George Osborne announced that Brit- since the period to Feb. 24. founding members gives the AIIB a sig- can make a dramatic impact on a coun- mitigated by the hundreds of billions ain had agreed to lend money to the Gold for June delivery was little changed at $1,203 an nificant credibility boost that will make try’s long-term growth and lifting mil- of dollars in extra infrastructure spend- Bank, becoming the first major West- ounce on the Comex. Bullion of 99.99 percent purity climbed it more likely to succeed. lions of people out of poverty. ing in Asia. Thus there are both local ern country to do so in spite of U.S. 0.7 percent to 240.25 yuan a gram ($1,205.99 an ounce) on A few years ago the Asian Develop- Financing such investment is, there- and global benefits that can be reaped opposition. Soon on the heels of UK, the Shanghai Gold Exchange after dropping 1.3 percent on ment Bank Institute, where I have been fore, a top strategic priority. The Inter- from appropriate infrastructure invest- three other European nations – Ger- Tuesday. an adviser, contributed to a report national Monetary Fund, the Asia De- ment projects financed by the AIIB. many, France and Italy – followed suit. Silver for immediate delivery rose 0.3 percent to $16.0791 pointing out correctly that Asia will re- velopment Bank and the World Bank In pushing the AIIB against the wish- Clearly, the concept of AIIB has be- an ounce. Platinum lost 0.1 percent to $1,148.75 an ounce, quire at least US$8 trillion to invest in have all played pivotal roles helping es of the U.S., the Chinese capitalized while palladium added 0.1 percent to $770.25 an ounce. come institutionally viable. It has also (Source: Bloomberg) infrastructure from 2010 to 2020 for the finance such investment in these now on a growing impatience among many established the credibility of China’s region to continue economic develop- prosperous countries. Asian policy makers over the unwilling- economic diplomacy. ment at a reasonable pace. The availability of transport, elec- ness of global institutions like the IMF (Source: Thec Onversation)

Oil prices drop as Middle East tension Indonesia calls for new financial German railways hit eases global architecture by another drivers’ strike this week SINGAPORE (Reuters) — Oil prices citing strengthening demand. JAKARTA (Reuters) — Indonesian in recent years due to feuds over extended declines from the previous "We will probably see one more President Joko Widodo called on the two neighbors' wartime past as BERLIN (AFP) -- Rail passengers in Germany face two days of session on Wednesday as tensions dip in the second quarter but prices Wednesday for a new global financial well as territorial rows and regional disruptions and cancellations this week as train drivers stage in the Middle East eased after Saudi probably won't go below this year's order that is open to emerging rivalry. Bilateral talks in Jakarta on a new round of walkouts in their months-long pay dispute, op- Arabia ended an air strike campaign lows," said Ian Taylor, head of the economic powers and leaves the Wednesday could promote a cautious erator Deutsche Bahn said Tuesday. in Yemen, but industry leaders world's top oil trader, Vitol. "obsolete ideas" of Bretton Woods rapprochement that began when Abe Board member Ulrich Homburg said that two out of three said the market could rebound as "Gasoline is coming back with institutions in the past. and Xi met at a summit in Beijing late long-distance trains and as many as five out of every six re- attention turned to rising demand. a vengeance. Refining margins are Widodo's speech in Jakarta last year. gional trains would be cancelled on Wednesday and Thurs- Saudi Arabia said on Tuesday it not as bad as we had feared," he opened a meeting of Asian and Widodo made no mention of the day. was ending a month-long military said. African nations to mark the 60th China-backed Asian Infrastructure The strikes -- the seventh round of industrial action in ten campaign against the Houthi rebels Growth in demand outside the anniversary of a conference that Investment Bank (AIIB) that is months -- would lead to "considerable disruptions" in cargo who seized large areas of Yemen, United States was impressive in was seen as a united stand by the seen as a threat to the Western- services from Tuesday afternoon and in passenger services bringing hope of a peaceful political India, South Africa and Europe, he developing world against colonialism dominated World Bank and Asian on Wednesday and Thursday, Homburg said. solution to the conflict in the key oil added. and led to the Cold War era's non- Development Bank, but Indonesia is Around one third of long-distance passenger trains would producing region. Brent for June delivery (LCOc1) aligned movement. one of nearly 60 countries that have run as normal, and between 15 and 60 percent of regional Oil prices had gained nearly $10 was down 43 cents at $61.65 a barrel Among the leaders listening were offered to be founding members of train services, the board member said. a barrel this month on tensions in by 0650 GMT, after settling $1.27 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe the AIIB. Deutsche Bahn said it has set up special telephone hot- the Middle East and concerns over lower on Tuesday. and Chinese President Xi Jinping, The United States and Japan have lines to handle queries from passengers who will also be able slowing output growth in the United U.S. crude for June delivery who were expected to meet on the not thrown their support behind the to change their tickets free of charge or receive money back. States, before starting to drop back. (CLc1) was 70 cents lower at $55.91 sidelines of the conference, the latest bank, which is seen as a threat to The BDI industry federation accused the drivers' union Prices are unlikely to plumb new a barrel. The May contract, which sign of a thaw in relations between US efforts to extend its influence in GDL of "losing all sense of proportion", and suggested the depths this year, however, leading expired on Tuesday, ended down the Asian rivals. the Asia-Pacific region and balance walkouts could cost the German economy "up to 100 million commodity traders said on Tuesday, $1.12. Sino-Japanese ties have chilled China's growing financial clout. euros per day." I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y

8 MED & SCI APRIL 23, 2015 http://www.tehrantimes.com

NEWS IN BRIEF Japanese maglev train sets new world Iranian researchers produce strategic material from alga speed record, hits 603kph in test run

TEHRAN (ISNA) — Iranian researchers at a Park Science in Hor- Japan's state-of-the-art maglev train Shinkansen bullet mozgan Province, southern Iran, have produced “Agar” a strate- has set a new world speed record in Japan is looking to sell its Shinkans- gic substance which can be used in medical laboratories from alga. a test run near Mount Fuji, smashing en bullet and maglev train systems The substance was extracted from Agarophyte Alga, through the 600 kilometer per hour overseas, with Prime Minister Shinzo using a local method. mark, as Tokyo races to sell the tech- Abe acting as a traveling salesman in Fatemeh Eidi, the lead author of the study said, agar is one nology abroad. his bid to revive the Japanese economy of the mostly-used material in laboratories, adding, “Agar is The seven-car maglev train - short partly through infrastructure exports. a strategic product in medical sciences field. Microbial labo- for magnetic levitation - hit a top He is due in the United States this ratories are unable to work in case the product is absent.” speed of 603kph, and managed nearly weekend, where he will be touting the The product is now imported from abroad, she said, add- 11 seconds at faster than 600kph, op- technology for a high-speed rail link ing Persian Gulf enjoys good conditions for cultivation of the erator Central Japan Railway Company between New York and Washington. product. It can be obtained from alga in Persian Gulf coasts. (JR Central) said. Last year, Abe took U.S ambassador “We conducted massive studies on different types of The new record came less than a to Japan Caroline Kennedy on a test alga in Persian Gulf coasts and we managed to select best week after the company recorded a ride. types for production of Agar.” top speed of 590kph, breaking its own "This technology is something that 2003 record of 581kph. will bring great benefits to Japan and The maglev hovers 10 centimeters hopefully the United States one day," above the tracks and is propelled by Ms Kennedy said. New study has scientists electrically charged magnets. The maglev train is a contender About 200 train buffs gathered to for president Barack Obama's multi- one step closer to diabetes witness the record-setting run, with billion-dollar national high-speed rail vaccination the crowd cheering as the train broke project. through 600 kph per hour mark. Japan is looking to sell its Shinkansen bullet and maglev Abe said Japan would not charge Due to the hard work of researchers in Colorado as well as "It gave me chills. I really want to train systems overseas, with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe licensing fees in the U.S. for the train, scientists across the world, humans have finally taken the ride on the train," an elderly woman a strong incentive for Washington to first step in developing a vaccine for Type 1 diabetes. told public broadcaster NHK as the car- acting as a traveling salesman in his bid to revive the select the system for a high-speed rail According to a report from CBS News, the study has found riage rocketed past her. Japanese economy partly through infrastructure exports. line between Washington DC and Bal- that children at risk for Type 1 diabetes, who were given "It's like I witnessed a new page in timore. daily doses of oral insulin, developed a protective immune history." quality of the train ride has improved". The service, which will run at a top The proposed 60km link would rep- response to the disease that researchers say could possibly Yasukazu Endo, who heads the JR Central wants to have a train in speed of 500kph, is expected to con- resent the first phase in the govern- law the groundwork for a vaccine against the chronic illness. maglev test centre southwest of To- service by 2027 on the route between nect the two cities in only 40 minutes, ment's plan to connect the capital and These results were published in the Journal of the American kyo, said: "The faster the train runs, Tokyo and the central city of Nagoya - a less than half the present journey time Boston. (Source: ABC News) Medical Association, and showed the potential for oral insulin. the more stable it becomes - I think the distance of 286km. on Japan's already speedy bullet trains. While it is very early on, researchers are optimistic that jump- ing this first hurdle will eventually lead to an insulin vaccine. Such a find would greatly help those in need, and advance early medi- Honey bee brains can now fly drones cine for the disease. During the study, researchers led the U.S. portion of the pilot study of 25 children at high risk for developing type 1 diabetes. 15 of the children were given oral insulin by way The honey bee: it may be small, but what the bee possessing powerful olfactory and visual senses. of capsules that were broken open and sprinkled on food. lacks in size, it makes up in brain power. In fact, that The world is a dynamic, ever-changing environment (Source: Science Reporter) tiny little noggin is the subject of an extensive pro- and the ability to import a bee’s sensory features into ject from researchers at the UK’s Sheffield and Sus- a UAV or other type of drone could enable robots to sex universities. navigate and perform tasks in the real world with more Members of the Green Brain Project are working precision. The project cites border patrols, search and Device can detect single to digitally recreate the cognitive abilities of Apis mel- rescue, and weather forecasting as just a few possible lifera, the European honeybee. They hope they will mission types the finished bee drone could complete. electrons be able to create a robot that senses, thinks, and acts Bees also fulfill crucial pollination roles in the ecosys- like a honeybee. It would appear the project is off to tem, integral for ensuring sustainable food and other According to a Massachusetts Institute of Technology state- a good start; their digital bee brain simulation has al- crop supplies. With honeybee populations rapidly di- ment, a team of researchers has developed an apparatus ready proven able to navigate a quadcopter drone minishing in parts of the world, figuring out the nuanc- capable of detecting individual elections. The device uses ra- along a wall at different distances, all on its own. bee represents an ideal balance of size and cognitive es of the honeybee brain is more important than ever. dioactive krypton gas that emits electrons as it decays. These So, why choose to recreate a bee brain? The honey ability, measuring in at a tiny 10^6 neurons in size, yet (Source: boldride.com) electrons are trapped in a magnetic bottle, allowing a radio antenna to detect the extremely slight signals given off by the electrons. The device allowed the scientists to study the behav- Chamomile tea tied to lower thyroid Why researchers say fake and low-quality ior of more than 100,000 electrons over several milliseconds. The experiment, dubbed Project 8, builds upon cyclotron cancer risk drugs are a 'global pandemic' radiation. In this process, charged particles give off radio waves in the presence of a magnetic field. Cyclotron radiation from electrons is at around the same frequency, 26 gigahertz, as military radio transmissions. The research team decided to use this phenomenon to obtain hitherto unprecedented accuracy when measuring the energy of electrons. (Source: Space Reporter)

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Tehran Times subscription form Consumption of chamomile tea was hospitals for thyroid cancers between The " pandemic of falsified and with malaria and other infectious Dear readers: linked with a lower risk of thyroid can- 1990 and 1993. They compared those substandard medicines is pervasive diseases, it also affects medicines Since the Tehran Times had not increased cer in a small Greek study. patients to 138 people without thyroid and underestimated, particularly in for cancer, cardiovascular disease its price over the past four years it had no Researchers interviewed some Ath- cancer who were either healthy or had low- and middle-income countries and other serious illnesses around choice other than hiking the price to partly ens residents about their lifestyle, eat- other unrelated diseases, and also to where drug and regulatory systems the globe, experts said. cover some of the costs such as post service. ing and drinking habits and found that another 286 people with benign thy- are weak or non-existent," Jim Her- "We know this epidemic is occur- We hope to meet your needs by present- people who reported drinking more roid disease. rington, a University of North Caro- ring over a very wide area, cross- ing better news and articles. chamomile tea over longer periods of Researchers interviewed partici- lina public health professor who ing international boundaries and af- time were less likely to develop thyroid pants about their medical history, diet co-edited a collection of articles on fecting a large number of people," F i r s t n a m e : ...... malignancies or benign growths than and lifestyle habits, as well as con- the topic published in the American Gaurvika Nayyar, a program manag- those who didn’t. sumption of alcohol, coffee and tea. Journal of Tropical Medicine and er for the U.S. Pharmacopeial Con- Family name: ...... While the study doesn’t prove tea Then they estimated the odds of devel- Hygiene, said in a statement. vention, a scientific nonprofit that prevents cancer, it adds to a growing oping thyroid cancer or benign growths The articles, funded in part by the sets standards for drugs, said at an Company: ...... body of evidence pointing to the poten- based on tea consumption, comparing the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, event on the topic Monday in North  12-month subscription: 3,200,000 rials tial health benefits of a Mediterranean outcomes for daily versus weekly cups of detail various aspects of the long- Carolina. "This is just the tip of the  6-month subscription: 1,600,000 rials diet including lots of lean fish, fresh veg- tea and exploring whether the habit had a standing problem of substandard iceberg."  3-month subscription: 800,000 rials etables and healthy fats in addition to bigger impact over several years. drugs, as well as looking at poten- Counterfeit drugs tea, study co-author Dr. Athena Linos, an After accounting for age, gender, tial solutions to reducing the harm The World Health Organization Phone No.: ...... environmental health researcher at Pro- and body mass index, the researchers they cause each year. (WHO) has repeatedly warned lepsis in Greece, said by email. found that as consumption of chamo- One piece describes the discovery about counterfeit drugs, particu- Fax: ...... The “finding was not surprising to mile tea increased, the odds of devel- of falsified and poor quality ma- larly in developing countries, and me because many aspects of the Medi- oping any type of thyroid malignancy laria drugs that contributed to the in the past has worked with inter- Address: ...... terranean diet have been shown to be significantly declined. deaths of an estimated 122,000 Af- national investigators in an effort protective towards cancer in general,” People who drank chamomile tea rican children in 2013. In another "to dislodge the criminal networks Postal code: ...... Linos said. two to six times a week were about 70 study, scientists examined nearly raking in billions of dollars from this Many people in Greece follow a percent less likely to develop thyroid 17,000 samples of antibiotics, anti- cynical trade." E-mail: ...... Mediterranean diet. Out of every abnormalities. Thirty years of regu- malarial and anti-tuberculosis drugs According to the Centers for Dis- 100,000 people there, about 1.6 are lar consumption reduced the risk by and found that up to 41 percent ease Control and Prevention, drug ATTENTION: The money can be depos- diagnosed with thyroid cancer every about 80 percent. failed to meet quality specifications. counterfeiting is most common in ited into Tehran Times account number year, Linos said. That compares with The researchers also looked at the While such investigations offer countries without strong regulations 6973086221 in Bank Mellat at any branch. average rates of 13.2 and 5.2 per connection between thyroid cancer clues to the scope of the problem, governing the manufacture of medi- 100,000 people in the U.S. and Europe, and consumption of two other types of researchers say it remains unknown cines, and few ways to enforce exist- Send the subscription form along with the respectively, “suggesting that it may herbal tea popular in Greece – sage tea exactly how pervasive counterfeit ing laws. The CDC has estimated that deposit receipt to No. 18 Bimeh Lane, Ne- be something in the Greek diet – such and a blend known as mountain tea – and low-quality drugs are. Falsi- 10 to 30 percent of medicines sold in jatollahi Street, Tehran, or fax to number as tea – which accounts for this differ- and found that these also reduced the fied medicines account for an esti- developing countries are counterfeit, 88808895 (special for Tehrani citizens). ence.” likelihood of malignancies, though the mated $75 billion market annually, far less than the estimated 1 percent Interested individuals in other cities can Linos and colleagues examined association wasn’t as strong as it was but even that is simply an educated or less in the United States, Australia contact the subscription office at cancer rates and dietary habits in 113 for chamomile tea. guess. While the problem is most and other industrialized countries. 8880-3025 patients admitted to two Athens area (Source: Reuters Health) pervasive in poor countries dealing (Source: Tampa Bay Times) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y http://www.tehrantimes.com/sports APRIL 23, 2015 SPORTS 9

Iran will award “Ali Daei Prize” to FOOTBALL Bayern Munich doctor best international goalscorer 'blamed' for defeat at Porto could return TEHRAN — Iran Sport D e s k will award “Ali Daei Prize” to any international player The door appears open for Dr Hans-Wilhelm Muller- who scores the most goals for his na- Wohlfahrt to return to Bayern Munich after many of the tional team in a calendar year, accord- club's notable figures spoke favourably about him. ing to IRINN. The club physician bizarrely resigned from his posi- Iran will also award “Vahid Sham- tion, after almost four decades at the club, following saei Prize” to the best international defeat to Porto in the first leg of Bayern's Champions goalscorer of futsal in Asian in a cal- League last-16 tie. endar year starts on first of January The 72-year-old felt his 2016. team had been "made re- Ali Daei is a former Iranian interna- sponsible for the defeat tional who is the world's all-time lead- (to Porto) for inexplicable ing goalscorer in men's international reasons," sport1.de re- matches. ported. Vahid Shamsaei also is a former fut- But after a 6-1 win back sal player and current coach of Tasisat at the Allianz Arena on Daryaei Tehran. He is futsal's top inter- Tuesday night secured a national goalscorer of all time. 7-4 aggregate success, the noises coming out of Bayern were far more conciliatory. Golmohammadi extends contract Iran to participate in Sporting director Mat- with Zob Ahan World Cup Shotgun thias Sammer told Sky Deutchland: "Everyone knows we have a fantastic relationship with Dr. Muller-Wohlfahrt. "Personally, as a player I always backed him, we have a wonderful relationship - and that will always remain so." Asked about a possible return for the respected doc- tor, Sammer added: "Everything else is the future, I can not properly answer now." Winger Arjen Robben said he will continue to consult "the best doctor there is" while chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge revealed: "I was on the phone with Muller- Wohlfahrt yesterday. It was a good conversation. "We have a high regard for him, both professionally and personally. He is a prominent personality and is al- ways an important part of the Bavarian family." Rummenigge's brother Michael added: "In the story of Dr Muller-Wohlfahrt there is much more to come to terms with. I hope everyone pulls together again to get the doc and Bayern back together. That would be the Yahya Golmo- Zob Ahan now is sixth in the Iranian shooters earn Olympics quotas in this com- best solution." Sport D e s k hammadi has Iranian Professional League and Sport D e s k will participate in petition,” he added. Regarding the second leg against Porto, delighted signed a new contract with Zob is trying to win a berth in the the World Cup Shotgun, according The World Cup Shotgun games of coach Pep Guardiola reserved special praise for midfield- Ahan which ties him to the club un- next season’s AFC Champions to the team’s supervisor Mohsen the International Shooting Sport Fed- er Thiago Alcantara, who scored the opening goal, and til 2016. League. Esmaeilian. eration (ISSF) are set to take place in defender Holger Badstuber. Both players have recently Former Naft coach Golmoham- Zob Ahan is also Iran’s Hazfi Cup “Iran will take part in the compe- Cyprus, in the coastal city of Larnaca, returned from long-term injuries. madi was appointed as Zob Ahan finalist and will face Naft in the fi- tition with seven shooters. We had between April 24 and May 4. Robert Lewandowski scored twice with Jerome coach in May 2014. nal match. limitations in terms of financial issues More than 500 athletes from Boateng, Thomas Muller and Xabi Alonso also on target. The 44-year-old trainer took Golmohammadi has also but our athletes are well-prepared for 77 countries are expected to com- In comments reported by Bild from his post-match Naft into the AFC Champions coached Saba and Persepolis in the the event,” Esmaeilian said. pete in the games which include press conference, Guardiola said: "I am happy to coach League last season. Iranian league. “We hope our shooters can skeet, trap and double trap. these players. "Thiago is a fighter. He always thinks of everything and is not afraid. I am very pleased with him, the same with Badstuber." Guardiola would not express a preference for any op- Vicente del Bosque bemoans lack of Spaniards in Spain ponent in the last four and said simply: "The six teams left in it are super powers, there are just great clubs and Spain national team boss Vicente del Bosque says reporters. with a summer switch to Real Madrid. players." there are not enough Spaniards at La Liga's big- “However, it’s not necessarily a bad thing as we “He is a player who is showing great quality, (Source: PA Sport) gest clubs. still have three teams in the Champions League one for the present, and that’s why he is playing The 64-year-old, speaking at a hospital in Valen- and one in the Europa League. for Valencia. cia, insisted it was not a huge problem but felt it “Even so, it’s a small problem that there aren’t “Of course, we have him in mind but at the mo- was an issue that was worth pointing out. a lot of Spanish players.” ment he is with the Under-21s, so we’ll see in the Zinedine Zidane: “At the biggest clubs there are not a lot of Del Bosque was also asked about Valencia left- coming months what forward steps he can take,” Spanish players and sometimes it’s difficult to back Jose Luis Gaya, who has received rave re- he replied. Eden Hazard in same find someone at a big club,” he told gathered views this season and has been consistently linked (Source: FootballEspana) class as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

Ibrahimovic: Barcelona will win Rafael Benitez: I'm not set to take over Real Madrid icon Zinedine Zidane has revealed that he likes Chelsea's attacking midfielder Eden Hazard as much Champions League at Manchester City as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Real assistant coach and France's 1998 World Cup winner made the revelation in an interview with FIFA.com. Hazard recently signed a five-and-half year con- tract at Stamford Bridge. He has scored 13 times and produced eight assists to help Jose Mourinho's side establish an 10-point lead at the Premier League summit. "There are players I keep an eye on and who I like a lot, like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, of course," he said. "They’re fantastic play- ers, but I like Eden Hazard Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan deserved their win. Napoli coach Rafael Benitez has Benitez joined Napoli in the summer a lot too. I enjoy everything he does on the pitch. Ibrahimovic expects Barcelona to "They will probably go on to win quashed speculation that he is to re- of 2013 and led the Naples outfit to the "I like the way he carries himself, that decisive streak win the Champions League after the Champions League now." turn to the Premier League to coach Coppa Italia title and third place in Serie in him and the fact that he’s improving every year. He the Catalans swept his team aside in PSG's quarter-final exit means Manchester City. A in his first season in charge. can still get better too, and I think he’s a big reason why the quarter-finals. they will have to wait at least anoth- The former Liverpool and Chelsea Napoli are fourth in the league this Chelsea are on top of the table." Two goals from Neymar either er season for European glory, but manager has yet to sign a contract ex- term and are firmly on course to reach Hazard's latest winning goal against Manchester side of half-time helped Barcelona Ibrahimovic thinks it could very well tension with Napoli, with his current the semi-finals of the Europa League. United leaves Chelsea on the cusp of a first national title to a 2-0 win at Camp Nou on Tues- take them even longer to conquer deal ending this summer. The Italians host Bundesliga side since 2010 with only six league games remaining. day, just six days after the Catalans the continent. It has been rumoured Benitez could Wolfsburg in Thursday's quarter-final Our view: Real Madrid are longtime admirers of Hazard, had recorded a 3-1 victory in their "As for PSG, it is not possible to replace Manuel Pellegrini at the helm of return leg holding a 4-1 advantage from and Zidane's comments suggest he is still on their radar. first-leg encounter with the Ligue 1 win the Champions League on the City at the end of the campaign. last week's opening leg in Germany. But the Liga giants face a tough battle if they want to per- titleholders at the Parc des Princes. short term," the Sweden interna- However, Benitez said to the Italian "We can fight until the end for all suade Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho to part with his prize as- Ibrahimovic had no complaints tional added. "We have taken sever- press: "I have not had contacts with of our aims," Benitez said. "We can set - who is odds-on to be crowned PFA Player of the Year. about the result, conceding that al big steps forward in recent years City, unlike what I've read in England. still qualify for the Champions league, Perhaps more pertinently, isn't Zidane right? While Mes- Luis Enrique's men were a class and were eliminated by a superb "I have spoken to the (Napoli) presi- whether it is by winning the Europa si and Ronaldo have dipped fractionally below their usual above PSG. team. dent via messages b ut we have not League or by finishing in the top three skyscraping standards this season, Hazard has been rou- "We have to be realistic, Bar- "But it is not worth lying about it been able to meet due to our busy play- of Serie A. tinely exceptional in Chelsea's march towards the Premier celona were simply better than or hiding behind excuses. Reality is ing schedule in order to evaluate the "We all know how crucial qualifica- League title. He has established himself as the finest player us," the former Blaugrana at- that PSG are not at the level to win business plan. tion for the Champions League would in the country, and that's the sort of thing that makes inter- tacker told reporters in Catalunya. the Champions League yet." "Now our focus is on matters on the be in terms of future investments." est from the likes of Real Madrid an inevitability. "They were the better team and (Source: Goal) pitch." (Source: PA Sports) (Source: Eurosport) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 10 SOCIETY APRIL 23, 2015 http://www.tehrantimes.com/society

FOOD FOR THOUGHT “Nothing for us, without us” – A model for reversing desertification in Iran

Contd. from P. 1 Yet, there is hope and evidence that if we act now and work with local communities, we can reverse the tide of desertification and restore the beauty of Iran’s rangelands, as well as the livelihoods of its inhabitants. “Involving communities is essential to give them a sense of ownership,” said Dr. Budhathoki, Chief Tech- nical Advisor to the United Nations’ Carbon Sequestra- tion Project (CSP). “It makes them feel like they can take their destiny into their own hands.” Dr. Budhathoki spoke these words more than a dec- ade ago, when setting up the CSP in 2003 with Iran’s Forest, Range and Watershed Organization (FRWO) and the UN Development Programme. This was the Never blame anyone in your life. Good people give start of an enduring partnership to help “green” the you happiness. Bad people give you experience. rangelands. Worst people give you a lesson. & Best people give In those days, the focus was on South Khorasan you memories. Province, an area devastated by deforestation. But, be- Zig Ziglar cause of the project’s success, the Government of Iran has replicated it across more than half of the country’s 31 provinces. It was dubbed CSP because one of the project’s by- products is removing carbon dioxide from the atmos- LEARN ENGLISH phere and sequestering it in vegetation and trees. The CSP uses trees and plants selected specifically for their Reviewing Job capacity to slow – and reverse – encroachment by the Applications desert. The project works with affected local communi- Location of the Carbon Sequestration Project across Iran ties to help them help themselves to promote sustain- Project target area Number of villages in target Number of Target Vil- Missy: Okay, let’s sort this stack of applications into able development and create livelihoods. Row Province three piles: good candidates, those worth a second To date, the project has taken initial steps towards (Hectares) area lages look, and definite “no’s.” reversing desertification in about 1.2 million hectares of 1 Alborz 37,827 14 8 the country, recovering depleted land for greening and Jonathan: Well, that didn’t take long. With this 2 Bushehr 61,087 27 5 poor economy, I thought we’d get an embarrassment livestock use. of riches, but these applications are pretty pathetic. The evidence from the CSP project in South Kho- 3 Golestan 48,329 8 8 I only see two of these people as employee material. rasan Province shows that CSP has had an impact on 4 Ilam 44,000 17 4 the lives of nearly 7,000 rural dwellers. At a cost of Missy: Yeah, well, it might have something to do 5 Isfahan 72,750 7 7 with the salary we’re offering. Not everybody is will- about $1.8 million – with funding from the Global Envi- ing to work for peanuts. ronment Facility and UNDP – the project has re-greened 6 Kerman 138,000 52 6 and secured up to 20,000 hectares. Jonathan: Isn’t that the truth! Some of these ap- The project’s success has turned CSP into a nation- 7 Kerman (South) 56,574 21 5 plicants have never held down a job before and don’t al model for sustainable development and inclusive 8 Khorasan Razavi 202,000 12 8 have a single reference. These others don’t seem to growth. In 2012, the CSP started to be replicated in 18 9 Markazi 50,000 8 8 be able to hold on to a job, job-hopping every few other provinces. It is expected that – by the end of 2016 months. – a total of 1,232,360 hectares will have been covered 10 North Khorasan 126,000 28 6 Missy: Well, at least we have these two standouts. by the CSP, funded mostly by the Government of Iran. 11 Qom 36,372 8 7 They both have the right educational background and Rangeland rehabilitation by involving local commu- 12 Semnan 53,000 11 7 level of experience. Should we call them in for inter- nities has an additional benefit. It comes at the cost views? of only half of the conventional contractor-based ap- 13 South Khorasan 98,000 16 5 Jonathan: Yeah, and I hope they haven’t already proach. In 2012, for example, the cost of rangeland re- 14 Tehran 70,065 52 14 been snatched up by another company. habilitation through conventional approaches, in differ- Missy: You and me, both. ent areas, varied between 7 million rials per hectare to 15 West Azerbaijan 68,356 32 4 (Source: eslpod.com) 12 million rials. CSP has shown that local inhabitants can 16 Yazd 70,000 12 4 Words & Phrases do this work for much less. 17 Fars TBD - - stack: a pile of things arranged one on top of an- This development model goes beyond the mere Sistan and Bal- other. planting of trees and bushes to create sustainable in- 18 TBD - - pile: a mass of something that has been placed come-generation schemes. Through a combination of uchestan somewhere, a quantity of things heaped together. social mobilization as well as micro-credit and participa- Total 1,232,360 308 106 candidate: a person who is competing to get a job tory rangeland management methods, the chances of or elected position. improved sustainable livelihoods are increased. “My family was about to migrate to the city nearby •Improving the productivity of semi-arid areas – worth a second look: this person or this thing has Following the philosophy of “nothing for us, without in search of a living,” says Mrs. Zari Sa’adati, from Has- once rangelands are rehabilitated a variety of other good enough qualities or characteristics that you us,” local community groups from each district have san Kolangi village in South Khorassan. “But this small productive work also becomes possible. want to consider it a little more, It may not be perfect shown that through collaboration with the govern- herbal extract workshop that I started with the help of •Mobilization of local communities and govern- but it is good enough. ment and the United Nations, they can achieve higher- the project’s microcredit system has contributed to our ance systems towards participatory and integrated an embarrassment of riches: so many good things than-average productivity and increase their incomes. family income. We are now busy enough to stay in our approaches to planning – through range management or people that it is impossible to decide which of This type of social capital development has been pro- own village.” plans and local governance involvement in local partici- them you want. moted through Village Development Groups (VDGs). What started as a pilot project with 63 village groups pation. pathetic: very disappointing, it is not good enough. With the help of the CSP, members of extremely poor will grow to 349 by the end of 2015, all cooperating to •Demonstrating the strength of “social mobilization material: something that is used in a particular way village communities have been encouraged to cooper- increase livelihoods by caring for their own environ- and micro-credit” as a technique for area-based devel- for some particular purpose. ate in local development groups. The village groups can ment. opment, including for natural resources management. to work for peanuts: to work for very little pay. then collectively borrow funds to procure the needed Climate change affects us all, but the lessons learned •Raising of the local Human Development Index Isn’t that the truth: I agree with you completely. equipment for restoration, and take control of planting in Iran show that by working with local communities we (HDI) in South Khorasan pilot site – from 0.44 HDI to hold down a job: to manage to keep a job for a pe- and irrigation of saplings and shrubs. can blunt its effects and reverse desertification. 0.55 HDI between 2006 and 2012 (double the growth riod of time. By networking with each other, VDGs have devel- The Carbon Sequestration Project’s accomplish- rate of the local district HDI). reference: a person who can be asked for informa- oped marketing channels for locally-produced goods, ments to date: •Identifying methods to absorb atmospheric car- tion about another person’s character, abilities, etc. become involved in environmentally friendly animal •Demonstrating that desertified rangelands can be bon – resulting in a steep rise from 60 kilograms per to hold on to a job: to keep a job for a long time. husbandry, and generated additional income through cost-effectively reclaimed by and for the benefit of the hectare (in South Khorasan) in 2006 to 1500 kg per job-hopping: the practice of changing your job making handicrafts. local people – reducing cost up to a third of norm. hectare by 2012. very often. standout: a person or thing that is better or more important than the others in a group. interview: a meeting in which someone asks you Voluntary repatriation of refugees dependent on security and development questions to see if you are suitable for a job or course. snatch up: to grasp hastily or eagerly before other in Afghanistan: UNHCR rep. in Iran people can get it. In this dialogue, it means not hired. Contd. from P. 1 You and me, both: I completely agree with what pala said that they are looking into areas in place for the refugees to travel, but with tools to acquire skills and carry on a you said. After the ceremony a joint press con- like education and healthcare to assist have not enforced bans”. particular trade, Dhanapala said. ference was held followed by a question the government in Afghanistan. If they decide to travel to other prov- “One of the more innovative and crea- and answer session by the head of BA- He also said that in the following inces not included on the list, then they tive projects is the provision of what is FIA and representative of the UNHCR in month (May), there will be a meeting have to abide by the law and get docu- called ‘revolving fund’, where some start- Iran. between Iranian, Afghan, and Pakistani ments and permits, he reiterated. up capital is given to a refugee who might On the issue of voluntary repatriation governments and UNHCR to discuss so- On providing education for Afghan be an entrepreneur to help them with the WORD OF THE DAY of Afghan refugees of Iran, Dhanapala lutions for Afghan refugees. refugees by the UNHCR, Dhanapala said startup capital; either when they are in \eye-LOOR-uh-fyle\ said that the establishment of a unity The Tehran Times also got to pose that UNHCR has worked closely with Iran or in Afghanistan,” he explained. ailurophile and democratic government in Afghani- a question to the head of BAFIA on Af- the Iranian government to ensure enrol- He also said provisions are made to stan has been very encouraging, al- ghan refugees not having entry permis- ment of all Afghan refugee children of identify qualified refugees on this side Definition sion to some cities in Iran. school-going age. of the border and link them up with em- noun though he said issues of security, devel- opment, having access to basic services In response, Mohammadifar said that Dhanapala added that the UNHCR ployers in Afghanistan. like education and healthcare continue around 14 provinces in Iran - Tehran, Isfa- has been assisting Iran in launching a “So, when refugees become aware a cat fancier : a lover of cats to be of concern in the country. han, and Yazd included – have provided number of primary schools in the coun- of possible employment opportunities He said that in recent years Iran and employment and living conditions for try with contribution of Iranian ministry inside Afghanistan, it might assist them Examples the world in general have been facing refugees. Afghan refugees can freely of education. in their own decision-making of repatri- Ailurophiles, young and old, are sure to love the art economic downturn and, therefore travel around in these provinces with- “We have focused on adult literacy ating,” the UNHCR official said. museum’s new exhibit featuring paintings and photo- hosting refugees has not been easy for out having to need a travel permit. But courses. That way we have empowered UNHCR with its government coun- graphs of felines, ranging from tabbies to man-eaters. Iran. when it comes to other cities they have adults to take control of their lives and terpart in Tehran and Mashhad also “Nonetheless, we are duty bound to have a permit. destiny,” the UNHCR official also stated. held livelihood workshops in those cit- “Yes, it’s book one of a series…. And yes, the pri- to continue to search for solutions to “The proceedings have meant to sup- On providing livelihood for the refu- ies where we tried to bring together mary villain is a cat, whereas I’m an unashamed ailuro- refugees and in Iran in the context of port the refugees on their travels, not gees in Iran, he said that the refugees potential employers from Afghanistan phile. … But none of that mattered when I closed the primarily Afghan refugees,” the UN- to constrain them,” he said. That way have to have the right tools to assist and linked them up with qualified Af- back cover—I just wanted more, more, more.” — Ka- HCR official said. they won’t face legal issues in moving them in their living when returned home. ghan refugees in Iran, Dhanapala said, tie Ward Beim-Esche, Christian Science Monitor, De- On the collaboration between the around in various cities by the police, he The UNHCR has provided income adding that in the workshops around cember 30, 2014 UNHCR and the Iranian government to explained. generating activities for refugees and 30 odd Afghan nationals decided to go (Source: merriam-webster.com assist the Afghan government, Dhana- “We have put terms and regulations even at times it has provided refugees back to their country. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y http://www.tehrantimes.com/international APRIL 23, 2015 WORLD IN FOCUS 11

Contd. from P. 1 cott the elections. The trial of Bahrain’s top oppo- “From the government’s perspec- sition leader on charges of pro- Trial of Bahrain’s top tive, it had every right to pursue moting a violent overthrow of the legal actions against Sheikh Ali Sal- NEWS island nation’s political system is opposition leader resumes man because as al-Wefaq decided to set to resume, in a case that has boycott the parliamentary elections, At least 42 dead in rebel- riled his supporters and height- they therefore forfeited their right ISIL clashes near Damascus ened unrest in the Sunni-ruled to act in any political capacity and Persian Gulf Arab kingdom. therefore was no longer immune to At least 42 terrorists killed in 24 hours of fierce fighting Wednesday’s trial of Sheikh Ali such investigations,” Gengler told Al between extremist rebels and ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq Salman, head of al-Wefaq Islamic Jazeera. and the Levant) terrorist group in Syria’s Damascus prov- Society, is expected to feature tes- Political parties are officially banned ince, an activist group said Wednesday. timony from key defence witnesses. under the existing Bahraini constitu- “At least 30 extremist rebels and 12 fighters from ISIL Salman is being tried on multiple of- tion. Instead, Bahrain allows “political were killed in fighting since Tuesday” in the hilly region of fences, including inciting a “change societies”, under which al-Wefaq was Qalamun, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. of government by force, spreading considered legitimate until sidelining Qalamun is divided into a western portion, which bor- hatred among a segment of society itself this past November, after which ders Lebanon and is mostly controlled by the Syria Army and insulting the interior ministry”. a Bahraini court banned the group and its ally, the Lebanese movement Hezbollah. Salman was arrested last De- from political activities. The eastern sector has seen intense clashes between cember after leading a protest rally “Although the trial may appear to rebels and ISIL, and is strategic because it borders the against parliamentary elections in be provocative, authorities have little “badiya,” the Syrian steppe. November, which his party boycott- choice but to hold it, since Manama is These plains are used by rebels to transport weapons ed. He denied the charges during his only legitimate if it applies the law. It from the Turkish border to the north and the Jordanian first court hearing on January 28. must, consequently, allow the process frontier in the south. “We strongly believe that Sheikh Ali constitution. I was even a former pronounce on his guilt or innocence to go through, and it is up to the judici- According to the Britain-based Observatory, ISIL Salman never had the intention of call- member of parliament.” and not us or those taking to the ary to be impartial,” Joseph Kechichi- has already cut off one of these routes and aims to ing for the overthrow of the regime Asked whether the continued legal streets,” he told Al Jazeera. an, an expert on Persian Gulf affairs, take more to “suffocate” the rebels. by force and never called for violence, action against Salman could hamper Al-Wefaq was founded in 2002, a told Al Jazeera. Meanwhile, 13 civilians, including nine children, because he is not convinced of such an the relative stability in the small island year after Bahrain announced political Amnesty International released a were killed Tuesday night in shelling in the northwest approach,” said Jalila Al Sayed, one of kingdom of 1.3 million people, Adel reforms. scathing report last week accusing province of Idlib, whose provincial capital was overrun Salman’s multiple lawyers. al-Muawda, a member of Bahrain’s up- The leading opposition political so- Bahrain of carrying out rampant hu- by al-Qaeda’s Syrian affiliate and allied rebels. In a previous interview with Al Ja- per house of parliament, said Bahrain ciety has long complained of political man rights abuses against opposition Among them, a man and five children, three of them sis- zeera, Abdullah al-Shamlawi, anoth- had every right to investigate Salman, and economic discrimination by the activists despite promises of meaning- ters, were killed in a regime air raid on Maarat al-Numan. er of Salman’s lawyers, said the case calling it ”a matter of law and order”. government against the Shia pop- ful reform. Seven others, including a couple and their four children, against his client was politically moti- Disturbances will happen, of course, ulation, including being shut out of “Four years on from the uprising, were killed by rebel shelling on Jisr al-Shughur, one of the vated and lacked legitimate legal basis. by people who do not like for law and certain professions - charges Bahraini repression is widespread, and ram- last regime-held cities in Idlib province. (Source: AFP) At a previous hearing, Salman order to take its place,” Muawda said. authorities have continuously denied. pant abuses by the security forces noted: “I have been working in According to Mohammed Al Sayed, Justin Gengler, a political research- continue. Bahrain’s authorities must politics since 1998, when people a spokesperson for moderate group er at Qatar University who completed prove that the promises of reform secretly called to overthrow the Citizens for Bahrain,several of the the first mass survey of political atti- they have made are more than empty JUMP regime, and I did not take that charges against Salman “are of a se- tudes in Bahrain, told Al Jazeera that rhetoric,” said Said Boumedouha, Am- path and was on the opposing rious nature and deserve to be exam- the government has the legality of the nesty’s Middle East and North Africa Migrants face Fortress side. I always stood alongside ined”. constitution behind it to investigate deputy head. the government and backed the “However, it is up to the courts to Salman after his party decided to boy- (Source: Al Jazeera) Europe’s deadly moat Contd. from P. 6 Such cases are not aberrations. Treating good Samari- Lausanne statement is a great first step: Harvard researcher tans as common criminals is the inevitable consequence of the European Union’s immigration policy. Contd. from P. 1 that will allow it to get sanctions sector? The third prong of the strategy is to outsource border Iran is insisting on the lifting of relief. A: The Lausanne statement is a controls by paying African states to detain potential mi- the sanctions immediately once a fi- Iran says the UN Security Council great first step. It’s paving the way grants. The most notorious of these arrangements was with nal agreement is signed, but the U.S. should pass a new resolution to annul for foreign investment in Iran. The Libya. In 2010, a year before Britain and France launched says they should be removed gradu- the past sanctions resolutions against most important contribution of the airstrikes to help bring down Libya’s leader, Col. Muammar ally. How can this important issue be Tehran. What is the mechanism for Lausanne statement is its psycho- el-Qaddafi, the European Union concluded a deal with him, resolved? this? logical effect. Now, Iran is viewed agreeing to pay 50 million euros over three years to turn his A: This is still very much a work in A: There will be a resolution modi- as a market that will open up soon, The actual sanctions security forces into de facto border police. Even before they progress. The details of the imple- fying the language of previous resolu- rather than a country companies gained power, the anti-Qaddafi rebels agreed to continue mentation will be worked out in the tions and superseding them. should stay away from. The actual relief is, of course, the the arrangement. following months. But the idea is Can the Lausanne statement sanctions relief is, of course, the most important element, The European Union that Iran and the P5+1 should agree help facilitate foreign investment most important element, but this is but this is a good start. The European Union has a similar deal with Morocco, to key elements of implementation in Iran, especially in the energy a good start. and hopes to recruit Egypt and Tunisia, too. In effect, it aims to relocate Europe’s borders to North Africa. The key point for Europe to understand is that European S. Arabia faces defeat in Yemen, violates ceasefire foreign policy is exacerbating the conditions that spur “im- Contd. from P. 1 gade loyal to the government, Al Jazeera reported. diate “ceasefire.” poverished, uneducated … The Ansarullah movement said Saudi officials Local witnesses also reported heavy clashes between The UN Security Council (UNSC) on April 14 ap- While these desperate people should never be allowed wrongly believe that the kingdom is capable of Ansrarullah fighters and al-Qaeda militants in the al-Mualla proved a resolution to impose an arms embargo to die crossing the “moat” I have a serious problem with bringing the Yemenis to their knees by bombarding district of the southern Yemeni city of Aden. against the Ansarullah fighters in addition to asset Europe, the U.S. or any … civilians and killing innocents, Press TV reported. Clashes are reportedly underway between the freeze and a travel ban against al-Houthi. The 10-point plan that the European authorities proposed On April 19, Ansarullah leader Abdul-Malik al- Ansarullah fighters and al-Qaeda militants in the The UNSC resolution also demanded, among Monday was in keeping with this failed approach. Most Houthi called Riyadh’s war on Yemenis “silly and un- southern city of Taiz. other things, that the popular committees backed eye-catching was the promise to destroy smugglers’ boats. acceptable.” According to the Yemeni news website, Yem- by Houthi Ansarullah movement pull back from the Not only is this morally dubious — effectively telling mi- Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani said on en-press, the Saudi fighter jets bombarded a garri- seized territories, including the capital, Sana’a. grants “We will wall you into North Africa so that you’re not Wednesday that the announcement by Saudi Arabia son in Taiz moments after the Ansarullah fighters Real Saudi motive our problem” — but it also won’t work. One reason for the that it has ended military campaign against Yemen in- captured the military facility from the forces loyal Saudi Arabia’s air campaign against the Ansarul- spike in migrant numbers is the collapse of state authority dicates that Riyadh has failed in it “childish” offensive. to Hadi. The Yemeni website added that the Saudi lah fighters of the Houthi movement started on in the region. Western intervention in Libya exacerbated the Larijani also said the halt to air strikes on Yemen warplanes are pounding the garrison and the area March 26 - without a United Nations mandate - in a chaos, which the proposed military action will only intensify. amounts to defeat by the Saudis. around the central prison of the city. bid to restore power to the country’s fugitive presi- At the same time, migrants are forced to clamber into However, hours after Saudi Arabia said it had 1st phase casualty dent, a staunch ally of Riyadh. overloaded, unseaworthy boats because other routes into ended air campaign against Yemen, it reportedly re- Meanwhile, Yemen’s Health Ministry announced The Houthis say Hadi lost his legitimacy as pres- Europe have been blocked off. Destroying smugglers’ boats that a total of 951 people died and 3,943 others were ident of the country after he escaped the capital in will merely force people to adopt even more perilous means sumed fresh airstrikes on the poor country. (Source: The New York Times) Late on Tuesday Saudi government spokesman wounded in the nearly month-long first phase of the February. of making the journey. Ahmed al-Assiri said his country has “ended Opera- Saudi military aggression against Yemen. Hadi fled his home in Sana’a on February 21 af- tion Decisive Storm based on a request by the Yem- Among the dead are 143 children and 95 women. ter weeks under effective house arrest and went to eni government” and fugitive former president Abd A spokesman for the Yemeni Health Ministry an- Aden, Yemen’s second largest city, where he official- Rabbuh Mansur Hadi Hadi. nounced the casualty figures in a press conference ly withdrew his resignation and highlighted his inten- Xi’s visit cements He added that the Saudi naval blockade on Yemen on Wednesday. tion to resume duties. He later fled to Saudi Arabia. would stay in place and the Saudi forces would con- Humanitarian crisis The Houthis say Hadi’s government failed to Sino-Pakistani cooperation tinue targeting the Ansarullah movement. The humanitarian situation in Yemen has rapidly properly run the affairs of the country and contain The new phase, the so-called “Restoring Hope,” deteriorated during the Saudi operation. UN Hu- the growing wave of corruption and terror. Contd. from P. 6 would be aimed at commencing political talks and de- manitarian Coordinator for Yemen Johannes van der Ansrarullah free defense minister, president Another objective is massive investment in Pakistan’s livering aid, and a mixture of political, diplomatic and Klaauw has warned that the current crisis, triggered brother infrastructure, which has been unable to keep pace with military efforts, according to a Saudi military statement. following the Saudi aggression against the country, In another event, Ansrarullah released the defense the country’s needs. This will be done by prioritizing energy Saudi Arabia’s warplanes bombarded the area of is among the largest in the world, adding that 16 mil- minister, a brother of the exiled president and a gen- generation in hydro, coal, solar, wind and IAEA safeguard- al-Dhali Hamadan in the northern part of the capital, lion Yemenis need humanitarian assistance to meet eral they had been holding since late March, a source ed civil nuclear power, transportation, including improving Sana’a, with the start of the new phase of the Saudi their most basic needs. close to mediators said Wednesday, AFP reported. highways linking the border of both countries and further aggression dubbed “Restoring Hope” on Wednes- Thousands of Yemenis have fled the country to “Defense Minister General Mahmud al-Subai- inland, upgrading the main North-South railway line. day, according to the Arabic-language al-Masirah other states, including Djibouti, where more than hi, General Nasser Mansour Hadi (the president’s I negotiated Pakistan’s 2004 agreement with China satellite television network. 4,200 people from the impoverished Arab country brother), and General Faisal Rajab have been freed,” against extremism, terrorism and separatism. Coopera- In the same vein, the area of al-Qamar in the have reportedly sought shelter. the source said. tion in combating terrorism will continue as a significant northwestern Yemeni province of Sa’ada came un- UN Security Council resolution The move comes after a Saudi-led coalition carry- part of joint actions, as I expected, with China recogniz- der the Saudi aggression. The Saudi decision to halt the strikes came a day ing out air strikes on rebel positions across Yemen ing Pakistan’s role of combating the East Turkestan Inde- Air strikes were also reported in the central city of after Riyadh dismissed a call by United Nations Sec- since March 26 announced Tuesday an end to the pendence Movement. More Chinese will be working in Taiz, where Houthis seized the headquarters of a bri- retary General Ban Ki-moon on April 17 for an imme- first phase of its operations. Pakistan as economic projects get underway. Pakistan will increase measures for their security and a special force is being raised for this purpose. The pivotal aspect of the visit is not just the substantial Russia arms Iraq, Syria to help combat ISIL: Lavrov $46 billion quantum of Chinese projects that should flow into Pakistan during the early harvest and beyond. Rather, Russia is arming Iraq and Syria to help them fight ISIL Russia has criticized air strikes by a U.S.-led coali- to try to weaken Russia. it is how effectively Pakistan can implement these projects (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) terrorist group, tion against ISIL positions in Syria and Iraq, and en- Ties between Moscow and the West are at their low- and utilize new investment windows such as the Asian Infra- Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday, couraged Washington to work with Syrian President est point in decades over the crisis in Ukraine, which was structure Investment Bank of which it is a founding member calling the radical militant group the main threat to Bashar al-Assad in the battle against ISIL. one of the main themes of the interview. and the Silk RoadFund. Joint cooperative mechanisms for his own country’s security. “We are helping both Iraq and Syria, possibly Lavrov said Nadezhda Savchenko, a Ukrainian the CPEC and other cooperation are in place. “ISIL is our main enemy at the moment. If only more effectively than anyone else, by providing pilot who is being held in a Russian jail, could not However given Pakistan’s generally past indifferent because hundreds of Russian citizens, hundreds of weapons to their armies and security forces,” Lavrov be freed as part of prisoner swaps or hostage re- record, the key ministries must be severely tasked and Europeans, hundreds of Americans fight alongside said, without giving details of the weapons. leases outlined in a deal reached on Feb. 12 to end overseen to pursue projects and programs to successful ISIL,” he said in an interview with three radio sta- Moscow faces an extremist insurgency in the fighting in east Ukraine between pro-Russian sep- conclusion. With the whole world competing for Chinese tions. “They are already coming back... and to enjoy North Caucasus region and President Vladimir Putin aratists and Ukrainian government forces. investment, there is no room for backsliding. themselves could stage vile acts at home.” has warned that other countries could use radicalism (Source: AP) (Source: Global Times) b

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NEWS U.S. Oriental Institute sends back Iranian artworks sell well at Bonhams ancient Iranian artifacts TEHRAN — Iranian artworks made Art Desk respectable profits at the Bonhams Contd. from P. 1 auction house sale in London held on April 20, 2015, selling In 1962, Iran loaned the tablets and artifacts to the 16 out of 24 lots offered on sale. Oriental Institute for study. The institute sent back a A collection of valuable number of the artifacts and tablets before the victory works by artists from Iran, of Islamic Revolution in 1979. Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, However, the institute refused to return the Palestine and Tunisia went rest. Iran filed a lawsuit against the institute in the under the hammer at “A International Court of Justice in The Hague, which Century of Iraqi Art and ruled in favor of Iran. Modern and Contemporary “The recovery of the artifacts after all these Middle Eastern Art” challenges shows the rightful place of Iran and the auction, Bonhams has successful cultural diplomacy of 'the government of Oriental announced on its website. prudence and hope' [a title that Hassan Rouhani used Institute “Sat + He + Sat” by to describe his administration],” Talebian said at the Director Gil Iranian artist Hossein airport after receiving the collection of artifacts. Stein puts a Zenderudi which grossed fragment of The collection was transferred to the National an ancient £98,500, was among the Museum of Iran to put on display in an exhibition in the Iranian top selling artworks of the near future. tablet in a auction. Iran is engaged in another legal battle with the box at the A calligraphy work by Iranian artist Other highlights Ali Shirazi Oriental Institute over a large number of Achaemenid National included works by Iraqi tablets, which were loaned to the institute in 1937 for Museum artists Shakir Hassan Al Said whose “Cubist Cockerel” study. of Iran in went for £194,500, and Jewad Selim whose “Lamea” sold The Oriental Institute holds 8000 to 10,000 intact Tehran for £176,500. and about 11,000 fragmented tablets, as estimated by on April Two untitled works from the “Abstract Flora and 22, 2015. Gil Stein. (Jamejamonline/ Fauna” series by Sohrab Sepehri sold for £80,500 and The tablets were discovered by University of MAjid Azad) £86,500. Chicago archaeologists in 1933 while they were Farhad Moshiri’s “Alef” gained £86,500, and Reza excavating in Persepolis, the site of a major Oriental Manning ruled that a group of people injured by a The court session was held on the abovementioned Derakshani’s “A Taste of Time” went for £16,250. Institute excavation. 1997 bombing in Israel could seize the 300 clay tablets date, but no verdict was issued. Works offered by Masud Arabshahi, Nasser Ovissi, The artifacts bear cuneiform script explaining loaned to the University of Chicago and the university In March 2011, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Rokni Haerizadeh, Farideh Lashaii, Azra Aqiqi, administrative details of the Achaemenid Empire from could not protect Iran’s ownership rights to the Seventh Circuit rejected confiscation of the tablets. Ali Shirazi and Monir Farmanfarmaian were among the about 500 BC. They are among a group of tens of artifacts. However it ruled that the case should be returned to items sold at the auction. thousands of tablets and tablet fragments that were Following Iranian officials’ protests against the the lower court for further argument. The unsold items will remain on Bonhams online loaned to the university’s Oriental Institute in 1937 for ruling, the court was slated to reexamine the case In March 2014, a federal judge in Chicago ruled auction for two weeks. study. A group of 179 complete tablets was returned on December 21, 2006, but the court session was that the Persian artifacts at the Field Museum of in 1948, and another group of more than 37,000 tablet postponed to January 19, 2007, allegedly due to the Natural History and the University of Chicago’s fragments was returned in 1951. fact that Iran had not provided all the documents Oriental Institute cannot be seized to pay a $412 million NEWS IN BRIEF In spring 2006, U.S. District Court Judge Blanche necessary to the court. judgment against the Iranian government. Iranian The 5th International Fajr intl. festival to screen 12 docs filmfest to Urban Film Festival has dedicated a new section to TEHRAN — The 33rd Austria Netherlands “From Caligari to Hitler”, Rudiger spotlight screen movies on various Art Desk Fajr International “Marvel Renaissance”, Philippe “We Are Many”, Amir Amirani / UK Suchsland / Germany Middle East issues in the Middle East, Film Festival will screen 12 documentaries Guedj and Philippe Roure / France “The Visit”, Michael Madsen / “Finding Gaston”, Julia Patricia issues the organizers reported on by Iranian and foreign filmmakers in a “The Voice of Sokurov”, Leena Denmark, Finland, Norway, Ireland, Perez / Peru Tuesday. non-competitive section. Kilpelainen / Finland, Estonia, Germany Austria The festival will be held in Tehran from The secretary of the The following is the list of films: “Unforgiving: Rwanda”, Lukas “Art and Craft”, Sam Cullman and April 25 to May 2. This is the first time that festival, Siavash Haqiqi, said “White Butterfly”, directed by Augustin / Germany Jennifer Grausman / U.S. the international section of the festival that the section entitled Behruz Nuranipur / Iran “The Madness of Reason”, “Part of Me”, Mahmud Behraznia / will be held separately from its national “Now Middle East” was “Energized”, Hubert Canaval / Peter Kruger / Belgium, Germany, the Germany section. established to familiarize cineastes with the major urban places across the Iranian troupe Middle East. By Tahereh Rokhbakhsh/Tasnim to perform “I Can’t The festival will be held in PICTURE OF THE DAY Tehran from May 28 to June 2. Imagine Tomorrow” “The Fish Iranian drama “The Fish at Dutch festival and I” named and I” has won the award for best short film at the 6th TEHRAN — Iran’s best at Italian Skepto International Film Art Desk Bohemi Theater festival Festival in Cagliari, Italy. Troupe will stage the play “I Can’t Imagine Directed by Babak Tomorrow” at the International Theater Habibifar, the movie is about School Festival – ITS in Amsterdam in a blind man who tries to save June. the life of his goldfish. Fariborz Karimi will direct the Over 100 short films were play written by American playwright screened during the festival, Tennessee Williams. which was held from April 14 Navid Fayyaz and Shakiba Fadaii of to 18. the Bohemi Theater Troupe will perform the play during two performances, “Theo A Persian version of “Theo which will be held on June 19 and 20, Angelopoulos: Interviews”, Angelopoulos: Karimi told the Persian service of ISNA a book from the University on Wednesday. Interviews” Press of Mississippi’s series He added that the play is in Persian appears in that covers conversations with English subtitles. Persian with some world-renowned Each year, just before the students’ filmmakers, has recently summer recess, a special festival presents been published in Tehran by a wide range of theater performances by Shurafarin Publications. students of Dutch theater schools. Rendered into Persian Usually theater schools from other by Anisa Dehqani, the countries participate in the event. Special book contains a collection workshops accompany the ITS festival of interviews that follow and special awards are given. Angelopoulos’ career from This year plays from Germany, Italy his innovative debut with and the United States are expected to go “Reconstruction” in 1971 to A woman from the Qashqai nomads in the southern Iranian province of Fars carries a lamb during their spring migration on April 21, 2015 on stage at the festival running from June his triumph at the Cannes 19 to 26. Film Festival in 1998, when his film “Eternity and a Day” was awarded the Golden Palm. The aliens are back! “Independence Day 2” to start filming Canadian Iranian documentarian LONDON (Reuters) — Production rolandemmerich and our wonderful visual effects category. Hemsworth, who stars “The Hunger center to Mehdi Qorbanpur’s “I Am Not Nuclear Energy” and “We Are on the sequel to sci-fi action producers!” In one of the film's most famous Games” series, is a new addition screen Iranian All Soldiers” will go on screen blockbuster “Independence Day” Emmerich, who also directed scenes, an alien ship attacks and alongside “White House Down” documentaries as part of a cultural program is under way, one of the cast has the 1996 alien invasion adventure, destroys the White House. actress King. that will be held tonight at the revealed, nearly 20 years since the reposted the picture on his Much of the original cast are set However Hollywood star Will Harbor Centre in Vancouver. box office hit was released. Facebook page with the caption to return, with Emmerich confirming Smith will not be reprising his role The program has been U.S. teenage actress Joey “New Mexico or bust! Less than two last week on Twitter that U.S. actors as Captain Steven Hiller, according organized by the University of King posted a picture of herself weeks until filming begins”. Bill Pullman and Judd Hirsch had to media reports. British Columbia, the Simon on Twitter alongside the film's Packed with special effects and signed up for “Independence Day 2”. The film is scheduled to be Fraser University and the director Roland Emmerich with human drama, “Independence Day” Jeff Goldblum, who also starred released in June 2016, nearly 20 Emily Carr University of Art. the caption: “Headed to start grossed $817.4 million and earned an in the original, also returns for the years after “Independence Day” filming IndependenceDay with Academy Award in the best effects, sequel, while Australian actor Liam premiered.