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8 Pages Price 50,000 Rials 1.00 EURO 4.00 AED 42nd year No.13837 Saturday DECEMBER 19, 2020 Azar 29, 1399 Jumada Al Awwal 4, 1442 EC: Leader agreed only ACL final, not a UN condemns Israel killing “My Hero” sounds songs to extend FATF-related national game but a of Palestinian child as ‘grave in memory of Commander discussions Page 2 game for nations Page 3 violation of international lawPage 5 Qassem Soleimani Ballad Page 8

Iran has inked arms deal with other See page 7 countries: defense minister TEHRAN – Iran is moving forward with cooperation of the Islamic Republic its arms cooperation with various coun- of Iran with some countries during tries and it has signed deals with other the period when the Americans tried countries on arms export, Iranian De- and imposed arms embargo against fense Minister Brigadier General Amir us, and after the lifting of sanctions, Hatami has said. is well pursued.” Commenting on Iran’s defense co- He added that Iran has made efforts operation with other countries, the to export arms and has made progress defense minister told the Parliament in this regard. news agency ICANA that “the arms Continued on page 3 Trade with ECO members exceeds $5.7b in 8 months TEHRAN - Iran’s trade with the member Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Ta- nations of the Economic Cooperation Or- jikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. ganization (ECO) reached $5.762 billion in Iran exported 7,430,423 tons of com- the first eight months of the current Iranian modities worth over $2.945 billion to the calendar year (March 20-November 20), said nations in the mentioned period. the spokesman of the Islamic Republic of Liquefied petroleum gas, oil products, Iran Customs Administration (IRICA) said. fish, shrimp, tomato paste, vegetables, According to Rouhollah Latfi, during fresh and dried fruits, flowers and plants, the mentioned eight months Iran traded saffron, and nuts were among Iran’s top over 10,911,727 tons of commodities with products exported to member countries of ECO member countries including Turkey, this mentioned union in the said period. Afghanistan, the Republic of Azerbaijan, Continued on page 4

ID cards issued to 84 children of Iranian mothers, foreign fathers Life of Afghans in Iran has set TEHRAN – Birth certificates have been Hamedan province and 19 children in issued to 84 children born to Iranian Tehran province are being prepared, mothers and foreign fathers since No- he added. vember 18, Seifollah Aboutorabi, the Na- According to the Government of Iran, tional Organization for Civil Registration nearly 75,000 children at risk of becom- spokesman, said on Thursday. ing statelessness are eligible for Iranian

UNHCR a new pattern for migration So far, 1, 8, 19, 42, 14 ID cards have citizenship under a new nationality law, been issued for children in five provinces which was amended in 2019 to allow chil- VARAMIN, Iran - Afghan girls play and study alongside Iranian students and enjoy together playing with skipping ropes during break time. The photo dates back of Isfahan, Zanjan, Kerman, Hamedan, dren under 18 years to apply for identity before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. and Tehran, respectively, he noted. documents. ID cards of 48 other children in Continued on page 7

Serious doubts Iran’s art of miniature, pilgrimage to St. Thaddeus Hackers target the U.S. agency tasked with about Grossi’s listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage securing the nuclear weapons intentions TEHRAN – Iran’s art of miniature along with and playing Dotar; Chogan, a horse-riding game The U.S. nuclear weapons agency is reportedly has dismissed any such allegation as baseless. pilgrimage to the St. Thaddeus apostle mon- accompanied by music and storytelling; and targeted by hackers as part of a massive cyber U.S. President-elect Joe Biden has described BY M.A. SAKI astery have been recognized by UNESCO for the traditional skills of carpet weaving in Fars. security breach against federal agencies and the cybersecurity breach as a matter of great afael Grossi, the director their cultural significance. The art of miniature critical infrastructure. concern, saying his team would impose “sub- general of the Atomic En- The United Nations’ heritage body accepted The miniature is a type of two-dimensional Politico reported on Thursday that hackers stantial costs” on parties responsible for such ergy Agency, has said reviv- the art of miniature as a common tradition artwork that involves the design and creation of targeted the Department of Energy (DOE) and attacks. R between the Islamic Republic, Azerbaijan, small paintings on books, paper-mâché, rugs, its National Nuclear Security Administration Biden promised he “will make cybersecuri- ing Iran’s nuclear deal under U.S. President-elect Joe Biden would Turkey, and Uzbekistan during the fifteenth textiles, walls, ceramics, and other items using (NNSA), which secures the U.S. nuclear weap- ty a top priority at every level of government, require striking a new agreement session of the Intergovernmental Committee raw materials such as gold, silver, and various ons stockpile. and we will make dealing with this breach a setting out how Iran’s reduction of for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cul- organic substances. The attack was part of a massive cyber cam- top priority from the moment we take office.” commitments should be reversed. tural Heritage, which is running online from Historically, the miniature was exemplified paign that affected at least half a dozen federal “But a good defense isn’t enough; we need Iran has removed some of the nuclear deal’s December 14 to 19. by book painting in which the text was support- agencies, including the Treasury, State, Defense to disrupt and deter our adversaries from un- limits in response to U.S. President Donald Besides, pilgrimage to the St. Thaddeus apostle ed visually, but the element has evolved and and Commerce Departments, Bloomberg re- dertaking significant cyber-attacks in the first Trump’s withdrawal from the agreement and monastery jointly secured a place on the global can also be observed in architecture and as an ported. place,” Newsweek reported, quoting from a the reimposition of sanctions against Tehran list of traditions worthy of protection for Iran adornment in public spaces. The U.S. has a total of 3,800 nuclear weap- statement sent Biden’s transition team. “We that were lifted under the 2015 the deal. and Armenia. The patterns of the miniature represent beliefs, ons, many of which were produced during the will do that by, among other things, imposing Iran did this after waiting for a full The art of miniature and pilgrimage to the worldviews, and lifestyles in a pictorial fashion early years of the Cold War and are overseen substantial costs on those responsible for such year. Iran removed limits gradually – at St. Thaddeus respectively became Iran’s 15th and also gained a new character through the by the NNSA. malicious attacks, including in coordination bi-monthly times. It even insisted that if and 16th items on UNESCO’s intangible cultural Islamic influence. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has with our allies and partners.” the other remaining members of the deal heritage list, joining traditional skills of crafting Continued on page 6 suggested Moscow’s involvement but Russia Continued on page 5 – Germany, Britain, France, Russia and China – compensate Iran for the sanctions it will immediately reverse its decisions. However, the remaining members, Tehran, Moscow to continue military co-op. despite U.S. sanctions: ambassador In the lost time, another especially the European trio (E3), did TEHRAN — Iran and Russia will maintain bilat- countries that have caught up and overtaken it,” act that may lead to harmful consequences for shocking assassination not honor their commitments. Even the eral military cooperation, Kazem Jalali, Iran’s Jalali stated, discussing the latest U.S. sanctions countries and peoples,” Jalali pointed out. INSTEX - the Instrument in Support of ambassador to Russia told Sputnik in an interview, against Iran. Jalali says ties are ‘very important and in one year Trade Exchanges - that the E3 announced adding that U.S. sanctions will not impact his The Iranian ambassador also called on coun- strategic’ after a long time proved to be a tiger paper. country’s military capabilities nor its scientific tries subject to U.S. sanctions such as Russia and According to a Fars News report, Jalali BY ABIR BASSAM Also, Trump violated the legally-binding research. China to join Iran in countering these sanctions also described Tehran-Moscow relations The news of the assassination of the prominent Ira- deal while the IAEA, before Grossi took over “This behavior of the United States will continue and showing their illegal nature. as “very important and strategic,” saying a nian scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, was shocking as the UN body’s director, was repeatedly in the future, and the reason is that the U.S. no “Russia, China, Iran and other countries financial mechanism has been established to many around the world. Though it has been clear confirming Iran’s full compliance with longer enjoys the dominance of the past. It wants subjected to sanctions should stand together between the two to reduce dependence on that the assassination has provoked the Iranian peo- the terms of the deal. to say that it is the world’s number-one power, and show that the forceful use of instruments the U.S. dollar. ple as well as the public of its friends, no one can In an interview with Reuters, Grossi said while that is not the case as there are several of power on the international scene is an illegal Continued on page 3 say that it is going to be an easy case to handle in there had been too many breaches for the short or long term. agreement to simply fall back into place. The unfortunate crime looks like a trap that was “I cannot imagine that they are going set for both Iran and the coming American admin- simply to say, ‘We are back to square one’ istration led by Joe Biden. Iran cannot ignore the because square one is no longer there,” assassination nor hastily respond to it. At the same Grossi said at IAEA headquarters. Nasim Online CEO Saeid time, the response must be carefully planned since “There is more (nuclear) material, ... both the departing American President, Donald there is more activity, there are more cen- Jabbari passes away at 32 Trump, and the “Israeli” are attentively waiting. trifuges, and more are being announced. Opinions expressed among the Iranians and So what happens with all this? This is the their allies show strong resentment towards the TEHRAN – Saeid Jabbari, the managing director of Nasim assassination of scientist Fakhrizadeh. There are question for them at the political level to Online, a Persian news website, died of a heart attack at his decide,” said Grossi, an Argentine who took accumulating bitterness the streets of Iran and its office as IAEA director general a year ago. home in Tehran on Friday. He was 32. allies are revealing towards the blunt assassinations Asked if that meant there would have He was also the managing director of 90 Eghtesadi, a Persian in the region from Iran to Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Pales- to be a ‘deal within the deal’, he said: “Oh website for economic news and analyses. tine…. and reluctance on the part of the international yes, oh yes. Undoubtedly. Jabbari was the founder Safir Film, a documentary film studio, community to stop them. Continued on page 5 “It is clear that there will have to be and a member of the board of trustees for several cultural centers, a protocol or an agreement or an under- including Atlas, Novin Negar and Arman. He began his career standing or some ancillary document which in media at the Arman Institute. Condolences will stipulate clearly what we do,” he said. He was a civil engineering graduate of the Sharif University Grossi knows very well that the IAEA’s task of Technology and was a Ph.D. student in media. Tehran Times director general Mohammad is to only police countries’ compliance with Shojaeian and staff were saddened over the the nuclear safeguards agreements including Continued on page 8 sudden death of Nasim Online news agency no diversion from the NPT and has no legal director Saeid Jabbari and offer condolences authority to air views about such agreements. Such issues fall outside the purview of the IAEA. to his family at this time of sorrow. Continued on page 2 May his soul rest in peace. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y POLITICS DECEMBER 19, 2020

Zarif reminds Pompeo of his Spokesman says anti-Iran self-sanctioning lunacy

POLITICAL TEHRAN — Foreign Minister Mohammad deskJavad Zarif has reminded his American coun- resolution lacks ‘legal credibility’ terpart, Mike Pompeo, about the failure of U.S. sanctions against Iran under his term, which have even targeted U.S. companies. POLITICAL TEHRAN — In reaction of the U.S. regime’s accomplices instead of “@SecPompeo Your own restrictions actually sanctioned US desk companies out of Iran’s market with its unparalleled natural & to the adoption of an an- condemning the illegal and anti-human human resources,” Zarif tweeted on Thursday. ti-Iran resolution by the United Nations sanctions imposed by the U.S. “And your illicit #MaximumFailure policy cancelled Boeing’s General Assembly, Iran has said the reso- He further advised Canada and the contract for 88 civilian aircraft—costing Iranian lives, but also lution lacks “legal credibility”, highlighting other initiators of the resolution to stop American jobs,” he added. the chief initiators’ dark history of human their interventionist and immoral behavior rights violations. towards independent nations. In a statement released on Thursday, “Such unconstructive measures would Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khat- not only not help the promotion of human ibzadeh denounced the resolution, which rights at the global level, but only aggra- he said has been put forward by Canada vate negative cliches and political labeling and supported by the European states and against the independent states,” he added. the Zionist regime, as in the past couple “We condemn the move by the Cana- of years. dian government and other initiators of Khatibzadeh said the resolution lacks the resolution, which is a blatant example legal credibility and deplored the stances of abuse of the lofty concepts and values adopted by the initiators of the resolution of human rights for the advancement of for instrumental use of international or- short-sighted political intentions, and find ganizations to impose pressure on Iran, it to be lacking in any legal credibility and the Foreign Ministry website reported. effect,” the spokesman underlined. He said many chief initiators of the res- Khatibzadeh also highlighted the fact olution have a dark record of brazen and Assembly according to modus operandi of It also called on Iran to address the poor that once again, as in the previous voting systematic violation of human rights, par- the United Nations,” the spokesman added. conditions of prisons, release female human at the Third Committee, 114 countries out ticularly through military interventions in On Wednesday, by a recorded vote of rights defenders imprisoned for exercising of around 190 UN Member States have re- 82 in favor to 30 against, with 64 absten- their rights, end rights violations against It came after Pompeo claimed that Iran’s Islamic Revolution the other countries and the arms sales to fused to support the resolution, saying the tions, the General Assembly adopted draft persons belonging to ethnic, linguistic or Guards Corps (IRGC) has become infinitely poorer under the dictatorial and despotic regimes. move by Canada and the chief initiators of resolution II, “Situation of human rights in other minorities, and ensure free presidential Trump administration. “The resolution that was adopted at the the resolution was in line with their policy the Islamic Republic of Iran”. elections in 2021. “The [IRGC] is infinitely poorer than it would have been had United Nations General Assembly yester- of pinning the blame on others in the field The Assembly expressed serious concern Khatibzadeh expressed his abhorrence of the administration’s policies before us stayed in place,” the U.S. day with the votes of less than half of the of human rights. at the alarmingly high frequency of death the deep-rooted hypocrisy of initiators of the secretary of state said in an interview with Washington Examiner. UN Member States and non-cooperation The spokesperson emphasized that the penalty use, and called on Iran to ensure resolution, saying they have turned a blind “That money is not in their of more than 110 countries is in fact the repetition of fake and false reports from that no one is subjected to torture or other eye to the U.S.’s economic terrorism against hands,” he said, adding, “To same text that was recently ratified by the that group of countries against the Iranian Zarif tells cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or the Iranian nation under the influence of U.S. back and reward the Iranians? General Assembly Third Committee with the people would only further discredit their punishment. bullying and have practically sunk to the level To give them any economic Pompeo that same votes and was passed at the General human rights claims. relief? To allow the French or the U.S. “illicit British to trade there? Remem- ‘maximum ber, even during the [Iran deal], American businesses weren’t failure’ policy EC: Leader agreed with president’s request only to extend FATF-related discussions permitted to trade there. How cancelled POLITICAL TEHRAN — Leader of the Islamic to circumvent the illegal U.S. sanctions. bizarre is that?” deskRevolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Heibatollah Osuli, a deputy chairman of the Tehran The Trump administration Boeing’s has agreed with President Hassan Rouhani’s request to Chamber of Commerce (TCCIM), has said that accepting has pursued a policy of maxi- contract for only extend the time of discussions on the FATF-related the FATF requirements would positively impact Iran’s mum pressure against Tehran 88 civilian bills in the Expediency Council, the council announced trade relations with the rest of the world and would since 2018, after it withdrew on Thursday. result in better economic condition for the people in the U.S. from the Iran nuclear aircraft, It came several days after the president asked the the country. deal, officially called the Joint costing Iranian Leader to authorize a renewed discussion on the FATF’s Osuli told ILNA on Thursday that rejecting the two Comprehensive Plan of Action lives, but also Palermo and terrorist financing conventions in the Council. remaining FATF conventions would create extra barriers (JCPOA), which was signed La’ya Jonaidi, who serves as deputy to President Rou- for Iran in its trade with close allies. under the administration of American hani for legal affairs, said she was optimistic the Council “If the approval of the FATF (conventions) is still op- Barack Obama. jobs.” would approve the two remaining FATF conventions posed, our current problems will intensify,” he predicted. Trump’s withdrawal came to help remove unnecessary hurdles that might arise Two of the FATF conventions -the Palermo and Ter- while Iran was in full compliance with the treaty. All other parties from Iran’s continued inclusion in the FATF blacklist. rorist Financing Conventions – have not been ratified to the deal have repeatedly criticized the Trump administration’s Critics of the FATF in Iran say the body is excessively yet, and were put on the shelf for some time. working to return the FATF conventions to the Council. policy toward Iran. influenced by the United States and any move to comply Mohsen Rezaee, the secretary of the Expediency Coun- Rezaee also said that the Rouhani administration has Tehran says the United States’ maximum pressure campaign with its recommendations would expose Tehran’s efforts cil, said last week that the Rouhani administration is sent a letter to the Leader in this regard. has evolved into a “maximum failure” for that country. Tehran has also described the U.S. sanctions as “economic terrorism” and “medical terrorism” on various occasions, citing the high number of deaths since the beginning of the coronavirus Iran calls for inclusive Afghan-led peace process to end instability outbreak in Iran as a direct result of the illegal sanctions. POLITICAL TEHRAN — Majid defense and security forces. production of and trafficking in narcotic drugs In an interview with Russia Today in September, Zarif said deskTakht-Ravanchi, Iran’s We support the peace talks and believe that as a source of financing terrorism and other Washington’s efforts to stop Tehran from exporting oil have ambassador to the United Nations, has called its successful conclusion requires flexibility and crimes. limited the government’s ability to respond to the global health for a “comprehensive and inclusive Afghan-led patience by all sides, placing the interests of the A durable peace in Afghanistan cannot be crisis and provide relief to the Iranian people. and Afghan-owned peace process” in order people of Afghanistan above all other interests. established without promoting its economic Iran also has “quite a bit of money stashed in countries abroad,” to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan. As we stated to SRSG Lyons in her recent conditions, which requires strong regional and he said, adding that the U.S. has prevented Tehran from gaining “Afghanistan’s decades-long insecurity and visit to Tehran, Iran continues to call for further international support. access to these funds, even to buy medicine. instability can end only through a comprehensive engagement of the United Nations in the peace For our turn, in addition to hosting over 3 “Whatever the Americans are saying about their sanctions and inclusive Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process and stands ready, in coordination with million Afghans despite facing the savage U.S. not affecting humanitarian items, it’s just a lie... It’s basically peace process, involving all Afghan factions, the United Nations, to further contribute to economic war, we have promoted economic medical terrorism,” he added. including the Taliban, supported by neigh- this process. cooperation with Afghanistan. Linking this boring, regional and international partners,” Afghanistan’s security situation remains a land-locked country to high seas and other Takht-Ravanchi said on Thursday. and inclusive Afghan-led and Afghan-owned source of concern due particularly to terrorist countries through Iran’s Chabahar Port is a China rejects possibility of He made the remarks while addressing peace process, involving all Afghan factions, acts perpetrated including by Daesh, whose prominent example of close partnership be- JCPOA renegotiation a meeting of the UN Security Council on Af- including the Taliban, supported by neighboring, presence is a serious threat to the security of tween the two countries. ghanistan. regional and international partners. Afghanistan and the region. Just last week, we inaugurated the Khaf-Her- POLITICAL TEHRAN — The director-general of the de- The full transcript of Takht-Ravanchi is The peace process must preserve and pro- As a manifestation of external interference, at railway, which connects Afghanistan’s rail- deskpartment of arms control in China’s Foreign as follows: mote the past achievements, particularly the the presence of foreign forces is another source way to Europe through Iran. The Presidents of Ministry, Fu Cong, has said China does not support any rene- Iran and Afghanistan enjoy common reli- present Constitution, the right of the people of Afghanistan’s instability. However, as many both countries called the inauguration of this gotiation of the Iran nuclear pact, formally known as the Joint gious, cultural, linguistic, and historical back- to self-determination through elections, the countries have stressed, their withdrawal must project a historical event, further strengthening Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). grounds, and our stability, socio-cultural devel- right of ethnic and religious minorities and be orderly and responsible and must not lead to bilateral and regional economic cooperation, “Iran has made it explicitly clear that once the U.S. returns to opment and economic growth are intertwined women, as well as the commitment to combat a security vacuum in Afghanistan. Accordingly, thus enhancing the foundations of a durable the JCPOA and lifts all the sanctions they are ready to reverse all and mutually reinforcing. As our President terrorism. prior and simultaneous to the withdrawal of for- peace and stability in Afghanistan. the steps they have taken, to reduce their commitment,” he said. stated very recently, we consider Afghanistan’s However, as peace and violence cannot go eign forces, Afghanistan’s military and security The Islamic Republic of Iran is committed “I think that is a major indication on the part of Iran and we stability as our own stability. hand in hand, to reciprocate the good will of forces must be supported and strengthened. to contribute to a more secure and prosperous have no reason to doubt that, because before the U.S. withdrew Afghanistan’s decades-long insecurity and Afghanistan’s Government in the peace talks, Likewise, effective assistance must be ex- Afghanistan through further enhancing rela- from the agreement Iran was exemplary in its implementation instability can end only through a comprehensive the Taliban must halt its attacks against Afghan tended to Afghanistan in combating the illicit tions between two fraternal nations. of the agreement.” The outgoing administration of U.S. President Donald Trump reimposed sanctions on Iran after he pulled out of the JCPOA, which was signed under his predecessor Barack Obama. Serious doubts about Grossi’s intentions With Joe Biden’s victory, however, hopes were raised over 1 According to the JCPOA, the IAEA is only being than 300 kilograms of uranium enriched about 3.67%. Grossi renegotiation of the JCPOA. the survival of the nuclear deal. Biden has promised to return tasked to monitor Iran’s compliance to the deal. must answer who prevented the sale of the uranium that is China and Russia have also opposed to renegotiating the the United States into the JCPOA if Iran returns to compliance These remarks are made as Biden, who takes office on Jan. now eight times more. JCPOA. with the deal. 20, has said the United States will rejoin the deal “if Iran resumes If now Iran is enriching uranium up to 4.5% purity, tech- Writing an article in Responsible Statecraft on December During the Wednesday interview, Fu said the key to unlocking strict compliance” with the agreement. nically it can be easily reduced to 3.67%. Iran can also sell its 10 under the title of “Why using Trump’s Iran sanctions as the current situation surrounding the Iranian nuclear issue is Such unhelpful statements have also been made by Ger- extra uranium as it did before based on the agreement. ‘leverage’ won’t work,” former U.S. intelligence officer Paul the U.S. return to the JCPOA commitments. man Foreign Minister Heiko Maas who has tried to link the There is serious doubt about the intention of Grossi in making Pillar warned that punishing Iran “does not create leverage”. “We believe that the key to breaking this stalemate is for the implementation of the nuclear agreement with Iran’s defensive such remarks. Most probably it is because of his unprofessional Pillar said, “That’s what the Trump administration has done U.S to return to the JCPOA,” he remarked. missile program. view toward Iran’s nuclear program. Now one can understand by reneging on its obligations under the JCPOA, and United “Of course, by that we mean that the U.S. comes back to its In a recent interview with the German magazine Der Spiegel, why U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who is notoriously Nations Security Council Resolution 2231, even though Iran commitments under the JCPOA and lifts all the sanctions re- Maas said, “A return to the previous agreement will not suffice famous for his anti-Iran policies, backed his candidacy for the was fully complying with its own obligations.” lated to the JCPOA. Both on Iran and third-party entities and anyway. There will have to be a kind of ‘nuclear agreement plus,’ IAEA chief against Romanian diplomat Cornel Feruta, who The former CIA officer added, “The suggestions regarding individuals.” which is also in our interest. We have clear expectations of Iran: served as the Agency’s acting director-general after the sudden sanctions and leverage on Iran, however, are contrary both to “And, of course, on that basis, Iran should also come back to no nuclear weapons, but also no ballistic missile program that death of Yukiya Amano. the way international influence works in general and to the full compliance with the JCPOA. That’s our view. And I would say threatens the entire region. Iran also needs to play a different Some American voices have also suggested that the incom- specific circumstances involving Iran.” that is a unanimous view of all the participants to the JCPOA,” role in the region.” ing Biden administration should try to make use of sanctions There is serious doubt about the intention of Grossi and he added. Maas added, “I have already coordinated with my French imposed by the Trump administration as leverage to get con- others about the way to reactivate the JCPOA. Such remarks President Hassan Rouhani has voiced confidence that the and British counterparts on this.” cessions from Iran before entering the deal. Among those who are probably made to make the matters complicated and make incoming Biden administration will abandon its sanctions policy Such remarks, first by Maas and this time in another way by have suggested such an approach is Thomas Friedman of the it impossible for Biden to reenter the deal so that four years of against the Iranian people and will bow under their “national Grossi, are not only unconstructive by even may prove destruc- New York Times, who in an op-ed dated November 29 said, his presidency passes without any tangible result. power” and resistance. tive. Neither Grossi nor Maas were involved in nearly 13 years “If I had one piece of advice for him (Biden), it would be this: Testing something that its result in four years of the Trump “It is this national unity that engenders national power for of negotiations, including two years of laborious and intensive This is not the Middle East you left four years ago.” presidency has proven futile is mere stupidity. us and forces the enemy to bow down in the face of the people’s talks, that produced the nuclear deal – the JCPOA – otherwise What Grossi, Maas, Freedman, and others are suggesting It was better for Maas to talk about the $200 billion loss rights,” Rouhani said in remarks on Thursday. they would have thought twice before raising new issues. is somehow what Trump and his inner circle were seeking to to the Iranian economy because of the illegal sanctions and “I am confident that the heroic steadfastness of the Iranian Grossi has said Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium is more achieve under the “maximum pressure” policy against Iran that Grossi only focus on the IAEA’s policing responsibili- nation will make the next U.S. administration genuflect in the than 2.4 tons, 12 times the cap set by the deal, though still far but their efforts ended in failure. ties. There are others such as Israel’s Netanyahu and Saudi face of the people. This steadfastness will force them to return to below the more than eight tons Iran had before signing it. Grossi made such a suggestion with the knowledge that Arabia’s MBS who will not remain idle by to create serious their commitments and will create cracks in sanctions” he added. According to the JCPOA, Iran should not have kept more that officials in Tehran have been vehemently rejecting any hurdles in the way. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y DECEMBER 19, 2020 IRAN IN FOCUS 3 SPORTS Iran has inked arms deal with ACL final, not a national game but a game for nations

SPORTSTEHRAN — Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai other countries: defense minister deskfootball teams will lock horns in the 2020 AFC Champions League final match at the Al Janoub Stadium in Doha, on Iran despite the firm opposition of the 1 “During this period, the Islamic Re- Qatar on Saturday in what promises to be a classic battle. The international community. public of Iran has reached good positions in match will be held in the club level and is not considered as a na- “On September 19, virtually all UN the field of arms exports to some countries tional match but, undoubtedly, it will be a match for two nations. sanctions on Iran returned, including and contracts have been concluded in this Persepolis, arguably the most popular Iranian football team, re-imposition of the UN arms embargo. field. In the field of arms purchase, nego- aim to win their first ever title while the Korean team have Accordingly, the export of certain conven- tiations are also underway with various already won the title in 2012. tional arms to Iran is a violation of UN countries,” Hatami stated. Iran and South Korea football rivalry dates back to 1958 where Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1929 The defense chief did not elaborate on their national teams faced each other in 1958 Asian Games in and the procurement of any arms or related the countries with which Iran has signed Tokyo and the Taegeuk Warriors defeated the Persians 5-0. material from Iran is a violation of UNSCR arms deals. Since then, the West and East heavyweights have played each 1747. The United States is prepared to use The UN arms embargo on Iran expired other in many other times in the national level, however it’s for the its domestic authorities to sanction any in mid-October though the United States second time two teams from the countries will meet in the ACL final. individual or entity that materially con- sought to extend it. The expiration of the A decade earlier, Iranian club Zob Ahan lost to Korean Seong- tributes to the supply, sale, or transfer of arms embargo was part of the 2015 Iran nam Chunma Ilhwa 3-1 at the National Stadium in Tokyo. conventional arms to or from Iran, as well nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Winning the title in the most iconic showpiece club event, as those who provide technical training, Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). can make the football-mad nations proud and happy. Howev- financial support and services, and other Iran has called the expiration of the UN er, Ulsan Hyundai and Persepolis have not been supported by assistance related to these arms,” the U.S. arms embargo a “major victory”. their whole countries but they have millions of supporters and State Department said in a statement on “It was a major victory for Iran and the the trophy will be added to their countries’ football reputations. September 19. resistance. What expired yesterday was a The winners will represent the Asian continent at the FIFA Club But despite the U.S. announcement on thirteen-year embargo on Iran and the ter- World Cup Qatar 2020 as well. triggering the so-called snapback process, the return of the UN sanctions on Iran no mination of resolutions that our friends, strictions on the transfer of arms, related Persepolis and Ulsan match in the ACL final is a match be- a legal mechanism built into the JCPOA countries recognized the U.S. move. Russia and China, have voted in favor of,” activities and financial services to and from tween two countries who have a number of internationals. So, allowing a “JCPOA participant state” to On the other hand, Iran has announced Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed the Islamic Republic of Iran, and all prohi- it›s not unreasonable to say that the match will be important restore all UN sanctions, including the arms that it does not need to import arms be- Khatibzadeh said a day after the expiration bitions regarding the entry into or transit for two nations. embargo, on Iran in case it didn’t uphold cause it can produce what arms it needs. of the arms embargo. through territories of the United Nations Persepolis coach Yahya Golmohammadi is well aware that just its obligations under the nuclear deal. Most One day after the expiration of the arms Under the JCPOA, it was agreed that Member States previously imposed on a winning the title can satisfy their passionate fans after the Reds of the Security Council’s member states embargo, Hatami said that Iran will sell the UN arms embargo on Iran would be number of Iranian citizens and military failed to win the title in 2018, losing to Japanese side Kashima said the U.S. had no legal right to trigger more weapons than it will purchase. lifted in five years after the Adoption Day officials, are all automatically terminated,” Antlers 2-0 on aggregate. the mechanism because it withdrew from “Since a year ago, many countries came of the JCPOA on October 17, 2015. This the statement said on October 18. “It is a difficult final match that is extremely important for the JCPOA on May 8, 2018. to us and we had discussions with them,” period came to an end on October 18, 2020, Back in October, the UN arms embar- both teams. Both teams put in a lot of effort and went through However, despite the global outcry, the Hatami said. “The ground for selling and which prompted Iran to issue an official go on Iran sparked a rare legal crisis at difficult days to reach here, so both teams are here on merit and U.S. pulled the trigger on August 20 but no buying weapons is prepared for the Islamic statement declaring the termination of the the UN Security Council as most of the I expect one of the most exciting matches in Asian football,» bullet came out. One month later, the U.S. Republic of Iran, but of course, the sales arms embargo. 15-member UN body strongly opposed the said Golmohammadi. announced the return of all UN sanctions will be more.” “As of today [October 18, 2020], all re- U.S. push to extend the arms embargo by On Saturday, either the Iranian or South Korean fans will pour into the streets to celebrate the prestigious accolade. Iran hits back at IAEA chief’s call for new agreement, says JCPOA not renegotiable POLITICAL TEHRAN — There will be no renego- there,” he said, adding, “There is more (nuclear) material, on the Deal and in case of its revival, there is no necessity IPL: Gol Gohar back on top desktiations on the 2015 Iran nuclear deal ... there is more activity, there are more centrifuges, and for a new document on the Agency’s role. It’s not needed to and even if the deal is revived there would also be no need more are being announced. So what happens with all this? complicate the situation.” SPORTSTEHRAN — Gol Gohar football team defeated for a new document on the UN atomic watchdog’s role in This is the question for them at the political level to decide.” Iranian officials have recently voiced opposition to any deskShahr Khodro 3-1 to reclaim top spot of Iran implementing the deal, Iran said in response to UN atomic Asked if that meant there would have to be a ‘deal within renegotiations on the JCPOA, saying that the deal had once Professional League (IPL) on Friday. watchdog chief Rafael Grossi’s remarks on the need to strike the deal’, he said: “Oh yes, oh yes. Undoubtedly. been negotiated and is no longer renegotiable. Iranian Pres- Nigerian forward Godwin Mensha netted a hat-trick to seal a new agreement to revive the Iran deal. “It is clear that there will have to be a protocol or an ident Hassan Rouhani said on Monday that the JCPOA is three points for the hosts. Iran has called on the new U.S. administration to uncon- agreement or an understanding or some ancillary document not renegotiable. Shahr Khodro’s midfielder Sadegh Sadeghi scored a conso- ditionally return to its commitments under the nuclear deal which will stipulate clearly what we do,” he said. “There is one JCPOA that has been negotiated and lation goal in the 77th minute. –officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action “What I see is that we’re moving full circle back to De- agreed — either everyone commits to it or they don’t,” the Naft Masjed Soleyman earned a late victory against Foolad (JCPOA) – and avoid any attempts to expand it. cember 2015,” Grossi said, referring to the month before president said. thanks to Nima Entezari’s injury time goal. During his election campaign, U.S. President-elect Joe the deal’s restrictions were put in place. “If they want to do Rouhani also ruled out negotiations on Iran’s missile In Isfahan, Zob Ahan and Esteghlal played out a goalless draw. Biden has said that he will return to the JCPOA if he is elected it (comply), they could do it pretty fast. But for all of those program and its influence in the region, saying that the Saipa collected their fifth draw out of seven games after they president. After winning the November election, he said he things we had a charted course.” Americans had tried to add the missile issue to the JCPOA were held to a goalless draw against Machine Sazi. still stands by his promise to return to the deal but doing so Iran hit back at Grossi’s remarks, saying they are “abso- but Iran rejected the issue. Tractor also defeated visiting Paykan 3-1 in Tabriz. Mehdi would be hard and difficult. lutely beyond the mandate” of the IAEA. “The Americans were trying for months to add the missile Tikdari, Ashkan Dejagah and Mohammad Abbaszadeh were on Biden has not officially called for a new agreement with “1. As I said before, @iaeaorg sole role is to monitor and issue (to the nuclear talks) and this was rejected. Trump was target for Tractor and Reza Jabired scored for Paykan. Iran, nor has he said the deal should be expanded. But the verify the voluntary nuclear-related measures as detailed uninformed and did not know about the matter, but Mr. On Thursday, Sanat Naft lost to Aluminum Arak 1-0 and Mes European signatories to the JCPOA – France, Germany in the JCPOA and to provide regular factual updates in this Biden is well aware of the details of the deal,” the Iranian defeated Nassaji with the same result. and the UK (E3) – have called for a new nuclear deal with regard. Presenting any assessment on how the commitments president noted, adding, “I have not heard Biden say that Gol Gohar returned to the top with 13 points, one point ahead Iran that includes, inter alia, Iran’s missile program and its are implemented (e.g. referring to breach) is absolutely be- we have to reach another agreement in order to return to of Persepolis. influence in the region. yond the mandate of the Agency and should be avoided. 2. the nuclear deal, that is what Trump says.” Grossi, who heads the International Atomic Energy Agency @iaeaorg played its part during negotiations on the JCPoA. Earlier in November, Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad (IAEA), has echoed a similar call although he didn’t refer to The commitments of the parties and @iaeaorg tasks have Javad Zarif said that the JCPOA is non-renegotiable, though Iran’s missile program and its regional influence. been delicately drafted and agreed and each side knows what Iran is ready to negotiate the U.S. return to the nuclear deal. Ahmad Madadi named In an interview with Reuters, Grossi claimed there had to do to implement the deal,” Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s “The US is still a UN member,” Zarif said in a tweet, Esteghlal GM been too many breaches for the JCPOA to simply fall back ambassador and permanent representative to Vienna-based adding, “If it meets its obligations as such under UNSCR into place. international organizations, said in a tweet on Friday. 2231, we will fulfill ours under the #JCPOA. If the US then SPORTSTEHRAN — Ahmad Madadi has been selected “I cannot imagine that they are going simply to say, ‘We He was responding to the Grossi interview with Reuters. seeks to re-join the JCPOA, we’re ready to negotiate terms deskas new General Manager of Iran’s Esteghlal are back to square one’ because square one is no longer Gharibabadi added, “3. There would be no renegotiation for it to regain its ‘JCPOA Participant’ status.” club Wednesday night. Madadi was working as Acting General Manager after Ahmad Saadatmand was forced to step down from his role in September. Madadi has already worked as deputy in Iranian football clubs Vietnam laments U.S. decision to sanction firm over Iran trade Paykan and Saipa. POLITICAL TEHRAN — Vietnam has Chemicals Transportation Corporation was served as vice president in the Barack Obama His main task is to take Esteghlal back to their heyday. deskvoiced regrets about the targeted over its connection with significant administration, under which the nuclear deal Esteghlal archrivals Persepolis have won Iran’s league title in United States’ imposition of sanctions on transactions for the transport of petroleum was reached. the previous four years and have qualified for the AFC Champions a Vietnamese firm over its trade relations products from Iran. Biden has said he hopes to return the U.S. League final twice in three years. with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Hang said Vietnam fully observed United to the deal, but he has also indicated he would “Trade relations between Vietnam and Nations resolutions and handled any viola- like to expand it. Iran are strictly civilian and involve goods tions accordingly. Meanwhile, President Hassan Rouhani that would serve the essential needs of people She added that Vietnam hoped the United has said his administration is “not excited” Farhad Ghaemi joins and are not in contrary to the resolutions States would remove the sanctions on the about Biden’s victory, but it’s happy about of the UN,” Vietnamese Foreign Ministry company. Trump’s defeat. Labanyat Haraz Amol spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang told a daily The United States on Wednesday also “Some say you are excited about Biden’s SPORTSTEHRAN — Iran international outside spiker press briefing on Thursday. imposed sanctions on companies based in coming [into power]. No, we’re no excited, deskFarhad Ghaemi joined Labanyat Haraz Amol It came a day after U.S. Treasury Depart- China and the United Arab Emirates. but we’re very happy about Trump’s leav- volleyball club on Friday. history on Iran. ment imposed sanctions on a number of global Since assuming office in January 2017, ing,” Rouhani said at a cabinet meeting on The 31-year-old player officially unveiled as Qatari club Al Trump’s Iran policy has been described companies, accusing them of supporting the outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump has Wednesday. Rayyan player in September but opted to part company with the by observers as an abject failure. sale of Iranian petrochemicals as Washington pursued confrontational policies against He described Trump as a person who even team to join the Iranian side. Meanwhile, President-elect Joe Biden increases pressure on Tehran in the closing Iran. He withdrew from the Iran nuclear blocked the provision of vaccines to patients Haraz coach Behrouz Ataei has confirmed that the player has has voiced support for the JCPOA, saying days of President Donald Trump’s term. deal (JCPOA) in May 2018 and imposed because he did not adhere to any moral and joined them for the rest of Iran Volleyball Super League. his administration will rejoin the deal. Biden The U.S. Treasury said Vietnam Gas and the “toughest ever” economic sanctions in humane principles. “Ghaemi is a great player and will help us in the league. He faced some problems in Qatar and preferred to continue his ca- reer in Iran,” Ataei said. Sri Lanka condemns assassination of nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh Labanyat Haraz sit fourth in the table, four points behind leaders Foolad Sirjan. POLITICAL TEHRAN – Sri Lanka has denounced discouraging,” the speaker of the Sri Lankan Parliament said. of Absard in Damavand County, about 40 kilometers east Furthermore, Iran opposite Amir Ghafour has reportedly desk the assassinations of top Iranian nuclear He added, “Sri Lanka always condemns such terrorist killings.” of the capital Tehran. The scientist lost his life during the joined Turkish club Bursaspor. scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh as a “terrorist killing”. Abeywardane said this kind of violence has convinced attack. Iranian officials were quick to point the finger at The 29-year-old volleyball player will play in the second half In a message to his Iranian counterpart Mohammad all that there is a serious need for unity against terrorism. Israel, which has carried out many assassination opera- of the Turkish top flight. Bagher Ghalibaf, Sri Lankan Parliament Speaker Mahin- The Sri Lankan speaker has extended his condolences tions against Iranian nuclear scientists over the past decade. Ghafour was a member of Italian Serie A side Lube last season da Yapa Abeywardane said Colombo condemns terrorist to the Iranian people on the loss of Fakhrizadeh, whom he Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in a tweet on but left the team after the outbreak of the coronavirus. killings such as the assassination of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. described as a “valuable human”. the day of the assassination that the attack was carried out “Learning of the sorrowful news of the assassination of the On November 27 at 14:30, the convoy of Fakhrizadeh with “serious indications of Israeli role.” Since then, several famed Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was very suddenly came under attack on a highway in the small city Iranian officials have vowed to take revenge against Israel. Qatar’s Al-Jassim to officiate Tehran, Moscow to continue military co-op despite U.S. 2020 ACL final SPORTSTEHRAN — Referee Abdulrahman Ibrahim deskY J Al-Jassim has been appointed to officiate sanctions: ambassador the 2020 AFC Champions League Final between Iran’s Persepolis 1 “Some try to imply that these re- said. “We are making consultations and dependence on the U.S. dollar in the two and Korea Republic’s Ulsan Hyundai FC. lations are not strategic and based on a discussions on various issues including countries’ trade relations. According to Jalali, The match will be held on Saturday at the Al Janoub Stadium. few agreements that are signed between important political and international is- nearly 40% of the trade between Iran and Together with assistants and compatriots, Ramzan Saeed M A the two sides but it should be underlined sues. We regularly make consultations Russia is done with their national currency. Al-Naemi and Saoud Ahmed S A Almaqaleh, the trio will be sup- that these agreements are very important and closely cooperate with each other “And this means that we have made ported by Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Khamis Mohammed S A and that Tehran-Moscow relations are and support each other.” progress in this regard,” the ambassador Al-Marri from Qatar, who will oversee the implementation of the deepening day by day,” the ambassador Jalali underlined the need to reduce noted. VAR system in the final of an AFC Club Competition for the first time. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 4 ECONOMY DECEMBER 19, 2020

A fragile budget Trade with ECO By Seyed Ehsan Khandouzi & Mahdi Toghyani TEHRAN —President Rouhani Submitted its latest govern- ment Budget Bill to the Iranian parliament. Iran’s 2021 budget with 53% growth compared to the previous year, it has broken members exceeds the record of budget growth in recent decades. Among other factors 50 percent jump in staff and retirees’ wages is a major contributor to Iran’s 2020 Budget law, accounting for more than half of government spending (most pension funds in Iran have to cover their budget deficits). The share of government $5.7b in 8 months bond repayment and investment expenditures is 15% and 12%, respectively. On the government revenues side, above all, we 1 Meanwhile, the country imported span, Afghanistan with $1.212 billion, was should mention the 110% growth of government bonds and 3,481,304 tons of goods valued at over $2.817 the first destination for the export of Iranian the 280% growth of oil exports. This is while the growth of billion from the ECO member countries, with goods in this union, followed by Turkey and tax revenues is estimated at about 30%. raw materials, yarn, cotton, barley, flaxseed, Azerbaijan. Based on the following points, Iran’s 2021 Budget Bill can lentils, beans, medical equipment, industrial According to the IRICA Head Mehdi ported $23.1 billion worth of goods, while the about 21.8 million tons were imported goods. be considered a disappointing budget with dangerous eco- raw materials, acids, industrial equipment, Mirashrafi, the value of Iran’s non-oil trade exports stood at $21.5 billion. Iran’s trade with ECO member nations nomic consequences: and agricultural machinery being the top during the first eight months of the current The total volume of traded goods was esti- stood at $4.542 billion in the first half of 1. However, 35% inflation in Iran this year (affected by imported items. calendar year stood at $44.6 billion. mated at about 97.7 million tons, of which over the current Iranian calendar year (March sanctions and the corona) could be a justification for increas- As reported, during the mentioned time In the mentioned eight months, Iran im- 75 million tons were related to exports and 20-September 21). ing the 2021 budget and be an expansionary policy to exit the recession. Next year’s budget is apparently an expansionary policy that could be considered favorable in a recession, but it has been accompanied by an unprecedented jump in the budget deficit. The share of tax revenues has reached its lowest Over $357m allocated for gas supply to rural areas next year level in decades, with only 29 percent of government spending ECONOMY TEHRAN – The government has pro- ments’ activities. covered by taxes. Despite 35% inflation, a 21% increase in deskposed to allocate 15 trillion rials (about The sustainable economic, social, and cultural devel- tax revenues indicates that the tax effort index is small and $357.14 million) for the supply of natural gas to over 8,000 opment of the villages is one of the major priorities of the the gap between actual and potential taxes is large. Official villages across the country during the next Iranian calendar current government, and many projects implemented and reports indicate a high level of tax evasion in Iran, however, year 1400 (begins on March 21, 2021). underway in this regard have led to outstanding development the capacity of the fair tax office seems to be much higher than The mentioned budget will be spent on new gas supply in the rural regions. it is now. Under such circumstances, a jump in government projects in rural areas, and for the completion of semi-finished One of the sectors with noticeable achievements in this spending and a budget deficit could lead to continued inflation gas supply projects across the county with Sistan-Balouch- field is gas supplying, while the number of villages supplied in the coming year. estan, Hormozgan, South Khorasan, and Kerman provinces, with natural gas has doubled during the past seven years as well as Khour and Biabanak cities, being the priorities. since the current government started its activity. Currently, over 32,000 villages across Iran are enjoying Back in November, the managing director of National natural gas through the national network and the number Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) had announced that gas will is planned to reach 40,000 by the end of the next fiscal be supplied to 40,000 villages throughout the country by year (March 2022). the end of the next Iranian calendar year. Over the past seven years, more than 290 trillion rials Hassan Montazer Torbati stated that gas supply has (nearly $7 billion) has been allocated by the government to been developed in the cities and villages of the country connect over 18,000 new rural areas with over 1.6 million since seven years ago due to the increase in gas production households to the national gas network. percent of the value-added in the country, the development in the South Pars gas field (Iran shares with Qatar in the In Iran, where villages account for generating 20-23 of rural areas has been always a top agenda of the govern- Persian Gulf).

Tehran hosts international conference on Iran-China trade 2. Declining demand and purchasing power of households ECONOMY TEHRAN – The Inter- tify domestic capacities and use them to due to its successful economic planning. is a fact of the Iranian economy, and increasing government desknational Institute of Iran develop the country’s economy. “The Vice Presidency for Science and current spending (including government employees’ salaries, Industries Research held an internation- “There are many export potentials in the Technology, as one of the powerful de- assistance to pension funds, and subsidies) can be attractive al conference on trade, investment, and country that can be used to the fullest, but partments of the government, has the duty to the public in the short term, but when it increases inflation economic cooperation between Iran and unfortunately we have suffered a lot from to support private and knowledge-based in the long run, it will ultimately be to the detriment of house- China on Wednesday. impractical regulations in this area. To solve companies in their trade activities, and hold purchasing power. The government’s position in its final Aimed at exploring the challenges in this problem, the Economic Committee of we hope to be a strategic partner of China months is a factor in increasing government short-sightedness. the way of trade cooperation between the the Iranian Chamber of Commerce has it in the future instead of an importer from 3. The only possible anti-inflation factor for the Iranian two countries and presenting the latest on the agenda to promote the significant the country, and if this idea is realized, economy next year is the increase in interest rates, which is solutions for them, the event hosted over role of exports in the country’s economy,” especially in technology development, we due to the high sales of Iranian government bonds next year. 100 businessmen and officials from the Nafar said. will be an economic hub in West Asia and Iran’s budget has never been as dependent on bond sales as country’s public- and private-sector or- the country’s institutions and organizations Further in the event, Masoud Hafezi, the North Africa,” he said. in 2021. When we put these bonds together at interest rates ganizations. active in the field of export to cooperate deputy director of the International Business He noted that there are about 5,400 above 20 percent, the outlook for the Iranian government’s During the conference, the attendees and interact more in order to maximize the Development Office of the Vice-Presidency knowledge-based companies in Iran, one- debt growth is worrying. Very worrying. expressed their views on the development development of trade and economic rela- for Science and Technology, stated that third of which are relatively large companies 4. The unprecedented jump in oil revenues in the 2021 of trade between the two countries and tions with the People’s Republic of China. China has become an international eco- with favorable conditions. Budget Bill is another important point to consider. The 2020 offered new solutions for removing the Also, addressing the event, the Head of nomic power by adopting and adhering to At the end of this international con- budget law assumed a daily export of 1.5 million barrels per barriers and expanding trade between the the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, short-term and long-term macro policies ference, the businessmen attending the day. When we criticized this overestimation last year in the two sides. Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA)’s Export and strategies in the field of global trade. conference discussed and exchanged views context of the Iranian oil embargo, we predicted that its actual Speaking at the event, the Secretary of Committee Jamshid Nafar stressed that He highlighted that China will definitely on expanding cooperation between Iran realization would be much less. This happened and even half the Conference Sina Sanjari called on all holding such conferences will help iden- replace the United States in the near future and China. of the government’s oil revenues did not materialize this year. Although President Rouhani is very optimistic about easing sanctions and increasing oil sales since Joe Biden took office in the United States, budgeting rules dictate that we draft the bill carefully. Exports of 2.3 million barrels of oil next year (or Monthly copper concentrate output hits over 97,000 tons domestic oil sales) are beyond all realistic forecasts. It is a risky ECONOMY TEHRAN — Production of copper con- Iranian calendar year (ends on March 20, 2021), Iran policy to make more than 40% of the Iranian government’s deskcentrate in Iran has reached 97,665 tons plans to produce 1.427 million tons of copper concentrate. spending next year dependent on the jump in oil exports. The in the eighth month of the current Iranian calendar year The country had planned to produce 1.198 million government’s willingness to increase spending in the final months (October 22-November 20), which was three percent tons of copper concentrate in the past year, while the of government seems to be a major factor in overestimating more than the output in the same month of the past year. output reached 1.18 million tons. oil revenues. Meanwhile, the copper concentrate production rose Iran has seen its copper exports doubled in the past All of this means that the budget will be more vulnerable just one percent to 804,480 tons in the first eight months Iranian calendar year (ended on March 19) despite a next year and is against the policies of strengthening the na- of the present year (March 20-November 20), from the series of bitter sanctions imposed by the United States tional economy. But despite the above axes, what can be done same period of time in the previous year. aimed at hampering the Islamic Republic’s trade of lu- for the 2021 budget? Used as raw materials in copper smelting, copper crative metals. The first step is the need to control current government spend- concentrates have a copper content of about 30 percent A senior official at Iranian Mines and Mining Industries ing. Limiting the increase in government employees’ salaries to by weight. The remainder consists mostly of sulfur and Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO), inflation or even lower, although a painful policy in the short iron. Copper concentrates are made mostly from sulfide Iran’s largest metals and mining holding, has said that term, is like the bitterness of a syrup for a patient whose budget ores. the value of exports for main copper products reached deficit will add to his current 35% inflation. Note that there are In its outlook plan for the mining sector in the current more than $1 billion over the past year. only a handful of countries experiencing inflation at this level. The second step is to realize oil spending and rely more on tax revenues. Given that Iran’s economy is experiencing widespread tax evasion and some of the common tax bases in developed countries (such as CGT or wealth tax) are almost non-existent Rouhani inaugurates 99 civil, urban development projects across Iran in Iran or its figures are close to zero, this measure can be done ECONOMY TEHRAN — Iranian Khorasan Razavi, East Azarbaijan, Isfahan, program called “A-B-Iran” based on which projects with a total investment of 335.6 without further pressure on the mobile manufacturing sector. deskPresident Hassan Rou- Shiraz, and Mazandaran. the ministry inaugurates several energy pro- trillion rials (about $7.99 billion). Be. This policy is very much in line with the slogan of justice, a hani, on Thursday, inaugurated 99 civil and Since the beginning of the current jects every week, and the Industry, Mining, In the second phase of the program, slogan that is often heard in the new Iranian parliament. urban development projects worth over 79.5 calendar year, which has been named and Trade Ministry is also following a new 250 projects were going to be inaugurated billion rials (about $1.89 million) across the year of “surge in production” by the scheme called “Persistent Production-Ef- by the end of the current Iranian calendar the country through video conference in the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Seyed fective Employment-Sustainable Exports” year (March 20, 2021) of which so far 154 Washing machine 37th series of inauguration ceremonies in Ali Khamenei, the government has urged under which the ministry has inaugurated have gone operational. manufacturing increases 58% the current Iranian calendar year (started various bodies and ministries to take the numerous projects so far. Also, based on the Persistent Produc- on March 19). necessary measures for the realization of A-B-Iran program (the acronyms A and tion-Effective Employment-Sustainable ECONOMY TEHRAN — Manufacturing of washing machine The mentioned projects including some the year’s motto. B stand for water and electricity in Persian) Exports program, the Industry Ministry deskin Iran has increased 58.2 percent during the subway stations, renovation of urban trans- In this regard, since the beginning of was initiated in the previous Iranian cal- has planned to inaugurate 200 major in- first eight months of the current Iranian calendar year (March port fleets, and a waste-to-energy plant, the year, every week several major projects endar year (ended on March 19), during dustrial, mining, and trade projects across 20-November 20), compared to the same period of time in the were put into operation in various prov- have gone operational in various sectors. which the minister made 31 trips to various the country by the Iranian calendar year of past year, according to the data released by Industry, Mining inces across the country including Tehran, The Energy Ministry has implemented a provinces for inaugurating over 220 major 1400 (begins on March 21, 2021). and Trade Ministry. The ministry’s data show that 665,200 washing machines have been manufactured in the eight-month period. Iran has targeted the manufacturing of 12 million sets of home TSE’s main index loses 93,000 points in a week appliances in the current Iranian calendar year (ends on March 20, 2021), an official with the Industry, Mining and Trade Ministry ECONOMY TEHRAN — TEDPIX, Tejarat Bank, Esfahan Oil Refining Com- to 1.2 million points. had announced in early October. deskthe main index of Teh- pany, and National Iranian Copper In- After a period of correction, the index Keyvan Gardan, the director for the electrical and metals ran Stock Exchange (TSE), lost 93,000 dustry Company were the most widely has been recently climbing. industries and home appliances office of the ministry, put the points, or 6.5 percent, in the past Iranian followed indices. Earlier this month, Ahmad Eshtiaqi, annual production of home appliances at nine million sets in calendar week (ended on Friday). TEDPIX, which had been experiencing a market analyst, told IRNA that the in- the past Iranian year. The index stood at 1.413 million points a surprisingly rising trend since the last dex will continue its upward trend until The official further stated, “Following the policies of Resist- at the end of the previous week. days of the previous Iranian calendar the end of the current Iranian calendar ance Economy, the Ministry of Industry, Mining and Trade has During the past week, the indices year (ended on March 19), hit the record year (March 20, 2021) and is expected defined a path for the development of domestic industry, and of Iran Khodro Group, Social Security high of two million points on August 2, to reach 1.8 million points by the end we will pass this way with our all-out efforts.” Investment Company, Saipa Company, but then it began to drop, coming down of the year. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y DECEMBER 19, 2020 ANALYSIS/INTERVIEW 5

In the lost time, another shocking Turkey, Iraq on same page against terror groups: Erdogan

Turkey and Iraq agreed to continue fighting terrorists trying to disrupt assassination in one year peace and stability in their common region, the Turkish president announced on Dec. 17. 1 The resentment is established Iran to retaliate and start a war. Nonethe- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s remarks came at a joint news in the fact that any citizen who lives within less, this demonstrates the stupidity of the conference following a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa the boundary of this region’s states is not parties who committed the assassination al-Kadhimi who is in Turkey to discuss regional, bilateral and eco- safe from being subjected to any attempt of or logistically participated in its execution. nomic ties. assassination. This violation of the states’ The Iranian patience has hindered Trump’s Erdogan said terror groups such as Daesh, also known as ISIL, as sovereignty is becoming a source of huge eagerness to find an excuse on the national well as the PKK and FETO, were “common enemies” of both sides concerns to the nations’ citizens who believe level to start a war in the region. and underlined that separatist terrorist aims had no future in Turkey, in the sovereignty of their country and ex- Accordingly, the High Representative Iraq or Syria. pecting measures to deter these pernicious of the European Union for Foreign Affairs Recent terror attacks have shown that the PKK’s Syrian offshoot, acts. The citizens are expecting deterrent and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, has said known as the YPG, poses a threat to Iraqi security as well, the pres- procedures to be taken to stop the “Israe- in an interview on Euro news that the party ident said, referring to a YPG/PKK attack on Peshmerga forces in li” attacks and the assassination of their that executed the assassination of Fakhriza- the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) in Iraq on Wednesday. scientists and leaders. deh is seeking escalation of conflict in the Erdogan went on to hail Baghdad’s appointment of a Turkmen Consequently, when a sovereign state region, especially those who oppose the minister to its cabinet, adding that Turkey stood by Iraq without any like Iran is attacked it is difficult to ac- nuclear agreement with Iran. kind of ethnic or religious discrimination be it concerning Turkmens, cept the fact that Iran may not respond. After the assassination of Fakhrizadah, Kurds or Arabs, or the Shia and Sunni sects. However, Iran is more or less under the Joe Biden, on the 4th of December, revealed Protecting Iraq’s political unity, territorial integrity, safety, and microscope. Even though more than two his intentions to go back to the nuclear security are among Turkey’s chief concerns, he underlined, express- weeks has passed after the assassination and the security apparatuses are the best with the movement of the American aircraft deal with Iran. He criticized Trump’s policy ing Ankara’s willingness to contribute to Iraq’s reconstruction. of Fakhrizadeh, the world is still waiting judge of how and when to retaliate, but the carrier Nimitz into the Persian Gulf, and the towards Iran; however, at the same time, On the economic front, Erdogan noted that both countries could for the revenge of his killing. people and governments are waiting. The anticipation of devilish actions was clear Biden said in his interview with CNN: “the easily reach their trade goal of $20 billion and that the leaders agreed The ongoing assassinations of scholars delay must have encouraged the enemies in the arrival of the Boeing B-52 bombers bottom line is that we can’t allow Iran to get to help Turkish and Iraqi businessmen by removing obstacles in the in the region are a clear message from the to execute another assassination, since ex- in the Persian Gulf region. nuclear weapons.” Biden in his declaration way of commerce. West, not only Israel and the U.S., that the perience has shown that Iran may need to At the same time, the United States is playing a sleazy game. Biden is trying to Further stressing that both countries shared a great potential in Arab region and West Asia should be pre- weight its pros and cons before ahead, and clinched a deal on the sale of F-35 aircraft extend “swing policy”, since the Iranians the energy sector, he called for the repair of the Kirkuk-Ceyhan oil vented from building their own advanced this might take another year. fighters with the United Arab Emirates. The these days need to be sturdy; the Americans pipeline - damaged by ISIL attacks - by which oil from Iraq’s Kirkuk technology, develop their industrial inde- Failing to fulfill the promise the Iranian deal was supposed to serve as a camouflage need to be more flexible. province could make its way to the global market in larger quantities pendence, and maintain their security. government made to revenge Soleimani’s for any Israeli attack on Iran. It was aimed However, all American governments are than before. When General Qassem Soleimani was assassination, definitely opened a window to increase the tension in the Persian Gulf. the same! On the 16th of December, the Concluding his remarks, Erdogan said Turkey had improved its assassinated in Iraq with his comrade of opportunity for Israeli. Unfortunately, These steps were accompanied by Americans day in which officials, who are being tasked irrigation technology, wastewater management, and environmen- Abu Mahdi al-Muhandess, it was a great while the Israelis are playing on lost time warning messages to Israel of any sudden to organize the Memorial Day for General tal practices and was willing to share its experience with Iraq, adding shock to the whole world. I know Syrian factor, the Iranians are lost in it. Israeli wants attacks. Finally, it is important to take into Soleimani, met with Ayatollah Khamenei, the that an action plan had been shared with Iraqi authorities on the issue officers and Islamic freedom fighters who to achieve its aim by declaring American consideration that after the normalization Leader of the Islamic Revolution re-remind- of water management between them. have cried and mourned the two men. The war on Iran, if not by scoring in hitting treaties between the UAE and Israel, the ed of the promise Iran has made to avenge Americans bluntly committed this act of strategic targets as much as it could, such Israelis has extended their existence in the the Soleimani assassination; however, he assassination. The Iranians’ response in as assassinations, nuclear targets, annihi- Persian Gulf. left the timing to the best knowledge of the U.S. to blacklist dozens of striking the American military base in Ein lating VIPs and getting away with it. On It is clear that Trump’s plan was meant experts. He also promised that America Chinese firms al-Assad was of great importance. Howev- the other hand, the Iranian hands seem to to siege the Iranian nuclear program. He will pay for its crimes. The price will be intended to agitate Biden’s coming to the er, when Tehran announced that the real be tied because the Americans are going its definite exit from the region. Ayatollah The United States is set to add dozens of Chinese companies, including White House. At the same time, he aimed revenge for the Soleimani killing was yet through a transitional period. Khamenei pinpointed the fact: whoever thes country’ top chipmaker SMIC, to a trade blacklist on Friday, two to achieving the ultimate goal of under- to be expected, actually everyone was in a The timing of the assassination is not rules in the United States is eventually an people familiar with the matter told Reuters. mining any attempt to revive the nuclear state of anticipation, whether it was Iran’s arbitrary and totally dependent on time American. The move, which has not previously been reported, is seen as the deal with Iran. friends or its enemies. factor. Iran has the right to avoid war on It is most likely that the revenge will be latest in President Donald Trump’s effort to cement his tough-on- Obviously, the movement of the USS The Iranians promised retaliation was yet its land; it is only fair to be reluctant to go coming soon, and might come as a New China legacy. It comes just weeks before Democratic President-elect Nimitz Carrier implies the U.S.’s plan to to come. Almost one year has passed since through another war experience. Howev- Year gift to all the lovers of Soleimani and Joe Biden is set to take office on Jan. 20. threaten Iran. Accordingly, the Americans the incident and Iran has not responded. er, it does not mean that if the war was Fakhrizadeh in Iran and the region. In total, the United States is expected to add around 80 addi- need a justification to start a war. It was To many, the promised revenge has failed enforced on Iran, it would not face it. Still, The views expressed in this article are tional companies and affiliates to the so-called entity list, nearly all expected that the assassination may drive to come! Logically, the Iranian government the beating of the war drums was heard those of the writer. of them Chinese. The designations by the Commerce Department are expected to name some Chinese companies that Washington says have ties to the Chinese military, including some helping it construct and militarize Biden won? 2020-2016 showed what U.S. does to even mild reformers artificial islands in the South China Sea, as well as some involved in alleged human rights violations, the sources said. By Ramin Mazaheri about extending an olive branch to Russia and a purchase The Trump administration has often used the entity list - which order to China. now includes more than 275 China-based firms and affiliates - to hit What the four-year epoch of Donald Trump has made Trump saw that because of the financial crimes and key Chinese industries. staggeringly clear to non-Americans is that no one - not corruption of the U.S. elite, as well as their failed neoliberal even a democratically-elected American - will be able to response to the Great Recession, it was undeniable that even moderately alter the U.S. capitalist-imperialist foreign America (and its European allies) had degraded and been Hackers target the U.S. policy trajectory without undergoing a no-holds barred equaled, or in some areas surpassed by, China and Russia. attack aimed at bringing that person down. Trump admitted this, and thus the businessman wanted to agency tasked with securing What the election of Joe Biden (although “installation” “do business” with America’s two recalcitrant peers while is clearly more accurate) shows is that the current Amer- the nuclear weapons still crushing revolutionary, sovereignty-demanding or ican elite is wrongly yet firmly guided by the self-serving just smaller nations with the competitive might the US 1 Senator Deb Fischer, chair of the Subcommittee on Strategic and evangelical ideas which have dominated U.S. foreign still had held on to. Forces, said that she was “troubled” by reports of the security breach. policy since the implosion of the USSR in 1991: “the end Trump - of course - was not just unhindered but ap- “Our nuclear deterrent is the bedrock of our national security. of history”, unipolar dominance and “humanitarian in- plauded by the U.S. Deep State in expanding upon the The NNSA’s infrastructure and computer systems play a vital role terventionism”. existing policy of crushing revolutionary countries, but he and must be protected,” she said in a statement. Trump’s defeat is still an assumption, but - given that was clearly forced into antagonizing those two American Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Supreme Court will likely continue to sidestep the equals when initially he obviously did not want to. thousands of businesses were targeted by a sweeping hacking cam- issue of state executive orders for mail-in ballots that So what does Trump’s ousting now mean for those two paign that officials suspect was directed by the Russian government. bypassed a democratic check and balance by the legis- major countries? It means normal, peaceful relations with that a political newcomer who seemed to want peace in Emails sent by officials at DHS, which oversees border security lative branch - the staggering burden of proof on those the U.S. are now impossible for at least four years. How some places was pulled down by a myriad of rabid and and defense against hacking, were monitored by the hackers as part who claim a criminal conspiracy of electoral fraud have can they possibly conclude otherwise? hysterical monkeys. Biden and the U.S. establishment of the sophisticated series of breaches, three people familiar with the a lot of proving to do, and in a very short period of time. Why would China, Russia, or the other undoubted en- wants the non-American to act as if 2016-2020 never matter told Reuters Monday. What’s certain is that Trump was undoubtedly the one emies of Washington possibly expect any detente with happened, but who could possibly forget what shockingly person who put fear into the all-smothering U.S. estab- the U.S. from 2021 onwards when the Trump era has terrible actions were on display in the U.S. over the past lishment in my lifetime, and probably yours. He dared to unequivocally proven to them that such detente will never four years to prevent any new policies, especially in for- R esistance N ews cast mainstream doubt on the elites’ versions of free trade be permitted by the U.S. elite at any cost? eign relations? (neoliberal capitalism) and foreign policy (imperialism), and It is now crystal clear that the U.S. president does not Obama was a successful ‘brand change’, but Biden will he progressed the American conversation from Eisenhower’s shape foreign policy - he only implements it. If he doesn’t not be In 2016 the U.S. was already so weakened by its UN condemns Israel killing seemingly technocratic “military-industrial complex” to we see what happens: the U.S. establishment was aghast Great Recession-inducing financial crimes that Trump of Palestinian child as ‘grave the far more nefarious yet accurate “Deep State”. at his calls to prosecute “crooked Hillary”, but Trump came to the fore. In 2020 the U.S. is even more gutted, Yes, Trump has weakened America domestically via looks like he will be the first ex-president to ever face due to this spectacularly awful year. So why would Russia violation of international law his policies of deregulation and liberal (not neoliberal) prosecution. and China not meet the confrontations which Washington capitalism, but this column talks about the new post-Trump Who is actually giving the foreign policy orders? Feel is clearly still intent on posing to them? Human rights experts of the United Nations have lambasted as realizations now breaking over the non-American world: free to guess my opinion, but we know it is certainly not Biden has none of Obama’s charisma, youth, acting a “grave violation of international law” the killing of the sixth Trump has irrevocably changed foreign perceptions public opinion. Trump obviously tried to please public ability, etc. He behaves like an old grandfather who will Palestinian child by Israeli soldiers in 2020 in the occupied ter- of America - in its cultural, social, political and econom- opinion and pull out of Afghanistan, Somalia and else- do anything to earn the attention and admiration of his ritories, calling for Tel Aviv’s accountability. ic totality - because the world witnessed the shocking where and we all saw what happened - he was absolutely grandchildren, not someone who can credibly back up Michael Lynk, the UN special rapporteur on the situation of extremism the U.S. establishment/1%/Deep State/mil- vilified for it in all the U.S. power circles. claims of being the competent leader of the self-appointed human rights in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, itary-industrial-media complex/etc. was willing to use There are countless articles in American mainstream “leader of the free world”. and Agnès Callamard, UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, day after day just to take him down. media which prove this analysis right; which confirm that That is why China is now showing a shocked Australia summary or arbitrary executions, made the comments in a joint Trump showed the world who they are really dealing Biden will be even more belligerent to China and Russia; who really needs who economically via unprecedented statement on Thursday. with: forces much stronger than even the U.S. executive which confirm he will use the same drones and sanctions tariffs.s It’ why Russia is sending the S-400 defense system They called for an impartial and independent investigation Few Americans wanted to openly admit that what Trump on all “un-invadable” nations as Trump did. It’s clear from to Turkey and is having their ambassador to Israel stick into the killing of the 15-year-old Palestinian boy at a protest initially suggested to the world was actually a new type of Biden’s statements and cabinet choices that - in policies up for Iran no matter who it offends. It’s not a question rally held in the occupied West Bank earlier this month. global competition, instead of one predicated on the usual towards non-Americans - he is going to deploy the worst of America being too “weak” nor realpolitik but common “The killing of Ali Ayman Abu Aliya” by the Israeli military “– American, “You’re either with us and for goodness and of Trump’s tools but, crucially, combine them with the sense - the fall of Trump emphatically proves detente with in circumstances where there was no threat of death or serious progress, or against us and for the terrorists”. But that worst of phony Clintonian “humanitarian interventionism”. the U.S. is simply not going to be permitted. injury to the Israeli Security Forces – is a grave violation of was a major change, and it was predicated on Trump’s So why would China or Russia kowtow to Biden when More of these challenges to the U.S. will occur in the international law,” said the experts. non-mainstream politician admission that America had the 2016-2020 era shows that total belligerence is the next four years because that is all Washington wants. Of “Intentional lethal force is justified only when the security fallen so far that people had to actually do some work to only possibility Washington permits? Why would China course the American people don’t want that: half the Amer- personnel are facing an immediate threat of deadly force or se- “Make America Great Again” - he essentially admitted it or Russia expect Biden to extend mutually-beneficial co- ican people voted for Trump, after all, and we know that rious harm,” the pair added. was no longer a unipolar world. operation? It’s not going to arrive, and part of Trump’s they meant nothing to the American elite for four years; According to the Palestinian health ministry on December 4, Trump openly promised death to Iran, Palestine and downfall was that he even tried. the half-leftist Bernie Sanders supporters were similarly the teenage boy “succumbed to his wounds after he was shot with Cuba, but in 2016 part of his shock was that he clearly One must look at it from the perspective of non-Amer- shut out once their vote has been used to push out Trump. live rounds in the stomach” during clashes during a demonstration had accepted a multipolar world as he shockingly talked icans: 2016-2020 has been incredibly shocking in the way (Press TV) in the village of Mughayir north of Ramallah earlier in the day. The UN experts said Abu Aliya had been the sixth Palestin- ian child living in the West Bank to be killed in 2020 by Israeli security forces using live ammunition. The joint statement added that 1,048 Palestinian children Virus-stricken Macron at presidential retreat with fever have been wounded by Israeli security forces across the Oc- As French President Emmanuel Macron It’s seen as a bad example and unfair While Macron usually wears a mask and He shook hands and half-embraced the cupied Palestinian Territory between November 1, 2019, and rides out the coronavirus in a presidential to his compatriots, just as France sees a adheres to social distancing rules, and has head of the Organization for Economic Co- October 31, 2020. retreat at Versailles, critics on Friday called new uptick in infections and doctors are insisted that his virus strategy is driven operation and Development, Angel Gurria, “Children enjoy special protected rights under international out slip-ups in his virus protection behavior, warning families to stay cautious this holi- by science, the 42-year-old president has at a meeting Monday. Both were masked, law,” they stressed, adding, “Each of these killings raises deep from a close-quarters handshake to repeated day season - especially at the dinner table, been captured on camera in recent days but Macron’s office acknowledged Friday concerns about Israel’s adherence to its solemn human rights big-group meals over the past week. AP reported. violating France’s own guidelines. the move was a “mistake.” and humanitarian law obligations as the occupying power.” I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 6 HERITAGE & TOURISM DECEMBER 19, 2020 Iran’s art of miniature, pilgrimage to St. Thaddeus Bronze daggers restored in Lorestan listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage TOURISM TEHRAN –Three ancient bronze daggers in deskwestern Lorestan province underwent some 1 While there are stylistic differ- to be added to the prestigious list. rehabilitation works, deputy provincial tourism chief has announced. ences between them, the art of miniature as Iran was slated to register the festival The daggers, which were discovered during several excavations practiced by the submitting States Parties jointly with Tajikistan, and the skill of mak- from an archeological site in the Sangtarashan village, were restored shares crucial features. In all cases, it is ing and playing the instrument with Syria. by cultural heritage experts in a laboratory in the Sassanid-era Falak- a traditional craft typically transmitted Due to the limitations of UNESCO for the ol-Aflak Fortress in Khorramabad, Zahra Baharvand announced through mentor-apprentice relationships registration of each country’s intangible on Thursday. (non-formal education) and considered heritage, the dossiers of the elements had Two of the daggers have bronze handles and blades, and are as an integral part of each society’s social been prepared jointly with neighboring decorated with stone, while the third one has a bronze handle and and cultural identity. countries, according to Mohammad-Has- an iron blade that was severely damaged, the official added. The miniature displays a specific type of san Talebian, Iran’s deputy minister of perspective in which the size of the figures cultural heritage. changes according to their importance - a Mehregan Festival typically brings key difference between realistic and nat- together clusters of Iranian Zoroastrians uralistic styles. Though it has existed for in celebration of Mithra, an ancient god- centuries, it continues to develop and thus dess of friendship, affection, and love. The strengthens the bonds between past and celebrations are usually opened up with present. Traditional painting principles keynote speeches by Zoroastrian religious and techniques are preserved, but artists figures and officials, followed by Shahnameh also bring individual creativity into the recitations, exciting contests, and other process. joyful customaries. Falling on the 196th Pilgrimage to the St. Thaddeus day of the Iranian calendar year, which The annual three-day pilgrimage to St. usually equals October 2 in the Gregorian The restoration project aimed at removing the rust, cleaning Thaddeus Apostle Monastery in northwest- The commemoration ceremony includes in Armenia, participating in the pilgrim- calendar, the festivity was used to be a and preserving the daggers, she explained. ern Iran is held each July. The pilgrimage special liturgies, processions, prayers, and age was prohibited. Bearers of the element traditional autumn harvest festival with Luristan [Lorestan] bronzes is the accepted term for a distinct venerates two prominent saints: St. Thad- fasting. It culminates in a Holy Mass with preserved cultural memories of the pilgrim- several accounts on its origins. body of metalwork produced in the first half of the first millennium deus, one of the first apostles preaching Holy Communion. Special times are set age and transmitted them to families and Oud is a short-neck lute-type, pear- BC and characterized by a wide range of idiosyncratic forms and a Christianity, and St. Santukhd, the first aside for traditional Armenian folk perfor- communities. Only after independence in shaped stringed instrument, which is highly stylized conception of human and animal representation. female Christian martyr. mances and Armenian dishes are served. the 1990s was the pilgrimage from Arme- thought that was invented by nomad tribes The term refers to the small cast objects decorated with bronze The bearers of the element are the Ar- The pilgrimage is the primary social and nia resumed. since it was light and mobile. Oud’s warm sculptures from the Early Iron Age, as well as a great number of menian population in Iran, Iranian-Arme- cultural event of the year. Two Iranian elements fail s and fluid sound makes it a versatile instru- ornaments, tools, weapons, horse-fittings, and a smaller number nians residing in Armenia, and followers of Because attendees reside in tents near During the session, UNESCO experts ment in solo performances and showcasing of vessels and those found in recorded excavations since the late the Armenian Apostolic Church. Pilgrims one another, the sense of community is investigated four Iranian elements, con- the nuances of Persian music. It comes in 1920s in Lorestan and Kermanshah provinces. gather in Tabriz before departing for the enhanced. The monastery has been a pil- cluding the ancient festival of Mehregan, different sizes, Arabic ouds have bigger The ethnicity of the people who created them remains unclear monastery. They cover 700 kilometers grimage site for over nineteen centuries. and the skills of making and playing the oud size bodies and Turkish ones are smaller though scholars believe that they were created either by the Cimme- from Yerevan to the monastery annually. However, during the years of Soviet power (a stringed instrument) were not qualified and Persian ouds usually fall in between. rians, a nomadic people from southern Russia who may have invaded Iran in the 8th century BC, or by such related Indo-European people as the early Medes and Persians, possibly related to the modern Lur people who have given their name to the area. UNWTO registers Iran national brand for tourism TOURISM TEHRAN – The United Nations World Studies of Iran’s tourism brand officially began two New educational approaches deskTourism Organization has recently reg- decades ago. Different logos, ranging from lotus flower istered “Majestic Iran: a Different Experience” as the to saffron flower, were selected and Iran has sometimes aimed to bring crafts prosperity national brand for the Islamic Republic of Iran. appeared in international forums with slogans such as ‘See “With this registration by the UNWTO, Iran officially Iran’. However, none of them have survived to this day. TOURISM TEHRAN – New approaches to educational deskcontents in handicrafts are the key to the devel- entered the list of countries with tourism brands,” ISNA On the wings of this Simorgh, Muqarnas - a form of opment of this sector during the next Iranian colander year 1400 quoted deputy tourism minister Vali Teymouri as saying ornamented vaulting in Islamic architecture - is depicted. (starts on March 20, 2021), deputy tourism minister has said. on Friday. The tail of Simorgh consists of seven feathers, whose To adopt new educational approaches, the education department The motto combined with the image of a “Simurgh” number is a symbol of the sanctity in Iranian culture of the tourism ministry intends to identify its audiences according -- a huge mythical bird of Persian legend credited with and other religions and nations. The bird is illustrated to their psychological characteristics and lifestyle rather than their possessing great wisdom – constitute the national brand, in turquoise blue (Persian blue) with the word “Iran” in demographic characteristics, which include age, gender, level of which the country officially unveiled last February. terracotta, displaying the dominant color of nature and education, level of knowledge, occupation and geographical location, “A good professional and international introduction architecture of Iran. Pouya Mahmoudian announced on Thursday. of the Iranian tourism brand has been made by the World Experts expect Iran to achieve a tourism boom af- This new approach aims at empowering crafters as well as giving Tourism Organization,” Teymouri added. ter coronavirus contained, believing its impact would scribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Under the them self-confidence, independence, self-sufficiency and creativity, “Majestic Iran: a Different Experience” aims to hammer be temporary and short-lived for a country that ranked 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, Iran aims to increase the therefore it will be planned based on their values and interests, the home the message of diversity and richness in recreational, the third fastest-growing tourism destination in 2019. number of tourist arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to official added. cultural, and medical tourism. The Islamic Republic expects to reap a bonanza from 20 million in 2025. The latest available data show eight She also explained that the fresh training courses will include According to Zahed Shafiei, project manager of the its numerous tourist spots such as bazaars, museums, million tourists visited the Islamic Republic during the children, elderly and retirees and disabled. tourism brand, the selection of this logo and motto took mosques, bridges, bathhouses, madrasas, mausoleums, first ten months of the past Iranian calendar year (ended more than two years. churches, towers, and mansions, of which 24 being in- March 20). 50 ancient objects to gain former glory HERITAGE TEHRAN –A selection back to the Iron Age. by Sassanid King Ardashir I (180-242 deskof 50 historical objects Iron Age is in fact final technological CE). The province makes a base for wid- are scheduled to be restored by teams of and cultural stage in the Stone–Bronze– er explorations with the architectural cultural heritage experts and restorers Iron Age sequence. The date of the full wonder of Soltaniyeh, the subterranean in west-central Zanjan province, pro- Iron Age, in which this metal, for the delights of the Katale-Khor caves, colorful vincial tourism chief has said. most part, replaced bronze in implements mountains, and the UNESCO-registered The historical collection is composed and weapons, varied geographically, be- Takht-e Soleiman ruins are nearby. of coins and clay objects discovered ginning in West Asia and southeastern In late January, Zanjan was desig- With 14 entries, Iran ranks first globally for having the topmost from different historical sites scattered Europe about 1200 BC but in China not nated as a “world city of filigree” by the number of cities and villages registered by the World Crafts Council, across the province, Amir Arjmand said until about 600 BC, according to the World Crafts Council after the WCC as- as China with seven entries, Chile with four, and India with three on Thursday. Encyclopedia Britannica. sessors visited various craft workshops, ones come next. The selected objects include 19 cop- Although in West Asia iron had stores, exhibits, and bazaars of a city In late January, the cities of Shiraz, Malayer, and Zanjan and the per coins, six silver coins, and 25 clay limited use as a scarce and precious in a two-day itinerary last December. village of Qassemabad were designated by the WCC- Asia Pacific utensils discovered from historical metal as early as 3,000 BC, there is Filigree consists of curling, twisting, Region, putting Iran’s number of world crafts cities and villages cemeteries, the official explained. no indication that people at that time or plaiting fine, pliable metal threads from ten to 14. He also noted that the project aims at recognized its superior qualities over and soldering them at their points of Iran exported $523 million worth of handicrafts during the past cleansing, restoring, strengthening, and those of bronze. contact with each other with a metal calendar year 1398 (ended March 19). Of the figure, some $273 preserving the objects, mostly dating Zanjan is one of the cities founded groundwork. million worth of handicrafts were exported officially through cus- toms, and about $250 million was earned via suitcase trade (allowed for customs-free and tax-free transfer) through various provinces, according to data provided by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts. Explore Susa; one of the oldest cities in the world Ceramics, pottery vessels, handwoven cloths as well as personal (Part 2/3) probably from Anshan, seized power in Elam. These ornamentations with precious and semi-precious gemstones are HERITAGE TEHRAN — Excavations have es- Kidinuids were later replaced by the Igehalkids and traditionally exported to Iraq, Afghanistan, Germany, the U.S., the desktablished that people were living in the Shutrukids. Under these dynasties, Susa saw its UK, and other countries. Susa in c. 5000 BC. greatest flourishing. The city of Anshan was destroyed Early Susa and its kingdom was integrated into the Elamite state; Kariz underground city; top In this early age, the potters of Susa produced ce- although it would regain its independence, the city ramics of an unsurpassed quality, which they deco- was never rebuilt. destination for nature lovers rated with birds, mountain goats, and other animals Many buildings were erected in Susa, like the Dy- designs. In the fourth millennium (the “Uruk Period”), nastic Temple of the Shutrukids, and many objects TOURISM TEHRAN – Qanats (ancient subterranean the city became the capital of Elam and was able, at found in Susa confirm what is known from written deskaqueduct) of Kish Island in the Persian Gulf, times, to challenge the Sumerian and Akkadian towns sources: that the Elamites were able to capture Babylon, which once provided the islanders’ drinking water, is now trans- in southern Iraq. sacked it, and took away everything they could use formed into an amazing underground city, with an area of 10,000 The city itself expanded to the east, to that part of or found interesting, like the Codex of Hammurabi. square meters known as Kariz. the city that is now called the royal city. From written However, the Babylonians reorganized themselves, The qanats, which date back to c. 2,500 years ago, have supplied sources, we know that there must have been ziggurat. and were able to loot Susa. water to agricultural and permanent settlements in this arid region. A third part is the artisan’s quarter, which was even Neo-Elamite Susa Kariz has opened up a new exceptional chapter for all nature further to the east. During the eleventh, tenth, and ninth centuries, lovers who can visit the largest coral collection directly. The kings of the Awan dynasty are known to have which are Dark Ages in most of the ancient world, According to the low depth of Kish, Kariz underground city depth been the rulers of Elam in the last third of the third Clay tablet depicts a treaty between Naram-Sin and Elam, Elam is almost absent from our sources. is about 12 meters below the ground with a height of eight meters. millennium; they were contemporaries of the dynasty Susa, ca. 2250 BC Assyrian sources mention that Elamites and Bab- This underground city contains three qanats and 274 wells of Sargon of Akkad, who was temporarily able to in- ylonians unitedly opposed the expansion of Assyria, including recreational sites and facilities for visiting the ancient corporate Susa into his empire. However, the Awan The Awan dynasty collapsed when the Gutians de- and that may well be true, as we can see the same qanat of Kish Island. kings managed to regain their independence and a scended from the mountains and created havoc on coalition in the next centuries. This alliance was to Some of these wells are completely intact and some others treaty between Sargon’s grandson Naram-Sin and his the alluvial plains of Elam and Mesopotamia. Susa become Susa’s misfortune: when the Babylonians have been made in the form of a cone for better air conditioning colleague in the east proves that in the end, mutual was controlled by king Shulgi of Ur and later by other had been defeated by the Assyrian king Sennacherib and lighting. respect reigned, according to Livius.org; a website on Mesopotamian rulers, and still under attack from the (r.705-681), the next target of Assyrian aggression The magnitude of this aqueduct with a maximum height of for- ancient history written and maintained since 1996 by Gutians. Still, the city, although claimed by the kings was Elam. In the end, it was king Ashshurbanipal who ty-five meters is unique in terms of having fresh water channels, the Dutch historian Jona Lendering. of Larsa, was independent under an Elamite dynasty. destroyed the Elamite capital between 645-640 BC. cool air under the roof, and ceiling full of fossils and shells. The kings of Awan even conquered the kingdom of However, this was not to last forever: king Hammurabi However, Assyria was doomed; its capital Nineveh This qanat, in addition to supply the water for the residents of the Anshan, east of the Zagros. This was just the first of of Babylon (1792-1750) annexed Elam. was sacked in 612, and the Babylonians started to rule island, was a merchandise region, so the ships passing the Persian several unifications of these two kingdoms; although The Middle Elamite period the Near East. Elam appears to have been divided Gulf bought the water from the Kish people and sold spices and there were periods in which they were separated, the After the disintegration of the Old Babylonian em- into several princedoms, the rulers of which all called clothing to them. title “king of Susa and Anshan” was to become common. pire, Elam was independent again, and a new dynasty, themselves “king of Susa and Anshan”. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y DECEMBER 19, 2020 SOCIETY 7

Life of Afghans in Iran has set ID cards issued to 84 children of Iranian mothers, a new pattern for migration foreign fathers 1 According to official figures, 28,000 children below the SOCIETY TEHRAN — The friendly Iraqi refugees, according to the UNHCR. age of 18 years have filed applications to receive birth certificates desk life of Afghan nationals in Foreign nationals in Iran and a nationality. Iran has set a new pattern for migration, head Many of the refugees living in Iran are According to article one of the law, children of Iranian women of the Iranian Judiciary’s High Council for the second and third generation, according and non-Iranian men who were born before or after the law can Human Rights, has said. to the UNHCR. be an Iranian citizen in case the Iranian mother requested if they The two nations of Iran and Afghanistan In addition to Afghan refugees, there have no security problem before the age of 18. share similarities in religion, culture, and are about 2.5 million Afghans living in civilization that are so close, Ali Bagheri-Ka- Iran, including those having a passport ni said on Thursday during a meeting with and undocumented Afghans. 450,000 Afghan immigrants in Tehran. Afghan who did not have identity cards The West is using all the capacities to turn or birth certificates have received Iranian the differences between the two nations of visas that allow them to live, work or study Iran and Afghanistan into a dispute and then in the country. a conflict in order to achieve their illegitimate There are 40,000 Afghan students in the interests, he lamented. country, according to the official report, 17,000 “The High Council for Human Rights of them are graduated, while the unofficial makes effort to highly protect the rights of report is estimated at 26,000. immigrants living in Iran,” he highlighted. Some 47,000 people were trained and Iran among top 20 Asian migrant 10 percent of legal refugees were covered by countries social insurance with the help of the UNHCR, Iran was placed 16th among the top 20 and other foreign nationals can pay for health Asian migrant countries in 2019, and the insurance like Iranians. fifth top country by total refugees and asylum In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, These children, after reaching the age of 18, can apply for seekers in 2018, according to the 2020 World In 2018, Pakistan and Iran were also among million refugees, making it the sixth-largest undocumented Afghans who have ac- Iranian citizenship if not requested by the mother, then will Migration report released by International the top 10 refugee-hosting countries, as the two refugee host country in the world. cess to free primary health services and be granted Iranian citizenship in case of no security problem. Organization for Migration (IOM). principal hosts of refugees from Afghanistan, Iran also was the eighth largest refu- similarly free COVID-19 related testing, The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees also Iran among top 10 refugee-host- the second-largest origin country. gee-hosting country in the world in 2019, treatment, and hospitalization, just like has welcomed the law as a step toward reducing statelessness ing countries At the end of 2018, Iran hosted close to 1 hosting 951,142 Afghan refugees and 28,268 nationals. around the world. UNICEF also welcomed the implementation of the Iranian Northern forests save 3.6bcm of water annually in Iran nationality law. ENVIRONMENT TEHRAN — The forests of northern Iran The creation and expansion of these forests are due to rain- desksave 3.6 billion cubic meters of water an- fall raised by the Mediterranean system and the Black Sea, Change in global nually, playing an important role in preserving the aquifers. which extends from the Sardasht area of West Azarbaijan Apart from physical care of natural resources, biolog- to Firoozabad city of Fars province covering an area of precipitation patterns a ical protection of these resources is also on the agenda of 5,440,494 hectares. result of climate change the Forests, Rangelands, and Watershed Management One of the criteria for determining the border of this area Organization (FRWMO), Abbas-Ali Nobakht, deputy head is its dominant plant species, Quercus persica. But the area The Earth’s climate system is largely determined by the differences of FRWMO, said on Wednesday. also grows the main species of Persian turpentine, almond, in temperature between the tropics and the poles. Global warming In this regard, development, rehabilitation, and enrichment Acer monspessulanum, and wild pear. is likely to cause global atmospheric circulation to change and pro- operations in more than 232,000 hectares of rangeland, Two important functions of Zagros oak forests are water gressively revert to a situation similar to that of 5,000 to 10,000 desert and forest lands of the country are underway, he added. and soil protection, which are of undeniable importance due years ago. This is the conclusion of a study undertaken by a research Referring to the northern forests of the country, espe- to the predominant arid and semi-arid climate in the country, team led by Dr. Michael Deininger, the results of which have been cially Golestan province, as the reserves of the rarest plant as any kind of conservation and rehabilitation investment published in Nature Communications, according to Science Daily. species, Nobakht noted that the importance of these natural region is divided into two mountainous regions with a cold is justified. Zagros forests are considered protected forests At the Institute of Geosciences at Johannes Gutenberg Univer- resources is so high that some European countries requested climate and a desert with a hot and dry climate. due to their limited growth. sity Mainz (JGU), Deininger investigated how regional climate to receive seeds of plant species of northern Iran. Although the climatic conditions of the region have caused Iran suffering water scarcity systems have changed since the beginning of the current inter- Rich biodiversity of Iranian ecoregions the dispersal and distance of trees, due to its vastness, a Iran is an arid and semiarid country with scarce and glacial period some 10,000 years ago and what conclusions can The great difference between the two latitudes of the variety of plant species constituting 69 percent of the total sensitive water resources and the increasing demand be drawn from this. To do this, the paleoclimatologist looked at north and south of the country and the existence of different flora of Iran is located in this area. for water has led to an alarming decrease in annual per data for rainfall time series recorded in various climate archives. plains, altitudes, and climates have given a very diverse view The main species of the mountainous region are Persian capita renewable water resources. Due to the fact that “We were able to accurately reconstruct summer precipitation in to the vast land so that a variety of vegetation and plant turpentine, almond, and juniper and the main species available water resources are unevenly distributed in the monsoon regions in Africa and South America, compare this species are grown across it. of the plain region are genus Tamarix, Haloxylon, Zygo- terms of both time and space, water resources in many data with changes in precipitation in the northern mid-latitudes, The Hyrcanian ecological zone covers the green belt, phyllum, and Calligonum. areas are under pressure. and relate this to changes in temperature,” Deininger explained. the southern margin of the Caspian Sea, and the northern Arasbaran forests, which are among the semi-humid The reasons behind the present shortage of water for The study also involved scientists from Australia, Brazil, Mexico, profile of the Alborz mountain range. The forested areas of forests of the country, are located in the province of East urban and domestic uses are the uneven distribution of water Ireland, Austria, and South Africa. the region stretch to 2.4 million hectares covering Astara in Azarbaijan and northwest of Ardebil province, which cov- across the country, the expansion of population centers As the Earth is heated stronger at the equator than at the poles Gilan province to Glidaghi in Golestan province. ers 174,838 hectares. as well as developments in unsustainable agricultural and due to the differing distribution of solar radiation, a tempera- Due to soil fertility, temperature changes, and numerous Arasbaran forests have been protected by UNESCO since industrial activities. ture gradient develops which, to put it in simple terms, causes rainfalls, this ecological area is rich in plant species, so that 1976 as one of the biospheres reserves due to their rare and Iran has an average annual precipitation of about 250 atmospheric circulation to transport energy toward the poles. more than 80 species of broadleaf trees, 4 species of coni- unique plant species and rich biodiversity. A variety of plant mm; less than one-third of the world average. Changes to this solar radiation-related temperature difference fers, and 50 species of shrubs have been identified so far, species is a special feature of this vegetation area; as over Mohammad Reza Goldansaz, a researcher in the field of will in turn influence the atmospheric circulation and thus also most of which are beech, hornbeam, oak, maple, and alder. 775 plant species have been identified in the protected area water resources, said in June 2019 that an annual amount regional precipitation patterns. The forests of this region, as an intact and healthy gener- alone, 55 of which have been reported for the first time in Iran. of 50 billion cubic meters of groundwater resources are The new study shows that over the past 10,000 years, changes ation, form a belt of deciduous trees of the third geological There are many forest species in the Hyrcanian vegetation withdrawn to supply agricultural, industrial as well as to regional precipitation in the northern latitudes, Africa, and period. These forests, which are called wet or Caspian forests, area. However, the main species of beech and alder have drinking water in Iran. South America have more or less been synchronous. “We argue have high environmental and economic values, which are not grown in Arasbaran, which has caused this area to be In the past few years, water transfer projects have been that these regional climate variations are connected and that considered as world natural heritage. separated from the Hyrcanian ecological area in the divisions. proposed by the government to ensure water supplies for they are mainly caused by alterations to solar radiation and the The area of forests in the Iran-Turani ecological region, The main flora species of the Arasbaran region are water the provinces of Semnan and Sistan-Baluchestan suffering associated temperature differences between the tropics and polar which covers most of the central plateau of Iran, is 4,666,941 oak, white oak, common hornbeam, English yew, and maple. from severe water shortages, which need efficient water regions,” stated Deininger. hectares. Based on topographic and altitude conditions, this Some sources date the Zagros oak forests to 5,500 years. desalination systems. LET’S LEARN PERSIAN Air pollution in eastern Europe adds to pandemic health woes (Part 86) (Source: saadifoundation.ir) With the arrival of cold and foggy winter years that people in all major cities across bringing the health systems in the former it’s worse due to the pandemic. weather amid the pandemic, eastern Eu- the Western Balkans face alarming levels Communist-run nations near breaking-point. Lung disease specialist Tadeusz Zielonka rope is facing an extra respiratory health of air pollution that are reducing their life High pollution was reported Thursday told the Onet news portal this week that Poles hazard—air pollution. expectancies. This year, the problem is cou- throughout Poland, a major producer and con- face a particularly dangerous winter from Countries such as Bosnia and Serbia in the pled with the soaring COVID-19 infections. sumer of coal for energy. The concentration of the triple threat of smog, flu and COVID-19. Balkans, and even European Union nations Thousands of new cases have been reported dangerous dust particles was particularly bad in “Smog is like a lockpick that opens the Poland and Croatia, traditionally report high daily in most countries in the region. Hospitals the southern, coal-mining and industrial areas. door of infection,” said Zielonka, who works levels of dangerous pollution from heating are practically full and many departments The problem has long plagued Poland at the Medical University of Warsaw. “Smog in winter months, phys.org reported. treating other diseases or chronic ailments and is blamed for high numbers of deaths not only opens the door to the coronavirus, The United Nations has warned in previous have been converted to COVID-19 wards, each year. But this year medical experts say but is also a means of transport for it.”

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سالی ۵۰ میلیارد متر مکعب از آبهای 50bcm of groundwater زیرزمینی برداشت میشود withdrawn annually in Iran یــک پژوهشــگر حــوزه منابــع آب بــا اشــاره بــه اینکــه ســاالنه ۵۰ میلیــارد متــر An annual amount of 50 billion cubic meters of groundwater مکعــب از منابــع آب زیرزمینــی بــرای مصــارف خانگــی، صنعــت و مصــارف کشــاورزی resources are withdrawn to supply agricultural, industrial as well as drinking water in Iran, a researcher in the field of water برداشــت می شــود. .resources has stated محمدرضــا گلدانســاز در گفــت و گــو بــا ایســنا اظهــار داشــت: ســاالنه حــدود The amount is 10 times greater than the water covering Lake ۵۰ میلیــارد متــر مکعــب از منابــع آب زیرزمینــی برداشــت میشــود کــه ایــن مقــدار Urmia, amounting to 5 billion cubic meters, ISNA news agency بــه انــدازه حجــم ۱۰ دریاچــه ارومیــه اســت. .quoted Mohammad Reza Goldansaz as saying on Sunday وی بــا بیــان اینکــه وابســتگی مــا بــه آب زیرزمینــی بســیار زیــاد اســت و اگــر روزی About 60 percent of drinking water and the water used in industrial ایــن منبــع تمــام شــود بــا مشــکالت زیــادی روبــرو میشــویم، اظهــار کــرد: در کشــور sector and 50 percent of the water consumed in agriculture sector is pumped from aquifers, he noted. مــا بــه دلیــل وجــود شــرایط اقلیمــی خشــک و نیمــه خشــک، وابســتگی بــه منابــع آب Referring to the country being highly dependent on underground زیرزمینــی قابــل توجــه اســت و حــدود ۶۰ درصــد مصــارف خانگــی و صنعــت و حــدود water, Goldansaz said that if the resource runs out, we will face ۵۰ درصــد مصــارف کشــاورزی توســط آب زیرزمینــی تأمیــن می شــود. .serious problems Prayer Times Noon:12:01 Evening: 17:13 Dawn: 5:39 (tomorrow) Sunrise: 7:09 (tomorrow) DECEMBER 19, 2020 ART&CULTURE I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y www.tehrantimes.com Managing Director: Mohammad Shojaeian Editor-in-Chief: Ali A.Jenabzadeh “My Hero” sounds songs in memory of Editorial Dept.: Fax: (+98 21) 88808214 — 88808895 [email protected] Switchboard Operator: Tel: (+98 21) 43051000 Commander Qassem Soleimani Ballad Advertisements Dept.: Telefax: (+98 21) 43051430 Public Relations Office: Tel: (+98 21) 88805807 ARTTEHRAN — Art Bureau and musical productions and festival Subscription & Distribution Dept.: Tel: (+98 21) 43051603 deskof the Islamic Ideology programs. Printed at: Jame Jam Bartar Borna - 44197737 Dissemination Organization has released The Art and Cultural Organization of the an album entitled “My Hero” to remember Tehran Municipality announced last Thursday Commander Qassem Soleimani a few a plan to release “The Soldier”, a symphonic Tehrantimes79 Tehrantimes79 Tehrantimes79 days before the first anniversary of his poem composed in memory of Soleimani assassination. on the first anniversary of his martyrdom. No. 18, Bimeh Alley, Nejatollahi St., Tehran, Iran The album features nine ballads On a Thursday night in this past February, P.o. Box: 14155-4843 composed by Alireza Qazveh, Reza Yazdani, the 35th edition of the Fajr Music Festival Zip Code: 1599814713 Ali-Mohammad Moaddab, Mohammad- wrapped up at Tehran’s Vahdat Hall with a Hossein Nemati, Faezeh Zarafshan, Milad performance of “Under Siege” by the Tehran Habibi, Mohammadreza Shafiei and Omid Symphonic Orchestra in commemoration Mahdinejad. of Martyr Qassem Soleimani. The songs “Kingdom of Soleimani”, Vocalist Alireza Eftekhari in collaboration “The Final Stage”, “Hajji Qassem’s Army”, with composer Mohammadreza Charaghali “Everlasting Hero”, “Commander of Lovers”, also released the single “The Man of the “Damascus Time”, “My Hero”, “There Remains Battlefield” to express their sympathy over an Exam” and “Man of the Field” have been the martyrdom of Soleimani. performed by various singers and choirs. The song was composed based on verses GUIDE TO “My Hero” has been recorded in collaboration from a poem by Persian mystic Molana Jalal SPIRITUAL AWAKENING with the Martyr Soleimani Foundation, which ad-Din Rumi. was established after the assassination by the Pop singer Gholamreza Sanatgar also U.S. in Baghdad on January 3 of the chief of Quds A poster for the album “My Hero” produced at the Music Center of the Art Bureau. performed the song “Qassem Is Still Alive”, for Shall I not tell you who will be forbidden Force, the overseas arm of Iran’s Revolutionary The album is available for free download After his martyrdom, Soleimani has which he received a nomination for the title from fire? It will be forbidden for every Guard Corps. on the Art Bureau’s website. become the subject of several films, theatrical of the Islamic Revolution Artist of the Year. gentle, soft-hearted and kind person. Prophet Muhammad (S) Celebrities urge fans to celebrate Yalda with no gatherings in COVID-19 era Falling on December 20 this year, Yalda Night (Shab-e at home must be our first priority,” he said. Yalda) needs the empathy of the Iranian nation in the fight “If we do not observe the health protocols, the Yalda nights WHAT’S IN ART GALLERIES against the coronavirus, as people should stay home, despite of the coming years will not bring us happiness,” he added. their important tradition. Actor Reza Fayyazi for his part said that there is no doubt Sculpture Reza Babak has said that holding the celebration at home that getting together on Yalda night can bring happiness, Mohsen Gallery is paying host indicates the Iranian culture. but it will lead to a great loss with an unwanted guest like to an exhibition of sculptures by “I know that people will observe their own health beside coronavirus. Majid Biglari. the health of the others and will choose cyberspace to share “The truth is that getting together is very good and pleasing The exhibit entitled “The Possibility their celebrations with family and friends as they celebrate but we must know that this year this getting together might of Real Life’s Openness to Experi- this ancient and joyful night,” he said. lead to the loss of our dear ones,” he said. ence” will run until January 6, 2021 “The government also needs to enforce its rules to prevent “It was few days ago when I heard the news of the death of at the gallery located at 42 East Mina people from getting together, and encourage people to stay Mohammad Afravi (director assistant) because of COVID-19 Blvd., Naji St., off Zafar St. at home so that we will witness the sun of health shining in and I was all in tears the whole day after I heard the news,” Jewelry our country and the world once again,” he added. he said. Sara Asna-Ashari is showcasing A Yalda Night spread. “After over nine months of the COVID-19 epidemic in “To be honest, I also miss being able to hug my brother, her latest silver jewelry collection in the country, the health care staff, nurses and doctors have sister, friends and family, but what will be the cost, to an exhibition at Haft Samar Gallery. ARTTEHRAN — Iranian celebrities including desk been through hard days, indicating the fact that in order to lose them? So we have no other choice but to spend these The exhibition titled “Transition/ veteran actors Reza Babak and Reza Fayyazi defeat this disease we need to carry on with our humane hard days with more compassion and encouragement,” Metamorphosis” will be running have asked their fans to celebrate the Iranian tradition of mission,” he added. he added. until December 30 at the gallery Yalda Night without any gatherings as COVID-19 claims the “We are still mourning the loss of several of our dear friends Fayyazi added that he and some of his friends at the Veteran that can be found at No. 8, Fifth lives of dozens of people per day in country. and artists of the country, including (actors) Parviz Purhosseini Artists Institute have plans to share some live videos on Alley, Kuh-e Nur St., Motahari Ave. People on Yalda Night usually get together in the houses and Karim Akbari Mobarakeh and (filmmakers) Khosro Sinai Instagram such as reciting poetry of Hafez, and telling stories. Painting/sculpture of grandparents and the elderly members of their families, and Kambuzia Partovi, who died of COVID-19,” Babak said. It can be said that Iranian families who have been involved A collection of paintings and where they are served with a hot dinner, fresh fruits and a “Every one of them was a great treasure of Iranian art and with coronavirus infection must come to the conclusion that sculptures by Hamed Sahihi is mixture of dry fruits, seeds and nuts served in floral bowls. culture. We need to take lessons from these bitter incidents, they will not get rid of the disease except by observing healthcare currently on view in an exhibition Many people often recite poetry, narrate stories, chant, and do our best to observe the health protocols; and staying protocols and social distancing. at Tarrahan Azad Gallery. play musical instruments or just chat cozily until midnight. The exhibit entitled “The Light” will run until December 29 at the gallery located at 5 Salmas Square, Turkey’s Amity filmfest honors Iran’s “Where We Come From”, “The Red Fire” off Fatemi St. ARTTEHRAN — Iranian The movie tells the story the Darkness Archibald who was born with some curious played the part of the caring mother and Painting desk A collection of paintings by Milad films “The Red Fire” and Demon, which has swept over the world, curse: he can’t make a move without everyone grandmother, which is what everyone expected Rostami is on display in an exhibi- “Where We Come From” have won awards trying to fix the end of Light, unlike the earlier around doing the same. Now a grown man, from her. A simple question opens her eyes; tion at Dastan Basement Gallery. at the 3rd International Amity Short Film promises and prophecies. It is in such an he robs a bank by despair and there, meets she realizes that she needs an authentic The exhibit will be running until Festival in Istanbul, Turkey. era that a flock of Red birds travel in search Indiana, a young woman who always has friendship. For the first time, she asks for help. January 1, 2021 at the gallery locat- “Where We Come From” by Jafar Altafi of the Red Fire; a fire that according to the escaped every form of control. The International Amity Short Film ed at 6 Bidar St., off Fereshteh St. received the second prize of the festival prophecies wipes out the blackness and puts The story of “Da Yie” is set on a sunny day Festival also screened several other movies Hossein Vahabi is hanging his as the organizers announced the winners an end to the constant eclipse and absence in Ghana, where a foreigner approaches two from Iran, including “The American Bull” latest collection named “To Be & last Monday. of the Sun. But where are they going to find children and takes them on an unexpected by Fatemeh Tusi, “The Fosterless” by Sahar Not to Be” in an exhibition at Negar The film is about a couple of teenagers who the Red Fire? trip. The three of them get along so well that Jafarizad, “Gabriel” by Yousef Kargar, Gallery. try to make a video clip in order to elevate “Le Syndrome d’Archibald” by Daniel Perez “Bogah”, the foreigner, starts to question his “Replacement” by Mojtaba Tahal and Jalal The exhibition will run until De- their lives to a loftier status with a camera from France and “Da Yie”, a co-production initial intentions. Mahdavi, “Behind the Glasses” by Mehdi cember 23 at the gallery that can belonging to one of their fathers. between Ghana and Belgium by Anthony Third prize went to “The Leak” Alberto Iravani, “Déjà vu” by Atefefeh Khademorreza be found at 154 near Iranshahr St., Directed by Mona Shahi, the animated film Nti, shared first prize. Marchiori from Italy. and “Dummy” by Fatemeh Faal. Karim Khan Blvd. “The Red Fire” won the jury special award. “Le Syndrome d’Archibald” is about “The Leak” is about Maria who has always A group of artists, including Nas- ser Ovissi, Bahram Dabiri, Mahsa Najafi, Mnauchahr Motabar, Iraj Cinéma Vérité honors Mahvash Sheikholeslami with lifetime achievement award Yazdanpanah and Morteza Asadi, ARTTEHRAN — The 14th edition of Ciné- and documentarian who chronicled the 1980-1988 Iran- are displaying their paintings in an deskma Vérité, Iran’s major international Iraq war known as the Sacred Defense in Iran. exhibition at Saye Gallery. festival for documentary films, has honored veteran Documentaries on the Islamic Revolution, the Sacred The exhibit will run until Decem- documentarian Mahvash Sheikholeslami with a lifetime Defense and resistance in the region will be competing for ber 30 at the gallery located at No. achievement award. the award. 21, 13th Alley, Sanai St. off Karim Sheikholeslami was honored on Wednesday. Speaking at Twenty-five films on COVID-19 will also be competing Khan Ave. the honoring ceremony, she expressed thanks to her friends in Cinéma Vérité in a special category set up this year to An exhibition of paintings by Ary- who had spoken beautiful words about her at the online attract attention to this disastrous disease. an Mansur, Maral Aghdamlu, Sanaz honoring ceremony. Participating international figures include Betsy A. McLane, Mansurian, Razieh Nadimi, Masud She also talked about her latest documentary which in- Bill Nichols, Andre Singer and James Bertrand Longley Mohammadpur, Shahriar Shamlu troduces Nikolai Markov, an architect of Russian origin who in addition to famous Iranian documentarians Mehrdad and several other artists is currently built many beautiful structures across the country including Oskui and Farhad Varahram. underway at Entezami Gallery. the Post Building in Tehran. A lineup of world-acclaimed documentaries will be re- The exhibit named “Art and Expe- “I usually pay close attention to the aesthetics of build- viewed in the World’s Best section of the 14th edition of the rience” will be running until 23 at Documentarian Mahvash Sheikholeslami poses for a photo ings. We had gone to the building on several occasions, but Cinéma Vérité festival. the gallery that can be found at 608 beside her poster at the 14th Cinéma Vérité on December 16, 2020. we didn’t know who the architect is, and this helped me The lineup includes “Tony Driver” by Ascanio Petrini Shariati Ave. near Motahhari St. introduce Markov in my documentary, which I hope will on demand (VOD) service for films. from Italy; “The Chilean Building” by Macarena Aguilo Paintings by Ahmad Jafari, be ready next year,” she said. Every day, several films are being introduced during and “The Cordillera of Dreams” by Patricio Guzman, both Sepehr Mesri and Sara Sadeddin “Where Do I Belong” and “Old Man of Hara” are among the event, while a number of top Iranian and international from Chile; Radu Ciorniciuc’s acclaimed documentary are on display in an exhibition at her noteworthy credits. documentarians and critics are holding online workshops “Acasa, My Home” from Romania; and, “A Tunnel”, Sheidai Gallery. The organizers also paid tribute to documentarian Ha- and panel discussions. co-directed by Nino Orjonikidze and Vano Arsenishvili The exhibit entitled “The Trained Eye” mid Soheili (1948-2020). “Isfahan, Half of the World” is The Documentary and Experimental Film Center (DEFC) from Georgia and Germany. will continue until January 12, 2021 one of his credits. is the main organizer of the event. The World’s Best section of the major Iranian docu- at the gallery located at 149 Bahar Due to the pandemic, this year’s Cinéma Vérité is being A lineup of 30 documentaries is competing for the Avini mentary festival will feature a selection of documentaries Shiraz Square near Hafte Tir Square. held entirely online and the programs are available on Filimo, Award during the festival. The award has been established acclaimed at 2020 international events across the world. TVA and Hashure, the Iranian platforms providing video by DEFC to commemorate martyr Morteza Avini, the writer The festival will be running totally online until December 22. Nasim Online CEO Saeid Jabbari passes away at 32 “Rebellion” by Joseph Roth at Iranian bookstores CULTURE TEHRAN — A Persian his unswerving faith in God, Government the passing of an age of stability he saw “Radetzky March” (Radetzkymarsch), 1 As a producer, Jabbari collaborated in “Those Who Were desktranslation of Joseph and Authority. Ironically, after a dispute, represented by the last pre-World War I years considered his best novel, an excellent Caught Doping”, a documentary director Mohammad-Sadeq Bat- Roth’s “Rebellion” has recently been published Pum is imprisoned as a rebel, and all that of the Habsburg empire of Austria-Hungary. portrait of the latter days of the monarchy. eni made about those people who boycotted Masud Dehnamki’s by Mahi Publications in Tehran. he believed in is now thrown into upheaval. Details about Roth’s early years, religious Roth was concerned with the dilemma of movie “The Outcast 3”. The book has been rendered into Persian Moving along at a breakneck clip, “Rebellion” beliefs, and personal life are little known; individual moral heroes in a time of decadence He was also the producer of “Which Deviation?”, a documentary by Ali Asadian.From Roth, an allegorical yet captures the cynicism and upheavals of a Roth himself made a practice of concealing or and moribund traditions. A number of his Reza Sadeqi made about the deviation currents in Iran’s political decidedly modern novelist, comes to this postwar society. Its jazz-like cadences mix transforming such biographical information. plots treat the difficulties of the father-son arena after the 2009 presidential election. story of postwar disillusion, the limits of faith with social commentary to create a wise It is known that he studied at Lemberg (now relationship; the aged emperor Francis Joseph He worked as a production manager in the documentary “Alberta and personal fate as governed by the blind, parable about justice and society. Lviv, Ukraine) and Vienna, and then served appears repeatedly as a paternal figure. Legacy” directed by Hossein Shamaqdari about the brain drain casual workings of a machine controlled by Roth, author of “Hotel Savoy” and “The in the Austrian army from 1916 to 1918. In 1933 Roth immigrated to Paris, where he in Iran, and “The Eighth Adventure”, a short film co-directed by no one and for which no one is responsible. Radetzky March”, is perhaps the least known After the war, he worked as a journalist spent the remainder of his life. In his final years, he Reza Sadeqi and Mehdi Karbasi. When Andreas Pum returns from World of the important writers of this century. in Vienna and Berlin and was a regular viewed the past with increasing nostalgia, a sentiment Jabbari was also one of the Iranian experts who held courses War I, he has lost a leg but gained a medal. But Roth is a journalist and regional novelist contributor to the Frankfurter Zeitung. During evident in the six novels that were written during this on documentary filmmaking in Syria over the past few years. unlike his fellow sufferers, Pum maintains who, particularly in his later novels, mourned this period he wrote several novels, including exile period. “The Capuchin Tomb” is an example.