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8 Pages Price 50,000 Rials 1.00 EURO 4.00 AED 42nd year No.13823 Wednesday DECEMBER 2, 2020 Azar 12, 1399 Rabi’ Al thani 16, 1442 Iranian Parliament Loss against Syria UN says 233,000 Love for nature passes outlines of happened at right time: killed in Yemen war in Iranian baby anti-sanction plan Page 2 Nikkhah Bahrami Page 3 in last 6 years Page 5 names Page 7

Iran, not Biden, will set the tone for nuclear-related issues: MP BY MOHAMMAD HOMAEEFAR “The Strategic Action to Lift Sanctions is Stakes high for UAE as — An Iranian legislator said a very productive plan, and its approval in the on Tuesday it will be , not U.S. Pres- Majlis (Parliament) was a slap in the face of ident-elect , who will be able to the enemies of the Islamic Republic,” Mousavi set the tone for the nuclear-related issues. said in an interview with the Tehran Times. Seyyed Ali Mousavi made the remarks Iran’s Parliament on Tuesday passed after the Iranian parliament overwhelm- the outlines of the strategic action plan, regional tensions soar ingly voted for a draft bill, called “Strategic which aims to counteract sanctions im- Action to Lift Sanctions”, to give leverage posed on the Iranian nation and safeguard to Iran’s diplomatic apparatus to remove its interests. See page 3 the anti-Iran sanction. Continued on page 2

Iran’s Zamaninia elected as chairman of OPEC executive board in 2021 TEHRAN - Iranian Deputy Oil Minister The mentioned board is the executive for International Affairs and Trading body of OPEC which directs the Organi- Amir-Hossein Zamaninia who is the zation’s affairs, implements the decisions country’s governor at the Organization made at meetings, reviews and decides on the of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) reports submitted by the Secretary General, has been elected as the new chairman submits reports and recommendations to the of the OPEC executive board for 2021. ministerial meetings, prepares the budget The decision was made during the for each calendar year and submits it to the 180th meeting of the OPEC Conference ministerial meetings for approval and etc. which was held on Monday. Continued on page 4

“Characteristics of the School of Martyr Soleimani” published in Russian TEHRAN – “Characteristics of the School Islamic Ideology Dissemination Organi- of Martyr Soleimani” has recently been zation (IIDO) on November 13. published in Russian. Soleimani, the commander of the The book giving a brief analysis of the Quds Force, the overseas arm of IRGC, personal characteristics of Commander was martyred during a U.S. airstrike in Qassem Soleimani through his discourses Baghdad on January 3. and memories has been written by Hojja- Shirazi was a close friend of Soleima- tolesalm Ali Shirazi in Persian. ni and has tried to write the book based The Persian version published by Khate on words, memoirs and thoughts of the

AP Moqaddam Publications was introduced commander. during a meeting at the Art Bureau of the Continued on page 8

Virtual, actual or in Israeli blockade hindering COVID-19 fight in French government drops draft law curbing between: deputy Gaza: ex-Palestinian health minister filming of police minister briefs on BY MOHAMMAD MAZHARI the spread of the Coronavirus? The French government has dropped a contro- Under the article, offenders faced sentences TEHRAN – The former Palestinian health min- A: Health conditions in the Gaza Strip are very versial security bill that would have curbed the of up to a year in jail and fines of 45,000 euros Iranian tourism ister says the Israeli blockade against the Gaza poor due to the Corona pandemic. Before we talk right to film police officers in action after growing ($53,760) for sharing images of police officers. Strip for more than fourteen years has affected about the details of the spread of Coronavirus in opposition and mass protests against it. Protesters called for the article to be withdrawn, during pandemic all aspects of life in the coastal strip including the Gaza Strip, we must remember that Gaza has “The bill will be completely rewritten and a new claiming that it contradicts “the fundamental public health, educational, social and humanitarian been suffering from an Israeli blockade for more version will be submitted,” Christophe Castaner, head freedoms of our Republic”. BY AFSHIN MAJLESI aspects, especially as the enclave is facing the than fourteen years; a painful and unjust blockade of President Emmanuel Macron’s governing party Media unions also said it could give police a or a long time, guided excur- Coronavirus pandemic. which affected all aspects of life in the Strip including in the French parliament, told a news conference. green light to prevent journalists – and social media sions have been at the heart Basem Naim says many countries have failed health, educational, social and humanitarian aspects. Tens of thousands of people in cities across users – from documenting abuses. Fof travel, but like everything to contain the epidemic let alone the Gazans Gaza is facing an epidemic, many countries France marched against the draft law on Satur- The case of Michel Zecler shocked France, with else, the coronavirus pandemic has who are under blockade. have failed to defeat it until now, so the conditions day, with dozens wounded during clashes with celebrities and politicians alike condemning the upset such events, and many start- “Gaza is facing an epidemic, many countries are much more difficult in the Gaza Strip. We are police in Paris. officers’ actions. ing to go online. have failed to defeat until now, so the conditions talking about a shortage of medicine that meets The proposed legislation was passed by the Macron on Friday called the incident an “unac- Socially-distanced craft workshops, are much more difficult in the Gaza Strip,” Naim about 42 percent (of the needs) and a shortage National Assembly earlier in November, though ceptable attack” and asked the government to come virtual museum tours, city tours accom- tells the Tehran Times, of laboratory supplies that meets about 62 per- it still required approval from the Senate. up with proposals to “fight against discrimination”. panied by avatar guides are amongst ex- “The conditions are much more difficult in cent, as well as a lack of protective equipment According to , one of its most con- The images of the beating of Zecler emerged amples showing us how virtual realities the Gaza Strip,” the former health chief says. for the health staff, and this is in addition to the troversial elements has been Article 24, which days after police were already under fire over the are adapting to the pandemic era. The following is the text of the interview: general factors that affect the health sector such sought to criminalize the publication of images of forcible removal of a migrant camp in central After months of shocking blow, travel How do you evaluate the health con- as poverty, unemployment and overcrowding. on-duty police officers with the intent of harming Paris, where journalists on the ground recorded begins to tick up once again as existing ditions in the Gaza Strip in the light of Continued on page 5 their “physical or psychological integrity”. police brutality. tour companies are adapting to social distancing in other ways. Some are com- plementing virtual experiences. Others are making groups smaller or private G20 interests override Saudi rights violations: Canadian lawyer is a and moving outdoors for ecotourism, BY MOHAMMAD ALI SAKI jailed women’s rights activists to perform sex dy’s report about the condition of women’s barbaric form of rural excursions, and birdwatching to TEHRAN - Edward C. Corrigan, a Canadian analyst acts, hung them from ceilings and ‘tortured’ them rights activists in the Saudi Kingdom? name a few. and lawyer, believes that Baroness Kennedy’s with electric shocks.” A: Baroness Kennedy’s 40-page report, titled politics: Anglican In an interview with the Tehran Times, report about the condition of women’s rights To know more about different aspects of this ‘A Stain on World Leaders and the G20 Summit in Vali Teymouri, the deputy tourism minis- activists is a critical step in revealing “human story, we reached out to Edward C. Corrigan, who Saudi Arabia: The shameful detention and torture priest ter, has made it more clear how traveling rights violations and suppression of dissent” in is the only lawyer certified by the Law Society of of Saudi women,’ documented numerous human BY AMIR MOHAMMAD ESMAEILI and hospitality sectors of the country are Saudi Arabia. Upper Canada as a specialist in Citizenship and rights violations in Saudi Arabia. She called on TEHRAN - Father Dave Smith, an Anglican priest adopting to the virus-related limitations, British human rights lawyer Baroness Helena Immigration Law. G20 states to boycott the 2020 summit, hosted based in Sydney, tells the Tehran Times that the he also explained how effective changes Kennedy released a report about the conditions The following is the full text of interview with by the Kingdom, unless the women human rights assassination of the Iranian nuclear scientist is a should be made. of women’s rights activists in Saudi Arabia. Ac- Corrigan: activists and other political detainees are set free. “barbaric form of politics” and attempts to Teymouri on Tuesday stressed the cording to the report, “Saudi interrogators forced What is your thought on Baroness Kenne- Continued on page 5 damage Iran by this barbaric manner. need to re-analyze target markets, rede- The priest also censures the West for failing to fine tourism products and improve the condemn the terrorist attack, saying this is an indi- level of e-services. cation of double-standards and hypocrisy. “Defining new standards for e-ser- “The Western world’s failure to condemn this as- vices to tourists is very necessary due sassination reflects a flagrant double-standard and to the change in the general structure of Feeding base hypocrisy. I remain hopeful that some European travel during the coexistence with the countries will break ranks with Israel and the U.S. and coronavirus and post-corona world,” condemn this assassination, but I’m not holding my the official said. migratory breath,” notes Father Dave Smith, who is the author He also pointed to measures the tourism “Christians and Muslims can be friends”. ministry has so far been adapted such birds at The following is the text of the interview: as broadening the support for tourism Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, an Iranian nucle- insiders offering them relief packages in- ar scientist, was assassinated in a terrorist cluding debt deferrals and low-interest, Anzali attack on Friday afternoon. What is your long-term loans. take on that? Detailed health protocols and crite- A: These extrajudicial killings carried out by rogue ria for smart, responsible travels were wetland states are appalling, both as acts of violence and in amongst other duties of the ministry to A man is spreading feed for birds at the way these states flout international law. As we lessen risks of travels. Anzali wetland, northern Gilan prov- know, this latest targeted assassination is one in a

He called it significant and stressed ince, as low temperature over the past long line of similar murders, aimed at crippling Iran’s the need for consensus and exchange of few days has made it difficult for mi- nuclear program. It is a barbaric form of politics. experiences between countries to curb gratory birds to search food. Iran holds Israel responsible for the terrorist the pandemic. act. Zarif says “serious indications of Israeli

Reza Akbari Reza Covering more than 19,000 hectares, He underlined that a tight link exists Anzali wetland is located near the Cas- role” are seen in the terror. Israeli media had between tourism and employment par- pian Sea. The wetland was designated announced that the plan for the assassination ticularly in local communities. Mehr/ as a Ramsar site on June 23, 1975. had failed last year. What do you think? Continued on page 6 Continued on page 5 I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y POLITICS DECEMBER 2, 2020

Iran urges IAEA to clarify Iranian Parliament passes position on Fakhrizadeh assassination POLITICAL TEHRAN — Iran’s ambassador and per- outlines of anti-sanction plan deskmanent representative to the Vienna-based international organizations has urged the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to clarify its position on the assassination “One-sided game is over,” Parliament speaker tells the West of Iran’s top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. “The IAEA is first expected to pronounce clearly its position POLITICAL TEHRAN — Iranian but the U.S. and the other five signatories in relation with the terrorist act and strongly condemn it in deskParliament on Tuesday of the 2015 nuclear agreement did not fulfil clear terms,” Kazem Gharibabadi tweeted on Monday night. passed the generalities of a plan aimed at their commitments. lifting the anti-Iran sanctions and protecting Rahmani said the U.S. withdrew from the rights of the Iranian nation. the nuclear deal, and the other countries According to Mehr, 251 lawmakers voted only paid lip service instead of meeting in favor of the generalities of the double- their obligations. urgency plan, which is dubbed “Strategic “This plan is for protecting national Action to Lift Sanctions”. interests, lifting sanctions and solving the The bill, put forward by the lawmakers in people’s livelihood problems,” he added. early November, is part of a broader strategy Speaking against the strategic action, that aims to lift the United States sanctions Ebrahim Azizi praised the plan but added on Iran. It aims to force the United States that some of its items need to be reviewed. into lifting sanctions on Iran by doubling “We gave the enemy a chance for seven down on nuclear activities. years, during which we witnessed the After the vote, the MPs shouted “Down intensification of sanctions and increased with America” and “Down with Israel”. economic pressures,” Azizi remarked. The development came four days “Therefore, we should not give the enemies after Iran’s top nuclear scientist, Mohsen even one more day.” Fakhrizadeh, was assassinated near Tehran, MP Ali Mousavi said he supported “The Agency has a dire responsibility vis-a-vis a Member in what appeared to be a plot by the U.S. activities with at least 1,000 IR-2M world powers, officially known as the Joint the plan but it needs to be referred to who is receiving the highest level of inspections of the Agency and Israeli regimes. centrifuge machines at within Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the national security committee so that and having the most transparent nuclear program through Speaking after the passing of the plan, three months after the ratification of failed to uphold their obligations under further items be added to it to make it implementing various commitments, but its scientists are Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher the law, and compels the AEOI to launch the JCPOA. more decisive. assassinated or under threat of assassination, and its nu- Ghalibaf said the move’s message to the uranium enrichment as well as research According to the double-urgency bill, the “We must deliver a hard slap on the clear facilities are sabotaged or under threat of sabotage,” enemies was that the “one-sided game is and development activities with at least 164 president and related officials in executive enemy’s face but this plan is not capable of Gharibabadi added. over.” IR-6 centrifuges and increase the number bodies are responsible to implement the law. this matter and it must become stronger,” It came after IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said The bill requires the government to of centrifuge machines to 1,000 within a During the session, MPs spoke in favor he added. Iran has nothing to gain from ending inspections of its nu- raise uranium enrichment levels to 20% year after the ratification of the bill. of and against the plan. The Nov. 27 assassination of Fakhrizadeh clear facilities. and install advanced centrifuges. The new bill also necessitates the Abolfazl Amouei, the spokesman of the has made the MPs more determined to In an interview with AFP on Sunday, Grossi made the re- According to the 9-article bill, the Atomic inauguration of a metallic uranium factory Parliament’s National Security and Foreign accelerate Iran’s nuclear activities slowed marks in response to calls by Iranian MPs to end inspections Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) will in within 5 months and restoration Policy, said the Parliament is tasked with under the JCPOA. following the assassination. be required to produce and store at least of a 40-Megawatts heavy water reactor in continuing the path of the martyrs in order MP Nasrollah Pezhmanfar has said “We understand the distress but at the same time it is clear 120 kilograms of enriched uranium with Arak, which was supposed to be re-designed to revive the country’s nuclear program. the Parliament seeks to mandate the that no-one, starting with Iran, would have anything to win 20 percent purity at the Fordow nuclear and optimized under the 2015 Iran nuclear One of the goals of the strategic action is government to end the inspections of from a decrease, limitation or interruption of the work we do facility every year, and to fulfil the country’s deal. The bill requires the government to to counter the sanctions that were imposed Iranian nuclear and military installations together with them,” he stated. peaceful industrial demands with uranium prevent any foreign access and monitoring by Western countries, Amouei said. by the International Atomic Energy Agency “This is not the first time that parliamentarians have ex- enriched above 20%. beyond the Additional Protocol. He also said, “We must proceed in such (IAEA). pressed themselves in this way or in very similar ways,” Grossi Once the bill becomes a law, it will oblige The bill also requires the government a way that destroying people’s security and Writing on his account on pointed out. the AEOI to increase the monthly output to suspend the voluntary implementation assassinating our country’s scientists and Saturday, Pezhmanfar said the government “We haven’t received any indication of restriction or limi- of enriched uranium for various peaceful of the Additional Protocol to the nuclear imposing cruel sanctions against our country will be tasked “to retaliate quickly against tation of their cooperation with us,” he said. “I do not see any purposes with different purity levels by at Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) three would not be cost-free for the enemies.” U.S. and Israeli terrorist leaders and to reason to believe that this would be the case now.” least 500 kg. months after the ratification of it if the MP Rajab Rahmani, speaking in favor reduce the level of the Agency’s inspections Three days after he was assassinated on a major road outside The bill entails uranium enrichment parties to the nuclear deal between Iran and of the move, said Iran showed its goodwill of nuclear and military facilities to zero.” Tehran, Fakhrizadeh was laid to rest on Monday. His assassi- nation could further hamper diplomatic efforts to salvage the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which was abandoned by U.S. President in May 2018. Judiciary says seriously pursuing the scientist’s assassination In a Monday letter to Ghada Fathy Ismail Waly, executive director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Ghar- POLITICAL TEHRAN — Deputy Attorney General which has carried out assassination operations against ibabadi urged the international community to condemn the deskSaeed Omrani has said Judiciary Chief Iranian nuclear scientists over the past decade. Foreign assassination of the prominent Iranian scientist. Ebrahim Raisi has ordered all judicial bodies to get involved in Minister said in a tweet on Friday “The assassination of Dr. Mohsen Fakhrizadeh is the con- pursuing the case of Iranian nuclear scientist’s assassination. that the attack was carried out with “serious indications tinuation of other terrorist measures [against the Iranian “The head of the judiciary has firmly ordered all judicial of Israeli role”. nation], which started a decade ago through the assassination forces to take action with all their tools and facilities to In remarks on Monday, Defense Minister Amir Hat- of several Iranian nuclear scientists in 2010, 2011 and 2012, handle this case, so that a result will be achieved soon,” ami warned that no atrocity, terror or stupid act will go and calls for due attention from the international community Omrani told reporters on Tuesday, ISNA reported. unanswered. and relevant international organizations,” the diplomat stated. On Friday at 14:30, nearly 10 people attacked the convoy “We will pursue the perpetrators till the end and we will The Iranian envoy pointed out that clear and concrete ev- of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh on a highway in the small city of follow the order of the Commander-in-Chief (Ayatollah idence shows Israel played a role and is responsible for the Absard in Damavand County, about 40 kilometers north- ),” Hatami said. terrorist attack, particularly with regard to the fact that the east of the capital Tehran. The scientist lost his life during Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh also regime’s officials have repeatedly spoken about Fakhrizadeh the attack while his bodyguards were severely injured. told a press conference on Tuesday that Iran’s response to and also hatched plots to assassinate him. Iranian officials were quick to point the finger at Israel, the terror “will be of utmost pain for criminals.” Gharibabadi added that the Zionist regime has commit- ted numerous crimes over the past decades and has not only been involved in terrorist measures against Iranians, but also played a role in the assassination of a number of scientists in Iran, not Biden, will set the tone for nuclear-related issues: MP other countries as well. 1 The plan, if adopted, will require Agency’s inspectors come to Iran posing The nuclear deal, officially known as Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry spokesman the administration to suspend more commit- as inspectors but they are in fact spies of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Tuesday that Ghalibaf urges world ments under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. It the CIA and Israel’s ,” he stated. (JCPOA), was reached in Vienna on 14 July the Rouhani administration has voiced its will require the Atomic Energy Organization “We must not hand them the list of our 2015 between Iran and six world powers, opposition to the plan. to break silence against of Iran (AEOI) to produce at least 120 kg nuclear scientists, whose names they will including the U.S., Russia, China, France, “We have no doubt that the members of 20-percent enriched uranium annually leak and then assassinate our dear martyrs, Britain and Germany, and also the European of the Majlis are pursuing the rights of the terrorist acts and store it inside the country within two including Dr. Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, who was Union. However, U.S. President Donald nation,” Khatibzadeh said during a virtual a prominent nuclear scientist,” he added. Trump unilaterally withdrew from the press conference. “But the administration POLITICAL TEHRAN — Parliament Speaker Mohammad months after the adoption of the law. Fakhrizadeh, the head of the Defense JCPOA on May 8, 2018. The move was has expressed its views on this plan and has deskBagher Ghalibaf has urged the international Mousavi, who represents the Malekan Ministry’s Organization of Defensive Inno- deplored by all other parties to the deal. stressed that it does not agree with the plan.” community to break its silence over the assassination of Iran’s constituency, said the plan is composed of vation and Research, was assassinated in In the meantime, hopes to revitalize the He said the Rouhani administration’s senior nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, saying silence very good clauses, which will strengthen Absard city of Tehran Province’s Damavand nuclear deal were raised after Biden was stance is that the plan is not “necessary” in the face of terrorist acts threatens peace and security in the Iran’s position when dealing with the enemy. County on Friday. elected president. Biden has promised to and “useful”, and it is not clear that the region. “The enemy won’t be able to sense any weakness from our side,” he said, empha- Photos and footage shared online of the “change course” and rejoin the accord “as rights of the Iranian people will be protected sizing that the plan will revive the Islamic attack showed bullet holes on the wind- a starting point for follow-on negotiations” through the move. Republic’s “great nuclear industry.” shield of Fakhrizadeh’s car and a pool of if Iran returns to compliance with it. “Unfortunately, our views have not been Mousavi, who criticized certain short- blood on the road. On May 8, 2019, exactly one year after reflected and the Majlis has taken a differ- comings of the strategic plan during the Iran has blamed Israel for the assas- Trump’s withdrawal, Iran began to gradually ent path. We hope that the expert opinions Tuesday session of the Parliament, told sination and vowed to respond firmly at reduce its nuclear commitments according of the Foreign Ministry will be taken into the Tehran Times that he is in favor of the the right time. to the JCPOA, citing the other parties’ fail- account,” the spokesman added. outlines of the plan. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Net- ure to secure its interests under the deal. Asked to offer his take on Khatibzadeh’s Speaking at the Parliament, he said he anyahu had mentioned Fakhrizadeh in a However, Tehran has repeatedly said that it remarks, Mousavi reiterated that the plan is supported the plan but it needed to be re- 2018 presentation on the alleged atomic will return to its commitments if the other intended to reinforce the Islamic Republic ferred to the National Security and Foreign archive of Iran that Israel claims it stole parties can protect its interests against the and its position with regard to nuclear-re- Policy Committee so that further items be from a warehouse in southern Tehran. United States’ “toughest ever” sanctions. lated issues. added to it to make it more decisive. Netanyahu said at the time that he iden- Mousavi said while Iran fulfilled its “We believe that the plan is somehow “We must deliver a hard slap on the en- tified Fakhrizadeh as the head scientist in obligations under the JCPOA, the other in support of the Foreign Ministry,” the emy’s face but this plan is not capable of Iran’s nuclear program, and asked people side failed to meet its end of the bargain. lawmaker said. “With this plan, Foreign to “remember that name”. “But today, we want to restore our great Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will have Ghalibaf made the remarks in a letter to UN Secretary General this matter and it must become stronger,” “As I said at the Majlis, a few years ago, nuclear industry and we want to revive leverage. He can strongly stand up to the Antonio Guterres on Monday. he added. Netanyahu had mentioned the name of it,” he said, explaining that the issue of enemy.” Silence and indifference of international community in the During the interview, the MP said the our martyr,” Mousavi said. “We should enrichment of uranium at 20% and beyond “Also, they won’t be able to set the terms face of terrorists’ criminal acts will lead to more arrogance of issue he raised about the plan during the have been more vigilant and we shouldn’t will be actively pursued by Iran. and conditions for us anymore. Instead, perpetrators of crimes against humanity, he wrote, Mehr reported. parliament’s session was related to the im- have let individuals like Dr. Fakhrizadeh “God willing, I hope the plan’s short- it will be us, meaning the entirety of the “The Iranian Parliament considers this criminal act as a clear plementation of the Additional Protocol be martyred by the enemy.” comings, if there are any, will be remedied Islamic Republic, who will set the terms example of organized terrorism, which is in conflict and in clear to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty He reiterated that the parliamentary in the next sessions of the Majlis,” he said, and conditions,” he remarked. violation of the principle of national sovereignty of the Islamic (NPT) and the safeguards as well as the bill is a source of strength for the Islamic adding, “My sense is that the plan is a very “Today, we must prove to them that we Republic of Iran, and strongly condemns it,” he said. issue of inspections by the International Republic. With the plan, he continued, “we decisive and firm plan against the enemies are not passive and weak, but we are pow- Ghalibaf said the Islamic Republic of Iran, which has always Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). sent a message of strength to the enemy.” of the Revolution at this juncture.” erful,” Mousavi added. sought to promote peace and security in the region and the world “One of the weaknesses is that the and has played a prominent role in the fight against terrorism, emphasizes its right to act within the framework of the principle of legitimate defense in countering the organized terrorist measures. The timing for Fakhrizadeh assassination is not coincidental: security expert He also said such criminal acts of terrorism that endanger international peace and security will not go unpunished. POLITICAL TEHRAN — Seyed Hossein Mousavian, Writing in the Middle East Eye on Nov. 3, Mousavian says the ‘return to Iran deal’ policy as proposed by Biden has terri- “While condemning this terrorist act, the United Nations, deska Middle East security and nuclear policy the assassination “was aimed at blocking Biden’s intention of fied both Netanyahu and MBS to the effect that they had to get for its turn, is cordially requested to provide the necessary legal specialist at Princeton University, says Mohsen says the timing offering Iran ‘a credible path back to diplomacy.” together in an unprecedented meeting in Saudi Arabia. To be platforms to prevent occurrence of such terrorist catastrophes for assassination of Iranian scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh “is The senior analyst says, “While both the United States and sure, they have done what they could and will continue to do so around the world,” he added. not coincidental”. Iran face tremendous domestic obstacles in reviving the JCPOA, to prevent the Biden administration from re-joining the JCPOA.” I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y DECEMBER 2, 2020 IRAN IN FOCUS 3 SPORTS Stakes high for UAE as regional Loss against Syria happened at right time: Nikkhah Bahrami

SPORTSTEHRAN — Iran national basketball team tensions soar deskcaptain Samad Nikkhah Bahrami believes that Iran’s loss against Syria was shocking and he ensures POLITICAL TEHRAN — As tensions the process,” Razavi remarked. deskrun high in the region fol- He also cautioned that the UAE is en- that the same thing will not happen again in the near future. lowing the assassination of Iranian nuclear dangering its security, especially its eco- Iran basketball team suf- scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, analysts warn nomic security, by aligning itself with the fered an unbelievable blow that the United Arab Emirates is treading on U.S. and Israel. against Syria in the second dangerous ground by not distancing itself from “Within 5 to 10 years, the UAE will grad- window of the FIBA Asia Cup Israel’s provocative measures against Iran. ually lose its economic prosperity, which it 2021 qualifiers on Monday as “Certainly, the Emirates will be harmed brought about thanks to oil exports. It will they lost 77-70 to their rivals if tensions intensify. Why? First, because the turn into a completely dependent country,” in Doha, Qatar. UAE does not have the characteristics of a Razavi said. Nikkhah, who has missed genuine player in the region. Second, the The UAE seems to be changing tack, or the recent games of the nation- agenda that the UAE currently pursues in at least it is pretending to do so. It remains al team as he tested positive for the region is not in the interest of the UAE to be seen whether the Emiratis are really COVID-19 last month, spoke and is incompatible with the UAE strategy. distancing themselves from what is widely seen about his current situation as Rather, it serves the interests of the United as Israeli provocative measures against Iran. well as Iran’s performance States and the Zionist regime (Israel). This Following the assassination of Fakhriza- against Syria in an exclusive agenda has been dictated to the Emirates. deh, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and interview with Tehran Times. “For three to four weeks Therefore, this agenda will not serve the in- an President said shortly International Cooperation issued a statement foreign officials including President Trump, I was in poor condition as I terests of the UAE,” Seyed Jafar Razavi, an after the announcement of the UAE-Israel condemning the assassination of the Iranian Israeli Prime Minister , spent the time in quarantine. Two weeks ago, my test was expert on West Asia, told the Tehran Times. normalization deal, warning that “unfortu- scientist. The statement said that “emanat- Abdullah bin Zayed, the foreign minister of negative and I could train but I was not ready to compete. According to the expert, the UAE has nately, the United Arab Emirates has made ing from its deep conviction on the need to the UAE, and Abdullatif al-Zayani, the foreign So, I asked Iran coach Mehran Shahintab not to invite me moved very closer to Israel and the U.S. since a big mistake and we hope it would change pursue all means for stability in the region, minister of Bahrain. to the national team at this stage of competition and he it took the controversial step of normalizing its wrong tack. We warn them against giving it condemns the heinous assassination of Iran and other countries around the world agreed,” he said. diplomatic relations with Israel in August. Israel a foothold in the region, then they will Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, which could further fuel condemned the UAE-Bahrain-Israel normal- Speaking about the loss against Syria, Nikkhah said: “There U.S. President Donald Trump announced on be treated differently.” conflict in the region,” according to Emirati ization deals and reaffirmed support for the is nothing we can talk about. It was like an alarm for us to be August 13 that he brokered a “historic deal” Razavi said the UAE has turned into an state news agency WAM. Palestinian Cause. Iran also warned the UAE careful about the next matches. This is basketball and even between the UAE and Israel to normalize “enforcer” of U.S. and Israeli policies in the “Given the current situation in the region, against giving Israel a foothold in the region the greatest teams may experience some bad days. We’ve lost their relations, the first such deal between region after it normalized relations with Israel. the UAE calls upon all parties to exercise after American and Israeli officials cast the just a match in a long tournament. Of course, defeat is never Israel and an Arab country since 1994. The “The Emirates can be considered a state maximum degrees of self-restraint to avoid normalization deals as a coalition against Iran. a good thing in sport, but I think it happened at the right time last time an Arab country signed a deal with in the region but we cannot consider it as dragging the region into new levels of instabil- “The UAE and Israel both recognize Iran for us to be watchful for the next games.” Israel to normalize relations was on October a player in the region because it lacks the ity and threat to peace,” the statement added. as this great threat, so they have now found “The fact is that we never thought that we might lose 26, 1994, when Jordan signed a peace treaty characteristics of a player. So, if the UAE But press reports suggested that this a way to build out a relationship which can against the Syrian team. Iran’s basketball has been so with Israel. U.S. officials hailed the deal as a takes a certain action, this means that it statement was issued only after Iran deliv- build out a coalition to ultimately make sure strong in recent years and teams like Saudi Arabia and “historic diplomatic breakthrough.” considers itself a player and speaks like a ered a stern warning to Abu Dhabi Crown that this threat [Iran] never reaches American Syria are not as good as us. I believe that it was a special Under the deal, officially known as the player. But this behavior is certainly not Prince Mohammad bin Zayed, who is also shores or harms anyone in the Middle East,” incident that may only happen once every few years. It , Israel and the UAE “have emanating from the Emirates itself. If his- known as MBZ. U.S. Secretary of State said in cannot question the qualities of our players as they have committed to the exchange of embassies and tory is any guide, the UAE is a client state “MBZ received a direct threat from Iran. an interview with Fox News in the midst of proved their power during recent years. To say what went ambassadors, and to begin cooperation in a enforcing American policies in the region. It It was not delivered through proxies,” the the normalization hype in September. wrong with team is not to offer up excuses, but to give broad range of fields including education, has been enforcing the policies of the U.S., London-based news website Middle East Eye In light of this kind of remarks, Iranian genuine reasons about why our campaign stalled at this healthcare, trade, and security,” according to especially after normalizing relations with quoted a “top-level UAE source” as saying officials have warned the UAE against getting stage. However, I repeat we have still a good situation in a White House statement issued on August 13. Israel,” Razavi pointed out. November 30. too closer to Israel, saying that the UAE has the competition and this defeat must not be considered A few weeks later, the U.S. brokered a The expert also pointed out that this According to the source, Iran told Moham- moved in the wrong direction by normalizing as a disaster!” Samad added. similar deal between Israel and Bahrain. trajectory does not serve the UAE interests med bin Zayed “We will hold you responsible relations with Israel. The Iranian legend, who has played in seven Asia Cups, President Trump organized, with great fan- because the U.S. and the West, in general, for the assassination of Fakhrizadeh.” “The rulers of the United Arab Emirates also talked about the criticism against the national team that fare, a signing ceremony in mid-September. have never been attaching importance to the The source also said that the UAE Foreign should know that they have gone in the has been aroused after the defeat. The U.S.-brokered normalization deals were interest of Muslim countries. Ministry statement on Fakhrizadeh came wrong direction if they think that they can “It’s normal and we should accept it. When we win, we are signed on September 15 at a White House “The Westerners will secure their interests just hours after Iran’s personal contact with buy security for themselves by getting closer encouraged and appreciated by people, so when we lose and ceremony attended by high-ranking U.S. and while those of the UAE would be harmed in Mohammed bin Zayed. to the enemies of Islam and Iran,” Irani- play badly, we have to tolerate criticism. If we don’t accept our weakness we cannot improve and the next matches will regret more and more. I am sure the future is bright for Iran›s 19 countries call for halt in UCMs amid Covid-19 national team and this defeat will not be repeated at least in near future,” he concluded. POLITICAL TEHRAN — A number of countries, some waiving of sanctions that undermine countries› capacity deskof them under United States sanctions, to respond to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) issued a joint statement on Monday calling for the lifting or pandemic, as well as the statement made by the United suspension of sanctions in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on 30 Lackluster Esteghlal held by The statement was issued during the International Seminar March on the need to ease or suspend sectoral sanctions Paykan: IPL on Unilateral Coercive Measures (UCMs) and their Impacts in light of their debilitating impact on the health sector in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic. The statement was and human rights and the necessity to avoid the collapse SPORTSTEHRAN — Esteghlal football team missed issued on behalf of Belarus, Bolivia, Burundi, Cuba, Eritrea, of any country›s medical system.” deskthe chance to overtake Persepolis at the Iran Iran, Laos, China, Myanmar, Namibia, Nicaragua, North It also underlined the need to refrain from adopting Professional League (IPL) second place with a goalless draw Korea, Pakistan, Palestine, Russia, South Africa, Syria, Ven- unilateral coercive measures. against Paykan on Tuesday. ezuela, and Zimbabwe. “States must refrain from adopting unilateral coercive Esteghlal started the new season with the aim to end an “Despite the fact that the response to and recovery from measures that breach their human rights obligations under eight-year title drought but the Blues have shown that there COVID-19 requires global solidarity and international with the established principles of multilateralism and the treaty or customary international law, and to adopt meas- is still a lot of work to be done. cooperation, we continue to witness the use of unilat- basic norms of international relations and diplomacy,” ures ensuring that essential supplies, such as medicines In Isfahan, visiting team Saipa battled back from a goal eral coercive measures (UCMs), especially of secondary the statement said, adding that the coronavirus pandemic and food, are not used as tools for political pressure, which down to earn a point against Sepahan. and extra-territorial implications, which are in flagrant has made the negative humanitarian effect of unilateral constitute crime against humanity,” the joint statement Sajjad Shahbazzadeh gave the visiting team an early lead breach of the basic purposes and principles of the United coercive measures more obvious. stressed, calling on “all parties to put aside the differences and Majid Aliyari headed home Mohsen Mosalman’s cross Nations Charter, International Law, and International The statement also welcomed the United Nations and to concentrate on facing the emergency and its serious in the 83rd minute. Human Rights Law as well as in absolute contradiction “Secretary-General›s appeal of 26 March 2020 on the consequences in the immediate future.” Nassaji defeated Naft Masjed Soleyman 1-0 in Ghaemshahr. Hamed Shiri scored the winning goal from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute. Iranian diplomat blasts American newspaper for ‘shameful’ editorial In Abadan, Sanat Naft edged Zob Ahan 1-0 courtesy of Taleb Reykani’s late penalty. POLITICAL TEHRAN — In a letter to that “Mr. Biden’s foreign policy team should Fakhrizadeh will by no means affect Iran’s chaos and sedition. They should understand On Wednesday, Mes Rafsanjan will host Tractor. desk , be thankful for the stronger hand Mr. Trump nuclear program. that we know their plans and they will not Gol Gohar lead the table with 10 points from four matches Alireza Miryousefi, spokesman for Mission is leaving them.” “Assassinating him will do nothing to Iran’s achieve their ominous goals.” followed by Persepolis (eight points) and Nassaji (seven points). of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Unit- The editorial prompted Miryousefi to hit completely peaceful nuclear program, as the Iranian lawmakers on Tuesday passed ed Nations, strongly criticized the American back at The Wall Street Journal in a letter to of our nuclear scientists in the generalities of a plan aimed at lifting the newspaper for running an editorial expressing the newspaper. The Iranian diplomat called the past few years have not affected the ad- United States sanctions on Iran. The enact- support for the assassination of distinguished the newspaper’s support for the assassination vancement in our peaceful nuclear activities,” ment of the plan came partly in response to We lost concentration against nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. “unjustifiable,” adding that this support will only Miryousefi pointed out. the assassination of Fakhrizadeh. “Your editorial ‘Biden, Iran and the Bomb’ encourage the perpetrators to commit more The Iranian nuclear scientist was assassi- The plan will require the government to Iran: Mark Bosnich (Nov. 27) is shameful in its inhumanity,” crimes which will have dangerous implications. nated in an attack that was widely attributed significantly step up nuclear activities such as SPORTSTEHRAN — Former Socceroos goalkeeper wrote Miryousefi. “The unjustifiable support for a brutal to Israel. The attack took place on Friday at increasing uranium enrichment level to 20% desk The spokesman’s letter came in response to assassination of a prominent scientist does 14:30 in the small city of Absard in Damavand and installing more advanced centrifuges at Mark Bosnich took a trip down memory lane a November 27 WSJ editorial that described nothing more than encourage a few criminals, County, about 40 kilometers northeast of the Fordow nuclear site as well as reviving about FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Iran at the Melbourne the 2015 Iran nuclear deal as “deeply flawed” such as the Israeli regime and its allies, to the capital Tehran. Iranian officials were the core of Arak’s heavy water reactor. These Cricket Ground (MCG) on Nov. 29, 1997. and “bad.” The American newspaper even commit more assassinations. The assassi- quick to point the finger at Israel, which has steps will not be taken all at once. Instead, The Australia’s footballing icon reminisced about one of the sought to use the alleged threat of Iran’s nu- nation of an official of a UN member state in carried out many assassination operations these measures will be adopted in a gradual most difficult matches to stomach in the Socceroos’ history, clear program to justify the assassination of its territory is a dangerous game, opening a against Iranian nuclear scientists over the process that will take months. socceroos.com.au reported. Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizdeh. Pandora’s box; one whose consequences only past decade. They vowed to take revenge Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher It all seemed to be going to script for the Socceroos as “The apparent assassination of a top Iranian reckless, apocalyptic people would ignore,” against it in due time. While Israeli officials Ghalibaf said on Sunday that the lawmakers they raced to a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Harry Kewell nuclear scientist near Tehran on Friday shows Miryousefi said, adding, “Undoubtedly, the kept silent about the assassination, President have discussed the plan and that it will be and Aurelio Vidmar. However, damage to the Iranian goal that Iran’s nuclear program remains a global Israeli regime’s involvement in this criminal Hassan Rouhani said Tel Aviv was behind finalized this week. net caused the match to be delayed and ultimately swung security problem. No one took responsibility, act is designed to further disrupt the tur- the assassination of Fakhrizadeh. “This plan will strengthen the industry momentum in the visitors’ favor. Karim Bagheri halved but any number of countries have reason to act bulent situation in the region and destroy “All think tanks and all enemies of Iran and the practical achievements of nucle- the deficit and Khodadad Azizi leveled the score and the now in case the Biden Administration returns to the path for diplomacy.” should know well that the Iranian nation and ar scientists and pave the way for Iran to Persian booked a place in the FIFA World Cup on the away a policy of appeasing Iran,” the newspaper said, The spokesman for Iran’s mission to the the country’s authorities are more courageous overcome sanctions. This law, along with goals’ rule. suggesting that the Biden administration should UN also called Fakhrizadeh a “national hero” and Zealous than to let this criminal act go the reactions of other relevant agencies, in “I think the bigger issue for me was that when we came not return to the deal, officially known as the whose health services to Iran helped the coun- unanswered. The relevant authorities will addition to reviving Iran’s nuclear industry, back, I actually think the Iranian coach made some very good Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). try better combat the Covid-19 pandemic. respond to this crime at the proper time,” creates deterrence against the enemy and changes and they started to get on top of us in midfield because Praising the Trump administration’s Miryousefi stated, “Mohsen Fakhrizadeh Rouhani was quoted by state news agency security for the people,” Ghalibaf said. of the amount of energy,” Bozza said. Iran policy, The Wall Street Journal said, was an eminent scientist and national hero IRNA as saying on Saturday morning, a day During the Tuesday session of the Iranian “I thought that was the time that we needed to make some “To abandon sanctions again in return for for all Iranians. His last service to the country after the assassination. Parliament 251 lawmakers voted in favor of changes. I think Terry Venables is one of the greatest coaches more Iranian promises would be diplomatic was the production of a coronavirus diagnostic But Rouhani said Iran will not fall into the plan, which is dubbed “Strategic Action I’ve played under but I think right at that time, it was easy to and strategic malpractice. At the minimum, the kit, as well as the management of a project the trap of Israel. to Lift Sanctions.” say in hindsight because the game should’ve been over right Biden team can use the sanctions as leverage to produce an Iranian Covid vaccine—one The Iranian president noted, “The Iranian Abolfazl Amouei, the spokesman of the now but that was perhaps the time to make changes,” the to close the loopholes in the 2015 accord. that had reached the human-testing stage.” nation is wiser and smarter than to fall in the Parliament’s National Security and Foreign ex- Socceroos goalie added. That should include no sunset, unlimited The spokesman said the assassination of trap of the Zionists (Israel). They are after Policy, said on Tuesday that the plan is designed Bosnich, who played for Premier League sides Manches- inspections of suspect sites, limits on ballistic to impose costs on the enemies who imposed ter United, Aston Villa and Chelsea, believed there was one missiles, and restraints on Iran’s regional “The assassination of an official of a UN sanctions on Iran and assassinated its scientists. crucial mistake which some of the Socceroos players made. imperialism. If Iran refuses, then we’ll know “We must proceed in such a way that “Some players started thinking about France when there its goal continues to be regional domination member state in its territory is a dangerous destroying people’s security and assassinat- was still 15 minutes to go. The time to think about France is rather than to become a normal country.” game, opening a Pandora’s box; one whose ing our country’s scientists and imposing when you’re celebrating afterwards.” The newspaper accused Biden advisors consequences only reckless, apocalyptic cruel sanctions against our country would “If God decides that you are ready for something, you such as Jake Sullivan of having emotional not be cost-free for the enemies,” the law- will receive it and I think that night that wasn’t the case,” attachment for the Iran nuclear deal, adding people would ignore.” maker asserted. he concluded. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 4 ECONOMY DECEMBER 2, 2020

Iran’s Zamaninia elected as Foreign investment in chairman of OPEC executive board in 2021 1 In the meeting, extending the oil output cut of 7.7 Free Zone rises 78% in H1 million barrels per day was discussed. Although some OPEC members complained that some members had not complied ECONOMY TEHRAN — Foreign in- the second one was Qeshm Free Trade Zone with the previous decisions, there was a consensus that the or- deskvestment attracted in Aras established the year after on Qeshm Island in ganization’s complaint was not in a way that could prevent an Free Trade-Industrial Zone (AFZ) in Iran’s north- the Strait of Hormuz. extension of the existing deal. western province of East Azarbaijan has risen Some five other free trade zones have been OPEC members’ main concern was about how non-OPEC 78 percent during the first half of the current also established in the country since then, in- members would cooperate, Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Iranian calendar year (March 20-October 21), cluding Chabahar in southeastern Sistan-Bal- Zanganeh said in a press conference following the 180th OPEC compared to the first half of the past year, ac- uchestan Province, Arvand in southwestern meeting which was held through video conference on Monday. cording to a provincial official. Khuzestan Province, Anzali in northern Gilan The 12th meeting of the oil and energy ministers of the Or- Safar Shasfand, the deputy head of Aras Province, Aras in East-Azarbaijan Province and ganization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and Free Zone Organization’s for investment and Maku in West-Azarbaijan Province, both in its allies, a grouping known as OPEC+, was due to be held on economic affairs, announced that the zone the northwest of the country. Thursday in Vienna but it was postponed to Thursday December 3. attracted $25 million of foreign investment Considering the important role that the free “What is important is that we negotiate and have the patience in the six-month period of this year, while the trade zones play in promoting the country’s to reach a conclusion,” Zanganeh said announcing the adjourn- figure was $14 million in the same time span export and employment, Iran is seriously pur- ment of the ministerial meeting. of the past year. suing the development of its existing zones and The OPEC meeting on Monday evening lasted more than The official said that domestic investment establishment of new zones as well. four hours. has also risen 81 percent to 21.892 trillion rials More development measures in this field (about $521.2 million) in the zone during the have been taking since the U.S. re-imposition first half of the present year, from 18.102 trillion of sanctions on the Iranian economy in Novem- NIORDC ready for sustained rials (about $431 million) in the first half of the for 405 persons. in the northwest of Iran at the border point ber 2018, as Iran is reducing its dependence supply of fuel in winter previous year. The official has previously announced that with neighboring Armenia, and on the oil income while elevating its domestic Reiterating that Aras Free Zone has been AFZ exported commodities valued at $240 mil- the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. production and non-oil exports. ECONOMY TEHRAN – Managing Director of National successful in attracting investment, and has a lion to 10 countries during the first six months The establishment of free trade zones in Iran Although the sanctions have disrupted deskIranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company better performance in this due compared to the of the current year. dates back to the Iranian calendar year 1368 Iran’s economic activities, they could not im- (NIORDC) said his company is fully prepared for a sustained other free zones of the country, Shasfand said He mentioned dried fruits and nuts, plastic (March 1989- March 1990) following the fall in pede the development of Iranian free zones; in supply of oil products to households, industries, and power plants that the result is obvious in job creation and products, steel ingots, and production lines the country’s oil income in the preceding year fact, the development of these zones has been during the cold season. promotion of exports from the zone. machinery as the main exported products and which prompted the government to promote even accelerated. “Like previous years, winter fuel storage in all thirty-seven He further announced that 16 projects with Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Afghan- non-oil exports. Many strides made for increasing activi- areas under the supervision of the National Iranian Oil Refining the investment making of 8.97 trillion rials (about istan, United Arab Emirates, Armenia, Czech The first two free trade zones of Iran were ties in the free zones have played a significant and Distribution Company has started since mid-summer this $231.5 million) will be inaugurated in the zone Republic, and Uzbekistan as the export desti- established in the south of the country. The part in boosting the country’s non-oil exports year, and now the fuel needed by the consumers in cold regions in the eleventh month of Bahman (January nations during the mentioned period of time. first one was Kish Free Trade Zone established and brought prosperity in the other economic is sufficiently stored,” Ali Asghar Abbasi told Shana. 20-Februaray 18, 2021), creating direct jobs Aras Free Trade-Industrial Zone is located in 1368 on Kish Island in the and sectors. Exports of cement chain products reach $163.4m in 7 months ECONOMY TEHRAN — The value of Iran’s cement percent in terms of weight and a decrease of three percent deskproducts exports in the first seven months in terms of value, compared to the first seven months of of the current Iranian calendar year (March 20-October 21) the previous year. reached more than $163.4 million, which is an 11 percent Iran exported over 5.847 million tons of cement worth decrease compared to the same period last year. $127.99 million during the first five months of the current Iranian producers exported 7,630,428 tons of the men- Iranian calendar year (March 20-August 21), according to tioned commodities in the said seven months, registering a the data released by the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs 24-percent decline compared to the same period last year, Administration (IRICA). IRNA reported. Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan were the top importers The total value of Iran’s exports from the mining indus- of cement from Iran in the said five months. try stood at $3.049 billion in the first seven months of the India, Afghanistan, Russia, Iraq, Qatar, Kenya, Kuwait, current fiscal year, according to the data released by the Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Armenia, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, China, and Oman are among the Referring to the forecasts of Iran Meteorological Organization Renovation Organization (IMIDRO). countries importing Iranian cement. for the drop in temperature and the possibility of heavy rains in Imports of the cement chain in the seven-month period Iran’s annual cement production stands at 85 million tons, some provinces, he added: “The National Iranian Oil Refining of the current year were more than 24,000 tons worth $17.6 Also, the total imports in the mining and mineral in- and the domestic need for the product is 65 million tons. and Distribution Company is fully prepared for providing fuel million, a decrease of 27 percent and 34 percent in terms dustries sector in the first seven months of this year was The country is among the seven large producers of ce- in the coming winter and fortunately there is no shortage in the of weight and value, respectively. 2,280,312 tons valued at $1.754 billion, an increase of 16 ment in the world. country’s fuel storages.” He noted that necessary storages have also been provisioned in areas with higher risks of flood and fuel supply to such areas is not expected to face any problem. Referring to the preparedness of the company’s crisis head- Kharg oil terminal infrastructure unharmed by storm quarters to deal with floods and possible natural disasters, Abbasi ECONOMY TEHRAN – Managing minal infrastructures,” Abbas Asadrouz said. have not been damaged and there have not provides a seaport for the export of oil and said: “No fuel station in the country has faced any problems in deskDirector of Iranian Oil With the coordination done in different been any disruptions in the company’s op- extends Iranian territorial sea claims into the recent floods, and the stations are operating based on their Terminals Company (IOTC) said on Tuesday parts of the company and the efforts of com- erational processes, he explained. the Persian Gulf oil fields. routines.” that the recent heavy rainfall and storm in mitted and hardworking employees of Iran Kharg Island is a continental island in Due to its close distance to oilfield regions, National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company the region has not caused any damage to the Oil Terminals Company in different parts of the Persian Gulf south of Iran. The island its good offshore position, and suitable depth (NIORDC) is a subsidiary of the National Iranian Oil Com- Kharg Island Oil Terminal infrastructures. operations, sensing and support, despite the is located 25 km (16 mi) off the coast of Iran for gigantic oil vessel berthing, Kharg Island pany (NIOC) which was established in 1991 and undertook to “Despite lightning, torrential rain, flood- fact that we had more than 200 mm of rain and 483 km (300 mi) northwest of the Strait oil terminal has been recognized as one of perform all operations relating to refining and distribution ing, and severe storms in recent days, no at the same time with heavy thunderstorms, of Hormuz. Administered by the adjacent the country’s most suitable places for crude of oil products. damage has been done to the Kharg oil ter- but the storage facilities and export docks coastal Boushehr Province, Kharg Island oil export and loading sites. Although NIORDC was formed in the 1990s, the company has actually inherited 90 years of Iran’s oil industries’ experiences in the fields of refining, transfer, and distribution of oil products, as well as engineering and construction of installations of oil industries. 20 idle mines revived in Fars Province since late March ECONOMY TEHRAN — Davoud Hosseini, the head gram in March 2019 up to date 303 mines have been revived. deskof Fars Province’s Industry, Mining, and The mentioned program, which has been at the forefront of Secondary trades of 2nd ETF Trade Department, announced that 20 idle mines have been IMIDRO’s missions over the past two years, is being pursued revived in the province since the start of current Iranian in several provinces. units begin calendar year (March 20). The head of IMIDRO has mentioned this plan as one of In terms of the number of mines, Fars Province stands the most significant plans of “Resistance Economy”, saying ECONOMY TEHRAN — The secondary trades of the units at the fourth place in the country. that IMIDRO is strongly determined to carry out it. desk of the second exchange-traded fund (ETF) fi- The head of Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Develop- Reviving the small mines not only is a major step toward nally began in Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE), on Tuesday, IRIB ment and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO) has announced materializing “Surge in Production”, which is the motto of reported. that 157 idle small-scale mines have been revived throughout the current Iranian calendar year, it also plays a significant In May, the Iranian government sold shares in three banks the country in the first eight months of the current Iranian role in job creation throughout the country, Gharibpour said and two insurance companies via the first exchange-traded fund calendar year (March 20-November 20). back in June. (dubbed Dara First). Saying that the mentioned mines have been reactivated as As reported, reviving the small mines has created 300 The bank-based ETF holds 17 percent of government stake in part of a comprehensive program for reviving idle small mines job opportunities in the first quarter of the current Iranian Tejarat Bank, 17 percent in Bank Mellat, 18.32 percent in Bank across the country, Khodadad Gharibpour also announced calendar year (March 20-June 20). Saderat Iran, 17.34 percent in Alborz Insurance Company and that 200 mines are planned to be put back into operation Following this program, so far various small-scale mines 11.44 percent in Amin Reinsurance Company. by the end of the year. including chromite, manganese, hematite, and dolomite, iron Dara First, listed on Tehran Stock Exchange, which is Iran’s As reported, under the framework of the mentioned pro- have been performed on 194 mines to determine the reasons ore, copper, and construction stone mines have been surveyed major stock exchange, was the first fund from a series of three gram, 672 idle mines have been identified and prioritized in for the halt in their production. by monitoring and diagnosing the problems of the mines and ETFs, through them shares of some state-owned organizations the current Iranian calendar year, and diagnostic procedures According to Gharibpour, since the beginning of the pro- providing solutions for resolving their issues. and companies are planned to be offered. The shares to be offered via the mentioned Iranian ETFs belong to those governmental bodies defined in Iran’s privatization program, a comprehensive plan seriously followed up by the Commodities worth $637m exported from Khorasan Razavi in 8 months government to downsize and reduce its role in the economy. The second ETF (dubbed First Refinery, or Dara Second), ECONOMY TEHRAN — Commodi- production units, raw or unbleached silk, the said period declined one percent and which holds government shares in four major oil refining com- deskties valued at $637 million and machinery for production units were 18 percent in terms of weight and value, panies, namely Tehran Oil Refining Company, Isfahan Oil have been exported from Khorasan Razavi the main imported goods, and the United respectively. Refining Company, Oil Refining Company and Bandar Province, in the northeast of Iran, during Arab Emirates (UAE), Uzbekistan, China, The exports also experienced a fall of 14 Abbas Oil Refining Company, was offered on August 26. the first eight months of the current Irani- and Turkey were the top sources of imports, percent and 19 percent in terms of weight The government owns 20 percent of shares in each refinery. an calendar year (March 20-November 20), according to Jahankhah. and value, respectively. It has also a plan to divest shares in giant auto and metal according to a provincial official. As announced by the head of the Islamic Noting the downward trend of the coun- companies through a third ETF (dubbed Dara Third). The third Omid Jahankhah, an official with the Republic of Iran Customs Administration try’s foreign trade is ending and the trade is fund is expected to hold 12.05 percent of government stakes in province’s customs department, also an- (IRICA), the value of Iran’s non-oil trade getting back to normal, the official said: “As the National Iranian Copper Industry Company, 17.2 percent nounced that products worth $236 million during the first eight months of the current we announced in previous months, fortu- in Mobarakeh Steel Company, 14.04 percent in , have been imported to the province in the Iranian calendar year reached $44.6 billion. nately, the downward trend of our country’s and 23 percent in SAIPA (the two main domestic carmakers). eight-month period. Mehdi Mirashrafi has said that in the exports is approaching normal conditions Meanwhile, Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Far- He mentioned saffron, pistachios with mentioned eight months, Iran imported month by month, and we hope to have better According to the IRICA head, the top five had Dejpasand said on September 7 that the government’s fresh or dried skin, metal sections, industrial $23.1 billion worth of goods, while the ex- conditions in terms of exports by the end sources of imports during this period were remaining shares in three aforementioned banks will be offered tallow used in the soap industry, flooring and ports stood at $21.5 billion. of the year.” China with $6 billion, the UAE with $5.4 via the third ETF. building materials as the major exported The total volume of traded goods was Iran’s top five non-oil export destinations billion, Turkey with $2.6 billion, India with An ETF is an investment fund traded on stock exchanges, much items, and Afghanistan, Iraq, Uzbekistan, estimated at about 97.7 million tons, of during this period were Iraq with over $5.3 $1.4 billion, and Germany with $1.1 billion like stocks. An ETF holds assets such as stocks, commodities, Turkmenistan, and Hong Kong as the top which over 75 million tons were related to billion worth of exports, China with the same worth of imports. or bonds and generally operates with an arbitrage mechanism destinations of the province’s exported exports and about 21.8 million tons were amount, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Most of the imported goods into the coun- designed to keep it trading close to its net asset value, although products during the mentioned time span. imported goods. with over $2.7 billion, and Turkey with $1.6 try in the mentioned time span were basic deviations can occasionally occur. Unbleached cotton, raw materials for According to Mirashrafi, the imports in billion as well as Afghanistan with $1.5 billion. goods or raw materials, Mirashrafi stressed. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y DECEMBER 2, 2020 ANALYSIS/INTERVIEW 5

Israeli blockade hindering COVID-19 fight UN says 233,000 killed in Yemen war in last 6 years in Gaza: ex-Palestinian health minister The UN Tuesday said the conflict in Yemen has claimed 233,000 lives over the last six years. In a report, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of 1 estinian people at the political, diplomatic Regarding the Corona outbreak in Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the conflict in Yemen has so far and financial levels, but in recent years this Gaza, the first cases were discovered about 3 claimed the lives of 233,000 people, adding that “this large number approach has greatly diminished. Today, those months ago and since that time, the numbers is unfortunate and unacceptable.” who support the resistance are considered are increasing exponentially and the ability to According to the OCHA, Yemen has reached a critical point and terrorist and they pursue any one who col- contain this epidemic is declining first because there is an urgent need for a cease-fire now. lects financial aid for the resistance groups of the tough conditions in the Gaza Strip as a Saudi Arabia and a number of its regional allies launched the war or supports them politically. result of the blockade. on Yemen in March 2015, with the goal of bringing Hadi’s govern- How do you assess the level of Iran’s Gaza suffers from the lack of funding for ment back to power and crushing the popular Ansarullah movement. aid to Palestinian factions in Gaza? What is the essential needs and because of the closure The U.S.-based Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project the most prominent aid by Iran? of the crossings by Israel. (ACLED), a nonprofit conflict-research organization, estimates that A: Most of the national and Islamic factions Of course, in addition to the congestion the war has claimed more than 100,000 lives. in the Gaza Strip, especially Hamas and Islamic problem, as Gaza is one of the most populated The Ansarullah movement, backed by armed forces, has been Jihad, have had a distinguished relationship areas in the world, it is also facing a shortage defending Yemen against the Saudi-led alliance, preventing the ag- with Iran over the decades, and the Islamic of COVID-19 test kits, artificial ventilators, gressors from fulfilling the objectives of the atrocious war. Republic has provided a lot of assistance to and medical oxygen generators for patients, Back in September, the United Nations said that critical aid was the Palestinian people, especially political and and in general the conditions are catastrophic, cut at 300 health centers in Yemen due to lack of funding. diplomatic assistance, as well as support for and we may expect that it exacerbates in the Between April and August, more than one-third of the UN’s important the resistance, whether at financial or military coming days. humanitarian programs in the strife-torn Arab country was reduced level or training of cadres. What is the impact of the Israeli re- or shut down entirely, the UN said, warning of further drastic cuts. strictions on the livelihood and health of the the sea coast is not suitable for swimming systematic ethnic cleansing around the clock Palestinians appreciate Islamic Republic’s Palestinians in Gaza? and bathing. in the Gaza Strip. stances, because Iran never gives up despite The Israeli blockade has affected the Therefore, we are talking about catastrophic These countries, especially the Emirates all the challenges and difficulties and all the French government drops draft health sector in particular and the human- humanitarian conditions. Electricity does not and Bahrain, normalize their ties and establish pressures to dismantle its relationship with itarian conditions in general, which is very reach Gaza about 8 hours a day at best, and warm relations with the occupying entity. Of the resistance factions in Palestine, especially law curbing filming of police catastrophic. People in the Gaza Strip have sometimes it only reaches 4 hours on a 24- course, this means giving the Zionists the green with the Gaza Strip. been living under Israel’s barrier for more hour basis, and this affects all services that light to continue their crimes, encouraging Is there any coordination and cooperation The French government has dropped a controversial security bill than 14 years, and there is severe difficulty should be provided to people, whether health them to violate human right. between the Palestinian health sector and its that would have curbed the right to film police officers in action after in moving to and from the Gaza Strip. Even care services or other ones. We have always warned against such nor- counterparts in other countries? growing opposition and mass protests against it. patients find it very challenging to leave the So, we are talking about a catastrophic malization steps and we are sure that they will A: The health sector in Palestine in gen- “The bill will be completely rewritten and a new version will be sub- Strip to receive treatment in Egypt, Jordan, humanitarian situation and a real human be tempted to further violate the rights of the eral and the Gaza Strip in particular seeks to mitted,” Christophe Castaner, head of President Emmanuel Macron’s or the West Bank, and sometimes they need tragedy. Palestinians. We also warn that this normali- open relations with all health sectors in the governing party in the French parliament, told a news conference. weeks of waiting, as Israel hinders the entry Do you think that Bahrain and UAE’s zation will not only harm the Palestinians, but Arab and Islamic world, and even around the Tens of thousands of people in cities across France marched against of any health equipment into the Gaza Strip, normalization agreements with Israel will lead harm the regimes that have signed the deal, world, either directly or through internation- the draft law on Saturday, with dozens wounded during clashes with as well as it hampers the passage of healthcare to improving the condition for Palestinians, according to the Arab countries’ experience. al organizations such as the World Health police in Paris. personnel. This blockade also affected the ed- as the leaders of these two Arab countries The states that normalized relations with Organization, UNRWA, UNICEF and other The proposed legislation was passed by the National Assembly ucational, social and psychological aspects, have claimed? Israel, such as Egypt and Jordan, or even the organizations. earlier in November, though it still required approval from the Senate. and health aspects of life in the Gaza Strip, and A: Certainly, this statement is not true. Palestinian Authority, which negotiated with However, the volume of cooperation var- According to al Jazeera, one of its most controversial elements today we are talking about unemployment of Normalization of relationship with Israel is Israel for 30 years, reaped nothing but de- ies from one country to another, and there has been Article 24, which sought to criminalize the publication of about 60 percent among the youth, while the a crime and betrayal, not only against the struction and corruption. is close cooperation with countries in the images of on-duty police officers with the intent of harming their poverty rate in the Gaza Strip reaches about Palestinian cause, but also against the Arab What is the role of Bahrain, the UAE region, but we are keen to ensure that our “physical or psychological integrity”. 80 percent and more than 85 percent of the and Islamic nation, and even against human and Saudi Arabia in supporting the Pales- relations are always open, warm, positive Under the article, offenders faced sentences of up to a year in jail and population of the Strip depend on food aid values. This comes at a time that Israel is com- tinian cause? and fruitful with everyone, as long as they fines of 45,000 euros ($53,760) for sharing images of police officers. from international institutions and 75 percent mitting the most heinous crimes against the A: We cannot deny that Saudi Arabia, the support the Palestinian right and wish to help Protesters called for the article to be withdrawn, claiming that of Gaza’s water is not suitable for drinking, Palestinian people, threatens to annex the rest Emirates and Bahrain over the decades have the Palestinian people in their steadfastness it contradicts “the fundamental public freedoms of our Republic”. and also about 97 percent of the water from of the Palestinian territories and carries out a had positive positions, in support of the Pal- and their fight for freedom and independence. Media unions also said it could give police a green light to prevent journalists – and social media users – from documenting abuses. The case of Michel Zecler shocked France, with celebrities and politicians alike condemning the officers’ actions. Macron on Friday called the incident an “unacceptable attack” G20 interests override Saudi rights violations: Canadian lawyer and asked the government to come up with proposals to “fight against 1 Unfortunately, the members of the G20 chose Why did not the G20 countries boycott the Saudi discrimination”. not to boycott the Summit which proceeded virtually due hosting of the G20 summit? The images of the beating of Zecler emerged days after police were to COVID-19. A: There has been very little pressure put on Saudi Arabia already under fire over the forcible removal of a migrant camp in cen- In my view Saudi Arabia has one of the worst human to improve its human rights record. Baroness Kennedy tral Paris, where journalists on the ground recorded police brutality. rights records in the World. In May 2018 Saudi Arabia’s called on the UK not to attend the G20. Ironically one of On Monday, a Paris investigating magistrate charged four police notorious prohibition on women driving was lifted by Royal the Summit’s themes was female empowerment. The Bar- officers with assault by a person holding public authority in connection Decree. Just weeks before the Decree no less than 10 human oness said: ‘Just because people are your trading partners to the assault on Zecler. Three were also charged with fabricating rights activists who had successfully campaigned for the should not permit this kind of license to abuse human their statement on the incident. change were detained by the Saudi authorities. In June beings.” She added, “I want to call upon those who are and July 2018 another nine women were arrested. Most going to be participating in the G20 meeting to say: ‘We of the Women’s Rights Activists are female, though some will only participate in this meeting being hosted by the Saudi Arabia allows Israeli are male. All human rights activists had a longstanding crown prince, on behalf of Saudi Arabia, it will only take commitment to improving the position of women in Saudi place if you release these women.” commercial planes to use society through the exercise of their democratic rights. Unfortunately, the G20 members did not heed this call. its airspace Speaking at the launch of her report, Baroness Kennedy Financial and strategic interests trumped concern over said: “None of these would amount to crimes in any decent human rights. The lack of serious consequences over the Saudi Arabia agreed to let Israeli airliners cross its airspace en route nation, and that is the problem. This is an unacceptable Saudi’s brutal murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal to the United Arab Emirates after talks between Saudi officials and abuse of human beings.” in helping shine the spotlight on the human rights violations Khashoggi is just one example. White House senior adviser , news agency Baroness Kennedy said, Saudi Arabia was in breach of and suppression of dissent in the Kingdom. Why do Western countries support monarchical Arab and Israeli media outlets have reported. numerous human rights agreements and treaties it had signed How do you assess the reaction of international or- regimes? Kushner and Middle East envoys Avi Berkowitz and Brian Hook up to by its treatment of women whose charges included ganizations to human rights violations by Saudi Arabia? A: Western countries support the conservative feudal raised the issue shortly after they arrived in Saudi Arabia for talks. “We driving cars, campaigning for a new political system in Saudi A: A UN women’s rights committee has called for the Arab regimes because they are weak and are afraid of their were able to reconcile the issue,” an official from the administration Arabia, talking to British journalists for a documentary. One release of the women detainees. Saudi Arabia also recently own people. For this reason, the Arab monarchies are de- of United States President Donald Trump told Reuters. of the charges included applying for a job at the UN. lost an election to the UN Human Rights Committee. Other pendent on Western power and are subservient to Western The agreement was hammered out just hours before Israel’s first Baroness Kennedy said the women were forced to kiss organizations including Amnesty International and Human demands. Many of the feudal regimes host American or commercial flight to the UAE was planned on Tuesday morning. The their captors, perform sex acts on their tormentors and Rights Watch have strongly condemned Saudi Arabia for British military bases which help the West dominate the Israir flight was at risk of being cancelled with no overflight agreement. forced to watch pornography. its flagrant human rights violations. However, much more region. Economic and strategic interests override concerns The direct flights are an offshoot of normalization deals Israel The release of Baroness Kennedy’s report is a major step needs to be done by international organizations. over human rights. If the country bows to Western demands reached this year with the UAE, Bahrain and Sudan. human rights problems are usually ignored. However, if The UAE has already reaped benefits from normalization, includ- “Economic and strategic interests override concerns over the country pursues an independent path then the West ing the White House pushing forward with arms sales, including an human rights. If the country bows to Western demands uses real, or even made up, violations of human rights as advanced fighter jet, to the Persian Gulf country. a pretext to subject it to sanctions and even to attack and human rights problems are usually ignored.” invade the countries that do not submit to Western edicts. R esistance N ews Assassination is a barbaric form of politics: Anglican priest Morocco reiterates firm 1 A: Israel is the obvious suspect, to legitimize their attempts to damage Iran What appropriate response do you support for Palestinian cause though I thought Ayatollah Khamenei was wise as a regional power. think Iran should make? INTERNATIONAL TEHRAN — Morocco’s King Mohammed VI not to announce that they were responsible Iran calls on the international com- A: I believe Ayatollah Khamenei is show- desksays the North African country will keep up firm without proper evidence. Sadly, they are not munity to end their double standards and ing admirable restraint by not responding support for the Palestinian cause until the Palestinian people re- the only country in the world who seem to be condemn this act of state terrorism. How in kind. Iran cannot be expected to endure gain all their rights and establish an independent state with East committed to Iran’s demise, though Israel do you think the international community repeated attacks like this and do nothing. Jerusalem al-Quds as its capital. has always been particularly bellicose in de- should react to this crime? Even so, as our spiritual leaders teach us, “We stand by the Palestinian people and continue to support nouncing Iran’s peaceful nuclear ambitions. A: Of course you are 100% correct that we cannot overcome evil with further acts their legitimate rights in order to establish an independent Pales- My view is that Israel sees Iran as a threat the Western world’s failure to condemn this of evil. We must find a way forward that tinian state, with East Jerusalem al-Quds as its capital,” he said in a to its economic hegemony in the region. Iran assassination reflects a flagrant double-stand- harnesses the international justice system message addressed to Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise is an economic threat to Israel, I believe, but ard and base hypocrisy. I remain hopeful that and work within the parameters of inter- of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, Cheikh Niang. not an existential threat, despite the Israeli some European countries will break ranks national law. This will require faith and He made the comments on the occasion of the International government’s constant protestations to the with Israel and the U.S. and condemn this humility on the part of the Iranian people Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, which is marked on contrary. Such rhetoric is simply their attempt assassination, but I’m not holding my breath. and its leadership. November 29 every year. The monarch emphasized that Palestine is the central issue in the Middle East and will remain on top of Morocco’s priorities. “Regardless of the profound changes and developments that have Dozens of human rights groups denounce U.S. arms sales to UAE taken place in the Middle East in recent years, I am convinced that the Twenty nine human rights groups and arms control organ- The letter, sent to U.S. lawmakers and the State Department, month proposed legislation to halt the weapons sale to the Palestinian question is the key to a permanent and comprehensive izations have denounced the U.S. arms sales to the United said the planned arms sale would fuel continued harm to UAE, setting up a showdown with President Donald Trump solution in the Middle East region,” the king said. Arab Emirates, asking the Congress to block the mega deal. civilians and exacerbate humanitarian crises due to conflicts weeks before he is due to leave office. He said a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict should be based The groups signed a letter opposing the sale of $23 billion in war-wracked Yemen and Libya. Trump administration officials briefed the Senate Foreign on enabling all peoples of the region to live in peace and security in worth of missiles, fighter jets and drones, raising concern Signatories include human rights organizations from Relations Committee about the deal on Monday evening. accordance with the principles of the so-called two-state solution. about the UAE’s role in Saudi devastating war on Yemen the region, including the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, a sponsor of the res- “It is necessary to break the current impasse as far as the peace and Libya conflict. Studies and Mwatana for Human Rights. olutions of disapproval, responded later on Twitter: “Just process is concerned,” King Mohammed VI said, calling for the re- “The hope is to stop these sales altogether,” said Seth The U.S.-UAE arms deal includes F-35 fighter jets, Reaper a mind blowing number of unsettled issues and questions vival of talks between Palestinians and the Israeli regime to resolve Binder, advocacy officer at the Project on Middle East De- drones, air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles and more than the Administration couldn’t answer. Hard to overstate the all contentious issues. mocracy, who spearheaded the effort. 14,000 bombs. danger of rushing this.” The Moroccan king then denounced the Tel Aviv regime’s settle- “But if that is not possible in the short term, this sends The sale was approved following a US-brokered agree- Murphy had said, “I support the normalization of relations ment expansion activities, stressing the need “to refrain from any an important signal to the incoming Biden administration ment in September in which the UAE agreed to normalize between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, but nothing change that might affect the legal status of the occupied Palestinian that there is a diverse group of organizations that oppose relations with Israel. in that agreement requires us to flood the region with more territories, and to create right conditions for the resumption of delivery of these weapons.” Several U.S. senators, including Murphy, earlier this weapons and facilitate a dangerous arms race.” meaningful and responsible negotiations.” I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 6 HERITAGE & TOURISM DECEMBER 2, 2020

Craftswomen plan to revive ancient water systems Croatians fascinated by scorching

HERITAGE TEHRAN – An Iranian NGO, founded by a deskgroup of female Iranian crafters, has planned to financially support the revival of ancient qanats situated near deserts in Iran excursion the scorching Lut Desert in east-central Iran. Some 150 female crafters, who are afflicted with the NGO, aim to By Samaneh Aboutalebi tian, there are some requests for the book donate 15 percent of their sales revenues to revive arrays of ancient from Australia, Canada, South Korea, and aqueducts which are scattered in Shahdad region of Lut Desert in TEHRAN – Croatian musician and percus- Japan, he said. Kerman province, deputy provincial chief Kazem Hosseinzadeh sionist Hrvoje Rupcic and his wife, whose He expressed his hope that the docu- announced on Tuesday. travelogue on Iran has been recently pub- mentary he is working on about his travel lished in homeland, say they have been and adventures in Iran, will be broadcast fascinated by the Iranian deserts. in the near future. “I am in love with the deserts, which con- Last year, the deputy tourism minister, stitute a large part of Iran. I was captivated Vali Teymouri, announced that “foreign by the beauty of the cities on the margin of travelers with motorcycles above 250cc are the Iranian deserts such as Yazd, which is allowed to enter and ride in Iran”. mentioned by the Venetian merchant and Many international travelers to the explorer Marco Polo as an important and country say that traversing Iran equals beautiful city on the Silk Road,” he told the an endless charm, as it embraces so many Vecernji List, the Croatian daily newspaper diverse cultures and landscapes. published in Zagreb on Sunday. Iran has numerous tourist spots to offer Rupcic, who is also a photographer and foreign tourists such as bazaars, museums, cinematographer, said that the central city mosques, bridges, bathhouses, madrasas, of Isfahan is one of the most beautiful cities mausoleums, churches, towers, and man- “They, most of whom weaving handmade textiles, have so far in the world in his eyes. sions, of which 24 being inscribed on the assisted to bring five qanats back to their former glory through He noted that many questioned his UNESCO World Heritage list including rounds of restoration work such as dredging,” the official noted. motives for choosing such a place, which Lut desert. For thousands of years, qanat systems have supplied water to they considered dangerous, insecure, and The Lut Desert, widely referred to as agricultural and permanent settlements in arid regions of Iran, unsafe. Dasht-e Lut (“Emptiness Plain”), is a large tapping alluvial aquifers at the heads of valleys and conducting “As far as I understood Iran is one of “What excites you most in Iran is its acts.” salt desert encircled by the provinces of the water along underground tunnels by gravity, often over many the safest countries in the world, I have people. The most hospitable, noble, kind, His book has been published by the V.B.Z. Kerman and Sistan- Baluchestan, and South kilometers. never seen a feeling of calm and welcome and educated people I have ever met on my d.o.o., a Croatian publishing company in- Khorasan. It is the world’s 27th-largest The concept of “Persian Qanat” was registered on the UNESCO anywhere in Europe and America, where travels around the world,” he said. cluding bookstores and online sales, and desert and was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 2016, representing a selection of eleven I also traveled,” he answers. “It seems that the West’s behaviors and is available online. World Heritage List on July 17, 2016. aqueducts across Iran. According to UNESCO, The qanats provide The entire first edition of “In the Land reactions against Iran are simply childish Although the book is written in Croa- Seven years of temperature data exceptional testimony to cultural traditions and civilizations in of Noble People”, which describes Rupcic’s analyzed by NASA show that the Lut Desert desert areas with an arid climate. great motorcycle journey through the vast- What excites you most in Iran is its is the hottest spot on Earth. Based on the The qanat system relies on snow-fed streams, which flow down ness of the ancient land of Iran, in which research, it was hottest during 5 of the the foothills of surrounding mountains channeling through sloping he questions the personal and collective people. The most hospitable, noble, 7 years and had the highest temperature aqueducts, often over far distances to discharge into underground values of the global world and calls it a kind, and educated people I have ever overall: 70.7°C in 2005. reservoirs or ab-anbars in urban areas. spiritual journey, has sold out. met on my travels around the world. The desert is also considered as one Such constructions are still in practice, many of which were The traveler mentioned that he [and of the top areas in the world for finding made from the 13th century onwards. Yazd is among ancient cities his wife] traveled freely by his motorcycle And it seems that the West’s behaviors meteorites, thanks to its unique parame- that have applied this concept to make urban settlements possible from west to east and from north to south and reactions against Iran are simply ters. In recent years, significant finds have in central Iran. of Iran, and also climbed the highest peak been made, with the efforts of national The earliest water supply constructions in Yazd is believed to in Iran Mount Damavand. childish acts. and international teams of researchers. date from the Sassanid era (224 to 651 CE) while many others have been continually repaired and used over time, most surviving ab-anbars can be today traced to the late Safavid and Qajar peri- ods. The oasis city of Yazd, which is a UNESCO World Heritage, is Virtual, actual or in between: deputy minister briefs on Iranian tourism during pandemic wedged between the northern Dasht-e Kavir and southern Dasht-e Lut on a flat plain ringed by mountains. 1 “Advancement of entrepreneurship, especially at and all health protocols are being strictly enforced.” the local levels and by the means of startups, is of very high Mounesan has repeatedly announced that his ministry is importance for the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism in full coordination with the Ministry of Health for strictly Archeological excavation to and Handicrafts, and it is on top of the list of our priorities.” implementing health protocols in travel destinations, hos- “Entrepreneurs also play a significant role in the increase pitably centers, and museums, amongst others, underlining start on Yelsui Castle of competitiveness between tourism businesses and des- that “people’s health is our priority.” tinations.” Tourism [industry of Iran] was growing before the co- TEHRAN – An archeological excavation is HERITAGE Elsewhere in his remarks, the official attached great im- rona [outbreak], its revenues reached $11.7 billion in 2019, deskscheduled to commence on the crumbling portance to sightseeing tours, which could be more beneficial which accounted for 2.8% of GDP, near the average share remnants of the Yelsui Castle and its surrounding areas in Germi to local communities and their economy. of tourism in the world GDP, which was 3.2 percent, the county of the northwestern Ardebil province. “We need to revise marketing strategies, and to redefine minister explained. The project aims to help preserve and protect the historical tourism products by paying great attention to nature tours, He said 8.7 million foreign nationals visited Iran during site, which is located near Yelsui dam, provincial tourism chief rural tourism, ecotourism, agricultural tourism as a tool to the past [Iranian] year (1398), adding that Iran was ranked said on Tuesday. empower local communities and travel businesses.” as the second fastest-growing country in tourism based on The deprived area near the dam is also planned to be developed Tourism minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan publicized in data compiled by the World Tourism Organization. “On the by the implementation of several tourism-related projects, Nader November that mass, unplanned travels are not approved. onset of coronavirus, tourism faced a sharp decline in the Fallahi added. “The outbreak of the coronavirus has caused damage to the of this trend.” world including our country. So that in the first three months The culturally-rich Germi and its surrounding lands have long tourism industry in Iran and [other parts of] the world in “We are well aware of what the National Headquarters of the current [Iranian] year the number of foreign tourists been destinations for avid archaeology buffs and eco-travelers. such a way that according to statistics, 50 million people are for Coronavirus Control proclaims [the health protocols], dropped to 74 --- it was reached almost zero!.” Over the past couple of years, some seasons of excavation have directly and indirectly exposed to unemployment due to the hence as a proposal, we have formulated some smart, re- Iran expects to reap a bonanza from its numerous tourist been carried out in Germi and other villages nearby. virus spread in the global scene…. yet, mass or unplanned sponsible travel packages by the implementation of which spots such as bazaars, museums, mosques, bridges, bath- and irresponsible travels are not approved to take place we could have secure travels.” houses, madrasas, mausoleums, churches, towers, and during the coronavirus era.” The minister also cited examples of similar models be- mansions, of which 24 being inscribed on the UNESCO Smart and responsible traveling should replace “do not ing practiced in other countries, saying “Some countries, World Heritage list. Rooted in ancient Persian civilization, travel” recommendations, the minister stressed, adding: including several neighboring ones, have activated their the nation that has survived numerous alien invasions and “In our country, Corona has caused problems in the tour- tourism sector….. In some countries, a label has been affixed natural disasters over its rich history while maintaining its ism industry and the worrying point is the continuation to some hotels indicating which particular hotels are safe appeal to local and foreign tourists. Some $1.7m paid to support tourism businesses in Hamedan TOURISM TEHRAN – The Irani- a 12-percent interest rate. In August, Mounesan said that Iran’s deskan government has paid The loans would be allocated to tourist tourism has suffered a loss of 12 trillion 70 billion rials (about $1.7 million at the guides, travel agencies, tourism trans- rials (some $2.85 billion) since the outbreak In November 2018, Iranian researchers discovered an Iron official rate of 42,000 rials) in loans to port companies, tourism educational of the coronavirus pandemic. Age tomb in Germi, dating back to a time between 2500 to 3000 the tourism businesses affected by the institutions, eco-lodges and traditional The government has allocated a 750-tril- years ago, belonging to a child who was between 5 and 7 years coronavirus pandemic in the west-cen- accommodations, hotels, apartment ho- lion-rial (about $18 billion) package to old. It was unearthed in a survey aimed to probe the history of tral province of Hamedan. tels, motels, and guesthouses as well as help low-income households and small- settlements in Yelsui, a ruined site majority of which is associated The province’s tourism industry, mostly traditional accommodation centers, tourism and medium-sized enterprises suffered with the early Islamic era. its accommodation centers, have taken 1.3 complexes, and recreational centers, the by the coronavirus concerns. In December of the same year, several relics, dating back to trillion rials (about $31 million) hit from official explained. Optimistic forecasts, however, expect Seljuk (1037–1194) and Il-Khanid (1256–1335/1353) eras, were the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) over In September, Teymouri said that Iran to achieve a tourism boom after coro- unearthed in the vicinity of Alajouq fortress in Germi county. previous months, provincial tourism chief around 1.3 million tourism workers in navirus is contained, believing its impact Ardebil province is believed to be as old as the Achaemenid Ali Malmir said on Tuesday. coronavirus pandemic was approved by the country were facing problems due to would be temporary and short-lived for a era (ca. 550–330 BC). Sources say that due to its proximity to the He also noted that there are 180 hotels, Iran’s National Headquarters for Coro- the coronavirus crisis. country that ranked the third fastest-grow- Caucasus, Ardabil was always vulnerable to invasions and attacks apartment hotels, eco-lodge units, and navirus Control. In October, Cultural Heritage, Tour- ing tourism destination in 2019. by the mountain peoples of the Caucasus as well as by the steppe travel agencies across the province, which He also announced that depending on ism, and Handicrafts Minister Ali-Asghar The latest available data show eight dwellers of South Russia past the mountains. generate jobs for a total of 2,000 people. the type and activity of the businesses, Mounesan warned that Iran’s cultural million tourists visited the Islamic Re- During the Islamic conquest of Iran, Ardabil was the largest In late October, deputy tourism chief Vali they could benefit from at least 160 mil- heritage and tourism will be in a critical public during the first ten months of the city in north-western Iran, ahead of Derbent, and remained so Teymouri said that a new support package lion rials (some $3,800) to nine billion situation if the crises caused by the out- past Iranian calendar year (started March until the Mongol invasion period. to pay loans to businesses affected by the rials (some $214,000) of bank loans with break of the coronavirus continue. 21, 2019).

History’s first superpower sprang from ancient Iran Ancient gateway of Tus being restored to former grandeur Part (2/5) TOURISM TEHRAN – Razan Gate, one of the the Shahnameh. After Cyrus’s birth, the legend goes, Astyages ordered his general deskfour main gateways to the historical Located near the provincial capital of Mashhad, which Harpagus to kill the baby. But instead of carrying out the murder city of Tus, which is located in northeastern Iran, is is one of the top tourist attractions of the country, Tus himself, Harpagus handed over the newborn to a shepherd, asking being restored to its former splendor. has been the birthplace of some important cultural and him to abandon the baby in the mountains. Situated some 100 meters north of the Mausoleum scientific Iranian figures since the past centuries. The shepherd’s wife was grieving, as she had just had a still- of Ferdowsi, the ruins of the gate can be seen with a The city was captured by Alexander the Great in c. born child, so the shepherd brought the baby Cyrus home with length of seven kilometers inside the historical-cul- 330 BC and it was destroyed once during the Mongol him. The couple adopted him after placing the body of their own tural complex, the director of the complex announced invasion, and again by the Timurids, and many of its dead son on the mountainside instead. on Monday. people were killed. Road to Sardis The gateway is being restored and repaired using Besides Ferdowsi, the most famous person who has Herodotus’s story clearly includes many mythical elements, traditional materials of clay and mud, Ehsan Zohrevandi emerged from that area was the theologian, jurist, phi- but—as with many legends—contains a kernel of truth. Later in said on Monday. losopher, and mystic al-Ghazali. Other notable residents life, Cyrus did indeed threaten his powerful grandfather Asty- Mausoleum of Ferdowsi, the illustrious Persian poet, of Tus include the early polymath Jaber ibn Hayyan, ages when he invaded Media in 550 BC. Astyages’s general, who in Tus is one of the tourist attractions of the region. poet Asadi Tusi; polymath Nasser al-Din Tusi, and the really was called Harpagus, did betray his king, by defecting Many Iranians regard Ferdowsi as the greatest of their prominent Islamic scholar Abu Jafar Tusi. to Cyrus’s side, allowing the Persian king to seize the Median poets. Down through the centuries they have continued Tus and its historical gates, citadel, and ramparts capital, Ecbatana. to read and to listen to recitations from his masterwork, were registered on the National Heritage list in 1996. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y DECEMBER 2, 2020 SOCIETY 7

HIV control in Iran unfazed Afghan coach wins Nansen Award for empowering by COVID-19: minister refugees in Iran SOCIETY TEHRAN — Rozma Ghafouri, a 29-year-old SOCIETY TEHRAN — Health Min- the virus in the world, which has inadvertently desksports coach, won the UNHCR’s annual Nansen desk ister Saeed Namaki has affected many areas of the fight against HIV Refugee Award, a prestigious annual prize that honors those who said that the COVID-19 pandemic will not in the country, he also stated. have gone to extraordinary lengths to help forcibly displaced or threaten under no circumstances the HIV World AIDS Day 2020 stateless people. control program in the country. World AIDS Day is an important oppor- She is the co-founder of the Youth Initiative Fund project, a In a message on the occasion of World tunity to recognize the essential role that community-based initiative which seeks to get refugee children AIDS Day, December 1, the minister said: communities have played and continue to in Iran off the streets and into “The world health system today stands in play in the AIDS response at the international, education. an unpredictable, constant, and rapidly national, and local levels. The Nansen Refugee Award changing situation. On the one hand, the The theme of this year was “Global Sol- is named in honor of Norwe- world’s attention has been drawn to the idarity”. gian explorer, humanitarian, COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on peo- The world has made significant progress and Nobel Peace Prize winner ple’s lives and livelihoods, and on the other since the late 1990s, but HIV remains a major Fridtjof Nansen, the first High hand, the rest of health services based on global public health issue. And like many Commissioner for Refugees, who rights-based approaches have been affected other major health issues, it faces additional was appointed by the League of by the pandemic. That the most sensible challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nations in 1921. It aims to show- one is the HIV epidemic.” HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and case his values of perseverance HIV pandemic requires “global solidarity care services are all being disrupted particu- and commitment in the face of and shared responsibility” to be expanded larly in countries with fragile health systems. adversity. day by day to ensure that health systems Nevertheless, all over the world, health work- Rozma and her family fled are strengthened enough to empower peo- prevention and control to the parliament with An international assessment that was con- ers and community representatives are doing Afghanistan 23 years ago. After ple with knowledge, increase fair access to the joint endorsement of the two government ducted at the peak of the COVID-19 crisis was their utmost to keep services going. working as, a laborer for much diagnosis, treatment, medications, and other entities, Namaki added. found out that 98 percent of people living Globally, 37.9 million people were living of her childhood, she founded specialized needs for those living with HIV “Access to all preventive and treatment with HIV had access to medication for at least with HIV at the end of 2018. An estimated the Youth Initiative Fund in Iran’s southern city of Shiraz in 2015 or at risk, he noted. services including diagnostic tests, medica- one month, 71 percent had access to mask, 0.8% [0.6-0.9%] of adults aged 15–49 years to help at-risk children. Although the efforts of the last forty years tions, prevention services, harm reduction and 81 percent had access to disinfectant worldwide are living with HIV, although the With the backing of UNHCR, and its Iranian government to fight this epidemic have achieved great services, mental health, and the most modern solutions and 91 percent had access to harm burden of the epidemic continues to vary counterpart, the Bureau for Aliens and Foreign Immigrants’ successes and improvements, it should be and specialized diagnostic laboratories is reduction packages. considerably between countries and regions. Affairs (BAFIA), the project now helps some 400 children a confessed that still there are many challenges available for patients all over the country. A survey conducted in two cities including Over 40,000 people diagnosed year, many of them out-of-school girls, through inclusion in in the way of the global health system and What we have done so far to end the AIDS Tehran and Isfahan on 1276 PLHIVs, revealed with HIV sports and social activities, enrollment in literacy and numer- human societies, he highlighted. epidemic not only has not demoted because that only 26 people were infected by COV- Parvin Afsar Kazerouni head of AIDS and acy courses and counseling with their families. Seeing what Forty years of responding to the HIV of the COVID-19 but also is moving forward ID-19. Although this study is still ongoing, it sexual disease control department at the Min- an impact the project has had on Afghan children’s lives in epidemic has taught us valuable lessons with full power and Iran has not given up on shows how much awareness among people istry of Health said in December 2019 that Shiraz, UNHCR and BAFIA are in the process of duplicating on ensuring an effective and appropriate any of its wide efforts to eradicate the disease.” living with HIV, as well as their families about since the beginning of the epidemic, a total it in other provinces of Iran. response to the epidemic, if it is implement- HIV programs during pandemic COVID-19 is high. of 40,735 cases of HIV have been registered Every day, volunteers with the Youth Initiative – who ed based on justice-oriented approaches, “The HIV guidelines for the care and treat- Fortunately, with all limitless efforts, HIV in the country, 60.1 percent of which were include Afghans and Iranians – go door to door in the neigh- community-oriented, knowledge-based, ment and distribution of HIV medicines were rapid diagnostic tests were made available infected with drug injection equipment and borhoods of Shiraz to talk to the parents of children who conscious approach, take into consideration reviewed and revised. throughout the country,” Namaki explained. 22.2 percent due to high-risk sexual behavior. have either never gone to school or have had to drop out. the cultural and beliefs of society, trust, and All effort has been made to replace as One of the most important pillars for the Men held a share of 82 percent and wom- Rozma and the team build a relationship with the parents prioritizing the people who are at most risk much as possible the online services in- success of the HIV program in the country en 18 percent among people infected with and seek permission for their children to come to sports of affecting HIV/AIDS. stead of in-person services, subject to the is extending cooperation and coordination HIV, she lamented, adding, 50 percent of practice every week. World AIDS Day is special to us. So, point that the program does not harm and with international organizations under the the patients age 20-35. As the parents see the positive change that sports activities the bylaw on prevention of stigma and satisfaction of people living with HIV and United Nations system and benefited from Referring to the newly diagnosed cases led by Rozma have on their children, they become more willing discrimination against people living with their families is provided. their scientific and technical capabilities of HIV in the first six months of this year, to listen to her pleas to let them go to school. HIV has been prepared by the Ministry of Educational materials entitled “What over these years. she said that about a thousand people Rozma was nearly six years old when the Taliban overran her Justice in cooperation with the Ministry People Living with HIV Need to Know about At the moment, the first challenging part have been diagnosed during this period, hometown in the northeast Afghan province of Kapisa and she of Health, he emphasized. COVID-19” were made available for them in the way of the HIV control program is the 31 percent of whom were women and 69 fled the country with her parents and four siblings. In Iran, she It is also planned to submit the bill on HIV regularly through virtual networks. COVID-19 epidemic and dramatic spread of percent were men. was safe, but during her first years in exile, the family barely had enough to live on, let alone to cover school fees. Iran is host to one of the largest and most protracted urban refugee situations in the world and has provided asylum to ref- Sustainable agriculture to be extended to wetlands ugees for four decades. ENVIRONMENT TEHRAN — A model of sustainable “After the plan was conducted on the catchment species, and ecosystem biodiversity. Wetlands play a The latest official government statistics in 2014, there are deskagriculture previously implemented on of Lake Urmia, we decided to expand it to the villag- key role in the life cycles of many species and in annual 951,142 Afghan refugees and 28,268 Iraqi refugees living in Iran. the catchment area of Lake Urmia, will be extended to all es around it,” he explained, adding, now, it has been migration patterns. Many of the refugees living in Iran are the second and third gen- wetlands in the country. planned to implement the successful project on all the Unfortunately, wetlands are being degraded and lost eration, according to the United Nations High Commissioner For seven consecutive years, the Department of En- country’s wetlands. due to pollution, overexploitation, climate change, and for Refugees (UNHCR). vironment (DOE) and the agriculture organizations of So, a memorandum of understanding was signed be- human population growth. In recognition of these chal- About 97 percent of refugees live in urban and semi-urban West and East Azarbaijan provinces have implemented a tween the related departments of DOE and the Ministry lenges, the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty, areas, while 3 percent are residing in 20 refugee resorts run by project for encouraging local communities to participate of Agriculture, he stated. was adopted in 1971. the UNHCR’s main government counterpart. in Lake Urmia restoration program and succeeded in Important wetlands are in priority, such as those reg- In Iran, 141 wetlands with ecological value with an area In addition to Afghan refugees, there are about 2.5 million expanding it to over 200 villages. istered in the Ramsar Convention or have an ecological of over 3 million hectares have been identified, of which Afghans living in Iran, including those having a passport and un- Sustainable agriculture has three main aspects, including management program, but the plan will gradually extend 25 wetlands are designated as wetlands of international documented Afghans. 450,000 Afghan who did not have identity income facilitation for the farmers, optimal utilization to all wetlands over time, Arvahi said. importance (registered in the Ramsar Convention) cov- cards or birth certificates have received Iranian visas that allow of water and soil resources, and ensuring food security, In the first stage, it will most likely be carried out in ering more than 1.4 million hectares and four sites are them to live, work or study in the country. Ali Arvahi, the director of the Conservation of Iranian Bakhtegan wetland in Fars province and Shadegan in biosphere reserves. Wetlands Project explained. Khuzestan province, he concluded. Of Iran’s 25 Ramsar sites about one-third are under LET’S LEARN PERSIAN According to the model, with the cooperation of locals Valuable wetlands pressure or in critical condition. and observing these three components, the environ- Wetlands play a major role in protecting the land Chief of the Department of Environment, Issa Kalantari, (Part 72) (Source: saadifoundation.ir) ment, and natural resources will be preserved despite against floods and the impacts of storms. They pro- has said in order to restore wetlands in the country a budget agriculture prosperity, he added. vide food and diverse habitats which support genetic, of 600 trillion rials (nearly $14 billion) is required. Love for nature in Iranian baby names By Faranak Bakhtiari need to be interpreted. They come from all Sahel (beach), Setareh (star), Bahar (spring), Kordish name literally meaning hillside), sorts of elements like trees, flowers, stones, Melorin (a type of pearl), Toranj (bergamot and Sahanad (name of a volcanic mountain TEHRAN — Many Iranian names are de- mountains, sky, and more. orange) and Aseman (sky) are among the girl in Azerbaijan province). rived from nature and are inspired by flowers Also, the majority of these names are girl names rooted in natural elements. Although plenty of nature names for and other elements. Being widespread and names, because nature is characterized by Some flower names for girls include babies are not so much used as they were common in Iranian culture, this issue shows tenderness and beauty, and this characteristic Nilofar (water lily), Laleh (tulip), Ladan in the past, some natural names like Baran the importance of nature among Iranians. is more evident in girls. (nasturtium), Kamelia (sasanqua camellia), and Maryam enjoy widespread appeal and Baby names with a compelling meaning Nature-inspired girl names are fresh and Maryam (tuberose), Yas (Jasmine). popularity. are becoming ever so popular. Some of the vibrant, combining organic roots with vivid Boys also name after the natural elements Names coming from nature have been most interesting ones can be nature-inspired imagery to create unforgettable monikers in Iranian culture, but less than those for growing in use over the years with more baby names that have long been used among that are always recognizable. girls; some of which are Atash (literally mean- and more unique options creeping up on Iranians, which might be a sign of enthu- Darya (literally meaning sea), Baran (rain), ing fire), Toofan (storm), Shahab (meteor), the charts. Names like Niloufar and Toofan do siasm for nature. Berkeh (pond), Nasim (breeze), Asal (hon- Alborz (high mountain, a mountain range not seem all that out there anymore, ushering The point is that the meaning of nature-in- ey), Gandom (wheat), Sahra (desert), Nahal in northern Iran), Sepand (an herbaceous in a new wave of options like Melorin and spired names is known to all and does not (seedling), Khorshid (sun), Sadaf (oysters), plant called Peganum harmala), Davin (a Davin, which work well with today’s styles. ENGLISH IN USE LEARN NEWS TRANSLATION

کمبود ۱۲ هزار کالس درس در پایتخت Tehran short of 12,000 classrooms Considering the current population of students educating in مدیــرکل نوســازی مــدارس اســتان تهــران اظهــار کــرد: بــا توجــه بــه جمعیــت Tehran, there is a shortage of 12,000 classrooms which will increase فعلــی دانــش آمــوزی بــه ۱۲هــزار کالس درس جدیــد نیــاز داریــم کــه البتــه بــا to 18,000 over the next few years, director of the organization احتســاب رشــد جمعیــت بــه ۱۸هــزار کالس طــی چندســال آینــده می رســد. .for renovation of Tehran schools has stated علــی شــهری در گفتوگــو بــا ایســنا، گفــت: ۸۵۰۰کالس درس در تهــران بایــد Currently, 8,500 classrooms are beyond repair and must be مــورد تخریــب و بازســازی قــرار گرفتــه و ۱۴ هــزار و ۵۰۰کالس درس مقــاوم reconstructed, while 14,500 others need retrofitting, ISNA quoted ســازی شــوند. همچنیــن بــا تراکــم بــاالی جمعیــت دانشآمــوزی در اســتان .Ali Shahri as saying on Wednesday There is also a high density of students in the capital, and despite روبروییــم و علیرغــم آنکــه تراکــم میانگیــن در مــدارس کشــور ۲۴ نفــر اســت، the average capacity of classrooms accommodating 24 students, the شــاهد دوبرابــر ایــن میــزان تراکــم در برخــی مناطــق هســتیم. .number of students in some areas is twice the average, he lamented مدیــرکل نوســازی مــدارس اســتان تهــران تاکیــد کــرد کــه در حــال حاضــر Referring to the current construction projects, he said that ۱۱۰ پــروژه نیمــه تمــام دیگــر داریــم کــه امیدواریــم نیمــی از آنهــا را تــا مهــر مــاه بــه there are 110 projects under construction, half of which will be مرحلــه بهرهبــرداری برســانیم. .(completed by the new school year (September 23 Prayer Times Noon:11:54 Evening: 17:11 Dawn: 5:28 (tomorrow) Sunrise: 6:58 (tomorrow) DECEMBER 2, 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 “Characteristics of the School of Martyr Editorial Dept.: Fax: (+98 21) 88808214 — 88808895 [email protected] Switchboard Operator: Tel: (+98 21) 43051000 Advertisements Dept.: Telefax: (+98 21) 43051430 Soleimani” published in Russian Public Relations Office: Tel: (+98 21) 88805807 A new book studying the moral principles Subscription & Distribution Dept.: Tel: (+98 21) 43051603 1 “To explain about the school of Martyr of Commander Soleimani was published Printed at: Jame Jam Bartar Borna - 44197737 Soleimani, we need to know the school of Islam first,” Shirazi wrote in a preface to by the University of Imam Hussein (AS) the book. in Tehran. Entitled “Let Us Be This Way: Principles Tehrantimes79 Tehrantimes79 Tehrantimes79 “Next, we should go after the school of the Prophet Muhammad (S) and the Imams and of Soleimani’s School”, the book has been written by Mohammad-Baqer Babai. No. 18, Bimeh Alley, Nejatollahi St., Tehran, Iran learn more about the school of Imam Hussein P.o. Box: 14155-4843 (AS). That is the time the characteristics of The book contains five chapters including Zip Code: 1599814713 school of Imam Khomeini are clarified, and a brief glance at the life of Soleimani, his with the knowledge about the school of Imam school of thought and people’s viewpoints Khomeini, the characteristics of the school of about him. Martyr Soleimani are explained,” he added. “The Motherland’s Borderless However, to explain all these is not possible Commander”, a book that gives a deep in the book, and the writer has tried to take insight into the life of Soleimani, is one of a glance at the school of Islam and Imam these books. Hussein (AS), and explain more about the Zehtab Sohbatzadeh is the author of the school of Imam Khomeini, and compare them book published by Bolur, a publishing house with those of Martyr Soleimani. in the northern Iranian city of Rasht. GUIDE TO The book contains only part of the The Sebte Akbar Publications also SPIRITUAL AWAKENING characteristics of the school of Soleimani published a book recounting Soleimani’s followed by the words of the martyr and the memories of the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war points of view of others. after the end of the holy month of Ramadan The people whom I hate the most and who are the After his assassination, books on Soleimani this year. farthest from me on the Day of Judgment are those became bestsellers in the country, and The book named “Our Blessed Comrade” has who talk uselessly, and those who put down others, numerous books have also arrived in the been compiled by Asadollah Mohammadinia and those who show off when they talk. book market. Cover of the Russian translation of “Characteristics of the School of Martyr Soleimani”. and Mohammad Mohammadinia. Prophet Muhammad (S) Austrian company MED-EL sponsors Iranian movie “No Sound” on deaf people Iranian graphic novel Sound”, an Iranian film about people with hearing loss. During a press conference organized during the festival, The movie was screened at the 43rd Sao Paulo Dezfulizadeh said he is seeking once again to bring hearing “Arshia” published in London International Film Festival in Brazil during October and impaired people under the spotlight by this film. November, and was acclaimed by filmgoers, producer Morteza Based on an official figure published in 2019, about ARTTEHRAN — The first volume of the Iranian desk Shayesteh said in a press release published on Tuesday. 250,000 persons are hard of hearing or are functionally graphic novel “Arshia” written by Ashkan Following the screening, the company announced deaf in Iran. Rahgozar has been published in English in London. its readiness to sponsor the movie, and it is now known “The deaf are only being regarded during one week Markosia, a leading UK publisher of graphic novels as a co-production between Iran and Austria, he added. of the year that is dedicated to hearing impaired people. and comic books, is the publisher of the book whose Directed by Behrang Dezfulizadeh, “No Sound”, With this film, I want to raise people’s understanding original Persian version was also known as “Silence, the Cochlea” and “Soundless”, of the deaf,” he said. published by Hoorakhsh a mother, who is hard of hearing, has separated from “Assembling an all-star cast could help us in this Studio, an animation studio her deaf husband because of their disagreement over way,” noted Dezfulizadeh, whose film competed in New in Tehran that produced the their son’s cochlear implant surgery that can enable the Look, the festival’s section dedicated to directorial debut acclaimed movie “The Last young child to hear. But the father tries to prevent the feature-films. Fiction”. surgery because he wants his son to remain deaf like him. Dezfulizadeh denied the remarks of those accusing Hanieh Tavassoli (L), Mehran Ahmadi (C) and Mohsen Kiai “Arshia 1” is the story of Starring Hanieh Tavassoli and Mohsen Kiai, the film him of advertising cochlear implants in the country by act in a scene from “No Sound” by Behrang Dezfulizadeh. a mysterious character born was produced in 2019 with support from Alltone Shenava, his film and said, “Cochlear implant entered completely out of the writer’s ARTTEHRAN — MED-EL, a global an Iranian company that provides implantable hearing Iran in 1992. It is part of the story in the film and many fiction. Nevertheless, the desktechnology company that does research systems. hearing impaired people want to undergo the operation.” relation of this character with in the field of hearing loss, and develops and manufactures “No Sound” had its Iranian premiere at the 38th Fajr Tavassoli and some members of the cast were compelled the Shahnameh (The Book of implantable hearing systems, has agreed to sponsor “No Film Festival in Tehran during February. to learn sign language for their parts in “No Sound”. Kings) and ancient Iranian mythologies is quite notable as Arshia, along with the main characters, is one of the most Iranian National Commission for UNESCO honors actress Jaleh Olov A graphic image of an English influential and important copy of Ashkan Rahgozar’s characters in the graphic ARTTEHRAN — The short films, out of which 56 films have The animated film has been directed by desk graphic novel “Arshia 1”. novel series “Jamshid” and Iranian National been shortlisted as finalists. Winners will Haqshenas, and Olov worked as a narrator the animated movie “The Last Commission for UNESCO honored actress be announced after the end of the pandemic. on the project, which has been financed by Fiction”, both of which are loose adaptations of stories from Jaleh Olov with a lifetime achievement award Olov was selected the Cultural Eternal the Global Environment Facility (GEF). the Shahnameh. on the margins of the Selfie 20 Short Film Figure of 2010. She has been honored with “Save the Earth” has been produced in The young protagonist starts his life during the rule of Festival in Tehran on Monday. several lifetime achievement awards during line with UNIDO’s project “Industrial Energy Tahmures, father of Jamshid, and his life comes to a close during The 93-year-old Olov expressed her artistic career, including the award Efficiency in Key Sectors”. the reign of Afaridun with the defeat of Zahak. Throughout her thanks to the organizers in a video she received from the Iranian Theater The project, which was implemented from this collection of graphic novels, the mystery around Arshia’s message screened during the closing Forum in May 2019. August 2012 to July 2017, was intended to long life is uncovered, and the number of secrets that have ceremony of the festival, and said, “I She and Iranian animator Amin Haqshenas promote energy efficiency in five key sectors turned him into a mysterious character are revealed. am proud of working for the art of this Actress Jaleh Olov in an undated photo. collaborated with the United Nations by adopting a national framework for Energy “Arshia” is appropriate for all age groups, Hoorakhsh land for 72 years in the different fields Industrial Development Organization Management Standards (EnMS). announced in 2019 when the Persian version of the book of theater, radio, dubbing and poetry.” hope festivals like Selfie 20 will help support (UNIDO) in the production of “Save the The animated movie implies that energy came out. “I have always been praised by people, and encourage the youth,” she added. Earth”, an animation about climate change efficiency is one of the key solutions for Markosia has earlier published Rahgozar’s graphic novel and this was a good reason for my stability. I The festival screened a lineup of 420 and its consequences for the earth in 2018. combating climate change. series “Jamshid”, which includes four books.

Opera adaptation of “The Doll “Two Roads” at Cinéma Vérité to take filmgoers to world of disabled with lust for life ARTTEHRAN — Iran’s Cinéma Vérité The film also won the grand prix of the 11th Belgrade Behind the Curtain” to go on deskfestival will screen Czech filmmaker International Film Festival for and by People with Radovan Sibrt’s documentary “Two Roads” that explores Disabilities – BOSIFEST. stage in Denmark the spirit of survival and wild lust for life against all odds. Earlier on Sunday, the organizers of Cinéma Vérité ARTTEHRAN — A modern opera adaptation The film poses this question: What would you do, if you announced that Romanian filmmaker Radu Ciorniciuc’s deskof Sadeq Hedayat’s short story “The Doll knew that you had a limited time ahead of you, much shorter acclaimed documentary “Acasa, My Home” will be reviewed Behind the Curtain” will go on stage at the Copenhagen than an average lifetime? in the World’s Best section. Opera House, Denmark from December 8 to 13. The members of The Tap Tap, a music band made up The film tells the story of the Enache family, nine children Iranian musician Amir Mahyar Tafreshipur is the composer of physically disabled - or rather crippled as they would and their parents, who had been living for two decades in a of the opera, which will be call themselves - students of Jedlicka Institute in Prague, shack in the wilderness of the Bucharest Delta: an abandoned directed by Danish artist Freja answer the question with their pretty clear idea: They want water reservoir, one of the largest urban natural preserves Friberg Lyme. to live and enjoy every single minute of it. in the world, with lakes and hundreds of species of animals The scenario has been The Tap Tap shows how to confront difficulties and and rare plants. When the authorities decide to reclaim this written by writer and obstacles, and above all, how to have fun in your life. The Tap Tap band in Czech filmmaker Radovan Sibrt’s doc- rare urban ecosystem, the Enache family is evicted and told dramatist for radio and The members of the band are strong personalities with umentary “Two Roads”. to resettle in the city — a reality they know nothing about. theatre Dominic Power. a direct attitude toward life. They smoke, curse and love, Due to the pandemic, this year’s Cinéma Vérité will be “The Doll Behind the as long as they enjoy it. 2020 international events across the world. held entirely online from December 8 to 15. Curtain” is an imaginative “Two Roads” has been selected to be screened in World’s The 23rd edition of the Jihlava International Over 20 films on COVID-19 by Iranian filmmakers will be story of a young man’s Best, a section of the major Iranian documentary festival Documentary Film Festival in Czech honored the film competing in the festival as the organizers intend to attract fascination with a statue on that will feature a selection of documentaries acclaimed at with its audience award. attention to this disastrous disease by this special category. display in a shop window. He finds the mysterious beauty of the statue so captivating Iranian bookstores offer “Red Clocks” by Leni Zumas that he takes it back to Iran with him. His infatuation and CULTURE TEHRAN — A Persian trapped in a crumbling marriage. Mattie , the Huffington inner conflicts urge him to act desktranslation of Leni is the adopted daughter of doting parents Post, Entropy and the New York Public “The Doll Behind the Curtain” in ways that not only ruin his Zumas’s “Red Clocks” has recently been and one of Ro’s best students, who finds Library. Vulture called it one of the 100 opera by Mahyar Tafreshipur. own life but also that of his published by Flamingo Publications in herself pregnant with nowhere to turn. Most Important Books of the 21st Century fiancé, who struggles to outshine her silent rival. Tehran. And Gin is the gifted, forest-dwelling So Far. “Red Clocks” has been translated Tafreshipur’s music clearly reflects the dissonance between The book has been translated into herbalist, or “mender”, who brings all into several languages. the modern and ancient worlds. The music effortlessly Persian by Kambiz Manuchehrian. their fates together when she’s arrested Zumas is also the author of “Farewell alternates between European modernism, Oriental folklore In this ferociously imaginative novel, and put on trial in a frenzied modern-day Navigator: Stories” and “The Listeners”. and classical traditions, painting a precise picture of the abortion is once again illegal in America, witch hunt. Her stories, essays and interviews have choices all individuals are forced to face in this “clash of in-vitro fertilization is banned, and the “Red Clocks” is at once a riveting drama, appeared in Granta, Literary the civilizations.” Personhood Amendment grants rights of whose mysteries unfold with magnetic Supplement, Guernica, BOMB, The Earlier in August 2015, opera singer Maya Sapone directed life, liberty and property to every embryo. energy, and a shattering novel of ideas. In Cut, Portland Monthly, Tin House and “The Doll Behind the Curtain” during the Tête à Tête Opera In a small Oregon fishing town, five the vein of Margaret Atwood and Eileen Cover of the Persian translation of Leni elsewhere. Festival in two performances at the Kings Place Hall in London. very different women navigate these new Myles, Zumas fearlessly explores the Zumas’s “Red Clocks”. She has received grants and fellowships Iran’s foremost short story writer Sadeq Hedayat was barriers alongside age-old questions contours of female experience, evoking from the Lower Manhattan Cultural influenced by world literature, especially European literature, surrounding motherhood, identity and “The Handmaid’s Tale” for a new for Fiction and was shortlisted for the Council, the Barbara Deming Memorial and read the works of Kafka, Poe and Dostoyevsky. He freedom. Ro, a single high-school teacher, millennium. This is a story of resilience, Orwell Prize for Political Fiction and the Fund, the Regional Arts & Culture Council committed suicide in Paris. is trying to have a baby on her own, while transformation and hope in tumultuous, Neukom Award for Speculative Fiction. and the New York Foundation for the Arts. His works have been translated into many languages and also writing a biography of Eivor, a little- even frightening, times. The novel was a New York Times Book Zumas lives in Oregon and teaches in “The Blind Owl” is considered among the ten most important known 19th-century female polar explorer. Zumas’s national bestselling novel “Red Review Editors’ Choice and was named the creative writing program at Portland works in world surrealist literature. Susan is a frustrated mother of two, Clocks” won the 2019 Oregon Book Award a Best Book of 2018 by The Atlantic, State University.