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16 Pages Price 20,000 Rials 1.00 EURO 4.00 AED 39th year No.13333 Wednesday FEBRUARY 20, 2019 Esfand 1, 1397 Jumada Al thani 14, 1440 Soldier killer Saudi Arabia is Para shooter Gunther Uecker’s was a Pakistani godfather of Javanmardi wins gold “Tribute to Hafez” national 2 terrorism 2 at Al Ain 2019 15 to travel to Isfahan 16 Japan to continue oil imports Zarif lauds ‘comprehensive from Iran: envoy ECONOMY TEHRAN — Japan’s imports from Iran. desknew ambassador to Cementing economic ties between Tehran has said his country will contin- the two countries is Japan’s first pri- strategic partnership’ with China ue importing oil from Iran, the portal of ority regarding its relations with Iran, Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, the ambassador noted and said that Majlis speaker pushes for strong ties with Beijing Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA) said in presence of Japanese companies in a report published on Tuesday. Iran despite the U.S. re-imposition of Dismissing rumors that Japan would sanctions against the Islamic Republic See page 2 stop buying Iran’s oil, Mitsugu Saito said highlights the significance of Tokyo’s his country’s policy is to continue oil relationship with Tehran. 4 22,700 inmates freed under Leader’s mass pardon POLITICS TEHRAN — Head of the coming days all prisoners who can deskIran’s Prisons Organi- benefit from the Islamic Republic’s mass zation said on Tuesday that so far 22,700 pardon will be released or their sentences prisoners have been released and the pris- be reduced, ILNA reported. on sentences of 13,400 others have been Earlier this month, Judiciary chief commuted under an amnesty granted by Ayatollah Sadeq Amoli Larijani said Aya- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah tollah Khamenei has granted pardon or Ali Khamenei. commuted prison terms of fifty thousand Asghar Jahangir thanked judicial au- inmates on the fortieth anniversary of the thorities and expressed the hope that in Islamic Revolution.

Assad adviser rejects idea of granting Syrian Kurds autonomy A senior adviser to Syrian President Bashar tonomous region inside a decentralized Assad on Tuesday flatly rejected the idea state when U.S. troops currently backing of giving Syrian Kurds a measure of au- them pull out. They also hope a deal with tonomy, saying such a move would open Damascus would dissuade neighboring the door to the partition of the country. Turkey from attacking them. The Kurdish-led authority that runs But when asked Tuesday if Damascus much of north and east Syria has presented was willing to do a deal that would hand the a road map for a deal with Assad in recent Kurds some measure of autonomy, Bouthaina Reuters meetings with his key ally Russia. Shaaban, a senior adviser to Assad, flatly Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif(L) and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi shake hands during their meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019. The Kurds want to safeguard their au- rejected the suggestion. 13 ARTICLE Ambassador: Iran to close cases of Jordanian nationals PERSPECTIVE Saeed Ghaffari POLITICS TEHRAN – The Iranian Am- saying that the nationals went missing while on Heshmatollah Rahnama Political analyst deskbassador to Jordan, Mojtaba a fishing trip in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Latin American expert Ferdosipour, has said that the issues related to and entered the Iranian waters by mistake. three Jordanian nationals held in Iran will be Commenting on relations, Ferdosipour at- closed in coming days. tached great importance to expansion of par- Russia’s view During a meeting with Jordanian Lower House liamentary relations. U.S. gradual plan Speaker Atef Tarawneh, Ferdosipour said that the Tarawneh attached great importance to expan- on Syria’s detainees have been treated respectfully, ISNA sion of parliamentary cooperation among Islamic to intervene in reported on Tuesday. countries in line with supporting priorities of the reconstruction Three Jordanian nationals were detained in world of Islam, especially the Palestine issue. Venezuelan affairs Iranian waters on December 27, 2018. He also said that Jordan supports Syria’s n the way to reconstruction, Syria he U.S. imposed sanctions on Ven- Jordan’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement stability and integrity. needs connection to the world ezuela following the Venezuelan Ofinancial market to increase Tpresidential election of 2013 that Bashar al-Assad’s governance over the led to Nicolas Madura presidency. country and to earn the $400 billion for According to the Economic Debates rebuilding the state. U.S. states sue Trump administration in showdown over border wall funds Unit of the Latin American Geopolitical If Moscow succeeds in attracting A coalition of 16 U.S. states led by California sued For most of us, the office of the presidency is not a The states said Trump’s order would cause Strategic Center (CELAG)’s report, the European partners in reconstruction President Donald Trump and top members of his place for theater,” added Becerra, a Democrat. The them to lose millions of dollars in federal fund- main reason behind Venezuela’s economic projects of Syria, the Kremlin will have administration on Monday to block his decision White House declined to comment on the filing. ing for national guard units dealing with count- crisis is the international financial block- the chance to compensate its foreign cur- to declare a national emergency to obtain funds In a budget deal passed by Congress to avert a er-drug activities and redirection of funds from ade on Caracas. rency deficit through foreign investment. for building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. second government shutdown, nearly $1.4 billion authorized military construction projects would The financial and economic blockade Although, so far Russia has failed The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for was allocated toward border fencing. Trump’s damage their economies. that was mainly promoted by Washington to attract Europeans and Saudis in- the Northern District of California came after emergency order would give him an additional In television interviews on Sunday and Mon- and enforced by its allies, cost Venezuela vestment in Syria, it counts on China Trump invoked emergency powers on Friday to $6.7 billion beyond what lawmakers authorized. day, Becerra said the lawsuit would use Trump’s around $350 billion in the production of to get involved. help build the wall that was his signature 2016 Three Texas landowners and an environmental own words against him as evidence that there goods and services between 2013 and 2017. Chinese officials believe al-Assad campaign promise. group filed the first lawsuit against Trump’s move was no national emergency to declare. After this 5-year period, the spark prevents the spread of radical Islamists, Trump’s order would allow him to spend on the on Friday, saying it violated the Constitution and Trump said on Friday he did not need to make of a parallel government in Venezuela a belief that has perhaps encouraged wall money that Congress appropriated for other would infringe on their property rights. the emergency declaration but wanted to speed came about in 2017 with the assistance the Chinese government to pledge $2 purposes. Congress declined to fulfill his request The legal challenges could slow Trump’s ef- the process of building the wall. That comment of the Attorney General. billion to invest in Syrian industry. But for $5.7 billion to help build the wall this year. forts to build the wall, which he says is needed to could undercut the government’s legal argument. However, after the seizure of power at the same time, the U.S. retreat from “Today, on Presidents Day, we take President curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The “By the president’s own admission, an emer- by Juan Guidou on January 23, 2019, Syria and their quest for a balance of Trump to court to block his misuse of presiden- lawsuits could end up at the conservative-leaning gency declaration is not necessary,” the states and the realization of a virtual govern- power in the Indian Ocean and Pacific tial power,” California Attorney General Xavier U.S. Supreme Court. said in the lawsuit. “The federal government’s ment orchestrated by the United States Region have made China reluctant to Becerra said in a statement. Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illi- own data prove there is no national emergency and its allies, it was time to introduce invest further in Damascus. “We’re suing President Trump to stop him nois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New at the southern border that warrants construc- diplomatic representatives and the se- Saudi Arabia will, too, be willing to from unilaterally robbing taxpayer funds lawfully Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Virginia, tion of a wall.” lection of Citgo executives in the United invest in Syria only if Riyadh is certain set aside by Congress for the people of our states. and Michigan joined California in the lawsuit. (Source: Reuters) States. Ironically, the majority of Citogo al-Assad won’t prefer Iran over Saudi shares belongs to the National Petroleum Arabia and Riyadh can limit Iran’s dom- Corporation of Venezuela. inance in Damascus. Clearly, this virtual government According to reports, Russia’s priority cannot continue on operating on social is allocation of funds in reconstruction Fajr street media and should seek a state of govern- of Syria and Russian businessmen will ment on Venezuelan soil. Undoubtedly, be focusing more on energy sector and performers the U.S. military has a special plan for construction of Damascus. Venezuela with the experience gained In January 2018, in a bilateral agree- in Syria, Iraq and Libya. ment, Russia nearly monopolized the entertain The U.S. military has kept an eye right to withdraw Syrian gas and oil on two Venezuelan states: the state of resources. Then, in October of the passersby in Falcon, due to the 20-mile maritime same year, Moscow in a joint venture, connection to the Aruba Island and the agreed to raise the quality of Syrian downtown Amuay refinery in Anzoátegui, with a oil production facilities. port, airport and petrochemical complex, Russian private firms have taken which holds 40 percent of Orinoco’s oil, important steps in investing in Syrian Tehran and the state of Táchira, for sharing a private sectors and have inked various A troupe gives a street performance in the border with Colombia. contracts including: energy production courtyard of Tehran’s City Theater Complex The state of Táchira is the best in Homs, construction of a railway from during the 37th Fajr International Theater option for U.S. military bases for its

Damascus to city center, and estab- Moheymani Mohammad Festival on February 18, 2019. geopolitical conditions as it shares a lishment of factories essential in the Street performances arranged by the or- border with Columbia. future of Damascus. ganizers of the festival have been warmly The city of Cúcuta has become the hub of Russia may be concerned over Iran’s received by passersby since the beginning humanitarian aid in Venezuela for its close rivalry in Syria, but their biggest fear is of the event on February 11. proximity to Columbia, no wonder why on China. In fact, it will be the Chinses compa- February 23, 2019, the U.S. humanitarian

Tehran Times/ Tehran Times/ Winners of the festival will be honored nies limiting Russian’s economic activity during the closing ceremony on Saturday. aid for Juan Guidou will be launched from in the reconstruction of Syria. 7 the same border town. 7 I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y POLITICS FEBRUARY 20, 2019 MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS Grand ayatollah Soldier killer was a Pakistani calls for boosting defense power national, general says POLITICS TEHRAN — The IRGC Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) POLITICS TEHRAN — Grand Ayatollah Nasser deskground force commander on a road in Sistan-Baluchestan Province, deskMakarem Shirazi has called for a constant announced on Tuesday that the person who killing and injuring dozens of people. development of Iran’s defense power to deter enemies carried out suicide attack on IRGC forces Tehran criticized Pakistan for failing to from taking a military action against the country, Tasnim last Wednesday in the border province of secure its side of the border. “It is not tol- reported on Tuesday. Sistan-Balouchestan was a Pakistani national. erable for us that the government and the In a meeting with Major General Mohammad Hossein Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour army of Pakistan cannot prevent such acts Baqeri, the Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Ayatollah Makarem said some other members of the terrorist of sabotage and terror from inside their soil Shirazi said, “We are not after attacking any country, and team were Pakistani nationals as well. against Iran,” Foreign Ministry spokesman are not belligerent and expansionist either, but we need “Two members of the terrorist team Bahram Qassemi said on Monday. such (military) equipment to protect and defend ourselves.” were Pakistani and the suicide bomber was On Tuesday, Brigadier General Hossein He added that because of Iran’s military power, the enemies someone named Hafiz Mohamed Ali from Salami, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps have abandoned military option and instead are backing Pakistan and also there was another person second-in-command, said Iran will exact re- terrorists against Iran. from Pakistan in the team,” Pakpour said, venge on those behind the attack. according to Tasnim. Salami said warriors of the IRGC ground Interior Ministry: He added that two of the terrorists have force are performing a hard task by standing been arrested while one is still on the run. up against the ominous triangle of America, Terrorists receive “God willing, the other one will be arrested the Zionist regime and Saudi Arabia. support from soon,” the general predicted. ‘Saudi Arabia is the heart of wickedness’ The commander said the IRGC found traces “Today, Saudi Arabia is the heart of wick- certain Arab states about the terrorist attack first by detaining a edness in the region and the world,” he stated. woman on Sunday that finally led to arrest “Al Saud should know they will not last POLITICS TEHRAN — The director general of the of some others. for long… I know what nightmares they have desk Interior Ministry for border Affairs has said On Wednesday, an explosives-laden car every night,” he said, adding that the same parts of Pakistan’s common borders with Iran are swarming rammed into a bus carrying members of the fate awaits the U.S. and Israel. with terrorist groups which receive financial support from certain Western and Arab states. Shahriar Heydari pointed to the recent terrorist attack on IRGC forces, saying the enemies’ plots for Iran is much Tehran: Saudi Arabia is godfather of terrorism more than such rare terrorist attacks inside Iran, the YJC POLITICS TEHRAN — Iran’s Foreign Ministry nians, will not change the reality that the real godfather attracting attentions to gross human rights violations in reported on Tuesday. deskspokesman said on Tuesday that Saudi of Takfiri terrorism in the world and the region is nobody Saudi Arabia. However, this country is still supported by “Such suicide acts are nothing considering the high level Arabia as the birthplace of extremist ideology and a source but his government.” the U.S. and the Western communities.” of the enemies’ threats against our country,” he remarked, of organized international terrorism lacks competence to He added, “There is no need for further explanation for The ministry official said the West’s support for the adding that suicide attacks occur easily all around the world. accuse other countries of supporting terrorism. those who know a little bit about [Jubeir’s] hypocritical face.” royals in Riyadh has emboldened Saudi Arabia in spread- Bahram Qassemi’s comments came in reaction to “totally The Foreign Ministry spokesman called Saudi Arabia ing terrorism. Iran calls for joint false and hateful” remarks against Iran by Saudi minister as the source of terrorism which its officials have no right “Emboldened by the support and shielded by double of state for foreign affairs Adel Al-Jubeir during a joint to accuse others of backing terrorism. standards of the U.S. and some (other) Western governments, anti-piracy drills in press conference with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah “Saudi Arabia as the birthplace of the fundamentalist Saudi Arabia has for years been spreading extremism and Indian Ocean Mahmood Qureshi in Islamabad on Monday. ideology and the source of exporting organized terrorism arming and training its tamed terrorists.” According to Saudi Gazette, Jubeir said Iran has been at the international level has no competence and credit to While Iran is unhappy with Islamabad’s failure to crack the chief sponsor of terrorism for decades. accuse other countries of supporting terrorism.” down on terrorists based in Pakistan which commit terror The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) chief Ali The Foreign Ministry official said al-Jubeir should be attacks once in a while in the border province of Sistan-Ba- POLITICS TEHRAN — The Iranian Navy has called Jafari has blamed Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates held accountable for the terrorism rooted in his country’s louchestan, Qassemi said the two sides have the right un- desk on the member states of the Indian Ocean for a last week terrorist attack on Iranian military forces ruling structure. derstanding and knowledge of their neighborhood relations. Naval Symposium (IONS) to draft a joint protocol for naval near the border with Pakistan which led to the death of “Instead of pinning the blame on others and making “Iran expects Pakistan to deal more decisively with terrorist security and called for staging joint anti-piracy drills to boost 27 IRGC forces. Jafari also criticized Pakistan for failing vain efforts to divert the world’s public opinion away from groups who use the country’s soil for orchestrating and carry- cooperation in enforcing collective security in the water body. to fully guard its border with Iran. his role in establishing and spreading such cruel and killer ing out terrorist operations against targets in Iran,” he said. “We have all convened here for the very same objective The Jaish al-Adl group, which claimed responsibil- groups, the Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs should “Considering the level and depth of our relations with that is to promote convergence, consultation, and inter- ity for the attack, uses Pakistan’s soil to launch terror be answerable for the terrorism rooted in the structure Pakistan, we will express these criticisms or expectations action for establishing security in the Indian Ocean which attacks in Iran. of the establishment of Saudi Arabia and narrate the big through regular political, intelligence and military channels is one of the most strategic oceans in the world,” Deputy Taha Siddiqui, a Pakistani journalist and founder inhumane crimes and catastrophes resulted from the mil- with related officials of this country and will follow up.” Navy Commander Mohammad Reza Azizi said on Tuesday, of safenewsrooms.org, has told Al Jazeera that “many of itary invasion against the Yemeni people and the killing of Qassemi said Tehran will pursue issues resulting from Mehr reported. these groups have Saudi funding, but since Pakistan is de- innocent people of other countries in the region and the spoiling acts of criminal terrorists while taking into account He made the remarks during the meeting of the IONS pendent on Saudi aid, it turns a blind eye,” on the existence world by the terrorist groups created by it in the region realities of relations between the two neighboring countries. Naval Security Commission in Iran’s southern port city of of Jaish al-Adl and other armed groups. and the world.” “Certainly, there is vigilance and insight among the Bandar Abbas. In his Tuesday statement, Qassemi said, “The empty Qassemi said as human rights groups have repeatedly two countries of Iran and Pakistan so the hateful Saudi and hateful remarks by [Jubeir], who has a long record mentioned Saudi Arabia grossly violates human rights. officials cannot satanically misuse recent incidents to harm Ambassador hails of making lies and showing hatred towards Iran and Ira- “Human rights groups have frequently issued resolutions Tehran-Islamabad relations,” Qassemi concluded. cancellation of Visegrad summit Foreign elements seek to poison Iran-Pakistan ties: diplomat POLITICS TEHRAN — Riffat hedan-Khash road in the border province of She called the terrorist attack a cowardly with Taliban as a political force and a party POLITICS TEHRAN — Iran’s Ambassador to Brit- deskMasood, the Pakistani Sistan-Balouchestan, killing 27 and injuring act, saying, “Our deepest sympathies to all in Afghanistan. deskain Hamid Baeidinejad said on Monday ambassador to Tehran, has said that foreign the remaining 13. those affected by this heinous attack.” “In order for any peace process to succeed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suffered elements seek to poison good relationship Iran has strongly criticized Islamabad Elsewhere, Masood said, “We feel that in Afghanistan, you need to talk to Taliban a “heavy blow” after the cancellation of a two-day summit between Iran and Pakistan. for failing to protect its borders with Iran, the United States is an important county; as well,” she noted. of the Central European countries known as the Visegrad “Foreign elements seek to undermine the saying Pakistan has been turned into a safe it is one of our largest trading partners, She added, “I think now there is a re- group (V4) in the occupied Palestinian territories. good relations between the two brotherly haven for terrorist outfits such as Jaish but we have to be very careful and very alization not only among the U.S. and the “The aftershocks of the Warsaw summit: With Poland’s countries of Iran and Pakistan. We should al-Adl, which claimed responsibility for watchful of the U.S. policy in Afghanistan European Union but even among the coun- objection, the summit of heads of Central European countries, not let them succeed,” she said in an in- the attack. and the U.S. intentions in our region. That tries in the region including Russia, China, which was scheduled to be held in Israel, was canceled,” terview with IRNA published on Tuesday. Ambassador Masood said, “Pakistan is why Pakistan is a country that believes India and Iran that Taliban are a party or a Baeidinejad said in a tweet. On February 13, a car laden with ex- will continue to work with Iran to bring in engagement.” political force in Afghanistan and we have The summit of Central European leaders in Quds was plosives hit a bus of IRGC soldiers on Za- an end to terrorism that affects our region.” She attached great importance to talks to negotiate with them.” cancelled after Poland withdrew on Monday, accusing Israel’s acting foreign minister, Yisrael Katz, of “racist” and “totally unacceptable” statements. Warsaw summit meant to buttress U.S. against Iran: Moscow Envoy rejects POLITICS TEHRAN — The recent Warsaw summit ministerial meeting, which its organizers said would address deskon the Middle East was held in line with security in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia’s Washington’s anti-Iran position, Russian Foreign Ministry Within the framework of the conference, Poland and the spokeswoman has said. United States announced the creation of special working anti-Iran rhetoric “The main goal of the Warsaw forum, as it was ex- groups tasked with developing concrete solutions in such pected, was an attempt to consolidate its participants’ areas as counterterrorism and illicit finance; curbing missile positions on supporting Washington’s destructive and weapons proliferation; combating cyber and emerging POLITICS TEHRAN — Tehran’s ambassador to agenda of total counteraction to Tehran, which had threats as well as humanitarian issues. deskPakistan says Iran has been the biggest to be viewed as the main source of instability in the U.S.-Iran relations deteriorated in May 2018 when victim of terrorism and the recent anti-Iran rhetoric of Saudi [Middle East] region,” Maria Zakharova said on Mon- U.S. President Donald Trump announced his country’s Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir day, according to Sputnik. decision to withdraw from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive is a futile attempt to distort facts. The summit showed that the United States wanted to Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear In an interview with IRNA published on Tuesday, Mehdi create new separating lines in the Middle East region while deal, and reimposed its sanctions on Tehran that had Honardoost said for the last forty years Iran has sacrificed the decision to establish working groups to solve the regional Left to right: U.S. VP Mike Pence, Polish President Andrzej been lifted under the agreement. a lot to eliminate the menace of terrorism and has suffered problems demonstrates the U.S. wish to act unilaterally, the Duda and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the The first package of restrictions came into force in August, huge human and financial losses in this regard. Russian diplomat said. Warsaw summit, February 13, 2019. Kacper Pempel, Reuters while the second one followed in November. He added that despite all these sacrifices the statement “The conference was planned and held not for the sake In the wake of this decision, the other parties to the JCPOA of the Saudi official against Iran shows he wants to distort of serious discussion of the Middle East problems. Its main refugees. What is that, if not an attempt to launch a parallel — China, France, Germany, Iran, Russia, the United Kingdom the facts and tries to divert the world’s attention from Saudi outcome is creation of several special working groups to process that will work on developing unilateral decisions?” and the European Union — expressed their commitment Arabia’s aggressive approach. discuss a number of global challenges and threats, such Zakharova asked. to the accord and began working to create tools to bypass as terrorism, non-proliferation, humanitarian issues and On Wednesday and Thursday, the Polish capital hosted a the sanctions. Pelosi: Trump admin Zarif lauds ‘comprehensive strategic partnership’ with China ‘completely POLITICS TEHRAN — Foreign Conference, where he had accused Israel of what you said and you are a famous person trust between our two countries and to ensure wrong’ on Iran deskMinister Mohammad Ja- looking for war. now,” Wang said, in brief remarks in front fresh progress of the bilateral comprehensive POLITICS TEHRAN — U.S. House Speaker Nancy vad Zarif who traveled to China on Tuesday, “I saw on television how you defended the of reporters. and strategic partnership,” he said. deskPelosi has described the Trump admin- accompanying a delegation that includes rights of Iran loud and clear at the Munich “I would like to take this opportunity to Majlis speaker pushes for strong istration’s approach toward Iran, including its withdrawal Iranian Parliament speaker Ali Larijani and Security Conference. I think an audience of have this in depth strategic communication ties with China from the Iran nuclear deal, as “completely wrong”. Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh, said Tehran hundreds of millions of Chinese also watched with my old friend to deepen the strategic Iranian Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani also Pelosi made the remarks in an interview with MSNBC values “comprehensive strategic partner- said on Tuesday that Iran is ready to boost at the Munich Security Conference, which was broadcasted ship” with Beijing. China’s foreign minister says: “I would like ties with China in various areas. Meeting with his Chinese counterpart on Monday. to have in depth strategic communication “Relations between Iran and China Discussing Vice President Mike Pence’s calls for Euro- Minister Wang Yi, Zarif said, “Our rela- have always been based on friendship,” pean allies to follow the Trump administration’s exit from tionship with China is very valuable to us.” with my old friend (Zarif) to deepen the he said during a meeting with Li Zhanshu, He added, “We consider the comprehen- the 2015 nuclear deal, she said, “The vice president is an strategic trust between our two countries Chinese chairman of the National People’s articulate spokesperson for his point of view, which I think sive strategic partnership between Iran and Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, on the subject of Iran is completely wrong. And he did not China as one of our most important relations.” and to ensure fresh progress of the bilateral in Beijing. get much response to it here I’m happy to say.” Wang, for his part, said he had watched Li said that the two countries are deter- Zarif’s Sunday speech at the Munich Security comprehensive and strategic partnership.” mined to expand relations. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y FEBRUARY 20, 2019 INTERNATIONAL Two safe corridors opened for Hunt: German halt in Saudi arms sales to hit British displaced Syrians at Rukban camp defense industry

Russian and Syrian coordination centers on Russian officials have accused the U.S. Britain’s foreign minister has written to Germany’s foreign min- returning refugees have managed to open and Washington-backed militants of holding ister expressing concern about the effect of Germany’s halt in two humanitarian corridors for thousands people in Rukban hostage. exports to Saudi Arabia on both the British and European defense of displaced Syrians stranded in a camp near “We call on the American command industry, a magazine reported on Tuesday. the Jordanian border to leave the site toward and leaders of illegal militant groups in “I am very concerned about the impact of the German govern- government-controlled areas. the al-Tanf region to out an end to the ment’s decision on the British and European defense industry “In accordance with the February 16 joint forcible keeping of women and children, and the consequences for Europe’s ability to fulfil its NATO com- statement by the Russian and Syrian coordi- mostly affected by cold, illness and mal- mitments,” Jeremy Hunt wrote in a letter, Der Spiegel reported. nation centers on opening the humanitarian nutrition in the camp. All of them will be Hunt said British defense firms would not be able to fulfil corridors for the evacuation of Syrians from given necessary assistance,” Russian De- several contracts with Saudi Arabia such as the Eurofighter the Rukban camp, two checkpoints at Jleb fense Ministry spokesman Major General model called Typhoon or the Tornado fighter jet, both of which and Jabal al-Ghurab opened today,” the chief Igor Konashenkov said on February 15 as a are made with parts affected by the stop in deliveries to Saudi. of Russia’s National Defense Control Center, humanitarian convoy of the United Nations (Source: AFP) Major General Mikhail Mizintsev, said in a and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) statement on Tuesday. delivered aid, including medical supplies He added that the Syrian refugees will be and basic commodities, to Rukban. provided with voluntary, unimpeded and safe Konashenkov added that Russia and Syria exit from the camp to places of their choice would jointly establish a temporary housing S. Korea ready to resume of residence within 24 hours. area for refugees from the camp. “The situation in al-Rukban camp is cata- The UN says about 45,000 people, mostly inter-Korean cooperation to strophic, and civilians are being held hostage women and children, are trapped inside the by terrorist groups under the auspices of the Rukban refugee camp, where conditions are help denuclearization United States. They are hovering between life It should be fully implemented, and in this the resort city of Sochi aimed at solidifying desperate. and death. They continue to live in appalling context we have informed our interlocutors the three countries’ cooperation towards Also in his remarks, Lavrov touched on South Korean President Moon Jae-in said his country is ready conditions despite the arrival of humanitarian about the efforts taken in this direction by returning peace and stability to Syria. Syria’s suspension from the Arab League (AL), to resume inter-Korean cooperation if it will help the process convoys to the camp,” Mizintsev said. the guarantor states of the Astana peace pro- Elsewhere in his remarks, Lavrov noted emphasizing that Syria’s return to the organi- of denuclearizing North Korea, Yonhap News Agency reported The Russian official added, “The camp is cess – Russia, Iran and Turkey, including the that the presence of American troops in Syria zation will contribute to a political solution to on Monday. suffering from lack of basic healthcare. The outcome of the February 14 summit of the is contributing to instability, and is impeding the Syria crisis and normalization of relations Moon spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump on the phone fact is that women, children and people with Astana format in Sochi,” Lavrov said dur- a political settlement of the nearly eight-year between Damascus and Arab states. on Monday about the upcoming summit with North Korean leader disabilities do not receive the lowest level of ing a joint press conference with his Omani conflict in the country. The Arab League suspended Syria’s Kim Jong Un, Yonhap reported, saying that Trump expects great medical assistance. Eight children suffered counterpart Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah The top Russian diplomat went on to say membership in November 2011, citing al- progress at his second meeting with Kim. food poisoning last month alone.” in Moscow on Monday. that the U.S. forces are unlawfully deployed leged crackdown by Damascus on opposition (Source: Reuters) Russian officials have accused the United Resolution 2254 endorses a road map for to al-Tanf region in southern Syria, training protests. Syria denounced the move as “illegal States and Washington-backed militants of a peace process in Syria. It calls for a nation- terrorists, who carry out acts of terror across and a violation of the organization’s charter.” holding people in Rukban hostage. wide ceasefire in the country, the formation Syria and prevent the return of displaced Alawi, for his part, underlined the need U.S. illegitimate presence in of a “credible, inclusive and non-sectarian” people in the Rukban refugee camp to their for a political settlement of the ongoing cri- Syria contributes to instability: Lavrov government within six months and UN-su- hometowns. sis in Syria, lauding Russia’s efforts to work Sen. Bernie Sanders says he’s Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov pervised “free and fair elections” within 18 “We, along with the Syrian government, out a solution to the conflict and secure the running for president in 2020 says the illegal presence of the United States months. are calling for this to take place. But the return of all displaced Syrians back to their military forces in Syria is a source of insta- Moscow, Tehran, and Ankara have been United States and the extremists, whom it homeland. bility in the conflict-plagued Arab country, mediating peace negotiations between rep- sponsors and are in control of the camp, do Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, whose insurgent 2016 presidential stressing that any solution to the Syria cri- resentatives from Damascus and Syrian op- not let people leave (the camp),” Lavrov said. militancy since March 2011. The Syrian campaign reshaped Democratic politics, announced Tuesday that sis must be in accordance with the United position groups in a series of rounds held in The senior Russian official also urged UN government says the Israeli regime and its he is running for president in 2020. Nations Security Council Resolution 2254. the Kazakh capital city of Astana and other humanitarian envoys to “see that everything is Western and regional allies are aiding Takfiri “Our campaign is not only about defeating Donald Trump,” the “We share stance on Syria. The Security places since January 2017. far from being in order” in Rukban and report terrorist groups wreaking havoc in the country. 77-year-old self-described democratic socialist said in an email to Council Resolution 2254 has no alternative. Russia has also hosted parallel talks in back their findings to the UN Security Council. (Source: Press TV) supporters. “Our campaign is about transforming our country and creating a government based on the principles of economic, social, racial and environmental justice.” An enthusiastic progressive who embraces proposals ranging from Medicare for All to free college tuition, Sanders stunned the Pakistan warns India against military action Democratic establishment in 2016 with his spirited challenge to Hillary Clinton. While she ultimately became the party’s nominee, Pakistan has warned it will retaliate if India takes military suspected militants, a police official and a civilian were killed his campaign helped lay the groundwork for the leftward lurch that action against it after a militant attack on Indian forces in as Indian soldiers searched for militants. has dominated Democratic politics in the Trump era. Indian-administered Kashmir. India blamed the attack on Pakistan and promised a The question now for Sanders is whether he can stand out in Prime Minister Imran Khan went on television to call on “jaw-breaking response” while Pakistan warned India against a crowded field of Democratic presidential candidates who also India to provide evidence to support its claims that Pakistan linking it to the attack without an investigation. embrace many of his policy ideas and are newer to the national was involved. According to Tuesday’s statement, Pakistan’s For- political stage. That’s far different from 2016, when he was Clinton’s India responded that Mr. Khan was again making excuses. eign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi sent a letter to lone progressive adversary. More than 40 members of India’s security forces died in UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres alleging that “for Still, there is no question that Sanders will be a formidable Thursday’s suicide bombing on their convoy. domestic political reasons, India has deliberately ratch- contender for the Democratic nomination. He won more than 13 Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad said eted up its hostile rhetoric against Pakistan and created million votes in 2016 and dozens of primaries and caucuses. He it was behind it. a tense environment.” opens his campaign with a nationwide organization and a proven The attack has raised tensions between India and Paki- Also, Pakistani Ambassador Suhail Mahmood was asked small-dollar fundraising effort. stan, which have fought two wars and a limited conflict in Monday to return home from India, after New Delhi recalled And he could be well positioned to compete in the nation’s first the region and are both nuclear powers. its own envoy from Islamabad. primary in neighboring New Hampshire, which he won by 22 points ------Pakistan asks UN to help defuse tensions with India “It is with a sense of urgency that I draw your attention to in 2016. But he won’t have the state to himself. Pakistan recalled its ambassador from India and appealed the deteriorating security situation in our region resulting Sen. Kamala Harris of California, another Democratic presiden- Tuesday for UN help to de-escalate and defuse tensions from the threat of use of force against Pakistan by India,” on Pakistan’s letter to the UN. tial contender, was in New Hampshire on Monday and said she’d with New Delhi after last week’s attack in India’s sector Qureshi said. India and Pakistan each administer a part of Kashmir, compete for the state. She also appeared to take a dig at Sanders. of disputed Kashmir that killed at least 40 Indian troops. There were expectations that Saudi Crown Prince Mo- but both claim the territory in its entirety. They have fought “The people of New Hampshire will tell me what’s required to Tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors hammad bin Salman, who concluded a two-day visit to Paki- two of their three wars over it. compete in New Hampshire,” she told shoppers at a bookstore in soared following the attack in which a militant rammed an stan on Monday and travelled on to India, could encourage Rebels have been fighting Indian rule since 1989, de- Concord. “But I will tell you I’m not a democratic socialist.” explosive-laden van into a paramilitary bus last Thursday. the two South Asian neighbors to try to resolve their issues manding Indian-controlled Kashmir be united either under Sen. Elizabeth Warren of nearby Massachusetts will be in New It was the worst attack against Indian government forces in through talks. Pakistani rule or established as an independent country. Hampshire on Friday. Kashmir’s history. On Monday, four Indian soldiers, three India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it had no comment (Source: agencies) One of the biggest questions surrounding Sanders’ candidacy is how he’ll compete against someone like Warren, who shares many of his policy goals. Warren has already launched her campaign and has planned an aggressive swing through the early primary states. UAE buys $1.8 billion in U.S. arms amid Yemen war Shortly after announcing her exploratory committee, Warren hired Brendan Summers, who managed Sanders’ 2016 Iowa cam- The United Arab Emirates (UAE), the House among the many other Saudi allies that paign. Other staffers from Sanders’ first bid also have said they of Saud regime’s main partner in a Riyadh-led compose the coalition, the Emirates also would consider working for other candidates in 2020. coalition invading Yemen, has bought around backs militants based in southern Yemen, The crowded field includes a number of other candidates who $1.8 billion worth of American arms at an who have been campaigning to break away will likely make strong appeals to the Democratic base including Abu Dhabi military exhibition. from the rest of the country. Harris and Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey, Amy Klobuchar of Monday marked the second day of the In- The U.S. has been generously providing Minnesota and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York. The field could also ternational Defense Exhibition and Conference arms support for the kingdom and its grow, with a number of high-profile Democrats still considering (Idex), which is to last through Thursday. allies over the course of the war. It also presidential bids, including former Vice President Joe Biden and During the day, the Emirates signed 5.73 lends the coalition logistical assistance, former Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke. billion dirham ($1.5 billion) worth of contracts including bombing coordinates. A U.S. While Sanders had been working to lay the groundwork for a with the United States arms giant Raytheon commando force is, meanwhile, deployed second campaign for months, it was unclear whether he will be able to buy its Patriot missile systems, said the near the Saudi regime-Yemeni border to expand his appeal beyond his largely white base of supporters. exhibition’s spokesman General Mohammed to seek and destroy the arms caches be- In 2016, Sanders notably struggled to garner support from black Al Hassani, AFP reported. longing to Yemen’s popular Ansarullah voters, an issue that could become particularly pervasive during A day earlier, it had signed a 1.3-bil- (Houthi) movement, which defends the a primary race that could include several non-white candidates. lion-dirhams ($353-million) contract with country against the invaders. Last month, he joined Booker at an event in Columbia, South the company for the systems. Despite the dire need for a ceasefire in Carolina, marking the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. In 2016, Respectively, the Emirati military award- “The value of deals during the five-day officials. the violence-scarred country, Major General Sanders lost the South Carolina primary, which features a heavily ed 5.87 and 4.97 billion dirhams worth of event is likely to exceed the 19.17 billion dir- The World Health Organization (WHO) David C. Hill, deputy commander of the U.S. black electorate, by 47 points. contracts to international companies over hams reached in 2017,” Emirati daily The says some 10,000 people have been killed Army Central, confirmed in remarks to AFP Sanders also faces different pressures in the #MeToo era. Some the first two days of the show. Those include National reported, citing Idex organizers. since the coalition launched the war, but rights on Sunday that the U.S. continues to “provide of his male staffers and supporters in 2016 were described as “Bernie Eos Defense of Australia, which specializes The coalition launched the war in March groups put the death toll at five times higher. support to the coalition.” bros” for their treatment of women. in making electro-optic systems. 2015 to restore Yemen’s former Saudi-backed Besides contributing most to the war (Source: Press TV) In the run-up to Sanders’ 2020 announcement, persistent alle- gations emerged of sexual harassment of women by male staffers during his 2016 campaign. Politico and The New York Times reported Trump pleads with Venezuela’s military to back Guaido several allegations of unwanted sexual advances and pay inequity. In an interview with CNN after the initial allegations surfaced, Donald Trump on Monday pleaded with Venezuela’s military In remarks broadcast on state television, Maduro accused government and its socialist policies. Sanders apologized but also noted he was “a little busy running to support opposition leader Juan Guaido and issued a dire the U.S. president of speaking in an “almost Nazi style” and As the monthslong political crisis stretched on, the mili- around the country trying to make the case.” warning if they continue to stand with President Nicolas lashed out at Trump for thinking he can deliver orders to tary has blocked the U.S. from moving tons of humanitarian As additional allegations emerged, he offered a more unequivocal Maduro’s government. Venezuela’s military. aid airlifted in recent days to the Colombian border with apology. “What they experienced was absolutely unacceptable and “You will find no safe harbor, no easy exit and no way out. “Who is the commander of the armed forces, Donald Venezuela. The aid shipments have been meant in part to certainly not what a progressive campaign - or any campaign - should You will lose everything,” Trump said in a speech at Florida Trump from Miami?” Maduro said. “They think they’re the dramatize the hyperinflation and shortages of food and med- be about,” Sanders said Jan. 10 on Capitol Hill. “Every woman in International University in Miami before large American owners of the country.” icine that are gripping Venezuela. Trump said of Maduro, this country who goes to work today or tomorrow has the right to and Venezuelan flags. Trump added: “We seek a peaceful Trump said “a new day is coming in Latin America,” as “He would rather see his people starve than give them aid.” make sure that she is working in an environment which is free of transition of power, but all options are open.” he sought to rally support among the largest Venezuelan Critics say Maduro’s re-election last year was fraudulent, harassment, which is safe and is comfortable, and I will do my best The Venezuelan military could play a decisive role in community in the U.S. for Guaido. The U.S. recognizes him making his second term illegal. to make that happen.” the stalemate but has largely remained loyal to Maduro. as the country’s rightful president and condemns Maduro’s (Source: AP) (Source: AP) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 4 ECONOMY FEBRUARY 20, 2019

STOCK MARKET 35,000 barrels of crude oil sold TEDPIX 157387.5 IFX 1965.2 Sources: tse.ir, Ifb.ir at IRENEX in fifth offering

CURRENCIES ENERGY TEHRAN — National told Fars News Agency that “because of deskIranian Oil Company discrepancy” between buyers’ demands USD 42,000 rials (NIOC) sold 35,000 barrels of light crude and conditions put up by the NIOC the oil EUR 47,444 rials oil at Iran Energy Exchange (IRENEX) at offering did not produce the desired results. the base price of $52.25 per barrel for the NIOC offered one million barrels of light GBP 54,170 rials fifth time on Monday, IRIB reported. crude oil at IRENEX for the third time on AED 11,437 rials It is while NIOC had previously January 21. The set price for that round of announced that it would offer one million oil sale was $52.42 per barrel. Source: cbi.ir barrels of light crude oil at IRENEX at the The third round witnessed some base price of $56.81 per barrel and the least advantages compared to the first and second amount of sale would be 35,000 barrels like rounds to facilitate purchase process for the previous round of offering. the applicants. COMMODITIES As previously announced prepayment of The second round was on November 11 six percent and possibility of total payment for offering 700,000 barrels of light crude Brent $66.36/b in rials would be some advantages of the oil at the price of $76.29 per barrel. WTI $56.37/b fifth round; moreover, the payment deadline The first round of offering occurred on would be 90 days as of the shipment date. October 28, just few days before new U.S. OPEC Basket $64.87/b The experts believe that the remained sanctions on Iran’s petroleum sector took Gold $1,337.60 /oz offered barrels were not sold at this round effect (November 4). In the first round, NIOC because this process (offering crude oil could sell some 280,000 barrels of crude oil Silver $15.93/oz at stock market) is new and it takes some at $74.85 per barrel. With the daily supply time for the applicants adapting to the new on February 4, when one million barrels of sale was 35,000 barrels. This round ended amount of one million barrels, the market Platinium $820.55 oz condition. light crude oil was offered at the base price with no deals. wrapped up by selling eight 35,000-barrel- Sources: oilprice.com, Moneymetals.com The fourth round of offering took place of $56.24 per barrel and the least amount of IRENEX Managing Director Ali Hosseini cargos of oil on the day.

Japan to continue oil imports Heads of Iranian research institutes, technology centers, laboratories gather in IPPI By Ebrahim Fallahi environment and platform for developing the country’s from Iran: envoy petrochemical industry. 1 Japan is among the eight countries with the U.S.’s TEHRAN –Heads of Iranian Universities’ central laboratories “To be able to keep up with the world’s latest innovations 180-day waivers allowing them to keep importing Iranian oil and research and technology institutes gathered together and achievements and also to have an optimal output, there through May 4. Confusion surrounding shipping, insurance on Tuesday at Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute should always be coordination and collaboration between and banking rules under the U.S. sanctions kept some of the (IPPI) for the third round of an annual conferences to the research and industrial bodies of any dynamic industry,” countries from resuming imports for months after the U.S. discuss various issues regarding the country’s research the official said. granted waivers on November 5. and technology centers. Elsewhere in his remarks Nekoumanesh noted that IPPI On February 3, S&P Global Platts reported that Japan›s The conference was attended by a handful of officials is currently cooperating with various research institutes largest refiner JXTG Nippon Oil & Energy was set to resume including the IPPI Head Mehdi Nekoumanesh and repre- and companies from different countries including France, loading of Iranian crude oil as early as Monday (February 4), sentatives from the ministry of science, research and tech- Italy and Germany. almost three months after the U.S. sanctions waiver was granted. nology as well as various universities and research institutes Further in the conference, other issues including HSE, The same day, a JXTG Nippon Oil & Energy spokesman envoys across the country. monitoring of air pollution etc. were also addressed by vari- confirmed that the refiner is resuming its Iranian crude oil The conference was started by the remarks of Nek- ous speakers. loading in February. oumanesh who welcomed the attendees and mentioned Finally, in the event the comprehensive network of Iran’s the IPPI’s significant role in creating a knowledge-based major laboratories was also unveiled.

S. Korea ships in over $100m worth Condensate to be sold at IRENEX of Iranian oil in Jan. on Feb. 25 for 2nd round ENERGY TEHRAN – After a five- ENERGY TEHRAN — The world, he said. deskmonth hiatus, South Ko- desksecond round of The customers can make a six-percent rea imported $101.2 million worth of Iranian offering gas condensate of South Pars pre-payment and the payments can be crude oil in January, Yonhap reported on gas field will be done at Iran Energy done up to 100 percent in rial, Tebyanian Tuesday citing Korea Customs Service data. Exchange (IRENEX) on February 25, described. South Korean companies stopped im- National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC)’s From the time of loading their JXTG Nippon Oil & Energy is the fourth Japanese refiner porting Iranian crude oil in September 2018, representative in IRENEX, Amir Hossein purchased cargo, the purchasers have to resume Iranian oil loading, after Showa Shell, Fuji Oil and but the country was allowed to continue to Tebyanian, announced on Tuesday. 90 days to clear all their debts, he added. Cosmo Oil resumed crude oil loading from Iran in January - buy Iranian oil over the next six months. As IRIB reported, at this round of “In a bid to implement the policies the first in four months - totaling around 4.9 million barrels. However, despite the waiver, South Ko- offering, one million barrels of condensate of resistance economy, offerings of gas With other refiners planning to resume imports in Febru- rean companies resumed importing oil from had relied heavily on Iranian condensate in 35,000-barrels cargos will be sold at condensate and light crude oil at IRENEX ary, Japan is expected to load about 14 million barrels over Iran in January in which they shipped in less for production of various petrochemical the base price of $62.76, he added. will be done weekly and on a regular January-February, according to Platts calculations based on than one-fifth of $539 million, the average products thanks to a stable supply and price The consumers can load their basis,” he underlined. market information. monthly Iranian crude oil imports for the competitiveness. purchased cargos at the country’s The first gas condensate offering at That would put Japan›s average Iranian oil imports at first seven months of 2018. South Korea is the third-largest buyer Kharg terminal or that in Asalouyeh to IRENEX was done on February 13, which 78,000 b/d during the 180-day waiver, down 49% from 153,000 South Korean refiners and chemical firms of Iranian oil. be exported to any destination in the failed to attract customers. b/d imported over May-October 2018, according to Platts calculations. Japan may have to halt loadings again in March as lifters need to complete voyages before government-backed shipping Above 1.5m TEUs of cargos loaded, unloaded Majlis approves exempting next insurance expires at the end of March for expected renewal at Shahid Rajaee Port since last March year’s securities from tax on April 1, according to Japanese industry sources. ECONOMY TEHRAN — More than ported to different parts of the world and ECONOMY TEHRAN — The Ira- on December 25. desk1.564 million TEUs of 326,267 TEUs, containing imported goods, desknian parliament (Maj- The proposed bill amounts to 17.03 Germany, with bumper cargos have been loaded and unload at Iran’s were unloaded,” he added, “Some 297,690 lis) on Tuesday gave approval to exempting quadrillion rials (about $405 billion at largest container port, Shahid Rajaee, since TEUs of commodities were transited and the securities that will be issued in the the official rate of 42,000 rials). current account surplus, the beginning of the present Iranian calendar 206,982 TEUs were transshipped in the next Iranian calendar year 1398 (begins on Supplying basic goods, treatment and year (March 21, 2018), the Director General said time via the port.” March 21, 2019) from tax, IRNA reported. medical equipment; securing livelihood; frets about car tariffs of Ports and Maritime Department of Hor- The official previously announced that This exemption was approved while supporting production and employment; mozgan Province Allah-Morad Afifipour the annual loading and unloading capacity the MPs were discussing different sec- promoting tourism; and preserving water Germany recorded the world’s largest current account surplus told the reporters on Tuesday. of Shahid Rajaee Port stands at 100 mil- tions related to the government’s income resources and environment are the focal for the third year running in 2018 due to strong exports that “The amount included 1.181 million lion tons. estimated in the budget bill for the next points of the bill. are vexing U.S. President Donald Trump and raising the risk TEUs of full containers and 383,609 TEUs “Some 80 million tons of cargos were Iranian year. It estimates the oil income at 1.425 of U.S. tariffs on German cars. of empty ones,” he said. loaded and unloaded at the port in the pre- President Hassan Rouhani presented quadrillion rials (about $34 billion) with Germany’s current account surplus, which measures the flow “In this period, 295,597 TEUs of cargos ceding year with minerals accounting for 20 the administration’s draft of the national 410 trillion rials (about $9.7 billion) rise of goods, services and investments, shrank but was the world’s were loaded at Shahid Rajaee, to be ex- million tons of the amount,” he said then. budget bill for the next year to the Majlis year on year. largest last year at $294 billion, followed by Japan with $173 billion, data, from Germany’s Ifo institute showed on Tuesday. The data is likely to inflame passions in the White House, where Trump has frequently criticized Germany’s large trade surplus with the United States. Praet says ECB could change rate guidance if outlook worsens A confidential U.S. Commerce Department report sent to Trump over the weekend is widely expected to clear the way The European Central Bank’s chief economist added to and Brexit is “by far” the biggest problem constraining for him to threaten tariffs of up to 25 percent on imported the chorus of policy makers signaling concern on the growth, said Praet, who will retire from the Executive autos and auto parts by designating the imports a national economic slowdown, saying officials could push back Board in May. “The more time passes, the greater their security threat. plans to raise interest rates as a first response against a likely negative impact on the economy,” he said. “It is high “For some weeks and months now, we’re observing with deeper downturn. time to put an end to these uncertainties in a positive way.” concern that the U.S. is tightening its trade policies, that ten- “If the euro-area economy were to slow more sharply, While a rebound in activity is likely, it’s “too early to sions are increasing,” German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier we could adapt our forward guidance on interest rates say by how much,” said Praet. told Deutschlandfunk radio. and this could be complemented by other measures,” His colleague Benoit Coeure has held out the prospect “The impact can already be seen in the world economy, Peter Praet said in an interview with German newspaper of fresh long-term loans amid a slowdown that’s “clearly global growth has slowed,” Altmaier said, adding that “the most Boersen-Zeitung published late Monday. “But one thing stronger and broader.” Speaking on Friday, the Frenchman difficult part” in trade talks with Washington was still ahead. is clear: the ECB’s Governing Council will always find said discussions about a new funding round are under Asked about the risk of higher U.S. car tariffs, Altmaier ways and means of acting if it needs to.” way at the ECB -- comments that weakened the euro and said he did not buy the argument that imported cars would Praet, who proposes policy to the ECB’s Governing sparked a rally in European bank stocks. threaten U.S. national security - echoing impassioned com- Council, is the second official in as many days to flag a Praet said so-called TLTROs “have been a very useful ments from Merkel at the weekend. potential shift in language that currently pledges unchanged tool to deal with impairments in the transmission of “We are proud of our cars and so we should be,” Merkel borrowing costs at least through the summer. France’s guidance already at the ECB’s March 7 meeting, Praet said monetary policy.” said on Saturday, adding, however, that many were built in Francois Villeroy de Galhau also mentioned a change he wasn’t able to say “at this stage.” While next month’s More than 720 billion euros ($813 billion) in current the United States and exported to China. in wording as an option to deal with a more protracted projections will likely show downward revisions to 2019 four-year financing will start to mature from June next “If that is viewed as a security threat to the United States, slowdown. growth and inflation, the policy is set with medium-term year. Some officials including Coeure have said policy then we are shocked,” she told the Munich Security Confer- Traders in money markets aren’t pricing the first prospects in mind, he said. makers will need to find a monetary-policy case to offer ence to applause from the audience. 10-basis-point interest-rate hike until June 2020. Slowing The extent of the weakness in the 19-nation economy a new round. Jean-Claude Juncker, the head of the European Commis- growth has also triggered a rally across the region’s has taken policy makers by surprise. Italy entered recession According to Praet, officials will assess the current sion, said he had a deal with Trump that there would be no bond markets, with the yield on 10-year German bunds and Germany only narrowly avoided the same fate at the and expected state of bank transmission at their March higher tariffs on imports of European cars for now. threatening to go negative for the first time since 2016. end of 2018. meeting. (Source: Reuters) Asked whether he expected an adjustment to forward Political uncertainty, particularly related to protectionism (Source: Bloomberg) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 5 FEBRUARY 20, 2019 ADVERTISEMENTSENERGYFEBRUARY 20, 2019 5

Oil hovers below 2019 highs on Europe feels strain from tighter sour crude oil market

European refiners are feeling the pinch from purchasing sour crude OPEC cuts, trade talks in focus grades at higher prices, hurting already weakening refining margins. Refineries in this region are often complex and so feast on a diet of heavy and medium sour crudes such as Russia’s Urals, Oil stayed within sight of its 2019 high of “Given a continuously uncertain economic Iraq’s Basrah Light, UK’s Forties and Saud Arabia’s Arabian Light. almost $67 a barrel on Tuesday, supported picture, our already relatively bearish outlook U.S. sanctions on Iran and Venezuela’s state-owned PDVSA have by OPEC-led supply cuts although concern for 2019 of below 1 million bpd in global oil meant less heavy sour crude is being exported to Europe. OPEC about slowing economic growth that would demand growth may be subject to further and non-OPEC cuts are also reducing crude flows to this region, curb demand weighed. downwards revisions,” said analysts at JBC putting pressure on refining and pushing prices for medium sour The supply curbs led by the Organization Energy. crudes to multi-year highs. of the Petroleum Exporting Countries have To stop a buildup of inventories that could “Looking ahead to April and May it will also be interesting, helped crude prices to rise more than 20 weigh on prices, the group of OPEC and non- given that the Venezuelan is gone, and Iran waivers will [likely not percent this year. U.S. sanctions against OPEC producers known as OPEC+ began a be extended],” said a crude trader, adding that the crunch looks OPEC members Iran and Venezuela have new supply cut of 1.2 million bpd on Jan. 1. to be even more extreme in the coming months. also tightened the market. Top crude exporter Saudi Arabia has “Overall, heavier crudes do very well -- heavy North Sea grades, Brent crude slipped 28 cents to $66.22 sharply reduced production and exports to Urals, also we heard heavy sweet from WAF [West Africa] are a barrel by 1011 GMT, not far from the 2019 ensure that the deal gets off to a strong start. seeing good deals because the sour market is tight,” he added. high of $66.83 reached on Monday. U.S. crude In keeping with that aim, the kingdom Refining margins have weakened in the past month, weighed was up 54 cents at $56.13. plans to reduce light crude oil supplies to down by a weaker gasoline and light-ends complex. “The market is slowly regaining its bullish Asian customers for March, two sources with Fuel oil remains unseasonably robust and middle distillate footing, subject to the perception of economic knowledge of the matter said on Tuesday. crack spreads have been strong, but demand for crudes of this risks tied to U.S.-China trade talks,” said Harry Further providing the oil market with quality are still in strong demand. Tchilinguirian, global head of commodity support are U.S. sanctions against exporters Imports of Iraqi crude such as Basrah Light and Basrah Heavy, More talks between the United States “If they falter, we run the risk of sell-offs markets strategy at BNP Paribas. Iran and Venezuela. which is very popular amid European refineries, have also been and China to resolve their trade dispute like we had in December,” Tchilinguirian said. Demand-side worries remain the main Venezuela is a major crude supplier to lower recently as OPEC members have been diverting some of will take place in Washington on Tuesday. OPEC last week lowered its forecast for drag on prices. HSBC Holdings warned on U.S. refineries while Iran is a key exporter these barrels to Asia. Traders said they were cautious on taking growth in world oil demand in 2019 to 1.24 Tuesday that an economic slowdown in China to major demand centers in Asia, especially “There are no destination-free Basrah cargoes at the moment large new positions before the outcome of million barrels per day and some analysts and Britain would throw up further hurdles China and India. coming to Europe for the end of February as they’re targeting Asia,” the talks. believe it could be weaker still. this year. (Source: Reuters) a second trader said. “And overall very little available Basrah, with the spot market dead.” “And very little availability of [other sour grades]. Some [Mex- EU hits 17.5 percent renewable Kenya says crude oil capacity ican] Mayan arrived in February but with the prices now, there are views it could be too expensive,” he added. “Also Colombian, energy share in 2017 insufficient for refinery no Venezuelan -- it will be interesting to see what the [Iberian Peninsula] refineries do.” The renewables share in gross final energy In 2017, there were no new additions Crude oil deposits discovered in Kenya If the heavy market tightens further, refineries --- many of which consumption in the European Union to the list of 11 member states that already are insufficient to justify construction of have invested significantly in crackers and cokers -- will be faced (EU) has reached 17.5 percent in 2017, achieved their 2020 national targets a refinery, a senior petroleum ministry with the choice of chasing more expensive barrels or switching to up from 17 percent registered the year by 2016. They are Bulgaria, the Czech official said on Tuesday. a less optimal lighter crude diet, according to sources. earlier, the latest Eurostat figures show. Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Croatia, Kenya discovered commercial oil in There are already some signs refiners are gradually sweeting The EU’s renewables share was 8.5 Italy, Lithuania, Hungary, Romania, 2012 in its Lokichar basin, which Tullow their crude slates ahead of IMO 2020. The appeal of light and sweet percent in 2004, the first year when the Finland and Sweden. Oil estimates contains an estimated 560 crudes from West Africa has broadened recently due to higher data became available. The bloc has set The Netherlands, France and Ireland million barrels in proven and probable re- middle distillate margins and viable arbitrage economics. a 20 percent target by 2020 and at least are still behind on their 2020 national serves. Tullow has said this would translate Some sour grades in Europe and the U.S. are also being traded 32 percent by 2030, with every country goals, although they narrowed the to 60,000 to 100,000 barrels per day of at premiums to sweeter crudes as the imbalance between light and having its own goal based on different distance compared to the 2016 figures. In gross production. heavy crude oil supplies is growing. starting points, renewable energy 2017, the Netherlands was 7.4 percentage It is proven the world over that a re- Differentials for Urals crude, a high sulfur grade from Russia, potential and economic performance. points away from reaching its 2020 target finery would make money only when it oil discoveries are Africa Oil Corp and Total. for example, have averaged a premium of $0.57/b CIF Augusta As was the case in 2016, Sweden, of 14 percent. France will need to up has refining capacity of at least 400,000 Last week Tullow said it expected com- over the Mediterranean Dated Brent strip, S&P Global Platts data Finland and Latvia continued to lead the its renewables share by 6.7 percentage barrels a day, Andrew Kamau, principal mercial framework agreements from the showed. Urals CIF Augusta averaged minus $1.19/b and $0.96/b ranking. Sweden generated 54.5 percent points to make it to 23 percent, while secretary at the petroleum and mining government and deals over land acquisi- in 2018 and 2017, respectively. of its gross final energy consumption Ireland is 5.3 percentage points away ministry, told reporters. tion for an 800 km pipeline and oilfield This compared with a lighter crude CPC Blend from Kazakhstan from renewable energy sources in 2017, from its 16 percent target. “And we have 80,000 barrels a day, infrastructure in the first quarter. which has been trading at an average of minus $1.54/b this year. surpassing its national target of 49 Eurostat also compiled data on non- so where are we going to make money on The government announced its intention In the Mediterranean, trading sources said Urals levels in the percent for 2020 and moving up from EU members Albania, Montenegro, that? We can import cheaper from India,” to list state-run National Oil Corporation of region were staying in a relatively narrow range, despite demand 53.8 percent in 2016. North Macedonia (formerly known he added. Kenya in November 2017 to raise $1 billion loosening up going into March due to upcoming maintenance Finland, with 41 percent of energy as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Kenya, which does not export any oil, in a dual listing on the Nairobi bourse and work by major buyers, as the sour market in general remains tight. coming from renewables, also exceeded Macedonia), Serbia, Turkey and Kosovo. previously had a crude oil refinery at its port London Stock Exchange (LSE) by early 2019. “With not as many options, it seems like [refineries] are able to its 2020 target of 38 percent. Latvia Of them, Montenegro and Albania had the city of Mombasa but halted operations in The Nairobi Securities Exchange has said pay up for grades like Urals, or [Iraq’s] Basrah -- they’re forced to took the third spot with a 39 percent highest renewables share of 40 percent 2013 after plans for a $1.2 billion upgrade the local listing will be by the end of 2019. pay up for sour material,” the second crude trader said. share approaching its 40 percent goal. and 34.6 percent, respectively. Data on were abandoned on the advice of consultants Kamau said the listing will only take place Kurdish KBT crude, which is also heavy and sour, has also seen On the bottom of the list are Malta, Iceland and Norway, which featured in who said it was not economically viable. after a final investment decision (FID) is a boost in differentials, with some trading sources saying it was the Netherlands and Luxembourg with the 2016 list, were not included in the The government took it over in 2016 agreed. Tullow says it expects that decision trading at a premium of at least a dollar over the Kirkuk OSP of the renewables share of 7.2 percent, 6.6 latest report. and converted it into a storage facility. to happen by the end of this year. Dated Brent minus $2.50/b in February. percent and 6.4 percent, respectively. (Source: Renewable Now) Other partners in the blocks with crude (Source: Reuters) (Source: Platts)

Why the oil rally isn’t over yet EMBASSY OF INDIA SCHOOL Crude oil sentiment is shifting in a KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA TEHRAN bullish direction, with OPEC+ cuts Tehran, Saidi Avenue. Qayedi Ave. Noormohammadi Ave. Darvish Street. No.24 Tel. No. +98-21-77531183, 77635033 Fax: +98-21-77520242 and a growing list of serious outages

taking supply off of the market. Saudi Arabia recently signaled that Admissions open for the Academic Session 2019-20 for class LKG to XII (Science & Commerce Stream) it would slash its production to just 9.8 Embassy of India School-Kendriya Vidyalaya Tehran is a global standard school established in 2004 under the patronage of million barrels per day (mb/d), or about embassy of India in Tehran. The school caters the educational needs of the children of employees of Embassy of India, Diplomatic 0.5 mb/d more than required under the OPEC+ deal. That would take Saudi missions of Iran, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, Kenya, Nepal, Romania, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Tanzania Vietnam, Australia, production down to close to a four-year German, Azerbaijan, Lebanon, Pakistan and Uganda, MNC’s, Indian Professionals, Other Foreign Nationals, Local Indian Community, low, a sign that Riyadh is aggressively and other students belonging to more than 19 Nations. This school is one of the 1192 Kendriya Vidyalayas in India and abroad under the trying to push up oil prices. control of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), New Delhi (www.kvsangathan.nic.in) an autonomous organization under Ministry of That is significant, especially since Human Resource Development (HRD) Govt. of India, New Delhi. The Kendriya Vidyalayas has come to be known as Centers of Russia is not really carrying its weight. Excellence in the field of secondary and Senior Secondary Education in India and abroad, promoting National Integration and Russia cut output by 42,000 bpd in International Understanding among the children.

January, according to Bloomberg, only about one-sixth of its promised 230,000 bpd reduction as part of the deal. SALIENT FEATURES AND OBJECTIVES THE SCHOOL But Saudi Arabia is more than making up for its lagging partner.   Meanwhile, the outages in Venezuela China, which suggests that both sides prices can likely be chalked up to a Highly qualified, professionally trained, Well-developed Indoor and Outdoor Sports Facilities could mushroom in the days and weeks are eager to dial down the tensions. The combination of the potential for a global experienced, dedicated and committed teachers for Foot-Ball, Table Tennis, Badminton, Volley-Ball ahead. The crisis is fast-moving and the March 1 deadline is fast approaching, economic slowdown, weaker demand, are deputed by Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Chess, Athletics’ etc. are available but the odds of a major hike in tariffs and rising U.S. supply. New Delhi.  100% results with quality every year since 2004. precise amount of oil that is knocked offline will be tricky to gauge, but it’s seems to be waning. But there is also the risk that Saudi  It has classes from LKG to XII (A-Level). The  Spoken English classes for the parents and others a safe bet that the losses will mount. All of this is boosting bullish Arabia becomes fed up with non- medium of instruction is English. Besides English- (after school hours) are available. sentiment in crude oil. Major hedge Iran could also add to the supply compliance by Russia, especially if French, Persian, Hindi and Punjabi languages are  Multi-Purpose Auditorium having about 600 seating funds and other money managers unilaterally cuts are only met with woes. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence also taught at different levels. Science and capacity. was met with a frosty reception at the increased their bullish bets on oil surging U.S. shale supply. Saudi Arabia Commerce Streams are available at 'A’ level. futures at the fastest rate in nearly won’t want to shoulder the burden of  Yoga is practiced as a part of curriculum also Yoga Munich Security Conference in recent  All classes are smart classes, learning through days, as the Europeans are loath to six months on February 12. “Many of balancing the oil market forever. Riyadh classes for adults after school hours activity, play-way methods using Interactive cooperate on Washington’s “maximum the worries we’ve had about demand is running sizable budget deficits and  Passed out students are getting admissions in various pressure” campaign. Pence had expected have dissipated,” Bart Melek, head is turning to the bond markets to fill Boards, e-learning, use of various Teaching reputed and renowned professional Institutions in India several of his lines to be met with commodities strategist at TD Securities the gap. If production cuts are not Learning Materials (TLM), School Readiness and abroad applause, but instead they were met in Toronto, told Bloomberg. “That’s met with higher prices, the pain will Programmes, bridge Courses are adopted.  Our Alumni are well established and settled in different with awkward silences. convinced people to strap on some risk grow. “Hence Saudi Arabia will not  Well maintained class rooms, well equipped nations of the globe Nevertheless, U.S. foreign policy again.” Brent oil prices are at three- keep turning the spigots off if it is not Computer Laboratory, Science Laboratories, and  This school also imparts training to the teachers of month highs. succeeding in supporting prices, either has grown much more aggressive in Library with ideal Teacher- Student ratio (1:15) other CBSE affiliated schools the year since Mike Pompeo became Of course, further gains are not because of poor compliance from other enables the teachers to give individual attention to  To pursue excellence and set pace in the field of school Secretary of State and John Bolton inevitable. “We view the current price OPEC+ members or if US production students. education. became National Security Adviser. rise as exaggerated and see growing was to rise enough to pour cold water on  Innovative e-learning, e-library facilities, Coaching correction potential. The fact that their efforts from last Dec’18 decision,”  To initiate and promote experimentation and The U.S. still hopes to zero out Iran’s for Entrance Exams - IIT, NEET, CLAT conducting oil production in the US is currently JPMorgan Chase wrote in a note. innovativeness in education in collaboration with other oil exports, although that could prove various competitions like Olympiads, KVPY, tricky as the oil market is tightening up. rising significantly more sharply than For now, Riyadh will want to let this bodies like Central Board of Secondary Education NTSE, Spell-Bee, Counseling Cell and Book More recently, an unexpected outage previously expected is being completely strategy run its course. So far, prices (CBSE) and National Council of Educational Research at a Saudi offshore oil field has added ignored at present,” Commerzbank are up sharply this year, offering some Store etc. and Training (NCERT), New Delhi. to the supply outages. wrote in a note. The EIA recently revised evidence that the cuts are working. The Meanwhile, President Trump appears up its forecast for U.S. oil production supply curbs have already begun to drain For Application Forms, Fee Structure and other details please contact the school office and see the to be warming up to a trade deal with growth for 2019 by 300,000 bpd, off the surplus. Meanwhile, aggressive Frequently asked questions (FAQ) in the school website. China. Over the weekend he tweeted estimating production at 12.4 mb/d U.S. foreign policy will also contribute Principal “Big progress being made on soooo many for the year. to a tighter oil market. different fronts!” in the negotiations with The largest downside risks to oil (Source: oilprice.com) ساعت: 17:00 امضاء صفحه آرا: ساعت: امضاء مسئول صفحه: ساعت: امضاء ادیتور: ساعت: امضاء سردبیر:

I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 6 INTERNATIONAL FEBRUARY 20, 2019 U.S.-European relations are on the rocks, Trump’s alarming abuse of executive power they won’t get better anytime soon.

By Bruce Fein By Henry Olsen painfully clear that the phrase “American leadership” means something different on Democrats frequently decry President Trump both sides of the Atlantic. For many Euro- There may be worse executive power abuses than President Don- for purportedly weakening our ties with our peans, it seems to mean the United States ald Trump’s declaration of a national emergency to build a wall European allies. But a recent security confer- following Europe’s lead on relations with the on the Mexican border that Congress has steadfastly refused to ence in Germany shows that tensions between Middle East and less developed regions of fund. But if there are, they don’t readily come to mind. the United States and Europe would likely the world while Europe allows the United Trump’s national emergency declaration is worse than the 59 recur under any Republican president — and States to defend it against Russia. The contrast others declared by presidents since 1976 because it was employed perhaps under Democratic leadership as well. in burden-sharing was difficult to manage to usurp the express power of the purse—the most important The fact is that Republican orthodoxy is at even under the Obama administration, which congressional check on executive abuses. odds with many commonly shared European failed to persuade Germany, Italy and other Only two of the prior national emergency declarations involved viewpoints. Take climate change. Europeans European countries to increase their defense the expenditure of funds not appropriated by Congress: one by of all political stripes share a commitment spending even while making concessions in George H.W. Bush in 1990 during the run-up to the Persian to the Paris Agreement and are willing to areas of European priority. It will be increas- Gulf War, and the other by George W. Bush in 2001 after the pursue tax and regulatory policies to reduce ingly hard to manage under any Democratic 9/11 attacks. greenhouse-gas emissions. German Chan- administration that seeks to shift shrinking In both cases, the funds were transferred among military ac- cellor Angela Merkel, for example, recently U.S. military resources to combat China’s counts in response to immediate (not protracted) developments announced that Germany would phase out all rise in the Pacific. for a military purpose. In neither case, had Congress repeatedly coal-fired electricity plants by 2038, forcing Democratic desires to significantly raise rejected the President’s proposed expenditure of funds, rather utilities to find new sources for about half of domestic spending will also place pres- Congress acquiesced in the expenditures. In Trump’s case, he is Germany’s electricity output. No Republican sures on the European alliance. The United expending funds for a purpose that Congress has consistently and president would come even close to matching States has always spent more on defense steadfastly denied over long months. Trump is defying Congress, that, yet European pressure to move policies than its European allies, even during the not working in collaboration with it, over a power Congress has in their direction will only intensify. Cold War. That differential helped us to a right to exercise. Vice President Pence’s presentation at Vice President Pence’s presentation at the take primary responsibility for European Under the National Emergencies Act of 1976, Congress may the 2019 Munich Security Conference shows defense while maintaining a global pres- pass a joint resolution to terminate the president’s declaration. 2019 Munich Security Conference shows how starkly the European and Republican ence. If the United States becomes more If Trump persists, the United States Supreme Court can hold worldviews collide. He staunchly defended how starkly the European and Republican like Europe in terms of domestic spending, the executive usurpation of the congressional power of the purse the Trump administration’s withdrawal from however, it will likely have to reduce its unconstitutional. Further, Trump’s direction that funds be ex- worldviews collide. the Paris Agreement. He criticized Britain, military to pay for that. pended that have not been appropriated by Congress for that France and Germany for staying in the Ira- president. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), for kinder, gentler days of George H.W. Bush- Trump’s particular concerns with NATO purpose would be criminal under the Anti-Deficiency Act and nian nuclear deal, from which Trump has example, has been a leader in pushing for led Republicanism, but that is simply not and the trade imbalance with Germany have an impeachable high crime and misdemeanor. withdrawn the United States. He called on the the recognition of Guaidó as president and where today’s GOP stands. surely contributed to the current malaise in The Anti-Deficiency Act criminalizes the knowing authoriza- European Union to recognize Juan Guaidó as the removal of the Maduro gouvernment Former vice president Joe Biden’s speech the U.S.-European alliance. But our interests tion of a federal expenditure exceeding the amount it was ap- Venezuela’s rightful president. He defended from power. Rubio is also one of the Sen- was, in contrast, music to European ears. He have been diverging for decades, and the propriated for. In my opinion, a presidential crime that usurps the administration’s tariffs on China and its ate’s leading China hawks, calling repeatedly praised efforts to fight climate change and difference in worldviews between Repub- a core congressional power constitutes an impeachable offense. insistence that all NATO members spend at for an aggressive federal policy to combat expressed support for multilateral action. lican voters and continental Europeans is Alexander Hamilton explained in Federalist 65: least 2 percent of gross domestic product on unfair Chinese trade practices and prevent He also called U.S. border policy “an embar- especially hard to reconcile. The subjects of [impeachment] jurisdiction are those of- defense and 20 percent of that spending on China from overtaking U.S. leadership in rassment” and told the assembled leaders Our marriage with Europe is on the rocks fenses which proceed equipment procurement. And in each case, military technology. Sen. Ted Cruz (Tex.), that the United States “will be back,” with no matter who leads us. Without serious and from the misconduct of he was in stark opposition to the desires of one of Trump’s final Republican opponents “back” clearly serving as code for “more in difficult communication and compromise public men, or, in other The only ‘national a significant number of our allies. in 2016, was as staunchly opposed to the tune with your views.” from both sides, further estrangement is words, from the abuse or emergency’ is a Most, if not all, of these policies would Iranian deal and Paris Agreement as Trump. But even Democratic leadership might likelier than renewed devotion. violation of some pub- president who be pursued by any conceivable Republican Europeans might wish for a return to the rest uneasily with European desires. It is (Source: The Washington Post) lic trust. They are of a nature which may with violates the peculiar propriety be de- Constitution to get nominated POLITICAL, his way. as they relate chiefly to Repatriating ISIS fighters is more complex than Trump realizes injuries done immediately to the society itself. Donald Trump has declared that Britain, France and Germany ISIS bride who now says she wishes to return to the UK. She Trump knows his national emergency demarche on the Con- should take back and put on trial its citizens who have gone was a non-combatant, unlike the fighters held by the U.S. stitution will shipwreck. He raced forward anyway to excite his to fight for ISIS in Syria. The U.S. has captured some 800 It would be hard to argue that she should not be allowed base and to save face after coming out of the shutdown with less such fighters, and the president has threatened to release to return while former fighters are repatriated, although than he promised. Article I, section 9, clause 7 prohibits the them if the UK and other European nations do not do so. whether or not Begum should actually be allowed to return president from spending money not appropriated by Congress: It is easy to see why the U.S. is pushing this line. In is more complex than yes or no. “No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in consequence December Trump, against the advice of the U.S. military Ultimately two things should be paramount. The first of appropriations made by law.” leadership, decided to withdraw troops from Syria. As The is the rule of law; the second the security of the country. James Madison described the congressional power of the Independent’s Middle East correspondent Patrick Cock- We need a considered legal judgment as to the status and purse as the cornerstone against executive abuses. He elaborated burn has argued, this decision was more rational than the rights of UK citizens who have chosen to travel abroad and in Federalist 58: president’s opponents claim. involve themselves, actively or passively, in a foreign conflict. This power over the purse may, in fact, be regarded as the most But it does create the huge practical problem of what to do Each case should be considered on its merits. If a person complete and effectual weapon with which any constitution can with the people the U.S. has captured when its troops leave. has the right to return, and the practicalities of repatriation arm the immediate representatives of the people, for obtaining Under international law, once a conflict between nations is can be satisfied, then they should come back and, if appro- a redress of every grievance, and for carrying into effect every over, former combatants that have been held as prisoners of priate, face charges. This should not be a political decision; just and salutary measure. war should be returned to their countries of origin. it should be a legal one. The power of the purse was used to terminate the Vietnam Here, however, the legal situation is less clear, for the The government of the day does, however, have respon- War after President Richard Nixon persisted in belligerency The U.S. and France have fighters were not combatants of a formally recognized state; sibility for the security of the country. If it can demonstrate despite repeal of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution (perhaps one of rather, they could be classified as terrorists – ISIS itself has both agreed to accept that allowing a UK citizen who has fought abroad back into the great examples of this practice in modern times). declared itself the orchestrator of a number of terrorist at- the country is a credible threat to national security, then it Accordingly, any presidential expenditure must be justified citizens suspected of ISIS tacks around the world, even if it maintains that it should should not shy away from that responsibility. by a congressional appropriation. The president has no inherent membership. be formally recognized. It is these two principles, which may come into conflict Article II power to spend. Moreover, Congress is prohibited by The U.S. and France have both agreed to accept citizens with each other, that should govern the UK response to the non-delegation doctrine from endowing the president with tries to accept their citizens, there are good reasons not to suspected of ISIS membership. Other countries, including the Trump’s challenge. If we take the fighters back, we do so limitless discretion to declare a national emergency and spend allow the U.S. to dictate to other countries their approach UK, have not. Under these circumstances, for the U.S. simply for legal and security reasons, not because we are urged to money as he sees fit without any intelligible statutory standards. to security. to release the former fighters would be the default option. do so by an American president. Thus, Congress could not, in the manner of Humpty Dumpty, As far as Britain is concerned, the situation is further But while it is easy to see why the U.S. is pressing coun- (Source: Independent) make a national emergency mean whatever the president wants complicated by the case of Shamima Begum, the runaway it to mean, neither more nor less. Congress has never specifically defined a national emergency. But every definition in the English language requires circumstances necessitating an “immediate” response. Trump has conceded, “I Australia’s offshore refugee policy has failed didn’t need to do this, but I’d rather do it much faster.” In other words, there was no need for immediate action. Indeed, the By Anna Neistat national recognition of the very people that president waited for months — including a 35-day government the Australian government tried to make in- shutdown — before declaring a national emergency without any Conducting Amnesty International’s inves- visible, delegitimise, silence, and deprive of change in circumstances. tigation on Nauru, one of the island nations agency and hope. According to the Center for Migration Studies, most undocu- where Australia sends its unwanted refugees, One is Kurdish Iranian writer Behrouz mented aliens in the United States have overstayed their visas. I felt furious and desperate. Boochani, a refugee on Manus, who earlier They have not illegally crossed the border and will be unaffected I was furious to see hundreds of women, this month won the $25,000 non-fiction prize by a wall. According to the Trump administration’s own statistics, men and children subjected to physical and at the Victorian premier’s literary award, 80 to 90 percent of illegal drugs interdicted by law enforcement psychological harm that could only be char- as well as the $100,000 Victorian prize for are at the ports of entry and unaffected by a border wall. Illegal acterised as torture: They were attacked, held literature. No Friend but the Mountains was immigration is at historic lows, and the incidence of crime among in inhumane conditions, deprived of vital his first book, which he wrote by text mes- the undocumented is less than among American citizens. These medical help and driven to insanity, self-harm sages from the detention centre on the island. statistics help explain Trump’s inability to persuade Congress and suicide. On Manus Island, in Papua New The other is Behrouz’s fellow detainee or a popular majority that a national emergency exists along Guinea, my colleagues witnessed a similarly from Manus Island, Sudanese human rights the Mexican border. shocking situation. defender Abdul Aziz Muhamat, who last week Federal courts will be equally unpersuaded. As Justice Ben- I felt desperate because, despite over- won the prestigious Martin Ennals Award for jamin Cardozo observed, “The great tides and currents which whelming evidence of the abuse, for years Human Rights. Aziz has worked continuously engulf the rest of men, do not turn aside in their course and pass Australian authorities continued to claim - to advocate for humane living conditions and the judges by.” Thus did the Supreme Court repudiate Nixon’s with no evidence - that the policy of sending adequate medical care on Manus, including bogus invocation of executive authority during the Vietnam War asylum seekers to remote offshore locations consider that for years, Australia’s ministry in an improvised mental hospital - but again, through mass peaceful protests. when he tried to suppress publication of the Pentagon Papers in is the only way to save lives by deterring peo- of immigration refused to transfer even criti- not allowed treatment in Australia. All of these developments indicate that New York Times v. United States (1971). Likewise did it reject ple from trying to reach Australia’s shores. cally ill patients from Manus and Nauru to The new law will literally save lives. And it the Australian government’s “offshore deten- President Harry Truman’s national emergency argument dur- They did not seem prepared to move an inch. Australia - saying it would be easier for them is another sign that Australia’s long-standing tion” policy has utterly failed. The only way ing the Korean War to seize steel mills in Youngstown Sheet & Yet the work of a formidable alliance to get legal assistance and stay in the country. “offshore detention” policy is slowly being to avoid further suffering for the refugees Tube v. Sawyer (1952). of people detained on Manus and Nauru, On Nauru, in 2016, I spoke to an elderly whittled away as it is exposed, time and again, and shame for the country is to put a deci- The Democrat-controlled House of Representatives will likely international and Australian civil society man who was briefly evacuated to Australia for what it is: a vicious attack on people for sive end to it, accept responsibility, and do sue to block the national emergency measure. The trailblazer case organisations, investigative journalists, as after suffering a heart attack. He was promptly the simple act of having sought sanctuary. everything possible to rebuild hundreds of here is U.S. House of Representatives v. Burwell in the United States well as Australian human rights lawyers, sent back to the island against the doctor’s Only a few weeks ago, the government of lives affected by years of abuse. District Court for the District of Columbia. There, the Republican- might finally be bearing fruit. advice - and subsequently suffered another Australia confirmed that all children would There is also an important lesson here controlled House was granted standing to sue over Affordable Care Last week, Prime Minister Scott Morri- heart attack, as the doctors had feared. be leaving Nauru. Several hundred refugees for other countries who might be looking Act expenditures that had not been funded by Congress. son’s government suffered an unprecedented I interviewed other refugees suffering from have already settled in the United States under at Australia’s policy as an example of how Only scrupulous adherence to constitutional processes will defeat, as Parliament passed a law making it cancer, diabetes, untreated fractures, gynaeco- a deal signed between the two countries. One to stoke fear about - and among - people keep the law supreme in America. Justice Robert Jackson re- easier for refugees from offshore locations to logical problems and many other conditions, after the other, companies that the Austral- seeking safety. Such policies may seem like minded us in Youngstown Sheet & Tube, “With all its defects, receive medical treatment in Australia. This none of which could be treated on the island ian government relied on to run its offshore a quick win with some domestic constituen- delays and inconveniences, men have discovered no technique may not sound like a ground-breaking devel- - and all of them were refused a transfer for detention system withdrew, and finding new cies, but they are not wins in the long run. for long preserving free government except that the Executive opment, particularly since the government treatment. That is not to mention those, includ- ones proved to be hard as businesses wor- Ultimately they are inhumane, unlawful, be under the law, and that the law be made by parliamentary now intends to reopen a detention centre on ing children, who suffered from such serious ried about the reputational damage from unsustainable, costly, and damaging to a deliberations.” It’s time for Trump to heed his words. the Australian territory of Christmas Island. mental health issues that they were repeatedly complicity in such blatant abuse. country’s reputation. (Source: The American Conservative) But the law’s significance is clear when you trying to kill themselves or ended up locked up Perhaps equally significant is the inter- (Source: Al Jazeera) ساعت: امضاء صفحه آرا: ساعت: امضاء مسئول صفحه: ساعت: امضاء ادیتور: ساعت: امضاء سردبیر:

I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y FEBRUARY 20, 2019 ANALYSIS & INTERVIEW 7 ‘INSTEX a Trojan Horse tool to infiltrate Russia’s view on Syria’s into Iran’s banking, defense sectors’ reconstruction

TEHRAN (Tasnim) — An independent the IMF as dollar-replacements, or with political and economic researcher from Los state-approved cryptocurrencies, or the Angeles described a long-awaited mecha- like). Torpedoing dollar and petrodollar nism to safeguard European trade ties with hegemony are what the global East and Tehran called INSTEX as another “Trojan South seek, and hence the world economy Horse tool” to infiltrate into Iran’s banking, right now resembles a ‘Tug of War’, with defense and energy sectors. currency credibility serving as the ‘rope’ “The launch of INSTEX — or the “Instru- in said battle. ment in Support of Trade Exchanges” — by As you know, EU officials have re- France, Germany and the UK to facilitate peatedly expressed the bloc’s determination non-dollar trade with Iran, is seemingly a to preserve the JCPOA. Recently, US Vice European circumvention of unilateral US President Mike Pence said, “(This is) an sanctions on Iran, yet I believe it is merely ill-advised step that will only strengthen another Trojan Horse tool in a wider trans- Iran, weaken the EU and create still more atlantic ‘good cop / bad cop’ production distance between Europe and the US”. Do meant to inevitably infiltrate Iran’s banking, you believe that the EU will finally stand up energy, industrial, defense, security and to the US or it is just a bluff game? technological firewall capabilities across A: As I’ve stated, and based upon a sober various industries,” Pye Ian told Tasnim. reading of both history, viable economics Pye Ian is an independent economic and even of esoteric philosophy (as read by and geopolitical researcher as well as a the ruling Establishment), it is a bluff game, 1 Russia’s limited funds will prevent the country strategic planning and business develop- foremost because the governments, banks from investing further in Syria. The joint financial channel ment advisor. His articles and analyses & general economic systems of the US, UK, between China and Russia may provide sufficient funds on international affairs, economic trends EU and their subject nations are run by the for Syria, but Russian authorities will be apprehensive and cultural topics have been published in Iran, essentially due to the same reasons 2016, with tacit Russian assistance) have same ultimate Syndicate of power, which about the Chinese rivalries. various mainstream and alternative press i.e. oil, gold, independence, leaning East been to individually and more importantly, is very old, very occult in its epistemolog- There are two questions over Syria’s reconstruction. sources. Ian’s wider intellectual interests are and South globally and de-dollarization”. collectively, seek “de-dollarization”, which ical provenance, make-up and aims, and First, how is Iran going to participate with Russia in reflected in his writings on the convergence Please explain more. includes generally seeking to reduce dol- very coordinated in meeting its universal rebuilding Damascus? And how will Russians view us of foreign affairs, political philosophy, his- A: It’s no secret that, as mentioned, Iran lar-based transactions, dumping US Treasury challenges, despite seemingly contradictory in the joint venture? tory, global finance and energy policy. He & Venezuela both retain vast amounts of Bonds out of their national reserves, relying stances taken by, say, the US and EU with Second, in all reality, what is Iran’s main capacity in has undergraduate degrees in economics untapped oil and other valuable natural upon bilateral currency usages with other regard to Iran. reconstruction of Damascus? Does Iran have a proper and political science from the University of resources. Yet both are also working inde- nations (I.E. ruble/yuan, lira/ruble, rial/ So, EU nations seemingly differ with long-term plan and a road map in Syria that will entail California and a Master’s degree in finance pendently to circumvent dollar reliance for yuan, etc.), and most critically, aiming at Washington on Iran, yet I’d be very cautious Iran’s interest as well? from Cambridge University. their energy resource pricing, trading and reimplementing key commodity backing if I were in Tehran. Where we’ve ended up Finally, for the past two years, Russians have proven Following is the full text of the inter- receipt recycling. This significant political for their currencies. In the cases of both the here on the JCPOA clearly is NOT about pre- to “target Syria”, i.e. they are prepared to face different view: step is due in part to punishing dollar-based Iranian and Venezuelan national currencies, venting the proliferation of nuclear weapons, conditions. After months of foot-dragging, Britain, economic sanctions, currency attacks, em- the reintroduction of the use of physical but about – as mentioned above - sovereign France and Germany in early Feb. issued bargoes and trade wars imposed against both gold for affording solvency & credibility to independent national economic imperatives a joint statement on the creation of a new Tehran and Caracas by the west, and partly their currencies has been carried out over vs. those of an Atlanticist empire which trading system called the Instrument in because their global eastern and southern the past few years. won’t tolerate disobedience. Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX) hemispheric allies – foremost Russia and In turn, tying such rejuvenated currencies You’ll notice how the EU is on the same U.S. gradual plan to that will allow trade between the EU and China – are seeking to hoist and sustain to how they wish to price, trade and recycle page as Washington & London regarding Iran without relying on direct financial wanting Maduro out of power in Venezuela intervene in Venezuelan transactions. What do you think about in favor of their corporate compliant puppet, this mechanism? Iran is launching its ‘crypto-Rial’ Juan Guaidó. And yet we’re led to believe that affairs A: The launch of INSTEX — or the “Instru- cryptocurrency, reportedly meant for the US & EU, by contrast, genuinely differ ment in Support of Trade Exchanges” — by facilitating future banking and institutional regarding medium to long term preferences France, Germany and the UK to facilitate on Iran? When, as mentioned, both Iran non-dollar trade with Iran, is seemingly a transactions, and will be followed by & Venezuela are oil & resource-rich inde- European circumvention of unilateral US a cryptocurrency that will be for more pendent nations working with the global sanctions on Iran, yet I believe it is merely East in divorcing from dollar hegemony? another Trojan Horse tool in a wider trans- mainstream use. Related, Venezuela’s already German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas atlantic ‘good cop / bad cop’ production launched its Petro cryptocurrency, which is over-spoke in his recent speech by admit- meant to inevitably infiltrate Iran’s banking, meant ultimately for pricing & trading oil and ting that “our goal remains an Iran without energy, industrial, defense, security and nuclear weapons, precisely because we see technological firewall capabilities across other resources globally as well. clearly how Iran is destabilizing the region”. various industries. The US obviously serv- Wow. Really, Europe? If that is how you ing as bad cop here, with its EU partners a multipolar international economic and the earnings for oil, natural gas and minerals truly feel, then Maas just revealed some serving as good cops, all meant ultimately geopolitical order free of imperial, “Full trades out of their respective territories has of the transatlantic community’s playing to penetrate Iranian financial and produc- Spectrum Dominance” mandates from the also been spearheaded as a geostrategic cards, as this is clearly a ‘good cop/bad tion capacities as much as possible under increasingly belligerent actors pushing “The response to years of economic harassment cop’ theatrical routine, with the EU play- the auspices of facilitating humanitarian Washington Consensus”. & outright acts of war from the west. ing good cop & the US & its tightest allies goods-related transactions only, including The US dollar has served as global reserve Lastly, innovation research into exploring playing bad cops. food, medicine, and medical equipment. currency since the end of World War II. It how safe, protected and deployable (scalabil- Iran does NOT intend upon pursuing Let’s not forget that the damaging Stuxnet has also been a fiat currency – meaning a ity-wise) the use of cryptocurrencies would nuclear weapons & Tehran has made that virus of a decade ago, which was launched currency that a government has declared be vis-à-vis both the gold and oil tie-ins for abundantly clear for years now by holding 1 If the crisis in Venezuela leads to war, the Ven- by US and Israeli cyber-terrorism efforts, to be legal tender, but which is not backed national currencies has been proceeding in steadfastly to the JCPOA nuclear agreement. ezuelan military-defense structure will make a quick reached its target via the networks of trusted by a physical commodity – since August said independent nations as well. Instead, this is really about preventing Iran battle impossible. For this reason, the contingency war business partners. Early versions of the 15th, 1971, when the Nixon Administra- Importantly, the assistance of Russia and from pursuing an independent economic will be multivariate and imbalanced and will be a major malware seemed dedicated to intelligence tion in the US ended the convertibility of China for conceptualizing, implementing & global energy policy, just as it is against threat to the region. A long-term military intervention gathering, but then later versions started dollars into physical gold, which was a key and inevitably scaling such de-dollarization Venezuela doing the same. Sustained global will lead to Venezuela’s collective immigration to the attacking internal infrastructure. economic stipulation resulting from the has been vital because Moscow & Beijing are non-dollar oil trading by Iran, Venezuela, regional countries that cannot host immigrants. The That mal-intentioned history is fair- Bretton Woods Conference held just before more tightly allied now than ever before. Russia, China & Turkey would trigger incal- consolidation of Washington’s influence and leadership ly recent, as is the more tellingly united the end of World War II. Through the combination of their natural culable instability across global bond and in Latin America will depend not only on removing the transatlantic approach to Iranian ally and Two years after “the gold window” ended, resources (oil, natural gas, gold, steel, coal, equity markets, causing immediate failure incumbent Venezuelan government but also on the pace fellow heavy oil-rich independent nation, Washington struck a key deal with Saudi copper, etc.), economic prowess (China’s is for already endangered banks which carry of the changes. Venezuela, where you have the UK, France, Arabia to have oil exclusively priced in US the strongest human resource production trillions in debts on (and purposefully off Spain, Belgium and the wider EU all on dollars, with the rest of OPEC following engine in world history), political visions and of) their official balance sheets. Hence the the same page as Washington with regard suit with said plan in 1975. “Petrodollar international institutional mobilizations (the ramped up belligerent talk by Washington to demanding that President Maduro step Recycling” resulted, where dollar earnings Eurasian Economic Union, New Silk Road, against both Iran & Venezuela. down in favor of a more western-compli- for oil production & commerce would be Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Asian US Vice President Pence also criticized ant leadership. A return to puppet-state ‘recycled’ into US Treasury Bonds. The total Infrastructure Bank & New Development the initiative of France, Germany and Britain status, basically. Ask why the US & EU deal ended up replacing direct gold tethering Bank, BRICS, etc.), and last but not least, to allow European companies to continue would necessarily differ in their collective with indirect oil reliance, essentially, with combined military capabilities (millions of operating in Iran despite US sanctions. That approaches toward Iran & Venezuela, when regard to the means for continuing to prop combined personnel, both nuclear-armed, is also a tool of deception, via a smokescreen both nations are deemed as needing “re- the US dollar up as reserve currency. “Con- and having conducted countless joint mili- criticism, as the US, UK & EU want corpo- gime change” ASAP by said Atlanticists? fidence” in the dollar continues unabated tary drills for many years now), Russia and rate, technological & intelligence transpar- It’s simply because of assigned tactical dif- because oil bought anywhere must be priced, China lend continual guidance, reassurance ency across the totality of Iranian banks, ferences, yet the same underlying strategy traded & reinvested using dollars. It also & protection to their Eurasian, West Asian, companies, and everything else, one way toward both persists. allowed Washington to, in essence, print East Asian, African, Latin American and, or another. Also, Iran is launching its ‘crypto-Rial’ dollars infinitely for any purpose without yes, even European allies & trading partners. Will the JCPOA stand? cryptocurrency, reportedly meant for fa- endangering its deficits like any other na- The Atlanticist west, led by the US but A: It is hard to tell, yet the proverbial ball cilitating future banking and institution- tion would. including the UK, UK Commonwealth, EU, is in the court of the US and its faithfully al transactions, and will be followed by a Said deal also enabled the dollar to even- Israel, Saudi Arabia & other Persian Gulf compliant allies. This is because – again – cryptocurrency that will be for more main- tually be used as a weapon against any other states, is collectively determined to prevent Iran has been both adherent to the JCPOA’s The question now is whether the United States intends stream use. Related, Venezuela’s already currency on earth, considering that the rest such independent Eurasian movement away mandates and stipulations, and forthright in to create a regional crisis in Latin America. launched its Petro cryptocurrency, which of the world’s currencies are, by default, fiat from dollar hegemony, foremost because goodwill fashion about its wish to continue To answer the question, Venezuela is one of the coun- is meant ultimately for pricing & trading oil as well, following the dollar’s imposed lead. such a move – successfully actualized and to abide by the JCPOA. tries that holds the world’s largest oil reserves and is and other resources globally as well. The That ‘dollar weaponization’ thus results expanded – would devastate the already Yet the JCPOA obviously did not achieve one of the closest oil exporters to the United States. Petro in Caracas is seen as a deep systemic in the rather easy ability of Washington over-leveraged state of transatlantic bank- what it partly set out to do – namely, ei- Maybe that’s why Florida State Senator Marco Rubio fiscal threat by Washington, especially be- to negatively target dollar exchange rates. ing and finance, which sits on combined ther force a presumably frustrated Iran to and the White House National Security Adviser John cause the Russian/Chinese allied approach We’ve seen the purposefully deleterious amounts of debt numbering in the tens of pull out of the agreement – thereby giving Bolton shouts that the self-declared President Guido will toward Venezuela is helping with it. The results of such a tool fall upon the Iranian trillions of dollars. Once synthetic deriv- a casus belli for the west to take harsher give more money to U.S. oil companies than Maduro. On clearly unified transatlantic, Atlanticist west, rial, the Venezuelan bolívar, the Russian atives contracts and other ‘dark finance measures against Tehran – or yield other the other hand, as former U.S. Secretary of State John which invented the internet & blockchain ruble, the Zimbabwean dollar, and certainly pool’ instruments are included, then the desired political capital, such as blowback Kerry has said, the change in the Venezuelan government technologies, will thus certainly not allow even the Turkish lira, all as political acts from risk profile issued from western financial at home, where Iranians revolt against a for the U.S. would mean regaining Caracas’s resources Russian & Chinese-allied Iran nor Venezuela Washington and London. As the national institutions measures a cascading fiscal seemingly weak government. Hence why through a puppet government. to simply circumvent its economic, fiscal currency weakens, the intention goes, so cataclysm as involving hundreds of tril- the Trump Administration – run ultimately When Former Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez & thus political mandates – especially in would eventually the targeted government’s lions of dollars. by behind-the-scenes neoconservative and came to power in 1999, he had a tremendous impact oil pricing & trading - yet ostensibly needs hold on power, thereby resulting in – at the Why are said massive debt figures signif- neoliberal planners beholden conclusively on undermining United States influence in the region, different tools for addressing each country, least – mass, continuing, destabilizing riots icant? Because the sanctity of a) continuing to the sweeping, coordinated Syndicate or and the regional countries formed strategic alliances to seeing that, despite heavy sanctions, trade in the streets. If the targeted government to issue debts endlessly, and b) preventing Establishment I referenced above, rather counteract the influence of Washington in Latin America. & currency wars against each nation, Iran’s doesn’t ‘change its ways’, then the pressure said debt bubbles from unraveling violently, than by either Trump, his Cabinet or even At the same time, many Latin American countries have internal situation is today more sophisticated is ratcheted up via sustaining those mass unpredictably and in politically threaten- his ‘advisors’ – voiced irrational frustration strengthened their diplomatic relations with countries than Venezuela’s. Hence the deployment riots while a military coup or its ilk would ing ways, all rely upon maintaining the US over the JCPOA from even before Trump’s such as Iran, Russia and China, and promoted large in- of seemingly friendly European states in be planned within said nation. dollar as both the perennial reserve curren- admission into the White House. They’ve vestments with China and Russia. Thus, the overthrow of supposedly “going around” US sanctions. The responses from nations such as cy and petro-currency standard until the been out-witted and outclassed by Tehran, the Venezuelan government, which has played a signif- In one of your recent interviews, Iran, Venezuela, Russia, China and even ruling transatlantic Establishment decides and so now need to mix strategies up a bit icant role in diminishing Washington’s influence in the you equated the generally “belligerent west- NATO-membered Turkey (which defeat- to replace said protocols themselves (be via their appointed “Madman Theory”-laden Latin American region over the past two decades, will be ern approaches toward both Venezuela and ed its Washington-backed coup attempt in it with Special Drawing Rights issued by disruptive politician in chief. considered an important victory for the United States. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 8 ADVERTISEMENTS FEBRUARY 20, 2019

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II NN TT EE RR NN AA TT II OO NN AA LL DD AA II LL YY FEBRUARYFEBRUARY 20, 2019 HEALTHADVERTISEMENT 99 Iran to produce Insulin by late 2019 Ability to do pushups may HEALTH TEHRAN— Iran will start programs,” added Nasiri. deskproducing insulin by late “Diabeto”, an online application predict cardiovascular risk 2019, said the managing director of Novo According to Nasiri, Setting up an online Nordisk Pars Company. application called “Diabeto” is another pur- A new study suggests that the more pushups a man is able to According to IRIB, Dr. Qobad Shahbazi pose in this project. complete, the lower his cardiovascular risk and vice versa. These further announced that the factory for pro- The application will introduce all availa- findings may establish a new measure of risk assessment that duction of insulin is ready to work and all the ble walking areas, sports centers as well as is simple and does not require costly specialized equipment. required equipment are imported. screening and medical centers for people Being able to do more pushups may correlate with a lower The factory’s construction started in 2005 who suffer diabetes or want to prevent it, cardiovascular risk in men, a new study shows. in Savojbolagh County, Alborz Province. she said. World Health Organization (WHO) data indicate that every Shahbazi made the remarks on Monday on According to Dr. Abdolreza Maadi, the year there are 17.9 million deaths due to cardiovascular dis- the sidelines of a conference called “Tehran, director of “Diabeto” project, the application eases (CVDs), accounting for approximately 31 percent of the Capital of Changing Diabetes”. will be available by the end of the Iranian global deaths. Projects to address diabetes’ month of Farvardin (April 22). Many of the factors that increase the risk of CVD are modifiable, prevalence in Tehran In mid-November 2018, the Health Minis- chiefly an unhealthful diet, a lack of physical activity, smoking, Over the conference, an official with Teh- try’s director for non-communicable diseases or frequent consumption of alcohol. ran Municipality said “Tehran, the Capital said that among Iranians over the age of 25, The link between exercise — particularly physical fitness — of Changing Diabetes” is a new project that 11 percent suffer from diabetes type 2 and and CVD, therefore, is not a new one. is expected to be implemented over the next 18 percent are pre-diabetic. Yet current methods of correctly assessing physical fitness three years. Afshin Ostovar also announced that di- in relation to cardiovas- Zeinab Nasiri, the director of Health abetes has direct and indirect costs for Iran cular risk, such as the Department at Tehran Municipality added to the tune of $4 billion per year. cardiac exercise stress that the project is aimed at establishing ur- Alireza Mahdavi, the director of National test (or submaximal ban areas and facilities that fit the needs of Program for Prevention and Control of Di- treadmill exercise test), Diabetic patients. abetes, also said that annually one percent are costly and can take According to Nasiri, the prevalence of is added to the population of diabetics in a fair amount of time to diabetes is 11% in the country, but it averages Zeinab Nasiri, the director of Health Department at Tehran Municipality, speaking at the country. conduct. 13% in Tehran. a conference for combatting diabetes. According to the World Health Organi- Now, the findings of a “The urban life style in metropolises like zation, the number of people with diabetes new study from the Har- Tehran heightens the risk of diabetes, so we ple more walking areas with changing the cooperated with 352 groups of volunteer has risen from 108 million in 1980 to 422 vard T.H. Chan School of must make changes in many areas including urban design so that the city becomes more doctors in the field of diabetes, so that million in 2014. In 2015, diabetes was the Public Health in Boston, the diet and exercise patterns,” she further pedestrian-oriented rather than car orient- proper facilities are set up across the city direct cause of 1.6 million deaths and in 2012 MA, may allow physicians to estimate risk more easily, based remarked. ed,” she said. where people are provided with medical high blood glucose was the cause of another simply on a person’s capacity to complete multiple pushups. “The Municipality is aiming to give peo- “In this project, 352 Social Groups care as well as educational and preventive 2.2 million deaths. The results, which appear in JAMA Network Open and are accessible online, indicate that physically active men who are able to do more than 40 pushups may have a lower CVD risk than peers who can complete fewer pushups. “Our findings provide evidence that pushup capacity could A “superfood” medicinal plant industrialized be an easy, no-cost method to help assess cardiovascular disease risk in almost any setting,” says first author Justin Yang, M.D. HEALTH TEHRAN — Researchers at the Nation- for producing shampoos and sprays, said the company’s “Surprisingly, pushup capacity was more strongly associated deskal Institute of Genetic Engineering and managing director, Vahid Gorji, ISNA reported on Tuesday. with cardiovascular disease risk than the results of submaximal Biotechnology successfully extracted peptides isolated According to Gorji, the extracts of Moringa were formerly treadmill tests,” he adds. from seeds of a tropical tree, Moringa. imported into the country; however, this species is largely The more pushups you can do, the better Moringa, native to parts of Africa and Asia, is the found in Sistan-Baluchestan province, southeastern Iran. In the current study — which is probably the first of its kind sole genus in the flowering plant family Moringaceae. “The extraction of proteins from this plant is a rather — the research team collected and analyzed the health infor- The most widely cultivated species is Moringa oleifera, complicated process, and the product will display the expect- mation of 1,104 active male firefighters with a mean age of 39.6 a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree, native to trop- ed effects if only the substances were extracted properly,” and mean BMI of 28.7. These data covered a period of 10 years, ical and subtropical regions of South Asia. It is widely Gorji further explained. between 2000 and 2010. cultivated for its young seed pods and leaves used as According to him, the peptides extracted from Moringa At the beginning of the study, the researchers measured both vegetables and for traditional herbal medicine. It is can protect the face and body from pollution. Furthermore, the pushup capacity and the submaximal treadmill exercise tol- also used for water purification. the Moringa oil can be used as a food supplement, as a base erance of each participant. The plant is marketed as a superfood, health food, and for cosmetics, and for hair and the skin. The investigators gathered the remaining relevant data through medicinal plant. He further noticed that Moringa trees have been used to the participants’ yearly physical exams and by asking them to fill The technology of this procedure was sold to a knowl- combat malnutrition, especially among infants and nursing in a series of medical questionnaires. edge-based company who are now using the substance mothers. (Source: medical news today)

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I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 10 TECHNOLOGY FEBRUARY 20, 2019 ‘Knowledge- ISA calls on universities to propose plans for cooperation TECHNOLOGY TEHRAN — The Iranian Space Agency based systems in desk(ISA) has called on universities to propose plans for further cooperation, the ISA director Morteza Barari said, IRNA reported on Monday. The emerging space economy is one of the important issues, agriculture secure which has global impacts and cannot be disregarded, he said. food safety’ TECHNOLOGY TEHRAN — Due to In early February 2019, the head of desklack of natural resourc- soil protection unit of the Forests, Range, es, knowledge-based systems in the agri- and Watershed Management Organiza- culture sector are the only way that secure tion Hooshang Jazi announced that soil food safety, an official with the Ministry of erosion and pollution are the two major Agriculture has said. important environmental problems in Agriculture is one of the main principles the country, as some 16.7 tons of soil per for national development and steps should hectare erodes annually. be taken to develop knowledge-based sys- However the Information and Communi- tems for it, Ali Akbar Moayyedi explained. cation Technology Ministry and the Ministry Instead of resource-based agriculture, of Agriculture signed an agreement in July Innovation and entrepreneurship is the second issue, the skills for innovation and research should 2018 to boost smart irrigation in a bid to which is widely discussed as a result of space technology be strengthened amongst the farmers, he help deal with water shortage in the country nowadays, he added. said, Mehr reported on Monday. and helps the farmers to protect their fields “According to global research, 20 percent of space economy Universities, research centers and the for pest control through space technology. is related to teamwork and 80 percent belongs to services.” Basij should use their complete capacities According to the agreement, it is projected Several startups active in the field of space industry is form- to help knowledge-based systems in agri- that at least 20 percent of the agricultural ing and the innovative young generation is consider space as culture, he said. economy to be linked with the digital econ- a new market, he explained. There are 600 agricultural research plan omy over the course of four years so that According to Morgan Stanley, it is estimates that the glob- are conducted by over 2000 academics in the private sector’s contribution to smart al space industry could generate revenue of $1.1 trillion or universities and research centers, he said. agriculture would rise by 300 percent. Agriculture is one of the main principles more in 2040, up from $350 billion, currently. Yet, the most Over 150 findings in the field of ag- Besides, some startups in Iran have re- significant short- and medium-term opportunities may come for national development and steps riculture provides nationwide annually, cently been launched providing services should be taken to develop knowledge- from satellite broadband Internet access. which paved the way for knowledge-based for farmers with some space-based data It estimates that satellite broadband will represent 50% of the agriculture, he added. on meteorology and smart agriculture. based systems for it. projected growth of the global space economy by 2040—and as much as 70% in the most bullish scenario. Launching satellites that offer broadband Internet service will help to drive down the cost of data, just as demand for that data explodes. Hotline optimized to register ICT Iran heading towards 5G telecom complaints in Iran network: minister Tehran to host festival on innovation in urban management

TECHNOLOGY TEHRAN — Tehran Urban Research and deskPlanning Center will host a festival on research and innovation in urban management in the third Iranian calendar month Khordad (May 22-June 21). The sharing and development of global scientific findings in the field of urban management is one the main aims of the festival, which will be held on the urban branding this year, the secretary of the event Meysam Basirat announced. Management infrastructure and urban financial development, social and cultural urban development, application of research projects, urban transportation, urban services and environment, architecture and urban engineering, safety and crisis are some items discussed during the event, he said. TECHNOLOGY TEHRAN — The complaints via the hotline, he explained. TECHNOLOGY TEHRAN — The In- Azari Jahromi wrote on his Twitter He said that Tehran Municipality’s motto will be “To Teh- deskhotline 195 has been The complaints on landline, internet, deskformation and Com- account, ILNA reported on Monday. ran 1400” during the next Iranian calendar year 1398, which optimized for individuals who are willing cellphone, post services and radiation munication Technology (ICT) Ministry According to the UN report released begins on March 21. to file complaints regarding information from cell phone towers can be submitted aims to develop the 5th Generation in June 2018, Iran moved 20 notches According to sciencedirect.com, urban branding is a new and communication technology (ICT) to the hotline, he said. (5G) -- the latest generation of cel- up to rank 86 among 193 countries approach toward urban development of sustainable cities. City crimes, the deputy ICT minister has said, He said that the users can make their lular mobile communications -- and in the United Nations E-Government branding, a novel aspect of urban communication, improves Mehr reported on Monday. complaints through typing #195# the Internet of things (IoT) in the next Development Index (EGDI 2018) in marketing of the city image in various ways by converting the Hossein Fallah Joshaqani called the name of operator in all social media. Iranian calendar year 1398 (starting comparison with EGDI 2017. visual image of the city into a brand image. protection of right of internet, telecom- According to phys.org, the influence on March 21). Iran’s EGDI value was 0.6083 Unique characteristics of the city are featured and a sus- munication and post services users as one of ICT on traditional crimes such as bur- “Heading towards 5G! It is an aim this year. Regarding the sub-items, tainable urban image is created. This paper will focus on city of the main duties of telecommunication glary, robbery, intimidation and fraud we pursue besides development of IoT the country got 0.6319 score in the branding as a powerful image-building strategy. regulators. is on the rise. ICT plays a greater role in 1398. Now, all the Iranian cities and online service index (OSI), 0.4566 in The hotline 195 was established years in common crimes than people tend to over 66 percent of villages have 3G/4G the telecommunication infrastructure ago, however was optimized according to think. In addition, ICT had brought about coverage. We do our best for devel- index (TII), and 0.7364 in the human new technologies according to the users’ a number of shifts in the profiles of the opment of public access in next year capital index (HCI) this year. Car helps you avoid red lights demands, he said. perpetrator and victim: digital crimes despite sanctions. The new generation Iran was amongst 17 countries that by suggesting speeds The complainants can attach GPS appear to involve a growing female and of telecommunication is waiting for transitioned from Middle- to High-EG- latitude and other documents for their juvenile component. us!” ICT Minister Mohammad Javad DI level group. Cars already tell you how long a red light will last, but now they’ll help you avoid those red lights in the first place. It’s launching the first implementation of the Green Light Optimization Speed Advisory (GLOSA), a system that provides speed recommenda- Amirkabir named most innovative university of Iran tions to reduce the amount of time you spend at red lights. The TECHNOLOGY TEHRAN — Amirkabir University at Tarbiat Modarres University and Iran Polymer and extension of Traffic Light Information technology combines your deskof Technology was named the most Petrochemical Institute follow Amirkabir University on car’s position and traffic light data to calculate an ideal speed innovative Iranian university for the current Iranian the list, he said. that shows up on your vehicle’s instrument cluster or heads-up calendar year 1397 (started on March 21, 2018), Mehr Amirkabir University applied for 28 patent reg- display. In theory, you could save time by driving slightly slower reported on Monday. istration during current year, out of which six were and catching an uninterrupted string of green lights. According to the statistics released by the Iran Patent approved, he concluded. Center, one third of international patents registered by the According to a report released in mid-July 2018, Iran universities and research centers belonged to Amirkabir ranks second amongst 9 central and southeast Asian coun- University during the Iranian calendar years 1394 (March tries in Global Innovation Index (GII) 2018. 2015-March 2016) and 1395 (March 2016-March 2017). With score 33.44 out of 100, Iran ranks 16 in 34 upper During the Iranian calendar year 1396 (ended on middle income countries and with 0.82 Innovation Effi- March 20, 2018), still 31 percent of the patent registration ciency Ratio it ranks 11 amongst 126 countries. belonged to Amirkabir University, the academic at the In 2017, Iran ranked 75 amongst 127 countries on university Mehdi Majidpour announced. GII, which is published by World Intellectual Property Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, incubator center Organization (WIPO) and Cornell University, INSEAD. Travel buyers not impressed with new technology Travel buyers are yet to be convinced by or no impact. offer a full integrated chatbot using AI next generation technology, according The survey also asked buyers how the and machine learning combined with to research conducted by the Business industry will best survive the next three customer service agent support in order Speed suggestions and TLI are available as part of an Audi Travel Show. Approximately one fifth years. Despite the apparent nonchalance to deliver a 24/7/365 intuitive service.” Connect Prime feature on 2017 and newer models outside of of the 134 European buyers polled be- surrounding new technology, two thirds On the next three years, he added: the A3 and TT. You’re still limited to using them in certain lieve that by 2022, bots, Blockchain of those polled claim its survival will “Natural Language Processing (NLP) areas, however. TLI is currently available in 13 urban regions, and alternative realities (AR, VR, MR, depend on innovation; 30% believe it will continue to improve, which means including Dallas, Denver, Gainesville, Houston, Kansas City, XR) will ‘significantly improve booking, will be through evolution. Just 4% think that chatbots will become easier and Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York (White Plains), Orlando, saving time and money’, but more than the sector needs a total reboot. more intuitive to interact with. As well Phoenix, Portland, the San Francisco Bay Area (Palo Alto and half claim it will have minimal to no We Build Bots founder Paul Shepherd, as this, the rise in voice will continue to Walnut Creek) and Washington, DC. impact on the industry over the next who is taking part in a panel session about have a huge impact. The possibilities The technology could become more useful in the future, three years. bots at Business Travel Show, February of using voice are endless. Imagine or less than a four-hour flight away. though. Future TLI upgrades might use a car’s automatic stop/ The data suggests there is more faith 20 at 10am, commented: “When built and asking your smart home device to Chatbots use of voice is improving start system to restart the engine when a red light is turning in the opportunities presented by AI: used correctly, chatbots can transform check you into your next flight and and evolving consistently and going green, and a navigation tie-in could plan routes that minimize 17% believe it has the potential to ‘rev- customer service, increase efficiencies receiving your boarding pass directly forward, we’re sure to see huge de- stops. Think of this as another small step toward autonomous olutionize’ the travel industry by 2022, and even help companies to save and into your inbox. Or alternatively, ask velopments in this space.” cars. You might still have to take the wheel, but computers are one quarter feel it will ‘significantly en- make money. Multinational airlines it to search for a holiday that meets The Business Travel Show takes place minimizing many of the little annoyances. hance the traveler experience’ in that and online travel sites would offer a your needs, whether that be in school at Olympia London, 20-21 February. (Source: engadget.com) time, and 39% believe it will have little competitive advantage if they were to holidays, a particular temperature (Source: conference-news.co.uk) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y FEBRUARY 20, 2019 SCIENCE 11

Chinese scientists want to build a Global warming pioneer Wallace Smith Broecker dies

Wallace Smith Broecker, the scientist who brought the term “global power station in space by 2030 warming” into public awareness, has died at the age of 87. The design would sit in Earth’s orbit and turn China’s space agency the China National Broecker, who became known as the “Grandfather of Climate the sun’s rays into electricity before beaming Space Administration (CNSA) also say they Science,” predicted in the 1970s that rising levels of carbon dioxide the energy back to Earth. want to travel to mars by 2020. in the atmosphere would lead to an increase in global temperatures. He also recognized what is known as the Ocean Conveyor Belt — a It would provide a near-constant supply Base on the moon of electricity if the technology needed can China cemented itself among the world’s major scientific breakthrough that linked oceanography to climate. be developed ahead of the 2030 guideline most prominent technological powerhouses A spokesman from Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty set by the Chinese space agency. when it successfully landed the Chang’e-4 Earth Observatory said Broecker passed away at a New York City A test of the technology is expected to take rover on the far side of the moon. The hospital on Monday. He had been ailing for the last few months, place between 2021 and 2025 in the strato- country has claimed it wants to be the first Associated Press reports. sphere before a one megawatt solar facility country to establish a base on the moon Princeton University profes- is spent into space by 2030, according to the and says it will build it using 3D printing sor Michael Oppenheimer told state-backed Science and Technology Daily. technology. the news agency that Broecker The Asian superpower has the second China National Space Administration — know as Wally to his friends largest amount of state money allocated (CNSA) said they also have plans to go to — was “unique, brilliant and for space exploration - behind only the U.S. Mars in 2020, a timeline that would likely combative.” He said Broecker’s China’s $8 billion (£6.19 billion) annual make them the first to do so, beating out discoveries were fundamental to budget has seen it rapidly catch rivals such the U.S., Russia and the plethora of private understanding how Earth’s climate as Russia and the U.S. in the battle for space firms looking to colonize space. had changed. superiority. China cemented itself among the world’s “No scientist was more stim- ulating to engage with,” Oppen- Using 3D printing technology most prominent technological powerhouses heimer said. “He was an instigator The country has also claimed it wants comprehensive mission, it was claimed, Chang’e-7 will study the land surface, when it successfully landed the Chang’e-4 in a good way, willing to press un- to be the first country to establish a base on while Chang’e-8 will focus on technical composition, space environment in a com- rover on the far side of the moon. popular ideas, like lofting particles the moon and says it will build it using 3D surface analysis. prehensive mission, it was claimed, while This was a world first, with no other to offset climate change. But it printing technology. Officials from the Chinese space agency Chang’e-8 will focus on technical surface mission ever venturing to the colloquially was always a two-way conversation, never dull, always educational. Officials from the Chinese space agency have said the country will return to the moon analysis. referred to ‘dark’ side of the moon. I’ll miss him.” also said the country will return to the moon by the end of 2019 with the Chang’e-5 mission. China is also reportedly working on build- The mission also successfully grew the Michael Mann, director of the Earth System Science Center at by the end of the year with the Chang’e-5 This will collect rocks from the near side ing a lunar base using 3D printing technology. first plant on the surface of the moon, with Pennsylvania State University, told AP: “Broecker single-handedly mission. of the moon and return them to Earth for Mission number eight will likely lay the a cotton sprout flourishing before it died in popularized the notion that this could lead to a dramatic climate Three successive missions will further further study. groundwork for this as it strives to verify the the bitterly cold 14-day long lunar night. change ‘tipping point’ and, more generally, Broecker helped commu- explore the barren surface and the viability Chang’e-6 will be the first mission to ex- technology earmarked for the project and if Chang’e-4 is a lander which also carried nicate to the public and policymakers the potential for abrupt climate of building houses there. plore the south pole of the moon. it is viable as a scientific base. the Yutu-2 rover onto the moon’s surface. China is swiftly establishing a reputation The landing on January 4 was followed changes and unwelcome ‘surprises’ as a result of climate change.” Stefan Rahmstorf, head of Earth System Analysis at the Potsdam as one of the forerunners in the renaissance A test of the technology is expected to by a host of discoveries and world firsts. of the space race with its continued invest- The Chang’e-4 lunar probe mission - Institute for Climate Impact Research, said Broecker was a “great ment in both Martian and lunar missions. take place between 2021 and 2025 in named after the moon goddess in Chinese inspiration” and that it had been a privilege to work with him on After Chang’e-5 returns lunar rocks from the stratosphere before a one megawatt mythology - launched last December from the Panel on Abrupt Climate Change. the surface the next mission, Chang’e-6 will the southwestern Xichang launch center. Robert Rohde, Lead scientist at the California-based non-profit be the first mission to explore the south pole solar facility is spent into space by 2030, It is the second Chinese probe to land Berkeley Earth, said Broecker was a “legend of climate science who of the moon. according to the state-backed Science and on the moon, following the Yutu rover gave us the term ‘global warming.’” Chang’e-7 will study the land surface, Technology Daily. mission in 2013. Broecker joined Columbia University in 1959. In a page dedi- composition and space environment in a (Source: dailymail.co.uk) cated to him, the university says he was a “genius and pioneer” and “arguably one of the world’s greatest” geoscientists. It describes how throughout his career Broecker was a leader in the “war on anthropogenic climate change,” the university notes. Grasses found to cheat evolution by stealing Spherical display brings virtual (Source: Reuters) genes from their neighbors collaboration closer to reality Researchers have found that a species of Virtual reality can often make a user Saving the bats, one cave at a grass known as Alloteropsis semialata can feel isolated from the world, with steal genes from its neighbors to give it an only computer-generated characters time, say biologists evolutionary advantage. for company. But researchers at the Who among us didn’t cheat on a test at University of British Columbia and A crew of five wildlife biologists wearing overalls, helmets and school by copying off kids nearby? Well it University of Saskatchewan think they headlamps walked up the flanks of a juniper-studded mountain turns out that grasses are doing the same may have found a way to encourage a and climbed through stout steel bars to enter an abandoned mine thing on an evolutionary level. Scientists have more sociable virtual reality. that serves as a bat hibernaculum. found evidence that some species of grasses The researchers have developed a The swinging white light of the headlamps probed cracks and are stealing genes from their neighbors to help ball-shaped VR display that supports up crevices in the walls of the long dark and narrow tunnel, as the them adapt, effectively bypassing millions to two users at a time, using advanced team walked half a mile into the Earth. When they spied a bat, of years’ worth of evolution. calibration and graphics rendering they gently plucked the mouse-sized, chestnut brown mammal Traditionally, gene transfer happens techniques that produce a complete, — Townsend’s long eared and Western small footed are the two “vertically,” passed down from parents to the only kind of grass using the trick. On the distortion-free 3D image even when uses for their display in the future, most abundant species here — off the walls and deposited them their offspring. But some organisms can surface it might seem like a good thing: it viewed from multiple angles. including multiplayer virtual reality in white cloth bags. A lone big brown bat was also gathered. transfer genes horizontally or laterally. helps grass thrive, and we need grass – espe- Most spherical VR displays in the games, virtual surgery and VR-aided During the survey in November, the bats were in their pre-hi- Most notoriously, bacteria use the cheeky cially considering that broad name includes market are capable of showing a correct learning. However, they are focusing bernation phase, clinging to the gray rock wall with tiny grappling technique to quickly develop resistance to foods like wheat, maize, rice and sugar cane. image only from a single viewpoint, said on teleconferencing applications and hook-like feet, gently breathing. They are in full hibernation antibiotics and share it around. But there could be a darker side to a bit of lead researcher Sidney Fels, an electrical computer-aided design for now. mode now. Now researchers at the University of Shef- sneaky gene stealing. The researchers point and computer engineering professor “Imagine a remote user joining a Cute, interesting and facing a deeply uncertain future. This field have found that, surprisingly, some out that natural grasses could copy certain at UBC. meeting of local users. At either location foray is part of a continentwide effort, from Canada to Oklahoma, grasses are also running a “counterfeit genes” genes from genetically-modified (GM) crops, “When you look at our globe, the 3D you can have a Crystal globe, which is to plumb mines and caves in hopes of figuring out how a virulent ring. The discovery was made by studying allowing these lab-made additions to “es- illusion is rich and correct from any great for seeing people’s heads and faces and rapidly spreading invasive fungal bat disease called white- the genome of cape” into the wild. While scientists currently angle,” explained Fels. “This allows two in 3D,” said Ian Stavness, a computer nose syndrome, which is bearing down on the West, will behave Alloteropsis semialata grass, and com- take plenty of precautions to prevent losing users to use the display to do some sort of science professor at the University of when it hits the native populations here. paring it to the genomes of 150 other grass control of GM organisms, this could undo collaborative task or enjoy a multiplayer Saskatchewan and a member of the “White-nose syndrome represents one of the most consequen- species. The similarity of certain DNA se- that hard work and potentially wreak havoc game, while being in the same space. research team. “Or you can have a team of tial wildlife diseases of modern times,” wrote the authors of one quences showed that they had been acquired on ecosystems. It’s one of the very first spherical VR industrial designers in a room, perfecting recent paper published in mSphere, a journal of the American laterally from their natural neighbors. “This research may make us as a society systems with this capability.” a design with the help of VR and motion Society for Microbiology. Since 2006, the “disease has killed Genetic information reconsider how we view GM technology as Creating the images tracking technology.” millions of bats and threatens several formerly abundant species “Grasses are simply stealing genes and grasses have naturally exploited a similar The system, which the researchers are While the technology is young, the with extirpation or extinction.” taking an evolutionary shortcut,” says Luke process,” says Dunning. “Eventually, this calling Crystal, includes a 24-inch (600 researchers are forecasting a good After some 30 animals were gathered from the mine walls, Dunning, an author of the study. “They research may also help us to understand millimetre) hollow ball-shaped display. future for it. the researchers hiked back out of the tunnel, disrobed and put are acting as a sponge, absorbing useful how genes can escape from GM crops to The display surface was custom-made “We’re not saying that spherical VR their clothes into plastic bags to launder, and washed their hel- genetic information from their neighbors wild species or other non-GM crops, and to specifications in Ottawa, while four will replace flat screens or headsets,” mets and other equipment with alcohol to avoid inadvertently to out compete their relatives and survive provide solutions to reduce the likelihood high-speed projectors and one camera said Fels, adding “but we think it can spreading the fungus, should it be present. in hostile habitats without putting in the of this happening. The next step is to under- used for creating the images, calibration be a good option for VR activities where (Source: NYT) millions of years it usually takes to evolve stand the biological mechanism behind this and touch sensing were purchased off- you still want to see and talk to other these adaptations.” phenomenon and we will carry out further the-shelf. people--be it at home or in the office, Interestingly enough, the study also studies to answer this.” The researchers are working on a four- for work or play.” Ultra-lightweight ceramic (Source: newatlas.com) (Source: eurekalert.org) showed that Alloteropsis semialata wasn’t person system and see many potential material withstands extreme temperatures: new study

Plastics reach remote pristine environments, scientists say Researchers have created an extremely light, very durable ceramic Scientists have warned about the impact of plastic pollution hormonal development and cause deformations. But whether aerogel. The material could be used for applications like insulating in the most pristine corners of the world after discovering they actually cause any harm in the eggs is something we spacecraft because it can withstand the intense heat and severe chemical additives in birds’ eggs in the High Arctic. don’t know,” Provencher said. temperature changes that space missions endure. Eggs laid by northern fulmars on Prince Leopold Island in Other plastic contaminants UCLA researchers and collaborators at eight other research insti- the Canadian Arctic tested positive for hormone-disrupting Further tests found traces of other plastic contaminants tutions have created an extremely light, very durable ceramic aerogel. phthalates, a family of chemicals that are added to plastics in northern fulmar and black-legged kittiwake eggs col- The material could be used for applications like insulating spacecraft to keep them flexible. It is the first time the additives have lected from the same nesting sites. Eggs from both birds because it can withstand the intense heat and severe temperature been found in Arctic birds’ eggs. tested positive for SDPAs and BZT-UVs, which are added changes that space missions endure. The contaminants are thought to have leached from plas- to plastics to stop them degrading and losing their color in Ceramic aerogels have been used to insulate industrial equip- tic debris that the birds ingested while hunting for fish, sunlight, respectively. ment since the 1990s, and they have been used to insulate scientific squid and shrimp in the Lancaster Sound at the entrance Northern fulmars are large, albatross-like birds that soar equipment on NASA’s Mars rover missions. to the Northwest Passage. The birds spend most of their low over the waves in search of food. More than half a million But the new version is much more durable after exposure to lives feeding at sea, returning to their nests only to breed. breeding pairs nest on the cliffs of Britain, with most on the extreme heat and repeated temperature spikes, and much lighter. Northern fulmars have an oily fluid in their stomachs, Scottish coastline and Northern Isles. Its unique atomic composition and microscopic structure also make which they projectile-vomit at invaders that threaten their Because northern fulmars can live for 40 years or more, it unusually elastic. nests. Scientists believe the phthalates found their way into the birds have been exposed to significant plastic debris in When it’s heated, the material contracts rather than expanding like the fluid, and from there passed into the bloodstream and the seas for only a few generations. That meant the birds other ceramics do. It also contracts perpendicularly to the direction the eggs that females were producing. those contaminants inside it.” had not had time to adapt to the changing environment, that it’s compressed -- imagine pressing a tennis ball on a table and The pristine environment She analyzed the yolk and albumin of five northern ful- Provencher said. having the center of the ball move inward rather than expanding Jennifer Provencher at the Canadian Wildlife Service said mar eggs collected on Prince Leopold Island and found that Alex Bond, a conservation biologist who studies seabirds out -- the opposite of how most materials react when compressed. it was worrying to find the additives in the eggs of birds in one tested positive for phthalates. The chemicals disrupt and marine debris at the Natural History Museum in London, As a result, the material is far more flexible and less brittle than such a pristine environment. The northern fulmars in the hormones, or the endocrine system, and have been linked said: “It’s another example of the often invisible impacts current state-of-the-art ceramic aerogels: Arctic tend to come across far less plastic than other birds. to birth defects, fertility problems and a host of metabolic that plastics can have on wildlife. It may not be enough to It can be compressed to 5 percent of its original volume and fully Provencher’s tests revealed that mothers passed on a diseases. Many phthalates have been banned in children’s result in mortality, but it’s certainly not a positive thing, and recover, while other existing aerogels can be compressed to only cocktail of contaminants to their unborn chicks. “It’s really toys on safety grounds. combined with the pressures from other contaminants – about 20The research was led by Xiangfeng Duan, a UCLA professor tragic,” she said at a meeting of the American Association More work is needed to confirm whether the additives from plastics and from the birds’ prey – contributes to the of chemistry and biochemistry; Yu Huang, a UCLA professor of for the Advancement of Science in Washington DC. “That cause any harm. “We know that these chemicals are often increased threats that many of the world’s seabirds are facing.” materials science and engineering; and Hui Li of Harbin Institute bird, from the very beginning of its development, will have endocrine disruptors, and we know that they can interrupt (Source: The Guardian) of Technology, China. (Source: sciencedaily.com) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 12 SOCIETY FEBRUARY 20, 2019

Six metro stations to be Iran seeking Chinese inaugurated within month

SOCIETY TEHRAN — Six new stations in lines 6 deskand 7 of Tehran subway will be inaugurated by the end of the current Iranian calendar year (March 20), expertise for fighting SDSs director for Tehran Urban and Suburban Railway Operation TEHRAN — Iran is that we can draw up a plan under the aus- Company has announced. ENVIRONMENT deskgoing to use China’s pices of the United Nations Development “Some 3 stations on southern part of line 6 stretching to 9 expertise on tackling sand and dust Programme (UNDP) in order to convince kilometers and 3 stations on northern part of line 7 stretching storms (SDSs) and take steps to halt the the neighboring countries to take action to 7.5 kilometers will be operational within the next month,” external SDS hotspots affecting south- toward tackling SDS. Tasnim quoted Ali Emam as saying on Monday. eastern and southwestern parts of the It is scheduled that a delegation from country, head of the national working China come to visit Iran for a meeting on group on SDSs has said. discussing the efficient solutions for con- “Sand and dust storms is a major en- taining SDSs in the country, which is hoped vironmental issue, which has put many to happen by the end of the current Iranian Iranians, especially those residing in calendar year (March 20), he concluded. southwestern areas of Iran, to consid- The early signs of sporadic SDS in erable inconvenience,” IRNA quoted Ali southwestern regions, especially Khuz- Mohammad Tahmasbi-Birgani as saying estan Province, was appeared in 2005. on Tuesday. This challenge showed its strength and To deal with the issue, Iran has made reached a degree that in late January the extensive efforts gaining numerous ex- concentration of fine dust was recorded periences which is among the world as 20 times above the standard range in leading countries active in this field, he some cities of the province. said, adding, while due to the urgent According to Iran Meteorological Or- eradication of the issue, we are trying ganization, SDS is fed by external hotspots Construction measures have been completed on the to use international experience. in Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Although most aforementioned stations, currently, subway cars and other “So far, we have been cooperating with of these sand and dust storms arise from required facilities which have entered the country a week Japan, which is mostly involved in software external sources but one cannot neglect the ago, are being installed, he added. and advanced air quality control devices,” internal hotspots which, as estimations show, Tehran subway system consists of five operational lines, he stated, adding, therefore, we decided to plans successfully implemented so far, he “As long as most dust storms in Iran account for about 30 percent of the problem. stretching to 170 kilometers, and the lines 6 and 7 are call on China having successful experiences further explained. originate from Iraq and Syria, it is a Excessive water withdrawal, dam build- under construction. The lines link south to north, east to on overcoming SDSs. Tahmasbi-Birgani went on to say that cross-boundary issue which requires part- ing projects and not granting the water west and are gradually covering more neighborhoods. By In past recent years, Japan and South SDSs also hit Tokyo in Japan which is nership and cooperation among countries right of wetlands are listed as the main completing the two aforementioned lines 70 kilometers Korea joined hands to provide us funds to originally generated from China, so that to be solved,” he highlighted. causes for turning wetlands and once fertile will be added to the current railways. deal with SDSs, also China and Mongolia the country has gone far to eliminate the He also added that we have called on grounds and pastures in the province to have emerged as the project leader for the problem in the country of origin. China to share us effective experiences, so internal SDS hotspots. Free health care services Water flow in Hour al-Azim wetland Motorcyclists responsible for 63% of for over 108,000 people in contains SDSs: official accidents in Tehran deprived areas ENVIRONMENT TEHRAN — Hour SOCIETY TEHRAN — Motorcy- deskal-Azim wetland being deskcle riders are the highest SOCIETY TEHRAN — The Iranian Red Crescent So- filled with water after recent above nor- contributors to road fatality being respon- deskciety (IRCS) has provided free health care mal rainfalls and receiving amounts of its sible for 63 percent of the accidents hap- services to 108,732 patients residing in underprivileged water right, has contained sand and dust pened in the Iranian capital in the first 10 areas during the Iranian calendar month of Bahman (Jan- storm (SDSs) haunting the southwestern months of the current [Iranian calendar] uary 21-February 19), head of the Red Crescent volunteer Khuzestan province, director for wetlands year (starting on March 21, 2018), head organization has said. ecosystem office of the Department of En- of accidents department of Tehran Traffic Groups of volunteer health care providers have been vironment (DOE) has said. Police has said. dispatched to 471 underprivileged villages in 31 provinces Hour al-Azim wetland is an important Unfortunately, motorcycle users rep- of the country, IRNA quoted Mohammad Nasiri as saying wetland on the border of Iran and Iraq, Additionally, the economic and social resent over 38 percent of the total traffic of motorcycle accidents by 28 percent, on Monday. which was dried up and turned to a major impacts of water is indisputable, as fish- fatalities happened in the aforementioned Momeni further noted. He further explained that health groups consisting of 2,584 sand and dust storm hotspot due to oil ing and agriculture will grow along with period, Tasnim quoted Ehsan Momeni as He went on to say that reckless lane general practitioners, specialists, dentists, and surgeons pro- sector projects and not being granted tourism, he also added. saying on Tuesday. changes, not having license, lane splitting, vide financially struggling individuals with free educational, its water right. It is planned to fill the whole wetland As per the figures revealed by foren- driving wrong direction up one-way streets, health, medical and dental services. As long as Karkheh dam was entirely by demanding the Energy Ministry to flow sics, young motorcyclists aged 18-28 years carrying heavy loads which can affect the He also noted that arrangements have been made to estab- filled with rainwater recently, the Ministry more water into the wetland granting its constituted 33 percent of the fatal crashes stability and handling of your motorcycles, lish a field hospital and supply medicines for most prevalent of Energy has opted to open the dam and water right, he highlighted. resulted in their deaths, while being blamed riding more than two people on a motor- diseases in the region release water to Hour al-Azim wetland, Responding to the DOE’s plans on pre- for over 63 percent of the total accidents, cycle, running red lights, and speaking on Moreover, medical consumables and equipment including which brought back life to the wetland, serving the wetland’s current condition, he he lamented. the cell phone are among other causes of syringes, needles, sutures, and sealants worth of 8 billion ISNA quoted Masoud Baqerzadeh as say- stated that however, the water level drops He further regretted that 87 percent fatal motorcycles’ accidents. rials (about $200,000) and some 10,534 medical equipment ing on Tuesday. significantly in the coming months due to of motorcycle riders have lost their lives According to the World Health Organ- and devices have been sent to the areas for better services, Considering recent precipitation and good evaporation and temperatures rise, it can be due to concussion, so it is imperative for ization almost half of all deaths on the he concluded. water condition in the wetland, he noted that maintained through providing its water right the motorcyclists to wear a helmet, and world’s roads are among those with the the country’s southwestern part recently re- and preventing illegal water withdrawal. preferably not to ride in highways. least protection – motorcyclists, cyclists ceived above normal rainfall which has been Fortunately, in accordance with the Pointing out that 53 percent of motorcy- and pedestrians. LEARN ENGLISH unprecedented for the past three decades. law on the conservation and restoration cle crashes happened in Tehran highways, However, the likelihood of dying on the Water flow in the wetland will positively of wetlands, the exact amount of water he added that motorcycle drivers must be road as a motorcyclist, cyclist or pedestrian You Missed the Deadline! affect the area’s weather condition as soil right has been clearly announced to the fully attentive while riding and take safety varies by region: The African Region has is moisturized and irreparable damages of Ministry of Energy, he highlighted, add- measures, as well as not doing distractive the highest proportion of pedestrian and A: And so, I just wanted to check in with you and find out SDSs will considerably reduce in the first ing, it is expected that the ministry will activities such as using mobile phones, cyclist deaths at 43 percent of all road traffic where we are with this project. As you know, you’ve missed a six months of the next Iranian calendar have the necessary resources to provide smoking, eating or drinking. deaths, while these rates are relatively low fairly significant deadline last week, and this will negativity year (March 20-September 22). the wetland’s water right. Reckless riding is the biggest cause in the South-East Asia Region. impact the team’s ability to move forward with the next stages of this project. B: I know, I’m really sorry that I missed the deadline. But really, Hundreds of endangered animals at risk of extinction it wasn’t my fault. You see, we had all of these unexpected technical problems at the last minute, and that I couldn’t Hundreds of animal species are at risk of extinction because bans on sales of certain species or their body parts. with some species going from common to near extinction in get into the database and extract the kind of information that I wildlife trade restrictions are taking too long to come into The research also revealed the long wait species have to just a few years. “A policymaking process needs to respond needed for the data analysis. You know, if the tech guys would effect, a major new study warns. gain recognition by Cites. quickly to new information in order to prevent extinction have done their job and kept the CRM stable, then I wouldn’t Over a quarter of animals on the International Union Even among IUCN’s red-list species, 62 per cent of those for hundreds of animals and plants.” have missed my deadline. for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list – the world’s protected by Cites had waited as long as 19 years for rec- The researchers said the pattern of slow recognition by the A: Oh, come on! An excuse like that is tantamount to lying. You’re most critically endangered – are not protected by Cites (the ognition or are still waiting to be listed up to 24 years after convention was the same even for the most threatened species. essentially blaming the tech team for your time management Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species being first considered. The team collected data on 958 threatened species particu- issues, rather than accepting responsibility for the fact that you of Wild Fauna and Flora). “It’s absolutely critical that policymakers allow science larly targeted by the international wildlife trade, and looked were procrastinating for the past two weeks. Cites is regarded as the primary international framework to inform a speedy protection process,” said Eyal Frank, at how they were classified by the IUCN and treated by Cites. B: No, I’m not trying to pass the buck here; I know that it was for preventing species extinction due to international wildlife co-author of the study and an assistant professor at the They found 28.2 per cent of species on the IUCN red me who is ultimately responsible for getting this done. But the trade. It came into force in 1975 in order to coordinate and University of Chicago. list were not listed by cites, a discovery the researchers thing is, I could have finished on time if the system hadn’t gone regulate trade in wildlife products, and can put into effect He said: “New trends in wildlife trade can develop quickly, said was “striking”. (Source: The Independent) down. And you know, with everything I’ve got going on now, I can’t afford to waste time dealing with technical problems. I’ve got a lot on my plate and there are only twenty-four hours in a day... ENGLISH IN USE A: I’m not going to accept this excuse. You’re using these small technical glitches as a crutch and trying to rationalize the fact LEARN NEWS TRANSLATION that you’ve missed your deadline. Look, we have standards and I expect you to live up to those standards. No phonier excuses. If you’re in over your head, you tell me. No more missed deadlines. Now, I want that data on my desk by nine am! ‘Satellite data efficient to contain داده های ماهواره ای راهگشای مشکالت محیط زیست Key vocabulary fairly significant:very important or very relevant environmental issues’ رییــس پژوهشــگاه هوافضــا اظهــار داشــت: تصاویــر ماهــواره ای و دســتیابی بــه اطالعــات impact: to have an effect on something TEHRAN – Satellite images and acquisition of various satellite data مختلــف فضایــی، راه حــل هــای بســیاری را بــرای کاهــش مشــکالت محیــط زیســتی و move forward: continue, go on unexpected: coming without warning makes many solutions available to reduce or even prevent environmental حتــی پیشــگیری از آنهــا در دســترس قــرار داده اســت، دســتاوردی کــه مســتلزم اســتفاده last minute: at the last moment issues, while requires a timely utilization, head of Aerospace Research بــه موقــع از ایــن فنــاوری نویــن اســت. .tantamount: same as, equivalent to Institute (ARI) has said essentially: in essence, basically دکتــر فتــح اهلل امــی روز ســه شــنبه در گفــت وگــو بــا خبرنــگار علمــی ایرنــا افــزود: داده procrastinate: leave tasks or duties for a later time Satellite data can be used toward protecting the environment and هــای فضایــی راهگشــای بســیاری از مشــکالت محیــط زیســتی کشــور هســتند و در بهبــود pass the buck: blame someone else, pass on the responsibility improving the country’s ecological conditions, which is of great ultimately: at last; in the end; eventually importance, IRNA quoted Fathollah Ommi as saying on Tuesday. موقعیــت اکولوژیــک کشــور نقــش بــه ســزایی دارنــد. on my plate: another way of saying I have many things to do as a crutch: used to indicate you justify failure with excuses rationalize: to explain bad behavior in a way that (falsely) makes it seem proper or better phony: not true, fake or false PREFIX/SUFFIX PHRASAL VERB IDIOM in over your head: too much to handle Supplementary vocabulary “-derm, -derma, -dermis” Move around Count your blessings behind schedule: later than expected Meaning: skin Meaning: to change where you live very frequently, Explanation: to focus your thoughts on all the good procrastination: the action of delaying one›s work For example: In animal embryos, the ectoderm or living in many different parts of a country things in your life rather than on the negative ones fabricate: to create an untrue story is the outer germ layer of the embryo. For example: My dad was in the army, so we moved For example: Whenever anyone in the family starts justify: to give the reasons why you did something wrong around a lot. to complain, my mother always advises us to count our tardiness: the quality of being late often blessings. (Source: irlanguage.com) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y FEBRUARY 20, 2019 WORLD IN FOCUS 13 Assad adviser rejects idea of granting Erdogan: NATO gives arms to Syrian Kurds autonomy ‘terrorists’ but not to Turkey 1 “Autonomy means the partition eign Minister at the conference and lavishly President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused NATO (North of Syria. We have no way to partition Syria,” praised Moscow for its Syria intervention, Atlantic Treaty Organization) allies of supporting “terrorists” she told Reuters on the sidelines of a Middle saying it had shown “amazing consistency with thousands of truckloads of weapons while ignoring Turkey’s East conference in Moscow organized by in dealing with facts on the ground”. request to buy their arms. the Valdai Discussion Club. She was scathing about Turkish Presi- “What kind of NATO alliance is this?” Erdogan said on Mon- “Syria is a country that is a melting pot dent Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his idea of day during an election campaign rally in southwestern Turkey’s for all people and all people are equal in carving out “a safe zone” in northeast Syria Burdur region. front of Syrian law and in front of the Syrian however. Shaaban said the idea smacked of “You give terrorists around 23,000 truckloads of weapons constitution,” she added, calling the Kurds an illegal land grab. and tools through Iraq, but when we asked, you won’t even sell “a precious and very important part of the “Turkey has all the new ambition to occupy them to us,” he added. Syrian people”. other people’s land and I think we are facing “We have a 911-kilometre border [with Syria]. We’re under Her comments come after Syrian Deputy Erdogan who has dreams of reinvigorating threat at any moment.” Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad expressed and recreating the Ottoman Empire,” she said. Erdogan did not specify which nations were allegedly sup- optimism last month over dialogue with “But I don’t think he will be able to do plying arms through Iraq. Kurdish groups, and suggest the Kurds will that because our people are there to defend Turkey also expects Syria’s Manbij region to be rid of “terror- face an uphill struggle to wring concessions our land.” ists” and left to locals as soon as possible, said the Turkish leader. from Damascus, which has said it wants to Turkey backs the anti-Assad opposition Manbij has been held by the United States-backed Syrian retake every inch of territory lost during that still has a foothold in northwestern Syria, Democratic Forces (SDF), a militia spearheaded by the Kurd- eight years of war. and has troops in that area. ish People’s Protection Unit (People’s Defense Units/Yekîneyên Shaaban sat next to Russia’s Deputy For- (Source: Reuters) Parastina Gel/YPG), since 2016. This has angered neighboring Turkey, which views the influence wielded by the YPG in northern Syria as a national security threat. Ankara considers the YPG a “terrorist group” with ties to the banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK/Partiya Karkerên News anchor: Israel turning troops into ‘human animals’ Kurdistanê) in Turkey. PKK has waged a decades-long armed A leading Israeli news anchor has slammed Tel Aviv for ians and their property have risen since the beginning of conflict in the country, killing an estimated 40,000 people. turning troops into “human animals” after new reports the year 2019. Ankara has threatened to target Manbij in a military operation emerged about the abuse of Palestinians in detention. Palestine’s official WAFA news agency, citing a report by to wipe out the YPG. Channel 13 TV’s Oshrat Kotler made the remarks on the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs But the Kurdish militia has been Washington’s main ally in the Saturday night, commenting on Israeli forces brutally (OCHA), announced the news on Saturday. ground war against Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/ beating a handcuffed and blindfolded father and forcing OCHA’s biweekly report, which covered the period from Daesh) in Syria for several years. The United States has warned his son to watch it. January 29 to February 11 this year, showed a weekly average Turkey against attacking the YPG. According to Haaretz, the Israeli soldiers slapped, punched of seven attacks resulting in injuries or property damage Tensions have risen in Syria since the U.S. President Don- and bludgeoned the two detainees until the father’s ribs compared to an average of five in the same period in 2018 ald Trump’s surprise announcement of the withdrawal of about and nose were broken on January 8. and three in 2017. 2,000 American troops from the country who operate alongside “They send children to the army, to the territories, and Two Palestinian teenagers, 14 and 17 years old, were killed Kurdish forces in Syria’s northeast. get them back human animals. That’s the result of the oc- on February 8 by the live fire of Israeli troopers during the The SDF commander-in-chief, Mazloum Kobani, called on cupation,” Kotler said. “Great March of Return” protest rallies in the besieged Gaza Monday for about 1,000 to 1,500 international forces to remain Israeli mistreatment of Palestinian detainees has long ACOD trade union and a philosophy of science scholar, said Strip, the report said, adding that in the same day, another in northern Syria to help fight ISIL. He expressed hope the U.S., been reported by rights activists and their lawyers but public in August 2018 the population of the Gaza Strip is being two Palestinians also succumbed to the injuries they had in particular, would halt plans for a total pullout. access to new social media and information devices has “starved to death, poisoned, and children are kidnapped received in similar protests in the previous reporting period. “We would like to have air cover, air support, and a force on brought new aspects of the regime’s brutality to light. and murdered for their organs.” OCHA said the four fatalities brought the Palestinian the ground to coordinate with us,” Kobani told a small group of Over the past year, videos of Israeli snipers rejoicing In November 2015, the Palestinian ambassador to the death toll during the Gaza protests since March 2018 to reporters after talks with senior U.S. generals in Syria. over the “successful” shooting of unarmed Palestinians United Nations said Israel harvested the organs of the Pal- 263, including 49 minors. Kobani thanked Trump for publicly stating his intent to protect have triggered a global outcry. Rights bodies have said the estinians it killed. “About 425 trees and 14 vehicles were vandalized, and the SDF but said: “I want him to live up to his word.” shootings and other violations represent what is the rule In a letter to the UN secretary general, Riyad Mansour one Palestinian was injured, in attacks by Israeli settlers The U.S. Army General Joseph Votel, head of Central Command, for the Israeli military. said the bodies of Palestinians killed by Israeli security forces during the recording period,” the UN agency also said. said after talks with Kobani he was still carrying out Trump’s Kotler’s comments on Saturday outraged Israeli leaders “were returned with missing corneas and other organs, The injured Palestinian was a 20-year-old man, who was order for a complete withdrawal of the U.S. forces. who rushed to the defense of their troops, with Prime Min- further confirming past reports about organ harvesting physically assaulted by Israeli settlers near the Jibiya village “We certainly understand what they would like us to do, but ister Benjamin Netanyahu saying “the journalist’s words by the occupying power.” in the central West Bank district of Ramallah, it explained. of course that’s not the path we’re on at this particular point,” deserve all condemnation.” The New York Times also said in an August 2014 report The report said the 425 Palestinian-owned trees had been Votel told reporters. “Oshrat, you’re confused,” hawkish Israeli education that transplant brokers in Israel had pocketed enormous vandalized by Israeli settlers in three separate incidents Asked about any discussions on a continuing U.S. presence in minister Naftali Bennett wrote. His new party, Hayamin sums of money. in al-Khalil (Hebron) in the southern West Bank and in Syria, Votel said: “So the discussion really isn’t about U.S. forces Hehadash, tweeted that it would appeal to the attorney Based on the newspaper’s analysis of major organ traf- Jalud Village in Nablus, located in the northern West Bank. staying here. We’ve looked at potentially what coalition [forces] general to bring Kotler to trial. ficking cases since 2000, Israelis had played a “dispro- Separately, Israeli settlers punctured the tires of 14 might be able to do here.” Peace Now, an Israeli anti-settlement group that monitors portionate role” in organ trafficking. Palestinian-owned vehicles, spray-painted racist graffiti Turkey has for years criticized the U.S. for supplying weapons settlement activity in the West Bank, supported Kotler. The issue of organ theft by Israel was first brought to in al-Lubban al-Sharqiya and Huwwara villages, south of and training to the YPG - one of the most potent ground forces Channel 13 news also rallied behind Kotler. the fore in a report published by Sweden’s most highly-cir- Nablus, and in al-Khalayleh, near the al-Quds (Jerusalem) in the fight to defeat ISIL. Rising, criticism however, including from Israeli sec- culated daily Aftonbladet in 2009. district, the OCHA’s report further said, adding that the Days after Trump’s December pullout announcement, Erdo- ular-nationalist Yisrael Beiteinu party, forced the anchor Back in 2000, Dr. Yehuda Hiss, the former head of Is- Israeli settlers also attempted to torch a local mosque in gan pledged Turkey will take over the fight against the remnants to clarify her statements. rael’s forensic institute, divulged that Israeli pathologists Deir Dibwan Village in Ramallah during the period. of ISIL in Syria, and announced the operation against the YPG “My criticism was directed only at those soldiers led by at the institute would harvest skin, corneas, heart valves, “Israeli army’s uprooting of trees and destruction of was on hold for now. our control over the Palestinians to hurt innocent people,” and bones from the bodies of Palestinians and others often property occurred mainly in the northern Jordan Valley Since then, the discussion has included the establishment of she said. without permission from relatives. where approximately 500 trees were uprooted, four dunams a “safe zone” in northern Syria, but Turkey has insisted the area The Israeli military regularly opens fire on Palestinians, The interview was, however, released no later than 2009 of cultivated land leveled and an irrigation network dam- must be free of the YPG and under its control. accusing them of attempting to carry out stabbing attacks by Nancy Scheper-Hughes, a professor of anthropology at aged on February 6th in Bardala village that affected the The Kurdish fighters say any such zone must have “interna- against its forces. the University of California-Berkeley, who had conducted livelihood of seven families,” the report said. tional guarantees … that would prevent foreign intervention”. Human rights groups have criticized Tel Aviv for its it as part of her investigation into the institute, in response During the previous reporting period, on January (Source: agencies) shoot-to-kill policy as a large number of the Palestinians to a row created between Israel and Sweden over Afton- 22, the Israeli military authorities uprooted 1,250 Pal- killed at the scene of attacks did not pose any serious threat bladet’s report. estinian-owned trees in Safa Village near al-Khalil, to Israelis. Israel evicts Palestinian family from house OCHA added. Hebrew University professor: Israel tests in al-Quds The UN agency also said that during the reporting pe- Middle East represented over weapons on Palestinian children Moreover, Israeli forces have forcibly evicted a Pales- riod, 15 Palestinian structures were demolished or seized half of U.S. foreign military Meantime, an Arab professor of the Hebrew University tinian family from their home in the Old City of the Israe- in East al-Quds (Jerusalem) and Area C of the occupied of al-Quds (Jerusalem) says the Israeli military tests various li-occupied al-Quds (Jerusalem), where they had lived for West Bank, under the pretext of lacking a building permit, sales in 2018 weapons against innocent Palestinians, even children, in several generations. displacing 39 Palestinians and affecting the livelihoods of order to learn which are the most powerful, a report said Citing sources, the Palestinian Ma’an news agency re- some 70 others. The Middle East accounted for more than half of all the United on Sunday. ported that the Israeli forces raided Hatem Abu Assab’s Back in October, Israeli settlers stoned a Palestinian States arms sales last year, a senior Pentagon official has revealed, Professor Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian said in a lecture family house in the Aqabat al-Khalidiya quarter of the Old woman to death near a West Bank checkpoint south of Nablus. saying Washington seeks to increase the figure in the coming years. last Tuesday at Columbia University that “Israel does weap- City near the al-Aqsa Mosque on Sunday. The incident came two days after a group of Israeli settlers Lieutenant General Charles Hooper, the Director of the U.S. ons tests on Palestinian children” and that “Palestinian Witnesses said that the troops also physically assaulted from the Yitzhar settlement broke into a high school in Urif Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), said on Monday spaces are laboratories for the Israeli security industry.” the family’s members after they encircled and broke into Village, located in southern Nablus and began throwing that Middle Eastern countries purchased more than $30 billion Shalhoub-Kevorkian, an Arab professor of social work the building. stones at horrified students inside their classrooms. worth of weapons and other U.S. military products in the 2018 from the Hebrew University, quoted from the testimony of Hatem’s wife, Rania, said that the Israeli forces took Dozens of students were injured during the assault, which fiscal year out of the Pentagon’s total $55 billion in foreign sales. a few children to assert that the Israeli military specifically away his husband and son to an undisclosed location and also led to the disruption of classes and material damage. “Our products and services are the best in the world and we targets the younger generation for these alleged tests, said the house was given to Israeli settlers. About 600,000 Israelis live in over 230 illegal settlements are not only hopeful, but will take every step and do everything a report by Israel’s Army Radio. The family, which currently comprises nine people, has built since the 1967 Israeli occupation of the Palestinian possible, to ensure we remain a partner of choice in the UAE The professor’s speech, titled “Violent Technologies in been living in this house for more than 56 years and made territories of the West Bank and East al-Quds (Jerusalem). (United Arab Emirates) and wider Middle East,” Hooper told Palestinian Jerusalem,” was based on the research she did several appeals to the Palestinian residents of al-Quds (Je- Palestinians want the West Bank as part of a future the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in Israel during her tenure at Hebrew University. It is also rusalem) and different institutions to help it stand against independent Palestinian state with East al-Quds (Jerusa- in the Emirati city of Abu Dhabi on Monday. presented abroad as a Hebrew University study, Dabush the Israeli decision to expel it from the house. lem) as its capital. The DSCA operates under the U.S. Department of Defense reported. The Abu Assab’s family came to the Old City after it Israel’s continued settlement expansion on Palestinian and is charged with brokering military deals with the U.S. al- The university has not condemned the lecture, and has was forcibly displaced from al-Baqa’a neighborhood in territories has been a major sticking point in Israeli-Pales- lies around the world. It also facilitates the transfer of military just said that the views expressed by the professor do not western al-Quds (Jerusalem) in 1948 following the Deir tinian talks, which have stalled since 2014. products, financial and technical assistance, and training and represent the Hebrew University’s views. Yassin massacre. Tensions have risen across the Palestinian territories services to those countries. The new allegations against the Israeli troops come as UN: Israeli settler violence has risen since a move by the United States in late 2017 to recognize Hooper said his agency was undergoing major strategic changes several media reports had earlier said the regime’s military against Palestinians the holy city of al-Quds (Jerusalem) in the West Bank as to cut costs and accelerate military contracts. harvest organs from the Palestinian kids it kills. Separately, the United Nations says acts of violence and Israel’s “capital.” “We are razor-focused on improving the time frame for countries Robrecht Vanderbeeken, the cultural secretary of Belgium’s vandalism committed by Israeli settlers against Palestin- (Source: Press TV) to receive much-needed material,” he said. To reach that goal, he said, the DSCA was planning to train 20,000 of its personnel around the world under a special program next year. “Our priority is to strengthen existing partnerships and attract Abuse, ‘survival sex’ a stark reality for child migrants: report new ones, while helping partners train up their workforce and modernize their military equipment,” Hooper said. Unaccompanied child migrants face dan- being assaulted, sexually abused, raped, the Mediterranean are abused, trafficked, parents were killed,” Rocca told Al Jazeera. Saudi, UAE among largest purchasers of U.S. weapons gerous journeys during transit, including trafficked into sexual exploitation or forced beaten and discriminated against,” said “In Niger, we see young girls from Nige- When it comes to foreign weapons purchases in the Middle abuse and detention, rights organizations into “survival sex”, according to an Inter- Afshan Khan, UNICEF (United Nations ria who sold themselves for sex for as low East, no country comes close to Saudi Arabia. have warned, highlighting significant failings national Federation of Red Cross and Red International Children’s Emergency Fund) as $3. In Central America, there’s violence Riyadh has been frantically signing military deals with the in safeguarding unaccompanied minors. Crescent Societies (IFRC) report Alone and Regional Director and Special Coordinator that drives them out. It creates a very, very U.S., Britain and many other European countries since March A recent report by UNHCR (United Na- Unsafe, which shows that the number of for the Refugee and Migrant Crisis in Europe. difficult environment for them to live in.” 2015, when it began the ongoing war against Yemen. tions High Commissioner for Refugees) re- unaccompanied child migrants has grown A joint UNICEF-IOM report also revealed More than 40 percent of all child asylum In 2017, when the U.S. President Donald Trump chose Riyadh vealed that nearly 140,000 people arrived five-fold in five years. that children from sub-Saharan Africa are seekers are girls. A poll by UNICEF late last for his debut state visit, Saudi regime leaders cemented mutual in Greece, Italy and Spain in search of safety Europe accounted for more than half of targeted more than any other group, high- year revealed that almost half of nearly 4,000 ties by signing a $110 billion arms deal with Washington. in 2018. Almost 11,000 of the new arrivals unaccompanied minor arrivals in 2017, with lighting discrimination and racism along refugees and migrants aged 14 to 24 were The extravagant spending has put a strain on Saudi Arabia’s were unaccompanied children. more than 158,000 reaching the continent transit routes. forced to leave their countries, 44 percent economy by driving up its military spending to beyond $60 billion Additionally, according to the Red Cross, in the first three quarters of the year. The reason for their departure ranges from of them left alone. a year, much higher than what Russia and Britain are spending. more than 300,000 unaccompanied child Currently, almost 30 percent of all asylum abuse at home and peer pressure to violence, Some 38 percent said they did not receive Earlier, the UAE, which is Saudi Arabia’s main partner in a migrants are currently at high risk of sexual seekers across that continent are children, says IFRC President Francesco Rocca, who any help from anyone, including family, Riyadh-led coalition invading Yemen, announced two military and gender-based violence during transit. half of whom are from just three countries: called on UN member countries to address friends or relatives, while almost half the deals worth around $2 billion with the U.S. arms giant Raytheon The perilous journey undertaken by Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. the root causes. respondents reported that they had been for the purchase of Patriot missile systems. these young migrants without an accom- “The stark reality is that it is now stand- “In Cox’s Bazar, for example, we saw many unable to see a doctor when needed. (Source: agencies) panying adult makes them vulnerable to ard practice that children moving through children with their neighbors because their (Source: Al Jazeera) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 14 WORLD SPORTS FEBRUARY 20, 2019 ‘It’s like a final’ - Atletico meet Juve in Indonesia submits formal bid to host the 2032 Olympics a clash of high stakes Massimiliano Allegri told Juventus not to Atleti have the chance to play a final at Indonesia has submitted a bid to host the 2032 Olympics, officials be afraid of Atletico Madrid but for one of home this year, at the Wanda Metropolitano, said Tuesday, after the Southeast Asian nation’s widely lauded these teams their worst fears in this season’s and not only snatch the cup away from ri- handling of the Asian Games last summer. Champions League are about to become a vals Real but do it in the city they both call Muliaman Hadad, Indonesia’s ambassador to Switzerland, reality. their own. submitted a formal bid letter from President Joko Widodo to Crashing out in the last 16 would be un- “Of course we are inspired by playing a the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Lausanne last thinkable for two clubs that were among the final in our own stadium, in our own city, in week, the foreign ministry confirmed Tuesday. favourites when the draw for the knock-out front of our own fans,” Simeone said. “This is the right moment to show Indonesia’s capability as a stages was made in December. “But it is pointless only to imagine it. The big country,” Hadad said in a statement made public this week. “Those that have ambition are not afraid,” reality will be what we deserve,” he added. Widodo publicly expressed Indonesia’s interest in hosting Allegri said, after his side were drawn to play Simeone extended his contract as Atleti the 2032 event in the capital, Jakarta, during last year’s Asian Atletico, with the first leg on Wednesday at coach until 2022 last week and while few Games -- the world’s second biggest multi-sport event behind the Wanda Metropolitano. can question the remarkable progress made the Olympics. “It’s like a final, we cannot put a foot during his tenure, there are some that believe India has also expressed an interest in hosting the 2032 games wrong,” Atletico boss Diego Simeone said. a ceiling has been reached. while North and South Korea have said they might enter a joint bid. Juventus and Atletico Madrid have reached They are out of the Copa del Rey and seven The IOC will announce the 2032 host by 2025. If successful, 12 European Cup finals between them, with points behind Barcelona in La Liga, where Indonesia would be the fourth Asian Olympics host after Japan, last season’s game in Kiev the first in five back-to-back defeats earlier this month failed South Korea and China. years in which neither had featured. to capitalise on a rare Catalan dip. The next Olympics will be in 2020 in Tokyo, while Paris will Atletico went on to win the Europa League Summer signings are yet to fully fire and host it in 2024 and Los Angeles in 2028. instead, proving themselves too strong for summer and now, there is belief. Ronaldo time with its most prolific player ever among there is scepticism about the January arrival (Source: AFP) Europe’s second-tier competition, while Ju- has not finished in single figures for goals in their ranks. of Alvaro Morata, not just because of his ventus were dumped out by eventual winners the Champions league since 2011. “We have to be wary of Atletico,” Allegri links to Real. When results waver, questions Real Madrid, undone by a controversial Cris- As Lionel Messi said: “They already had said. about Simeone’s style also invariably follow. tiano Ronaldo penalty in the 98th minute. a good team and now they have Cristiano “And we have to find the right moment “It is a style I like, it makes us win,” Antoine It was Ronaldo’s 10th goal in seven games Ronaldo.” to score. It’s crucial that we get a goal there, Griezmann told UEFA on Monday. Biles and Djokovic win against Juventus, having scored twice in the Juve’s two decade wait otherwise qualification will be very difficult,” Winning a trophy on their own patch first leg and twice in the final in 2017 too. But with anticipation comes pressure. he added. would be even better. Laureus awards Juve beat Real in the semi-finals two years Juventus are on course to win an eighth con- Atletico’s own record signing last summer, “It’s an extra motivation for us and for earlier but even then, Ronaldo managed a secutive Scudetto but this is the one trophy Thomas Lemar, was not even born when the fans. The road to get there will be tough goal in each leg. they crave. Gianluca Vialli hoisted the trophy in 1996 but we’ll give it our all,” World Cup winner There was understandable relief, as well Miss out again and it will be 23 years since for the Italians but expectation weighs heavy Griezmann added. as joy, when the Portugese switched sides last they last lifted Europe’s premier prize, this on them too. (Source: AFP)

Spanish Super Cup set to move abroad in James Harden: Rockets needed new final four format consistent scoring reflected in streak

Gymnast Simone Biles and tennis player Novak Djokovic won the top prizes at the 2019 Laureus World Sports Awards. American Biles, 21, was named Sportswoman of the Year after winning four gold medals, one silver and one bronze at the 2018 World Championships. Serb Djokovic, 31, won the Sportsman of the Year award after The Spanish Super Cup will be expanded single game played in Tangier, Morocco, James Harden cites necessity as the root the past 15 games because of a right thumb claiming victory at both the US Open and Wimbledon. to four teams, with two semi finals and a where Barcelona beat Sevilla 2-1. of his historic scoring streak, stressing that injury and could return as soon as Thursday Golfer Tiger Woods won the Comeback award, while tennis final all to be played outside the country MIAMI BLUES the Houston Rockets have needed him to against the Los Angeles Lakers. player Naomi Osaka won Breakthrough of the Year. under a transformation proposed by Span- Rubiales opposes La Liga’s plans to play go on the run that has him chasing Wilt Harden acknowledged that it’s some- America’s 14-time major winner Woods won the season-ending ish Football Federation (RFEF) President Spanish top flight games abroad and his Chamberlain. times difficult to block out criticism of his Tour Championship by two shots to record his first win in five Luis Rubiales on Tuesday. organisation blocked a proposal to move a Harden has scored at least 30 points in 31 isolation-intensive playing style, particu- years following spinal fusion surgery. The revamped Super Cup is set to start game between Girona and Barcelona last consecutive games, tying Chamberlain for the larly when it comes from former players. Japan’s Osaka won her first Grand Slam title at the US Open in August of this year, with the winners and month to Miami. second-longest such streak in NBA history “Yeah, I hear it. It’s hard not to hear it last year, then won the Australian Open last month. runners up of both La Liga and the Copa Barcelona withdrew from the proposed behind the Hall of Fame center’s 65-game -- especially nowadays,” Harden told Nich- Elsewhere, Slovakian skier Henrieta Farkasova and guide del Rey qualifying under the new format, Miami game, citing a lack of consensus, run. The Rockets are 21-10 during Harden’s ols. “You have social media. You have fans Natalia Subrtova won the Sportsperson of the Year with a Disa- Rubiales, who became RFEF president in although their president Josep Maria Bar- streak despite Houston’s other stars -- guard that are reading what people saying and bility award after winning four gold medals at the 2018 Winter May 2018, said. tomeu said he would like to see three La Chris Paul and center Clint Capela -- missing ask me about it. “I try my best to block Paralympics. In the event that a team qualifies both Liga games a season abroad. extended time because of injuries. [criticism] out, but it’s kind of hard, you Football World Cup winners France won Team of the Year, and through the league and the Copa del Rey, Rubiales said he saw no contradiction “The scoring streak is obviously amaz- know? Especially when it’s coming from like Kenyan athlete Eliud Kipchoge took the Exceptional Achievement the vacant place would be taken by the team between moving the Super Cup abroad ing, but it’s something that I just had to do ex-NBA players, you know? So it makes it Award after taking 78 seconds off the world marathon record with the best historical record in the Copa and “the basic principle that a home team because of our situation,” Harden said in more difficult, but, obviously, everybody’s with his victory in Berlin. del Rey that had not already qualified for should always play at their ground”. a sit-down interview with ESPN’s Rachel entitled to their own opinion.” American snowboarder Chloe Kim was given the Action the Super Cup. “We see an opportunity to “FIFA was very clear about opposing the Nichols. “We had all the injuries and guys Harden recently agreed with Kobe Sportsperson of the Year Award, former Arsenal manager Ar- promote the brand of Spain without attack- Miami game. If they change their criteria in and out of the lineup and things like that. Bryant when the Lakers legend said, “I sene Wenger received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and ing sporting principles,” Rubiales told a we will have to do what they say but we So I think the streak just started happening, don’t think that style of basketball is ever American skier Lindsey Vonn won the Spirit of Sport Award. news conference, without giving details of still believe you break with the essence and now it’s like something to talk about. going to win championships,” during an (Source: BBC) where the games in the “final four” format of sport if you prevent a team playing at “But it’s not something that I’m really ESPN appearance. event would take place. home for financial motives.” honestly focused on. That’s something I Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, appearing The plans must first be approved by Although Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and have to do in order to give us a chance to on ESPN’s The Jump, recently referred to the federation’s assembly at a meeting in Real Madrid take part in the Internation- win the game.” Harden’s run as “not even attractive bas- April, he said, adding that the RFEF plans al Champions Cup, pre-season friendlies Harden is averaging 41.5 points on 27.3 ketball” because he dribbles and dominates Semenya says gender rules to open a global centre of excellence for against Europe’s top sides played in the field goal attempts during his streak. His the ball so much. referees in Madrid and create a committee United States and Asia, Rubiales said having burden in the Rockets’ offense became bigger Fellow former MVP Stephen Curry, while ‘do not empower anyone’ to fight homophobia in football. a trophy at stake was important for fans. than ever with the 33-year-old Paul missing wearing a microphone for NBA TV, revealed Rubiales broke with tradition last year by “Neutral tournaments played in sum- 18 games because of a strained hamstring in a conversation during Saturday’s All-Star Double Olympic 800 metres champion Caster Semenya said turning the traditional season clash between mer do not produce the same excitement and chipping off rust in eight games since practice that Harden adamantly declared Tuesday that proposed rules that would oblige her to lower her the La Liga champions and the Copa del among supporters,” he added. returning. Capela, the primary beneficiary that he’d like to share the ball more. testosterone levels “do not empower anyone”. Rey winners from a two-legged tie into a (Source: Reuters) of Harden’s passing wizardry, has missed (Source: ESPN) The South African appeared Monday at the Court of Arbitra- tion for Sport in Lausanne at the start of a landmark hearing to challenge the rules proposed by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). The controversial measures would force so-called “hyperandro- Peace at last between ‘Special One’ and Wenger genic” athletes or those with “differences of sexual development” Arsene Wenger received the Laureus Lifetime Achieve- rector of football post at Paris Saint-Germain, admitted (DSD) to seek treatment to lower their testosterone levels below a ment award on Monday but it was the glowing tribute he had been taken aback when he watched the video at the prescribed amount if they wish to continue competing as women. from the unlikeliest of sources Jose Mourinho that awards ceremony. A statement issued by Semenya’s legal team said she believes caught the eye. “That is a very good question,” he replied as to what was “she and other women affected by the regulations should be per- The 69-year-old Wenger won the award on the back of the biggest surprise the award or Mourinho praising him. mitted to compete in the female category without discrimination” his revolutionising English football especially in the first “It was a surprise yes. We had some good fights at times.” and that they should be “celebrated for their natural talents as part of his over two decades in charge of Arsenal. Wenger said what was even more unexpected was that are all other athletes with genetic variations”. The veteran former Gunners boss and Mourinho clashed the man on the touchline won an award. The statement continued: “The IAAF’s regulations do not often on and off the touchline. “An even bigger surprise is usually the lifetime achieve- empower anyone. Rather, they represent yet another flawed and However, Mourinho -- sacked by Manchester United in ment award goes to a Pele, a Maradona or a Beckenbauer. hurtful attempt to police the sex of female athletes.” December, paid handsome tribute to Wenger via a video. “Tonight it is a player from a little village but it is good The IAAF says it is introducing the rules to create a “level The volatile Portuguese, who had two spells at Chel- that coaches are rewarded in our game.” playing field” for other female runners. sea and then the turbulent one at United, acknowledged One of Wenger’s recipes of success involved tearing up The track and field body says: “If a DSD athlete has testes and there had been moments when they had been at odds the book on the players diet when he arrived at Arsenal and male levels of testosterone, they get the same increases in bone with each other. introduced healthy eating habits. and muscle size and strength and increases in haemoglobin that It boiled over when Wenger pushed Mourinho on the rational choice by then Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein He concedes that was not universally accepted. a male gets when they go through puberty, which is what gives touchline during the latter’s second period in charge of when he was hired in 1996, accrued among other trophies “I forbid them eating Mars bars,” said the man who still men such a performance advantage over women.” Chelsea and Mourinho made some barbed remarks about three Premier League titles and lifted the FA Cup seven times. has the “virus” of football in his blood and wakes up every On Monday, Semenya accused the IAAF of breaching confiden- the studious Frenchman, commenting he was a “voyeur” However, perhaps his greatest achievement was the title morning wondering what match is on that night. tiality rules after it published the names of five expert witnesses and a “specialist in failure”. winning side of the 2003/04 campaign who went through “So at first I was greeted on the team coach with chants who will appear to testify on its behalf. “There were some episodes along the road,” said Mourinho. the league season unbeaten. of “we want our Mars bars”. They did not get them. Semenya published her own list of expert witnesses who will “I can only speak by myself. I really enjoyed the compe- “The nickname is there -– the Invincibles,” said Mourinho. “Today it shows how much football has changed you speak in support of her this week, including Professor Veron- tition. But the real respect is always there. “Amazing. A coaching philosophy, the almost perfect team.” would never hear footballers demanding Mars bars.” ica Gomez-Lobo, professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at “He (Wenger) made lots of history in that football club. ’We want our Mars bars’ Laureus is a global movement that aims to use the power Georgetown University in the United States. “One of the best football managers in the history of football.” Wenger, who has been linked with several jobs since of sport to tackle social challenges in the world. (Source: AFP) Wenger, who was virtually unknown but proved an inspi- leaving Arsenal at the end of last season including the di- (Source: AFP) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y FEBRUARY 20, 2019 SPORTS 15

Iran’s women’s learn fate at Iran’s para shooter Javanmardi wins gold at FIBA 3x3 World Cup Al Ain 2019 TEHRAN — Saraeh Javanmardi from Iran The 40 participating teams (20 men’s China. Latvia and Turkmenistan will be SPORTS deskpicked up a gold medal at the Al Ain 2019 World and 20 women’s) were divided into 8 the other two teams to beat in Pool A. Shooting Para Sport World Cup on Tuesday. pools of 5 - none more difficult than The defending European champions Javanmaedi, who is the first ever female gold medalist from Men’s Pool A featuring last year’s 2 France will be the heavy favorites in Iran to win in the shooting cate- finalists Serbia and the Netherlands Pool B, which will also feature Andorra, gory of the Paralympics Games, besides USA – following the automatic Japan, Switzerland and the team ranked finished on 232.6 points at the seeding of the 6th edition of the FIBA 1st at the World Cup Qualifier. P2 - Women’s 10m Air Pistol 3x3 World Cup, which will take place In Pool C, the 2016 World champions SH1 for the gold medal. in Amsterdam in exactly 4 months, on Czech Republic will have to deal with The silver medal went to June 18-23, 2019. 2016 European runners-up Romania, Ukrainian Iryna Liakhu (229.4) For the second year in a row, Serbia on top of Iran, Mongolia and the team and Nadia Fario claimed the and the Netherlands will meet as soon ranked 2nd at the World Cup Qualifier. bronze with 209.7 points. as the pool phase. The two 3x3 power- Fans can find more information about Earlier on the day, Roghayeh houses (also both finalists at the World the event on the official competition Shojaei had snatched a bronze Cup 2017) are in for an early clash with website and react to the seeding on medal at the R2 - Women’s 10m the United States, not to mention South social media with the hashtag #3x3WC. Air Rifle Standing SH1 after ac- Korea and Turkey. Exciting, urban and innovative, 3x3 cumulating 225.6 points. Only the first 2 teams in each pool is inspired by several forms of streetball Turkey’s Cagla Atakal won the gold medal with 247.6 points advance to the quarter finals meaning played worldwide and is considered the and the silver medal went to Chinese para shooter Cuiping one of the main contenders in the men’s world’s number one urban team sport. Zhang who scored 247.4. category will be eliminated in the pool Steered by FIBA, games see two teams phase. of three players face off on a basketball The other reigning champions – Ita- the February 1, 2019 cut-off date. As per Lithuania and the team ranked 2nd at half-court. ly’s women – got a very similar outcome FIBA 3x3 regulations (Book 6), teams the World Cup Qualifier. It was played successfully for the first Zob Ahan crowned Iran in Pool D. They will meet 2017 world are seeded as follows: The 2017 European champions Latvia time in international competition at the champions Russia and 2016 silver medal- Russia and Ukraine will also meet and last year’s World Cup semi-finalists 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore women’s super league ists Ukraine, not to mention Indonesia in the pools in the men’s category. The Poland will highlight Pool D, which will and since then has benefited from the and the team which will finish third 2017 Asian champions Mongolia, Es- also star Brazil, Japan and the team launch of a yearly city-based FIBA 3x3 champions at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup Qualifier, tonia and the team ranked 1st at the ranked 3rd at the World Cup Qualifier. World Tour and national-team FIBA In-form Esfahan Zob Ahan proved to be the best among all chal- which will be staged in San Juan, Puerto World Cup Qualifier will complete a In the women’s category, the Dutch 3x3 World & Continental Cups. On June lengers in the Iran Women’s Super League to represent Iran Rico on May 4-5. loaded Pool B. hosts – who won silver at the Europe 9, 2017, 3x3 was added to the Olympic at a highly-competitive 2019 Asian Women’s Club Volleyball The seeding is conducted automatical- Pool C will feature 2014 World Cup last year – will get serious company Program, starting from the Tokyo 2020 Championship in China. ly according to the FIBA 3x3 Federation champions Qatar and 2016 European with 2016 European champions Hungary Games. A total of six teams tested their mettle in the Super League, Ranking of each national federation at champions Slovenia, besides China, and last year’s World Cup semi-finalists (Source: Fiba.basketball) but only Zob Ahan and Tehran Paykan were traditional clubs, with the former picking up silver and the latter sealing their first title in the previous season. At the season-ending campaign, Zob Ahan, beating Namino Iran’s Zob Ahan come from back to beat in their final match, and Paykan had the similar performances with 27 points from 9 wins against one loss. However, Zob Ahan fared better regarding ratio and average to reign supreme. Al Gharafa of Qatar The final standing of the Iran Women’s Super League saw SPORTS TEHRAN — Zob Ahan football club 79th minute and silenced the fans at the Thani bin Jas- Esfahan Zob Ahan emerge as the champions, with Tehran deskof Iran came from two goals down to sim Stadium in Doha. in second place overall. Esfahan Namino, Babolsar Toopka, score a stunning 3-2 win over Qatar’s Al Gharafa in a Zob Ahan have been drawn in Group A along with Caspian Mabna Tejarat and Semnan Sbabrdari finished 3rd, 2019 AFC Champions League play-off tie on Tuesday. Al-Wasl of the UAE, Iraqi Al-Zawraa and Al-Nassr of 4th, 5th and 6th places respectively. Ahmed Al Aaeldin and Mehdi Taremi scored for Saudi Arabia. Zob Ahan will represent Iran in the 2019 Asian Women’s Club the host in the first half but Zob Ahan returned to the Also, Saipa suffrered a late 3-1 defeat to Al Rayyan at Volleyball Championship, which will be held in Tianjin, China match with three goals in the second half. the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar. from April 27 to May 5. There, Zob Ahan will challenge other Ighodaro Christian Osaguona pulled a goal back for Arman Ramezani scored an early goal for the Ira- 10 strong teams from hosts China, Hong Kong China, Japan, the visiting team just two minutes into the second hald nian club but Gelmin Rivas leveled the match in the Kazakhstan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Sri and Amir Arsalan Motahari equalized the match in the 27th minute. Lanka, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Chinese Taipei and Vietnam. 63rd minute. Sebastián Soria and Rivas were on targets in the last Last year, Iran’s Paykan Tehran finished 6th in the Asian Mohammad Nejad Mehdi scored the winner in the minutes of the match to seal a 3-1 win for the Qatari club. Women’s Club Championship in Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan. Thailand’s Supreme Chonburi won back-to-back Asian Club titles. Tottenham to play in Singapore, Korea Republic to face Bolivia, Colombia Shanghai in pre-season tour football teams Iranian cross-country skiers to compete at FIS Nordic WSC

IRNA — Iran’s cross-country skiing team is in Austria to par- ticipate in the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships that will kick off this Wednesday. Eight Iranian skiers, comprised equally of four men and four women, will travel to the Austrian city of Seefeld in Tirol, the event’s venue. The four Iranian female skiers will start their competition at 12:30 hours local time on Wednesday, February 20, in the Qualifying Ladies 5km C, according to the competition’s schedule published on its website. Later at 14:00 hours local time, Iranian male skiers will com- pete at the cross-country Qualifying Men 10km C. Both competitions will be held at Cross-Country Arena Seefeld before the opening ceremony that will be held at 18:00 hours on Wednesday.

Kuala Lumpur: English Premier League first time since they played the Singapore Korea Republic will play Bolivia and Car- Korea Republic were scheduled to club Tottenham Hotspur, headlined by Lions in 1995 and they will also be making los Queiroz-led Colombia in international play a friendly match against Vietnam Asia Pacific Deaf Futsal Korea Republic sensation Son Heung-min, their maiden visit to Shanghai. friendly matches next month. in Hanoi on March 26. The match, how- Championships: Iran beat Japan will play in Singapore in July as part of Other Spurs stars expected to feature It will be the East Asians first matches ever, has been postponed indefinitely preparations for the 2019/20 season, the prominently are France’s FIFA World since being eliminated in the quarter-fi- due to Vietnam’s scheduling conflict club announced on Tuesday. Cup-winning skipper and goalkeeper Hugo nals of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 as with their under-23 team that is also Tasnim — Iran earned their second win at the 3rd Asia Pacific “We are delighted to announce Lloris and England midfielder Dele Alli. head coach Paulo Bento looks ahead to coached by Park. Deaf Futsal Championships. that the First Team squad will travel Spurs, who are third in the EPL stand- the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Korea Republic, ranked 38th in the The Iranian team, who had humiliated China 12-1 in the open- to Singapore and Shanghai as part of ings, said: “The visit also affords the Club The Korea Football Association (KFA) FIFA rankings, have faced No 60 Bolivia ing match, defeated Japan 4-0 on Tuesday. our pre-season tour in July in prepa- the opportunity to engage with our mil- said the Taeguk Warriors will take on twice in the past, with both encounters Iran will face Singapore on Thursday in its third match. ration for the 2019/20 season,” Spurs lions of fans across Asia including Official Bolivia at Munsu Football Stadium in ending in 0-0 draws. Their last meeting The 3rd Asia Pacific Deaf Futsal Championships started on 15 announced on their website. Supporters Clubs in both countries in Ulsan on March 22 and play Colombia was in June 2018 ahead of the FIFA February and will run until 24 February in Bangkok, Thailand. The 2019 pre-season tour will see which we will be playing fixtures.” at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in the World Cup in Russia. Kish to host the largest International Sports Exhibition Tottenham feature in Singapore for the (Source: AFP) capital city four days later. (Source: Yonhap) The International Sports, Health and Affiliated Industries exhibition, identified as IRAN SPORTEX 2019 as well as the 3rd Sport For All international conference are due to be held during February 25-28, in Kish Island. Park targets more history with Vietnam As reported, The Ministry of Sport and Youth of Iran, De- Head coach Park Hang-seo is determined to lead Vietnam Qualifying for the 2020 AFC U23 Championship Finals velopment and Maintenance of Sports Facilities of Iran com- to more glory and history after a year of highs for the will take Vietnam a step closer to qualifying for the Olympics, pany, The Supreme Council of Iran’s Free Trade, Industrial & Southeast Asian nation. a feat they have never achieved and getting to Tokyo won’t be Special Economic Zones, Kish Free Zone Organization, ECO After an amazing 2018 and a brilliant start to 2019, Ko- easy as the Continent’s best will all be challenging for places. Cultural Institute (ECI), Iran Sport For All Federation, Iran rea Republic’s Park has already identified his next target With Japan already having qualified as host, three places Squash Federation, Iran Padel Committee and the companies - qualifying for the 2020 AFC U23 Championship Thailand will be at stake in the 2020 AFC U23 Championship Thailand such as Rotterdam Ahoy, Orange Sports Forum and Iran Silk and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. and Park is determined that Vietnam get a spot. Road will be participating in IRAN SPORTEX 2019 that runs Park kicked off his Vietnamese adventure by guiding There is, however, a decision he has to make as Park for three days in Kish Island. the Young Golden Dragons to a runners-up finish in the admitted that managing the senior and U23 teams has So far, the presence of more than 80 big companies active in 2018 AFC U23 Championship and followed that up by a taken a toll on him. designing, producing and equipping of sports facilities, as well as semi-final appearance in the 2018 Asian Games Indonesia. “I want to select and focus on coaching one team this manufacturers and Importers and Exporters of sports equipment The senior side then brushed aside all challengers to lift year,” he said. and services in this international exhibition has been finalized. the 2018 AFF Cup and continued their run by qualifying for The main challenge for the senior side will be the 2022 In order to maintain and expand the international business the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 quarter-finals and Vietnam FIFA World Cup Qualifiers which kick off later this year relations of the participating companies, the ambassadors of fans are, understandably, expecting more highs. while the U23 squad will have the 2019 SEA Games in No- 36 European countries, ECO member states, Qatar and Oman It starts, coincidentally, with the AFC U23 Champion- vember before the 2020 AFC U23 Championship Thailand. are special guests of the exhibition. ship again and Park, 60, said he is looking forward to the India and regional rivals Thailand. Vietnam have not won the Sea Games gold since unifi- IRAN SPORTEX 2019 will end with the competition of 1000 challenge of taking Vietnam into the Finals. Vietnam’s chances of winning the group - which will cation and the only triumph prior to that was in 1959 with runners from 30 countries in the international Persian Gulf “To prepare for the qualification tournament that starts confirm qualification for the Final - is boosted by the fact that South Vietnam emerging champions. Marathon which will be held in three sections of 42, 21, and 10 on March 22, we’ll start training from March 6,” Park said. Thailand have already qualified by virtue of being the host. Steering Vietnam to the regional gold medal and to the kilometers. The 70-year-old American runner Brent Weigner “There are no easy opponents. We first have to qualify for Park, however, said Vietnam can’t take their opponents 2020 Tokyo Olympics may well see Park deciding to focus on who has set a new world record by running the most marathons the AFC U23 championship.” for granted and will approach the Qualifiers with focus the U23 squad and create more history for Vietnam football. (339) in the most countries (177) will be one of the Persian Gulf Vietnam are in Group K of the Qualifiers with Brunei, and determination. (Source: the-afc) Marathon’ participants. Prayer Times Noon:12:18 Evening: 18:09 Dawn: 5:21 (tomorrow) Sunrise: 6:45 (tomorrow) FEBRUARY 20, 2019 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: Ali Asgari Editor-in-Chief: Mohammad Ghaderi Editorial Dept.: Fax: (+98 21) 88808214 — 88808895 Gunther Uecker’s “Tribute to [email protected] Switchboard Operator: Tel: (+98 21) 43051000 Advertisements Dept.: Telefax: (+98 21) 43051450 Public Relations Office: Tel: (+98 21) 88805807 Subscription & Distribution Dept.: Tel: (+98 21) 43051603 Hafez” to travel to Isfahan www.eshterak.ir Distributor: Padideh Novin Co. Tel: 88911433 ARTTEHRAN – After two Webmaster: [email protected] deskshowings in Tehran and Printed at: Hamshahri No. 3 - ISSN: 1017-94 Shiraz, German sculptor and op artist Tehrantimes79 Tehrantimesdaily Gunther Uecker’s exhibition “Tribute to Hafez” will move to the Isfahan Museum No. 18, Bimeh Alley, Nejatollahi St., Tehran, Iran of Contemporary Art for a showcase, which P.o. Box: 14155-4843 will open on Thursday. Zip Code: 1599814713 Several more works have also been added to the collection inspired by ghazals of Persian poet Hafez, curator Afshin Derambakhsh said in a press release published on Tuesday. Uecker has created a series of 42 graphical works in which the ghazals are transformed into colors and the sound of the poems into written images. This method to translate spoken language GUIDE TO into pictorial expressions has characterized SPIRITUAL AWAKENING the artist’s oeuvre since the 1970s. In 2016, Uecker first displayed his collection in Shiraz, where the Mausoleum Patience is a fitting cover and wisdom is a sharp of Hafez lies, and later took his collection to sword. So cover your ugly conduct with patience the Imam Ali (AS) Religious Arts Museum and kill carnal desires with wisdom. in Tehran. The 88-year-old Uecker is a member Imam Ali (AS) of the ZERO movement, best known for his signature use of nails arranged into tactile, sculptural paintings. Uecker’s oeuvre includes paintings, art “Lunch Time” director Alireza objects and installations as well as stage designs and films. He is mainly interested Qasemi to attend Cannes in the eastern European avant-garde of German op artist Gunther Uecker delivers a speech at the Mausoleum of Hafez in Shiraz before opening his exhibit “Tribute to Hafez” the 1920s and 1930s, but he is likewise on May 1, 2016. (IRNA/Reza Qaderi) Cinéfondation Résidence fascinated by Asian cultures and their ideas. East. Uecker’s artistic creativity reached designed for the rebuilt Reichstag building The Isfahan exhibit will be on view unlit ARTTEHRAN – The Cannes Film Festival has selected His works can be seen in collections a climax in 2000 with the prayer room he in Berlin. April 12. deskIranian filmmaker Alireza Qasemi along with five and at large fairs in both the West and the other filmmakers from across the world to attend the 38th session of the Résidence, which is organized in the Cinéfondation section. The 70th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in 2017 screened Japanese expert Yokoyama says French cultural festival Qasemi’s acclaimed short film “Lunch Time”. amazed by diversity of Iranian theaters to open in Tabriz today The film has won several awards at Iranian and interna- tional events, including the 5th FRAPA Porto Alegre Screenwrit- ing Festival in Brazil, the 6th Pa- chuca Film Fest in Mexico and the 6th Snake Alley Festival of Film in the U.S. Abuzar Amini from Afghani- stan, Diego Céspedes and Vinko Tomicic, both from Chile, Alva- ro Aponte-Centeno from Puer- to Rico and Dmytro Sukholyt- kyy-Sobchuk from Ukraine are the other filmmakers chosen to Iranian filmmaker Alireza participate in the Résidence, Qasemi in an undated photo. which will be held from March 1 to July 15 in Paris. Created in 2000 by Gilles Jacob, the Résidence aims at helping young foreign directors who work on their first or second fictional feature film projects by a personalized program accompanying the writing of their scripts, and a collective program of forums with film Japanese theater expert Yoshiji Yokoyama in an undated photo. industry professionals. A scene from “Chocolat” by Claire Denis. ARTTEHRAN – Yoshiji are similarities between Iranian and ARTTEHRAN – The film magazine Cahiers du Cinemas. deskYokoyama, the Japanese puppet shows,” he said. desknorthwestern Iranian The lineup includes “Zero for Conduct” Iran’s Intl. 100-Second Film programmer of the Tokyo Festival, a “While puppet shows are mainly for city of Tabriz will be hosting a French cultural (Zéro de conduite) by Jean Vigo, “Naked theater and urban arts festival in the children around the world, we both festival opening at the Alef International Childhood” (L’Enfance Nue) by Maurice Festival unveils official lineup Japanese capital, has said that he is make them for adults with poetic texts Institute today. Pialat, “The 400 Blows” (Les 400 Coups) amazed by the diversity of Iranian and enlightening messages,” he added. Organizing an exhibition by French by François Truffaut and “Jacquot de Nantes” ARTTEHRAN – Thirty-three movies from across theaters. Yokoyama is also a dramaturge at photographer Alain Ceccaroli under the by Agnès Varda. deskthe world will be competing in the 12th edition of Yokoyama, who is in Tehran to the SPAC-Shizuoka Performing Arts title “Entre Errance et Éternité” (Between Also included are “Mouchette” by Robert the International 100-Second Film Festival in Tehran, the organizers attend the National Showcase for Center and is in charge of international Wandering and Eternity) is part of the fes- Bresson, “Chocolat” by Claire Denis and “To announced on Tuesday. Iranian Dramatic Arts at the 37th Fajr exchanges and programs of the center. tival, the organizers announced in a press Be or to Have” (Être et Avoir) by Nicolas International Theater Festival underway “Contrary to Saudi Arabia and many release on Tuesday. Philibert in Tehran, made the remarks in an other countries, I was surprised with the The festival is also scheduled to screen “Where Is the Friend’s Home”, a 1987 interview with the Persian service of collaborations of the Iranian actresses a lineup of seven French films and one by film by Kiarostami, will also go on screen Honaronline on Monday. on the stage. The quality and quantity Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami in a section in this section. “During my stay in Tehran, I have of their works are amazing,” he said. named “Free Children of Cinema” (Libres French cultural attaché Jamel Oubechou watched some Iranian plays, including The 37th Fajr International Theater Enfants de Cinema). is expected to attend the opening ceremony Behruz Gharibpur’s opera puppet show Festival will be running until February The films have been selected by Jean- of the festival, which is free to the public and ‘Love’, by which I learned that there 23. Michel Frodon, former chief editor of French will be running until February 25.

“Crab Story” by Filippo Rivetti from Australia will compete in Women in Hollywood see some gains after Oscars equality plea 12th International 100-Second Film Festival in Tehran. LOS ANGELES (Reuters) — A year after best actress job,” said Oscar-nominated “Vice” director Adam McKay. The lineup includes “Crab Story” by Filippo Rivetti from Australia, winner Frances McDormand used the Oscars stage to But he said that attitude is changing, and his production “The Big Escape” and “One Day in July” by Hermes Mangialardo and advocate for more women in front of and behind the camera, company has made five feature films with female directors. “Sushido” by Michele Boldoni, both from Italy, “Cycle” by Alex Ishida Hollywood is celebrating some progress - but remains far “I think you are seeing the whole town rally around from Japan, “My Superhero” by Jose Bibian from the Netherlands and from reaching parity with men. the idea that there are voices that need to heard,” he said. “I Am life” by Jose Alirio Rojas from Venezuela. McDormand urged powerful celebrities to insist on More than 120 actors, producers and writers, and seven Films from England, the U.S., Spain, Turkey, Sweden, Portugal, inclusion riders: contractual provisions that require studios, have signed on to the 4 Percent Challenge. Many Singapore, India, Czech, China, Bulgaria and Belgium will also be producers to interview female candidates for jobs ranging studios also have established mentoring programs for women. screened in the official competition. from gaffer to director. Still, “the work is far from done,” Kotagal said. The movies have been selected from among 2278 submissions. In the aftermath of McDormand’s speech, one major The industry remains far below the 50/50 parity that The Art Bureau of the Islamic Ideology Dissemination Organiza- Hollywood studio, Warner Bros., adopted policies based on advocates are pushing for among on-screen talent, behind- tion is the organizer of the festival, which will take place at the Azadi the idea, and A-list stars such as Matt Damon and Michael B. the-scenes workers and studio executives. The number of Cineplex from February 27 to March 1. Jordan, who also work as producers, committed to pushing female cinematographers is particularly low, comprising for inclusion riders. just 3 percent of last year’s 100 top-grossing films, according NEWS IN BRIEF “It’s been remarkable,” said Kalpana Kotagal, a civil to data from San Diego State University. rights attorney who co-developed the inclusion rider And none of the major studios aside from AT&T Inc- Intl. theater concept, which also is being used to encourage hiring of owned Warner Bros. has committed to using inclusion people of color, as well as, disabled and older people. “We riders across the board on productions. experts to hold are actually seeing it being implemented.” Frances McDormand poses backstage with her Best Actress Actress Natalie Portman said she had encountered Kotagal pointed to coming-of-age movie “Hala”, which Oscar for “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” at resistance to the idea. “I think a lot of people are making workshops in debuted at the Sundance Film Festival and will be distributed the 90th Academy Awards, Hollywood, California, U.S., the argument that you’re hiring people for their talent, Iran by Apple Inc. Producers adopted inclusion riders and filled March 4, 2018. (Reuters/Mike Blake) not their gender,” she told Hollywood website Deadline many off-screen jobs, including the majority of department and “Roma.” in December. ARTTEHRAN – International theater scholars head positions, with women. And 28 percent of this year’s Oscar nominees are women, A common refrain across the movie business is that deskDominique DuPont and Pinar Alev will hold The publicity around the riders kick-started a nascent the highest percentage in history. decades of inequality make it hard to find qualified women workshops in the Iranian cities of Kashan and Kerman during effort to pressure filmmakers into boosting female The industry is taking other steps to promote gender to fill positions. March, the organizers announced on Tuesday. representation. diversity. Betsy West, co-director of Oscar-nominated documentary DuPont’s workshop entitled “Finding the Inner Clown” in Kashan A study released this month showed some gains. Forty The 4 Percent Challenge asks for a commitment to “RBG” about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, from February 24 to March 3, while Turkish theater expert Pinar Alev of the top 100 films in 2018 featured a female as a lead announcing at least one feature film with a female director rejected that argument. Key jobs on “RBG,” including editor, will hold her workshop on pantomime in Kerman from March 2 to 6. character, the highest number since tracking began 12 years in the next 18 months. Four percent refers to the pool of producer and cinematographer, were performed by women. The workshops have been organized by the 22nd Iran Interna- earlier, according to University of Southern California’s women-directed films among the top 1,200 movies of the “People say ‘How did you find the people?’” West said. tional University Theater Festival, which will take place in Tehran Annenberg Inclusion Initiative. Those movies included past 10 years. “It wasn’t that hard. They are out there, and you just have from April 25 to May 4. best picture nominees “A Star is Born,” “The Favourite” “For decades, directors have been viewed as a male to look.”