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12 Pages Price 10,000 Rials 37th year No.12539 Thursday APRIL 28, 2016 Ordibehesht 28, 1395 Rajabab 20, 1143743437 Leader: U.S. deception keeping businesses away from Iran

POLITICAL TEHRAN — Supreme Leader Leader noted. deskAyatollah Seyed Ali Khame- Ayatollah Khamenei gave reasons why nei said on Wednesday that the United States Iran does not trust the U.S. is scaring businesses away from Iran despite “We are seeing what causes the fact that the nuclear deal had lifted fi- pessimism and cannot turn nancial sanctions on the Islamic Republic. a blind eye to them… I have “On paper the United States allows for- said time after time Americans eign banks to deal with Iran, but in practice cannot be trusted and the reason for this is they create Iranophobia so no one does busi- becoming clear.” ness with Iran,” the Leader told hundreds of Also, on the issue of terrorism, the Lead- workers. er said Americans are “worse than any other The United States has resorted to “decep- terrorists,” and as indicated by available ev- tion” to obstruct international trade with idence, Americans continue to aid terrorists. Iran despite the nuclear agreement, the

khamenei.ir See page 2

U.S. asset seizure is Over 1,700 companies a ‘big legal scandal’: Rouhani to attend Iran Oil Show POLITICAL TEHRAN — Iranian President Hassan this path until reaching a result,” he said during a meeting ECONOMY TEHRAN — Tehran will host 1,787 do- “Some 996 domestic companies and 634 foreign ones deskRouhani said on Wednesday that the with the cabinet members. Deciding for Iran’s assets is “illegal” deskmestic and foreign companies in the from 35 countries, as well as 157 representatives of for- seizure of 2$ billion from Iranian assets by the U.S. is an and runs contrary to international law, he noted. “Enemies of 21st International Oil, Gas, Refining and Petrochemical eign companies in Iran will take part in the event,” NIOC “open theft” and “big legal scandal”. the Iranian people made efforts to prevent the Iranian nation Exhibition of Iran (Iran Oil Show 2016), which will be held public relations director Mohammad Nasseri said, hailing “The government, on behalf of the Iranian nation, has from their right to enjoy nuclear technology and issued reso- from May 5 to 8, said an official with the National Iranian the return of prominent international companies to Iran, spared no effort to uphold the nation’s right and will follow lutions against Iran at international forums. 2 Oil Company (NIOC). the IRNA news agency reported on Wednesday. 4

OPINION 69 seats up for grabs in runoff parliamentary election PERSPECTIVE By Mehdi Sepahvand By Ali Kushki POLITICAL Tehran Times journalist TEHRAN — Iran’s parlia- Campaigning for the runoff election kicked In the race for the 290 seats in the Tehran Times journalist deskmentary election is not off off on April 21 and will continue until Thurs- first round of the elections, 221 candi- the media’s radar screen. Twenty one provinces day 8: PM. The new parliament is slated to start dates could secure victory. However, no in the country will be casting their ballots on mission on May 28. political faction could sweep a landslide The essentiality Friday in a run-off parliamentary election that Eligible to participate in the Friday election victory. Bravo to Norwegian could establish a new balance between reform- are 17 million Iranians, where some 69 seats The Feb. 26 parliamentary election had the of economy and ists and principlists, as two arch rivals in the from the 290-member assembly are up for distinction of reformists outmaneuvering prin- Air Force country. grabs for 138 candidates. ciplists in the capital Tehran. the Iranian political t wowed me from the Middle East mindset Ito hear a fighter jet has helped save a dying patient. Saving Iran’s precious Lake Urmia The credit all goes to the Norwe- he Supreme Leader on Wednes- gian air force which flew an F-16 not day accused the United States Iranian botanist Hossein Akhani wants to save T for pounding bombs but whisking of spreading Iranophobia with this ecological treasure before it vanishes entirely medical equipment from Trondheim an aim to scare foreign investors from hospital in central Norway to another approaching Iran. Many of Iran’s once flourishing Akhani, a longtime advocate izations. 280 miles (450km) away. But Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s re- wetlands have dried dramatical- on conservation issues, argues Akhani traveled to Washington, The dying patient urgently needed gard for economy has been showing ly in recent years. Lake Urmia in that people should take emer- D.C. in February for his first meet- a special lung and heart procedure itself in a stronger tone for at least a particular, the sixth largest salt lake gency actions to stop the lake ing of the American Association called extracorporeal membrane ox- few years. The Leader has kept nam- in the world and a UNESCO Bio- from contracting further. Only for the Advancement of Science. ygenation, but the hospital had the ing Iranian years in a message that he sphere Reserve, is dangerously re- then, he says, can Iran try to In a symposium titled “Iran: Science equipment. delivers to the nation in the very first ceding and threatens to vanish en- bring water back—from dams, Cooperation in a Post-Sanctions On receiving emergency call from minute of the New Year. His latest ap- tirely. Spanning an area larger than river flow, and treated wastewa- Era,” he spoke in English—his sec- the hospital staff and of course, with a pellations have all been economical- the Dead Sea and the Great Salt ter—to replenish, revive and re- ond language—about Lake Urmia’s stroke of good luck, a ready-to-jump ly-minded, showing a new direction Lake combined, the dwindling lake store the lake to its natural state. plight. Afterward, he met with me to F-16 transported the equipment, or than previous years. 2 lies tucked in the Zagros Mountain He believes efforts to save it will answer questions, often pausing to better to say life, to the hospital in a range in northwest Iran near the be more fruitful as the interna- translate a word properly or to con- jiffy of 25 minutes. Intl. distributors Turkish border. tional community lifts sanctions, vert from the Iranian calendar. The world should take its hat off to Hossein Akhani, a biologist at following successful negotiations How did you become in- the squadron for the move and I have to display books the University of Tehran, argues involving Iran’s nuclear program more opportunities to collabo- volved in environmental and reasons why the global community from about 6000 that Iran’s high water consump- last year. As restrictions ease, rate among scientists, conserva- ecological research? should stand at attention to the com- tion and energy and agriculture Akhani says, there should be tionists, and international organ- A: In 1987 I was employed as a mander who gave the thumbs up and publishers at demands put pressure on the part-time researcher in Iran’s Nat- the pilot who stepped on it, landing Tehran fair lake. Disturbing photographs of Akhani believes efforts to save Urmia ural History Museum. I performed ten minutes sooner than usual flight the lake today compared to two will be more fruitful as the international studies of national parks and pro- time. decades ago show that now the tected areas. Then I continued I indulged myself with a soft smile ARTTEHRAN — Forty southern half completely evapo- community lifts sanctions. As restrictions my research in saline habitats like as I learnt about the story, because desksix distributors will rates in summer. Plants, migrating ease, Akhani says, there should be Urmia Lake, and [I studied] biodi- fighter jets have always been claim- be offering books by about 6000 world birds like flamingos and pelicans, more opportunities to collaborate versity in protected areas including ing rather than giving lives. From the publishers at the 29th Tehran Interna- a unique species of brine shrimp, Golestan National Park in eastern eight-year war triggered by Saddam tional Book Fair (TIBF) this year includ- and other wildlife have begun to among scientists, conservationists, and Iran, one of the richest natural Hussein against Iran, to Iraqi forces in- ing over 160,000 books in the English disappear. international organizations. parks in the Middle East. 10 vading Kuwait, to the U.S. attacks on and Arabic languages published within Afghanistan and Iraq through Yemen the past three years being pounded by Saudi fighter jets. In addition, the American pub- 236 businesspeople to follow Park to Iran Had politicians had the same feel- lishing company John Wiley & Sons ings as the Norwegian medical teams is among the publishers showcasing South Korean President Park Geun-hye will be ac- a foreign country.” In addition, it is seeking large-scale infrastructure had, lives of thousands of thousands of their latest publications at the fair, companied by 236 business people, the largest-ev- The previous record is 166 representatives of development projects to rebuild its economy that humans would have been saved. Iran’s representative of Wiley has an- er business delegation, on her state visit to Iran. public and private firms, who joined the Presi- was hurt by the decades-long sanctions. Let’s wish for a day when all fighter nounced in a press release published Park is scheduled to embark on a four-day dent’s trip to the United States last October. The business delegation will participate in a jets will fly “dovishly” in the same man- on Wednesday. Russia is the guest of trip to the Middle Eastern country, Sunday, The delegation includes representatives business forum and an investment fair to meet ner the Norwegian F-16 scrambled. honor at the book fair and director of which will include a summit with its leader Has- of 38 large groups and companies, including local buyers, according to the presidential office. Russia’ s Federal Agency on Culture san Rouhani, Monday. Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor, POSCO, Park’s office said it is in talks with Iranian of- and Cinema Mikhail Shvydkoi is ex- “The business delegation will be comprised SK Energy and Hanwha Group and 146 small ficials about a meeting between Park and Iran’s Learn English pected to speak at the opening cere- of 236 business people and representatives of and mid-sized firms. Iran is emerging as a land Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Learn English with us at mony on May 5. economic organizations,” said Ahn Jong-beom, of opportunity following the Jan. 16 lifting of Park’s trip to Tehran will make her the first “Tomorrow Is Too Late to Read” is the senior presidential secretary for economic international sanctions on the country. Korean President to visit the country in its entire the motto of the 29th edition of the affairs, at a briefing. “It is the largest-ever busi- Iran holds the world’s fourth-largest oil re- 54 years of bilateral diplomatic relations. See page 10 fair, which will run until May 15. ness delegation accompanying the President to serves and second-largest natural gas reserves. (Source: Korea Times) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y NATION 2 AAPRILPRIL 228,8, 22016016 http://www.tehrantimes.com/international

MEDIA MONITOR Top Belgian, Iranian legislators say Iran’s Judiciary chief to visit Iraq banking ties essential for economic ties

POLITICAL TEHRAN — On Wednes- “We as legislative power will make neces- deskday, Iranian Majlis Speak- sary recommendations in this regard because TEHRAN — Iranian Judiciary chief Ayatollah Sad- er Ali Larijani held talks with President of the we know that facilitating banking transactions eq Amoli Larijani will travel to Iraq within the next Belgium’s Senate Christine Defraigne during are key to economic ties,” Defraigne said, ac- few days for an official visit. which the two sides said banking transactions cording to a translation of her remarks. Judiciary spokesman Gholam Hossein Mohseni are necessary for economic ties. Talking to reporters in a joint press con- Ejei on Wednesday said Amoli Larijani will pay the The president of Belgian Senate arrived in ference, Larijani said the cooperation between official visit at the invitation of the Iraqi officials, Mi- Tehran on Wednesday to hold talks with Ira- Tehran and Brussels have been relatively good, zan reported. nian officials. yet economic relations can be expanded and

MIZAN Given the possibility of making a pilgrimage to Larijani said the visit of European officials called for removing hurdles in this regard. the holy Shia sites in the Iraqi cities, the top judge’s to Iran are aimed at expanding economic ties Larijani also highlighted the importance visit may last for more than three days, Ejei added. and the realization of this goal entails banking of close parliamentary ties between the two transactions but still some countries are hesi- countries. tant to resume banking ties with Iran. Defraigne also told reporters that Belgium Next Majlis will The July 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and is determined to expand parliamentary ties start work May 28 great powers terminates all financial and eco- Majlis will try to establish a parliamentary friend- ful holding of parliamentary election on Febru- with Iran. nomic sanctions on Iran, however some banks ship group with Belgium as soon as possible. ary 26, wishing the runoff election will also be She also said that an international coopera- are still hesitant to resume transactions with Iran, The next Iranian parliament will start its held successfully. tion is required to fight terrorism. fearing a punishment by the United States. work on May 28. The second round of parlia- She added that her country is small but it is “We should fight terrorism seriously be- The Iranian parliament speaker said Iran mentary election will be held on Friday. very influential as it was one of the main archi- cause its fallouts have inflicted (some) Europe- TEHRAN — The next Majlis will start work on May and Belgium enjoy long history of relationship Defraigne said Iran-Belgium ties dates tects of the European Union and now it plays a an countries,” she noted. 28, Interior Ministry spokesman Hossein Ali Amiri but the ties suffered a setback during the sanc- back to 150 years and this is the “best reason” good role in the 28-member bloc. The top senator added if terrorism is not said on Wednesday. tions time on the Islamic Republic. for her trip to Tehran. Defraigne also said facilitating banking ties tackled “there is a concern that such horrible Amiri also said the run-off parliamentary elec- The top parliamentarian also said the next She also congratulated Iran for the success- are key to expanding economic ties. acts happen in the future.” tions will be held in 21 provinces across the country in which 17 million people are eligible to vote, Mehr reported. MEHR “Elections in all constituencies will be held in a Leader: U.S. deception keeping businesses away from Iran completely competitive atmosphere,” added Amiri. The campaigns for the second round of elec- Ayatollah Khamenei highlights workers’ role in resistance economy tions, which opened on April 21, will continue until Thursday 8: PM. 1 The Leader, who was speaking days before Interna- and “ban import of goods with Iranian parallels.” In this round of elections, 136 candidates will com- tional Workers’ Day, also expressed gratitude to the country’s “We are seeing what causes ‘Workers’ role in resistance economy’ pete for 68 remaining seats in 55 constituencies. blue-collar community, conceiving of working as “value.” pessimism and cannot turn Pointing to responsibility of workers, businesses, and officials in “Every working individual in the society, including offi- a blind eye to them… I implementing policies of resistance economy, the Leader said, “The cials, ministers, university professors, students, seminary main message of Resistance Economy, Action and Implementation Rouhani felicitates students, managers, and all others are as such workers have said time after time is that officials should plan for every single article of general poli- Togo on national and in fact generate value,” the Leader noted. Americans cannot be trusted cies of resistance economy and implement them really.” Ayatollah Khamenei said it is necessary to “resolve and the reason for this is The Supreme Leader further reminded that the most day problems of the blue-collar community,” “boost domes- important responsibility of workers with regards to resist- tic production,” “seriously counter goods smuggling,” becoming clear.” ance economy is to work rightly, qualitatively, and strongly. TEHRAN — President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday congratulated the people of Togo on their national day. U.S. seizure of Iranian asset is a ‘theft’ and ‘big legal scandal’: Rouhani In a message to Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe, Rouhani expressed hope that given 1 From a political point of view, Rouhani said, the Iran said the U.S. court decision violated international When a U.S. court condemns Iran for 9/11, it finishes the credi- the backgrounds and shared interests, bilateral seizure of Iran’s assets is a “continuation of hostilities obligations between the two countries, such as a 1955 bility of the U.S. justice system when it comes to Iran,” he added. relations would expand even further in all spheres, against the Iranian people”. economic treaty. Zarif said the U.S. was setting a bad precedent with such Taghrib News reported. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on April 20 that about 2$ According to Press TV, Foreign Minister Mohammad Ja- rulings. “People can legislate in other countries to confiscate billion of Iran’s frozen assets must be turned over to Amer- vad Zarif has also called the court ruling a “highway robbery”. American assets. Would you be happy with that?”

TAGHRIB Rouhani also wished prosperity and success for the Togolese government and people. ican families of people killed in the 1983 bombing of a U.S. “It is a theft. Huge theft. It is highway robbery. And be- The foreign minister said, “The United States has com- Togo gained its independence from France Marine Corps barracks in Beirut and other attacks blamed on lieve you me, we will get it back,” Zarif told The New Yorker mitted a lot of crimes against Iranians, against the people of in 1960. Iran. The Islamic Republic has denied any role in the attack. in an interview published on Monday. Vietnam, the people of Afghanistan, the people of Iraq.” The Iranian cabinet has tasked a workgroup, led by Zarif lashed out at the U.S. justice, saying it was the same “Can they legislate in their own countries that for every the finance minister, to examine the court decision and system which last month held Iran liable for damages in the collateral damage suffered because of American bomb- With House: reclaim Iran’s “rights”. The ministers of foreign affairs, and 9/11 terror attacks. ing, for every person who was tortured by the Savak, the heads of the intelligence agency, judiciary and central He was referring to a federal judge in New York who or- which was created by the United States, those people can Agreement on buying bank have joined the workgroup. dered Tehran to pay $11 billion in compensation to families claim money from the United States and go confiscate it? Iranian heavy water On Tuesday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry summoned Swit- of 9/11 attack victims. Would you be willing to accept it?” zerland’s ambassador to Tehran over the ruling. “I have lost every respect for U.S. justice. The judgment by Zarif said, “The Supreme Court is the Supreme Court of licensed Iran and the U.S. have not had diplomatic relations since the Supreme Court and the other, even more absurd judgment the United States, not the Supreme Court of the world. We’re TEHRAN — White House Press Secretary Josh 1979. The Swiss diplomat was summoned to convey Iran’s by a New York circuit court deciding that Iran should pay dam- not under its jurisdiction, nor is our money.” Earnest on Tuesday reiterated that the United protest to the Americans. ages for 9/11 are the height of absurdity,” Zarif noted. On Monday, Zarif also said Iran would take the United States, through the Department of Energy, did Ali Akbar Velayati, a foreign adviser to the Supreme Lead- “How would you explain Iran being held accountable for States to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to retrieve make properly licensed purchase of about 32 er, described the court ruling as an act of robbery. the damages to the victims of 9/11—and others being ab- the two billion dollars. metric tons of heavy water from Iran. “Iran is insistent on safeguarding its rights and will retrieve solved of any responsibility, those who were actually respon- “We hold the U.S. administration responsible for pres- “This is consistent with Iran fulfilling their ob- the money,” Velayati was quoted as saying. “The way to con- sible for it?” he said apparently referring to Saudi Arabia. ervation of Iranian funds, and if they are plundered, we will ligations as a part of their Joint Comprehensive front Americans is to resist their ambitions.” “These cases cannot stand in any serious civilized court of law. lodge a complaint with the ICJ for reparation,” he said. Plan of Action (JCPOA). Part of the prescribed steps that they had to take was to reduce their nuclear stockpile and that involved reducing their Iran and China insist on the need to Iran, Uruguay condemn all forms technological nuclear capabilities. So Iran did have to ship a bunch of its heavy fight terrorism in Syria of extremism water out of the country, and that’s what they’ve POLITICAL TEHRAN — Iranian He expressed regret over the fact POLITICAL TEHRAN — Iran dinated fight” against terrorism. done and now they’re selling off the stockpile,” desk desk

WHITEHOUSE Deputy Foreign Minis- that no serious international action has and Uruguay issued Elsewhere, it is said in the statement he told reporters, according to the White House ter Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and China’s been taken in countering terrorism. a joint statement on Wednesday that the two countries are ready to ex- website. Special Envoy for Syria Xie Xiaoyan high- Xie said that China is pushing for a “polit- condemning all forms of extremism pand relations in various areas. lighted on Tuesday the necessity of serious ical solution” to the five-year-old Syrian con- that threaten the international peace Uruguay called the nuclear agree- fight against terrorism in Syria. flict and adopting a “policy of patience and and security. ment between Iran and the 5+1 group Iranian F-7 fighter Amir-Abdollahian said that the op- trust on (possible) result of the political talks”. The statement was issued at the end (the five permanent members of the crashes position armed groups and the terrorist He also described the crisis in Syria of Uruguay’s Vice President Raul Sendic UN Security Council plus Germany) a groups in Syria are intertwined. as a “complicated” issue. Rodriguez’s three-day visit to Iran. “document that helps establish interna- “(Even) the U.S. has confessed that The Chinese envoy said the future The statement said that Iran and tional peace and security”. it is difficult to differentiate the terrorist of Syria should be decided based on Uruguay are committed to the UN The statement also highlighted TEHRAN groups from the other armed groups,” the people’s will and no foreign country charter in countering terrorism. the importance of resolving crises — An Iranian F-7 fighter jet crashed on he added. should interfere in the country’s affairs. The two countries called for a “coor- through talks. Wednesday morning in central province of Isfahan during a training exercise, Fars reported. The semi-official news agency, close to the Revolutionary Guards, quoted a source as saying Parliament speaker hopeful: Massive turnout has global resonance the pilot and co-pilot ejected before the F-7 hit a FARS mountain near the city of Nain. POLITICAL TEHRAN — Mohammad Reza Aref, a mod- might and legitimacy to Iran in the eyes of the world,” said The February 26 election was a surprise one at least in The agency quoted its reporter as saying the deskerate reformer who topped the list of 30 win- Aref who is a serious candidate for the post of parliament Tehran where reformist candidates outmaneuvered the fun- crash was probably due to mechanical failure. ners in Tehran in the race for the parliament in February, said on speaker in the next Majlis which will start its work on May 28. damentalists, securing a clean sweep of all 30 seats allocat- Wednesday that massive turnout in the runoff elections has global Speaking to a gathering of reformers in Mamasani, ed to the capital city in the 290-seat parliament. resonance, laying the ground for refurbishing the country. Fars province Iran, Aref called on voters to once more The gathering came two days before the runoff, slated Iran’s help to “You (people) should know that your votes have global make a February difference in the April runoff by voting for April 29, in which 68 seats will be decided, for which 136 refugees undeniable: resonance and your participation in the election brings more for the reformist ticket. candidates are vying. Swedish ambassador The essentiality of economy and the Iranian political mindset TEHRAN — The Swedish ambassador to Tehran But that is not all. The settlement of president, thanks to his economic agen- hazard changes in the personal and busi- more ethereal notions of freedom, equality, has appreciated Iran’s support extended to refu- 1 an economic outlook in the Iranian political da announced most outspokenly during ness-related lives of many looked to them peace for all, and fighting the ills of the time. gees, defending the help as undeniable. scheme found its most startling embodiment the campaign, and the trust that the Iranian as a kind of constant hemorrhage that An Iranian saying goes: “The enemy will “No one can question the Islamic Republic’s in the landmark nuclear deal that the country body-politic had in his abilities to chisel some- needed instant care even at a high cost. cause bliss if God so wills.” Looking back to commitment to refugees,” Peter Tiller told local ISNA made with the world just last year. As much as thing out of a defaced collection of business That created a sort of collective agreement the sanctions time, it seems those years gave officials in Kerman province, ISNA reported on the deal addressed security concerns of the entities and links scattered here and there. in people from all walks of life in the country Iran some about-face to make it think about Wednesday. West, it was economically justified for Iran. Economy especially grew into an in- to feel deep in their bones the need for some things whose lack does not leave room for The help has been quite considerable, he said, Yet, another very conspicuous demon- dispensable part of being a powerful na- serious thought about economy. In other higher ambitions. Iran has started building up hoping the refugees will offer their own service to stration of the economic mindset dates back tion in the mind of Iranians during the few words, economy turned into a national dis- on bread and butter this time a mansion that society in return for the help they have received. to 2013, when Hassan Rouhani became pre-Rouhani years when unwelcome hap- course that was finding a place among other looks more likely than ever to go high. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y

http://www.tehrantimes.com/international AAPRILPRIL 228,8, 22016016 INTERNATIONAL 3

Russia wants more details about U.S. NEWS U.S. election: Trump special forces deployment in Syria and Clinton win in Northeast poll

Russia wants to know more details about U.S. plans to Donald Trump swept all five presidential primaries held on bolster its special forces in Syria, Russian Foreign Min- Tuesday, strengthening his grip on the Republican party istry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Wednesday. race for a U.S. presidential nomination, while Democrat U.S. President Barack Obama announced Monday Hillary Clinton raced ahead of rival Bernie Sanders. the biggest expansion of U.S. ground troops in Syria Trump demolished Ted Cruz and John Kasich in Con- since its civil war began. necticut, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Rhode Is- The deployment of up to 250 Special Forces sol- land - a stunning show of force by a candidate seen as a diers increases U.S. forces in Syria roughly six fold and is populist political savior by millions despite being loathed by aimed at helping militia fighters who have clawed back the party establishment. territory from Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant terror- Trump's campaign “is moving slightly to the centre” in ist group in a string of victories. order to appease the Republican establishment, political Meanwhile, Russian deputy foreign minister Gennady strategist Morris Reid told Al Jazeera. Gatilov said here is no legal basis for the presence of “Once he secures the numbers, I think you'll see him U.S. military personnel in Syria. nose dive to the centre,” Reid said. The Syrian government had not given the United “I consider myself the presumptive nominee,” the real States permission to deploy any troops in the country, estate mogul told a crowd at Trump Tower in New York, according to the deputy minister. despite still being short of the 1,237 delegates required to “Of course, they were not,” Deputy Foreign Minister win the nomination outright. Gennady Gatilov told reporters, when asked whether “As far as I'm concerned, it's over.” the U.S. troops had been deployed in Syria legally. Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton won in four In October, the United Sates deployed 50 U.S. troops states: Connecticut, Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania. in Syria to help local militia to fight against the Daesh Trump and Clinton were expected to do well in Tuesday's (ISIL) terrorist group. five contests, which also included Rhode Island where Dem- Vast territories in Syria and neighboring Iraq have ocrat rival Bernie Sanders won. been occupied by Daesh, which has proclaimed a cali- Sanders' team has sent mixed signals about his stand- phate on the land under its control. The notorious mil- ing in the race, with one top adviser suggesting a tough itant group is banned in Russia, the United States and night would push the Vermont senator to reassess his bid many other countries. (Source: Sputnik) and another vowing to fight “all the way to the conven- tion” in July. “Despite outspending Clinton in political ads in all five Saudi to open Israel embassy if Turkey visa deal only once states, Sanders couldn't overcome Clinton's wall of insti- tutional support within the Democratic party,” Al Jazeera's peace plan accepted: general 'all criteria met': EU Kimberly Halkett reported from Baltimore. Clinton was already looking past Sanders, barely men- A well-connected former general in the The EU's top diplomat Federica tioning him during recent campaign events. Saudi military has said the kingdom Mogherini said that Turkey would only “What a great night,” the Democratic frontrunner told a would open an embassy in Tel Aviv if get visa-free travel to the bloc once it crowd of supporters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Israel accepted a Saudi initiative to end has met all the required criteria. “Let's go forward, let's win the nomination, and in July the Middle East conflict. Turkey has demanded its citizens be let's return as a unified party,” she said. Anwar Eshki was asked during an Al allowed to enter the European Union's Trump's huge night Jazeera interview how long it would be passport free Schengen zone without The 68-year-old former secretary of state, however, before Riyadh would open an embassy visas by June, in exchange for it taking deepened her attacks on Trump, casting the billionaire busi- in Israel. back migrants from Europe. nessman as out of touch with Americans. “You can ask Mr. Netanyahu,” Eshki But the EU insists that Turkey must “If you want to be president of the United States, you've replied, referring to Israeli Prime Minis- meet 72 conditions before allowing vi- got to get familiar with the United States,” Clinton said. ter Benjamin Netanyahu, the Jerusalem Anwar Eshki sa-free travel, of which it is believed to ues and overlooking Turkey's growing “Don't just fly that big jet in and land it and go make a Post reported on its website. have fulfilled about half. in a bid to bring former president Abd crackdown on free speech in order to big speech and insult everybody you can think of.” “If he announces that he accepts the “On free travel, this will be done only secure the deal. Trump's night was nothing short of huge, as he cleared initiative and gives all rights to Palestin- Rabbuh Mansur Hadi back to power. once all the criteria are respected, as Some 8,280 people, among them The deal also promises to speed up 50 percent support in all five states, with nearly all precincts ians, Saudi Arabia will start to make an for all countries with which we negoti- talks on Turkey's accession to the EU. reporting. In Rhode Island, he earned 64 percent, trouncing embassy in Tel Aviv,” Eshki said. 2,236 children, have reportedly been ate free travel for a limited period,” EU killed and over 16,000 others injured. Mogherini said resuming talks on Kasich (24 percent) and Cruz (10 percent). Eshki met publicly in June with Dore foreign policy chief Mogherini said on Turkey's bid to join the bloc was “the Most importantly, the bombastic 69-year-old extended Gold just before the latter was appoint- The strikes have also taken a heavy toll France Inter radio. on the impoverished country’s infra- only way we can help Turkey modern- his lead in the all-important race for delegates who will of- ed director-general of the Israeli foreign “It was the case with Georgia, it was ize its state (and) respect fundamental ficially choose the Republican nominee at the party's con- ministry. Gold said then Israel had con- structure. the case with Ukraine, it is a discussion Eshki, 73, is the chairman of the Jed- rights including press freedom... and vention in July. tacts with “almost every Arab state.” we are having with Kosovo. There are also hold a larger conversation for ex- “Ted Cruz realizes that his brand of conservative Repub- In the interview, Eshki said the Sau- dah-based Middle East Center for Stra- very strict, technical criteria that must be tegic and Legal Studies and a former ample on relaunching peace talks with licanism doesn't play particularly well in the northeast part dis are not interested in “Israel becom- put in place, a very severe verification the Kurds.” of the country,” Al Jazeera’s Alan Fisher, reporting from Phil- ing isolated in the region.” consultant of the Saudi prince and am- must be carried out to apply this meas- bassador in the U.S., Bandar bin Sultan. European Council president Donald adelphia, Pennsylvania. Saudi Arabia first proposed the ure.” Tusk said last week that “Europe must Trump's triumph comes in the heated aftermath of the On Sunday, the Jerusalem peace initiative in 2002, offering Arab The EU struck the deal with Turkey set clear limits to its concessions. We can revelation that Cruz and Kasich, desperate to prevent the Post wrote that “rather than being iso- recognition of Israel in exchange for to send back all “irregular” migrants negotiate money, but never our values.” frontrunner from securing the nomination, were teaming lated, Israel is being incorporated into Israel's withdrawal from the West Bank which arrive in Greece after March 20 “Our powerlessness could lead to up to block him in future races. the Saudi-led orbit.” and Gaza Strip. in a bid to halt mass migration which a temptation to blackmail Europe,” he “Within 72 hours of this pact being announced, Kasich “Part of this includes the opening of Eshki also deflected the question has created enormous strain in Eu- warned. said he wouldn't recommend to his supporters not to vote a mission in Abu Dhabi and increasing that the Saudi government was willing rope. The deal has already sharply reduced for him in Indiana. That was really just manna from heaven contacts in the [Persian] Gulf States,” it to take military action in Yemen but Two sets of deportations expelling the number of people crossing from as far as Donald Trump was concerned, a real propaganda said. never physically protect Palestinians in 325 migrants from Greece took place Turkey to Greece, though the Interna- victory... saying that politicians can make promises but they “The Saudi-led initiative has its ped- Gaza “when they are being bombed.” three weeks ago, and another 49 were tional Organization for Migration has can't get anything done,” Fisher said. “I told the Iranians about that: ‘You igree. During the second Intifada Saudi sent back Tuesday. said the numbers are “once again tick- (Source: Al Jazeera ) support the Palestinians by weap- Arabia led a peace plan to grant Israel The operation has been hampered ing up”, possibly as smugglers get more ons, but we support them with mon- recognition in the region if Israel with- by last-minute asylum applications creative. ey. When we support the Palestinians drew from the West Bank and Gaza," and Turkey has also sounded the If Ankara meets its side of the agree- with money, we want them to live well, the paper went on to say. alarm several times about the EU fail- ment, the European Commission has Russia, India sign contract and you give them weapons to destroy According to the Jerusalem Post, ing to keep its side of the bargain. promised to recommend next month themselves,” he said. Saudi Arabia and its allies want Israel to The accord is awash with legal that EU states approve visa-free travel to supply S-400 missile Yemen has been under airstrikes by help them confront Iran. and moral concerns, and critics have for Turks. Saudi Arabia since March 26 last year (Source: Press TV) accused the EU of sacrificing its val- (Source: AFP) defense system

Russia and India have signed a contract for the supply of Paris attacks suspect Abdeslam transferred to France advanced S-400 air defense systems, a senior Indian de- fense official has said. The delivery will happen “as soon Key Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam tention of persons believed to be dan- all share a similar story of getting on the as possible.” has been transferred from Belgium to gerous.” wrong side of the law and becoming rad- The signing of the con- France where he charged later Wednes- Abdeslam was arrested in Brussels on icalized. tract has been confirmed day over the bloody rampage, prosecu- March 18 after four months on the run as His Belgian lawyer Sven Mary gave a by Rao Inderjit Singh, Min- tors said. Europe's most wanted man. lengthy interview to the Liberation news- ister of State for Defense Abdeslam, a French national of Mo- Prosecutors believe he was in charge paper that appeared on Wednesday, Production of India, at an roccan origin who grew up in Belgium, is of logistics for the coordinated series describing the difficulty of representing international security fo- believed to be the last surviving member of attacks on Paris cafes, a concert hall such an infamous client. rum in Moscow, RIA No- of the terror squad that killed 130 people and the national stadium, which were “There have been moments when I vosti and Interfax news in the French capital in November. planned in Brussels. thought of giving up. If I had known about agencies reported. His French lawyer, Frank Berton, told Abdeslam rented the cars that the ISIL the Brussels attacks, maybe I would never “We have signed this the regional newspaper Voix du Nord terrorist group squad used to travel to have taken this case,” Mary said. contract,” Singh told In- that his client was “anxious to explain Paris, and booked the rooms where they He described his client as a “little mo- terfax. As for the start of himself” in France. He said he had spo- stayed before launching the worst ever ron from Molenbeek, more a follower deliveries of the order, he ken to Abdeslam only once and had terror attacks on French soil. than a leader. He has the intelligence of noted "it is difficult to say. found him “very despondent”. His brother Brahim detonated his su- an empty ashtray. He is the perfect ex- As soon as possible." Paris prosecutor Francois Molins icide vest in a bar, and after his arrest in Brussels investigators believe the at- ample of the GTA (Grand Theft Auto vid- Russia's Defense Ministry has not yet commented on said 26-year-old Abdeslam was formal- Brussels Salah said he had been expect- tacks in their city and those in Paris were eo game) generation who thinks he lives the reports. ly placed under arrest after arriving on ed to do the same outside the national carried out by the same cell. in a video game. The S-400 is the latest and most advanced of the French soil at 9:05 am (0705 GMT). stadium, but had backed out at the last A key Paris suspect, Mohamed Abrini, “I asked him if he had read the Qoran, long-range surface-to-air missiles produced by Russia. “He will be presented to judges during minute. who was wanted after being spotted in and he replied that he had looked up The Russian military is the only operator of the system, the day with a view to being charged,” However Abdeslam has refused to a video with Abdeslam en route to the what it meant on the Internet.” but China and India are expected to be the first foreign Molins said in a statement. answer questions since the day after his French capital, turned out to be the so- He said the attacks suspects should nations to receive it. Sources close to the investigation said arrest. called “man in the hat” seen in CCTV be judged by an “international crimi- Media reports in 2015 said that India wants to buy five Abdeslam had been flown into France Abdeslam's arrest came just days footage with two bombers shortly before nal court. These people committed war S-400 battalions. under tight security. before coordinated attacks on Brussels the Brussels attack. crimes.” Russia recently delivered a previous-generation S-300 Justice Minister Jean-Jacques Urvoas airport and a metro station that left 32 'Little moron from Molenbeek' Mary said he had spoken to Abde- variant of the air defense system to Iran, implementing a said he would be placed in isolation in a people dead, and police have uncovered Abrini grew up with Abdeslam in slam seven or eight times and he still was key defense deal between the two countries after lengthy prison in the Paris region and monitored clear links between Abdeslam and the the gritty Brussels suburb of Molenbeek unsure how he had ended up radicalized. discussions. by “hardened guards trained in the de- three Brussels suicide bombers. along with several other suspects, who (Source: AFP) (Source: RT) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 4 ECONOMY AAPRILPRIL 228,8, 22016016 http://www.tehrantimes.com/economy

NEWS Foreign investors can purchase Iran-Germany Joint Economic Committee meeting to be held after 15 years shares of Iranian state-run companies

Sigmar Gabriel, the German vice chancellor and economy minister, ECONOMY TEHRAN — Iran Privatization Organi- will travel to Iran next week (May 2016) to attend the Iran-Germany deskzation (IPO) is transferring shares of 140 Joint Economic Committee meeting in Tehran, a meeting held for Iranian state-run companies to the privates sector, and for- the first time after 15 years. eign investors are welcomed to make purchase if they wish This is Gabriel’s second visit since the nuclear deal and with the to, Deputy Head of IPO Davoud Khani said, the IRIB news hope that it will upswing the economic relations between the two agency reported on Wednesday. countries. Expressing content that implementation of the nuclear "I expect strong measures deal between Iran and the P5+1 has set a proper bed since Mr. Gabriel is not only for IPO and domestic investors to enhance their levels of the minister of economy, he is ties with foreign counterparts, the official admitted that in also Germany’s vice chancellor," a bid to improve economic infrastructure and reinforce says Helene Rang, the execu- domestic private sector, his organization has provided for- tive director of Germany’s Near eign applicants for buying Iranian shares with a list of the and Middle East Association. governmental companies with available stakes for being Volker Treier, the manag- transferred. ing director of the economic According to him, IPO has transferred over half of the policy division of the Associa- total of 1,100 state-run companies to the private sector since tion of German Chambers of the Iranian calendar year of 1380 (March 21, 2001-March 20, Industry and Commerce, has 2002), however, some of the companies have been elimi- also pointed to the importance nated from the transfer list due to some problems. of the visit to Iran and said, “It Iranian state-run companies have transferred 109 billion has been months that political rials (about $3.144 million) worth of their shares to the pri- Sigmar Gabriel, German vice and economic officials from vate sector since the beginning of current Iranian calendar chancellor and economy minister different countries are trave- year (March 20), the Fars news agency reported on Tuesday. (which ended on March 19). state-owned firms each year. ling to Iran seeking billions in Meanwhile, 29.662 trillion rials (about $855.799 million) The Iranian government envisioned a large privatization Under the present interpretation of the Article 44 of contracts, while Chancellor Angela Merkel is maintaining distance worth of the shares of state-run companies were trans- program in the Fifth Five-Year National Development Plan Iran's Constitution, hundreds of state-owned companies with Iran.” ferred to the private sector in the past calendar year of 1394 (2010-2015), aiming to privatize about 20 percent of the have been privatized. Since French President Francois Hollande has already met Iran's President Hassan Rouhani a few months ago, and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi already did the same, German companies expect that the government gives the signal to Iran that the re- Monthly car imports into Iran up 164% yr/yr vitalization of relations between the two countries is a subject of ECONOMY TEHRAN — Iran im- in Iran in the past Iranian calendar year according to Deputy Minister of Industry, “One of Iranian giant auto-makers has highest order. deskported 1,694 cars worth (which ended on March 19), a 13.7 percent Mining and Trade Mohsen Salehinia. signed joint venture with one of the foreign Although much is still running slow, there is a lot of confidence $41 million in the first month of the current fall from the past year. As Salehinia underlined, the government eminent car-producers and the executive in the German economy, with regard to Iran. German investors Iranian calendar year (March 20-April 19, It is while the country’s car production seeks to improve the quality as well as the officials of the agreement have been as- hope at least for one or two contracts to be signed during the visit, 2016), recording 164 percent rise in number had rose 53.4 percent in the previous calen- quantity of the domestically produced cars signed.” even if the scope of these contracts is not very wide. The fact that compared to the same month last year, the dar year compared to its preceding year. on the way to boost their exports, the IRIB The deputy minister also noted that the the Siemens group recently announced a comprehensive turbine Tasnim news agency reported on Wednes- Iran is scheduled to produce 1.35 million reported on April 6. cooperatively produced cars will be unveiled cooperation with an Iranian partner, is seen as a good omen. day. cars by the end of the current calendar year “Iran has commenced cooperation with and presented to the domestic market in the Treier is optimistic that economic relationship between the two Some 976,836 cars were manufactured of 1395 (which will end on March 20, 2017), foreign partners in auto sector,” he added, last two months of the current Iranian Year. countries which was greatly reduced as a result of sanctions, will rise again to 4-5 billion euros within the next two to three years. He hoped that the volume of trade will climb to 10 billion euros in the next five to seven years. IEA forecasts 4m bpd oil output for Iran by end of decade: World Bank However, there are still some problems regarding business in Iran. The main problem that prevents many German companies The International Energy Agency states that with foreign in- ports have resumed to Europe, and Asian buyers have also Energy prices fell 21 percent in the first quarter of 2016. from boosting deals with Iran is the lack of funding through Ger- vestment and technology, the Islamic Republic of Iran could increased purchases. Oil prices led the decline by dropping 22 percent owing to man banks. "The key issue that needs to be solved in short term increase its oil production capacity to 4 million barrels per Crude oil prices are projected to average $41/bbl in 2016, resilient non-OPEC oil production, expanding supplies from “, Said Rang. day (bpd) by the end of the decade, the World Banks said a decline of 19 percent from last year. This implies small in- Iran, and weak seasonal demand. Most German banks holding back on lending in order not to in its April 2016 Commodity Markets Outlook report with the creases through the rest of the year as the oversupply in the At a meeting in Doha on April 17th, sixteen OPEC and get lost in a maze of confusion which can cost them in the end. theme of resource development in an era of cheap com- oil market diminishes. The market surplus is expected to ex- non-OPEC countries failed to freeze production, as many The reason is that they believe it is not yet clear which businesses modities. tend in the first half of the year amid weak seasonal demand, anticipated. Non-OPEC members were Azerbaijan, Colom- are really allowed in Iran and which are still not, since they believe The Iran’s oil output is expected to continue climbing, but stocks are expected to fall during the second half of the bia, Mexico, Oman, and Russia. OPEC members Libya and some of the sanctions are still in force. from 2.9 million bpd at end-2015 toward its estimated ca- year as refinery demand increases and U.S. production de- the Islamic Republic of Iran did not attend. This failure was at- Treier believes that when this problem is solved more financial pacity of 3.6 million bpd, the report said. clines steepen. OPEC production excluding the Islamic Re- tributed to disagreement over whether to include the Islamic The Islamic Republic of Iran has increased output 0.4 mil- public of Iran is expected to remain flat, while Iranian output Republic of Iran and other producers in the freeze. institutions will be willing to get involved then also the instrument (Source: World Bank) of state export credit guarantees for business with Iran should be lion bpd following the lifting of sanctions in January. Iran’s ex- is expected to climb by some 0.5 million bpd. available again. Germany was the first Western country to dispatch a high- ranking political and trade delegation to Iran after nuclear deal. Oil prices jump on weak dollar, Asia stocks slip with central Gabriel led German officials and corporate managers on the busi- strong investor appetite banks in focus ness visit to Tehran. During Gabriel's last visit, Iranian and German officials dis- Crude oil futures rose around half a TOKYO (Reuters) — Asian stocks were cussed economizing water and energy consumption, improving dollar on Wednesday and remained mostly lower on Wednesday, as inves- efficiency in power plants, building new power plants, constructing near 2016 highs on the back of strong tors stayed cautious ahead of U.S. and renewable energy power plants as well as new energies. investor sentiment and a weak dollar, Japanese central bank policy decisions, (Source: agencies) although analysts warned this month's while crude oil prices hovered near bull-run could soon run out of steam. 2016 highs. International Brent crude futures Spreadbetters expected Europe to were trading at $46.24 per barrel at behave similarly, forecasting Britain's Xi urges focus on jobs 0535 GMT, up 50 cents, or 1.1 percent FTSE, Germany's DAX and France's from their last settlement. CAC to open little changed. with China economy under Brent received extra support from Japan's Nikkei lost 0.4 percent as growing strain reports that Saudi Arabia and Kuwait million-barrel build in a Reuters poll. Japan-based suppliers of iPhone parts cent while Shanghai nudged up 0.1 appear no closer to restarting their Brent and WTI were near respective fell after Apple Inc reported its first-ever percent. jointly operated Khafji oilfield, which 2016 highs of $46.49 and $44.83 hit in decline in iPhone sales and its first rev- While the U.S. Federal Reserve is Chinese President Xi Jinping said more should be done to deal produced 280,000 to 300,000 barrels the previous session. enue drop in over a decade overnight. expected to hold interest rates steady with unemployment as the government tries to curb overcapacity per day (bpd) before environmental Beyond strong investment appe- Taiwan stocks also fell, weighed later in the day when a two-day Fed- in state-owned enterprises, anticipating “many hardship” as the problems forced a planned 18-month tite from financial traders, analysts down by a drop in shares of Apple eral Open Market Committee (FOMC) world’s second-largest economy comes under increasing strain. closure in October 2014. said crude was being lifted by a fall- suppliers. meeting ends, it could also take a more “As supply-side structural reform deepens, some employees U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) ing dollar, which has shed 5 percent in MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacif- upbeat view on the economy, keeping will be laid off,” the official Xinhua news agency reported Xi as say- crude was up 46 cents, or 1 percent, at value against a basket of other lead- ic shares outside Japan retreated 0.5 the way open for future rate rises. ing during an April 24-27 visit to Anhui province. “We should pay $44.50 a barrel. ing currencies since the beginning of percent. The Bank of Japan makes its poli- more attention to employment, create more jobs, and implement WTI was further bolstered after the the year. Australian shares were flat after cy decision on Thursday amid some and improve assistance measures.” American Petroleum Institute (API) re- A weak dollar makes fuel imports weak local inflation data revived pros- speculation it could ramp up its already Xi’s remarks underscore the tightrope Chinese authorities must ported a draw of nearly 1.1 million bar- cheaper for countries using other cur- pects for a rate cut there and prompt- extensive monetary stimulus scheme, tread as they seek tooverhaul the bloated $18 trillion state-owned rels in U.S. crude inventories last week rencies, potentially spurring demand. ed a brief spike. which includes negative interest rates enterprise sector, with labor unrest emerging as a key concern. versus analysts' expectations for a 2.4 (Source: Reuters) South Korea's Kospi shed 0.2 per- on some deposits at the BOJ. Steady employment and rising salaries are crucial to the shift to- ward an economy premised on consumption and services, and they also underpin the legitimacy of the Chinese government. Twitter shares plunge Apple revenue falls Adidas raises 2016 (Source: Bloomberg) on weak earnings for first time since guidance after first- 2003 quarter earnings jump GUMP Shares in Twitter plunged 13.6% after the re- Apple reported a 13% drop in its second quarter German sporting goods group Adidas hiked its Over 1,700 companies to sults were out. revenue on Tuesday as sales of iPhones slipped. guidance for 2016 sales and earnings a second time attend Iran Oil Show Twitter had 310 million monthly users in The technology giant reported quarterly sales of as it reported a 38 percent jump in quarterly underly- the first quarter while revenue was $594.5m $50.56bn (£34.39bn) down from $58bn last year - the ing profit, citing strong brand momentum. 1 (£407.89m), which missed analyst expectations. first fall in sales for the company since 2003. Adidas said on Wednesday it now expected its “This is the country’s first oil show in post-sanction era and num- The company has for years struggled to gen- Apple sold 51.2 million iPhones during the quarter, 2016 currency-adjusted sales to grow by about 15 ber of foreign participants has notably increased,” he underlined. erate profits from its large base of users. down from 61.2 million in the same quarter of 2015. percent, compared with a previous forecast for a rise As he added, China, South Korea, Turkey, Germany, Spain, Italy, Twitter’s revenue forecast for the current China was a particular weak spot - sales there fell of 10 to 12 percent. France, Austria and Finland are among the countries that plan to set quarter was given as between $590m and 26%. Results were also hit by the impact of a stronger It sees net profit from continuing operations rising up their special pavilions in this show, which will be held at Tehran $610m, also short of what investors had been dollar. by 15 to 18 percent this year, compared with previous Permanent International Fairground. hoping for. Apple shares fell 8% in afterhours trading. Its shares guidance for a 10 to 12 percent growth. On February 9, Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said that “These are troubling times for Twitter,” says have fallen close to 20% over the last twelve months. Shares were indicated to rise 3.4 percent to the $200 billion investment is required to develop the country’s oil in- the BBC’s North America technology corre- Apple’s chief executive Tim Cook said the company top of the German blue-chip index .GDAXI, which dustry. spondent, Dave Lee. performed well “in the face of strong macroeconomic was seen unchanged in pre-market trade at broker-

“Internal resources are not enough to meet such need, there- NEWS IN BRIEF headwinds”. age Lang & Schwarz. fore we should attract foreign investment”, the minister noted. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y http://www.tehrantimes.com AAPRILPRIL 228,8, 22016016 HISTORY & HERITAGE 5

Poetic pilgrimage: A CLOSER LOOK Iran’s Hafez and Sa’di tombs Baluch embroidery Found in their native Shiraz, the capital of Baluch embroidery is a form of decorative needlework associ- Fars Province in the southwest of Iran, are ated with the Baluchis. The Baluchis form an ethnic group in the tombs of two of the country’s finest the extreme southeast of Iran and neighbouring parts of Paki- ever poets and minds, Hafez and Sa’di. stan (together generally called Baluchistan), and in the extreme These tombs have evolved with the world southwest of Afghanistan. In addition, Baluch families can be and reputations of their poetry, and have found in India as well as in the Persian Gulf States and Oman. long been a popular tourist destination A major feature of Baluch clothing is the embroidery that and an emotive pilgrimage for readers appears on the trousers and dresses worn by women. The everywhere. Discover why, and find two cap is the main embroidered item for men. The basic outfit tombs surprisingly full of both literature for a Baluch woman or girl and life. consists of (a) a pair of baggy It is a question that has been faced by trousers (shalwar), (b) a knee- perhaps every civilization in every corner length dress (pashk) with of the globe: how best to memorialize pleats (chin) on either side of the life of a political or cultural leader? the waist, and (c) a large rec- In trying to answer to this question, na- tangular shawl or head cov- tions have produced many of the world’s ering (chadar). Nowadays, great architectural triumphs and seminal the trousers and the dress artifacts. The Great Pyramid of Cheops are made in the same mate- in Giza, Egypt, for example, was built as rial, with a complementary a tomb for the Pharaoh Khufu, and re- colored head covering. mained the tallest man-made structure in A Baluch woman’s dress in- the world for nearly four millennia. The variably has four panels of em- memorial to Abraham Lincoln in Wash- broidery (doch): a large yoke ington, D.C, came to represent freedom covering the chest ( jig), which and unity to the extent that Martin Luther contains a central patterned strip (toi), two panels on the sleeve King chose it as the location to deliver his cuffs (banzar; banzari), and a long, narrow, rectangular pocket ‘I Have A Dream’ speech from. (pado, las), which runs from just above the waist line to the hem In trying to memorialize Shakespeare’s of the skirt. death, his friends created one of the most The embroidery used for these panels is often referred important texts of all time, the First Folio, to as pakka, meaning firm or solid, as the ground material which brings together all but two of his is completely covered with fine stitching. The designs are extant plays for the first time ever. And geometric and often worked in lines. The style and quality in trying to eulogize the lives and works of the embroidery depend on whether the garment is go- of two of their greatest poets, Hafez and ing to be used on a daily basis or is intended for a feast, Sa’di, 15th century Iranians built two Roof of the Hafez Tomb such as a wedding. Cotton yarn is used for less complex tombs that have long since drawn in forms of embroidery designs for daily dresses, while silk thousands of pilgrims looking for solace, Golestan (The Rose Garden) and Bostan in the establishment of the United Nations. destinations, offering many experiences garments with silk and metallic threads are used for special inspiration or advice from these poetic (The Orchard) are the most famous. Their reputations confirmed, then, for many people just as the work of these occasions. masters. Many seek solace in his aphorisms, what about the tombs themselves? Cen- two writers too does. These are not only The basic designs, before the actual embroidering, are Just as how we read and understand many of which call for a universal love tral to Godard’s expansions are the words beautiful tombs, but offer unique op- normally first printed onto the ground material using very literary greats of the past changes through and removal of all barriers between each of the poets themselves. In the Hafez portunities to immerse oneself into the small wooden or metal blocks. Sometimes, hand embroi- time, so have these tombs adapted to re- other, a message that still holds as sound mausoleum, he added 16 pillars to the worlds of Sa’di and Hafez, reflecting in dered panels from worn-out dresses are cut off and re-sewn flect the evolution of the legends of Hafez advice not only in present-day Iran but original four of the 1773 memorial hall, the beauty and calm about the univer- onto new garments. and Sa’di. Both began as small memorials, across the Middle East and worldwide. creating a veranda on which are en- sal emotions and problems that unite us Boys and young men wear caps (topi) that have a charac- with Hafez’s tomb constructed in north- We see this in perhaps his most famous graved many of Hafez’s ghazals (a four- with the past, just as the pool under Sa’di’s teristic, scalloped shape cut out at the centre front. Normally, ern Shiraz in 1452, and Sa’di’s later in the work, Bani Adam (Children of Adam), line Arabic poetic form based on rhyming tomb links us directly to the past through women embroider these caps for their husbands and sons. 1860s. In fact, in Hafez’s case it was the here translated by M. Arianpoor: couplets and a refrain) and excepts from everyone else who has wet their hands The colours used for the caps tend to be in orange, pink or texts themselves that led to the develop- Human beings are members of a his longer works and poems. The loca- in the pond, from literary pilgrims to the red thread, with gold or silver coloured plate or lurex. In addi- ment of larger mausoleums, with succes- whole, tion of the tomb is also central to its liter- great poet himself and even further back tion, small pieces of mirror (shisha) are often worked into the In creation of one essence and soul. sive shahs ordering restorations based ary inhabitant, with the memorial placed into history. designs. (Source: trc-leiden.nl) If one member is afflicted with pain, (Source: Culture trip) upon what they read as omens in his col- in the Musalla Gardens, which featured Other members uneasy will remain. lected works, known as the Divan. heavily in Hafez’s poetry. If you’ve no sympathy for human pain, However, we have architect and his- Thus, in a sense what is so wonderful The name of human you cannot retain! torian André Godard to thank for their about the Hafez tomb is that it is almost a current states. As director of the Iranian text in itself, with the engravings of the po- Archeological Services, he oversaw their etry in the locations in which they were writ- renovation in the 1950s, leaving Iran ten about really serving to place the visitor with two grand structures perfectly fit- within the literary space of Hafez’s poetry. It ting the grand reputations of these two is no surprise, then, that it has become such poets, both within Iran and throughout a potent place of pilgrimage for lovers of the world, with each being able to now literature from all over the world. accommodate triple the amount of visi- Sa’di’s tomb presents us with a differ- tors than they could before the work of ent, but by no means less powerful, at- Godard. mosphere. As suits a poet and thinker so concerned with issues of universal hu- In fact, reputation seems an insuffi- Underground pool, under Sa’di Tomb ciently strong word for the impact of these manity, life flows through the Sa’di tomb. two poets on Iranian culture. It is said that The wisdom of this poem in particular This is the case in its murals, which intri- every household in Iran is guaranteed to has spread far outside of Iran, with Barack cately depict trees of life on beautiful Per- own two books: the Koran and the Divan Obama using it in a speech with Iranian sian tiles, and in its gardens, where flowers (a neat piece of symmetry as the name leaders, and the message even being in- and cypresses grow in abundance almost Hafez itself is a ceremonial name given to scribed on the entrance to the United in celebration of the great poet. Take a one who has memorized the Koran in its Nations building in New York as perfectly few steps down below the tomb and there entirety). Sa’di has an equally strong repu- summing up its objectives. This shows us is an underground water system, used by tation, generally considered not only one why Sa’di is seen as such a great thinker in local people since Sa’di’s time and full of the Middle East’s finest poets, but also Iran; after all, in Bani Adam he delivers a of fish, which travel through the various one of its great thinkers. Many still rely message of hope for humanity in the 13th channels leading to the central pool. on his wisdom, not only by visiting the century it would take leaders two world With all of this, it is no wonder that tomb but also reading his works, of which wars and nearly seven centuries to express these have become such popular tourist

PICTURE OF THE DAY Mehr/Alireza Eslampanah

The 4000-meter summit of Shahvar is located near Shahrud, Semnan Province I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y

6 INTERNATIONAL AAPRILPRIL 228,8, 22016016 http://www.tehrantimes.com/International When schools and students become spoils of war By Mausi Segun and Zama didn’t stop going to school. my exams.” At the same time, some attacks Coursen-Neff Falimotu stayed home for three Boko Haram’s name is loosely might have been prevented by other months before her family fled. Nige- translated as “Western education is methods. Many schools and dormi- wo years have passed since rian soldiers moved into the school, forbidden”. The group literally sees tories had no perimeter fences and TBoko Haram abducted 276 causing more students to drop out. Western-style schools as the enemy. security gates, even as attacks were schoolgirls in Chibok, Nigeria, Five months later, Boko Haram at- In other countries, schools are at- escalating. and 219 of the girls remain missing. tacked, drove the soldiers away, looted tacked because they are symbols of Local residents and school staff The anniversary, and that of the kid- ammunition stored there, and burned governments, they educate girls, they stated that when they reported Boko napping of another 300 schoolchil- the school to ashes. are vulnerable soft targets or, too of- Haram threats to security forces, the dren from another town, marks a grim Brutal attacks ten, because opposing forces are pre- forces ignored them - or the govern- roll call for education in the country’s Boko Haram’s increasingly brutal sent. ment provided untrained or inept civil- northeast: more than 910 schools attacks aren’t an aberration - Nige- Militaries and armed groups have ian security guards. destroyed, 1,500 forced to close, at ria is ground zero for a practice that used schools as barracks, bases, sniper In April 2012 Boko Haram fighters least 611 teachers deliberately killed, more and more characterizes war: the posts, weapons depots and for other raided an unfenced government-run 19,000 forced to flee. Close to a mil- intentional targeting of schools, teach- military purposes in at least 26 coun- boarding school in a remote part of lion school-age children have fled the ers and students. tries with conflict in the past decade. Nigeria’s northeast. violence and now have little or no ac- At least 30 countries have had a Although in many instances troops Though no one was killed, a teacher cess to schooling. pattern of such attacks in the past dec- He had left science class to go to government armed groups known as use schools for their own convenience, saw the return of only a small fraction These are children like 14-year-old ade, according to the Global Coalition the toilet when “(t)wo shells hit the shabiha “came into the school and some local community members may of students. “I don’t blame them,” he Falimotu, who was in class in a school to Protect Education from Attack. fourth floor. I was on the first floor. shot the windows, broke the comput- see them - and the troops may see said. The “school still has no fence or in northeast Nigeria when Boko Har- This includes places well-known for People started running away.” Pro- ers. After that, I only went back to take themselves - as protectors. quarters for teachers four years later.” am fighters, their faces wrapped in attacks on schools, such as Afghani- But moving soldiers into schools Military use of schools black scarves, entered her school and stan, Pakistan and Syria, as well as Military use of schools is pervasive, deeply is no solution. We spoke with people Military use of schools is pervasive, started shooting. many others, such as southern Thai- harmful, and completely preventable. In in northeast Nigeria who had invited deeply harmful, and completely pre- Her teacher was killed. A boy from land, South Sudan, Ukraine and Yemen. the worst cases, students and teachers have soldiers in for this very reason, only ventable. In the worst cases, students the next class was shot in the leg as Rami, a 12-year-old boy from Syria, to find that Boko Haram attacked the and teachers have been killed when he ran and later died, and the fighters described how government forces been killed when opposing forces attacked schools precisely because the troops opposing forces attacked the occupy- said they would return if the children shelled his school with a tank. the occupying troops. were there. ing troops. 9

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Not so rich anymore, Persian Gulf NEWS IN BRIEF Brexit would cost Britons a month's salary by 2020: Arabs enter world of cuts and strikes OECD report

A cushy government job, cheap fuel, a Economic growth is also slowing, Britain leaving the European Union after a June 23 referendum mortgage-free home and a bit of five- and based on the latest IMF projections, would lead to the average working Briton losing the equivalent of star travel and luxury shopping were governments and private businesses a month's salary by 2020, according to an OECD report due out never too much to expect in Persian in Middle East oil exporting countries later on Wednesday, cited by BBC radio. Gulf. would be able to create 7 million jobs, OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria told the broadcaster Yet what previously was taken for about 3 million short of the expected in an interview it would be a bad decision to leave the 28-mem- granted in the oil-rich region is being number of labor market entrants. ber bloc. replaced by something more familiar to Restless youth "We made a whole series of calculations and we came out the western world: spending cuts, taxa- Responses vary between countries, saying Brexit is a tax ... It is equivalent to roughly missing on one tion, a scarcity of jobs and even strikes. but all the monarchies are aware of the month's income within four years and then it carries on ... and There’s discontentment among young dangers of discontented youth. An AS- there's a consistent loss," Gurria said. populations rarely seen before as the DA’A Burson-Marsteller survey of 3,500 "The whole idea here is we have done the comparisons, we countries come to terms with the col- young people in 16 Arab countries pub- have done the simulations, we have gone through the different lapse in energy prices blowing holes in lished on April 12 found that a majority ways in which this will happen. In the end we come out and say budgets. wants subsidies to continue, while near- why we are spending so much time, so much effort and so much Kuwait had its first walkout by oil ly half thought that any higher prices talent in trying to find ways to compensate for a bad decision workers in two decades last week as should apply only to expatriates. where you don't necessarily have to take the bad decision." 13,000 employees protested cuts to pay The Saudis, who recorded a budget (Source: Reuters) and benefits. Disgruntled Saudis, pre- posable income. “Everything is getting jobs that are needed by the economy,” deficit of nearly $100 billion last year, sented on Monday with a royal blue- more costly and no one is willing to she said. “It’s just a way for the govern- are planning a “restructuring of subsi- print for life after oil, are complaining give you a chance,” she said. ment to pay them.” dies” while also developing a mecha- about the cost of water. Even in Qatar, More fragile Draining budgets nism to provide cash to low- and mid- German consumer morale the world’s richest country, locals were There is an unwritten agreement in Even talking about austerity would dle-income Saudis who rely on them, told on Tuesday their gasoline subsidies the area where populations agreed to have seemed incredible as recent- the deputy crown prince told Bloomb- brightens heading into May were being scrapped. delegate the running of the state to rul- ly as a few years ago as Persian Gulf erg. King Salman fired the minister in Reality dawns ing families so long as there was no tax sheikhdoms used their vast oil wealth charge of water after a bungled subsidy German consumer morale improved heading into May with shop- People aged under 30 make up and they shared the spoils, United Arab to remake their region. They have built reduction led to astronomical bills. pers becoming increasingly upbeat about their future income, a more than half of the 44 million popu- Emirates commentator Sultan Al Qas- man-made islands, financial centers, In Kuwait, parliament voted to raise survey showed on Wednesday, in a further sign that private con- lation living in the six Persian Gulf mon- semi wrote in February. airports and ports that turned the Ara- utility costs for foreigners and business- sumption will continue to support growth in Europe's largest econ- archies. While wealth has barely been That’s now under threat, he said. bian desert into a banking and travel es for the first time in half a century. The omy. dented in Qatar or the United Arab “The traditional social contract has nev- hub and the host of soccer’s showpiece homes of Kuwaitis would be exempted The GfK consumer sentiment indicator, based on a survey of Emirates, more of them elsewhere are er been more fragile,” he said. World Cup in 2022. as more people feel the squeeze, at around 2,000 Germans, rose to 9.7 heading into May from 9.4 a having to get used to a future with less Oil’s slump could be “a blessing in The International Monetary Fund least compared with what they were month earlier. abundance than that of their forebears. disguise” to drive social change, said forecasts a budget deficit of 12.3 per- used to. This was the highest reading since September 2015 and beat In Oman, marketing graduate Tu- Kuwaiti business owner Lubna Saif cent of economic output this year for Mohamad Al Kharsan has worked for the Reuters consensus forecast for the headline figure to remain madher Allawati, 22, has completed Abbas, 52. It will push more Kuwaitis the six members of the Persian Gulf Co- the Kuwaiti state for about seven years. stable at 9.4. two unpaid internships, applied for to become productive, ambitious and operation Council, which is led by Saudi Aged 32, he still lives with his parents "The mood among German consumers has hardly ever been two-dozen jobs and even went for in- hardworking as they experience “real Arabia. Before last year, when oil prices because moving into his own home better," said Rolf Buerkl, a researcher for Nuremberg-based GfK, terviews at nurseries and schools. After jobs,” she said. sank 35 percent, you have to go back would shrink his monthly disposable adding that consumers were expecting another pay hike this year applying for posts in several govern- “Many in government jobs are just to the 1990s to find anything other than income to just over 200 dinars ($663). due to the solid labor market and record-high employment. ment ministries, she was told not to clocking in and out and not really doing a surplus. For many of his generation, it is The GfK survey showed that consumers were more upbeat bother because there’s a hiring freeze tough “making ends meet on a gov- about their earnings for the next 12 months, with the index for in- this year. The International Monetary Fund forecasts ernment job salary,” he said. “The gold- come expectations rising by seven points to 57.5. This was the high- Allawati, whose husband earns 800 a budget deficit of 12.3 percent of economic en years when we used to spend the est level since July 2015. Omani rials ($2,078) a month, said that output this year for the six members of the summers in Europe and most people The willingness to buy improved by more than five points to after paying the rent and bills, the new- owned two homes instead of one are 55.4 while consumers' expectations for the overall economic de- lyweds are left with around $210 of dis- Persian Gulf Cooperation Council. long gone.” (Source: Bloomberg) velopment brightened by nearly six points to 6.3. (Source: Reuters)

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NEWS IN BRIEF NASA planning new Mars orbiter with Mind-controlled drones: the newest way to fly? advanced communications

The University of Florida's inaugural brain-computer interface NASA is soliciting ideas from U.S. industry technology to revitalize our ability to con- (BCI) drone competition last weekend was a success for its 16 for designs of a Mars orbiter for potential tinue to explore Mars and support trans- competitors, who used brain monitors to propel small UAVs launch in the 2020s. The satellite would formative science, including a potential through a 10-yard sprint across a basketball court. But the provide advanced communications and sample return mission in the future.” world's first ever mind-controlled drone race was also heralded imaging, as well as robotic science explora- JPL plans to award concept study subcon- as an achievement for the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) plat- tion, in support of NASA’s Journey to Mars. tracts of $400,000 per subcontract in June. form, and other technologies The orbiter would substantially increase The concept studies for the spacecraft will be powered by brain waves. bandwidth communications and maintain completed over a four-month period. The process was made high-resolution imaging capability. It also In response to an earlier request from possible by a BCI computer may use experimental cutting-edge tech- NASA, the Mars Exploration Program formed program which had the "rac- nologies, such as high-power solar electric an analysis group that proposed, in a 2015 ers" focus on digital cubes propulsion or an optical communications report, possible science objectives for a Mars displayed on a laptop screen package, which could greatly improve orbiter capable of replenishing and advanc- that translated into the drones' transmission speed and capacity over radio ing the telecommunications and reconnais- movements. An electroen- frequency systems. sance resources available at Mars. cephalogram (EEG) worn on Under the direction of NASA’s Mars Ex- NASA is studying how to implement this their foreheads picks up the ploration Program, the agency’s Jet Propul- mission concept in concert with its interna- brain's commands, which pro- sion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, Califor- tional partners to the greatest extent possi- grammers' codes then trans- nia, is conducting pre-formulation planning date scientific instruments, demonstrate said John Grunsfeld, astronaut and associ- ble. Historically, there have been significant late into ones that the drones, for this possible orbiter mission. capability for rendezvous and capture, and ate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission international contributions to NASA Mars hovering over the court, can Pre-formulation plans include the pro- advance telecommunications capabilities. Directorate in Washington. “Currently, we missions that include the Curiosity rover, understand. curement of industry studies for a solar- Red Planet mysteries depend on our orbiting science missions to Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft "With events like this, we're popularizing the use of BCI instead of powered orbiting spacecraft. This effort “Our success in exploring Mars, to un- perform dual service in making measure- and the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile it being stuck in the research lab," Chris Crawford, a doctoral student seeks to take advantage of industry capa- ravel the mysteries of the Red Planet, de- ments and acting as communication relays, Evolution Mission orbiter, both currently in computer science, told the Associated Press. "BCI was a technol- bilities to improve deep space, solar electric pends on having high bandwidth commu- but we can’t depend on them to last for- orbiting the Red Planet. ogy that was geared specifically for medical purposes, and in order to propulsion-enabled orbiters to accommo- nication with Earth and overhead imaging,” ever. This new orbiter will use cutting-edge (Source: clarksvilleonline.com) expand this to the general public, we actually have to embrace these consumer brand devices and push them to the limit." Brain-powered control is not a brand-new science: earlier Music helps develop baby brains advances are already being applied to developments in auto- mobile manufacturing, artificial limbs for amputees and trauma Some might consider it cruel subjecting to you beautiful Body movements victims, and even the control of others' bodies. But while the young baby to the poor music choices you've made in "In both the music and control groups, we gave babies tech has been used before, it's now becoming accessible to peo- the past, but a new study has found that playing musical experiences that were social, required their active involve- ple outside of medical and research settings and could provide games with them improves their music and speech pro- ment and included body movements - these are all char- progress in a variety of disciplines. (Source: The CSM) cessing powers. acteristics that we know help people learn," says lead au- In the study, published in Proceedings of the Nation- thor Christina Zhao. The "key difference between the play al Academy of Sciences, scientists from the University of groups was whether the babies were moving to learn a Washington’s Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences com- musical rhythm." Treating pregnant women pared the brain responses of two sets of babies who each Aside from discovering that babies playing the drums for depression may benefit underwent different types of active play. are utterly adorable, the researchers found that babies in the In the first group the babies played along with their music group showed stronger brain responses to changes in baby, too parents with toy cars, blocks and other fun bits and bobs a music activity where they were helped by their parents speech and music when they underwent tests, suggesting that required significant coordination, but they conducted to tap out a beat to a waltz, a difficult time signature for they were better able to detect patterns in sounds. the session without music. The second group was led in Treating pregnant women for depression may benefit not just babies to grasp. (Source: Science Focus) themselves but their babies as well. A study, in the May issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology, includ- GI problems in autism may originate in Scientists have developed shark ed 7,267 pregnant women, of whom 831 had symptoms of de- pression. After controlling for maternal age, race, income, body genes, study suggests vision mass index and other health and behavioral characteristics, the researchers found that depressive symptoms were associated with a 27 percent increased relative risk of preterm birth (less than 37 weeks of gestation), an 82 percent increased risk of very preterm birth (less than 32 weeks of gestation), and a 28 percent increased risk of having a baby small for gestational age. They also found that among those who were treated with antidepressants for depression — about a fifth of those with the diagnosis — there was no association with increased risk for any of these problems. But they acknowledge that this group was quite small, which limits the power to draw conclusions. Still, the lead author, Dr. Kartik K. Venkatesh, a clinical fel- low in obstetrics and gynecology at Harvard, said that it was important to screen mothers for depression, not only for their health but for that of their babies. “By screening early in pregnancy, you could identify those at Researchers at Columbia University Medi- tions that inhibit serotonin activity. Sero- David Gruber sees glowing life forms He and his co-authors have begun to higher risk and counsel them about the importance of treatment,” he cal Center (CUMC) have found evidence in tonin is a chemical that transmits signals everywhere he looks. He’s found doz- answer that question for two biofluores- said. “Treating these women for depression may have real benefits.” mice that, for some types of autism, gas- from one neuron to another in the brain. ens of fluorescent corals in the Great cent sharks, the Atlantic-dwelling chain (Source: The NYT) trointestinal (GI) difficulties may originate The brain, however, contains only 5 per- Barrier Reef. In 2014, he reported on catshark and the Pacific-living swell shark. from the same genetic changes that lead cent of the body's serotonin; most of the more than 180 fish species that fluo- They have done so by looking deep into to the behavioral and social characteristics rest is at work in the GI system. resce. Last year, he even stumbled their eyes—not in the romantic sense, of the condition. The study was published Genetic mutations across fluorescent sea turtles. but in the dissection sense. They found Childhood obesity rates are in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. Genetic mutations that affect seroto- Now Gruber, a biologist at the City that although these species seem to have still rising Children with autism spectrum dis- nin's activity will thus have ramifications in University of New York’s Baruch College, excellent low-light vision, they’re mono- order are four times more likely to suf- the gut as well as in the brain. wants to know why all these species are chromats. That means unlike humans, fer from gastrointestinal problems than "Because serotonin plays an impor- glowing. He and his colleagues built a who build color vision using three types Recent reports have hinted that childhood obesity is beginning other children. These GI troubles are tant role in the gastrointestinal system “shark-eye” camera to simulate how fluo- of pigment molecules in our eyes, these to improve in some U.S. cities, at least for the youngest kids who often blamed on the tendency of kids as well as the brain, we wanted to see if rescent sharks appear to each other, in sharks have just one pigment. It detects are preschool age. But for the entire population of children ages with autism to limit their diets to a few there was a direct relationship between part so that humans view these creatures blue-green light. two to 19 years, the prevalence of overweight and obesity con- favored food items. these genes and GI development and a little more kindly. Huge blue filter tinue to climb, as they have been since 1999. "Gastrointestinal issues have been function," says Dr. Margolis, who con- Animals like fish and turtles don’t That makes sense, Gruber says. The That’s what Asheley Skinner, an associate professor medicine at recognized as a common occurrence in ducted the study with Michael Gershon, generate their own light, as a firefly “ocean is this huge blue filter, and it be- Duke University, and her colleagues found when they analyzed obesi- people with autism since the condition MD, professor of pathology & cell biol- does. Being biofluorescent means mol- comes more perfectly blue as you go ty data from national surveys over the past 15 years. Since 1999, rates was first described in the 1940s, but there ogy at Columbia and a leader in the field ecules in their skin absorb light of a deeper.” If there aren’t any other colors of of overweight and obesity, as measured by body mass index was no indication that they were directly of neurogastroenterology. certain wavelength, and bounce it back light to see, why bother? (BMI) from children’s height related," says the study's lead author, Kara The researchers investigated gastroin- at a different wavelength. In the ocean, The researchers studied sharkskin and weight, have continued to Gross Margolis, MD, associate professor of testinal development in a mouse model, that usually means they absorb blue in the lab, and used a special camera steadily increase. In the latest pediatrics at Columbia. created by collaborators at Vanderbilt that light and transform it into green, red, or setup to vividly capture the sharks’ fluo- survey, conducted from 2013 Recent research by Jeremy Veenstra- carries a mutation found in some patients orange. It’s hard to notice with human rescence in the wild. to 2014, 33% of children were VanderWeele, MD, the Mortimer D. Sack- with autism. The mutation decreases sero- eyes in the dim ocean, though a person Next the team asked what parts of a overweight, and 26% were ler, MD Associate Professor of Psychiatry tonin activity by increasing the activity of might detect a greenish cast to a shark’s shark’s body fluoresce. Both species have considered obese. at Columbia, and Randy Blakely, Ph.D., the serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT), skin, for example. mottled patterns, which in an aquarium’s The prevalence of over- professor of psychiatry at Vanderbilt Uni- which pulls serotonin back into the neuron Finding biofluorescence in so many light would appear light beige-and-dark weight and obesity increased versity School of Medicine, had linked after it is released for neurotransmission. sea animals led Gruber to wonder what gray, or light-beige-and-black. steadily year by year from some cases of autism to genetic muta- (Source: EurekAlert) advantage it conferred upon a species. (Source: The Atlantic) 1999 to 2014. For overweight, it went up from 28.8% in 1999 to 33.4%, and for the least severe type of obesity, from Traffic bulletins drive motorists to distraction, study shows 14.6% to 17.4%. Even more concerning, the Although motorists may believe that keeping an ear out for their journey footage. Only 23 percent of the drivers passed them and even at driving itself. Their speed, lane trend has also worsened among the most severely obese: children jams and crashes will help their journey flow more smooth- who were listening out for traffic reports saw the ani- position and reaction times to hazards were all affected. with BMI readings greater than 40 for their age group. The prevalence ly, in fact, it is dangerously distracting. mals compared with 71 percent of those who had the Anything that draws the attention away from driving of this type of obesity increased from 0.9% in 1999 to 2.4% in 2014. Researchers at University College Dublin and Univer- easier listening task. can be problematic, even if it’s auditory like listening to The uptick comes despite more public awareness about the sity College Cork believe that paying attention to traf- Doctoral student Gillian Murphy, of University College the radio or having a hands-free phone conversation. That health risks of excess weight. In recent years, public policies have fic reports prevents drivers from concentrating on other Cork, said: “Road safety campaigns are so focused on doesn’t mean that we should ban radios in cars, but that been put into place to reduce risk factors for obesity, such as more important tasks. telling us to keep our eyes on the road, and this is cer- we should all be aware of the limits of our attention. elimination of trans fats from certain foods and improvements to To test the theory, they asked 36 motorists to complete tainly important, but this research tells us that it’s simply The “fact that we found this using a simple, naturally school lunch. “What this tells me is that for kids with severe obe- a course in a driving simulator while listening to a traffic not enough. We should focus on keeping our brains on occurring task like listening out for a traffic update on sity, they aren’t being helped by small or single interventions,” update. Half of the participants only had to listen out for the road.” the radio suggests that the load on our hearing may says Skinner. “Choosing small things and doing small things is when the radio presenter switched gender, while the half Road signs be an important and overlooked contributor to driver not enough for kids with severe obesity.” had to pay attention to traffic reports for a particular road. Drivers undertaking the complex task were also worse distraction and inattention.” (Source: Time) The researchers then added a gorilla or elephant to at obeying road signs, remembering which vehicle had just (Source: The Telegraph) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y http://www.tehrantimes.com/international APRIL 28, 2016 WORLD IN FOCUS 9

Russia says Syria peace talks will resume of the UN-led negotiating round, but de in the Swiss city of Geneva on May 10. Mistura hopes to reconvene both dele- “They will resume approximately on Syria peace talks to resume gations. [May] 10, this has been announced by de His goal is to produce a paper with JUMP Mistura,” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister in Geneva on May 10 ideas shared by both sides on what a Mikhail Bogdanov cited UN Special En- political transition for Syria would look When schools and students voy for Syria Staffan de Mistura as saying like. become spoils of war on Wednesday. On Monday, Syria’s chief delegate at The Syrian government said on Tues- the talks Bashar Ja’afari said he submitted 6 In other instances, troops displace students en- day that it had held a final session of talks “amendments” to the working UN docu- tirely, forcing children to travel long distances to another with de Mistura in a “useful and produc- ment on a political transition. school or to drop out. Yet, until recently, very few countries tive round.” “Today we submitted constitutional had made schools off limits to their forces. This is begin- De Mistura was to brief the Security amendments to the paper submitted to ning to change. Council on Wednesday in a closed-door us by the special envoy, and we consider Last May, countries from around the world came together session on his diplomatic efforts to end such amendments to be an integral part to join the international Safe Schools Declaration, pledging to the war. of this paper,” said Ja’afari. protect education during war, including by avoiding the use The foreign-backed opposi- Syria has previously ruled out nego- of schools for military purposes. tion walked out of the Geneva-based tiating over the presidency – specifically, To date, 52 countries, including Nigeria, have signed on. negotiations last week, bringing the talks over Assad’s departure from it. These include countries such as the Central African Republic, close to the breakdown. “I can describe this particular round Sierra Leone, South Sudan - countries who have seen the Militant groups announced a new war as useful and productive,” Ja’afari added, long-lasting effects of wars on their schools - as well as others against Syrian government forces after speaking of the round at which his oppo- from all regions of the globe. threatening to abandon UN-brokered sition was not present. The Nigerian government, with international support, talks in Geneva. De Mistura estimates that over has recently taken some promising steps, including merging Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Mual- 400,000 people have been killed in the various presidential initiatives aimed at delivering services to lem said on the same day that Turkey conflict since 2011, which has further- victims of Boko Haram’s violence, hiring 500,000 university and other countries were supplying ter- more displaced over half of Syria’s prewar graduates to improve the quality of teaching, and providing rorists in Syria with advanced weapons. population. (Source: SANA) cash transfers to extremely poor parents with the condition of Wednesday is the last scheduled day enrolling their children in schools. Such progress could be undermined, though, unless, the Germany replaces spy chief UN rejects Israel’s claim over Syria’s government starts protecting schools better and keeping the after damning NSA report Golan Heights military out. Much-needed international assistance for education Germany announced Wednesday it is the change was down to a combination The UN Security Council has rejected ic completely ignores the reality in the should be accompanied by pressure on the Nigerian military replacing the head of its foreign intel- of factors that included the BND’s con- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netan- Middle East,” he said. “While thousands to vacate schools and investigate and prosecute violations by ligence service, which has been rocked troversial cooperation with the NSA. yahu’s claim that the annexed Golan of people are being massacred in Syr- Boko Haram, government security forces, and pro-govern- by revelations it helped the U.S. Nation- An investigation committee said in a Heights in Syria would “for ever” remain ia, and millions of citizens have become ment militias. al Security Agency spy on European report seen by AFP in October that the under Israeli control. refugees, the Security Council has cho- School attacks are not unique to Nigeria and addressing targets. NSA had handed lists of European gov- The 15-member council agreed sen to focus on Israel, the only true de- the problem extends beyond that country’s borders. Gerhard Schindler, 63, will take early ernment offices as targets for espionage that the status of the Golan, which Is- mocracy in the Middle East. Countries truly concerned about the still-missing retirement from July 1, leaving the reins to the BND, with the request for the re- rael seized from Syria in 1967, “remains “It’s unfortunate that interested par- schoolchildren from Chibok and other towns in the north- of the BND service to Bruno Kahl, a sults be sent back to the United States. unchanged”, Chinese Ambassador Liu ties are attempting to use the council for east should join the international Safe Schools Declaration trained lawyer and currently high-rank- Although the report found that the Jieyi, who holds this month’s council unfair criticism of Israel.” and commit themselves to make schools safer for children ing finance ministry official. BND whittled down the list of thousands presidency said. Netanyahu’s April 17 declaration everywhere. “The BND faces major challenges in of NSA targets over the years, it still Liu recalled a 1981 resolution which came on the occasion of the first Israeli As in the words of the boy who had been abducted at the coming years,” said Peter Altmaier, chief maintained cooperation with Washing- states that Israel’s “decision to impose its cabinet session on the Golan since the age of 12 from his school in Somalia by al-Shabab: “Lack of of staff of Angela Merkel’s chancellery, ton. laws, jurisdiction and administration in area was seized from Syria in a 1967 war education is a lack of light. It’s darkness.” in a statement. Beyond the consequences of the the occupied Syrian Golan Heights was and annexed in 1981. (Source: Al Jazeera) These “include the development of NSA scandal, German media said the null and void and without any interna- Israel’s annexation of the Golan its profile given the changing security change at the top of the BND was also tional legal effect.” has never been recognized by the inter- challenges” as well as the “organization- partly motivated by the need for reform Liu said that the Council members national community. Riek Machar sworn in al and legal consequences of the work at the service to increasingly cover cy- “expressed deep concern” over Netan- Past U.S.-backed Israeli-Syrian peace as South Sudan’s vice of the NSA investigation committee,” he ber security, and to oversee a complex yahu’s remarks from earlier this month efforts were predicated on a return of added. move of the headquarters from the that “the Golan Heights will remain in the Golan, where some 23,000 Israelis president Altmaier did not spell out the reasons western city of Pullach to Berlin. the hands of Israel for ever.” now live alongside roughly the same for Schindler’s departure and govern- Kahl is a trusted aide of Finance Min- Israel’s response number of Druse Arabs loyal to Damas- South Sudanese rebel leader Riek Machar has returned ment spokesman Steffen Seibert de- ister Wolfgang Schaeuble, and has been Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny cus. Liu said the council supported a ne- to the capital after two years of war in what is seen as clined comment when asked at a regu- leading a ministry division in charge of Danon issued a statement rejecting the gotiated arrangement to settle the issue a step towards ending a conflict that has killed tens of lar press briefing. privatizations, investments and federal council complaint. of the Golan. thousands. (Source: AFP) (Source: Al Jazeera) But German media speculated that real estate. “Holding a meeting on this top- After landing at Juba airport on Tuesday, Machar was inaugurated as vice World to watch as Trump outlines his foreign policy president by President Salva Kiir ahead of forming a unity Donald Trump has set aside his bad-boy antics Wednes- challenge.” government. day and, with the help of a teleprompter to keep him Trump has declared the North Atlantic Treaty Organ- “Our people are tired of on message, outline what his foreign policies would be ization obsolete and said European countries should be war and they need peace, if he is elected U.S. president in November, campaign pulling more of their weight in the post-World War Two now,” Kiir said. “Together we aides say. alliance. can accomplish far more Governments alarmed at the prospect of a Trump Obama has for years urged Europeans to bolster than when we are divided. presidency will be paying close attention. Critics have their defense spending to help NATO, but unlike Trump Our strength lies only our accused the Republican front-runner of bigotry and has never said the alliance needs to be reconfigured. unity.” posing a danger to U.S. national security. In a joint paper published this month, national se- About 2.3 million Many foreign policy and defense advisers say his curity and regional experts at the Center for Strategic South Sudanese have views are worrying, mingling isolationism and protec- and International Studies rejected Trump’s position on been driven from their homes since war erupted in tionism, with calls to force U.S. allies to pay more for overseas bases. December 2013, plunging the country into a human- their defense and proposals to impose punitive tariffs on “The United States gets the better end of the deal itarian crisis. some imported goods. from its forward deterrent posture than any other na- Kiir and Machar signed a peace deal in August, but fight- “Part of what I’m saying is we love our country and tion, and its value outweighs its current costs,” Kathleen ing intensified in some areas afterwards. we love our allies, but our allies can no longer be taking Hicks, Michael Green and Heather Conley wrote in For- “The war was vicious. We lost a lot of people in it, and we advantage of this country,” Trump told reporters Tuesday military, his campaign said. eign Policy magazine. need to bring our people together so they can unite, recon- night in a speech preview. It is expected to be the first in a series of policy Trump says South Korea and Japan rely too much on cile, and heal the wounds,” Machar said. “As long as there is He said he would focus on nuclear weapons as the sin- speeches meant to show that Trump, fresh off a sweep the U.S. military presence there and should be paying for it. political will, we can overcome all of these challenges and all gle biggest threat in the world today. “I’m probably the last of five Northeastern state nominating contests on Tues- He also has said they might need to develop nuclear of these obstacles.” on the trigger,” Trump told ABC’s “Good Morning America” day, is worthy of the White House even though he never programs to counter North Korea’s atomic belligerence, Almost 200,000 live in camps for displaced peo- on Wednesday, citing his opposition to the Iraq war. held public office. prompting Obama to say Trump was ill-informed on in- ple, protected by UN peacekeepers. In one camp in Trump, 69, said he agreed with President Barack “He needs to show that he has the substance, the ternational relations. Juba, people ran through the streets celebrating after Obama’s decision to send an additional 250 U.S. Special depth of knowledge and the vision to be the American Former U.S. Navy chief Admiral Jonathan Greenert, Machar’s arrival. Forces into Syria but would not have made the decision commander in chief,” said Steve Schmidt, who was 2008 a former commander of the Japan-based U.S. Seventh ’We are all South Sudanese’ public. “I would send them in quietly because right now Republican nominee John McCain’s campaign manager. Fleet, said it was not accurate to suggest Japan and “The return of Dr Machar will change many things,” they have a target on their back,” he told CNN. Trump’s biggest backer in Washington, Republican South Korea get a free ride from the United States, since Chotlith Jany, a youth leader, told Al Jazeera. “People be- He also said his speech would focus on the econom- U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions, said the candidate would both countries are each subsidizing their U.S. base pres- lieve that all the fighting that took place, all the suffering ics of foreign policy “because we’re getting killed on offer “a more restrained foreign policy, a more realistic ence by billions of dollars a year. ... will end.” economics.” foreign policy that counts the cost not only now but in In the Middle East, Trump has said he would use U.S. Machar’s return had been expected last week, but a The billionaire businessman promises to temporari- the months and years to come.” forces to “knock the hell out of ISIL,” an acronym for Islamic series of delays by the government and rebels prevent- ly ban Muslims from entering the United States and to Views popular at home State in Iraq and the Levant terrorist group. He would get ed it. build a wall to block off Mexico. Driving much of Trump’s rhetoric is what he feels is the forces out quickly and create safe havens for Syrian If peace holds, the unity government will now have to His policies are popular with many voters who want the need to ease the U.S. financial burden overseas, fo- refugees so they do not come to the United States. set about repairing an economy near the point of collapse. change, but foreign policy elites are concerned. cus more on nation-building at home and make sure Dennis Ross, who was a Middle East adviser to Fuel prices have plunged on the global market, depriving the “It’s a perfect storm of isolationism, muscular nation- American companies pay a price for outsourcing jobs to both Democratic and Republican administrations, said country of its main source of income. alism, with a dash of pragmatism and realism,” said Aar- countries where labor is cheaper. Trump’s rhetoric suggested his worldview was something South Sudan’s diplomatic relationships have also been on David Miller, a foreign policy scholar who has worked “His views are reckless and dangerous, but that of a throwback to political thinking that drew a signifi- strained by the conflict. in Republican and Democratic administrations. doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re unpopu- cant following among Americans before the U.S. entry Last week, the government attempted to arrest an official The speech at noon in a Washington hotel will ad- lar,” said Lanhee Chen, who advised former 2016 into World War Two. from the body monitoring the peace deal, the Joint Monitor- dress issues including global trade, economic and na- Republican candidate Marco Rubio and 2012 Re- “I don’t think that anyone would feel they could count ing and Evaluation Commission (JMEC). tional security policies as well as building up the U.S. publican nominee Mitt Romney. “That’s part of the on the United States,” Ross said. (Source: Reuters) Diplomatic sources told Al Jazeera that security officers entered a meeting of foreign ambassadors and diplomats and tried to arrest Aly Verjee, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Israeli forces shoot dead two Palestinians in West Bank JMEC. “A national security officer was sent to arrest him and take Israeli forces have shot dead two Pales- eral orders to stop. tion to a butterfly knife, she added. cent told Ma’an that Israeli forces denied him to the airport,” Michael Makuei, the information minister, tinians in the occupied West Bank, for al- The woman “stopped a short dis- The Palestinian Health Ministry identi- Palestinian paramedics access to the vic- said, adding that South Sudan was a sovereign country and legedly trying to stab Israeli officers. tance from the officers, then walked fied the victims as Maram Abu Ismail, 23, tims for medical treatment. had the right to arrest him. The incident took place on Wednes- the other way with the man, when she and her 16-year-old brother, Ibrahim Taha. No Israelis were injured in the incident. The ambassadors prevented Verjee’s arrest, but he subse- day after a woman, purportedly holding suddenly turned around to face the of- The woman was killed immediately, The occupied territories have been quently left the country. a knife, and a man walked towards police ficers again, pulled a knife that was in but her brother’s death was confirmed the scene of heightened tensions since Speaking at the presidential residence after Machar’s re- and other Israeli security guards in a ve- her purse and threw it at an officer near shortly after he was shot. August 2015, when Israel imposed re- turn, Kiir apologized to the people of South Sudan, and the hicles-only lane at the Qalandiya check- her,” Israeli police spokeswoman Luba An eyewitness told Palestine’s Ma’an strictions on the entry of Palestinian wor- international community. point between al-Quds (Jerusalem) and Samri claimed. news agency that Israeli forces fired over shipers into the al-Aqsa Mosque com- “Thank you for the long patience,” Kiir said. “We are all the city of Ramallah. A second knife similar to the woman’s 15 rounds at the woman’s body. pound in East al-Quds. South Sudanese.” Israeli police said the two ignored sev- was also found in the man’s belt, in addi- Meanwhile, the Palestinian Red Cres- (Source: Press TV) (Source: Al Jazeera) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 10 SOCIETY AAPRILPRIL 228,8, 22016016 http://www.tehrantimes.com/society

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Saving Iran's precious Lake Urmia

1 What was Lake Urmia like in A: In recent years, the case of Urmia the 1990s? became more publicized in internation- A: It was a large lake and people often al media and generated interest among swam there. Many people believed that scientists and international organizations. swimming in the salty lake was healthy for For example, Japan invested $1 million in their skin. There were a lot of hotels and the area to improve agricultural man- tourist centers, but now unfortunately most agement. Several international meetings of them are out of business. took place in Iran, and even scientists Based on your research, what are the from the United States came. The Iranian main reasons why the lake is receding? government is very open and welcomes A: The main reason is the extensive water any kind of contribution. use in the basin, which happened after 54 Instead of criticizing Iran, the world dams were constructed in the area. There should do something! It’s the duty of de- are only eight permanent rivers, so there veloped countries that have more scientific is no chance for running water to flow into facilities and funding to help. the lake. There are also a lot of wells, which What are your thoughts about how pump water from underground aquifers. things will change after the sanctions are To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often. lifted, especially for Iranian scientists and Winston Churchill These two pressures prevent water from ac- cumulating in the basin. science in Iran? When did you realize that the lake A: Iran’s education and universities ex- was shrinking and that this was a serious panded in the last 20 years. There are more problem? than four million students in Iranian univer- LEARN ENGLISH A: In 2001, when I visited the northeast- courses of action Iran should take? A: Yeah! The Urmia Lake Restoration sities and the number of scientific publica- ern part of the lake to collect plants, I saw A: Agriculture in the area is currently un- Committee set up expert committees who tions in Iran has increased. But during the Attending an Ex’s Wedding that the lake is receding and there were sustainable. You could provide technologies made an action plan in 2014, which was sanctions, we couldn’t get equipment and many areas where the salt was exposed to and improved irrigation systems that require approved. In the Iranian calendar for 2015 didn’t have opportunities to participate in earth. It was completely different from what less water. Agricultural products that use lots of until 21st of March in 2016, 660 million international conferences, and exchanging Andy: What did you do last weekend? I saw in 1987. water, such as sugar beets and apples, should dollars was invested in 88 projects in the students became difficult. Lifting sanctions Yuka: I went to Jamal’s wedding. Were plants and wildlife struggling be reduced. Previously, the area was famous area. For example, they gave 200 million will be beneficial for Iranian universities and Andy: Jamal?! Your ex Jamal? to adapt? for its grape gardens, which needs one-fifth cubic meters of dam water to the lake and universities in developed countries. Yuka: Yes, that Jamal. A: Over thousands of years, salts accu- the water of apple production. We need to connected two rivers so the water flows We have seen thousands of Iranian Andy: He had the nerve to invite you to his wedding? mulated in the lake’s basin. When the lake support the farmers to change the crops they more easily. They are constructing a canal scholars [working] in the United States and Yuka: I actually thought it was nice of him to invite me. shrinks, the area exposed to air is extremely are cultivating and the government needs to to bring water from a river near the Turkish Europe. Iran is a huge country and pro- Whatever happened between us years ago is water under salty. There is no chance for plants to grow compensate them during this transition. border to the lake. They also started sub- vides a unique platform for top research- the bridge. There are no hard feelings on either side. there. After the lake became desiccated, we Many dams transfer water to urban areas sidizing agricultural sectors to reduce their ers, especially in fields of photosynthesis, breakup mutual lost many vegetation types. Plants just dried where the population has grown tremen- water use. plants, adaptation to harsh environments, Andy: You told me that the was , but I How will the lifting of the sanctions always thought you still had a soft place in your heart up or were in bad condition. dously in recent decades. With the restora- and other environmental and biodiversity tion projects running now, the construction aid these efforts to restore the lake? for him. The salinity tolerance of brine shrimp is issues. When the economic situation and of new dams is prohibited, fortunately. It A: When the sanctions are lifted, there Yuka: The truth is, when we first broke up, I did harbor some 160 grams of salt per liter, but now the sa- the stability in the area improves, our edu- should be our goal to remove many dams. will be more opportunities for cooperation cated students should have opportunities hopes of the two of us getting back together, but that never linity of the lake is almost 450 grams per lit- er, so they cannot survive these conditions. It sounds similar to Mono Lake. Los An- between Iranian and international scientists. to stay, too. came to pass. We both moved on and I wish him well. In the surrounding wetlands and estuaries, geles was taking a lot of water from the Then we can learn more from [similar water Are there other things that you’ve Andy: Well, how was the wedding? the salinity is lower, so we can still find them lake and it was shrinking and its habitat problems] in the States. been thinking about lately or that you Yuka: It was very nice and Jamal’s new wife seems to be a there. When the shrimp are gone and fla- was suffering. The new era will also help restoration look forward to after the sanctions? match good for him. mingoes come and find the remaining Mono Lake is a good example of a cor- programs. Environmental conditions in A: Our big concern now is that [U.S.] Andy: And you didn’t mind seeing them together? water extremely salty, then it’s dangerous rect decision to restore a lake. Thanks to the Iran became worse after the revolution, Republican presidential candidates say Yuka: Not at all, especially after I met Lorenzo. for them. We’ve lost many migratory birds activities of Friends of Mono Lake Reserve— because of sanctions and the eight-year that if they’re elected, they will cancel Andy: Lorenzo, huh? You’ve been holding out on me. Do coming to the area. about 16,000 people who were involved war in Iran and Iraq. I’m sure that if rela- these agreements. This would disturb an tell! If nothing were done, what would took judicial actions and got water rights tions between Iran and the world improve, achievement that cost decades of nego- (Source: eslpod.com) happen to the lake? back to the lake— it was a great success. We then there will be chances for foreign in- tiations. We should not destroy what has Words & phrases A: If land use and water consumption re- should learn from Mono Lake history. vestment in the country, implementing been planted—such a very expensive cul- ex: someone's former wife, husband, girlfriend, or boyfriend mained as it is now, then the lake would dis- Owens Lake [in eastern California] is com- new jobs for people, and supporting in- tivation. I hope we’ll always think that rela- pletely dry, and they are spending $1.2 billion dustries that reduce pressure on the en- have the nerve to do something: if you say someone has appear pretty soon. There’s no doubt about tions and cooperation are the best solution dollars to prevent dust emission in the area. vironment. Environmental problems are a nerve, you mean that they have done something unsuit- that—unless there is an unexpected rainfall, for solving problems. This lake is only 5% the size of Urmia Lake. If world problems, and the world should How long do we have to have conflicts? able or impolite, without seeming to be embarrassed about but we cannot rely on that. We believe that the only way to help the lake survive is to we were to use the same measures, it would work together to solve them. But sanc- We are big nations! Not all Iranians love behaving in this way take hundreds of billions of dollars. It is less tions make them worse, when you can’t water under the bridge: take emergency actions to stop further re- America—but they have a lot of enthusiasm used to say that what happened ductions, and then try to restore it in a rea- costly and more practical to save the habitat. import necessary technologies, talent or for development, a better life, and to be in in the past should be forgotten sonable time and reduce water consumption In your presentation, you men- manpower. contact with the world. We have to try to re- no hard feelings: used to tell someone that you do not in a well-managed plan. tioned the government’s current restora- Are people in other countries trying spect each other in spite of our differences. want to be angry with them or for them to be angry with What do you think are the main tion plan. Are people working on it now? to help in some way? (Source: Scientific American) you breakup: the act of ending a marriage or relationship mutual: when two or more people both agree to something S.Korea, Iran sign pact on driver’s licenses have a soft place in your heart for somebody: to continue to like someone even when they do not behave well harbor: to keep bad thoughts, fears, or hopes in your mind South Korea and Iran signed an agreement to allow their and policy agency, the ministry said in a press release. The The agreement was clinched ahead of President Park citizens to drive in both countries with a license obtained agreement went into force upon the signing. Geun-hye’s landmark visit to Tehran, slated for May 1-3. for a long time in their home country, the Korean Foreign Ministry said “With the agreement, peoples of the two countries can Her visit -- the first by a sitting South Korean president came to pass: to happen after a period of time move on: Wednesday, in a move to further enhance bilateral ex- live in each other’s country conveniently, and it will espe- since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1962 o develop in your life, and change your relation- changes. cially help South Korean businesses operating in Iran,” the -- is expected to focus on bolstering economic coopera- ships, interests, activities etc. Seoul’s top envoy to Iran Kim Seung-ho signed the ministry said. tion and exchanges. match: married someone suitable agreement with the chief of the Islamic republic’s traffic Some 350 South Koreans reside in Iran as of last year. (Source: Yonhap) hold out on somebody: to not tell someone about some- thing important Free diabetes screening on Tehran’s Norwegian fighter jet helps save subway dying patient QUIZ OF THE DAY SOCIETY TEHRAN — Over 600 and blood sugar tests on the passengers Quick-thinking medical staff in Nor- “They didn’t ask any questions, ex- deskmedical students from and will refer at-risk patients to the hospitals. way saved a patient’s life by calling in a cept for what size the machine was,” 146) One word is missing in the sentence below. Find this word. universities of medical sciences of Teh- They will additionally educate the citi- fighter jet to whisk live-saving medical Anders Wetting Carlsen, chief doctor Don’t fill the glasses to brim. ran will carry out free of charge diabetes zens about the diabetes, cancer and oth- equipment from another hospital. at Trondheim’s Saint Olaf hospital, (Quiz No. 145 missing word is: *they* saw a boy) screening at 77 Tehran’s subway stations er chronic diseases. The dying patient urgently needed told AFP. on Thursday. The programs aim at fostering and pro- a special lung and heart procedure In a further stroke of good luck, The volunteer program, called ‘heav- moting self-care and being attentive to one’s called extracorporeal membrane oxy- one of the fighter jets was equipped enly hands’, is administered by Shahid health and all citizens can get the aforesaid genation, but the hospital in the town with an external hold that allowed it to PHRASAL VERB Beheshti University of Medical Sciences services by referring to the subway stations of Bodø in central Norway had nei- transport equipment. The machine was in association with Tehran’s Municipality, such as Imam Khomeini, Shahid Beheshti, Ta- ther the equipment nor the skills to loaded on to the aircraft, which made Show up according to IRNA news agency. jrish, Imam Hossein, and Vali-Asr. carry it out. for Bodø at top speed. On the occasion of the ‘health week’ in Besides, 100,000 leaflets on health However, a hospital in Trondheim, “Usually we cover that distance in Iran and in step with the World Health Or- and diseases will be out and distributed about 280 miles (450km) south, did 35 minutes,” air squadron head Borge Meaning: appear, arrive ganization (WHO) that marked 2016 as the among the passengers. have a machine available, and staff Kleppe told the Norwegian daily For example: We expected William to come but he didn’t year to beat diabetes by calling for action So far 18 healthcare centers affiliated contacted the air force on 4 April for Verdens Gang. “But given the special show up. on it the medical students are going per- with Shahid Beheshti, Iran and Tehran help in transporting the equipment. nature of the cargo, the pilot stepped form free diabetes screening on the pas- universities of medical sciences expressed The request reportedly came just as on it and arrived at the destination less sengers from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday. readiness for free diagnostic and treat- two F-16 fighter jets were preparing to than 25 minutes later.” Medical students will run blood pressure ment services up to May 5. take off from an airbase nearby. (Source: The Guardian) ENGLISH PROVERB (The) darkest hour is just LEARN NEWS TRANSLATION before dawn ﻭﺭﻭﺩ ﺑﻪ ﻣﻨﻄﻘﻪ ﺣﻔﺎﻇﺖ ﺷﺪﻩ ﺍﺷﺘﺮﺍﻧﻜﻮﻩ ﻭ ﺩﺭﻳﺎﭼﻪ ﻯ ﮔﻬﺮ ,People banned from Oshtorankuh preserved area ﺗﺎ 15 ﺧﺮﺩﺍﺩ ﻣﺎﻩ ﻣﻤﻨﻮﻉ ﺷﺪ Explanation: the most difficult moment is just before a Gahar Lake for a month and half problem is solved. ﺑﻪ ﮔﺰﺍﺭﺵ ﺧﺒﺮﮔﺰﺍﺭﻯ ﻣﻬﺮ ﮔﺮﺩﺷﮕﺮﺍﻥ ﺗﺎ 15 ﺧﺮﺩﺍﺩ ﺍﻣﺴﺎﻝ ﺣﻖ ﻭﺭﻭﺩ ﺑﻪ ﻣﻨﻄﻘﻪ ﺣﻔﺎﻇﺖ ﺷﺪﻩ ﻯ ,People are forbidden to set foot in Oshtorankuh preserved area and Gahar Lake ﺍﺷﺘﺮﺍﻧﻜﻮﻩ ﻭ ﺩﺭﻳﺎﭼﻪ ﮔﻬﺮ ﺭﺍ ﻧﺨﻮﺍﻫﻨﺪ ﺩﺍﺷﺖ. .in western Lorestan province, up to June 4, 2016, Mehr news agency reported ﺑﺎ ﺗﻮﺟﻪ ﺑﻪ ﺁﻏﺎﺯ ﻓﺼﻞ ﺯﺍﻳﺶ ﻭ ﺭﻭﻳﺶ، ﻭﺭﻭﺩ ﮔﺮﺩﺷﮕﺮﺍﻥ ﺑﻪ ﻣﻨﻄﻘﻪ ﺣﻔﺎﻇﺖ ﺷﺪﻩ ﺍﺷﺘﺮﺍﻧﻜﻮﻩ ﻭ ﺩﺭﻳﺎﭼﻪ Every action has As the breeding season has started and in order to protect the newly sprouted plants, humans are not allowed to enter the preserved areas. ﮔﻬﺮ ﻣﻤﻨﻮﻉ ﺷﺪ. a reaction. We The chief of the department of environment of Lorestan province, Mehr- ﻣﻬﺮﺩﺍﺩ ﻓﺘﺤﻰ ﺑﻴﺮﺍﻧﻮﻧﺪ ﻣﺪﻳﺮﻛﻞ ﺣﻔﺎﻇﺖ ﻣﺤﻴﻂ ﺯﻳﺴﺖ ﺍﺳﺘﺎﻥ ﻟﺮﺳﺘﺎﻥ ﻫﺸﺪﺍﺭ ﺩﺍﺩ: ﺑﺎ ﺻﻴﺎﺩﺍﻥ ﻭ have one planet; dad Fat’hi-Beiranvand, warned that they would take legal action against ﺷﻜﺎﺭﭼﻴﺎﻥ ﻣﺘﺨﻠﻒ ﻭ ﻏﻴﺮﻣﺠﺎﺯ ﺩﺭ ﻣﻨﻄﻘﻪ ﺣﻔﺎﻇﺖ ﺷﺪﻩ ﺍﺷﺘﺮﺍﻧﻜﻮﻩ ﺑﺮﺧﻮﺭﺩ ﻗﺎﻧﻮﻧﻰ ﻣﻰ ﺷﻮﺩ ﻭ poachers, adding, livestock are also banned from the area and not allowed ﻫﻤﭽﻨﻴﻦ ﺩﺭ ﺍﻳﻦ ﻣﺪﺕ ﺍﺯ ﻭﺭﻭﺩ ﺩﺍﻡ ﻫﺎ ﻧﻴﺰ ﺟﻠﻮﮔﻴﺮﻯ ﻣﻰ ﺷﻮﺩ. .one chance. to graze in them I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y

http://www.tehrantimes.com/sports AAPRILPRIL 228,8, 22016016 SPORTS 11

OOurur ultimateultimate goalgoal isis ttoo bbecomeecome AAsiansian PAPER ROUND Bayern want Alexis Sanchez, Mats Hummels snubs cchampion,hampion, ssaysays BBrankoranko IIvankovicvankovic Manchester United

SPORTS Persepolis head coach Branko Ivankovic Bayern Munich sound out Alexis Sanchez, Mats Hummels snubs deskrevealed his team’s ultimate goal as they Premier League clubs and Arsenal attempt a raid on a Chelsea preparing for the tough clash against Naft Tehran in the 28th starlet. It’s Wednesday’s Paper Round. week of Iran Professional League. Bayern Munich want Alexis Sanchez “First, I would like to thank my players who did a great job The Mirror are reporting that German powerhouse Bayern against Esteghlal Ahvaz in a bizarre situation at Ahvaz’s Takhti Munich are after the signature of Alexis Sanchez. The report says Stadium last Friday,” Branko Ivankovic told reporters in a pre- that Bayern have been making enquiries about whether Arsenal match press conference. and Arsene Wenger would be prepared to sell their star forward, “Mohsen Bengar, Ramin Rezaeian, Milad Kamandani and and that Bayern are seeking Reza Khaleghifar are all injured and could not be available for to take advantage of the fact our important game against Naft Tehran. But we have good Sanchez has been in poor players on the bench who can help us just like the first team form recently. The interest players,” he added. comes as Arsenal seek to tie “We have a tough game against Naft who is a great team Sanchez down to a new con- with a good coach. They have Jalal Hosseini, Vahid Amiri and tract, since it’s been two years Alireza Beiranvand who are all international players. We will since he came to London for a go to take the three points and get a step closer to the title transfer fee of £33 million. and I would like our fans to come to the stadium to support Paper Round’s view: The us,” Persepolis coach added. ball is comfortably in Arse- “We have set the goals at the start of the season. First we nal’s court regarding this is- wanted to book a place in the next year’s Asian Champions sue. There is no way on God’s League and fortunately we have achieved it. Our next goal is green earth Arsene Wenger to win the title while our ultimate one is to become the Asian allows his prized asset to just champions,” he added. up and leave because of some Persepoli, who is currently at the top of the IPL table with poor form and fitness issues. Bayern will probably have to look 51 points from 27 games, will take on Naft on Thursday while elsewhere. second-placed Esteghlal meet Saipa. Third-placed Esteghlal Dortmund ace Mats Hummels set to snub Man Unit- Khouzestan will play Rah Ahan at home. ed for Bayern Munich The Sun are reporting Borussia Dortmund’s defensive rock Mats Hummels is finalising a £23.5m move to Bayern Munich, Masoud Ashrafi elected as new Secretary Sourian to represent Iran at Wrestling at the expense of Manchester United who have been moni- General of Iran Paralympic Committee Olympic Qualification toring him for some time. The report says Hummels will likely return to his old club in the summer, after eight years at title rivals Dortmund. Both United and Manchester City were keen on sounding out for a move Hummels, but now appear to be beaten to the punch. Paper Round’s view: That’s a fairly big blow to a few Pre- mier League clubs that have been eying Hummels for a while. He’s an incredible player, equally physical at the contest and skilled on the ball. Sometimes even the prestige of the Premier League and the riches that come along with it, isn’t enough to get a player over the line. Arsenal planning raid of Chelsea young gun Dominic Solanke Chelsea’s 18-year-old Dominic Solanke is demanding a £50,000 a week contract to stay at Stamford Bridge, leaving the door open for an Arsenal raid according to the Sun. While Arsenal are reportedly not willing to meet the youngster’s high wage demands, they’re willing to offer him a bigger role within the squad. Paper Round’s view: It’s a very bold statement of intent from SPORTS Masoud Ashrafi was Ashrafi took charge of the role until 2020. SPORTS Hamid Sourian will Olympics. desk desk Solanke. Perhaps he is not worth the wages he’s asking for, but elected as the new Masoud Ashrafi’s first term of office represent Iran in the The 2016 World Wrestling Olympic his desire for first team football is no different to a lot of Chelsea Secretary General of I.R. Iran National at this position, ended after the 2008 World Wrestling Olympic Qualification Qualification Tournament 2 is the second youngsters. They’re mostly loaned out multiple times or have been Paralympic Committee on Wednesday. Paralympic Games in Beijing. Tournament 2. of two worldwide qualification tourna- waiting behind underpeforming first team stars for too long. In the14th General Assembly of I.R. Two deputies of Ministry of Sports& The competition will be held in Istan- ments for the 2016 Olympics. Nigel Pearson closing in on Aston Villa gig Iran NPC that was held at the Iran’s Youth, I.R. Iran NOC Secretary General, bul, Turkey from May 6 to 8. Competitors of this tournament Leicester City’s former boss Nigel Pearson is closer to land- Sports Federation for the Disabled (IRIS- Deputy of Education Minister as well as The 59kg Greco-Roman wrestler has failed qualify for the Olympics through ing the job at Aston Villa, as the Mirror report he’s had a sec- FD) Headquarters, Ashrafi was elected as the Head of I.R. Iran Welfare Organization lost in two Olympic qualifications in Ka- performance at the 2015 World Wres- ond round of talks with the Championship bound club. Pear- the Secretary General of I.R. Iran National attended the Assembly. zakhstan and Mongolia and it’s the last tling Championships, at their respective son hasn’t been working since his controversial removal from Paralympic Committee after winning 45 During the assembly, the attending chance for him to secure his place in the regional qualifier, or at the 2016 World Leicester in June of last year, but remains highly regarded as a votes of 48 votes. members and officials appreciated Amir Olympics. Wrestling Olympic Qualification Tourna- candidate as Villa seek to bounce back from their horror year Alireza Hosseini and Aliasghar Has- Mandegarfard, the former NPC Secretary The six-time world champion won ment 1. and return to the Premier League. sanzadeh withdrew from the election in General, for his great efforts during his the gold medal in the 55 kg Greco-Ro- The top two competitors in each Paper Round’s view: Pearson was responsible for bringing favor of Ashrafi. term of office. man competition at the 2012 Summer weight class will qualify. Leicester back into the Premier League with some shrewd scout- ing decisions and a sustainable style of football, so no wonder he’s top of Villa’s list. Whether Pearson can go back to the well and recreate that magic is another matter entirely. Iran beats Kyrgyzstan at AFC U-14 Girls' Championship (Source: Eurosport)

SPORTS Iran beat Kyrgyzstan 2-0 in Group A told Fars news agency. deskof the AFC U-14 Girls’ Regional Cham- The competition has brought seven teams together in pionship for the South and Central zone campaign on two groups of three and four teams. Comeback kings Liverpool face Wednesday. The top two teams of each group will qualify for the Roghayeh Jalalnasab netted a brace for the Iranian next stage. Villarreal in Europa League team in the 18th and 60th minutes. Iran opened the completion with a 3-0 win over host “I am satisfied with the way we played against Kyr- Tajikistan on Tuesday. Liverpool’s reward for their stirring Europa League fightback gyzstan and our players are motivated to defeat Bhutan The next match-ups in Group A on Thursday will see against Borussia Dortmund was a semi-final against Spanish on Thursday as well,” Iran coach Masoumeh Jahanchi Iran taking on Bhutan. side Villarreal in Friday’s draw that also pitched holders Sevilla against Shakhtar Donetsk. Juergen Klopp’s Liverpool came from 3-1 down against FIFA President Infantino condoles passing of Iran’s Oladi Dortmund to win 4-3 with a goal in stoppage time that se- cured a 5-4 aggregate success. SPORTS FIFA President Gianni Infantino extends Oladi started his career at Persepolis in 2003 before They will now travel to Spain for the first leg against Villar- deskhis deepest sympathies to the family transferring to Dubai club Al Shabab for a season. real, who are fourth in La Liga, on April 28 with the return at and friends of Iranian football player Mehrdad Oladi who He also plied his trade for Iranian Pro League giants Naft Anfield on May 5. passed away last Tuesday at the age of 30. Tehran and Esteghlal, with the latter releasing him in 2014 The Spanish side owe their nickname, Yellow Submarine, “I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to Oladi’s family before he joined Malavan. to Liverpool’s most famous sons, The Beatles. and Iranian football fans. He was very young and we were Oladi made his debut for the IR Iran senior team against They have a terrible record playing against Premier shocked by the news at FIFA. Our thoughts and prayers go China, going on to amass 13 caps for Team Melli, scoring League opposition, however, and are without a win in their out to Oladi’s family and friends,” said Infantino in a letter to his solitary goal against Bahrain in the 6th West Asian Foot- last 10 games against English sides. Iran Football Federation President Ali Kafashian. ball Federation Championship. Liverpool, despite their struggles in the Premier League this season, will begin as favourites as they bid to reach a 12th European final, meeting a Villarreal side who have never contested a single one. Eden Hazard aiming to be the star of Euro 2016 “Liverpool are used to winning trophies, we’re going to experience a very special atmosphere there,” former Spain and Villarreal midfielder Marcos Senna said. The Belgian winger only scored his first Premier League But he hopes he has timed his return to form and fitness Sevilla, who are bidding for a record third straight Europa goals of an injury-hit campaign at the weekend. perfectly to shine in France this summer. League title, will play Shakhtar, who lifted the trophy in 2009. Eden Hazard wants to put his difficult season behind He said: “Being out (injured) is not cool but it allows you The holders, who beat fellow Spaniards Athletic Bilbao on him by finishing Euro 2016 as the star of the tournament. to be able to relax and get some rest. penalties in the quarter-final, will have home advantage for Winger Hazard was named the best player in the coun- “So I will probably be fresher for the European Cham- the second leg. try last season after inspiring Chelsea to a Premier League pionships but we’ll see whether it was a good thing or a The tie gives Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu an opportunity and Capital One Cup double. bad thing. for revenge after the Ukrainians were beaten by Sevilla in the But he has had a nightmare 2015/16 campaign along “I want to be the star of the European Championship. last 16 of the UEFA Cup nine years ago when the Spanish side’s with Chelsea, suffered a huge dip in form and been dogged “I’m going to give the maximum in order to succeed and keeper Andres Palop headed a 94th-minute equaliser. by a troublesome hip injury. I hope that I will be ready at the start of the tournament. Sevilla won the tie in extra time and went on to win. Hazard returned from his latest lay-off to score twice in “I hope to be 100% and not have to bother with more “I don’t think about that game anymore,” Lucescu said. “We Chelsea’s 4-1 win at Bournemouth on Saturday. injuries. I will give everything to win the European Champi- will try to take revenge, but it will be very difficult.” They were the Belgian’s first Premier League goals for onship. You never know...” The final will take place in Basel on May 18. 355 days and 29 games for Chelsea. (Source: Mirror) (Source: Reuters) b

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NEWS Istanbul graphic design Italian translator working on Moradi Kermani’s “Water Urn” exhibit hangs works by

CULTURE TEHRAN — Italian translator of Per- desksian literature Daniela Meneghini of the Ca’Foscari University of Venice is working on renowned Iranian artists Iranian author Hushang Moradi Kermani’s “The Water Urn”. ARTTEHRAN — A num- He added that Rasul Khosravi from “The Water Urn” has been previously translated into deskber Iranian artists’ Iran has also received an encour- English by the U.S. Persian literature scholar Caroline works are on display at the Istanbul agement award at the competition Croskery. Graphic Design Week exhibition, “Crossing Frontiers”, while the first “The Water Urn” has which is currently underway at Mimar prize was given to Michele Santella been translated into 14 Sinan Fine Arts University. from Italy. languages. A movie was The artists are from the Vijeh Five of the participating Iranian also produced based on School of Visual Communications students have been selected to at- the book titled “The Jar” in Tehran, graphic designer Amroll- tend a five-day workshop during the by Ebrahim Foruzesh, ah Farhadi said in a press release on program, he added. which won The Golden Wednesday Farhadi also said that the dis- Leopard of Locarno Inter- A collection of 80 posters by Ra- played works will later be shown in national Film Festival. sul Khosravi, Fatemeh Afshar, Elham Tehran’s Vijeh Gallery. A poster The story is set in a Es’haqi, Mostafa Behzadi, Hamed The Istanbul Graphic Design Week, by two-room schoolhouse in Shamlu, Puneh Shafiei and several which will run until May 18, is an ed- Fatemeh a village near the city of other artists have been selected for ucational activity organized annually Afshar Kerman, the hometown of the exhibit. by Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University. the author. The students from all grades attend a common Salar Aqili starts Leymer to perform at class, which is led by a teacher. They all use the water North American tour contained in a big clay jar in a corner of the school to French festival quench their thirst. ARTTEHRAN — Re- CULTURE TEHRAN — Ley- The students find the jar broken when they arrive at desknowned Iranian deskmer, a folk music school in the morning on a freezing winter day. A great vocalist Salar Aqili along with his group from the southern Iranian city controversy is aroused as they begin to trace who is in- fellow instrumentalists started his of Bushehr, will perform at the 44th volved in the incident. tour of North America in Philadel- World Cultures Festival, which will be Finally, the schoolmaster, Mr. Samadi, finds out that phia last Friday, performing selec- held in the French city of Montoire- the water urn has been broken as a result of freezing tions from the album “The Silent sur-le-Loir from August 10 to 15. due to the cold weather. Then, the students and villagers Tavern”. The leader of the ensemble, Mo- unite to repair the jar. Aqili will also perform in Wash- hammadreza Beladi, is also sched- ington D.C., Atlanta, Chicago, St. uled to deliver a speech about the Louis, North Carolina, Dallas, Mi- rituals, folk music and traditions of ami, Los Angeles, San Diego, San his native land on the sidelines of the NEWS IN BRIEF Jose, Vancouver and Toronto. event on August 11. His band features Saeid Fa- Bands from Argentina, Armenia, rajpuri on kamancheh, Hossein on tombak. Bulgaria, the Ivory Coast, France, Ha- In the Bushehr local dialect, Ley- Iranian troupe to take Behruzinia on barbat, Hamin Ho- The tour will end in Waterloo, waii, Japan, Thailand and Venezuela mer refers to a seasonal wind that is “Timeloss” to Taipei nari on daf and Harir Shariatzadeh Canada on May 8. will participated in the event. believed to bring blessings.

Honaronline/Hassan Motahhari PICTURE OF THE DAY Iranian director stages ARTTEHRAN — Mehr Theater “Berlin Wall” based on deskGroup, a Paris-based Ira- nian troupe led by director Amir-Reza Ku- Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” hestani, plans to perform their acclaimed play “Timeloss” in Taipei, Taiwan in November. ARTTEHRAN — Iranian “Timeloss” tells the story of two former deskdirector Shayan Afka- lovers sitting in a room bickering over an ri plans to showcase a performance art argument they have had so many times and entitled “Berlin Wall” based on “The Wall”, began so many years ago that they know it British group Pink Floyd’s bestselling 1979 by heart. album. The play, starring Hassan Majuni and Ma- Speaking to the Persian service of hin Sadri, has previously been performed in MNA on Tuesday, Afkari said that Pink Switzerland, France, Germany, Belgium, the Floyd’s “The Wall” concert in Berlin in Netherlands, the U.S. and several other coun- 1990, the year after the Berlin Wall was tries. dismantled, inspired him to work on the performance. Tehran museum to “I was thrilled by the way the band performed the concert when I saw a vid- showcase posters by eo of the performance,” he said. Polish artists “Afterwards, I began to translate lyrics of the album’s songs into Persian to stage what is being described in the songs in a ARTTEHRAN — The Tehran Mu- performance art,” he added. deskseum of Contemporary Art in “I have no political intention of staging collaboration with Lajevardi Foundation will the performance,” Afkar noted and add- host an exhibition of posters by Polish graphic ed, “The intentions of the performance is designers from April 29 to May 1. to condemn war.” Polish Ambassador Juliusz Jacek Gojlo and a Alireza and Mohammadreza Sharifi number of his compatriot artists are scheduled will collaborate in the project as design- to attend the opening ceremony of the event, ers of movements. Esrafil Shirchi creates a calligraphy work during the closing ceremony of the 1st Art and Health Festival at Tehran’s Niavaran Cultural Center The performance art will be held which also will include several meetings and on April 26, 2016. (Honaronline/) workshops. every night from May 10 to June 2. Tehran to host Abbas Kiarostami released from hospital meeting of Iranian, ARTTEHRAN — Renowned Iranian this does not mean I have fully recovered. I Korean poets deskfilmmaker Abbas Kiarostami was hope to continue to improve and gain full re- released from Tehran’s Jam Hospital on Tues- covery at home,” Kiarostami said. day. According to his brother Bahram, the med- CULTURE TEHRAN — A meeting of Ira- Leaving the hospital, he told the Persian ser- ical treatment will take 10 more days, but his desknian and South Korean poets vice of ISNA that he expect to make a full re- family expects the filmmaker to recover sooner will be held at the Research Institute for Cul- covery in his home. while he is resting in his own home. tural Heritage and Tourism (RICHT) in Tehran Kiarostami, 76, was hospitalized in mid- All the doctors and nurses wished Kiarostami on May 2. March due to a severe gastrointestinal disease better health and asked the filmmaker to better The meeting has been organized in col- and underwent several operations. look after himself before he stepped out of the laboration with the Literature Translation “I leave the hospital today after 50 days, but hospital. Institute of Korea to celebrate the visit of South Korean President Park Geun-hye to Tehran. Eric Bana returns to comedy in “Special Correspondents” Korean literati, including Chung Ho-sung, LONDON (Reuters) — Australian on the film with “The Office” creator not get in trouble for it was nice,” Bana a New York radio station. But when Kim Hu-run, Shin Dal-ja and Jang Seok-nam, actor Eric Bana returns to comedy Ricky Gervais as “too much fun”. said in an interview. Finch loses their passports they make and Iranian poets Mohammad-Ali Bahmani with a turn as an egotistical journalist “Quite often when you’re working The film follows two journalists, up an elaborate lie that they have and Fatemeh Rakei will attend the one-day in Netflix movie “Special Correspond- on a drama it can go the other way. Frank Bonneville (Bana) and Ian Finch been kidnapped. meeting. ents”. Getting to work with the most famous (Gervais) who are due to visit Ecua- “Special Correspondents” pre- The “Troy” actor described working corker of all time in Ricky Gervais and dor and cover an ongoing conflict for mieres on Netflix on Friday.