Whoever isresponsible recoveries and 353 deaths. 55,385 with 6, August until confirmed years, scientists say. even or months several for closely lowed then fol and 40,000is required people 20,000- on data vaccine the of efficacy and qualified health staff. To demonstrate as theneedtorecruitenoughparticipants vaccine-makers aroundtheworld, such use in the fifth stage. will beapprovedforlimitedvaccine efficacy tests. If Phase III is successful III vaccines are tested in large-scale cines in expanded safety trials. In Phase safety and dosage. Phase II tests vac starts humantrialsandtestsvaccine preclinical non-human trials. Phase I use of vaccine. First stage starts with phases beforeapprovalforlimited campaign launched on July 16. other neighboringemiratesaspartof be opentoresidentsofSharjahand willand day per volunteers to 500 up register can facility The Sharjah. in first timeforvolunteerstoregister opened outsideAbuDhabiforthe wascenter medical months.A six to living intheUAEandwilllastthree 60and 18 between aged volunteers the vaccine to the market. takingbefore phase research scientific III Phase the conclude to needed are in 28 days. Around 15,000 volunteers two dosesafter generating antibodies resulted in100percentofvolunteers China,whichin Sinopharm jing-based ed bystate-ownedpharmaceuticalBei of thefirsttwophasestestsconduct U trials begininUAE Covid-19 vaccine First PhaseIII Sinopharm GNBG. News, and G42Healthcare Dhabi-based Gulf the Abu by developed was vaccine the to According 5. onAugust various outlets media reported pandemic, Covid-19 rus inactivat- an to combatcoronavi- vaccine ed of trials clinical III File photo Phase III trials present challenges for Phase III trials are open to individual The thirdphasefollowsthesuccess been have cases 61,606 UAE the In There are five stages and threeand stages five are There hosting world’s first Phase first world’s hosting Prevention announceditis AE MinistryofHealthand Journalist ARTICLE Salman Parviz Salman painful tragedy the Lebanese in the Iran standing by

7 must betried WWW.TEHRANTIMES.COM - - - - 2 efforts to defuse tensions between Tehran and Arabia to deescalate tensions in the region. His that he is still mediating between Iran and Saudi the Tehran Times. disagreements with Iran, a former diplomat told the Saudis’unwillingnesstofundamentallysolve Arabia, but his efforts ended in deadlock due to made efforts to mediate between Iran and Saudi Khan Imran Minister Prime Pakistani region, the in tensions calm to bid a —In TEHRAN

Mehr/ Mahdi Shojaeian 12 Pages The Pakistaniprimeminsterhasrecentlysaid Rome ‘sodeepandcomplete’culturalties:envoy Italian embassyresponsiblefordepictingTehran- the PandemicChangedourLives”co-performed Clips: project“81/2Theater How video-theater unveiling ceremony of the first episode of a joint with theTehranTimesonsidelinesofan in hisresidenceduringanexclusiveinterview amazing as well.” our futureprojectswhicharegoingtobequite to forward look we so areas, different in Iran tion that has always existed between Italy and peoplethestoryofthisimportantconnec tell to and richness this showcase to responsibility and socompleteinevery area, wedohavea between the two nations. developedbeen long have ties,which cultural therichnessofsodeepandcomplete depicting has saidthathisembassyishighlyresponsiblefor Italian ambassador to Tehran Giuseppe Perrone By Afshin Majlesi Perrone madetheremarkslateonWednesday “I think because our cultural ties are so deep Price50,000Rials marine sediments extract antibiotics from Iranian researchers 1.00EURO 4.00AED Why Imran didn’t Khan it make - a common ground between the two countries. find to bid a in Arabia Saudi and Iran to visits Riyadh beganinOctober2019, whenhepaid October 2019,” the statement said. 13 on Iran to visit a undertaking be will Khan and security in the region, Prime Minister Imran issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry at the time. sions intheregion, accordingtoastatement 42ndyear “As partofhisinitiativetopromotepeace Imran Khan paid a visit to Iran to defuse ten This wasthesecondhigh-levelmeetingbe better connect with one another.” identity, it’spartofwhoweare,andithelpsusto and thisextremelyimportantbecauseitispartof how ourcountriesareheirstoancientcivilizations is extremelyimportantbecauseittellstheworld are “heirs to ancient civilizations.” archaeological cooperationasthetwocountries and learning how to work together.” discoveries, working with Iranian archaeologists ogist missions came to Iran and did important because over sixty years many Italian archaeol missions, whichhasbeenquite anachievement November, wecelebrated60yearsofourjoint cooperation between Italy and Iran … Last, in chaeology isoneofthemosttraditionalareas said:“Ar envoy nations,the two the between by Iranian and Italian artists. The ambassador stressed the need forgreater need the ambassador stressed The Briefing on the history of archaeological ties “Archaeology is certainly an area for us that “Archaeology iscertainlyanareaforusthat 9 No.13731

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8 European leagues Iranian playerin Azmoun mostdecorated 9,2020 - - - - prime minister, Arabia, Pakistaniofficials, includingthe Saudiand Iran between war called Khan meeting in New York. sidelines ofthe74thUNGeneralAssembly the met with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Tehran. Earlier in September, Imran Khan had long-simmering tensionsbetweenRiyadhand an officials, whose main goal was to deescalate tween the Pakistani prime minister and Irani- See page10 See afternoon. Tuesday on happened inthe port ofBeirut to thevictimsof massiveexplosionthat iness toprovide humanitarianassistance cent Society (IRCS) for its immediate read Kataneh has thanked the Iranian Red Cres field hospital and medicine to Lebanon. sending is Iran that Wednesday on said for treatment of the injured. hospitals field and supplies, medical and reported. The consignments include food correspondentfromBeirut news agency explosions intheLebanese capital, theMehr itarian aidtoBeirutfollowingdevastating Iran has dispatched two shipments of human In an attempt to prevent what Imran what prevent to attempt an In

field hospital Mordad 19,1399 Head oftheLebanese RedCross George Foreign MinisterMohammadJavad Zarif Iran setsup says tumulthelpsTrump U.S. protests:ProtestsrockPortland,mayor outside aprecinctandprotesterswereordered Portland policedeclaredanunlawfulassembly mediate future. im the in buildings” public on “attacks more Wheeler alsowarned thatthecityanticipated alongside Portland police chief Chuck Lovell. on Thursdayinahastilycallednewsconference ing tocommitmurder,” MayorTedWheelersaid Portland since George Floyd was killed. city’s mayordecriedtheunrestthathasroiled coast cityonThursdaynight,hoursafterthe eral officials appeared to bring calm. days afteranagreementbetweenstateandfed Oregon, have ratcheteduptensionsinthecity and policeintheUnitedStatescityofPortland, Violent clashesthisweekbetweenprotesters By staff & agencies According toalJazeera, OnThursdaynight, “You arenotdemonstrating,youattempt in thewest rally to continued Demonstrators I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y in Beirut

is alsothechiefeditorofGaza’s AlMujta Human RightsFilmFestival inGazawho Abu Shamala, theCEOofRedCarpet val executiveAhadMikailzadeh,Mofeed with the Iranian festival. tinian film events are seeking better ties Film Festival havesaidthatsomePales International Resistance the of edition TEHRAN —Theorganizersofthe16th unexpectedly intercepted”bytwoAmer unexpectedly to Beirut on July 23, “was aggressively and had taken off from Tehran and was heading that Mahan Airlines Airbus A310, which the UNMajidTakht-Ravanchicomplained Council on Friday, Iran’s Ambassador to General AntonioGuterresandtheSecurity it an “adventuristic act” and “unlawful.” month,calling last Syria over warplanes an Iranian passenger plane by two U.S. ed Statesaccountableforharassmentof Iran has urged the UN to hold the Unit

the government hadforeseenonly119 the bakht, thementionedearningscameas year (March 20-July 21). months of the current Iranian calendar four first the in billion) $3.6 (over rials trillion 160 government the brought has offering shares of state-owned companies Organization(PBO)hassaidthat Budget TEHRAN — for ‘adventuristic’ airliner harassment Iran urges UN to hold U.S. accountable Iran urges UNto holdU.S.accountable

Palestinian film events seek better ties Palestinian film events seekbetter ties In a letter sent to the Resistance festi In identical letters sent to UN Secretary 2 According to Mohammad-BaqerAccording No

Dhul Hijjah Dhul Hijjah Govt. raises$3.6bbysellingGovt. stocks 11 Head of Iran’s Planning and with Iran Resistance festival with IranResistance festival 19, 1441 - - - - - various charges. imperialist, colonial, andarrogantpolicies of in theregionaccuse everyonewhoopposestheir “terrorist,” he notes that the U.S. and its proxies more cautious about what he says. another voicefromthenationthat wouldmakehim mation of Iraq’s sovereignty. a violationofdiplomaticnormsand anunderesti- allowed for such ameddling, whichisconsidered subordination,” Shammari points out. global balanceofpowerexceptthroughthis the in value significant no has it that and America of thatitisjustaservileandpettyfollower forgetting lomatic job and interferes in Iraqi domestic affairs. that theBritish ambassadoralwaysviolateshisdip mari warned. represent youroldcountryasadiplomat,” al-Sham keep his views to himself. militarychief,urgedtheseniordiplomatto deputy strengthening its grip on the war-torn Iraq. on Hashdal-Shaabi, accusingtheorganizationof he called “militia groups.” since lastSeptember, postedatweetagainstwhat post the in served has who Hickey, Stephen Iraq, TEHRAN —OnJune27, Britain’sambassadorto Iran, al-Nujabasays Iraq tobehostile S. Arabia,U.S.want - By MohammadMazhari “He stilldreamsthathiscountryisagreatempire, In this regard, Shammari tells the Tehran Times In response, Nasr al-Shammari, the al-Nujaba’s n aeig rq gop o idvdas as individuals or groups Iraqi labeling On ShammariaskedAmbassadorHickey tohear He says a passive position by Iraqi officials has “Stop lyingandmindyourownbusiness Hickey incited Iraqi people to turn their backs then don’t show up.” had said. “If you don’t want to be part of that, Trump -becauseyouabsolutelyare,” themayor Donald campaign of a propforthere-election participating inthisactivity, youarenotbeing they covered demonstrations. resting protestersandpushingjournalistsas on socialmediaimagesofpoliceforcefullyar to police vehicles. ofrebarinthestreetthatcauseddamage made ties said somedemonstratorsinthegrouplaid deployed, news outlets reported. Portland police to push people away. Smoke canisters were also of demonstrators, attimesrunningthecrowd burn the precinct. vandaliseand ofthecrowdwasto intent the to leave. They had said earlier that they believed releases “Song of Humanity” Humanity” of “Song releases Orchestra National Iran’s in honor of health workers health of honor in ------“Don’t thinkforamomentthatifyouare Demonstrators andjournalistshaveshared Police clearedtheareaaroundprecinct first edition took place in May 2015. gional and global humanitarian issues. The re on films animated and documentary Festival inGazapresentsshort,feature, on Friday. derstanding, theorganizersannounced themtosignamemorandumofun upon to theorganizersofeventandcalled hasexpressedhisthanks ma newspaper, investigation” investigation” into the incident. and calledfor “a promptandaccurate of Iran had contacted Syrian authorities Aviation Organization of Islamic Republic on International Civil Aviation, the Civil line withprovisionsoftheConvention ing injuries to those onboard, he added. pilot hadtochangealtitudeabruptlycaus in ordertosavethepassengers’lives, the fensive andhazardousmaneuvering” and ican F-15 fighter jets in Syrian airspace. other other sources. is offsetting the budget deficits through revenues havefallen,sothegovernment Iranian oil exports have declined and oil pandemic, coronavirus by the sion caused the U.S. sanctions and the global reces four months. ital market revenuesforthementioned trillion rials (about $2.83 billion) of cap- The Red Carpet Human Rights Film The RedCarpetHumanRightsFilm In response to the U.S. warplanes’ “of Takht-Ravanchi alsonotedthatin According to the official, in the face of

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Diplomat says Iran to Ayatollah Khamenei: Iran standing continue supporting Lebanon

POLITICAL TEHRAN – Tehran’s Ambassador to Russia, deskKazem Jalali, has said that Iran will continue by the Lebanese in the painful tragedy supporting the Lebanese people and government. In a meeting with Lebanese Ambassador to Russia Chawki POLITICAL TEHRAN — In anniversary of the atomic bombing Bou Nassar on Friday, Jalali offered the Lebanese people deska message late on of Hiroshima by the United States, condolences over a massive blast in Beirut on Tuesday after- Wednesday, Leader of the Islamic Ayatollah Khamenei also said that noon that killed at least 157 people and injured about 5,000. Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali several books can and should be written The Lebanese diplomat praised Iran for its supports. Khamenei expressed sympathy with the about the crimes of the armies of the According to the authorities, the explosion was caused by Lebanese people and said Iran stand by arrogant powers. 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate, confiscated by the customs them in the painful tragedy resulting “In August 1945, the United States services in 2014 and since stored in the port. The city has from a huge explosion at Beirut Port. instantly killed 100,000 people with an been declared a disaster site, with a state of emergency being “We sympathize with dear Lebanese atomic bomb in the city of Hiroshima!” imposed for two weeks. citizens and stand by them in the painful the Leader said. In a phone conversation with Lebanese President Michel tragedy of the explosion occurred at Ayatollah Khamenei said, “This is Aoun on Thursday, President Hassan Rouhani said that Iran Beirut Port which killed and injured the nature of an arrogant, irreligious, is ready to send humanitarian aid to Lebanon. many people and caused severe atheistic, and immoral army,” adding, Iran has already set up field hospitals in Beirut. damages,” Leader said in the massage. “If one wants to talk about the crimes Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had announced Ayatollah Khamenei added, “Patience of the armies of the arrogant powers, on Wednesday that Iran was sending field hospital and med- in the face of this tragic incident will several books can and should be written.” icine to Lebanon. be a golden page of Lebanon’s honors.” The United States launched the first “Reiterated #Iran’s strong and steadfast solidarity with On Tuesday afternoon, a massive atomic bomb in a devastating attack people of Lebanon in call with FM Wehbeh. Iran is sending explosion rocked Beirut with the force on the city of Hiroshima on August 6, field hospital & medicine to assist with disaster relief. Iran of an earthquake followed by a shock 1945. Thousands of people were killed stands with Lebanon,” Zarif tweeted. wave that devastated much of the city underneath a deadly mushroom cloud. Right after the tragic event, Zarif wrote, “Our thoughts and leading to the death of at least 157 people Three days later on August 9, a second prayers are with the great and resilient people of Lebanon.” and injury of more than 5,000 others. atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, Zarif added, “As always, Iran is fully prepared to render ‘Several books can be written “Patience in the face of this tragic incident killing thousands more and pushing assistance in any way necessary.” about crimes of arrogant powers’ Japan to surrender during World War Iran’s chief diplomat asked the Lebanese to “stay strong” will be a golden page of Lebanon’s honors,” armies’ Two. It was the last nuclear bomb used in the face of the calamity. In a tweet on the occasion of the 75th the Leader says in message to the Lebanese. in armed conflict. “Stay strong, Lebanon,” Zarif said. Rouhani phones Aoun, says Iran ready to provide any Iran does not consider Hook’s departure as game-changer: diplomat By staff and agency policy of “maximum pressure”. help to Lebanon Alireza Miryousefi, head of media office of Iran’s Mission to the “Tightening sanctions cannot impede Iran’s scientific and UN, has said that top United States’ envoy for Iran Brian Hook’s defense progress. These advances will continue by the scien- POLITICAL TEHRAN – President Hassan Rouhani desk departure from his post is not considered as game-changer tists and youths’ endeavor. The policy of maximum pressure called Lebanese President Michel Aoun on by Iran. has failed against the Iranian people’s determination and its Thursday to tell him that Iran is ready to provide medical, food Hook’s departure “does not concern us and is not something continuation along with other wrong policies of Trump will and relief aid to the Lebanese following a devastating blast we consider as a game-changer,” he told Reuters in an interview lead to his defeat in presidential elections,” he wrote in a tweet at Beirut port on Tuesday night that left at least 150 people published on Thursday. in Persian on August 2. killed, over 5000 injured and 250,000 homeless. Hook will be replaced by Elliott Abrams, who will combine In a tweet in June, Vaezi said that the Donald Trump admin- “Iran’s foreign and health ministers, as well as the head the Iran special representative job with his current role as special istration has no way but revising wrong policies and making up of the Red Crescent, have been tasked with keeping in touch envoy for Venezuela. for past mistakes, especially economic and medical terrorism with their counterparts so that we can provide any assistance U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo confirmed Hook’s against Iran. to Lebanon’s people quickly,” Rouhani stated. departure, but did not give any reasons for his departure. Vaezi, a former deputy foreign minister, predicted that Trump Rouhani added the Iranians sympathize with the Lebanese Hook was a central figure in implementing the Trump ad- will lose the November election if he insists on his wrong policies. people over the tragic incident. ministration’s “maximum pressure” policy on Iran. He has “Continuation of practicing discriminatory policy and pushing Aoun praised the Iranian government and people’s sym- claimed the “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran had knee on neck and tightening unilateral sanctions and health team that concluded the Iran nuclear agreement, has described pathy over the Beirut explosion. been “very successful”. and economic terrorism against the Iranian people will not Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign against Tehran as an “The Lebanese people have always appreciated the attention Miryousefi told Reuters, “The so-called ‘maximum pressure’ end in Trump’s victory in elections, and will just make this instance of his “painful” and “costly” foreign policy failures. and love of the Iranian people and government,” Aoun said. campaign waged by the U.S. government has failed.” administration more isolated. The United States has no way “Trump’s approach to Iran is another painful and costly “Naturally, it is time-consuming to investigate all aspects “Iran is not on its knees, and will not do so regardless of who but revising wrong policies and making up for the past,” Vaezi example. Over three years after the Trump administration of this incident and summarize the damages and assistance is in charge of implementing this bankrupt policy,” he said. tweeted. withdrew from the nuclear deal, Iran has more highly enriched needed, but the history of relations and friendship between Trump quit the nuclear deal in May 2018 and introduced U.S. Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff said in May that Trump’s uranium …, more operating nuclear facilities, more sophisti- the two nations of Iran and Lebanon proves that whenever the harshest ever sanctions in history on Iran as part of his policy of maximum pressure against Iran is a “failed policy”. cated technology,” she wrote in her article published by The the Lebanese government and people need help, the Iranian administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran. “No amount of spin can save this disastrously failed policy,” Foreign Policy magazine on July 31. nation and government have not withheld any help and we Many analysts and think tanks believe that the maximum he said in a tweet. “U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Iran envoy Brian are deeply grateful for the fraternal and friendly feelings of pressure policy has failed. In an article titled “The Total Destruction of U.S. Foreign Hook advertise this as a campaign of ‘maximum pressure,’ the Iranians towards us,” the presidential website quoted Presidential chief of staff Mahmoud Vaezi has said that the Policy Under Trump,” Wendy Sherman, the former undersec- but their ultimate objective—which they insist is not regime Aoun as saying. Iranian people’s determination has defeated the United States’ retary of state for political affairs who led the U.S. negotiating change—remains a mystery,” she added. The cause of the explosion is linked to a large stockpile of ammonium nitrate that was stored at the port for years. The explosion, hitting with the force of a 3.5-magnitude earthquake, was the biggest ever seen in Beirut. The explosion was felt in the neighboring island of Cyprus, around 240 kilo- Why Imran Khan didn’t make it meters away – or about 150 miles — from Lebanon, according 1 undertook shuttle diplomacy to that his mediation efforts didn’t stop, and he Company (PGPIC) with economic sanctions to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). defuse tensions after the September 14 missile is making progress in this regard. Whether due to its alleged ties with the Islamic Revo- and drone attacks on the Saudi oil processing the Pakistani prime minister succeeds in his lutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Apparently, facilities in Abqaiq and Khurais, which cut mediation efforts remains an open question. the sanctions have been designed by certain Iran urges UN to hold Saudi Arabia’s oil production by about half. Some analysts believe that mediation efforts may elements within the Trump administration to U.S. accountable for The Ansarollah movement in Yemen claimed fail because the U.S. and its allies are exploiting destroy the Japanese prime minister’s mediation responsibility for the attacks. However, the these efforts to portray Iran as a rogue state efforts, because Iran had already announced ‘adventuristic’ airliner Saudis, along with their American and Euro- that reject diplomacy and political solutions. that it would never negotiate with the U.S. pean allies, blamed Iran for the attacks. Iran As the tensions soared between Iran and under the pressure. harassment firmly denied the Saudi claims. the U.S. over the past few years, many leaders Brian Hook, the former U.S. special rep- In a recent interview with al-Jazeera, Prime around the world, including Japanese Prime resentative for Iran and senior policy advisor Iranian authorities also launched a probe after the 1 Minister Khan said the Pakistan mediation has Minister Shinzo Abe, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel to the secretary of state has claimed on many plane returned from Beirut, he said, stressing that the results thwarted war between Iran and Saudi Arabia, “Messages have been exchanged between Abdul Mahadi, and French President Emanuel occasions that Iran should meet diplomacy of both inquiries would be released “after the revision and adding that military conflict between the two Iran and Saudi Arabia, especially after the Macron made efforts to deescalate the ten- with diplomacy. finalization of the collected data and information.” countries is the worst scenario for the region. Aramco attacks, which crippled the Saudi oil sions by offering diplomatic overtures. While In a telephone call from Muscat with re- “It is obvious that the act by the U.S. fighter jets is a flagrant During his visit to Iran, the prime minister exports,” said Mousavi. Iran has appreciated the diplomatic overtures, porters on June 24, Hook said, “I also made violation of the aviation security and freedom of civil aviation said at a joint press conference with Rouhani According to Mousavi, in the aftermath of the U.S. has been seeking to portray Iran as clear in bilateral talks, I conveyed our serious- reflected in the 1944 Chicago Convention on International Civil that Pakistan was working to prevent an armed the Aramco attacks, the Saudis felt that they a country that isn’t responding to diplomacy ness to negotiate a comprehensive deal with Aviation and its relevant annexes as well as an infringement of conflict between Tehran and Riyadh. are in a weak position, and that they embraced with diplomacy. Iran when the time is right. We have kept our the 1971 Montreal Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful “We don’t want war between Iran and Saudi new approach toward Iran to temporarily re- U.S. President Donald Trump asked the maximum pressure campaign firmly within Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation,” Iran’s UN envoy said Arabia, and we believe that the disagreements duce tensions, because they have come under Japanese prime minister to mediate between the limits of diplomatic and economic pres- between them can be solved through dialogue,” huge pressure from the Yemeni Ansarollah. Tehran and Washington in June 2019, and sure. Iran has repeatedly rejected diplomacy. he said at the time. The former diplomat also said that in ad- even tasked him with delivering a message It has responded to diplomatic overtures by For his part, Rouhani welcomed the prime dition to Imran Khan, other regional leaders to Iran’s leadership. Abe paid a visit to Iran Japanese Prime Minister Abe with violence minister’s efforts to boost the security and sta- including Iraq’s former and current prime on June 12 and called for peace in the region. and terror. It is time for Iran to meet diplomacy bility in the region, saying that Iran will posi- ministers as well as the emir of Kuwait have However, the Abe visit was overshadowed by a with diplomacy.” tively respond to any overture to hold dialogue. made efforts to mediate between Iran and Saudi fresh round of U.S. sanctions on Iran’s petro- Analysts and politicians agree that the However, Khan’s efforts failed to lead to Arabia, but the Saudis’ unwillingness to com- chemicals, a move that destroyed any hope of White House is seeking submission and not dialogue between Iran and Saudi Arabia, be- prehensively settle their disagreements with diplomatic breakthrough between Iran and the dialogue with Iran. It is because of such policy cause the Saudis weren’t serious in their pursuit Iran led to the failure of all diplomatic overtures, U.S. Nearly five days before Abe began his visit approach that mediation efforts by Pakistan of de-escalation with Iran, Amir Mousavi, a including the ones by Prime Minister Khan. to Tehran, the U.S. Treasury Department hit and other friendly states have not produced former Iranian diplomat told the Tehran Times. In his interview with al-Jazeera, Khan said Iran’s Persian Gulf Petrochemical Industries dialogue between Tehran and Riyadh.

He further expressed Iran’s “strongest objections against this violation of international law” and emphasized that the Leader’s aide: Iran always standing by, supporting Lebanon country would pursue the issue through relevant interna- TEHRAN (FNA) — Supreme Leader’s top adding, “As always the Islamic Republic of city’s streets into a debris-strewn wasteland. The health ministry said all Beirut hos- tional bodies. adviser for international affairs Ali Akbar Ve- Iran will support Lebanon and stand by its In addition to local authorities, more than pitals are overcrowded with those injured in “It is incumbent upon the United Nations to reject such layati Ali Akbar Velayati expressed sympathy government and people.” 30 Red Cross teams are responding at the the incident and can no more accommodate an unlawful and yet adventuristic act and hold the United with the Lebanese people, government and A massive explosion rocked the Lebanese scene of the blast. anyone. States accountable for this irresponsible behavior,” he added. Hezbollah Leader Seyed Hassan Nasrallah capital of Beirut on Tuesday, killing at least Health Minister Hamad Hassan blamed Yet, the health minister told Lebanon’s Following the incident, the U.S. Central Command (CENT- over the huge explosion in Beirut, reiterat- 157 people, wounding over 5,000 more, and the explosion on a fireworks accident, order- LBC News that hundreds are feared dead COM) said a single F-15 had made a “standard visual inspection” ing that Iran will never leave the brotherly smashing a vast area. ing all hospitals in Beirut to prepare for the and thousands have been wounded in the of the Iranian airliner at “a safe distance,” a claim vehemently country alone. Terrifying footage showed a huge mush- victims of the incident. blast. He added that the death toll now stands rejected by Tehran. Velayati, in a message on Thursday, of- room cloud of fire and smoke covering much Head of the Lebanese Red Cross George at over 157. Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani denounced the illegal fered his commiseration with the Lebanese of Beirut’s port area, blowing out windows and Kettaneh also stated that hundreds of injured The Lebanese Red Cross also declared U.S. maneuvering as an act of “aerial terrorism,” calling on government, people and Seyed Hassan Nas- destroying buildings in the neighborhood, people were taken to hospital for treatment, that over 5,000 people have been wounded the UN Security Council, the International Civil Aviation Or- rallah over the Tuesday tragic blast in Beirut, as a warehouse at the Beirut docks caught while some still remain trapped in their homes. in the incident, while the numbers are still ganization (ICAO) and regional states to break their silence and underlined Iran’s permanent support fire on Tuesday afternoon. Hotel Dieu Hospital in Beirut reported expected to rise. It added that over 157 dead on Washington’s “dangerous mischiefs.” and solidarity with the beleaguered country. Photos on social media showed many it was treating more than 500 injuries and bodies have been collected from the scene He also referred to the U.S. downing of Iran Air Airbus “The tragic incident in Beirut which killed buildings in the area damaged or destroyed, was not able to receive more. Tens of injured of the incident so far. A300B2 over the Persian Gulf on July 3, 1988, which killed and injured a number of dear Lebanese people, leaving residents covered in glass and blood. needed operations, the hospital said appealing Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud called it 290 people, saying the Americans have a history of such acts. has saddened the Iranian nation,” he said. Several smaller explosions were heard for blood donations. Rizq Hospital also said a “national catastrophe” and Prime Minister (Source: Press TV) Lebanon is always steadfast, he said, before the bigger one occurred and turned the that it has admitted 400 wounded people. Hassan Diab declared a day of mourning. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y AUGUST 9, 2020 IRAN IN FOCUS 3

UN set to roundly reject U.S. Israel’s sympathy for Beirut incident hypocritical, Iran says resolution on Iran: diplomats POLITICAL TEHRAN — Iranian Foreign Ministry spokes- deskman Abbas Mousavi on Thursday said that POLITICAL TEHRAN — The United “This is a car crash that everyone knows expression of sympathy by certain countries, including the Israel deskNations Security Council is going to happen,” New York-based UN regime, for the Beirut incident is “hypocritical and superficial”, is set to roundly reject a U.S. resolution to expert Richard Gowan told AFP, describing the Mehr news agency reported. extend an arms embargo on Iran, according the U.S. draft as a “poison pill of a text”. Mousavi, who was on a visit to Urmia, said that Iran has so far to UN diplomats. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo an- sent two humanitarian aid convoys to Lebanon, and its friendly According to the diplomats, opposition nounced on Wednesday that the U.S. would assistance will continue. to the resolution’s current form is so wide- put forward its anti-Iran resolution despite “After this incident, some humanitarian aid, especially from spread that Washington is unlikely to secure ardent opposition from Russia and China. some Islamic countries, have been sent to Beirut. In the mean- the nine votes required to force Moscow and Former U.S. special representative for time, we witnessed the expression of sympathy of some countries, Beijing to wield their vetoes. Iran Brian Hook, who resigned this week, including the Israeli regime and the countries that have imposed “The resolution takes a maximalist position had asserted during his tenure that if the U.S. sanctions on Lebanon, which is hypocritical,” the Foreign Min- on Iran,” one diplomat told AFP. resolution failed, the administration would istry spokesman stated. Another said the draft “goes beyond the pursue another approach to preserving the He added some Western and European countries, which have current provisions” of the ban on conven- Iran arms ban. imposed sanctions on Lebanon, offered condolences which shows tional weapons sales to Iran that ends on The U.S. is expected to argue that it legally they are not honest. October 18. remains a “participant state” in the nuclear Mousavi announced that Iran is read to help reconstruct the The United States has stepped up calls accord only to trigger the so-called snapback port of Beirut, which was devastated in the huge explosion on for an extension of UN arms embargo on that would restore all UN sanctions, which Tuesday afternoon. Iran since April. had been in place against Iran prior to the “We stand with the Lebanese government and people.” Under UN Security Council Resolution deal’s inking. 2231, which endorsed the 2015 Iran nuclear However, China, Russia and even Euro- deal (JCPOA), arms embargo against Iran pean allies of the U.S. have made it clear that expires in October. slapped unilateral sanctions on Iran under the JCPOA,” a third diplomat told AFP. they believe the U.S. has no legal standing MP Masoud Pezeshkian tests On June 30, the U.S. was rebuked at the a campaign of “maximum pressure”. “It is the only way to provide assurances to invoke the snapback provision. UN Security Council meeting, including by The U.S. resolution, seen by AFP, effec- about the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran›s Iran has repeatedly said that the United positive for coronavirus the five European countries on the council. tively calls for an indefinite extension of the nuclear program. No credible alternative to States, through its unilateral pullout from POLITICAL TEHRAN — Masoud Pezeshkian, a renowned U.S. President Donald Trump pulled Amer- embargo on Iran and uses hawkish rhetoric. this instrument has ever been proposed since the deal, forfeited all rights to have a say in desklawmaker who represents Tabriz, Osku and ica out of the nuclear deal in May 2018 and “The focus should remain on preserving the U.S. withdrawal,” the diplomats added. the agreement. Azarshahr, posted on his Instagram page on Saturday that he is infected with the coronavirus. “Following certain symptoms and testing, the test was positive and I have contracted the virus. I am in quarantine at home and Americans have bitten off more than they could chew, Tehran says thanks to God my general physical condition is well,” he posted. POLITICAL TEHRAN — The Americans have bitten Hook’s departure comes while the United States is deskoff more than they could chew when it ramping up efforts to push for the extension of a UN arms comes to their Iran policy, Foreign Ministry spokesman embargo on Iran. Abbas Mousavi said on Saturday. Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday that the United “No difference between John Bolton, Brian Hook or Elliott States has circulated a new resolution to the UN Security Abrams; when it comes to the US #Iran policy, American Council members, which asks UN member states to stop all officials have been bitten off more than they could chew,” sales of weapons to and from Iran. Mousavi wrote in a tweet. It also asks UN member states to refrain from providing “Same applies to Mike Pompeo, Donald Trump AND any “technical training, financial resources or services, ad- their successors,” he added. vice, other services or assistance related to the supply, sale, It came after the Trump administration’s lead diplomat transfer, manufacture, maintenance, or use of arms” to Iran. on Iran, Brian Hook, announced his resignation. According to Bloomberg News, the new resolution is Hook will be replaced by Elliott Abrams, who will combine almost identical to one the U.S. circulated in June, signaling the Iran special representative job with his current role as the Trump administration is unwilling to make changes special envoy for Venezuela. followed Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal suggested by allies and opponents on the Security Council. Pezeshkian was minister of health between 2001 and 2005. Hook, until now a rare survivor at the top levels of the in May 2018. The United States has stepped up calls for the extension He was the chancellor of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences State Department in the maelstrom of the Trump era, did ‘Pompeo may have to pack his bags too’ of the UN arms embargo on Iran since April. for 7 years. He is a heart surgeon and an academic member of not give a reason for his resignation, claiming the “maximum Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National In June, the United States introduced a draft resolution Tabriz University of Medical Sciences at the present time. pressure” campaign against Iran had been “very successful”. Security Council (SNSC), also responded to the news, saying at the UN Security Council to extend the arms embargo on Pezeshkian was deputy parliament speaker in the previous U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo confirmed Hook’s Pompeo may have to face the same fate. Iran before it expires in mid-October. Russia and China parliament. departure and referred to him as “a trusted adviser to me and “The goal of #MaximumPressure strategy was reduced have already voiced their opposition to the draft resolution. a good friend”, but did not give any reasons for his departure. from regime change to prevent #Iran from becoming rich!” Last month, Mousavi said Iran has told all members of Pompeo added that Hook had “achieved historic results Shamkhani tweeted earlier on Saturday. the UN Security Council and its friends that the extension countering the Iranian regime”. He added, “Brian, like John, failed and left the White of the arms embargo would be “unacceptable”. Google deletes over a dozen Hook was a central figure in implementing the Trump House. Maybe Mike will have to pack his bags as well, before The spokesman said Iranian officials do not think other YouTube accounts linked administration’s “maximum pressure” policy on Iran, which Donald leaves.” countries would succumb to the U.S. bullying. to Iran

TEHRAN (Press TV) — U.S. tech company Google has taken Advisor censures Macron’s intervention in Lebanese affairs down more than a dozen accounts on its subsidiary online vid- eo-sharing platform YouTube, claiming they had been part of POLITICAL TEHRAN — Hossein external parties.” and that he would return to Lebanon in Sep- “coordinated influence operations” from Iran. desk Amir Abdollahian, a On Tuesday evening, a sequence of two tember to follow up. In a report for the second quarter of 2020 that was released senior foreign policy advisor to the Iranian explosions occurred at the port of the city of “I will be back on September 1, and if they earlier this week, Google announced that it terminated 16 You- Parliament speaker, has criticized French Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. The extremely can’t do it, I’ll take my political responsibility” Tube accounts in April that were allegedly linked to International President Emmanuel Macron for interfering powerful second blast resulted in at least 157 toward Lebanon, said Macron. Union of Virtual Media (IUVM) internet group. in the internal affairs of Lebanon, saying deaths, some 5,000 injuries, and an estimated On Friday, Lebanese President Michel The accounts in question purportedly took part in “coordinated Lebanon can maintain its national unity and 300,000 people made homeless. Aoun said no colonial power can return to influence operations,” operating in several languages, including independence through unity. Macron appeared at the site of the ex- Lebanon. English, Arabic, Persian, French, Spanish and Russian. “Pres. @EmmanuelMacron’s warning in plosion on Thursday, and called for an in- “Lebanese sovereignty will not be harmed The Google report further said IUVM posted content in Ara- Flag of Lebanon wasn’t a heal to the wound ternational inquiry into the devastating under my watch,” Aoun told reporters, reject- bic related to the U.S. government’s response to COVID-19 and of #BeirutBlast,” Amir Abdollahian said via blast that generated a seismic shock felt ing the call for an international investigation. content about Saudi-American relations. Twitter on Saturday. across the region. a “political change”. Aoun said the blast might have been trig- The United States has a history of calling on social media He added, “W/united ethnicities, faiths Lebanon’s Arabic-language al-Mayadeen Macron also called for a “new political pact” gered by a foreign attack. companies Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to block Iranian & movements, Lebanon who has stood firm- television news network said Macron, in among Lebanese political factions and said “The cause has not been determined accounts in particular as part of its so-called “maximum pressure” ly agnst Israel can maintain national unity, a meeting with President Michel Aoun, he had proposed a roadmap to the Lebanese yet. There is a possibility of external in- campaign against the Islamic Republic. independence. Flag of Lebanon needs as- threatened Lebanese leaders with sanc- authorities to unlock billions of dollars in terference through a rocket or bomb or In April, Facebook closed accounts it said were tied to Iran sistance & solidarity, not intervention by tions if they do not submit to reforms and funds from the international community, other act,” he said. and seeking to influence the public in multiple countries. Facebook later said in early June that it had started to label Iran’s English-language Press TV television news network as well as Russia’s Sputnik and China’s Xinhua news agencies as Iran to stand by Lebanese people, government: Vaezi “state-media”, adding it would later block them from running advertisements in the United States. POLITICAL TEHRAN — Iran’s presidential chief of no effort in helping the Lebanese government and nation The social media company said then it would initially apply deskstaff Mahmoud Vaezi has underscored in the aftermath of the catastrophe. the label to about 200 pages belonging to these outlets. Iran’s support for Lebanon, saying Tehran is standing by the Secretary General of Lebanon’s Hezbollah resistance The labels, Facebook said, would immediately start appear- Lebanese people and government through their hardships. movement Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has urged an impartial ing on pages globally, as well as on news-feed posts within the In a tweet on Friday, Vaezi pointed out that in the after- investigation into the blast that rocked Beirut on Tuesday United States. math of the massive explosion in Beirut, the Iranian people afternoon. The decision to label the media outlets came after they published and government are in solidarity with the Lebanese, and Speaking in a televised speech on Friday, Nasrallah said in-depth articles and videos about a series of protests across the will spare no efforts in helping Lebanon. those responsible for the deadly disaster had to be held to United States following the killing of unarmed black man George The powerful explosion on Tuesday took place at port account regardless of their affiliations. Floyd at the hands of a white Minneapolis police officer. warehouses storing highly explosive material, specifical- Describing the blast as a massive humanitarian and It also came ahead of the November presidential election in ly ammonium nitrate, commonly used in both fertilizer national catastrophe, the Hezbollah chief called on all the the U.S., and as President Donald Trump is in a tight spot amid and bombs, killing 157 people and injuring a whopping Lebanese to unite to overcome the ordeal. the coronavirus crisis. 5,000 others. He also dismissed as “injustice” media speculation in Social media activists maintain that Facebook has labeled On Thursday, President Hassan Rouhani assured his the early hours of the tragedy that Hezbollah had stored Nasrallah said those media outlets that spread the alle- the Iranian, Chinese and Russian media outlets under pressure Lebanese counterpart Michel Aoun, in a telephone conver- missiles in the port, adding that those accusations aimed gations had had political motivations and sought to incite from the U.S. government, which has resorted to sanctions a sation, that the Iranian nation and government would spare to incite the Lebanese people against the resistance group. a civil war in Lebanon. weapon of choice. While banning the Iranian, Chinese and Russian networks for being “state-media”, the company has said it will not label any U.S. government-run outlets, including Arabic-language Speaker calls for steps to realize unity among Muslim leaders Alhurra television news network, because they allegedly had editorial independence. TEHRAN (MNA) — The Iranian parliament speaker has Saturday marked Eid al-Ghadir, which is the day when the In 2018, Facebook targeted hundreds of accounts allegedly congratulated Eid al-Ghadir to the political and religious Prophet of Islam appointed Ali ibn Abi Talib (PBUM) -- the tied to Iran and Russia under the pretext of fighting what it calls figures of the Shia world. first Shia Imam -- as his successor and Muslims’ next leader. “misinformation” campaigns. Among the accounts was one be- In messages to political and religious figures of the Shia Prophet Mohammad announced his appointment on the longing to the Quest for Truth (Q4T) Iranian media organization, world on Saturday, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf congrat- way back from his last Hajj pilgrimage fourteen centuries ago. which promotes Islamic values. ulated the arrival of Eid al-Ghadir. Shia Muslims celebrate this auspicious occasion around Facebook is also known for blocking pages critical of the Is- The speaker added, “In the current critical situation of the world. raeli regime. the Islamic world and in the shadow of adhering to the Holy Eid al-Ghadir comes eight days after another great festivity, Twitter and YouTube have also conducted specific bans Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUH), it is necessary to take called Eid al-Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice – an important targeting accounts allegedly linked to countries that are critical and realize our strong and unifying steps with unity and festival on the Islamic calendar that marks the climax of the of the policies of Western governments, such as accounts in Iran, practice of the teachings of pure Islam.” annual hajj pilgrimage in Mecca and Medina. Russia, and Venezuela. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 4 ECONOMY AUGUST 9, 2020

Govt. raises $3.6b by selling Azerbaijan stocks

1 “Oil sales have dropped dramatically this year so that only six percent of our expected oil revenues have been realized seeking Iranian so far,” Nobakht said. He further underlined the effectiveness and significance of other sources of income like taxes, customs revenues and capital market incomes in the current situation, and said: ”So far, 75 labor, social percent of tax revenues for the current [Iranian calendar] year have been realized, 20 percent more than last year’s same period.” welfare expertise ECONOMY TEHRAN – Azerbaijan’s day, the Azeri official called for the implemen- On the sidelines of the 108th Session of the madari emphasized the need for developing a desklabor minister Sahel Ba- tation of a previously signed memorandum of International Labor Conference in Geneva, Swit- joint action plan and signing a memorandum bayev has expressed his country’s willingness understanding between the two countries. zerland, in June 2019, Shariatmadari met with of understanding on exchanging workforce to benefit from Iran’s experience in the fields The Iranian minister, for his part, under- Babayev, stressing further cooperation between between the two countries. of labor and social welfare. lined the need for exchanging experiences in the two ministries. The officials also put the emphasis on coop- During an online meeting with Iranian labor the fields of labor and social welfare between In the meeting, Babayev called for cementing eration in the fields of social security, economy, minister Mohammad Shariatmadari on Thurs- the two neighbors. ties with Iranian labor unions, while Shariat- and pension funds. Afghanistan transits 15,000 tons of goods through Iran’s Dogharoon border ECONOMY TEHRAN – Afghanistan has transited through this route,” he noted. deskover 15,000 tons of commodities through Dogharoon is one of Iran’s top border customs in terms Dogharoon border with Iran in the first four months of the of employing modern management technologies, electronic Raising funds through the capital market has become a major current Iranian calendar year (March 20-July 21. infrastructures, and computerization which is located on strategy for the government which is wrestling with financial The mentioned commodities have been sent to their des- the Iran-Afghanistan border in the northeastern Khorasan issues resulted from the coronavirus, collapsing oil prices, U.S. tination markets through Iran’s southern ports or Western Razavi Province. sanctions, and loss of oil export revenue. land borders, IRNA quoted Hamid Mohammadifaz, an official Trade through the border, which was closed temporarily The government expects to make 1.09 quadrillion rials ($25.9 with the Iranian Road Maintenance and Transportation due to the coronavirus pandemic, was officially resumed billion) from bonds as per provisions of the current fiscal budget. Organization (RMTO), as saying on Friday. in June. Nobakht has previously said that oil sales will account for “These goods were imported by 610 trucks, of which 34 Transit cooperation between Iran and Afghanistan has just seven percent of the country’s income in the current Iranian truckloads were transited to Turkey from the western bor- witnessed considerable growth in recent years despite the calendar year and the revenues gained from elimination of hidden ders and the rest went to the southern ports of the country,” restrictions caused by the U.S. sanctions and also the out- energy subsidies, selling government bonds and shares as well the official said. break of the coronavirus. as increased tax incomes will replace oil revenues. “While last year only 11 trucks transited cargoes from Earlier this week, Afghanistan’s private sector signed a Dogharoon border crossing to the southeastern Chabahar memorandum of understanding (MOU) to transit goods U.S. is becoming the biggest port, this year, 256 trucks have transited Afghanistan’s goods via Iran’s southeastern Chabahar Port. uncertainty in future global economic growth Iran auto industry begins to absorb shock of U.S. sanctions TEHRAN (PressTV) — Managing director decade of the Islamic Revolution of 1979 deliveries and a shortage of parts and by Throughout the second half of the year, the U.S. economy of Iran Khodro (IKCO), the largest car maker generated a young population which was June 2018, a month after sanctions were is expected to be operating alongside the nation’s wide- in West Asia, says Iran is now producing more almost 75 percent urbanized by 2017 and renewed, car production dropped by 29 spread epidemic, racial tensions and domestic factionalism. than 50 auto parts which were imported. hungry for cars. percent compared with the same month a Potential social risks brought about by the three issues will “With the measures we have taken in The post-war governments decided to give year earlier. further hinder the economic recovery of the U.S., and the the field of domestic production and self- a new lease of life to the auto industry, because Iran’s union leaders warned then that up to American economy may become the biggest uncertainty in sufficiency… we have been able to reduce Iran could not afford to drop automotive sector 450,000 jobs in the auto parts industry were global economic growth. more than $50 million in production costs altogether. The sector is so massive with its on the line, prompting the defense ministry As the world’s largest economic entity, the U.S.’ reces- and planned for another $300 million in solid infrastructure in production, which holds to wade into the quandary. sion will directly drive down the growth rate of the global reduced costs,” Farshad Moqimi said. both economic and political importance to The ministry is now helping the Iranian economy. Since the U.S. has maintained close economic When the U.S. unleashed its most aggressive the government. carmakers manufacture hi-tech auto parts and trade ties with most of the major economies around the sanctions ever on Iran in August 2018, it However, they opted to stop manufacturing which Iran used to import. world, its recession will lead to a drastic plunge in global since the Islamic Revolution that have spilled reserved the first hammer blow for the car and start assembling instead, because they Iran’s auto industry has emerged as demand, further causing contractions in trade and invest- over into daily life in the country of about industry to hurt as many Iranians as possible. thought Iran could not compete with strong one of the frontlines in a raging “economic ment of those economies. 85 million. The auto industry is a key driver of Iran’s international carmakers. war” on the country which is lining up its The U.S. has rolled out a series of policies to monetize On the flip side, the U.S. pressures have economy, the operation and prosperity of International players, meanwhile, showed defense ministry to protect the sector from financial deficit in a bid to stimulate economic growth amid the been a boon to domestic manufacturers who which keeps more than 60 other industries interest in the Iranian market and policies US sanctions. fallout of the pandemic, which has aggravated financial risks have thrived under the new situation through moving. The industry is only second to its were put into place that allowed car imports Cars produced in Iran under license from in the country, and cast a shadow over further investments. mobilizing their resources to fulfill some of energy sector, accounting for some 10 percent without technology transfer. foreign manufacturers rely on critical imports The ongoing China-U.S. trade disputes may even expand the tasks which were an exclusive competence of the gross domestic product and 4 percent France, a partner of Iran in the automotive of parts ranging from airbags, pistons and to financial areas. Though the fallout from a possible finan- of foreign companies. of employment. industry for a long time, entered into new cylinder heads to computer chips including cial dispute remains unclear, it could become another risk More than 100,000 people are employed “When the United States has targeted the joint ventures with the two largest local engine control units and sensors. for the global economy during the second half of the year. by IKCO and Saipa, while another 700,000 automotive industry and started its sanctions manufacturers IKCO and Saipa. Moqimi said IKCO has produced more The U.S.’ failure to handle the coronavirus may even Iranians work in industries related to car from this sector, we must work together to To meet the demand, automotive than 172,000 cars since the beginning of prolong the pandemic, which has already become the most manufacturing. maintain the flag of production in this industry production rose by more than 18 percent the Persian year in March, up 36 percent critical variable in the global economy. Instead of flattening There are around 13 public and private flying high,” Moqimi said. in 2017. Iran produced 1.4 million cars and against the period last year - meaning Iranian the curve, the U.S., during the past few months, has being auto manufacturers in Iran, with IKCO and Iran began manufacturing its own car in commercial vehicles, ranking sixteenth in carmakers begin to find solutions to their speeding along a path to higher numbers of infections and Saipa accounting for about 94 percent of the 1967, churning out the box-shaped Paykan the world. parts bottleneck. is reported to have over 25 percent of the world’s total con- domestic production. which was a replica of the British-made However, foreign companies that made “A 30 percent increase in car delivery to firmed cases. Moqimi said Iran is now self-sufficient in Hillman Hunter. It also imported mainly from cars in Iran — including France’s Peugeot customers is also one of Iran Khodro’s recent some auto parts, “but we have a problem in Western Europe and the United States, which and Renault — decided to leave after U.S. achievements,” he said, adding 51,000 cars supplying raw materials, and have to supply accounted for approximately 40 percent of President Donald Trump announced new among more than 200,000 units not delivered them from foreign sources,” adding domestic Iran’s market. sanctions on the Islamic Republic. on time have been released to their owners. manufacturing of the raw materials should However, the baby boom during the first Renewed sanctions led to delays in car Iran has gone through waves of sanctions also be on the agenda.

Will China and U.S. join efforts to restore global economy? China and the United States should stand up for other countries “In the current context, be it economics, politics, or fighting and lead the fight against the coronavirus pandemic crisis. against the epidemic, the U.S. is taking an extremely negative According to the IMF, developed countries are allocating up approach towards China. I believe that such a stance on the to 20 percent of GDP to overcome the crisis, while developing part of the United States only aggravates the already difficult countries can afford to allocate no more than 5 percent of GDP. global situation”. The IMF report says that 45 low-income countries have According to the expert, China is trying to play a constructive already applied for emergency financial assistance to combat role to resolve the global crisis caused by the pandemic. However, the pandemic, Sputnik reported. the U.S.’ failure to prevent the pandemic’s spread threatens Meanwhile, the horrid death of George Floyd triggered According to experts cited by CNBC, the current crisis has hit the American economy and, consequently, the development massive anti-discrimination demonstrations in the U.S., almost all countries evenly, as the pandemic is equally dangerous of not only the United States, but other countries as well. which are adding pressure to epidemic prevention. to everyone. However, every country has different capabilities “China’s response to the epidemic was unprecedentedly The country is also struggling with contradictions be- to combat the pandemic crisis. tough, and it has brought clear positive results. Moreover, tween the need to quarantine and the desire to reopen the According to Raghuram Rajan, a professor at the University China has made maximum efforts to provide assistance to economy. Viruses don’t have a nationality, and if the rate of Chicago Booth School of Business, developed countries have other countries, whether it is controlling the epidemic spread, of infections in the U.S. continues to rise, the vulnerable more financial opportunities. They have allocated up to 20 or treating patients and providing medical supplies. However, global economy will surely take yet another hit. percent of their GDP as fiscal and monetary stimulus measures it’s a pity that the United States has failed to cope with the The U.S. economy relies heavily on consumption. It is to support the economy and financial stability. Developing epidemic. The number of cases in the U.S. is growing, which also the world’s largest consumer of finished products. With countries cannot afford this. Singapore’s Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam threatens not only the United States’ return to normal life but COVID-19 ripping across the U.S., skyrocketing unemploy- At best, they allocate 5 percent of their GDP, but often emer- said that much of the world’s GDP growth — about two-thirds also the recovery of the American economy”. ment has resulted in sliding consumption which in turn is gency measures to support their economies don’t exceed 1 of the global growth — comes from developing countries. “On top of that, the U.S. injects negativity to internation- causing a decline in exports from its trade partners. percent of GDP. Professor Rajan warned that powerful nations According to him, the world is now facing a real threat of al cooperation. Washington refused to support the WHO at The U.S.’ huge debt and expanding stock market bubbles haven’t paid enough attention to emerging economies. With these countries transforming from developing to degrading. the most crucial moment when the whole world is fighting have damaged the confidence of global investors. In order to limited fiscal resources, they may not be able to deal with the In this case, the entire world’s economic growth is at risk. the epidemic. Neither do we see whether the U.S. made any tackle the fallout of the pandemic, the U.S. government has current situation on their own. Many countries are at risk of In turn, Professor Rajan believes that the United States and right steps regarding cooperation with other countries. The launched massive stimulus packages and the U.S. Federal their debt increasing drastically in relation to their GDP, which China should start playing a constructive and leading role in United States is a big player in the international community, Reserve has pledged unlimited quantitative easing, dras- will create another threat to financial stability amid the already supporting developing countries for the common good. He and it must take effective action at a time when the world is tically accelerating the U.S.’ deficit. dire situation caused by the coronavirus crisis. believes that it won’t be possible to solve global growth prob- facing a crisis”. The massive QE could ease a liquidity crisis and pressure The Chinese and U.S. national flags are seen before the lems without help from these major powers. The experts interviewed by CNBC count on the upcoming on small businesses in the short term, however, it won’t start of a Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Indeed, both China and the United States have a major U.S. elections. They believe that November will be a turning point boost the economy’s internal growth. Instead, it could create (NPT) conference in Beijing of the UN Security Council’s five impact on the economy and development of the rest of the when the two states will again be able to establish a dialogue. further risks in financial markets. permanent members (P5) China, France, Russia, the United world. Therefore, the situation in other countries directly However, the emerging bipartisan consensus in the Unit- According to World Bank data, U.S. GDP reached $21.43 Kingdom, and the United States, China, Wednesday, Jan. 30, depends on their relationship. ed States on the need for a tougher approach to China raises trillion in 2019, accounting for 24.42 percent of the world’s 2019. China-US cooperation will benefit everyone. Unfortunately, doubt as to whether reshuffling in Washington can bring the GDP. Based on the IMF current estimates, the U.S. economy The IMF statistics confirm the fears of uncontrolled debt the relations between the world’s two largest economies have two countries’ relations out of the downtrend. Both Biden and is expected to contract 8 percent this year, meaning it could growth in developing countries. According to the June World entered a downward spiral, Jiang Yuechun, director of the Trump are using rhetoric of a Chinese threat in their election cause global growth to decline about 2 percentage point. Economic Outlook report, 45 countries have already applied Department for World Economy and Development Studies campaigns to justify any of their actions and the corresponding Although market institutions have forecast a potential to the IMF for emergency financial assistance. According to at the China Institute of International Studies, said. failures in the economy, social sphere, and politics. recovery of the U.S. economy in the second half of the year the IMF’s calculations, these countries’ level of public debt for “China and the United States play an important role in the However, it’s important to understand that shifting respon- following its drastic plunge of 32.9 percent in the second the 2020-2021 fiscal year will amount to 48 percent of GDP. global economy. Cooperation between the two parties would sibility won’t contribute to the common cause of fighting the quarter, those forecasts were based on a better containment At the same time, according to numerous economic studies, contribute to economic prosperity and stability in the world. pandemic and recovering the global economy. This is what of the virus in the US. The current rate of infections is not when the public debt level reaches 60 percent of GDP, the On the contrary, competition between the two will undoubtedly experts are talking about. We need to put aside mutual claims, at all reassuring. average annual economic growth rate decreases by 2 percent. have a negative impact on global development”. at least for a while, and start working together. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y AUGUST 9, 2020 ENERGY 5

Lorestan catalyst unit to yield Major petchem projects $30m/y

TEHRAN (Shana) – The Managing Director of Bakhtar Petro- chemical Holding Company said that the catalyst unit of Lorestan Petrochemical Plant would generate $30 million annually. worth $1.6b inaugurated Davood Reza Rabbani said on Thursday, August 6, that the unit was put into operation in a bid to render the country needless ENERGY TEHRAN – Three major Addressing the ceremony, Zanganh of importing petrochemical catalysts. deskpetrochemical projects also stressed that the total value of Iran’s He stated that Lorestan Petrochemical Catalyst Unit had been with a total investment of $1.6 billion were petrochemical products will reach $37 billion implemented with the technical inaugurated in southern Bushehr and western by March 2024. knowledge of the Petrochemical Lorestan provinces on Thursday. The oil minister noted that 27 Research and Technology Com- President Hassan Rouhani and Oil Minister petrochemical projects worth $17 billion pany, adding: “This holding has Bijan Namdar Zangaeh inaugurated the projects will go operational across the country by produced about 600,000 tons of via video conferencing, Shana reported. March 21, 2021. items since 2018g by supplying “Today we are witnessing the By the end of the year, the country’s catalyst for Kermanshah Petro- transformation of the petrochemical industry. petrochemical production capacity will be chemical Plant.” Today’s inaugurations were doubly gratifying increased by 25 million tons per year, he stated. The CEO of Bakhtar Hold- because when we want to distance ourselves “One of the most important tasks of the ing Company, stating that the from crude oil exports and turn them into petrochemical industry is to prevent the sale advantage of Lorestan Petro- valuable products, one of the ways is to develop of raw materials by completing the value chemical Catalyst Unit is that and transform the petrochemical industry,” chain in the oil and gas industry, as well as 50 percent of the facilities are Rouhani said. supplying downstream feedstock for the related to the construction of the He stated that 17 petrochemical projects domestic industries while preventing more catalyst base, continued: “This is will be inaugurated in the country this than $5 billion in foreign currency from leaving an exceptional situation that we calendar year (started on March 20), and the country annually.” are both producer and consumer noted: “These projects are for setting the Petrochemical industry plays a crucial of this catalyst. Even among international companies, it is also ground for and materializing the third leap role in Iran’s non-oil economy, as the very rare for a company to be both a producer and a consumer of the petrochemical industry, which will petrochemical export is the second-largest of catalysts.” take place in [the Iranian calendar year] source of revenue for the country after crude Rabbani pointed out that Bakhtar Holding Company was 1404 (2025).” oil. Petrochemical exports already constitute implementing eight knowledge-based projects, six of which are “The value of our petrochemical production and again it will increase from $11b to $25b, development in the country’s petrochemical nearly 33 percent of the country’s non-oil being implemented in Lorestan. In addition to Lorestan Pet- which stood at $1b has now reached $11b, and from $25b to $37b; this means a great industry,” he added. exports. rochemical Catalyst Unit, which opened today, “we have three projects for fixed-bed catalysts, which we hope to be complete by the end of the year.” Thermal power holds 92% share of Iran’s electricity output Saudi, Iraqi ministers discuss ENERGY TEHRAN – Thermal power plants are He put the total installed capacity of the country’s OPEC+ compliance, as Baghdad deskgenerating nearly 92 percent of Iran’s power plants at 83,264 megawatts (MW), of which the needed electricity, said Mohsen Tarztalab, head of Thermal share of steam, gas, combined cycle, hydroelectric, and pledges catch-up oil cuts Power Plants Holding Company (TPPH). renewable power plants stands at 15,800 MW, 25,400 Only eight percent of the country’s electricity need is MW, 25,790 MW, 12,000 MW, and 825 MW respectively. Saudi Arabia is keeping the pressure on Iraq to adhere to its OPEC+ supplied by hydropower and renewable power plants, There are 84 power plants with 544 thermal electricity production cut commitments, amid signs it likely did not achieve IRNA reported on Friday, quoting Tarztalab as saying. generation units across the country, over two-thirds of which full compliance with its quota yet again in July. According to the official, Iran’s current electricity is are owned and operated by the country’s private sector. Iraq, the OPEC+ alliance’s third largest producer, has consistently supplied by thermal power plants, including steam, gas According to the Iranian Energy Ministry, the power struggled to make its full output reductions but has pledged to and combined cycle power plants, as well as non-thermal generation capacity of Iran’s thermal power plants has make additional cuts of 400,000 bpd below its quota in August power plants, including hydropower, renewable energy, increased by 9,000 megawatts (9GW) over the past six and September to make up for its overproduction in May, June and diesel, small-scale and nuclear power plants. years. July, according to an Aug. 7 joint statement from the two countries. That would put Iraq’s effective quota at 3.404 million bpd. Iraq pumped 3.716 million bpd in June, according an average of the six secondary sources used by OPEC to monitor production, including S&P Global Platts. July output figures will be revealed Electricity consumption falls as weather cools down on Aug. 12, and Iraq’s cut commitment may be adjusted further ENERGY TEHRAN – Daily Distribution Management Company, has been following new strategies in based on the data, the joint statement said. deskelectricity consumption known as TAVANIR, the recorded figure recent years to manage the consumption Saudi energy minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and Iraqi in Iran retreated from the peak high of 58 was 333 MW more than the last year’s and lessen the electricity losses in the counterpart Ihsan Ismaael “reaffirmed their full commitment to gigawatts in the week ended on August 7 peak consumption. national grid. the OPEC+ agreement” during a phone call late Aug. 6, the joint to settle around 57 GW, data released by With the beginning of the hot season in In late July, Energy Minister Reza statement added. Iran Grid Management Company (IGMC) Iran, the electricity consumption increased Ardakanian said that his ministry was Prince Abdulaziz has made quota compliance a top priority as showed. unprecedently so that several new records considering new incentive packages for co-chairman of a key OPEC+ monitoring committee with Russian According to the IGMC data, the were registered for the power consumption low-consuming households and industrial energy minister Alexander Novak. The committee is next scheduled country’s daily electricity consumption since the beginning of the current Iranian electricity subscribers. to meet online Aug. 18. which had already declined from the peak calendar year (March 21). “Last year, nearly 10.6 trillion rials OPEC and 10 allies implemented a historic 9.7 million bpd 58 GW to settle at 57.14 GW on Saturday In the past decade, constant temperature (about $25.2 million) was paid to low- production cut accord in May, as the oil market was reeling from (August 1), fell even further to 53.976 GW rising and the significant decrease of consuming households and industrial the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the deal has been on Thursday (August 6), Tasnim reported. consumption recorded in the history of rainfalls across Iran have put the country subscribers, and this year too, new successful in lifting Brent prices from the teens in April to around Iran’s daily electricity consumption the country’s electricity industry. in a hard situation regarding electricity incentive packages have been considered $45/b in recent days. Mexico has since exited the deal. exceeded 58,000 megawatts (58 GW) in Based on the data released by Iran’s supply during peak consumption periods. for awarding such consumers,” Ardakanian The cuts eased to 7.7 million bpd in August, with the alliance late July to register the highest power Power Generation, Transmission and In this regard, the Energy Ministry said on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting. anticipating rising demand. Iran eyes $400m revenue by Kaveh petchem plant TEHRAN (Shana) — The CEO of Kaveh Petrochemical It is developed for production of 2.3 million tons jetty took seven years, which has the capacity to berth Plant stated that the facility was built with $950 million of methanol, he said, adding the plant is built in 200 ships with a capacity of 100,000 tons and its capacity of investment, adding the project would generate $400 hectares of land which can be developed for 5 projects. can be increased to 8 million tons per year. In addition million annually. He added: About 1350 people are working in Kaveh to the ability to load methanol by SPM method, this jetty Speaking in a ceremony to launch the facility on Petrochemical Complex, 60% of which are local employees. has the ability to load other materials. Thursday (August 6), Ebrahim Asgarian noted that the The CEO of Kaveh Petrochemical Plant considered Asgarian continued: “Kaveh Petrochemical Plant facility is the world’s largest methanol producer with a private jetty and utility as important features of this has 9 storage tanks with a capacity of 420,000 tons of a daily production capacity of 7,000 tons of the item. project, and said the design and construction of the plant’s methanol, which is unique.”

Asia shrugs off OPEC supply rise as refiners grapple with crippled demand Iraq’s quota from May to July was 3.592 million bpd. It is 3.804 Middle Eastern {West Asian} sour crude demand in the region as a result of COVID-19, has cut its distillate yields by half and said million bpd from August through the end of the year, not including supply is expected to increase this month a closed European gasoil arbitrage, diminished other refiners were doing the same. Japanese its additional cut. after OPEC+ members on July 15 agreed to gasoline imports by Indonesia, plus strong refiners are also opting to import refined Making the cut pare back their production cut commitment. exports from China and India,” Alex Yap, products instead of raising run rates. Iraq has consistently struggled to hit full compliance in the But Asian consumers, who under normal senior analyst with Platts Analytics said. ENEOS, which is not typically an active three and a half years that the OPEC+ alliance has cooperated on circumstances would have welcomed the “Even with a tentative demand recovery, importer of refined products, has stepped up output cuts. move, have barely taken notice. we expect pressure on margins to keep Asian its imports of gasoline and gasoil in recent The economically strained and politically fractured country has It remains to be seen where all this excess refinery runs down by over 1 million bpd year months instead of raising run rates because of previously said it needs to pump as much as it can as it rebuilds oil will eventually end up as Asian buyers on year through the third quarter 2020,” recovery in the domestic motor fuels demand. from years of war against the Islamic State. It is also hampered by grapple with crippling demand and have to Yap said. China, India may disappoint its agreements with international oil company partners that would tweak refining strategies to minimize losses. Low runs, more product imports OPEC+ impose severe financial penalties if certain production levels are S&P Global Platts Analytics in a recent The lack of any significant recovery in China and India have always been the not hit, as well as disputes between the federal government and note said that it sees Dated Brent struggling demand for jet fuel, the product worst hit most dependable and by far the biggest outlet the semi-autonomous Kurdish region. to remain above $40/barrel over the next by the pandemic, has made it difficult for percent-85 percent rates in the third quarter, for OPEC+ producers but Asia’s biggest oil In July, Iraqi crude exports climbed 4.4 percent to 3.218 million couple of months as supply is on the rise, refiners to boost run rates. higher than the record-low 74 percent in the consumers may also disappoint the suppliers bpd, according to official ministry data and shipping agents’ reports but demand growth faces a slowdown on a Northeast Asian refiners in particular second quarter but well below the first-quarter in the second half of 2020. seen by Platts, as higher shipments from the Kurdish region in the worsening COVID-19 scenario. are determined not to abruptly boost crude run rate of 92 percent. India, one of the fasting growing oil north more than made up for declines from elsewhere in the country. The 23-country OPEC+ coalition enacted imports and refinery run rates in coming Similarly, Japanese refiners are keeping markets in Asia in recent years, is expected Platts estimates Iraqi refinery runs averaged about 400,000 a 9.7 million bpd production cut accord in months as fuel demand recovery remains a close eye on crude procurements in the to end 2020 with its oil demand slipping bpd in the month, while crude consumption for power generation May in response to the coronavirus crisis, fragile across Asia amid a resurgence in coming months, amid rising concerns over into the red, a trend not seen for nearly was about 180,000 bpd. but rolled the deal back to 7.7 million bpd in COVID-19 cases in some countries in the the growing number of new COVID-19 cases, two decades. According to Platts Analytics, Adding those to the export figure would indicate Iraqi crude August through to the end of the year. The region. according to company sources. India’s oil demand is expected to be down production was around 3.8 million bpd, not including any stock coalition is betting on a pick-up in global South Korean refiners, who are typically Japanese refiners have been opting 115,000 bpd, year on year in H2, and whole- changes. fuel consumption and better preparedness active exporters of refined products, are to import oil products such as gasoline, year demand will be down by 405,000 bpd, In a separate statement Aug. 6, Iraq’s State Oil Marketing by governments to prevent another spike in focusing on maintaining a supply-demand demand for which has seen some recovery, year on year. Organization said its additional cuts highlight the country’s “high COVID-19 cases. balance and remain cautious about not over- while maintaining their refinery run rates “India’s refinery runs in the second half commitment to overcome all challenges that stand against the oil But in Asia, ample petroleum products committing to crude procurements, industry relatively low at about 60 percent of installed of the year are expected to be 260,000 bpd production cut in order to serve its ultimate goal in achieving the supply amid deteriorating oil demand means sources have said. capacity of 3.52 million bpd, leaving their lower, year on year, as refiners hold back necessary supply/demand balance in the oil market at this time that it could take at least several months South Korea’s refined oil products demand crude requirements at a minimum. from raising throughput,” said Lim Jit Yang, when bad effects of COVID-19 pandemic are still in place.” to see a pickup in Asian refiners’ appetite in June dipped 0.3 percent from a year earlier “Production yield for jet fuel and kerosene advisor for oil markets at Platts Analytics. In their call, Prince Abdulaziz thanked Ismaael for his efforts to for incremental crude oil supply, more so to 2.4 million bpd, with a sharp decline in jet distillates are usually around 20 percent [of Total capacity utilization across all improve Iraq’s compliance, their joint statement said. as some refiners are opting to import motor fuel consumption offsetting a recovery in auto total production],” Petroleum Association of refineries in India had risen to 85 percent “The two ministers stressed that efforts by OPEC+ countries fuels instead of raising refinery runs. fuel demand during the month, according to Japan President Tsutomu Sugimori said on in June, from 77 percent in May, as retail towards meeting production cuts and the extra cuts under the “Asian refiners are seeing much worse data from Korea National Oil Corp. July 17. Sugimori, who is also chairman of fuel demand had started showing signs of compensation regime, will enhance oil market stability, help accelerate margins compared to their peers in Europe or Reflecting the cautious sentiment, refiner ENEOS Holdings, the parent of the largest revival with the easing of the lockdowns. But the rebalancing of global oil markets and send a constructive signal the US. Factors behind this include weakened SK Energy plans to run its refineries at 80 Japanese refiner ENEOS, said that ENEOS the trend is getting reversed again. to the market,” the statement said. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 6 ADVERTISEMENTS AUGUST 9, 2020 TEHRAN TIMES Iran’s Leading International Daily Modern Stadium of Advertising Dept Martyrs of Khuzestan Football Club (KSC)

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tehrantimes79 I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y AUGUST 9, 2020 ANALYSIS/INTERVIEW 7

S. Arabia, U.S. want Iraq to be People united against devastating blast: advisor to Lebanese president hostile to Iran, al-Nujaba says By Fatemeh Salehi Amal Abou Zeid, Advisor to the President of the Lebanese Re- public, said in an exclusive interview with MNA that the Zionist “Saudi Arabia and the U.S. want Iraq as a tool for their vicious goals” regime is extremely frightful of Lebanon’s possible reaction to 1 On July 28, the Daily Telegraph “Thirdly, promoting these expectations is Beirut devastating blast. referred to Shammari’s statements as the part of the psychological war that is intended Lebanon, which is currently grappling with many economic official spokesman for the Islamic Resistance to weaken axis of resistance and to suggest and political problems, was the scene of a massive explosion that movement of Harakat al-Nujaba, which he to them that things are not in their interest,” ripped through the capital, Beirut, on Tuesday, killing at least 137 addressed to the British ambassador. Shammari maintains. “Consequently, what people, with dozens missing and 5,000 wounded. “Our message is directed to Britain and comes out of U.S. sources is often different Following the horrific explosion in Beirut, several radar images the U.S.,” he stresses.” We, as a free country, from reality.” of “unusual patrols and reconnaissance operations” of four U.S. will not accept any form of mandate, whether According to senior member of al-Nujaba, Navy spy planes on the Lebanon-Syria coastline were released. from arrogant countries or international in- a vast majority of the honorable Iraqi people Speaking to Tehran Times/ Mehr News Agency in an exclu- stitutions controlled by powerful countries, are still hostile to the American, British, and sive interview, Amal Abou Zeid, Advisor to the President of the and no matter what they try to distort the Zionist plans. Lebanese Republic, referred to speculations about the targeting reality, interfere or incite, and whatever their “We are for holding early elections that of the Beirut Port by a missile, and how some Israeli news outlets proxies and friends delude them, Iraq will are free and fair and without any external covered the explosion from this angle. not play a subordinate role, and this land interference and pressure, that the results “The Israeli cabinet denied any involvement in the explosion,” will never be safe for their forces.” of it would shape the features of the next Amal Abou Zeid added. “All of these reactions indicate that Tel He emphasizes that the people of Iraq phase, and that in light of their results they Aviv is panicking and is very afraid of a stronger reaction by the have never forgotten their revolution against produce a national, professional, non-sec- Lebanese resistance against Israel should the regime’s involve- the British mandate in 1920 that humiliated tarian government,” Shammari emphasizes. ment be confirmed.” them and never forget the resistance that Regarding U.S.-Iraqi negotiation on About the negative claims fabricated against Lebanon’s Hez- defeated the occupation forces. withdrawal of American forces from Iraq, he bollah regarding the blast, Amal Abou Zeid said, “It is only natural “You (Britain) have to stop your inter- the alliance between these two countries as to the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he reveals. tells the Tehran Times that there is a binding to see some parties, such as Israel, to falsely accuse Hezbollah of ference in our domestic affairs. Historically, the sponsors of terrorism. In a comment on the announcement of parliamentary decision to expel American being indirectly involved in the massive explosion that ripped morally and ideologically, we are more capable The biggest victim of the Saudi-Ameri- early elections in Iraq, Shammari explains forces and all foreign forces from Iraq and through the Beirut Port. There are also some countries, which than you, and we have all the things that you do can terrorism is the oppressed Iraqi people, that American expectations are often unsuc- put an end to the work of the international oppose Hezbollah and hold the resistance movement responsible not possess and never heard about,” he says. ranging from the American invasion to the cessful for several reasons. coalition to fight ISIS inside Iraq. for many issues, to raise similar accusations.” Responding to a question about achieve- al-Qaeda and ISIS terrorism, he says, adding “First, American information sources are “The American side and the Security Coun- Talking about the reaction of the Lebanese nation to this dev- ments of the visit by Prime Minister Mustafa before them the blood-thirsty Baath regime biased towards the American vision, and cil were informed of this decision through a astating disaster, he said “This calamity revealed the national al-Kadhimi to Tehran for both Iran and Iraq, violently suppressed the Iraqis. therefore they analyze the events based on letter from the Iraqi government containing solidarity in Lebanon, as reflected in the medical, public and the spokesman for al-Nujaba says al-Kadhi- “This alliance does not like to see Iraq what U.S. officials want to see,” he notes. the same demands, accompanied by the deci- government aid, soon after the explosion.” mi’s visit did not bring anything new to the as a master of itself and maintain balance The second reason is that the U.S. is a sion of the Iraqi parliament,” he says. “These “The Lebanese people showed that they are standing united in level of relations between the two countries. and good neighborly relations with the sur- country that relies on releasing wrong infor- decisions are not reversible from any Iraqi the face of this great tragedy and are fulfilling their humanitarian Pointing to affinities and proximity be- rounding countries. They want Iraq as a tool mation to the media that are biased toward or American side.” and national duties,” he further stressed. tween the two brotherly neighbors in terms for their sick goals, ambitions, and enmities. Washington and thus presents a fabricated And as the prime minister indicated a The massive explosion that ripped through the Lebanese capital of common interests, beliefs, religion, close The most important thing they want from and false image that does not indicate reality, few days ago, Iraq does not need any foreign of Beirut on Tuesday, took place at a warehouse at the Beirut Port, social ties, and economic exchange, he say, the Iraqi government is to declare hostility he explains. forces inside its territory, because Iraqi se- which, according to Lebanese officials, stored thousands of tons “But the new thing is that the visit came after curity forces are able to achieve security and of ammonium nitrate – a substance used in making fertilizers attempts of some dreamers of restoring the Al-Nujaba spokesman says the U.S. and its “spread it over all the Iraqi land,” he asserts. and explosives. He concludes that all the American at- dictatorship of the Baath (party) and declaring proxies in the region accuse everyone who The cargo had been stored at the port since it was confiscated hostility between the two brotherly neigh- tempts are useless and will cost them more from a ship more than six years ago. The stockpile is believed to bors,” Shammari remarks. opposes their imperialist, colonial, and losses at the hands of the men of resistance, have detonated after a fire broke out nearby. On postponement of al-Kadhimi’s visit to arrogant policies of various charges. and they will soon be forced to surrender and The death toll reached 137 on Thursday, and with dozens Saudi Arabia and the U.S., Shammari criticized leave Iraq completely. missing and 5,000 wounded, it is expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue. According to Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud, the explosion has rendered 300,000 people temporarily homeless and dam- First Phase III Covid-19 vaccine trials begin in UAE age from the disaster would cost the country billions of dollars. Human rights groups say treatment of migrant workers in PGCC states deteriorating amid pandemic Palestinians caught between 1 Researchers around the world are developing more hard due to Covid-19 outbreak. ulator’s AED50 billion ($13.6 billion) Targeted Economic than 165 vaccines against the coronavirus, and 28 vaccines Dubai’s plans to host Expo 2020 in October, which was Support Scheme stimulus package launched to counter the waiting and the possibility of are in human trials. Vaccines typically require years of re- expected to draw 25 million visitors, has been postponed impact of Covid-19 as of 18 July. Some measures to minimize search and testing before reaching the clinic, but scientists until next year. economic crisis include: annexation are racing to produce safe and effective vaccine by next year. Due to the economic fallout of the pandemic, the UAE has July 30: Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship By Ramona Wadi If and when a vaccine is developed for Covid-19 then changed its law to allow companies to break work contracts, discusses initiatives to restore normalcy and gradually ease production of enough quantities and distribution becomes lower wages, and pressure foreign workers to take unpaid restrictions due to Covid-19; While the Palestine Liberation Organisation has been calling the next challenge. leave, reports Deutsche Welle. July 27: Government confirms decision to resume the upon the EU to step up from rhetoric to action regarding Is- The first vaccine safety trials in humans started in March, Expatriates make the bulk of Dubai’s 3.3 million popula- circulation of newspapers, magazines and paper-based rael’s forthcoming annexation of occupied West Bank territo- with the hope of stimulating the immune system to produce tion and account for 98 percent of private sector work force. marketing material; ry, Europe’s Foreign Affairs Chief Josep Borrell invited Israeli effective antibodies against the virus. Due to the slump in the crude export revenues and pan- July 23: Flag carrier Emirates to offer free medical cov- Defence Minister Gabi Ashkenazi to Brussels to meet with the Meanwhile, during a video call Foreign Minister Mo- demic lockdowns, many foreign blue-collar workers in the erage for expenses related to Covid-19 cases; bloc’s foreign ministers. hammad Javad Zarif held talks with his UAE counterpart region have racked up debt and would go hungry without July 22: Visas of UAE residents stranded abroad will expire “While the international community is concerned with the Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan and exchanged greet- the help of charities as they wait for work and to be paid. without exception, and those whose visas expire after July ‘possibility’ of annexation,” said PLO Executive Committee Member ings for Eid al-Adha holiday, reports the Emirati state news There are no social safety networks for foreigners, who 12, have a month to renew the documents before fines begin; Hanan Ashrawi, “Israel is implementing its annexation scheme agency WAM. make up about 90 percent of the population in the UAE. The July 13: Third-stage study of a possible vaccine approved on the ground without any deterrence.” Israeli plans for further Zarif tweeted that the talks were “very substantive, frank blue-collar jobs are the most vulnerable. They are paid low by the Ethics Committee Scientific Research in Abu Dhabi; construction in East Jerusalem prompted Ashrawi’s comments, and friendly” on Covid-19 as well as “bilateral, regional and wages, work long hours and often live in cramped dormi- July 12: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development suspends as EU politicians adopt activist tactics by abandoning their power global situations.” tories that have been coronavirus hotbeds. Xenophobia is debt service repayments during 2020 for eligible countries to act both morally and politically and opting instead to write a “We agreed to continue dialogue on theme of hope – escalating as expatriates are blamed for spreading the virus. and businesses; “protest letter” to Israel’s Foreign Ministry. especially as region faces tough challenges, and tougher Some foreign laborers have said they find little reason July 6: Business tenants of Dubai Developments Group It would be perplexing to come to terms with the fact that choices ahead,” Zarif wrote. to stay without work and wanted to return to their home properties in emirate, including small firms and entrepre- such dismissive attitudes towards Palestinians and Palestine The two ministers held a telephone call in March in countries despite being owed months of wages; hundreds neurs will be exempted from paying rents for a period from are not properly rejected by the Palestinian Authority, were it which Sheikh Abdullah expressed the UAE’s support for of thousands have already left. three to six months; not for the fact that the PA itself is enamoured of futile pleas in Iran during the coronavirus outbreak. The treatment of migrant workers in the PGCC states July 4: After being tested Abu Dhabi resident allowed place of political action. According to Worldometers data, the number of Covid-19 have come under criticism by human rights groups, saying to take 48-hour trips outside the Emirates. Commuters The EU, meanwhile, is not adopting condescending attitudes cases in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region conditions have deteriorated because of the coronavirus. travelling to Emirates must be tested before they arrive towards Israel and its annexation plans. In his phone call with crossed 1,243,659 on August 3rd. The Arab PGCC countries No official statistics on how many people have left the at the border. Ashkenazi, Borrell reiterated the EU’s “unequivocal commitment” to account for 51.4 percent of all cases in the MENA region, UAE are available. But at least 200,000 workers, mostly In order to slow the pandemic spread, commercial flights Israel’s security, which he described as “not negotiable for the EU”. while Iran makes up 24.9 percent. from India, Pakistan, the Philippines and Nepal have left, to 31 countries deemed high-risk were banned until further Ashkenazi’s accusation of EU “megaphone diplomacy” is thus Foreign workers’ plight according to their diplomatic missions. notice. The countries include: India, Pakistan, Egypt, the a sham. That type of diplomacy is reserved for Palestinians, en- The two things the six Persian Gulf Co-operation Council UAE Covid-19 stimulus, recovery measures Philippines, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, China, Brazil, Mexico, Italy couraged as it is by the PA’s accommodating collaboration. The (PGCC) member countries rely most on are revenue from According to the UAE’s Central Bank data, local banks and Iraq. Emirates has resumed flights to/from Tehran in Israeli official made his comment in May, when Borrell declared oil/gas exports and foreign workers, both have been hit had withdrawn AED43.6 billion ($11.87 billion) of the reg- July after six months of halt. that the EU “looks forward to continue working with the new Is- raeli government in a constructive and comprehensive way.” In other words, the EU will ensure that if Israel wants to build further settlements to normalise the forthcoming annexation, it will stand by Israel in the name of its (entirely fake) security narrative. Will the demonstrations end Netanyahu’s political career? If the EU truly wanted to put a stop to annexation, Ashkenazi By Motasem A Dalloul the demonstrators who, regrettably, were policy and and it’s fair to assume that this will would have been invited to a meeting in which EU foreign minis- attacked yesterday once again at several manifest itself in the credit agencies’ report.” ters would outline action to be taken against Israel. As Ashrawi Massive demonstrations across Israel are locations. The right to protest is the life’s In Yedioth Ahronoth, journalist Nahum succinctly asserted, though, the EU thrives upon possibility, and calling for the unseating of Prime Minister breath of democracy, and violence erodes Barnea pointed out that: “Israel needs a tal- so does Israel, which makes the bloc and the colonial presence Benjamin Netanyahu over corruption cases the foundation of democracy.” ented leader, not a magician, a servant or a in Palestine diplomatic allies working in tandem. and his alleged mishandling of the corona- This sends a clear message to Netanyahu, lord; it needs a person who is not chased The EU knows that waiting, as the international community virus crisis. Worryingly for Netanyahu, the calling on him and the police to abandon by his criminal cases. Is Netanyahu, despite tells Palestinians to do constantly, has led to a near-irreversible protests are growing, and look set to get even violence against the demonstrators. “Nobody all of his virtues, able to meet all of these situation. International diplomacy has normalised delays, to the bigger, fuelled by hate speech and violence restricts the demonstrations,” insisted the conditions? For me, it is likely that even his point that they are now permissible political actions undertaken from his supporters and police. Prime Minister, while also accusing them of supporters would not be able to give a pos- by powerful countries against states and populations concerned According to Israeli media, thousands of being “coronavirus incubators”. itive answer to this question.” The message with accessing and implementing their legitimate political and demonstrators have gathered in Tel Aviv and Haaretz reported that the right-wing Yam- that the protesters are sending is clear, he legal rights. Hence, writing a protest letter to Israel’s Foreign other cities. The police have been removing ina alliance is threatening to embarrass Net- coronavirus pandemic, which is hurting added: “Democratic countries cannot depend Ministry is lauded as action, despite the disparity in the EU’s them forcibly, while those who manage to anyahu’s Likud party by planning to present large economies and strong states, so what on one person.” diplomatic relations with Israel and the PA. Making headlines stay behind face being pepper sprayed by a bill that would allow the Knesset to override must it be doing to Israel? Last week, the Speaking to right-wing Israeli journalist in Israeli media, after all, conveys Israeli displeasure and the pro-Netanyahu gangs and, some reports High Court rulings. The alliance apparently global rating agency Fitch downgraded the Baruch Yedid, who is close to Netanyahu, I was illusion of action. And nothing else matters, as far as Israel and claim, beaten up by them. seeks to “lure” right-wing MKs to break the sovereign debt outlook of the United States told that the demonstrations and increasing the EU are concerned. At the same time, his political opponents coalition’s discipline or “embarrass them by to negative. Haaretz did not rule out that tension within the coalition could bring about Take away the two-state compromise from international di- are involved in a fierce battle with Netanyahu forcing them to vote against it.” Other bills the reasons which led to this downgrading the end of the government. Citing internal plomacy and the EU’s peacebuilding narrative, and the Pales- over his handling of the protests. Some, even from right and left aim to “rattle” the coalition. would also apply to Israel, which is blundering polls for Likud, Yedid said that Netanyahu’s tinians will, at least, have a voice that is not tainted by external from the right-wing, are threatening to bring Meanwhile, Israel is facing a crisis related through the pandemic under Netanyahu’s popularity has decreased from 42 or 44 per impositions. If Israel’s colonial narrative was adopted willingly down the coalition government. to its credit agencies’ rating due to the on- leadership. cent to just 32. internationally, there is no reason why the Palestinian leader- The alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz, going conflict within the coalition over the “If the government has not approved the He also expects the coalition government ship should not prioritise and maintain Palestinian narratives. from the left of centre Blue and White, Net- approval of a very short-term budget for the 2021 budget by the end of this year,” the chief to end very soon, which means yet another However, the issue of PA compromise, even with “waiting”, re- anyahu’s coalition partner, commented on rest of 2020 or a two-year budget for 2020 economist at Bank Leumi, Gil Bufman, told General Election could be on the way. “The mains, and Palestinian efforts at diplomacy are merely mirrored the violent crackdown on the demonstra- and 2021. While Netanyahu and his camp are Haaretz, “Israel may be added to the rating world is taking one way and Israel is taking by ineffective tactics employed by the EU. tors: “As a government, we are obliged to insisting on a short-term budget, the others, agencies’ watch list, increasing the risk that another way,” he concluded. That is Israel’s Ramona Wadi is an independent researcher, freelance jour- be attentive to the people. As the regime, led by Blue and White, are fighting for the their Israeli outlook will be lowered to nega- democracy. nalist, book reviewer and blogger. Her writing covers a range we bear the responsibility of facilitating two-year proposal. tive… The political situation is not sending Motasem A Dalloul is MEMO’s corre- of themes in relation to Palestine, Chile and Latin America. Her holding the demonstrations and to protect Added to this is the financial cost of the good signals vis-à-vis management of fiscal spondent in the Gaza Strip. article appeared in MEMO. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 8 HERITAGE & TOURISM AUGUST 9, 2020 Italian embassy responsible for depicting Tehran- Rome’s envoy unveils coronavirus-era series at Tehran ceremony Rome ‘so deep and complete’ cultural ties: envoy By Afshin Majlesi 1 Perrone reminded that joint is extremely important.” TEHRAN – Rome’s ambassador to Tehran Giuseppe Perrone missions, who have stopped work due “Reverting to the cultural heritage on Wednesday unveiled the first episode of a joint video-theater to coronavirus health limitations, would promotion there is a lot my embassy is project, co-performed by Iranian and Italian artists, which start again soon. doing to promote bilateral ties in arts, turns the spotlight on how the novel coronavirus imposes “We have [archaeological] missions cinema, music, archaeology, architecture, curbs on everyday life. in some areas… unfortunately, due to the literature, and theater, like the one health crisis, they have stopped working that we saw tonight, and design, among but we hope they can resume soon.” other arenas…,” the envoy noted. Elsewhere in his remarks, the “And I think because our cultural ties ambassador pointed to the conference are so deep and so complete in every in which Tehran and Rome mark 60 area, that we do have a responsibility to years of collaboration in the fields of showcase this richness and to tell people cultural heritage and archaeology last the story of this important connection year. From the early 20th century on, that has always existed between Italy Italians participated in the scholarly and Iran in different areas so we look investigation of ancient Iranian history forward to our future projects which and culture. are going to be quite amazing.” “So, last year, we celebrated the 60th Perrone also talked about the type of anniversary of our joint cultural heritage Italian travelers, who in his opinion, are and archaeology collaboration…. an more interested in visiting the ancient land. occasion that also opened an extremely “Well, normally elite tourists come beautiful and meaningful exhibition here, I mean people who are very aware dedicated to the 60th year of partnership of cultural heritage so it’s a very qualified at the National Museum of Iran in type of tourism between Italy and Iran… downtown [Tehran].” ones who know very well the Iranian Answering a question about the joint culture… The ones who are willing to A trailer and the opening episode of the experimental series future plans, the ambassador said: “We’ve discover the country with their own titled “8 1?2 Theater Clips: How the Pandemic Changed our planned to expand many of the missions eyes and touch with their own hands its Lives” were screened in a custom-arranged ceremony followed that we have here in different areas of Iran marvelous and incredibly rich cultural by a cozy launch event at the residence of the ambassador both in the south and in the north working heritage.” in northern Tehran. with prestigious Italian universities…. “Our travelers from Italy to Iran are “Though, tonight, we are unveiling one of the most amazing to extent excavation surveys but like I highly educated and very well aware of and artistic projects so far done [with assistance of the said they are on halt now because of the the great potential and heritage that Iran health crisis.” has….. About the number of travelers; embassy], we are few in numbers due to the observance of Italian ambassador to Tehran Giuseppe Perrone speaks in an undated photo. health protocols to prevent the spread of the virus,” Perrone “We are planning to hold a joint the figures were great in 2018 but the figures declined afterward and that is said addressing the attendees ranged from foreign diplomats archaeology film festival with some films so Italy is big in terms of archaeology.” that I think was extremely useful and not because they have lost the interest and architects to theater directors, artists and correspondents. to be screening in Tehran and Shiraz Referring to cultural tourism, which has gonna have its follow-up again as but it is due to international complexes This eight-part film, with the language of performing arts at the beginning of 2021 if the health is another arena of cooperation between soon as corona allows, unfortunately!” such as sanctions.” and theater, explains to us how the disease has changed our condition will allow us.” the two nations, he explained: “That’s “That was a project done by an Last November, on the sidelines of the emotions, habits and lifestyle, and it offers ways to go beyond Responding to a question about the an area, which is extremely important. Italian NGO called The Alliance of ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary the imposed boundaries of the epidemic, the envoy said. goal of the film event, the ambassador Last year we held an important project Italian Cooperatives (ACI), which sent of the joint cultural heritage, the Italian Talking about the Italian contributors to the project, said “It’s not only about the past. It on promoting cultural tourism … there a delegation here to visit several tourist envoy said: “Italian tourists are fond of Perrone said: “They were very interested in being here will be showcasing many films about was also a delegation came here from destinations in the country to cooperate Iran because it has a natural diversity tonight, but it was not possible due to the current situation archaeology…. Many films that portray Italy last November and they visited in improving their capabilities, their skills that is appealing to them. Italians are [travel limits imposed by the pandemic], and they sent us [aspects of] our history together.” several regions in north and west of the and set up [the ground to] even work also fond of Iran’s unique antiquities.” a video message...” Providing an example, Perrone referred country with the idea to improve Iran’s together on improving in generally Iran’s Iran expects to reap a bonanza from Co-produced by the Embassy of Italy in Tehran and the to the cutting-edge technology Italian capacity to attract [more] tourists and ability to attract more tourists, which Italian theater company Instabili Vaganti, with the participation experts utilized to restore some parts its numerous tourist spots such as of the Iranian director Ali Shams and the performer Danial of the UNESCO-registered Persepolis. “Well, normally elite tourists come here, I bazaars, museums, mosques, bridges, bathhouses, madrasas, mausoleums, Kheirikhah, the video-performances are scheduled to be “We have had [top] mission in mean people who are very aware of cultural published from August to December on the Embassy’s social Persepolis, ‘Restorers without Borders’ churches, towers, and mansions, of channels (Twitter, Instagram and YouTube). as well as a joint archeological mission heritage so it’s a very qualified type of which 24 being inscribed on the UNESCO It was born the on-line project conceived and directed of the University of Bologna, ISMEO tourism between Italy and Iran… ones who World Heritage list. by Instabili Vaganti, Anna Dora Dorno and Nicola Pianzola, and the University of Shiraz (co-led Under the 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, in order to maintain active dialogue between artists from by Prof. Francesco Callieri and Prof. know very well the Iranian culture… The it aims to increase the number of tourist different countries and to photograph the particular historical Ali Askari), who brought in Iran a very ones who are willing to discover the country arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 period we are going through. cutting-edge technology to restore some with their own eyes and touch with their million in 2025. The latest available data The project, according to organizers, launched during parts of the Persepolis ….. It was like show eight million tourists visited the the lockdown period, at a time of crisis that prompted the a breakthrough …. Likely [it was] the own hands its marvelous and incredibly rich Islamic Republic during the first ten company to transform the limits imposed by the anti-COVID first kind of archaeological restoration cultural heritage.” months of the past Iranian calendar year measures into an opportunity, envisages the use of online mission that applied that technology here (started March 21, 2019). platforms for the creation and sharing process, in an attempt to overcome not only the geographical borders, marked even more by the pandemic, but also stylistic, gender and thought. The artwork opens up various collaboration paths that will Over 200 historical monuments restored in central Iran lead to the creation of a video performance series in which Instabili Vaganti interacts with individual artists from the TOURISM TEHRAN – Over 200 aging structures was named a UNESCO World Heritage. Wedged between desk different countries involved in the project, thanks also to and buildings have been restored across the northern Dasht-e Kavir and the southern Dasht-e Lut the support of the Italian cultural institutes in the world. Yazd province, central Iran, since the beginning of the on a flat plain, the oasis city enjoys a very harmonious current Iranian calendar year 1399 (March 20). public-religious architecture that dates from different eras. As the coronavirus pandemic has brought the province’s Yazd is usually referred to as a delightful place to stay, or Iran attractions: Yazd Water tourism to a standstill and there are no visitors to the a “don’t miss” destination by almost all of its visitors. The historical sites, it seems the best time for the implementation city is teemed with mudbrick houses that are equipped with Museum of the restoration projects, said Seyyed Mostafa Fatemi, innovative badgirs (wind catchers), atmospheric alleyways, the provincial tourism chief, CHTN reported on Saturday. and many Islamic and Iranian monuments that shape its (Lonely Planet) — Yazd is famous for its qanats (under- Most of the restoration projects have been done in eye-catching city landscape. ground aqueducts) and Yazd Water Museum, one of the collaboration with the private sector as well as volunteer The city is known today with its traditional districts, best of its kind, is devoted to the brave men who built them. teams of restorers, the official added. the qanat system, traditional houses, bazaars, hammams, Located in a restored mansion with a visible qanat running Back in July, the official announced that due to the water cisterns, mosques, synagogues, Zoroastrian temples, underneath, the museum offers, through a series of photo- global coronavirus pandemic, visits to the province has and the historic garden of Dolat-Abad. The city enjoys the graphs, exhibits and architectural drawings, a fascinating plummeted to one percent during the first three months peaceful coexistence of three religions: Islam, Judaism, glimpse into the hidden world of waterways that have allowed of the current Iranian calendar year compared to the same and Zoroastrianism. life to flourish in the desert. period last year. Yazd Jameh Mosque, Dowlatabad Garden, the Yazd of Silence, and adjacent desert landscape are among its In July 2017, the historical structure of the city of Yazd Atash Behram, also known as Atashkadeh-e Yazd, Towers tourist sites. Historical cistern discovered in northeast Iran TOURISM TEHRAN – A historical turned into a street with the expansion of throughout Iran as a designation for roofed deskAb-Anbar (cistern) has the city, is being documented by the cultural underground water cisterns. It associates recently been discovered in Torbat-e heritage experts, the official added. with water management systems in arid Heydarieh, northeast of the country, IRNA The history of the area stretches back to areas that are reliant on permanent springs reported. the Achaemenian Empire from the 6th to 4th or on seasonal rainwater. The cistern is estimated to date back century BC and the Parthian Empire from Such underground reservoirs or Ab- to late Qajar era (1789–1925) and early the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century CE. Anbars are parts of the iconic qanat systems, Pahlavi period (1925-1979), and it seems Over 60 historical sites have been which rely on snow-fed streams flowing to be a part of a bigger historical complex, Ali identified inside the historical texture of down from surrounding mountains. Mohammadi, the head of Torbat-e Heydarieh the city, of which 17 historical properties Qanats, according to UNESCO, provide Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts have been inscribed on the National Heritage exceptional testimony to cultural traditions Department, said on Saturday. list so far. and civilizations in desert areas with an The cistern, which was destroyed and The term Ab-Anbar is common arid climate. The uniform of the qanat builders shows an early form of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), with padded cotton hats and white-colored clothing that was both luminous in the dark and would act as a shroud in the event of a fatal accident. Some $9m spent to revive 14th-century Rab’-e Rashidi The museum, which charts the 2000 years that Iran’s HERITAGE TEHRAN – A budget of 370 billion that date from Ilkhanid, Safavid, and Qajar eras. It is unique irrigation system has been in operation, describes the deskrials (about $9 million at the official said that students from Iran, China, Egypt, and Syria drilling of mother wells (which can reach a depth of 300m, dollar rate of 42,000 rials) has spent on reviving of studied there under the supervision of physicians, such as the qanat near Mashhad) and the use of water distri- the Rab’-e Rashidi in northwestern East Azarbaijan intellectuals, scientists, and Islamic scholars. bution clocks. These clocks (basically a bowl with a hole in province over the past three years, a provincial tourism The ancient complex embraces a paper factory, a the bottom) helped to mark out the 15- or 20-minute shares chief has said. library, a hospital (Dar-al-Shafa), a Quranic center (Dar- of water purchasable by householder or farmer. Located in Tabriz, the capital of East Azarbaijan al-Quran), residential facilities for teachers, students’ Qanats run through many of the wealthy old houses in province, the 14th-century educational complex was quarters, and a caravanserai amongst other facilities. Yazd, collecting in pools in basements known as sardab. established during the reign of Ghazan, a ruler of the Soaked in history and culture for millennia, Tabriz As the coolest part of the house, these rooms were often Ilkhanid dynasty (1256-1353). embraces several historical and religious sites, including beautifully decorated and several fine examples exist in The budget has spent on the acquisition of the Jameh Mosque of Tabriz and Arg of Tabriz, and UNESCO- Yazd’s old traditional hotels today. The qanats (there are lands in the area of the historical complex, as well as registered Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex to name many running through each town) are the reason why the archaeological excavations and restoration projects, a few. wealthiest districts are always closest to the mountains – to CHTN quoted Alireza Quchi as saying on Thursday. Iran keeps an eye on the possible inscription of be closest to the freshest water. Rab’-e Rashidi includes several archaeological layers the site on the UNESCO World Heritage list by 2025. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y AUGUST 9, 2020 SOCIETY 9

Iran ranks first in West Asia Bold green policies from world governments ‘could halve temperature rises for breast milk banks expected by 2050’ SOCIETY TEHRAN — Iran feeding is particularly important in hu- deskranks first in West manitarian settings, where access to The global lockdown will have a “negligible” impact on rising Asia for breastfeeding of immature clean water, adequate sanitation, and temperatures but a green recovery could avert the climate newborn infants, as 11 breast milk basic services is often limited. crisis, a study has said. banks have been established in the Only about two in five children (42 Lockdowns to stop the spread of coronavirus caused huge country, head of mother’s milk bank percent), the majority born in low- and falls in transport use, as well as reductions in industry and of Al-Zahra hospital in the northwestern middle-income countries, were breast- commercial operations, cutting the greenhouse gases and city of Tabriz has stated. fed within the first hour of life. While pollutants caused by vehicles and other activities. Breast milk donation is as impor- this is a slight improvement from 37 tant as blood donation due to saving percent in 2005, progress is slow. lives of so many premature babies in Attainment of this goal requires, in hospitals whose best nutrition is breast many countries, the reinforcement of milk, Mohammad-Baqer Hosseini told a “breastfeeding culture” and its vig- IRNA on Saturday. orous defense against incursions of a Recalling that breast milk banks are “bottle-feeding culture”. This requires widely active all over the world, he said commitment and advocacy for social that milk banks have been active in mobilization, utilizing to the full the European countries for nearly 100 years. prestige and authority of acknowledged Worldwide, about 600 breast milk leaders of society in all walks of life. banks have been established, with the World Breastfeeding Week first established in Austria, he noted, 2020 adding, there are currently 210 breast World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) The impact is only short-lived, however, and analysis shows that milk banks in Europe and Brazil alone is a global campaign to raise awareness even if some lockdown measures last until the end of 2021, global has 210 milk banks. and galvanize action on themes related temperatures will only be 0.01C lower than expected by 2030. Human milk is pasteurized so that to breastfeeding, celebrated annually But if countries choose a “strong” green stimulus route out there is no risk of transmitting infec- Improving breastfeeding practices could on August 1-7 in commemoration of of the pandemic it could halve the temperature rises expected tious diseases, even in case of AIDS or save the lives of more than 800,000 the 1990 Innocenti Declaration. by 2050, the study published in Nature Climate Change said. any other diseases, he said. Started in 1992, WBW’s annual That gives the world a good chance of keeping temperature He went on to explain that mothers children under 5 every year, the vast themes include healthcare systems, rises to the 1.5C goal that countries signed up to under the inter- who have insufficient milk volume for majority of whom are under six months women and work, the International national Paris climate agreement to prevent the most dangerous any reason, including multiple births, of age. Beyond survival, there is growing Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Sub- impacts of global warming. can receive their baby’s required con- stitutes, community support, ecolo- Recovery packages targeting low-carbon energy and energy sumption from the milk bank. Also, evidence that breastfeeding boosts gy, economy, science, education, and efficiency and not giving bailouts for fossil fuels could “mean the babies born prematurely, such as a baby children’s brain development and provides human rights. Since 2016, WBW is difference between success and failure” on avoiding a dangerous weighing 600 grams at 26 weeks, or protection against overweight and obesity. aligned with the Sustainable Devel- climate crisis. premature babies born with diseases opment Goals (SDGs). Study lead author Professor Piers Forster, director of the such as gastrointestinal disease and Mothers also reap important health benefits In 2018, a World Health Assembly Priestley International Centre for Climate at the University of cannot feed on infant formula. from breastfeeding. resolution endorsed WBW as an impor- Leeds, started working on the analysis with his daughter Harriet Mothers who have more milk than tant breastfeeding promotion strategy. after her A-levels were cancelled. their children need can donate milk. Breastfeeding a unique pro- first six months of life, and thereafter WBW 2020 will focus on the impact They used mobility data from Google and Apple to calculate The milk is taken to the milk bank by cess with increased duration of breastfeeding of infant feeding on the environment or how 10 different greenhouse gases and pollutants changed be- health centers and pasteurized, then Breastfeeding provides ideal nutri- with complementary foods, and pro- climate change and the imperative to tween February and June in 123 countries, before a wider team the necessary tests are performed on tion for infants and contributes to their gram intervention can result in positive protect, promote, and support breast- helped with detailed analysis. it and stored in special containers in healthy growth and development while changes in breastfeeding behavior. feeding for the health of the planet and The team also modelled options for post-lockdown action, portable refrigerators and freezers, reducing the incidence and severity of Improving breastfeeding practic- its people. ranging from a fossil-fuelled recovery to two different levels of he added. infectious diseases, thereby lowering es could save the lives of more than The theme is aligned with thematic green stimulus. In July 2016, the first breast milk infant morbidity and mortality, and 800,000 children under 5 every year, area 3 in the WBW-SDG 2030 cam- Emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and other pol- bank was established in Al-Zahra Hos- contributing to women’s health by re- the vast majority of whom are under six paign which highlights the links between lutants fell by between 10 and 30 per cent, the analysis said. pital of Tabriz University of Medical ducing the risk of breast and ovarian months of age. Beyond survival, there breastfeeding and the environment and But because the reduction was only temporary, the impact on Sciences, with the financial support cancer, and by increasing the spacing is growing evidence that breastfeed- climate change. warming driven by the long-term build up of greenhouse gases of the Ministry of Health, he stated. between pregnancies. It also provides ing boosts children’s brain develop- The World Alliance for Breastfeeding in the atmosphere will be very small. Since then, 10 breast milk banks social and economic benefits to the fam- ment and provides protection against Action (WABA) applies the warm chain It is what happens now that is important, the researchers said. have been set up in the country, two ily and the nation and provides most overweight and obesity. Mothers also approach of working together across Strong action to drive the recovery through green measures of which are located in Tehran, and women with a sense of satisfaction reap important health benefits from sectors and levels to make common could lead to greenhouse gas emissions being 50 per cent lower others in Mashhad, Zahedan, Ahvaz, when successfully carried out. breastfeeding, including a lower risk cause with groups working on envi- in 2030 than they would otherwise be, which would reduce ex- Kermanshah, Shiraz, Kerman, Tabriz, Recent research has found that these of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and ronmental issues. Together, we need pected warming by 0.3C by 2050. and Yazd are active and one is being benefits increase with increased exclu- type 2 diabetes. to emphasize the link between breast- It could set the world on track to keep temperature rises to launched in Isfahan, he said. siveness of breastfeeding during the The life-saving protection of breast- feeding and the environment. no more than 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. Beyond that threshold, scientists warn of worsening impacts of the climate crisis, including increased droughts and extreme Iranian, Italian universities to hold Iranian researchers extract antibiotics weather, spread of diseases, reduced crop yields, rising seas and harm to wildlife. webinar on COVID-19 from marine sediments Professor Forster said: “The choices made now could give us a strong chance of avoiding 0.3C of additional warming by SOCIETY TEHRAN — Bu-Ali ENVIRONMENT TEHRAN — The mid-century, halving the expected warming under current policies. deskSina University and deskresults of a study “This could mean the difference between success and failure Hamedan University of Medical Sciences by Iranian researchers showed that when it comes to avoiding dangerous climate change.” from Iran and Bari Aldo Moro University of marine sediments contain antibiotic He added: “The study also highlights the opportunities in Italy will be holding a webinar on COVID-19 compounds that can be used in the lowering traffic pollution by encouraging low emissions vehicles, on August 11, ISNA news agency reported. pharmaceutical industry. public transport and cycle lanes. In this webinar, specialists in virology, Due to antimicrobial resistance oc- “The better air quality will immediately have important health epidemiology, and zoonotic diseases from curring in some bacteria and fungi, es- effects – and it will immediately start cooling the climate.” universities and scientific-research insti- pecially bacteria that cause nosocomial Study co-author Harriet Forster, who has just completed her tutes of Iran and Italy will discuss the latest infections, the treatment process using studies at Queen Margaret’s School, said: “Our paper shows that scientific findings on SARS-CoV2 virus. common antibiotics is difficult, so it is the actual effect of lockdown on the climate is small. How the new coronavirus pandemic 282,122 recovered so far. Over the past 24 necessary to produce new antibiotics to against pathogenic bacteria and the greatest “The important thing to recognise is that we’ve been given unfolds, clinical signs and new treatments, hours, 2,125 new cases of people having treat these diseases. effect on Staphylococcus aureus. a massive opportunity to boost the economy by investing in laboratory diagnosis of infection, the latest the virus have been identified, and 132 According to ISNA, Seyedeh Zahra The ocean is a natural habitat for green industries – and this can make a huge difference to our information on vaccination, and epidemi- died, Lari said. Mirsonbol and Khousro Issazadeh, along antibiotic-producing bacteria, and future climate.” ology of the disease in communities are Currently, 4,148 patients with corona- with their colleagues at the Islamic Azad marine aquaculture introduces anti- the topics that will be discussed during virus are in critical condition, she added. University, Lahijan Branch, participated biotics into the ocean to treat infections WORDS IN THE NEWS the webinar. Since Saturday, 249,756 coronavirus in this study. and improve aquaculture production. The number of people diagnosed with patients have been identified in Italy, of The results of the study showed that Studies have shown that the ocean is coronavirus in Iran reached 324,692 on whom 35,190 lost their lives and 201,642 Streptomyces derived from marine sedi- an important reservoir of antibiotic Iraq foreign hostages Saturday, of whom 18,264 have died and have been recovered. ments have strong antimicrobial activity resistance genes. (April 12, 2004) Seven Chinese nationals have become the latest foreigners to be taken hostage in Iraq. The US military said that three more ma- rines were killed on Sunday in western Iraq. It didn’t say whether ENGLISH IN USE they were involved in fighting in Fallujah. After a week of fierce fighting in Fallujah both sides have agreed to stop shooting. This LEARN NEWS TRANSLATION report from Barbara Plett: China’s state new agency says the seven men were abducted near Fallujah while travelling on the main road between Jordan and ‘Welfare Organization helps 15,000 Baghdad. They’re the latest foreigners to be kidnapped during .a week of fierce fighting in Iraq سالیانه ۱۵ هزار زن سرپرست خانوار از چرخه حمایت breadwinning women to become A British man has been released. But the fate of three Japanese .hostages threatened with execution still hangs in the balance بهزیستی خارج می شوند financially independent annually’ Meanwhile, residents of Fallujah are burying their dead and trying to get out of the city during the lull in fighting. Local hospital officials say more than six hundred people have been killed, most فریبــا درخشــان نیــا، مدیــر کل دفتــر توانمندســازی خانــواده و زنــان On average, 15,000 female heads of households who have been under Iran Welfare Organization’s assistance, become of them civilians. The marines insist most of the dead are fighters. The Americans have failed to crush the insurgents despite ســازمان بهزیســتی کشــور گفــت: بــه طــور میانگیــن ســالیانه ١٥ هــزار financially independent annually through employment and the use of massive force. Mediators continue efforts for a ne- gotiated solution. But the US military is reinforcing its troops نفــر از زنــان سرپرســت خانــوار تحــت پوشــش، از طریــق اشــتغال و entrepreneurship programs, Derakhshan-Nia, director to resume the offensive if talks fail. Words کارآفرینــی در قالــب انفــرادی یــا گــروه هــای همیــار، بازتــوان شــده و general of family and women capacity building office at the Welfare Organization has said. abducted: taken away illegally usually by force the fate of: what will happen to از چرخــه حمایــت خــارج مــی شــوند. hangs in the balance: remains undecided lull: a period of quiet or little activity PREFIX/SUFFIX PHRASAL VERB IDIOM insist: say very firmly and refuse to change their mind crush: completely defeat “demi-” Open up Cross the line insurgents: people who are fighting against the government or army of their own country Meaning: half Meaning: if opportunities open up, or a new situa- Explanation: to go beyond the authorized limits and mediators: people who are trying to settle a dispute between For example: He caused the horse to make a tion opens them up, they become available or possible do something which is not acceptable two groups demivolte across the path. For example: With a microscope, a whole new world For example: He has an unpleasant habit of telling negotiated solution: an answer to the problem based on talks of investigation opens up. jokes that really cross the line. resume the offensive: to restart the strong attack (Source: BBC) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 10 INTERNATIONAL AUGUST 9, 2020

No colonial power can return Whoever is responsible must to Lebanon: Aoun

Lebanese President Michel Aoun says no colonial power can return to Lebanon, following a trip by French President Emma- be tried: Nasrallah nuel Macron to disaster-stricken Beirut that sparked outrage among the Lebanese. INTERNATIONAL TEHRAN — Secretary The Hezbollah chief also expressed the desk “Lebanese sovereignty will not be harmed under my watch,” General of Lebanon’s resistance group’s readiness to help all the Aoun told reporters on Friday, three days after a huge explosion Hezbollah resistance movement Sayyed victims of the explosion. “We are ready to occurred at a port in Beirut, killing 154 people and injuring a Hassan Nasrallah has urged an impartial shelter the homeless families and to provide whopping 5,000 others. investigation into the blast that rocked them with alternative housing,” he said. Macron appeared at the site of the explosion on Thursday, having Beirut on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Beirut’s Governor Marwan rolled up the sleeves of his shirt and attempting to take the appearance “During the investigation, no one must Aboud said the blast had left 300,000 people of a concerned leader by roaming around and talking to people. be allowed to be covered. We shouldn’t homeless. During a meeting with Aoun, Macron also called for an inter- do this in the typical Lebanese fashion Lebanese FM welcomes Nasrallah’s national inquiry into the devastating blast and reportedly threat- of giving people passes for their sect, etc. remarks ened Lebanese leaders with sanctions if they did not submit to Whoever is responsible must be tried for Lebanese Foreign Minister Charbel Wehbe reforms and “political change.” their actions, not based on their sect, said Friday night that he had a positive view Lebanon gained independence from French colonial rule more etc.” Nasrallah said. of remarks made by Hezbollah Secretary- than seven decades ago. Aoun rejected the call for an international “Whoever they are -- even if they are all General Hassan Nasrallah about taking investigation in his Friday remarks. from one sect, whatever their party, whatever advantage of recent opportunities. The blast took place in warehouses storing highly explosive their family -- they must be held accountable Wehbe added that Lebanon will seize material, specifically ammonium nitrate, commonly used in both based on their actions,” he added. every opportunity to improve its relations fertilizer and bombs. Speaking in a televised speech on Friday, with the outside world, and in the past two ‘Foreign sabotage possible’ Nasrallah said those responsible for the deadly days, it has talked to 30 foreign ministers, Aoun said the blast might have been triggered by a foreign attack. disaster had to be held to account regardless all of whom have announced their readiness “The cause has not been determined yet. There is a possibility of of their affiliations. to meet him. external interference through a rocket or bomb or other act,” he said. He stressed that the probe should have Rejecting allegations that Hezbollah was According to Press TV, Aoun said he had asked Macron “to neither political nor sectarian motives. involved in the blast in the port of Beirut on secure aerial images to determine what happened and if the French The powerful explosion on Tuesday took humanitarian and national catastrophe, the to incite the Lebanese people against the Friday night, Sayed Hassan Nasrallah advised do not have them, we will request them from another source.” place at port warehouses storing highly Hezbollah chief called on all the Lebanese resistance group. the government to seize the opportunity of He said an investigation would look into the cause of the ex- explosive material, specifically ammonium to unite to overcome the ordeal. According to Press TV, Nasrallah managing the recent crisis. plosion.The Lebanese president had previously said that it was nitrate, commonly used in both fertilizer He also dismissed as “injustice” media rejected the claims, and said those media The Lebanese foreign minister noted “unacceptable” that 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate had been and bombs, killing 154 people and injuring speculation in the early hours of the tragedy outlets that spread the allegations had had that the Lebanese government’s priority stored in the warehouse for six years without safety measures. a whopping 5,000 others. that Hezbollah had stored missiles in the political motivations and sought to incite now is to try to rescue and provide relief According to Aoun, 20 port officials have been detained as Describing the blast as a massive port, adding that those accusations aimed a civil war in Lebanon. over Beirut blast. part of the investigation. “Corruption is not limited to [officials at] this port, and efforts to fight it must extend to all ports,” Aoun said. 18 killed in Air India crash Hong Kong says U.S. sanctions The blast came amid public anger over the ruling elite’s mis- management of an economic crisis. The Lebanese pound has “clowning actions” continued to plummet against the US dollar, losing more than 60 percent of its value over the last weeks while sources of foreign The plane swayed violently as it ap- the first time in three years after losing The Hong Kong government said the sanc- Luo, the most senior mainland political currency have dried up. proached a hilltop runway drenched his job at a construction company in tions were “shameless and despicable” official based in the Chinese-controlled Observers say American sanctions on Lebanon have deteri- in monsoon rain, and moments later Dubai, said the plane swayed before and represented “blatant and barbaric” territory, said U.S. sanctions on him in- orated its already struggling economy. the special return flight for Indians the crash and everything went dark. interference in China’s internal affairs. dicated he was doing what he “should be stranded abroad by the pandemic He said he followed other passen- The United States Friday imposed doing for my country and Hong Kong,” skidded off, nosedived and cracked gers who crawled their way out of the sanctions on Luo Huining, the head of according to the statement. in two, leaving 18 dead and more fuselage through the emergency door. China’s Liaison Office, as well as Hong As well as Luo and Lam, the sanctions Arab League says ready to than 120 injured. “A lot of passengers were bleed- Kong leader Carrie Lam and other current target Hong Kong police commissioner Among the injured Friday night, ing,” said Panangad, who escaped and former officials that Washington ac- Chris Tang and his predecessor Stephen mobilize Arab efforts to help at least 15 were in critical condition, without major injuries. “I still can’t cuses of curtailing political freedoms in Lo; John Lee, Hong Kong’s secretary of Lebanon after explosion said Abdul Karim, a senior police comprehend what happened. As I the global financial hub, Reuters reported. security, and Teresa Cheng, the justice officer in southern Kerala state. The am trying to recall what happened, The move accelerates rapidly deterio- secretary. Xia Baolong, the director of the Trump says he will join international aid dead included both pilots of the Air my body is shivering.” rating Sino-U.S. ties, more than a month Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office in India Express flight, the airline said He said the pilot made a regular after Beijing imposed sweeping national Beijing, was also named. conference call for Lebanon in a statement, adding that the four announcement before landing, and security legislation on Hong Kong that Police chief Tang told local media on cabin crew were safe, AP reported. moments after the plane hit the run- drew condemnation from Western gov- Saturday that maintaining the security Arab League Chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit said on Saturday he The 2-year-old Boeing 737-800 way, it nosedived. ernments and sent a chill across the city. of the country and Hong Kong was his would seek to mobilize Arab efforts to provide support to Leb- flew from Dubai to Kozhikode, also “There was a big noise during the “The unscrupulous intentions of the U.S. responsibility, and foreign sanctions anon after a massive explosion in the port of Beirut destroyed called Calicut, in Kerala. There were impact and people started scream- politicians to support the anti-China chaos were meaningless. parts of the capital this week. 174 adult passengers, 10 infants, two ing,” he said. in Hong Kong have been revealed, and their The sanctions freeze any U.S. assets According to Reuters, speaking after a meeting with Leb- pilots and four cabin crew on board. Kozhikode’s 2,850-meter runway clowning actions are really ridiculous,” the of the officials, prohibit them from car- anese President Michel Aoun, he also said reporters that the In a telephone interview from his is on a flat hilltop with deep gorges Liaison Office said in a statement. rying out business in the country and Cairo-based league of Arab states was ready to assist the in- hospital bed, Renjith Panangad, a on either side ending in a 34-meter “Intimidation and threats cannot fright- generally bar Americans from doing vestigation into the blast. plumber who was returning home for drop. en the Chinese people.” business with them. “We are ready to help with all our means,” he said, adding that he would take part in an international conference call to be organized by France on Sunday to discuss aid for Lebanon. The death toll from Tuesday’s port explosion stands at 154, according to an official estimate on Friday, but is expected to rise U.S. protests: Protests rock Portland, mayor says tumult helps Trump further, with more than 5,000 people injured, some seriously. 1 It was at least the third time since protests broke out in Trump & Lebanon The Pacific Northwest Youth Liberation Front, which the city in late May that smaller crowds have targeted police Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that advertised the Wednesday rally on social media, used Twitter to precincts with barricades and fire. he will join a conference call with Lebanon’s president and other announce “Round 2” of the same demonstration on Thursday A precinct in North Portland, a historically Black neigh- world leaders on Sunday to discuss aid to Lebanon in the wake night with the slogan - “No cops. No prisons. Total abolition.” borhood, the downtown police headquarters and the po- of this week’s devastating Beirut port explosion. The group, which described itself as a “decentralized lice union headquarters have also all been focal points for Trump said on Twitter that he spoke separately with Lebanese network of autonomous youth collectives dedicated to direct demonstrators who are calling for the defunding of the President Michel Aoun and French President Emmanuel Macron, action towards total liberation”, did not immediately reply Portland police. who also will join the call. to The Associated Press news agency’s request for comment. Protests have gone on unabated in Portland since May “We will be having a conference call on Sunday with President In a social media post, the group says it rarely organises 25 following the death of Floyd, a Black man who died after Macron, leaders of Lebanon, and leaders from various other protests, but promotes them. a white Minneapolis police officer pinned him by the neck parts of the world. Everyone wants to help!” Trump tweeted. The weeks-long clashes between thousands of protest- for nearly eight minutes. He said he told Aoun that three large U.S. aircraft were en ers and U.S. agents sent by the Trump administration to and shined lasers in officers’ eyes, disabled exterior security Floyd’s death prompted national outrage and reckoning route to Lebanon to deliver supplies and personnel. guard the Mark O Hatfield Federal Courthouse stopped after an agreement between Democratic Governor Kate cameras, broke windows and used boards pulled from the build- in cities around the U.S. with systemic racism. Brown and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security ing to barricade the doors and start a fire, authorities claimed. In Portland, the civil disobedience prompted Trump to Resistance News that called for the agents to begin drawing down their There were 20 sworn officers inside, as well as civilian send federal agents from U.S. Customs and Border Pro- presence in Portland’s downtown on July 30. employees, said Captain Tony Passadore, who was the in- tection, U.S. Marshals Service and U.S. Immigration and Young Palestinian woman But after a brief weekend reprieve, protest activity has cident commander. Customs Enforcement to guard the federal courthouse, continued nightly in other parts of the city, with Portland Police used tear gas for the first time since federal which was increasingly targeted in demonstrations that succumbs to injuries police, local sheriff’s deputies and, in some cases, Oregon agents pulled back last week. “I don’t want people to get often turned violent. state police troopers on the front lines as demonstrators confused to think that this was something related to Black It was a move intended to quell the unrest but the from Israeli fire demand an end to police funding. Lives Matter,” Passadore said of the precinct rally. presence of federal agents instead reinvigorated dem- Wednesday night’s activity was in a residential neighbour- “I’ve been the incident commander for 24 nights of the onstrators and created a focal point for the protests each INTERNATIONAL TEHRAN — A young Palestinian woman hood 6 miles (about 10km) away from the federal courthouse. 70-plus events, and I’ve seen amazing protesting going on night amid concerns that Trump was overstepping the deskhas succumbed to the injuries she sustained Protesters on Wednesday gathered outside a police precinct in the city of Portland where people gather together.” limits of federal police powers. from fire by Israeli forces in the occupied northern West Bank city of Jenin. According to Palestinian media, clashes occurred between Visual point of view Israeli forces and Palestinians in al-Jabriat district in Jenin Former Saudi official accuses the Crown early on Friday. The 32-year-old victim, identified as Dalia Ahmed Solei- Prince of trying to kill him man Samudi, was shot in the chest in front of her house when A former top Saudi intelligence official pub- held hostage to secure Mr. Aljabri’s return. Israeli soldiers opened fire at her. licly accused Crown Prince Mohammed His lawsuit says that Saudi agents at- Mahmoud al-Saadi, director of the Palestinian Red Cres- bin Salman of sending a team of agents to tempted to target Mr. Aljabri in Canada cent in Jenin, said the Israeli forces also opened fire on the Canada to kill him. less than two weeks after another team ambulance carrying the victim. The allegation came in a lawsuit filed in of Saudi operatives killed and dismem- Tensions have been running high in the occupied territories United States federal court on Thursday by the bered the dissident Saudi writer Jamal amid plans by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s re- former official, Saad Aljabri, who has accused Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istan- gime to annex the occupied West Bank and the Jordan Valley. Prince Mohammed of seeking to silence or bul. American intelligence agencies have The plan has been delayed but it has not been called off. kill him to stop him from undermining the determined that Crown Prince Mohammed Netanyahu has been driven ahead by President Donald Trump prince’s relationship with the United States likely ordered the killing. of the United States, who unveiled a plan for the West Asia in and the Trump administration. Mr. Aljabri’s suit contained scant ev- January that effectively sidelines the Palestinians. The suit marks the first time a former sen- idence to support its charges, including According to Press TV, The Palestinians want the occupied ior Saudi official has publicly accused Prince about the alleged Canada operation, nor West Bank as part of a future independent Palestinian state with Mohammed, the kingdom’s de facto ruler, could they be independently verified by East Jerusalem al-Quds as its capital. Trump’s plan envisions of carrying out a widespread and sometimes The New York Times. Jerusalem al-Quds as “Israel’s undivided capital” and allows violent campaign to silence critical voices. A spokesman for the Saudi embassy in

the Tel Aviv regime to annex settlements in the occupied West Abbas Goudarzi Mr. Aljabri, who was a top aide in the Saudi Washington did not respond to a message Bank and the Jordan Valley. The plan also denies Palestinian Interior Ministry, now lives in self-imposed seeking comment, and Prince Mohammed refugees the right of return to their homeland, among other exile near Toronto. Prince Mohammed has has said that he had no prior knowledge of controversial terms. been trying to coax him to return to Saudi the operation targeting Mr. Khashoggi. Israel’s unlawful annexation push has drawn widespread Arabia and in March, Saudi Arabia detained The lawsuit is the latest riposte in a years- criticisms from the entire international community, including two of Mr. Aljabri’s adult children and his long battle at the top of the Saudi power the regime’s closest allies. And it has angered the native Pales- Tehran Times/ brother, prompting accusations by relatives structure as Prince Mohammed has worked tinian population. and United States officials that they were being to consolidate his grip on the kingdom. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y AUGUST 9, 2020 SPORTS 11

Azmoun most Maghsoodloo wins Double Speed Chess Grand Prix decorated Iranian Grandmaster Parham Maghsoodloo emerged victorious at the Double Speed Chess Grand Prix. The first event featured 875 participants. Some of the top contenders in most Grand Prix events like GMs Fabiano Iranian player in Caruana, Hikaru Nakamura and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave all failed to qualify. European leagues SPORTS TEHRAN — Iranian scorer, started at the front line of Zenit and, deskstriker, Sardar Azmoun, despite failing to score at the Super Cup final, raised his total trophies with Zenit Saint added more silverware to his 2020 season Petersburg to three after winning the Russian while helping his team to complete winning Super Cup final on Friday. the treble within one year. Zenit, who had already won the Russian Azmoun currently is the most decorated Premier League (RPL) and the Russian Cup, Iranian player in the European leagues. The Golden Boot is awarded to the high- second most expensive Iranian player of all- secured their third glory in the 2019 – 2020 The Iran national team star scored 17 est-scoring player in the league. time, After Alireza Jahanbakhsh. season with a 2-1 victory over Lokomotive goals in the league, and despite equaling Sardar, 25, who has been playing six Azmoun shared his delight on social media Moscow. his teammate Artem Dzyuba, the Iranian years in Russian teams, joined Zenit Saint by posting a picture with the trophy along Sardar Azamoun, who ended the 2019- was ahead of the Russian striker by fewer Petersburg in 2019. with his parents, attaching the caption ‘And In the playoffs, Peter Svidler managed to defeat Sam Sevian, 20 Russian Premier League season as top goals from the penalty spot. With €12m contract fee, Azmoun is the the third trophy… Thank God!’ who missed a sneaky mate threat. In the playoff, the story was Parham Maghsoodloo’s wild games. He reached the semi-finals by defeating Tang and then won a convincing opening game against Zierk. However, needing Persepolis lift Iran Professional Iranian wushu athlete Hashemi handed only a draw to reach the finals, Maghsoodloo fell into a lost League trophy four-year doping ban position and way behind on the clock. Yet, somehow he kept his cool, complicated the game, and his opponent was the one SPORTS TEHRAN — Persepolis SPORTS TEHRAN — Iranian who lost on time, chess.com reported. desklifted the Iran Profes- deskwushu practitioner Mar- In the finals against Alekseenko, Maghsoodloo again started sional League trophy for the fourth time in yam Hashemi Foroud has been banned with a win as Black before running into trouble when he only a row amid fireworks in a special ceremony for four years. needed to draw as White. on Friday in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium. Hashemi has received a four-year ban The win brought Maghsoodloo tournament victory for him Persepolis, who had won the title with after testing positive for the anabolic steroid in Iran. four games to spare, celebrated the accolade nandrolone. (Source: Chess.com) in the empty stadium. A sanction of four years ineligibility Before the celebration starts, Persepolis is imposed on the athlete, starting on 21 lost to struggling Zob Ahan 1-0 which it October 2019 (the date of the sample col- Paços de Ferreira eye was their first loss after 16 matches. lection) and concluding (but not inclusive With supporters absent due to the coro- of) on 21 October 2023. weight category. Alipour: report navirus restrictions, Iran’s Sports Minister but the Argentine left the Iranian giants She is disqualified from the 15th World Men’s Sanda athletes Hamidreza Masoud Soltanifar, Iran Football Federation in January after financial problem with Wushu Championships in Shanghai, China Gholipour and Moein Taghavi had been acting president Heydar Baharvand and the team’s officials. and the results at the competition forfeited previously handed four years doping Portuguese football club Paços de Ferreira are in negotiations the federation Secretary General Mehdi Former Persepolis defender Yahya as per Art.9.1of IWUF Anti-Doping Rules ban each. with Persepolis to sign Ali Alipour. Mohammad Nabi attended the celebration. Golmohammadi was named as new head 2015. Doping can demoralize wushu in Iran Alipour, 26, has scored 62 goals and provided 32 assists in Persepolis started the 2019-20 IPL coach for his second stint and led them to Hashemi had won a gold medal in the since the sport has improved a lot in the 192 games for Persepolis. under stewardship of Gabriel Calderon win the title for the fourth successive time. World Wushu Championships in the 75kg recent years in Iran. The striker, who can also play as a winger, is expected to arrive in Paços de Ferreira in the next two weeks to sign a contract for two seasons with the team. Ali Alipour had been already linked with a move to Rio Ave. UK footballers face 12-match ban for racism Paços de Ferreira are one of the historic teams in Portuguese Players in English football will be banned for six to 12 games game for a controversial social media post towards team- to punish clubs.” football, having been in the Portuguese Primeira Liga for 20 for discriminatory conduct under new Football Association mate Benjamin Mendy while Tottenham midfielder Dele There has been a number of incidents involving foot- seasons. sanctioning guidelines. Alli received the same punishment for appearing to mock ball fans this season with Bulgaria receiving a two-match (Source: A Bola) FIFA and UEFA imposed a minimum 10-game ban for an Asian man over the coronavirus. stadium closure after racist abuse from the stands in their racism or other forms of discrimination. Piara Powar, executive director of football’s anti-discrim- match against England while a 12-year boy was arrested The FA said there is flexibility to issue bans for fewer ination Fare Network, said the new rules fail to acknowledge for sending racist online messages to Crystal Palace winger than six matches if the discrimination was on social media any sanctions for football supporters. Wilfried Zaha. Esteghlal striker Motahari or if specific mitigating factors are presented. “Again the FA has shifted the burden on to individuals Following the restart after the suspension caused by a doubt for Sepahan Match The governing body can now pursue cases if an incident -- mostly players -- who transgress,” he said. the coronavirus pandemic, footballers in the UK took the of discrimination took place in private setting or outside of “Clubs whose fans behave consistently badly will get knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement in the a standard football environment. a minor sanction, despite the fact that these types of inci- wake of the death of American citizen George Floyd in May. Tasnim – Esteghlal football team forward Arsalan Motahari Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva was banned for one dents are the most damaging. The FA just does not want (Source: ESPN) will most likely miss the match against Sepahan. Esteghlal will host Sepahan in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium on Monday in Iran’s Hazfi Cup quarterfinals. Cazorla: I want to help Al Sadd win Reports: Juventus sack Motahari suffered a hamstring injury in the match against Shahr Khodro on Thursday. everything Sarri Esteghlal midfielder Farshid Esmaeili also is a doubt for the Sepahan match after an injury from his right foot. Santi Cazorla wants to help Al Sadd SC Reports are growing that Maurizio Sarri’s Tractor, Naft Masjed Soleyman and Persepolis have already “win everything”, as the mercurial Spanish time at Juventus is up, with a crisis meet- qualified for the Hazfi Cup’s semifinals. midfielder was officially unveiled by the ing called, Mauricio Pochettino, Zinedine defending Qatar Stars League champions. Zidane and Simone Inzaghi contacted. Cazorla, who has signed a two-year Multiple sources now suggest the deci- contract with the Doha-based side, de- sion has been made and the coach informed, 11 Bangladesh players scribed Al Sadd as the biggest club in with a statement expected imminently. Qatar and was excited with the challenge Friday night’s Champions League exit at coronavirus positive that awaits. the Round of 16 stage to Olympique Lyonnais Cazorla joined Al Sadd from Villarreal, proved the final straw for a campaign that Eleven players from the Bangladesh national football squad have having played for the La Liga side the last has been consistently below expectations. tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus. two seasons after six years with English Although Sarri did steer them to a ninth The infections were confirmed after 24 of 36 players scheduled Premier League club Arsenal. when he was a player, and I’m sure he’ll consecutive Scudetto, that too was a struggle replacement. to join a training camp organised by the team’s English coach “Al-Sadd is the biggest club in Qatar be the same as a coach.” and ultimately the gap from Inter was just Sportitalia claim Pochettino was con- Jamie Day were tested. and it’s a great honor to be here and to Asian fans will get to see Cazorla one point, with none of the sparkling attack- tacted last night to check for his availability, “None of them carried any symptoms before coming for the be part of this club,” said Cazorla, who in the 2020 AFC Champions League, ing football he was brought in to provide. and of the alternatives, he is the only one test,” Bangladesh Football Federation General Secretary Md turns 36 years old in December. with Al Sadd set to resume their Group Losing the Italian Supercup and Cop- not currently under contract. Abu Nayeem Shohag said on Friday. Capped 81 times by Spain, Cazorla D campaign against UAE’s Al Ain on pa Italia Finals were already a damning Sky Sport Italia suggest Simone Inzaghi The training camp is in preparation for the Asian Qualifiers said his target is to win everything with September 15. indictment, but a Champions League exit was called, but Lazio have just qualified for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup Chi- Al Sadd. Al Sadd had registered a win and a draw to a side that finished seventh in Ligue 1 is for the Champions League and it seems na 2023, with Bangladesh scheduled to resume their Group E “We have to try to win everything, all before the competition was suspended in considered unacceptable. unlikely he’ll quit at this stage. campaign in October. the titles. I will try my best every day to March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to multiple reports, there is Zidane has only recently returned to Jamie Day’s side will face Afghanistan on October 8, Qatar help the team.” Cazorla will get a chance to see his new to be a crisis meeting this afternoon at the Real Madrid after a split and won the Liga (October 13), India (November 12) and Oman (November 17). Cazorla said he was excited to be team- teammates in action when Al Sadd take Continassa training ground, as President title, so he too is an improbable candidate. (Source: the-afc) ing up with head coach Xavi, admitting on QSL leaders Al Duhail on Saturday, Andrea Agnelli said he would ‘evaluate’ Agnelli will also pull the plug on several that the Spanish legend played a key role with the defending champions needing every situation. careers at Juventus, with Sami Khedira, in him signing for Al Sadd. a win to keep their hopes of defending It’s widely believed Sarri will be sacked Blaise Matuidi and Daniele Rugani among “Xavi was very important in my deci- the league title alive. over the next two to three days, as nego- those heading for the exit. Two employees of Tokyo sion to come to Qatar. He was my reference (Source: the-afc) tiations have already begun to find his (Source: Football Italia) Olympic organizers positive Albion: Jahanbakhsh wonder strike up for goal of the season for COVID TOKYO (AP) — Two employees of the Tokyo Olympic organ- Alireza Jahanbakhsh’s unforgettable overhead kick is in Leicester’s Harvey Barnes, Tottenham’s Son Heung- izing committee have tested positive for COVID-19, officials the running for a major end-of-season award. min and Burnley’s Matej Vydra are also up for the award, said Saturday. The Iranian midfielder’s sublime strike is one of nine while Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne has two strikes That brings to three the number of employees of the committee contending for the title of Premier League goal of the season. nominated for the gong. who have tested positive since the pandemic began. The 84th-minute goal came on New Year’s Day and was Voting is currently open for the competition, with Organizers said a man and a woman had tested positive but only Jahanbakhsh’s second for the club since becoming the fans able to support their favorite entry on the Premier gave few details. They said the man was in his 20s and the woman Seagulls’ record signing in July 2018. League website. in her 30s, and that both were now working from home rather Albion reportedly paid a fee of 17£million for the now A spokesman for the competition said: “Nine of the than at the headquarters located near Tokyo Bay. -26year-old, who opened his account for the club just days best Premier League strikes in 20/2019 are in contention Many of the organizing committee’s employees have been earlier as they dispatched Bournemouth. for the Budweiser Goal of the Season award, and you can working remotely though some have returned to office work in The eye-catching strike snatched Albion a point against help to decide the winner. the last few months. Chelsea in a 1-1 draw at the Amex, with the London club “From long-range stunners to brilliant solo efforts, fans The organizing committee has a staff of 3,500. having taken the lead through Cesar Azpilicueta after can select which one of the Goal of the Month winners The 2020 Tokyo Olympics have been put back to July 23, ten minutes. from this campaign was their favorite before 6pm on 2021 due to the pandemic. The original closing ceremony was But Jahanbakhsh faces stiff competition for the title of Monday, August 10. “ to have been Sunday, Aug. 9. Premier League goal of the season. Albion have urged fans to throw their support behind Japan has reported just over 1,000 deaths from COVID-19. Other contenders include Moussa Djenepo’s impressive Jahanbakhsh’s bicycle kick, sharing a link to the competition Like the country, Tokyo has been largely spared, though new Newcastle a win against Manchester United the following solo effort for Southampton against Sheffield United in on the club’s website and telling fans, “you know what to do”. cases have been rising for the last few weeks with officials urging month and Bruno Fernandes’s volley against Albion in June. September, Matty Longstaff’s low drive which earned (Source: Argus) people not to travel and to stay away from bars and restaurants. Prayer Times Noon:13:10 Evening: 20:46 Dawn: 4:20 (tomorrow) Sunrise: 6:19 (tomorrow) AUGUST 9, 2020 ART&CULTURE I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y www.tehrantimes.com Managing Director: Mohammad Shojaeian Editor-in-Chief: Ali A.Jenabzadeh Iran’s National Orchestra releases “Song Editorial Dept.: Fax: (+98 21) 88808214 — 88808895 [email protected] Switchboard Operator: Tel: (+98 21) 43051000 Advertisements Dept.: Telefax: (+98 21) 43051430 Tel: (+98 21) 88805807 of Humanity” in honor of health workers Public Relations Office: Subscription & Distribution Dept.: Tel: (+98 21) 43051603 ARTTEHRAN — Iran’s healthcare staff is in love. The great efforts Webmaster: [email protected] deskNational Orchestra made by our doctors and nurses in the Printed at: Jame Jam Bartar Borna - 44197737 has released a music video titled “Song battle with coronavirus are praiseworthy,” of Humanity” to acknowledge the efforts he said. Tehrantimes79 Tehrantimes79 Tehrantimes79 the medical staff have made in the battle Namaki wished a long and precious with the coronavirus. life to all the artists, calling them a great No. 18, Bimeh Alley, Nejatollahi St., Tehran, Iran The orchestra under the baton of social asset. P.o. Box: 14155-4843 conductor Sohrab Kashef has performed “I hope no one will get infected with Zip Code: 1599814713 for the music video, which was unveiled this disease and I wish that we will be during a meeting attended by Health able to control this disease in the near Minister Saeid Namaki and Minister of future,” he concluded. Culture and Islamic Guidance Seyyed A number of Iranian musicians Abbas Salehi at the Health Ministry on have released music videos during the Thursday. home quarantine to insert hope and The orchestra performed the song in encourage people in the battle against honor of the healthcare staff in Vahdat the coronavirus, while they have also tried Hall in Tehran. to express appreciation for the efforts Speaking at the ceremony, the made by the healthcare staff. GUIDE TO culture minister expressed thanks to The Tehran Symphony Orchestra SPIRITUAL AWAKENING the health minister and all the medical released a music video from Beethoven’s and healthcare staff in their battle with Symphony No. 9 “Ode to Joy” it produced One who is sure of God’s compensation, COVID-19, and said, “The medical staff along with 148 world musicians in May. have always been with people over the Members of Iran’s National Orchestra shows much generosity himself. past 40 years, especially during the Iran- also produced “Sabokbal” and “Romantic Imam Ali (AS) Iraq war.” Passion” during the home quarantine “The history of war cannot be recorded in May. without the history of medicine. During Each musician recorded a video of the chemical bombardment in the war, like A monitor shows “Song of Humanity” in a meeting to unveil the music video her/his performances of composer these days of battling with the coronavirus, organized at the Health Ministry in Tehran on August 6, 2020. Hossein Dehlavi’s “Sabokbal” and Morteza Palestinian film events there was not much knowledge, but the He added, “Art and culture also with the coronavirus in these hard days Neydavud’s “Romantic Passion” in an energy, faith and commitment of the followed the healthcare staff and carried of sanctions. We, unfortunately, have innovative project by the Rudaki Artistic seek better ties with Iran medical staff made them win the situation. out their social responsibility well. I hope lost a number of our colleagues, but what Cultural Foundation. The two videos were We are proud of them over the past forty this video will act like a little gift for the has encouraged them these days are the produced based on the videos recorded Resistance festival years, and now, after five months of hard health care staff and help keep their additional energy that people and art and by each musician. days with the new virus, their great efforts spirits higher.” cultural figures have given them. This Promoting the motto “We Stay Home 1 Mikailzadeh and Abu Shamala and Ibrahim Muslim, will surely be recorded. Their help and Health Minister Namaki also on his video will surely keep their spirit up.” in Order to Go on Stage Sooner”, the the director of the International Film Festival on Nakba and endeavors will not be forgotten,” the part expressed thanks to the orchestra, “Art is the language of love. The first performance was released online Return, also held a video conference, discussing a number of culture minister said. and said, “Our colleagues are battling individual who goes through fire as a in April. plans to expand relations among the three resistance films events in the region. Actress Mahchehreh Khalili dies at 44 Her close friend and colleague Parastu Salehi announced the 10th of Muharram, to take revenge against the killers her death news in an Instagram post on Friday. of Imam Hussein (AS). She portrayed Narieh, Mokhtar’s Khalili had a degree in architecture from Oxford sister in the blockbuster. University and completed courses at Method Acting, Director Ali Atshani’s 2017 acclaimed drama “Wishbone” a college school in London that provides acting classes features one of her last appearances in the film industry. and lessons. Khalili who held dual citizenship in Tehran and London She was a grandchild of veteran actress Parvin gave birth to her only son, Parvaz in Iran to let him have Solemani and made her debut with Iraj Qaderi’s drama Iranian nationality. “Black Eyes” in 2000. “I wanted my son to be born in Iran. I wanted him “Havana File” by Alireza Raisian, “Trap” by Sirus Alvand to have an Iranian identity card and passport. This was and “Mask” by Kazem Rastgoftar are some of the movies very important for me, because I had lived far from Iran in which Khalili starred. for twenty years, but I always wished to live in Iran, and However, she did some of her best work in the TV series I have always considered myself an Iranian,” Khalili had Actress Mahchehreh Khalili in an undated photo. (Tasnim/ “In the Eye of the Wind” by Masud Jafari Jozani and “The earlier said on Dorehami, an Iranian TV talk show hosted Foad Ashtari) Pahlavi Hat” by Ziaeddin Dorri, both of which chronicle by director and actor Mehran Modiri. A poster for the 16th Resistance International Film Festival. ARTTEHRAN — Actress Mahchehreh part of contemporary Iranian history. Her close friend, actress Naeimeh Nezamdoost said deskKhalili, star of Iranian TV series such as Khalili produced her masterpiece in “Mokhtarnameh”, on Saturday that there are no plans to transfer Khalili’s They reached an agreement to screen the entries to the 16th “Mokhtarnameh” and “The Pahlavi Hat” and acclaimed movie director Davud Mirbaqeri’s TV series about an uprising remains to Iran and she will be buried in a cemetery in Resistance International Film Festival in Palestine shortly after “Wishbone”, has died of liver cancer in London. She was 44. organized by Mokhtar Saqafi after the events of Ashura, London. the original event. The organizers announced earlier that the festival has been warmly welcomed internationally as they have received over 1200 submissions from filmmakers from around the world. Iranian documentary on Ayatollah Khoei screened in Najaf They said that they have received 1260 submissions from filmmakers in Central America, South America, Europe, Asia ARTTEHRAN — The his meeting with former Iraqi dictator Educated in the established traditional and Africa. deskOwj Arts and Media Saddam Hussein in his palace. way of Shia theology by well-known jurists, With 460 films, Asian filmmakers have sent the most Organization announced in Tehran on The achievements of the ayatollah, his he joined the world-renown theological submissions. With 248 films, Indian filmmakers are on the Saturday that it has screened a documentary challenges and the martyrdom of his sons institution in the holy city of Najaf in 1912, top of the list. on Ayatollah Seyyed Abolqassem Musavi are also included in the documentary. the year he migrated from Iran. The festival has also received 325 films from European Khoei (1899-1992), the grand scholar of Shia The director has conducted over 300 He taught in Najaf for over 70 years. For filmmakers. Most of the movies are from Spanish directors who Muslims, at the Imam Al-Khoei Foundation hours of interviews with many influential 50 years, he specialized in supervising post- have sent 30 submissions to the event. in the Iraqi city of Najaf. figures such as Sheikh Moslem Vahedi and graduate studies. The festival, which will take place in Tehran from September The documentary named “Ayatollah” Ayatollah Mohammad-Mehdi Musavi He is considered as the architect of a 21 to 27, has dedicated a section titled “Health Defenders” that by director Seyyed Mostafa Musavi-Tabar, Khalkhali, to make his film. distinct school of thought in the principles will screen movies on medical workers and their endeavors on explores different aspects of the character A number of scholars from the Najaf of jurisprudence and Islamic law. the front lines of the campaign against COVID-19. of Ayatollah Khoei from his childhood Seminary attended the screening of the His interests included astronomy, It has so far received 372 submissions in this category from to adulthood, his relation with Imam documentary, to which the Ahd Institute mathematics and philosophy. Scholars watch the documentary around the world. Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic has also made a contribution. He was a prolific writer in the aforesaid “Ayatollah” by director Seyyed Mostafa An exhibition of photos and posters on the medical workers Revolution, his meeting with Iran’s Grand Ayatollah Khoei was born in Iran disciplines. He wrote 37 books and treatises, Musavi-Tabar at the Imam Al-Khoei will be also organized on the sidelines of the festival. former empress Farah Pahlavi, and and passed away in Iraq. most of which have been published. Foundation in the Iraqi city of Najaf. Sherlock Holmes stories Iran-Austria Music Event pays tribute to world medical staff published in Persian ARTTEHRAN — A music festival named between other countries. deskthe “Iran-Austria Music Event” was held He also expressed thanks to all doctors and nurses in ARTTEHRAN — A Persian translation of “The at Tehran’s Niavaran Cultural Center on Friday to pay Iran and across the world, and said that the healthcare deskAdventure of the Dancing Men and Other tribute to the medical staff around the world. staff have so far saved the lives of many and some have Sherlock Holmes Stories” by British author Arthur Conan Doyle Speaking at the ceremony, the director of the event, unfortunately died and that the performance is done in has recently been published by Hermes Publications in Tehran. Hessam Sakhtianchi, said that the event aimed to give their memories. The book has been rendered into Persian by Heshmatollah hope to the musicians while it also intended to pay tribute Next, the organizer of the event, the Iranisch- Sabbaghi. to healthcare staff. Österreichische Handelskammer (Iranian-Austrian Undoubtedly the world’s best-known fictional detective, “I am happy that I could manage to bring together Chamber of Commerce) thanked Niavaran Cultural Sherlock Holmes, with his faithful sidekick, Dr. Watson, is the a number of professional Iranian and international Center director Ebadreza Eslami for his support. scourge of London’s underworld, sallying forth from his rooms at musicians to watch during these hard days of battle with The band featured Iranian musicians Ali Zarrabi on 221B Baker Street to solve crimes and bring evildoers to justice. COVID-19,” he said. trumpet, Makan Khoynejad on cello, Sorush Omumi Now, five of the best Holmes stories have been collected Stefan Scholz, the Austrian ambassador to Tehran, on drums, Basir Akbari on guitar and two international in this book, offering a superb sampler of the great sleuth’s also attending the ceremony, said that such good saxophonists, all of whom performed under the baton fascinating adventures. Iranian-Austrian musicians perform in Tehran’s Niavaran relations between Iran and Austria are hardly seen of conductor Forugh Fazli. “The Adventure of the Dancing Men” is about the sudden Cultural Center in honor of the world medical staff. appearance of mysterious stick-figure drawings, which prove disastrous to a country squire and his bride. All the stories represent a wonderful introduction to the Scandinavian Intl. Film Festival to screen movies larger body of Holmes stories, as well as a delightful pocket- sized treat for any mystery lover. Conan Doyle was born in Edinburgh in 1859 and died in from Iran 1930. He set up as a doctor at Southsea and it was while waiting ARTTEHRAN — The short The film has been screened at numerous Directed by Mohammad Shahrestanki, for patients that he began to write. His growing success as deskmovies “Limit” and international events and won several “Label” is about Mohsen, who breaks off his an author enabled him to give up his practice and turn his “Label” by Iranian filmmakers will be honors, including the grand prix of the engagement on the threshold of the wedding attention to other subjects. competing in the Scandinavian International 10th Entr’2 Marches in Cannes, France ceremony. His greatest achievement was his creation of Sherlock Film Festival, which will take place in the in May 2019. “The Scandinavian International Film Holmes, who soon attained international status and constantly Finnish capital of Helsinki from August It also was named best short film at the Festival serves as a cinematic cultural template distracted him from his other work. At one point Conan Doyle 22 to 26. Woodbury Short Film Festival that took place for emerging, talented filmmakers who wish killed him but was obliged by public protest to restore him to “Limit” directed by Javad Darai tells the in March in Salt Lake City, the capital city to express their uniqueness through the lens life. And in his creation of Dr. Watson, Holmes’s companion in story of a desperate man who frantically of Utah in the western U.S. of past excellence while exposing themselves adventure and his chronicler, Conan Doyle not only produced pleads with strangers to accompany him The 7th Speechless Film Festival in the to the latest innovative concepts in the arts,” a perfect foil for Holmes but also one of the most famous to his home, without being clear on his U.S. also gave its award for best student film the organizers of the event have said in a narrators in fiction. A scene from the short movie “Limit”. intentions. to the film in April 2019. statement.