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8 Pages Price 50,000 Rials 1.00 EURO 4.00 AED 42nd year No.13880 Tuesday FEBRUARY 9, 2021 Bahman 21, 1399 Jumada Al thani 26, 1442

Ayatollah Khamenei’s Khosravi Vafa: We work Iranian tech delegation Congratulation on 42nd important message together to promote aims to promote anniversary of the submitted to Putin Page 2 Paralympic sports Page 3 products in ArmeniaPage 7 Islamic Revolution of

NIDC digs 117 oil, gas wells Who needs to rejoin in 10 months TEHRAN- National Iranian Drilling Com- The official stated that during this pany (NIDC) dug and completed digging period, 18 wells were drilled 326 days operation of 117 oil and gas wells during earlier than the schedule and handed over the first nine months of the current Iranian to the applicant company for operation, See page 3 calendar year (March 20, 2020 – Janu- adding that the early production of the ary 19, 2021), according to the managing wells, rig clearance and cost reduction, JCPOA? director of the company. which are resulted through cooperation Abdollah Mousavi said the drilled wells between the experts of NIDC and the consisted of 27 development wells, one operating company is economically appraisal well, 85 workover wells, and viable significantly. four exploratory wells. Continued on page 4

Symphonic poem “The Bright Path” released TEHRAN – “The Bright Path”, a sym- ic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali phonic poem produced by the Art and Khamenei to the country, particularly Cultural Organization of the Tehran to the youth on the fortieth anni- Municipality to promote “Second versary of the Islamic Revolution in Phase of the Revolution, was released February 2019. on Sunday. Hossein Parsafar is the composer of The Second Phase of the Revolution the symphonic poem with lyrics by Milad statement, also known as the Second Erfanpur, and Bahram Payiz is the singer Step of the Revolution statement, of one of the pieces. was issued by Leader of the Islam- Continued on page 8

TEHRAN - The Islamic Revolution In comments at the event, Chief of Guards Corps Navy on Monday took Staff of the Armed Forces Major Gener- delivery of 340 combat speedboats in al Mohammad Hossein Bagheri hailed Iran’s southern waters, according to the IRGC Navy for guaranteeing security Tasnim news agency. in the strategic region of the Strait of 340 military speedboats were Hormuz. Hundreds of new speedboats handed over to the IRGC Navy’s Major General Bagheri stressed, “The fleet in the southern port city of security of local residents and coastal . areas in the region is highly significant, The speedboats can carry out as- since more than two-thirds of the world’s delivered to IRGC Navy sault operations with various types of fossil fuel passes through the Strait of missiles and rockets and support the Hormuz.” sepahnews.com Navy divers. Continued on page 2

Iran handball rocked by Iran a successful model for the region: Netanyahu appears in court to answer match-fixing claims ex-Lebanese minister corruption charges

BY FARROKH HESABI BY MOHAMMAD MAZHARI Revolution and the idea of resistance? Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has In Case 2,000, he is accused of conspiring with TEHRAN - Iran’s Handball Premier League TEHRAN – Noting that the world is looking to The Islamic Revolution took place in Iran appeared in court to formally respond to corruption the owner of the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper to has been hit with reports of match-fixing in Iran as an inspiring example for Islamic move- at a time when the world was living under the charges against him, as his trial resumes weeks undermine a critical daily. And Case 4,000 involves the last weeks. ments, former Lebanese labor minister Tarad international bipolar struggle. It was in the time before legislative elections in the occupied territories. allegations that Netanyahu offered incentives to Several Iranian media reported that the Hamadeh says that the Islamic Republic founded of the Cold War and arms race, including what He arrived at the Jerusalem al-Quds district the Israeli telecom provider Bezeq in return for match between Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan a successful model for the region. was known as Star Wars, as well as competing court for a hearing on Monday morning under positive stories in the Walla news website. and Farazbam Dehdasht Khaiez in the last day “There is no doubt that the Islamic Revolution economic systems to achieve sustainable de- heavy security and after several delays due to the It is the second time that Netanyahu attends of premiere league’s Group B, raised strong due to importance and status of Iran will have velopment. coronavirus lockdown. a hearing of his trial in person. suspicious that the game might be fixed. an impact on politics, economy, culture, and The first thing that the Islamic Revolution Dozens of protesters demanding his resignation The first hearing took place last May, where Foolad Mobarakeh had already qualified the strategic military balances, as well as on presented to the world was the right of peo- gathered near the court house, following weekly the premier alleged that the charges against him for the next round as the second team of the culture, production of ideas and advancement ples to freedom, sovereignty, independence, demonstrations held in recent months. were “fabricated.” He repeated that claim on Sun- group, while Farazbam needed at least one of science,” Hamadeh tells the Tehran Times. self-determination, and the fight against co- Netanyahu, who is the first Israeli prime min- day, calling on his supporters not to come to the point to make it to the next round. “Iran is now the center of attention of states lonial domination and the tyranny of the great ister to be indicted while in office, will likely be court to show solidarity with him due to surging The match ended with a 24-24 draw on Jan. and peoples in the entire region, and it deserves powers over the world. required to verbally confirm the defense filed by coronavirus infections. 7 and Farazbam qualified as the third team. to be the model and example,” the Lebanese These goals are achieved through building his lawyers. In 2019, he was indicted on charges “I know you want to give me strength in light of However, Zoghal Sang Tabas club, another politician points out. self-sufficient forces, expelling the colonialists, of bribery, fraud and breach of trust stemming the fabricated and false cases against me,” Netan- team that had a chance to advance to the The following is the text of the interview: and putting forward the slogan “neither East, from three long-running cases. yahu said. “But we are at a time when a [mutated next stage but failed as they stand fourth, What is the message of the Islamic nor West, the Islamic Republic,” which is the According to Press TV, case 1,000 involves alle- strain] is spreading around the world and in Israel immediately filed a complaint to the Irani- Revolution to the region and the world? symbol of freedom and dignity. gations that Netanyahu received luxury gifts from too, so for the sake of your own health I ask you: an Handball Federation regarding alleged What are the links between the Islamic Continued on page 5 international billionaires in exchange for favors. Don’t come tomorrow.” match-fixing at the match between Foolad and Farazbam. Suspicious scenes in the mentioned match Digital economy is the dream world of extremist liberal capitalism: professor Islamic Revolution have been published in social media and Iranian press, which show that some players move BY M.A. SAKI Adib-Moghaddam has introduced the first and the threat of “perfectionism” in capitalist a brilliant example away from each other in a strange way during TEHRAN - Professor Arshin Adib-Moghaddam, course on “Artificial Intelligence and Human societies. In addition, the course considers the the game to let the ball go into the goal and chair of the Centre for Iranian Studies at the Security” to the curriculum of SOAS University “techno-politics” of Paul Virilio and the critical of triumph over some other intentionally throw the ball out! London Middle East Institute, says the digital of London. The Module presents a critical anal- approaches of Iranian philosophers such as The Disciplinary Committee of the economy “is the dream world of extremist liberal ysis of Artificial Intelligence with a particular Jalal Al-e Ahmad. authoritarianism and handball federation examined the match capitalism.” emphasis on its implication for human security. In an interview with the Tehran Times, Profes- imperialism: American and subsequently passed its judgment Noting that the man is entering “the age of It connects current research into the ethics sor Adib-Moghaddam says even “biggest theore- on all disciplinary matters relating to the supersonic power,” Professor Adib-Moghaddam of AI, to comparative philosophies including ticians of power such as the French philosopher professor match-fixing. says “technology has sped up power projections the socio-economic theories of the Frankfurt Michel Foucault and Antonio Gramsci couldn’t The federation suspended two players to the degree that we are even haunted in our School and their emphasis on the perils of mod- realize” this “supersonic” power. BY AMIR MOHAMMAD ESMAEILI of Farazbam team for six months and one living rooms.” ern forms of production for human existence Continued on page 2 TEHRN - David Yaghoubian, a professor of history player of Foolad Mobarakeh for three months. at California State University San Bernardino, tells In a strange decision, the federation also the Tehran Times that the Islamic Revolution of Iran announced that instead of three teams, four Ruins of majestic historical gateway unearthed near Persepolis in 1979 serves as a shining example for all people and movements around the world who seeking to teams from each group will advance to next BY AFSHIN MAJLESI of approximately 12 meters. Achaemenid campus,” IRNA quoted senior Ira- maintain “hard-won independence and sovereignty”. round, and Zoghal Sang qualified for the next TEHRAN – The ruins of a majestic historical They (archaeologists) succeeded in proving nian archaeologist Alireza Askari-Charoudi as “On the national level, the revolution brought stage as a result of the decision. gateway, built upon the order of Cyrus the Great, that Cyrus had ordered the construction of the saying on Monday. together Iranians of all backgrounds to collectively However, President of Iran Handball who was the founder of the mighty Achaemenid gateway near Persepolis in Tall-e-Ajori and that The discovery was made during the tenth ex- oppose the Pahlavi regime and its American ena- Federation Alireza Pakdel did not confirmed Empire (ca. 550 – 330 BC), have been unearthed this magnificent gateway had been put into op- cavation season jointly supervised by the Italian blers, which rendered the Shah’s military strength match-fixing at the mentioned match and near the UNESCO-registered Persepolis in south- eration during the reign of his son Cambyses. archaeologist Pierfrancesco Callieri from the Uni- and U.S. backing essentially irrelevant. Thus it is considered it as ‘negative cooperation’ be- ern Iran, Iranian researchers said on Monday. “The building had a corridor in the center, versity of Bologna, and his Iranian counterpart a brilliant example of indigenous popular will tri- tween some players which is nonsense. Supervised by a joint mission of Iranian and which was in form of a rectangular room meas- Askari-Charoudi from the University of Shiraz. umphing over authoritarianism and imperialism. “Zoghal Sang team expressed some Italian archaeologists and cultural heritage ex- uring eight by twelve meters, and inside this The first season was held in the Iranian calendar On a global level, the revolution’s core message issues about the match, and the handball perts, the dig uncovered vestiges of a massive central room, there were four living chairs. And year 1390 (2011). of Islamic unity and anti-imperialism resonated federation and even the Ministry of Sports’ gateway measuring 30 by 40 meters with a height the central corridor opened on both sides to the Continued on page 6 officials investigated the case. There were deeply outside of Iran and served as an arguably some negative cooperations between some modular approach for other societies to emulate in players that had some bad effects on the TENDER INVITATION NO. 99-1018 their quest for justice, dignity, independence, and sovereignty,” states Yaghoubian, who is author of match. However, we don’t consider it as an IRAN ALUMINIUM COMPANY (IRALCO) would like to invite eligible suppliers for the supply of 100 MT Magnesium pure on tender “Ethnicity, Identity, and the Development of Na- organized and scheduled match-fixing,” Pa- basis. Interested companies are allowed to send their competitive offer till27-Feb -2021 Based on our required instruction to following tionalism in Iran”. kdel said in an interview with Tehran Times. address: PO Box 31, opposite Bahonar Park, Natural Resources Boulevard, Arak- Iran Postal code: 3818998116 Attention: He also believes that the Western powers have “The priority in handball, and sports in Mr. Omidi - Mr. Nabiuni adopted a hostile approach to Iran since the rev- general, is to observe fair play issues. In Tel: +98 86 32162014 +98 86 32162181 olution, because “it simultaneously exposed their our handball community, there are a lot of NO.49, Mollasadra Ave., Vanak Square, Tehran- Iran, Postal code: 1991614581 Name of office: Managing Director Office, Iranian Aluminum imperialistic avarice, while demonstrating their honest athletes and coaches who are not Company. Fax: +98 21 88049028 Tel: +98 21 88049024 actual weakness in the face of national unity and deserved to be questioned by such unethi- For obtaining tender’s documents and more information, please check: www.iralco.ir cal rumors. There is no match-fixing in the mass popular opposition.” Public Relations Department of Iran Aluminum Company Iranian handball,’ he added. Continued on page 5 I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y POLITICS FEBRUARY 9, 2021

Leader pardons, commutes Ayatollah Khamenei’s important sentences of 3,840 inmates

POLITICAL TEHRAN — Islamic Revolution Leader deskAyatollah Ali Khamenei has pardoned or commuted prison terms of 3,840 inmates as Iran is marking message submitted to Putin the 42 anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. The amnesty was announced ahead of the 42nd anniversary POLITICAL TEHRAN – Mohammad The top lawmaker also criticized the West’s of victory of the Islamic Revolution that led to the formation deskBagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s oppressive sanctions on Russia and Iran, adding of the Islamic Republic in Iran. Parliament speaker, delivered the written the two countries are cooperating in various The prisoners subject to Leader’s amnesty include those message of Leader of the Islamic Revolution economic fields to reduce the impact of the who had received sentences from public courts, the Judicial Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to chairman of the measures. Organization of Armed Forces, etc. State Duma Vyacheslav Viktorovich Volodin He also rejected the attempts by the Article 110 of the Iranian Constitution grants the Leader on Monday. pro-Western figures to obstruct Iran’s co- the right to pardon or reduce the sentences of convicts upon Volodin also expressed his hope to submit operation with Russia and China, referring a recommendation from the head of the Judiciary. the message to President Vladimir Putin as to a projected 25-year cooperation agreement The Leader’s decision came in response to a letter from Ju- soon as possible. between Tehran and Beijing, in the meeting diciary Chief Ebrahim Raisi regarding prisoners found eligible Ghalibaf started a three-day visit to Russia with the Iranian diplomats. for receiving the clemency by the relevant judicial authority. on Sunday. He is accompanied by parliamen- Moreover, he noted, the 2015 nuclear The clemency, however, does not apply to certain types tary team. The head and the spokesman of the agreement between Tehran and world pow- of convicts, including those who have been sentenced for Iranian Parliament’s National Security and ers, the coronavirus pandemic, the import their role in armed smuggling of narcotics, arms trafficking, Foreign Policy Committee, as well as heads of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine, and the kidnapping, acid attacks, rape, armed robbery, bribery, em- of energy and agriculture committees are continuation of Iran-Russia cooperation in bezzlement, counterfeit money forgery, money laundering, accompanying Ghalibaf. the healthcare sector are on the agenda of the disruption of economy, smuggling of alcoholic drinks, and On Sunday Ghalibaf said he was carrying talks in Moscow. organized smuggling of commodities. an “important message” from Leader of the In addition to his meeting with chairman Islamic Revolution to Putin on his visit to of the Russian State Duma Vyacheslav Vik- Moscow. torovich Volodin, Ghalibaf is also expected Digital economy is the dream It was the first official foreign trip by tween the two states, the senior MP remarked. noted, “It is based on a long-term strategic to sit down for talks with Russian Foreign Ghalibaf. Prior to the visit, Ghalibaf’s special assistant approach, and accordingly, the parliaments of Minister Sergei Lavrov and Security Council world of extremist liberal Upon arrival in Moscow on Sunday night, in foreign affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian the two countries will negotiate and cooperate Secretary Nikolai Patrushev. capitalism: professor Ghalibaf said, “On my first official visit, I am had described relations between Iran and to deepen, direct and lay the groundwork for Moreover, the speaker met with the man- carrying message of Supreme Leader to Mr. Russia as strategic. Amir-Abdollahian also bilateral ties,” Ghalibaf told reporters after a agers of Iranian institutions in Moscow, saying “We are entering the age of supersonic power” Putin, president of Russia.” said both sides have decided to boost their meeting with Mr. Volodin. Iran and Russia share close views preparatory In a meeting with the Iranian diplomats cooperation in economic, trade, industrial “I traveled to Moscow to give an assurance for developing bilateral relations. 1 On whether this will downplay the traditional as- serving in Russia, Ghalibaf said he has been told and cultural fields. that Iran’s relations with Russia would not be He said that the Islamic Republic of Iran pects of power, Adib-Moghaddam says, “We are entering the by the Leader not to delay the trip to Russia. Regarding relations between the Islam- influenced by the developments in the West,” has realized the importance of relations with age of “supersonic” power. Power, including the might to The message concerns the “strategic ties” be- ic Republic and the Russian Federation, he he stressed. the Russian Federation in various fields. discipline and control, has been galvanized, accelerated and magnified. This is something even the biggest theoreticians of power such as the French philosopher Michel Foucault and Antonio Gramsci couldn’t realize.” Hundreds of new speedboats delivered to IRGC Navy ‘We are even haunted in our living rooms’ 1 The top commander also highlighted Iran’s ourselves,” the top commander remarked. the are being monitored constantly.” The professor says, “Technology has sped up power pro- success in boosting naval power under the pressure of Last month, General Ramezan Zirahi, a senior command- He added, “An acceptable level of security prevails in the jections to the degree that we are even haunted in our living sanctions and said, “The speedboats play a unique role er at the IRGC Navy, reminded the enemies of the severe strategic waters whose sustainable security could be ensured rooms. Unless we will develop equally supersonic forms of in the sea with agility, high maneuverability, and stealth reaction they would face for making any miscalculations in by the regional countries alone.” resistance, our ability to think independently and to empathize technology.” the Persian Gulf. In January, the Iranian Navy staged a maneuver named compassionately will be substituted by a robotic subjectivity Speaking at the ceremony, Hossein Salami, the com- “The illegitimate presence of extra-regional countries as the “Authority”. The drill involved various naval units covering that is compliant, docile and dispensable.” mander-in-chief of the IRGC, also advised American politi- only factor behind insecurity in the Persian Gulf,” he noted. the Makran coasts in the Sea of Oman and the northern In- On the fact that the digital economy is determining the cians to “abdicate the failed policy of maximum pressure.” Zirahi also warned the enemies that any miscalculation in dian Ocean. economic power of countries, the professor says, “As our Salami praised resistance against the U.S. maximum the Persian Gulf region will be dealt with seriously by Iranian Iran’s Armed Forces hold routine military exercises through- current technologies, in particular AI-based systems, are pressure against Iran, saying resistance has born fruits. naval forces. out the year in order to enhance capabilities to defend the based on supersonic hyper-speed, everything is accelerated “The resistance has been useful. Our path is to strengthen The top commander emphasized “the foreign vessels in country and its interests. including the economy of course.” The distinguished scholar says the digital economy is promoting capitalism. “The digital economy is not only a reality that is already Iran resubmits its four-point plan on Yemen to UN determining the global economic system, it is an indispensable factor in the dissemination of capitalism. Exactly because it is POLITICAL TEHRAN — A four- ly airstrikes against the Houthi Ansarullah the massacre today, cessation of hostilities international community to end the war and supersonic like a projectile that one doesn’t see coming, the deskpoint plan that Iran had movement in an attempt to restore power will take place tomorrow,” the spokesman lift the inhumane blockade. digital economy is opaque, unseen – it blurs the boundaries proposed some six years ago to the United to fugitive former president Mansour Hadi, pointed out. He also expressed Iran’s preparedness to of states, it transcends them and by that impinges on the Nations to ensure peace in Yemen is still a a close ally of Riyadh. Martin Griffiths, the UN Secretary Gener- offer humanitarian and medical aid to the sovereignty of national gov- viable option, Foreign Ministry spokesman The UN has described the crisis in Yemen al’s Special Envoy for Yemen, was in Tehran Yemeni nation in fight against the corona- ernments. It’s the dream world “If AI research Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Monday. as the world’s worst humanitarian disaster in to negotiate with Ali-Asghar Khaji, a senior virus pandemic. of extremist liberal capitalism. Speaking at a weekly press conference, modern history. According to the UN Office assistant to the Iranian foreign minister. He The Iranian diplomat reiterated Tehran’s The invisible hand of Adam yields a new Khatibzadeh highlighted on Iran’s position for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, was also scheduled to meet with Foreign Min- long-held policy for a political resolution of Smith has been substituted by ideology toward the crisis in Yemen, saying, “Tehran’s the war had already caused an estimated ister Mohammad Javad Zarif. the Yemen crisis including Yemeni-Yemeni bionic tentacles of an opaque centered four-point plan can be carried out even today,” 233,000 deaths, including 131,000 from In the meeting which began on Sunday, talks and the establishment of an inclusive avatar with no real location according to Tasnim news agency. indirect causes such as lack of food, health the two sides discussed issues and various government in Yemen. and material structure.” around the Iran’s plan includes a cessation of war in services and infrastructure. aspects of the Yemen crisis and explored ways The UN envoy, in turn, highlighted Iran’s The professor cites some notion of Yemen, immediate medical aid, inclusive “There will be no peace in Yemen unless to achieve peace in the country. major role in helping the establishment of examples of the unseen digital Yemeni-Yemeni talks, and the subsequent foreign governments facilitate that process,” Highlighting the catastrophic situation peace in Yemen and the region, and elabo- economy. perfectionism formation of an inclusive government. Khatibzadeh remarked. in Yemen due to the war on the country rated on the United Nations’ measures to “Uber became the world’s and maximum Since March 2015, Saudi Arabia and some “The Saudi invasion is the root cause coupled with a cruel economic siege, Khaji establish a ceasefire, end the economic siege largest taxi company without productivity, of its Arab allies have been carrying out dead- of the Yemen crisis. If Saudi Arabia stops called for further efforts by the UN and the and resume political dialogue in Yemen. owning any taxis. Facebook, the world’s most popular then it will be social media site, creates a destructive Biden administration intends to control Saudi Arabia: analyst no content. Amazon has no force that will inventory. And Airbnb, the POLITICAL TEHRAN — Ali Bigdeli, an expert on with Israel. Therefore, Biden prefers to not talk about U.S. “The Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths has begun desk world’s largest accommoda- lead to more American politics, says President Joe Bid- policy towards West Asia.” today a two-day visit to Iran where he is scheduled to meet tion provider, does not own wars, more en’s appointment of a skillful diplomat for Yemen indicates the Pressed to express his view about Biden’s approach towards with Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and other Iranian officials,” any real estate.” new U.S. president intends to control Saudi Arabia and take a West Asia, the expert said, “Biden’s statements on Saudi Arabia according to a statement issued by the Office of the Special ‘Humanity is at threat famines and diplomatic approach towards Iran. shows that Democrats intend to stabilize the region. I think Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen. like never before’ more social Pointing to the speech of President Joe Biden in the Depart- he made a good decision not to talk about West Asia and the “The visit is part of the Special Envoy’s diplomatic efforts to Technology and the digital and economic ment of State Bigdeli said, “Joe Biden made a speech on U.S. Persian Gulf.” support a negotiated political solution to the conflict in Yemen age have emerged as a revo- foreign policy which indicates his administration has adopted He also suggested Iran needs to take a logical diplomatic that meets the aspirations of the Yemeni people. The Special lution that is shaping human distress, a classic diplomatic strategy.” approach toward the new U.S. administration. “Biden’s team Envoy’s immediate priority is to support agreement between destiny. especially for In an interview with ILNA news agency, he said, “Trump has a good experience in foreign policy and they hope the U.S. the parties to the conflict on a nationwide ceasefire, urgent About where the digital delivered his speeches in American military base which shows can interact with Persian Gulf monarchies through hidden humanitarian measures and the resumption of the political revolution is taking human- the poor and he didn’t want to take classic diplomatic approach. Trump’s diplomacy.” process,” the statement continued. ity, the professor notes, “Hu- vulnerable.” moves indicates he took offensive strategies against U.S. friends Iran’s Foreign Ministry said on Saturday a new U.S. stand on The visit came a few days after the new U.S. administration manity is at threat like never and enemies.” the Yemen war can be a “step towards correcting past mistakes”, made remarkable decisions on Yemen such as suspending arms before. This is a part of my research projects, now and it is “Biden’s move indicates his advisors have well convinced the after Biden said Washington was ending its support for a Saudi sales to Saudi Arabia and notifying Congress of its decision to based on my new SOAS postgraduate seminar on Artificial president about U.S. foreign policy. Biden made no comments Arabia-led military campaign in Yemen. remove Yemen’s Ansarullah movement from the U.S. govern- Intelligence and Human Security, flanked by a great cast of on his policy towards West Asia. It could have resulted from “Stopping support ... for the Saudi coalition, if not a political ment’s list of foreign terrorist organizations. SOAS students. In this seminar we are discussing how the three reasons,” he remarked. maneuvre, could be a step towards correcting past mistakes,” Foreign Minister Zarif submitted a plan to the then-UN new inventions in AI based technologies affect our individual “First of all, the Biden administration has not improved its Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in April 2015, which was an security. relations with the European Union after three weeks that it has Biden said on Thursday that the more than six-year war early attempt by Iran to end the bloodshed in the impoverished “We look at trends that are post-human, in warfare, in forms taken power,” he said, adding that they Biden team seeks to on Yemen “has to end.” He also named veteran U.S. diplomat country. of surveillance and data gathering. AI is affording companies involve the Europeans in the developments in the West Asia Timothy Lenderking as the U.S. special envoy for Yemen in a The plan, which was presented in four provisions, included and governments the great luxury of direct penetration into region. bid to step up American diplomacy to try to end the war. the cessation of all foreign military attacks in Yemen, swift our private lives. We are under a huge microscope, a constant “Secondly, the Biden administration has not taken a final The United Nations special envoy on Yemen, Martin Griffiths, transference of humanitarian aids, resumption of nation- MRI that scans our cognition, body and preferences. decision on the JCPOA, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. Thirdly, Biden also began a two-day visit to Iran on Sunday to discuss issues al-Yemeni talks, and formation of a comprehensive unity “What is needed is a strong regulatory framework that is knows Persian Gulf countries have normalized their relations related to the Yemen war. government. anchored in local, national, regional and most importantly global institutions to supervise how all of this is used. We need a comprehensive ban on killer-bots for instance, in the same way that we have the Geneva Convention.” Zarif: Iran supports efforts made by UN to resolve crisis in Yemen He also predicts that countries that won’t develop their digital Iran’s foreign minister says the Islamic Republic improved through imposition of war. The UN special envoy for Yemen arrived intra-Yemeni dialog, and the establishment infrastructure will be dominated by “this new assemblage.” is ready to support special efforts made by the During the meeting, Zarif also expressed in Tehran on Sunday for consultations about of a broad-based government. Professor Adib-Moghaddam says Iranian intellectual Jalal United Nations to resolve the ongoing crisis Iran’s full readiness to support any effective the ongoing crisis in the Arab world’s poorest Backed by the U.S., the UK and other Western al-e Ahmad had rightly pointed to the threats and opportuni- in the war-torn Yemen. measure taken by the UN to resolve the crisis in country, which has endured almost six years states, Saudi regime and a coalition of its allies ties of the digital age even before Artificial Intelligence-based Mohammad Javad Zarif made the remarks in Yemen in view of the very difficult conditions of incessant military aggression by a Saudi-led have been engaged in a military against Yemen technologies were invented. a Monday meeting with the visiting UN special that plague the country as a result of the war coalition. since early 2015 with the aim of reinstalling a “Jalal al-e Ahmad rightly referred to the threats and oppor- envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, during which and economic siege imposed on the Yemeni During his stay, Griffiths has held meetings Riyadh-friendly government there. tunities of this ‘machine’, even before AI-based technologies the two sides discussed the latest developments people by Saudi Arabia and its allies. and exchanged ideas with top Iranian officials Saudi Arabia, UAE used cluster bombs in were invented. As I mentioned in a recent article: If we can in Yemen as well as ways to restore peace and Griffiths, for his part, highlighted the im- on the means of ending the crisis in Yemen. military offensives against Yemen’s Hudaydah: program our machines to understand our ethical standards, stability to the war-ravaged country. portance of being informed of the Islamic Tehran devised a four-point plan aimed at UN official then AI research has the capacity to improve our lives which Referring to the developments in Yemen Republic’s views on ways of restoring peace restoration of peace to Yemen and submitted The campaign has failed to achieve its goals, should be the ultimate aim of any technological advance. after the Saudi-led conflict plunged the country and stability to Yemen. the proposal to the United Nations no later thanks to the resistance put up by the Yemeni But if AI research yields a new ideology centered around the into chaos, the top Iranian diplomat stressed He also explained the UN’s viewpoints on than a month after the Saudi-led coalition army and allied popular groups, but it has left notion of perfectionism and maximum productivity, then it the need to reduce the suffering and hardships the Yemeni crisis with special emphasis on the launched its attacks. the poorest Arabian Peninsula state mired in will be a destructive force that will lead to more wars, more of the impoverished people of Yemen, saying need to establish ceasefire, provide economic aid The plan proposes the establishment of a the “world’s worst humanitarian crisis,” as the famines and more social and economic distress, especially that the sole solution to the Yemeni crisis is a to the impoverished country and help resume ceasefire, the transfer of humanitarian assis- United Nations put it. for the poor and vulnerable. political one, because the situation cannot be political dialog among all involved parties. tance to the war-hit nation, the launching of (Source: Press TV) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y FEBRUARY 9, 2021 IRAN IN FOCUS 3 SPORTS Who needs to rejoin JCPOA? Khosravi Vafa: We work POLITICAL TEHRAN – U.S. Presi- Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). together to promote deskdent Joe Biden appeared “If the other parties [to the JCPOA] do to be following in the footsteps of his prede- not fulfill their obligations, according to Paralympic sports cessor after he said that the United States the law of the parliament, Iran will sus- SPORTSTEHRAN — President of Iran’s National will not be lifting its sanctions before Iran pend the implementation of inspections deskParalympic Committee (NPC) Mahmoud resuming full implementation of its com- beyond [IAEA] safeguards on February Khosravi Vafa says that the Paralympics sports have been pro- mitments under the 2015 nuclear deal, 21, and if the other parties return to their moted in Iran in the last two decades. officially known as the Joint Comprehensive obligations, the implementation of the Ad- Plan of Action (JCPOA). ditional Protocol can be done voluntarily. In a Friday interview with CBS that Everything depends on the choice of the was aired on Sunday, Biden said the U.S. Americans and Europeans,” Khatibzadeh will not lift sanctions first in order to get said at a Monday press briefing. Iran back to the negotiating table. He also The spokesman was referring to a nu- said that the Iranians should first have clear law passed by the Iranian Parlia- to stop enriching uranium. ment in early November that obligates the Biden’s remarks dampened hopes that the Iranian government to stop international new U.S. administrations would correct the inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities by failed policies of former President Donald February 21 if the U.S. refrained from Trump toward Iran, which Biden had vowed lifting its sanctions on Iran. to change during his election campaign. The United States is obviously concerned Although a senior U.S. official sought to about this law but it continues to project downplay Biden’s controversial remarks on its concerns onto Iran by implying that it is Iran’s right to enrich uranium, the damage not in a rush to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear was already done. The official told Reuters will check if the sanctions have truly been salvaging the nuclear deal is a Biden cam- deal. The U.S. now can revive the JCPOA that Biden meant Iran must stop enrich- lifted. Once this is done, we will resume our paign promise that if he doesn’t keep, he or lose it for good. Iranian Foreign Min- In a press conference held at the National Olympic and Paralym- ing uranium beyond the limits under the JCPOA commitments,” the Leader wisely will only be signaling his failure to deliver ister Mohammad Javad Zarif has warned pic Academy in Tehran on Monday, Khosravi Vafa talked about JCPOA, not the entire enrichment process. said in remarks delivered at a meeting with on his promises. the Biden administration against trying several issues with the media representatives. But the official did not correct what a number of commanders and staff of the All U.S. elections politics aside, the to build on Trump’s failures. “Iran’s National Paralympic Committee (NPC) was estab- Biden said about the sanctions, which Air Force of the Islamic Republic of Iran salvation of the JCPOA is pretty much in “The U.S. left & violated the nuclear lished in 1980 and eight years later we participated at the 1988 are now the major stumbling block to Army on Sunday. U.S.’s national interests. Biden officials deal. So it’s the US that has to return & in Seoul in four sports events. Since then, the reaching a settlement. Iran had also said that it is not in a have said the nuclear deal is an urgent implement its obligations. President Biden Iranian Para athletes have shone in sitting volleyball, athletics, While Iran said the U.S. return to the rush to get the U.S. back to the deal and issue for the U.S. and that they will place has a choice: Break with Trump’s failed powerlifting, shooting, archery, table tennis, goalball, and Alpine JCPOA is contingent on lifting all the it has enough tools to force the U.S. into it high on their foreign policy agenda. policies, or build on his failures. Building ski. The Para athletes have gained the trust of our society with sanctions that were imposed after Trump respecting its international obligations Therefore, Biden’s remarks on the sanc- on his failures will only bring further fail- their eye-catching performance in the international events,” pulled the White House out of the JCPOA, under the JCPOA. tions will only make things even more ure,” the chief Iranian diplomat said in a Khosravi Vafa said. the Biden administration called on Iran With Iran and the U.S. refraining from difficult for his national security team tweet on Monday. “The Iranian Para athletes have won 957 gold, 832 silver and to return to the nuclear deal without first taking the first step toward resuscitating to resolve the Iran nuclear issue. Iran did not leave the JCPOA to return 655 bronze medals in all international events including Paralym- getting a sanctions relief, something that the JCPOA, pundits have speculated over Because Iran seems to be determined to it. Despite having reduced its nuclear pic Games, , world championships, FESPIC Iran roundly rejected. who needs to get the nuclear deal revived. to implement its stated strategy of further commitments, Iran is still abiding by the Games, and IWAS over the past years. All of us must work to- Leader of the Islamic Revolution of Iran Aside from these never-ending speculations, reducing nuclear commitments. JCPOA commitments, especially those re- gether to promote the Paralympic sports because they belong to Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei has made the U.S. seems to be desperately seeking to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman lated to monitoring access and inspections. all people,” he added. it clear that Iran wants the U.S. to make prevent the total collapse of the deal but it Saeed Khatibzadeh once again reiter- But this compliance may soon come to an “Iranian women have also proved that how strong they the first move and lift all sanctions before apparently lacks the wisdom to make any ated that Iran will stop implementing end if the Biden administration continues are. Zahra Nemati has won two gold medals in Para ar- any Iranian move to revive the JCPOA. move in this regard. inspections and monitoring access to procrastinate. The Biden administration chery at the 2012 and 2016 Paralympic Games and has “If they want Iran to return to its JCPOA Ever since his election campaign, Bid- beyond the IAEA safeguards. He also signaled that it wants to build on Trump’s also represented Iran in the 2016 . Sareh commitments, the U.S. should lift all sanc- en has said he wants to salvage the deal noted that Iran will stop implementing failed policies against Iran but it needs to Javanmardi has also claimed two gold medals in shooting in tions in action. After they have done this, we because it is worth preserving. Therefore, the Additional Protocol to the nuclear know that failure breeds failure. Rio. Also, our three Para athletes have passed away over the past years and we are also mourning loss of them. Siamand Rahman was not just a powerlifter who broke the world and Paralympics records, he is remembered because of his Zarif rules out new talks on JCPOA, calls on U.S. to make up its mind chivalrous behavior and sportsmanship. Para archer Razieh POLITICAL TEHRAN — Iranian Foreign Minister support agreement between the parties to the conflict on Shirmohammadi and Para cyclist Bahman Golbarnejhad deskMohamad Javad Zarif has ruled out any a nationwide ceasefire, urgent humanitarian measures have also died. new talks with the United States on the 2015 nuclear and the resumption of the political process,” the Office Iran’s National Paralympic Committee (NPC) had already deal, underlining the need for the U.S. to make up its of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen announced that it would not send the football 5-a-side to the mind about Iran. said in a statement ahead of the visit. Paralympics, however the committee later changed its decision In a Sunday interview with CNN’s Farid Zakaria, In a separate exclusive interview with CNN’s Christiane but IBSA said the deadline has expired. Iran football 5-a-side the chief Iranian diplomat said Tehran has never with- Amanpour on February 2, the Iranian foreign minister won a silver medal at the 2016 Paralympic Games. drawn from the nuclear deal –officially known as the had said the JCPOA did not include Iran’s defensive Khosravi Vafa said the Iran’s NPC could make a better de- Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) - but just capabilities, because the U.S. was not prepared to stop cision but it was a rushed decision. scaled down its commitments after former U.S. Presi- its arms sales to the region as a precondition. Iran will partake in nine sports at the upcoming Games dent Donald Trump pulled Washington out of the deal, “The nuclear deal was negotiated based on what we which have been rescheduled to 2021 due to the coronavirus Press TV reported. could agree and what we could not agree. This is the deal pandemic. Iran sent a record 110 athletes to Rio 2016, return- It was Trump that withdrew from the nuclear deal and that was made,” Zarif said. ing eight golds, nine silvers and seven bronzes to finish 15th Biden must return to the same agreement, which has been ‘Meaningless and ambiguous remarks’ in the medals table. previously negotiated, the Iranian foreign minister said. The Iranian foreign minister also said in another tele- “It’s too soon to make a prediction about the performance of Trump withdrew the U.S. from the JCPOA on May vised interview on Sunday night that U.S. President Joe our delegation but we are optimistic about our Para athletes,” 8, 2018, based on allegations that the deal was flawed. olated all of their JCOPA commitments. They have not Biden has to make a decision about the JCPOA. Khosravi Vafa stated. Trump then launched what he called a “maximum pressure honored any of their commitments.” He urged the Biden administration to make up its mind Due to the U.S. sanctions, Iran failed to import some Paralym- campaign” against Iran in a bid to squeeze Iran “until ‘JCPOA is purely a nuclear deal and cannot about the policy it seeks to adopt vis-à-vis Iran and the pic sports’ equipment but the NPC President says that they the pips squeak,” according to the former U.S. national include other issues’ 2015 nuclear deal, and stop making “meaningless and have almost solved the problem. security advisor, John Bolton. The U.S. and Europe said that they want to see the ambiguous” remarks, according to Press TV. “We have reached self-sufficiency in manufacturing some Leader of the Islamic Revolution of Iran Ayatollah JCPOA revived only to use it as a starting point to address “Biden has yet to make up his mind about what he equipment. We have made boccia ramps and balls and pow- Seyed Ali Khamenei said Sunday that the pressure cam- other non-nuclear issues such as Iran’s defensive missile wants to do. They ought to make a decision whether erlifting equipment,” Khosravi Vafa concluded. paign was aimed at bringing Iran to its knees. program and its regional activities. they are going to continue Trump’s policy or adopt a Ayatollah Khamenei described the imposition of un- But Zarif said the JCPOA is purely a nuclear deal and new one,” Zarif noted. precedented sanctions on Iran as another miscalculation cannot include non-nuclear issues. “The Biden administration has not yet made any aimed at bringing Iran to its knees. He pointed to the American officials’ remarks about decision on what it is going to do, and their words are Zorya Luhansk complete “One of those ‘first-rate fools’ said that they would the necessity of including ballistic missiles in any talks ambiguous and meaningless. They still have time to celebrate New Year 2019 in Tehran. That person has with Iran over a new nuclear deal, emphasizing that the correct their remarks,” he continued. signing of Iran’s Zahedi been sent to history’s trash can, and his boss has also Zarif’s remarks came after Biden said in a Friday in- JCPOA is an agreement, which has been achieved through SPORTSTEHRAN — Ukrainian football club Zorya been kicked out of the White House with disgrace, but the negotiations and it cannot be renegotiated. terview with CBS, which was aired on Sunday, that he deskLuhansk have completed the signing of Islamic Republic is still standing strong on its feet, with If you seek to hold talks about weapons, you have to would not lift sanctions in order to encourage Iran to Iranian forward Shahab Zahedi. God’s grace,” the Leader said in an apparent reference take all aspects of this issue into consideration, the chief start new talks with the United States. The 25-year-old striker has penned a four-year deal with to Bolton and his former boss Trump. Iranian diplomat noted. Asked whether he would halt sanctions to convince Iran Zorya Luhansk for an undisclosed fee. Trump’s pressure campaign failed to achieve its stated Iran’s foreign minister pointed out that the U.S. should to return to the negotiating table, Biden simply said “No.” The president of Olimpik Donetsk Vladislav Gelzin had goals, something that prompted Biden to publicly oppose not talk about Iran’s defense capabilities, but rather it The journalist then asked if the Iranians would first previously confirmed the move during an interview with Trump’s Iran policies and vow to change them. should address the whole issue of weapons in the West have to stop enriching uranium, which drew an affirm- Footboom: Biden voiced strong criticism of Trump’s withdrawal Asia region, especially those being used against women ative nod from Biden. “Olympic Donetsk have agreed on the transfer details from the JCPOA during his 2020 campaign when he and children in Yemen. However, after hours of debate and controversy over and we have reached an agreement with the president of also promised to rejoin the accord signed when he was While Saudi Arabia spent more than 70 billion dol- the issue among international experts and journalists, the Luhansk club, Yevhen Heller.” vice president. However, he has failed to take corrective lars to buy military hardware last year, the United Arab a senior U.S. official later made it clear to Reuters that Olimpik Donetsk coach Ihor Klymovskyi also shared measures since he assumed office on January 20. Emirates, with a population of about 1.5 million, spent Biden meant Iran must stop enriching uranium beyond his thoughts on losing his talented striker and said this is Iran says the United States’ potential return to the about 22 billion dollars on purchasing arms, Zarif not- the limits under the JCPOA. a really big loss for them. JCPOA could only be meaningful if Washington removed ed, quoting figures from the Sweden-based Stockholm In his Sunday interview, the Iranian foreign minister This season, Zahedi has played 11 matches in the UPL, all of the sanctions. International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). said before returning to the JCPOA, the U.S. needs to scoring 8 goals. He is currently the top scorer in the Ukrain- “If they want Iran to return to its JCPOA commit- He added that despite having more than one million prove it would not happen again. ian championship. ments, the U.S. should lift all sanctions in action. After official military personnel, Iran’s military expenditure How should Iran make sure “someone like Trump will Another Iranian forward Allahyar Sayyadmanesh is a they have done this, we will check if the sanctions have does not exceed 10-11 billion dollars. not take office and tear apart the deal again?” Zarif asked. member of Zorya Luhansk. truly been lifted. Once this is done, we will resume our Zarif also called on the U.S. to show some “tough “The Americans must prove the Trump experience JCPOA commitments,” the Leader wisely said in remarks love” to its allies and tell them to stop the war in Yemen, will not be repeated. This is not a precondition, this is a delivered at a meeting with a number of commanders adding that Iran is willing to work with the UN envoy subject of talks,” he added. and staff of the Air Force of the Islamic Republic of Iran on Yemen and will meet him on Monday. The Iranian foreign minister stressed that the U.S. Taremi named Man of Army on Sunday. The United Nations special envoy on Yemen, Martin must guarantee it will not repeat its previous moves, He added, “On the issue of sanctions, first of all, no one Griffiths, began a two-day visit to Iran on Sunday to and also deal with the damages it caused on the Iranian the Match in the Islamic Republic believes what those incompetent discuss issues related to the Yemen crisis. nation by leaving the deal and re-imposing its sanctions. prattlers say – whether they are in European countries “The visit is part of the Special Envoy’s diplomatic “However, the first step is the implementation of SPORTSTEHRAN — Iranian forward Mehdi Taremi or in the U.S. Secondly if we want to be reasonable, the efforts to support a negotiated political solution to the commitments,” Zarif said, making it clear that Iran’s deskwas named as Man of the Match at the end U.S. and the three European countries do not have the conflict in Yemen that meets the aspirations of the Yem- return to compliance with the deal is merely dependent of the game against Braga. right to set terms and conditions because they have vi- eni people. The Special Envoy’s immediate priority is to on the U.S. return. Taremi found the back of the net with a volley in the second half to make the result 2-0 but the match finished in 2-2 draw. scored once again for Porto in Primeira Liga Sunday night. Iranian, Norwegian top diplomats hold phone talks In the match held at the Estadio Municipal de Braga, Sergio Oliveira and Taremi scored for Porto in the 35th POLITICAL TEHRAN – Iranian For- Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). diplomats calling on Iran to resume imple- has abandoned it. and 54th respectively. deskeign Minister Mohammad “Good discussion with FM @JZarif. Ap- menting its JCPOA commitments without “The US left & violated the nuclear deal. Porto were reduced to 10-man after Jesus Manuel Corona Javad Zarif spoke by phone with his Norwegian preciate the dialogue with Iran on bilateral, referring to the fact that Iran is still in the So it’s the US that has to return & implement was shown a red card in the 60th minute. counterpart Ine Eriksen Spreide. regional & multilateral issues. Urged Iran JCPOA and it has only reduced its nuclear its obligations. President Biden has a choice: Fransergio and Nicolas Gaitan equalized the match in The two foreign ministers discussed a va- to return to full compliance with JCPOA,” commitments in response to the U.S. with- Break with Trump’s failed policies, or build the final minutes of the match. riety of issues including the situation around the Norwegian Foreign Ministry said in a drawal from the nuclear pact. on his failures. Building on his failures will Porto are second in Primeira Liga behind Sporting. a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and major tweet on Monday. Zarif said on Monday that it’s the U.S. only bring further failure,” the Iranian foreign Taremi, who has scored goals for Porto in the recent world powers, officially known as the Joint Spreide joined European and American that should return to the JCPOA because it minister tweeted. matches, was named as Man of the Match. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 4 ECONOMY FEBRUARY 9, 2021

Building new X-ray machines NIDC digs 117 oil, to save IRICA €70m

ECONOMY TEHRAN — Head of Islamic Republic of Iran deskCustoms Administration (IRICA) Mehdi Mir- Ashrafi said domestically-made X-ray monitoring machines are gas wells in 10 months going to save IRICA and the country €70 million, IRNA reported. 1 After the U.S. reimposition of sanc- year (March 20-September 21, 2020). Speaking to the press in an online session on Sunday, Mir- tions against Iran, indigenizing the know-how In order to indigenize the technology to Ashrafi pointed to the need to use new systems for monitoring for the manufacturing of the parts and equip- manufacture these parts, NIDC inked six re- transit, exports and imports of goods at the country’s customs, ment applied in different industrial sectors search deals with domestic universities and saying: “Last week, IRICA signed a contract for the production is one of the major strategies that the Islamic knowledge-based companies. of 14 X-ray machines with the private sector, which will be in- Republic has been strongly following up to At the beginning of the current Iranian stalled and go operational next [Iranian calendar] year (begins reach self-reliance and nullify the sanctions. year, NIDC managing director had said that on March 21); the first device will be put into operation at the Oil, gas, and petrochemical industries have his company’s performance will be more out- Shahid Rajaei Port’s customs before the end of the current year.” outstanding performances in this due, with standing in this year, which is named the year indigenizing the knowledge for manufacturing of surge in production. many parts and equipment that were previ- The official’s saying has already come true, ously imported. as his company managed to indigenize the Among different sectors of the mentioned know-how for manufacturing some signifi- industries, drilling could be mentioned as a cant parts, and also in completing the digging prominent example in this regard. operations sooner than the schedule. National Iranian Drilling Company managed Holding 70 onshore and offshore drilling to indigenize the knowledge for manufactur- rigs as well as equipment and facilities for ing 6,000 drilling equipment in collaboration offering integrated technical and engineer- with domestic manufacturers and engineers ing services, the National Iranian Drilling in the previous Iranian calendar year (ended Company accounts for a major part of drilling on March 19). The equipment indigenized by NIDC in- pressure systems. exploration as well as appraisal/development Before this success, the technology for cludes drilling mud pumps, blowout preven- The company has also managed to indigenize wells in Iran. manufacturing the mentioned equipment ters, traction motors, draw-works, drilling fluid the know-how for manufacturing 242 parts As previously announced, the company was in the possession of a handful of foreign recycling systems, mission centrifugal pumps, highly-applied in the drilling industry during has dug over 240 oil and gas wells across the According to Mir-Ashrafi, each X-ray machine is worth more companies. top drives, and drilling rig slow circulation rate the first half of the current Iranian calendar country in the past two years. than five million euros with the installation costs, so these 14 domestically produced devices will save the country €70 million. The IRICA head further stated that the purchase and instal- lation of a machine would cost the country millions of dollars and for this reason the private sector should be encouraged to TCCIMA, Iraqi embassy agree to form joint trade committee ECONOMY TEHRAN – Tehran Chamber of Com- of trade by addressing such problems. produce such machines inside the country. desk He stressed that equipping all the country’s customs with merce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture Khansari also announced TCCIMA’s readiness to set up X-ray machines is on the agenda, noting that there are currently (TCCIMA) and the Commercial Department of the Iraqi a desk in the Iraqi embassy to facilitate economic relations 14 active X-ray systems for monitoring trucks across the country, Embassy in Tehran have agreed on forming a joint trade between the businessmen of the two countries and reminded while this figure should reach 50 in the future. committee in the near future, the TCCIMA portal reported. that TCCIMA is also ready to establish a corresponding “Customs controls should be such that the time for clearance of As reported, the decision was made in a meeting between desk for the commercial department of the Iraqi embassy goods is minimized while the accuracy is maximized,” he stressed. the TCCIMA Head Masoud Khansari and the Iraqi Ambas- in TCCIMA. Pointing to the complexity of the country’s trade system, the sador to Tehran Nasir Abdul Mohsen Abdullah on Monday. The official also announced the Tehran chamber’s official added: “The multiplicity of laws and regulations, the spread Based on the proposal made by the TCCIMA head during preparations for hosting an Iraqi trade delegation headed of the coronavirus in the world and in Iran, and the U.S. sanctions the meeting, this joint committee will examine and assess by the chairman of Baghdad Chamber of Commerce in the on the country are some of the problems that the country’s trade is the problems and demands of the two countries’ business- coming months. facing, so a plan must be developed and implemented to provide men and offer solutions accordingly to facilitate economic “Issues and solutions for improving the economic re- cooperation between the two sides. lations between the two countries’ private sectors will be the customs speed and accuracy together.” TCCIMA Head Masoud Khansari (L) and Iraqi Ambassador Referring to the establishment of joint trade commit- discussed in a meeting with the head of the Iraqi Chamber The official noted that the country’s foreign trade is expected to Tehran Nasir Abdul Mohsen Abdullah to reach $70 billion by the end of the current Iranian calendar tees between the TCCIMA and some of the embassies of of Commerce,” he said. year (March 20), of which $36 billion would be imports and $34 neighboring countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, “One of the suggestions of the Tehran chamber in this existing problems and obstacles in the way of economic and billion would be the share of exports. and Armenia, Khansari stated that despite the high level meeting will be to create a joint virtual exhibition to intro- trade cooperation between the two countries. of Iran’s economic relations with Iraq, there are still some duce and identify the production and economic capabilities “According to the agreement between the governments of problems and obstacles in the way of the two countries’ of the two countries,” he added. the two countries for increasing the volume of trade between Fishery export from traders, and establishing a joint trade committee between Abdullah for his part expressed the full readiness of his the two countries to $20 billion, the private sectors of the Mazandaran Province rises 37% the TCCIMA and the Iraqi embassy will improve the level embassy to cooperate with TCCIMA in order to resolve the two countries can be the means for this leap.”

ECONOMY TEHRAN — Fishery export from Iran’s northern deskMazandaran province has increased 37 percent Development projects inaugurated across Iran to mark Fajr Ten-Day celebrations during the first ten months of the current Iranian calendar year ECONOMY TEHRAN – Following the emergency center, improvement of rural roads, investment of 116.5 billion rials (about $2.7 (March 20, 2020 – January 19, 2021), as compared to the same desk period of time in the past year, according to a provincial official. series of inaugurations on and a clothing production unit. million). Hassan Es’haqi, the director-general of the province’s fisheries the occasion of the Ten-Day Fajr celebrations The first slaughterhouse of the Qeshm Some 378 projects with a total investment department, also announced that the province’s fishery export stood which mark the victory of the Islamic Revolu- Island in southern Iran was another project of 13.653 trillion rials (over $325 million) were at 11,240 tons worth $35.876 million in the past Iranian calendar tion, several new development projects were which went operational on Monday with a also put into operation in Isfahan province on year, which was 60 percent higher in terms of weight, and 21 per- inaugurated in various provinces across Iran total investment of 38 billion rials (about the ninth day of the Ten-Day Fajr celebrations. cent higher in terms of value, compared to the same time span in on Monday. $904,760). As reported, the mentioned projects include its preceding year. Some development projects at Kerman’s Reducing the cost of transporting meat 275 projects in urban areas with an invest- As announced by an official with Iran’s Fishery Organization Hashemi Rafsanjani Airport with a total in- and reducing its supply price are among the ment of more than 12.878 trillion rials (about the airport terminal from 2,800 square me- (IFO), Iran’s value of fishery export has risen six percent during the vestment of 3.328 trillion rials (about $79.2 benefits of this complex which has created $306.627 million) and 102 rural projects with a ters to 7,824 square meters were some of the first ten months of the current Iranian calendar year, compared to million) were among of the mentioned projects direct employment for 15 people. credit of more than 774.716 billion rials (about inaugurated projects in the mentioned airport. the same period of time in the past year. that were inaugurated in a ceremony attend- In addition to the mentioned project, two $18.45 million). Also in Hamedan province, eight cooper- Isa Golshahi, IFO’s direc- ed by the Transport and Urban Development rural development projects were also inaugu- Also in Bandar Abas city, Hormozgan Prov- ative, improvement, and production projects tor-general for quality improve- Minister Mohammad Eslami and the governor rated in the southern island and the ground ince, 29 development projects worth 10 trillion worth nearly 30 billion rials (about $715,000) ment, processing, and market of Kerman province. was broken for five more projects. rials (about $238 million) were inaugurated were put into operation in the three cities of development, put the ten-month Construction of a second runway with a These projects include some rural access on Monday. Tuyserkan, Famenin and Razan. fishery export at 114,000 tons length of 3,840 meters, construction of a runway roads, the construction of a fire station, the These projects include some sports fields, The inaugurated projects include a furni- worth $399 million, which was lighting post, installation of a visual aid lighting construction of five health centers, and a wa- fruit and vegetable markets, some intersections, ture manufacturing cooperative unit, a social also four percent more than system for flight agents, and development of tershed management structure with a total and sports halls. the last year’s figure in terms of weight. This year, with the completion of technical instructions and the Iranian polymer production capacity to rise 120% by 2025 launch of two industrial units for ECONOMY TEHRAN – Iran’s polymer production of 10 new projects. the production of dried fish and deskcapacity is going to increase by 120 percent “Currently 40 million tons or 900,000 barrels per day of tiny dried fish, another product by the Iranian calendar year 1404 (begins on March 21, 2025) feed is consumed by 60 petrochemical complexes across the has been added to the country’s to reach 21 million tons per year, according to the head of Iran’s country,” the official said. fishery export basket, the official National Petrochemical Company (NPC). Mohammadi stated that currently 35 million tons of final and announced. Speaking on the sidelines of the 14th International Exhi- marketable products are produced in the country, of which 72 He stated that the amount of dried fish exports reached about bition of Plastic, Rubber, Machinery, and Equipment (IRAN percent is exported and 28 percent is consumed domestically. 18,000 tons with an approximate value of $18 million, adding that PLAST) on Sunday, Behzad Mohammadi put the country’s According to the NPC head, 77 types of chemicals and 18 Oman, Myanmar and Malaysia are among the country’s new export current polymer production capacity at nine million tons types of polymers in the form of 334 different grades are cur- target markets. saying: “This figure will increase by 120 percent to reach rently produced in the country which can be consumed by the Golshahi further expressed hope that through the export ex- 21 million tons in [the year] 1404, with the new under-con- downstream industries. pansion plans, the country can achieve at least three new export struction projects going operational in the third leap of the He said that the growth of global demand for petrochemical markets and several new export products will be added to the export petrochemical industry.” products is 4.5 percent while the growth of demand for oil basket in the next year. Mohammadi also put Iran’s share of the annual global products is one percent, adding: “In the coming decades, the The official put the country’s fishery consumption per capita polymer production, which is currently 420 million tons, at He noted that the total production capacity of the petro- consumption of oil products will decrease, but the consump- at 13.3 kilograms. two percent and added: “the production of polymers in the chemical industry has increased from 65.8 million tons at tion of petrochemical products is increasing at a staggering Fishery production has increased noticeably in Iran in recent years. world will reach 530 million tons in 2025 and Iran’s share of the beginning of the current Iranian calendar year (March pace; so the development of the petrochemical industry has The country’s annual fishery output stood at 1.28 million tons this basket will increase to four percent in 1404.” 20, 2020) to 80 million tons following the implementation become more and more serious.” in the past Iranian calendar year (ended on March 19, 2020), while the planned figure was 1.25 million tons. This amount of output was achieved despite the sanctions and related difficulties in the previous year. Commodities worth $819m exported from Kerman Province The output is anticipated to reach 1.5 million tons this year. ECONOMY TEHRAN — The direc- imported to the province during the first ten 15.5 percent in terms of weight and value, The country’s fishery export stood at 146,000 tons worth $538.9 desktor-general of the customs months of this year, indicating a 48-percent respectively, according to the IRICA head. million in the past year, while the import was 29,000 tons valued department of Kerman Province, in southeast fall in terms of value year on year. Iran’s top five non-oil export destinations at $98.9 million, so Iran’s fishery trade balance was $440 million of Iran, said that 340,000 tons of commodities Iran has traded 122.8 million tons of non- during this period were China with $7.2 billion in the previous year. valued at $819 million have been exported oil commodities worth $58.7 billion in the first worth of exports, Iraq with $6.3 billion, the The export is anticipated to reach 150,000 tons valued at $600 from the province during the first ten months 10 months of the current Iranian calendar United Arab Emirates (UAE) with over $3.7 million in the current year. of the current Iranian calendar year (March year, according to the head of the Islamic billion, with $2 billion, and Afghani- Enjoying high quality, Iran’s fishery products were sold easily in 20, 2020-January 19, 2021). Republic of Iran Customs Administration stan with $1.9 billion. the export markets, and also some new export destinations welcomed Mohammadreza Qader said that the ten- (IRICA). The mentioned countries imported a total of these products in the past year. month export from the province shows a Of the total volume of the country’s non-oil 69.5 million tons of goods worth $21.3 billion New markets including China, South Korea, and the Eurasian Union 26-percent rise in terms of value year on year. trade in the mentioned period, 94.541 million period last year. from Iran in the said 10 months, accounting for nations opened up for Iranian fishery products in the previous year. The official named pistachios and pista- tons worth $28.63 billion was the share of The figures, however, grew significantly 73.5 percent and 76 percent of the total exports Among the plans and programs that the country is implementing chio kernels, dried and fresh dates, copper exports and about 28.249 million tons valued compared to the previous calendar month in terms of weight and value, respectively. in the present year to develop the aquaculture industry, it could be products, sugar, ceramic tiles, stones, and at $30.639 were the imported goods, Mehdi (December 21, 2020-January 19, 2021), the Meanwhile, the country’s top five sources referred to the continuous monitoring of fishery exports, evaluating cement as some major export items, and Mir-Ashrafi said. official added, noting that the upward trend is of imports during this period were China and monitoring of the performance of provinces, holding specialized Italy, Germany, China, Iraq, UAE, Pakistan According to the official, the exports of expected to continue in the coming months. with $7.9 billion, the UAE with $7.4 billion, desks in Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) to release related and Afghanistan as top export destinations. non-oil goods in this period decreased by 17.7 In comparison to the previous year’s same Turkey with $3.4 billion, India with $1.8 reports and discuss the competitive advantages of the products to He further announced that 43,000 tons percent and 20 percent in terms of weight and time span, the imports of the mentioned com- billion, and Germany with $1.4 billion worth be exported, and recognize new export markets. of products worth $315 million have been value, respectively, compared to the same modities also declined by two percent and of imports. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y FEBRUARY 9, 2021 ANALYSIS/INTERVIEW 5

1 The following is the full text The Western powers have adopted a of the interview: hostile approach to the Islamic Republic How did the Islamic Revolution in Islamic Revolution a brilliant example of triumph over of Iran because the revolution simulta- Iran change international politics? neously exposed their imperialistic av- The Islamic Revolution challenged the arice, while demonstrating their actual conventional wisdom regarding revolu- authoritarianism and imperialism: American professor weakness in the face of national unity and tionary movements, which maintained U.S. backing essentially irrelevant. Thus it learned the hard way that the Islamic mass popular opposition, the fragility of that religion was not an important or is a brilliant example of indigenous popu- Republic of Iran was both impenetrable their regional puppet governments (in this critical factor in modern political struggle. lar will triumphing over authoritarianism and indivisible, yet another wave of shock case the Shah of Iran), the hypocrisy of The “neither East nor West” stance of and imperialism. On a global level, the and fear led the rancid monarchies of the their self-serving policies, and ultimately the Islamic Republic also challenged the revolution’s core message of Islamic unity region to shortsightedly double down on the potency of domestically produced Cold War-era notion that there were only and anti-imperialism resonated deeply their investment in foreign arms, foreign industrial and military technologies and two recognized and “acceptable” political outside of Iran and served as an arguably technology, foreign advising, and foreign hardware. It is not that these attributes blocs, and powerfully illustrated how a modular approach for other societies to “security.” and accomplishments alone would suffice non-aligned nation could chart its own emulate in their quest for justice, dignity, Through the present they continue to maintain the Western powers’ hostility political and social destiny while main- independence, and sovereignty. to invest in foreign “security” at the to Iran for over four decades, but rather taining its sovereignty and rights. More- What impacts have the Islamic expense (and in many ways, in fear) of that these characteristics and develop- over, the elimination of the United States Revolution had on West Asia and their own people, prohibiting any real ments have once and for all cut off the presence in Iran and constant meddling the Islamic world at large? chance to forge genuine societal unity, ability of Western powers to steal and/ in Iranian internal politics marked a new In the context of the above response, to develop a capacity for self-reliance or control Iran’s economy and wealth of era of anti-imperialist, anti-colonialist the example set by the Iranian people through diversification, or to assure the national resources. One must understand revolutionary activism, which drew direct and Iran’s revolutionary leadership un- perpetuation of their ruling systems. continued Western hostility as a package inspiration from Imam Khomeini and derstandably struck fear deep into the Regarding the latter, in my view it is of imperialist sour grapes: The Islamic the Iranian people. hearts and minds of despotic kings and now only a matter of time before their Revolution enabled Iran to acquire and What is the significance of the tyrants throughout West Asia, most of people collectively act to chart their maintain true independence and sov- Iranian revolution? the retention of indigenous religious, sovereignty. whom sought assistance to maintain their own destiny without decrepit royalist ereignty, the end result of which is the The significance of the Iranian Islamic cultural, and social values. The Iranian What were the unique charac- abusive and illegitimate rule by forging or imperialist hands on their shoulders, inability of Europeans and Americans to Revolution, in essence, is that it demon- revolution serves as a shining example teristics of the Islamic Revolution? or further enhancing their military and and the Iranian Islamic Revolution can ever again control and ultimately profit strated (and continues to demonstrate) of anti-royalist, anti-imperialist popular On the national level, the revolution intelligence relationships with western thankfully serve as both an inspiration, from Iran’s material wealth at the ex- the limits of imperialism and colonialism activism, as well as the short and long- brought together Iranians of all back- governments, most importantly the United as well as a proven road map. pense of the Iranian people. This is the in the face of a unified national move- term advantages of national self-reliance grounds to collectively oppose the Pahlavi States and the United Kingdom. After Why have the Western powers source of perpetual Western hostility to ment seeking to acquire and maintain for peoples and movements seeking to regime and its American enablers, which Saddam Hussein and his Arab, Ameri- adopted a hostile approach to the the Islamic Revolution and the Islamic political independence, sovereignty, and maintain hard-won independence and rendered the Shah’s military strength and can, and European allies and suppliers Islamic Revolution? Republic of Iran. Iran a successful model for the region: ex-Lebanese minister 1 The young revolution could enhance the Islamic as a pivotal pillar of stability and security. the Zionist enemy and the Takfiri terrorist enemy. world’s sense of dignity and pride, after it was in a position How was Lebanon inspired by the idea of the Islamic It is still the ideal model in the Islamic political movements of subordination and obedience, and it provided a model for Revolution in Iran, especially through Imam Musa that were inspired by the ideas of Imam Khomeini and the the major regional states in managing world affairs. al-Sadr and martyr Mustafa Chamran? Islamic Republic in Iran. This policy was a model for what we call the policy and The Lebanese people were influenced by the Islamic Rev- How do you assess Iran’s confrontation with the approach of resistance in the face of global arrogance. olution in Iran, as well as by the ideas of Imam Khomeini. U.S. projects in the context of regional balances? Do Why did some Arab countries in the Persian Gulf I remember that we were among the strong supporters of you see Iran as a successful model in self-sufficiency were reluctant to receive the message of the Islamic the Islamic Revolution and the ideas of Imam Khomeini; love in scientific and military fields? Revolution and they did not even spare any effort to for Khomeini is a love for all values. At this stage, when the level of conflicts has increased at abort the revolution? At that time, Lebanon was a center of the Palestinian re- the international and regional levels, Iran plays a pivotal role Some countries in the (Persian) Gulf region follow the sistance, and part of southern Lebanon and western Beqaa in leading the Islamic resistance movement to confront global American colonial policies. The former shah of Iran was known (East of Lebanon) were under the Israeli occupation. arrogance. as the policeman of the (Persian Gulf), because he ruled the I remember that I was in Tehran at the conference of the It makes the Islamic state a major regional power capable region for the benefit of his American masters. “oppressed people” in June 1982, and I attended the confer- of participating in managing world affairs. When Saddam Hussein, a dictator, waged an aggressive ence in which Hezbollah was founded, and I wrote that in my Iran is now in a very strong position at international and of aggressors. war on Iran, the (Persian) Gulf countries were providing him novel, “Sea Scene” (Mashhad al-Bahr). regional level, and it is a force that weighs in the balance of power. How can the idea of resistance be extended to with unconditional support, until he occupied Kuwait and Hezbollah and the Islamic Resistance were strong allies The Iranian power cannot be ignored in any issue related non-military fields such as economy and culture? then they brought American forces into the region. of the Islamic Revolution and the Quds Force of the Revo- to the affairs of the West Asian region, in addition to inter- There is no doubt that the Islamic Revolution due to im- The (Persian) Gulf countries are now normalizing ties lutionary Guards. The party’s ideas are based on the theory national relations. portance and status Iran will have an impact on politics, econ- with the Zionist enemy in an attempt to ally with the enemy of “guardianship of the Islamic jurist” in the Shiite Islamic Trump has gone, the Islamic republic in Iran has remained omy, culture, and the strategic military balances, as well as on to confront Islamic Iran, which extended a hand of cooper- political jurisprudence. stable, while sanctions, blockades, soft warfare, threats… have culture, production of ideas and the advancement of science. ation to them. Hezbollah succeeded to form a sublime model for the Islamic failed. The situation is excellent in Syria, in Palestine, and in Iran is now the center of attention of states and peoples in Iran defends the region and protects it from all aggression Revolution, and serve as the sword of truth, which defeated Lebanon. In Yemen, the war will stop despite the attempts the entire region, and it deserves to be the model and example.

Yemen’s Houthis in new operation to seize Marib Yemen’s Houthis have resumed an offensive New clashes between pro-government Houthis had brought in reinforcements during to seize the fugitive government’s last northern forces -- backed by a Saudi-led military coa- that time. stronghold of Marib, a government source lition -- and the huthis erupted after weeks of “Fighting took place about 10 kilometers said Monday, with dozens of casualties on relative calm in the oil-rich and strategic region. (six miles) west of Marib,” the source told AFP First Announcement both sides. A government source told AFP that the on condition of anonymity. Khouzestan Steel Company Announcement of the contractors’ qualification for Khouzestan steel company new wagon unloading system (tippler No. 3) by EPC contract Second Announcement Khouzestan Steel Company (KSC), intends to increase the capacity of its wagon Islamic Republic of Iran Railways Islamic Republic of Iran Railways unloading system by implementing an EPC contract for a new wagon tippler No. 3 International Invitation for Qualitative Evaluation Wagon tippler No. 3 must be able to unload all types of wagons with weight of 90 tons of load and a total weight of 120 tons. of Suppliers (Second Notice) Companies interested in taking part the tender, having the following Subject: Purchasing, Installing and Commissioning of Railway qualifications, can declare their readiness: Signaling System along Esfahan-Yazd-Bafgh Double-Track Line 1. Sufficient Technological Knowledge and experience in the implementation of Re-Tender no. 19-94-1 Re-Tender no. 19-94-1 pelletizing plants, process gas fans equipped and ESP dede-dusters.-dusters. The Railways of Islamic Republic of Iran (RAI) intend to entrust the supplying, installing and commissioning of railway signaling system along Esfahan-Yazd-Bafgh double-track line to the competent companies 2. The ability of financing and implementing the project by EPCF approach is through utilization of foreign financial facilities (Finance) and within framework of the “Tenders Holding Law” approved by the Iranian parliament in 06.06.2004 and also in compliance with the preferred. Law “Maximum utilization of local production/service capabilities of Iran and promotion of Iranian products” approved by the Iranian parliament in 05.05.2019. Hence, all qualified companies who have related records in this field are hereby invited to receive the Qualitative Evaluation Documents. 3. The equipment must be supplied from European Companies in Europe or 1- General specifications of the tender scope as follows: Purchasing, installing and commissioning of railway signaling system along Esfahan-Yazd-Bafgh other country under their license with European Union Countries Standards. double-track line 2- Place of project execution: Railways of Islamic Republic of Iran (RAI) th 3- Deadline for purchase of tender qualitative evaluation documents: utmost by 16:00 on The interested companies shashallll send the following documents to KSC by the date: 10 March 2021. Saturday 27.February.2021 corresponding to 09.12.1399 2021. 1. Company Profile and Catalogues 4- Deadline and place of submission of completed qualitative evaluation documents: 1. Company Profile and Catalogues The Bidders can complete the qualitative evaluation documents utmost by 16:00 on Saturday 03.April.2021 The Bidders can complete the qualitative evaluation documents utmost by 16:00 on Saturday 03.April.2021 2. Company references of similar projects. (Name, Location, Scope, Capacity corresponding to 14.01.1400 and submit them to the RAI Procurement and Logistics General Dept. corresponding to 14.01.1400 and submit them to the RAI Procurement and Logistics General Dept. and Contract Price) (Foreign Orders Dept.). Address: 2nd Floor Iranian Railways Central Building ; Argentina Sq., Africa Blvd., Tehran – Iran; P.O. Box 15197-13111. 3. The list of projects with frame of financing (if any). 5- Receipt of Documents and method of payment: The bidders shall pay RLS 500,000 to the account no. IR710100004001064004005747 by mentioning remittance code of 234064074280500885134499810000 After receiving the documents and evaluating the companies’ competency, KSC will send the tender documents to the selected contractors. opened in name Iranian Railways at the Central Bank of Iran (payable at all the branches of Bank Melli

Iran) in order to receive the qualitative evaluation documents personally from the above address by Iran) in order to receive the qualitative evaluation documents personally from the above address by Address: IRAN, Ahwaz, Khouzestan province, Khouzestan Steel Company, Post Box: 1378, Post submitting an introduction letter or receive the said documents free-of-charge through web site of Code: 61778-1311, Mr. Seyyed Hasan Hosseini contracts department manager. National Tenders Informatic Base/ HTTP://IETS.MPORG.IR. Contact: Mr. Jamshid Sayyadi project manager - Tel: 0098 61 32908222 - Email: Procurement and Logistics General Department [email protected] 3724 رواطروابط عمومی عمومی شرکت شرکت فوالد فوالد خوزستانخوزستان Iranian Islamic Republic Railways (RAI) 3724

I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 6 HERITAGE & TOURISM FEBRUARY 9, 2021

First living museum of kilim Ruins of majestic historical gateway carpets makes debut in Sirjan

HERITAGE TEHRAN – A living museum, dedicated to deskkilim carpets and hand-woven textiles by rural unearthed near Persepolis and nomad people, was inaugurated on Sunday in the city of Sirjan, southeastern Kerman province. The museum, which is the first of its kind in the region, aims 1 The gateway is made of [brick and festivals of the kings and their empire. at introducing and promoting hand-woven products especially and] clay materials and the whole exterior The site is marked by a large terrace with Shiriki Pich Kilims of Sirjan as a unique souvenir of the region, has been decorated with painted bricks. its east side abutting the Kuh-e Rahmat the provincial tourism chief Fereydun Faali said during the inau- The lower parts and the plinth of the walls (“Mount of Mercy”). The other three sides guration ceremony. are decorated with [themes of] lotus flow- are formed by a retaining wall, varying in With an area of 620 square meters, the museum also aims at ers, the body, and facade of the walls are height with the slope of the ground from holding weaving kilim workshops and training the crafters, the embellished with various colored panels 13 to 41 feet (4 to 12 meters); on the west official added. of mythical animals, symbols, and belief side, a magnificent double stair in two symbols of ancient Iranians, Elamites and flights of 111 short stone steps leads to Mesopotamians,” the Iranian archaeolo- the top. On the terrace are the ruins of gist explained. several colossal buildings, all constructed “More importantly, the central room of a dark gray stone (often polished to a bears inscriptions in Babylonian and Elam- marble-like surface) from the adjacent ite (cuneiforms),” he added. mountain. Talking about the age of the monument, According to Britannica, the stone was the top Iranian archaeologist said: “ The cut with the utmost precision into blocks of sum of written documents, building mate- great size, which were laid without mortar; rials, motifs used to decorate the facade of many of them are still in place. Especially the building, the Carbon 14 (C-14) dating striking are the huge columns, 13 of which method, and some other evidence reveal still stand in the audience hall of Darius I that this structure was built after 539 BC (the Great; reigned 522–486 BC), known in honor of the conquest of Babylon by as the apadana, the name given to a simi- Cyrus the Great.” lar hall built by Darius at Susa. There are The empire, founded by the Persian kings two more columns still standing in the The visitors can watch artisans and weavers while they are Cyrus and Darius, stretched from the Bal- entrance hall of the Gate of Xerxes, and weaving different textiles, which is one of the unique features of kans to at its peak. It was the a third has been assembled there from its the museum, he explained. first state model based on diversity and broken pieces. He also expressed hope that considering the tourism and hand- tolerance of different cultures and religions. of Mercy), was the ceremonial capital of architecturally stunning palatial buildings, In 1933 two sets of gold and silver icraft capacities of the region, the participation of domestic and Once Cyrus and his army entered the the Achaemenid Empire. It is situated 60 among them the massive Apadana palace plates recording in the three forms of foreign investors would be provided in near future. city of Babylonian, they did not burn it kilometers northeast of the city of Shiraz and the Throne Hall (“Hundred-Column cuneiform—ancient Persian, Elamite, Sirjan, which was named the world city of hand-woven kilim to the ground (as usually happened with in Fars province. Hall”). and Babylonian—the boundaries of the by the World Council of Handicrafts in 2017, is located in the conquered cities at this period) but he The city was burnt by Alexander the This 13-ha ensemble of majestic ap- Persian empire were discovered in the southeastern province of Kerman. freed the population from forced labor Great in 330 BC apparently as revenge to proaches, monumental stairways, throne foundations of Darius’s hall of audience. High quality and innovations in patterns and colors of Shiriki obligations, sent back to various shrines the Persians because it seems the Persian rooms (Apadana), reception rooms, and Several inscriptions, cut in stone, of Darius Pich Kilims make them popular. statues of gods, and allowed the people King Xerxes had burnt the Greek City of dependencies is classified among the world’s I, Xerxes I, and Artaxerxes III indicate Unlike common kilims, which are made without using knots, who had been brought to Babylon by the Athens around 150 years earlier. greatest archaeological sites. to which monarch the various buildings Shiriki Pich of Sirjan is made by knotted weaves and is considered Babylonian kings to return to their homes. The city’s immense terrace was begun Persepolis was the seat of the govern- were attributed. something between carpets and kilims. By this act, he was effectively allowing about 518 BC by Darius the Great, the ment of the Achaemenid Empire, though it The oldest of these on the south re- This kilim is rarely woven based on a premade pattern. There- people to pursue unmolested their own Achaemenid Empire’s king. On this ter- was designed primarily to be a showplace taining wall gives Darius’s famous prayer fore almost all Sirjan kilims are unique and no two similar pieces religious practices. race, successive kings erected a series of and spectacular center for the receptions for his people: “God protect this country can be found. The royal city of Persepolis ranks from foe, famine, and falsehood.” There The choice of colors using in the kilims is depended on the mood among the archaeological sites which Supervised by a joint mission of Iranian and are numerous reliefs of Persian, Medi- and emotions of the weavers, who are mostly nomad women that have no equivalent, considering its unique Italian archaeologists and cultural heritage an, and Elamite officials, and 23 scenes weaving is their daily routine as well as their main source of income. architecture, urban planning, construction separated by cypress trees depict repre- technology, and art. experts, the dig uncovered vestiges of a sentatives from the remote parts of the Persepolis, also known as Takht-e massive gateway measuring 30 by 40 meters empire who, led by a Persian or a Mede, Iranian police seize millennia- Jamshid, whose magnificent ruins rest with a height of approximately 12 meters. made appropriate offerings to the king at old jug from smuggler at the foot of Kuh-e Rahmat (Mountain the national festival of the vernal equinox.

TOURISM TEHRAN – An earthenware jug, estimated deskto date back to 5,000 years before the Bronze Imam Mosque: a grand, sparkling jewel of Islamic architecture Age, has recently been confiscated from a smuggler in the west- ern province of Lorestan, a senior police official has announced. TOURISM TEHRAN – At the southern end of the the mosque is oriented towards Mecca. A short corridor The prehistoric object was seized with the judicial coordina- deskUNESCO-registered Imam (Naghsh-e connects the square to the inner courtyard that is sur- tion after days of police surveillance, ISNA quoted Mohammad Jahan) Square stands the big, grand, and imposing Imam rounded by four imposing iwans (porticos) with a pool Mahdian-Nasab as saying on Monday. Mosque in the touristic city of Isfahan, central Iran. dedicated to ritual ablutions nesting in the middle. Visitors to the mosque are mainly overwhelmed with The walls of the courtyard feature sunken porches good views of the main dome with its glorious profusion framed by seven-colored tiles of deep blue and yellow. of turquoise-shaded tiles as one of the masterpices of Each iwan leads into a vaulted sanctuary covered with the Islamic architecture. particularly fine floral motifs on a blue background. Originally named Masjed Shah (“the Shah Mosque”), Many believe each of the mosque’s parts is a mas- its construction began in 1611 during the rule of the Sa- terpiece that leaves a lasting impression. This palace of favid King Shah Abbas the Great who reigned from 1588 devotion owes its splendor mostly due to being covered to 1629. The mosque’s topmost dome was completed in with seven-color mosaic tiles and symmetrical calligraphic the last year of his sovereignty. inscriptions. The monument is not only impressive because of its On the other side of the square stands the very del- sheer size and incredible decorations but also helps to get icate Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque which was dedicated to a good impression of the needs and challenges of always the ruler’s father-in-law, Sheikh Lotfollah, a revered on-going restoration works. Lebanese scholar of Islam who was invited to oversee costs and time by introducing a novel technique called The craftsmanship continues and is intricate with the construction of the Shah Mosque. “haft-rangi” (seven colors). amazing views both on the façade and the interior. The The mosque’s interior and exterior walls are fully cov- Isfahan has long been nicknamed as Nesf-e-Jahan monument boasts perfect proportions and iconic blue- ered with a polychrome, mostly dark blue, glazed tile which is translated into “half the world”; meaning seeing tiled mosaics. revetment above a continuous marble dado. Throughout it is relevant to see the whole world. The city is home to The culprit was detained and surrendered to the judicial system A very picturesque huge entrance portal welcomes the whole mosque, except for the sanctuary dome and many versatile artisans who underpin its reputation as for further investigation, he noted. people to the mosque. It is built to face the square though portal iwan, Shah ‘Abbas was keen to minimize labor a living museum of traditional culture. Lorestan, which is a region of raw beauty, was inhabited by Iranian Indo-European peoples, including the Medes, c. 1000 BC. Cimmerians and Scythians intermittently ruled the region from about 700 to 625 BC. The Luristan Bronzes noted for their eclectic array of Assyrian, Babylonian, and Iranian artistic motifs, Kordestan to cater for music-themed tourism date from this turbulent period. TOURISM TEHRAN – Music tour- Iran is the birthplace of the earliest com- regional and folk music and lead to a tourism Lorestan was incorporated into the growing Achaemenid Em- deskism in the western Iranian plex instruments, which date back to the boom in the region. pire in about 540 BC and successively was part of the Seleucid, province of Kordestan needs to be supported third millennium BC. A number of trumpets Music tourism is a lucrative industry for Parthian, and Sasanid dynasties. and promoted, the provincial tourism chief made of silver, gold, and copper were found many regions of the world, and it refers to has said. in eastern Iran that are attributed to the Oxus people traveling to a new area in order to The development and prosperity of music civilization and date back between 2200 and attend a music show or concert, or even a Eco-lodge units come on tourism in the region is one of the high pri- 1750 BC. The use of both vertical and hori- larger festival. orities of the province’s Cultural Heritage, zontal angular harps have been documented The name Kordestan refers to the region’s stream in Kerman Tourism, and Handicrafts Department, Yaqub at the archaeological sites of Madaktu (650 principal inhabitants. After the Turkish in- Guylian announced on Monday. BC) and Kul-e Fara (900–600 BC), with the vasion of Iran in the 11th century CE (Seljuq HERITAGE TEHRAN – Three eco-lodge units have been deskinaugurated in three different villages of Baft In 2019, the provincial capital of Sanandaj largest collection of Elamite instruments doc- period), the name Kurdistan was applied county, Kerman province, southeast Iran, ILNA reported on Monday. was designated as UNESCO Creative City of umented at Kul-e Fara. Multiple depictions to the region comprising the northwestern Establishing such lodging centers is of very high importance in Music by the UN cultural body. of horizontal harps were also sculpted in Zagros Mountains. It was during the reign music in the Iranian plateau dates back thou- Iranian rural landscapes, reportedly to boost tourism, to generate The artistic capacities, rich history, and Assyrian palaces, dating back between 865 of Abbas I the Great of Iran’s Safavid dy- sands of years based on evidence that came job opportunities, and ultimately to help empower countryside the presence of talented artists in the field and 650 BC. nasty (1501–1736) that the Kurds rose to to light by the “pre-Iranian” archaeological communities. of music have made Sanandaj to become a Pointing to the importance of music tour- prominence, having been enlisted by Abbas global city of music, the official explained. records of Elam, the oldest civilization in ism in the world he noted that this valuable I to help stem the attacks of the marauding The earliest records of compositions and southwestern Iran. branch of tourism could promote Iranian Uzbeks from the east in the early 17th century. Bandar Khamir on way to become sustainable travel destination TOURISM TEHRAN – The southern Iranian port important marine environments in the Islamic Republic. deskcity of Bandar Khamir, which has recently Traveling to the Persian Gulf region would be an expe- joined the UNESCO Network of Learning Cities, seeks to rience that you probably haven’t even considered. While be a sustainable travel destination. you’ve been planning your Iranian sojourn around the A sustainable tourism approach, instead of being at jewels of the country’s rich history (Isfahan, Shiraz, Yazd), risk of overtourism, is top on agenda to be materialized to the southeast the Persian Gulf is equally deserving. in Bandar Khamir as the latter would eventually cause Explore the magnetic islands of Kish, Qeshm, and Big and sprawling Kerman province is something of a cultural cultural shocks for the locals and harm the city itself and Hormuz, which are absurdly easy to combine and are melting pot, blending various regional cultures over time. It is its the pristine environment, Mehr quoted city’s mayor altogether different. While Kish is unashamedly glam also home to rich tourist spots and historical sites including ba- as saying on Sunday. and glitzy, Qeshm and Hormoz are refreshingly void of zaars, mosques, caravanserais, and ruins of ancient urban areas. In September 2020, the city joined the UNESCO Network large-scale development and offer a chance to glimpse a Kerman province is bounded by the provinces of Fars on of Learning Cities and received a certificate of membership more traditional way of life – not to mention an array of the west, Yazd on the north, South Khorasan on the northeast, in the network, people who felt frustrated and isolated geological wonders. Along the coast, soak up the vibes of Sistan-Baluchestan on the east, and Hormozgan on the south. before, became proud of their city’s tourism capacities, lively Bandar Abbas and make a beeline for the delightful It includes the southern part of the central Iranian desert, the Javad Mahmudi added. Persian Gulf, Bandar Khamir is the only city located on the town of Kong, whose historical center is peppered with Dasht-e Lut. Situated in and bounded by the coasts of the Khorkhoran Wetland, one of the largest and most charming old houses and monuments. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y FEBRUARY 9, 2021 SOCIETY 7

Over 5,800 projects to be How to predict the unpredictable in a changing climate

The retreat of an Alaskan glacier in the Barry Arm fjord, inaugurated in rural areas caused by rising temperatures, has left a steep and hefty land mass without structural support. If the hillside col- SOCIETY TEHRAN — Iran’s Mu- ment of villages in the current year (March desk lapses in a landslide, millions of tons of rock and soil will nicipalities and Rural Ad- 2020-March 2021), Omid said. plummet into the waters below, generating a wave of water ministration Organization will inaugurate Some 140 trillion rials (about $3.3 billion) hundreds of feet tall, endangering nearby coastal towns. 5,811 development projects in rural areas have so far been spent, he noted, adding, Perhaps even more troubling, scientists cannot predict the during Ten-Day Fajr celebrations (January the unemployment rate in rural areas has timing of the collapse and resulting tsunami with certainty, 31-February 10, marking the 42nd anni- reached 7.4 percent, which has decreased making preparation difficult. versary of the Islamic Revolution). by over one percent compared to last year. A total of 11.6 trillion rials (nearly $278 In October 2020, Omid stated that the million at the official rate of 42,000 rials) has rural development projects worth 130 tril- been spent on these projects, Ali Ghorbani, lion rials (nearly $3 billion) inaugurated deputy head of the organization, said. on the occasion of the National Day of Most of the projects, equivalent to 71 Villagers and Nomads. percent, is related to the field of road main- He went on to state that 6,750 construc- tenance, he stated. tion projects will come on stream in various Other projects include creating fire sta- fields such as roads, communications, etc. tions, green spaces, sport, and cultural places, In addition, a total of 26,512 projects will be he added, Mehr reported on Monday. launched throughout the country. Mohammad Omid, the vice president Currently, 26 percent of the country’s for rural development, said in November population lives in villages, around 39,000 2020 that for the first time in the country, villages have more than 20 households and the migration of people from rural areas to 23,000 villages have less than 20 households. Centering its focus on this example, a recent study discusses cities has reached zero. Thus, more than 97 percent of the coun- how studying past trends and using simulations can help to A total of 220 trillion rials (nearly $5.6 try’s rural population lives in villages with manage the unfamiliar and unpredictable impacts of climate billion) has been approved for the develop- over 20,000 households. change. Authored by Miriam Matejova and Chad M. Briggs, the paper was published in Global Environmental Politics. One of the key tools that the authors discuss is scenario One million documented foreign Iranian tech delegation aims to analysis, which involves studying past trends in order to extrapolate possible futures. For example, scenario analy- nationals residing in Iran promote products in Armenia sis can be used to predict population growth, increases in temperature, or future levels of CO2 emissions. However, SOCIETY TEHRAN — Iran is SOCIETY TEHRAN — A delega- studying past trends can only help so much as climate change desk desk hosting to some one tion comprising repre- will bring new risks. In order for scenario analysis to be ef- million documented foreign nationals, sentatives of 40 Iranian knowledge-based fective in predicting environmental risks before they become and perhaps another one million are companies are scheduled to visit Armenia hazards, they must incorporate a higher level of complexity. illegally living in the country, deputy with the aim of promoting their techno- In many instances, simple models that rely on only one or minister of interior has stated. logical products and expand the market two variables will not provide accurate predictions of how Some 700,000 foreign nationals in the neighboring country. complicated social and environmental systems will react to illegally residing in Iran are expelled Organized by the vice presidency for change. As an example of how adding complexity helps, the annually from the country, but many science and technology, the four-day visit authors highlight an enhanced scenario analysis conducted in of whom return back for different rea- will be held from February 16-19, ISNA Hawaii to look for systemic vulnerabilities to tropical storms sons, IRIB quoted Javad Naserian as reported on Monday. or tsunamis on the island of Oahu. New risks related to food saying on Monday. refugees live in urban and semi-urban On January 27, Vice-President for Sci- edge-based companies operating in Iran, and energy infrastructure were identified for which the island He went on to note that recently, areas, while three percent are residing in ence and Technology, Sourena Sattari, met and last year they generated a revenue of in question would be otherwise unprepared. a system has been set up to manage, 20 refugee resorts run by the UNHCR’s with Armenian Economy Minister Vahan about $12 billion, he highlighted. In addition to scenario analysis, the authors suggest sim- guide, and organize foreign nationals main government counterpart. Kerobyan in Tehran to discuss ways to ex- He emphasized that Iran has the largest ulations as another way to prepare for impending risks. in the country. Undocumented Afghans have access pand technological cooperation. startups in the region in the field of infor- Simulations are defined as realistic situations which allow At the end of 2018, Iran hosted close to free primary health services and sim- Praising Iran’s scientific and techno- mation and communication technology, participants to train and practice responding to certain to one million refugees, making it the ilarly free COVID-19 related testing, logical achievements, Kerobyan said “We biotechnology, nanotechnology, stem cells, circumstances. With their origins in military settings, sixth-largest refugee host country in treatment, and hospitalization, just agree with the implementation of a project etc., and about 50 technology parks have simulations, also known as wargaming, have been used the world. like nationals. in the field of creating a joint technology been formed throughout Iran. to design environments that test, measure and improve Iran also was the eighth largest ref- In Iran, UNHCR is seeking $16.2 park between Iran and Armenia as soon Noting that 98 percent of the medi- behavior and decision-making in complex and uncertain ugee-hosting country in the world in million for its COVID-19 emergency, as possible and the formation of a team to cine needed in the country is produced situations. For example, military officers often participate 2019, hosting 951,142 Afghan refugees while requires an additional $98.7 mil- develop bilateral cooperation.” domestically, he said that a large number in simulations, learning how to implement certain strate- and 28,268 Iraqi refugees, according lion to support Iran in maintaining and Sattari, said for his part, that Iran has of Armenian scientists and academics are gies and tactics while under pressure. For natural disasters, to the UNHCR. sustaining its commendable inclusive four million students with high knowledge studying in Iranian universities. simulations might involve political actors learning how to One of the largest and most protracted refugee policies, under the umbrella capacity so that the country relies on them to He emphasized the need to expand co- mobilize large groups of people, institutions learning how urban refugee populations in the world of the Solutions Strategy for Afghan move toward a knowledge-based economy. operation in the field of joint technology to provide proper aid and relief, or communities learning are living in Iran; about 97 percent of Refugees. There are currently 6,000 knowl- parks and student exchange. how to make decisions while managing risk. Humans have, to an extent, learned to adapt their behavior based on past experiences and to make plans for disasters based on typical trends. But the Barry Arm tsunami risk highlights Half of global wastewater treated, rates in developing countries still lagging a crucial implication of climate change. As the environments and ecosystems surrounding human communities shift, being A new study by scientists at Utrecht University and the Unit- advanced treatment technologies, which can be prohibitively prepared becomes far more difficult. Beyond just fjords and ed Nations University concludes that about half of global expensive. However, the authors highlight potential oppor- glaciers, other ecosystems may also develop new, perhaps wastewater is treated, rather than the previous estimate of tunities for creative reuse of wastewater streams that could unnoticeable risks as a result of climate change. How effective 20%. Despite this promising finding, the authors warn that help to finance improved wastewater treatment practices. will current measures for preparation and response be in the treatment rates in developing countries are still very low. “The most obvious reuse of treated wastewater is to face of unfamiliar and unexpected risks? The study and its dataset were published Open Access in augment freshwater water supplies,” Jones says. Treated In an interview with GlacierHub, Sue Perry, a former the journal Earth System Science Data. Humans and fac- wastewater reuse is already an important source of irri- disaster scientist for the United States Geological Survey, tories produce vast quantities of wastewater per day. If not gation water in many dry countries, particularly in the spoke of her experience with a risk familiar to many today: properly collected and treated, wastewater may severely Middle East and North Africa. However, only 11% of the “In my universe, everyone who ever went near an ocean would threaten human health and pollute the environment. wastewater produced globally is currently being reused, know that tsunamis are rare but can happen at any time, and 144 million swimming pools which shows large opportunities for expansion. that—depending on how far away the tsunami starts—they The authors use national statistics to estimate volumes From ‘waste’ to resource could have hours or a scant few minutes to take action. They’d of wastewater production, collection, treatment and reuse. “But freshwater augmentation is not the only opportu- know the warning signs that a tsunami is imminent, how “Globally, about 359 billion cubic metres of wastewater is cur, treatment rates are lagging behind,” Jones explains. nity,” says Jones. “Wastewater also has large potential as a to get to safety, that a tsunami can move a mile or more up produced each year, equivalent to 144 million Olympic-sized “In these countries in particular, wastewater production source of nutrients and energy. Recognition of wastewater rivers, and that tsunamis can send more than one damaging swimming pools,” says Edward Jones, Ph.D. researcher at is likely to rise at a faster pace than the current develop- as a resource, opposed to as waste, will be key to driving wave ashore.” But as circumstances change, communities Utrecht University and lead author of the study. “About 48 ment of collection infrastructure and treatment facilities. improved treatment going forward.” that were once unaffected will need to learn to manage new percent of that water is currently released untreated. This is This poses serious threats to both human health and the However, the authors stress the importance of proper disaster threats. Even communities that have had experience much lower than the frequently cited figure of 80 percent.” environment. There is still a long way to go.” monitoring of wastewater treatment plants, accompanied with natural disasters may need to adjust as well. While the results show a more optimistic outlook compared Creative reuse by strong legislation and regulations, to ensure that the The authors suggest that scenario analysis and simulations to previous work, the authors stress that many challenges The main problem, especially in the developing world, reuse of wastewater is safe. The authors also acknowl- should play a key role in identifying weak signals, such as the still exist. “We see that particularly in the developing world, is the lack of financial resources to build infrastructure to edge public acceptance as another key barrier towards change in the Barry Arm Fjord, that have been overlooked. where most of the future population growth will likely oc- collect and treat wastewater. This is particularly the case for increasing wastewater reuse. They define weak signals as “pieces of information that may seem random but reveal important patterns if interpreted in a new context.” Such signals are often ignored, whether it’s due to misinterpretations or the psychological avoidance of ENGLISH IN USE unfavorable outcomes. LEARN NEWS TRANSLATION LET’S LEARN PERSIAN (Part 127) (Source: saadifoundation.ir) آتش سوزی جنگل های گیالن مهار شد Wildfire extinguished in northern forests فرمانــده یــگان حفاظــت اداره کل منابــع طبیعــی و آبخیــزداری گیــان گفــت: آتــش Wildfire, erupted in northern forests of Gilan province over the past ســوزی جنــگل هــای اســتان گیــان پــس از ۷۲ ســاعت تــاش ، کامــا مهــار شــد. days, has been fully extinguished, commander of the protection 2 ســرهنگ محمــد قربانــی لــرد عصــر روز شــنبه در گفــت و گــوی اختصاصــی بــا unit of natural resources and watershed management organization خبرنــگار ایرنــا اظهــار داشــت: بــر اســاس آخریــن آمارهــا بــه صــورت تقریبــی .of Gilan has stated حــدود »۱۳۰ هکتــار« از اراضــی جنگلــی اســتان گیــان در چنــد روز اخیــر According to the latest statistics, approximately 130 hectares of دچــار آتــش ســوزی شــدند. forests in Gilan province have been burnt in recent days, IRNA وی افــزود: ۹۹ درصــد از آتــش ســوزی جنــگل هــای ۱۳ شهرســتان اســتان .quoted Mohammad Qorbani as saying on Sunday گیــان ســطحی بــوده و خســارت جــدی بــه درختــان وارد نشــده اســت. He went on to say that 99 percent of fires in 13 cities of Gilan فرمانــده یــگان حفاظــت اداره کل منابــع طبیعــی و آبخیــزداری گیــان خاطــر .province have caused no serious damage to the trees نشــان کــرد: بــه رغــم مهــار کامــل آتــش در جنــگل هــای اســتان ، نیروهــای یــگان In spite of the complete containment of fire, the protection unit حفاظــت اداره کل منابــع طبیعــی و آبخیــزداری در آمــاده بــاش کامــل هســتند. .is on full alert, he further noted وی ضمــن قدردانــی از تمامــی نیروهــا در مهــار آتــش در جنــگل هــای اســتان -Appreciating all the forces who made efforts to control the wild گیــان اضافــه کــرد: آتــش ســوزی در ســطح شهرســتان هــای مختلــف اســتان fire, he concluded that fire broke out in various cities, including از جملــه رضوانشــهر، تالــش، رودبــار، ســیاهکل و غیــره روی داده. .Rezvanshahr, Talesh, Roudbar, Siahkal and some others Prayer Times Noon:12:19 Evening: 17:59 Dawn: 5:32 (tomorrow) Sunrise: 6:56 (tomorrow) FEBRUARY 9, 2021 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 “Without Anything”, “Yadoo” lead Editorial Dept.: Fax: (+98 21) 88808214 — 88808895 [email protected] Switchboard Operator: Tel: (+98 21) 43051000 Advertisements Dept.: Telefax: (+98 21) 43051430 nominees at Fajr Film Festival Public Relations Office: Tel: (+98 21) 88805807 Subscription & Distribution Dept.: Tel: (+98 21) 43051603 ARTTEHRAN — “Without of Abadan in the early days of the 1980-1988 Printed at: Jame Jam Bartar Borna - 44197737 deskAnything”, a loose Iran-Iraq war. The family is finally forced adaptation of Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s “The to migrate. Visit” and the war drama “Yadoo” lead the In the best film category, the films are Tehrantimes79 Tehrantimes79 Tehrantimes79 nominations at the 39th Fajr Film Festival. competing with “The Piebald” produced The movies each have received nominations by Mohammad-Hossein Qasemi and No. 18, Bimeh Alley, Nejatollahi St., Tehran, Iran in 13 categories, including best film and best “Zalava” produced by Ruhollah Baradari P.o. Box: 14155-4843 director. and Samira Baradari. Zip Code: 1599814713 Parviz Parastui has been nominated for “The Piebald” directed by Narges Abyar the best actor award for his role in “Without and “Zalava” by Arsalan Amiri are also Anything” directed by Mohsen Qarai, while competing for the best director award. Setareh Pesyani has been nominated for the Amiri’s film is also contending for the best actress award for her role in “Yadoo” award for best directorial debut with “”Once directed by Mehdi Jafari. Upon a Time Abadan” by Hamidreza Azarang, Both movies are also competing in the “Mom” by Rash Anisi, “Gijgah” by Adel best screen adaptation award. Tabrizi, “Expediency” by Hossein Darabi “Yadoo” has been made based on Iranian and “Mansur” by Siavash Sarmadi. writer Samad Taheri’s short story “Lion Winners will be announced on Wednesday GUIDE TO Wound”, which is from his short story evening during a special ceremony at Tehran’s SPIRITUAL AWAKENING collection of the same title. Milad Tower. Due to the pandemic, only “Yadoo” tells the story of a teenage boy nominees have been invited to the closing Loving humanity is second only to having named Yadu living with his family and people ceremony of the festival, the organizers faith in Allah as one of the best deeds under siege in the southwestern Iranian city “Yadoo” by Mehdi Jafari. have announced. in Islam. Prophet Muhammad (S) Symphonic poem “The Bright Path” released

1 Speaking in a press conference on Sunday, a deputy Second Phase of the Revolution. director of the organization, Alireza Zandvakili, said that the “A team of young musicians from the third generation “The Forever War” by statement released by the Leader actually portrays a bright of the revolution has collaborated in the project,” he said, Joe Haldeman comes into and clear path for the future of the Islamic Revolution and and added that the symphonic poem is now available for outlines the strategy that the country should pursue 40 interested applicants on all authorized websites. Iranian bookstores years after the victory of the revolution. He also noted that the third part of the trilogy will Composer Parsafar also present at the conference said that be dedicated to the health care and medical staff in CULTURE TEHRAN — A Persian translation of “The the symphonic poem was composed in seven movements, confronting coronavirus and those who lost their lives deskForever War” by Joe Haldeman has recently with nine musicians accompanied by a chorus. during the pandemic. been published by Tandis Publications in Tehran. Amir-Hossein Samiei, who is the director of the The organization released “The Soldier” in commemo- The book has been translated into Persian by Navid Farrokhi. Music and Song Department of the organization, also ration of the first martyrdom anniversary of Commander The Earth’s leaders have drawn a line in the interstellar sand, Cultural officials unveil CDs of the symphonic poem said that “The Bright Path” is the second part of a tril- Qassem Soleimani in December 2020. Arman Mehraban despite the fact that the fierce “The Bright Path”. ogy by the organization with the central theme of the composed the piece with lyrics by Ali-Mohammad Moaddab. alien enemy they would oppose is inscrutable, unconquerable and very far away. A reluctant conscript drafted into an elite Fajr Music Festival to honor three musicians with lifetime achievement awards military unit, Private William Mandella has been propelled ARTTEHRAN – their performance in Iranian music. May 24, 1982 hours after the liberation of the desk through space and time to fight Veteran musicians The 72-year-old musician has southwestern Iranian city of Khorramshahr in the distant thousand-year Mohammadreza Es’haqi Gorji, Maliheh collaborated as a composer in the children’s during the Iran-Iraq war. conflict; to perform his duties Saeidi and Hassan Nahid will receive album “Sabzeye Rizeh Mizeh”, which was The song was recorded with singer and do whatever it takes to lifetime achievement awards at the 36th Fajr recorded by pianist Saman Ehteshami and Mohammad Golriz who also collaborated survive the ordeal and return Music Festival, the organizers announced actor Hamid Jebeli. with Ragheb on another revolutionary piece home. But “home” may be even on Monday. Ney virtuoso Nahid has recorded many “This Is the Call of Freedom from the Orient” more terrifying than battle, They also plan to pay tribute to composer albums with santur virtuoso Faramarz Payvar, composed by poet Sabzevari. Front cover of the Persian trans- because, thanks to the time Ahmad-Ali Ragheb, who died of cancer who was also a prominent composer. He also wrote music for Sabzevari’s lation of Joe Haldeman’s book dilation caused by space travel, last December. They remade numerous works by Iranian “USA, USA, Shame on Your Deceits!”, which “The Forever War”. Mandella is aging months while Es’haqi Gorji, 73, is a dotar virtuoso who is musicians, including Abolhassan Saba, was performed by a chorus and solo tenor This combination photo shows images the Earth he left behind is aging centuries. an expert on the folk music of the Mazandaran Ali-Naqi Vaziri, Ruhollah Khaleqi and Esfandiar Qarabaghi after the occupation of of Iranian musicians Mohammadreza Having won the Hugo and Nebula Award’s more times than region. He has recorded over ten albums Rokneddian Mokhtari. the U.S. embassy in Tehran in 1979. Es’haqi Gorji, Maliheh Saeidi, Hassan any other author, Joe Haldeman is an ultimate household name in of Mazandaran folksongs, including “The Ragheb was known as “one thousand Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting Nahid and Ahmad-Ali Ragheb. science fiction. A Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient, since Epics”, “Love Songs” and “Titi Kak”. music man” and wrote music for numerous holds over 1,400 compositions by Ragheb the original publication of “The Forever War”, Joe has maintained He has also contributed to ritual Saeidi is a veteran qanun player who has revolutionary songs. in its archives. a continuous string of SF bestsellers, and as a speaker and panelist, performances, including tazieh, that also written several books about the history of The epic piece “Congratulations on This Due to the pandemic, the 36th Fajr Music has been a constant presence on the SF convention circuit. are organized during religious occasions the instrument. She has her own special style Victory” was one of his most famous works Festival will be running online from February A longtime tenured professor of creative writing at MIT, beyond every year. of playing, which helps musicians improve composed with a poem by Hamid Sabzevari on 16 to 21. his own career, from Cory Doctorow to John Scalzi, Haldeman is widely acknowledged as a key mentor figure to many of this generation’s crop of rising SF stars. Haldeman is the author of 20 novels and five collections. His other Iranian artist unveils new stringed instrument notable titles include “Camouflage”, “The Accidental Time Machine” and “Marsbound” as well as the short works “Graves”, “Tricentennial” ARTTEHRAN – Iranian artist He said that the types of art related to wood enjoy desk and “The Hemingway Hoax”. SFWA president Russell Davis called Mohammadreza Ildar-Jaleh unveiled great variety in the country. Haldeman “an extraordinarily talented writer, a respected teacher his innovative musical instrument named “moraj” on “Making musical instruments is also one of the and mentor in the community and a good friend.” Sunday. traditional arts related to wood. We have not had a big Haldeman officially received the Damon Knight Memorial The unveiling ceremony was organized during the change in the art of instrument making, but we hope Grand Master for 2010 by the Science Fiction and Fantasy closing ceremony of the 12th Woodwork Exhibition at there will be a big change in this field,” he said. Writers of America at the Nebula Awards Weekend in May, Tehran’s Niavaran Culture Center. Inventing new musical instruments can help preserve 2010 in Hollywood, Fla. The instrument takes its name from the first letters traditional art and add a new sound to the previous of the artist’s full name who is an expert in making the instruments. tar and setar, two Iranian stringed instruments. Moraj Sarvar Bakhti, the president of the ECO Cultural is a three-string instrument like a fiddle, played with Institute, also present at the ceremony, said that the Fajr festival showcases works the fingers. art and culture of Iran is a hope for life and that cultural Ildar-Jaleh said that he has been spending years ceremonies are needed for society these days. by artists gaining global repairing musical instruments, adding, “I have repaired Pointing to the new instrument, he said the art of over 4000 instruments and have good knowledge about Mohammadreza Ildar-Jaleh’s innovative instrument Ildar-Jaleh is also refreshing and pleasing. recognition for Iranian art them, and I have tried to remove the deficiencies and moraj. He said that the world should know that this part CULTURE TEHRAN – The 13th Fajr Festival of Visual Arts, other problems I have faced in the instruments in my and Tourism, said that handicrafts are practical products of the world enjoys such valuable and impressive arts. deskunderway at the Saba Art and Cultural Institute, new moraj,” he said. that enjoy creativity and uniqueness. A large collection of wood artworks in the forms of is displaying works by Iranian artists who have been honored at He said that he loves his country and wants to introduce He said that the group has made its efforts to preserve intarsia, marquetry, wood turning, lattice work, inlay international art events across the world in 2019 and 2020. Iran and Iranian culture to the world with new sounds and revive traditional arts in different arenas including and bas-reliefs, all created by Iranian artists, went on Over 160 artworks by 67 artists of various fields of visual arts through new instruments. music, ritual plays and other related arts, and added, view at the exhibition. have been selected to be showcased in a special section entitled Speaking at the ceremony, Abdolmajid Sharifzadeh, “Carrying out research in different fields of traditional The Research Institute of the Cultural Heritage and “World Stars of Iranian Art”. an official of the Research Institute of Cultural Heritage arts is among the activities of the group.” Tourism (RICHT) was the main organizer of the showcase. The section features works in the forms of photography, cartoon, illustration, painting, calligraphy and miniature, which have been acclaimed at international events in various countries, including Kirghizia, South Korea, Taiwan and Turkey. New Persian translation of Ali Smith’s Over 700 artworks by 511 artists have been put on display at the Fajr festival, which opened on Saturday. Coronavirus restrictions and the pandemic have given the artists “Autumn” released more opportunities to create artworks. Some of the artworks on the theme of COVID-19 have been showcased in a special section. CULTURE TEHRAN – A new the novel is the long-dead ‘60s pop artist, likely candidate for winning. A selection of artworks by top female artists from all the previous deskPersian translation of Pauline Boty, the subject of Elisabeth’s The book was named by The New York editions of the Fajr Festival of Visual Arts has been shown in the Scottish author Ali Smith’s 2016 novel graduate school thesis. The story largely Times as one of the 10 Best Books of 2017. virtual exhibit “Shadow of Tooba” in commemoration of the “Autumn” has recently been published in alternates between Daniel’s prolonged Smith was born in Inverness, Scotland, birth anniversary of Hazrat Fatima (SA), the daughter of the Tehran. dreams as he edges closer to death, and to working-class parents. She was raised Prophet Muhammad (S). Ruzbehan is the publisher of the book Elisabeth’s recollections of the origins of in a council house in Inverness and now A total of 103 artworks by 92 female artists who have been the translated into Persian by Armin Kazemian. their friendship and its repercussions. lives in Cambridge. recipients of Golden Tooba awards from the festival have been “Autumn” is about Daniel Gluck, a The book, first published by Hamish She studied at Aberdeen, and then at displayed in the exhibit. 101-year-old former songwriter, who lies Hamilton, is the first of four seasonal “state Cambridge, for a Ph.D. that was never The selection is available on the website and Instagram page asleep and dreaming in his care home. He of the nation” works. Written rapidly after finished. In a 2004 interview with writing of Iran’s Institute for Development of Contemporary Visual Arts. is regularly visited by 32-year-old Elisabeth the United Kingdom’s 2016 European magazine Mslexia, she talked briefly about Nine veteran Iranian artists will be honored with lifetime Demand, who had been his next-door Union membership referendum, it was the difficulty of becoming ill with chronic achievement awards this year. neighbor as a young child. Her mother widely regarded as the first “post-Brexit fatigue syndrome for a year and how it forced The honorees are master of sculpture and ceramics Jafar Najibi, had disapproved of their early friendship, novel” dealing with the issues raised by her to give up her job as a lecturer at the cartoonist Ahmad Abdollahinia, illustrator Saeid Razzaqi, painter but Elisabeth had nevertheless formed a the voters’ decision. University of Strathclyde to focus on what Garnic Derhakupian, miniaturist Khashayr Qazizadeh, graphic designer close bond with him and been inspired In July 2017, “Autumn” was longlisted she really wanted to do: writing. Ahmad Aqaqolizadeh, art researcher Yaqub Ajand, photographer by his descriptions of works of art. As for the 2017 Man Booker Prize for Fiction, Two other Persian translations of her Mohammad-Hossein Heidari and calligrapher Mohammad Salahshur. a consequence of his influence on her, and in September 2017 it was announced novel “Autumn” by Khatereh Baqeri and Front cover of the Persian translation In addition, the festival displays a collection of 93 calligraphy Elisabeth is now a junior arts lecturer at a as one of six books to make the shortlist. Floria Vernus have been published earlier of Ali Smith’s novel “Autumn” by Armin works competing in the festival this year. London university. A major character in Many newspapers viewed it as the most in Iran. Kazemian. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y I FEBRUARY 9, 2021 SPECIAL ISSUE Managing Director of Agricultural Support Services Co.: Providing Potash & Phosphate Soil, Salient Achievement of Government Dubbed “Hope and Produce” for Fertilizer Self-Sufficiency

The phosphate fertilizer production the previous 10 years. he added. pany and more than 3.6 million plant will be inaugurated concurrent 140,000 tons of urea fer- tons of this product are exported with the glorious victory anniversary tilizer reserves in the country to target countries, he added. of the Islamic revolution during Elsewhere in his remarks, CEO By the end of the current year this year. of Agricultural Support Services (t end March 20, 2021), two other Chief Executive of Agricultural Company added that strategic re- petrochemical companies such as Support Services Company said that serves of basic commodities are of Lordegan Urea and Ammonia Pet- salient achievements have been tak- special importance for maintaining rochemical Company and Masjed en during the 11th and 12th govern- the country’s food security, so, more Soleiman Petrochemical Company ment dubbed “Hope and Prudence” than 150,000 tons of urea fertilizers are also scheduled to enter the urea in line with provision of potash & are currently available for strategic fertilizer production cycle. phosphate soil in line with self-suf- reserves and there is no room to be According to him, Lordegan Urea ficiency of fertilizer. worry about this issue. and Ammonia Petrochemical Com- Currently, of 2.4 million tons of He added that these reserves pany and Masjed Soleiman Petro- urea fertilizer envisioned according are constantly updated and will be chemical Company are currently to this year’s announcement pro- injected into the market if needed in pilot production stage and it is gram, more than 1.9 million tons of for the security of the agricultural hoped that the two petrochemical which has been distributed by the sector. companies will be put into operation Ministry of Agriculture, showing The rate of urea fertilizer in first month of the next Iranian an increase of 300 thousand tons grew only about 19 percent. calendar year (April 2021). as compared to the same period Rasouli pointed to the price of 100,000 tons of urea last year. urea fertilizer in the current year fertilizer contract with sul- On the occasion of the glorious and added, “Price of each 50 kg bag fur coating victory anniversary of the Islam- of urea fertilizer increased slightly The Managing Director Agricul- ic Revolution, we reached out to from the beginning of January and tural Support Services Company the Chief Executive of Agricultural after a year and a half and reaches at and commissioner of Agricultural Support Services Company Hamid the price of 650,000 Rials to farm- Fertilizers Self-Sufficiency Project Rasouli which comes as follows. ers, showing less than 20% growth said, “Of course, the plan for the According to the program of the as compared to the previous year.” contract of urea fertilizer with sulfur Ministry of Agriculture, about three According to him, price of each 50 coating for paddy fields in north of 150,000 tons and according to the “We also invited all the produc- increase about 100,000 tons next million tons of subsidized fertilizers kg bag of urea fertilizer was 550,000 the country, amounting to 100,000 plan, the deficit will be provided ers of phosphate fertilizers in the year (to start March 21, 2021). of nitrogen, phosphate and potash Rials last year i.e. each kilogram tons, is ready, but it has not yet through imports.” country to the company, and we He added that exploration op- should be supplied and distributed of urea fertilizer has increased by been signed.” The CEO of Agricultural Support signed contracts with all these fac- erations are currently underway in by the Agricultural Support Services only 2,000 Rials as compared to the According to him, the technology Services Company stated, “This year, tories according to their capacity, Torud mines of Semnan province Company in the current year, 2.4 previous year, showing the least and of urea fertilizer with sulfur coating effective measures were taken to and provided them with imported and with the help of expert domestic million tons of which are nitrogen lowest price growth as compared is that urea fertilizer dissolves im- provide phosphate and potash soil for the production of phosphate consulting engineers. According to fertilizer (urea) while 600,000 tons to other agricultural inputs. mediately in water, but with sulfur fertilizers, most portion of which fertilizers.” the negotiations made with the user of which are phosphate and potash He stated that both the govern- coating called frankincense, urea is is imported. Since we are facing “We are looking to localize the of the mentioned mines, these mines fertilizers. ment and the Ministry of Agricul- released after 20 days, which plays a shortage of phosphate and pot- production of phosphate and potash will be put into operation by 2022. This is while that in the last 10 ture, for special support to farmers, an important role in increasing crop ash soils, we have to meet most of fertilizers in the country,” he said. Regarding the phosphate soil years, the plan of the agricultur- seek to supply domestically pro- production. the needs of these two fertilizers “The total number of contracts mines, he said: “Considering that al sector to supply urea fertilizer duced urea fertilizer at a fair and Supply of phosphate and through imports.” concluded with domestic produc- the country has several mines that was about two million tons and reasonable price so as not to allow potash soils, salient measures “The mines that we have in the ers is about 200,000 tons, while must be operational and phosphate in recent years this amount had the urea fertilizer required by the taken by government dubbed country in the field of phosphate are last year it was 20,000 tons,” he extraction work must begin in these reached 2.2 million tons, he said, agricultural sector to increase in “Hope and Prudence” for fer- two mines including Chadormalu continued. mines, we are now focused on the adding, “With the necessary fol- price like other agricultural inputs tilizer self-sufficiency Mining and Industrial Company and Shortage of phosphate soil was operation of these mines.” low-ups made by the ministry in and services. Hamid Rasouli, who in addition Asfordi Mining Company, which the major concern of the compa- “We are facing restrictions on the current year (started March 21, Entry of two new petro- to being the CEO of Agricultural deliver about 150,000 tons of phos- ny that “we managed to import the supply of potash soil through 2020), this number has reached chemical companies into the Support Services Company, has phate soil to the producers’ factories. 100,000 tons into the country.” imports due to sanctions. Currently, 2.4 million tons i.e. an increase of urea fertilizer production been working as the commis- Khur-va-Biyabanak Mining Com- “Our contract with the seller of most of the potash soil needed by 200,000 tons as compared to the cycle sioner of Agricultural Fertilizers pany is producer of potash fertilizer phosphate soil is long-term and for the country is supplied and im- previous year.” Currently, Agricultural Support Self-Sufficiency Project since June that was left useless with the lowest significant quantities,” he added. ported from Belarus, Russia and Although the agricultural sector Services Company provides urea of this year with the order of Min- capacity and now, we have taken He went on to say that the com- Uzbekistan.” needs about three million tons of fertilizer required by agricultural ister of Agriculture Dr. Khavazi, effective steps to take advantage pany has concluded contracts with Phosphate and Potash urea fertilizer per year, it is a matter sector from Assaluyeh Petrochem- added, “Despite sanctions terms of this capacity,” he added. about 14 factories producing phos- Fertilizers Self-Sufficiency of happiness that it has increased ical Company, Razi Petrochemical and conditions as well as currency During the negotiations made phate fertilizer, adding, “We transfer Plan by 200,000 tons as compared to Company, Bandar Imam Khomeini restrictions, the company is obliged between Ministry of Industry, and transport the soil from Bandar For this purpose, a significant previous years, he continued. Petrochemical Company, petro- to supply 600,000 tons of phos- Mine and Trade and Agricultural Imam Khomeini and Bandar Ab- part of the country’s phosphate and Since the beginning of the year chemical companies in Shiraz, phate and potash fertilizers in the Support Services Company, it was bas to these phosphate fertilizer potash fertilizers are imported into (started March 21, 2020), more than Khorasan and Kermanshah. current year.” decided to increase the capacity of production plants.” the country. Therefore, for domestic 1.9 million tons of urea fertilizer has The amount of fertilizer produc- “We have several explored mines supplying potash soil from the mine The phosphate fertilizer pro- production, “we faced the problem been delivered to the agricultural tion volume of these petrochemical regarding the raw mateRials needed this year, so that the capacity of duction plant will be inaugurated of restriction of raw mateRials of sector by petrochemical companies, companies is more than 6 million to produce these two types of basic Khur-va-Biyabanak mine reached concurrent with the glorious victory phosphate and potash soils and which shows an increase of 300,000 tons per year, of which about 2.4 fertilizers,” he said, adding, “The 30,000 tons this year, which is a anniversary of the Islamic Revo- factories that produce soil in ac- tons compared to the same period million tons are delivered to the amount of phosphate soil extracted significant number for the first year lution during this year. cordance with the country’s needs.” last year, Rasouli added. Agricultural Support Services Com- in the country is currently about of operation. Inauguration of Phos- This year, “We have finalized five He put the urea fertilizer deliv- phate Fertilizer Production large self-sufficiency plans for the ered to the agricultural sector by Factory in Bushehr during provision and supply of these fer- the petrochemical companies in the victory anniversary of tilizers in the current year.” last year at 1.6 million tons. the Islamic Revolution (Ten- Within the framework of Agri- This year, despite the fact that the Day Dawn ceremonies) in the cultural Fertilizers Self-Sufficiency gas of petrochemical companies was presence of minister of Agri- Plan, Agricultural Support Services cut off for a short period due to cold culture. Company has concluded contract weather, but with the follow-ups Rasouli added a Phosphate with the National Iranian Copper of the Minister of Agriculture and Fertilizer Production Factory in Industries Company (NICICO) for order of the President and First Vice Bushehr, during anniversary of the distribution of phosphate ferti- President and Minister of Oil, gas the Islamic Revolution victory lizers as product of a 500,000-ton needed by the petrochemical com- (Ten-Day Dawn ceremonies), will factory which is under construction. panies connected faster and these be inaugurated in the presence of Another contract has been con- companies managed to resume their minister of Agriculture. This factory cluded with Karun Phosphate Pro- production activities, he said, add- named ARKANSHIMI, will produce duction Company with the produc- ing, “We are not behind schedule.” 100000 Tons phosphate fertilizers tion of 200,000 tons of phosphate According to the agreement with its subsidiaries in Bushehr and fertilizers, he said. made between the company and its productions will be supplied for Khur-va-Biyabanak Mine is lo- petrochemical companies in the distribution nationally cated in Isfahan while Chadormalu beginning of the current year, “we Identifying Torud Mine and Asfordi Mine companies are will deliver the fertilizer according in Semnan Province located in Yazd, he said, adding, to the scheduled program in the Now, to supply potash soil, ex- “Torud Mine is located in Semnan coming months, so that necessary cept for Khur-va-Biyabank mines, province.” arrangements have been made in Torud mine has been identified in In potash fertilizer, according to this respect.” Semnan province, he said, adding, the exploration mines and according 45% growth in supply and “If these mines are produced with to the prescheduled program, “we distribution of urea fertilizer their full capacity, we will not need can achieve self-sufficiency in the in last 10 years to import potash soil from abroad.” next three years.” In the field of supply and dis- He pointed out that the coun- According to him, the grade of tribution of urea fertilizer, the try’s need for potash fertilizer is at phosphate soil in Iranian mines is company has registered about 30 least 400,000 tons per year. The different, but in Asfordi and Chador- percent growth as compared to the production capacity of Khur-va-Bi- malu mines, phosphate concentrate previous year and also more than yabank mines reached 30,000 tons is currently produced with a grade 45 percent growth as compared to this year, the amount of which will of 30%. II I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y SPECIAL ISSUE FEBRUARY 9, 2021 Eng. Taghizadeh CEO of CMICO: Chadormalu Mining and Industrial Co. Thinking of Producing Nonferrous Metals, Nonmetallic Products “Exploration” is the main priority of exploration activities as well as receiving ways to achieve industrial and mining its required parts, in addition to increasing Chadormalu Mining and Industrial Com- operation licenses.” goals and sustainable development in gen- productivity, has also had economic savings pany. It is hoped that that the Ministry of Fortunately, Omid Investment Group, eral is moving from traditional methods as much as over 12,000 billion rials. Industry, Mine and Trade will pave suitable as a major shareholder of Chadormalu towards the application of common and Then, CEO of the company pointed ways for exploring and increasing mineral Mining and Industrial Company, is as- modern methods in the world.” to the issue of crude-selling of iron ore reserves by transferring mineral zones in sociated with the development plans and Emphasizing that one of the aforemen- and emphasized that “We strongly oppose every region of the country. projects of this company, he maintained. tioned ways is to oblige large companies the sale of crude selling of iron ore or To learn more about the details, our In the recent visit of the then Minister to invest and strive for the development any other mineral and believe that the reporter has conducted an interview with of Industry, Mine and Trade Dr. Modaress of less developed and disadvantaged ar- duties of concentrate and pellets should Eng. Naser Taghizadeh Chief Executive Khiabani from Chadormalu Mining and eas, he added, “Large metal and mining be increased and suitable ways should be of Chadormalu Mining and Industrial Industrial Company, he announced that companies and even petrochemical com- paved for exporting sponge iron.” Company which comes as follows. Ministry of Industry is ready to participate panies, with their investment, can take Taghizadeh stressed that the gov- In the beginning, CEO of Chador- in establishing new drilling and exploration giant stride in development of one of the ernment should encourage large min- malu Mining and Industrial Company company with 49 percent partnership of deprived provinces all over the country.” ing companies to build processing units added, “Basically, steel production has Omid Investment Group and 51 percent Taghizadeh emphasized that by adopt- and ultimately create added value with a “rock-bottom and ceiling” rate. Steel partnership of Chadormalu Mining and ing this method and with the cooperation of the participation of the private sector by production is reaching its ceiling with a Industrial Company. banks, it is possible to create employment preventing crude sale of raw materials. prospect of 55 million tons. Due to min- On the other hand, many licenses have and yield currency exchange. He further announced the company’s read- eral constraints, it is no longer possible been issued for the exploitation of some mines “Today, we must accept that the gov- iness to buy iron ore in any mine and in any to do much activity in the development of in the country but in practice, due to the ina- ernment, given the current situation, is tonnage and said, “Undoubtedly, sustainable concentrate production and pelletizing. bility of their owners, these mines have not not able to invest and develop financial- unit and also agricultural greenhouse in the malu Mining and Industrial Company development will be achieved by providing However, it must be acknowledged that been exploited, he said, adding, “It is hoped ly and This method can be the best way region with its financial support, he added. will construct a super mega-module raw materials and building production units mining activities are reaching its ceiling that fate of these mines will be specified at the to overcome the current situation. In The CEO of Chadormalu Mining and steel production unit and a ferrosilicon in different parts of the country in addition rate in the country.” new instruction of the respected minister of this regard, petrochemical and mining Industrial Company said that realization of production plant in the mentioned area to generating employment.” He pointed out that priority of activity Industry, Mine and Trade.” companies can make huge investment such an important issue requires national between Behabad and Chadormalu Mine Glimmers of hope should be promoted of the company is focused on producing “We hope that exploration objectives of for developing underprivileged areas.” will at the level of government officials, add- within the framework of expansion pro- among people in any way possible, he said, metal and mining industries, but since domestic mining and mineral companies Under the current situation that the ing, “Suitable condition should be paved for ject. The construction of these projects in adding, “Although there are really problems Chadormalu Mining and Industrial Com- will be realized by the Minister of Industry, government is suffering from financial managers and they should not be blamed the desert area is in compliance with the in some professions, we must accept that pany is an economic enterprise, “We must Mine and Trade Alireza Razm-Hosseini.” problem, large and mega-sized companies for small and negligible mistakes.” requirements of environmental protection we can materialize all economic objectives move towards activities in various sectors The CEO of Chadormalu Mining and can take giant strides in developing less Empowering managers and supporting and with the aim of developing deprived in these difficult conditions if we join our of this field, including non-ferrous and Industrial Company said that taking basic developed areas in the country. fair-minded directors is the prerequisite areas, and it is stipulated that residential hands together and planning wisely.” even non-metallic metals.” and practical steps, in accordance with In the current situation, the government for reaching such principled policies, he houses will be constructed for personnel In the end, Taghizadeh announced the He stressed the need to achieve goals realities and capabilities of the country’s can, with principled policies and with strict said, adding, “Achieving such principled in that area if needed.” establishment of a public joint stock company of the company such as completing the major industries, is the key behind eco- supervision, entrust the development of policies requires empowering managers The CEO of Chadormalu Mining and with the aim of participation of staff and per- supply chain, creating an extensive rail nomic development in the country and each province to one of the large com- and supporting honest people so that they Industrial Company added, “We are cur- sonnel in stock of the company and added, transportation system, and added: “Cur- reiterated, “For example, today, follow- panies and oblige them to move to other can motivate and advance all industries rently obtaining land, necessary permits and “By establishing a public joint stock company rently, our main priority is focused on ing the relentless efforts of three major employment-generating industries and with power, while the government’s deci- also trying to build a mega-module sponge and trying to share 5,000 employees of the exploration, and paying attention to the mining and industrial companies, we are encourage these large companies to take sion-making mechanism must be in line iron project with a capacity of 1.8 to 2.2 company, we will try to provide all projects to exploration activity can provide suitable witnessing the implementation of a huge giant step in generating employment given with the policies of managers appointed million tons, ferrosilicon-manganese with shareholders, so that they can be encouraged ways for maintaining the current situation.” project to transfer water from the Persian the high potential of the region. for such managerial activities.” a capacity of 50,000 tons, refractory brick, to continue their activities at the company Taghizadeh stated that the issue of Gulf to the central part of the country, For example, a large steel company, While adjusting all policies, government casting and so on. The mentioned projects with more peace of mind.” exploration is one of the vital measures the issue that many did not consider this which is entrusted with the development officials should not impose any restric- will be constructed in three to four years, if This year, the highest record of produc- for the continuation of steel production in giant project as feasible.” of a region or province, should encourage tions for large companies. For example, an agreement in principle is obtained. In tion and sales of the company was achieved the country and realization of producing Elsewhere in his remarks, Taghizadeh people of the region with its support to one should not wait for months to obtain addition, we are planning to build a railway, after 20 years, which has been given a good 55 million tons of steel in the country, emphasized the concept of development produce items such as clothing, high-tech, a permit and such obstacles will never electricity transmission line and water de- reward to the staff, and “we believe that he said, adding, “The central desert of and given the financial restrictions and electrical, agricultural, agricultural prod- lead the country to comprehensive and salination system in the mentioned area.” if the needs of staff and their livelihood Iran is rich with iron ore reserves, but situation of government and budget of ucts’ processing industries, etc. sustainable development, he reiterated. He further reminded indigenization are met and production is increased due unfortunately, some obstacles such as the country, which is mainly spent on For example, a large steel production Elsewhere in his remarks, Taghizadeh measures taken in this regard and said that to increasing efforts of employees and environmental excuses and existing ad- salaries, wages and pension funds, and company in , in addition to produce pointed to setting up a new industrial zone Chadormalu Mining and Industrial Com- workers, necessary reward and incentive ministrative bureaucracies have prevented said, “In the current situation, one of the steel, can help construct water desalination in Ardakan area and added, “Chador- pany with localization of 29,300 parts of packages will be given to staff.” A Glance at the Activities of MAPNA Group, a Leading Industrial Enterprise in the Middle East MAPNA Group is a leading power plant company History of MAPNA Group euros (€5.5bn). More than 1300 MWs of power plant in the Middle East and North Africa region. Established in August, 1993, MAPNA Group’s capacity is under construction and development by MAPNA Group is a conglomerate of Iranian initial purpose was to serve as a general contractor MAPNA Group at the moment. Having this capacity companies involved in development and execution of power plant projects. Gradually, the enterprise has made MAPNA Group a key player in the electricity of power, oil & gas, and railway projects, as well turned from a contractor in the 1990s to a manufac- market and Iran Energy Exchange (IRENEX). as manufacturing main equipment including gas turer in the 2000s, and now, to a technology owner. In the field of thermal (gas and combined cycle) and steam turbines, electric generators, turbine Since its establishment, MAPNA Group has power plants construction, MAPNA Group has com- blades and vanes, HRSG and conventional boilers, recorded execution of over one hundred large- missioned and launched power plants across the country, electric and control systems, compressors, loco- scale projects worth more than 35 billion Euros including South Isfahan (the first privately-funded power motives and other advanced industrial products. (€30bn). In addition, this prestigious company plant in the country) Toos Power Plant (Ferdowsi), An industrial enterprise, MAPNA Group com- produces 75 different products and also offers 96 Assaluyeh, Aliabad (Golestan), Fars (Hafez), Parehsar prises a parent company along with several spe- different types of high-quality services to its cus- (the first privately-funded power plant that was raised cialized companies as its subsidiaries which are tomers, including: through an international tender in the electricity indus- active in the fields of engineering, constructing Various types of gas turbines try and paved the way for development of rules and and developing thermal power plants, renewable Various types of steam turbines regulations on private power investment), Genaveh, energy plants, power & heat or power & water co- Wind turbines Parand, Sanandaj, Behbahan, Qeshm, as well as Kahak generation plants, onshore and offshore drilling, Turbine accessories and Aqkand wind farms and also water and electricity execution and development of oil and gas projects, Various conventional boilers co-generation in Qeshm. engineering and constructing rail transportation Various turbo-compressors International Investment projects, medical imaging services, electrification, Heat recovery steam generators By taking a strategic approach to internationaliza- repair and maintenance services as well as finance Thermal generators tion, MAPNA Group seeks to reinforce its presence in and investment. Hydro generators MAP24 Freight Locomotive foreign target countries. Selection of target countries MAPNA Group is also a manufacturer of a Turbo generators Centrifugal compressors established as an important pillars of MAPNA Group. for investment in power plant projects hinges upon wide range of advanced industrial products in- Switchboard and security control systems Oil pumps Wide access to domestic and international markets various factors including rules and incentive packages, cluding gas and steam turbines, turbine blades, MAPNA Group’s capabilities in rail trans- Tanks have given MAPNA an active and constructive role fuel provision (by the target country), tariffs and power wind turbines, conventional and heat recovery portation production and manufacturing Investing in MAPNA Group in development of power, oil & gas, and rail trans- sale mechanisms, investment risk, and other effective boilers, hydro- and thermal generators, control include: In today’s world, close competition for higher levels portation projects of the country through individual, investment-related factors. The two key objectives systems, passenger and freight locomotives, and Different types of locomotives of development and progress is an integral part of eco- direct or mutual investment along with domestic and sought in power investment projects are sustainabili- turbo compressors. Brake systems nomic and social programs. Economic development is international investors. ty in international markets and improved share of the In addition to its over fifty-percent share in Switchboard and security control systems achieved through the definition of projects in various MAPNA Group can be considered as a pioneer in company in target countries. the development of Iran’s power generation ca- Mechanical equipment sectors such as energy, transportation etc. This is where power generation investment. It is the first and largest In investment, in addition to the objective of entering pacity and effective participation in development Railway electrical equipment the critical issue of financing and investment is raised. investor in the construction and development of private the international markets, forming and increasing market of oil and gas, rail transportation and healthcare Signaling and control center With the expansion of MAPNA Group’s activities and power plants in the country. In a period of less than share of the group is also a key objective. MAPNA projects, MAPNA Group has been able to play a MAPNA Group’s products in oil & gas are: the need to attract capital for projects, the organizational thirty years, MAPNA Group has invested in power plant Group now has regional offices across the world and role in international markets relying on quality Gas turbines structure was reviewed and in the architecture of the new projects with a capacity of more than 11,000 MWs of enjoys industrial cooperation with many prominent & and competitive price of its products and services. Turbine blades structure, the Investment Projects Division (IPD) was existing power plants, valued at more than 5.5 billion prestigious international companies.

Damavand Combined Cycle Power Plant MAPNA Genaveh Combined Cycle Power Plant 2 Offshore Drilling Project - Persian Gulf 2 I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y III FEBRUARY 9, 2021 SPECIAL ISSUE Note of Eng. Farnoush Nobakht Vice Chairman of Board of Directors and CEO of Tehran Urban and Suburban Railway Operation Company (TUSROC) Today, urban & inner-city transportation is not just an everyday and routine event. The public transportation fleet is of special importance in metropolitans and metro (subway) is also known as a public transportation lifeline and its role in social and cultural development is also seriously taken into consideration by urban management experts. A complete, orderly, extensive and efficient public transporta- tion system is considered an important need for the developed and developing countries, and having an efficient economic, cultural, social and political system is a prerequisite for countries that are in the field of industrial competition and improving the social struc- ture. Having a fast and safe means of transportation such as metro, which is the most important means of public transportation in large cities today, is also seriously considered in Tehran due to traffic and air pollution, because the metro has an irreplaceable capacity. The importance of this means of transportation became more At present, Tehran Urban and Suburban Railway Operation and more apparent due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, Company (TUSROC), with more than 250 kilometers and 130 active COVID-19, in the country and from the very beginning, Tehran stations, has found its place among the citizens of the capital, and Urban and Suburban Railway Operation Company (TUSROC) used on the eve of the 22nd year of operation of the metro, with 7 active the experience of other countries and according to health protocols lines, we have been able to move about two million passengers daily. and guidelines instructed by the Ministry of Health and Medical Although the number of passengers has decreased due to the Education and put subway trains on the agenda. spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, in the subway, this is In addition, by preparing educational clips, informing and pub- not the actual capacity of the capital’s metro, and this capacity will lishing it on social networks, we tried to inform the company’s increase with the completion of lines 6 and 7. We hope to reach performance and provide the necessary training services through seven million passengers a day by 2025 based on the transportation various posters and banners on the subject of observing social and traffic prospects of Tehran. distancing, requiring all walks of life to use and wear face masks However, achieving this requires prioritizing funding for the and observing safety and health issues. Moreover, giant steps have construction and supply of the fleet, as the metro is a leading trans- been taken in the field of installing necessary health guidelines and portation means in urban transportation system with a “precision, instructions in seven metro (subway) lines of Tehran and its suburbs health, and speed” approach. to create the sensitivity among citizens and subway passengers that This very high safety, comfort and convenience means of trans- at least if they have to get out of the house and use the subway to portation, which plays a leading role in reducing energy consump- observe a safe and hygienic distance to prevent the transmission tion, has increased its proper speed compared to other means of of the coronavirus, COVID-19, disease. public transportation. Also, reducing the distance of trains in Tehran metro lines, Also, according to statistics, the use of Tehran Urban and Sub- which was a priority for the company for better service delivery urban Railway as the only means of public transportation within and to help the “Social Distancing” plan, improve the distance the city is clean from the beginning of operation until the end of between trains’ arrival in Metro Line Two from three and a half to 1398 (2020) in a way that it was able to save 76 billion and 556 three minutes and in Metro Line Three, we reduced it from seven thousand Rials in fuel consumption costs, which has an effect of minutes to six minutes for offering better services at the condition 41 billion and 403 thousand Rials on the cost of health care and that the country is grappling with the pandemic. cleaning due to air pollution and has resulted in saving consumption Although we have seen a significant reduction in the number of 5,741 million liters of gasoline and 570 million liters of diesel. of passengers these days due to the spread of COVID-19, we have It is worth mentioning that urban tours with Tehran Urban and used all the capacity of the subway to provide better services to the Suburban Railway have prevented 14,700,000 tons of CO2 gas citizens and we have not stopped any of our trains in the parking from entering the air of Tehran, while tours performed with Tehran lots to avoid the congestion of passengers at the seven-lane stations. Urban and Suburban Railway during this period has prevented Therefore, we used everything we had to deal with the corona- the emission of 2,709 tons of CO, NOX, So2, PM10 and HC gases. virus, COVID-19, disease and asked passengers to use and wear Although Tehran Urban and Suburban Railway Operation Com- face masks to prevent the transmission of the coronavirus disease pany needs more equipment, especially wagons, to increase the and to better implement the plan of “Observing Social Distancing” fleet capacity on the existing lines, which requires funding from the by managing travel time from the subway congestion. government, we hope that with the help of domestic manufacturers So far, more than 99 percent of subway passengers wear face and producers, an opportunity will be provided to meet the metro masks. needs inside the country.

The Most Important Achievements of National Iranian 2020 to 2013 Oil Company (NIOC) from

Fivefold Increase 2.5fold Increase Production capacity of crude oil Production capacity of gas in South Pars Gas field with implementation from West Karun Joint Oilfields of 18 conventional phases

Accessing daily production capacity of Achieving daily production capacity of 1,000 )400,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd million cubic meters gas in country

Winning First Rank National and Strategic Plan Hydrocarbon explorations in Goureh – Jask Crude Oil Transfer Pipeline & Makran Export Oil the world in 2019 Terminal

Accessing to more than 130 percent of oil exploration Creating pipe production chain NACE (Slab, Sheet commitments and 170 percent of gas exploration and Pipe), 2.7MW pumps, 42-inch valves and commitments in first half of 6th Five-Year Socioeconomic and Cultural Development Plan covering FBE pipe for the first time in the country All-out and comprehensive support from Iranian contractors, manufacturers, knowledge-based companies, scientific and academic centers, universities and Iranian startups A giant stride in supporting research and self-sufficiency in oil industry

Domestically manufacturing of 10 groups of strategic products needed by oil industry Maximum activity of Iranian manufacturers and contractors in the development of South Pars Gas Field, West Karun, National Project of Goureh – Jask Pipeline and Makran Oil Export Terminal, Exploratory projects and development of oil and gas fields Signing and sealing 31 oil production increase and retaining plan with 22 Iranian companies, costing over $3.7 billion

Signing and sealing 22 macro research contract, costing over 1,009 billion tomans and €49 million with 12 Iranian research centers and universities

Guaranteeing purchasing of qualitative products required in oil industry from Iranian industrialists and manufacturers Approving the plan to establish Oil Innovation Fund with the initial capital of 100 billion tomans

Fulfilling Social Responsibilities Preserving Environment, Pillar of Sustainable Development In tandem with the development and production Observing Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) in the oil industry requirements, main activities of the National )Iranian Oil company (NIOC Public Relations of National Iranian Oil Company IIII I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y SPECIAL ISSUE FEBRUARY 9, 2021 Transparency and Supervision, Salient & Main Feature of Chain Stores Hossein Sabouri, Acting CEO of Ofogh Kourosh Chain Stores The market was considered as a platform On the other hand, expansion of chain stores, themselves, apply to input, cy” and “supervision” at chain stores has for the exchange and trade of goods and branches and high turnover of goods output, inventory, as well as daily and created a sense of trust in customers that services before the industrial revolution in these complexes (chain stores) make periodic inspections of their branches not only their right to choose is respected based on traditional mechanism and based recording and monitoring of all events consecutively. but also goods are provided to customers on face-to-face communications but after and transactions along supply chain and It should be noted that looking into the with fair, reasonable and logical price the industrial revolution and change of mechanization of all processes ‘mandato- complaints and proposals of customers qualitatively and quantitatively. social and economic equations, it has di- ry’, so that this method of registering and and clienteles as well as responding to It goes without saying that price prob- versified and promoted economic activities monitoring allows accurate monitoring their questions are carried out within lems of chain stores are much more than and finally, increased growth, prosperity of external organizations. the framework of ‘monitoring’ process. other stores working with traditional and welfare using scientific and technical Although many recent media reports “Monitoring on”, however refers to system of supply and distribution of achievements. indicate a weakness due to inflation over- the supervisory bodies outside the chain goods and this is due to the maximum In Iran, with social and economic shadowing the country, suitable condi- stores that, due to the high transparency transparency of these stores and also modernization and its impact on mar- tion has been paved for the possibility that exists in these stores, can monitor the maximum supervision exerted on ket structure, although the method of of recording and monitoring activity of all the processes of ordering, supplying, these stores. distribution of goods has changed as chain stores. transferring, warehousing and selling Definitely, wherever there is more compared to the thirteenth century This transparency, along with super- in chain stores. transparency and maximum monitoring and centuries before, the dominant vision, is the main feature of chain stores Easy access to all activities of chain is exerted, more flaws and problems will distribution system in the country can and the key difference between private stores such as amount of goods ordered, appear. Lack of appearance of problems predominantly be called ‘traditional’ as and public sectors and the new system amount of purchases, process of trans- and defects in the public sector or other compared with the developed countries. with the traditional market mechanism. ferring and entering the goods in the similar sectors does not necessarily mean Chain stores, as one of the main process into an enjoyable and fun ex- ity of service and customer satisfaction, Presence of private sector in chain warehouse, storage time of goods and the absence of problems, rather, it can elements of the modern distribution perience are some of the services and but also these chain stores have created stores and lack of cumbersome restric- finally exit of goods from the warehouse be attributed to a lack of transparency system, have been established in Iran benefits of chain stores that have made transparency in the best possible way tions of government bureaucracy and/ and entering the store branches and even or a lack of oversight. since early 1960s, and since then up to this industry effective in the country’s in the field of distribution of goods. or small- and large expediencies that its final stage is selling goods can be Trust of customers as a social capital the present time, although chain stores in economy. High transparency refers to the legal public sector inevitably has to comply controlled and monitored maximally is a product an economic enterprise and Iran have led to the formation of a more But what is an important factor in the structure of these complexes and the with it have increased the transparency due to the maximum transparency of owes to transparency and supervision, modern distribution system, they still expansion of chain stores is the entry of requirements for their management of these stores as compared to the public chain stores. which is the necessary basis for future have a small share of Iran’s economy. the private sector in this business, which and administration. sector, and this transparency has made It is not unreasonable to claim that activities and also the basis of fight against Generating jobs, helping national has made chain stores to perform better Having a clear legal entity makes it the monitoring process easier with two popularity and welcome of citizens to corruption. Therefore, protection of this production, reducing supply route than before in the field of distribution mandatory to comply with financial and concepts i.e. “Monitoring on” and “Su- chain stores in the last decade has been trust is a public duty, which depends on and distribution of goods, eliminating of goods. tax laws throughout the supply chain man- pervising in”. due to transparency on the one hand and appreciating transparency and putting intermediaries (agents), offering regu- Not only privately-funded chain stores agement , while such requirements are not “Monitoring in” refers to the mon- supervision on the other hand. it at the forefront and observing ethics lar discounts and turning the shopping create competition and increase the qual- required for small, independent retailers. itoring and inspection processes that The two components of “transparen- and law in all stages of supervision.

Industrial Development and Renovation Organization of Iran (IDRO) 32 Performance of IDRO in Executive Projects by Dec. 20, 2020 IDRO projects No. Title of Project Total Investment Employment Physical Progress Investment projects: Valued at 424,800 Value (billion rials) 23 billion rials / 11,507 persons 1 Plan for setting up fuel bioethanol in Kermanshah Prov. 6,727 152 73.90 percent 2 Second phase of plan to renovate and overhaul Balouch Industries 3,900 282 20.00 percent Development Organization (Weaving, Printing and Dyeing Line) 3 Plan for producing water purification and treatment filters 4.457 75 36.00 percent (membrane) in Ilam province General contracting projects: Valued 4 Plan for completion of construction operation of Esfarayen 27.429 230 97.06 percent 1 at $5,249 billion / 4,236 persons Industrial Complex in North Khorasan province 5 Plan to set up and commission system for launching vessel and 1.570 560 17.88 percent parking of vessels (travel lift) in ISOICO 6 Plan for construction of phase 1 of Garmsar Special Economic Zone 2.736 150 62.11 percent (250 ha) in Semnan Province Plan management projects: Valued 7 Plan for construction of phase 1 of Jahrom Special Economic Zone 1.060 80 58.50 percent 2 at $6,343 billion & 782 million (85 ha) in Fars Province 8 Plan for construction of fuel bioethanol production unit in 9,102 152 14.16 percent Kohgilouyeh and Boyerahmad Province 9 Plan for construction and completion of infrastructures of 354 25 48.03 percent KAVOSH Research Township (Pishro Bloc) “Surge in Production” projects 10 Plan for construction of dry ponds and logistics (backup) 71.810 5000 80.02 percent 6 workshops

Inauguration of new weaving production line and start of construction operation of weaving line of Baft Balouch Industrial Development Company

1- Inauguration of new weaving line, costing 2,000 3- Receiving license for planting cotton from Agricul- billion rials and generating employment for 150 ture Organization of the province in order to complete job-seeking people the production chain, ranging from planting cotton to Projects of Four Specialized Desks of Automotive Industry 2- Planning and starting construction operation for the producing fabrics, development of weaving line and renovation of printing 4- Completion of infrastructures of the company and dying line in order to complete the production process 5- Completing, employing and training 150 manpower No. of Project Value of Contracts Currency Saving as well as generation of employment for 195 job-seeking of the company needed for new weaving and spinning 154 4,460 billion rials €341 million people, costing €10 million and 560 billion rials production line