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8 Pages Price 50,000 Rials 1.00 EURO 4.00 AED 42nd year No.13891 Wednesday FEBRUARY 24, 2021 Esfand 6, 1399 Rajab 12, 1442

Quds Force chief: U.S. Friendly: Iran to Tehran tourism fair opens; Congratulations only understands meet Syria on activists hope for boom when on birthday of Imam Ali (AS) language of force Page 2 March 30 Page 3 corona vaccine is ever-present Page 6 and father’s Day

Iran halts implementation of Iran, South Korea close to Additional Protocol TEHRAN — Iran has stopped the vol- as of Tuesday, the Agency is no longer untary implementation of the Additional allowed to continue conducting inspections Protocol to the Non-Proliferation Treaty as per the Additional Protocol. (NPT) as the United States failed to lift Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s permanent unlocking frozen assets See page 3 the sanctions it imposed on Iran during representative to Vienna-based international the Trump administration. organizations, announced late on Monday Under the Additional Protocol, the In- that the IAEA will no longer be allowed to ternational Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) carry out inspections in accordance with the was allowed to carry out short-notice in- Additional Protocol as of midnight. spections of Iran’s nuclear facilities. But Continued on page 3

Green puppet show warns about global garbage crisis TEHRAN — Iranian playwright and di- people in the not too distant future,” Khanjari rector Nasrin Khanjari plans to stage a told the Persian service of MNA on Tuesday. puppet show warning about the garbage “In this puppet show, Mrs. Crumpled crisis around the world. Film Poster and Mr. Crushed Junk Can as The play entitled “No Place for Garbage” representatives of the rubbish embark on a is scheduled to be performed by her troupe journey to visit people to tell them to stop during the 18th Mobarak Puppet Theater generating trash because the Earth has been Festival, which will take place virtually buried under garbage and there is no place for in Tehran during March. garbage anymore. They cross the seas, forests “This puppet show is similar to a predic- and deserts to reach the city of men,” she said. tion portraying the situation of the globe and Continued on page 8

TEHRAN — Some 6,700 mobile, last [Iranian calendar] year (March

semi-mobile and fixed nomadic 2019-March 2020), IRNA quoted schools are providing education in Mohammad Reza Seifi as saying on 27 provinces of the country, the direc- Tuesday. tor of the office for the development There are over 1.5 million nomads in of educational justice and nomadic Iran today. Many of these tribes such as Over 6,700 nomadic schools education, has stated. the Kurds, Bakhtiyaris (Bactrians), Lurs, There are currently 210,000 nomadic Guilaks, and the Baluchs are descendants students studying in 14,000 classrooms of people who came from Central Asia to Farzaneh Chakhmagh Saz operating across Iran across the country, the number of whom settle in the Iranian Plateau. increased by 10 percent compared to Continued on page 7 YJC/

Iran allocates Virus causes $5.2 billion damage to Iran’s Ma’rib battle: Yemeni army close to retaking €200m for tourism, minister says city from Saudi-led forces promoting TEHRAN – Iran’s tourism industry has suf- such as agritourism, ecotourism, and nature Victory appears to be on the horizon in the heated last remaining pockets of al-Qaeda elements and exports to Africa fered a loss of some 220 trillion rials (about tourism,” the minister said. battle for Yemen’s strategic central province of mercenaries of the aggressors (Saudi-led coali- $5.2 billion at the official exchange rate of “Over 1.5 million jobs have been lost in the Ma’rib as army troops, backed by allied fight- tion) are only a matter of time,” he pointed out. TEHRAN – Iran’s National Development Fund 42,000 rials per dollar) since the outbreak tourism sector of Iran due to the COVID-19 ers from Popular Committees, have reportedly ‘Qaeda-affiliated Salafist Islah Party (NDF) has opened a €200 million credit line of the coronavirus pandemic, Cultural Her- disease…. Many of the tourism-insiders are taken control of most areas there and dislodged transferring militants to Ma’rib’ for the country’s Trade Promotion Organiza- itage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Minister now unemployed or they are staying at home,” Saudi-led coalition forces and Riyadh-backed Meanwhile, the governor of Yemen’s tion (TPO) to use for developing exports of said on Tuesday. Mounesan announced last December. militants from those regions. southern province of Aden has warned that commodities and services to African countries. “Iran’s tourism has suffered some 220 tril- The government had previously allocated A Yemeni military source, speaking on con- the al-Qaeda-affiliated Salafist Islah Party is The mentioned fund has been allocated lion rials due to corona pandemic so far…. and a total of 500 trillion rials (about $12 billion) dition of anonymity, told the Arabic service of transferring Takfiri militants from southern as part of a $2-billion support package we hope that with the production of domestic to the corona-affected sectors, of which 200 Russia’s Sputnik news agency that Yemeni sol- areas to Ma’rib to join the ranks of Saudi-led which has been allocated by NDF for devel- vaccines, tourism will flourish in 1400 [the trillion rials ($4.7 billion) will be given to the diers and their allies had encircled Ma’rib city, coalition forces and Hadi loyalists in battles oping the country’s non-oil exports, Farzad new Iranian calendar year which begins on health ministry and the rest will be spent on following weeks of fierce clashes with Saudi-led against Yemeni soldiers and their allies, Press Piltan, the director-general of TPO’s Office March 21],” Ali-Asghar Mounesan said. other sectors, he explained. coalition forces and their mercenaries. TV reported. of Arabian and African Countries said. He made the remarks during the opening Last month, the minister announced that The source added that Yemeni forces had “The Islah Party, which is on the verge of “The board of directors of the National ceremony of Tehran’s international tourism the national budget bill for the next calendar cut off the main supply route into the eastern collapse in Ma’rib, is brining Takfiri militants Development Fund has approved this and handicrafts fair, which is currently un- year (starting on March 20) has proposed 70 flank of Ma’rib, which leads to the Arab country’s from several regions, mostly from southern fund and it has scheduled to notify the derway at Tehran Permanent International trillion rials (about $1.7 billion) to support largest province of Hadhramaut. provinces under the occupation of Saudi Arabia relevant agencies for its implementa- Fairgrounds. tourism businesses affected by the corona- After gaining complete control over all the and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), into tion after the plan is reviewed and final- “We hope that the widespread vaccine would virus pandemic. heights overlooking the city of Ma’rib from all Ma’rib,” Tariq Salem told Yemen’s official ized in the next meeting of the African bring prosperity to all branches of tourism Continued on page 6 directions, ? mopping up operations to clear the Saba news agency. headquarters headed by the First Vice President,” Piltan stated. According to the official, despite all the Negotiation with Iran and Turkey is essential: Mohamed ElBaradei opportunities and capacities for mutual Joint wind farm to be cooperation, the development of economic TEHRAN — Former Egyptian Vice-President protect us and our interests, and this system must clear strategy on how to deal with Israel’s blatant inaugurated on and trade ties with Africa has been facing Mohamed ElBaradei demands Arab countries be able to take the initiative in dealing with com- denial of Palestinian rights”, adding that it should some problems such as lack of planning, to forge a regional security system capable of plex relationships with our neighbors,” stressed start with putting an end to “unnecessary wars and Iran-Afghanistan border lack of recognition and interest by the urgently addressing complex relations with ElBaradei, who also served as the director general horrifying bloodshed that crushes our people” and private sector organizations such as cham- Turkey and Iran, according to Anadolu Agency. of the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy instead pursue dialogue to solve “our differences”. TEHRAN – Head of Iran’s Renewable Energy bers of commerce and trade unions, lack In an article titled “Is It Time for a Change in Agency from 1997–2009. He acknowledged that the task will be a daunt- and Energy Efficiency Organization (SATBA) has of appropriate infrastructure and lack of the Arab World?” published on Sunday by Arabi Highlighting the importance of negotiations with ing one and expressed hope in the “the courage announced the inauguration of a huge wind farm government resources and facilities. 21, ElBaradei noted he considered dialogue with Iran and Turkey, the former senior Egyptian diplomat and wisdom” among Arabs to take the first steps. project on the border of Iran and Afghanistan in “These problems are expected to be Turkey and Iran “an issue that cannot be postponed.” said, “In this context, dialogue with Iran and Turkey, ElBaradei briefly served as vice-president near future, IRNA reported. resolved gradually with the opening of “There is a significant need for an independ- with whom we agree on many issues and disagree on a following Egypt’s 2013 military coup, which According to Mohammad Satakin, 25-megawatt the mentioned credit line,” he said. ent regional security system that depends on its range of others, is something that cannot be postponed.” led to the ouster of Mohamed Morsi, a Muslim (MW) capacity of the joint project, which is considered The official noted that the TPO and members and whose capabilities can be trusted to ElBaradei emphasized the need for a “unified and Brotherhood leader. one of the biggest wind farms in the world, will be put other relevant government bodies and into operation by the end of the current Iranian calen- agencies are preparing various programs 36th Fajr Music dar year (March 20) while another 25-MW capacity is in order to boost the Islamic Republic’s scheduled to be inaugurated in early next year. trade with African trade partners. Festival honors The construction of this 50-megawatt power Holding three joint economic commit- plant has led to the development of the region’s tees and four joint industrial committees infrastructure such as road construction, the con- with target African countries, holding 10 winners struction of high-voltage electricity lines, substa- exclusive exhibitions in 10 different African tions, as well as telecommunication and Internet TEHRAN – The 36th Fajr Music Festi- infrastructures, Satakin said. countries, participation in 10 international val was brought to an end by honoring exhibitions in African countries, sending Referring to the eagerness of new investors for winners in various categories at Tehran’s the construction of other wind projects in the region, 10 trade delegations and accepting 30 trade Vahdat Hall on Monday with a limited delegations from African countries, holding he added: “In addition to this project, another 50- number of participants. MW wind farm project is under construction using 18 trade promotion desks for introducing In the Classical Music Composition opportunities and fields of cooperation and 4.2-MW turbines, part of which will be completed category, the Barbad Award was given to by the end of this year and the other part will be export issues are some of the mentioned Kaveh Mirhosseini for the album “Ehsraq”. programs, he explained. constructed in early next year.” In the Regional Music Performance According to Satakin, having 30,000 MW poten- Over the past few years, the Iranian category, the Barbad Award was handed government has been pursuing new plans tial of wind power capacity, the Iran-Afghanistan to Hamzeh Moqaddam for the album border area is one of the world’s most windy regions. to promote the country’s exports of non- “Black Hamzeh”, and singer Abolhassan oil goods and services to new markets in “About 25,000 MW of the mentioned capacity is Khoshru was posthumously honored in the Afghanistan territory while the other 5,000 order to reduce the country’s economic with a Barbad Award in this category. dependence on oil revenues. is on the Iranian side,” he explained. Pantea Nikzad Hushmand Ebadi won the Barbad In this regard, TPO has played a sig- Back in November 2020, Satakin had said that Award in the Music without Vocals over 30 MW will be added to the country’s wind power nificant role in supporting the country’s section for the album “Nayi”. Mehr/ capacity, of which 60 percent will be supplied by the exporters and to follow up on the imple- Continued on page 8 mentation of programs in this field. mentioned wind farm on the Iran-Afghanistan border. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y POLITICS FEBRUARY 24, 2021

Open the window of Quds Force chief: U.S. only rapprochement cautiously By Azin Sahabi

TEHRAN — The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) understands language of force and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) made an agreement on Feb. 21 on Iran’s parliamentary law in regard ‘U.S. would back off from issuing threats if it were governed by a wise ruling system’ to suspending the implementation of the Additional Protocol POLITICAL TEHRAN — Brigadier In an address to assassins of General to the NPT. desk Called “Strategic Action to Lift Sanctions and Protect the General Esmaeil Qaani, Soleimani, he said, “You are desperate Interest of Iranian Nation”, the law obligates the Iranian gov- commander of the Islamic Revolution individuals who attributed terrorism to ernment to stop implementing some nuclear commitments. Guards Corps Quds Force, says Iran has Commander Soleimani and the self-pro- Such a move, which is in line with Paragraph 36 of the JCPOA, learned how to deal with the U.S., which claimed defenders of human rights kept sets certain conditions for Iran to reverse its nuclear decisions. only understands the language of force. silence.” Many experts have shed light on the agreement from dif- “Resistance has taught Iran how to speak In comments on February 10, top military ferent aspects just to indicate that Iran’s move in terms of with the U.S., which knows the language adviser to Leader of the Islamic Revolu- nuclear safeguards seems quite critical. of force alone,” the Quds Force chief told tion, Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi, In this context, on February 22, the Italian Institute for a conference in Tehran on Tuesday. said foreign and extra-regional enemies International Political Studies (ISPI) released an opinion piece Pointing to Iran’s success in turning of Iran, specifically “the triangle of evil, titled “US-Iran: The Rapprochement Gamble”. The analysis threats into opportunities in light of re- namely the Americans, Zionists, Britons was published just on the same day that Tehran and the IAEA sistance, the commander stressed, “The and their regional servants” cannot pose concluded the agreement on the Additional Protocol. U.S. would back off from issuing threats if serious military threats to Iran. The Italian institute focuses on the future of the JCPOA and it were governed by a wise ruling system.” In a message marking the 42nd anni- speculates on “a new window for diplomacy” which seems to “Whatever threats they (Americans) versary of victory of the Islamic Revolution be opening between the United States and Islamic Republic posed turned into the best opportunities earlier in February, Armed Forces Chiefs of of Iran. (for Iran),” Tasnim quoted General Qaani Staff Major General Mohammad Hossein The think tank points that Washington has declared that as saying. Baqeri warned the enemies in the region in case of receiving an invitation from the European Union He also referred to Lieutenant General and beyond of a crushing response they High Representative, it would attend a meeting which is go- Qassem Soleimani who was martyred in a ary 2020, saying, “Commander Soleimani 10 years he was “directly” in war with the would get in case of military adventure ing to be held among Iran, E3 (Britain, France, Germany), U.S. terrorist attack in Baghdad in Janu- was seeking security from day one” and for world’s monstrous terrorists. against Iran. China and Russia. After a virtual meeting with E3, the U.S. stated that it is ready to attend talks with Iran and other major countries to discuss the Iran nuclear deal. Nonproliferation experts urge immediate talks between Iran and 5+1 The article argues that such a decision by the Oval Office POLITICAL TEHRAN — Nonproliferation experts technical issues that might need to be resolved—such as the “To accelerate progress and signal his intentions, we also desk indicates that the new U.S. administration intends to choose are calling on the European Union, the future of Iran’s advanced centrifuges not mentioned in the urge President Biden to state clearly that the United States an approach towards Iran that is quite different from its pre- United States, and Iran to immediately begin technical talks JCPOA—and that this not a renegotiation of the original will remove the sanctions reinstated by former president decessors which were mainly confrontational. on the steps necessary to restore compliance with the 2015 agreement.” Donald Trump in violation of U.S. commitments under the By making such a decision, ISPI argues, President Joe nuclear agreement between Iran and the P5+1, according “We urge Iran and the other JCPOA parties to respond JCPOA when the IAEA verifies Iran is reversing its breaches Biden has taken the first tangible step to fulfill his promise to a press release by Arms Control Association. positively to EU-brokered discussions,” Davenport remarked. of the JCPOA limits,” Kimball added. to rejoin the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action which The nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Compre- In a Feb. 1 interview with CNN, Iran’s Foreign Minister He argues the nuclear cooperation between Iran and Trump’s administration unilaterally withdrew in May 2018. hensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), is endorsed by UN Security Javad Zarif suggested that Josep Borrell, the EU’s top for- international community is essential and highlighted, “It Regarding this, the think tank refers to the comments made Council Resolution 2231. eign policy official, could “synchronize” or “choreograph” is also in the United States interest to immediately waive by some experts on different aspects of the future diplomatic Kelsey Davenport, director for nonproliferation poli- the moves that the U.S. and Iranian sides will each need to sanctions on multilateral nonproliferation activities mandat- process regarding the JCPOA. cy, announced her support for the JCPOA and noted, “We implement to restore compliance with the JCPOA. ed by the JCPOA to convert Iran Arak heavy water reactor. “The U.S.: Symbolic steps for a return to diplomacy” support European Union efforts to immediately convene The U.S. State Department declared Feb. 18 that “the This move would further signal the Biden administration’s For instance, Barbara Slavin, a senior fellow at the Atlantic discussions involving the current parties of the agreement, United States would accept an invitation from the European intentions to meet U.S. commitments under the JCPOA.” Council, believes that although the U.S.’s stated eagerness to plus the United States, on the sequencing of the actions that Union High Representative to attend a meeting of the P5+1 “A return to full compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal attend the meeting “is largely symbolic, (it) can begin the process the U.S. and Iranian sides will each need to take to properly and Iran to discuss a diplomatic way forward.” by both sides would provide a solid foundation for poten- of ending ‘maximum pressure’ and returning to diplomacy implement and restore compliance with the nuclear deal.” Meanwhile, Daryl Kimball, executive director at the Arms tial follow-on negotiations on a longer-term framework to with Iran – with the European Union as the initial convener.” Pointing to the key role of European Union regarding Control Association, said that “the IAEA-Iran temporary address Iran’s nuclear program as well as on new, win-win Expressing hope that Iran would agree to attend the meeting, nuclear talks with Iran, she emphasized, “The EU should arrangement on nuclear monitoring keeps open the diplo- solutions on other areas of concern, such as regional tensions Slavin stresses: “Regional issues should also be addressed but make clear that these talks are about coordinating the se- matic window of opportunity to salvage the nuclear deal, and the ballistic missile programs of Iran and other states not in the P5+1 format. The first step is getting the nuclear quencing of the return to compliance and addressing any but the opportunity will not last.” in the Middle East (West Asia),” Kimball said. deal back.” “Iran’s position: Reciprocal, not forthcoming” To speculate on Iran’s likely behavior regarding the U.S. and other parties at the table, ISPI refers to Adnan Tabatabaei, Biden’s Iran policy is a variation of Bolton’s ‘Libya Model’: Responsible Statecraft CEO of the Center for Applied Research in Partnership with POLITICAL TEHRAN — Something Europeans, China, Russia and Iran and to by lifting the Trump sanctions.” “Biden may believe that he will look weak the Orient (CARPO). Tabatabaei believes that Tehran has deskis going very wrong with lift travel restrictions on Iranian diplomats The publication argues Biden’s approach if he moves first. His advisers are likely no meaningful incentive to “be forthcoming in the quest to Joe Biden’s approach towards Iran. Unless at the United Nations in New York.” on Iran is similar to Trump’s and writes, angered by Iran’s pressure tactics. They revitalize the nuclear agreement.” Thus, Tabatabaei argues, he corrects the path, Biden risks losing a Hailing Biden’s team due to their “During the presidential campaign, it seemed are also under pressure from some donors “At best, Iran will be ready for reciprocal action the moment vital deal and putting the two nations back diplomatic skills, Responsible Statecraft that Biden’s plan was to quickly rejoin the and conservatives in the Democratic Party, President Biden effectively generates immediate economic on a course towards war — at precisely the stressed, “Starting with the president himself, JCPOA, as he has quickly rejoined other critical such as hawkish Senate Foreign Relations relief by lifting nuclear-related sanctions and by unfreezing time he intends to focus on the multiple through national security adviser Jake arrangements Trump avoided. During the Committee Chairman Robert Menendez, to Iran’s foreign assets.” domestic crises facing America, according Sullivan, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, transition, he likely developed a plan to do punish Iran,” the publication says. “A JCPOA revival will reinvigorate Iranian mod- to Responsible Statecraft. Iran Envoy Rob Malley, Deputy Secretary so. But in the first month, he has made no “The only certain path away from war erates” In his first month in office, Biden quickly of State-designate Wendy Sherman, Under progress, exchanging his original theory of is through a quick return to the agreement Another analyst comments on future negotiations on the reversed the most damaging of Donald Secretary of Defense-designate Colin Kahl and “compliance for compliance” with the mantra that prevented one,” Responsible Statecraft JCPOA with regard to Iran’s domestic politics. Abdolrasool Trump’s policies on climate, immigration, more — is highly capable and deeply informed that Iran must first come back into complete asserted. Divsallar, a policy leader fellow at the School of Transnational health care, and many others. But he has on Iran. They want to get both Iran and the compliance before the United States moves. Pointing to a recent Washington Post Governance in the European University Institute (EUI), writes not changed Trump’s Iran policy. He has United States back into compliance with the This is a variation of John Bolton’s “Libya survey, Responsible Statecraft highlighted that “a JCPOA revival will reinvigorate Iranian moderates.” retained all of Trump’s sanctions and has deal that shrank Iran’s nuclear program, froze Model.” The other side must do everything the majority of West Asia specialists insist He describes the JCPOA as “a symbol of Iranian reformists’ not begun the diplomatic exchanges between it for a generation, and put it under the most before the United States does anything.” the U.S. needs to rejoin the nuclear deal as foreign policy achievements” that its collapse will underline the two nations that were usual during the rigorous inspection system ever negotiate.” The Biden team may believe that this soon as possible and noted, “75 percent of “the bankruptcy of a reconciliation narrative with the inter- last years of the Obama administration, the Pointing to the advantages of the JCPOA approach provides “leverage” and that it can Middle East (West Asia) experts polled said national system within Iran.” American publication writes. for U.S. national security, the American use the so-called “sanctions wall” — erected that returning to the JCPOA would make Moreover, he says, with the June presidential election Responsible Statecraft sharply criticized publication underscored, “Until Trump by Trump’s hawkish advisers to block Biden’s it less likely that Iran would get a nuclear ahead, a revival of the JCPOA and the Biden administration’s Biden’s administration for continuing Trump’s left in May 2018, Iran was in complete return to the deal — as pressure to compel Iran bomb in the next decade — about as certain clean return to the deal can serve as a game-changer for the failed “maximum pressure” campaign, and compliance with the agreement. Iran had to make concessions on its nuclear program a prediction as is possible in global security. reformists to gain the upper hand at the ballot box. noted, “Logically and legally, Biden should removed over two-thirds of its operational or other issues. But, as Rebel Alliance Admiral Only 2 percent said that returning would “The EU should pressure to separate nuclear talks rejoin the agreement he helped craft, known centrifuges, exported all but a token amount Gial Ackbar from Star Wars warned, “It’s make it more likely. Sixty-seven percent and regional security negotiations” as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or of low-enriched uranium, drilled holes a trap.” said that returning immediately to the deal Annalisa Perteghella, a research fellow at ISPI, believes that the JCPOA. The current crisis with Iran began into the core of their plutonium reactor Leverage works two ways. Iran responded before addressing other issues would serve mending a transatlantic relationship is good but the EU should when Trump pulled out of the multi-nation and filled it with concrete, and had put to each Trump move with its own moves and U.S. national security interests. Only 23 revise its policy in terms of facilitating the negotiations. The bloc accord. Biden harshly criticized Trump’s action all their facilities under cameras, seals, a dangerous cycle developed. On February 7, percent wanted to go for a ‘grand bargain’ should clarify that if the Biden administration keeps sanctions then, calling it a ‘manufactured crisis’ that and inspections.” Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei instead.” in place and links nuclear talks to broader regional security made ‘the U.S., the region and our world Meanwhile, it welcomes Iran’s compliance said that Tehran’s “final and irreversible” “The greatest danger of Donald Trump’s negotiations, it may jeopardize the chances of concluding a less safe.’” with the nuclear deal and noted, “Iran waited decision was to return to compliance only Iran policy was that the two sides would desirable nuclear deal and will likely spoil both processes. The American publication praised the a full year after Trump violated the accord. after the United States lifted sanctions. On stumble into a war that neither government ISPI stresses that the EU should offer its mediatory role recent measure taken by Biden’s diplomatic Then, it took what it says are compensatory February 23, Iran took another step away wanted. Now the greatest danger of Joe Biden’s under the condition of “an immediate, simultaneous, return team towards Iran and writes, “Biden took steps away from the agreement, but repeatedly from the deal, implementing a law passed by policy is that the two sides could fumble away to the JCPOA.” The expert argues that consequently resolving the first tentative steps to resume diplomatic insists it will immediately reverse those steps Iran’s parliament that will reduce the access a deal that both governments actually want,” the nuclear conflict would provide a platform for setting con- dialogue with Iran, agreeing to meet with the once the United States returns to compliance of IAEA inspectors to some of Iran’s facilities. Responsible Statecraft argues. fidence-building measures. This will pave the way to negotiate regional security issues at the table, the expert adds. On dos and don’ts of the three European parties to the JCPOA, RUSI, one of the most prominent think tanks all over Ex-Israeli generals, Mossad spymasters urge Biden’s return to Iran deal the globe, has proposed some recommendations, too. A group of former top officials from Israel’s Atomic Energy obligations under the agreement. Officials in Tehran have Tehran. “E3/EU should maintain a united front” Commission, the IDF and the Mossad sent a letter on Monday said it will reverse its remedial measures in reducing However, in May 2019 Iran announced that its “strategic Aniseh Bassiri Tabrizi, a senior research fellow at the Royal to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing support nuclear commitments if sanctions are fully lifted in patience” is over and started to gradually remove bans on United Services Institute (RUSI), stresses that E3/EU as a for a U.S. return to the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, the practice and not in words. certain aspects of its nuclear activities. At the time Iran unified front of European states at the table “can incentivize Jerusalem Post reported on Tuesday. “This will take into account new information that has announced that if the remaining members of the JCPOA, talks between Iran and the U.S. and coordinate the process Led by former IDF deputy chief of staff Matan Vilnai, been accumulated since the JCPOA, as well as additional especially the European trio (E3) protect Iran from the bringing the two parties back to compliance.” commanders for Israel’s security said in the letter that problems that Iran presents,” the letter said. U.S. sanctions it will reverse its decision. But Iran saw no The analyst with expertise in security and geopolitics of it “welcomes the American initiative to get Iran to again It was not the first time that the group has come out practical action. West Asia also writes: “They (E3/EU) will have a crucial role transparently follow the guidelines in the JCPOA as long as against Netanyahu’s efforts to stop the JCPOA. Ahead of Exasperated over inaction by the JCPO parties, the Iranian to play in hosting and choreographing an informal meeting it includes an Iranian commitment to abide by UN Security the signing of the 2015 deal, the group called on the prime parliament also approved a legislation a few months ago between the current members of the Iran deal and the U.S. Council Resolution 2231” regarding development of ballistic minister to cancel his speech to the U.S. Congress. obliging the government to speed up nuclear activities if which could lead to an initial agreement.” missiles. At that time, former Mossad deputy director Amiram sanctions are not lifted within a specific period of time. Against this backdrop, RUSI underlines that Europeans In addition to Vilnai, the letter was signed by former Levin said while it was difficult for him to speak out against The legislation tasked the government to increase uranium should keep a united front to “take the initiative in areas Mossad director Tamir Pardo, former IDF OC Operations Netanyahu, who served under him in the IDF, the prime enrichment to 20 percent, install advanced centrifuge machines where they can contribute – process and mediation, but also Directorate Maj. Gen. Nitzan Alon, former National Security minister’s navigation was off. and limit IAEA inspections of Iran’s nuclear sites. economic incentives.” Council head Uzi Arad and Eli Levite, the former principal “Leaders speak privately, not out in the open,” he said. Iran began enriching uranium to 20 percent on January Along with this, Bassiri Tabrizi points out that the unified deputy director-general for policy at the Israeli Atomic “The visit and the speech are exactly the opposite of that.” 4. It also started limiting IAEA access to nuclear facilities European front should act step-by-step to reinstate the nuclear Energy Commission. “Rather than working hand in hand with the U.S. president, on Tuesday (Feb. 23). According to parliamentary law, the deal as the primary goal. The former senior defense officials expressed support for we are going there and sticking our thumb in his eye,” Levin inspections will take place only based on the Safeguards The analyst says this will lay the ground for broader talks President Joe Biden’s current position not to lift sanctions said. “That not only hurts the president, but above all, it Agreement. including additional issues and actors. on Iran unless it returns to abide by the 2015 deal. The first hurts the citizens of the U.S., who [while they] are fans of Even now that Iran has suspended the voluntary France’s proposal to play the role of a mediator in the JCPOA goal needs to be to get Tehran back into compliance and Israel, are first and foremost Americans.” implementation of the Additional Protocol it will continue talks has raised broad discussions among the experts. In this then to work on a follow-up deal that would fill the holes in Iran remained fully loyal to the nuclear deal for a full to “implement fully and without limitation its Comprehensive regard, Clement Therme, a post-doctoral research fellow, at the JCPOA, they said. year despite the fact that Donald Trump, who had struck a Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA as before,” the IAEA the School for Advanced Studies in Social Sciences (EHESS), Iran has been insisting that it is still a party to the close relationship with Netanyahu, ditched the pact in May and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) said has commented on the issue. nuclear deal and it is the U.S. that quit the agreement 2018 and imposed sanctions against Iran in line with his in a joint statement on Sunday. (See full text at tehrantimes.com) and naturally it is Washington that must return to its administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign against (See full text at tehrantimes.com) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y FEBRUARY 24, 2021 IRAN IN FOCUS 3 SPORTS Iran, South Korea close to Nemati into Fazza Para Archery World Ranking knockout round

SPORTSTEHRAN – Zahra Nemati of Iran booked a unlocking frozen assets deskplace at knockout round of the 7th Fazza Para Archery World Ranking Tournament on Tuesday. The tournament kicked off on 23 Feb. in Dubai, United Arab POLITICAL TEHRAN – After months and urged that the country’s frozen assets Emirates with participation of 70 archers from 11 countries. deskof a bitter dispute over Ira- in South Korea be used [to pay the debts], Iran’s two-time Paralympic gold medalist defeated Indian Para nian assets frozen in South Korean banks but the U.S. blocked the payment to the UN archer Pooja Khanna and finished in first place in preliminary round due to the United States sanctions, Tehran account,” Iranian Foreign Minister Moham- with 620 points. and Seoul seem to be inching towards an mad Javad Zarif said in January. Turkish Para archers Merve Nur Eroglu and Şengul Yagmur came agreement on unblocking the assets. At that time, Saeed Khatibzadeh, spokes- second and third respectively, with 596 and 566 points. Iran has announced that it reached a deal man for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, also echoed The tournament will run until Feb. 26. with South Korea on how to release its assets the same proposal. Khatibzadeh said, “Iran’s The tournament is set to run until February 26 with the qualification blocked in South Korean banks. Abdolnasser latest proposal in this regard was to pay this rounds for recurve and compound open due to start on Wednesday. Hemmati, governor of Central Bank of Iran debt by having the UN use Iran’s seized as- The Dubai Club for People of Determination has been chosen as (CBI), met with South Korean Ambassador sets in South Korea with the permission of the venue for the 2021 World Archery Para Championships which to Iran Ryu Jeong-Hyun on Monday. the central bank, which is being discussed has been moved to 2022 because of the coronavirus pandemic. Following the meeting, state news agency with the UN Secretariat and the necessary IRNA reported that at the meeting, the nec- arrangements are being made.” essary agreements regarding the transfer of Iran and South Korea appear to be moving Behnam Yakhchali assets to the intended destinations were made toward settling the thorny issue of Iran’s assets and the South Korean side was informed of the after a few rounds of failed negotiations in undergoes surgery decisions of the CBI regarding the volume of January. They are eager to find a solution to transferred assets and the destination banks. the issue. Over the past few months, both of SPORTSTEHRAN – Rostock Seawolves basketball desk The South Korean ambassador expressed negotiations over unblocking the assets. Korean ship in early January being the lat- them had proposed a number of solutions none team guard Behnam Yakhchali underwent a his country’s readiness to facilitate the un- “Our government has been in talks with est in a series of disagreements between the of which broke the deadlock over the assets. foot injury in Munich. blocking of Iranian assets. Iran about ways to use the frozen assets, and two Asian countries. Some 7 billion dollars During the January negotiations, South The Iranian international suffered an ankle injury in the match “The country is ready to take all necessary the Iran side has expressed its consent to the of Iranian oil revenues have been frozen in Korea proposed to barter the whopping $7 against VFL Kirchheim Knights on Feb. 7 and has recently un- measures to use all of Iran’s banking assets proposals we have made,” the South Korean two South Korean banks since September billion of Iran’s assets blocked in South dergone a successful surgery. in South Korea, and there are no ceilings or Foreign Ministry told Yonhap News Agency. 2019, when Washington’s sanctions waiver for Korean banks for ambulance vehicles and “I can start my training in the next two weeks and will be ready restrictions in this regard,” Jeong-Hyun was “The actual unfreezing of the assets will be South Korea’s imports of Iranian oil expired. coronavirus test kits, a proposal decried by next month,” Yakhchali said in an interview with Iran Basketball quoted as saying by IRNA. carried out through consultations with related In January, Yonhap claimed that Iran was Iran as “shameless.” Federation’s website. Hemmati welcomed the change in South countries, including the United States,” the seeking to use its money frozen in South Korea During his visit to Iran, Jong-kun met Yakhchali joined the German second tier side in June 2020 Korea’s approach toward Iran, adding that ministry continued. to buy medicine. with Iran’s central banker to discuss how from CBA side Nanjing Monkeys. the Islamic Republic, although welcoming According to Yonhap, earlier this month Citing a diplomatic source in South Korea, to release the Iranian assets. According to He will be a key player for Iran national basketball team at the increase of cooperation with other coun- a South Korean Foreign Ministry official said Yonhap claimed that Iran made a request to Iranian media, the South Korean diplomat the Olympic Games. tries, retains the right to legally prosecute Seoul was finalizing talks with Washington South Korea for the use of the frozen money proposed to provide Iran with ambulances South Korea and demand compensations about using some of the frozen funds to pay to purchase medicine, medical equipment and coronavirus test kits using Iran’s as- Friendly: Iran to meet Syria from it for not cooperating with Iran over Tehran’s UN dues in arrears, to which the and COVID-19 vaccines from the COVAX sets. But Iran rejected the offer, saying that the past two years. Islamic republic has also agreed. To facilitate Facility, a global vaccine procurement it wants to use the money to purchase foods on March 30 “The [South] Korean side must do its ut- the trade with Iran of humanitarian items, mechanism. and medicines. Iran also said that the Korean most to erase this bad precedent,” the CBI such as medicine and medical equipment, The issue of Iran’s funds was one of the proposal did not include the release of all SPORTSTEHRAN – Iran national football team will meet governor noted. South Korea has been seeking to use a Swiss main issues that were discussed during Iran’s frozen assets. deskSyria in a friendly match in Tehran on March 30. South Korea was quick to offer an expla- channel backed by the U.S., known as the South Korea’s First Vice Foreign Minister With the negotiations still going on, Teh- The match will be held as part of preparation for the 2022 World nation of what happened during the Monday Swiss Humanitarian Trade Arrangement Choi Jong-kun’s visit to Tehran in January. ran and Seoul seem to be in the final stage of Cup qualifiers at the Azadi Stadium. meeting between Hemmati and Jeong-Hyun. (SHTA), to use the money through Swiss A few weeks after the visit, Iran proposed resolving the assets issue given South Korea’s Syria will play Bahrain on March 25 in Manama. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said on companies’ sales of goods to Iran, the news paying its UN membership fees with its seven close contacts with the Biden administration, Dragan Skocic’s team will hold a training camp in late March in Tuesday that the Iranian assets locked in South agency added. billion dollars frozen in South Korea. which has promised to rekindle diplomacy Tehran. Korea will be released after consultations Tehran and Seoul have been locked in a “We should have paid $16 million to settle with Iran by reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear According to AFC’s decision, the Qualifiers have been postponed with the United States, Yonhap News Agency bitter dispute over Iran’s blocked assets in our debts to the UN and secure our right deal, formally known as the Joint Compre- to June. reported, without denying Iran-South Korea South Korea, with the seizure of the South to vote. The government allocated the fund hensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

U.S. return to JCPOA only way out of nuclear impasse, China says POLITICAL TEHRAN – China’s Foreign Ministry this and hopes that the two sides continue to work toward deskhas said that the United States’ return to the same direction and earnestly follow through on this con- the 2015 Iran nuclear deal is the only way out of the standoff sensus. We also call on relevant sides to play a constructive over Iran’s nuclear issue. role in this process,” he said. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin The Chinese Foreign Ministry also announced that Dep- called on the U.S. to rejoin the nuclear deal – officially known uty Foreign Minister of Iran Seyed Abbas Araghchi held a as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)-, adding telephone conversation with his Chinese counterpart Ma that the U.S. reentry into the JCPOA is the only solution to Zhaoxu on Monday, according to Fars News. the current deadlock over Iran’s nuclear issue. The Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying Speaking at a press conference on Monday, the spokes- that Beijing and Tehran believe that the U.S. return to the Iran are scheduled to play Hong Kong and Cambodia on June 3 and 7. person said, “China holds that the return of the United States JCPOA and the lifting of sanctions are the key to resolving The matches against Bahrain and Iraq will be held on June 11 and 15. to the JCPOA is the only correct approach to resolve the the nuclear deadlock. The statement also said that the two Due to the coronavirus concerns, the remaining matches will be impasse on the Iranian nuclear issue.” diplomats mainly discussed the situation around Iran’s held at the centralized venue and Iran submitted its request to host He added, “All parties should act with greater urgency, nuclear program. the four remaining qualifiers. work together to implement consensus reached at the foreign During the conversation, Araghchi and Zhaoxu underlined Dragan Skocic’s team sit third in Group C behind Iraq and Bahrain. ministers’ meeting last December, and bring the JCPOA Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that the situation of Iran’s nuclear issue is changing rapidly The eight group winners of the World Cup qualification’s group back on track at an early date. Meanwhile, we urge relevant on how to continue cooperation between Tehran and the and there are opportunities and challenges at the same time. stage and four best runners-up will advance to the AFC Asian Cup parties to remain calm and exercise restraint, avoid taking UN nuclear watchdog. The Iranian and Chinese deputy foreign ministers called China 2023 Finals and the final round of qualifying for the FIFA actions that will escalate the situation, and leave room for “The IAEA and Iran reached a technical plan on the on the parties to the JCPOA to use this opportunity to resolve World Cup Qatar 2022. diplomatic efforts.” verification and monitoring activities that is feasible and the Iran nuclear issue politically and diplomatically and to The next best 24 teams from the second round of the joint qualifiers The spokesperson also welcomed the recent deal between acceptable to both sides. China welcomes and commends maintain peace and stability in West Asia. will compete in a separate competition for the remaining 12 slots in the 24-team AFC Asian Cup China 2023. The FIFA World Cup in Qatar will run from November 21 to De- Iran halts implementation of Additional Protocol cember 18, 2022. 1 “As of 12:00 p.m. local time (2030 the IAEA director-general, Rafael Grossi, to “The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Beiranvand has suffered GMT), we have nothing called obligations Iran, saying that the UN nuclear watchdog (AEOI) and the International Atomic Energy beyond the Safeguards Agreement,” the am- chief came to Iran to make arrangements Agency (IAEA) recalled and reaffirmed the thigh injury: Vercauteren bassador said. “Necessary orders have been for the implementation of the nuclear law. spirit of cooperation and enhanced mutual SPORTSTEHRAN — Antwerp Coach Franky Vercauteren issued to nuclear facilities.” “Mr. Grossi came to Iran to make ar- trust that led to the Joint Statement in Tehran desksays that Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad rangements for the implementation of the on 26 August 2020, and the importance of has sustained a thigh injury. Javad Zarif also announced the cessation law. We have reached an agreement in this continuing that cooperation and trust,” the Beiranvand had to limp off against Rangers after overstretching of implementation of the Additional Protocol regard, and the principle of this agreement statement said. “The AEOI informed the IAEA for a save, but he had recovered enough to play in their weekend on Tuesday. is that the tapes recorded from our nuclear that in order to comply with the act passed by goalless draw against St. Truiden. Speaking on the sidelines of an interna- programs, which were never presented live the Parliament of the Islamic Republic of Iran However, the luckless keeper injured a thigh muscle and had to tional conference in Tehran on Tuesday, to the Agency, but were provided on a daily called “Strategic Action to Cease Actions and be taken off for the second game in a row to be replaced by on-loan Zarif said, “We have officially announced and weekly basis, will be kept from now on Protect the interest of Iranian Nation” (The Salehi and his colleagues worked hard to Eupen keeper Ortwin De Wolf again. to the International Atomic Energy Agency and will not be presented to the Agency,” “Law”) Iran will stop the implementation of move within the framework of the parlia- With Antwerp No.1 Jean Butez still out with an ankle injury, it since February 15 that the Parliament’s law the chief Iranian diplomat said, noting that the voluntary measures as envisaged in the ment’s binding law. As stated in the joint means Antwerp are likely to have to field third choice keeper De Wolf on this issue will be implemented from the Iran will continue to implement the IAEA JCPOA, as of 23 February 2021.” statement with the IAEA, all that has been for the Thursday encounter. morning of February 23, and for this reason, safeguards. The statement added, “In view of the above agreed is in accordance with parliamentary “It’s a different injury than the one he got against Rangers in the the implementation of this law has started On Sunday, Zarif met with Grossi in Tehran and in order for the Agency to continue its law,” Saeed Khatibzadeh, spokesman for Iran’s first leg. The first injury was an adductor muscle strain and this one this morning.” to discuss issues related to the nuclear law. verification and monitoring activities, the Foreign Ministry, said at a press conference happened at the top of his thigh,” Vercauteren said. The nuclear law, officially called “Strate- “Collaborations between Iran and the AEOI and the IAEA agreed: 1. That Iran on Monday. “It’s pure coincidence and his bad luck he had to leave two games gic Action to Lift Sanctions and Protect the IAEA, the Agency’s efforts to settle the two continues to implement fully and without Gharibabadi also offered assurances to in a row through injury. Nation’s Rights,” stipulates that the Irani- sides’ issues, and the cooperation between limitation its Comprehensive Safeguards the lawmakers that the deal is consistent with “It’s unlikely he will be ready for Glasgow, but we will give him an government should take certain nuclear Tehran and the UN nuclear watchdog within Agreement with the IAEA as before. 2. To a what the Parliament had enacted. every chance,” he added. measures such as raising the level of urani- the framework of the Safeguards Agreement temporary bilateral technical understanding, “The Agency will not be given any access um enrichment to 20% and suspending the were among the most pressing issues discussed compatible with the Law, whereby the IAEA beyond the [IAEA] safeguards. The continu- voluntary implementation of the Additional by the Iranian foreign minister and the IAEA will continue with its necessary verifica- ation of the Agency’s verification, as per the Omani forward Al-Ghassani Protocol in few months if the Western parties director general,” Iran’s Foreign Ministry tion and monitoring activities for up to 3 technical annex to the Joint Statement, is failed to honor their obligations under the said in a statement following the meeting. months (as per technical annex). 3. To keep solely for the purpose of maintaining infor- leaves Sepahan 2015 Iran nuclear deal, formally called the During his two-day visit, the IAEA chief the technical understanding under regular mation on certain activities and monitoring Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). struck a deal with Iran on how to continue review to ensure it continues to achieve its equipment by Iran for three months. The SPORTSTEHRAN – Oman international forward Mu- The sixth article of the law clearly stip- cooperation between Iran and the Agency purposes.” Agency has no access to this information deskhsen Al-Ghassani parted company with Iranian ulates that if the remaining parties to the in light of the nuclear law. The deal was reached only two days before and the information remains exclusively with football club Sepahan on Tuesday. JCPOA – Germany, France, China, Russia “Intensive consultations led to a good re- Iran started implementing the nuclear law. Iran. If the sanctions are lifted completely The 23-year-old player left Sepahan by mutual agreement. and the UK- failed to facilitate Iran’s oil ex- sult. A temporary technical understanding The deal drew criticism from some Iranian within three months, Iran will provide this Al-Ghassani, who has scored two goals for Oman national team ports and the return of Iranian oil revenues in has been reached. The IAEA will continue lawmakers who accused the government of information to the IAEA, otherwise, it will at the 2022 World Cup qualifier Group E games, joined Sepahan in two months, the Iranian government would its necessary verification and monitoring in circumventing the nuclear law. But the gov- be deleted forever,” Gharbibadi tweeted on 2020 January on a one-and-a-half-year contract. be obligated to stop inspections beyond the Iran,” the UN nuclear watchdog chief said in ernment reassured them that the deal with Sunday night. Sepahan are favorites to win Iran Professional League (IPL) in IAEA safeguards, including the voluntary a tweet following his visit to Iran. the Agency was in line with the nuclear law. The nuclear law is part of Iran’s strategy the current season. implementation of the Additional Protocol, The IAEA and the AEOI issued a joint “The result of what happened during Mr. to force the West into lifting sanctions. Iran The Isfahan-based football team sit second, two points behind which allows unannounced and intensive statement outlining the content of the un- Grossi’s visit between Iran and the Interna- has said many times that it will return to the Persepolis in the table. inspections of nuclear sites. derstanding moments after Grossi concluded tional Atomic Energy Agency is a remarkable full implementation of the 2015 nuclear deal Sepahan main forward Sajad Shahbazzadeh has scored 12 goals Zarif also pointed to the recent visit by his visit to Iran. diplomatic and technical achievement. Dr. after the U.S. lifts its sanctions. in 15 matches and it means the team didn’t need to Omani forward. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 4 SPONSORED REPORTAGE FEBRUARY 24, 2021

A Glance at Salient Measures Taken by 12th Government Dubbed “Hope and Prudence” in Health Sector Medical Education Sector

Employing 5,225 faculty members within cancer in Bahman 97 (Feb. 2019) for pilot implementation of the project, etc. the framework of six editions entitled “Call Setting up Electronic Health File for 90% Research and Technology Sector for Cooperation Notice” at Medical Sciences population of the country Commissioning the National Institute for the Universities in the long run of the Health Implementation of “National Blood Pres- Development of Research at Medical Scienc- Reform Plan sure Control Plan” across the country in 2019 es Universities (NIMAD) in order to support Commissioning 30 portals in the field of Eliminating measles and rubella in 2019 macro- and inter-disciplinary plans education in the course of implementation of Eliminating malaria in 2019 Commissioning National Program for the Health Reform Plan Eliminating the tuberculosis in the coun- registration of diseases and health consequences Winning scientific and supporting more try with implementation of active diagnostic with the implementation of 100 programs in than 600 research projects, costing about 12 program at risky areas with densely and risky national and academic levels million tomans, population Development of research-clinical units at Designing and implementing “safeguards” of Implementation of 90-90-90 program for training hospitals from 38 units in the beginning entrepreneurship and knowledge-based busi- controlling AIDs in the country with the active of government dubbed hope and prudence to ness at virtual University of Medical Sciences, diagnostic program in risky centers and risky 82 units in 2019 Commissioning National Center for Skill populations Commissioning, developing and completing Training with the aim of meeting to the na- Monitoring centers tasked with providing the comprehensive laboratories at the universi- tional demands, foodstuffs as well as public places from August ties of medical sciences from nine laboratories Approving he land preparation criteria at 2017 to Jan. 2020 in the beginning of the current government to the Higher Education of Health as the first Destruction and seizure of 8573794 kilo- 24 laboratories in 2020 Preparation Document of the country at the grams and 7582008 liters of perishable and Building capacity and setting up 53 Medical Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution non-hygienic food products Sciences Faculties Commissioning Virtual / Online University Measuring the air special pollutants in 8 Producing 2,422 knowledge-based prod- of Medical Sciences as a pattern with the aim of macro cities of the country ucts in the field of health at knowledge-based development of educational equality as well as Provision of a 5-year plan for equipping companies based at the universities of medical promoting the equal accessibility to the Higher healthcare centers at the region grappling sciences with the aim of realizing the resistance in the cities with below 100,000 people advanced treatment of myocardial infarction on Education of Health as well as reducing the with the dust particles in provincial centers economy policy Compiling the instructions of medical centers a 24-hour basis in 49 hospitals of the country costs for training efficient manpower, of Khuzestan province in 2019 Taking advantage of capabilities of research and medical institutions in 24 cities, benefitted from 36996 people of Presenting at least 20% expenses for each Admitting the document for the approval of centers for producing products required in the Controlling and monitoring the process of advanced and vital PCI Primary service training curriculum in the form of online in Protocol for Uprooting Illegal and Illicit Trade clinical field such as Ophthalmology (Eye) Re- selection of land for the construction of hospitals Implementation of the national program order to reduce costs needed for training and of Tobacco Products by the United Nations search Center for the production of simulator as well as university complexes for the advanced treatment of strokes, round- upbringing student and membership of the Islamic Republic of Development of national program for the Provision of a short list of consultants and the-clock, in 110 hospitals of the country with Closure of personal and in-person training Iran in 2018 registration of population cancer at the uni- contractors approved by the Ministry of Health the benefit of 7165 people from specialized classrooms at universities hit with COVID-19 as Selection of two religious cities of Qom and versities of medical sciences and Medical Education thrombolytic therapy well as using the capacities of online training, Mashhad by the World Health Organization Supporting the development of knowl- Provision of technical and engineering criteria Activity of 32 kidney transplant wards, 9 heart activity of 90,006 students and 17,967 faculty (WHO) for the implementation of plan on edge-based companies in the health sector Managing on the process of conducting fea- transplant wards and 11 liver transplant wards members at NAVID Online System as well as Free-Tobacco religious cities from 380 companies in the beginning of the sibility studies as well as designing to set up a Designing and implementing a resident presenting 1,923 academic courses in online form Identifying more than 470,000 psychiatry current government dubbed hope and prudence technical working group to study and approve dental program for the first time within the Presently, more than 3,000 foreign students patients who are suffering from psychological to 1,400 companies with the financial turnover maps of mega projects framework of the Health Reform Plan in 1996 from 43 countries are studying Medicine in Iran. disorders in the population covered by the ur- of more than 38.88 thousand billion rials Compiling a comprehensive plan to equip Providing dental services to special and in- Commissioning Education Iran Online ban areas, The number of magazines registered in the newly-constructed hospitals curable patients in 58 universities / medical System for introducing scientific and train- Implementing IRAPEN Pilot Program among medical sciences in ISI promoted from 21 in Holding specialized training courses for the sciences schools in the country ing capacities of Iran Universities of Medical 50,000 populations in each university of med- last year to 83 in the current year. managers working in technical offices Distribution of over 1150 dialysis sets be- Sciences as well as training more than 1,200 ical sciences Islamic Republic of Iran’s rank was promoted Drafting a bill in the field of Civil Engineering tween academic and non-academic departments educational and training programs in the na- Risk assessment of 8,153,745 patients suffer- to 45 ranks in 2019 as compared to 2015 in Supervising and following up necessary Equipping 50 comprehensive care centers tionwide ing from cardiovascular diseases, aged above the field of data of Global Innovation Index. measures for the implementation of projects for special patients in the country’s universities Launching 12,906 training programs con- 30 and more than 30 years old, Introducing domestic companies producing approved during Leader’s visit of medical sciences tinually as well as setting up 17 centers for or- Opening Breastfeeding Bank at medical uni- seven raw pharmaceutical materials as well Supervising and following up necessary Iranian Medicine ganizing the continuous training courses versities in East Azarbaijan province, Ahvaz, as producing raw materials for “Remdesivir” measures approved during President’s visit Compilation of the first special textbook for Employing about 1,380 applicants for tak- Yazd and Fars provinces, and “Favipiravir” medicines to the National Treatment Sector Iranian traditional medicine specialists ing membership at Faculty Member as well as Implementation of a nationwide program Innovation Fund for financial support Organizing the provision of hospital services Establishment of structure and allocation employing 72 students as Faculty Members for the promotion of Dental Health Program Islamic Republic of Iran stood at the first and reducing the direct payment by patients of about 400 official positions in the field of who are passing their military services with the among students studying at elementary school rank in the region and 16th rank in the world hospitalized in order to financially support the Iranian medicine in universities of medical special emphasis on less developed universities at 60,000 urban and rural elementary schools with publishing 60,268 articles at Scopus Da- citizens in the face of health expenses with a sciences of the country Distributing graduated manpower in High- and for 7 million students tabank, etc. focus on the vulnerable strata of society. Beginning of presenting two compulsory ly-Specialized academic course Implementation of a nationwide program Resources and Management Devel- Preventing reference of patients for pur- units of the course “Introduction to the basics of Health Sector for screening patients suffering from thyroid opment Sector chasing medicines and medical equipment to traditional and complementary medicine” for Of total 4,110 centers as commissioner of diseases, covering 98 percent of program with Development and promotion of healthcare outside the hospital seven medical and paramedical departments, Rural Family Physician Program, 2,743 and screening more than 3,500,000 infants as well and treatment areas as follows: Reducing the amount of payment by pa- in cooperation with the University of Virtual 1,367 centers of which are the rural centers and as identifying and on-time treatment of 8,000 Implementation of plan to complete con- tients hospitalized at hospitals of the Ministry Medical Sciences and the successful completion comprehensive urban health services centers infected infants struction operation of hospital beds: of Health and Medical Education of the first course respectively. It should be noted that 26533780 Presenting fluoride therapy and varnishing & Operation of 117 projects in the field of Upgrading and renovating about 300,000 Cooperation of 41 Iranian medicine specialists people in rural and nomadic areas have received services for 7 million students with the average construction, completion and development of square meters of medical space, and traditional pharmacists to provide advice the aforementioned healthcare and treatment coverage of 80 percent for all levels in three hospital with the capacity of 10,592 beds Fulfilling about 1,066,145 natural deliveries to people with Behzi and Noban startups with services at cities below 20,000 populations at school years Implementation of a plan for the completion special of pregnant women free of charge at the the possibility of 15-hour response and free least for once. Covering children aged below five years who of Health rEform Plan projects state-owned centers by the end of July 2010 calls from all over the country Provision of 436 items of basic medicines as are diagnosed with malnutrition & Operation of 74 special clinics as large as Increasing the number of physicians and Significant growth of Iran’s research rank well as seven items of pharmaceutical supple- Implementation of National Mobilization 187.566 square meters doctors in the less developed and disadvan- among world countries of Iranian tradition- ments for all centers as commissioner of program Program to prevent from shortage of iodine & Operation of 38 projects for the promotion taged areas al medicine (based on an article in the field at villages as well as presenting pharmaceutical Regular implementation for monitoring and development of midwifery blocks with the Implementation of a program on attendance of indigenous pharmacology and traditional services by 4,135 active pharmacies within the edible salts in the levels of production, supply capacity of 375 beds of physicians residing at hospitals affiliated to medicine published in the Journal of Ethno- framework of 1,125 state-owned pharmacies and consumption & Operation of 70 upgrading and developing the Ministry of Health and Medical Education pharmacology - 2019 JCR): and 3,010 private pharmacies. Nursing Sector plan in Emergency Ward of hospital with the in order to offer on-time medical services to From 2010 to 2018, Iran’s share of knowl- Activity of about 2,000 physicians in two Commissioning National System for the reg- capacity of 1.723 beds referrals round-the-clock edge production in traditional medicine and and single working shifts as well as more than istration of data of nurses and affiliated groups, & Operation of 57 Cancer Diagnostic and Operation of 43 projects for the development medicinal plants has been accompanied by signif- 1,700 healthcare services within the framework Opening Nursing Faculties at Neyshabur Screening Center with the capacity of 318 beds, and standardization of emergency wards of icant growth (2439 scientific documents, 6.4% of Rural Family Doctor and Jahrom universities of medical sciences & Operation of 170 projects for Special In- hospital across the country by the end of 12th of all published articles) and the fifth largest Employing more than 1,800 Mental Health Opening 67 specialized nursing clinics for tensive Care Unit (ICU) plans with the capacity government with increasing about 1,500 beds science production after China, India, Brazil experts at universities of medical sciences non-communicable diseases in the country of 2,161 beds in various provinces of the country and America. Employing 6,537 doctors, 5,497 midwives, Launching National Network for Nursing & Operation of 72 educational and prop-ed- Distributing the number of 28,558 beds Establishment of an interdisciplinary clinic 806 nurses, and 98 radiologists at centers as Cares Research Centers ucational projects as large as 173,837 square and its essentials including walker, bed base, in neurology and oncology in order to prepare executor of Rural Family Doctor Developing and commissioning 702 Con- meters, mattress, serum base, etc., 14,691 refrigerators for the relevant fellowships at Tehran and Sha- Presenting laboratory services by 3,157 active sultation Centers Implementation of Health Network and 11,720 TV sets as well as 4,584 stretchers hid Beheshti universities of Medical Sciences laboratories at Rural Family Doctor Plan as Employing 3,000 nursing assistants at the Completion Project: across the country Launching two inpatient wards of Iranian well as presenting radiology services at 1,718 universities of medical sciences Operation of 3,039 health projects with Distributing over 37 million diagnostic med- traditional medicine in Shahid Rahnemoun state-run centers as well as 251 private centers Notifying the Comprehensive National 782.000 square meters’ built-up area ical devices in medical centers of universities of Hospital in Yazd and Imam Reza Hospital in Training rural nurses through the admission Nursing Document at 2025 Vision Salient and Important Measures the medical sciences across the country Mashhad of 1,921 nurses for rendering quality medical Compiling and notifying the executive in- Taken by 12th Government Allocation of 635,000 million rials to im- Implementation of 67 research projects on services at rural areas of the country structions entitled “Follow-Up Nursing Plan” Deploying CMMS System in 700 repair and prove the nurses’ residence coronavirus, COVID-19, with the approach of Opening 75 centers for early diagnosis of to the selected universities of medical sciences maintenance centers including all covered hos- Allocation of cost of 37,578 consoles, Iranian medicine and complementary and me- pitals, university complexes as well as other 7500.000 Rials for each console to universities dicinal plants, after receiving the code of ethics affiliated centers Commissioning of 364 comprehensive centers Food and Drug Sector Setting up Specialized Holding Company for specific diseases (53 comprehensive centers Electronic processes related to the estab- for correction of engineering structure of the for the treatment of MS, 11 centers for EB pa- lishment and administration of the pharmacy, Ministry of Health and Medical Education tients, 230 thalassemia centers, 70 hemophilia including 30 processes throughout the country Setting up EPM system, centers), 20 bone marrow transplant centers, Control and reduction of smuggled and Compiling and publishing standard books opening of 4 cochlear implant centers, 80 dental counterfeit health products in the field of spaces of health sector (medical, centers to provide services to special patients Preparation of coronavirus vaccine emer- training, educational, educational assistance, And difficult to treat, setting up and activat- gency registration criteria (EUL) services and welfare) ing dental emergency services, setting up 330 Lack of allocation of preferential currency Completion of construction operation of blood pressure centers, setting up 330 diabetes for the import of pharmaceutical raw materials 10 hospitals with the capacity of 1,321 beds centers, opening 75 centers for prevention and with domestic producer in disadvantaged and deprived areas of the early diagnosis of non-communicable diseases Implementation of the program to achieve country in cooperation with Barakat Foundation at the same time the Rial share of domestically produced drugs affiliated to the Execution of Imam Khomeini Distribution of 1593 dialysis devices, de- to 72% of the total pharmaceutical market of Order (EIKO) velopment and operation of over 700 dialysis the country Completion of construction of four hospitals beds in universities of medical sciences of the Technical inspection of more than 300 export with the capacity of 943 beds as well as 40 24- country products and their registration as export goods hr comprehensive health centers Purchase of 16 accelerators for prioritized Registration of more than 140,000 items of Assessing the factors affecting the damages medical and university centers and install medical equipment and supplies and registration caused by the flood in Farvardin 1397 (April some of them of more than 2800 new agencies, and issuance 2018) Special attention to patients in need of of more than 2700 manufacturing licenses Completion of construction of projects for intensive care with the opening of 712 beds The import ban has been increased from the provision of housing units for specialists Implementation of the national program for 182 items to more than 330 items. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y FEBRUARY 24, 2021 SPONSORED REPORTAGE 5

Reduction of trans fatty acids in consumed Increase the diagnostic capacity of to patients; oils with application in food formulations (4% coronavirus laboratory network to more Developing and strengthening of “donor reduction by the end of 1398) than 25,000 tests per day and at the same population health care system” Reduction of salt percentage in the time increase the diagnostic capacity of the Isolation and bank of more than 11445 formulation of food and beverage industrial Institute to 1800 tests per day stem cell donor cell samples from all over Iran production license with high risk assessment Production of a new product of lyophilized Extract and bank more than 10,600 by 10% (2.8% of products by the end of 1398) intraocular anti-cancer drug more than 15,000 genome samples to the Genomic Bank Cover flour fortification program with iron vials since 2019 Thanksgiving Center and folic acid Production of a new product of lyophilized Attracting 15,000 volunteers at the Reducing the percentage of simple sugars intraocular anti-cancer drug more than 15,000 Thanksgiving Center in the current year in the formulation of food production licenses vials since 2019 and determine the HLA for 2,483 volunteers with high risk assessment Emergency Organization Sector Performing 150 searches for patients in Self-sufficiency in the production of 235 items Launching 42 ground emergency bases, need of a suitable transplant donor in 1398 of medical equipment and supplies 15 urban bases and 27 road bases. Services of Reference Laboratories The growth of medical equipment Development of executive instructions Restarting the Anti Xa test after one year manufacturing companies to more than 630 for the management of the treatment of of stopping the coagulation test companies and meeting 35% of the country’s myocardial infarction 247 and stroke 724 Restarting AntiPF4 Ab test after one year needs in the field of medical equipment in emergencies of stopping the coagulation test Out of a total of 56,119 inspections carried Compilation of instructions for transferring Restarting VWF activity after six months out by about 30 universities of medical sciences patients and injured people by 115 emergency of testing in the coagulation section in 1396 in the supply and distribution of health services from clinics Admitting 119,560 patients and 1150752 goods, 4,739 cases have led to the discovery of Development of telephone triage protocol tests smuggling worth 151 billion rials. for 115 emergency nurses and development Sending antisera of blood groups and In 1398, the statistics of discoveries and of offline trauma protocol phenotypes required to provincial blood inspections of universities and the rial value Planning to buy 2 “mscu” ambulances transfusion departments in the amount of of discovered goods (65 thousand inspections, for Tehran 14925 vials • Drafting a memorandum of February 22, 2020, up to date (351 programs) of which 4566 cases led to the discovery of 7 With a 30% increase in air emergency Sending Anit-Ki to General Offices in the understanding with the four headquarters • Preparation and production of more million and 690 thousand items of smuggled services compared to 1397 (ended March 20, Form of Kell Negative Blood Supply Instructions areas of the relevant ministry in the field of than 12,383 news pieces regarding the programs, goods worth about 280 billion rials based on 2019), 4133 air emergency missions and 5193 for Thalassemia Patients: 14960 Vials news monitoring achievements, and activities of the relevant information from 59 universities of medical patients and critically injured and 1652 cases Plasma: • Codification of a comprehensive ministry and uploading them on the website sciences. of transplantation of organs, blood or blood Sending 5904713671 liters of Recovered information appendix for holding events, • News coverage of more than 151 Pasteur Institute of Iran products, specialists transferred, officials to plasma for refining to refining centers from health occasions officials’ provincial trips Production of vaccine products, bio products, assess accidents and transfer people to safe 2017 to 2020 • 238 written responses and insertion of • Sending 30,243 SMS messages drugs, kits and laboratory animals required by places have been done. Sending 38109379 liters of rabies anti- statistics and information in “the management regarding important events and news stories the country’s health system Since 2017, the number of emergency air rabies plasma to the refining company from of the open access and publishing system” • Preparation and production of 73% increase in production of Pastosis in bases has increased from 31 to 45. Since 2017, 2017 to 2020 website more than 527 news stories in the field of the first quarter of 1399 by more than 10,000 200 helicopter landing pads have been created Production Plasmapheresis Performance • 520 invitation for journalist and media health promotion and uploading them on vials compared to the same period last year in medical centers and environmental areas Monitoring - Equipment Monitoring - activists and training them for news and the website of the ministry Productions video coverage of the occasions • Preparation and uploading of 204 • 182 Coordination for the full live notes and articles in the field of health on .No Product from August( 1396 ended March 20,( 1397 By end of July 2010 broadcast or parts of the ministry’s the website of the relevant ministry )2017 to 2020 )2019 programs, including opening ceremonies, • Uploading more than 1,179 photo reports commemorations, festivals, and unveilings. (each report contains an average of 25 photos) • Holding 28 journalism tours to cover • Uploading 500 educational videos, 1 Injected solutions 813752 1564447 2522963 selected provincial special programs animations, and e-books on the website 2 Hepatitis B vaccine 3716970 4590750 3743453 • 33 cases of news/video coverage of • Establishing an electronic library meetings such as exchange of intersectional and publishing and uploading the content 3 B. Intravesical 26556 45341 325836 and international cooperation documents of 92 books on health issues on the website (signing a memorandum of understanding) of the ministry 4 Antigens and antisera 143786 382736 909035 • Holding 245 press conferences • Using the RSS feeds of news agencies Total 984094 1992524 3757834 • Preparation of 48 texts (news pack) and news websites on the website of the with the history and objectives of the topic ministry To monitor coronavirus disease until the such as mountains and along the highway. Waste Monitoring - Apheresis Performance and presenting them to the mass media in • Managing the ministry’s SMS service end of June 1399, equivalent to 439838 virus Equipping and launching modern and Monitoring (29605/648 liters for refining order to inform the media before the event center for developing communications and and bulk transmission medium tubes by the up-to-date dispatch in Tehran and Mashhad Rendering Services to Thalassemia • Coordinating and conducting 2569 providing information research production complex, which was emergency centers Patients exclusive interviews (Persian and English) • Conducting electronic surveys on delivered to the health system and laboratory Setting up and equipping Tehran Visiting and blood transfusion services in the field of health various relevant topics network of the country after the necessary Emergency Data Center to 19947 patients • Coordinating the participation of • Reviewing and uploading videos controls. Blood Transfusion Sector 28579 bags injected to patients managers and senior experts in 972 Talk- on various health promotion issues on the 2072 serum injections to patients shows website of the ministry 5395 drug injections to patients Preparation and publication of 56 news • Designing electronic banners for stories, subtitles, educational and information various health events and occasions International Affairs programs from different TV channels • Preparation, production, and • Developing internationalization of health • Coordinating and sending 41 video uploading of health messages in the services and IPD services in health tourism clips - teasers related to promotional topics – news portal and information base of • Developing internationalization to television networks and other audio-visual the relevant ministry of educational services and attracting media platforms for promoting health issues • Equipping and setting up a health international students • The presence of officials in more studio • Developing internationalization of than 90 special news talk shows on various • Holding 135 commemorative research and technology activities and occasions programs on various occasions increasing international research projects • Providing the news regarding the • Holding more than 300 press • Quantitative and qualitative development holding of events and achievements in the conferences through video conferencing of research centers cooperate with the World news programs of different Persian- and (2,661 participants) Health Organization to 46 centers out of 16 English-speaking TV networks (45 cases) • Promoting and covering more than centers in the region • Thematic monitoring of 77 cases 300 press conferences on internet platforms • Proper preparation for the production of news and extraction of media coverage • Preparing the content for more than of about 30 drugs out of 60 drugs in the in specific topics 345 infographics and motion graphics in world not listed in the Iranian clinic’s • 638 cases of news corrections, the field of health information on various pharmacopeia through international denials, additional explanations, enlightening occasions and programs cooperation answers, ... in various news agencies, • preparation and production of 90 • Preparation for expanding drug exports newspapers, and media platforms video clips and 44 photo clips to more than 50 countries and developing • 11 cases of media coverage of social • preparing the content for a health medical equipment exports to more than 30 campaigns in the field of health and safety calendar countries through international cooperation • 18 cases of coordination and • Coordinating media coverage of Resumption of rabies vaccine production Supplying blood required by the country: Public Relations and Information planning for periodic visits of ministers or more than 150 visits and provincial trips and production of 60,000 vials of livestock Expansion of the approved blood supply deputies from the country’s prominent news by the Health Minister rabies vaccine during 1398 and 1399 network, including 201 blood transfusion hub Planning and coordination agencies and conducting exclusive interviews • Planning, coordinating, and A 17% increase in the production centers and other active blood transfusion Planning, coordinating and holding • Coordinating for the presence of directing various TV and radio programs of antigen products in the quarter of centers in 31 provinces more than 20 in-person/online specialized managers in Khabar 21 Studio (48 programs (for instance a TV program called Masks) 1399 compared to last year, due to the Expansion of approved blood supply training courses to boost public relations on Channel One TV) • Setting up an internet TV network emergency situation and the country’s network, including 201 blood transfusion skills for managers and experts of • Making necessary coordination • Production of more than 65 short need to monitor for coronavirus disease, hub centers and other active blood transfusion universities / medical schools/headquarters for the presence of senior managers in the and feature documentaries for various cultural the virus transmission medium (VTM) centers in 31 provinces as well as health correspondents of Islamic special news talk shows of Channel 2 TV festivals produced about 400,000 Falcons. Achieving 7032412 voluntary blood Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB)/ (28 45-minute programs) • Preparing more than 100 posters Development of new products and contract donation units journalists in print media/news agencies • Holding 106 press conferences at for various health festivals, virtual meetings, for pneumococcal and rotavirus vaccine Achieving index of 24/11 blood donation and social networks the Health Studio of the Islamic Republic educational programs and etc. production units per thousand populations in 1398 • Investigating, acting on and responding of Iran Broadcasting Public Relations and • Coordinating, cooperating, and Signing a contract for the production of Achieving the number of continuous and to 6252 public letters to the Minister of Health Information Center partnering with the Islamic Republic of Iran pneumococcal vaccine with Cuban Finlay long-term blood donations and supplying and Medical Education • Announcement of the coronavirus Broadcasting to produce more than 50 biography Company-1397 88% of the blood required by the country • Investigating, acting on and responding to statistics in live broadcast programs since clips about health-defending martyrs Research Sector through continuous and long-standing blood more than 450 e-mails sent to public relations Publication of 912 scientific articles, of donation in 2019 of the relevant ministry which 777 articles have been published in the Fulfilling free vaccination against hepatitis • Coordinating with the university/faculties journal with ISI-Pubmed-Scopus indexes. Type B virus of medical sciences for the simultaneous 84% of the articles have been published Reduce the incidence of allergic reactions opening of health care projects on different as original, 10% as review and 6% as other caused by the blood donation to less than occasions such as the opening of air medical types. 0.01 per thousand donors services (helicopters), health week, Holding 134 specialized and scientific Execution of a project to set up Le Minsense comprehensive health service centers, and ... workshops for target groups quantitative devices for screening tests • Codification of information instructions Specialized services sector Umbilical Cord Blood Bank Unit for different occasions and sending them to Presenting specialized laboratory Successful collection of 5,093 umbilical universities / medical schools in the country services in 10 reference laboratories and cord blood units; • Planning and coordination for 90 two cooperative laboratories Processing and storage of 797 umbilical provincial trips and visits of the esteemed Commissioning reference laboratory for cord blood units minister molecular diagnosis of Zika virus Determination of HLA 647 umbilical • Providing of a database of human Launching the first Covid-19 diagnostic cord blood units and registration of HLA resources in the field of public relations of laboratory in the country information of umbilical cord blood donors universities / medical schools Conducting 40,000 Real Time COVID-19 in the national network system of Iranian • Planning and coordination for the hold PCR tests - 19 at Pasteur Institute of Iran hematopoietic stem cell donors 18 health campaigns Activation of about 200 national Sending 7 umbilical cord blood units to • Holding virtual meetings with public laboratories under the management of the transplant centers for transplantation to relations managers of universities / medical Pasteur Institute of Iran and in collaboration patients schools in the country with the Health Reference Laboratory Processing and storage of 196 units of • Developing an instruction for senior Reviewing more than 2,500,000 test peripheral blood donated from transplant health managers to media interviews samples across the country centers in the country for transplantation interview instruction for with the media I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 6 HERITAGE & TOURISM FEBRUARY 24, 2021

Tehran tourism fair opens; We have gained permission for limited activists hope for boom when corona vaccine is ever-present New Year travels: deputy tourism minister TOURISM TEHRAN – Tehran’s international tourism deskand handicrafts fair opened to the public on TOURISM TEHRAN – Iran’s Cul- the tourism industry in Iran and [other parts Tuesday in line with a government campaign to improve the desktural Heritage, Tourism of] the world in such a way that according to hugely-battered travel sector in the face of the novel coronavirus. and Handicrafts Ministry has gained official statistics, 50 million people are directly and Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Minister Ali-Asghar permission for organizing limited intercity indirectly exposed to unemployment due to Mounesan and his deputies for tourism, and handicrafts were travels during the Iranian New Year vacations, the virus spread in the global scene…. yet, amongst attendees to the opening ceremony of the fair, which which begins on March 21. mass or unplanned and irresponsible travels is underway at Tehran Permanent International Fairgrounds. “We have obtained permission for limited are not approved to take place during the Activists, including tour operators, hoteliers, transport busi- Noruz trips from the National Headquar- coronavirus era.” nesses, and tour guides, are hopeful that such days would be ters for Coronavirus Control,” the deputy Smart and responsible traveling should numbered at the COVID-19 vaccine is getting more widespread. tourism minister, Vali Teymouri, announced replace “do not travel” recommendations, the on Tuesday. minister stressed, adding: “In our country, With less than a month to go till the start Corona has caused problems in the tourism of the Iranian New Year, which has long been industry and the worrying point is the con- associated with millions of domestic travels, tinuation of this trend.” the ministry wants to find a way to partially “We are well aware of what the Nation- revive the already-slumped travels in the al Headquarters for Coronavirus Control face of the COVID-19 pandemic. proclaims [the health protocols], hence as “The tourism ministry has held several a proposal, we have formulated some smart, meetings with the National Headquarters responsible travel packages by the imple- for the Coronavirus Control during with we the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism camps, camping, tourists staying in places mentation of which we could have secure discussed the issues in detail. Based on our and Handicrafts,” the official explained. such as schools, shrines, husseiniyahs, etc. is travels,” the minister said. strategies, we proposed two travel models For the second model, people do not go prohibited, and this issue has been announced He has repeatedly announced that his that can be implemented following health on tours, but when traveling to their des- to the provincial governors.” ministry is in full coordination with the Since it first surfaced late in 2019, the pandemic has created protocols in the country,” Teymouri said tination city, they must stay in authorized The arteria of Noruz travels is expected Ministry of Health for strictly implement- a greater demand for experiences away from crowds, which is last week. accommodation centers, which are under to be announced in detail during the upcom- ing health protocols in travel destinations, opposite to many traveling pillars. Experts say that such prefer- The first [working] model for travels in the supervision of the ministry, to comply ing exhibition for tourism and handicrafts, hospitably centers, and museums, amongst ence for solo travel would probably continue till a coronavirus the Iranian New Year, proposes travels by with all health protocols and maintain public which will be held in near future, according others, underlining that “people’s health is vaccine is ever-present. the means of package tours. “Throughout health, Teymouri stated. to the official. our priority.” “Safe and Responsible Travels” has been picked as the motto package tours, travelers benefit from services Any other form of accommodation would The tourism minister, Ali-Asghar Moune- Iranians traditionally make hundreds of the four-day event that according to organizers could help provided by the tour and they will stay in be prohibited to curb the virus, he said. “To san, publicized in November that mass, un- of thousands of domestic trips during the boost synergy among the two sectors as people have a chance to authorized accommodation centers [and des- help prevent the spread of the coronavirus planned travels are not approved. “The out- New Year holidays, when most businesses visit them maybe in a day-long visit! tinations] which are under the supervision of in Noruz 1400, the establishment of tourist break of the coronavirus has caused damage to and workplaces are closed, as are schools. The event is being held according to health protocols an- nounced by the National Headquarters for Coronavirus Con- trol, and following the necessary coordination with the relevant agencies in this field, according to Vali Teymouri, the deputy Moazzenzadeh Ardebili’s ancestral house to be turned into museum minister for tourism. TEHRAN – The ancestral house of eulogist of the family, who resided in the house. Known Travel agencies, airlines, sea or rail companies, entrepreneurs, HERITAGE deskMoazzenzadeh Ardebili’s family, who as the king of eulogists in Iran, he passed away in 2016. startups, banks, insurance brokers, agents or hospitals in charge are known as icons of Islamic eulogy, and azan (adhan), Salim was born in 1936 in Ardebil. He used to perform of health, medical tourism, sports clubs, pilgrimage & eco-tourism the Muslim call to prayer, is set to be turned into a museum most of his eulogies in the Azeri language. However, he companies, representatives of hotels, guesthouses, touristic vil- in Ardebil, northwest Iran. had a good command of the Persian and Arabic languages lages, and free zones are amongst exhibitors in the tourism sector. “Having a formal permission from the Urban Regen- as well. Furthermore, tens of booths and stands in various exhibition eration Corporation of IRAN, it has been arranged to turn His father, Sheikh Abdolkarim, was one of the first who halls have been dedicated to craftspeople, artisans, live performers, Moazzenzadeh Ardebili’s ancestral house in Ardebil into a performed azan on Iran’s national radio program, while and tribespeople who are coming together from every corner of museum…. and to make it available to [open to] the public,” the azan by Salim’s brother, Rahim, was considered to be the ancient land to promote skills inherited from generation to ISNA quoted the deputy speaker of Iran’s Parliament, Ali Iran’s most popular. Salim’s son, Vadud, is also a vocalist generation. Nikzad, as saying on Monday. and an artist. Though its main goal of the sales exhibit is to make money and “According to recent consultations, three billion toman Sprawling on a high, windswept plateau, Ardebil is well- sails of the handicrafts, souvenirs, foodstuff, and various other (some $714,000 at the official exchange rate of 4,200 to- known for having lush natural beauties, hospitable people, regional products, it can be a venue for dialogue between exhibitors man per dollar) of credit is to be allocated to acquire and and its silk and carpet trade tradition. It is also home to and visitors and even visiting officials, according to organizers. revive this residential house.” the UNESCO-registered Sheikh Safi al-Din Khanegah and The fair showcase arrays of personal ornamentation, wood- The late Salim Moazzenzadeh Ardebili was the last iconic Shrine Ensemble. work, illuminated manuscript, miniature, textile printing, enamel, leatherwork, handwoven textile, calligraphy, traditional musical instrument, metalwork, and marquetry among tens of others نوبت اول while nomadic culinary arts, live workshops, and performances Iran to develop that would gather own fans every corner. Iran expects to reap a bonanza from its numerous tourist tourism infrastructure spots such as bazaars, museums, mosques, bridges, bathhous- es, madrasas, mausoleums, churches, towers, and mansions, of in Hendurabi Island Second Announcement which 24 being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. TOURISM TEHRAN — Iran will be de- Under the 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, it aims to increase the deskveloping tourism infrastructure Khouzestan Steel Company number of tourist arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million in Hendurabi Island, which is situated west of the in 2025. So it will undeniably try its best to achieve a relatively touristic Kish Island in the Persian Gulf. ambitious goal but when that happens the travel industry is likely “Hendurabi, with an area of about a quarter of to look more altered. Announcement of the contractors’ qualification for Khouzestan steel Kish, has beautiful beaches and nature. And it has a valuable capacity for the development of travel company new wagon unloading system (tippler No. 3) by EPC contract Virus causes $5.2 billion damage and ecotourism….It has also enormous capacity to attract large domestic and foreign investors,” Khouzestan Steel Company (KSC), intends to increase the capacity of its wagon unloading to Iran’s tourism, minister says Mehr quoted Kish Free Zone Organization Director system by implementing an EPC contract for a new wagon tippler No. 3 Gholamhossein Mozaffari as saying on Monday. 1 If the budget receives parliament’s approval, it will Wagon tippler No. 3 must be able to unload all types of wagons with weight of 90 tons of be injected into different sectors of the tourism industry, which has taken a major hit from the coronavirus outbreak over the load and a total weight of 120 tons. previous months, he noted. Companies interested in taking part the tender, having the following qualifications, can Despite the toughest economic pressures and sanctions, the government has provided good support to all sectors of tourism, declare their readiness: the minister said. However, there is hope that the beginning 1. Sufficient Technological Knowledge and experience in similar projects. of mass vaccination against the coronavirus will provide better conditions for tourism and businesses related to this sector, he explained. 2. The ability of financing and implementing the project by EPCF approach is

“A consortium consisting of banks and active holdings in the country is being formed to imple- preferred. ment the [already-formulated] comprehensive development plan of Hondurabi,” Mozaffari said. “Kish Island, even during coronavirus pandemic, has enjoyed a tourism boom… [for instance] in 3. The equipment must be supplied from European Companies in Europe or other the last two months, its occupancy rate of hotels has been 98 percent, which indicates the unique tourism capacity of the region.” country under their license with European Union Countries Standards. When it comes to the southern islands of Iran, people tend to choose Kish, Qeshm, and Hangam Island. However, Hendurabi is just as amazing as A view of the touristic Nasir ol-Molk Mosque in downtown Shiraz these though less known. Being far from the con- The interested companies shall send the following documents to KSC by the date: 10th March 2021. Government’s care and support packages stant visit of tourists, this sort of remote island in In late October, the deputy tourism minister, Vali Teymouri, the Persian Gulf has preserved many of its natural 1. Company Profile and Catalogues announced that a new support package to pay loans to businesses beauties. It can provide a lot of fun water and beach affected by the coronavirus pandemic has been approved. activities. Swimming, above all, is one of the most 2. Company references of similar projects. (Name, Location, Scope, Capacity and Depending on the type and activity of the businesses, they pleasant things to do in the crystal waters. could benefit from at least 160 million rials ($3,800) to nine Hendurabi is a small island of about 23 square Contract Price) billion rials ($214,000) of bank loans with a 12-percent interest kilometers, located between Kish Island and Lavan rate, he said. Island. It is flat land with no high mountains or The loans will be allocated to tourist guides, travel agencies, hills. The highest point of the island is some 45 3. The list of projects with frame of financing (if any). tourism transport companies, tourism educational institutions, meters high. eco-lodges and traditional accommodations, hotels, apartment Hendurabi has an old village of the same name. After receiving the documents and evaluating the companies’ competency, KSC will send the tender documents hotels, motels, and guesthouses as well as traditional accommo- The material used in the construction of houses used to the selected contractors. dation centers, tourism complexes, and recreational centers, the to be stone, coral, and stucco. However, some of these official explained. houses have been renovated recently. The village Teymouri pointed to the 1.3 million tourism workers in the also contains a school, shop, and a supermarket. Address: IRAN, Ahwaz, Khouzestan province, Khouzestan Steel Company, Post Box: 1378, Post Code: country, who are facing several issues due to the coronavirus From February to June, the beaches of the is- 61778-1311, Mr. Seyyed Hasan Hosseini contracts department manager. crisis, and said “This number, in addition to their households, land turn to a turtle hatchery. All the turtles of includes a significant population that makes a living through any size go to this area for hatching their eggs. tourism, who are needed to be considered in ministry’s decisions.” The scenery of turtles being born out of the eggs Contact: Mr. Jamshid Sayyadi project manager - Tel: 0098 61 32908222 - Email: [email protected] Teymouri has said that the tourism ministry has approved a and running to the water can be one of the most total budget of 4,920 billion rials (over $117 million) to support eye-catching moments of your travel. On the other corona-affected tourism businesses, covering as much as 36,000 hand, watching the colorful fish while diving is just Public Relations of Khouzestan Steel Company people working in the tourism sector. another fun thing to do. II NN TT EE RR NN AA TT II OO NN AA LL DD A I L Y FEBRUARYFEBRUARY 24, 24, 2021 2021 SOCIETYANALYSIS/INTERVIEW 7

Botulism kills 10,000 birds in Some $3.4m of smuggled goods seized in week Miankaleh peninsula, Gorgan Bay SOCIETY TEHRAN – Goods worth 146 billion deskrials (nearly $3.4 million at the official ENVIRONMENT TEHRAN — Some to get out of control. rate of 42,000 rials) have been seized from smugglers in desk10,000 bodies of life- A treasure under threat the country over the past week, police chief Mohammad less migratory birds died as a result of The long and narrow peninsula is 48 kilo- Reza Moghimi has announced. botulism poisoning have been found so far meters long, and between 1.3 and 3.2 kilom- With these measures, the condition has become com- around the Miankaleh peninsula and Gorgan eters wide, which sets apart the Gorgan Bay pletely unsafe for the smugglers, Moghimi further stated. Bay, located in the extreme south-eastern from the Caspian Sea. Four villages namely Due to the necessity and sensitivity of providing basic part of the Caspian Sea. Ashuradeh, Qezel-e Shomali, Qezel-Mehdi, and health-oriented goods, confronting and combating Botulism disease, which for the second and Qavasatl are situated on the peninsula. the smugglers of goods and currency is vital, and this is consecutive year has caused the death of a large Miankaleh was designated a Ramsar seriously pursued by the police throughout the country, number of migratory birds in Miankaleh and site in 1975. Major habitats include wet- he explained. Gorgan Bay, has reached Ashuradeh Island, lands, inter-tidal mud with sandy shores, IRNA reported on Tuesday. shallow marine waters, forests, peatlands, Botulism is caused by a toxin produced by and agricultural areas. the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, and It is home to many unique Caspian birds the birds become infected by the ingestion and reptile species native to this region. It’s of plants or animals infected with the toxin also a very important internationally-recog- and lose their lives. nized refuge for migratory birds. Clostridium botulism is an anaerobic The peninsula water deficits, additionally bacterium that grows in decaying plants mismanagement, unsustainable agricultural and animal material and often occurs in practices, and severe depletion of the wells lakes during periods of lack of oxygen and and groundwater resources have exacerbated poor water quality. the Miankaleh peninsula’s condition. The carcasses were mostly from bird ry birds in the Miankaleh peninsula; a week countries about this issue, which has always Local people earn their income from ag- species of flamingo, coot, duck, and pelican, later, the veterinary organization announced been a global threat to biodiversity and has riculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, which have been discovered around the that “botulinum poisoning” was the reason attracted international attention. handicrafts, carpet weaving, traditional shores of the Bandar Torkaman city, Ali behind mass bird mortality. Now, along with illegal hunting, there poultry farming, and tourism. Bayani, head of the provincial department Management ‘out of control’ are other environmental threats, including Overgrazing, illegal hunting, fishing, de- of environment said. Excessive hunting in migratory birds’ water pollution and wastewater flow, lack forestation, and the unplanned spread of In January 2020, media reported the habitats in the country has made the Con- of provision of wetlands’ water right, cause villages are some of the challenges posing mysterious death of over 40,000 migrato- vention on Migratory Species warn some the management of migratory birds’ habitats threat to the region’s environment. During the last week, all kinds of smuggled goods, in- cluding mobile phones, home appliances, Bitcoin miners, spare parts, currency, and cosmetics, were discovered in the country with the specialized measures and round-the- Over 6,700 nomadic schools operating across Iran clock efforts of the anti-trafficking police, he stated. The discovered goods were handed over to the Organ- 1 percent of classes through the SHAD app, whose acronym Each year, Iranian students start the school year ization for Collection and Sale of State-owned Properties, on September 23, after three-month summer vacation, in Persian translates as the Students Education Network. Moreover, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting and 6 smugglers were arrested and handed over to the while this year, in the light of the coronavirus pandemic, judicial authorities, he said, IRNA reported on Tuesday. all educational centers in Iran have been closed since late (IRIB) also began to broadcast televised educational pro- grams on a daily basis after school closures. Smugglers fined $570m in 8 months February 2020, and education was followed in three forms From the beginning of the current Iranian calendar year of in-person, virtual, and television-based. The National Headquarters for Coronavirus Control announced that schools with less than 50 pupils and (March 21, 2020) until November 16, 2020, smugglers of In order for students to keep in touch with their studies, fuel and livestock were fined 24 trillion rials (about $570 the Ministry of Education launched a homegrown mobile vocational schools are allowed to start operating for practical and workshop courses in accordance with million), representing a 47 percent increase compared to application on April 9, called SHAD, providing students with the same period last [Iranian calendar] year. distance learning programs. He added that more than 60 the health protocols, while the students’ presence is voluntary and on their choice. Out of a total of about 42,000 smuggling cases, about percent of students and 94 percent of teachers attended 64 28,000 were related to export smuggling, of which 20,000 were related to the smuggling of fuel and petroleum prod- ucts, mostly to Pakistan and Afghanistan, and to a lesser extent to Turkey and Iraq. Japan, WFP support refugees in Iran A number of these cases were related to livestock traf- SOCIETY TEHRAN – The Gov- ever to recover from the effects of the worsening conditions.” One of the largest and most protracted ficking. Most of the cattle were smuggled to Iraq, and then deskernment of Japan has COVID-19 pandemic.” Iran has been hosting one of the largest urban refugee populations in the world to the Persian Gulf countries. contributed $875,000 to support refu- WFP currently supports 31,000 des- refugee populations in the world for well is living in Iran; about 97 percent of refu- Every year, $20-25 billion are smuggled in and out gees in Iran through the United Nations titute Afghan and Iraqi refugees living in over three decades. gees live in urban and semi-urban areas, of the country, which, if stopped, will create hundreds World Food Program (WFP). 20 settlements across the country with Two million foreign nationals while three percent are residing in 20 of thousands of jobs, Hassan Norouzi, a member of the This contribution supplements a food, education, and livelihood assistance. residing in Iran refugee resorts run by the UNHCR’s main parliament, said. grant of $7 million in March 2020 to Kazutoshi AIKAWA, Ambassador Deputy Interior Minister Javad Nase- government counterpart. In the Iranian calendar year 1396 (March 2017-March support the WFP COVID-19 response in of Japan to Iran, said that “supporting rian said last week that about one million Undocumented Afghans have ac- 2018), $12 billion was smuggled into Iran and $900 mil- Iran. This contribution will be utilized refugees is one of the priority areas of the documented foreign nationals are residing cess to free primary health services lion out of the country, according to the Headquarters for to purchase wheat flour, pulses, and oil Japanese Official Development Assistance in Iran, and perhaps another one million and similarly free COVID-19 related Combating the Smuggling of Commodities and Foreign for the most vulnerable refugees living to Iran. The spread of COVID-19 in Iran are illegally living in the country. testing, treatment, and hospitalization, Exchange. in settlements in Iran. has definitely affected the living situation At the end of 2018, Iran hosted close just like nationals. Iran, which has a 900-kilometer border with Afghan- “We’re extremely grateful for the of vulnerable groups, including refugees. to one million refugees, making it the In Iran, UNHCR is seeking $16.2 mil- istan, has been used as the main conduit for smuggling Government and people of Japan for The Government of Japan recognizes sixth-largest refugee host country in the lion for its COVID-19 emergency, while Afghan drugs to narcotics kingpins in Europe. their continued support to our opera- that the cooperation with WFP in Iran, world. The country was also the eighth requires an additional $98.7 million to Despite high economic and human costs, Iran has been tions in Iran,” said Negar Gerami, WFP which has continuously supported the largest refugee-hosting country in the support Iran in maintaining and sustaining actively fighting drug-trafficking over the past decades. Representative in Iran. “Refugees are food and sanitation of refugees in Iran, is world in 2019, hosting 951,142 Afghan its commendable inclusive refugee poli- In June 2020, the first phase of the national anti-smuggling the most vulnerable group in a society effective in order to sustain the lives and refugees and 28,268 Iraqi refugees, ac- cies, under the umbrella of the Solutions plan was implemented with the priority given to customs, and they need support now more than livelihoods of the refugees in constantly cording to the UNHCR. Strategy for Afghan Refugees. tobacco, and transit goods.

ENGLISH IN USE LEARN NEWS TRANSLATION Vacancy Notice رئیــس ســازمان حفاظــت محیــط Wetlands restoration The Office of the United Nations Population Fund زیســت: احیــای ت االبهــا بــه ۶۰ هــزار requires a budget of UNFPA) in I.R.Iran, intends to recruit a) میلیــارد تومــان اعتبــار نیــاز دارد $14b: DOE chief Programme Associate/Population and Development رئیــس ســازمان حفاظــت محیــط زیســت روز In order to restore wetlands in the country a budget of 600 trillion rials for its office in Tehran, Iran. یکشــنبه گفــت: بــرای احیــای تاالبهــا دســت nearly $14 billion) is required, chief of) Details of the vacancy can be found on UNFPA website کــم ۵۰ تــا ۶۰ هــزار میلیــارد تومــان اعتبــار (the Department of Environment (DOE :on the following link نیــاز اســت. .Issa Kalantari said on Sunday کالنتــری امــروز بــا اشــاره بــه وجــود ۸۰ تــاالب There are 80 big and small wetlands in the country and some are dried out, https://iran.unfpa.org/en/vacancies/national-post- کوچــک و بــزرگ در کشــور کــه بخــش عمدهای Kalantari regretted adding that last year programme-associatepd از آنهــا خشــک شــدهاند، اظهــار کــرد: در March 2017-March 2018) more than) Please apply online by 8 March 2021, 5 PM Tehran ســال گذشــته بیــش از ۲,۰۰۰ میلیــارد تومــان (trillion rials (nearly $475 million 20 .Time. This vacancy is open only for Iranian Nationals اعتبــار بــرای احیــای تاالبهــا و دریاچههــا was allocated to wetlands restoration and the amount is projected to increase Notice: تخصیــص داده شــد کــه ســال آینــده شــاهد (to 25 trillion rials (nearly $595 million There is no application, processing or other fee at“ حــدود ۲,۵۰۰ میلیــارد تومــان اعتبــار بــرای for next fiscal year (starting on March .”any stage of the application process ایــن امــر خواهیــم بــود. .he said ,(21 Some of the sand and dust storms وی بــا اشــاره بــه اینکــه بخشــی از وجــود ریزگردها originate from the dried bed of the “UNFPA does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV/AIDS or disabilities and does not discriminate در کشــور بــا خشــک شــدن ت االبهــا در ارتبــاط wetlands and revival of these hotspots اســت، تصریــح کــرد: اگــر ت االبهــا احیــا شــوند would help in decreasing sand and on the basis of HIV/AIDS status and disabilities”. بخــش عمــ دهای از ریزگردهــا کاهــش م ی یابــد. .dust storms, he highlighted Prayer Times Noon:12:17 Evening: 18:13 Dawn: 5:16 (tomorrow) Sunrise: 6:39 (tomorrow) FEBRUARY 24, 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 Editorial Dept.: Fax: (+98 21) 88808214 — 88808895 36th Fajr Music Festival [email protected] Switchboard Operator: Tel: (+98 21) 43051000 Advertisements Dept.: Telefax: (+98 21) 43051430 Public Relations Office: Tel: (+98 21) 88805807 Subscription & Distribution Dept.: Tel: (+98 21) 43051603 honors winners Printed at: Jame Jam Bartar Borna - 44197737 1 The award in the Vocal Music Mojtaba Hosseini and several musicians Composition section went to Bahman attended the ceremony. Tehrantimes79 Tehrantimes79 Tehrantimes79 Faryadras for “Flight and Song”. The organizers of the 31st edition of the In the Dastgahi Music category, the festival in 2016 named their award after No. 18, Bimeh Alley, Nejatollahi St., Tehran, Iran Barbad Award was presented to Mojtaba Barbad, a renowned musician at the court P.o. Box: 14155-4843 Asgari for the album “Ashiran”. of Sassanid king Khosrow II who ruled Zip Code: 1599814713 Damahi ensemble received a Barbad from 590 to 628 CE. Award for best composition in their lat- The 36th Fajr Music Festival was est album “Go Hunting in Me”, and Puya launched online with streaming perfor- Kolahi won the award for best pop singer mances on fajrmusicfestival.com, nay.ir for his album “Peacock Feather Closed”. and tiwall.com after canceling the in-person The Barbad Award in the Orchestral edition in Tehran due to the COVID-19 Music without Vocals category was handed pandemic. to Reza Vaali for the album “Sorna”, and A number of international musicians in the Orchestral Music with Vocals cat- were invited to give performances during egory, the Barbad Award was presented the festival. GUIDE TO to Amir Purkhalaji for the album “Who The musicians included cellist Martin SPIRITUAL AWAKENING Is the Lover?”. Melendez from Cuba, pianist Moritz Er- The Barbad Award for Best Publisher nst and saxophonist Timo Vollbrecht from There is reward for kindness to every living thing. was also handed to the Mahoor Institute Germany, and pianist Gianna Fratta and of Culture and Arts. Musicians Hassan Nahid (L) and Mohammareza Es’haqi Gorji (R) accept their lifetime violinist Dino Di Palma from Italy. Prophet Muhammad (S) The Minister of Culture and Islamic achievement awards from Culture Minister Seyyed Abbas Salehi (C) at the closing In addition, the Austrian duos Vila Guidance, Seyyed Abbas Salehi, Deputy ceremony of the 36th Fajr Music Festival at Vahdat Hall on February 22, 2021. (Mehr/ Madalena and Sain Mus also gave online Culture Minister for Artistic Affairs Seyyed Pantea Nikzad) performances at the festival. Green puppet show warns about global garbage crisis Czech envoy awards Iranian winners of ICEFA Lidice 1 The play originally featured ten characters, however, ARTTEHRAN – The Iranian children who children who have died in wars. Khanjari plans to stage it only with two characters due to the deskwon awards at the 48th International Although national initially, this exhibition became an pandemic. Children’s Exhibition of Fine Arts Lidice received their international one in 1973, and since then it has become “This has made our job really complicated, but our puppeteers prizes at the Embassy of Czech in Tehran on Monday well known among children and teachers not only in have found creative solutions to these difficult conditions, and from Ambassador Josef Rychtar. the country but literally all over the world. we have prepared a lengthy performance with a small troupe,” In his short speech at a meeting with the children, In recent years, more than 25,000 very good works she noted. Rychtar expressed his happiness over the Iranian chil- of art have come regularly by children not only from “Funny scenes and dialogues dren’s regard toward the ICEFA Lidice, and said that the Czech and Slovak but also from over 60 countries, conveying environmental mes- all the entries to the exhibition were of high artistic including China, India, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, the sages make the performance quality, Iran’s Institute for Intellectual Development Philippines, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. pleasant for the teenage audi- of Children and Young Adults (IIDCYA) announced Landscape was the theme of the 2020 ICEFA Lidice, ence,” she added. on Tuesday. during which Iranian children Ratin Eteqad, Mahta Khanjari pointed to the All the children are members of the IIDCYA. Abed, Ali Ashrafi, Melisa Razavi, Azam Azimi and Shadi pandemic and said that “love Rychtar also said that the ICEFA Lidice received Esmaeilnia were honored in various categories of the for theater” convinced them over 20,000 submissions, and the highest number exhibition. to agree to stage the puppet of artworks were from Iranian children compared to Ratin won a medal in the painting section while Ali Czech Ambassador Josef Rychtar (2nd L) and a number show, though she had thought participants from other countries. and Melisa received honorable mentions in the category. his colleagues pose with the Iranian children after honor- about withdrawing from the The ICEFA Lidice was established in 1967 to com- Mahta received a medal in the photography section ing them with prizes of the 48th International Children’s production several times due memorate the child victims from the Czech village of and Azam and Shadi won honorable mentions in this Exhibition of Fine Arts Lidice at the Embassy of Czech in to the difficult conditions. Lidice murdered by German Nazis, as well as all other section. Tehran on February 22, 2021. (IIDCYA) She expressed her hope that the organizers of the festival would compensate her troupe with higher pay. “Our Man in Tehran” by Robert Wright published in Persian A scene from the puppet show The puppet show will be per- “No Place for Garbage”. formed by Masud Ghazanchai CULTURE TEHRAN – A Persian embassy personnel held hostage, most lomats and the Eagle Claw commando and Shabnam Fattahi-Aref, and the puppets have been crafted desktranslation of Robert for 444 days, the book says. raid has remained classified. by Nasim Yaquti. Wright’s “Our Man in Tehran” has re- As Tehran exploded in a fury of revo- “In Our Man in Tehran”, Wright A lineup of traditional puppet shows is scheduled to be cently been published by Amirkabir lution, six American diplomats secretly takes readers back to a major histor- performed during the 18th Mobarak Puppet Theater Festival. Publications in Tehran. escaped. For three months, Ken Tay- ical flashpoint and unfolds a story of The puppet shows have been chosen from 14 submissions “Our Man in Tehran: The True Story lor, the Canadian ambassador to Iran, cloak-and-dagger intrigue that brings by a selecting board composed of Pupak Azimpur, Shahrzad Behind the Secret Mission to Save Six along with his wife and embassy staff- a new understanding of the strained re- Mobarhan and Davud Fat’hali Beigi. Americans during the Iran Hostage Cri- ers, concealed the Americans in their lationship between the United States sis and the Foreign Ambassador Who homes, always with the prospect that and Iran. Worked with the CIA to Bring Them the revolutionary government would Wright, a Ph.D., is a professor of his- Mobarak Puppet Theater Home” has been translated into Persian exact deadly consequences. tory at Trent University, specializing Festival to go online by Mohammad Mozaffarpur. With limited intelligence resources in foreign policy. He is the author of Iranian students occupied the Amer- available on the ground and anti-Ameri- “Three Nights in Havana”, which won the ican Embassy in Tehran in November can sentiment growing, President Carter 2008 Lela Common Award for Canadi- ARTTEHRAN – A lineup of 57 puppet shows deskare scheduled to be performed during the 1979. The Americans were caught en- turned to Taylor to work with the CIA an History from the Canadian Authors’ 18th Mobarak Puppet Theater Festival that will go online tirely, and what began as a swift and in developing their exfiltration plans. Association and is currently being made next week. Front cover of the Persian translation of seemingly short-lived takeover evolved Until now, the true story behind Taylor’s into a feature documentary. He resides “29 puppets shows from Tehran and 28 from other cities Robert Wright’s “Our Man in Tehran”. into a crisis that would see fifty-four involvement in the escape of the six dip- in Toronto with his wife and children. will be performed online from February 28 to March 7 available at tiwall, namayeshnet and Hashure, the Iranian platforms providing video on demand (VOD) service for films,” secre- tary of the festival Mehdi Hajian said in a press conference Tehran gallery to unveil new sculpture from Parviz Tanavoli’s Lion Series held on Tuesday. Hajian said that the veteran artists of Puppet Theater, Iraj ARTTEHRAN – Hedayat Gallery in Teh- In addition, “Cypher and Lion, Visions of Parviz Tana- Mohammadi and Mohammad-Hassan Abuyi Mehrizi, will deskran plans to unveil a new sculpture from voli”, a documentary by Sarvenza Alambeigi on the artistic be honored with the lifetime achievement awards this year. world-renowned Iranian artist Parviz Tanavoli’s Lion Series insight of Tanavoli was screened at the opening ceremony Three books on puppet shows will also be published to on Friday. of the TMCA exhibit. promote the art of puppet theater, he said, adding that several A number of his other sculptures as well as a carpet fea- Photos of the behind the scenes of the documentary as virtual workshops and meetings have also been held that were turing a design by the artist will also go on display, the gallery well as photos of the concert’s rehearsals taken by Argahavan warmly received by puppet theater artists in the country. announced in a press release published on Tuesday. Bustan will also be showcased at the gallery. Photos and videos of Tanavoli’s previous exhibition at Also included will be a photo of Tanavoli beside his great the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art (TMCA) in 2017 lion taken by famous photographer Maryam Zandi, as well as a in addition to photos of the tribute concert held at Vahdat series of photos from Tanavoli’s workshop by Homeira Yaseri. Hall will also be showcased at the gallery. Tanavoli’s collection of “Lions” went on view at the Tehran The Austrian-Iranian Symphonic Orchestra (AISO) hon- Museum of Contemporary Art in July 2017. ored Tanavoli by two performances at Tehran’s Vahdat Hall About 150 artworks created by the artist with the central in July 2017. theme of the lion, beside his private collection of lion-themed Maziar Yunesi conducted the AISO, which performed a works, as well as lion-themed ancient artifacts of Iran bor- repertoire of pieces composed by Yunesi and his fellow Ira- rowed from different Iranian museums were displayed in the nian musicians Christophe Rezai and Peyman Yazdanian. A new sculpture from Parviz Tanavoli’s Lion Series. exhibition “Parviz Tanavoli and the Lions of Iran”.

Tehran hall to host theatergoers for Tennessee Williams’ “Glass Menagerie”

ARTTEHRAN – A reading Tom also has a crippled older sister, elements, featuring characters based on deskperformance of American Laura, who resembles her collection of glass its author, his histrionic mother, and his “Son of Hunter, Son of Hunter”, a puppet show by Vahid Khosravi. playwright Tennessee Williams’ memory animals in her delicate beauty and fragility. mentally fragile sister Laura. (Iran Theater/Reza Moattarian) play “The Glass Menagerie” will go on stage Tom works in a shoe factory to contribute In writing the play, Williams drew on The festival will open with a tribute to puppet show direc- at Tehran’s Jamshid Mashayekhi Theater to the family’s support while dreaming of an earlier short story, as well as a screen- tor Golzar Mohammadi, who was the secretary of the 18th on Saturday. becoming a poet. At his mother’s insist- play he had written under the title of “The edition of the festival. Romina Jahandideh will direct the play ence, he brings a friend from work home Gentleman Caller”. The 42-year-old puppeteer died in March 2020 after months based on a Persian translation of the play as a possible suitor for Laura. The suitor The play premiered in Chicago in 1944. of suffering from cancer. by Hamid Samandarian, whose wife, Homa went to high school with Laura. He is the After a shaky start, it was championed by A lineup of seven traditional puppet shows have also been Rusta, staged it in 1972. only boy that she has ever had a crush on. Chicago critics Ashton Stevens and Claudia selected to be performed during the festival. Shaahin Alinejad, Mojdeh Mohajeri, The evening turns into a disaster. After Cassidy, whose enthusiasm helped build The puppet shows have been chosen from 14 submissions Narges Hashemi and Ali Barqbani are the Jim leaves, Amanda scolds Tom, who runs audiences so the producers could move by a selecting board composed of Pupak Azimpur, Shahrzad members of the cast. off to join the merchant marine shortly the play to Broadway where it won the New Mobarhan and Davud Fat’hali Beigi. In “The Glass Menagerie”, Tom recalls after that disastrous night. But, as Tom York Drama Critics’ Circle Award in 1945. The lineup includes “The Last Autumn Celebration” by Ali scenes from his youth during the height tells the audience, he was never able to “The Glass Menagerie” was Williams’ first Jabbari, “Salim Khan Court” by Zahra Amini, “Salim Khan of the Depression. It shows his mother, leave his guilt behind. So, in the end, none successful play. He went on to become one of Court” by Safar-Ali Mohammadzadeh, “Salaman and Mobarak” Amanda, trying to maintain a lost gentil- of them escaped from the traps in which America’s most highly regarded playwrights. by Mahmud Dehqan Harati, “Stay in the Jar” by Amir-Hos- ity in the midst of overwhelming poverty they were caught. Earlier in 2017, Iranian director Mikail sein Ensafi, “Favorite of the Stage” by Hossein Rabiei and and cajoling her children into her idea of The play catapulted Williams from obscu- Shahrestani’s troupe performed “The Glass A poster for Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass “Korsibazi” by Mohammadreza Azadfar. happiness. rity to fame. It has strong autobiographical Menagerie” at Tehran’s Theater House. Menagerie”.