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12 Pages Price 40,000 Rials 1.00 EURO 4.00 AED 39th year No.13632 Sunday APRIL 5, 2020 Farvardin 17, 1399 Sha’aban 11, 1441 Iran likens remarks by Iranian-made COVID-19 Playing in Olympics “Water Never Dies” German health minister diagnostic system one of my main goals: narrator Mirza Mohammad to April fool’s joke 3 unveiled 9 Arsalan Kazemi 11 Solgi dies at 65 12

580 kilometers of freeways to be Restrictions on Iran amounts inaugurated by Mar. 2021 TEHRAN— About 580 kilometers of free- going to pursue in this year is the National ways will be inaugurated throughout Iran Housing Plan which aims to build 380,000 during the current Iranian calendar year affordable housing units, ILNA reported. (ends on March 20, 2021), Transport and Back in January, Deputy Transport and to ‘crime against humanity’ Urban Development Minister Mohammad Urban Development Minister Kheirollah Eslami announced on Saturday. Khademi had announced that six prioritized Mentioning Transport and Urban De- freeways projects with a total length of 550 velopment Ministry’s plans for the current kilometers (KM) were planned to be inaugu- See page 3 Iranian year, Eslami noted that one of rated by the Iranian Calendar year of 1400 the major programs that his ministry is (starts on March 21, 2021). 4 Iran, Oman launch new container shipping line TEHRAN — Iran, and Oman launched Iran and Oman had signed a maritime a new container shipping line to transit cooperation agreement in December 2019 cargoes between the southern Iranian for boosting maritime transportation be- port city of Bandar Abbas and Port Sultan tween the two countries. Qaboos in Oman, IRNA reported, quot- Based on the agreement, Iranian trad- ing the head of Iran’s Trade Promotion ers and businessmen would be able to Organization (TPO). interact constructively with their Omani According to Hamid Zadboum, the counterparts, and regular shipping lines line which officially started operation were to be established between the two on Saturday is going to be used to tran- countries, while the two sides also pledged sit container cargoes, mainly fruits, and to provide facilities for using each other’s vegetables, between the two countries. ports. 4

Racism row as French doctors suggest virus vaccine test in Africa Two French doctors have been accused “It may be provocative. Should we not of racism for suggesting that a potential do this study in Africa where there are no vaccine for coronavirus should first be masks, no treatment or intensive care,

Desing by Bahman Vakhshour tested on people in Africa. a little bit like it’s been done for certain The comments were made on the French AIDS studies, where among prostitutes, television channel, LCI, during a discussion we try things, because we know that they on Wednesday about COVID-19 trials set are highly exposed and don’t protect them- to be launched in Europe and Australia to selves?” said Jean-Paul Mira, head of the

Tehran Times/ see if the BCG tuberculosis vaccine could intensive care unit at the Cochin Hospital be used to treat the virus. in Paris. 10 ARTICLE IIDCYA gives discounts on books to enrich children’s time during home quarantine ARTICLE Ebrahim Fallahi By Manijeh Rezapoor born American writer Meindert DeJong is one The exact date of the fair will be specified later. Zahra Bahadivand Chegini Tehran Times journalist TEHRAN — Iran’s Institute for Intellectual De- of the highlights. It is worth mentioning that the Tehran book Freelance translator velopment of Children and Young Adults (IIDCYA) The book, which has won the 1955 Newbery fair used to welcome thousands of book fans and has given discounts on its electronic copies of a Medal for children’s literature, has been narrated students for about 10 days during April. number of its publications to help keep children by veteran voice actor Ehteram Borumand. Ba- It was a venue for family and friend gatherings, Indigenizing busy with reading during the home quarantine hereh Anvar is the Persian translator of the book. while meetings with writers and publishers were COVID-19, an amid the coronavirus pandemic. Another highlight is “Paulina” by the Spanish other highlights of the fair. petchem catalysts: Hundreds of books ranging from novels and author Ana Maria Matute. Now, that the country is dealing with fears uninvited guest historical books to audiobooks are currently The book has been translated into Persian of the coronavirus pandemic, it is a good op- a big step toward available on Taaghche, a major online Iranian by celebrated translator Mohammad Qazi and portunity to purchase the audiobooks from who helped us bookstore. narrated by actress Gelareh Abbasi. online bookstores to promote book reading total independence More interesting is that some of the children’s The audiobook is available with a 50 percent and remember the good days of book reading cherish our planet, books are narrated by some celebrated actors discount. in the country. s the second-biggest source of rev- or voice actors, which can also be appealing for The 33rd Tehran International Book Fair Photo: This combination photo shows a family more enue for Iran, the petrochemical parents. (TIBF) was postponed to a time after the holy number of IIDCYA publications available on he widespread outbreak of the coro- Aindustry is one of the most important “The Wheel on the School”, a novel by Dutch- month of Ramadan due to the new virus epidemic. Taaghcheh. pillars of the country’s resilient economy navirus has created a new situation and one of the main suppliers of foreign Tin the human world. From political currency especially the euro for the country. troubles and disputes to the humankind’s The industry became more significant Coronavirus sparks a ‘war for masks’ as accusations fly potential vulnerability to confront nature, since the re-imposition of U.S. sanctions on and the increasing importance of science As the coronavirus pandemic spreads across that was due to fly to France had instead daily battle to secure orders. “It’s true,” he claimed, the country’s oil industry and since then, in human life, are part of changes and Europe and the United States, a global scram- gone to the US. “that on the tarmac the Americans arrive, take the government has been taking serious hints caused by the introduction of the ble for protective equipment such as masks Muselier was asked by CNN affiliate BFM-TV out cash and pay three or four times more for the measures to expand the industry and move virus into modern human life. and gloves is underway. In France they are whether masks had been taken by Americans at orders we have made, so it’s necessary to fight.” toward self-sufficiency. So far, over 1.12 million people have calling it the “guerre des masques” -- the war Chinese airports. He replied: “Exactly,” before Rottner tweeted that 2 million masks had ar- Cooperating with capable domestic been infected with the virus worldwide, of the masks. adding, “There is a foreign country that paid three rived on April 1 from Shanghai, posting video of knowledge-based companies and startups and more than 60,000 died, something Some French officials have even alleged that times the price of the cargo on the tarmac. So the cargo being shipped on his Twitter account. is one of the very fruitful steps that the oil rare and perhaps unprecedented for at their consignments from China have been hijacked the masks are gone and the region that ordered Two more shipments are due to arrive at the ministry has taken in its efforts to reach least this century, most importantly, it by Americans. them has been destitute.” weekend, he said. complete independence from the foreign has involved the whole world. The presidents of two regions in France have Muselier later tweeted that masks for his own Contacted by CNN, Rottner’s office would resources for meeting its equipment needs. In fact, most of the world’s population has claimed that American customers -- without spec- region were on their way and had “not been bought not elaborate on his claims, but a third regional In this regard, the country’s Petrochem- experienced this phenomenon, and COV- ifying who -- have tried to pay Chinese suppliers by a foreign power.” president, Valérie Pécresse of Île-de-France, ical Research and Technology Company ID-19 may later become the only memory three or four times the agreed price to get critical Contacted by CNN, Muselier referred further said the quest for masks was a global treasure (PRTC) has played a very significant role shared by all humans on the earth. It is better supplies diverted. questions to the French Foreign Ministry, which hunt. “We had made an order but were unable in collaborating with such companies for to say that this is the common pain of the Renaud Muselier, president of the Sud said Thursday it was looking into the reports. to complete it because others were ready to working on innovative research projects world since no identification is required to region, alleged in several interviews that an Jean Rottner, the president of another French pay three times the market price,” Pecresse for producing various equipment and understand what is going on in the world order from one French region had been bought region -- Grand Est -- echoed Muselier’s remarks, told radio network Franceinfo. She did not base-products needed in the industry. these days, it is not required to put ourselves by the Americans for cash -- and the plane telling French radio network RTL that it was a identify the “others.” Earlier this month, the PRTC’s Manag- 10 in the shows of people around the country to ing Director Ali Pajouhan announced that understand this, because almost all people National Petrochemical Company (NPC), around the world breath under the white in collaboration with domestic companies, masks for an hour or a few minutes or days is planning to indigenize the knowledge Firefighters to stay immune against this virus. for producing nine major catalysts used The question is whether Corona or any in the petrochemical industries within other factor threatening human life in this the next two years. disinfect way will produce a strange but tangible Catalyst is a substance that increases result. As slogans like “no to luxury” are the rate of a chemical reaction in the pro- becoming a reality these days, we further cess of creating a petrochemical product; Tehran streets understand that food and water are the the catalyst itself is not consumed in the human’s basic needs, and how foolishly catalyzed reaction and can continue to against humans spend the life collecting, thinking, act repeatedly. Because of this, only very and spending energy for things that are small amounts of catalyst are required never a part of their needs and well-being to alter the reaction rate in most cases. COVID-19 and a factor of happiness. However, catalysts are very expensive The human being has sacrificed the Firefighters in central parts of Tehran are substances and currently, the country is principle of life that is to provide comfort, using their fogging machines to disinfect spending millions of dollars every year on health, and spiritual evolution, to some streets against the novel coronavirus on importing such products into the country, sub-principles that are less felt these days. Friday, April 3. producing such catalysts inside the country The phenomenon showed us that The total number of people diagnosed would make a huge difference in the prof- the powerful hand of nature treats all with the coronavirus in Iran reached 55,743 itability rate of the petrochemical plants. human beings in the same way, regard- Sarehdokht Soltaniyeh on Saturday, of whom 3,452 have died and Iranian petrochemical industry is less of color, race, wealth, power, and 19,736 recovered. Iran has announced social currently using 40 different types of we may need to learn from COVID-19 distancing measures in a bid to minimize catalysts which cost the industry $260 IRNA/ that human beings are equal even in the spread of coronavirus. million annually. 4 facing the disease. 9 I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y POLITICS APRIL 5, 2020

Colombia University professor: G77, China demand end to U.S. U.S. return to nuclear deal would be best choice sanctions amid coronavirus pandemic POLITICAL TEHRAN — Political Science Professor at Co- desklombia University Robert Y. Shapiro has said POLITICAL TEHRAN — The Group and prompts European medical companies that a fresh start to diplomacy is the best solution to reduce tension deskof 77 (G-77) and China, to refuse to sell vital equipment to Tehran. between Iran and the United States, noting that Washington’s return in a statement on Friday, called for an end “The world community must come to to the 2015 nuclear deal would be best choice. to unilateral sanctions against developing its senses and help Iran against economic, In an interview with ILNA published on Saturday, he said that countries amid the coronavirus crisis, warn- medical and drug terrorism,” Zarif wrote. the U.S. must return to the agreement to start to deal with issues ing the sanctions could slow down efforts to In his op-ed, Zarif argued that Tehran related to that. However, Shapiro said, that requires the Trump tackle the pandemic. has a “strong” healthcare system, but severe administration to change its approach or for a new president to The Group of 77 at the United Nations sanctions by Washington are draining its take office. is a coalition of 135 developing countries, finances. “The American policy of maximum designed to promote its members’ collective pressure hampers Iranian exports, while Iran economic interests and create an enhanced has fewer and fewer sources of investment.” . joint negotiating capacity in the United Na- The United States has refused to lift tions. sanctions on Iran and even tightened them The statement implicitly aimed at the several times in recent weeks, making it al- United States, which has imposed tough most impossible for the Islamic Republic to sanctions against Iran and Venezuela. access life-saving medications and medical The coalition of developing nations was equipment. quoted by the AFP as saying that the ap- As of Saturday, April 4, about 56,000 Ira- plication of “unilateral coercive economic nian had tested positive for the coronavirus measures will have a negative impact on and about 35,00 had lost their lives. the capacity of states to respond efficiently.” The United States has refused to lift sanc- It warned that such measures would affect tions on Iran and even tightened them several targeted countries ‘’acquisition of medical On Monday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Mo- titled “Fight the Virus, Not Us” published in times in recent weeks, hampering Iran’s efforts “Trump and the U.S. government are constantly talking about equipment and supplies” to adequately treat hammad Javad Zarif said U.S. sanctions have Russian business newspaper Kommersant. to contain the virus as Washington restricts negotiating, but each day they are putting more threats against Iran so their populations in the face of this pandemic.” made it “impossible” for Iranians to have “This is leading to a humanitarian ca- Tehran’s access to life-saving medications Tehran reduces its obligations in response to these threats,” he said. “We therefore call upon the internation- access to essential drugs during the Covid-19 tastrophe,” the top diplomat warned, noting and medical equipment. U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the U.S. al community to adopt urgent and effective pandemic, warning that the bans were leading that Washington’s campaign of ‘maximum Meanwhile, the UN General Assembly on from the 2015 nuclear deal that Tehran had sealed with the 5+1 measures to eliminate the use of unilateral to a “humanitarian catastrophe”. pressure’ on Tehran undermines the coun- Thursday approved a resolution for the first nations, and imposed the most severe sanctions ever on the Islamic coercive economic measures against devel- “The illegal blockade of Iran’s financial try’s efforts in treating Covid-19 patients and time on the coronavirus pandemic, calling Republic under its maximum pressure policy. oping countries,” the statement said. resources by the sweeping U.S. sanctions slowing down the spread of the deadly virus. for “multilateralism” in the fight against the In response to this move, on May 8, 2019, Iran announced that The Group of 77 was established on 15 June makes access to drugs and medical equip- Zarif stressed that the threat of U.S. sanc- virus, but failed to condemn unilateral U.S. its “strategic patience” is over and started to gradually reduce its 1964 by seventy-seven developing countries. ment impossible,” Zarif wrote in an op-ed tions forces banks to avoid dealing with Iran sanctions against countries. commitments to the JCPOA at bi-monthly intervals. At the time Iran announced if the European parties to the deal take concrete steps to shield Iran’s economy from the U.S. sanctions it will reverse its decision. However, seeing no action by the Europeans, on January 5 Iran Defense Ministry resolved to defeat coronavirus outbreak: official took the last and final step by removing all limits on its nuclear POLITICAL TEHRAN — The Defense Ministry’s masks, disinfectants, and protective clothes from the early activities. deskhealth, treatment and rescue department days that the coronavirus disease was detected in Iran. It Iran’s moves are based on paragraph 36 of the JCPOA which said on Saturday that it is determined to continue fight against also unveiled advanced thermal cameras used as a screening “allows one side, under certain circumstances, to stop complying the COVID-19 disease till rooting the virus out. tool in crowded places. with the deal if the other side is out of compliance.” Reza Allah-Varn, the department chief, said the military The Army and the IRGC have been building field hos- Despite taking the last step, Iran has reminded the Europeans has been defending the country via reinvigorating deter- pital in certain cities across Iran. For example, the Army to fulfill their commitments in order to keep the deal alive. rence power. He added, “The same policy is followed by has converted the Tehran Permanent International Fair- the ministry in countering the virus.” grounds into a field hospital with 2,000 beds to prepare Tehran mayor says sanctions The ministry official expressed the hope to overcome the for a probable surge of COVID-19 patients. Built on March outbreak in the shortest time possible. 25, the hospital has the capacity to add 1,000 more beds. It crippling Iran’s fight against Reza Allah-Varn went on to say that coronavirus diag- was built just in 24 hours. nostic kit was produced by the ministry 40 days ago and On March 13, top commanders of the IRGC, Army and coronavirus later went under test by the Pasteur Institute. police gathered together on how to contain the outbreak of He added, “Mass production of the kits has been started the novel coronavirus. Writing an article in the Guardian on Saturday, Pirouz Hanachi, in Imam Reza (AS) Healthcare Base.” In a decree on March 12, Leader of the Islamic Revolu- the mayor of Tehran, has warned that a refusal by the Donald On Monday, the Iranian Defense Ministry unveiled a tion Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordered the establishment of Trump administration to halt “economic warfare against Iran is new generation of test kits that can detect the Covid-19 in a “health and treatment headquarters” to prevent further Ayatollah Khamenei added, “In addition to establishing directly impeding” Iran’s efforts to contain the deadly coronavirus three hours with 98 percent accuracy. spread of the coronavirus in the country. such treatment facilities as field hospitals and infirmaries, “which knows no borders”. Second Brigadier General Amiri from the Defense Min- In his edict, which was addressed to military chief Major and so forth, you must focus on prevention of further spread Following is the text of the article: istry said the homegrown test kit is being endorsed by the General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, Ayatollah Khamenei of this disease through necessary means as well. To many of us urban Health Ministry. praised the services to the people by the Armed Forces in “Since there is speculation that this incident might be a administrators in Iran, the Amiri said this is the second generation of test kits pro- their drive to hamper further spread of the coronavirus and ‘biological attack’, this measure could be also some form of onslaught of coronavirus has duced by the ministry’s Industries Organization. said, “It is necessary that these services be organized in the biological defense drill, which would add to national power underscored an important fact of The Defense Ministry started mass production of face form of a health and treatment headquarters.” and strength [of the country],” the leader stated. life: no town, city or nation can be indifferent to global crises, even in far-flung corners of our world. Diplomat says U.S. sanctions will lead to EU urges suspension of U.S. sanctions Indeed, while the mantra of good governance over the past humanitarian catastrophe on Iran century has been to “think global, act local”, we must today think and act both locally and globally. Unfortunately, the small- mindedness that has dominated the politics of various countries in past years has not dissipated. Rather, those who have aggressively advocated pursuit of narrowly defined “national interests” at any cost are doubling down. The consequences of this posturing are many. In Iran, urban administrators are left facing an unprecedented public health crisis. Figures show that 3,160 had died from the disease by 2 April and there are more than 50,000 cases of infection. The rate of infections is not yet slowing, and many of them are in Tehran, the city of which I am mayor. Doubtless there are things that we could do differently, like every country in the world. But we are operating against the backdrop of the most extreme sanctions regime in history. The U.S. embargo not only prohibits American companies and individuals from conducting lawful trade with Iranian counterparts, but given POLITICAL TEHRAN – Iran’s of strangulating the Iranian economy. POLITICAL TEHRAN – Foreign heightening the health risks for millions of that the sanctions are extra-territorial, all other countries and deskAmbassador to Rus- The Academy of Medical Sciences of deskministers of the Euro- people and weakening the global effort to companies are also bullied into refraining from doing legitimate sia, Kazem Jalali, said on Friday that Iran has written to the UN to complain pean Union have urged suspension of the contain the spread of the new coronavirus, business with Iranians, even the selling of medicines. the United States’ sanctions will lead to a about the world’s body failure to push United States’ sanctions against countries, Foreign Policy reported on March 24. As a result, the ability of my colleagues and I to provide the “humanitarian catastrophe” in the world. for the lifting of cruel U.S. sanctions at including Iran, in the fight against the coro- “I am encouraging the waiving of sanctions health, logistical and other essential infrastructure necessary to His remarks came after the U.S. and a critical time when Iran is fighting a navirus pandemic. imposed on countries to ensure access to combat the disease has been drastically reduced. We experience certain allies vetoed Russia’s proposed deadly coronavirus pandemic, Press TV Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha Gon- food, essential health supplies, and COV- this loss every day, and it can be counted in people that would resolution to lift sanctions imposed on reported on Thursday. zalez Laya told reporters that the issue was ID-19 medical support. This is the time for not have died. the countries fighting the highly trans- In the letter addressed to UN Secretary discussed in a meeting on Friday, according solidarity not exclusion,” he said. This unjust treatment of Iran has come about via the policies missible coronavirus. General Antonio Guterres, the academy’s to ISNA. “Let us remember that we are only as of one country – the United States – whose ruling administration In a tweet in Russian language, Jalali President Alireza Marandi criticized the She noted that the sanctions must be re- strong as the weakest health system in our does not seem to prioritize even its own national interests, but added that today, the global community UN and its affiliated organizations for moved when there is human rights urgency interconnected world,” he said. instead the narrow interests of a governing party. The outcome stood on one side and the U.S. on the taking “no effective measures” to ease like outbreak of the coronavirus. Michelle Bachelet, the UN high commis- of such irresponsible policies and behavior is not limited to Iran; other, according to IRNA. the restrictive U.S. measures, which A UN human rights expert called on sioner for human rights, also said on March they have also inflicted harm on the American public. U.S. foreign policy has even mocked are hampering Iran’s fight against the Tuesday for lifting international sanctions 24 that “in a context of global pandemic, Indeed, the Donald Trump administration’s refusal to halt role of the United Nations in solving fast-spreading disease. against countries ranging from Iran to North impeding medical efforts in one country its economic warfare against Iran is directly impeding our global problems, Iran’s top diplomat to “Following correspondence about Korea and Venezuela in coronavirus crisis, heightens the risk for all of us.” efforts to deal with a virus which knows no borders. Is it in Russia added. the U.S. government’s illegal sanctions according to Reuters. “At this crucial time, both for global public the U.S.’s national interest for the coronavirus pandemic to In a tweet on March 29, Foreign Min- against the Islamic Republic of Iran and “The continued imposition of crippling health reasons, and to support the rights and become permanent? ister Mohammad Javad Zarif urged the its direct impact on the health of the Ira- economic sanctions on Syria, Venezuela, lives of millions of people in these countries, In order to better confront these new global crises, there is a international community to stop sup- nian people, unfortunately, so far, the Iran, Cuba, and, to a lesser degree, Zimba- sectoral sanctions should be eased or sus- need for politicians to realize that the path to pursuing national porting U.S. “war crimes” against Iran, United Nations and other relevant or- bwe, to name the most prominent instances, pended,” she said in a statement. interests is not separate or contrary to that of global interests and urging the world to “stop obeying immoral ganizations including the World Health severely undermines the ordinary citizens’ In a letter to the World Health Organiza- international accountability. and illegal sanctions” against Iranians. Organization, which claim to defend the fundamental right to sufficient and adequate tion (WHO) chief on Friday, Iran’s ambassa- Of equal importance, it must be recognized that as long as the He said that the U.S. “economic terror- rights of humanity, have taken no effec- food,” Hilal Elver, UN special rapporteur on dor and permanent representative to the UN general consensus in international politics does not actively move ism” on Iran has been expanding to the tive measures to lift the cruel sanctions the right to food, said in a statement. office in Geneva Esmaeil Baghaei Hamaneh toward reducing injustice and inequality beyond national and new level of “medical terrorism” which is against our dear children, women, men Elver, an independent expert, said that it said that the imposition and intensification racial boundaries, global crises will continue to indiscriminately not even permissible on the battlefield. and patients,” Marandi wrote. was a matter of “humanitarian and practical of U.S. sanctions on Iran amidst the corona- endanger every country in the world. “This even ‘exceeds what would be Marandi, a former health minister, urgency to lift unilateral economic sanctions virus pandemic amount to a “crime against The world cannot go on like this. If global leaders fail to seize permissible on the battlefield,” he noted. also lashed out at the Donald Trump ad- immediately”. humanity”. the opportunity to embrace change, we will all continue to remain The Trump administration has slapped ministration for turning a deaf ear to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres As of Saturday, April 4, 3,452 Iranian highly vulnerable to communicable diseases, environmental the harshest ever sanctions in history international calls demanding sanctions wrote in a letter to the G-20 economic powers, lost their lives to the deadly coronavirus. catastrophes, global warming, terrorism, violent extremism and against Iran. It has introduced a total relief and instead imposing even more calling for rolling back international sanctions Also until Saturday, 55,743 were confirmed other shared threats. ban on Iran’s oil export with the aim anti-Iran sanctions. regimes around the world, saying they are contracted the virus. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y APRIL 5, 2020 IRAN IN FOCUS 3 Health minister praises Basij for Restrictions on Iran amid pandemic amounts to ‘crime contribution to coronavirus battle against humanity’ POLITICAL TEHRAN — Iranian the national coronavirus fight plan and deskHealth Minister Saeed called for Iran to share its experience POLITICAL TEHRAN — Iran’s ambassador and per- Namaki has lauded the Basij forces for throughout the Eastern Mediterranean. deskmanent representative to the UN office in helping the medical society in the country’s To date, we have been able to cov- Geneva has said that the imposition and intensification of fight against the coronavirus outbreak. er more than 90 percent of the target U.S. sanctions on Iran amidst the coronavirus pandemic In a letter to Basij Chief Gholamreza population through the national plan, amount to a “crime against humanity”. Soleimani, Namaki voiced his gratitude Namaki stated. In a letter to World Health Organization (WHO) to the volunteer forces of the Basij for Among the public and experts, a Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on their close cooperation with the medical question was raised that “when we say Friday, Esmaeil Baghaei Hamaneh said the imposi- staff and for their contribution to the that we could manage the first heavy tion of cruel and illegal sanctions on Iran, which has national mobilization plan to contain wave of the disease in the country, how impeded the ordinary’s people access to medicine and the deadly virus, Tasnim reported. have the identified cases increased,” he medical equipment, clearly exemplifies crime against He also pointed to Leader of the Islam- responded that “with achievements in humanity. ic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s the screening of the disease, we have He added that the sanctions have blocked Iran’s banking recommendation that the intensity of the been able to identify more new cases of transactions with other countries to buy commodities battle with the coronavirus should not COVID-19, and in the coming days, the required in contain the deadly coronavirus. decrease, predicting a difficult road ahead healing of those identified will become The envoy stressed the importance of rolling back for the full containment of the disease. more apparent and will change Iran’s international sanctions regimes around the world as Namaki asked the Basij Force to situation globally.” insisted by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio stand with the medical society on the People should know that we are in Guterres, who had said in a letter to the G-20 economic path fraught with difficulties, saying the disease management phase and powers that the sanctions are heightening the health the Islamic Republic has so far achieved are still operating to control and the risks for millions of people and weakening the global great results in the fight against the On Thursday, the health minister In a meeting held through videocon- disease, he said, adding, “However, in containment endeavor. coronavirus despite the pressure of predicted that Iran’s situation in fight ference with WHO officials in the East- some provinces, due to proper disease “I am encouraging the waiving of sanctions imposed sanctions in comparison to countries against the pandemic will improve no- ern Mediterranean region in attendance, management, the detection rate of new on countries to ensure access to food, essential health with strong economies. ticeably in coming days. experts praised Iran for implementing cases has dropped.” supplies, and COVID-19 medical support. This is the time for solidarity, not exclusion,” the UN chief wrote. “Let us remember that we are only as strong as the weakest health system in our interconnected world,” MP says coronavirus laid bare true face of U.S. Guterres added. Elsewhere in his letter, Baghaei Hamaneh said the POLITICAL TEHRAN — A member of the parliament tonio Guterres. desk intensification of U.S. economic and banking restrictions says the coronavirus pandemic has laid In a letter to the G-20 economic powers, Guterres said on Iran amidst the pandemic runs counter to international bare the true face of the United States, which pursues an- the sanctions are heightening the health risks for millions regulations, adding that the White House shoulders an ti-human rights policies. of people and weakening the global containment endeavor. international responsibility in this regard. “On the one hand, the American [rulers] shout out hu- “I am encouraging the waiving of sanctions imposed on The United States has refused to lift sanctions on manitarian slogans, but on the other hand, they prevent countries to ensure access to food, essential health supplies, Iran and even tightened them several times in recent aid to Iran to fight coronavirus,” said Hassan Bahramnia, and COVID-19 medical support. This is the time for solidarity weeks. Tehran’s access to life-saving medications and ISNA reported on Saturday. not exclusion,” the UN chief wrote. medical equipment have been restricted due to illegal “This conduct clearly shows their anti-human rights In his remarks, Bahramnia also said the coronavirus sanctions. policies,” Bahramnia added. might be part of a biological warfare imposed by bullying Meanwhile, the UN General Assembly on Thursday Iran has on various occasions denounced Washington’s countries against humanity. approved a resolution for the first time on the coronavi- unilateral sanctions for worsening Iran’s fight against the “This has not been proven yet, but if this is the case, it’s rus pandemic, calling for “multilateralism” in the fight deadly virus. a crime against humanity which shows the wickedness of against the virus, but failed to condemn unilateral U.S. In a letter to Director General of the World Health Organ- the country that produced it,” he said. sanctions against countries. ization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Friday, Last month, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the Khamenei described the U.S. as “the most evil enemy of the UN office in Geneva Esmaeil Baqaei Hamaneh said medi- Iranian nation,” saying the U.S. is accused of producing the virus. cal sanctions by the United States government against the “I do not know how true this accusation is, but when Head of Iran’s Islamic Islamic Republic amount to an “unprecedented threat” to such an accusation is made, which wise person will ask for global public health. your help?” he asked. Seminaries writes letter to Pope According to Press TV, Baqaei Hamaneh said imposition of Ayatollah Khamenei also ordered Iran’s military chief to POLITICAL TEHRAN — Head of Iran’s Islamic Sem- the cruel and illegal sanctions on Iran, which has resulted in required in the fight against the coronavirus and warned establish a “health and treatment base” to prevent further desk the ordinary Iranian people being denied access to medicine that the illegal restrictions are a serious threat to Tehran’s spread of the virus. inaries Ayatollah Alireza Arafi has written and medical equipment and services, clearly exemplifies a efforts to battle and contain the virus. “Since there is some evidence that this incident might be a letter to Pope Francis, calling for cooperation amid the crime against humanity. The Iranian envoy stressed the importance of rolling a ‘biological attack’, this measure could be also some form of global fight against the coronavirus pandemic. He added that the sanctions have blocked Iran’s banking back international sanctions regimes around the world biological defense drill, which would add to national power In his letter, Ayatollah Arafi said the unfortunate inci- interaction with other countries in order to buy commodities as emphasized by United Nations Secretary General An- and strength [of the country],” he said. dent of the coronavirus outbreak has caused suffering for countries and nations, wishing all disasters away from the world, according to the Hawzah news agency. He thanked the Pope and all those who contribute to the 150 Iranian academics write to UN chief, U.S. sanctions hindering Iran’s fight fight against coronavirus, saying addressing this challenge call for sanctions end against coronavirus outbreak: MP and other contemporary crises such as injustice, discrim- ination, inhumane sanctions, environmental crises, war, POLITICAL TEHRAN — In a POLITICAL TEHRAN- An Irani- terrorism, production and maintenance of WMDs, require deskletter addressed to deskan parliamentarian international consultation, cooperation, and comprehen- United Nations Secretary General wrote on her official Twitter account sive policies. Antonio Guterres, 150 Iranian activ- on Saturday that the U.S. economic “I take this opportunity to announce that the Seminary and ists and academics called for an end terrorism and illegal sanctions are its professors, scholars, and students are ready to exchange to anti-Iran sanctions. now among the main barriers facing scientific, cultural and relief experiences, especially in the The full transcript of the letter, re- Iran to mitigate COVID-19 outbreak. virtual field, and to open a new chapter of collaboration leased on Friday, is as follows: In her tweet, Fatemeh Hosseini appre- with international scientific centers, universities, religious Dear Mr. Secretary-General, ciated sympathetic message of Gabriela centers, leaders of divine religions, official organizations As you are well informed, the raison Cuevas Barron, the current president of of countries, and specifically the institution of Catholic d’être of the United Nations, which was lives of Iranian people, and second, the the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) for in Geneva said in a letter to the World Christianity in order to form a community of divine reli- founded in the aftermath of the ruinous sanctions virus that, due to the short- her insistence on the need to lift cruel and Health Organization (WHO) chief that gions to serve humanity,” he added. World War II that killed tens of millions age of possibilities and lack of access to illegal sanctions imposed on Iran by the the imposition and intensification of of people and made hundreds of millions the medical equipment, drugs, and the Trump administration. U.S. sanctions on Iran amidst the coro- of others homeless and displaced, was other necessary tools for confronting The IPU is the global organization of navirus pandemic amount to a “crime to lessen the human beings’ pains and the disease outbreak, has disrupted the national parliaments. against humanity”. Iran likens remarks by sufferings and to provide them with a country’s medical system and threatens Hosseini, who serves as the executive Ambassador Esmaeil Baghaei Hamaneh German health minister to safer and more blissful world, regardless severely the nation’s health, and regard- manager of the Iranian parliament in the said the imposition of cruel and illegal of their nationality, religion, race, and ing Iran’s geopolitical situation in the IPU, underscored, “My colleague and I are sanctions has blocked Iran’s banking April fool’s joke color of skin. Today, the whole world is Middle East region, it might lead to the resolved to do our best to cope seriously transactions with other countries to buy faced with the global disaster of Corona- disease outbreak and death of millions with the coronavirus consequences on commodities needed to contain the rap- POLITICAL TEHRAN — The Iranian embassy in Ber- desk virus disease and, despite human being’s of people in the whole region. the people.” idly-spreading deadly virus. lin on Friday responded to the German wonderful scientific advancements, their As the signers of this declaration, In a message to Iranian Parliament The Iranian envoy stressed the impor- health minister’s claim that Tehran’s actions against the weakness has become more obvious than we request Your Excellency as the UN’s Speaker Ali Larijani on April 3, Barron tance of rolling back international sanctions Coronavirus are not transparent, saying that these remarks any other time, and it is evident that Secretary-General, and its subordinate expressed concern over the speaker’s health regimes around the world as emphasized by are more like an April fools’ joke. without solidarity, sympathy, and so- organizations, and also the whole world’s after he tested positive for COVID-19. She United Nations Secretary-General Antonio German Health Minister Jens Spahn recently claimed dality, they will not have a bright future. intellectual community, civil society, wished him immediate recovery. Guterres, who had said in a letter to the that Iran Air flights had been canceled due to the high Thus, we must all take into consideration international institutions, and the all She also expressed her solidarity with all G-20 economic powers that the sanctions risk of Iran and lack of transparency in the fight against that “we are all in the same boat in a noble people to help the Iranian state members of the Iranian parliament, saying, are heightening the health risks for mil- the Coronavirus. stormy sea.” and nation in removing sanctions in “Together we can defeat the Coronavirus.” lions of people and weakening the global Iran’s embassy in Germany on Friday issued a statement In the meanwhile, Iran’s great, glo- order for them to be able to confront Formerly the speakers of Russian, containment endeavor. urging the minister to specify that his position and claim rious, and munificent nation, who has the disease outbreak. Syrian parliaments, and Pakistani-Ira- “I am encouraging the waiving of were based on which well-known and reliable international played a unique role in the progress of Human beings are members of a nian parliamentary friendship group had sanctions imposed on countries to ensure official or legal source. human civilization according to the whole, wished immediate recovery for Larijani access to food, essential health supplies, “The World Health Organization (WHO) is the global attestation of the world’s great think- In creation of one essence and soul, in separate messages. and COVID-19 medical support. This is overseer of disease control measures, which has appre- ers, is horribly attacked by two forces: If one member is afflicted with pain, On Friday, Iran’s ambassador per- the time for solidarity, not exclusion,” the ciated the actions of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the first, the Coronavirus that threatens the Other members uneasy will remain. manent representative to the UN office UN chief wrote. fight against COVID-19, despite the harsh conditions of the sanctions against the Iranian nation,” the state- ment read. The Iranian embassy in Germany stressed the need to lift the U.S. sanctions against Iran and the need for inter- Overcoming coronavirus requires global co-op: ambassador national cooperation to overcome the global crisis. POLITICAL TEHRAN — Iranian Ambassador to of 11 million was the hardest hit by the outbreak, recording secretary of state, and the president of the United States, “Certainly, the responsible and humane behavior and deskChina Mohammad Keshavarz-Zadeh 2,567 fatalities. This accounts for more than three-quarters ought to be behaving in the best of times - but certainly not comments of nations and governments will be recorded has said overcoming the coronavirus pandemic requires of China’s coronavirus deaths. in a crisis,” The Hill quoted former White House national in the historical memory of the people of the world,” the global cooperation. Earlier, the ambassador warned that the world should be security adviser Susan Rice as saying on Tuesday. statement added. In a tweet on Saturday, Keshavarz-Zadeh said “Satur- vigilant against any xenophobic, racist or intolerant propa- In the short term, Keshavarz Zadeh called on all coun- According to the WHO, about 70 percent of victims of the day” has been declared a day of mourning across China to ganda.“It’s absolutely wrong and inappropriate to label the tries and the United Nations to make effective arrangement Coronavirus and 50 percent of those infected with the virus remember victims of coronavirus. novel coronavirus as the ‘China Virus’ or ‘Wuhan Virus’,” he to lead global efforts in sharing data about the COVID-19, belong to EU member states, led by Italy and Spain, and He pointed out that more than one million people in the told China.org.cn, referring to the practice of tying the virus coordinating international research, providing and encour- the European Union at large, followed by the United States. world are suffering from coronavirus today. to China by U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of aging greater funding of the World Health Organization, Worldwide, the total number of infections recorded The Iranian envoy also extended his condolences to the State Mike Pompeo earlier in March. and humanitarian assistance. since the beginning of the outbreak reached more than families of the victims of the coronavirus, especially the The ambassador said this kind of propaganda is not a According to the diplomat, Iran, the hardest-hit country 1,098,762. Some 228,923 people have recovered globally, Iranian people.Earlier on Saturday, people across China new type of ignorance and racism, however, such language in Middle East, has entered a dire situation at a time when while nearly 59,172 have died. stopped for three minutes to pay tribute to those who have from the top leadership of a major power is unprecedented the government was already under extreme pressure by Despite being under “maximum pressure” campaign died in the country’s coronavirus outbreak. in the 21st century. U.S. unilateral sanctions. This has hampered Iran’s ability introduced by the Trump administration, Iran has won In Wuhan, where the outbreak began, all traffic lights Trump’s language has also drawn domestic criticism. “It’s to purchase and access vital medical equipment and phar- the praise of the WHO for handling the Pandemic Coro- in urban areas were turned red for three minutes. The city certainly not the way the leadership of the United States, the maceuticals from the international market. navirus. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 4 ECONOMY APRIL 5, 2020

Iran, Oman launch new 580 kilometers container shipping line

1 Iran and Oman have already launched four direct shipping lines between the two countries’ ports. of freeways to be The first shipping route between the two countries was put into operation in March 2015 between Iran’s Bandar Abbas and Oman’s Sohar. inaugurated by Mar. 2021 1 “With these new freeways going nearly 1200 of which is currently under operational, the length of the country’s free- construction. ways will increase by nearly 25 percent,” Khademi further noted that of the coun- Khademi, who is also the managing direc- try’s total 38,000 kilometers of arterial roads, tor of Construction and Development of about 18,000 kilometers are highways and “So, considering the 3500 km of new nounced that over 3,000 kilometers of Transportation Infrastructures Company about 2400 kilometers are freeways. freeways which are being constructed, still railways and 1,200 kilometers of freeways (CDTIC), said in a press conference. According to the official, in the long run, 15,000 km of new freeways and highways were under construction in the country. According to the official, CDTIC has it the government plans to construct 18,000 are expected to be built across the country,” Roads account for 90 percent while rail- Later in December 2016, the two neighbors inaugurated di- on the agenda to build 3500 km of new kilometers of highways and freeways in the Khademi added. way accounts for 10 percent of transportation rect shipping routes from two Omani ports to the Iranian port freeways and highways across the country, country. In mid-December 2019, Khademi an- in Iran, according to the official. of Shahid Bahonar. In December 2017, the two countries launched another shipping line to connect Iran’s port city of Khorramshahr to the Omani port of Sohar. Indigenizing petchem catalysts: a big step toward total independence 1 “Currently, the knowledge for producing 16 of aimed to create a common language and synergy between Global economy set for the mentioned 40 types has been indigenized which would catalyst producers and consumers and also to provide a save the country $105 million every year.” Ali Pajouhan platform to discuss and evaluate the performance of the sharpest reversal since Great said, adding that “We plan to produce over $100m worth of native catalysts. petrochemical catalysts annually, by the end of the Iranian As I mentioned before, petrochemical is Iran’s most Depression calendar year of 1400 (March 20, 2022).” important industry after oil and gas, and the National Mass production of petrochemical catalysts would also Petrochemical Company hopes to lift output capacity to The coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns imposed by gov- mean that Iran could become an exporter of such products 120 million tons per annum by 2022. ernments on both sides of the Atlantic have pushed the and besides the significant increase in the revenues from The petrochemical industry has played a key role in global economy into the sharpest downturn since the Great the industry, further cement its role as one of the world’s domestic economic growth as it creates value-added and Depression, data released on Friday signaled. and region’s major petrochemical producers. reduces the sale of oil and gas on which the economy has The U.S. economy shed 710,000 jobs in early March, end- According to NPC officials, the company has already been dependent for decades. ing 113 months of continuous job growth, in official figures signed 20 contracts with knowledge-based companies for With abundant hydrocarbon reserves and new private that were far worse than economists had been expecting. mass production of catalysts and 70 research projects are sector investments, Iran is working hard to broaden the The shock U.S. employment numbers came shortly after also underway in this regard. scope of its petrochemical industry, and indigenizing the business surveys across Europe showed the services sector In early January, NPC held a seminar on the indigeni- According to the seminar’s Executive Secretary Mo- catalysts needed in this industry would be a huge step to be in deep trouble with the largest drop in activity and zation of petrochemical industry catalysts in Kish Island. hammad-Amin Ebrahimi, the mentioned seminar was toward a brighter future for the country. prospects for more than 20 years. The head of the IMF has warned that the economic im- pact of the coronavirus pandemic would be worse than the 2008 financial crisis. Drinking water supplied to 859 villages Iran’s annual vegetable production “This is a crisis like no other,” said Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the IMF, speaking at a conference in 6 months reaches 30m tons organized by the World Health Organization on Friday. “Never in the history of the IMF have we witnessed the ECONOMY TEHRAN — Drinking ECONOMY TEHRAN – Iranian of exports, so appropriate measures should desk desk world economy coming to a standstill,” she said. “It is way water was supplied farmers managed to be taken in order to prepare the grounds for worse than the global financial crisis.” to 859 villages with the population of produce up to 30 million tons of vegetable such increase. Worse data was about to come in April, economists said, 504,000 people throughout the country products in the previous Iranian calendar year Iran exported 3.27 million tons of veg- with many now forecasting double digit percentage declines in the second half of the past Iranian of 1398 (ended on March 19), according to a etables worth $935 million during the first in output in the second quarter as vast swaths of the world’s calendar year (September 22, 2019-March senior official with the Agriculture Ministry. ten months of the previous Iranian calendar two most advanced economic zones shut down. 19, 2020), IRNA reported. “In addition to meeting the needs of the year (March 21, 2019 - January 20, 2020), The mentioned villages received domestic markets, over $1.4 billion worth Asqari added. drinking water through 24 water-supply of vegetable products were also exported to He said neighboring countries especially projects implemented under the A-B Iran other countries during the last year,” ILNA Russia were the major export destinations Scheme. quoted Hossein Asqari as saying. of the Iranian vegetables during the men- Energy Ministry launched a scheme According to the official, considering the tioned period. named A-B-Iran [the acronyms A and B potentials of the country’s agricultural sec- He noted that 65-70 percent of the coun- stand for water, electricity in Persian] tor, it is possible to increase the capacity of try’s seed requirement is domestically met during the second half of the past Iranian the occasion of finishing the A-B- vegetable production by more than 10 billion and put the annual need for seed at about calendar year, based on which the ministry Iran program, Energy Minister Reza tons within three years. 4,000-4,500 tons. inaugurated some water, electricity Ardakanian said during this program 227 “Using modern production methods like According to the country’s Horticultural projects across the country every week. major projects with a total investment of systematic irrigation, seedling cultivation and Science Research Institute, Iran has nearly As reported, 227 projects were put 335.6 trillion rials (about $7.99 billion) mulching (creating a cover to prevent water 900,000 hectares of land under vegetable into operation in the country under this have gone operational in the country. evaporation), we can achieve this increase cultivation and produces over 28 million scheme, many of which were completing The minister said that during the in production without increasing the water tons of different kinds of vegetables per semi-finished projects and are considered 20 weeks of the mentioned program he consumption,” he said. year, making it the seventh and fifth in the some new movement in this regard. made 31 trips to various provinces for The increase in the production will ul- world in terms of land under cultivation and Last month, when speaking on inaugurating energy projects. timately lead to an increase in the volume volume of production respectively. Indices of activity by purchasing managers in the Eu- rozone, UK and Swedish purchasing managers’ indices all fell around 20 points, from levels indicating a majority of companies were seeing business activity improving to levels below those seen at the worst point of the 2008-09 COVID-19 brought to the fore neoliberalism’s emptiness financial crisis. By Mohammad Ahmadzadeh rations like Google, Amazon and Walmart, Italy, which went into lockdown first, had the weakest indicating that the government is unable PMI index on record with a figure of 17.4, compared with It might be too soon to evaluate the con- to help people without these partnerships. a figure of 50 which represents the point at which an equal sequences of the COVID-19 outbreak on Interestingly, state governments acted number of companies reported rising and falling activity. global politics and economy. much quicker than the federal government to “It’s clear that the economy is contracting more quickly But it appears the pandemic has brought fight the outbreak, ordering school closures than ever before during peacetime,” said Jack Allen-Reyn- to the fore some often-neglected aspects and social distancing measures. olds, an economist at Capital Economics. of the neoliberal world order. Greater democratic participation The terrible data have led economists to slash forecasts Critics of neoliberalism see COVID-19 as It’s no exaggeration to say this amounts to for global growth, which were around 3 percent at the start a perfect example showing how the capital- a historic moment for the neoliberal system. of March for 2020. Economists at Bank of America have cut istic economic system fails to serve nations. It has never been seen so fragile and flawed. their estimates repeatedly and now expect a contraction of 2.7 The crisis has once again put on display This pandemic teaches people the free percent, “considerably worse than the 2008-09 recession”. the flaws in the neoliberal ideology, this market will not save them. It shows that With 10m initial claims for unemployment insurance time though highlighting blows to public people’s wellbeing hinges on robust public reported in March in the U.S., economists expected weak health systems. services and not on multinational corpo- payroll figures — but the reality was much worse than forecast. Many governments were reluctant to rations. David Riley, chief investment strategist at asset manager impose quarantine measures or a lockdown This is best described in the words of BlueBay, said: “Today’s report confirms, if this were need- when confronted with the outbreak. Some the 91-year-old public intellectual Noam ed, that the U.S. and global economy is experiencing the governments even hesitated about asking Chomsky, who in a recent interview noted most severe drop in output and income in modern history.” people to stay home to bring things under the “irony” of recent reports that Cuba is Governments and central banks on both sides of the control. sending doctors to help European countries Atlantic have responded with stimulus programs designed The first international alert on COVID-19 This has left both countries vulnerable and Biodefense. fight the coronavirus. to offer insurance to those who have lost regular work or was issued by the World Health Organization to the outbreak, shattering their reputation And the U.S. people are now paying for “I mean this is so shocking that you don’t companies who have seen revenues dry up much faster than on December 5, 2019, but the lockdown of as developed economies. these cuts. know how to describe it. Germany can’t in a normal recession. the epicenter of the outbreak in China, city Corporate interests vs. public Under this profit-driven system, emergen- help Greece: but Cuba can help European But they cannot prevent the shutdowns having a dev- of Wuhan, began on January 23. interests cy situations such as the COVID-19 outbreak countries,” he said. “The coronavirus could astating effect on current business conditions, which will It’s easy to guess what could have caused A public health crisis of this size can bring forward a conflict of interests between have terrifying consequences, but there will continue until the spread of Covid-19 is brought under such a delay: The Chinese government felt hardly be managed under the U.S. or UK the public and corporations. be recovery. The others there won’t be: it’s control and restrictions can slowly be lifted. inclined to prevent a plunge in the country’s model of neoliberalism. This is most glaring in the U.S. response. finished. If we don’t deal with them, we’re As the U.S. and Europe prepare for an even more diffi- production. Neoliberalism assumes that the gov- The U.S. government first downplayed the done.” cult month for their economies in April, all eyes will be on In the current neoliberal economy, any ernment’s main task is to pave the way for outbreak for weeks before announcing a Chomsky said the only hope is more dem- China to see whether its economy rebounds after lockdown restriction that slows down the movement private corporations to compete to provide state of emergency in mid-March. ocratic participation: “If we’re leaving our restrictions begin to be relaxed. of goods and capital is undesirable for gov- any kind of services, from healthcare to But the decision only came as historic fate to sociopathic buffoons, we’re finished,” Even though some of China’s business surveys have ernments. education. plunges in the stock market were reported he said. “An informed, engaged, involved bounced, the service sector in the world’s largest economy That explains why both the UK and the According to the neoliberal worldview, and the U.S. Federal Reserve moved to assist public taking control of their fate – if that remains under severe strain with smaller private sector U.S. have been slow to impose lockdowns there is no such thing as a society and hence banks with $1.5 trillion in loans to prevent doesn’t happen, we’re doomed.” companies on Friday reporting activity still worse than in to contain the virus. there are no need for a powerful public a financial crisis. This chaos is the moment for the Amer- February, according to the Caixin survey. Such a lockdown would also bring re- sector. The governments appeared to be protect- ican people and the wider world to wake up Miguel Chanco, senior Asia economist at Pantheon Mac- sponsibilities for the government. But the The government has cut funding to public ing corporate interests while abandoning to the perils of living in a fully privatized roeconomics, said that despite the easing of restrictions public healthcare system in both countries health agencies in recent years, and even the rest of the society. economy. there was still “no post-lockdown bounce” to be seen. is so weak that the government cannot dissolved the National Security Council And the government’s initiatives to fight Isn’t this time for humans to stop buying (Source: Financial Times) place even more pressure on it. Directorate for Global Health Security the virus were in partnerships with corpo- into the neoliberal program? I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y APRIL 5, 2020 ENERGY 5

OPEC+ emergency meeting likely to be Has Russia reached its limit in the oil price war? postponed to April 8 or 9: OPEC sources When Vladimir Putin was given a dire forecast of the economy under the cloud of a crippling coronavirus pandemic and a sharp fall in OPEC and its allies will not hold their emergen- Jason Kenney, the premier of Alberta, global demand for petroleum, the Russian president was much less cy virtual meeting on Monday and will likely Canada’s primary oil-producing province, bullish about his country’s prospects in a price war with oil-producing postpone it until April 8 or 9 to allow more said on Friday that the province would join rival Saudi Arabia. time for negotiations among oil producers the Monday OPEC call. “For our economy, yes definitely, this is a very serious challenge,” on crude supply cuts, two OPEC sources said The Norwegian oil and energy ministry Putin told Audit Chamber head Aleksei Kudrin on April 1, adding on Saturday. declined to comment on Friday on whether that the United States, which recently surpassed Russia and Saudi OPEC and its allies are working on a deal for Western Europe’s largest producer could cut Arabia to become the world’s largest oil producer, would also suffer. an unprecedented oil production cut equivalent output to support prices. It was a big step back from the line being floated just two weeks ago to around 10 percent of worldwide supply in The International Energy Agency warned on when, despite Russia’s economic dependence on natural resources, what they expect will be a global effort including Friday that a cut of 10 million barrels per day Moscow engaged in a bit of chest-thumping about its chances in a the United States, but the White House did would not be enough to counter the huge fall in price war, arguing that Russia was in a stronger position than its not make such a commitment after a Friday oil demand. Even with such a cut, inventories main competitors to ride it out. meeting with oil companies. would increase by 15 million barrels per day But that was before the true impact of the coronavirus on the While U.S. President Donald Trump pledged in the second quarter, said Fatih Birol, the global economy was understood, and before Kudrin -- a former fi- help for the industry at the meeting, he made head of the agency. nance minister and trusted ally -- told Putin in a government meeting no commitment to take the extraordinary step Oil prices recover, for now held by video that the Russian economy could decline this year by of persuading U.S. companies to cut output. Oil prices recovered from the lows of $20 between 3 and 5 percent. In a subsequent phone conference, U.S. per barrel this week with Brent settling at And that was a moderate outlook, according to Kudrin, who went Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette told industry $34.11 per barrel on Friday, but far below the on to warn that the situation could be as bad as the nearly 8 percent executives that the White House is not nego- $66 closing level at the end of 2019. decline the country suffered in 2009 during the financial crisis. tiating with Saudi Arabia or Russia, but it is Prices plunged in early March after Rus- When faced with slumping oil demand as the global economy encouraging them to come together to reach sia and Saudi Arabia could not come to an suffered from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, Riyadh’s an agreement to cut production, a source who agreement to curb output. The Saudis shocked demands for output cuts were refused by fellow OPEC+ member listened to the call said. production was set for a steep decline anyway U.S. shale producers. the oil industry with an aggressive series of Moscow. After walking away from the table, the Saudis instead took The oil market has crashed, with prices because of low prices. Russia steps to take back market share that included the surprising route of increasing oil output, causing the largest falling to $34 a barrel from $65 at the be- A meeting of OPEC and allies such as Russian President Vladimir Putin said cutting export prices, pumping at maximum one-day drop in prices in nearly three decades. ginning of the year, as a result of the corona- Russia has been scheduled for April 6, but on Friday that his country was ready to cut production and trying to sell cheaper oil to Putin’s comment is one sign that Russia, which always expressed virus pandemic. Fuel demand has dropped details were thin on the exact distribution of production along with OPEC and the United refiners that buy Russian crude. openness to continue negotiations with Riyadh, may be keen on by roughly a third, or 30 million barrels per production cuts. No time has yet been set for States, while still blaming Saudi Arabia for the The oil market was dealt a heavy blow by coming to an agreement. “Today’s acknowledgement by Putin shows day, as billions of people worldwide restrict the meeting, OPEC sources said. market’s collapse. Saudi Arabia’s Energy Min- the freefall in demand due to the coronavirus Russia is interested in the dialogue process and wants to go ahead their movements. OPEC producers were waiting to see if ister Abdulaziz bin Salman responded, telling pandemic, which sent crude prices to their with it,” Rauf Mammadov, an energy analyst at the Middle East A global deal to reduce production by as the United States commits to any efforts to state media that it was not Saudi Arabia that lowest levels since 2002. Institute in Washington, told RFE/RL on April 1. much as 10 million to 15 million barrels per stabilize the markets, two OPEC sources said. refused to extend a production-cut deal that The oil-price crash spurred regulators in the High-stakes game day would require participation from nations They said a deal must include producers from would have reined in output in early March. U.S. state of Texas, the heart of the country’s From the beginning, the price war has raised questions about that do not exert state control over output, outside OPEC+, an alliance which includes Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak oil production, to consider regulating output who would cave first: Moscow, Riyadh, or U.S. production, which including the United States, now the world’s OPEC members, Russia and other producers, told Russian state media that he understands for the first time in nearly 50 years. depends on shale-oil producers that have gained market share at largest producer of crude. but excludes oil nations such as the United the United States has legal restrictions on out- Major global producers have already scaled the expense of Russia and Saudi Arabia but require higher oil prices Trump said on Thursday he did not make States, Canada, Norway and Brazil. put cuts, but it should still be flexible. back production, as fuel demand has dropped to stay in business. any concessions to Saudi Arabia and Russia, “The U.S. needs to contribute from shale Brouillette, in his call with the industry, did precipitously and storage is rapidly filling. This Russia is now preparing to ramp up spending to support mil- such as agreeing to a U.S. domestic produc- oil,” an OPEC source said. Russia has long not mention the possibility of U.S. industry past week, U.S. drillers idled more rigs in one lions of citizens and thousands of companies affected by quarantines tion cut, a move forbidden by U.S. antitrust expressed frustration that its joint cuts with production cuts, the source who listened to week than at any time in the last five years. and shutdowns. The Kremlin has thus far announced an increase of laws. Some U.S. officials have suggested U.S. OPEC were only lending support to higher-cost the call said. (Source: Reuters) spending by $17.5 billion to counter the outbreak. But according to Kudrin, the country may need to spend 5 per- cent of gross domestic product -- or about $70 billion -- to combat the impact of the coronavirus, which Russia has officially said has infected more than 3,500 people, but which skeptics suggest is a Natural gas glut moves offshore low-ball figure. Liquefied natural gas traders are following the latest trend in charge more than 40 percent more per day for a typical tanker Those costs will be difficult to cover if oil prices are low -- but the oil market by storing huge amounts of the commodity on in the Atlantic than at the same time a year ago, according to on April 2, the price of Russia’s Urals crude blend fell below $11 a tankers, hoping prices will rise before the ship docks. data from shipbroker Fearnleys A/S. barrel, the lowest since Putin came to power two decades ago. The But while crude can sit for months or even years in a tank, ***Unusual trend international benchmark Brent crude, meanwhile, was going for just super-chilled LNG tends to evaporate even in the specialized The latest trend is unusual for this time of year, said Oystein over $26 a barrel on April 2, whereas Russia depends on a price of vessels that handle it. That limits the amount of time “floating Kalleklev, chief executive officer of Flex LNG. The company now about $40 a barrel to balance its budget. storage” is feasible. has six vessels that it rents out. Unlike oil, LNG demand is largely Russia as of March 20 had $551 billion in foreign-currency reserves “Keeping gas frozen is extremely expensive because of the seasonal, with a peak in winter when heating is in demand and at its disposal, although economists suggested that Putin would prefer energy cost to maintain the ultra-low minus-265-degree Fahrenheit another smaller lift in the summer for cooling. not to tap into them. In just one week, however, those reserves had temperature,” said Francisco Blanch, head of global commodities More floating storage may appear in September and October, already fallen by $30 billion. and derivative research for Bank of America Corp. in New York. when tanks on land are full and winter chills have yet to arrive, Even before Putin’s government meeting, there were signs that The number of vessels used for floating storage was at 17 late while price bottom out right before seasonal advances. Demand Russia was having second thoughts about engaging in a price war last month, but has now eased to 13 after some unloaded their for vessels later this year is already rising, said Mark Kremin, with Riyadh, with Energy Minister Aleksandr Novak saying earlier cargoes in India, according to data intelligence company Kpler. CEO of shipowner Teekay Gas Group Ltd. on April 1 that Russia would not increase oil production in April, a Three vessels have been idle for more than 10 days, Kyriakos are almost full. Vessels with a very low boil-off make them “perfect” for floating reversal of earlier comments by officials. Mezopoulos, director for LNG at Affinity, said in a note. The dynamics are different in the gas industry, where gas storage play in the second half of the year, and Flex has fixed Analysts have said that Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin More ships acting like storage tanks might also be a sign storage sites on land that should be near empty still have fuel one of its upcoming vessels with trading house Gunvor Group Salman’s surprise decision to increase oil production was intended the LNG industry is poised to cut production. They’re reacting from last year. Also, the “boil-off” rate is a factor for LNG. Between Ltd., Kalleklev said on Friday. to get Putin back to the negotiating table. to a crash in prices as demand slowed, the result of two warm 0.07 percent and 0.15 percent on average evaporates from LNG In part, floating storage in LNG now is a result of quarantines, And there is reason to believe that the Saudis might not want winters in a row and the coronavirus, which has shut huge parts tankers per day for the majority of the global fleet. That means Kalleklev and his peer from Hoegh LNG Holdings Ltd., Sveinung to keep the price war going either. Like Russia, the sharp decline of the global economy. over a 75 day voyage, about 5 percent to 11 percent of the original Stohle, said in interviews. Other reasons are cargo deferrals and in the price and volume of oil threatens Saudi Arabia’s aggressive U.S. LNG producer Cheniere Energy Inc. is already sourcing cargo could be lost. diversions, as the virus hit demand and delayed unloading, the spending programs aimed at lifting living standards and diversifying cargoes in Europe, with some traders and analysts speculating Last fall, some traders loaded cargoes at low prices in August shipping executives said at the webinar. its economy. that this could be ahead of temporary production cuts. and discharged in early November when rates were rising. A Loadings at plants have also slowed because global inven- But Riyadh needs a much higher Brent crude price to balance its Spot LNG in Asia, the biggest consuming region, slumped typical journey from Qatar to the UK via Suez Canal, for example, tories are so full, Kalleklev said. Also, as the covid-19 situation budget, nearly $80 per barrel, analysts have said. And while Saudi to a record this week, and prices in Europe are also testing all- takes about two weeks. eased in China and South Korea, ships are sailing from Europe Arabia has $480 billion in foreign-currency reserves to lean on, time lows. And unlike in oil, where markets indicate a rebound While new vessels have better technology that limits the evap- to Asia, naturally extending voyages and shrinking availability it has already announced $13 billion in spending to deal with the in prices in the months ahead, a surge in forward rates for LNG oration rate — Flex LNG Ltd. has three ships for delivery later of vessels in the Atlantic, he said. lower budget revenue. is too far off to matter. this year with a boil-off of about 0.035 percent– the difficulty Indian buyers calling force majuere on cargoes last week has “Despite the bravado that we have been hearing on both sides, “We clearly see floating storage as a safety valve in the next containing the gas over long periods means using tankers as meant volumes needed to find other homes in an oversupplied this is not about who has the lowest cost of production and higher couple of weeks and even in the next couple of months,” Jeffer- storage has a physical limit. market, so this involuntary floating storage came amid what profitability. This is about funding budgets, and for both Russia and son Clarke, managing director for LNG at shipbroker Poten & “Floating storage is less about stockpiling, but more about looks like distressed cargoes, said Trevor Sikorski, an analyst Saudi budget expansion has been significant in recent years,” Chris Partners Inc, said at the webinar. slow-steaming until hopefully the rates pick up,” Iain Ross, chief at Energy Aspects Ltd. Weafer, the co-founder of Macro Advisory in Moscow, told RFE/ In the crude oil market, plunging prices triggered a huge executive officer of shipowner Golar LNG Ltd., said at the webinar “We will see increased inefficiencies with regards to discharge RL on March 28. “The reality is that both of them need a deal to put contango, where traders anticipate gains in future months and organized by Capital Link Inc. and Citigroup Inc. and possible ships having to wait 14 days from loading to dis- a better price support in place.” have an incentive to put the commodity into storage for months While benchmark Asian LNG has lost about half its value this charge,” Kalleklev said in an emailed response to questions. Trump wants a deal or years. They’ve hired tankers because storage sites on land year, the storage trade is a bright spot for vessel owners. They can (Source: Bloomberg) The other oil-producing elephant in the room is the United States, which has seen its shale-oil producers suffer as a result of the price dispute. U.S. President Donald Trump, who has called the price war “cra- zy,” has been trying to accelerate talks between Russia and Saudi The OPEC meeting could send oil prices crashing below $10 Arabia while members of Congress have been calling for sanctions The current optimism of analysts and the media Goldman Sachs are warning of a total demand U.S. oil and gas operators are not on the same soon. Russia might consider cooperation with and tariffs if they don’t find an agreement. that an end to the ongoing OPEC+ oil price spat destruction of 20 million bpd or more. When page. Suggestions of Washington being able to the U.S. if Washington agrees to bring an end to Trump has said he recently spoke with the leaders of both coun- is near is entirely unjustified. The ongoing oil looking at the cuts in global refinery runs, we control or even force U.S. oil to cut production, Russian sanctions. But that is not as important tries and that Moscow and Riyadh were “going to get together” but market volatility, the battle between leading have already hit levels of -17 million bpd or more. even via legislation, are ludicrous and would to Moscow as a strong relationship with Riyadh he gave no further details. He expressed optimism on April 1 that producers for market share, the logistical im- Downstream companies are cutting back on end in a mammoth legal battle. Even if only and OPEC going forward. Future opportunities an agreement was near. possibility of enforcing U.S. production cuts, and all production as demand from industry and Texas representatives attend, oil companies with Saudi Arabia are more attractive to Putin “I think that Russia and Saudi Arabia, at some point, are going the continued demand destruction caused by consumers worldwide collapses. Lockdowns will be unlikely to comply, it is simply not in than a positive relationship with a President to make a deal in the not-too-distant future because it’s very bad for COVID-19 are not issues that can be solved by in more than half the world are having a major the U.S. oil and gas DNA to work together on that may not be re-elected this year. Russia. It’s very bad for Saudi Arabia,” Trump said. an OPEC meeting. Immediately after Trump’s impact, hurting demand for oil, gas and other an international level. Free market economics While all eyes will be on Washington, Riyadh, The U.S. president reiterated that hope on April 2, saying in a latest OPEC twitter offensive, Saudi Arabia and kinds of energy. Cutting 10+ million bpd of is a cornerstone of U.S. society and business. and Moscow in the coming day, there is a fourth tweet that he expected Russia and Saudi Arabia to cut 10 million Russia came out with critical statements about production is not a real solution and it could The second major threat at the Monday group that is going to be vital at Monday’s meeting. barrels a day, though it was unclear if he was referring just to the two the impact and influence of the U.S. president even cause markets to react negatively. When meeting is that Saudi Arabia not appear to be at In order to reach a 10 million bpd cut, OPEC countries or to OPEC+, the alliance of two dozen oil-producing states on the matter. While Putin and Mohammed bin production cuts fail to send oil prices up, the all convinced that it needs to change its current will have to convince all other oil-producing that Moscow and Riyadh lead. It was also unclear if U.S. companies Salman are reluctant to bash Trump, the real fear in the market could hit historical highs, tactics. Its targeted goals of regaining market countries to contribute. At present, convincing would be involved in the output cut. power when it comes to the oil market does not causing oil prices to fall to levels below $10 per share, forcing Russia to come to the table and such a large list of independent nations to join Just minutes after Trump’s tweet, Saudi Arabia called for an lie with the U.S. President. The tweet by Trump barrel in the coming weeks. bringing non-OPEC producers such as U.S. these efforts seems unrealistic. Countries such emergency meeting of OPEC+ members. claiming that MBS and Putin would agree to a The upcoming “OPEC+ and Friends” meet- shale to their knees are working well. Several as Libya, Iran, Iraq, Brazil, and Canada, are un- Macro Advisory co-founder Weafer said he expected Moscow 10+ million bpd production cut shows not only ing is going to be a very tricky one. There is the Saudi officials have stated that they are willing likely to agree at present to cut production. This and Riyadh to find a short-term solution to their dispute that would his overestimation of his own power over the two very real possibility of the meeting failing as the to discuss a new agreement but only under is yet another reason that the OPEC meeting get them through the crisis period. countries, but also shows a lack of knowledge targets that have been set are totally unclear. the conditions that potential production cuts will likely fail on Monday. The Middle East Institute’s Mammadov suggested that Russia about the underlying market fundamentals and Saudi Arabia, probably supported by Abu Dhabi, will be on the shoulders of all, not only Saudi The real fear for markets at the moment and Saudi Arabia could reach an agreement with other countries the current demand destruction worldwide. called an emergency meeting, not only of OPEC+ Arabia, Russia, and UAE. In this light - Trump’s should be sentiment and expectation. After through the Group of 20 (G20) format, as it would offer both Putin As former U.S. president George W. Bush members but of all oil-producing nations. That demand for a more than 10 million bpd cut Trump’s tweet cited a 10-15 million barrel per and Prince Salman a way to claim victory. “It would eliminate the stated during his election campaign, which did means that, at least according to Western me- from Russia and Saudi Arabia is unrealistic, day cut, oil prices have soared and anything less face-saving confrontation between Saudi Arabia and Russia because not end well as we know, “it’s the economy stupid” dia, the U.S. is invited and will likely attend. In to say the least. than that will be seen as a failure. After what it’s not about the old OPEC+ deal” that they fought over, he said. that matters in the end. Trump’s tweets and inviting the U.S., it seems that Saudi Arabia has Russia’s position has, until now, remained is looking set to be a fairly quiet weekend for Trump will meet with U.S. oil executives on April 3 to discuss general approach to this matter suggests he and called Trump’s bluff because by attending the unclear. While Putin is still acting as though he energy markets, a Monday failure with plenty measures to support the domestic market, including possible tariffs his administration are out of touch with reality. meeting Washington will be implicitly stating has nothing to worry about, Russian oligarchs of media attention is likely to drive markets into on oil imports from Russia and Saudi Arabia as well as American Even if a Saudi-Russian combination would cut that a possible production cut agreement would and the Russian leader are happy to debate any a frenzy. This fear, combined with continued production cuts. 10 million bpd, the oil price reaction would be include the U.S. When looking at the U.S. up- options that are on the table. For Russia, the cur- demand destruction could serve as a serious Analysts have said that Riyadh and Moscow will want to see U.S. minimal and very short-lived. At present, leading stream oil and gas sector there is one thing you rent position taken by Trump is being seen as an problem for oil markets next week. producers share the burden of stabilizing the market by cutting supply. oil market experts such as Vitol, Trafigura and can state without any analysis….Washington and opportunity to get some gifts from the U.S. very (Source: oilprice.com) (Source: oilprice.com) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 6 ADVERTISEMENTS APRIL 5, 2020 TEHRAN TIMES Iran’s Leading International Daily Modern Stadium of Advertising Dept Martyrs of Khuzestan Football Club (KSC)

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tehrantimes79 I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y APRIL 5, 2020 ANALYSIS 7

“America first” is a dangerous Skeptical Bolsonaro clashes with governors as coronavirus spreads in Brazil fantasy in a pandemic Brazil leads Latin America in confirmed cases of the new corona- virus disease, COVID-19, yet President Jair Bolsonaro has resisted lockdown measures, which he says would have unacceptably high Foreign aid and global leadership will be integral to any solution economic costs. Many of Brazil’s state governors have spurned By Philip H. Gordon U.S. Agency for International Development, the president’s calls to reopen businesses, setting the stage for and the Centers for Disease Control and The coronavirus pandemic is a threat to U.S. a power struggle between federal and local officials and casting It should come as no surprise that the Prevention. The Washington Post columnist national security. uncertainty on Bolsonaro’s political future. administration of U.S. President Donald Josh Rogin has pointed out that the bill On February 26, Brazil confirmed the first coronavirus case in Trump, whose foreign policy doctrine is provides almost as much to Amtrak as it Latin America. The virus has since spread rapidly in the country, called “America first,” vastly underesti- does to fighting the virus abroad. infecting thousands of people and killing dozens. mated the importance to U.S. security of Some of the Trump administration’s most Compounding the problem is Brazil’s stark inequality, which defeating the novel coronavirus pandemic recent proposed cuts in foreign assistance has given rise to a two-pronged health system. More than half of abroad. Trump was slow to recognize that could prove particularly counterproduc- the country’s intensive care unit (ICU) beds are in private hospitals, the United States could not seal itself off tive. On March 23, for example, Secretary but only one-quarter of Brazilians have private health insurance. from the virus: on February 26, the presi- of State Mike Pompeo announced plans Moreover, public health infrastructure is fragile, and experts warn dent predicted that the number of infected to reduce assistance to Afghanistan by $1 that the virus could soon overtake Brazil’s densely packed urban Americans would soon go down “close to billion in 2020 and threatened to cut an- slums. zero,” while the White House economic other $1 billion in 2021. But the Afghan Bolsonaro has downplayed the pandemic, calling the virus “a adviser Larry Kudlow insisted that the government is already strapped for cash little flu” and accusing the media of fearmongering. On March United States had “contained” the threat and gets some 75 percent of its revenues 15, after traveling with officials who tested positive for the virus, because its borders were “pretty close to from international donors. Its public health Bolsonaro ignored medical advice and touched hundreds of sup- airtight.” Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross infrastructure is poor. If Kabul has to adopt porters at a protest. Some news outlets reported that the president even assessed that the troubles in China austerity measures as COVID-19 spreads, the himself tested positive, but he has contested this. “will help accelerate the return of jobs to already fragile government could collapse. Bolsonaro, like his close ally U.S. President Donald J. Trump, North America.” But of course American Afghanistan’s Minister of Public Health said has denounced long-term local and state shutdowns, which he borders were not airtight at all, and the on March 24 that without social-distancing calls scorched-earth policy. He says they will harm the economy United States is now home to the highest measures, up to 16 million Afghans could and cause social unrest, and proposes instead to limit quaran- number of reported cases of COVID-19, the ultimately be infected. The problem would tines to at-risk populations such as the elderly. He has called for disease caused by the novel coronavirus, in not be limited to Afghanistan: according reopening businesses that were closed by mayors and governors, the world, with more than 7,000 deaths, a to the EU border agency Frontex, some and has suggested the antimalarial drug chloroquine could be an number almost certain to increase expo- 17,000 Afghans crossed the Aegean Sea cut funding for the UN Relief and Works Plan for AIDS Relief, which marshaled med- effective treatment for the virus. nentially in the coming weeks. into Europe in 2019, and as many as double Agency, which is the primary provider of ical, diplomatic, and foreign aid resources Bolsonaro’s administration has taken some steps to combat the With the domestic toll rising, the admin- that number are expected to do so in 2020. health-care and basic services to millions to save millions of lives worldwide. Simi- virus: it closed Brazil’s borders to foreigners and unveiled more than istration and many governors have belat- Yemen, too, faces cuts in aid from of Palestinian refugees. One consequences larly, in response to the devastating Ebola $34 billion in stimulus measures that include deferring company edly implemented aggressive containment Washington. Seeking to press the Houthi of these measures is that COVID-19 could outbreak in 2014, President Barack Obama taxes and increasing social welfare spending. The Health Ministry measures, and Congress has stepped in with leadership to ease restrictions on aid de- soon overwhelm Gaza’s anemic health sys- worked closely with the United Nations, announced that it will hire five thousand additional doctors, build more a $2.2 trillion stimulus package to provide livery to areas under its control, the Trump tem. According to the WHO, Gaza has only the World Health Organization, and for- ICU beds, and distribute funding and testing kits. The health minister, temporary economic relief to American work- administration suspended around $70 in 15 available ventilators for its entire pop- eign governments to contain and treat the Luiz Henrique Mandetta, has criticized the president for not calling ers and businesses. But Washington is still assistance to those areas. The cuts—which ulation of nearly two million, in one of the deadly disease, including by sending teams off public appearances, leading Bolsonaro to threaten to fire him. not doing nearly enough to prevent and provide some exceptions for certain “crucial, most densely populated areas of the world. of U.S. experts to assist other countries. Additionally, at the Bolsonaro administration’s request, Congress mitigate the spread of the disease beyond lifesaving activities” but not for basic health Megan Doherty, the senior director of In the current crisis, however, the United declared a “state of calamity,” allowing the government to spend be- U.S. borders—in some cases, the admin- States has exercised no such leadership. On yond normal limits. istration has even cut foreign assistance Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross March 26, the G-7 partners failed to agree to As the federal government delivers a mixed response to and rejected diplomacy where more of both a joint statement on the pandemic because the pandemic—with Bolsonaro and Mandetta at odds over the were needed. The health and safety of the even assessed that the troubles in China “will Secretary of State Mike Pompeo insisted on threat—governors and mayors have taken the lead. The state of American people are the rightful priorities help accelerate the return of jobs to North branding the pathogen the “Wuhan virus.” Sao Paulo, the epicenter of Brazil’s outbreak, canceled events and of the U.S. government, but concentrating Trump enjoys a close relationship with Saudi shuttered schools before instituting a fifteen-day quarantine last narrowly on fighting the virus at home while America.” Arabia, which is the current chair of the week. Many states and cities have closed nonessential businesses G-20, but little evidence suggests that the and transportation. policy at Mercy Corps and a former foreign administration is using that organization to There are signs that, on the issue of shutdowns, Bolsonaro is in- assistance adviser at the State Department, guide a coordinated international response. creasingly politically isolated. After the governor of Rio de Janeiro notes that refugees and displaced popula- Indeed, Trump’s failure to lead a coordinated State, Wilson Witzel, decided to close airports and interstate roads, tions “are particularly vulnerable to the virus, global response, together with his practice of Bolsonaro tried to block the shutdowns. Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court because in overcrowded camps, distancing berating, belittling, and bullying the United ruled in the governor’s favor. Separately, a federal judge ordered the is impossible, and residents lack access to States’ closest and wealthiest allies, has, administration to end a social media campaign encouraging Brazilians information, soap, and clean water.” Ref- remarkably, allowed many to view China as to carry on business as usual. ugees elsewhere in the region, including a more responsible global leader than the Most of Brazil’s state governors—including some allies of Bol- in Syria, Iraq, Turkey, Libya, Jordan, and United States. On March 31, the leaders sonaro—have affirmed their support for social distancing policies, in Egypt, are also highly vulnerable to the of Ecuador, Ethiopia, Germany, Jordan, what some observers have called an insurrection against the central virus, which will continue to threaten global and Singapore proposed the sort of global government. Many of the governors have also called for a basic mini- populations at least until a vaccine can be alliance to fight the pandemic that once mum income and a yearlong suspension of payments on state debts. deployed. would have been led by the United States. Some legislators have also condemned the president’s actions, and The only future is global Much time has been lost and many oppor- the vice president has defended quarantines. Faced with this global crisis, Trump tunities missed, but the administration and Expert projections are dire. One suggests that the virus could kill more may try to leave other countries to handle Congress can still act. The administration than one million Brazilians if left unchecked. Even with strategies such their own problems while he puts up walls should abandon the illusion that an infec- as nationwide social distancing, the death toll could reach 627,000. allowing it to spread abroad would be as care—could prove catastrophic, and not around the United States. But this vision tious disease can be stopped at American Cooler temperatures—the Southern Hemisphere’s autumn began shortsighted as focusing on fighting a fire just for Yemenis. Lise Grande, the UN hu- is a dangerous fantasy. Even if the United borders, and Secretary of State Pompeo on March 20—couldexacerbate the outbreak. Authorities say the only in one’s own home when one’s whole manitarian coordinator for Yemen, told The States were to permanently deny entry to should start to build a coalition to combat country’s health system could be just weeks from collapse, at which neighborhood was engulfed in flames. Washington Post last week that her organ- nationals from large parts of Asia, Africa, the pandemic through existing organiza- point even those with private insurance will be unable to access care. Trump insists that he is “the President ization was “running out of money” and or the Middle East, desperate people from tions such as the WHO, G-7, and G-20, or Brazil’s economy only recently emerged from its worst-ever re- of the United States . . . not the President of would have to close lifesaving operations those regions will inevitably make their new ones if necessary. cession. Analysts now say another one is likely, especially given the other countries” and that “we have to focus in the next month if further funds were not way to the United States through Mexico, At the same time, Washington should coronavirus-related economic slowdown in China, Brazil’s largest on this country” while “they’re working on forthcoming. So far, there are no reported Canada, and Europe. And even if it were rethink the assistance cuts that will con- trading partner. their countries.” His approach overlooks cases of COVID-19 in Yemen, but an outbreak somehow possible to prevent people from demn many to death and doom domestic At the same time, Bolsonaro’s political future appears uncer- the fact that failing to defeat the pandem- seems only a matter of time. Yemen shares coming in from those countries, the costs containment efforts. Instead the United tain. Recent polling showed nearly 48 percent of Brazilians favor ic abroad undermines our ability to get borders with Saudi Arabia and Oman and to the United States of sealing itself off States should provide financial lifelines, impeaching him, and some experts say he’s likely to face increasing it under control—and restore our way of maintains extensive interaction with Iran, from its most important trading partners independently and through the Interna- political alienation as local leaders move forward without him on life—at home. which has one of the highest infection rates would be greater than those of working to tional Monetary Fund, to countries whose strict containment measures. The cost of “America first” in the world, a problem only exacerbated by contain the virus in the source countries fragile economies have left them without the (Source: www.cfr.org) Well before the current crisis, the Trump the administration’s “maximum pressure” to begin with. resources to cope with the crisis. It should administration repeatedly proposed drastic campaign. The more realistic option is for the United put aside costly trade wars—essentially taxes reductions to foreign aid and funding for The damage does not end there. Trump States to lead a determined international on American businesses and workers who India mulling purchase of global health. In February of this year, even has ended all U.S. support to the Pales- effort to end the pandemic. There is exten- are already suffering—and set an example 3 refurbished submarines as the novel coronavirus was spreading in tinian Authority, including humanitarian, sive precedent for such leadership not just of what leadership looks like for our Eu- China and beyond, the administration pro- development, and public health assistance, in wartime but in the field of global health. ropean and Asian allies, who should join from Russia posed to cut U.S. foreign aid programs for ostensibly in order to pressure the Pales- In 2003, the administration of President the United States in a closely coordinated fiscal year 2021 by 21 percent. The cuts tinians to embrace the administration’s George W. Bush recognized the spread of global campaign. India is considering a proposal by Russia to supply the Indian navy with included 35 percent of funding for global Middle East peace plan. But this move, HIV/AIDS as a threat not only to global The coronavirus pandemic is a threat to three refurbished submarines, capable of launching cruise missiles. health programs, amounting to around $3 too, is likely to damage global efforts to health but also to global and U.S. security. It U.S. national security. Further legislation The Indian Navy is considering the proposal made by a Russian billion and encompassing a reduction of fight the virus. Washington has further established the U.S. President’s Emergency and supplemental funding should reflect shipbuilding company to provide India with three refurbished ‹Kilo› 50 percent in U.S. support for the World that reality by including more resources class diesel-electric submarines, local media reported. Health Organization (WHO). In pursuit of Indeed, Trump’s failure to lead a for international scientific collaboration, The company — JSC United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) —of- other immigration and foreign policy goals, more U.S. support for vulnerable popula- fered a $1.8-2 billion “three plus three” package, which also includes the administration slashed assistance to coordinated global response, together tions, and flexible emergency funding for a upgrade work on India’s existing Kilo fleet of three. Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Syria, with his practice of berating, belittling, global response. That response would include The submarines on offer are reportedly about 30 years old. and the Palestinian territories, all of whose shoring up critical health-care infrastructure An agreement was expected to be formalized at a meeting of Rus- budgets and health-care systems were al- and bullying the United States’ closest and and public education, facilitating the global sian and Indian officials in Goa in March, which was cancelled due ready under great strain. At the United wealthiest allies, has, remarkably, allowed development and distribution of therapies to the coronavirus pandemic. Nations in 2018, Trump announced that many to view China as a more responsible and vaccines, aiding refugees and displaced Over the past two decades, India and Russia have worked to up- “moving forward, we are only going to give people in overcrowded camps, and providing grade the Indian Navy submarines — the «youngest›» of which was foreign aid to those who respect us and, global leader than the United States. support to American humanitarian organi- delivered by Russia back in 2000. frankly, are our friends.” zations on the frontlines. The proposed upgrade work will now extend the operational life Trump hasn’t completely ignored the We know from past pandemics that pro- of these vessels to 35 years. rest of the world. Since the start of the pan- gress is possible. But first we must recognize The submarines, which run on batteries under water, are the most demic, the administration has announced that Americans will really be safe only when important class of underwater vessel in the Indian Navy. an additional $274 million in international the rest of the world is safe as well. In Sep- According to a naval expert, these Russian submarines “are equipped aid. But that is a drop in the bucket at a time tember 2019, Trump proudly proclaimed to with the Russian supplied 3M-14E Club-S missile which is roughly when more than a million people around the the United Nations that “the future does not similar to the American Tomahawk.” world are already infected with the dead- belong to globalists. . . . The future belongs The offer comes months after Russia confirmed that the Indian Air ly virus, national budgets everywhere are to sovereign and independent nations who Force was planning to «urgently buy» 21 ‘mothballed’ MiG-29 fighters. stretched thin, and the global economy is protect their citizens, respect their neighbors, The government had granted preliminary approval for the deal, heading into a severe recession. Nor does and honor the differences that make each estimated to be valued at $847 million, in February last year. The 21 the $2.2 trillion stimulus package, which country special and unique.” Six months later, MiG-29 jets are believed to be jets that were built in the Soviet era, Congress passed and Trump signed on March with Americans dying in horrifying numbers, but had not seen service. 27, adequately address the global dimension such a worldview is only the latest victim of Like the Kilo-class submarine, the MiG-29 is a numerically impor- of the crisis. That entire bill allocates only a deadly pathogen that respects no borders tant weapon for the Indian Air Force, with over 60 jets in service. The $1.5 billion—less than one-tenth of one and can be defeated only with a truly global Indian Air Force has been upgrading the MiG-29 with new radars, percent of its total—to support the interna- response. electronics, weapons and increased fuel capacity. tional activities of the State Department, the (Source: Foreign Affairs) (Source: Press TV) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 8 HERITAGE & TOURISM APRIL 5, 2020

ICOM calls for urgent relief funds to tackle impact of Coronavirus crisis: travel ads, coronavirus

HERITAGE TEHRAN – The International Council of deskMuseums (ICOM) has called on policy and touring forbidden in Iran decision-makers to urgently allocate relief funds to tackle the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on museums and their staff TOURISM TEHRAN – Iran’s deputy tourism desk as an essential part of the identity of the peoples and nations. minister has warned that advertising “ICOM, representing the international museum community, about destinations or scheduling tours are prohibited in calls on policy and decision-makers to urgently allocate relief the country due to the coronavirus outbreak. funds to salvage museums and their professionals, so they can “Advertising and launching travel tours, in a situation that survive the lockdowns and continue their vital public service coronavirus is spreading, is an evident infringement [of the mission once it is over, for the generations to come,” the council law],” ISNA quoted Vali Teymouri as saying on Saturday. announced in an statement on April 2. The warning comes after a number of travel agencies had scheduled [domestic] tours to Mashhad and some other cities mainly via air or rail routes, the report said. “In some cases, because some travel agencies are unable to refund, they would make pledges to lunch air or rail tours. But [the point is] how they could launch such tours till destinations are refuse to accept travelers over the coronavirus,” Teymouri explained. Early in March, Teymouri announced that more than 700 billion rials (over $16 million) have so far been paid back to people who have cancelled their tour or hotel reservations over the coronavirus fears. The official also thanked “dear compatriots” and tourists for their cooperation with the “family of the tourism industry” in the country, who are considering the special economic Photo depicts an Achaemenid-era capital on show at the National conditions of the tourism activists at this time and attempt to Museum of Iran in downtown Tehran. postpone their travels to a more convenient time, if possible. “The healing process of our societies after the COVID-19 crisis Last month, tourism minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan will be long and complex. Museums, as incomparable places asked people to postpone or reschedule tours so as to help of meeting and learning for everybody, will have an important the tourism industry deal with the virus outbreak. role to play in repairing and strengthening the social fabric of “My suggestion to my dear people is that they do not communities affected.” cancel their hotel reservations and domestic tours as far as Elsewhere in the statement the council expresses its deep possible in order to help the tourism industry and prevent sorrow and its solidarity with the people affected all over the it from bankruptcy by making their reservations in time world by the COVID-19 pandemic, noting: “We mourn the loss after virus is controlled,” Mounesan said. File photo depicts people visiting the Shah Cheragh shrine in Shiraz, southern Iran. of lives and send our deepest condolences to those who have In Mid-March, Iran started an intercity travel ban after lost loved ones to the virus. We thank the health professionals, officials have complained that many Iranians ignored appeals Iranian New Year holidays should immediately return to to early April, a time corresponding to Noruz holidays. who risk their own lives battling the pandemic in the frontline, to stay at home and cancel travel plans for the Persian New their cities without making any stops in other cities on Iranians made 74 million overnight stays in their domestic for their unparalleled efforts, and the international scientific Year (Noruz) holidays that began on March 20. their way back home. trips during the Noruz holidays last year, which showed a community, who is tirelessly working to find a cure.” The ban asserted that those who have traveled for the Domestic travel in Iran reaches its climax from mid-March 20 percent increase year on year. “Governments all over the world have taken necessary meas- ures to stop the virus from spreading, by closing schools and public spaces, and decreeing curfews. Two billion people have been confined to their homes, and the number keeps growing. Tourism minister proposes days off after coronavirus crisis ends They see not only their health but their livelihood threatened. TOURISM TEHRAN – Iranian tourism minister with target countries amongst other initiatives. As factories and stores are closed, and travels are banned, the deskAli-Asghar Mounesan on Saturday Some 6.7 million foreign nationals visited Iran during global economy finds itself at the edge of a profound recession. proposed the government to announce days off after the the first nine months of the past Iranian calendar year, The cultural sector, fiercely affected by the lockdown of museums, country overcomes the coronavirus crisis in a bid to help ended on March 19, according to data announced by Foreign libraries, cinemas, theatres and others, will face losses that can the battered tourism sector make a rebound. Ministry’s visa and passport department. Iran welcomed permanently ruin the cultural landscape of entire communities The minister also detailed on Iran’s tourism, noting that some 7.8 million foreign nationals a year earlier, achieving and countries,” part of the statement reads. the budding industry has been suffered several times over a 52.5 percent increase year on year. “Understanding that the priority is to ensure the health and the past years from various upheavals including the U.S. The ancient land embraces hundreds of historical economic safety of the populations affected, we express our sanctions aimed to cripple Iran’s economy, flashfloods in sites such as bazaars, museums, mosques, bridges, concern regarding the future of museums and the invaluable March 2019, which is a high season for domestic travels, the bathhouses, madrasas, mausoleums, churches, towers, cultural heritage they hold – an essential part of the identity of [mistakenly] downing of a Ukrainian jetliner in January, and mansions, of which 22 being inscribed on the UNESCO the peoples and nations and a vital element for the communities and ultimately the coronavirus pandemic in the country. World Heritage list. Iranian tourism minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan in a meeting they serve. As repositories of scientific knowledge ac-cumulated Mounesan said that that recession has dramatically Under the 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, the country aims with First Vice-President Es’haq Jahangiri and Central for centuries, their role is key in the future of humanity, especially lowered foreign arrivals in the country despite its previous to increase the number of tourist arrivals from 4.8 million Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati (not pictured) in in times of uncertainty such as the ones we live today.” successes came from several visa facilitation programs in 2014 to 20 million in 2025. Tehran, April 4, 2020. ICOM also says that it will closely pursue the request to re- assure the fate of cultural heritage museums. “We will collaborate with national and regional governments, as well as with our partner institutions and other international A glance at tourist attractions, must-see sites of Ardabil province organizations to ensure the future of museums.” ICOM is tasked to the conservation, continuation and com- By Morteza Alehashem Ardabil, a getaway from scorching visit Shorabil Lake. The lake is located south munication to society of the world’s natural and cultural heritage, hot days of the city and offers a dazzling and peaceful Ardabil province is one of the thirty-one prov- present and future, tangible and intangible. The summer has set in for a few days now atmosphere. There is no need to do anything inces of Iran. It is located in the northwest of the and the blazing, baking sun seems to be always there, you can just sit near the lake, gaze upon country, bordering the Republic of Azerbaijan, shining in the cloudless sky and you could no the view and inhale the fresh air. the provinces of East Azarbaijan, Zanjan, and longer fight back the urge to plan a getaway to However, facilities have been built around ROUND THE GLOBE Gilan. This province is home to many cultural places with cool temperature. the lake for the leisure, entertainment and com- and historical sites as well as tourist attractions For our family, the best destination was fort of the coming visitors as well. There are Keoladeo National Park with breathtaking views in a way it attracts the northwestern province of Ardabil, which several restaurants and coffee shops, indoor huge number of tourists from both inside and is characterized with cool climate during the and outdoor amusement parks, a couple of Keoladeo National Park, located in the State of Rajasthan, outside the country every year. hot summer months and lures a lot of tourists, international hotels and a zoo in the proximity India, is an important wintering ground of Palaearctic mi- Ardabil province is situated in a mountainous who like us, try to escape the hot weather for of the lake. gratory waterfowl and is renowned for its large congregation region whose altitude averages 3,000 meters a couple of days. There are also running track and bike lanes of non-migratory resident breeding birds. above sea level. It is very cold in winter and We set off on a road trip from Tehran to around the lake, so activities such as running, A green wildlife oasis situated within a populated hu- mild in summer. The city of Ardabil is usual- Ardabil, intending to take Heyran route. The cycling and also sailing on small boats are also man-dominated landscape, some 375 bird species and a diverse ly recorded as one of the coldest cities of the route, connecting Astara, northern Gilan prov- available. array of other life forms have been recorded in this mosaic country in winter. ince, to Ardabil, is well-known for its scenic This lake, with a surface area of 16 acres, is of grasslands, woodlands, woodland swamps and wetlands Ardabil Province attracts a large number views. However, since you have to pass through the largest lake in Iran within a city. Originally of just 2,873 ha. of tourists every year due to its favorable cool Gilan province to get to Astara and Heyran the basin was covered with mud and high con- weather. The northwestern province has nat- route, it is best to spend a night in picturesque centrations of salt and other minerals so that ural wonders, historical monuments, many villages in Gilan. That’s why despite the hot no fish could survive. In 1998, in order to dilute tourist attractions as well as scores of mineral Sightseers cross a gigantic suspension temperatures we decided to spend a night in a the lake, rivers were linked to it and reduced water springs. bridge linking two hills in Meshkinshahr, village in Talesh near Siah Daran forest park. the amount of salt. Now, lots of salmons are The province is divided into 10 counties: Iran’s Ardabil province, 2019. (Photo credit: In case you don’t want to spend a night in living in Lake Shorabil. Ardabil, Bilasavar, Germi, Khalkhal, Kowsar, Mehdi Rad) Gilan you can make a pit stop at Gisoom forest While dozens of hotels are available in the Meshginshahr, Namin, Sarein, Nir, and Pars- park where the jungle meets the Caspian Sea city of Ardabil to stay in we preferred to camp abad. District of Arasbaran was transferred to tourism hubs of Iran. Most of the tourists to and has perfect tasting fish kebabs in small out in Fandoqlo forest. the province of Ardabil from East Azerbaijan Ardabil Province stopover in Sarein. outdoor, sea view restaurants. Stretching over some 85,000 hectares of in 2010 and now appears on the more recent Ardabil Village The next morning we headed to Astara to land, Fandoqlo (literally meaning filled with maps of Ardabil Province produced by the Andebil Village is located near the city of get to Heyran route. Driving along the road hazel trees), is very well-known for its spec- Iranian official organizations. Khalkhal. Andebil Ski Resort is located to the you could see the fenced borders between Iran tacular, stunning sceneries. Dog rose, German Hereunder are must-see sites in Ardabil northeast Khalkhal. Several winter sports fes- and Azerbaijan. The road was surrounded with chamomile, wild pansy, and wild strawberry province with breathtaking views. tivals have been held there in recent years. beautiful trees and emerald green paddy fields. are some of the plant species found in this Fandoqlou Forest Ardabil mausoleums Every now and then there were vendors sell- area. It is also a habitat to brown bear, marten, Fandoqlou Forest is located 10kms southeast The mausoleums of Sheikh Safieddin Ar- ing corn on the cob kebab and ash-e doogh (a pheasant, partridge, and golden eagle. of the city of Namin. It is the largest hazelnut dabili and Sheikh Kalkhoran are symbols of soup usually made with doogh, a yogurt-based Fandoqlo is located 25 kilometers from This ‘Bird Paradise’ was developed in a natural depression hub of the country and annually hosts tens of Islamic-Iranian architecture. beverage, as well as different kind of herbs Ardabil so it is a short drive from the city to wetland that was managed as a duck shooting reserve at the thousands of visitors. Sheikh Safieddin Mausoleum is located near and chickpea). the forest. You can either set up a camp in the end of the 19th century. While hunting has ceased and the Neor Lake Ardabil’s Aali-Qapu Square. It also includes a Our great ride throughout the road cul- forest or rent a cottage in case you don’t feel area declared a national park in 1982, its continued existence The slopes of Baghru Heights, which is mosque, library and school. minated with arriving at Heyran gondola lift. like sleeping in a tent. is dependent on a regulated water supply from a reservoir 35kms to the southeast of Ardabil, have a The mausoleum has an Islamic architecture. Getting on a cabin we travelled 1,500 meters However, the beautiful sky ornamented with outside the park boundary. beautiful lake named Neor. Neor Lake, which Sheikh Kalkhoran Mausoleum belongs to through a beautiful landscape of the Alborz hundreds of stars might tempt you to decide The park’s well-designed system of dykes and sluices pro- is located 2,500 meters above sea level, has a Aminoddin Jebreil, the father of Sheikh Sa- mountain range. At some point during the to sleep in a tent. On the first night of our stay vides areas of varying water depths which are used by various unique biodiversity. fieddin Es’haq, the ancestor of Safavid kings. ride everything vanished in the thick fog and in the forest the weather was pleasantly cool, avifaunal species. Shorabil Lake It is located in Kalkhoran Village in Ardabil. this meant we have arrived at the next station. so that we put up a tent and had a cup of tea Due to its strategic location in the middle of Central Asian Shorabil Lake boasts healing minerals and Souvenirs The cold breeze and the small drops of water under the blinking stars. migratory flyway and presence of water, large congregations of a picturesque landscape. It is a sightseeing Ardabil is well known for its carpets, honey, on your face makes you feel alive again. You There are guard dogs and also a security ducks, geese, coots, pelicans and waders arrive in the winter. site and the main habitat for migratory birds. sweets, roasted sunflower seeds, felt products, can even take a short walk up the hills and guard at the area so that you can feel pretty The park was the only known wintering site of the central Sabalan Heights woodworks and earthenware. Its traditional plains surrounding the region. The plains are safe to sleep in the tent. There are also lots of population of the critically endangered Siberian Crane, and Sabalan, with an altitude of 4,811 meters, food is ‘Aash-e Doogh’-a sour yoghurt soup beautifully covered in wild flowers and the parking space available for parking your car. also serves as a wintering area for other globally threatened is the third highest peak in Iran. It is an inac- with chickpeas and vegetables. everlasting fog gives it greater vibes. There In the morning, we woke up with the horses’ species such as the Greater Spotted Eagle and Imperial Eagle. tive volcano. There is a small lake on top of Ardabil climate are restaurants, coffee houses, and tea houses happy neigh and dogs barking at them. In front During the breeding season the most spectacular heronry the summit. Sablan is also home to Alvares Ardabil province is situated in a mountainous which offer traditional foods and drinks in the of us was a plain surrounded with dense trees in the region is formed by 15 species of herons, ibis, cormo- Ski Resort. region whose altitude averages 3,000 meters area as well. and the light wind spreading the fog. Smell of rants, spoonbills and storks, where in a well-flooded year Sarein above sea level. It is very cold in winter and It was so hard to say goodbye to Heyran damp, freshly cut grass and the fresh earthy over 20,000 birds nest. Sarein is located 25kms from the provin- mild in summer. The city of Ardabil is usual- and leaving it to get to our main destination, smell filled our lungs and again made it harder (Source: UNESCO) cial capital of Ardabil on the slopes of Sabalan ly recorded as one of the coldest cities of the Ardabil. to leave the forest for visiting another resort Heights. It is considered one of the top ten country in winter. Once we reached Ardabil we decided to destination. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y APRIL 5, 2020 SOCIETY 9

Iran, UNDP sign MOU to revive Iranian-made COVID-19 diagnostic system unveiled

SOCIETY TEHRAN – The first Iranian-made system for Hamoun wetland deskdiagnosing the novel coronavirus with more than 97 percent accuracy was unveiled on Saturday, ISNA re- ENVIRONMENT TEHRAN – The Depart- In addition to the agricultural sector, efforts ported on Saturday. deskment of Environment and have been made to consider other activities The diagnostic system has been designed by a team of research- the United Nations Development Program that specifically put pressure on wetland water ers at Sharif University of Technology using artificial intelligence (UNDP) signed a memorandum of understand- resources, so that by implementing it, less algorithms via CT scans of chest, ISNA reported. ing (MOU) to carry out a joint project for the pressure will be put on water resources, he Hamid Reza Rabiee, director of the research institute for in- revival of Hamoun wetland, director of Iran’s also added. formation and communication technology at Sharif University, wetlands protection project has announced. To implement this, we will first conduct said that there are currently many ways in the world to diagnose The project is called “improving the com- studies on climatic issues to identify and im- coronavirus, but what has been proven, and confirmed by the prehensive management of natural resources plement effective methods so that both the American College of Radiology, chest scan is the best way to for the rehabilitation of the wetland ecosystem development of the region and the livelihood diagnose the virus. and supporting alternative living in local com- of the people will improve, while the conser- The system will be available to hospitals and medical centers munities in the Hamoun wetlands”. vation of the wetland is in fact the mission of by the next week. The project aims to focus on the role and the project, he stated. The total number of people diagnosed with the coronavirus connection of people’s lives on Hamoun wet- The Hamouns are transboundary wet- in Iran has reached 55,743, of whom 3,452 have died and 19,736 lands as well as Hamoun’s life on people’s lands on the Iran-Afghan border made up recovered, Health Ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said lives and at the same time be able to work of three lakes: Hamoun-e Helmand, which on Saturday. on the protection of this wetland along with is entirely in Iran, Hamoun-e Sabari on the improving the living standards of the people border, and Hamoun-e Puzak, almost entirely around it, IRNA quoted Ali Arvahi as saying inside Afghanistan. The three lakes are linked Mitigating potential flood- on Saturday. and fed by water from the Helmand River Stating that the project is set to run for which starts in the Hindu Kush Mountains induced human-crocodile five years with European Union financial should be minimized and at the same time water allocation can be better implemented. in Afghanistan. support, he said that “the project might be help strengthen the cross-border connection Focusing on climate change and ways to In the last two decades, once fertile wet- conflicts in Iran’s Sistan and an opportunity to pilot new ideas or living of Hamoun Wetland with Afghanistan to allo- adapt to this change is another subject of the lands have drastically dried up. The Taliban Baluchestan Province patterns in the area, and if the government cate water right of the wetland, he explained. project, as Iran is an arid or semi-arid coun- government closed the sluices to the Kaja- succeeds, it will be able to expand these pilots He went on to say that it might be an try with limited water resources, so it is very ki dam on the Helmand until 2002, which By Jamshid Parchizadeh and Jerrold L. Belant on a larger scale.” opportunity to strengthen and expand the important to adapt to climatic conditions, he aggravated the impact of the worst drought The Vulnerable mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) is native The project emphasizes that the pressure on relationship between the Ministry of Foreign stated, adding, agriculture is considered as one the region has experienced in many decades, to southeastern Iran where about 350 individuals occur in the Hamoun Wetland’s resources, and in particu- Affairs of our country and the neighboring of the fields of activity, which aims to adapt brought about partially by climate change Bahukalat Protected Area in Sistan and Baluchestan Province. lar on the water resources of these wetlands, country so that the issue of transnational this sector to the climate as much as possible. and warming temperatures. Recent extreme flooding in Sistan and Baluchestan Prov- ince affecting lots of villages and towns has allowed muggers to leave their typical habitat and occupy these areas. The Sistan and Baluchestan Provincial Office of Iran’s Department of the Lake Urmia level rises by half a meter year on year Environment (DOE) has issued a warning about the potential ENVIRONMENT TEHRAN – Lake Urmia cubic meters compared to the last year, he spells and elevated hot summer tempera- the past crop year since now has raised hopes of attack by muggers throughout the province. deskwater level has increased highlighted. tures that speed up evaporation as well as for total restoration of the once glorious Lake by 50 centimeters compared to the same He went on to say that Lake Urmia’s sur- increased water demands in the agriculture Urmia. time last year, Farhad Sarkhosh, head of the face area has now reached more than 3,055 sector shrank the lake drastically. In 1999 This is a while, deputy environment chief Lake Urmia Restoration Program’s office in square kilometers, adding that the figure has the volume of water which was at 30 billion Masoud Tajrishi said in July 2019 that rain- West Azarbaijan province, has announced. increased by 358 square kilometers. cubic meters drastically decreased to half a fall is not the only the reason behind Lake According to the latest monitoring, the The lake’s level will increase by nearly billion cubic meters in 2013. Moreover, the Urmia coming back to life. Thus, restoration lake’s level has reached 1,271 meters and 64 one meter annually if conservation projects lake’s surface area of 5,000 square kilometers measures turned out to be effective, unlike centimeters, which is 50 centimeters higher are exploited, he noted. in 1997 shrunk to one-tenth of that to 500 the previous years of high rainfall poured than the last year’s level, he stated, IRNA Shared between West Azarbaijan and East square kilometers in 2013. over the lake but did not raise the lake level. reported on Saturday. Azarbaijan provinces in northwestern Iran, The lake is expected to reach its ecological The effort put into properly dredging and The lake’s water volume was estimated Lake Urmia was once the largest salt-water level within 10 years by completing the res- clearing of weed and vegetation in river beds at more than 4.440 billion cubic meters, lake in the Middle East. toration plans which started four years ago. as a way came efficient in the lake conser- which indicates an increase of 1.450 billion However, decades of long-standing drought The sharp rise in precipitations rates over vation, he added.

COVID-19, an uninvited guest who helped us cherish our planet, family more 1 The world of a person who thinks him/herself as the past six weeks, levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) over cities Mugger attacks on humans in Sistan and Baluchestan Prov- superior and the most powerful and influential one is thoroughly and industrial clusters in Asia and Europe were markedly ince can lead to injury or death. Therefore, an urgent action destroyed at once by a virus that is nothing in weight or size. lower than in the same period last year. required to mitigate potential attacks in these flood-stricken Another point is that this phenomenon caused us to dis- In the end, dealing with this phenomenon all depends areas including trained personnel to capture crocodiles in and tinguish more value to our home and family. The human on us that be scared and think it is the end of the world and near villages and relocate them to the Bahukalat River (primary endeavor and concerns to the families and friends proved that we are all going to die by this virus or be patient and habitat of the crocodiles). Longer term solutions can include: that though by living in the turbulent twenty-first century know that these days are just like the bad days we passed Fencing primary habitat along the Bahukalat River, while and having terrific jobs we are seemingly far apart from each in life. Because this phenomenon and crisis are abundantly ensuring sufficient water is available for local people to not re- other. We demonstrated that the greatest and most valuable found in the records of human life, and the human beings quire use of water from the nearby ponds, particularly during asset of the human is the family. passed through the crises by diligence and empathy and periods of drought And interestingly, healthy people have a sense of respon- proper management of their lives proportionate to global Completing unfinished dams, which have been put to a sibility for the sick person in most diseases, however, both management. halt for many years, to stop or restrict the flow of water. These the infected person and the healthy person are responsible This is the best time to think and learn, the time when actions will require close cooperation among the Iranian gov- to each other these days. Perhaps most of our effort to avoid these days, and believe that the earth also wants to take out the people from the most ordinary ones to politicians and ernment, DoE, and non-governmental organizations with strong carrying the virus is based on the fact that we do not want to the mask taken for years for a few days and breathe. policymakers in a society must learn from their mistakes government support crucial to save both humans and muggers infect another person or hurt our loved ones. Indeed, the peoples of the world must quarantine them- for a better living. in this frequently-flooded area of Iran. As you know, a carrier person can make many people sick selves so that the earth becomes refresh for a few days. It may We all know that Corona is a major global catastrophe or even cause them to die. Phenomenon, accident, current, possibly will help us be more careful about the earth, nature taking the lives of thousands of people every day based on pandemic or anything that we can call this uninvited guest and the atmosphere. the statistics and charts that we observe on mobile phones WORDS IN THE NEWS in the earth these days, in addition to the death of human The coronavirus pandemic is shutting down industrial or in the media, the numbers each representing a man, a beings, dropping of many businesses, the sudden shutdown activity and temporarily slashing air pollution levels around wish, a family, a father, a wife, a mother, an identity and a Private Jessica Lynch of human lives, brought the blessings to nature and the earth. the world, satellite imagery from the European Space Agen- love. Nevertheless, I want to say that this can be a teacher Nature, and the air have been polluted every day since at least cy shows. One expert said the sudden shift represented the or a university for us to learn from, to remember things we (May 19, 2003) the world’s industrialization, and the tired lungs of the earth “largest scale experiment ever” in terms of the reduction of have forgotten, and to know that it will be a comfort after The rescue of Private Jessica Lynch by American special forces has been filled with infection by the selfish human hands industrial emissions. every hardship and know that the world and nature will be from a hospital in Nasariyah was one of the iconic moments of every day. Now, we may perhaps better understand the earth Readings from ESA’s Sentinel-5P satellite show that over nothing without the noble human. the war against Iraq. The Americans played it for all it was worth. But the doctors who treated her have told the BBC that the rescue was not all it seemed. Our report is by John Kampfner. In the early hours of April, the 2nd reporters were summoned ENGLISH IN USE to Central Command in Doha for an urgent announcement. They assumed coalition forces had captured or killed Saddam Hus- LEARN NEWS TRANSLATION sein. Instead they were given the story of the dramatic rescue by US special forces of Private Jessica Lynch whose company had been *ambushed* by the Iraqis more than a week earlier. The official version, caught on camera by a Pentagon crew, was Shiraz University, Chinese that a rescue squad stormed the building and took her away under fire. Private Lynch was said to have received bullet and دانشگاه شیراز و موسسه تحقیقات منابع Academy of Sciences sign MOU stab wounds. Once in hospital, she was said to have been beaten .and stabbed طبیعی چین تفاهمنامه امضا کردند Shiraz University and Chinese Research Center for Eco-Environmen- But doctors at the hospital in Nasariyah tell a different tale. They insist that while Saddam›s Fedayeen Militia had been at the دانشــکده کشــاورزی بــه نمایندگــی از دانشــگاه شــیراز بــا موسســه تحقیقــات منابــع طبیعــی tal Sciences (RCEES) have signed a memorandum of understanding hospital, they had long since left, and that the Americans knew آکادمــی علــوم چیــن ســند تفاهــم نامــه همکاریهــای علمــی- پژوهشــی مشــترک امضــا کــرد. ,MOU) to expand cooperation in scientific and research projects) it. They said that far from mistreating Lynch, they gave her the best treatment they could at a time of war. They made it clear بــه گــزارش ایرنــا، زمینــه بهــره بــرداری عملیاتــی از ظرفیــت هــای تفاهــم نامــه حاضــر بــه .IRNA news agency reported on Tuesday that by the time the Americans descended on the hospital by ویــژه در زمینــه فعالیــت هــای پژوهشــی مشــترک از طریــق برنامــه پژوهشــی راه ابریشــم، نشــر Joint research activities through the Silk Road Research Program, joint .helicopter they were aware that they would face no resistance مشــترک مقــاالت و کتــب، فرصتهــای مطالعاتــی اعضــای هیــات علمــی و دانشــجویان دکتــری، publication of articles and books, study opportunities for faculty and doctoral students, use of laboratory facilities, experience exchange We asked the Pentagon to release the full videotape of the rescue -rather than its five-minute edited version to clear up any dis اســتفاده از امکانــات آزمایشــگاهی، برگــزاری کارگاههــای تبــادل تجربــه بــه ویــژه در حــوزه workshops especially in the field of natural disasters, droughts, floods, crepancies. It declined. The truth may never be known. Doctors حــوادث غیرمترقبــه طبیعــی، خشکســالی، ســیل، گیاهــان داروئــی، تنــوع زیســتی، تخریــب medicinal plants, biodiversity, land degradation and international now say Jessica Lynch has no memory of the whole episode and ســرزمین و طرحهــای پژوهشــی مشــترک بینالمللــی در قالــب برنامههــای مشــترک مــورد joint research projects were among the mutually agreed programs. probably never will. Still the story has gone into American folk- .lore. This was a script fit for Hollywood – made by the Pentagon توافــق طرفیــن مــورد بحــث و بررســی قــرار گرفــت. The MOU provides the opportunity of extensive scientific and research Words ایــن تفاهمنامــه مقدمــه همکاریهــای گســترده علمــی و پژوهشــی را در دامنــه وســیعی از cooperation in a wide range of areas of interest to both natural and summon: order (someone) to be present forces: military, army حوزههــای مــورد عالقــه طرفیــن در زمینــه منابــع طبیعــی و کشــاورزی فراهــم میکنــد. .agricultural resources captured: taken prisoner ambushed: attacked by surprise a rescue squad: a group of people who get someone out of a dangerous situation PREFIX/SUFFIX PHRASAL VERB IDIOM stormed: attacked under fire: being attacked by guns or firearms “dic-” Put something out Done and dusted stab: a thrust with a knife or other pointed weapon wounds: injuries Meaning: speak, say Meaning: to produce something for sale Explanation: When a project, task or activity is done descended on: moved downwards For example: I have four letters to dictate. For example: A great many people are involved in and dusted, it is completely finished or ready to clear up: to explain or settle a situation or problem putting out a newspaper. For example: I’ve nearly finished preparing the pres- folklore: traditional stories and customs entation. When it’s all done and dusted I’ll be able to relax. (Source: BBC) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 10 INTERNATIONAL APRIL 5, 2020

Racism row as French doctors Coronavirus sparks a ‘war for masks’ suggest virus vaccine test in Africa

1 Camille Locht, research director at France’s na- tional health institute, Inserm, agreed: “You are right. as accusations fly And by the way, we are thinking of in parallel about a study in Africa using this same approach.” Canada blasts U.S. block on 3M exports of masks It did not take long for the backlash to begin on social media. 1 It’s unclear which US entity -- fed- from breathing in the coronavirus, are in “Africa isn’t a testing lab,” Ivorian professional foot- eral, state or commercial -- might have short supply. ball player Didier Drogba, who used to play for Chelsea, tried to secure orders destined for France. Trump says will defy U.S. coro- wrote on Twitter. “I would like to vividly denounce those CNN reached out to the US Department of navirus mask advice demeaning, false and most of all deeply racist words.” Health and Social Services Thursday but U.S. President Donald Trump has said Olivier Faure, of France’s Socialist Party, said the has not heard back. The US Embassy in he will not wear a mask shortly after the marks were hardly a provocation. “It’s not provocation, France, which only speaks for the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) updated it’s just racism,” he wrote on Twitter. “Africa is not the government, said the US “has not pur- its guidelines to recommend that all resi- laboratory of Europe. Africans are not rats!” chased any masks intended for delivery dents take the precaution as the number of The anti-racism group SOS Racisme called on France’s from China to France.” US coronavirus deaths reached more than media regulator, the Conseil Supérieur de L’Audiovisuel In an interview with French television 7,000, among over 278,400 cases. (CSA), to formally condemn the remarks. Thursday, French Prime Minister Edouard Meanwhile in China, a national day of The group issued a statement saying, “No, Africans Philippe said securing deliveries was “not mourning was observed on Saturday for the aren’t guinea pigs”, adding that comparison with AIDS always easy.” The problem, he said, was thousands of “martyrs” who have died in the and prostitutes was “problematic” and “unwelcome”. “not logistical difficulties related to miss- new coronavirus outbreak, flying the national Meanwhile, Le Club des avocats au Maroc, a Moroccan ing aircraft but difficulties sometimes in flag at half mast throughout the country lawyers’ collective, said it was suing Jean-Paul Mira for accessing the products from orders that are and suspending all forms of entertainment. racial defamation. not always delivered. This is for a variety of The country, where the virus first ap- ’Distorted video’ reasons, including the huge demand that peared in late December, has officially -re On Twitter, Inserm, Locht’s employer, posted a state- comes to China from the United States, from corded over 3,300 deaths in the pandemic, ment accompanied by the hashtag #FakeNews, writing Europe, and indeed from the whole world.” which has killed over 58,900 worldwide. that the remarks were taken out of context. On Friday, the German Health Minister On Saturday, the global total of infections “A distorted video, taken from an interview on LCI Jens Spahn responded to media reports that Minister Salvador Illa told a parliamentary most populous region. passed 1.1 million, according to Johns with one of our researchers about a study on the potential a PPE consignment bought by the state of committee in Madrid last week that everyone Ontario health officials projected 80,000 Hopkins University, with over 226,800 use of the BCG vaccine against COVID-19, is now the Berlin had been diverted to meet an Amer- was trying to buy from China -- but could coronavirus cases and 1,600 deaths in the recovering from the disease caused by the subject of erroneous interpretation,” the statement said. ican order. “Reports of this kind -- I don’t not confirm when Spanish orders would province by month end under current pub- virus, COVID-19. It added that Africa “shouldn’t be forgotten or exclud- know if it is true in this specific case -- but be met “because the market is crazy and lic health measures, and urged people to As China’s reported deaths have dropped ed from this research because the pandemic is global”. it is not the only report of this kind,” Spahn the logistics are hard.” restrict their movements. off significantly in recent weeks, the death toll Mira later apologised in a statement published by said. “This is not a good development in Canada blasts U.S. block on 3M Ontario has reported 3,255 confirmed in Europe has surged to about 40,000, ac- his employer. general, but at the same time it is due to a exports of masks cases and 67 deaths. cording to the data compiled by Johns Hop- “I want to present all my apologies to those who were very strong demand that is there.’’ Canadian officials on Friday blasted a Late Thursday, Trump slammed 3M in kins University, while the number of cases hurt, shocked and felt insulted by the remarks that I Spanish and French officials say that move by President Donald Trump to block a tweet after earlier invoking the Defense have also continued to rise. Italy, Spain and clumsily expressed on LCI this week,” he said. logistical bottlenecks in China have com- 3M Co’s export of N95 respirator masks for Production Act to get the company to produce Germany combined have recorded more In an interview with the Huffington Post, Mira further pounded the problem of shipping personal use by doctors and nurses as coronavirus protective face masks. N95 masks, essen- than 300,000 cases. clarified: “Africa could be even more exposed to serious protective equipment (PPE.) Spanish Health cases were projected to soar in the country’s tial for protecting healthcare professionals (Source: agencies) forms of harm because there will be so few masks and little confinement because of societal structure.” “It seemed interesting to me that in addition to France Turkey imposes curfew on youths amid ‘Patriot missile system deployment and Australia, an African country could participate in this study which I had never heard of before hearing COVID-19 outbreak breach of Iraqi sovereignty’ about it on the show,” he added. Africa is currently the continent least affected by COV- ID-19, with nearly 7,500 cases and about 320 deaths, though there are fears that the number of undetected cases is low due to a lack of testing. Experts warn that poor health systems in many Af- rican countries could lead to a disaster in the event of a severe coronavirus outbreak. (Source: al Jazeera)

Trump fires watchdog who triggered his impeachment

President Donald Trump has fired the inspector general for the intelligence community who handled the whistle- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan mass prayers to counter the outbreak. A member of the Iraqi parliament›s secu- Iraq’s western province of Anbar. blower complaint that triggered his impeachment. has imposed a partial curfew for citizens But people are still going to work, as rity and defense committee has strongly Last week, the New York Times re- Trump informed the Senate intelligence committee on under the age of 20 as part of measures Erdogan seeks to sustain economic condemned the deployment of Patriot ported that the Pentagon had ordered a Friday of his decision to fire Michael Atkinson, according imposed to curb the spread of the coro- production and exports. missile systems at the bases hosting US secret directive, which called on US mili- to a letter obtained by The Associated Press. navirus in the country. People above 65 years of age or those troops in Iraq as a breach of the Arab tary commanders to prepare a campaign Trump said in the letter that it is “vital” that he has The mandatory confinement is due to with chronic medical conditions are al- country’s sovereignty, urging senior gov- against Kata›ib Hezbollah, which is part confidence in the appointees serving as inspectors gen- come into effect at midnight on Friday, ready subject to obligatory confinement. ernment officials to detail any agreement of Hashd al-Sha’abi. eral, and “that is no longer the case with regard to this Erdogan said in a televised address, adding Calls for Istanbul lockdown pertaining to the US move. But the United States’ top commander inspector general”. that Ankara also decided to close down Istanbul’s Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has “The decision about the withdrawal in Iraq has warned that such a campaign He did not elaborate, except to say that “it is extremely borders of 31 cities for vehicles - excluding been urging the government to impose a of foreign forces, including US troops, is could be bloody and counterproductive. important that we promote the economy, efficiency and essential supplies. strict lockdown in the city, which is home not reversible as it represents the Iraqi Lieutenant General Robert P. White effectiveness of federal programs and activities,” and that Vehicles will no longer be able to leave to nearly 16 million people. nation’s will to respond to Washington›s wrote in a blunt memo that a new mil- inspectors general are critical to those goals. or enter the cities, including Istanbul Unal Cevikoz, deputy chair of the Re- crimes in Iraq, its flagrant intervention itary campaign would also require that Atkinson was the first to inform Congress about an and Ankara, for 15 days, he said, adding publican People’s Party - the main in the country’s domestic affairs in ad- thousands more American troops be anonymous whistleblower complaint last year that de- that mask usage will be obligatory in opposition party in Turkey - told Al dition to its repeated targeting of Hashd sent to Iraq and divert resources from scribed Trump’s pressure on Ukraine to investigate Dem- crowded places. Jazeera on Friday there has been an al-Sha’abi forces (Popular Mobilization the so-called fight against the Daesh Takfiri ocrat Joe Biden and his son. That complaint prompted a Turkey’s death toll from the outbreak increase in the number of infections Units) and its leaders,” Karim Alawi told terrorist group. House investigation that ultimately resulted in Trump’s rose to 425 on Friday, while the num- “every two days”. Arabic-language al-Maalomah news Iraqi lawmakers unanimously ap- impeachment. ber of confirmed cases from the disease “Istanbul seems to be the epicentre … agency in an exclusive interview on proved a bill on January 5, demanding In letters to legislators in August and September, At- rose to over 20,000, Health Minister it is growing with a serious expediential Thursday. the withdrawal of all foreign military kinson said he believed the complaint was “urgent” and Fahrettin Koca said. rate,” Cevikoz said He noted, “According to the available forces led by the United States from the “credible”. “We have decided to bring partial cur- Erdogan had not imposed a total information, the US-built Patriot missile country following the assassination of But the acting Director of National Intelligence at the few into effect for people under the age of lockdown in a bid to keep the country’s was installed in three military bases where Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, time, Joseph Maguire, said he did not believe it met the 20 as of midnight Friday,” Erdogan said. economy afloat, but the economy has American forces are stationed. This runs the commander of the Quds Force of the definition of “urgent,” and tried to withhold the complaint “The shutdown of city borders will be “already slowed down” because of the counter to the sovereignty of Iraq.” Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, along from Congress. in effect for 15 days initially. However, recession, Cevikoz said. News reports suggest the US deployed with Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy (Source: USA Today) this period can be extended if necessary,” “Most of the shops are still open [in Patriot missile systems to Iraqi military head of Hashd al-Sha’abi, and their com- Erdogan told a news conference. Istanbul] … we are all expecting a peak bases to purportedly protect American panions in a US airstrike authorized by Ankara has halted all international in the number of cases and deaths,” troops against potential missile attacks. President Donald Trump near Baghdad Palestinian camps face grave threat flights, limited domestic travel, closed he said. One of the Patriot batteries was reportedly International Airport two days earlier. schools, bars and cafes and suspended (Source: al Jazeera) deployed to the Ain al-Asad facility in (Source: Press TV) if coronavirus spreads: UNRWA

Malka Abu Aker has seen her crowded refugee camp in the Keir Starmer: From radical lawyer to leader of the British Labor party Israeli-occupied West Bank swell year upon year since fleeing Britain’s new opposition Labor leader, Keir ability, but many do wonder about his standing up for the powerless and against there over 70 years ago, with the arrival of new generations Starmer, fought the state as a young human capacity to inspire,” commented Andrew the powerful.” and those escaping successive Mideast conflicts. rights lawyer before battling Brexit as an MP, Rawnsley, a political columnist with The In 2003, he began his move to the es- But with the coronavirus spreading locally, the 73-year- and must now bring together his divided Observer newspaper. tablishment with a job ensuring police in old worries that her congested Palestinian camp is primed for party to challenge Boris Johnson. Defending the powerless - Northern Ireland fully complied with human contagion, and blames the U.N.’s cash-strapped Palestinian Serious and determined, the 57-year- Starmer was born in London, one of four right legislation. aid agency for not doing enough to help. old takes over from the veteran socialist siblings, to a toolmaker father and a nurse Five years later, he completed the shift “(UNRWA) is not sanitising the camp, and they are not clean- Jeremy Corbyn as Labour struggles to mother, both of whom were animal lovers by becoming director of public prosecutions ing the camp in efforts against this epidemic,” Abu Aker said find its way. who rescued donkeys. for England and Wales. in Bethlehem’s Deheisheh camp, referring to the U.N. agency The Centre-left party has been out of in the party, who see him as more measured “Whenever one of us left home, they Between 2008 and 2013, he oversaw the which provides services to 5.6 million Palestinian refugees. office since 2010, and in December recorded and more pragmatic than his predecessor. replaced us with a donkey,” he jokes. prosecution of MPs for abusing the expenses Nearly a third of those refugees live in 58 UNRWA-registered its worst general election result since the “We can say what we like about how At school, he had violin lessons with system, journalists for phone-hacking, and camps across the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. 1930s as Johnson’s Conservatives hoovered we want to change the world -- if we lose Norman Smith, the former Housemar- young people caught up in the 2011 riots. “I have lived through many troubles ... but these days are up votes in many of its former heartlands. elections, we won’t get the opportunity to tins bassist who became DJ Fatboy Slim. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth the toughest I have ever seen,” said Abu Aker, who fled a vil- For the past few years, Labor has been do it,” Starmer told the Guardian podcast He is also a passionate Arsenal fan -- like II for his services and in 2015, was elected lage in West Jerusalem to escape fighting during the 1948 riven by splits over Corbyn’s unwavering this week. his predecessor Corbyn -- and still plays as a member of parliament himself, repre- Arab-Israeli war. left-wing agenda, how to approach Brexit He refuses to say what existing policies football every week. senting the north London seat of Holborn From the packed beachfront camps of Gaza to the urban and a row over the handling of claims of he would keep -- particularly now, in the He was named after the founding father and St Pancras. sprawl in south Beirut, Palestinian refugees fear that the already anti-Semitism in the party. upheaval of the coronavirus outbreak -- be- of the Labour party, Keir Hardie, and when Brexit battles - dwindling aid they receive from UNRWA could fall further as Starmer has vowed to unite the party yond saying that “radical things are going he trained as a lawyer, turned his attention In 2016, after the vote to leave the Euro- the health crisis persists, and donors shift priorities. and get it back on a path to power. to be needed”. to radical causes. pean Union, Starmer joined a rebellion by The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Pales- He wooed Corbyn’s supporters by em- Political historian Steven Fielding, from He defended trade unions and activists, Labor MPs over Corbyn’s perceived lack of tine Refugees in the Near East – UNRWA’s full name - was phasizing his own record as a human rights the University of Nottingham, said his pitch as including in a long-running “McLibel” case leadership during the referendum campaign. created by the U.N. General Assembly 70 years ago to deal lawyer, insisting he is a socialist and defend- “the competent bureaucrat” was designed to brought by McDonald’s against two peo- It failed, and later that year he re- with the hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees who ing December’s manifesto, which promised appeal to a broad number of Labor members. ple who handed out leaflets criticizing the joined the top team as Labor’s Brexit were driven from their homes or fled the conflict surrounding a massive program of investment and na- But it has left some asking what he ac- firm’s practices. spokesman, where he remained until Israel’s 1948 creation. tionalizations. tually stands for. In his leadership campaign video, he this week. (Source: Reuters) But he also won backing from centrists “No one questions his intellectual says: “I’ve spent my life fighting for justice, (Source: AFP) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y APRIL 5, 2020 SPORTS 11

Playing in Olympics one of my Persepolis captain Hosseini is not going to hang up his shoes SPORTS TEHRAN – Persepolis football team main goals: Arsalan Kazemi deskcaptain Jalal Hosseini has denied Arsalan Kazemi is trying to chill claims that he is going to hang up his shoes. as much as he can, he said in a live Local media reports suggest that Hosseini will bid interview on the @FIBAAsiaCup farewell to football at the end of the season. Instagram account. He’s playing a little bit of FIFA and Call of Duty on PlayStation to keep himself entertained. He even bought a -1,500piece puzzle to work with as well just to tease and tickle the brain now and then. “It’s a picture of a beach in Italy,” he revealed, possibly noting that it’s a destination he might visit when this situation resolves. “I haven’t finished it yet; I’m still working on “I am not going to retire and keep going as long as it. But I think I can finish it today or possible,” the -38year-old defender said. tomorrow.” “Now, Persepolis face so many difficulties and we He followed through and finished should help our team to overcome this situation,” the puzzle later on that day, but Hosseini added. not after a lengthy talk covering a Hosseini started his playing career in Malavan in wide range of topics from a choice 2002 and has won seven Iran Professional League with of hairstyles to some of his favorite three teams. high-flying moments playing for Iran. He is the most decorated football player in Iran Hair-do or Hair-don’t? football. Kazemi has gone through an Hosseini has earned 115 caps for Iran national impressive collection of hair and football team and scored eight goals. facial hairstyles playing for Iran, He represented Team Melli in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. from sporting a clean look in World Cup 2010 to growing out a full beard and rocking the headband in Asia Fasihi among World’s 50 Cup 2017. One that stands out was the Fastest Women almost-Handle Bar mustache he sported in his first Asia Cup almost a “The speed is very different in the when I really young, too; it happened “I remember that I saw him when TASNIM — Farzaneh Fasihi is in the list of the 50 decade ago. states, as you can see right now, the in 2010 in China, and it was my I was 16 years old. I went to Dubai to fastest he world of the -60meter dash during 2020 “In 2011, I was a rookie, and they game has totally changed,” he said first official game. It was a friendly get a visa to go to the US for the first indoor track and field season. kind of made me shave my beard of the difference between playing in game, but it was my first game that time, and I saw him at the Emirates She registered 7.25 seconds on February 2020 ,16. and leave the mustache on,” Kazemi Asia and the USA. “It’s kind of the I played for the senior national mall. Fasihi represented Iran at the Istanbul Cup and won recalled of the hazing, though. “But same way right now overseas as well, team, and we played against China,” “It was just it meant the world to the gold with a spectacular performance. It was like something that the whole but I’m talking about back in -2008 He recollected. “I kind of postered me. I took a picture with him and She is the first Iranian woman who took part at the team did, Hamed [Haddadi] did it, 2009, you had to be able to guard the Yi Jianlian and he was in the NBA, everything.” World Athletics Indoor Championships Samad [Nikkah Bahrami] did it.” perimeter as much as guard the post, and it was a really big deal for me Knowing that it’s no surprise that American sprinter Mikiah Brisco sits top of the list However, the look that Kazemi so those are the main things that that dunk. I still have a picture of Kazemi has his childhood idol listed with a time of 7.04 seconds. prefers the most throughout these were different.” it, and every time I think about it, it among his All-Time Asia Starting (Source: vocal.media) years is the one he’s currently seen “The athleticism, too. You know just gives me chills.” Five. Filling out the rest of that lineup rocking, whether it was at Asia that they jump really high, so to be “Another dunk that I really like wasn’t an easy task, but it’s one that Cup 2017 or during the World Cup able to compete with them, you had was in 2011 against Korea, and, I Kazemi says he’d enjoying coaching Asian Qualifiers. With a full beard to be physical and use a different kind think, I took off literally one step just because it’s a group of guys that Majid Hosseini to stay at and a colored headband to tame his of strength to compete with those inside from the free-throw line, and knows basketball really well. Trabzonspor: report tangles, Kazemi looks rugged and guys.” that was a nasty dunk.” “I’m going to name 6 [players] tough, which is perfect for the way he Kazemi found a way. He was - and Kazemi had so many dunks that because it’s really hard for me to Iranian international defender Majid Hosseini will stay plays the game. still is - known for his defense and he admitted that one had slipped his leave one out,” Kazemi admitted. at Trabzonspor next season. Though he seemed pretty content hustle, especially in Oregon, where mind. “But I’d go with my Starting 5 to be The Iranian stopper, who joined the Turkish top- about this style, for now, Kazemi he bagged a spot on the PAC12- All- He found an open runway at the Yao [Ming] at the 5. Hamed at the 4, flight team on a two-year contract in 2018, will remain hinted that there’s always an Defensive team in 2013. He was Olympic Qualifying Tournament in and then Samad, Fadi El Khatib, and in the team next season. opportunity for change. known for his rebounding, where Italy back in 2016 against Greece. Mahdi Kamrani.” As per the agreement, Hosseini will be paid 600,000 “I’ve never done the full horseshow he was once quoted apologizing his Kazemi took two dribbles and “Then the sixth man is going to be euros. in a FIBA game, but I did it when I teammates if he stole their rebounds, detonated into the air, even with the Yi Jianlian because it’s hard to leave Trabzonspor is planning to extend the contract was playing in College, and that was but he just jumps to get every single burly Ioannis Bourousis ready to him out. He’s one of the best players formally as soon as possible. definitely one of my favorite looks. I one, and that’s how it works. contest. in Asia as well. So those are my Hosseini was one of Iran national football team think the fans really loved it, too.” “When I was playing in college, I Let’s just say it might not have starting five, and Yi’s basically going member at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. “We’ll see. It’s just like when you wasn’t getting much playing time [at been the best decision made by to be my one bench player.” (Source: Gazete Damga) walk into a tournament, and you see first],” Kazemi said. He was averaging Bourousis at that moment. Future for the Pioneer how you feel. It just comes.” only 17 minutes in his first three What made the moment even Arsalan Kazemi’s name is tagged Not Like Mike games at Rice, and it was bothering better was that trailing right behind along with plenty of “firsts” in Iran Kazemi has worn several jersey him. Bourousis was current megastar basketball history books. Being a Stay at home and listen to numbers playing for Iran over “Then, we played against Arizona, Giannis Antetokoupo, who got to be pioneer himself, he recognizes those doctors: Karim Ansarifard the years. One number that he is and I got double-digit rebounds in the frame of the poster. that paved the way before him and associated with, in particular, is the that game. My coach came to me “Trust me, I got a picture of that, knew how much they did to make it Tasnim – Iran international forward Karim Ansarifard number 14 or a reversed version in afterward and told me I will play you too, where I’m flexing, and I got possible for Iran to be a basketball says that the people must stay at home and listen to 41. It’s not a common number, but 30 minutes a game if you give me Giannis on the picture.” powerhouse in Asia. doctors to defeat Covid19-. Arsalan has his reasons. double-digit rebounds every game. Memories in Asia “A lot,” he said of the influence that The global death toll approaches 60,000 and there “When I was a kid playing in the So it kind of took off from there. Fans haven’t seen much of Kazemi the generation of Hamed, Samad, are now more than one million confirmed cases around youth teams, I always wanted number “I was always a good rebounder; I in the Asia Cup even though he’s Mahdi, and others had on him. the world. 9 because Michael Jordan would just didn’t pay attention to it.” been playing internationally for Iran “Not just on me, but also a lot “We are responsible to beat the virus to return to our wear number 9,” Kazemi started. “As “Since then, I always get a lot of for a decade. He’s only played in of younger kids that were playing normal life. All people must stay at home and listen to you know, in FIBA, they just started rebounds, unless Hamed is on the the Asia Cup twice for a total of 15 basketball at the time. Just seeing that doctors,” Al-Sailiya striker said. letting you wear any number you team,” Kazemi laughed. “I mean, games, averaging 11.3 points and 8.6 it’s possible to reign championship in “I train at home to keep my fitness and I think it’s the want. But before it was only like 4 I still get rebounds, but with him, rebounds per game. Asia because before when we started best way to fight the coronavirus,” Ansarifard added. to 15, so it was always a fight around it’s tough. I always get rebounds. I Despite the short stint, Kazemi has playing basketball, it was all China number 9 because Michael used to always like to do that dirty work that some pretty fond memories playing Korea and Japan. Those were the wear that in the Olympics.” no one is willing to do; it’s just how in the competition. powerhouses in Asia.” Arsalan eventually did get to wear my game is.” “One of my favorite games was “Them winning the first Iranian wrestler ranks 3rd in number 9 when he suited up for Iran For his tenacity and top-level against Korea in the Semi-Finals championship, it just basically world ranking at Asia Cup 2011. As a kid, however, effort on the court, Kazemi was a fan of 2017,” he said, speaking of his showed us that we got talent in Iran he had to find something else. favorite, and that earned him some -19point, -10rebound performance as well, and if we work hard, then it’s IRNA – Meysam Delkhani, a member of Iran’s national “I just decided to pick number pretty cool monikers. where he made all but one of his nine also possible for us to win medals in Greco Roman wrestling team, has ranked third in the 14 because nobody wanted it, and I “I have many nicknames, especially shots. Asia and go even further.” world, according to the latest rankings. wanted to make it famous. Then, I from when I was in the US.” “I think I had a decent game, and I Now it’s time for Arsalan to take In its latest updates, United World Wrestling (UWW) think the time that I’m talking about, “’ Beast from the Middle East,’” really enjoyed that game. It helped us up the torch. It’s his turn to inspire ranked Iran’s Delkhani as the third world wrestler of Samad was really young, and he was he listed. “I think anybody that goes get to the Finals.” the next generation … and he knows the -63kg weight category. just starting to play on the senior from the Middle East to the US kind Kazemi had faced many great where he wants to start. Delkhani will compete in the Iranian national team national team, so he made it pretty of gets that nickname. Also, they players throughout his basketball “I mean, obviously, the Olympics this year in the -60kg weight category to book a ticket famous, too.” called me ‘Madman from I-Ran,’ that career, whether it was when he was is the top level for every athlete in the for 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. “But I think I did my part, a little was another nickname that I got.” playing in the US or professionally. world,” he said. Delkhani won the gold medals of U21 World and bit, in the US,” he said, referring to “King of Dunks” Of course, a large number of his “I haven’t been able to play in the Asian championships in 2019. his days as number 14 of the Oregon The 2.01M 7’6” forward got fiercest opponents were from here at Olympics, so that’s been one of my Ducks. “That was the reason I was another nickname to add to the list the Asia Cup. main goals. If it’s possible to play in wearing number 14.” when he crossed back over from the “Definitely the Chinese players,” the Olympics and then just to show Persepolis striker Stokes loves The USA experience US. said Kazemi of who he enjoyed the way for the younger generation At the age of 16, Kazemi and his “In Asia specifically, they called matching up with. “I mean, I played to be able to go through what I went to return to Hibs family saw an opportunity and took me ‘King of Dunks,’ something like against Wang Zhizhi, he was one of through, just to help them out a little it. He went all the way across the that.” the best players from China and Yi bit, if I can, to maybe send them over Persepolis forward Anthony Stokes reveals he would oceans to the United States and was It’s not exactly subtle, but the name Jianlian.” to the NCAA. Just to show them the ‘love’ to return to Hibernian for a fourth time. determined to better himself as a fits. He had already compiled an “China had excellent players. way, those are the things that I’m In January he penned a six-month deal with Persian basketball player. impressive reel of high-flying slams Korea, they had very good players. looking forward to doing.” Gulf giant Persepolis but due to the coronavirus Kazemi became the first Iranian from his collegiate playing days and Japan also had good players.” For now, Arsalan Kazemi is just outbreak that deal will expire before he has the player to play in NCAA Division 1 at continued to do so in international Among one of those foes even hoping for brighter days in the near opportunity to join the club. Rice before transferring to Oregon. play for Iran. started as an idol for the young future for everyone. Consider it his And Stokes, still only 31 years of age, has confessed He then became the first Iranian play Fans wouldn’t even have to look Arsalan, before getting to face each early birthday wish as he will be that he would jump at another chance with Hibs. to be drafted to the NBA in the second too far back to find some of his finest other on opposing sides of the turning 30 on April 22. “I loved Hibs and, even the last time I was there, I round with the 54th pick. Arsalan set works. There was a thunderous one- hardwood. “Well, [year] 2020 since the start would have loved to stay longer,” Stokes said. out to blaze trails and trails he blazed handed slam against Kazakhstan at “One player, in particular, I really it’s been really tough all around “I probably could have stayed at the club but I just indeed. the World Cup Qualifiers in early enjoyed playing against was Fadi El the world on people,” he said. “My stand my ground sometimes and that can go against Throughout his journey in the 2018. A year before that, he was Khatib because when I was younger, I wish is for things to get better for me. I wish I had stayed longer, I do,” he added. wild, wild west that is the USA, throwing down some nice jams really really liked him,” Kazemi said. everybody because I see it’s really “I definitely want to come back to Scotland orthe Kazemi learned how different the throughout Asia Cup 2017 as well. He even got to play against Fadi in tough, especially for the economy. I UK. Where I end up? I don’t know. To be honest, I game was and found a niche in how However, those pale in comparison one of his final games, knocking out just wish that this 2020 gets better would love to have another stint at Hibs but it’s unlikely he would be able to be most effective to some of his favorites. his idol from the Quarter-Finals in for everybody.” that’ll ever happen,” Stokes stated. on the court. “One of my favorite ones was Asia Cup 2017. (Source: FIBA) (Source: Deadlinenews.co.uk) Prayer Times Noon:13:07 Evening: 19:48 Dawn: 5:17 (tomorrow) Sunrise: 6:44 (tomorrow) APRIL 5, 2020 ART&CULTURE I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y www.tehrantimes.com Managing Director: Mohammad Shojaeian Editor-in-Chief: Ali A.Jenabzadeh Editorial Dept.: Fax: (+98 21) 88808214 — 88808895 “Water Never Dies” narrator Mirza [email protected] Switchboard Operator: Tel: (+98 21) 43051000 Advertisements Dept.: Telefax: (+98 21) 43051450 Public Relations Office: Tel: (+98 21) 88805807 Subscription & Distribution Dept.: Tel: (+98 21) 43051603 Mohammad Solgi dies at 65 www.eshterak.ir Distributor: Padideh Novin Co. 9 433 CULTURE TEHRAN – Veteran Tel: 88 11 desk Webmaster: [email protected] Mirza Mohammad Solgi, Printed at: Jame Jam Bartar Borna - 44197737 whose memories of the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war were published in a book named “Water Tehrantimes79 Tehrantimesdaily Never Dies”, passed away on Thursday from the chemical injuries he suffered during the No. 18, Bimeh Alley, Nejatollahi St., Tehran, Iran war. P.o. Box: 14155-4843 Due to a heart disease, he was admitted Zip Code: 1599814713 to the hospital in Hamedan three weeks ago and he had a stent implanted to restore blood flow. He was released from the hospital shortly after. However, he was hospitalized again for some problems in his respiratory system and kidneys, which resulted in his death. He had also lost both of his legs during the war. Solgi’s memories of the war were compiled in “Water Never Dies” authored by Hamid GUIDE TO Hesam who was selected as the Islamic Rev- SPIRITUAL AWAKENING olution Artist of the Year in 2018. Several officials, including Culture Min- Envy is disgraceful; and fear is a sign of defect. Indigence ister Seyyed Abbas Salehi and the Leader of makes an intelligent man dumb in argument, and a needy the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali person a stranger in his hometown. Helplessness is a great Khamenei, have sent messages of condolences calamity; fortitude is courage; abstemiousness is wealthi- to Solgi’s family. ness, and devoutness is a chainmail which guards the body “The devoted mujahid continued his and soul against sins. Imam Ali (AS) struggle for God with the injuries he suf- fered in the war, and finally he met God,” Ayatollah Khamenei wrote in his message of condolences. Due to the coronavirus epidemic in the Estimated 120,000 country, Solgi’s remains were buried without entertainment industry crew any gathering in his hometown Nahavand jobs lost during pandemic on Thursday. Veteran Mirza Mohammad Solgi in an undated photo.

LOS ANGELES (The Hollywood Reporter) – More than 120,000 the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Iran warns movie theater owners not to dismiss employees during coronavirus shutdown (IATSE) jobs are estimated to have already been lost since the start ARTTEHRAN – Cinema Organization COVID-19. Iran has also canceled all art, cultural and of the coronavirus outbreak, according to individual correspond- deskof Iran director Hossein Entezami cinematic events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ences that the International Cinematographers Guild (Local 600) has warned the theater owners not to dismiss their Entezami made the remarks following the and Motion Picture Editors Guild (Local 700) sent out to members. employees amid the coronavirus pandemic in the publication of a report on the dismissals of a number country. of movie theater employees. “The theater owners and cineplexes will enjoy the However, Association of Iranian Theater Owners facilities and support of the organization under the secretary Mohammadreza Saberi announced on auspicious of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Saturday that no employee has been dismissed and Guidance if they do not dismiss their employees,” when the theater halls reopen, all the employees will Entezami said in a post published on his Tweeter sure get back to work. account Saturday. He added that some of the theater owners have All movie theaters across Iran have shut down Cinema Organization of Iran director Hossein Entezami introduced their employees to file for unemployment over the spread of coronavirus that is also known as in an undated photo. and they will return to work after the cinemas reopen.

Doc portrays Fatemiyoun’s coronavirus Persian version of “Herman”

El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood (Rich Fury/Getty Images) struggles in Iran republished

“This is a devastating time for the entire IA family,” MPEG na- CULTURE TEHRAN – The third tional executive director Cathy Repola wrote last Wednesday in deskedition of a Persian a message, which also stated that IATSE “has been successful at translation of Danish-Norwegian author securing a standardized two weeks of pay from our more respon- Lars Saabye Christensen’s 1985 book sible employers. The IA intends to address those employers who “Herman” has recently been released are not following suit.” by the Institute for the Intellectual The ICG letter, signed by its officers, including newly elected Development of Children and Young president John Lindley, noted that “although some of our members Adults (IIDCY) in Tehran. are being paid for up to two weeks after their shows shut down, Translated by Shaqayeq Qandehari, based upon the reality of the health care crisis we now face, it is the first edition of the Persian translation highly unlikely that productions will resume after so short a period was published just a couple of months of time. This problem is likely to continue for months, not weeks, ago. and our concerns about health, benefits and economic stability are The book tells the story of Herman, shared by the entire membership.” an 11-year-old boy who is going bald. To The guild also added that its benefit plans “currently have months A scene from Iranian filmmaker Hossein Nejadmusa’s documentary “Golshahr”. cope with his problem, Herman talks of reserves and are not threatened at this moment.” ARTTEHRAN – Iranian ollah Sa’adati, a Fatemiyoun member who with his lovely grandfather almost every Both ICG and MPEG also pointed out that the Motion Picture deskdirector Hossein Nejad- organizes a group of his family and friends day. When grandfather dies, Herman and Television Fund and the Actor’s Fund are prepared to provide musa has made a documentary that depicts to produce face masks and other materi- understands there are things in life that financial assistance. On Tuesday, IATSE announced $2.5 million the struggles of a group of Fatemiyoun, an als necessary for preventing the spread of are not replaceable. in new charitable donations to both groups, as well as to the Actors Afghan brigade that fought against Daesh, in coronavirus. “Herman”, which is the winner if the Fund of Canada. the northeastern Iranian town of Golshahr They also help Iranian medical teams Norwegian Critics Prize for Literature, Front cover of the Persian version of Still, all of this may not match the need. to hold back coronavirus. in their fight with coronavirus and teach was adapted for the screen in 1992 by “Herman” by Danish-Norwegian author In response, IATSE international president Matthew D. Loeb this The group is directed by Seyyed Asad- people to be safe during quarantine time. Norwegian film director Erik Gustavson. Lars Saabye Christensen. week urged Congress to include displaced entertainment workers in a relief package and asking members to sign this online petition. “As social distancing measures are enacted and events and pro- jects across all sectors of the entertainment industry are cancelled, Disney shuffles movie schedule due to virus, “Mulan” set for July it’s become clear that the COVID-19 crisis requires decisive action and Marvel’s “Black Widow” in November, the company been scheduled to kick off the summer blockbuster from our Federal Government to support displaced entertainment said on Friday as it reshuffled a schedule disrupted by season, traditionally Hollywood’s most lucrative period workers,” he wrote. “Right now, thousands of our members across all the global coronavirus outbreak. at theaters, on May 1. It will now debut Nov. 6, a date sectors of the entertainment industry are suffering financial hardship Among other changes, Disney postponed the release that had been reserved for Marvel’s “The Eternals.” because of government mandated cancellations. Entertainment of a new “Indiana Jones” movie by one year to July Disney moved “Eternals” to Feb. 12, 2021, and workers shouldn’t be collateral damage in the fight against the 2022, the company said in a statement. postponed several other Marvel movies by a few COVID-19 virus.” Movie theaters around the world have been closed months. “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” Wednesday’s MPEG letter also urged members to fill out a short and film production has been put on hold to help prevent was rescheduled for May 21, 2021, followed by “Doctor IATSE survey if they have been laid off, put on hiatus or had a start the spread of the novel coronavirus. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness” on Nov. 5, dated pushed back. “We need to provide this information to the Hollywood studios are optimistic that theaters will 2021, and “Thor: Love and Thunder” on Feb. 18, 2022. IATSE,” said Repola in the message to members. be back in business by late July. Disney set the debut The debut of “Jungle Cruise”, a live-action adventure Cast members Ron Yuan, Yifei Liu, Jason Scott Lee and of “Mulan,” which was supposed to reach theaters last starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt,” was delayed Bill Withers, soulful singer of Yoson An pose with director Niki Caro, at the European month, for July 24. ViacomCBS Inc’s Paramount Pictures from this summer to July 30, 2021. premiere for the film “Mulan” in London, Britain March moved a new animated “SpongeBob” movie to July 31, Disney also said it would scrap a planned theatrical “Ain’t No Sunshine” dead at 81 12, 2020. (Reuters/Henry Nicholls) and AT&T Inc’s Warner Bros said it planned to release release of family film “Artemis Fowl” and instead LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Walt Disney Co will release “Wonder Woman 1984” on Aug. 14. distribute it on the Disney+ streaming service at an NEW YORK (Reuters) — Bill Withers, a soulful singer best known the live-action epic “Mulan” in movie theaters in July “Black Widow”, starring Scarlett Johansson, had unspecified date. for the 1970s hits “Lean on Me”, “Lovely Day” and “Ain’t No Sunshine,” has died at age 81 from heart complications, his family said on Friday. Withers produced nine albums, most of them written and record- ed in the 1970s, starting with “Just as I Am”, which included “Ain’t Van Gogh painting stolen from Dutch museum closed by coronavirus No Sunshine”, which won him the first of three Grammy Awards, LAREN, Netherlands (Reuters) — Thieves stole a “Spring Garden”. His father worked as a minister in Nuenen. according to his official website. painting by Dutch master Vincent van Gogh early on De Lorm described the painting, which depicts a woman His musical career ebbed in the 1980s as he left “the hype and the Monday from the Netherlands’ Singer Laren Museum, in a garden with red-flowered bushes and with a church in hoopla” of the spotlight for a more private life, it said. which is currently closed to the public because of the the background, as “an image of silence, of reflection and “A solitary man with a heart driven to connect to the world at coronavirus. of tranquility, which undoubtedly offered him comfort large, with his poetry and music, he spoke honestly to people and The painting “Lentetuin”, or “Spring Garden,” which and inspiration”. connected them to each other,” Rolling Stone magazine quoted the dates back to 1884 and depicts the garden of the rectory at “Through him, it gave us and our audience the same family as saying a statement. “As private a life as he lived close to Nuenen, had been on loan from the Groninger Museum. emotion,” de Lorm added. intimate family and friends, his music forever belongs to the world.” “I feel incredibly angry and now I’m starting to feel The museum, located in the town of Laren to the east Withers was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2015, sadder too,” Jan Rudolph de Lorm, director of the Singer of Amsterdam, has appealed for the swift return of the among his several honors, and made a rare public appearance to Laren Museum, told Reuters in an interview. painting, which has been added to Interpol’s list of stolen accept the tribute. He appealed to those who had taken the painting to artworks. His death drew a flood of tributes, including one from Democratic treat it with care “so that sooner or later it can be shown In a statement, police said the thieves had entered the Investigators are searching for security footage and U.S. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, who said he often played to the public unharmed”. museum by breaking its glass doors at around 3.15 a.m. witnesses, and are examining forensic evidence, it added. Withers’ “Lovely Day” at events during his now-ended presidential Van Gogh, who struggled with mental illness through- (0115 GMT). “The culprits were gone by the time police Dutch museums have been closed because of the coro- campaign. out his life, was staying with his parents when he painted responded to the alarm,” the statement said. navirus outbreak since March 12.