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12 Pages Price 40,000 Rials 1.00 EURO 4.00 AED 39th year No.13582 Thursday JANUARY 16, 2020 Dey 26, 1398 Jumada Al Awwal 20, 1441 Spirit of resistance Any wrong Estili issues apology Fajr poetry festival launches book must be path of future step will harm after Iran’s AFC U23 donation campaign for flood- generations 2 Europeans 2 C’ship exit 11 stricken Sistan-Baluchestan 12

Tehran hosting 2 international exhibitions Zarif, Modi confer on TEHRAN — The 11th International Ex- As reported by Shata, Iranian Industry, hibition of Cement, Concrete, Manufac- Mining and Trade Minister Reza Rahmani, turing Technology and Related Machinery Head of Iranian Mines and Mining Indus- (IRAN CEMENTEX 2020) and the 4th tries Development and Renovation Organ- International Exhibition of Agriculture, ization (IMIDRO) Khodadad Gharibpour Agricultural Machinery and Equipment, and Deputy Industry Minister Hossein pressing issues Input, Irrigation Systems (Iran Agri Show Modares Khiabani attended the opening 2020) are running at the Tehran Perma- ceremony of the Iran CEMENTEX 2020 nent International Fairgrounds. exhibition. 4 See page 2 Iran probing possible U.S. disruption in radar system that caused plane downing TEHRAN — A possible disruption in Iran’s cyber systems have observed Iran’s radar network by the U.S. may have and recorded virtual objects manu- caused the operator mistake the Ukrainian factured by the U.S. in the country’s passenger plan for an incoming Ameri- airspace” can cruise missile, at top Iranian military “Disruption in performance of official said on Wednesday. radar systems by the United States Ali Abdollahi, the deputy com- is not unprecedented,” the military mander of the Armed Forces General official said. Headquarters for coordination affairs, Abdollahi said a team has been es- said “the U.S. mischiefs in the region tablished to investigate such a possi- have been proven before, and so far bility. 2

Russia, China slam decision to trigger Iran deal dispute mechanism TEHRAN — Russia and China have crit- maximum pressure on Tehran. icized the three European parties to the “We have therefore been left with Iran nuclear deal over a move to trigger no choice, given Iran’s actions, but to the dispute mechanism. register today our concerns that Iran France, Britain, and Germany is not meeting its commitments under confirmed on Tuesday that they had the JCPOA (Iran deal) and to refer this triggered the dispute mechanism in matter to the Joint Commission under the nuclear deal, also known as the the Dispute Resolution Mechanism, as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action set out in paragraph 36 of the JCPOA,” (JCPOA), but said they were not joining the three European states said in the The Times of India The Times the United States campaign to exert statement, according to Reuters. 3 EDITORIAL Imam Khomeini had a rather practical turn of mind: Falk ARTICLE Mohammad Ghaderi EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW revolution, we asked Professor Falk to share his to Iran. What were the objectives of that trip? Farrokh Hesabi Tehran Times editor-in-chief By Maryam Khormaei &Javad Heirannia experience from this historical trip and the visit A: I was chair of a small committee in the Tehran Times journalist @ghaderi62 he later had with the founder of Islamic republic United States with the name, “Committee for TEHRAN — Forty-one years have passed since of Iran Ayatollah Khomeini. the Defense of Human Rights in Iran,” which Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, upon failure to attract Richard Anderson Falk is an American sponsored events with Iranian students and some Legal look into the popular support, fled Iran forever. professor emeritus of international law at prominent figures. It became active within uni- Alarming concerns about Over the past decades, despite being faced Princeton University. He is the author or versity settings as the revolutionary movement arrest of the UK with threats, provocations, harsh sanctions, and co-author of 20 books and the editor or gathered momentum in 1978. Iran National Team even a variety of covert interventions, Iran has co-editor of another 20 volumes. In 2008, The Committee had almost no funding, ambassador to Iran been more stable than ever- a fact even acknowl- the United Nations Human Rights Council but had dedicated members, and achieved ran Football Federation is still weighing up edged by Professor Richard Falk as the former (UNHRC) appointed Falk to a six-year term a certain visibility as there was so little the options following their decision to part n the legal term, immunity generally UN Special Rapporteur. as a United Nations special Rapporteur on the attention being given to these historic de- ways with Marc Wilomts and now there means that the person is exempted I Falk, who came to Tehran as a member of an situation of human rights in the Palestinian velopments in Iran unfolding as the months are two potential candidates for the role of from prosecution, in other words the I American delegation in 1979, has an interesting Territories occupied since 1967. passed. The treatment of these issues in Team Melli head coach: Amir Ghalenoei and law and its executors cannot prosecute narrative of Bakhtiar’s desperation on the day Following is the full text of the interview: the mainstream media was not only mostly Ali Daei, with Yahya Golmohammadi, the third the person. The Vienna Convention on of Shah-Escape. very pro-Shah but also quite uninformative, candidate, was named as the new head coach Diplomatic Relations (1961) states that Before Iran’s Islamic revolution, as a mem- As Iran marks 41th anniversary of Islamic ber of an American delegation, you had a visit and even uniformed. 7 of Persepolis on Monday. the immunities and privileges are not in- The Asian section of the 2022 FIFA World tended to benefit individuals; rather they Cup qualification restarts in a little more than are to perform the functions of diplomatic two months and the Iranian federation has not missions as representatives of states. Kata’eb Hezbollah supports Sadr, urge million-man march against U.S. military presence introduced the new head coach so far. Therefore, granting immunity to dip- Influential Iraqi Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has nian commander Lieutenant General Qassem Following the parliamentary vote, the office of Heaydar Baharvand, acting president of lomats is intended to ensure that they demanded that Iraqis stage a “million-man march” Soleimani and along with Abu Mahdi al-Muhan- Iraq’s caretaker Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi Iran football federation, is responsible to perform their duties, and it is not to benefit against the continued US military presence in dis, the second-in-command of Iraq’s Popular asked Washington to dispatch a delegation to select the replacement for Wimots, but it them personally. Immunity is given to the country, days after Iraq’s parliament voted Mobilization Units (PMU), among others, near Baghdad to initiate preparations for the withdrawal seems neither Baharvan nor the federation them as the authority of the sending state. to expel the American troops following an assas- the Baghdad airport. The parliament resolution of American troops, who number around 5,200. are in a hurry to pick the new trainer for On the other hand, among the behaviors sination operation by Washington on Iraqi soil. also urged the Baghdad government to drop a Kata’eb Hezbollah threatens to kick Team Melli’s hotseat. of diplomats in the host country, two most The march is needed “to condemn the Ameri- request for assistance from a U.S.-led coalition U.S. forces out of Iraq if they don’t leave While Marc Wilmots was selected to get prominent principles have been repeated can presence and its violations,” Sadr, who leads of foreign troops purportedly operating against Meanwhile, Kata’eb Hezbollah released a state- the Iranian team to the World Cup 2022, the in all diplomatic law instruments, name- the largest parliamentary bloc, Sairoon, said in a Daesh remnants in Iraq. ment on Wednesday that their forces will kick the Belgian struggled to make any sort of meaningful ly the principle of non-interference and tweet on Tuesday. The Iraqis censured the targeted killings — U.S. military out of Iraq if they refuse to leave. impact on the team’s performance and they lost the principle of respect to the laws and “The skies, land, and sovereignty of Iraq are which were ordered by US President Donald “Their determination to defy the will of the Iraqi back-to-back games against Bahrain and Iraq in regulations of the host country. being violated every day by occupying forces,” Trump — as a blatant violation of the country’s people by refusing to comply with the decision the 2022 World Cup qualification and now the Non-interference principle he added. The cleric, however, cautioned that sovereignty as well as the security agreement be- of the Council of Representatives to withdraw national team is in danger of being eliminated Non-interference in the domestic such a show of popular disapproval should be a tween Baghdad and Washington. its troops from Iraq, and it became clear that from the 22nd edition of the FIFA World Cup affairs of a state is one of the fundamen- “peaceful, unified demonstration,” but did not In a letter to the parliament following the vote, they do not respect the will of the people, and which will take place in Qatar in 2022. tal principles of international law and a offer a date or location for the proposed rally. Sadr called for an immediate cancellation of the do not hold any weight for international law,” The alarming truth about the current situ- reflection of autonomy and equality of On January 5, the parliament voted over- security agreement with the U.S., the closure of the statement partially said. ation of the Iranian national team is that there states. No government allows interference whelmingly in favor of a resolution calling for the US embassy, the expulsion of US troops in “a Kata’eb Hezbollah also accused the U.S. ad- is no clear plan for the team. After failing to in its domestic affairs without its own will. the expulsion of all U.S.-led forces, two days humiliating manner,” and the criminalization ministration of using blackmail to get what they reach an agreement with ex-Persepolis coach Advocacy of political parties and groups, after the US military assassinated senior Ira- of communication with the US administration. want in Iraq, which they vowed would end. Branko Ivankovic, the Iranian federation - in spreading opposition press, taking stance a change of mind - decided to hire an Iranian on election, participating in rallies, crit- coach, but the process of selecting the Iranian icizing the host country’s domestic and coach has been lengthy and boring. foreign policy, and any action taken to War veterans Time is running out fast for Iran and the disregard party autonomy is considered Team Melli’s rivals in Group C of 2022 World as interference. protest Cup qualification (AFC), Iraq and Bahrain, are The principle of non-interference by in their best form of the recent years. diplomats is a common and accepted Following the resignation of Mehdi Taj practice. But since the domestic affairs Soleimani as head of Football Federation of the Islamic of states have a significant and growing Republic of Iran (FFIRI) due to the heart prob- impact on foreign policy, this principle assassination lems, the plans for finding the new coach of the is ignored by deceit in the countless cas- national team was also delayed and now the es. Financial or economic aid is among A number of war veterans, including those suf- federation plans to hire a head coach before these deceits. selecting a new boss. Another point regarding the non-inter- fering disability in Iraq’s war against Iran in the 1980s, held a gathering in front of the Swiss Both Ali Daei, the legendary Iranian goal ference principle is that there is a narrow scorer, and Amir Ghalenoei, Sepahan’s current line between intervention and espionage. embassy in Tehran to protest the assassination of Iran’s top military commander Qassem Soleim- coach, have previously experienced failure with The issue is so complicated that the In- ani by the U.S. in Baghdad on January 3. The Team Melli as head coaches, and they know ternational Court of Justice in its 1980 how difficult is the task of leading the Iranian stated in its verdict regarding the case protestors, carrying photos of Soleimani and Iraq’s PMF deputy chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, national team in the current condition. The new of the U.S. embassy in Tehran that it is head coach, whoever he might be, has to live difficult to distinguish between espionage shouted slogans against the U.S. state terrorism.

Tehran Times up to expectations and must fix the problems and interference in domestic affairs. The Swiss embassy in Tehran represents the U.S. interests in Iran. at Team Melli under the watchful eye of the )See full text at tehrantimes.com( millions of fans around the Iran. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y POLITICS JANUARY 16, 2020

Ayatollah Khamenei: Spirit Any wrong step will harm of resistance must be path of future generations

POLITICAL TEHRAN — Leader of the Islamic Revolution desk Europeans: Rouhani Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said that the “spirit of resistance and jihad” should be the path of future generations. POLITICAL TEHRAN – President by striking Ain al-Assad, showed that we do He made the remarks during a meeting on Monday with deskHassan Rouhani said on not back down in the face of the U.S. and members of the congress of the martyrs of Bushehr Province. Wednesday that any wrong step toward the that if they commit a crime they will surely “A country like Iran, which possesses energy, mines, various 2015 nuclear deal by the Europeans will be receive the proper response.” capacities, climate variations, sensitive geographical status and a harmful to themselves. Rouhani urges the U.S. to leave population of 80 million, should be able to manage itself through “If you take a wrong step, you will be the region efforts and jihad in order to protect its dignity,” the Leader stated. harmed. Take the right step which is return- Rouhani also warned the United States He also noted that memory of martyrs must be kept alive. ing to the JCPOA,” he said during a cabinet to end its military intervention in the region, meeting. saying it will both help restore regional secu- The remarks by Rouhani came as France, rity and serve Washington’s own interests. E3 making ‘strategic mistake’ Germany and the United Kingdom issued The “intolerable” insecurity currently by triggering dispute a joint statement on Tuesday announcing afflicting the region menaces Asia, Europe, they have formally triggered the dispute and even America itself as it can lead to all mechanism: Zarif mechanism in the nuclear deal. sorts of incidents, Rouhani told the cabinet Rouhani said, “The Europeans say that session. POLITICAL TEHRAN – Foreign Minister Mohammad Iran has taken fifth nuclear step and we The American forces in the region are deskJavad Zarif said on Tuesday that the European should take a step. The step you must take today faced with insecurity, which may come Union trio, known as E3, is making a “strategic mistake” by is returning to your commitments.” to threaten the European troops as well in triggering the dispute mechanism in the 2015 nuclear deal, On January 5, Iran suspended all limits the near future, he added. officially known as the JCPOA. under the JCPOA in accordance to paragraph “Restore this security. We want you to “Europeans’ action in using the dispute mechanism is baseless 36. It was the fifth and the final step by Iran. leave the region… not by means of war, but from legal point of view and strategic mistake from political Paragraph 36 provided a mechanism to by taking the wise move [to do so],” he said. point of view,” he said during a meeting with Niels Annen, a resolve disputes and allows one side, under “You [yourself] will stand to benefit from this. German foreign office minister, in New Delhi. certain circumstances, to stop complying with “What [U.S. President Donald] Trump has ani was Iran’s “border guard” and symbol Go down the path that benefits the region Zarif also criticized the Europeans’ failure to protect Iran’s the deal if the other side is out of compliance. done except violating law?” of “courage and martyrdom”. and the entire world,” the president added, interests under in the JCPOA. After waiting for a year that the Europe- “Apologize the Iranian people for your “We knew the United States is very crim- Press TV reported. For his part, Annen said, “Our stance is defending and an signatories to the JCPOA take practical weakness and also your fear of the United inal. However, we did not think that it would ‘Armed Forces must not be un- supporting the JCPOA and the spirit of the three European measures to protect its economy from U.S. States. We invite you to return to the JCPOA,” hit a great general fighting terrorism who dermined for the mistake’ ministers’ statement is not collapse of the JCPOA.” sanctions, Iran announced on May 8, 2019, he noted. was a guest of another country with mis- Pointing to the Ukrainian plane crash, He also noted that Germany attaches great importance that its “strategic patience” and started to Rouhani also said, “Today, you must un- sile,” he said. Rouhani also said that those who mistak- to ties with Iran. reduce its JCPOA comments at bi-monthly derstand that you made a mistake toward the Soleimani was assassinated in a U.S. air- enly shot down the passenger plane are the Foreign ministers of France, Germany and the United intervals. JCPOA, assassination of Martyr Soleimani, strike in Baghdad on January 3. He was a gust ones who make efforts in line with protecting Kingdom issued a joint statement on Tuesday announcing The decision was taken exactly one year the region, Iraq, Yemen and imposition of of the Iraqi prime minister. The Pentagon the country’s security. However, he said that they have formally triggered the dispute mechanism in the after the U.S. abandoned the deal and reintro- sanctions on Iran’s oil sale. Abandon making announced that Soleimani was targeted upon they must apologize to the people and such nuclear deal. duced sanctions on Iran. In each step senior mistake and return. We are prepared if you direct order by Trump. incidents must not happen again. U.S. President Donald Trump quit the nuclear deal in May officials in Iran announced if the European return and take a path which is beneficial to Rouhani praised the IRGC for taking a The president added despite this “great 2018 and introduced the harshest ever sanctions in history side take concrete measures to shield the regional stability and security.” revenge on the United States by targeting mistake” the armed forces should not be on Iran as part of his administration’s “maximum pressure” country’s economy from sanctions it will ‘Soleimani was Iran’s border its airbase in western Iraq with dozens of undermined. strategy against Iran. reverse its decision. guard’ ballistic missiles on January 8. “We have needed, need and will need The European countries failed to protect Iran’s benefits Under the JCPOA, Iran had agreed to put Rouhani also said that General Soleim- “The Armed Forces and the Guards (IRGC), armed forces such as army, Guards, Basij from the deal and after patiently watching for a whole year and limits on its nuclear activities in exchange and police.” seeing no clear action from the European signatories of the for termination of economic and financial “The Armed Forces and the Guards (IRGC), The Ukrainian passenger plane, with 176 nuclear deal, Iran started to partially reduce its commitments. sanctions. by striking Ain al-Assad, showed that we do people aboard, was mistakenly downed on Iran’s action is based on articles 26 and 36 of the JCPOA. ‘What Trump has done except the 8th of January by the air defense system. Tehran has repeatedly announced it will reverse its decisions violating law?’ not back down in the face of the U.S. and Rouhani said on Tuesday that the Judi- once other signatories fulfill their commitments. In response to British Prime Minister Boris that if they commit a crime they will surely ciary should form a special court headed by Under the 2015 nuclear agreement endorsed by the UN Johnson’s remarks about replacing the nuclear a high-ranking judge and assisted by tens Security Council resolution 2231, Iran agreed to put limits deal with the “Trump deal”, Rouhani asked, receive the proper response,” Rouhani says. of senior experts to investigate the issue. on its nuclear activities in exchange for the termination of economic and financial bans. President Rouhani also reacted to the activation of dispute mechanism by the EU trio, warning that they will “suffer” if they take a “wrong step”. British ambassador leaves Tehran “If you take a wrong step, you will suffer,” Rouhani told POLITICAL TEHRAN — British Ambassador to Iran The ambassador was detained temporarily at the scene Mentioning the history of British colonialism in the the cabinet meeting. deskRob Macaire has left Tehran, media sources but was released immediately as diplomats enjoy diplomatic Middle East, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said the era of Rouhani recommended the Europeans to choose the right reported on Wednesday, adding the envoy’s departure had immunity. He was summoned to the Foreign Ministry on interference of British ambassadors in the internal affairs of path by cherishing the nuclear agreement. “Choose the right been previously announced to the relevant bodies. Sunday to hear Iran’s protest. A number of MPs also called other countries, fomenting divisions and fueling domestic path, and the right path is to return to the JCPOA.” The sources said that Macaire left Iran according to for his expulsion. conflicts ended a long time ago. In a statement on Tuesday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry regulations. On Saturday, a senior police official told media that Macaire “Britain must abandon such scandalous activities and spokesman said activating the “trigger mechanism” will serve The sources did not reveal any information about the was arrested during the mourning vigil which turned into realize that the time when the sun never set on the British nobody’s interests. time of his departure and his destination. a protest in front of Amir Kabir University in downtown Empire has been over for decades,” the statement underlined, “I have to mention that the three European nations have taken Based on diplomatic protocols, any ambassador or dip- Tehran, where he was organizing and provoking people. adding, “With all different tastes and views, the vigilant a passive measure from a weak position,” Abbas Mousavi said. lomatic agent in the host country is entitled to return to his In a statement on Monday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry people of Iran do not accept foreign interference, particu- “Iran, as always, is prepared to deal with any constructive own country for vocation or any other issue after submitting said Macaire’s attendance at the gathering was a blatant larly from the governments with a record of colonialism and effort to save the important international agreement,” he said. an official note on his departure. interference in the internal affairs of Iran. support for dictators, and would not forget that the very However, Mousavi added, his country will take “firm, decisive The British ambassador’s participation on Saturday Attendance at the gathering contravenes the principles same British government is the main supporter and arms and proportional response” to any “unconstructive” moves. at a gathering of students inside Amir Kabir University of of diplomatic relations and raises suspicions of Britain’s supplier of those who slaughtered Khashoggi and who kill Technology, who were protesting the accidental downing of involvement in the failed policy of the U.S. “maximum children in Yemen.” UN calls on all parties to a Ukrainian passenger plane, has enraged Iranian officials. pressure” campaign against Tehran, the statement added. The ministry finally called on the British embassy in Tehran The Foreign Ministry has called his behavior “unlawful”, It added, “Any new British mistake will face Iran’s harsh to immediately stop any meddling and provocative measures keep nuclear deal in place “unprofessional”, “suspicious” and a violation of the 1961 and proportionate reaction, and the British government and warned that if such behavior continues, the ministry Vienna convention. bears responsibility for all of its consequences.” will not be satisfied just by summoning the ambassador. By staff and agency UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric has called on all parties to the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the JCPOA, to spare no effort to keep it in place. Zarif, Modi confer on Iran Air Force makes new key progress “We’re, obviously, aware of what happened this morning, of pressing issues in electronic warfare: commander the joint announcement made by the three and the confirmation made by the EU diplomatic chief. We continue to call on parties POLITICAL TEHRAN — Iranian POLITICAL TEHRAN — The lieu- to work together to do whatever they can to preserve the JCPOA,” deskForeign Minister Mo- desktenant commander of the TASS quoted Dujarric as saying on Tuesday. hammad Javad Zarif and Indian Prime Iran Air Force for coordination affairs said France, Germany and the United Kingdom issued a joint Minister Narendra Modi held talks on on Wednesday that his force has recently statement on Tuesday announcing they have formally triggered Wednesday over pressing regional and attained new cutting-edge progress in the the dispute mechanism in the nuclear deal. international issues. field of electronic warfare. Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday that Rus- The meeting was held on the sidelines Electronic warfare (EW) is any action in- sia sees no grounds to trigger the dispute mechanism, Reuters of the Raisina Dialogue 2020 in New Delhi. volving the use of the electromagnetic spectrum reported. Earlier in the day, Zarif also met Indian (EM spectrum) or directed energy to control The activation of this mechanism may make it impossible to National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. the spectrum, attack an enemy, or impede return to implementation of the agreement, the ministry said. The meetings took place 12 days after ignorance and ignorance,” Zarif said, ac- enemy assaults. duction lines of Kaman-12 unmanned aerial U.S. President Donald Trump quit the nuclear deal in May the United States assassinated top Iranian cording to The Times of India. Brigadier General Mahdi Hadian said that vehicle (UAV) and Akhgar missiles. 2018. So far Britain, France, Germany have failed to protect military commander Qassem Soleimani Soleimani was the “single most effective electronic warfare is among the most impor- In the ceremony, also the first aeronau- Iran’s interests in the deal. in Baghdad in an air raid and pushed the force” against ISIS and that is why the U.S. tant influential techniques and equipment tical center, equipped with laser technolo- On May 8, exactly one year after the U.S. abandoned the region closer to a direct military confron- “did not like” him. in reinvigoration of combat might. gy of Launch Services Program (LSP), was deal, Tehran announced that its “strategic patience” is over and tation between Iran and the United States. The foreign minister said Iran fired mis- He further said, “The Air Force has gained inaugurated in Army Aerospace Force Self began to partially reduce its commitments to the agreement at Addressing the Raisina forum, Zarif said siles at the U.S. airbase in Iraq in “self-de- important achievements in this field,” assuring Sufficiency Jihad Organization (ASF SSJO). bi-monthly intervals. U.S. President Donald Trump, Secretary fense” in retaliation to the assassination the Iranians about the Air Force’s deterrent General Nasirzadeh said these achieve- Iran’s moves are based on paragraph 36 of the JCPOA which of State Michael Pompeo are celebrating of its top military commander. power which can counter the enemies’ state- ments were made in sanctions conditions, “allows one side, under certain circumstances, to stop complying the death of General Soleimani. The senior diplomat also vehemently of-art weapons. adding, “This technology is also applicable with the deal if the other side is out of compliance.” He said 430 cities in India were watching dismissed claim by Trump that Soleimani Iran has increased its defense power in in the medical industry, energy industry In the first stage, Iran announced that it will not limit its millions of people in Iran were protesting was orchestrating attacks on U.S. embassies. recent years by developing different types of (gas-powered turbines) and also automo- stockpile of the nuclear fuel to 300 kilograms allowed under the assassination of Qassemi. Prior to his meeting with Modi, the top weapons and equipment. tive industry.” the deal. On that date (May 8), Iran’s Supreme National Secu- The chief diplomat said the United States Iranian diplomat held separate meetings In March 2019, Commander of the Iranian Kaman-12, the first home-made wide- rity Council (SNSC) said if the remaining parties to the JCPOA, looks at the world from its own perspective with Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Air Force Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh body drone with a jet engine, was unveiled especially Europeans, devise a mechanism to protect Iran from rather than the perspective of the region. Reinsalu, Afghanistan’s National Security and Vice-President for Science and Technology in January 2019 in an exhibition held by the sanctions’ effect in the two-month deadline it will reverse “The killing of Qassem Soleimani shows Adviser Hamdollah Moheb. Sorena Sattari officially opened the mass-pro- Armed Forces in Tehran. its decision. But since European parties missed the deadline, on July 7 Iran announced that it has started enriching uranium to a higher purity than the 3.67%, thereby starting the second step. Iran probing possible U.S. disruption in radar system that caused plane downing: military Again, as Europe missed the second 60-day deadline, Iran 1 The passenger plane was shot Abdollahi said there had been a report However, Abdollahi said, the investi- “(Anyone at) every level who reports moved to take the third step, removing a ban on nuclear research down on the morning of January 8, nearly about a U.S. cruise missile attack in the gation that led to the announcement was (something) should make sure about (the and development (R&D). four hours after Iran fired dozens of missiles wake of Iran›s missile launches. He said conducted in the least possible time. accuracy of) the report,” he said, adding, In the fourth step, which started on November 6, Iran be- at a U.S. airbase in Iraq in retaliation to the the operator who fired missile at the plane “The commander of the Islamic Revo- “Naturally, the initial examination takes gan injecting uranium gas into 1,044 centrifuges at the Fordow assassination of Iran’s top general Qassem had difficulty in receiving the message of lution Guards Corps Aerospace Force was time.” nuclear site. It was done at the presence of inspectors from the Soleimani in Baghdad on January 3. the command center. on a mission in the west of the country and The scope of mission of the involved in- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The Iranian military announced on There was a widespread criticism for the after an hour, he was informed (about it) dividuals was extensive and it was necessary In its fifth and final step on January 5, Iran suspended all Saturday morning that the plane had been late announcement that the plane had been and reported this to his superior,” he said, to speak to all of them so the process lasted limits under the JCPOA. mistaken for a cruise missile. downed unintentionally by Iran. according to Tasnim. about 38 hours, he told IRNA. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y JANUARY 16, 2020 IRAN IN FOCUS 3 No government tolerates Parliamentary candidates’ vetting not final: Jannati

subversive protests, says Motahari POLITICAL TEHRAN — Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, head desk POLITICAL TEHRAN — No gov- ventional behavior and presence” in the illegal of the Guardian Council, said on Wednesday deskernment would tolerate gatherings. that the vetting of parliamentary candidates are not final and protests with subversive agendas, says MP The British diplomat was reminded that they can file complaints. Ali Motahari. his presence in illegal gatherings has no con- “In the event that these gatherings go on formity with his responsibility and that his and protesters resort to acts of aggression behavior is in contrast to the 1961 Vienna and pursue subversive agendas, they need to convention on diplomatic relationship, the be dealt with,” Motahari said on Wednesday, ministry said. according to Mehr. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Polit- “These gatherings and chanting of slo- ical Affairs Abbas Araghchi said Ambassador gans is natural to a certain degree,” he said, Macaire was temporarily arrested for partic- pointing to the recent accidental downing of a ipating in the “illegal gathering” in Tehran. Ukrainian passenger plane by Iran’s military. “He wasn’t detained but arrested as an “Students are upset and they want to make unknown foreigner in an illegal gathering. their protest heard by the authorities and When police informed me a man’s arrested shout,” he said. who claims to be UK Amb, I said IMPOS- The General Staff of the Armed Forces SIBLE! only after my phone conversation issued a statement on Saturday saying that w him I identified, out of big surprise, that the Ukrainian plane crash was caused by a it’s him. 15 min later he was free,” Araghchi “human error”. tweeted on Sunday. “The Ukrainian passenger plane was hit The comments came in response to a recent unintentionally and due to human error, tweet by head of European Union foreign “Eventually, the first phase of vetting the candidates for the which unfortunately led to the martyrdom policy Josep Borrell who expressed concerns eleventh term of the Majlis was completed,” Jannati said. of a number of our people and also a number over the envoy’s “temporary detention”. “The announced results about the candidates’ qualification are of foreign nationals,” the statement read. able to voice their grievances. “His action was amateur, undiplomatic “Very concerned about the tempo- not final and it is still possible for the Guardian Council members The incident sparked sporadic rallies in However, he continued, if the gatherings and unprofessional,” he added. rary detention of the UK Ambassador @ to review and revise their initial judgments,” he added. some universities, including Tehran Univer- are held to pursue subversive agendas, then Macaire, who was arrested briefly by Iran HMATehran in Iran. Full respect of the The comments by Jannati come as 90 sitting MPs who had sity, Amirkabir University of Technology, no government would tolerate this. during demonstrations in Tehran on Saturday, Vienna convention is a must. The EU calls fielded candidacy for the elections have been found ineligible to run. Shahid Beheshti University and Tehran He also commented on the presence of was summoned to the Foreign Ministry on for de-escalation and space for diplomacy,” The Guardian Council released on Sunday the list of candidates University of Art. the British Ambassador Rob Macaire in the Sunday afternoon. Borrell wrote. who are considered competent to run for parliamentary elections. Motahari said protests to this extent must rallies, saying, “It is not clear why he partic- According to the Foreign Ministry, the Motahari said Britain must not be the one Abbas Ali Kadkhodaei, the spokesman for the Guardian Coun- be tolerated so that the protesters would be ipated in these gatherings.” ambassador was summoned for his “uncon- to complain, rather, it needs to apologize. cil, said in a tweet late on Saturday that the process of studying qualification of the candidates has ended. The council announced on Sunday that the candidates who oppose the result of the study can file a complaint from January Russia, China slam decision to trigger Iran deal dispute mechanism 12 to January 16. The next parliamentary elections will be held on February 21. 1 ercise restraint, resolve differences through dialogue and Russia said on Tuesday that it sees no grounds To be able to run for parliament, the candidates must be finally consultation within the JCPOA framework, take concrete to trigger the dispute mechanism, saying the activation of confirmed by the Guardian Council. steps to restore the balance of the rights and obligations of this mechanism may make it impossible to return to imple- The candidates will have 8 days to spend on the campaign the JCPOA and try their best to safeguard and implement mentation of the agreement, TASS reported. trail, ending on February 19. the deal, Geng added. On Wednesday, China expressed regret over the deci- The Iranian parliament has 290 members who are elected by China will stay in close contact and coordination with sion as well. the people for four-year terms. relevant parties and make tireless efforts to this end, he added. “This decision will not help solve the issues or ease current The parliamentary elections will be held in over 200 constit- The JCPOA was struck between Iran and the five perma- tensions,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said uencies across the country’s 31 provinces. nent UN Security Council members — the United States, at a press briefing in Beijing, China Internet Information The midterm elections of the Assembly of Experts will also Russia, China, France and the UK — as well as Germany Center reported. be held on the same date in Tehran, Khorasan Razavi, North and the European Union. China has always believed that Iran reduced its com- Khorasan, Fars and Qom provinces. mitments to the JCPOA due to specific reasons, said Geng. The accord came under increasing strain ever He said that the United States unilaterally withdrew from since U.S. President Donald Trump announced the the JCPOA, while ignoring international law and its inter- “Such practices are the root cause of current tensions,” U.S. withdrawal from it in May 2018 and unleashed national obligations, imposing maximum pressure on Iran he said. the “toughest ever” sanctions against Iran despite Trump ‘flat-out lied’ about China urged all relevant parties to stay calm and ex- and obstructing other parties in keeping their commitments. worldwide objections. Soleimani assassination: Iran-Iraq solidarity grows amid U.S. threats Biden POLITICAL TEHRAN — U.S. Democratic presidential can- (Workers World) United States policy toward 40 years of aggressive hostility, may have predicted, lead to Iran’s collapse. However, China’s Hilong Oil Service & Engineering deskdidate Joe Biden has said that Donald Trump both Iran and Iraq is based not on “bad advice” been due in part to the successful Houthi they did have far-reaching, unintended con- Co. and the Iraqi Drilling Co. agreed to a “flat-out lied” when offering justification for the assassination or howling blunders by President Donald drone attack in Yemen. sequences throughout the region, forcing joint venture to exploit numerous oilfields of Iran’s top general, Qassem Soleimani. Trump, as Democratic Party pundits claim. NATO pulling out all political forces to actively turn, for their throughout the country, including the Majnoon “Quite frankly, I think he’s flat-out lied about saying, the reason It is not just a “mismanaged” foreign policy. On Jan. 10, U.S. Secretary of State Mike survival, away from U.S. domination and field — one of the world’s largest. he made the strike [on Soleimani] was because our embassies were Washington’s miscalculations of the past Pompeo refused to even discuss with the Iraqi toward regional cooperation. Chinese projects with Iran about to be bombed,” Biden said while speaking at a Democratic two weeks have been driven by extreme frus- prime minister a vote in the Iraqi Parliament Iraq-Iran trade expands China’s economic relations with Iran are debate in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday night. tration at all levels of U.S. ruling circles, mil- telling U.S. troops to leave Iraq. But U.S. A growing number of joint Iraqi-Iranian more advanced than those with Iraq. Trump ordered the drone strikes that targeted Lieutenant itary strategists and think tanks. They reflect and NATO collaborators got the message. projects now include setting up industrial China and Iran in 2016 signed a $600 General Soleimani, chief of the IRGC’s Quds Force, and Abu developments U.S. imperialists have been As Trump called for NATO to step up its parks along the south, central and northern billion, 25-year trade agreement based on Mahdi al-Muhandis, the second-in-command of Iraq’s Popular unable to push back. In fact, their desperate involvement in Iraq, NATO allies instead borders and increasing commercial links to the international agreement to end sanc- Mobilization Units (PMU) as well as eight other companions efforts have had the opposite effect. announced their departures. Canada stated it $20 billion a year in trade. tions on Iran. on January 3. The U.S. imperialists are losing their was withdrawing some 500 troops. Germany The most interesting joint project, signed in The U.S. illegally abrogated this agreement Trump told Fox News Friday that “four embassies” would overarching dominant influence in the re- was next, announcing a partial withdrawal of May 2019, involves the dredging of a common and has demanded that every other country have been targeted had the U.S. not carried out the operation, gion. Their ability to control events on sev- its troops. Then Sweden, Denmark, Hunga- waterway, known in Iraq as the Shatt al-Arab also cancel its trade. But China has not com- but failed to provide any details to substantiate his claims. eral fronts — political, economic and even ry, Romania and Latvia all suspended their and in Iran as the River Arvand, to facilitate plied with U.S. demands. Under its Belt and American officials have made confusing remarks about what military — is slipping. training missions with Iraqi forces. Many shipping, commerce and tourism. Iran and Road Initiative, sometimes called the New prompted Trump to order the assassination. Their weakened position is likely to drive other countries — including Britain, France, Iraq had waged war throughout the 1980s Silk Road, trade with Iran has expanded. After the president claimed that the strikes were conducted to them toward deeper rogue actions, even more Italy, Spain, Australia, Denmark, Norway, over control of this vital artery, which forms Extensive new rail lines through Turk- prevent an “imminent” attack, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reckless threats and new war crimes. Portugal and Bulgaria — have already with- a natural border between the two countries. menistan and Kazakhstan connect China said the operation was part of a “bigger strategy of deterrence.” But these criminal actions can also foster drawn their troops from Iraq. Due to hostilities, the waterway has not been and Iran, cutting delivery time to half that Pentagon Chief Mark Esper, on the other hand, said there was deeper anti-imperialist unity in the region. That leaves U.S. positions more exposed. cleared since the mid-1970s. of ocean trade. Future rail lines from Urumqi “no intelligence forewarning of imminent attacks on embassies,” Recent massive demonstrations in Iran and Despite the vote in the Iraqi Parliament Iran and Iraq are also planning on develop- in Xinjiang province to Tehran will further contradicting Trump. Iraq reflect this. So does the willingness of for the U.S. to leave, the Pentagon has yet ing the Naft Shahr and Khorramshahr natural shorten trade time and expand economic ties. On Monday, Trump in a tweet alleged any imminent threat Iraqi security forces guarding Baghdad’s to announce its decision. gas fields. Plans to link the Iraqi and Iranian These two formerly colonized and op- Soleimani posed “doesn’t really matter because of his horrible past!” Green Zone, home to the U.S. Embassy, to Threat of sanctions on Iraq railway networks together are also moving pressed countries, Iran and China, are in- Biden also criticized the president for pulling the U.S. out of literally open the door on New Year’s Eve to backfires forward. This will help U.S.-sanctioned Iran creasingly targeted by U.S. imperialism. In a nuclear deal with Iran, a move which he said alienated Wash- thousands of angry people protesting U.S. Trump responded to the Iraqi vote with ship goods to U.S.-sanctioned Syria, which response, they are expanding exchanges in ington’s allies. missile attacks. new threats. has seaports on the Mediterranean coast. defensive military technology and advanced “We have lost our standing in the region, we have lost the Then, on Jan. 7, Iran attacked two vast U.S. Beginning in 1990, and continuing in part These cooperation developments have technical support. support of our allies. The next president has to be able to pull bases on Iraqi territory. This open challenge even today, the U.S. has imposed sanctions been covered by both Arab and Iranian news In 2018 the U.S. ordered Canada to arrest those folks back together, reestablish our alliances and insist to the U.S. empire was a carefully calibrated on Iraq. The UN estimated that, in the first services. and detain Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial Iran go back into the agreement.” response to the Pentagon’s assassination four four years of these sanctions, half a million After high-level meetings in May, Iraq is officer of the Chinese tech company Huawei. During the debate, Biden and Senator Amy Klobuchar said they days earlier of Iran’s highly respected military Iraqi children under the age of five died of increasingly using Iran’s refined petroleum The charge was “illegally dealing with” Iran, would leave U.S. troops in the Middle East, while other candidates leader, Gen. Qassem Soleimani. malnutrition and preventable diseases. products for needed gas and electricity, helping allegedly violating U.S.-imposed sanctions. suggested they would withdraw American forces from the region. The implications of this successful strike Trump has now threatened that if U.S. the disrupted economies in both countries. China has continued to ignore U.S.-imposed “We should stop asking our military to solve problems that by Iranian missiles launched from hundreds troops are told to leave, he will reimpose Trump’s bellicose threats of harsh sanc- sanctions on Iran. cannot be solved militarily,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren said. “Our of miles away will resonate throughout the the sanctions on Iraq “like they have never tions on Iraq will only strengthen these re- Attacks breed resistance keeping combat troops there is not helping.” region. The U.S. has always boasted that seen before” — so harsh they would “make gional decisions and trade agreements. On the same day that U.S. drones assas- The U.S. has nearly 5,000 U.S. troops in Iraq and about 800 in its equipment is much more advanced and Iranian sanctions look somewhat tame” by Chinese projects in Iraq sinated Iranian Gen. Soleimani in Iraq, the Syria in addition to 14,000 in Afghanistan. Also, around 14,000 technically sophisticated. comparison. Threats of U.S. sanctions are also rein- first joint naval exercises of Iran, China and more troops have been deployed throughout the Middle East U.S. collaborators among the corrupt [Per- Rather than help Iraq in its desperately forcing the drive for wider relations. China is Russia were underway in the Gulf of Oman, since the summer. sian] Gulf State monarchies may be having needed reconstruction of essential civilian already Iraq’s largest trading partner, while off the Iranian coast. Sen. Bernie Sanders insisted that Americans do not want second thoughts about the hundreds of billions water and electric infrastructure destroyed Iraq is now China’s second-largest oil sup- Wall Street’s ruthless and expanding ef- “endless wars” anymore, noting the conflicts “have cost us tril- of dollars they have spent on U.S. weapons. in the U.S. war, Trump now threatens that plier. The relationship exceeds $30 billion forts to starve every country into compliance lions of dollars.” They will be reevaluating the ability of U.S. Iraq must pay the U.S. back for the “billions in annual two-way trade. need to be met with such class-conscious, “In America today, our infrastructure is crumbling, half of promises to protect them, even from the wrath of dollars” it spent building air bases for its Prime Minister Abdul Mahdi headed a anti-imperialist solidarity. our people are living paycheck-to-paycheck, 87 million people of their own populations. They might also military operations. large delegation to China this past October The struggle is far from over and have no health care or are underinsured, we have 500,000 people be interested in re-evaluating their hostile U.S. sanctions on Iran to discuss mega projects in infrastructure, the growing desperation of capitalist sleeping out on the streets tonight,” he said. relations with Iran. It was Trump’s decision in 2018 to with- education and health. The meetings were exploiters and Pentagon war planners Meanwhile, former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Butt- This was the second time U.S. weapons draw from an agreement with Iran, signed by described as “a quantum leap” in bilateral means many crises lie ahead. However, igieg, suggested that the U.S. should remain engaged in didn’t achieve what Washington wanted. five permanent members of the UN Security relations. there are a new, determined mass mood the region “without having an endless commitment of In September, using low-flying drones, Council and Germany in 2015, and instead Trump’s reaction? He demanded that and new means to confront a decaying ground troops.” Houthi rebels in Yemen temporarily took out impose harsh new unilateral sanctions. This Mahdi cancel the contracts. system built on piracy, looting and oc- “The very president who said he was going to end endless war, half of Saudi Arabia’s oil and gas installations. led to the regional crisis. Meanwhile, extensive signed agreements cupation. who pretended to have been against the war in Iraq all along — The U.S. blamed Iran. Billions of dollars of The new U.S. sanctions created enormous for railway projects and building new inter- The leader of Lebanon’s highly orga- though we know that’s not true — now has more troops going to Patriot missile systems purchased from the hardship in Iran. But they did not, as had been national roads, bridges, schools and health nized Hezbollah said the U.S. killing of Gen. the Middle East,” Buttigieg said of Trump. Pentagon offered no protection. clinics came out of the meetings. Soleimani will impel the entire region into Warren also said instead of U.S. military presence, Washington According to many U.S. and Israeli claims, a “completely new phase.” should rely on allies and economic tools there. the same missiles and drones are shared The implications of this successful Speaking before thousands of support- She also talked about U.S. troops present in Afghanistan, with the highly organized Hezbollah forces strike by Iranian missiles launched from ers at a rally in southern Beirut, Has- saying, “No one has a solution and an end point.” in Lebanon. san Nasrallah called the U.S. killing of “We need to get our combat troops out. They are not General Soleimani’s Jan. 2 state visit to hundreds of miles away will resonate Soleimani a “clear, blatant crime that helping create more safety for the United States,” War- Iraq, to discuss Saudi peace overtures after throughout the region. will transform the region.” ren added. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 4 ECONOMY JANUARY 16, 2020 Trade centers in target STOCK MARKET TEDPIX 399445.3 IFX 5110.91 markets to facilitate Sources: tse.ir, Ifb.ir plastic products exports

CURRENCIES ECONOMY TEHRAN — Iran’s Trade of these products exports, IRIB reported. desk USD 42,000 rials Promotion Organization The meeting, which was held with the aim (TPO) will issue permits for the country’s of investigating the problems in the way of EUR 46,761 rials plastic and polymer industries unions and exports, was participated by some top export associations to set up trade centers in the companies and also Iran National Plastic GBP 54,723 rials target countries in a bid to facilitate exports and Polymer Industrial Association (INPIA). AED 11,437 rials of these products to those markets, a deputy During the meeting, the status of Iran’s head of TPO announced. plastic products exports and imports was Source: cbi.ir Making the remarks in the first meeting discussed and Iraq was recognized as the of the Plastic Products Desk of TPO, Farhad major export destination of Iranian plastic Nouri emphasized the important role of products as 70 percent of these products go private sector in exports of Iranian non-oil to the market of this neighbor. in countries like Kenya, Kazakhstan of neighboring countries, and also offering COMMODITIES products and said his organization welcomes The participants also mentioned the and Turkmenistan, in addition to more preferential tariffs on the exports of industrial Brent $64.58/b and investigates any suggestion for expansion necessity of establishing some centers supportive policies for entering the markets products. WTI $58.33/b OPEC Basket $66.07/b ‘Active shipping line, a necessity for New export destinations open up for Gold $1,553.70/oz bolstering Iran-Qatar trade’ Iranian fishery products Silver $17.88/oz ECONOMY TEHRAN – Deputy ECONOMY TEHRAN – Head of deskHead of Iran-Qatar Joint deskIran Fisheries Organi- Platinium $1,009.70./oz Chamber of Commerce says having an active zation (IFO) says new export destinations Sources: oilprice.com, Moneymetals.com direct shipping line between the two coun- have welcomed Iran’s high-quality fishery tries is a necessity for expansion of trade ties products in the current Iranian calendar between them. year (ends on March 19), Tasnim reported. “The boom in trade between Iran and New markets including China, South Tehran hosting 2 Qatar, particularly in the areas of export and Korea and the Eurasian Union nations have tourism, is in dire need of activation of the opened up for Iranian fishery products international exhibitions Grand Ferry on the Bushehr-Qatar route,” in the current year, Nabiolah Khoun- Khorshid Gazderazi told IRNA. United Arab Emirates, Iran has had a great Mirzaei said. 2018-March 2019) at $528 million, saying 1 As for the Iran Agri Show 2020, the exhibition’s opening Back in August 2019, Iran’s southern port opportunity for a stronger presence in the “Based on the negotiations and agree- that the country’s trade balance was reported ceremony was attended by senior officials including Iran›s Acting of Bushehr launched a cargo and passenger country’s market, according to the official. ments signed between Iran and China last to be $475 million positive in this sector. Agriculture Minister Abbas Keshavarz, Iranfair.com reported. shipping line with Qatar using a cargo/pas- “Over time, however, issues pertaining to year by the minister of agriculture, the Back in November 2019, Isa Golshahi, Several Iranian and foreign exhibitors gathered together in senger ship called Grand Ferry, however, quality and quantity of products, have affected Chinese fishery market has been opened Fishery Organization’s director general this event to showcase their latest products and services in the according to Gazderazi, the line hasn’t been Iran’s position among the rival exporters to to Iranian products. The Eurasian nations for quality improvement, processing, and field of agriculture and related machinery. much active due to the lack of support from Qatar and the Iranian Chamber of Commerce and South Korean markets have also wel- market development, said the country’s the two governments. should pay special attention to this issue,” he comed Iranian fishery products and have annual exports of fishery products is an- According to the official, the shipping line added. the potential for exports,” Khoun-Mirzaei ticipated to reach 150,000 tons valued was scheduled to operate once a week carrying Iran has recently established or reactivated explained. at $600 million in the current Iranian both passengers and cargoes, but it couldn’t a number of sea travel routes, which is expect- The official noted that according to calendar year. operate upon that schedule due to the heavy ed to lend a hand to the tourism sector that the Iranian Statistics Center’s data, the The official put the exports of fishery fuel costs. has fallen victim to a foreign currency crisis agricultural sector grew by about six per- products at 143,000 tons worth $528 “Considering the fact that the Qatar World caused by sanctions. cent in the first six months of the current million in the past Iranian year. Cup is ahead, the mentioned ship with its As unilateral U.S. sanctions against Iran Iranian calendar year (March 21-Septem- According to the deputy head of Fishery 2,000-passenger capacity should be active snapped back, pressuring the country’s lim- ber 22, 2019). Organization Hossein Ali Abdolhay, some in the tourism sector from now on,” Gazder- ited foreign currency reserves, the Islamic “We hope this trend will continue up 12 aquatic species are already bred in Iran azi said. Republic is increasingly paying attention to to the end of the year,” he added. and the figure is planned to reach 17 by Since 2017, when Qatar was sanctioned by marine travel as a major way of boosting its The official put Iran’s fishery exports the end of the Sixth Five-Year National countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the underdeveloped tourism sector. in the past Iranian calendar year (March Development Plan (March 2021).

Presenting the capabilities of Iranian companies and their latest industrial and technological achievements, creating op- Eurozone industrial output growth points to brighter end of 2019 portunities for domestic and foreign participants to get to know each other and exchange experiences in order to introduce the The eurozone enjoyed a broad-based uptick in industrial sector’s poor outlook for the last quarter of the year. Despite world’s latest technological achievements into the country, as production that points to a slightly brighter end to last year a solid increase over the month, output in the German auto well as presenting domestic and foreign investment opportunities after a slowdown that had lasted about 12 months. sector was 10 percent below the level in November 2018. were reported to be some of the main goals of these four-day Industrial output expanded 0.2 percent in December from Industrial output in the 19-member currency union was exhibitions which will wrap up on Friday. the previous month, following two months of contraction, down 1.5 percent, compared with the same month a year Europe’s statistical office revealed on Wednesday. ago, marking an uninterrupted fall since November 2018. The “fourth quarter is set up for another contraction in Output in the car sector was 7 percent down. Exports Expansion Headquarters production,” said Bert Colijn, a senior economist at ING. In Germany, the eurozone’s biggest economy and the The “industrial recession is set to continue for a little while one hit the most by the international industrial downturn, to be set up in coming days longer but green shoots are noteworthy.” output was 4 percent below the level in November 2018. The improvement was geographically widespread, with The German office for national statistics revealed on ECONOMY TEHRAN — The head of Iran’s Trade Pro- Germany, the region’s industrial powerhouse, reporting a 0.9 Wednesday that growth has slowed to 0.6 percent in 2019, desk motion Organization (TPO) announced that percent expansion over the previous month, Eurostat said. from 1.5 percent in 2018. the Ministry of Industry, Mining and Trade will establish the Growth in Spain was above the area’s average, while in “While we still think that the bloc’s industry is gradually Exports Expansion Headquarters in the coming days, IRIB re- Italy the figure swung positive, albeit weak at 0.1 percent, economic expansion. bottoming out, we call for caution against becoming overly ported on Wednesday. after months of contractions. The data was a “reminder that the French economy is optimistic,” said Daniela Ordóñez, economist at Oxford Hamid Zadboum said the mentioned headquarters will be set France was the only eurozone economy to report three doing fine”, said Claus Vistesen, chief eurozone economist Economics. A “marked industrial pick-up should not be up by the order of First Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri and its months of uninterrupted growth, which makes it likely at Pantheon Macroeconomics. expected as external demand is set to remain subdued.” structure will be like that of the previously established Market that the sector has added to the country’s fourth-quarter But elsewhere, the increase was not enough to shift the (Source: ft.com) Regulation Headquarters (which is in charge of controlling prices at the commodity markets). Latin American steel trade advances amid falling imports and stable consumption TEDPIX up 3,532 points At a moment of low dynamism in the world year. Even so, it was 0.3% higher than the of the negative regional balance is due to the tina (17 thousand t) and Chile (12 thousand economy (thanks to the slowdown in devel- average for the first 9 months. deficit of Brazil (75%) and Argentina (36%), t). In the first 11 months, China’s rolled ECONOMY TEHRAN- TEDPIX, the main index of Tehran oped and developing countries) long-term The balance had a slightly positive trend, which experienced decreases in their annual steel imports fell 27% in Latin America. deskStock Exchange (TSE), rose 3,532 points to regional factors and political transitions in totaling 202 thousand tons, 4% above the and monthly productions. In January, the total imported was 559 399,445 on Wednesday, IRNA reported. several countries have contributed to a very result observed in September. The growth “We cannot expect markets to solve thousand tons, while in November it was As reported, some 6.262 securities valued at 34.784 trillion challenging environment in Latin America. is due in large part to the consumption of socio-economic problems by themselves. 410 thousand tons. rials (about $828 million) were traded at TSE. According to the Economic Commission for Guatemala (26%), Argentina (24%), Brazil Governments should review their public October exports reached 836 thousand IFX, the main index of Iran’s over-the-counter (OTC) market Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), (17%), Mexico (16%) and Ecuador (14%). policies to stimulate growth and prioritize tons, 9% above the result seen in the same known as Iran Fara Bourse (IFB) also climbed 16 points to 5,110 excluding Venezuela, the average GDP growth Lower than the same period sustainable development, taking advantage month of 2018. Although the accumulated on Wednesday, the same report confirmed, adding that 1.896 in Latin America is increasing, but only 1% In November 2019, crude steel production of the current low cost of financing. We need (7,655) was 4% lower than the same period billion securities worth 14.628 trillion rials (about $348.2 million) per year, partly reflecting the largest recession totaled 4,828 Mt, 10% less than November to refocus our efforts towards exports,” says of 2018, the total registered a 14% growth were traded at this market. since World War II experienced by Brazil, 2018. The accumulated until November Francisco Leal, General Director of Alacero. compared to October of the previous year, the largest economy in the region. (55,722 Mt) was 8% lower than the same With a total of 1,929 Mt, October imports the best indicator since May 2019. The re- Furniture, home appliances The stagnation of the economy in Mexico period of the previous year. The result was were 6% lower than the same month of 2018. sult of exports was 9% above the average since the beginning of 2019 and also the 5% below the average of the first 10 months. The accumulated until October remained 3% of the first 9 months. Brazil expanded its expo underway in Tehran macroeconomic imbalances observed in Ar- Mexico was responsible for the largest part below the equivalent period in 2018. However, exports by 12%, followed by Mexico (15%) gentina, in addition to the global financial of the fall (58%) and registered the worst there was a 10% increase in comparison to and Argentina (20%). ECONOMY EHRAN – A specialized exhibition of fur- crisis, unrest in countries such as Ecuador, indicator since March 2016. September, which had already registered In October, the trade balance registered deskniture and home appliances is being held in Bolivia, and Chile, also undermined the eco- Rolled steel production reached 3,971 Mt, a punctual decrease due to the volatility of a 15% lower deficit than the same month of Tehran’s Goftogu Park with the participation of 150 domestic nomic performance of Latin America. 10% less than November 2018. The accumu- the Mexican market. the previous year and presented a 3% drop in producers for five days. In this context, the consumption of rolled lated until November also fell 8% compared The largest increases in imports the accumulated deficit until October com- steel in October was 5% lower than the total to the same period of the previous year. Upon The result was 0.4% higher than the av- pared to the same period of 2018. Although registered in the same period of 2018. Despite reaching the lowest level in 35 months, the erage for the first 9 months of 2019. The in October the deficit was 7% higher than the 4% increase compared to September 2019, total decreased by 4.3% compared to Octo- largest increases in imports were observed in September, the total was 6% lower than the accumulated until October remained 5% ber and showed a 6% lower result than the in Guatemala (54 thousand t), Ecuador (30 the average of the first 9 months of the year. lower than in the same period of the previous average of the first 10 months of 2019. Much thousand t), Brazil (23 thousand t), Argen- (Source: hellenicshippingnews.com)

World Bank, Moody’s see Philippine’s economic growth below six percent The repercussions of last year’s squabbles among the Philip- and full-year 2019 performances on January 23. economic growth last year likely settled also at 5.8 percent. pines’ lawmakers fighting for their pork continue, with both Last year, “some commodity importers operating at or As the 3.7 trillion peso ($73 billion) 2019 national budget As reported by IRIB, aiming to support domestic production multilateral lender World Bank and debt watcher Moody’s above capacity have experienced a cyclical moderation of was signed only in April and the government had operated and to introduce the Iranian producers’ capabilities and capaci- Investors Service declaring that the country’s 2019 economic activity, such as Cambodia, the Philippines and Thailand”, using re-enacted 2018 appropriations, Moody’s said “national ties, the exhibition kicked off on Tuesday. expansion was below six percent. the World Bank said. government spending excluding interest payments contract- The exhibition also offers discounted items such as furniture, In its January 2020 Global Economic Prospects Report, “Weak export growth has added to the slowdown, espe- ed 1.9 percent in the first half of last year compared with bedding, chandeliers and decorative lights, as well as carpets the World Bank said it was expecting the Philippines’ gross cially in the economies that are deeply integrated into global the year-earlier period and weighed on economic growth.” and home appliances. domestic product (GDP) to have grown by 5.8 percent last and regional production networks, including Thailand and It said the 27.2 percent contraction in real public con- Manufacturers of furniture, bedding, chandeliers and deco- year, below the government’s already downscaled six to the Philippines,” the World Bank added. struction ate up more than one percentage point from the rative lights, carpets and home appliances are presenting their 6.5 percent target. Separately, Moody’s said in its report titled Passage real GDP. latest products and services in this exhibition. The government will disclose the country’s fourth-quarter of Philippine Budget Supports Robust GDP Growth that (Source: phnompenhpost.com) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y JANUARY 16, 2020 ENERGY 5

3.2m barrels fuel storage facility to A new ‘Barents Stream’ pipeline could fuel Europe with Arctic gas be launched in Qeshm Island By Thomas Nilsen “New infrastructure could contribute to a stronger drive for further ENERGY TEHRAN – Head of Free Zone within the next five months. exploration in the Barents Sea South area,” said Director General deskIran’s Qeshm Free Trade “Construction of five petrochemical of the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate, Ingrid Sølvberg, one Zone, Hamid-Reza Mo’meni said the island’s complexes and four refineries in the island of the collaboration partners to the study presented on Monday. first fuel storage facility with the capacity of is also on the agenda for the upcoming The main contributor to the study (pdf) is Gassco, the state 3.2 million barrels will be launched by the Iranian calendar year of 1399 (starts on owned operator of the pipelines further south on the Norwegian next 20 days, IRIB reported on Tuesday. March 19),” the official said. continental shelf. Speaking on the sidelines of the second According to organizers, the second The northernmost leg of the subsea network of pipelines from specialized conference on introducing specialized conference on introducing the gas fields in the North Sea and Norwegian Sea is currently the Qeshm investment opportunities in the Qeshm investment opportunities in the Polarled, bringing gas from the Aasta Hansteen field just north fields of oil, gas, and petrochemicals, the fields of oil, gas, and petrochemicals, focuses of the Arctic Circle. official said the capacity of this facility on presenting solutions for financing energy Previously, extending the pipeline all the way up north to the could be increased to six million barrels projects in the sanctions era, as well as Barents Sea has been believed to be too expensive. The new study, in the next phase and up to 20 million in reviewing the challenges in the way of however, highlight new pipelines as a serious alternative for bringing its third phase. implementing such projects in Qeshm the gas from the Barents Sea to the markets, mainly in Europe. Noting that this facility can be used for Free Zone. The other options are to increase the capacity at the Melkøya supply fuel to the country’s shipping fleet, At this year’s conference, officials, LNG plant and building a new LNG plant. Mo’meni said with a capacity of 52,000 executives, and experts from all over Building a pipeline and connecting it to the existing transport tons, the fuel-supply unit of the facility is the country discuss and explore issues systems in the Norwegian Sea could be done either by developing currently operational. pertaining to the development of the a traditional processing plant in connection with the Melkøya Noting that there are 17 hydrocarbon island with a focus on the oil, gas and LNG plant or develop a simpler processing plant. fields in and around Qeshm Island, petrochemical industries, their challenges, Estimated length of a pipeline from Melkøya near Hammerfest the official said, “These fields hold the petrochemical and refinery units.” two docks, one with 70,000 tons and the and opportunities, as well as ways to finance on the Barents Sea coast to the current Åsgard Transport pipe is significant reserves which can help feed Mo’meni also announced the launch of other with 35,000 tons capacity, in Qeshm projects in the sanctions era. about 1,000 kilometers and to Polarled pipe some 830 kilometers. ‘NIOC supplies enough low-sulfur fuel for maritime fleet’ ENERGY TEHRAN – Secretary general of Iran the mentioned $10 billion for modification of the country’s deskShip Owners Union (IRSOU) says enough refineries is impossible under the sanction condition. low-sulfur fuel has been supplied for the country’s maritime The minister, however, said that the plan for modification fleet, Tasnim reported on Wednesday. of the refineries so that they can produce low-sulfur fuel is “The Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Line [IRISL] currently underway in Abadan Refinery, in southwest of and National Iranian Tanker Company [NITC] are coop- the country, but the plan was halted in Isfahan Refinery. erating for storing tin [low-sulfur] fuel,” Yahya Ziaei, who The International Maritime Organization (IMO) intro- represents IRSOU, said. duced new regulations to reduce air pollution resulting from Mentioning the new regulations introduced by the Inter- the use of high-sulfur fuels by vessels. national Maritime Organization, Ziaei said in recent years, Based on the new regulations, sulfur will be cut drastically Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) has had from global shipping transport fuels in 2020. many negotiations with the National Iranian Oil Company From 1 January 2020, ships have been allowed to use only The study has calculated the costs to be minimum 4,2 billion (NIOC) and the Oil Ministry for the production and supply fuel oil with very low sulfur content, under rules brought Norwegian kroner (€400 million) for the new pipeline, while the of low-sulfur fuel, but unfortunately the Oil Ministry has about the oil ministry’s negligence regarding the production in by the International Maritime Organization. This cut in costs for a processing plant for the gas would range from 12 to 23 neglected the issue. of enough low-sulfur fuel for the country’s maritime fleet. sulfur content has been more than a decade in the planning, billion kroner (€1,2 to 2,3 billion). Earlier this week, Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh Zanganeh said modification and improvement of the coun- and almost all shipping around the world is expected to Kjell Giæver, General Manager of Petro Arctic, says in an e-mail was summoned to the parliament to answer some questions try’s refineries need $10 billion of investment, and securing comply, or face penalties. to the Barents Observer that the conclusions in the report are good news, and a “proof that the gas resources in the north can con- tribute with huge outcome for the industry in northern Norway.” Petro Arctic is a network for businesses in Northern Norway’s Oil drops on concerns that U.S.-China trade Industry giants join forces in supply industry. ocean-based renewable energy coalition «We in Petro Arctic hope this report from Gassco can bring a deal may not stoke demand continued positive petroleum development in the north,» Giæver states. He adds that this will be important for further exploration Oil prices slipped on Wednesday on con- An international Ocean Renewable Energy in the Barents Sea. cerns that the pending Phase 1 trade deal Action Coalition has been formed to advance The need for transport solutions has matured since the pre- between the United States and China, sustainable deployment of ocean-based vious study was done five years ago, mainly because many new the world’s biggest oil users, may not renewable energy and mitigate the harmful fields are under development and investment decisions have been boost demand as the U.S. intends to impacts of climate change. made for one field already. keep tariffs on Chinese goods until a The aim is to bring together civil society, This makes it clearer which gas transport needs the fields in second phase. intergovernmental institutions and indus- the Barents Sea have, both in regards to oil and gas. U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven try, to represent the offshore wind sector Norway’s first large pipelines were laid early in the 1970s, and Mnuchin said late on Tuesday that tariffs in the global dialogue on climate action. since then the Norwegian gas transport system has been developed on Chinese goods will remain in place The group will prepare a vision for 2050, to meet ever-expanding needs, today exceeding 8,800 kilometers. until the completion of a second phase highlighting the actions that industry, Benj Sykes, vice president at Ørsted. From the three processing plants on the westcoast of Norway, of a U.S.-China trade agreement, even as million barrels, data from the American financiers and governments can take to Ocean-based renewable energy — such the pipelines are heading to the Nethernlands, United Kingdom, both sides are expected to sign an interim Petroleum Institute showed, countering sustainably scale-up offshore wind, and as offshore wind, floating solar, tidal and Germany, Belgium and France. deal later on Wednesday. expectations for a draw. thereby contribute to the UN Sustainable wave power — could meet nearly 10% of Norway provides about 28% of the natural gas to the EU coun- Brent crude LCOc1 was down 16 cents, U.S. oil production is expected to rise Development Goals and global decarbon- the annual greenhouse gas emissions re- tries, second largest after Russia. or 0.3%, at $64.33 per barrel by 0745 to a record of 13.30 million barrels per ization goals. Initial outputs will be an- ductions needed by 2050 to keep global (Source: thebarentsobserver.com) GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate day in 2020, mainly driven by higher nounced at the UN Ocean Conference in temperatures under 1.5ºC above pre-indus- crude futures CLc1 were down 15 cents, output in the Permian region of Texas Lisbon in June 2020. trial levels, according to a report released or 0.3%, at $58.08 a barrel. and New Mexico, the U.S. Energy In- The coalition will be spearheaded by by the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Wind farms in Africa aim A “pickup with global demand for crude formation Administration (EIA) said. Ørsted and Equinor and will also include; Ocean Economy. Most of this climate change may struggle as U.S.-Chinese tensions Key members of the Organization CWind, Global Marine Group, JERA, MHI mitigation potential is expected to come to power new era of clean linger after some hardline stances from of the Petroleum Exporting Countries Vestas, Mainstream Renewable Power, from offshore wind. reliable energy the Trump administration,” said Edward (OPEC) and its allies, a group known Shell, Siemens Gamesa, TenneT and The “Collaboration between nations and Moya, analyst at brokerage OANDA. as OPEC+, have started discussions on Crown Estate. companies is needed to accelerate the Senegal is preparing to take a large step in the emerging market “Financial markets are disappoint- possibly delaying until June a decision on The Action Coalition was formed in sustainable deployment of ocean renew- of African renewable energy with the construction of the 340 ed that the Trump administration … extending an existing output cut, Russia’s response to the September 2019 Call for able energy. This Action Coalition includes million euro Taliba N’diaye Wind Farm. signaled tariffs will remain in place TASS news agency said on Wednesday, Ocean-Based Climate Action made by the leading industry players in offshore wind Almost all of the 46 wind turbines planned for the site have until after the 2020 U.S. Presidential citing an unnamed source. High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean and we are working together to unleash the been completed, with the first trickle of totally renewable energy election, depending on whether China With the deal set to expire at the end Economy, with additional partners including full potential of offshore wind globally,” finally flowing into the capital city of Dakar. comes through on their promises with of March, pushing back the meeting to Global Wind Energy Council and the UN says Stephen Bull, senior vice president The “first megawatts of energy are today entering Senegal’s the phase-one agreement.” June with no extension to the deal will Global Compact. for wind and low carbon at Equinor. grid, giving the country its first taste of clean, renewable wind U.S. President Donald Trump is slated be bearish for the oil market because of “If we’re serious about fighting the cli- Driven by a small number of countries power,” said Massaer Cisse, General Manager for Senegal at Lekela to sign the Phase 1 agreement with Chi- an expected second-quarter oil surplus, mate crisis, it’s vital we decarbonise the initially, offshore wind is now on a spec- Power, the farm’s manager. nese Vice Premier Liu He at the White analysts from ING Economics said in world’s energy use as quickly as possible tacular cost reduction path. It is capable “This is an exciting time and it brings us a step closer to our House on Wednesday. That agreement is a note. through technologies like offshore wind. of producing clean energy at tremendous ultimate goal of providing power for millions of Senegalese”. expected to include provisions for China But keeping the deal until a June The Ocean Renewable Energy Action Co- scale and will be a key technology to ena- Located 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of Dakar, the tur- to buy up to $50 billion more in U.S. meeting “would be seen as much more alition will work together to accelerate the ble the energy transition and to support bines and substations erected so far are already generating 50 energy supplies. constructive for the market,” they said. opportunity presented by ocean renewables a sustainable future. megawatts of the proposed total of 158 to be added to the grid when U.S. crude inventories rose by 1.1 (Source: reuters.com) to achieve the Paris Agreement goals,” says (Source: smart-energy.com) Taliba N’Diaye is finished. This will serve to increase the power supply of Senegal by 15% as well as save 300,000 tons of carbon from entering the atmosphere annually. In rural Bangladesh, solar power is changing lives Africa Happenings reports that the lack of reliable access to In Bangladesh, more than a quarter of the rural population which ranks 115 economies on how well they balance energy electricity is a major contributor to unemployment and low manu- still do not have access to electricity. For millions of people, security and access with environmental sustainability and facturing output, as power shortages often stall heavy machinery, daily activities like cooking, working and studying are difficult, affordability, shows that the biggest challenge facing energy making investments into capital goods such as electric forklifts or or even impossible, after sundown. transition is the lack of readiness among the world’s largest other construction equipment risky. Bangladesh has one of the world’s largest domestic solar emitters, including U.S., China, India and Russia. The 10 Portable backup generators energy programs. The World Bank and other development countries that score the highest in terms of readiness account They estimate that 500 million Africans don’t have reliable organizations, along with the private sector, are working with for only 2.6% of global annual emissions. access to electricity. For instance, Nigeria, another West African the government to bring affordable, solar-powered electricity To future-proof the global energy system, the Forum’s country, could be losing as much as 5% GDP per year due to power to places where the traditional grid doesn’t reach. Shaping the Future of Energy initiative is working with shortages. People resort to portable backup generators, which often Small-scale solar home systems now provide electricity to projects including the Partnering for Sustainable Energy run on dirty diesel fuel, contributing mightily to falling air quality more than 4 million households and about 20 million people Innovation, the Future of Electricity, the Global Battery due to the fumes. in rural areas, roughly one-eighth of the country’s population. Alliance and Scaling Renewable Energy to encourage and With recent successes in Senegal, Lekela Power has also recently With people able to continue their lives after dark, Monpura sition to clean energy? enable innovative energy investments, technologies and secured financial investments worth $325 million for its 250 megawatt is thriving. “Markets are abuzz, households can power TVs, Moving to clean energy solutions. West Bakr Wind project in Egypt. Expected to be fully operational fans and even refrigerators, and streets are lit up at night,” Moving to clean energy is key to combatting climate The country wants to decarbonize and is opening major by 2021, West Bakr will produce over 1,000 gigawatts per hour, per according to a World Bank article. change, yet in the past five years, the energy transition has new solar parks in addition to expanding the use of solar year, of clean energy for the Egyptian grid. Solar irrigation pumps enable farmers to improve crop stagnated. Energy consumption and production contribute to home systems. Wind power plants are also in the works. Egypt’s ‘Build, Own, Operate’ plan is an ambitious project aimed yields. Shops and restaurants can stay open after dark. Families two-thirds of global emissions, and 81% of the global energy But renewables are part of a broader energy mix, which at establishing an Egyptian-managed energy infrastructure that will no longer have to rely on polluting firewood and kerosene. system is still based on fossil fuels, the same percentage as includes natural gas and coal. To meet its soaring energy be made up of 20% renewables by 2022. Girls can improve their literacy by studying at night. And not 30 years ago. needs, Bangladesh plans to expand its coal-fired capacity. The Suez Gulf is a high-traffic area for migrating birds, sometimes least, avoiding fossil fuels reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Effective policies, private-sector action and public-private Last year, UN Secretary General António Guterres said at risk from the windmill blades. Lekela and Egyptian Electricity A low-lying country, Bangladesh is already suffering the cooperation are needed to create a more inclusive, sustainable, countries in Asia are among the most vulnerable to global Transmission Company have planned the West Bakr project to be impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels and affordable and secure global energy system. warming and the region must step up efforts to end depend- more bird-friendly through the development of a “shut down on flooding. Benchmarking progress is essential to a successful transi- ence on fossil fuels. demand” program. What’s the World Economic Forum doing about the tran- tion. The World Economic Forum’s Energy Transition Index, (Source: europeansting.com) (Source: goodnewsnetwork.org) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 6 ADVERTISEMENTS JANUARY 16, 2020 TEHRAN TIMES Iran’s Leading International Daily Modern Stadium of Advertising Dept Martyrs of Khuzestan Football Club (KSC)

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This resulted in a low of the revolution underway. I felt that it was level of loyalty, and helps explain why the important to accept this invitation precisely military watched the political transformation for the reasons given in the letter of invitation. take place without showing any pronounced Our objective, then, was to achieve this better willingness to intervene, despite being nudged understanding of the revolution movement in an interventionary, especially in the context in Iran, and do our best after returning to of a visit by an American NATO general at share the experience and our impressions the height of the revolutionary ferment. The as widely as possible, and this is what we did. general was widely reported to be exploring In this spirit I did my best to find two persons whether it was plausible to encourage the Ira- who would benefit from such a visit, possessed nian military to defend the established order. an open mind toward the challenge being posed We also asked about what would happen to to imperial rule in Iran, and had some access the surviving leaders from the Shah’s govern- to media and influential audiences back in ment who had been accused of crimes against the United States. My first two choices both the Iranian people. Ayatollah Khomeini re- agreed to become members of the delegation sponded by saying that he expected that what along with myself. Ramsey Clark was my first he called ‘Nuremberg Trials’ would be held choice. He had been prominent in government, to hold accountable leading figures from the having been Attorney General, was part of a fallen government, and some from bureaucratic well-known political family, and had previ- backgrounds, including SAVAK officials. We ously been considered a possible candidate wondered why this plan was not later followed, for the American presidency. Besides being and why those from the Shah’s regime accused extremely intelligence, Ramsey had a high were often executed after summary, secret profile that generated great media interest trials. We knew some of those who had led and had a reputation for telling unpleasant the revolution had received support from the and inconvenient truths. CIA during their period as students overseas My second choice was Philip Luce, a prom- or even when serving as mosque officials, inent religious activist who achieved world which would be damaging and confusing to fame by his public acts of opposition to the make public at a time of such uncertainty. Vietnam War. He was a person of the highest It is important to remember that until the integrity, and fearless in searching for the Islamic Revolution in Iran, Western intelli- truth in controversial political settings. gence assumed that the anti-Marxist approach The three of us made the trip without deep the situation and his own personal fate. Of Islamically oriented opposition. The American Islamic world was civilizational and religious, of those of devout Islamic faith would make prior personal associations, but we got along course, we met with Mr. Bakhtiar at a tense preoccupation, reflecting Cold War priorities, and not national and territorial. Ayatollah all religiously oriented personalities strong very well throughout our time together in time, only a very few hours after the Shah was limited its concerns to containing the Marxist Khomeini explained in ways I subsequently allies of Western anti-Communism, a view Iran, and subsequently. reported as having left the country. Bakhtiar and Soviet-oriented left, and the belief that to heard from others, that territorial sovereign that persisted to some extent until after the How different was what you witnessed had a reputation. of being hostile to intrusions the extent there was a political side to Islam states built around national identity did not Afghanistan resistance to Soviet intervention from the US media narratives of the Iranian of religion in the domain of politics, and had it was aligned with the West in its anti-Com- form a natural community in the Middle East which was headed by Islamic forces, and was revolution’s developments? a personal identity strongly influenced by munist agenda as evident in the setting of the the way it did in Europe. only decisively shattered by the 9/11 attacks A: The differences were spectacular. The French culture along with its very dogmatic Soviet intervention in Afghanistan. Ayatollah Khomeini also made clear to on the World Trade Center and Pentagon in US media conveyed very little understanding version of secularism. When we met, the city Somewhat to our surprise, Sullivan spoke us that he viewed the Saudi monarchy was the United States. of the character of the movement in Iran, and of Tehran was in a kind of frenzied mood, with of his acute frustrations in dealing with the as decadent and cruel as was the Shah, and Why did the liberal–Islamist groups fail was perplexed by its strength and outlook. cars blowing their horns in celebration, and Carter presidency, especially with the National deserved to face the same fate. He felt that to secure the support of Ayatollah Khomeini At the time, the Shah’s government was a posters of Khomeini appearing everywhere. Security Advisor, Zbigniew Brzezinski, who he dynastic rule had no legitimate role in Islamic at the end of the day? close ally of the United States in the midst We had trouble maneuvering through the claimed to be unwilling to accept the finality societies. A: It is difficult for an outsider like my- of the Cold War, and Iran’s strategic loca- traffic so as to keep our appointment. of the Shah’s loss of power or of the outcome We also asked about the fate of Jews and self to comment on the internal politics in tion with respect to the Soviet Union made We found Mr. Bakhtiar cautious and of the revolutionary movement. Sullivan ad- Bahais in the emergent Islamic Republic of that revolutionary period. The situation it very important to Washington to keep the non-committal, and possibly intimidated, vocated coming to terms with the emerging Iran, aware of their close working relation- in Iran was still fluid, and worries about Shah’s regime in control of the country. As not by us, of course, but by the dozen or so new realities as representing America’s na- ships with the Shah’s governing structure. We a counterrevolutionary coup to bring the well, the US Government, having played an others in the room who were never introduced, tional interests, but he spoke very clearly of found the response significant. He expressed Shah back to his throne a second time were important role by way of covert intervention and wore the clothes associated with security the resistance to this view at the White House. the opinion that Judaism was ‘a genuine re- widespread. Added to this, the change in in the 1953 coup that restored the Shah to personnel. We assumed that at least some Sullivan partly attributed this stubbornness ligion’ and if Jews do not get too involved in Iran came so quickly. Several secular per- the Peacock Throne, there was a particularly of these anonymous individuals were from to the influence of the Iranian ambassador support for Israel, they would be fine in Iran. sonalities of liberal persuasion told us that strong commitment made in Washington to the SAVAK, and maybe explained partly why on. Brzezinski, a view later supported by State His words on this, as I recall them, were ‘it ‘the revolution happened too quickly. We doing whatever was necessary to defeat this Bakhtiar seemed so uncomfortable. When we Department officials. would be a tragedy for us if they left.’ He viewed were not ready.’ nonviolent mass movement led by a then asked his help in arranging a visit to prisoners What were the issues discussed at a Bahais differently because of their worship of Ayatollah Khomeini while still in Paris, still rather obscure religious figure. It was confined in Evin Prison, he seemed unable to meeting you had in Neauphle-le Chateau with a prophet after Mohammad, leading him to seemed originally to believe that liberal Islam- deemed unthinkable within the United States answer until he received guidance from one the late Islamic Republic’s founder Ayatollah adopt the view that Bahais were members of ically oriented bureaucrats would be needed government that such a seemingly primitive of these advisers present in the room. After a Khomeini and how would you describe his ‘a sect’ and did not belong to ‘a true religion,’ to run the government on a day to day basis. movement of the Iranian people could produce short, whispered instruction, the Prime Min- personality? and thus its adherents would not be welcome He may have envisioned a governing pro- the collapse of the Iranian government that ister told us that a visit could be arranged on A: We met for a long time, maybe three in the new Iran. Afterwards, I learned that cess relying on technical experts, especially had mighty military and police capabilities the following day to the political prisoners, hours, and covered many issues. During the Ayatollah Khomeini intervened to oppose and to achieve good economic policies and results at its disposal, possessed a political will to but that we would not be allowed to enter conversation, after some rather long intro- prevent genocidal moves being advocated in that he thought necessary to keep the support use lethal ammunition against unarmed the part of the prison reserved for common ductions on our sides about our experience in. relation to the Bahai minority living in Iran, of the Iranian masses. Such expectations seem demonstrators, and gained the geopolitical criminals. After being at the prison, we felt Iran, we listened and responded to concerns but I have no confirmation of this. to be not entirely consistent with the vison benefits of a ‘special relationship’ with the most that the political prisoners were treated well, expressed by Ayatollah Khomeini. After that What was the last US Ambassador to Iran of Islamic Government set forth in his pub- powerful state in the world deeply invested seen as possibly of a future ruling elite, while we posed a series of questions. I will mention William Sullivan’s mission? He is known to be lished lectures, available to us in English, that in upholding its regional interests. In such a the ordinary criminals held no interest for here a few topics discussed that have a lasting an anti-riot man. Did he give any intellectual were written while he was living as an exile in setting the media reflected the propaganda past or present, and lived in crowded cells interest. help to Iran military or SAVAK (the secret Iraq. His insistent theme in the lecture was and ideological outlook of the government, often with no windows. Ayatollah Khomeini’s first and understand- police, domestic security and intelligence that a government consistent with Islamic and was not a source of independent and Overall, we were left with not much clarity able concern was whether the US Government service in Iran during the reign of the Pahlavi)? values could not be reliably established on objective journalism. about how Bakhtiar viewed the future of his would try to repeat the intervention of 1953 A: Of course, Sullivan never would tell us democratic principles without being subject It was in such an atmosphere that we hoped caretaker government. We had no real opinion or live with the outcome of the revolution. about his covert activities. He had the reputa- to unelected religious guidance as the source that we could bring some more informed on whether what he was saying to us with the Of course, we were not in a position to give tion of being ‘a counterinsurgency diplomat’ of highest authority. and realistic commentary on the unfolding others in the room was what they wanted him a clear answer. We did think there was less as he had served in Laos as an ambassador We also were aware of several other expla- revolutionary process in Iran, including to say, or expressed his real views, or maybe disposition by the US to intervene than 25 during the Vietnam War. It was at a time that nations for this about face on the governing identifying its special character as neither reflected some sort of compromise. Would he years earlier, but we knew of the strategic the embassy was being used to take part in a process. Some in Iran believed that Ayatollah left nor right, seemingly led by a religious be soon replaced, and his own role challenged importance attached to keeping Iran allied Laotian internal war that included directing Khomeini only discovered his political pop- leader who remained virtually unknown in as unlawful, or even criminal? We had the im- to the US in Cold War contexts and of the US bombing strikes against rebel forces. ularity after he returned to the country, and the West. It was even unclear to us at the time pression of a frightened bureaucrat lacking in personal as well as ideological closeness be- With this knowledge, I was invited to testify this made him believe he had a mandate to of our visit whether Ayatollah Khomeini was leadership potential. Maybe our impressions tween Carter and the Shah, especially after in the U.S. Senate to oppose his confirmation. impose a system of government that reflected the real leader or only a figurehead, a tem- were distorted by the reality that our visit took the Carter family spent New Year’s Eve in Unfortunately, my testimony did not prevent his ideas. Others offered the opinion that he porary phenomenon. We hoped to provide place at such a tense and difficult moment, Tehran as the Shah’s guest in 1978, and Carter him from being confirmed as ambassador to became convinced by his entourage of advi- some insight into such questions, as well as to which turned out to be transformative for made his famous toast about the Shah being Iran, although several senators at the time sors that the revolutionary spirit and agenda understand whether the new political realities the country and its people. As a result these surrounded by the love of his people. indicated to me privately their agreement with was being lost by the liberals, and hence were in Iran would produce confrontation or nor- impressions of a sad and entrapped individual Ayatollah Khomeini was also concerned my testimony, but were unwilling to reject urging him to take direct and visible charge malization. Was the United States prepared, may leave too negative a picture. about whether the military contracts with the President Carter’s choice so early in his presi- of the government. And finally, there arose as it was not in 1953, to live with the politics What was the Central Intelligence Agen- United States would be fulfilled now that there dency. When in Iran I urged the meeting, and the view that the liberals were given a chance, of self-determination as it operated in Iran cy’s assessment of the Iranian revolution’s would be a change of government in Iran. Ramsey Clark was skeptical at first, saying and their performance disappointed Ayatollah or would it seek once more to intervene on developments? Did CIA have a lucid exact This line of questioning gave us a sense that that he had had an unpleasant encounter with Khomeini, leading him to reenter politics and behalf of its geopolitical agenda? assessment of the revolutionary forces and Ayatollah Khomeini had a rather practical Sullivan some years earlier. I convinced Ram- move to Tehran to lead the country. As far Indeed, we did have some effect on the Iran’s future political system? turn of mind. sey that the credibility of our trip would be as I know, this story of transition from the quality of Western media coverage of the de- A: We had no contact with the CIA, but At the same time, he volunteered the view compromised if we made no effort to get the Pahlavi Era to the Islamic Republic remains velopments in Iran. Ramsey Clark and myself did meet with the American ambassador to that he hoped that soon he would be able to viewpoint of the American Embassy. We did veiled in mystery. Hopefully, before long the were invited to do many interviews and asked Iran at the time, William Sullivan, who had resume his religious life, and explained tak- make an appointment, Sullivan’s first words mystery will disappear with the appearance for to describe our impressions by mainstream a counterinsurgency background with a mil- ing up residence in Qom rather than Tehran as we entered were “I know Professor Falk of more authoritative accounts of what tran- TV channels and print outlets. As a result, itarist reputation. He gave us a briefing that seemed consistent with such an intention. thinks I am a war criminal..” Yet he welcomed spired after the Ayatollah Khomeini returned at least until the hostage crisis, discussion was much more illuminating as to Iranian Ayatollah Khomeini told us that he has reluc- us, and talked openly and at length about the to the country. of Iran Politics became more informed and developments than was our meeting with the tantly entered politics because in his words situation and his efforts to get Washington to What we do know is that what was estab- some useful political debate emerged, at least Prime Minister. Sullivan acknowledged that ‘there was a river of blood between the Shah accept what had happened in Iran. In retro- lished in this transition period has survived for a while. the U.S. was caught off guard by both the and the people.’ spect, I think he hoped we would be a vehicle for more than 40 years despite being faced You met the then Prime Minister of Iran character and the strength of the movement, When we asked for his hopes for the rev- for making his views more publicly known. with threats, provocations, harsh sanctions, Shapour Bakhtiar on the same day when Mo- and was struggling to keep up with events. He olutionary government, this religious leader He made the point that there were no social and even a variety of covert interventions. Ar- hammad Reza Pahlavi left Iran. What was told us that the Embassy had previously con- made clear that he viewed the revolution as an forces ready to fight to keep the Shah in power. guably, Iran has been as stable as any country Bakhtiar’s assessment of the developments structed no less than 26 scenarios of political Islamic rather than an Iranian occurrence. He The business community, or national private in the region, and more stable than most. This including Shah’s departure? developments that might threaten the Shah’s stressed this issue, but without any sectarian sector, was alienated by the Shah’s reliance is impressive, although it does not overcome A: We had the impression from our meeting leadership, but not one was concerned about overtones. He did go on to say that he felt on international capital to fulfill his develop- some criticisms directed at violations of basic that the Prime Minister was uncertain about a threat to the established order mounted by that the basic community for all people in the ment plans. The armed forces were also not human rights of people in Iran. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 8 HERITAGE & TOURISM JANUARY 16, 2020

Majlis approves handicrafts are VAT-exempt Iran Air to resume flights

HERITAGE TEHRAN – The Iranian parliament (Majlis) on deskTuesday approved a bill to exempt craftspeople and handicraft producers from paying value-added tax (VAT). Domestic production of handicrafts is subject to article 1 of the to Rome on Feb. 3 law on the protection of artisans and craftspeople, CHTN reported. TOURISM TEHRAN — Iran’s flag deskcarrier Iran Air will re- sume direct flights to the Italian capital Rome on February 3. The airliner will operate Tehran-Rome flights on Mondays and Thursdays from Imam Khomeini International Airport, IRNA reported on Tuesday Currently, Iran Air operates flights to Milan every Tuesday and Friday. The idea of establishing the service was put forward last November, several days after Iranian aviation authorities confirmed that the Italian government had banned Mahan Air, Iran’s second largest airline, from the country’s airspace under pressure from the However, the law is needed to be endorsed by the Guardian United States. Council to take effect. The ban came nearly two months after U.S. Handicraft exports from Iran reached $146 million since the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo paid a visit beginning of the current Iranian calendar year (started March to Rome, urging the Italian government to 21, 2019), deputy tourism minister Pouya Mahmoudian said on comply with Washington’s sanctions on Iran December 31, 2019. and to stop accommodating Mahan flights. “Iraq and Persian Gulf littoral countries are among the main The U.S. government has imposed sanc- target markets for Iranian handicrafts,” she added. tions on Mahan Air, accusing it of providing Handicrafts exports of the country reached $289 million in services to the IRGC, Iran’s elite military the past Iranian calendar year, showing three percent growth force which has also been blacklisted by year on year, according to data announced by the Ministry of Washington. Germany and France have Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts. both already banned flights by the airline. The exports included traditional ceramics, pottery vessels, However, no similar decision has so far been handwoven textiles, glasswork, woodwork, metalwork, em- made against Iran Air. broideries, personal ornamentations, as well as precious and Last month, Italian ambassador to Iran semi-precious gemstones. Giuseppe Perrone said that the two countries Dozens of Iranian handicrafts have gained the UNESCO Seal are in talks to deepen bilateral cooperation, ceremony to launch a joint project for devel- very rich in terms of cultural sites and ar- has a great and [un-]tapped potential and of Excellence during the past couple of years. Some 75 percent of particularly in the field of cultural heritage, oping cultural heritage and tourism. cheological sites… so there is a lot for people when it comes to tourism, cultural heritage, Iranian handicrafts are produced by females, Masoumeh Ebtekar, making the remarks on the sidelines of a He described Iran “as a country that is to discover,” adding “Iran is a country that it has a lot to offer.” vice president for women’s and family affairs, said in April 2018. Wego registers record Overnight stays in Ardebil province jump 40% yr/yr increase of 155% in MENA TOURISM TEHRAN — Overnight Ardebil province is home to over 3,000 travel to Azerbaijan deskstays in Ardebil province historical and natural attractions, including rose 40 percent during the first nine months 14 summits of 3,000 meters or more, five Wego, the online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North of the current Iranian calendar year (started forests, and over 40 wetlands. Africa (MENA), revealed that the bookings to Azerbaijan have in- March 21, 2019) compared with the same In December 2019, Fallahi announced creased by 155% in the last four months. This growth follows the period last year. that seventeen tourism projects, worth 1,500 recent partnership with Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) to drive Some 4.2 million overnight stays were billion rials (some $35 million at the official more GCC tourists to ‘take another look’ at the country’s tourism. registered during the nine-month period, rate of 42,000 rials) would be inaugurated ATB has received around 2,921 million visitors from around 192 showing 40 percent rise year on year, pro- in the province in the near future. countries, showing an increase of 11.1% in the number of tourists vincial tourism chief Nader Fallahi said, Restored historical monuments, new- during the period of January-November when compared to the same CHTN reported. ly-built hotels, water treatment complex- period in 2018. In terms of travel trends among the GCC residents, Visits by foreign and domestic travelers es, and tourism infrastructure facilities are Wego reveals that 74% of the search volume was made for short-du- rose 96.3 percent and 38.8 percent respec- amongst the projects which are scheduled ration stays up to three days. Solos and couples are dominating the tively, the official noted. to come on stream, he explained. bookings to Baku with 63% followed by families with 37%. During the mentioned period, some Sprawling on a high, windswept plateau, Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of ATB said: “We witnessed an 350,000 people visited Meshginshahr Ardebil is well-known for having lush natu- increasing number of bookings to Azerbaijan from MENA region suspension bridge, which is the largest of ral beauties, hospitable people and its silk as a result of this collaboration that aimed at raising awareness its kind in the Middle East, Fallahi said, and carpet trade tradition. It is also home to about what Azerbaijan has to offer all types of travellers from the noting that the figure indicates 20 percent the UNESCO-registered Sheikh Safi al-Din GCC countries.” hike year on year. Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble. With halal-friendly restaurants, delicious cuisine and warm hospitality, the number of tourists visiting this Caucasian country is expected to reach three million by the end of 2019. Mamoun Hmed- an, managing director of MENA and India in Wego said: “We have Qeshm Island: A warm destination to escape the cold in winter recorded an increase of 55% in the search volumes to Azerbaijan.” in flip-flops and a swimsuit! (Source: Travel Daily Media) Less than two hours away from the capital Tehran by plane, you will enjoy the heat of the Persian Gulf when northern parts of the country are almost freezing. Sun ROUND THE GLOBE and beach are ubiquitous in southern Iranian islands throughout the year. Ujung Kulon National Park Each of the islands has its own charms, colorful houses and truly virgin beaches. There are also highly recom- Ujung Kulon National Park, located in Banten province mended places for surfing, paragliding and to look for on the extreme south-west tip of the highly populated island dolphins, go hiking, go fishing or even go shopping at of Java, Indonesia, has the best and most extensive lowland giant malls. forest remaining on the island. Qeshm Island is a heaven for eco-tourists as it em- The property, including the Ujung Kulon peninsula and braces wide-ranging attractions such as the Hara marine several offshore islands retains its natural beauty and possesses forests and about 60 villages dotted mostly across its a very diverse flora and fauna, demonstrating on-going evolution rocky coastlines. Meanwhile, it is home to birds, reptiles, of geological processes since the Krakatau eruption in 1883. dolphins and turtles to name a few. The island also features geologically eye-catching can- yons, hills, caves and valleys, most of which are protected as part of the UNESCO-tagged Qeshm Island Geopark, itself a heaven for nature-lovers. Many travelers to Qeshm believe that the Stars Val- ley or Valley of Stars is a “MUST SEE”. It is home to TOURISM TEHRAN – Iran’s southernmost Qeshm bizarre-shaped gorges, tall pillars, canyon-like paths, eroding the soil, rocks and stones. Locals believe that deskIsland is a top destination for whom hollowed-out spaces as well as the smooth and round a star once fell on this area thereby creating the rocky dreaming of having a wintertime holiday under the sun stones, which have been formed by the wind and rain shapes that make it seem as if from another planet.

On the trail of purple: Tracking ancient trade routes through purple dye As part of a DFG-funded project, a German- and had commercial links with many other century BCE, when the Carthaginians were Tunisian team co-directed by LMU regions throughout the Mediterranean. still the dominant force in the area. It reached archaeologist Stefan Ritter have surveyed In the course of a DFG-funded project its zenith during the period between the 1st The Krakatau volcano as part of the formation of the property, the ancient city of Meninx on the island of that lasted up until the end of 2019, Ritter, and 3rd centuries AD, when Imperial Rome is the most well-known and studied of all modern volcanic Jerba and reconstructed its trading links together with his colleague Sami Ben Tahar was at the height of its power and Meninx eruptions, due primarily to the devastating effects (36,000 in antiquity. (Institut National du Patrimoine, Tunis) and possessed its own theater and was adorned people killed) registered throughout the northern hemisphere. The port of Meninx was unusually situated a joint German-Tunisian team, has surveyed with other imposing urban structures. Owing The property is globally significant as the last and most and well protected. Incoming ships first had and explored the remains of Meninx and its to its location on the shores of a shallow bay, important natural habitat of the critically endangered, endemic, to negotiate a deep and broad submarine port facilities. With the aid of magnetometer it was relatively well protected from attack. single-horned Javan Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) along channel in the otherwise shallow bay, before surveys, the researchers were able to map However, the harbor itself was accessible with several other species of endangered plants and animals. approaching the city itself via another the highly unusual layout of the city, whose only via submarine channels that could be Ujung Kulon is believed to sustain the last viable natural channel that ran parallel to the coast for main streets ran parallel to the coastline. In navigated only with the help of local pilots, population of this species, estimated at approximately 60 much of its length. They then had to traverse addition, on the basis of their mapping data, sea snail Murex trunculus. “We have good says Ritter. The underwater investigations, individuals. It is not known how this compares to historical a wide stretch of shallow water to reach they carried out exploratory excavations reasons to believe that the purple dye from which were carried out by the Bavarian densities, but is a critically low figure from the point of view the city’s wooden and stone quays, which on selected temples and shrines, as well Meninx was not exported as such, but was Society for Underwater Archaeology, of species survival and viable genetic diversity. extended seawards from the strand. From as commercial and residential buildings. used locally to dye textiles, which were then not only uncovered traces of the original Other notable mammals in the property include carni- these piers, stevedores could readily unload “We even discovered a well preserved sold further afield,” says Ritter. The material, harbor facilities and the tricky passage to the vores, such as leopard, wild dog (dhole), leopard cat, fishing cargoes and transport them to the nearby private bathhouse, which dates from the which was highly valued, was apparently docks, they also brought to light a number cat, Javan mongoose and several species of civets. It is also warehouses. We know all of this thanks to Roman imperial period and included mosaic exported all around the Mediterranean of wrecks and the remains of piers. Together home to three endemic primate species; the Javan gibbon, the work of LMU archaeologist Stefan Ritter floors, splendid wall paintings and a range littoral and beyond. In exchange, the with their Tunisian colleagues, the LMU Javan leaf monkey and silvered leaf monkey. and his team, which has allowed them to of statuary,” Ritter explains. inhabitants of Meninx imported foodstuffs, archaeologists now plan to extend their Over 270 species of birds have been recorded and terrestrial reconstruct the port facilities of Meninx on Based on their findings, Ritter and his wine, fine domestic pottery and marble investigations on Jerba as part of a more reptiles and amphibians include two species of python, two the island of Jerba off the coast of North collaborators believe that the city’s prosperity sourced from Italy, Spain, Greece, Asia comprehensive comparative study of the crocodile species and numerous frogs and toads. Africa. The city was an important trading rested in large part on a single commodity— Minor and Egypt. region’s ancient heritage. (Source: UNESCO) center in the time of the Roman Empire, the purple dye, which was obtained from the The settlement was founded in the 4th (Source: phys.org) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y JANUARY 16, 2020 SOCIETY 9

Heavy rainfalls fill Jazmourian 5,555 unintentional crime prisoners released in 10 months

SOCIETY TEHRAN – Since the beginning of the cur- wetland by 80% deskrent Iranian calendar year (March 21, 2019), benefactors have freed 5,555 prisoners who had committed un- ENVIRONMENT TEHRAN – Recent heavy rainfalls intentional crimes, head of Blood Money Organization has said. deskhave led Jazmourian wetland to be The highest number of prisoners were released in provinces filled by 80 percent, Marjan Shakeri, head of Kerman of Isfahan, Tehran, Gilan and East Azarbaijan, IRNA quoted province’s department of environment has said. Asadollah Joolaei as saying on Tuesday. Overflow of Jazmourian wetland has made the He went on to note that of all 5,555 inmates of involuntary locals happy, she added, YJC reported on Tuesday. crimes who are released, 230 of whom are women and mostly Shakeri pointed out that Jazmourian has become breadwinners of their families. one of the dust hotspots in the southern part of the The largest proportion of prisoners were debtors owing to country due to droughts, adding, while recent rains the issuance of checks or bail bonds, which accounted for 60 resulted in environmental and economic prosperity percent of the total population, he stated. of the region. Currently, 14,664 unintentional crime prisoners are behind The excessive withdrawal of groundwater resources bars in the country, 7,000 of whom are subject to Blood Money and permanent drought over the past years along Organization’s support, Joolaei concluded. with low precipitation and high temperature rates, Last year, charity fundraising events helped free more than 10 have led the wetland to dry up, he said, adding that thousand prisoners and contributions totaled nearly 5.7 trillion the wetland has become a hotspot for sand and dust rials (nearly $135 million). storms. Iranian parliament, Majlis, has approved 2 trillion rials (nearly Nestled between the provinces of Kerman and $47 million) to be earmarked for releasing prisoners of uninten- Sistan-Baluchestan, Jazmourian is one of the two tional crimes with the priority given to female prisoners. major wetlands in southeast Iran, which is on the Within the framework of the budget bill for the current year, knife-edge of complete desiccation as a result of cli- the money which has seen 100 percent increase year-on-year, will mate change, excessive dam construction and the be allocated to freeing prisoners mostly jailed for unintentional depletion of groundwater resources. financial crimes. The area of Hamoon and Jazmourian basin stretches to 69,600 square kilometers, with the western part of 35,600 square kilometers in Kerman province $25m allocated to meet urgent and the eastern part of 34,000 square kilometers in Sistan-Baluchestan province. needs in flood-hit areas SOCIETY deskTEHRAN – A budget of one trillion rials (nearly $25 million at the official rate of 42,000 -ri 1,000 ancient woodlands at risk of destruction by projects like HS2, conservationists warn als) was allocated to meet urgent needs in flood-hit provinces of the country, Mohammad Baqer Nobakht, head of Planning and More than 1,000 ancient woodlands are at risk of damage or place of Robin Hood, which will be affected if a relief road Budget Organization, wrote on his Twitter account. destruction from development, the Woodland Trust has warned. around Kirklees goes ahead Unprecedented heavy rainfall which began on January 10 has Figures from the charity show it is aware of 1,064 ancient * Smithy Wood, next to the M1 at junction 35 near Sheffield led to flash flooding in the southern provinces of Sistan-Baluch- woods at risk from housing, infrastructure and other devel- that could be lost to a new motorway services estan, Kerman, and Hormozgan, IRNA reported. opments. * Mileplain Plantation, Attlebridge, Norfolk, which will Preliminary estimates indicate the incident has caused damage It is the highest number of woods at risk since the Trust suffer direct loss if the county council approves plans for a of up to 30 trillion rials (nearly $715 million) to different sectors started compiling data in 1999, and the first time it has topped sand and gravel quarry of Sistan-Baluchestan province. the 1,000 mark. * Coed Wern in Glasinfryn, Bangor, will suffer direct losses According to the latest assessments, 500 villages and 14 cities Of the cases the Trust has identified, 801 are live planning if plans for 39 holiday lodges are approved are grappling with flooding and some 20,000 residential units applications, while the remaining 263 are included in council site The Trust said 800 ancient woods have suffered loss or have been destructed partially or completely. allocation plans for areas outlined for future development such damage from development since 1999, including felling of Currently, 3,500 people are working and providing relief and as housing or business. smaller parts of the woodland, or close encroachment of de- rescue operations in the flood-stricken areas of the province. The Woodland Trust says the rise in threatened woods is velopment which has put it at risk of pollution, disturbance Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in down to a growing number of road and rail infrastructure pro- She said: “These new figures make for depressing reading. or invasive species. a message, has called on all responsible bodies and the public jects such as HS2, as well as a lack of awareness over changes to What’s even more depressing is these are only the cases we But 1,101 ancient woodlands have been recorded as being to help the flood-affected people of Sistan-Baluchestan as much planning rules that strengthen protection for ancient woodlands know about. There could be many more woods under threat.” saved since that time. as possible. and trees against inappropriate development. Ms Bunker called for “real protection” for irreplaceable A Local Government Association spokesman said: “Councils It also warns that ancient woods – those where woodland has ancient wooded habitats and trees, and legislation, policies are determined to protect and enhance natural environments, been in existence since at least 1600 in England and Wales and and resources to address the challenges of tree diseases. such as ancient woodland and trees, and many have a long- Animal carcasses ‘every 10 1750 in Scotland – face other threats alongside development. “Ancient woodland is one of our most precious natural hab- term vision for increasing and diversifying local tree species, These include a growth in threats from tree disease from itats; these complex ecosystems have evolved over centuries including working with volunteer groups to promote trees and metres’ in areas of Australia, imported plants and wood, and nitrogen pollution from nearby and are home to thousands of species, many of which rely on woodland. poultry farms. it for their survival,” she said. “When making decisions on new developments, they will says charity Director of conservation and external affairs Abi Bunker “Losing ancient woodlands is a travesty, especially to inap- always seek to strike a balance between protecting the envi- Parts of Australia are littered with animal carcasses as wildfires said that while political parties had made “welcome” promises propriate developments that could go elsewhere.” ronment and not restricting development in cases where it continue to devastate the country, an animal charity has said. on tree planting in the face of the nature and climate emergen- The Trust said current ancient woods at risk include: would have significant public benefits.” “I can barely describe it,” says Evan Quartermain from Hu- cies, the first step was to protect the woods the UK already has. * Nun Bank Wood, West Yorkshire, the supposed resting (Source: The Independent) mane Society International. “In some places you can’t walk 10 metres without coming across another carcass.” The charity has rescued animals on Kangaroo Island suffering from burns, smoke inhalation and mental trauma, as well as Conservationists call for enforceable deer cull in Scotland building food and water stations for unharmed animals. A coalition of Scottish conservation groups has and that they trample fragile peatlands, which “for centuries, red deer stalking in Scotland has kind of management that focuses on “wealthy The island – famous for its natural wildlife – is “utterly scorched called for legally enforceable culls of deer to be are key to carbon absorption. relied on paying clients and guests of private land- clients seeking a pair of antlers”, which necessitates with charred animal bodies everywhere”, according to the Hu- imposed on private landowners and stalking Scotland’s deer population produces 5,500 owners, supplemented by professional stalkers”, a much higher deer population and resultant mane Society International CEO. estates, while raising the prospect of local com- tonnes of methane each year, the equivalent of the report suggests that in other parts of Europe environmental damage. “At one area, which was badly burned a week ago, the scenes munities becoming more involved in shooting 137,500 tonnes of CO2. The report also argues communities are more involved in deer control. The report was published before the release of were nothing short of apocalyptic,” Erica Martin said. and killing deer for food. that more active culling could reduce accidents “In Norway, for example, over half a million findings by the independent deer working group, “There we only found one living koala amongst thousands of The report, published by Scottish Environment on rural roads. people – almost 10% of the population – are reg- set up by the Scottish government in 2017 to con- bodies of koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and birds.” Link (SEL), which includes the John Muir Trust, With no existing natural predators, the red istered hunters. Hunting on state land is con- sider changes for management of the species. Conservationists have warned Australia’s worst ever wildfire the National Trust for Scotland, RSPB Scotland deer population reached a peak of 400,000 in sidered a communal source of sustainable food, Mike Daniels, head of land management at season – which is expected to continue for several months – has and the Scottish Wildlife Trust, argues that a 2010. Deer management groups, often on sporting and local people have priority use. Game meat the John Muir Trust, said: “We believe there is already devastated the country’s wildlife. dramatic reduction in the country’s wild deer estates, kill certain numbers, but SEL wants the is an important part of Norwegian food culture, a growing appetite for change in how Scotland’s (Source: The Independent) population is needed to tackle accelerating climate Scottish government to set and enforce higher rather than a byproduct of trophy hunting, as is uplands are managed into the 2020s and beyond, and biodiversity crises. targets. often the case here.” and delivering sustainable deer management is The report says deer can cause significant Higher cull targets could involve other people SEL argues that a similar culture could be a critical component.” WORDS IN THE NEWS damage to emerging woodlands through grazing, in the deer management, they say. Noting that encouraged in Scotland, moving away from the (Source: The Guardian) Microsoft into India ENGLISH IN USE (November 11, 2002) The American computer firm Microsoft has announced that it LEARN NEWS TRANSLATION will invest four hundred million dollars in India over the next three years. The Chairman, Bill Gates, said the investments will include information technology education and the development of software for the local market in India. This report from Adam .Mynott آغاز اجرای آزمایشی طرح " بازی و یادگیری" در Playing to learn’ scheme piloted‘ Twenty-four hours after announcing that his charitable foun- in elementary schools dation was donating a hundred million dollars to help fight AIDS ,in India, the richest man in the world has said his company مدارس ابتدایی تهران -Microsoft, will be investing four hundred million dollars in in بــه گــزارش روز شــنبه خبرگــزاری فــارس اجــرای آزمایشــی طــرح ' بــازی و یادگیــری' بــه A plan dubbed “playing to learn” aiming at using educational games toward deeper learning was implemented for first time in elementary formation technology and education projects. Bill Gates said that the money would be spent over the next منظــور آمــوزش عمیــق مفاهیــم کتــب درســی توســط بــازی بــا حضــور وزیــر آمــوزش و ,schools across the capital, with the Education Minister in attendance three years. Part of the investment will be in IT education in پــرورش در تعــدادی از مــدارس ابتدایــی شــهر تهــران آغــاز شــد. .Fars reported on Saturday schools, affecting three and a half million students and eighty قــرار اســت ایــن طــرح در ۱۰۰۰ مدرســه ۱۰ اســتان کشــور اجــرا شــود در فــاز اول اجــرای Through the first phase of the scheme, 1,000 schools from 10 thousand teachers. He made the announcement after meeting طــرح، اســت انهای خراســان رضــوی، شــهر تهــران، فــارس، همــدان، مازنــدران، کردســتان، ,provinces nationwide will implement the playing to learn scheme including Tehran, Khorasan Razavi, Fars, Hamedan, Mazandaran, India’s Information Technology Minister, Pramod Mahajan, on the second day of a four-day visit to India. There will also be three کرمــان، آذربایجــان غربــی، قزویــن و سیســتان و بلوچســتان قــرار دارنــد. .Kordestan, Kerman, West Azarbaijan, Qazvin, and Sistan-Baluchestan -hundred more jobs created at Microsoft’s computer software de مل کهــای انتخــاب مــدارس اجــرای پــروژه بــازی و یادگیــری شــامل اعــام آمادگــی According to the report, schools regarding their proper environment .velopment center in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad داوطلبانــه مــدارس بــا توجــه بــه امــکان ســنجی محیــط و شــرایط مدرســه اســت کــه تعداد and conditions volunteered and chose to hold game-based classes and Bill Gates said this was the largest investment Microsoft had made 50 مدرســه دخترانــه و50 مدرســه پســرانه انتخــاب شــدند و ایــن مــدارس از بیــن مــدارس assess the results, currently in each province 50 girls’ schools and ,outside the United States. India is of strategic importance دولتــی و مــدارس غیردولتــی انتخــاب شــ دهاند؛ همچنیــن در ایــن فــاز اجــرا، حداکثــر boys’ schools among state-run and private schools have piloted 20 50 the scheme; 20 percent of which are private schools. he said, as its developer and skill base continues to grow. He also rejected suggestions that the worldwide growth in the درصــد مــدارس غیردولتــی شــامل اجــرای پــروژه م ی شــوند. software industry would slow down. Words investment: money given as a donation IT: means information technology or the theory and practice PREFIX/SUFFIX HANG OVER IDIOM of using computers “hepato-, hepat-” Hang over something/ Have a brush with affecting: touching the lives of, having an influence upon software: computer programs Meaning: liver somebody something of strategic importance: very important, something that is For example: There is no specific treatment for Explanation: when you have a brush with something, strategic gives you an advantage this disease and complete recovery from any form of Meaning: if something bad is hanging over you, such as the law, you encounter or experience it briefly skill base: knowledge and ability in a particular area hepatitis may take four months or longer. you are worried or anxious about it For example: He had a brush with the law for speeding rejected: did not accept, disagreed with For example: It’s not very nice to have huge debts a few years ago, but he has had a clean record ever since. worldwide growth: economic improvement across the world hanging over your head. (Source: BBC) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 10 INTERNATIONAL JANUARY 16, 2020

Russian government resigns 7th U.S. Democratic debate: The Russian government has resigned, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev announced. President Vladimir Putin thanked Dmitry Medvedev’s gov- Iraq, trade, a female president ernment for its work. “For my part, I also want to thank you for everything that was done at this stage of our joint work, I want to Six U.S. Democratic presidential hopefuls to vote in favor of the USMCA. express satisfaction with the results that have been achieved,” the took the stage on Tuesday in the last debate A female president president told a meeting with the cabinet of ministers. before Iowa voters kick off the Democratic Warren made a vigorous case for a female “Not everything was done, but everything never works out in nominating race on February 3. president following a pre-debate feud with full,” Putin said. The debate saw clashes over foreign policy, progressive rival Sanders. The Russian leader noted that soon he planned to meet with trade and other issues. “Look at the men on this stage. all ministers of Medvedev’s government. “I will meet with each On stage in Des Moines, Iowa, were U.S. Collectively they have lost 10 elections,” of you,” Putin assured. Senators Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren Warren exclaimed, “The only people on this The prime minister believes that it is right that the current and Amy Klobuchar, former Vice President stage who have won every single election government should step down in the wake of the presidential Joe Biden, South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete that they’ve been in are the women.” proposals to amend the constitution. Buttigieg and businessman Tom Steyer. Sanders vehemently denied Warren’s Meanwhile, Putin has instructed Dmitry Medvedev’s outgoing Six other candidates failed to qualify for accusation that he said in 2018 a woman government to perform its duties until a new Cabinet is formed. the debate. could not beat Trump. “I ask you to fully perform your duties until the new government For those on stage, the debate offered “Does anybody in their right mind is formed,” Putin said at a meeting with the Cabinet. the candidates a final high-stakes chance think a woman can’t be elected president?” Putin born 14 September 1965, is a Russian politician who has to make their case to voters. Sanders asked. “Of course a woman can served as prime minister of Russia between 2012 and 2020. From Here’s what was said on some of the top win.” 2008 to 2012, Medvedev served as president of Russia. issues: He added: “I don’t know that that’s Regarded as more liberal than his predecessor and later successor Foreign Policy the major issue of the day.” as president, Vladimir Putin (who was also prime minister during The evening began with the candidates The feud came as Democrats try to Medvedev’s presidency), Medvedev’s top agenda as president was clashing over Iraq, war and foreign policy, as President Barack Obama’s vice president, Buttigieg, who was a military intelligence navigate broader debates over how to a wide-ranging modernization programme, aiming at modernizing although they were largely united against he worked to bring the troops home. officer in Afghanistan. “We can continue to reflect and embrace the crucial role female Russia’s economy and society, and lessening the country’s reliance President Donald Trump’s leadership on “It was a mistake to trust that they weren’t remain engaged without having an endless and minority voters will play in 2020. on oil and gas. During Medvedev’s tenure, the New START nuclear such issues. going to go to war,” Biden said of the Bush commitment to ground troops.” For the first time, not a single candidate arms reduction treaty was signed by Russia and the United States, Sanders, a longtime antiwar advocate who administration. “It was a mistaken vote, but ‘Fundamental difference’ on trade of color appeared on stage. All six Russia emerged victorious in the Russo-Georgian War, and recovered voted against the 2002 authorization of war I think my record overall on everything we The night also saw clashes on trade. candidates who met the party’s polling from the Great Recession. Medvedev initiated a substantial law in Iraq, criticized Biden for supporting the have done, I’m prepared to compare it to Sanders said he and Biden had “a and donor thresholds were white, and four enforcement reform and launched an anti-corruption campaign, war and said they heard the same arguments anybody’s on this stage.” fundamental difference” on the worth of were men. To defeat Trump at the end of despite having been accused of corruption himself. from officials in former President George Several candidates condemned Trump’s regional free trade agreements like Trump’s this year, Democrats need to ensure black, (Source: TASS) W Bush’s administration before coming to recent decision to order the killing of Iran’s top new agreement with Mexico and Canada, Latino and suburban voters are excited different conclusions. general, Qassem Soleimani, and his decision called the USMCA, which Sanders opposes to vote against the Republican president. “I thought they were lying, I did not believe to keep U.S. troops in the region. and Biden backs. “The biggest mistake we can make is Chins raps U.S.-based rights them for a moment,” Sanders said. “I did “We have to get combat troops out,” “I don’t know that there’s any trade take black votes for granted. I never will,” report, says HRW instigating riots everything I could to prevent that war. Joe declared Warren, who also called for reducing agreement that the senator would ever think Buttigieg said when questioned about his saw things differently.” the military budget. made any sense,” Biden said. lack of support among African Americans. China has denounced U.S.-based reports accusing Beijing of pos- Biden, a former chairman of the Senate Others, including Buttigieg, Biden and Sanders said the agreements “were written Candidates also discussed climate ing a “global threat to human rights,” saying they have provided a Foreign Relations Committee who touts Klobuchar, said they favored maintaining a for one reason alone, and that is to increase the change, healthcare and what kind of distorted view of the truth from the country. his security credentials, acknowledged the small military presence in the Middle East. profits of large multinational corporations.” candidate they would be against Trump. Human Rights Watch on Tuesday accused China of “mass deten- vote “was a big, big mistake” and said that “I bring a different perspective,” said Klobuchar and Warren said they planned (Source: al Jazeera) tion” of the Uighur community at home and of trying to influence and censor others abroad. U.S. democracy watchdog Trump distorts data during reelection ICJ to rule on emergency measures on group Freedom House released a similar report, accusing China campaign speech Myanmar over ‘genocide’ of interfering in media overseas. “Their China-related remarks and China-related reports have always ignored facts and confused right and wrong. There is no ob- jectivity at all. So it is not worth refuting at all,” said China’s For- eign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang on Wednesday. China rejects claims of mis- treating Uighurs, saying it has been taking anti-terrorism meas- ures against separatists who are seeking to join Takfiri outfits such as al-Qaeda. Geng said, “The current human rights situation in China is at its best period in history.” “China has always guaranteed freedom of speech to its citizens in accordance with the Constitution as well,” he said. U.S. President Donald Trump has used However, nothing in the trade agree- The Gambia says the International Court of at the ICJ. On Sunday, Human Rights Watch’s global head Kenneth Roth called misleading data to claim he’s created an ment would cover or refund the wall con- Justice (ICJ) will announce its decision next She claimed that the military’s actions were on the international community to push back against “the most economic “boom,” while Democratic can- struction cost or require a payment from week on a request to impose emergency meas- in fact a “clearance operation” in response to brutal and pervasive oppression China has seen in decades.” didates seeking to replace him twisted the Mexico, the report said. ures on Myanmar over genocide against the militant attacks against police stations in Roth made the remarks at the UN Correspondents Association facts in their latest presidential debate. Instead, Trump is assuming a wide va- Rohingya Muslims. Rakhine State. in New York after being denied entry to Hong Kong on Sunday. Trump distorted his record on the econ- riety of economic benefits that can’t be The ICJ will issue its decision on emergency Suu Kyi then accused the Gambia, acting on He had been scheduled to release the report in the Chinese ter- omy and fell back on an old false claim quantified or counted on. For example, measures on January 23, the Gambian Min- behalf of the 57-nation Organization of Islamic ritory, which has been plagued by riots for months. about making Mexico pay for his border he has said the deal will dissuade some istry of Justice announced on Twitter early Cooperation, of making “incomplete and mis- Geng said on Monday the plan indicated that Human Rights Watch wall that served as a counterpoint to Tues- U.S. companies from moving operations Wednesday. leading” accusations and said the case should is among the organizations supporting and instigating “anti-China day’s Democratic presidential debate, The to Mexico and he credits that possibility Last month, the UN’s top court at The not be heard by The Hague. activists ... to engage in radical violent crimes, and incite separatist Associated Press said in an analysis on as a payment by Mexico. Hague opened a historic three-day hearing Suu Kyi said while disproportionate military activities hyping Hong Kong independence.” Wednesday. Turning to the US economy during into accusations of genocide brought against force may have been used and civilians killed, “It is China’s sovereignty to allow one’s entry or not,” he added. Speaking at a reelection campaign on the rally, Trump said: “The lowest-paid Myanmar over its brutal 2017 crackdown against the acts did not constitute genocide. Beijing has constantly accused foreign powers, including the Tuesday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Trump earners are reaping the biggest, fastest the Rohingya Muslims. If the court rules in the Gambia’s favor, United States and Britain — the former colonial power in the city claimed he’s created a “blue collar boom” and largest gains. Earnings for the bottom It was the first major legal attempt to bring this would be just the first step in a case likely —, of stirring anti-establishment sentiments and interfering in the for low income workers in the U.S. 10% are rising faster than earnings for the the country to justice over horrific atrocities to take years. country’s internal affairs by voicing support for rioters. “More than 300,000 people under Oba- top 10%, proportionally.” committed against the persecuted community. A United Nations fact-finding mission has (Source: XinHua) ma, 300,000 people, left the workforce. The AP said Trump’s claim that the It followed lawsuit filed by the Gambia in previously found that “the gravest crimes un- Under just three years of my administra- biggest pay hikes are going to the poor November. The West African country had called der international law” have been committed tion, 3.5 million people have joined the is also misleading. The top 10% of U.S. on the ICJ to take emergency measures to halt in Myanmar and called for genocide trials. UN sanctions experts warn workforce,” Trump said at the rally. earners saw the biggest raises of any income Myanmar’s ongoing genocidal actions against The International Criminal Court (ICC) re- The AP said Trump is wrong about bracket over the past year, according to the Rohingya. cently approved a long-awaited full investigation - stay away from N. Korea former President Barack Obama’s eco- the U.S. Labor Department. The Gambia accused Myanmar of vio- into the crimes against the Rohingya minority. crypto currency conference nomic record. More than 5 million people When the Labor Department looked lating the 1948 Genocide Convention at the Myanmar has long considered the Ro- joined the U.S. labor force during Obama’s at the gains by quartile, weekly earnings December hearing. hingya to be “Bengalis” from Bangladesh United Nations sanctions experts are warning people not to attend presidency, according to Labor Depart- grew at faster rates at the top levels than It also alleged that Myanmar was commit- even though their families have lived in the a crypto currency conference in North Korea in February, flagging ment figures. the bottom 25%. ting “an ongoing genocide” against Muslims, country for generations. it as a likely sanctions violation, according to a confidential report Trump also claimed that the updated “We’ve created 7 million jobs since the calling for emergency measures to prevent the In 2017, a military-led crackdown in My- due to be submitted to the UN Security Council later this month. trade between the U.S., Canada and Mexico election including more than 1 million man- Buddhist-majority country from committing anmar, which UN investigators have said was The warning comes after the independent UN experts told the will pay for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico ufacturing and construction jobs. Nobody any further atrocities. conducted with “genocidal intent,” prompted council in August that North Korea generated an estimated $2 billion border because of economic benefits he thought that was possible,” Trump said. “All that the Gambia asks is that you tell some 740,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh, for its weapons of mass destruction programs using “widespread predicts will come from the agreement. But the AP said those figures are less Myanmar to stop these senseless killings, to which was already hosting some 200,000 Ro- and increasingly sophisticated” cyber attacks to steal from banks The USMCA deal, which will replace impressive than what Trump claims. Gov- stop these acts of barbarity that continue to hingya when the exodus began. and crypto currency exchanges. NAFTA, has been signed by the three ernment figures show that the job gains shock our collective conscience, to stop this Thousands still remain in Myanmar under North Korea has been under UN sanctions since 2006 over its nations but not yet ratified. The agree- under Trump over the past three years genocide of its own people,” Gambian Justice apartheid-like conditions, confined to camps nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The 15-member Security ment preserves the existing liberalized were lower than during the final three Minister Abubacarr Tambadou told the judges. and villages and denied access to healthcare Council has unanimously strengthened those measures over the years, environment of low or no tariffs, with years of Obama’s presidency. Myanmar’s de facto leader Aung San Suu and education. prompting Pyongyang to look for alternative ways to make money. certain improvements for each country. (Source: AP) Kyi defended her country’s atrocities against (Source: Press TV) In April last year, North Korea held its first block chain and crypto currency conference and an organizer told Reuters more than 80 organizations took part. An American who attended has been charged with violating U.S. sanctions. Too early to say Libya ceasefire has collapsed: Turkish defense minister The next conference is due to be held from Feb. 22-29, according Turkey said on Wednesday it was too early to say whether a Turkey backs Serraj’s government, while Haftar has “teach a lesson” to Haftar if his attacks on the Tripoli-based to its website. ceasefire in Libya had collapsed after Khalifa Haftar, com- received support from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, government continued. An excerpt from the upcoming annual report by the UN sanctions mander of eastern Libyan forces, failed to sign a binding Jordan and Russian mercenaries. On Sunday, Germany will host a summit on Libya in- experts, seen by Reuters, warns that presentations at the conference truce accord at talks this week. “We cannot say that the ceasefire has collapsed, it’s much volving the rival camps, their main foreign backers and “have included explicit discussions of crypto currency for sanctions Russo-Turkish talks in Moscow have aimed to halt Haftar’s too early for such an interpretation,” Turkish Defense Min- representatives from the United Nations, the United States, evasion and money laundering.” nine-month campaign to seize the Libyan capital Tripoli ister Hulusi Akar told reporters in Ankara. He added that Russia, Britain, France, China, Turkey and Italy. Haftar It then spells out that UN sanctions require countries to prevent from forces aligned with the internationally recognized Ankara was awaiting the outcome of diplomacy by Moscow, and Serraj have also been invited but it is unclear whether the provision of “financial transactions, technical training, advice, government of Fayez al-Serraj. which has relations with Serraj even as it has given support they will come, a German government spokeswoman said services or assistance” if they believe it could be contributing to Serraj, whose embattled government has struggled to to Haftar. on Wednesday. North Korea’s nuclear or ballistic missile programs or to the evasion repel the nine-month campaign, signed the truce proposal Turkey has sent a training and cooperation team which The nine-month war over Tripoli is just the latest bout of of sanctions. but Haftar left Moscow without adding his signature. He is now active in Libya, Akar said. Turkey committed to mil- chaos in Libya, an OPEC oil exporter that has become a hub The full report is due to be submitted to the UN Security Council has not commented since then whether he will sign it or not. itary support for the Tripoli government in December after for human traffickers to ship migrants by boats to Italy, while North Korea sanctions committee later this month. Since veteran dictator Muammar Gaddafi was toppled the arrival of Russian mercenaries helped Haftar’s Libya Islamist militants have exploited the widespread disorder. North Korea’s mission to the United Nations did not immediately in a 2011 uprising, the North African country has been in National Army (LNA) make some small gains along the The conflict also risks disrupting oil production, the state respond to a request for comment. turmoil, with outside powers providing support to rival Tripoli frontline. oil firm has warned. (Source: Reuters) factions. President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday Turkey would (Source: Reuters) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y JANUARY 16, 2020 SPORTS 11

Iran knocked out of AFC U23 100 foreign athletes participating in Zurkhaneh Championship Sports World Cup SPORTS TEHRAN — Iran U23 IRNA — Some 100 foreign athletes will participate in the 3rd deskfootball team failed to Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani World Cup to be hosted bring an end to a 44-year Olympic quali- by Bojnourd, North Khorasan province. fication drought. The athletes are from 23 countries; 12 Asian states, seven Eu- After wasting a string of chances, Iran ropean and four African states, said Director General of North defeated China 1-0 but it wasn’t enough to Khorasan Sports and Youth Department Koroush Bahadori. extend their stay in the competition, with Participating countries include Poland, Estonia, Turkey, Cyprus, Uzbekistan advancing on goal difference Hungary, South Korea, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Bangla- despite their 2-1 loss to Korea Republic in desh, India, Indonesia, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Pathum Thani. Uzbekistan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe Omid Noorafkan scored the solitary and Cameron, he said. goal of the match from the penalty spot Third Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani World Cup will in the 87th minute after Mehdi Ghaedi be held at the University of Bojnourd from January 18 to 22. was brought down by China defender in Koshti Pahlavani (heroic wrestling) is a type of Iranian wrestling the penalty area. dating back to ancient times is practiced in the Zurkhaneh . With Uzbekistan level with Korea Re- (home of strength) public at the interval in Pathum Thani, Iran emerged from the dressing room in need of a significant turnaround on both sides of the country, and Estili looked to boost Algerian Okacha Hamzaoui their attacking stocks with the introduction linked with Tractor of Mehdi Ghayedi. A four-pronged frontline meant Iran con- Tasnim – Algerian forward Okacha Hamzaoui has been linked tinued to threaten, but Team Melli Omid with a move to Iranian football club Tractor. came close to falling behind themselves The 29-year-player has joined Tractor in Turkey’s training when a thunderous Chen Pu drive rattled camp. the crossbar in the 66th minute. Hamzaoui started his playing career at IRB Sougueur in 2008 But most of the chances came in Iran’s and has also played in Algerian teams USM Bel-Abbès, JS Saou- attacking third, and they were given a life- ra, USM Alger and MO Béjaïa and Portuguese team Nacional. line when they awarded a late penalty, with In 2015, Hamzaoui was a member of the Algeria military captain Noorafkan stepping up to stroke national football team that won the gold medal at the 2015 Mil- them into the lead. nities of the game as Iran’s Olympic dream but the titleholders advanced to the quarters 2020 Tokyo Olympics in July, although itary World Games. Estili’s side poured forward in search was dashed. on goal difference. should Japan emerge as one of them, the Tractor, who sit third in Iran Professional League, are going of the all-important second, but Ghayedi South Korea qualified for the next round China stayed at the bottom without any fourth-placed side will advance. to win the title for the first time. headed wide when Chen had left an open with nine points. points. Iran have not been in the Olympics since net, squandering one of the last opportu- Uzbekistan and Iran earned four points The top three teams will qualify for the the 1976 games in Munich. Esteghlal, Shahr Khodro learn opponents at 2020 ACL Estili issues apology after Iran’s AFC U23 C’ship exit Preliminary Stage SPORTS TEHRAN — Hamid Estili has apologized from the competition. My players did their best in the com- desk to the Iranian fans after his team failed petition. They worked hard and dedicated a lot to playing MNA — Iranian football clubs Esteghlal and Shahr Khodro to book a place at the AFC U23 Championship Thailand well and that is what matters to me,” Estili said. have learned their fate at the 2020 AFC Champions League 2020 quarterfinals. “These players are Iran football’s future and the officials Preliminary Stage Two. On Wednesday, Iran were knocked out of the competition have to take care of them. I wish all the best for Korea Re- Kuwait SC defeated Jordan’s Al Faisaly 2-1 on Tuesday in despite a 1-0 win over China PR at Tinsulanon Stadium. public and Uzbekistan. We didn’t deserve to loss against the Preliminary Stage One to book a ticket to Tehran as they After wasting a string of chances, Iran finally took the Korea and had to beat Uzbekistan,” he added. will have to face Iran’s Estghlal at Azadi Stadium on January 21. lead through Omid Noorafkan’s 87th minute penalty, but “We had 25 shots at goal against China and created eight The winners of Jan. 21 matches will advance to the final stage it wasn’t enough to extend their stay in the competition, goalscoring opportunities but our players squandered their of playoff and take on Qatar’s Al Rayyan SC on January 28. with Uzbekistan advancing on goal difference despite their chances. We could have won by more than the 3-0 scoreline. We Eventually, the winners will sit in ACL’s Group A along with 2-1 loss to Korea Republic in Pathum Thani. could not advance to the next stage just because of goal difference Al Wahda FSCC of the UAE, Iraq’s Al Shorta and another team Korea qualified for the quarters with nine points. and I am sorry for that,” the ex-Iran midfielder went on to say. from the qualifying stages. Uzbekistan and Iran earned four points but the titleholders “I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported The other Iranian team, Shahr Khodro, will host Bahrain’s Riffa advanced to the quarters on goal difference. us so far. We were excellent against China but we wasted on Jan. 21 at Mashhad’s Imam Reza Stadium in the Preliminary China stayed at the bottom without a point. our chances, yet I believe that these players can help Iran Stage Two. The Bahraini team defeated India’s Chennai City FC “I apologized to the Iranian fans due to our elimination football in the future,” Estili concluded. 1-0 in the previous stage. The winners of Iran-Bahrain tie will take on Qatar’s Al Sailiya SC on January 28 in the next stage and the ultimate winners will advance to Group B alongside Al Hilal SFC of Saudi Arabia, Montenegrin Miodrag Radulovic Iran to meet New Zealand at Asian the UAE’s Shabab Al Ahli Dubai and Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan. Iran’s Persepolis and Sepahan have already secured their named Zob Ahan coach Handball Championship opener place in the group stage of the 2020 ACL.

Australian forward Bernie Ibini fails Esteghlal medical

Tasnim — Esteghlal football club announced that Bernie Alpha Ibini-Isei, also known simply as Bernie Ibini, has failed in the club’s medical tests. The Nigerian-Australian striker traveled to Tehran to join the Iranian club in the January transfer window but failed in medical tests. The 27-year-old forward will leave Iran tonight. Bernie Ibini-Isei immigrated to Australia from Nigeria when he was a child and grew up in Sydney’s Canterbury-Bankstown region. Esteghlal are favorites to win the Iran Professional League after seven years.

SPORTS TEHRAN — Monte- zma of Kuwait and Lebanon national SPORTS TEHRAN — Iran will Arabia are in Group C and Kuwait, Iraq, desknegrin coach Miodrag football team. deskkick off the 2020 Asian the UAE and Hong Kong are drawn in Radulovic has been confirmed as new head Radulovic has most recently coached Men’s Handball Championship with a match Group D. Federer, Nadal kick in coach of Zob Ahan on Tuesday. Myanmar national football team and was against New Zealand on Friday. The 2020 Asian Men’s Handball Cham- Radulovic, who succeeded Alireza Man- sacked in October 2019 following the team’s Team Melli will play New Zealand in pionship will be the 19th edition of the $170,000 for Australian sourian, has signed a one-and-a half- year poor performance at the 2022 World Cup Group A at the Shaikh Saad Al-Abdullah championship held under the aegis of Asian bushfire relief deal with the Iranian team. qualification. Sports Hall Complex in Kuwait City and Handball Federation at Kuwait City, Kuwait The 52-year-old started his coaching Zob Ahan are nine points above the face Bahrain a day later. from Jan. 16 to 27. MELBOURNE (Reuters) — Tennis greats Roger Federer and career as an assistant at Montenegrin relegation zone in Iran Professional League Group B consists of Qatar, Japan and It acts as the Asian qualifying tourna- Rafa Nadal pledged A$250,000 ($172,000) towards the Aus- team Zeta. He has also coached Mon- after a run of just three wins in their last China. ment for the 2021 World Men’s Handball tralian bushfire relief efforts at a charity event on Wednesday tenegro U19, Pakhtakor Tashkent, Ka- 16 matches. South Korea, Australia and Saudi Championship in Egypt. in the leadup to the Australian Open. World number one Nadal made the announcement at Melbourne Park’s Rod Laver Arena during the “Rally for Re- lief” event where top players including Serena Williams and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Ticket Designs Unveiled Australian Open defending champion Novak Djokovic led The Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Fuji (purple): This is the color of the Japanese wisteria fundraising efforts. Paralympic Games (Tokyo 2020) on Wednesday (15 Jan- and has been regarded as a beautiful Japanese flower since “Hopefully that will keep inspiring the people to support this uary) unveiled the designs of the tickets for the Olympic ancient times. terrible disaster that we’re going through and helps to recover and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020. Matsuba (green): This is the pine needle green color all the things that we need,” Nadal said on court after an exhi- Each ticket features a sport pictogram that corresponds that is often used for celebrative occasions. bition match. to the specific discipline, a venue pictogram, the Tokyo 2020 The tickets also include the official Tokyo 2020 sport Australia is experiencing one of its worst bushfire seasons Games emblem, and is color-coded according to the venue pictograms, designed to subtly communicate the charac- on record, with fires burning for months and killing 28 people, and the city hosting the ticketed event. teristics and athleticism of each sport, as well as artistically destroying more than 2,500 homes and razing forests and farm- A total of 59 Olympic tickets and 25 Paralympic ticket highlights the dynamism of athletes. land the size of Bulgaria. designs for all competition events were unveiled. Delivery Olympic Games sport pictograms were first introduced Smoke from bushfires blanketed Melbourne in a thick, of the tickets will start in May. at the Tokyo 1964 Games, which arose from a need to com- gray haze on Wednesday before a clearing rain-storm, dis- The design of the tickets is based on the Look of the municate visually to an increasingly international group of rupting the Australian Open’s qualifying matches for a second Games, the visual identity of the Olympic and Paralympic athletes and spectators. Since then, pictograms have been successive day. Games Tokyo 2020. created for every edition of the Games. The ATP on Sunday pledged $500,000 to the WWF Austral- It is inspired by the three types of rectangular shapes The designs of the tickets use four traditional Japanese “We are very proud of the design of the Tokyo 2020 tickets, ian Wildlife and Nature Recovery Fund as part of the bushfire that form the Tokyo 2020 Emblems and the Japanese tech- colors: embodying as it does Japanese traditions and skills, and relief efforts. nique known as kasane no irome, a color scheme used in Kurenai (red): Since ancient times, red has been used we hope they will please both Japanese and international A number of players have made individual pledges including the creation of fabrics used for kimonos during the Heian often during celebrative occasions and is a symbolic color spectators at the Tokyo 2020 Games. These tickets will not American Williams who said she would donate all her prize-money Period (794-1185). of Japan. just be the door-opener to the venues for them; they will from winning a tournament in Auckland on Sunday. Having been traditionally used in the design of costumes Ai (blue): Widely familiar to the people of Japan and become memorabilia that they will cherish long after the Australian Nick Kyrgios has pledged A$200 for every ace for celebratory occasions, this color scheme reflects the globally known as a color representing Japan. The color Games come to an end,” said Tokyo 2020 spokesperson he hits this month. overlapping natural colors representative of each of Japan’s of the Tokyo 2020 Emblems is also categorized under the Masa Takaya. The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year, starts four seasons. ai color. (Source: Paralympic) in Melbourne on Monday. Prayer Times Noon:12:14 Evening: 17:34 Dawn: 5:45 (tomorrow) Sunrise: 7:13 (tomorrow) JANUARY 16, 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: Mohammad Ghaderi Editorial Dept.: Fax: (+98 21) 88808214 — 88808895 Cultural center sets up library and [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 museum for writer Nader Ebrahimi www.eshterak.ir Distributor: Padideh Novin Co. Tel: 88911433 ARTTEHRAN – The House Webmaster: [email protected] deskof Poetry and Literature Printed at: Jame Jam Bartar Borna - 44197737 in Tehran has established a library and museum for Nader Ebrahimi, the writer of Tehrantimes79 Tehrantimesdaily the acclaimed stories such as “Tomorrow Is Not Like Today”, “Ibn Mashghaleh”, No. 18, Bimeh Alley, Nejatollahi St., Tehran, Iran “A Quiet Loving” and “Dragon’s Tale”. P.o. Box: 14155-4843 The Nader Ebrahimi Library and Zip Code: 1599814713 Museum, which has been set up at the House of Poetry and Literature, is scheduled to open to the public during a special ceremony on Friday. The opening ceremony set for January 3, but it was postponed due to the assassination of Quds Force chief Qassem Soleimani, the house announced on Wednesday. The library contains 5,000 titles, which GUIDE TO all have been donated by Ebrahimi’s family SPIRITUAL AWAKENING from his personal library. A collection of his personal effects, including his prizes, Justice puts everything in its place, and liberality notes and mountaineering equipment, have brings out things from a special direction. Justice been showcased at the museum. is a statesman who gives everyone his right, and A large number of literati and cultural liberality is a habit belonging to one person only. officials have been invited to attend the opening ceremony. Therefore, justice if worthier. In 2011, the Seventeenth Street of Kargar Imam Ali (AS) Avenue was renamed Nader Ebrahimi by the Tehran City Council. Ebrahimi lived the last twenty years of his life in a home located on the street. He died at 72 from Alzheimer’s disease in June 2008. Fajr poetry festival launches He is also known as a director and screenwriter. As a filmmaker, he directed book donation campaign for the TV series “Fire without Smoke” in the Iranian writer Nader Ebrahimi. flood-stricken early 1970s based on his novel of the same His second and last feature was “The Day Long Journeys to Their Homeland”, another Revolution in 1979. title. He also made a screen adaptation When the Air Stopped”. TV series that was broadcast by Iranian Ebrahimi’s career ended in 2001 when Sistan-Baluchestan called “The Sound of the Desert” in 1975. He also directed “Hami and Kami in state TV before the victory of the Islamic he was afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease.

CULTURE TEHRAN – The executive secretary of the desk14th Fajr International Poetry Festival an- nounced on Wednesday that the organizers have launched Istanbul to host Iranian Iran’s “Douch” to go on screen a campaign to collect books to donate to the flood-stricken film days in Japan people in Sistan-Baluchestan.

A scene from “Crazy Castle” by Abolhassan Davudi. A poster for “Douch” by Iranian director Amir Mashhadiabbas. ARTTEHRAN – A lineup The lineup also includes ARTTEHRAN – “Douch” Movement Organization to teach the last Flood victims unload food and relief material from an IRGC Air deskof nine Iranian “Bodyguard” by Ebrahim Hatamikia, deskby Iranian director Amir illiterate person in a village to raise funds Force helicopter near Jask in Hormozgan Province, January movies will be reviewed during a special “Crazy Castle” by Abolhassan Davudi, Mashhadiabbas will go on screen in a spe- for the bicycle. But the last illiterate person 14, 2020. (Mehr/Morteza Akhundi) program named “Iranian Film Days” “Mazar-i-Sharif” by Hassan Barzideh cial program at the Ryukyu Shimpo Hall is a 90-year-old woman with bad hearing “Although we know that books are not among the flood-hit at the Beyoglu Academy in Istanbul. and “Once Upon a Time Love and on Okinawa Island, Japan on February 8, and poor eyesight. people’s basic needs, everybody in every business should take The three-day festival, which will Hatred” by Davud Bidel. Iran’s Institute for Intellectual Development The film has been dubbed into Japanese some steps toward supporting the flood-stricken people,” open on Friday, will screen “Today” Iranian filmmaker Abolhassan of Children and Young Adults (IIDCYA) that by a number of Japanese voice actors. Mehdi Qezeli said in a press release. by Reza Mirkarimi, “Azar, Shahdokht, Davudi and Turkish director Faysal is the producer of the film announced on “Douch” has screened at several Iranian He also said that all books submitted to the festival will Parviz and Others” by Behruz Afkhami, Soysal are also scheduled to attend Wednesday. and international festivals. be sent to the region in the campaign. “Sweet Taste of Imagination” by Kamal the festival. “Douch” is about Gholamreza, a teenage It received the prize of the Internation- The members of the festival jury and scientific commit- Tabrizi, “Where Are My Shoes” by Iran’s Cultural Office in Istanbul boy who wants to have a new bicycle but he al Centre of Films for Children and Youth tees will donate some books from their personal libraries Kiumars Purahmad and “Track 143” organizes the festival in collaboration cannot afford to buy it. Therefore, he at- (CIFEJ) at the 49th Roshd International Film to the campaign. by Narges Abyar. with the Beyoglu District Municipality. tends a contest organized by the Literacy Festival in Tehran last November. Qezeli, who is also the secretary of the 12th Jalal Al-e Ahmad Literary Awards, said that all submissions to the awards, which were held last December, will be given to the campaign. Billie Eilish to sing theme song for 25th James Bond film Qezeli also asked other cultural figures and people to join NEW YORK (AP) — Breakthrough singer Billie said in a statement Tuesday. “James Bond is the the campaign by sending their books the festival’s office in Eilish is set to sing the theme song for the upcoming coolest film franchise ever to exist. I’m still in shock.” Tehran at 6 Araabi Alley, Sanai St. of Karim Khan Ave. James Bond film, becoming the youngest artist to Eilish is riding high off her successful 2019 debut The flood disaster, arising from extremely heavy rainfall write and record a song for the iconic film franchise. album, “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We since last Thursday has killed several people and inundated Eilish, who turned 18 in December, recorded the Go?”, which featured the No. 1 hit “Bad Guy.” She’s some 500 villages and 14 towns in Sistan-Baluchestan, Ker- song for the 25th Bond film, “No Time to Die,” which competing for six Grammy Awards at this month’s man and Hormozgan. debuts in U.S. theaters on April 10. She wrote the show, including the top four prizes: album, song song with her brother Finneas; the two created her and record of the year, and best new artist. She was entire debut album together. 17 when she earned those four top nominations, “The Virtuous Burglar” to The untitled new song does not have a release date. making her the youngest artist in Grammy history “It feels crazy to be a part of this in every way. To to achieve the feat. This Nov. 2, 2019 file photo shows singer Billie Eilish at the come to Tehran theater be able to score the theme song to a film that is part “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” was 2019 LACMA Art and Film Gala in Los Angeles. (Photo by of such a legendary series is a huge honor,” Eilish Spotify’s most-streamed album of 2019. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File) ARTTEHRAN – Iranian director deskMohammadreza Jamal plans to stage Italian playwright Dario Fo’s “The Virtuous Burglar” (“Non tutti i ladri vengono a nuocere”) at Tehran’s Neauphle- le-Chateau Theater on ‘Game of Thrones’ actors among Amazon’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ cast January 21. PASADENA, Calif. (Reuters) - they are the newest members of an ever- The 1958 play is about a Amazon.com Inc unveiled the first cast expanding creative family that is now burglar, who is interrupted of actors for its highly anticipated “The working tirelessly to bring Middle-earth by the owner of a flat and Lord of the Rings” streaming television to life anew for fans and audiences his mistress while he is series on Tuesday, including two “Game worldwide,” they added. burgling their house. When of Thrones” veterans, and said production The TV adaptation will explore new the owner’s wife arrives, the would begin in New Zealand next month. storylines preceding author J.R.R. burglar is forced to pretend Among the 15 cast members are Tolkien’s “The Fellowship of the Ring,” the mistress is his wife. the British actors Robert Aramayo, the first installment in the famed fantasy Things get more twisted who portrayed a young Ned Stark, and trilogy set in the fictional land of Middle- when the burglar’s wife Joseph Mawle, who played Benjen Stark earth. arrives and thinks her on HBO’s medieval fantasy hit “Game Amazon announced the cast at a husband has an affair. of Thrones.” Others coming to “Lord of Television Critics Association event Meanwhile, another burglar the Rings” include British theater actor where TV networks preview upcoming enters the home and starts Owain Arthur, British-Iranian actress shows. A poster for “The Virtuous collecting things. Nazanin Boniadi, Australian actor Tom The series still has a “few key roles left Burglar” by director The Amazon.com logo and stock price information is seen on screens at the Nasdaq Damun Bastak, Asadollah Budge, British actress Morfydd Clark, and to cast,” said Vernon Sanders, Amazon’s Mohammadreza Jamal. Market Site in New York City, New York, U.S., September 4, 2018. (Reuters/Mike Segar) Purhamzeh, Huri Kazemiha, Slovak-American actress Ema Horvath, co-head of television. Hamidreza Shabahang, Sogol Seyyedsadr and Fatemeh the company said. the first group of brilliant performers who and Patrick McKay said in a statement. The company did not reveal details Noruzi are the main members of the cast for the play, “After undertaking an extensive global will take part in Amazon’s ‘The Lord of the “These exceptionally talented women about the roles the actors would play which will remain on stage until February 5. search, we are delighted finally to reveal Rings’ series,” showrunners J.D. Payne and men are more than just our actors, or the storyline.