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8 Pages Price 50,000 Rials 1.00 EURO 4.00 AED 42nd year No.13846 Tuesday DECEMBER 29, 2020 Dey 9, 1399 Jumada Al Awwal 14, 1442 Tehran says won’t let Gen. Iranian Match National Document Children’s Shahnameh Soleimani’s assassins go Commissioner Shahriari on Rare Diseases illustration contest unpunished Page 2 invited to Tokyo Page 3 approved Page 7 announces winners Page 8

Nasrallah: Israel, Saudi culprit in U.S. assassination of Soleimani, Muhandis Homegrown COVID-19 vaccine TEHRAN – Secretary-General of the Leb- were culprits in this crime as well, even if anese Hezbollah Resistance Movement their role was just to provoke Washington Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah suggests that to commit it,” Nasrallah said. the U.S. assassinated Iran’s top general He made the remarks in an exclusive Qassem Soleimani and deputy command- interview with al-Mayadeen television to be mass-produced in 40 days er of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units network on Sunday night. During the (PMU), Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, at the interview, the Hezbollah leader reflect- See page 7 request of the Israeli and Saudi regimes. ed on major regional and international “The criminal assassination of General developments as well as domestic issues Soleimani was not only an American crime, of Lebanon. but I believe that Israel and Saudi Arabia Continued on page 2

ICCIMA to hold online meeting for exploring trade opportunities with Oman TEHRAN – Iran Chamber of Commerce, Opportunities, challenges, and obsta- Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCI- cles related to the economic cooperation MA) plans to hold an online meeting on between the private sectors of the two January 11, 2021 to explore opportunities countries will be reviewed by the ICCIMA and capacities of trade with Oman, ICCIMA deputy for international affairs and the portal announced. chairman of the Iran-Oman Joint Chamber The meeting will be attended by the in this meeting and a report on the latest head of the Iran-Oman Joint Chamber developments in the region, bilateral co- of Commerce, representatives of provin- operation, and future prospects will also cial chambers of commerce, and heads of be presented. relevant committees and organizations. Continued on page 4

Game showing Gen. Soleimani in battle for breaking ISIS siege of Amerli produced TEHRAN – A computer game depicting announced in a press release on Monday. the commanding leadership of Iran’s “Concurrent with the martyrdom Quds Force chief, Qassem Soleimani, in anniversary of Hajji Qassem Soleimani, the battle for breaking the 89-day siege of we will announce the release of ‘Gener- the northern Iraqi town of Amerli by the al in the Shadows’, which is an amazing ISIS terrorists has been produced in Iran. first-person action game showing the “General in the Shadows” produced at events that occurred during the siege of the Islamic Revolution Center for Digital Amerli, and finally Hajji Qassem Soleimani Products and Publications – MATNA will be and his heliborne troops step in to break

File photo unveiled during a special ceremony in the near the siege,” he said. future, MATNA director Mehdi Jafari Jozani Continued on page 8

Iran football I congratulate improvement of Iranian women: U.S. embassy attack false-flag strike by Washington: league’s chaotic Rita Subowo Iraq Kata’ib Hezbollah fixture bothers BY MASOUD HOSSEIN with the five AVC Presidents and also worked Iraq’s anti-terror group, Kata’ib Hezbollah, has Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, and TEHRAN – President of Asian Volleyball Confedera- with three FIVB Presidents until now. It is a called the last week’s rocket attack against the Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy head of the teams tion (AVC) Rita Subowo is happy with improvement greatest honor for me to be elected as AVC Pres- U.S. embassy in Baghdad a false-flag strike and PMU, in a U.S. airstrike near Baghdad airport of Iranian women’s volleyball team and predicts ident by 65 AVC affiliated federations and my a plot hatched by Washington. on January 3. BY FARROKH HESABI that the Team could be among the top teams of greatest challenge to lead volleyball in Asia to Muhammad Mohi, the spokesman for Kata’ib After the terrorist act, the Iraqi parliament ust after eight weeks from be- the world like the Iranian men’s volleyball team. compete with the other four continents. As my Hezbollah, which is part of the country’s Popular voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution ginning of 2020/21 Iran Pro- Subowo made history in late October after she long experience as FIVB and AVC Vice Pres- Mobilization Units (PMU), made the comments calling for the expulsion of U.S. forces from Jfessional League (IPL), there was elected as the first-ever woman to lead AVC. idents as well as IOC Member, I will try my in an interview with the Al Jazeera news broad- the Arab country. have been many controversies over A key figure in the Olympic Movement in utmost effort together with all the members of caster, saying Washington is the “sole beneficiary” Anti-American sentiments have run even the schedule of the matches. Asia and an Honorary Life Vice-President of the AVC Board of Administration to develop and of the so-called attack as it “wants to increase higher in the past few days as Iraqis are outraged The new fixture list announced by Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), the Indonesian promote volleyball in Asia. pressure on Iraqi resistance groups.” by the U.S. president’s decision to pardon four the Iran Football League Organization lady praised the Iranian girls pursuing the sport Women’s volleyball in Asia has progressed On December 20, a series of Katyusha rockets war criminals. The Blackwater contractors had is controversial. It has raised many com- in an exclusive interview with Tehran Times. over the past years and some teams such as landed near the U.S. embassy complex, which is been jailed for killing of unarmed Iraqi civilians plaints, especially after some clubs argue You are the first woman in history to Thailand and South Korea have joined China inside Baghdad’s heavily-fortified Green Zone. in Baghdad in 2007. that the schedule is in favor of just one lead the AVC. It shows that the continent’s and Japan. Do you have any plan to support The attack caused minor damage to buildings The U.S. embassy has been targeted several team, namely Persepolis. associations have bestowed upon you. I the teams to strengthen more? there. times this year amid heightened anti-Amer- Bijan Zolfagharnasab, the Iranian football think it will be a challenging job for you Women volleyball in Asia is now one of the Mohi said the pressure by the U.S. comes as ican sentiments in Iraq in the aftermath of expert, believes that the Football Federa- since volleyball has been always headed most popular sports and are among the top Iraqis are preparing to commemorate the first the assassinations of General Soleimani and tion of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) by men in Asia. teams of the world. anniversary of the Trump-authorized assas- al-Muhandis. and the Football League Organization are I have worked with AVC more than 30 years Continued on page 3 sination of Iran’s top anti-terror commander Continued on page 5 to blame for the current situation. “The FFIRI have to be more careful about the league matches schedule. In all the football leagues in the world, a fixture The Importance of International Law – the JCPOA must be upheld American expert list is announced at the beginning of the BY PROFESSOR KHAWAR QURESHI QC in Iran’s interest, but also of the international as 1995 under the Clinton Administration, the says interest groups season. After that, all the teams recognize It often said that International Law is predom- community as a whole to ensure that International UN’s nuclear-related sanctions against Iran were their opponents from the first week of the inantly a tool for some States to pursue their Law is observed – whatever the provocation or first imposed in 2006 by UN Security Council to further stir up league to the end”, the retired Iranian own aims and justify their actions against oth- behaviour of other States. Resolution 1737. The EU strengthened its own football player and manager said. ers. However, whilst International Law and its BACKGROUND sanctions program concerning Iran in 2012 and Moscow-Washington “I’m not talking about the best leagues institutions are far from perfect, they provide 1. In recent years, Iran has been the subject afterwards. animosity in the world or the top European leagues. the only viable means through which States can of sanctions (sometimes known as restrictive 2.The overall effect of the collective sanctions It’s something normal even in the weakest interact with each other on a basis of mutual measures) imposed by each of the USA, the EU regime has caused massive economic damage to BY YASSER NAZIFI GILAVAN European leagues where their football level respect and co-operation. and the UN concerning Iran’s nuclear-related Iran, greatly restricting the country’s potential Noting that there are political lobbies in Wash- is lower than us. Everyone knew the calendar In this article, an overview is provided of the activities. Whilst the USA’s nuclear-related for growth and development. ington who benefit from epitomizing Russia as an of the league, and it is published in newspa- context for the JCPOA 2015, and why it is not just sanctions against Iran were imposed as early Continued on page 2 imminent threat to the U.S, an American analyst pers and other media. All clubs can analyze says that arms industries are always after creating their matches and properly prepare their defensive concerns. players for the upcoming games. The interest groups “justify their expenditures “But here in Iran, we are watching the Ancient textiles on the grounds that they’re required to ‘defend’ war of statements by the clubs against each their interests from the multitude of threats that other or accuse a team of being supported by on the verge they regard Russia as posing, both in the military the federation. This is the result of a lack of and non-military realms,” according to Andrew long-term planning. Our football federation Korybko, and football league organization announce of oblivion in During presidential debates in the U.S., Donald the matches’ schedule just for two or three Trump and Joe Biden criticized one another for weeks and cannot make a clear fixture list western Iran being too soft with enemies of the United States. for the whole season,” he added. Trump accused Biden of making up with the Chinese “Some of the head coaches of the IPL TEHRAN –Handicraft skills of namad-mali, jajim-bafi and Biden countered by accusing Trump of having teams are also complaining to take ad- and moj-bafi, which are considered as ancient Ira- secret ties with Moscow. vantage of this situation to justify their nian textiles native to Kordestan province, are on Even after Biden’s victory, the American media probable failures. It has nothing to do with the verge of oblivion, deputy provincial tourism released cartoons which depicted Russian Presi- the coaches to talk about the federation chief has warned. dent Vladimir Putin upset with the U.S. presidential or other teams. Each club must have a Namad-mali is a traditional craft to make wool election result. spokesman to talk about such issues,” felt rugs and other objects by rolling and pressing The U.S. and Russia have been rivals since ex-Iran coach stated. them. Jajim-bafi and moj-bafi are both the art of the end of the Cold War. Even the collapse of It shows that the federation and league making hand-woven floor coverings. the USSR did not make Americans to remove organization are the main organizations Unfortunately, in recent years, some handicrafts

Russia from the list of top threats to their na- who should be blamed. fields have been forgotten across the province as tional interests. In no other league we see the chaotic their usage was defined for a specific period and As a result, many experts and analysts have tried situation as we see in IPL. It’s while Iran nowadays crafters don’t practice these fields any- to touch upon the prospect of U.S.-Russia relations football has had a team in the AFC Cham- File photo more, Farhad Hamedi said on Sunday. during the incoming presidency of Joe Biden. pions League final twice in three years. Continued on page 6 Continued on page 5 I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y

POLITICS DECEMBER 29, 2020

Assassination of General Tehran says won’t let Gen. Soleimani’s Soleimani ‘against international law’: Afghan politician assassins go unpunished POLITICAL TEHRAN – The U.S. decision to assassinate deskthe commander of the IRGC Quds Force, POLITICAL TEHRAN – The Irani- gional stability” who contributed most to the desk General Qassem Soleimani, was “against international law,” an Foreign Ministry con- realization of peace and maintaining inter- the leader of Afghanistan’s National Congress Party (NCP) firmed on Monday that it will not let those action with different leaders of the region, has said. behind the assassination of the Islamic Re- Khatibzadeh said. Abdul Latif Pedram said the U.S. terror attack that assas- public’s legendary anti-terror commander The spokesman touched on General Soleim- sinated the top Iranian general was “not forgivable by any General Qassem Soleimani evade justice. ani’s famous “We are a nation of martyrdom” means and has to be prosecuted at international bodies.” “We will not allow the martyr’s blood remarks, saying extremism cannot be defeated to go to waste and those who did it escape unless through the courage and pure blood punishment,” ministry spokesman Saeed of those confronting it. Khatibzadeh told a regular news briefing, On Monday, the head of the Iranian Judici- according to Press TV. ary’s High Council for Human Rights said 48 Iran has ceaselessly pursued this matter and suspects have been identified in connection will keep doing so through the international with the assassination of General Soleimani. channels, Khatibzadeh said. “Some 48 suspects have been identified “This is not something that the Iranian [in relation to Lt. Gen. Soleimani’s assassina- government and the establishment could let tion] and all necessary measures have been go by. The U.S. administration is accountable taken to prosecute them,” Press TV quoted in this regard,” the spokesman added. Ali Baqeri-Kani as saying. Khatibzadeh said the United States com- He added that countries, which have mitted a monumental strategic mistake by been somehow involved in this crime, have perpetrating this terrorist act. been asked to provide relevant information “We will not abandon this pursuit until we and documents to the Iranian Judiciary. “The assassination of the Iranian general was condemned have taken all those who abetted this [atrocity] “Germany was the last country. We have him “the single most powerful operative in more than five letters and official notes with by most of the world countries, even by some of the U.S. or were involved in it, to the altar of justice.” obtained reports and information that the the Middle East”. the United Nations and used its diplomatic traditional allies,” the Afghan politician told Iran’s state General Soleimani was the chief of the U.S. (Ramstein air) base in Germany was in- In an interview with al-Mayadeen television missions to introduce General Soleimani and news agency IRNA. “The U.S. government, as a symbol Quds Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards volved in the exchange of information among network on Sunday night, Hezbollah Secre- the nature of his mission to the world. of state terrorism, assassinated General Soleimani in an Corps (IRGC). He was admired as the most the American drones that were involved in tary-General Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah said The official said Agnes Callamard, the international criminal action for fear of his courageous potent counter-terrorism commander, with the assassination of Martyr Soleimani,” the U.S. assassinated General at the request UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, sum- anti-terrorism acts.” a unique charisma. Baqeri-Kani said, commenting on the latest of the Israeli and Saudi regimes. mary or arbitrary executions, denounced the According to Pedram, the U.S. government is “the root cause He was Iran’s lead military advisor helping developments regarding the case. “The criminal assassination of General assassination as an act of terrorism earlier of the greatest evils of human society and state terrorism.” Iraq and Syria defeat Takfiri terrorist groups, On Sunday, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Soleimani was not only an American crime, this year, only after Iran’s Foreign Ministry The U.S. criminal acts are not limited to Iran, Pedram said, chiefly Daesh. who advises the parliament speaker on inter- but I believe that Israel and Saudi Arabia were presented the world body with a detailed adding that the U.S. state terrorism is becoming globalized. He was assassinated in a U.S. drone strike national affairs, also said Iran has drawn up a culprits in this crime as well, even if their role account of the circumstances surrounding “The Americans have committed acts of state terrorism in Baghdad Airport on January 3 during an list of 48 individuals against whom legal action was just to provoke Washington to commit the terrorist act. in Afghanistan, Middle East (West Asia), Latin America, official visit. His Iraqi comrade Abu Mahdi will be taken in relation to the assassination. it,” Nasrallah stated. Tehran will follow up on its efforts in this and any other county they could,” he continued. al-Muhandis, deputy commander of Iraq’s Amir-Abdollahian said that Iran had already Khatibzadeh touched on Tehran’s efforts area across international courts and tribunals, General Soleimani was assassinated by an American anti-terror popular forces, was also killed prepared a list of 45 individuals who were one to present the enormity of the atrocity to the he added. drone strike earlier this year near Baghdad’s international along with their other companions when way or another related to the assassination, world and bring the perpetrators to justice. Apart from commanding the Quds Force, airport alongside his comrade Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the their convoy was hit. and the list has now been extended to include The Islamic Republic, he said, has registered General Soleimani served as a “pillar of re- deputy head of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). Former CIA officer John Maguire had called 48 people. The strike was ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump, a reckless move that brought Iran and the United States close to an all-out war. In response, Iran showered a U.S. The Importance of International Law – the JCPOA must be upheld airbase in western Iraq with missiles, causing brain injury among several dozens of American servicemen. 1 It is not the purpose of this article to analyse the po- is found in paragraphs 36-47 of its main text. There are some Consular Rights, which entered into force between Iran and In addition, Iran has said that the revenge for the as- sitions being adopted “pro-sanction” or the responses thereto. who may criticise the vague nature of the provision, and suggest the USA on 16 June 1957. The USA’s jurisdictional objections, sassination of the general will also include the expulsion First and foremost, all States must abide by International Law. its dispute resolution mechanism is imbalanced. For better or including that the case’s subject matter concerns the JCPOA, of the U.S. from the region. 3. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (“JCPOA”) is worse it was agreed to by all the parties. not the Treaty of Amity, were heard by the International Court a detailed agreement reached between Iran and the E3/EU+3 DEVELOPMENTS AND ALLEGED BREACHES of Justice in September 2020, and, at the time of writing, are (comprising China, France, Germany, Russia, the UK and the 8. On 18 October 2015, 90 days after the UN Security Council still awaiting a substantive ruling. Nasrallah: Israel, Saudi USA, together with the EU) on 14 July 2015. Its Preface shows endorsed the JCPOA through its resolution 2231, Iran and the 13. Whilst the majority of EU sanctions were lifted in early that it was intended to adequately address the concerns on both E3/EU+3’s obligations to take steps to meet their commitments 2016 under the terms of the JCPOA, some sanctions remained culprit in U.S. assassination sides: whilst Iran envisioned that “the JCPOA will allow it to to implement the JCPOA fully took effect. in place. Those that remained were applicable to all EU business of Soleimani, Muhandis move forward with an exclusively peaceful, indigenous nucle- 9. On 16 January 2016, known as ‘Implementation Day’, and nationals inside and outside of the EU territory as well as ar programme, in line with scientific and economic considera- the IAEA certified that Iran had taken the key steps necessary to any overseas business and individuals when they are in the 1 On January 3, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered tions…and with a view to building confidence and encouraging for the restriction of its nuclear program and that increased EU or doing business within the EU. The remaining sanctions drone strikes that martyred Major General Soleimani, chief of international cooperation”, the E3/EU+3 countries envisioned monitoring had been put in place in that regard. The IAEA certi- restricted the direct or indirect sale, supply, transfer or export the IRGC Quds Force, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy that “the implementation of this JCPOA will progressively allow fication triggered the relaxation of sanctions (sometimes known to any individual, entity or body in Iran (or for use in Iran) of the commander of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units (PMU). them to gain confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of as restrictive measures) that had been implemented against Iran items specified in Regulation 267/2012 and Regulation 359/2011. Iran has vowed to target whoever had a role in the cowardly Iran’s programme”. by the US, EU and the UN. These items included, but were not limited to, nuclear-related items assassination of General Soleimani, who was on a peace mission OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE JCPOA 10. Notwithstanding that the IAEA had verified Iran’s com- featuring on the Nuclear Suppliers Group list, various items with to Iraq when he was targeted by the U.S. military. 4. Article (viii) of the Preamble to the JCPOA included the pliance with the terms of the JCPOA up until that point, the the capability to contribute to reprocess or enrichment-related imposition of a ‘good faith’ obligation concerning the performance USA unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA on 8 May 2018. All or heavy water-related activities (or other activities inconsistent of the JCPOA commitments: US sanctions on Iran that had been lifted by the JCPOA were with the JCPOA). In addition, the provision of various services “The E3/EU+3 and Iran commit to implement this JCPOA reintroduced. Further, since that date, the USA has terminated related to those items, as well as the direct or indirect acceptance in good faith and in a constructive atmosphere, based on mutual almost all designated sanctions waivers for cooperative nuclear of funds or economic resources from targets of financial sanctions respect, and to refrain from any action inconsistent with the projects (the Bushehr nuclear power plant was, in May 2019, the against Iran, remained prohibited. letter, spirit and intent of this JCPOA that would undermine subject of a separate 90-day waiver from the USA). CONCLUDING REMARKS its successful implementation. The E3/EU+3 will refrain from 11. Accordingly, in May 2019, Iran (whilst still remaining a In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic which some commen- imposing discriminatory regulatory and procedural require- participant in the JCPOA) began to row back on the steps it had tators suggest has been exacerbated by globalisation, as well as ments in lieu of the sanctions and restrictive measures covered previously taken to comply with its terms, justifying its decision humanity’s insatiable appetite for devouring what is left in terms by this JCPOA”. to do so on the JCPOA’s failure to deliver the sanctions relief of Earth’s natural resources, it is all too clear that any State which 5. On 14 July 2015, Iran began providing the International that it originally envisioned. Iran’s position is that the Europe- adopts a short term view of self-interest ignores the reality – Atomic Energy Agency (“the IAEA”), the body with responsibility an participants in the JCPOA failed to take sufficient steps to namely that every action often has unforeseen “self-damaging” for verifying Iran’s compliance with the nuclear-related provi- negate, offset or otherwise lessen the effect on the Iran of the consequences. The World can ill afford division or disunity at this sions of the JCPOA, with information necessary for the IAEA to reintroduction of US sanctions. juncture. We must all hope that 2021 brings greater emphasis complete its investigations into previous activities concerning 12. Iran has already taken legal action in respect of the USA’s upon co-operation and respect for International Law. the development of nuclear industry. unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA (announced by the US Professor Khawar Qureshi QC specialises in Commercial Nasrallah also said the Israeli regime’s forces are on high 6. Whilst the details of the JCPOA, set out in its substantial President on 13 October 2017). On 16 July 2018, Iran filed an Litigation, International Arbitration and Public International alert after the November assassination of top Iranian scientist annexures, are technical and complex, the main requirements application instituting proceedings at the International Court Law from offices at Serle Court London and McNair Chambers Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. of each side are set out in the summary produced which can be of Justice against the USA concerning the USA’s reintroduction Qatar. He has advised or appeared in complex commercial and He noted that the Israeli regime is worried about the approach viewed at https://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/JCPOA- of sanctions against Iran. This case was framed not under the international matters involving more than 60 States including of the new U.S. administration regarding the region, adding at-a-glance[1]: dispute resolution mechanism provided for in the JCPOA itself, the UK as an “A” Panel UK Government Treasury Counsel, the that he could be a target of the Israeli regime’s assassination 7. The dispute resolution mechanism under the JCPOA but as a breach of the Treaty of Amity, Economic Relations and USA, the Russian Federation, India, Pakistan, Italy and Kenya. operation as he is a Resistance leader. “Other Hezbollah leaders and I are targets for America and Israel,” he said. Iran welcomes exchanging views on human “We have information that Saudi Arabia is instigating to assas- sinate me at least since the war on Yemen started,” he continued. rights with the West: diplomat Nasrallah pointed out that the assassination of Soleimani and POLITICAL TEHRAN – Mohsen Baha- the globally accepted human rights principles AUCTION SJSCO. Muhandis was an uncovered operation, unlike the assassination deskrvand, Iran’s deputy foreign need to have a mechanism, which enables the of martyrs Mughniyeh and Fakhrizadeh. minister for legal and international affairs, has implementation and inspection of the principles 99008 “Hajj Qassem was a very special person on the humanitarian said that Iran welcomes exchange of views with at international level. and moral levels… he had a special charisma and a strong ability the West and human rights organizations, but Thus, he continued, targeting certain coun- Hereby Sirjan Jahan Steel to have an influence on anyone who knows him,” he highlighted. the proud nation of Iran does not accept any kind tries and ignoring others’ blatant human rights “Militarily, Hajj Qassem was the frontline man not the man of interfering viewpoints. violations seem to be completely discriminatory. Complex announces selling and in the operation room, he was the many of strategy and tactics… In an interview with the Iran newspaper pub- However, there is a need to make some re- Politically and culturally, he was well-educated in various fields,” lished on Monday, Baharvand said the Islamic forms in certain laws and procedures as well export 30,000 STEEL BILLET the Hezbollah leader emphasized. Republic has differences with some human rights as a number of misconducts by a few people in “In the last period before his assassination I was very con- organizations and Western countries on the im- charge of dealing with the Iranian nation, the (Size 150 x 150 mm ) on basis cerned about him, especially after I saw how much the Western plementation of citizenship rights. diplomat stated. media were focusing on him and were highlighting his role and He said there is no fundamental difference The Islamic Republic of Iran believes in re- movement,” he added. with Western countries regarding the observance specting human rights as the main element to of FOB, Interested bidders are Nasrallah went on to say that Martyr Muhandis was a great of human rights, but the mechanism and the strengthen trust-building between the people invited to get documents with send an email to commander and he resembled Hajj Qassem a lot. “His role on West’s political misuse of the issue are among and the government, he said, adding that the the political and military levels was great. He had the main role the subjects of disagreement. observation of human rights would help economic [email protected] in the victories against the U.S. and ISIL,” he said. There are some judicial procedures in Iran growth and security enhancement in every society. “Hajj Qassem had a relation with all the Palestinian factions, that should be reviewed to stop exploitation by He said the states, which pay great attention All the documents will be sent VIA email.All and his concern was that these factions get the support they Western states, said the deputy foreign minister to human rights, are well aware that the issue need to resist the occupation. He had no red lines on the logistic for legal and international affairs. affects all other aspects of life, therefore, the ju- support to them,” he said. Baharvand pointed out that the West is grap- dicial systems play a key role in bolstering trust bids on conformity to tender instruction should The Hezbollah secretary-general said Iran is only an excuse pling with apparent violation of human rights and confidence in all countries. for the Arab regimes that normalized relations with Israel. “This within its own societies. He argued that there is a direct link between be submitted no later than Monday, January took place because the Palestinian cause has only become a bur- He went on to mention the West’s attempt the rule of law and economic development. den on them.” to resort to human rights as a tool to pressure Concluding his remarks, Baharvand said 11, 2021(2021-01-11) “There is no excuse for anyone to abandon Palestine,” he countries that they do not have friendly ties with, that countries should avoid interfering in other stressed. saying that the Western powers’ critical stance states’ internal affairs, including issues related For more information, please contact us at: Nasrallah added that the Resistance Axis’s power today is toward Iran comes from their political motivations. to judicial procedures, but they could exchange greater than in the past and what’s important today is the de- Referring to his recent speech at the Geneva views in order to provide each other with a precise Tel: +2186084642 termination. University, the deputy minister underlined that understanding of their justice systems. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y DECEMBER 29, 2020 IRAN IN FOCUS 3 SPORTS Iran says doesn’t seek tensions I congratulate improvement of “We will use everything in our power to defend the interest and national security of Iran” Iranian women: Rita Subowo 1 I am very pleased to see that not only China, Japan and POLITICAL TEHRAN — Iran once Khatibzadeh reiterated this position on Korea are the top teams of Asia but also Thailand, Kazakhstan, desk again on Monday con- Monday, accusing the U.S. of fomenting Chinese Taipei and Iran have joined them. The gap among top demned threatening remarks by U.S. tensions in Iraq to harm Iran’s interests. eight women teams of Asia is closer, the fans are more excited leaders against Iran, saying that it does Responding to a question on Moqtada with the matches of the mentioned teams. I expect to support not seek to escalate tensions in the region. Sadr’s recent statement accusing Iran of more Asian women teams like Australia, Vietnam, Indonesia and Saeed Khatibzadeh, spokesman for turning Iraq into a battlefield to settle its Philippines to improve their teams close to the top eight teams of Iran’s Foreign Ministry, has responded differences with the U.S., Khatibzadeh Asia by organizing more women’s events in order for them to have to U.S. threats against Iran over a recent said the U.S. is to blame for the current more opportunity to get more experience with the top teams of attack on the U.S. embassy in Iraq, reit- tensions. Asia. I also expect to have more Asian women teams among the erating that Iran rejects such attacks on “The U.S. and those who hatch these top 10 of the World Ranking. diplomatic missions. The spokesman said plots ate responsible for these tensions Volleyball is a gender Iran does not want to escalate tensions. and their consequences. The Islamic Re- balanced sport by nature Speaking at a weekly press conference, public of Iran has always pursued the but the men’s competitions Khatibzadeh stated, “As I said last week, policy of good neighborliness and has are being held at a higher we fully reject attacks on diplomatic never sought to settle its differences in level. Do you have any plan and residential areas. Iran’s diplomatic another region,” the spokesman stated. to narrow the gap? missions in Iraq had come under attack He also said that the U.S. has turned It is not true that the men com- several times. We condemn and reject Iran’s neighbors into bases to threaten petitions are being held at a higher what [U.S. President Donald] Trump and Iran’s interests and national security. level than women competitions. [U.S. Secretary of State Mike] Pompeo “We have told neighboring countries It depends upon the countries like said. The kind, timing and content of their several times that they have indisputa- in Iran, the level of men compe- statements and tweets are dubious and ble sovereign responsibilities in the face tition is higher than women. But ill-intended. We have made it clear that “We have told neighboring countries several of this White House’s insurrection and women competitions are higher while we are not after tensions, we will times that they have indisputable sovereign they need to perform their duties in this than men in many countries like use everything in our power to defend the regard,” he continued. in China, Japan and Thailand. Each federation has to try to balance interest and national security of Iran.” responsibilities in the face of this White Iran has also warned Trump against if the gap of men and women is much different. Last week on Sunday night, the U.S. House’s insurrection and they need to perform any “adventurism”. Iranian Foreign Min- Iranian women have started to make their way to the embassy in Baghdad came under attack their duties in this regard.” ister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said forefront of Asian volleyball. Do you have a message for after weeks of relative calm. More than that Trump will bear responsibility for the Iranian girls pursuing the sport? 20 rockets landed inside the Green Zone finger at Iran, warning that he will hold in Iraq had also been attacked. We had any provocative move against Iran in the I sincerely congratulate the improvement of Iran women teams, of Baghdad, a heavily fortified district Iran responsible if Americans die in an pursued a steady policy that targeting final days of his administration. the women teams of Iran at all levels have been improving very in which the U.S. embassy and other attack in Iraq. diplomatic missions and residential areas “@realDonaldTrump uses a worth- fast and now are among the top eight of Asia. I am confident government buildings are located. The “Our embassy in Baghdad got hit is unacceptable,” he said. less photo to recklessly accuse Iran. Last that the Iran Women Team could be among the top teams of the U.S. embassy’s C-RAM defense system Sunday by several rockets. Three rock- He added, “But the kind and timing time, the US ruined our region over WMD world like the Men soon. was activated to intercept the rockets, a ets failed to launch. Guess where they of this attack [on the U.S. embassy], as fabrications, wasting $7 TRILLION & Iran men’s team have established themselves as one move that frightened Baghdad residents. were from: IRAN. Now we hear chatter well as the statement issued by the U.S. causing 58,976 American casualties. FAR of international volleyball’s leading powers. The Per- The U.S. blamed the attack on Iran of additional attacks against Americans secretary of state, show that [the attack] WORSE this time. Trump will bear full sians are looking forward for podium in Tokyo Olympic shortly after it happened. Pompeo claimed in Iraq. Some friendly health advice to is very dubious. Its timing is dubious. responsibility for any adventurism on his Games. As a person who has served as the Executive Vice in a tweet that “Iran-backed” groups were Iran: If one American is killed, I will hold And more importantly, it seems that as way out,” Foreign Minister Mohammad President of the International Volleyball Federation behind the attack. Iran responsible. Think it over,” Trump if they had already prepared a statement Javad Zarif said in a tweet moments after (FIVB), what’s the secret behind their success? “Iran-backed militias once again fla- said in a tweet on Thursday. to publish. And I strongly condemn the Trump’s threat against Iran. The secret behind the success of Iran Men Team is the great- grantly and recklessly attacked in Bagh- Iran said these tweets were dubious remarks of the U.S. regime’s secretary Tensions have soared in the region est contribution and very hard work of the key persons of Iran dad, wounding Iraqi civilians. The people and as if they had been already prepared of state, who is known for his lies and following the recent rocket attack on the Volleyball Federation together with very well-supported and ex- of Iraq deserve to have these attackers to escalate tensions with Iran. During his cheating, whether in his current capacity U.S. embassy in Iraq. The U.S. has de- cellent cooperation of all concerned, the government authority, prosecuted. These violent and corrupt last week’s press briefing, Khatibzadeh or in his previous capacity as the CIA ployed new military assets such as B-52 sponsors, especially Iran volleyball’s fans. criminals must cease their destabilizing called into question the U.S. statements director. Therefore, I firmly and strongly bombers and USS Georgia submarine to The Iranian players including Amir Ghafour, Shah- actions,” Pompeo tweeted. against Iran. condemn the remarks by the U.S. secre- the region after it accused Iran of targeting ram Mahmoudi, Saeid Marouf, Mohammad Mousavi President Trump also pointed the “Unfortunately, Iran’s diplomatic places tary of state.” the embassy. and Milad Ebadipour have stolen the show in the past decade. They can be the role model for the grassroots in the continent and the world. All the volleyball stars of Iran and other distinguished players Iran says visit of Iraqi delegation was ‘quite common’ of Asia shall be the Idols and the sample for the young gener- SPORTSTEHRAN — Saeed Khatibzadeh, the has said that the visit of the Iranian minister has something ations of our continent. I will try to recommend them through deskspokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, to do with the reduction of Iran’s gas export to Iran in recent our media as soon as possible. said on Monday that the Sunday brief visit of an Iraqi del- weeks. The spokesman told Asharq Al-Awsat that Iran has And the last question. Iran was chosen to host FIVB egation to Iran was “quite common”. lowered its gas exports to Iraq due to Iraq’s inability to pay Volleyball Boys’ Under 19 World Championship by the Speaking at a weekly press conference on Monday, the its debts to Iran. FIVB and it’s an opportunity for the county to show the spokesman said, “This visit took place and the advisor to the According to a Reuters report, Iran has reduced gas ex- world how strong Asia is. Do you intend to travel to Iran Iraqi prime minister came to Iran, and we have regular and ports to Iraq to five million cubic meters from 50 million for the competition? close contacts with the Iraqi officials in various fields. They cubic meters two weeks ago citing unpaid bills, and it also If I have no important activity during FIVB Volleyball traveled to Iran at our invitation and have come to Iran to officially informed Iraq’s Electricity Ministry on Sunday that Boys’ U19 World Championship in Iran, I will join this discuss bilateral issues and developments, and these talks it plans to cut shipments further to three million cubic meters. important championship. between Iran and Iraq are quite common.” Ahmed Moussa, also a spokesman for Iraq’s Electricity On Sunday morning, Iraqi news media reported that an Ministry, said Ardakanian is scheduled to visit Baghdad on Iraqi delegation is expected to arrive in Tehran on Sunday Tuesday to discuss the unpaid bills with his Iraqi counterpart. Iranian Match Commissioner afternoon. The delegation was carrying a message from Iraqi on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad. The U.S. blamed the attack “We strongly encourage Iraq’s Finance Ministry to re- Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. on what it called “Iran-backed militias” but Iran rejected solve the unpaid bills with Iran to avoid critical shortages Shahriari invited to Tokyo The Iraqi delegation paid a brief visit to Iran by order of the accusation as dubious. of power supplies in Baghdad and other cities,” Reuters the Iraqi prime minister and it was headed by Abu Jihad Iran’s Energy Minister Reza Ardakanian is also expected quoted Moussa as saying. SPORTSTEHRAN — In a letter sent to Iran Football al-Hashemi. to pay a visit to Iraq on Tuesday to hold talks with Iraqi Iraq relies on Iran’s gas to keep its power plants running deskFederation, head of Beach Soccer at the Iran The visit came against a backdrop of heightened tensions officials on energy issues. but the country has faced difficulties paying its debts to Iran Football Association, Paria Shahriari, has been invited to Tokyo between Iran and the United States following a rocket attack Iraq’s Electricity Ministry spokesman Ahmed al-Abadi in cash due to U.S. sanctions on the country. as Match Commissioner. She served as match Commissioner at the 2019 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Paraguay. Now, Shahriari has been invited to Tokyo as Match Commis- Senior Iraqi military official: U.S. has no evidence Iran was behind attack on embassy sioner for the Olympic Football Tournament. “Further to our previous communication and confirmation POLITICAL TEHRAN — A senior Last week, more than 20 rockets landed tweet after the U.S. president threatened desk of your role as Match Commissioner for the OFT, we would like Iraqi military official inside Baghdad’s Green Zone, a heavily for- to hold Iran responsible for the potential to understand if you still are interested and available to be con- has said that the U.S. has no evidence tified district where the U.S. embassy and killing of the Americans in Iraq. sidered for this role in 2021,” the letter said. whatsoever that Iran or its Iraqi allies several government buildings are located. The Iraqi military official also said that The OFT will start on July 21 and will run until Aug. 8. were involved in a recent attack on the The U.S. was quick to put the blame on Iran. 21 rockets were fired at the U.S. embassy American embassy in Iraq. U.S. Secretary of State claimed that “Iran- during the recent attack, seven of which hit “Despite accusations by [U.S. President backed” groups were behind the attack and the embassy. Three rockets hit the outer wall Donald] Trump and some U.S. officials, the U.S. president also echoed the claim while of the embassy, four landed inside it while Iran, India, Qatar, Saudi they have no evidence that Iran or the re- threatening to hold Iran responsible for any one rocket hit the embassy’s sports club. sistance groups were behind the rocket American being killed in Iraq. According to the official, seven Americans Arabia in contention to host attack or had any role in it, and that some Iran rejected the accusations leveled ism” on his way out. were injured during the attack. One of them of the rumors in this regard are not true,” at Iran by the U.S. officials, calling these “Trump will bear full responsibility for is reported to be severely injured. The U.S. AFC Asian Cup 2027 the Iraqi military official told Iraqi news accusations “dubious.” Iran also warned any adventurism on his way out,” Foreign and Iraq have not confirmed that Americans SPORTSTEHRAN — The Asian Football Confedera- website Middle East News. President Trump against any “adventur- Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in a were injured during the attack. desktion (AFC) has published the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Bid Books of the four Member Associations that remain in contention to host the AFC’s flagship competition – the All India Iranian, Armenian officials discuss regional issues Football Federation (AIFF), the Football Federation of the Islamic POLITICAL TEHRAN — Top Iranian and Armenia ther promoting the contacts and dialogue at various levels, Republic of Iran (FFIRI), the Qatar Football Association (QFA) deskofficials held talks on Monday over a range based on the centuries-old friendly relations between the and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF). of regional issues more than four weeks after Armenia and two peoples. The sides reiterated mutual readiness to deepen All four Member Associations had submitted their Bid Books Azerbaijan, two neighbors of Iran, agreed to put an end to a the close cooperation in bilateral and multilateral formats,” for the tournament within the stipulated deadline and in the 44-day war over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. the statement concluded. interest of conducting a fair and transparent Bidding Process, Armenian Foreign Minister Ara Aivazian held a telephone The phone conversation came a day after Armenia Ambas- the AFC is for the first time providing, for the benefit of fans, conversation with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Ja- sador to Iran Artashes Toumanian met with Ali Shamkhani, members of the media and all stakeholders of Asian football, the vad Zarif on Monday to discuss regional issues, Armenia’s the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of opportunity to access the proposals on the-AFC.com. Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Monday. Iran (SNSC). The meeting was held on Sunday but it was The AFC confirms that the Uzbekistan Football Association (UFA) “On December 28, Foreign Minister Ara Aivazian held a made public on Monday. submitted their intention to withdraw their interest and will now phone conversation with Foreign Minister of Iran Mohammad “During the meeting, Mr. Ambassador briefed Mr. Sham- be excluded from the Bidding Process for the AFC Asian Cup 2027. Javad Zarif. During the conversation, the sides discussed khani about the situation in Armenia, Artsakh and the regional The Bid Book proposals draws to a close an extensive and issues of the agenda on bilateral and regional cooperation. developments as well,” the Armenian embassy in Iran said comprehensive 10-month long bidding documentation submission The interlocutors touched upon issues of regional securi- in a statement on Monday afternoon. process, which began in February 2020. Kindly refer to the links ty and stability. In this context, the sides underlined the According to the embassy statement, the top Iranian by Bijan Namdar Zanganeh, the Iranian oil minister. Pri- of the following Member Associations to access the respective prospects of cooperation aimed at addressing new regional security official “expressed that authorities of Iran are ready or to the meeting, a meeting had been held with Amir Bid Books – AIFF, FFIRI, QFA and SAFF. challenges,” the statement said. to have contributions in expanding the relations of the two Hossein Zamaninia, deputy oil minister, to discuss the The last edition of the AFC Asian Cup in the UAE in 2019 According to the Armenian Foreign Ministry, the chief countries particularly in this severe situation in Armenia, operational issues.” signaled a major shift for football in Asia after the tournament Iranian diplomat “conveyed condolences for the victims of reiterating the stance of Iran in establishing a stable and According to the embassy, the two sides agreed to make broke all digital media engagement and TV viewership records, the war in Artsakh and expressed solidarity to the people lasting peace.” amendments to energy contracts between Tehran and Ye- following the widely acclaimed decision to expand Asia’s flagship of Armenia.” A day before Toumanian’s meeting with Shamkhani, an revan. They also agreed to increase gas and electricity trade competition from 16 to 24 national teams. Artsakh is the Armenian name of the Armenian enclave Armenian delegation headed by Hakob Vardanyan, deputy between Armenia and Iran. China PR, who were confirmed as hosts for the upcoming in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, where Armenia and Azer- minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, Iran and Armenia enjoy good relations and have sought AFC Asian Cup 2023 at the AFC Extraordinary Congress in baijan have recently fought a deadly war that resulted in held meetings with Iranian energy officials. to deepen their cooperation in various fields. During the Paris, France in June 2019, will be looking to build on the Azerbaijan retaking most of Nagorno-Karabakh. The Armenian embassy in Iran said in a statement on Nagorno-Karabakh war, Iran had presented a peace initiative legacy of the last edition in the UAE and setting the benchmark “The interlocutors emphasized the importance of fur- Sunday that “The Armenian deputy minister was received to end the war peacefully. for the 2027 edition. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y ECONOMY 4 DECEMBER 29, 2020 SATBA offers rooftop PV systems to Over 300,000 tons of banana imported in 9 months high-consuming electricity subscribers ECONOMY TEHRAN — Iran has imported 308,970 tons deskof banana worth $210.32 million during the first nine months of the current Iranian calendar year (March ECONOMY TEHRAN — Iran’s The first program was to offer a training 20-December 20), according to the spokesman of the Islamic deskRenewable Energy and course to teach consumption management Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA). Energy Efficiency Organization (known as methods with the help of knowledge-based Ruhollah Latifi said the nine-month import equals the whole SATBA) has started a program for offer- companies and start-ups, while the second imports of this product in the past year. ing rooftop photovoltaic power stations plan was to offer solar panels to high-con- (known as PV systems) to high-consuming suming subscribers so that such house- electricity subscribers, an official with the holds would meet their electricity needs organization announced. by installing these PV stations. According to Mohammad-Taqi Ziari, Earlier this year, the Energy Ministry high-consuming applicants can visit SATBA spokesman for the electricity sector, Mostafa website to register in the mentioned program Rajabi Mashhadi, had told Tehran Times and will be able to pay for the mentioned that the ministry’s specialists and experts systems in installments, IRNA reported. defined different packages for different Ziari noted that the program will be sectors to manage the country’s electricity implemented in one province as the pilot. consumption. He put the price of one rooftop power According to the official, since house- station at 150 million rials (about $3,500), holds account for the majority of the elec- adding that each high-consuming household tricity consumption in urban areas, the main will receive a PV system with a capacity of part of the Energy Ministry’s programs is 600-700 watts. focused on encouraging the households in As the IRICA has announced, Iran’s non-oil imports stood Managing electricity consumption by metropolitan areas like Tehran to reduce at 25 million tons valued at $26.8 billion during the first nine various sectors including households, ag- their consumption in peak hours. months of this year. riculture, and industry, and reducing the In a recently-implemented program the As reported, the country’s top five sources of imports dur- consumption of fossil fuels used by power Back in August, Energy Minister Reza high-consuming electricity subscribers Energy Ministry awards low-consuming ing this period were China with $7 billion, the UAE with $6.3 plants has become one of the major prior- Ardakanian had said that his ministry and to encourage them to join the low-con- electricity subscribers with a 100 percent billion, Turkey with $3 billion, India with $1.6 billion, and ities for the government in recent years. prepared two programs for managing sumer group. discount on their bills. Germany with $1.6 billion worth of imports. Housing price in Tehran falls ICCIMA to hold online meeting for exploring trade opportunities with Oman 1.1% in a month 1 Also, problems and solutions to facilitate the gic trade partners such as UAE with Oman, considering entry of Iranian companies into the Omani market will the Sultanate as an economic-trade hub. ECONOMY TEHRAN — Housing price in Tehran city be discussed by the representatives of the provincial Over the past year, there have been many meetings deskhas dropped 1.1 percent in the ninth Iranian chambers, as well as the heads and representatives of and negotiations between trade and economic officials calendar month (November 21-December 20), from its pre- the relevant committees and organizations. from the state-run and private sectors of the two sides vious month, according to the latest report released by the Despite the U.S. re-imposition of sanctions against with the aim of strengthening and expanding bilateral Central Bank of Iran (CBI). the Islamic Republic, Oman is getting closer to Iran trade ties. The CBI’s report put the average price for one square me- both politically and economically. There is also the During the 18th meeting of the Iran-Oman Joint ter of a residential unit at 269.1 million rials (about $6,407) same approach adopted by Iran, as Iranian companies Economic Committee in Tehran last December, Oma- in the capital city in the ninth month of this year, up 98.9 now prefer to conduct trade with Oman rather than ni minister of commerce and industry said his country percent from the figure for the same month in the past year. the United Arab Emirates (UAE), given that the UAE is trying to boost its trade and economic ties with Iran, Meanwhile, the number of real estate deals has fallen 42.8 is highly complying with the sanctions. stressing that this goal can be achieved through more percent in Tehran in the ninth month of this year compared Iran is somehow replacing some of its previous strate- cooperation between the two sides’ private sectors. to the eighth month, and 73.2 percent compared to the same month of the past year. Back in September, a member of the Iranian Parliament (Majlis) Civil Committee had said that the drastic and unprec- edented rise in housing prices in recent months is going to Iran slashes gas exports to Iraq due to outstanding payments lead the housing market to a recession in the coming months. ECONOMY TEHRAN — Iran has payments. Iraq owes around $2.7 billion Basra and Baghdad. “With the dramatic and unprecedented rise in housing deskreduced its natural gas in unpaid bills, Moussa said. Given Iraq’s need for natural gas for prices, the market is expected to enter a recession for at least exports to Iraq and threatened further re- According to the spokesman, Iranian consumption in power plants, negotiations three to four years in the coming months, but naturally, as ductions due to the Arab country’s failure Energy Minister Reza Ardakanian is go- on importing Iranian gas were started in the recession intensifies, housing prices will fall by about 10 to pay its dues, Bloomberg reported on ing to meet Iraqi officials in Baghdad on late 2010 while a contract for gas sales to to 20 percent”, Mojtaba Yousefi stated. Sunday, quoting a spokesman for Iraq’s Tuesday to discuss the issue. Baghdad was sealed in June 2013. Unfortunately, housing prices have risen by about 200 electricity ministry as saying. Power production has dropped by The two countries also inked the agree- percent in recent months, and this has created many problems Iran has slashed the amount of gas sent around seven gigawatts as a result of the ment for the deployment of natural gas for real house buyers, he lamented. to its neighbor to five million cubic meters gas supply curbs, Moussa said. Baghdad to Basra in October 2015, but the exports “The main problem is that in such a market real buyers (mcm) from 50 mcm two weeks ago, Ahmed and other central locations have been hit were halted due to payment issues. cannot afford to buy houses and instead the market has be- Moussa said in an interview. hardest by electricity shortages. Later on, the Iraqi government approved come a playground for brokers and speculators.” The Islamic Republic has threatened to While Iraq’s supply of Iranian gas has a deal in late 2017 to import gas from Iran further cut the gas supply to three million according to the official. been disrupted, its electricity imports are to the eastern border province of Diyala, cubic meters a day, and this has increased Iran started cutting exports to its neigh- underway as before, he added. increasing purchases of the Iranian fuel, the likelihood of more electricity short- bor, which is OPEC’s second-biggest oil Iran has inked two separate contracts which were resumed in June 2017 after ages in Baghdad and other major cities, producer after Iraq fell behind on its gas to export the product to the Iraqi cities of several years of hiatus.

Unemployment in home appliance industry falls due to surge in production ECONOMY TEHRAN — The spokesman of Iran’s of the major international home appliance manufactur- deskHome Appliances Manufacturers Union ers – mainly Asian brands – that were enjoying Iran’s said with foreign companies leaving the country’s home 80-million market suddenly gave in to the U.S. pressures appliance market the production of domestic companies and left Iran. has increased and the unemployment rate in this sector This has created a good opportunity for domestic compa- has significantly declined. nies to take over. In this regard, domestic home appliance While it was expected that the home appliance industry, manufacturers started a new movement to push for more like some other industries, would suffer from the effects production on one hand and to indigenize the knowledge of the Coronavirus pandemic and the U.S. sanctions, the for producing high-tech components and parts used in According to the official, the housing market trend in Iran inauguration of several new projects in this industry showed this industry, on the other hand, to cut off reliance on has been sinusoidal, meaning that housing prices have risen that the industry is expanding strongly and moving forward, foreign sources. over a period of time and then the market has entered a re- Hamidreza Qaznavi said on Monday. According to the data released by Industry, Mining and cession, however, in the last two years the trend has become “The sanctions not only have failed to curb production, Trade Ministry, manufacturing of washing machines in contrary to the previous years and the housing prices have but they have also created unique opportunities for this Iran increased 58.2 percent during the first eight months been constantly increasing. industry,” Qaznavi said. of the current Iranian calendar year (March 20-Novem- Last week, the deputy managing director of Iran Mercantile The official noted that before the sanctions, foreign producers are facing in this industry, saying: “The main ber 20), compared to the same period of time in the past Exchange (IME) for economic studies said that the exchange companies held more than 60 percent of the country’s problem of the production sector these days, despite all year, while the production of refrigerators and freezers plans to presell housing units through standard salaf bonds home appliance market, which had significantly weak- the efforts of the Central Bank, is the supply and alloca- increased by 29.2 percent. in near future. ened domestic industries and created serious employment tion of foreign currency, and if this issue is resolved the The production of other products like television sets, “We will soon see the issuance of standard housing salaf problems. employment problems will also be solved.” air conditioners, water air coolers, stoves and etc. have bonds in the capital market to help financing in the housing He further mentioned some of the problems that the Following the re-imposition of the U.S. sanctions, most also increased. sector and construction of new housing units in the country,” Javad Fallah said. A standard parallel salaf is an Islamic contract similar to futures, with the difference being that the contract’s total Production rises over 20% in 330 companies with high value-added products price is paid in advance. ECONOMY TEHRAN— The deputy of raw materials, and these units achieved persons. According to the official, IME is following two major ap- deskindustry, mining and trade good results as they can supply raw materials According to the official, there are over proaches for implementing the mentioned plan, one is offer- minister announced that with the supply of through imports in exchange for exports. 46,000 small and medium-sized industrial ing bonds related to the already existing housing units like raw materials for production units following Supporting production units is a major units in Iran’s industrial parks and zones, of assets owned by the government and state banks and the the new announcements of the government’s policy of Iranian government in this Iranian them about 9,200 units are inactive. other is preselling the units that are going to be constructed Economic Headquarters, production has calendar year (begins on March 20), which Industry, Mining, and Trade Ministry in the future. grown over 20 percent in 330 units with is named the year of “Surge in Production”. was initially planning to revive 1,500 idle Outlining the procedure, the official said the total value high value-added products. The acting head of Iran Small Industries units in the current year, but then it revised of a housing unit or a construction project will be securitized Mehdi Sadeqi Niaraki, who is the deputy and Industrial Parks Organization (ISIPO) has its programs to revive 2,000 units. and converted into marketable bonds which will be offered minister for the industrial affairs, said the recently announced that 1,170 idle industrial Bringing the mentioned 1,170 units back through salaf contracts. new announcements of the government’s units have been revived in the country during to the production cycle, the plan for reviv- The official further explained that each salaf bond would Economic Headquarters have reduced the the first nine months of the current Iranian Asghar Mosaheb said that reviving the ing such units in the present year has been be backed by one square meter of a housing unit, which means problems of production units for the supply calendar year (March 20-December 20). mentioned units has created jobs for 19,446 completed by 78 percent. each bond would be offered at the price of one square meter of a particular housing unit at the time of offer. Fallah underlined the implementation of this method as a way to develop reliable investment in the housing sector and added: “In this way, micro-capitals will lead to the increase IME offers colored steel sheets for 1st time of construction and supply of housing units and will conse- ECONOMY TEHRAN — Iran Mer- 125,070 tons of HRS, 3,000 tons of galvanized chemical trading floor. quently curb the rampant rise in housing prices.” deskcantile Exchange (IME) steels sheets, 1,000 tons of CRS, 1,475 tons of Meanwhile, the IME’s side market offered Back in July, the High Council of Securities and Exchange witnessed for the first time the offering of 1,000 copper rods, 380 tons of zinc ingots, 100 tons 286 tons of PDA on the same day. announced the approval of a decision for establishing a spe- tons of colored steel sheets from Mobarakeh of lead ingots and 300 tons of aluminum rods. IME is one of the four major stock markets cialized exchange for real estate trade in the country. Steel Company. Based on this report, the IME had 27,164 of Iran, the other three markets are Tehran It will be the fifth exchange operating in the country after According to a report by the IME’s Interna- tons of polymeric products, 2,051 tons of base Stock Exchange (TSE), Iran’s over-the-counter the Tehran Stock Exchange, the junior equity market Iran tional Affairs and Public Relations Department, oil, 14,000 tons of vacuum bottom and 3,200 (OTC) market known also as Iran Fara Bourse Fara Bourse, Iran Energy Exchange, and the IME. the exchange also offered on the same floor tons of bitumen offered on its oil and petro- (IFB), and Iran Energy Exchange (IRENEX). I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y DECEMBER 29, 2020 ANALYSIS/INTERVIEW 5

American expert says interest groups to U.S. embassy attack false- flag strike by Washington: further stir up Moscow-Washington animosity Iraq Kata’ib Hezbollah 1 1 A: Russian-American relations are some objectively existing developments Washington claims it fears another attempt against expected to worsen under the incoming that they misportray in accordance with its diplomatic missions and military bases in Iraq as the first Biden Administration, though the out- their political interests to justify their anniversary of the martyrdom of the two popular anti-terror going Trump one recently engaged in a Russophobia such as Russia’s reunifica- commanders nears. series of provocations earlier this month tion with Crimea or anti-terrorist opera- “Washington fears demonstrations near its embassy or any which left no hope for them to improve tion in Syria. These veritably happened, kind of popular activities aimed at exposing the U.S. role in Iraq, even in the very unlikely event that the but the motivation, sequence of events, and this concern has prompted the American leaders to launch incumbent somehow remains in office and outcomes are presented differently these (fake) strikes against their [own] embassy,” further said after 20 January. Biden’s team is made than they actually occurred. Regardless the spokesman of the Kata’ib Hezbollah group. up of former Obama-era and -influenced of one’s opinion towards them,the fact of Mohi added that the outgoing Trump administration is try- officials whose political Russophobia leads the matter is that Russia is indeed one of ing to push Iran and the resistance groups to give “a reckless them to regard the Eurasian Great Power the country’s most confidently reasserting response” by exerting pressure and creating a crisis, “but we as their country’s top foe. They’ll there- its sovereign interests against the U.S. are aware of this plot.” fore continue the New Cold War that they unipolar hegemonic designs, which is According to Press TV, The targeting of the U.S. embassy inherited and intensify it in certain ways, why it’ll always remain in the news. As has already sparked a war of words between Washington and perhaps on so-called “democratic” pretexts a result, America will continue to seek Tehran, with Trump blaming Iran for the attack and warning of in order to appeal to a wider number of public justifications for continuing its retaliation if “one American is killed.” their allies. Geopolitical friction in Eastern “containment” policy against it. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif Europe and the Mideast (West Asia) will Will Russia join Biden’s admin- suggested that Trump’s remarks – which were made via Twitter remain at the forefront of their relations, istration to push Tehran into mak- – were reminiscent of the Bush administration’s accusations but the Biden administration will probably ing more concessions in the face of against Iraq, which led to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. also emphasize the perceived difference of demands for limiting Iran’s missile values between both sides in an attempt to program and changing Iran’s regional restore some of America’s lost soft power said much about it and might be hoping to year and usually succeed in getting more policies? ‘UAE working with Israel to under Trump. retain the status quo for as long as possi- than their “fair share” of it. Even if the A: Russia hasn’t indicated that it would Why should the issue of Russia ble, barring any unexpected provocations so-called “Russia threat” were to recede join Biden’s political campaign regarding liquidate UNRWA’ still be among the top in the U.S. for- by either side. Arguably, the U.S. foreign from the public consciousness due to a Iran, but its representatives have previously eign policy, while the threats posed policy should be more balanced and not political decision by their leaderships, called on Tehran to abide by the terms The United Arab Emirates is working together with Israel to by China and North Korea are more obsess over any single challenger. then it would simply be replaced by the of the nuclear agreement. This implies a liquidate the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Pales- tangible? Is not it a waste of resources by Chinese, Iranian, or some other one degree of unease about Iran’s sovereign tinian Refugees (UNRWA), French newspaper Le Monde reports. A: Russia, China, and North Korea aren’t the European Union, NATO, and the because that role will need to be filled right to advance its interests in the face of Emirati officials plan to gradually eliminate UNRWA, without so much “threats” to the U.S. as they are U.S. to keep spending budgets against by someone to justify continuing such the U.S. withdrawal from the deal, though making it conditional on a resolution of the Palestinian refugee challenges in different spheres. Russia is Russia, while they are suffering from expenditures. It’s unforeseeable that it would be premature to interpret that as issue, the report said. the only country capable of destroying the shortcomings in other areas? any realistic alternative to this model blaming it. Russia will probably oppose The process, the paper said, has been underway since Israel U.S. with nuclear weapons, while China is A: Those actors justify their expendi- will emerge anytime soon. the U.S. efforts to add additional terms and the UAE announced a deal for full normalization of their the only one that can economically compete tures on the grounds that they’re re- To what extent are anti-Russia to the deal in exchange for America’s re- relations in August, Press TV reported. with it. North Korea, meanwhile, is only an quired to “defend” their interests from claims by the U.S. politicians legit- turn to it, but such opposition would only “In doing so, Abu Dhabi would be rallying to a long-standing issue of regional concern, and that’s just the multitude of threats that they regard imate or attention-worthy? Can we remain political and not carry with it any demand from Israel, which insists that the agency is obstructing because of its nuclear and ballistic missile Russia as posing, both in the military and just label them as baseless claims meaningful consequences to change its peace by nurturing refugees in the dream of returning to the programs. To the question of why Russia non-military realms. In a perfect world, meant to promote a smear campaign rival’s behavior. What’s most important lands from which their parents were driven in 1948,” Le Monde will probably move to the top of the U.S. everyone would invest solely in their own against Russia? to Moscow is publicly presenting itself as journalist Benjamin Barthe wrote. foreign policy agenda under Biden, this is people and not in the military-industri- A: It’s difficult to ascertain the veracity a guardian of international law and state U.S. President Donald Trump brought UNRWA to the verge due to his team’s political Russophobia. al complex, but that’s not the world in of most of the Americans’ claims since they sovereignty, and it also hopes to sell some of bankruptcy in 2019 when he halted funds to the agency, but They don’t deny the economic challenge which we live. Special interest groups don’t publicly provide any evidence to back arms to Tehran and cooperate with it to the UAE offset the demise by funding the agency along with Qatar posed by China but seem to consider the of both a political (Russophobia) and them up such as when accusing Russia varying extents across the region. These and Saudi Arabia. military one to be manageable, unlike Mos- economic (military-industrial complex) of hacking the U.S. or engaging in other plans would be jeopardized if it jumped on UNRWA was established 70 years ago to supply aid to Pal- cow’s. As for North Korea, they haven’t nature vie for a slice of the pie every such provocations. There are, however, Biden’s anti-Iranian bandwagon. estinian refugees and its mandate is renewed every three years.

Biden seeing disaster created by Trump’s Max Pressure policy: Former French amb. Nasrallah: Hezbollah’s precision missiles doubled in a year By Zahra Mirzafarjouyan and in the Senate. Most Republicans and many Demo- crats maintain a hostile attitude towards Iran. But Biden Hezbollah’s secretary-general says the Lebanese resistance does not need the approval of Congress to come back to TEHRAN — Stressing on immediate return of U.S. to movement has, within the space of just one year, doubled the the deal. A simple signature of him will be enough, as a JCPOA, François Nicoullaud said Biden doesn’t need size of its missile arsenal, and has the entire occupied territories simple signature of Donald Trump was enough to quit the approval of Congress to return to it, adding that Bid- inside the range of the precision projectiles. the JCPOA without delay. en is able to see the disaster created by Trump’s policy Speaking to Lebanon’s al-Mayadeen television network late What can be the most urgent steps that Biden towards Iran. Sunday, Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah said, “The number of preci- should take to pave the way for the U.S. return? On Tuesday, May 8, 2018, U.S. President Donald Trump sion missiles at the resistance’s disposal has now doubled what A: There is a signal of goodwill that the new President unilaterally withdrew from the international agreement it was a year ago.” could immediately deliver. That would be to lift all obsta- and announced the return of nuclear sanctions, in viola- “Any target across the area of occupied Palestine that we cles to humanitarian help in favor of Iran’s fight against tion of Washington’s commitments under the JCPOA. want to hit accurately, we are able to hit accurately,” he told the COVID-19. Again, a simple and clear order to the But despite using sanctions and other pressure, Trump well-known Arab journalist Ghassan bin Jiddo. U.S. office in charge of sanctions should suffice, and, of has been unable to lure Iran into negotiating a new deal. The movement fought off two wholesale wars against Lebanon course, a close oversight on the way this order would be Joe Biden has said he sees a return to the current in the 2000s, forcing the Israeli military into humiliating retreat implemented, to be sure that it would get a fast and fair 2015 agreement as the best immediate route to regional on both occasions. implementation. Concerning the return to the JCPOA, stability. The approach — which is likely to disappoint Nasrallah said Hezbollah is determined to avenge Israel’s killing a pragmatic, result-oriented negotiation between the the US’s main Middle East (West Asia) partners — sets A: Biden wants to return to the JCPOA because, as of one of its members, Ali Kamel Mohsen Jawad, in an airstrike U.S. and Iran should quickly lead to an agreement based the stage for Biden’s administration to lay out its strategy Vice-President of Barack Obama, he was part of the process in Syria on July 20. on a simple principle: a simultaneous return, as fast as once it takes office next month. which led to the conclusion of this agreement. He has Since the attack, the Israeli military has been on high alert near possible, to the full implementation of the JCPOA, that European powers are backing president-elect Joe been able to see the disaster created by Trump’s policy the Lebanese border, fearing retaliation by Hezbollah. Experts is for the U.S. the lifting of all sanctions figuring in the Biden’s suggestion that the U.S. returns to a landmark of maximum pressure. He is sincerely convinced that say several trigger-happy actions by Israeli troops near the border Vienna agreement, and for Iran a comeback to the strict nuclear deal with Iran in its existing form. Germany, a return of the U.S. to the deal would be in everybody’s have exposed the extent of qualm in the regime. France, and the UK committed, along with fellow ac- interest and first of all, in the interest of nuclear non- provisions concerning its nuclear program. This would cord signatories Iran, Russia, and China, to “positively proliferation. As for Europe, there is no doubt that it has leave of course open the question of the many additional address” Washington’s possible re-entry after President always considered the survival of the JCPOA as a matter sanctions adopted in Trump’s time. This point, proba- Resistance News Donald Trump quit in 2018. of utmost importance, and has always been in favor of bly more complex to solve quickly in its entirety, could Recently, 150 House Democrats signed a letter back- the U.S.’ return, precisely because it has quickly realized be addressed in the same negotiation, or immediately Palestinian prisoner’s ing President-elect Joe Biden’s plan to reenter the Iran that it would not be able to alleviate all the damages that after. But if there is a common will, there will be away. nuclear deal without any new conditions. The letter is were created by the U.S.’ departure. Given that we are on the eve of 2021, we would health condition alarmingly enough to block any congressional bid to block the move. Considering the viewpoints of some of Bid- be grateful if you tell us what was the most im- To shed light on the issue, we reached out to François en’s men and women towards his return to portant event in 2020? worsened in Israeli jail Nicoullaud, a veteran diplomat and former ambassador the JCPOA, do you think that it will be an easy The most important event of the year 2020 has been of France to Tehran. job for him? undoubtedly the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. INTERNATIONAL TEHRAN — The health condition of an ill Following is the text of the interview with him: A: Most people around Joe Biden were also part of Because of the challenge it has raised against our way of deskPalestinian prisoner has suffered a sharp de- Why does Biden want to return to the deal? Obama’s administration and favor a return to the deal. life, and even our civilization. Because of its geopolitical cline in an Israeli jail, a report warns. What is the importance of the deal particularly I do not see any risk of conflict here. Of course, the case implications. And because of the human suffering, it has Jamal Amr, who has already a liver problem, started to com- for Europe? is different with people in the House of Representatives created in each and every corner of our whole world. plain of pains all over his body a few days ago, the Palestinian Information Center reported on Sunday, citing an alarming report by Asra Media Office, which is a Palestinian prisoners’ rights advocacy group. Why U.S. targeting Nicaragua with coercive measures It added that despite Amr’s constant and increasing pains, the prison administration only informed his family about his By Stephen Sefton In the case of Cuba, as you pointed out, law, because the only entity in international was able to break the U.S. fuel blockade serious liver disease, without providing him with any proper Cuba has been resisting the U.S. blockade law that is entitled to impose sanctions is against Venezuela. And you can see it in the medical treatment. I think that’s very easy Nicaragua is an ally now for over 60 years. And it’s a very heavy the United Nations Security Council. way the Russian Federation and China has The rights group affirmed that the Palestinian inmate suffers of Venezuela, and Cuba. And it has very cost, but they’ve consistently defended their So, what the United States is doing given tremendous support to Venezuela from serious kidney and liver problems as well as being in dire good relations with Iran and the Russian national sovereignty, their right to self-de- and also its European allies are imposing and Cuba. need of medical tests to diagnose the exact problems. Federation. termination. And they’ve consistently con- measures against Nicaragua against Ven- And if the United States does decide to Amr’s family, for their part, appealed to international human And that sets it firmly among the gov- demned the U.S. sanctions as being illegal. ezuela against Cuba, that are essentially increase its sanctions against Nicaragua, we rights groups to swiftly intervene to save his life before it is too late ernments that the United States regards as So, when there are different kinds of illegal. And that in itself is those countries, can expect to see the Russian Federation, and to ensure his access to appropriate medical treatment, it added. its enemies. And, that’s basically why the resistance. So, for example, there’s the resist- a basis on to appeal to for support among the People’s Republic of China, and also Earlier this month, the Prisoners and Ex-prisoners Affairs Au- United States is currently targeting Nic- ance on a diplomatic front and Nicaragua, members of the international communi- the Islamic Republic of Iran, naming the thority, a group advocating Palestinian prisoners’ rights, expressed aragua, but historically the U.S. interest Cuba, and Venezuela has maintained very ty that are not aligned with the Western three countries, increasing their support serious concern over the difficult health condition of two Palestinian in what after all is a very tiny country of strong diplomatic relations with countries countries essentially the NATO countries, for the Nicaragua. inmates in an Israeli prison, warning that the pair’s conditions were barely six and a half million people has to in the Security Council, for example, in the United States and its NATO allies, who Stephen Sefton is a journalist who was deteriorating because of deliberate medical negligence. do with its geopolitical interests in Latin particular, the Russian Federation, but also are seeking to impose their will not just in born in Ireland, and now lives in Estelí, More than 7,000 Palestinian prisoners are currently being America and specifically in Central America. other countries internationally. Nicaragua and Cuba and Venezuela but Nicaragua. (Estelí is not too far from our held in some 17 Israeli jails, with dozens of them serving multiple So that’s basically why they’re seeking And that has been that has been one of around the world. El Sauce, Rochester’s Ciudad Hermana.) life sentences. to engage in this aggression against Nic- the ways that they’ve been able to defend And I think that’s a function of their Stephen has worked in Central America Over 500 detainees are under Israel’s so-called administrative aragua even though it presents no threat themselves against the ramifications of desperation. I think they’re desperate be- since 1986—mostly in Nicaragua, but also detention in various Israeli prisons. Some prisoners have been at all to the United States. U.S. sanctions. cause they can see that their power and for a few years in Honduras. He does com- held in that condition for up to 11 years without any charges. In contrast to Venezuela and Cuba, Nic- In Nicaragua’s case the United States influence and control over international munity work in Nicaragua that involves The so-called Israeli administrative detention is a form of aragua has not yet suffered very severe is likely to ramp up and increase the sanc- affairs, and even in regional affairs is slipping education, training, and health programs. imprisonment without trial or charge that allows the Israeli au- economic sanctions. For example, there’s tions, that is all. relative to the emergence of countries like Since 2008, he had also coordinated the thorities to incarcerate Palestinians for up to six months, which been no trade boycott, as there has been in Here we don’t like calling them sanctions the Russian Federation, like the Islamic Tortilla con Sal website, which publishes could be extended for an infinite number of times. Venezuela, and there hasn’t been anything because we regard the measures that the Republic of Iran, like China to positions information about Nicaragua through a Palestinian detainees have continuously resorted to open-end- like the sanctions that have been imposed United States is taking as illegal, coercive of influence in the world. Sandinista lens. ed hunger strikes in an attempt to express their outrage at the for example on Iran, or the allies of Iran. measures that have no basis in international And you can see that in the way, Iran (Source: Press TV) detentions. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 6 HERITAGE & TOURISM DECEMBER 29, 2020

Ancient hill may contain ruined castle near Persepolis, Iran tourism insiders to archaeologist says

TOURISM TEHRAN – Jelogir Mound, a prehistorical hill desksituated northward of the UNESCO-tagged Perse- mark Chinese New Year polis, may be home to a ruined Achaemenid-era castle, an Iranian archaeologist suggests. “Based on the archaeological evidence that is currently being TOURISM TEHRAN – Iran’s tour- the coronavirus pandemic. studied, it can be hypothesized that Jelogir Mound was once home deskism ministry plans to hold “The tourism industry of the country to an Achaemenid castle, which was probably existed in the [sub- an online campaign entitled “Centuries of was growing and progressing well but un- sequent] Sassanid era,” CHTN quoted senior archaeologist Vahid Friendship; the Third Chinese Spring Festi- fortunately, it has faced the coronavirus Younesi as saying on Sunday. val in Iran” to celebrate Chinese New Year. outbreak, which brought the industry into The campaign aims to attract more hol- a standstill.” idaymakers from China, a massive travel “Many tourism projects have been com- market with records of some 150 million pleted, or are being implemented, showing outbound tourists [per annum], said Mo- that a very good capacity has been created in hammad Qasemi, the director for marketing the field of tourism in the country and [this and advertising at the tourism ministry on trend] should not be stopped,” he explained. Sunday. The minister said the coronavirus pandem- Various videos and online programs ic should not bring traveling to a complete promoting Iranian tourist attractions in standstill. “Corona is a fact, but can the virus the Chinese language are being prepared stop tourism? Certainly not. For us, the coro- as a part of the project, which will be held navirus is a new experience in dealing with from February 12 to 27, 2021 coinciding crises that teaches tourism experts around with the Chinese New Year holidays, the the world how to deal with such a disaster, official added. and thankfully governments are turning this Although due to the coronavirus pan- into an opportunity for better planning.” demic Iran cannot host tourists this year, Optimistic forecasts, however, expect Iran Younesi, who leads an archaeological survey on the mount, be- such programs could promote the country to achieve a tourism boom after coronavirus lieves pottery fragments scattered at the site are a rich source of as a destination for the post-coronavirus contained, believing its impact would be information that could shed a new light on ancient life on Jelogir era, he explained. compared with 2019 figures. first eight months of the year when com- temporary and short-lived for a country that Mound and its surroundings. He also noted that this campaign could However, earlier this month the World pared to 2019. ranked the third fastest-growing tourism “Recognition of relative chronology and introduction of pottery extend the cultural and tourism ties between Tourism Organization (UNWTO) announced Critical situation destination in 2019. features of various historical periods (Achaemenid, Parthian, Sas- the two nations. that world tourist arrivals fell by 72% over In October, Cultural Heritage, Tourism, Iran expects to reap a bonanza from its sanid) of this area in Fars region will pave the way for us to access The worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 the first ten months of the year. and Handicrafts Minister Ali-Asghar Moune- numerous tourist spots such as bazaars, valuable information and findings of cultural heritage,” he explained. has brought the world to a standstill, and Restrictions on travel, low consumer san warned that Iran’s cultural heritage and museums, mosques, bridges, bathhouses, Situated northwest of Marvdasht plain, Dorudzan district, Jelogir tourism has been the worst affected of all confidence, and a global struggle to con- tourism will be in a critical situation if the madrasas, mausoleums, churches, towers, mound is registered first by Andrea Williamson, then by William major economic sectors. tain the coronavirus pandemic are amongst crises caused by the outbreak of the coro- and mansions, of which 24 being inscribed Samner through archaeological surveys at the southern Iranian pain, Back in March, the UN specialized agency factors contributing to the worst year on navirus continue. on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Under but regarding to its strategic location and it demands comprehensive for tourism announced that it expected in- record in the history of tourism. In August, Mounesan said that Iran’s the 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, it aims to investigation around the site to recognize peripheral settlements to ternational tourist arrivals would be down Iran has also suffered the same fate as tourism has suffered a loss of 12 trillion rials increase the number of tourist arrivals from understand the site position in Marvdasht Plain. by 20 percent to 30 percent in 2020 when its foreign arrivals plunged 72% during the (some $2.85 billion) since the outbreak of 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2025. In the present paper, it is attempted to estimate the mound chronology, and the site role within the plain according to a com- prehensive survey and analyzing the collected data. Persepolis, also known as Takht-e Jamshid, whose magnificent ruins rest at the foot of Kuh-e Rahmat (Mountain of Mercy), was Bronze lion to return home after decades the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. It is situated 60 HERITAGE TEHRAN – A bronze statue of a lion done, noting, “We are waiting for the cooperation of kilometers northeast of the city of Shiraz in Fars Province. deskwhich had been unearthed in Hormoz- the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage, Tourism The city was burnt by Alexander the Great in 330 BC apparently gan province some 37 years ago, but kept at a museum and Handicrafts of Kerman province to transfer this as revenge to the Persians because it seems the Persian King Xerxes in Kerman province, will be returned home. work to the province.” had burnt the Greek City of Athens around 150 years earlier. The statue, dating back to the Achaemenid era (c. “We hope that with the cooperation of the Kerman The city’s immense terrace was begun about 518 BC by Darius 550 – 330 BC), was discovered in 1983 in the agricultural Museum, this important thing will be realized as soon the Great, the Achaemenid Empire’s king. On this terrace, suc- lands of Fareghan district, Hajjiabad county, however, as possible and that the lovers of culture and history of cessive kings erected a series of architecturally stunning palatial due to the lack of storage facilities at that time, it was the province will be able to observe this valuable work buildings, among them the massive Apadana palace and the Throne sent to Kerman Museum, Hormozgan tourism chief at the Persian Gulf Anthropology Museum of Bandar Hall (“Hundred-Column Hall”). Reza Boroumand said on Monday. Abbas.” This 13-ha ensemble of majestic approaches, monumental stair- Follow-up sessions, organized by the provincial The bronze lion statue is 62 kilograms in weight and ways, throne rooms (Apadana), reception rooms, and dependencies tourism department, were finally paid off, paving the about 42 centimeters in height. Four conical nails of is classified among the world’s greatest archaeological sites. way for the return of the bronze lion, he explained. eight centimeters high are under its four arms and legs, Persepolis was the seat of the government of the Achaemenid The official pointed out that the correspondence indicating that this statue was [originally] standing in Empire, though it was designed primarily to be a showplace and for the transfer of this valuable treasure has been a metal or stone place, the official explained. spectacular center for the receptions and festivals of the kings and their empire. Markazi province to Turkey requires negative COVID-19 tests for all Iranian passengers TOURISM TEHRAN – Iranian the report said. flights to and from the United Kingdom encourage bird-watching deskpassengers to Turkey Effective as of Monday (December 28), following the discovery of a new variant of must provide negative COVID-19 test re- Iranians traveling to Turkey by air must COVID-19, which is said to spread faster as leisure activity sults before boarding, as the government produce proof of having tested negative than others. looks to further reduce the risk of imported for COVID-19 using a polymerase chain The new coronavirus variant, which TOURISM TEHRAN – Bird-watching as a branch of ec- deskotourism, has a vast potential to be developed coronavirus cases amid increased inter- reaction (PCR) test taken within no more prompted the UK government to impose and promoted in the central Markazi province, deputy provincial national travel. than 72 hours before entry. a Tier 4 lockdown in London and south- tourism chief has said. Recent news shows that the air border Any traveler unable to submit a negative eastern England, and tighten restrictions This branch of tourism is popular among nature lovers and or- between Iran and Turkey is still open and test result at the point of departure will not for all of England over the festive period, dinary tourists as well as ornithologists and experts, said Seyyed passenger traffic is not stopped, but Turkey be allowed to board their flight; persons is “out of control,” Health Secretary Matt Hassan Hosseini during a visit to Arak’s ornamental birds’ center has set new regulations, ISNA reported arriving in Turkey without proof of having Hancock said on Sunday — the same day on Sunday. on Monday. tested negative will be required to quar- that the UK broke its daily coronavirus case Unlike other branches of nature tourism, bird-watching tours “According to the rules of this coun- antine either at their reported address in record, recording some 35,000 new cases. are suitable for people with less physical abilities, who could observe try, the entry of a passenger with Iranian the new strain of COVID-19 in the UK has Turkey or a government-designated facility The ensuing wave of travel bans has also the life in nature up close, he explained. citizenship with a residence permit or as once again changed travel rules and even for two weeks. cut off UK travelers from much of Europe a tourist to Turkey is not prohibited. But imposed restrictions on some borders,” Regarding the new strain, Iran has halted and other parts of the world.

Ancient textiles on the verge of oblivion in western Iran 1 However, to revive, preserve and protect such plied to the region comprising the northwestern Zagros handicrafts fields, the province’s cultural heritage depart- Mountains. It was during the reign of Abbas I the Great ment plans to train crafters and equip workshops in the of Iran’s Safavid dynasty (1501–1736) that the Kurds rose villages and rural areas, the official explained. to prominence, having been enlisted by Abbas I to help Meanwhile, new uses according to customer needs have stem the attacks of the marauding Uzbeks from the east been defined for the handmade products while modern in the early 17th century. technologies are also planned to be taken into account, Iran exported $523 million worth of handicrafts during he added. the past calendar year 1398 (ended March 19). Of the figure, The bird-watching has the potential to become a lucrative sector Back in June, provincial tourism chief Esmaeil Marivani some $273 million worth of handicrafts were exported for the tourism industry, not only in the province but also in the coun- announced that handicrafts exports from the western prov- officially through customs, and about $250 million was try, however, it has remained unknown to many, the official added. ince reached some $592,000 during the previous Iranian earned via suitcase trade (allowed for customs-free and The world’s rare parrots are bred in Arak’s ornamental birds’ calendar year 1398 (ended March 20). tax-free transfer) through various provinces, according to center to preserve endangered species as well as protect endemic Some nine high-quality works by artisans in the province data provided by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism species while treating damaged birds and release them into the wild. were also awarded the National Seal of Excellence during and Handicrafts. Among the breeding species in the center are Green-cheeked the last year, he added. Ceramics, pottery vessels, handwoven cloths as well as The name Kordestan refers to the region’s principal Conure, Red-rumped Parrot, Crimson Rosella, Lovebird, Sun Conure, He also noted that some 258,000 people are currently personal ornamentations with precious and semi-precious inhabitants. After the Turkish invasion of Iran in the 11th and Spectacled Parrotlet. working in various fields of handicrafts in the province, of gemstones are traditionally exported to Iraq, Afghanistan, century CE (Seljuq period), the name Kurdistan was ap- So far, 550 bird species have been distinguished and registered which 70 percent are women. Germany, the U.S., the UK, and other countries. across Iran. Bird-watching, the observation of live birds in their natural hab- itat, is a popular pastime and scientific sport that developed almost entirely in the 20th century. Some $1.9m paid to support tourism businesses in Kerman The south Caspian Sea retreats are amongst the most famed heavens for birdwatchers in Iran, usually being dominated by its TOURISM TEHRAN – The Irani- to pay loans to businesses affected by the tions, hotels, apartment hotels, motels, and northerly guests until about mid-May when the migration season deskan government has paid coronavirus pandemic was approved by guesthouses as well as traditional accom- comes to an end. In a wider scene, the mid-winter population of the 80 billion rials (about $1.9 million at the Iran’s National Headquarters for Coro- modation centers, tourism complexes, and migratory birds is estimated to exceed over a million in the whole official rate of 42,000 rials) in loans to navirus Control. recreational centers, the official explained. southern sandy shorelines of the Caspian Sea that spans some 700km. the tourism businesses affected by the He also announced that depending on In September, Teymouri said that around The northern provinces of Gilan, Golestan, and Mazandaran coronavirus pandemic in the southeast- the type and activity of the businesses, they 1.3 million tourism workers in the country embrace a variety of freshwater lakes, wetlands, and lagoons, which ern Kerman province. could benefit from at least 160 million rials were facing problems due to the corona- are the main destinations for traveling pelicans, flamingos, ducks, Although the province’s tourism sector (some $3,800) to nine billion rials (some virus crisis. swans, coots, and some other species. has asked for 240 billion rials ($5.7 million), $214,000) of bank loans with a 12-percent The government has allocated a 750-tril- Markazi province is considered the industrial capital of the so far only one-third of this amount has interest rate. lion-rial (about $18 billion) package to help Iran to achieve a tourism boom after coro- country. It is rich in natural, historical, cultural, and religious been provided, provincial tourism chief The loans would be allocated to tourist low-income households and small- and navirus is contained, believing its impact attractions. Hand-woven carpets and kilims, made in its cities Fereydoun Fa’ali announced on Sunday. guides, travel agencies, tourism transport medium-sized enterprises suffered by the would be temporary and short-lived for a including Farahan, Sarugh, Lilivan, Senejan and Vafs are known In late October, deputy tourism chief Vali companies, tourism educational institutions, coronavirus concerns. country that ranked the third fastest-grow- internationally. Teymouri said that a new support package eco-lodges and traditional accommoda- Optimistic forecasts, however, expect ing tourism destination in 2019. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y DECEMBER 29, 2020 SOCIETY 7

Homegrown COVID-19 vaccine Southern right whales could face new threat from ocean heating, study warns to be mass produced in 40 days The world’s rapidly changing oceans could pose a new threat to SOCIETY TEHRAN — The pro- decisions were made to set new limitations southern right whales, a new study suggests. deskduction line of the Irani- on highly-affected areas for another 10 Southern right whales were nearly hunted to extinction in an coronavirus vaccine with a capacity of 1.5 days, through which 46 cities undergone the early 20th century. However, after an international ban on million doses per month will be launched restrictions. hunting right whales was introduced in the 1930s, populations within the next 40 days. The plan divided cities into three levels began to rise again in the Southern Ocean. By the next six months, vaccine pro- of alert, namely red, orange, and yellow. This recovery was hailed as one of conservation’s greatest duction will reach up to 12 million doses Another plan also went into effect on success stories by Sir David Attenborough in his recent docu- per month, Hojjat Niki Maleki, head of November 21, according to which all oc- mentary series Seven Worlds, One Planet. the information center of Headquarters cupations, except for emergency services for Executing the Order of the Imam, said and basic food suppliers, get closed for on Monday, IRNA reported. two weeks in high-risk cities. Strict restrictions Alireza Reisi, a spokesman for the Due to the high prevalence of the disease, National Headquarters for Coronavirus strict COVID-19 restrictions took effect on Control, said a week earlier that the disease October 26. prevalence is declining in 30 of the whole 31 The National Headquarters for Coro- provinces and the death toll had dropped navirus Control started strict restrictions to 50 percent in comparison to the previous in 43 cities that had the highest rate of month. Also, the hospitalization rate has infection in the country. Ten days later, been reduced by 40 percent.

National Document on Rare Diseases approved But new research suggests that recent declines in food avail- ability, and therefore reproductive success, for South Africa’s SOCIETY TEHRAN — The National Document the pain of rare patients, IRNA reported on Monday. chronic, and life-threatening. The European Union (EU) southern right whale population could be linked to rising ocean desk on Rare Diseases has been approved After the approval of the Document, all related bodies definition of a rare disease is one that affects fewer than temperatures and changes to sea ice levels in parts of Antarctica, with the aim of preventing the birth of infants with rare will be obliged to take measures in this regard, and the 5 in 10,000 people. At present, more than 6000 rare the Guardian reported. diseases, medical and therapeutic problems. programs will be monitored nationally. diseases are known; around 80 percent of them are ge- Southern right whales are migratory animals who feed as Patients with rare diseases launched and signed a The main vision of this document is to prevent the netic disorders and half of them occur during childhood. far south as Antarctica in the spring before returning further petition calling for drawing up a national document birth of infants with rare diseases and to solve the medical Grouped together, rare diseases affect 6–8 percent (or north to sheltered coastal areas in South Africa, South America, on rare diseases on the occasion of Rare Disease Day, and therapeutic problems of rare patients in the country. about 30 million people) out of the 508 million popula- Australia and New Zealand to breed in the winter. February 28, 2019. According to the statistics published in 2019, the number tion of EU countries. This roughly equals the estimated The study found that, since the 1990s, South Africa’s southern The National Document on Rare Diseases, which was of rare diseases identified in Iran has reached 332 types prevalence of diabetes in the World Health Organization right whales have begun hunting for food further north – possibly recently prepared in collaboration with the Rare Diseases of diseases and about 4,750 people are covered by the European Region, which in 2013 was 6.8 percent of 658.7 in an attempt to adjust to environmental change in the ocean. Foundation of Iran and the University of Tehran and was Rare Diseases Foundation of Iran. million adults in the 20 to 79-year age group. However, this change in strategy appears to be linked to declines drafted by prominent domestic and foreign experts, was Out of a thousand population, 2 people get a rare dis- Rare diseases are associated with a high psychological in reproductive success. approved by the Ministry of Health. ease, while the prevalence can be curbed by changing burden for the patient but they can also have a major “What we found is that the whales are changing their behav- Hamidreza Edraki, CEO of the Rare Diseases Foundation people’s culture, screening, identifying, preventing the impact on a patient’s family. In addition to the health iour,” Dr Emma Carroll, study co-author and ecologist at the of Iran, said that the strategic document is a big step towards births, and raising awareness. burden on patients, few of these diseases have an effective University of Auckland in New Zealand, told The Independent. resolving medical and treatment problems and relieving According to WHO, rare diseases are often serious, drug treatment available. “South African southern right whales are feeding further north and on different prey in the last five years than they did in the 1990s. The bad news is that this change is linked to poorer outcomes for the population’s recovery. Sanctions won’t affect importing COVID-19 vaccines by Iran: WHO “Essentially, we think that they are changing their behaviour but not fast enough to keep up with the changing oceans.” SOCIETY TEHRAN — Sanctions the final decision will be announced by Namaki expressed hope that the country desk The scientists hypothesise that this behaviour shift could be imposed by the United the officials, he noted. will introduce the home-grown COVID-19 in response to a decline in the abundance of Antarctic krill, a States will have no effect on importing coro- Iranian COVID-19 vaccine on vaccine by the end of the current Iranian key food source for the whales. Previous research has linked the navirus vaccines by Iran from the COVAX, a human trial phase calendar year (March 19, 2021). decline in krill to rising ocean temperatures and sea ice decline global initiative to ensure rapid and equita- Iran started testing its first domestical- COVID-19 death toll, new cases in parts of Antarctica. ble access to COVID-19 vaccines, Christoph ly-made coronavirus vaccine by injecting In a press briefing on Monday, Health The new research is published in the journal Global Change Hamelmann, WHO Representative in Iran, it to 56 volunteers aged 18 to 50 years on Ministry spokesperson Sima-Sadat Lari Biology and was led by Gideon van den Berg, a masters student said on Monday. December 20. confirmed 5,908 new cases of COVID-19 at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. “We support and assist Iran in obtaining Mostafa Ghane’ei, an official with the infection, raising the total number of infec- To understand how the whales’ behaviour is changing, the scien- essential items from the global market, and Vice Presidency for Science and Technol- tions to 1,206,373. She added that 960,751 tists used biopsy samples collected in the 1990s, 2015-16 and 2019. we did so since the beginning of the pan- ogy, has said that the domestically pro- patients have so far recovered, but 5,174 still “We used micro-chemical markers that vary predictably across demic, as we anticipated the provision of duced COVID-19 vaccine will probably effects are almost certain, and Iran will be remain in critical conditions of the disease. the Southern Ocean and are stable over time, kind of like a map,” medicine to be affected by sanctions,” he be injected into the whole population by aware of the side effects which speeds up the During the past 24 hours, 121 patients have said Dr Carroll. “The microchemical markers in the whale’s skin added, ILNA reported. September 23, 2021. process, he noted, adding, “vaccines produced lost their lives, bringing the total number tell us where on the map they have been feeding.” COVAX member states, including Now that coronavirus vaccines have been in Iran are the same as those produced in of deaths to 54,814, she added. By looking at markers taken from the 1990s to 2019, the Iran, will jointly decide on which brand developed in the world and the third phase China, India, the United States, etc.” So far, 7,460,422 diagnostic tests have scientists were able to determine where the whales had been of vaccine each country to purchase, and of clinical trials has passed, the possible side In December, Health Minister Saeed been performed in the country. feeding over time. Southern right whales are “capital breeders” – meaning they consume large amounts of food in the summer and then use their energy reserves to sustain them and their calves through Pollution killed nearly 1.7m people in India in 2019 – study the reproductive season. Pollution accounted for nearly 1.7m premature deaths in As noted in a 2019 Lancet article, pollution has become one The whales typically breed every three years. But, recently, India in 2019, or 18% of all deaths, according to a study that of India’s greatest dividers between rich and poor, with South Africa’s southern right whale population has switched to lays bare the human cost of the country’s toxic urban air. affluent Indian residents able to offset the pollution with breeding every four to five years, said Dr Carroll. A report published by the Lancet says pollution in India air purifiers in their cars and homes, while poorer people, “We think it is because of problems getting enough food,” said has led to an increase in diseases such as lung cancer, heart who often live in unsealed homes, bear the brunt of the toxic Dr Carroll. “Without enough food during summer, mums don’t disease, stroke, diabetes, neonatal disorders and respiratory air and its long-term health impacts. store enough fat to sustain them and their calves over winter. diseases, resulting in millions more deaths. This year pollution in Delhi was connected to a rise in “They need a lot of fat because the calf, which is four to five metres The data shows that pollution-related deaths in India Covid-19 cases and deaths as the winter months set in, with the long when born, will grow about one metre per month, and mum are on the rise, increasing from 1.24m in 2017 to 1.67m in Indian Medical Association stating in November that 13% of will lose about 25 per cent of her body size while nursing her baby.” 2019, the Guardian reported. the city’s recent Covid-19 cases may be linked to air pollution. A reduction in breeding could lead to declines in population India’s capital, Delhi, often becomes the most polluted This week’s Lancet report also sets out the economic numbers, she added. city in the world during its winter, as the city is engulfed cost of the contaminated air, saying pollution fatalities in “This means fewer southern right whales along the South in a thick smog and toxic air particles rising to as much as 2019 led to a total loss of $36.8bn, or 1.36% of India’s gross African coast – and a slower population recovery from whaling,” 500% higher than the level the World Health Organization domestic product, with the poor and populous states of she said. deems healthy. Though the issue resurfaces every year with Uttar Pradesh and Bihar hit worst. increasing ferocity, India’s central and state governments “The high burden of death and disease due to air pollution LET’S LEARN PERSIAN have failed to introduce effective pollution controls. and its associated substantial adverse economic impact from Six of India’s cities are among the top 10 most polluted loss of output could impede India’s aspiration to be a $5tn (Part 94) (Source: saadifoundation.ir) in the world, according to a recent World Air Quality report. economy by 2024,” the report says.

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سفیر چین: باور داریم ایران بر بحران کرونا Iran will defeat COVID-19, we غلبه خواهد کرد believe: Chinese envoy Chinese Ambassador in Iran, Chang Hua, has said he believes ســفیر جمهــوری خلــق چیــن در تهــران ابــراز امیــدواری کــرد ایــران بــر بحــران .that Iran would overcome the crisis of coronavirus outbreak شــیوع ویــروس کرونــا غلبــه خواهــد کــرد. We believe that by sending humanitarian aid, Iran will overcome“ بــه گــزارش ایرنــا، چانــگ هــوا روز دوشــنبه در حاشــیه دیــدار بــا محمودرضــا ,the crisis,” he said in a meeting with Mahmoud Reza Peyravi پیــروی دبیــرکل جمعیــت هــال احمــر ایــران گفــت: مــا بــاور داریــم کــه بــا secretary general of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, IRNA ارســال کمــک هــای انساندوســتانه از ســوی دوســتان دولــت ایــران از بحــران .reported The envoy praised Iran’s Red Crescent Society as the first ایــن بیمــاری عبــور خواهــد کــرد. organization affiliated with the Red Cross and the Red Crescent دیپلمــات ارشــد چیــن در ادامــه ضمــن قدردانــی از جمعیــت هــال احمــر ایــران societies which sent humanitarian shipments of aid to the بــه عنــوان نخســتین ســازمان بشردوســتانه عضــو جمعیــت هــای ملــی صلیــب .Chinese people ســرخ و هــال احمــر کــه محمولــه هــای کمــک را بــرای مــردم چیــن ارســال A delegation of Chinese medical experts arrived in Tehran on Saturday with a cargo of aid to help combat the novel coronavirus, کــرد، گفــت: مــا هــم بــا شــدت گرفتــن ویــروس کرونــا در کنــار ایــران هســتیم. .known as COVID-19 Prayer Times Noon:12:06 Evening: 17:20 Dawn: 5:44 (tomorrow) Sunrise: 7:14 (tomorrow) DECEMBER 29, 2020 ART&CULTURE I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y www.tehrantimes.com Managing Director: Mohammad Shojaeian Editor-in-Chief: Ali A.Jenabzadeh Syrian cultural Editorial Dept.: Fax: (+98 21) 88808214 — 88808895 [email protected] Switchboard Operator: Tel: (+98 21) 43051000 centers to remember Advertisements Dept.: Telefax: (+98 21) 43051430 Public Relations Office: Tel: (+98 21) 88805807 Subscription & Distribution Dept.: Tel: (+98 21) 43051603 Commander Soleimani Printed at: Jame Jam Bartar Borna - 44197737

Tehrantimes79 Tehrantimes79 Tehrantimes79 with art exhibitions ARTTEHRAN — Two The main goal of the campaign is to No. 18, Bimeh Alley, Nejatollahi St., Tehran, Iran deskcultural centers in the promote the album “My Hero”, and also P.o. Box: 14155-4843 Zip Code: 1599814713 Syrian capital of Damascus will open two help the singing style of ballads find its way exhibitions of posters and photos of Qassem among the citizens, and thereby discover Soleimani on January 6 to commemorate the talented youths. first martyrdom anniversary of the Iranian After his martyrdom, Soleimani has commander. become the subject of several films, theatrical The Kafarsouseh Center will be hosting a productions and festival programs. photo exhibition entitled “Narrative of Love”, In February, only one month after his which will display the photos of Soleimani’s martyrdom, the courtyard of Tehran’s City funeral procession. Theater Complex hosted some open-air Posters by a group of artists are also performances named “The Soldier” on the GUIDE TO scheduled to be showcased in an exhibition military life of the commander. SPIRITUAL AWAKENING titled “Only for God” at the Aburmaneh Center. The play, which was performed in three Soleimani, the chief of IRGC Quds Force, acts, was written by Amir-Hossein Shafiei was assassinated during a U.S. airstrike in and directed by Pejman Shahverdi. Love children and be kind to them and keep your Baghdad on January 3. The first act of the play was dedicated The events have been organized by Syria’s to Soleimani’s leadership of Iranian forces promises to them since they only know you as Ministry of Culture in collaborations with during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war. their providers. Iran’s Cultural Center in Syria and the Art His role in the victory of the Lebanese in the A poster for the photo exhibition “Narration of Love”, which is scheduled to be organized Prophet Muhammad (S) Bureau of the Islamic Ideology Dissemination Israeli 33-Day War of 2006 was spotlighted at the Kafarsouseh Center in Damascus. Organization. in the second stage. The Art Bureau in Tehran has launched The last act of the drama focused on the Soleimani toward children. people in the region and around the world in a a campaign named “My Hero” to remember key role he played in the defeat of the ISIS The Children’s Department of the Art special section named “Prominent Resistance Commander Qassem Soleimani, a few days terrorists in Syria and Iraq. Bureau of the Islamic Ideology Dissemination Martyr Section”. Game showing Commander before the first anniversary of his assassination. “The Soldier” was a joint production of Organization is the producer of the film. The Art and Cultural Organization of the Soleimani in battle for breaking The campaign takes its name from an Iran’s General Office for Dramatic Arts and The 38th Fajr Film Festival announced Tehran Municipality will also be releasing album the bureau released last week featuring the Islamic Revolution and Sacred Defense it would honor films on resistance and jihad “The Soldier”, a symphonic poem composed ISIS siege of Amerli produced nine ballads composed by Alireza Qazveh, Theater Association. with an award named after Soleimani. in memory of the Commander on his first Reza Yazdani, Ali-Mohammad Moaddab, Recently, young filmmaker Behnam In addition, the 16th Resistance martyrdom anniversary. 1 Amerli, an Iraqi town of Shia Turkmen located in the Mohammad-Hossein Nemati, Faezeh Bahadori announced that he has made a International Film Festival, which will be Arman Mehrian is the composer of the Tooz District of Saladin Governorate, was besieged by the Zarafshan, Milad Habibi, Mohammadreza short documentary named “Green Zone” held during December, will review films on symphony, which is in its post-production ISIS terrorists from June 2014, cutting off access to food, Shafiei and Omid Mahdinejad. about the good conduct of Commander Commander Soleimani’s role in awakening stage. electricity and water. On August 31, the Quds Force, the overseas arm of the IRGC under the command of Soleimani, joined the Kurdish Peshmerga fighters and the Popular Mobilization Units – Hashd al-Shaabi, Children’s Shahnameh illustration contest announces winners breaking the siege, which was described by some top analysts ARTTEHRAN — Winners of a children’s The Shahnameh millennium was accepted on UNESCO’s as Iraq’s biggest victory against ISIS. deskShahnameh illustration contest organized 2010 calendar of events. Soleimani was assassinated during a U.S. airstrike in Baghdad by the Ferdowsi Foundation on the sidelines of the 2nd The Shahnameh, in which the Persian national epic on January 3. Shahnameh and Children International Conference were found its final and enduring form, was completed in 1010. After his martyrdom, announced on Monday. It was written for Sultan Mahmud of Ghazna. However, Soleimani has become the In a call published by the organizer, children were asked to he didn’t welcome it because of the Shia religion of Ferdowsi. subject of several films as well illustrate stories from Ferdowsi’s epic masterpiece Shahnameh, According to some historical sources on Persian literature, as a number of theatrical and including journeys of Eskandar, Kingdom of Bahram Gur, Kingdom Ferdowsi spent 30 years writing the Shahnameh, which is festival programs. of Anushirvan, Kingdom of Khosro Parviz and stories of Buzarjomehr. comprised of nearly 60,000 verses. Earlier last week, MATNA The winners were members of the Institute for Intellectual Also known as the “Book of Kings” in English, the announced that it had created Development of Children and Young Adults (IIDCYA) from Shahnameh is based mainly on the Khwatay-namak, a an action-adventure game different cities. history of the kings of Persia in Pahlavi (Middle Persian) named “Ambassador of Setayesh Rahimi, Negin Tajik and Mahdis Azizi from from mythical times down to the 7th century. Love”, whose producer called different cities in Isfahan Province, and Azal Dabirian from For nearly 1000 years, Shahnameh has remained one it the largest Iranian-Islamic An illustration by Negin Tajik. West Azarbaijan Province were the winners of the contest. of the most popular works in the Persian-speaking world. computer game project. “Ambassador of Love” is a third-person action- adventure game that starts Persian writer’s new poetry collections feature teenage concerns with the journey of Muslim CULTURE TEHRAN — Iranian an atmosphere to care about and respect More” and “First Apples of the Yard” will soon ibn Aqil al-Hashimi (AS), the deskwriter Kamal Shafiei has them,” he added. be published by Madreseh Publications and A poster for “General in the messenger of Imam Hussein said that his latest two poetry collections He noted, “Cultural products, especially the Institute for Intellectual Development Shadows”. (AS), to Kufa a few days before feature concerns of the teenage years. those in literature and poetry created for of Children and Young Adults (IIDCYA) the Ashura uprising that led to the martyrdom of the Imam The Gooya House of Culture and Art an audience of young adults, should not respectively. and his companions in 680. has recently released his new collection, deem [teenagers] as people who have no He is currently working on a book Jafari Jozani has compared the game with world-renowned “If Trees Could Walk”. choice, because the teen years are the period that will provide a comparative study games such as “Gears 5” and “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order”. “The collection contains 30 new poems of choices.” of Iranian and foreign novels. He said and a selection of works I had composed “Poetry for young adults should lead that novelists are the target audience of long ago,” Shafiei told the Persian service them toward creative thought and raise this study, which will be published in the Iranian bookstores offer “A of Honaronline on Monday. questions in their minds. We see that the near future. “I’ve tried to feature the teenage years as Front cover of Iranian writer Kamal characteristics of the teen years in our He is the composer of “In the Silence Map Is Only One Story” they seem and talk about their concerns,” Shafiei’s poetry collection “In the Silence country are changing, and poets should of Sands”, a poetry collection for young he added. of Sands”. keep up with these changes, otherwise, adults, which has been published by the CULTURE TEHRAN — “A Map Is Only One Story: Shafiei called the teenage years the most social characters in this period.” their works will not be welcomed by the IIDCYA. deskTwenty Writers on Immigration, Family, important period of life “because children “The teenage years are also the most young adults,” he stated. The institute also published the Braille and the Meaning of Home” compiled by Nicole Chung and begin seeking independence and shape their sensitive period of everyone’s life. They need Shafiei’s other series “Thousand Times version of these books last summer. Mensah Demary has recently been published in Persian. Khazeh Publications in Tehran is the publisher of the book translated into Persian by Mahmud Qolipur. From rediscovering an ancestral village in China to Iranian photographers added to global list of Hundred Heroines experiencing the realities of American life as a Nigerian, the ARTTEHRAN — Iranian photographers examining difficult social issues and challenging norms,” search for belonging crosses borders and generations. Selected deskFatemeh Behbudi, Shadi Qadirian and they stated. from the archives of Catapult magazine, the essays in “A Map Is Azadeh Akhlaqi have been added to Hundred Heroines, a Behbudi has been selected for her collection “Mothers Only One Story” highlight the human side of immigration policies pioneering list of global women photographers. of Patience”, also known as “Waiting Mothers”, which and polarized rhetoric, as twenty writers share provocative Hundred Heroines was initiated by the Royal Photographic depicts those Iranian mothers who are looking forward personal stories of existing between languages and cultures. Society in 2018 to mark the centenary of the women’s right to to hearing from their sons or other beloved ones who Victoria Blanco relates how those with family in both El vote in the UK by identifying outstanding female photographers have been missing in action since the 1980-1988 Iran- Paso and Ciudad Juárez experience life on the border. Nina from around the globe. Iraq war. Li Coomes recalls the heroines of Japanese animator Hayao “The initiative increased public awareness of the Akhlaqi has been picked for her staged photos on the Miyazaki and what they taught her about her bicultural identity. contribution that women have made in photography and Islamic Revolution in 1979. Nur Nasreen Ibrahim details her grandfather’s crossing of the continue to make globally to the medium and to society,” Qadirian was added to the list for several collections of India-Pakistan border sixty years after Partition. Krystal A. Sital the organizers have said in a statement. her staged photos of Iranian women. writes of how undocumented status in the United States can “We can now build on its international success to ensure Del Barrett, the founder of Hundred Heroines, has said, impact love and relationships. Through the power of personal that women’s voices continue to be heard,” they added. “We’re excited by the names on this list, but there’s still so narratives, as told by both emerging and established writers, “Through their work, heroines worldwide are using much incredible work which isn’t being recognized. The “A Map Is Only One Story” offers a new definition of home in photography to change perceptions of women by highlighting A photo from Iranian photographer Fatemeh Beh- mission of Hundred Heroines remains vital; it is imperative the twenty-first century. inequalities, pushing boundaries, tackling taboo subjects, budi’s series “Mothers of Patience”. that our journey continues.” Mensah Demary is a founding editor of Catapult and Nicole Chung is the editor in chief of the magazine and the author of “All You Can Ever Know”. Nicole was born severely premature, placed for adoption by Iran National Instruments Orchestra to give concert online her Korean parents, and raised by a white family in a sheltered ARTTEHRAN — Member of He also added that during the pandemic video, “Lullaby”. Oregon town. From childhood, she heard the story of her deskthe Technical Council of he has published a book, which contains a The idea came from the orchestra and adoption as a comforting, prepackaged myth. She believed the Iran National Instruments Orchestra selection of his personal compositions and Guliyev warmly welcomed it, saying that that her biological parents had made the ultimate sacrifice in the Ali-Akbar Qorbani said that the ensemble two older ones by other musicians that he listening to music in these difficult days of hope of giving her a better life, that forever feeling slightly out will be giving an online concert with vocalists has arranged anew. quarantine even for a short period of time of place was her fate as a transracial adoptee. But as Nicole grew Vahid Taj and Rashid Vatandoost, probably Asked his opinion about online teaching can help relieve stress and encourage people. up, facing prejudice her adoptive family couldn’t see, finding in late January. classes of music, Qorbani said that he believes The orchestra proposed several her identity as an Asian American and as a writer, becoming “In this concert, part of the repertoire will online teaching has its own difficulties. compositions and Guliyev proposed “Lullaby” ever more curious about where she came from, she wondered be accompanied without lyrics, while the “Keeping face to face with students is by Azerbaijan’s most distinguished composer, if the story she’d been told was the whole truth. second part will be dedicated to Iranian songs much easier and has better quality, however, Vasif Adigozelov. With warmth, candor, and startling insight, Nicole tells of to be performed by Taj, and Azerbaijani songs online instruction has provided better Members of the orchestra and Guliyev The Iran National Instruments Orchestra her search for the people who gave her up, which coincided to be performed by Vatandoost,” Qorbani said. opportunities for students who live far recorded their performances for the video gives a performance during the 34th with the birth of her own child. “All You Can Ever Know” “We still don’t know how we are going away and find it difficult to attend classes. separately under the supervision of Qorbani. Fajr Music Festival, February 2019. is a profound, moving chronicle of surprising connections to offer the concert to the audience. Those [students]can make better use of The members of the orchestra were Alireza (Fajrmusic.ir) and the repercussions of unearthing painful family secrets The concert will be for free and we have the online classes.” Daryai, Kurosh Danai, Shahin Safai, Maryam - vital reading for anyone who has ever struggled to figure plans to repeat the concert if it is warmly Earlier in May during the pandemic, in collaboration with the Azerbaijani tar Khodabakhsh, Masud Firuznejad, Forugh out where they belong. welcomed,” he added. the Iran National Instruments Orchestra virtuoso Ramiz Guliyev released the music Fazli and Amin Heidari.