Iranian State-Owned Animal Feed Iranian Minister of Energy Reza Importer SLAL Has Issued Ardakanian Announced That Iraq International Tenders to Buy Up to Has Cleared 90 Percent of Its 300,000 Tons of Animal Feed Electricity Dues to Iran, Expressing Barley, 300,000 Tons of Feed Corn Hope That Iran Could Continue And 300,000 Tons of Soymeal Electricity Exports to Iraq

VOL. XXV, No. 6647 TEHRAN Price 10,000 Rials www.irannewsdaily.com TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2019 - FARVARDIN 20, 1398 2 4 8 DOMESTIC 3 DOMESTIC INTERNATIONAL SPORTS Larijani Urges Against Iran, Iraq Keen to Pakistan Warns Over Increase Bilateral Heat’s Playoff Hopes Financing of Terrorism Trade to $20b New Indian Attack Fade With Loss > SEE PAGE 2 > SEE PAGE 3 > SEE PAGE 4 > SEE PAGE 8 Blacklisting IRGC Khuzestan Province Battling Majlis Mulls 14 Proves U.S. Stupidity Anti-U.S. Motions IRAN NEWS POLITICAL DESK TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission has decided TEHRAN - Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani said that With Devastating Flood to draft 14 motions to ward off the US’ hostile policies, designating the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps a senior MP said. (IRGC) as a terrorist entity will have dire consequences Chairman of the commission, Heshmatollah Falahat for Washington, adding that he thinks that the White Pishe, said his colleagues have decided to table 14 motions House is not that much senseless to risk the move. as part of a strategy to counter the hostile measures. “I do not think that the Americans will be that much According to the motions, the administration, the out of their mind to designate the IRGC as a terrorist ministries, and the executive organizations will have to organization,” Larijani said in an interview with carry out policies to deal with, foil, and publicize the Al-Jazeera on Sunday. US’ belligerent measures, he added. The top legislator said that if the U.S. takes this The chairman of the commission said all organizations step, “Then the U.S. military and the Pentagon will have their respective duties under the planned will be definitely deemed as terrorist bodies by motions, for instance, the Ministry of Information and Iran. The U.S. must further consider the results of Communications Technology would deal with US such a move.” cyber-terrorism plots or the Ministry of Medicine will In a related context, Larijani said that Iran does not cope with bioterrorism threats. rely heavily on oil, and that it has many other He also pointed to a motion that will designate the US possibilities, adding, “It is not rational to think that a army as a terrorist group if Washington takes a similar country can be overcome in this way.” measure against the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps On the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Larijani (IRGC), saying that American troops will be treated stressed that Iran does not want to harm the like Daesh (ISIL) terrorists under the new motion. countries of the region. See Page 7 It came after the Wall Street Journal quoted unnamed officials as saying that the United States is expected to designate the IRGC a terrorist organization. Pakistan Gov’t Urged to Place Anti-Dumping Duty on Iranian Cement Iran Agrees to Baghdad’s IRAN NEWS NATIONAL DESK ISLAMABAD (Dispatches) - The Pakistani cement is Mediation Between Tehran, Riyadh facing difficulties in finding market access to TEHRAN - Authorities on Monday evacuated patients from a hospital threatened by floodwaters in the Afghanistan, because total exports share of Afghan southwestern city of Ahvaz. TEHRAN (IFP) - Amid reports that the Iraqi prime market has dropped to 24 percent in 8MFY19 from over Iran has been hit by several weeks of unprecedented flooding across most of the usually arid country that has minister’s recent visit to Tehran was aimed at mediating 54 percent in FY2007. The reason is that Afghanistan killed 70 people, according to the emergency services. between arch-foes Iran and Saudi Arabia, an Iraqi has opened doors to other countries including Iran On Monday, authorities were battling to prevent floods reaching Ahvaz, which is the capital of Khuzestan official says Tehran has agreed to such mediation. which has a huge overcapacity of cement production. province and home to about 1.3 million people. While Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi was on The cement manufacturers have urged the government The advancing waters sparked fears that a hospital on the city’s northern outskirts would be submerged after the a trip to Iran, an informed Iraqi source claimed Tehran to take measures of cutting production cost, besides nearby Karkheh River burst its banks. had asked the premier to help improve relations placing anti-dumping duty on the Iranian cement which “Salamat hospital has been evacuated and all patients transferred to Golestan hospital on the orders of the crisis between Iran and Saudi Arabia. has not only affected the local consumption but also management authorities due to the risk of the hospital being flooded,” the head of Golestan hospital, Meysam Abdul Mahdi arrived in Tehran on his first trip to Iran snatched the Afghan market from Pakistan mainly due Moazi, told ISNA. as Prime Minister on April 6, 2019 and sat down with to its lower cost. The huge floods have forced authorities to release water from one of the largest dams in the area, which has left senior Iranian authorities, reported fararu webstie. According to industry experts, the cement industry in some of the cities downstream under threat. High on the agenda of the talks was the promotion of mutual Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been affected the A “significant amount” of floodwater from Karkheh started moving toward Ahvaz on Sunday, according to city economic cooperation. Still, certain Iraqi sources said there most from this huge decline of cement exports to mayor Mansour Katanbaf. were discussions on Baghdad acting as an intermediary “We’ve been trying to manage the water ... most of it has been diverted toward other channels and what’s left Afghanistan. They said that the export of cement from between Iran and Saudi Arabia. See Page 7 Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has registered a is being handled,” Katanbaf told ISNA. decline of 16 percent in the first eight months (July-Feb) Gholamreza Shariati, the provincial governor, told the official IRNA news agency on April 6 that six towns “must of fiscal year 2018-19 (FY19). be evacuated as soon as possible” as the government releases water from major dams that are near overflowing. They said that Afghanistan was the only market of Shariati said rescue teams were taking residents to nearby shelters, including three army barracks. IRGC to Remain Unscathed Pakistani cement till 2007. Then came other markets, Iranian media reports said over 2,000 residents of the town of Hamidieh, near the provincial capital, Ahvaz, had but the share of Afghanistan in Pakistan’s total been moved to army barracks. cement exports remained high, hovering at around Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli warned that up to 400,000 people in Khuzestan, where a state of By U.S. Blacklisting 54 percent of all cement exports in 2013. This share emergency has been declared, could be exposed to the floods, IRNA reported. Fazli said that everything is under control and urged the people to cooperate with the officials. TEHRAN (MNA) – An Iranian lawmaker said that started increasing as other African and Asian markets labeling the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) also opened up. See Page 7 According to reports, Karkheh Dam has reached its full capacity and water is now overflowing and it is a threat to the villages and towns. Soosangerd is one of major towns which is now affected seriously with the flood. as a terrorist organization by U.S. will not undermine its Authorities ordered the evacuation of six new cities along the Karkheh river on Saturday as the situation neared power, as the elite force does not rely on foreign resources. “critical” status. Mojtaba Zonnour, a member of National Security and EU Extends Sanctions According to ISNA, a total of 210 villages along the river have been evacuated, 61 of which are now flooded. Foreign Policy Committee of Iranian Parliament, rebuked the Flooding swamped northeast Iran in mid-March before spreading to the west and southwest of the country later in the month. US’ decision on designating IRGC as a terrorist group, assuring that the possible move will not inflict any harm on the Against Iran Iranian force. Washington cannot undermine IRGC’s power with such moves, since the force gets its power and revenues BRUSSELS (Dispatches) - The European Union has from domestic resources, and does not rely on foreign extended for a year, until 13 April 2020, sanctions against resources, he told Mehr News correspondent on Monday. Iran in connection with alleged human rights violations in S. Korea Tests U.S. Oil, as Iran Waiver Uncertainty Grows The administration of US President Donald Trump is the country, the EU Council said on Monday. SEOUL (Dispatches) - South Korea has begun testing super-light U.S. oil sold by Anadarko Petroleum as a expected to designate the IRGC as a foreign terrorist “The Council today extended until 13 April 2020 its substitute for Iranian crude while it awaits word from Washington on whether it can keep buying oil from the organization as early as next week, according to a U.S. official. restrictive measures responding to serious human rights Middle Eastern nation, sources told Reuters. The U.S. has already blacklisted dozens of entities and violations in Iran. These measures consist of a travel ban South Korea is one of Iran’s biggest Asian customers and was one of eight importers that received waivers to individuals affiliated with the IRGC, but not the entire force. and an asset freeze against 82 people and one entity, and keep buying Iranian oil when the U.S. re-imposed sanctions in November. Zonnour highlighted that such a decision was highly expected a ban on exports to Iran of equipment which might be Washington is expected to reduce those waivers in May, disrupting South Korea’s supply of Iranian condensate, used in as IRGC has shattered Washington’s dreams of dominance in the used for internal repression and of equipment for its large refining and petrochemical industry. West Texas Light (Wtl) is seen as a potential substitute for Iranian condensate region, by foiling its vicious plots for many times. According to monitoring telecommunications,” the statement said. because, when refined, Wtl yields a large volume of the refined product naphtha, which is used to produce petrochemicals. the official, the Iranian Parliament has prepared a double- In addition, these measures include a “ban on the export to Most Wtl is produced in the Permian Basin in Texas. Anadarko spokesman John Christiansen confirmed to Reuters the urgency motion to counteract the possible measure by the U.S. Iran of equipment that can be used for internal repressions, company is exporting Wtl grade with the first cargo having sailed in February. The current point of sale is at the Houston In a related development on Sunday, the majority of Iranian and equipment for tracking telecommunications.” Ship Channel, and from there the barrels are exported primarily to markets in Europe and Asia, Christiansen said, although lawmakers expressed their full support for the country’s These measures were first introduced in 2011 and he did not confirm whether South Korea was testing this grade. South Korea’s top refiner, SK Energy, and the country’s Armed Forces, particularly the IRGC, pledging to respond in have been renewed annually since then. smallest refiner, Hyundai Oilbank, are testing samples, the sources told Reuters. See Page 7 kind to any action taken by the U.S. against the elite force. 2 IRAN NEWS DOMESTIC TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2019

TEHRAN (MNA) – In a letter to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Khamenei, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani applied for permission to grant some €2 billion from the National Development Fund of Iran (NDFI) to renovation of flood-stricken areas, a Parliament Member told reporters on Monday. President Asks Leader for Withdrawal of €2b From NDFI As Fatemeh Zolghadr informed reporters, MPs also submitted a plan to the presiding board of the Parliament on Monday about allocation of some financial resources to reconstruction of flood-hit areas. Larijani Urges Against Financing Websites Review Qatar Ties With Terrorist Groups ILNA* - The Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi Of Terrorism exposed on Sunday the Qatari regime’s ties with terrorist groups. In an interview transmitted by Iran Daneshjoo TEHRAN (MNA) – It is imperative to put a stop to the financing Organization News Service, an Iranian students’ of terrorism and the undermining measures by those countries news service, Salehi said the regime has threatened Qatar, which had earlier described Iran as “honest” claiming to defend human rights, said Iranian Parliament Iran is doing its utmost to eliminate terrorism from the region, Larijani said, adding that it is that it would sever relations with it, if it did not help Speaker Ali Larijani on Monday. necessary that countries that claim to defend human rights should be stopped from financing in getting the release of 48 Iranians kidnapped in terrorism. “Regrettably, the U.S. has blocked the Red Cross’s aid to the flood-hit people of Iran, Damascus in August 2012. He made the remarks Monday morning in a meeting with Vice-President of the and this is a move from a country that claims to defend human rights,” he noted. He said: “I telephoned the then Qatari Minister of German Bundestag Claudia Roth on the sidelines of the 140th Assembly of the Vice-President of the German Bundestag also expressed her sympathy with Iranian Foreign Affairs Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Inter-Parliamentary Union in Qatar. government and nation over the recent devastating floods in Iran, saying “ Iran plays Al-Thani and informed him on the issue. I even Referring to long-standing relations between Iran and Germany in a very important role in the region and, given the country’s influence in the region, it specified the terrorist group that had kidnapped the economic and political areas, he stressed the importance of developing is essential that it play a pivotal role in rebuilding areas that are under terrorist Iranians as “Al-Baraa Battalion”, which has ties relations between two countries. attacks, including Syria.” with the Qatari regime.” Salehi added: “I informed the former minister that his country has ties with the terrorist groups in Syria and executing the Iranians will lead to Gov’t Committed severing relations between Tehran and Doha.” To Swift Compensation U.S. Hostile Move Against IRGC Doomed to Failure TEHRAN (FNA) -Judiciary Chief Seyed Ebrahim Raeesi underlined that Washington’s attempts to blacklist For Flood Losses the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) lacks political and legal grounds and is doomed to failure. $381m Worth of Flood Damage “Like other evil deeds of the US, this move is also doomed to failure,” Raeesi said, addressing judiciary officials in Tehran. ISNA* - An official with Road Maintenance and He voiced surprise that the U.S. with a record full of crimes and creation and arming of terrorist groups Transportation Organization of the Islamic now plans to blacklist the Armed Force of a country which has always been helping people and defending Republic of Iran Shaban-Ali Khavari said that Islamic movements. due to the recent floods, some 11,000 kilometers Raeesi underlined that the move by the White House lacks validity in both political and legal terms in the world, of roads in the country have been damaged for and urged the foreign ministry and the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) to take reciprocal action if some $381 million. Washington dares to designate the IRGC as a terrorist entity. Shaban-Ali Khavari said that 400 bridges had The remarks came after a report by the Wall Street Journal claimed that the US officials plan to designate the been destroyed and 5,000 bridges and 11,000 km of IRGC as a foreign terrorist organization. The move could be announced as early as Monday, April 8, according to roads had been damaged. WSJ. If carried out, it will mark the first time another country’s military has been branded as a terrorist group. He went on to add that there is possibility that the IRAN NEWS NATIONAL DESK road damages may increase up to $476 million. He added that 139 bridges in Isfahan, 173 in Ilam, TEHRAN - President Hassan Rouhani has stressed his 395 in South Khorasan, 974 in North Khorasan government’s commitment to providing swift 378, in Khuzestan 248 in the Golestan 373 bridges compensation for flood-affected people across the country. Iran Strongly Condemns Saudi Air Raid on Yemeni School had been damaged. The Council of Ministers convened on Sunday “In Lorestan, due to the fact that water is still evening, where ministries of interior, energy, health, TEHRAN (IFP) - Foreign Ministry Spokesman that have influence on the Yemen crisis to boost their not dumped, the statistics are being not roads and urban development, and agriculture Bahram Qasemi has strongly denounced the efforts to immediately stop the aggressors’ attacks, collected,” he explained. updated the president on the current situation in areas Saudi-led coalition’s latest airstrike on a school in and adopt measures to protect civilians, especially He noted that it is necessary for the government to hit by the recent devastating floods. Yemen’s Sana’a, which killed and wounded women and children. allocate significant resources for reconstruction of President Rouhani, who chaired the session, dozens of schoolgirls. More than a dozen civilians, most of them damaged roads. expressed gratitude to the disaster management In a Monday statement, Qasemi offered sympathy schoolchildren, were killed in the latest round of taskforce, all executive organs, the Red Crescent to the survivors of the inhumane attack. airstrikes by Saudi warplanes on a school in Yemen’s Society, Army, IRGC and popular forces, as well as He also expressed deep regret over the international west-central province of Sana’a. the IRIB for helping the people in the flood-hit areas. community’s continued silence and indifference over Youssef al-Hazzari, a spokesman for the Yemeni Four People Arrested He also said that the recent floods were unprecedented the aggressors’ crimes. Ministry of Public Health and Population, said at ISNA* - The state security forces have arrested in the history of Iran, and added that the government “The countries that created a humanitarian disaster least 13 people lost their lives and 92 others four people in the capital for “spreading rumors” is committed to providing swift compensation for in Yemen by providing arms support for the invaders sustained injuries after Saudi warplanes launched about the incompetence of officials in flood relief flood-affected people across the country. are complicit in these crimes, and must be held aerial assaults against an area in the Sa’wan district efforts, Tehran Police Chief announced. Rouhani also stressed that everybody’s accountable for their support,” Qasemi noted. of Sana’a on Sunday evening. He said most of the The SSf commander Hossein Rahimi admitted cooperation in managing the situation in He also urged the United Nations and the countries victims were schoolchildren. that government officials and commanders of flood-hit areas was essential. armed forces presumably involved in relief efforts have been assailed by people. “All officials, including government officials Iranian Delegation to Attend Tripartite Iran, Kuwait FMs Discuss Bilateral Ties Over Phone and the armed forces, made great efforts during TEHRAN (MNA) – Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his Kuwaiti counterpart Sabah Al Khalid Al the floods, but unfortunately some people have Meeting in Moscow on Syria Sabah held a phone conversation on Sunday to discuss mutual ties. destroyed their image,” the capital’s police chief said. TEHRAN (MNA) – An Iranian parliamentary Zarif voiced his appreciation for the Kuwaiti government and nation’s efforts to send humanitarian aid to flood- “Some people also spread lies and rumors about delegation will depart for Moscow on Tuesday to hit areas of Iran. The two sides also discussed bilateral ties as well as some regional and international developments. the floods and with coordination with the Cyber attend a tripartite meeting with Russian and Turkish Secretary-General of Kuwait’s Ministerial Council Abdullatif Al-Roudhan announced on Wednesday that based Police, four of these people were identified and parliamentarians to address the situation in Syria. on a decree issued by Emir of Kuwait Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Council of Ministers was to send urgent aids detained in Tehran,” Rahimi went on to add. Iran, Russia and Turkey parliaments are set to hold a to flood-stricken people in Iran. joint meeting in State Duma, Moscow, on April 10 to Kuwait’s first humanitarian aid package, consisting of some 40 tons of food and medicine, arrived at Tehran’s address the ongoing situation in Syria. Imam Khomeini International Airport late on Friday while the second package arrived on Sunday. Kuwaiti Chairman of Iran’s Parliament’s National Security and government is reported to continue sending aid packages in the upcoming weeks. U.S. in Quagmire Foreign Policy Committee, Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh, Heavy rains in the past two weeks have caused devastating floods in various parts of Iran, leading to the death will head the Iranian delegation at the event. of over 70 people and injuring and displacing many others. TASNIM* - Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad The meeting will be held in line with the cooperation Zarif warned the U.S. of the consequences of its between Iran, Russia and Turkey in the framework of possible move to designate the Islamic Revolution Astana process to bring peace and security to Syria. Pakistani PM Offers Assistance to Iran After Deadly Floods Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist group, saying The Astana process was launched by Russia, Turkey TEHRAN (IFP) - Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan In a Tweet on Sunday, Imran Khan wrote that his prayers the move would “drag the US into a quagmire”. and Iran in January 2017 to bring all warring parties in has offered humanitarian assistance to the Islamic are with the Iranian people. He also expressed Pakistan’s “#NetanyahuFirsters who have long agitated Syria to the negotiating table to complement the republic of Iran in the wake of deadly flooding that readiness to provide any humanitarian assistance required. for FTO designation of the IRGC fully UN-sponsored peace talks in Geneva. killed dozens of people. Iran moved on Saturday to evacuate more towns and understand its consequences for US forces in villages threatened by floods after continued rain in the the region. In fact, they seek to drag US into a southwest of the country as the nationwide toll from the quagmire on his behalf,” Zarif said on his Iran, Turkmenistan Celebrate Nowruz Near Common Border flooding reached 70. Twitter account on Sunday night. TEHRAN (IFP) - Iran and Turkmenistan have held a joint ceremony near the common border of the two countries About 1,900 cities and villages have been affected by “@realDonaldTrump should know better than to celebrate the Persian New Year or Nowruz. floods after exceptionally heavy rains since March 19. to be conned into another US disaster,” he The international event was attended by officials from the two countries including Turkmen Minister of Culture Several countries and international humanitarian added in his tweet. and Head of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization Ali Asghar Mounesan. bodies have so far started dispatching their aid cargos to The administration of U.S. President Donald During the ceremony, Mounesan said Nowruz is a transnational celebration, and the ancient heritage of people who the crisis-hit areas of Iran. A high representative of the Trump is expected to designate the IRGC as a believed in the resurrection of man and nature, who adored light, truth and peace, and blamed darkness, lie and war. European Union Commission said the commission is foreign terrorist organization as early as next week, “Throughout history, borders are displaced and geographic and political divisions take a new form, but the culture set to donate €1.2 million for the flood-hit people. according to a U.S. official. of nations is not bound to these political borders,” added Mounesan. Germany’s ambassador to Iran said on his Twitter The designation decision, formally under the The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has registered Nowruz on the World account that a charter flight carrying humanitarian aid State Department’s purview, has been made as part Heritage List, and March 21 is known as the International Day of Nowruz. Today, more than 300 million people of has landed in Tehran. The aid from Germany includes of the White House’s increasingly aggressive different nationalities from about 30 countries celebrate Nowruz as the culmination of nature’s revival, he added. 40 rescue boats as well as other safety equipment. strategy towards Iran. TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2019 DOMESTIC IRAN NEWS 3

Noon (Zohr) 13:06 Evening (Maghreb) 19:50 PRAYER TIME 1. Ya Sin. Tomorrow’s Dawn (Fajr) 05:11 2. By the Qur’an, full of Wisdom,- Surah 36. Ya-sin ( 1 - 2 ) Tomorrow’s Sunrise 06:38

Iran, Iraq Keen to Tehran, Baghdad to Launch Increase Bilateral Merchandise Bourse Trade to $20b

IRAN NEWS ECONOMIC DESK

TEHRAN – Iranian Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade Reza Rahmani said that the two neighboring countries of Iran and Iraq are planning to boost their annual bilateral trade to $20 billion. prominent role in broadening economic cooperation between Iran and Iraq in various TEHRAN (IRNA) – The CEO of Iran Mercantile economic sectors, Gholam hossein Shafei said. Exchange (IME) Hamed Soltani-Nejad met on Sunday Reza Rahmani, Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade Reza, made the The Islamic Republic of Iran is to broaden strategic cooperation with its neighboring with Head of Basra Chamber of Commerce Majed remarks in the joint Iran-Iraq business meeting in Tehran on Sunday attended by countries and Iraq in particular as the country’s private sector will play a very Mozan and signed a memorandum of understanding the Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi as well as the Iranian First Vice prominent role to this end, he said. (MoU) on setting up a commodity bourse to speed up President Eshaq Jahangiri. To further increase volume of trade exchanges, the two sides should sign MoU on transparent and secured economic cooperation between Rahmani said that the Iraqi prime minister’s call on the governor of the Central promoting free trade, set up free trade economic zones, setting up international the two sides’ businessmen. Bank of Iran yesterday to visit his country showed Iraqis’ determination to remove shipping companies and issuing economic visa for both sides’ businessmen, he said. According to the MoU, they agreed to set up bourse barriers to bilateral trade. Meanwhile on Sunday, Iran’s Finance Minister Farhad Dejpasand during branches in Baghdad, Kurdistan autonomous region He added that as the Iranian president and Iraqi prime minister emphasized in their meeting with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Mohammed Hussein in Tehran, put the and Najaf to facilitate exchange of goods and yesterday’s meeting, the two countries are planning to boost their annual bilateral volume of mutual trade transactions at €8 billion adding that the figure is to be commodities between the two sides. trade to $20 billion. doubled due the prepared plans. They also agreed to create suitable grounds for The industry minister further called President Rouhani’s visit to Iraq last month “We are resolved to expand economic ties with Iraq, which will tighten our political dissemination of business news to persuade Iraqi as historic, during which various memoranda of understanding were signed to relations as well,” Dejpasand said in the meeting. businessmen to play active role in Tehran bourse in expand bilateral trade. The Iranian minister named tourism, insurance, infrastructure, customs, engineering order to meet their demands. Meanwhile addressing the forum, Head of Iran chamber of commerce, Mine and and services and energy as probable fields for the two sides to develop cooperation. Industry said that the current level of trade exchange between Iran and Iraq is not As Mohammed Hussein informed, during his trip to Tehran, removing trade and satisfactory and relative problems to this end should be removed to help increase to economic barriers including monetary and banking impediments, customs difficulties a desirable level. and those insurance problems have been the focus of attention. There is no doubt that regular talks between the two sides officials play a very The two ministers discussed making joint investments in this meeting, as well. Gas Prices in U.S. Influencing Export of Petchems, Oil Extension of Oil Sanctions Waivers China Interested in More Investments in Iran TEHRAN (FNA)- The Products Satisfactory growing gas prices in the BEIJING (IRNA) - China is looking for a way to He also said that CHINKA has the most important US indicate that increase trade with Iran and make investments in the role in investment out of China. Washington is facing a country, said the chairman of China International The Chinese official added that the institute has 1,500 hard decision on the Contractors’ Association (CHINCA) which has a 23% members that work in construction, energy and extension of waivers on share of world’s whole invesments. petrochemical sectors. Iran oil sanctions, an Fang Qiuchen said that ‘the trade between Iran and According to him, the CHINCA said that the Iranian official said. China is eye-catching and various companies of China economic body invested $241b in 2018. Iranian Deputy Oil have implemented big projects with their Iranian ‘China International Contractors Association Minister for International counterparts.’ He noted that Iran and China have good (CHINCA) is the national organization formed by and Commercial Affairs Amir Hossein Zamaninia made ties in energy, petrochemicals, and trade. Chinese international project investors, contractors , the remarks in Tehran on Sunday on the sidelines of a ‘We held a big fair in Tehran International Exhibition labor service companies and related service providers. meeting between Iran and Iraq’s oil ministers. Center in 2018,’ Fang said. CHINCA has been actively performing its duty of Asked if the U.S. would extend waivers on oil Saying that well-known Chinese companies are communicating members’ appeals , strengthening sanctions against Iran, he said, “I do not opine on this TEHRAN (Shana) – Oil Minister Bijan Zangeneh interested in cooperation with Iran in infrastructure and industry self-discipline and providing professional issue now but everyone knows that the oil market is not described the current state of Iran’s export of energy, he voiced readiness to implement joint projects service since its establishment in 1988 , aiming to drive stable and static but it is very turbulent.” petrochemicals and petroleum products as satisfactory. with the guidance of the leaders of the two countries.’ sound development of members and promote rapid and “It is the prices at U.S. gas pumps that decide about During a meeting with members of the energy Fang stressed the need for sharing information healthy progress of China’s international investment extension or non-extension of these waivers,” committee of the Iranian parliament on Sunday, between Chinese and Iranian companies and said this and economic cooperation,’ wrote the official website Zamaninia underlined. Zangeneh said the previous Iranian calendar year will help additional cooperation. of CHINCA. The deadline for the U.S. administration to decide of 1397 which ended on March 20 was a good year whether to extend sanctions waivers granted to for oil industry. buyers of Iranian oil is now less than a month away, “We had no limits for gas supply either to the Iranian Airline Launches Direct Flights to Venezuela and President Donald Trump faces a tricky decision. industrial or power generation sectors during the He undoubtedly wants to increase pressure on the year,” the official said. TEHRAN (ISNA) - Mahan Air, a private Iranian airline on Monday launched first direct flight to Venezuela. Persian Gulf nation, but in doing so he risks stoking oil He said over 92 percent of the Iranian population The spokesman of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization, Reza Jafarzadeh said that the route was launched in the prices and with them those all-important gas prices in had access to natural gas, saying over 99 percent of early hours of Monday, and the plane will carry foreign ministry officials to Caracas. swing states back home. the urban population and 80 percent of the rural Jafarzadeh said a delegation from Mahan Air was also travelling to Caracas to discuss maintaining regular flights population also had access to the item in Iran. between the two countries. The official said that efforts were being made for The non-stop Tehran-Caracas flight will take 16 hours. not disclosing any numbers regarding the country’s Iran has voiced support for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro who faces demands from the United States to oil and gas condensate exports due to the U.S. step down. Russia, China, and Turkey have also backed Maduro, Reuters reported. IOTCO on High Alert for sanctions and the potential advantages that might be taken of the figures by Iran’s enemies. The Iranian Oil MInister further said Iran was able to export oil and condensate at desired levels No Regime Can Affect Iran-Iraq Growing Relations Helping Flood-Stricken People TEHRAN (MNA) – Efforts of regional or trans-regional Monday that “Iran and Iraq are two neighboring and had no technical shortcoming in this regard. regimes to sow discord between Iran and Iraq will have countries that, despite the ups and downs in their IRAN NEWS NATIONAL DESK “The problem is that oil exports have become a no negative impact on the two countries’ ties, said history of relations, are now cooperating in various political and security matter, not a practical one.” spokesperson for the Parliament National Security and economic, commercial, cultural and tourism spheres, TEHRAN – The CEO of Iranian The official underlined the recent flash floods in Foreign Policy Committee. and have a good relationship in consolidating peace Oil Terminals Company (IOTCO) several Iranian provinces including the oil-rich Referring to Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul- and security in the region.” says all staff of the company in the southwestern province of Khuzestan. Mahdi’s visit to Iran, Ali Najafi Khoshroudi said on “The Islamic Republic of Iran has made unparalleled oil terminals of the country are on contributions to the fight against terrorism in Iraq and alert by setting up crisis committee has long stood alongside the Iraqi government and for helping those who have been people, and we now expect that in the face of cruel hit by recent floods. Gas Accounts for 76% Share of SPGC Output sanctions imposed by the US against Iran, the Iraqi During the meeting of the crisis government will be alongside the Iranian nation and management committee of the TEHRAN (MNA) – Chief Executive of South Pars Gas Company (SPGC) Hadi Hashemzadeh Farhang said government,” he added. IOTCO, Mr. Abbas Asadrouz said on Mon. that gas accounts for 76 percent share of the company’s total production volume. “Iran’s strategic policy has consistently been to in compliance with the oil Natural gas is at the maximum output of the company, he said, adding, “gas and gas condensates account for strengthen intra-regional cooperation,” he noted. minister’s order to the subsidiary companies for 76 and 10 percent of total production volume of the company respectively.” Khoshroudi went on to say that despite the extending aids to the flood-stricken regions, the Sulfur accounts for more than six percent share of total revenues of the company, he added. emphasis of the Islamic Republic on the development committee for assessing the crisis was formed in the He put the share of liquid gas of the company at about six percent and said, “ethane is one of the most important and strengthening of regional cooperation, some operational regions of north, Kharg and Khuzestan. products of the company which accounts for 1.6 percent share in terms of revenues.” countries are sowing discord and disagreement in He reiterated that the company by setting up the The company benefits from highly experienced and skilled manpower, he said, adding the sector has contributed the region instead of striving to consolidate peace committee is fully prepared for relief efforts for the to about 0.2 percent share of company in terms of revenues. and security. flood-affected people. Earlier, the chief executive of the company had announced a considerable nine million increase of barrels of gas “Those countries and regimes which seek to sow discord He also announced readiness of the company to condensates in the past year. cannot undermine Iran-Iraq relations,” he stressed. dispatch its staff and facilities to those areas. 4 IRAN NEWS INTERNATIONAL TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2019 Houthis Declare Emergency Afghanistan Ready to Over Cholera Outbreak Talk With Taliban in Qatar

SANAA (Dispatches) - The Houthi administration on Sunday declared a state KABUL (Dispatches) - In a landmark development, the Afghan government of emergency after hike in cholera cases in regions it controls, said an official. announced on Sunday it will send an official delegation to hold direct talks Taha al-Mutawakkil, the health minister of the Houthi-run administration in Sanaa, for peace with the Taliban in Qatar later this month. said the emergency aimed to combat the epidemic cholera, according to the local Mohammad Umer Daudzai, special presidential envoy, told reporters in Saba news agency. On Saturday, the administration closed canteens at all schools in Kabul: “An inclusive official delegation will attend the Qatar meeting Sanaa to tackle the bacterial disease that can be fatal if not treated immediately. representing Afghanistan.” Yemen has been wracked by violence since 2014 when Houthi rebels There has been no immediate response from the Taliban who have so far overran much of the country, including Sanaa. declined to talk with or recognize the Afghan government. Australia’s Opposition Labor Pakistan Warns Over New Indian Attack On Track to Win Election KARACHI (Reuters) - Pakistan has “reliable Prime Minister Imran Khan had agreed to share the intelligence” that India will attack again this month, its information with the country. foreign minister said, drawing condemnation from New Khan blamed India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Delhi which described the claim as irresponsible. Party (BJP) for “whipping up war hysteria” over Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s comments came after claims that India shot down a Pakistani plane tensions over a February standoff between the arch during the February standoff. enemies had appeared to ease. The Indian air force had displayed pieces of a He said on Sunday that an attack could take place missile that it said was fired by a Pakistani F-16 between April 16 and 20, adding that Pakistan had told before it was downed. the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Satellite images showing little sign of damage have Council of its concerns. also cast doubt on the success of Indian air strikes on a “India rejects the irresponsible and preposterous camp of the Jaish-e-Mohammed militant group in statement by the foreign minister of Pakistan with a northwestern Pakistan. clear objective of whipping up war hysteria in the The standoff led Pakistan to close its airspace but region,” a spokesman for India’s foreign office said most commercial air traffic has since resumed and in a statement. major airports have opened. “This public gimmick appears to be a call to Pakistan- As strains between the two neighbours apparently based terrorists to undertake a terror attack in India.” eased, Pakistan said on Friday it would release 360 The foreign office said India reserved the right to Indian prisoners this month. The first hundred were respond firmly and decisively to any cross border released on Sunday. militant attack, accusing Pakistan of being complicit in Because relations are so rocky, prisoners who have such attacks on India. completed jail terms, many of them fishermen convicted MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Australia’s opposition A suicide car bombing by Pakistan-based militants deputy high commissioner to protest against any of straying into each other’s territory, often languish in Labor is the favorite to win a national election in Indian-controlled Kashmir killed at least 40 “misadventure”, Pakistani Foreign Office spokesman prison for months, if not years, afterwards. expected in May, two polls showed on Monday, but Indian paramilitary police on Feb. 14. The risk of Mohammad Faisal said in a tweet. “These are 100 Indian fishermen released from jail as its lead has narrowed over the conservative coalition conflict rose dramatically on Feb. 27, when India “We have reliable intelligence that India is planning a a goodwill gesture by Pakistan,” Saad Edhi, an official government which announced income tax cuts in its launched an air strike on what it said was a militant new attack on Pakistan. As per our information this with Pakistan’s largest charity, the Edhi Foundation, budget last week. training base inside Pakistan. could take place between April 16 and 20,” Qureshi told told Reuters at Karachi’s Cantonment Railway Station A closely watched Newspoll done for The Australian The following day Pakistan shot down an Indian reporters in his hometown of Multan. on Sunday. newspaper showed Labor ahead of the Coalition 52-48 fighter jet and captured its pilot who was later released. He did not elaborate on what evidence Pakistan had or “They are going to Lahore from where they will be on a two-party preferred basis, but that was down from Earlier on Sunday, Pakistan summoned the Indian how he could be so specific with the timing, but he said released into India across the Wagha border crossing.” 54-46 in the last poll in March. A separate Ipsos poll, published by the Sydney Morning Herald, showed Labor ahead 53-47. Prime Minister Scott Morrison is expected to call an AK Party to Seek Recount of election this week, most likely for May 11 or May 18. Sudan Security Forces “The election will be called in April and the election will be held in May. We’re not doing this All Istanbul Votes with any haste and we’re not doing it with any Tear Gas Protesters delay,” Morrison told reporters on Sunday, amid KHARTOUM (Dispatches) - Sudanese security forces speculation he was delaying to give the government on Monday fired tear gas at thousands of protesters who more time to promote its budget. had massed outside the army headquarters in Khartoum “I noticed Bill Shorten’s frustration yesterday, but for a second night demanding that President Omar you know, that impatience is born of arrogance,” al-Bashir resign, witnesses said. Morrison said. Several vehicles carrying security personnel arrived Despite Labor’s consistent lead in the polls over the in the early hours of the morning at the site where past year, Morrison remains the preferred prime protesters had been demonstrating continuously since the country’s economy that has led to soaring minister over Labor leader Shorten. Saturday, witnesses told AFP. food prices and regular shortages of fuel and Newspoll surveyed 1,799 voters across the country “After that, security forces began firing tear gas at foreign currency. from April 4 to 6, following the release of the protesters,” a witness said on condition of anonymity. The veteran leader has acknowledged that the economic government’s budget on April 2 and Labor’s reply The gas was felt by residents in an upscale concerns raised by the protesters were “legitimate”. two days later. ANKARA (Reuters) - President Tayyip Erdogan’s Khartoum district some five kilometres away from Protests first erupted on December 19 after a The Ipsos poll surveyed 1,200 voters from April 3 to AK Party is seeking a full recount of all votes cast in the army complex. government decision to triple the price of bread. 6, and has a margin of error of 2.9 percent. local elections in Istanbul, a senior party official said “I stepped out on my balcony hearing the sound of But they quickly morphed into nationwide on Sunday, a week after initial results showed a the gas canisters and could feel the gas in the air,” demonstrations against Bashir’s rule. narrow victory for Turkey’s main opposition party. said one resident. Officials say 32 people have died in protest related The AKP is reeling from its apparent loss of the Thousands of protesters have been demonstrating violence so far, while Human Rights Watch has put the Spain’s Socialists Lead With 31.1% mayoralties of Istanbul and the capital Ankara, both since Saturday outside the army complex that also death toll at 51. cities which the party and its Islamist predecessors houses Bashir’s residence and the defence ministry. In recent weeks the scale and intensity of protests have dominated for a quarter of a century. Erdogan Chanting anti-government slogans, protesters have been had dwindled due to a state of emergency imposed Ahead of April 28 Election himself rose to prominence as Istanbul’s mayor in the urging the military to back them in demanding by Bashir, but Saturday saw a resurgence with 1990s before emerging as national leader. Bashir’s resignation. thousands of protesters staging a continuous rally His party has already appealed the initial results in all They accuse his administration of mismanaging outside the army complex. 39 districts of the city of 15 million people, leading to partial or full recounts across Turkey’s largest city. So far the initial lead held by Ekrem Imamoglu, mayoral candidate for the secularist Republican U.S. Calls for Halt to Libya Offensive as Clashes Rage People’s Party (CHP), has narrowed from 25,000 immediately after the vote to a little over 16,000 after WASHINGTON (AFP) - The U.S. on Sunday appealed for an “immediate halt” to a military offensive by Libyan 70 percent of the recounts were completed. strongman Khalifa Haftar, as fighting raged near Tripoli despite a UN call for a ceasefire. With both Imamoglu and his rival, former prime Haftar’s forces and the UN-backed unity government exchanged air strikes Sunday, three days after Haftar minister Binali Yildirim, securing more than launched an offensive to seize the capital. 4.1 million votes, the margin of victory is likely to be The unity government said the fighting had killed 21 people, while the United Nations said there had been “no MADRID (Reuters) - Spain’s Socialists would win a extremely slim, but Imamoglu has said the appeals truce” despite calls for a two-hour pause in fighting general election scheduled for April 28 with 31.1 percent and recounts will not change the outcome. for civilians and the wounded to flee. of the votes, a poll published on Monday in newspaper AKP deputy party chairman Ali Ihsan Yavuz said Oil-rich Libya has been riven by chaos since the ABC said, equivalent to between 137 and 139 seats in the there was “organized misconduct” in the original NATO-backed uprising in 2011 that killed dictator 350-seat parliament, but short of a majority. count, and the party will appeal to the High Election Moamer Kadhafi, as rival administrations and A coalition of three right-wing parties - People’s Party Body (YSK), the final arbiter on electoral disputes, armed groups have battled for power. (PP), Ciudadanos and far-right Vox - would get 45.6 for all Istanbul votes to be recounted. Haftar’s offensive has threatened to plunge the percent of votes, equivalent to between 149 and 158 “We chose the path to eliminate numerical mistakes. country into a full-blown civil war and once again seats, but this would also be short of the 176 seats But it’s not over,” he told reporters in televised derail tentative diplomatic efforts to find a solution needed for a majority, according to the poll conducted comments on Sunday. to Libya’s woes. by GAD3. The losses in Ankara and Istanbul, if confirmed, would “We have made clear that we oppose the military Socialist Pedro Sanchez could be reelected as be especially painful for Erdogan, who campaigned offensive by Khalifa Haftar’s forces and urge the prime minister if he manages to form another relentlessly for the local elections. For most of his 16 immediate halt to these military operations against parliamentary majority with the support of far-left years in power he has overseen strong economic growth, the Libyan capital,” Secretary of State Mike Podemos and nationalist parties from Valencia and largely supported by a construction boom funded with Pompeo said late Sunday. the Basque Country. cheap debt, which has won backing for the AKP beyond “This unilateral military campaign against Tripoli Sanchez could also seek a coalition with Ciudadanos its base of pious, conservative Turks. is endangering civilians and undermining prospects but the centre-right party has ruled out any deal with for a better future for all Libyans,” he added. the Socialists. TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2019 PROMOTIONAL ITEM IRAN NEWS 5 6 IRAN NEWS INTERNATIONAL TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2019

BEIJING (Sputnik) – China’s Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding company and Norway’s DNV GL accredited registrar and classification society have signed an agreement on the joint development of the world’s biggest liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker, the Chinese firm said on Wednesday in a statement. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 19th International Conference & Exhibition on China to Build World’s Biggest LNG Tanker Liquefied Natural Gas in Shanghai (LNG2019). The deadline for the tanker’s construction is not clear, but the parties agreed to prepare technical documents on the project by the end of next year. The tanker is expected to transport up to 270,000 cubic metres (9.5 million cubic feet) of LNG. Global Economy Enters Synchronized Slowdown UN Chief Urges Leaders to Reject LONDON (Dispatches) - The global economy has entered a “synchronised Hate Speech, Discrimination slowdown” which may be difficult to reverse in 2019, according to the latest update of a tracking index compiled by the Brookings Institution think-tank and TEHRAN (UNIC) - United Nations Secretary- the Financial Times. General Antonio Guterres in his message on the Sentiment indicators and economic data across advanced and emerging economies occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the Genocide have been deteriorating since last northern autumn, suggesting fading momentum in against the Tutsi in Rwanda, 7 April 2019, called on global growth and the need to resort to new forms of economic stimulus. all political, religious and civil society leaders to The worsening outlook has sparked warnings from Christine Lagarde, managing reject hate speech and discrimination. director of the IMF, who said the fund would cut its growth forecasts later this week, and the World Trade Organization which has said the continued threats of trade The full text of his message reads: skirmishes had weakened forecasts. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the The findings follow generally disappointing economic indicators over the past six genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, one of months that have shown a similar picture in the U.S., China and Europe. the darkest chapters in recent human history. Professor Eswar Prasad of the Brookings Institution said the slowdown did More than 800,000 people overwhelmingly not yet appear to be heading for a global recession, but all parts of the world Tutsi, but also moderate Hutu and others who economy were losing momentum. opposed the genocide were systematically “The nature of the slowdown has ominous portents for these economies over the killed in less than three months. On this Day, next few years, especially given present constraints on macroeconomic policies that we honor those who were murdered and could stimulate growth,” he said. reflect on the suffering and resilience of those The Brookings-FT Tracking Index for the Global Economic Recovery (Tiger) who survived. compares indicators of real activity, financial markets and investor confidence with Growth indicators in Europe have been disappointing, Professor Prasad said. As we renew our resolve to prevent such their historical averages for the global economy and for individual countries. Globally, only India stands out as an exception to the slowing trend, boosted by fiscal atrocities from ever happening again, we are The headline readings slipped back significantly at the end of last year and are at and monetary stimulus ahead of national elections starting later this month. seeing dangerous trends of rising xenophobia, their lowest levels for both advanced and emerging economies since 2016, the year Delays in the anticipated trade rapprochement between the US and China have also racism and intolerance in many parts of the of the weakest global economic performance since the financial crisis. raised questions over the prospects for greater momentum in the world economy in world. Particularly troubling is the proliferation The index fell partly because hard data indicating real economic activity has been the second half of the year. of hate speech and incitement to violence. They weaker, with countries such as Italy falling into recession and Germany narrowly “Trade tensions and the uncertainty they have spawned are likely to leave a long- are an affront to our values, and threaten human avoiding one and with the US economy losing steam as the effects of Donald Trump’s lasting scar on the world economy. This uncertainty is undermining business rights, social stability and peace. Wherever they tax cuts wear off. confidence and depressing private investment, which has implications for longer- occur, hate speech and incitement to violence Although economic sentiment remains high in advanced economies, it has term productivity growth,” Professor Prasad said. should be identified, confronted and stopped to fallen from its peaks and has plummeted to well below normal levels in He added that any weakness might be amplified by policymakers’ inability to prevent them leading, as they have in the past, to emerging economies, led by fears that China’s years of rapid economic growth provide effective stimulus to boost prospects later this year. hate crimes and genocide. are coming to an end. “High levels of public debt are likely to limit the ability of major advanced I call on all political, religious and civil society Although China’s economy has been showing signs of improvement following economies to counteract a slowdown with fiscal stimulus,” he said. “Conventional leaders to reject hate speech and discrimination, and government efforts to stimulate capital spending and the U.S. Federal Reserve’s monetary policy remains constrained in many advanced economies where policy to work vigorously to address and mitigate the root reversal of its plans for further interest rate rises this year has had a steadying effect, rates are close to or below zero, while any further unconventional monetary policy causes that undermine social cohesion and create economic confidence has taken a knock over the past six months. actions present significant risks and uncertain pay-offs.” conditions for hatred and intolerance. The capacity for evil resides in all our societies, but so, too, do the qualities of understanding, kindness, justice and reconciliation. Let us work together to build a harmonious future for all. This is China Wants to Work With EU on Trade the best way to honor those who lost their lives so tragically in Rwanda 25 years ago. BERLIN (Reuters) - China wants to work with the Concerned by potential Chinese dominance of European Union on issues from climate change to trade, strategic European industries, the EU is trying to coax Premier Li Keqiang wrote in a German newspaper Beijing to open up its markets and has tried to get it to before a summit next week aimed at cementing ties. commit to removing what Brussels sees as unfair Diplomats in Brussels have said that tensions over barriers to trade. Half the World Population Still Unable trade, investments and minority rights mean China and Li wrote that China was ready to work closely the EU may fail to agree a joint declaration at the April with Europe in upholding the Paris Climate 9 summit. That could dent European efforts to gain Agreement, supporting sustainable development, greater access to Chinese markets. retaining the international nuclear deal with Iran To Obtain Essential Health Services In a column for Monday’s edition of Handelsblatt, and fighting terrorism. extracts of which were released on Sunday, the Chinese He also said it wanted to exchange views on reforming TEHRAN (UNIC) - United Nations Secretary- Premier denied accusations Beijing was trying to split the World Trade Organization. General Antonio Guterres in his message on World the bloc by investing in eastern European states. The EU is China’s largest trading partner. Health Day, 7 April 2019, said that half the world’s “We emphatically support the European integration An increase in Chinese takeovers in critical population is still unable to obtain the essential process in the hope of a united and prosperous Europe,” sectors in Europe and an impression in health services they need. wrote Li. He said Beijing’s close cooperation with Brussels that Beijing has not kept its promise to eastern European states was “advantageous for a stand up for free trade has complicated talks The full text of his message reads: balanced development within the EU”. before the summit. This World Health Day focuses on universal health coverage and the crucial role primary health care plays in making such coverage a reality. Half the world’s population is still unable to Italy to Hike 2020 Deficit Goal to Around 2.1% S. Korean Firms’ Investment Drops in 2018 obtain the essential health services they need. Universal Health Coverage is about changing this ROME (Reuters) - Italy will probably raise its 2020 budget deficit goal to around 2.1 percent SEOUL (Yonhap) -- Investment by major South Korean business groups decreased and ensuring equitable access to health services of gross domestic product when it publishes new targets this week, three government about 3 percent last year from a year earlier amid contracting demand at home and for all, without people experiencing financial sources told Reuters, and the figure could be hiked again after the summer. abroad, data showed Sunday. hardship as a result. Italy, whose public debt is proportionally the highest in the euro zone after Greece’s, According to the data by corporate tracker CEO Score, 855 companies affiliated This is central to building healthy societies is struggling to hold its finances in check while keeping costly promises made by the with the country’s top 60 conglomerates made investments in facilities, real estate and economies and to achieving the populist ruling coalition. and intangible assets worth a combined 98.5 trillion won ($86.6 billion) in 2018. Sustainable Development Goals. And it is not The new forecasts will be presented in the annual Economic and Financial The 2018 tally marked a 3.1 percent drop from the previous year’s 101.6 just about improving health services. It is Document (DEF) due to be issued by Wednesday, which sets the framework for the trillion won. about policies and action across many sectors. 2020 budget. The current 2020 deficit target, set in December, is 1.8 percent of GDP, Samsung Group, the largest business group by asset in South Korea, cut its We need to address the broader determinants down from 2.04 percent this year, but a recent economic downturn means both years investment by 25.7 percent, or 9.9 trillion won, to 28.5 trillion won last year. of health, including social, economic and will have to be revised up. No. 2 Hyundai Motor Group also reduced investment 6.9 percent last year, while environmental factors. Next year’s GDP growth will be trimmed to just below 1 percent from the current investment by Amore Pacific, a leading cosmetics firms, was more than halved. And we must invest in people. We need highly forecast of 1.1 percent, two of the sources said. They asked not to be named because they On the other hand, SK Group, the third-largest business group, increased investment trained and skilled health workers who can are not authorised to talk about the DEF. The numbers in the DEF will not be finalised by 48.5 percent to 21.2 trillion won last year on its massive project to build educate and advocate for their patients. We need before the end of ongoing talks between the ruling coalition of the anti-establishment semiconductor production lines for SK hynix Inc. in the country. empowered individuals who know how to take 5-Star Movement and the right-wing League. LG Group also spent 14.1 trillion won to expand its battery and display plants last care of their health and that of their families. And The government will update its targets again in September, when it will have to find year, up 22.7 percent from a year earlier. we need communities to have access to health a way to avoid some 23 billion euros ($25.81 billion) of hikes in sales tax scheduled The South Korean economy has been struggling with falling corporate investment care when and where they need it. We must also to take effect in 2020, but which the ruling parties have promised to scrap. amid clear signs of an economic slowdown. highlight the importance of mental health, so Claudio Borghi, the League’s economics spokesman, suggested last month the Separate central bank data showed that Asia’s fourth-largest economy saw often stigmatized and forgotten. government might cancel its facility investment Primary health care is the key to achieving the sales tax hikes simply by drop 1.6 percent on-year, these goals and universal health coverage. increasing public borrowing, marking the largest decline Last year’s Astana Declaration has paved the which would raise the since 2009. way for the world to prioritize the investments deficit above the EU’s It plunged from a 14.6 we need. Now it is time to implement the 3 percent of GDP ceiling. percent jump in 2017 when commitments made. This is sure to be resisted chipmaking companies like Health is a human right. Political commitment by Economy Minister Samsung Electronics Co. and partnerships will be crucial in bringing it to Giovanni Tria, an academic expanded their facilities life. Let us show the world that we are ready to who is not a member of to meet booming global bridge the gaps in health coverage worldwide and either ruling party. demand for chips. deliver health for all. TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2019 WORLD NEWS IRAN NEWS 7

MOSCOW (Dispatches) - Trade between Russia and Iran saw a 14.2 percent year-on-year increase to $360.7 million in January and February 2019, the Russian Federal Customs Service’s data showed on Monday. The data showed that exports from Russia to Iran in the given period totaled $262. 7 million, having increased by 20.6 percent, while imports to Russia from Iran stood at $98 million, Russia-Iran Trade Up 14.2% which is a 0.2 percent increase. Iran’s share in the Russian foreign trade increased from 0.3 percent in January-February 2018 to 0.4 percent in the same period this year.

Blacklisting IRGC... New NAFTA Deal in Trouble FROM PAGE 1 Earlier Larijani had said that the “ruthless” policies adopted by U.S. President Donald Trump during his term MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - More than six months after the United States, Mexico in office have created a tense situation in the world, and Canada agreed a new deal to govern more than $1 trillion in regional trade, the undermining the global order and international peace. chances of the countries ratifying the pact this year are receding. The top lawmaker made the remarks in a Sunday address The three countries struck the United States-Mexico-Canada agreement (USMCA) to the General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union on Sept. 30, ending a year of difficult negotiations after U.S. President Donald (IPU) held in the Qatari capital of Doha. Trump demanded the preceding trade pact be renegotiated or scrapped. Larijani referred to the U.S. withdrawal from its But the deal has not ended trade tensions in North America. If ratification is INF treaty with Russia, its trade war on China and the delayed much longer, it could become hostage to electoral politics. European countries, its withdrawal from the Paris The United States has its next presidential contest in 2020, and Canada holds a federal Climate Agreement and the Iran nuclear deal, and its election in October. The delay means businesses are still uncertain about the framework ruthless behaviors in Jerusalem al-Quds and the that will govern future investments in the region. “The USMCA is in trouble,” said occupied Palestinian territories, and said such Andres Rozental, a former Mexican deputy foreign minister for North America. behaviors by American statesmen have undermined Though he believed the deal would ultimately be approved, Rozental said peace and security in the world. opposition from U.S. Democrats and unions to labor provisions in the deal, as well Over 160 countries, including Iran, attended Qatar as bickering over tariffs, made its passage in the next few months highly unlikely. IPU conference, which Saudi Arabia and three Arab Canada’s Parliament must also ratify the treaty and officials say the timetable is allies had boycotted. very tight. Current legislators only have a few weeks work left before the start of the “There’s going to be a bit of everything,” she told Reuters, declining to give details Larijani also pointed to Washington’s recent summer recess in June, and members of the new Parliament would have little chance of how the list - originally encompassing products such as bourbon, cheese, motor decision to recognize the “Israeli sovereignty” to address ratification until 2020. Trump, a Republican, has shown frustration with boats, pork legs, steel and apples - could be modified. over the occupied Golan Heights, and said it is the Democratic-led U.S. House of Representatives for failing to sign off on the De la Mora would not be drawn on whether Mexico could refuse to ratify USMCA ridiculous to gift part of the Syrian territories to USMCA. He has threatened to pull out of the old pact, the North American Free if steel tariffs are not withdrawn, saying only: “All options are on the table.” the usurper Zionist regime. Trade Agreement (NAFTA), if Congress does not hurry up. In Ottawa, Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said this week her “The abnormal behavior is neither logical nor in If Trump did dump NAFTA, the three nations would revert to trade rules in place before it government was “constantly” looking at its own retaliation list, noting that Trump’s compliance with the UN’s decisions and the international came into effect in 1994. Canada and Mexico are seeking exemption from U.S. tariffs on tariffs left the country over C$16 billion worth of space to strike back. legal order,” he said, praising the UN Security Council global metal imports imposed last year. The metals tariffs were not included in the USMCA Freeland did not say when that list could change, and a government source, for being vigilant enough to reject the “cheap” decision. and Mexico and Canada are impatient to resolve the issue. Mexico has repeatedly threatened speaking on condition of anonymity, said it might not be necessary. Still, Freeland The U.S. has become the subject of a new round of furor to target new U.S. products by the end of April in retribution if tariffs are imposed. said Canada was coordinating with Mexico about its options. by Russia, Iran, Lebanon, Turkey and EU states Meanwhile, Trump on Thursday threatened to slap tariffs on Mexican auto exports Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who faces a tough re-election battle, on Thursday following its controversial decision to recognize Israeli unless Mexico does more to stop drug traffickers and illegal immigration. Mexico’s rejected accepting quotas on Canadian steel and aluminum in exchange for U.S. “sovereignty” over the occupied Golan Heights. government is in the final stages of completing a new list of potential U.S. imports tariffs being dropped. Trudeau was criticized during the USMCA negotiations for The Iranian official further referred to the to be targeted, said Luz Maria de la Mora, a Mexican deputy economy minister. giving ground to Trump on access to Canada’s dairy sector. “regrettable” stance of the US toward the recent floods in Iran, and its move to block the delivery of international humanitarian aid to the Iranian Red Crescent Society. “Just compare the unwise behavior Pakistan GDP Growth Boeing Cutting Production Rate of Troubled 737 Max Jjet of the U.S. Secretary of State in a humanitarian case with the hypocritical slogans of the U.S. regime,” he To Slow Down to 2.7% NEW YORK (Dispatches) - Boeing emerged that needs fixing on the said, referring to U.S. Secretary of State Mike will cut production of its troubled Max — a discovery that explained Pompeo’s exploitation of the national emergency in 737 Max airliner this month, why the aircraft maker had pushed Iran to once again attack the Islamic Republic. underscoring the growing financial back its ambitious schedule for In his Sunday comments, the Iranian parliament risk it faces the longer that its best- getting the planes back in the air. speaker also condemned the Israeli regime’s recent selling plane remains grounded after A Boeing spokesman called it a aggressions on Al-Aqsa mosque and other holy sites two deadly crashes. “relatively minor issue” and said the in Jerusalem al-Quds as well as Tel Aviv’s ethnic The company said that starting in mid- plane maker already has a fix in the cleansing and expansionist, anti-human, and illegal April it will cut production of the plane works. He said the latest issue is not measures, describing them as a result of ridiculous to 42 from 52 planes per month so it can part of flight-control software called American-Israeli shows. focus its attention on fixing the flight- MCAS that Boeing has been “The two regimes [the U.S. and Israel] have always control software that has been implicated in the crashes. working to upgrade since the first crash. tried to create bigger challenges and troubles in a bid to ISLAMABAD (Dispatches) - Pakistan’s GDP growth is The move was not a complete surprise. Boeing had Chairman and CEO Dennis Muilenburg described the do their own business in a destabilized region,” he added. projected to slow down to 3.4 percent in fiscal year 2018-19, already suspended deliveries of the Max last month production cut as temporary and a response to the from 5.8 percent a year before, and to 2.7 percent in FY2019-20, after regulators around the world grounded the jet. suspension of Max deliveries. reflecting a broad-based weakening in domestic demand as Preliminary reports into accidents in Indonesia and Boeing has delivered fewer than 400 Max jets but has Pakistan... monetary and fiscal policies have been tightened to contain Ethiopia found that faulty sensor readings erroneously a backlog of more than 4,600 unfilled orders. The macroeconomic imbalances, the World Bank said in a report. triggered an anti-stall system that pushed the plane’s Chicago-based company had hoped to expand Max FROM PAGE 1 In its latest edition of the “South Asia Economic Focus, nose down. Pilots of each plane struggled in vain to production this year to 57 planes a month. They said that during 2017, the cement exports Exports Wanted”, the World Bank cited macroeconomic regain control over the automated system. Indonesia’s Garuda Airlines has said it will cancel an started dropping substantially from 45 percent to 35 imbalances, reflected in large fiscal and current account In all, 346 people died in the crashes. Boeing order for 49 Max jets. Other airlines, including Lion percent and now in 8MFY19, the exports to deficits, as the reason behind the projected slowdown in faces a growing number of lawsuits filed by Air, whose Max 8 crashed off the coast of Indonesia on Afghanistan constitute only 24 percent of all exports. Pakistan’s GDP growth. families of the victims. Oct. 29, have raised the possibility of canceling. They said that presently Iran uses only half of its total “In Pakistan, external account pressure reduced international Boeing also announced it is creating a special board A Boeing official said Friday’s announcement about cement domestically while rest of 40 million tons is reserves to USD 6.6 billion (1.3 months of goods and services committee to review airplane design and development. cutting production was not due to potential cancellations. smuggled to neighboring countries of Afghanistan, import coverage) by mid-January 2019. With short-term The announcement to cut production comes after The official spoke on condition of anonymity because Pakistan and India. They said that Iran is further financing from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Boeing acknowledged that a second software issue has Boeing does not publicly discuss those details. planning to enhance its capacity to 120 million tons by Emirates and China, international reserves increased to USD 2025. Following the entry of Iranian cement in Afghan 10.5 billion (2.0 months of goods and services import coverage) market after international sanctions were lifted, Pakistan at the end of March. Meanwhile, the government continues to Indonesia Presidential Race Heats Up exports share dropped to 1.2 million tons cement to the negotiate a support package with the International Monetary Afghan market. There is also the fact that political Fund,” the report stated. JAKARTA (Dispatches) - Indonesian presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto called for change in a tensions between the countries have not always been “The current account deficit continued to widen but rally Sunday, talking down the government’s economic performance as competition heats up ahead of conducive to vibrant trade relations, they added. stabilized over the course of last year and it stood at 5.2 an election next week. As exports move away from Afghanistan and percent of GDP in the fourth quarter of 2018. The current Indonesia goes to the polls on April 17 in a contest that pits the incumbent Joko Widodo against the contender toward other far flung countries, cement manufacturers account deficit reached 8.8 USD billion (3.3 percent of GDP) with the economy being the focal point in the race. President Widodo was to speak later in the day at South located in the South are the most to gain as they are at the end of February 2019, compared to $11.4b (3.7 percent Tangerang in the province of Banten. strategically located near the ports. of GDP) the year before.” Prabowo, a former general who Widodo beat in the 2014 election, told a rally at a stadium in Jakarta that Regarding inflation, the report observed, “In Pakistan core Indonesia’s “wealth is robbed continuously, taken and sent abroad,” and that the leakage would cost the country inflation steadily rose throughout 2018, mostly due to 10,000 trillion rupiah ($708 billion) over the next five years. Iran Agrees... currency pressures which made imported final and “Indonesian people are fed up, want improvement, want change,” Prabowo said. He put the number of people at intermediate goods more expensive. It reached 8.3 percent the rally at “more than a million” although that figure could not be verified. FROM PAGE 1 (year over year) in December of last year, the highest value The latest polls have Widodo on track to win, with a Roy Morgan survey April 3 putting support for him at 56.6 percent. After Abdul Mahdi’s arrival in Tehran, an Iraqi political since January 2015... Consumer prices increased despite a Still, Prabowo has closed the gap in recent weeks on the back of a promise to lower prices and to get “a better deal” source announced that the premier would present a solution strong decline in food prices. “Inflation increased owing to in trade with China. Some surveys have estimated about 10 percent of voters remain undecided. to bring the viewpoints of Tehran and Riyadh closer together. exchange rate depreciation, demand side pressures and According to the same source, Abdul Mahdi’s trip to higher fuel prices. Consumer prices rose by 8.2 percent from Iran was seemingly aimed at boosting mutual ties and February 2018 to February 2019, the highest rate in South S. Korea... discussing mechanisms to implement the agreements and Asia. Average inflation reached 7.0 percent in the period FROM PAGE 1 memoranda of understanding already signed by the two between October 2018 and February 2019, compared to countries, said the same source. However, the source 4.1 percent in the same period last year.” A spokeswoman for SK Innovation, owner of SK Energy, and a spokesman from Hyundai Oilbank declined to comment. added, the prime minister would also put forward a “Pakistan’s currency has continued to depreciate against its Seoul has been negotiating with the U.S. to extend its six-month waiver, saying there are few alternatives to the solution to ease tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia. trading partners over the last six months. Pakistan’s real Iranian condensate it buys, according to a former U.S. official. On day two of Abdul Mahdi’s trip to Iran on April 7, effective exchange rate, which is the average of its currency To gain an extension, South Korea will likely have to reduce its current imports by between 5% and 20%, three 2019, another Iraqi source privy to the details of the in relation to an index of other major currencies weighted by sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. premier’s trip said in an interview with baghdadtoday. their relative trade shares and adjusted for inflation South Korea, a close U.S. political ally, also does not want to jeopardize its relationship with Washington. com that Iran had asked the Iraqi prime minister to differentials, depreciated by nearly 5.5 percent from October Washington is trying to cut Iran’s oil exports to less than 1 million barrels per day (bpd), down from more than rectify Iranian-Saudi relations through a three-way 2018 to March of this year. The depreciation against its 2.5 million bpd last May. meeting attended by Iran, Saudi Arabia and Iraq. trading partners increases the price competitiveness of South Korea imported roughly 176,237 barrels per day of Iranian crude in the January to February period, Abdul Mahdi is to travel to Saudi Arabia in the Pakistan’s exports in international markets and makes according to data from the Korea National Oil Corp (Knoc), down 38.5% from the same period a year earlier. coming days. According to Iraqi sources, the state of imports more expensive. Over time, such an adjustment of U.S. crude exports to South Korea averaged roughly 256,000 Bpd in 2018, according to the Energy Information Baghdad’s mediation between Tehran and Riyadh will relative prices is needed if policies are put in place to improve Administration. But, imports in February surged to 443,000 Bpd, the Knoc data showed. be clarified after the prime minister’s trip to Riyadh. the trade balance,” the World Bank stated. Bettiol Clinches IRAN NEWS Sarri Wants to Retain Licence Holder: Sokhan Gostar Institute First Title Giroud at Chelsea OME (Dispatches) - Italian Alberto Bettiol won the Switchboard: E-Mail Address: ONDON (Reuters) - Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri expects (+98) (21) 44253448 [email protected] Rgruelling Tour of Flanders on Sunday, riding home alone ISSN 1024-6053 LOlivier Giroud to stay at the club next season and said he Public Relations Tel: for a maiden career victory after breaking away with 18 15875-8551 believes the French striker wants to remain at Stamford Bridge. (+98)(21) 44253450 P.O. Box: kilometres to go. Address: No 13, Pajouhesh St., Giroud’s contract expires in June but Chelsea have an option Editorial Board: 44253449 Dane Kasper Asgreen escaped the chasing group in the final Goletan II St, Goletan St.Marzdaran to extend the deal by a further 12 months. The 32-year-old, who

straight to finish second with Norwegian Alexander Kristoff third. Public Relations Fax: Blvd., Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran joined from Arsenal last January, said last month that he wanted Bettiol, a 25-year-old who rides for American team EF First (+98)(21) 44253395 Printed by:Honar Sarzmin Sabz to move back to France after growing frustrated by a lack of Education, attacked on the approach to the third and final Advertising Department: Ditributed by: playing time since Chelsea signed Argentine striker Gonzalo ascent of the Oude Kwaremont. Tel/Fax:(+98) (21) 44253335-9/44253234 Cities of Iran Cultural and Higuain in the recent transfer window. Website: Artistic Institute http://www.irannewsdaily.com Managing Director: Fereydoon Taherpour Asl

8 IRAN NEWS SPORTS TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2019 Keys Claims Heat’s Playoff Hopes Sevilla Coach Caparros Diagnosed With Leukaemia Charleston Crown ADRID (Reuters) - CHARLESTON (AFP) - Madison Keys claimed the Fade With Loss MSevilla coach first clay court title of her career on Sunday with a Joaquin Caparros revealed straight sets defeat of Caroline Wozniacki in the after his side’s 2-0 win at final of the Charleston Open. Real Valladolid on Sunday World number 18 Keys, who had not reached a that he had been diagnosed WTA final since her defeat to Sloane Stephens at the with leukaemia but vowed U.S. Open in 2017, took 1hr 46 min to complete a to continue in his job. 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 win over Danish fifth seed Wozniacki. “Everyone knows I have It marked the fourth title of Keys career and her Sevilla in my blood but first since winning at Stanford in 2017. there has been a problem Her win also completed a superb week in South with my white and red Carolina, where she defeated three Grand Slam blood cells and I have been champions -- Jelena Ostapenko, Stephens and told that I have chronic Wozniacki -- to take the title. leukaemia,” Caparros, 63, told a news conference. After winning a close opening set on a tiebreak, “It does not impede me from doing my job and I’m Keys took control of the second set with a stroke of carrying out a normal life day to day. I am not receiving good fortune. any treatment so everyone should remain calm. A netcord earned her a break to go 4-2 up, and from “I want to keep enjoying my job and I thank the club there she was not going to surrender the initiative for allowing me to continue with this opportunity. I’m and duly closed out the set to complete the win. not going to talk any more about this.” Caparros took charge of Sevilla for the third time last month by switching role from sporting director to head coach after Pablo Machin was sacked. Watford Reach His side climbed to fifth place in La Liga after the EW YORK (Dispatches) - Pascal Siakam had received from the officials for the early whistle win at Valladolid which lifted their hopes of N23 points and 10 rebounds, Kawhi Leonard included “nothing that was coherent or makes sense.” qualifying for the Champions League by taking FA Cup Final scored 22 points and the Toronto Raptors beat “You blow the whistle when you hand the ball to ONDON (Dispatches) - Javi Gracia hailed Miami 117-109 in overtime on Sunday, further somebody when they’re out of bounds, not before,” L“angry” Gerard Deulofeu after the Spaniard denting the Heat’s fading playoff hopes. Spoelstra said. “That got us moving, into motion, came off the bench to spark an incredible comeback Norman Powell matched his season high with 23 before that.” No Job Guarantee as Watford beat Wolves 3-2 to set up an FA Cup points, Danny Green scored seven of his 21 points in “It’s very disappointing that that play was allowed final against mighty Manchester City. overtime and OG Anunoby had 12 as Toronto won its to continue,” he said. “From our vantage point, that Gracia’s side looked down and out at Wembley fourth straight over the Heat. was a botched play. You just set it again. That happens For Kovac on Sunday, trailing 2-0 late in normal time Dwyane Wade scored 21 points and James a million times during the course of an NBA season.” ERLIN (Dispatches) - before a moment of magic from Deulofeu and a Johnson had 18 for the Heat, who have lost a Miami lost its season-high fourth in a row. BBayern Munich CEO nerveless last-gasp penalty from captain Troy season-high four straight. The Heat could have guaranteed a postseason berth Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has Deeney pulled them level. Miami could have guaranteed a postseason berth by by winning their final three games — they host warned coach Niko Kovac Earlier, a goal from Matt Doherty in the first half winning its final three games — the Heat host Philadelphia on Tuesday and close the regular season that he is not safe from the and a second-half strike from Raul Jimenez had Philadelphia on Tuesday and close the regular season at Brooklyn the following day. sack, despite Bayern’s seemingly set Wolves on the path to their first FA at Brooklyn the following day. Miami was in position breathtaking 5-0 victory over Cup final since 1960 in a full-blooded cup tie. to be eliminated later Sunday if Orlando defeated Houston 149, Phoenix 113 title rivals Borussia Dortmund Wolves picked themselves up after the penalty and Boston and Brooklyn beat Indiana. James Harden scored 30 points in just three quarters on Saturday. settled quickly at the start of extra time. Dion Waiters scored 17 points, Justise Winslow had as Houston broke its NBA record by making 27 “Nobody has a job But the momentum was with a physical 15 and Hassan Whiteside 14. 3-pointers in a win over Phoenix. guarantee at Bayern, that is Watford side and they took the lead for the first Miami had the ball in the frontcourt with the Eric Gordon led the 3-point brigade by tying a career a guiding principle at the time in the match in the 104th minute after more score tied 103-103 and 10 seconds left in the high with eight, Harden added five, P.J. Tucker had club,” said Rummenigge in brilliance from Spaniard Deulofeu, who rolled fourth quarter. Official Eric Lewis blew the four and Danuel House three. a Sky Sports chat show on Sunday morning. the ball past John Ruddy from a tight angle after whistle and the Heat players started running into Gary Clark tied the record with a little over three “Anyone who can’t deal with that pressure is at the holding off Conor Coady. position, but Dion Waiters hadn’t yet been given minutes to play and Houston missed the next four wrong club.” “When everything was lost I think the team was the ball for the inbounds pass. before Austin Rivers broke it with 1:09 remaining. The pressure on Kovac appeared to evaporate able to show our character, our personality, our Confused, the Heat ended up with a broken play at The Rockets have made 26 twice this season with the as Bayern regained their perch at the top of ambition and believing until the end we were able to the buzzer. James Johnson missed a jump shot and last time coming Tuesday at Sacramento. the Bundesliga with Saturday’s thumping win win today,” said a proud Garcia. Bam Adebayo grabbed the rebound and made a layup, Jamal Crawford had 27 points off the bench for the over Dortmund. Yet less than 24 hours later, The Watford manager said he knew Deulofeu but it came right after the buzzer and didn’t count. Suns with rising stars Devin Booker and Kelly Oubre Rummenigge told Sky that Kovac was at fault for would have an important role to play. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said the explanation he out for the season with injuries. Bayern’s troubles earlier in the season. Muguruza Retains PSG Miss Chance to Wrap Up Monterrey Title French Title ONTERREY (Reuters) - Spain’s Garbine ARIS (Dispatches) - Paris Saint-Germain MMuguruza successfully defended her Monterrey Psquandered the chance to clinch the Ligue 1 title in Open title on Sunday when Victoria Azarenka retired record-equaling time after being held to a 2-2 draw at injured from her first WTA singles final in three years. home by Strasbourg on Sunday. Second seed Muguruza was leading the match PSG were handed the opportunity to win their sixth between the two former world number ones 6-1 3-1 French crown in seven seasons after second-placed Lille when Azarenka decided she was unable to continue drew 1-1 at Reims earlier. That left Thomas Tuchel’s because of an injury to her right leg. side knowing that three points at the Parc des Princes “It’s unfortunate I couldn’t give my best today, but I would see them retain the title and wrap it up with eight tried my hardest,” a tearful Azarenka, who had not games to spare, matching the speed with which Laurent previously reached final since the birth of her first child in December 2016, said at the presentation. Blanc’s team became champions in 2016. “I want to say thank you to my son Leo, who is not with me here. I would love him to be here to share this with Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting gave them an early lead, and it looked as though the home side would get the job me because it is special.” done despite Kylian Mbappe being left on the bench at kick-off and Neymar, Edinson Cavani and Angel Di Maria The crowd responded with a chant of “Vika! Vika! Vika!”. all missing out due to injury. Muguruza’s victory never looked in doubt and ensured that the record run of different women winning WTA titles However, Strasbourg came into this game fresh from winning the League Cup last weekend and they fought back this season would be extended to 16 tournaments. The former French Open and Wimbledon champion broke the to lead before half-time with Nuno Da Costa turning in a Lionel Carole cross to equalise and Anthony Goncalves pained Belarusian three times in the first set and again in the fourth game of the second. lashing home from 22 yards to make it 2-1 in the 36th minute. “It’s a great feeling to come back and defend a title,” Muguruza said in a courtside interview. “It’s never easy.” Mbappe came off the bench on the hour mark but it was another substitute who made it 2-2 with eight minutes Azarenka received treatment on her leg during a medical time-out between sets, but it became apparent as the remaining. Julian Draxler sent in a corner from the right and Germany defender Thilo Kehrer headed home. second set began that her movement had become significantly hampered. However, having drawn at home to PSG back in December, mid-table Strasbourg then held on for a point.