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8 Pages Price 50,000 Rials 1.00 EURO 4.00 AED 42nd year No.13915 Sunday APRIL 11, 2021 Farvardin 22, 1400 Sha’aban 28, 1442

Delay in removing Iran’s Farhad Shahmiri Value of 11-month IRGC hospitals double sanctions benefits Iran, ends refereeing export to Afghanistan capacity to battle harms West Page 2 career Page 3 hits $2b Page 4 coronavirus Page 7

West, IAEA failed to provide nuclear technology to Iran, Rouhani bemoans TEHRAN – President Hassan Rouhani said industry in Iran,” the president remarked. on Saturday that the Joint Comprehensive Rouhani said, “This was great thing We fought for this Plan of Action (JCPOA), the common name that was done in this time.” for the 2015 nuclear deal, completely legalized The JCPOA was concluded on July 14, nuclear technology in Iran and this was a 2015 between Iran and the 5+1 nations, great achievement that happened during and the European Union. It was endorsed See page 3 his early years as president. by United Nations Security Council Res- Rouhani made the remarks as Iran olution 2231. However, former U.S. pres- marked National Nuclear Technology ident Donald Trump abandoned the deal for 43 years Day on Saturday. in violation of international law and this “One of the honorable results of the led to many consequences. JCPOA was that it fully legalized nuclear Continued on page 2 Over 89m Kwh of electricity generated from renewable sources in a month TEHRAN – According to the data released liters of water and also prevented the emission by Iran’s Renewable Energy and Energy Effi- of 57,000 tons of Green House Gases (GHG). ciency Organization (known as SATBA), the The capacity of Iran’s renewable power country’s renewable power plants generat- plants reached 920.260 megawatts (MW) in ed over 89 million kilowatt-hours (Kwh) of the mentioned month, of which solar power electricity in the last month of the previous plants with 452.75 MW had the biggest share. Iranian calendar year (February 19- March Wind power plants with 317 MW of 20), IRNA reported. Electricity generation energy production stood in second place, from renewables in the said month led to econ- followed by small hydropower plants with omizing on the consumption of natural gas by a generation of 105.65 MW. 25 million cubic meters while saving 19 million Continued on page 4 Medical equipment export grows by 23% despite sanctions TEHRAN – The export of medical equip- products increased by 15 percent, he added, ment experienced a growth rate of 23 per- ISNA reported on Saturday. Iran unveils dozens of cent over the past [Iranian calendar] year “In the field of detergent products, we (March 2020-March 2021) despite U.S. have had 13 percent export growth com- nuclear achievements sanctions, Mohammad Reza Shanehsaz, pared to the same period a year before.” head of the Food and Drug Administra- One of the important programs of this tion, said. year will be to facilitate exports and fur- on Nuclear Day In the field of medicine export, there ther activity in the markets of the target

president.ir was also an 8 percent increase compared countries, he concluded. to a year before, while export of cosmetic Continued on page 7 Tebuireng School of Iranian handicrafts: discover 40% of U.S. Marines have rejected Religious Sciences Gabbeh of Bushehr coronavirus vaccine

BY MOHAMMAD JAVDAN TEHRAN – Gabbeh is a traditional flooring similar by nature and surroundings. Just shy of 40 percent of Marine Corps service cine confidence” among servicemen, adding n 1899, while Muhammad Hasy- to carpet but they differ from one another in motifs, Patterns of Gabbeh are created by the memory members have refused to take the corona- that reluctant troops can always “change their im Asy’ari was returning from a size, colors, and the number of its long and thick of their weavers. They are completely free to use virus jab, new data provided to the media mind and become vaccinated when next the trip to Mecca, he thought of estab- wefts. It is one of the most popular handicrafts in any motif and they can place it anywhere they shows. The revelation comes as Democratic opportunity presents itself.” I the southwestern province of Bushehr. desire in the pattern. Another major difference lawmakers push to make the vaccine man- Another 102,000 or so Marines, including lishing a school of religious studies to help the Indonesian community Gabbeh represents a rough and primitive between Gabbeh and carpet is the color palette datory for soldiers. active-duty and reserve troops, are still in line entangled in poverty and ignorance. carpet with patterns mostly made by nomadic used in them, according to Visit Iran, the official Some 75,500 Marines have agreed to be vac- for the immunization and have not had a chance For this purpose Asy’ari went to one of people. They are manufactured by handspun travel guide to the country. cinated as of Thursday, while around 48,000 to accept or decline. the villages near where he lived, which was wool, both in the pile and warp, and the yarns A major part of the Gabbeh is weaved using have declined the inoculation, CNN reported, The rejection rate was much higher at known for corruption and gambling. Those are dyed using plant dyes. The patterns of the wools in their raw color. The Bushehr Gabbeh citing numbers provided by the branch. That certain bases, such as Camp Lejeune, a ma- in Tebuireng never imagined that their carpet are of a simple type with only a few ele- has plain backgrounds in white, cream, brown, puts the rejection rate at 38.9%, slightly higher jor Marine installation in North Carolina, village would later be known as the cradle ments of decorative, mostly rectangular objects black, and grey, and the patterns are made in than the 33% rate for the whole military given where 57% of service members have refused of the world’s largest Muslim movement. containing animals. black, red, dark blue, and other similar colors. by defense officials. to take the shot. Haji Muhammad Hasyim, known locally They are common in almost all the villages The weavers are mostly women and girls who Marine spokeswoman Colonel Kelly Frushour While the military is currently barred from as “Kiai Haji” Muhammad Hasyim, got and even some of the cities of the southwestern each have a special kind of motif on their minds explained that Marines may be refusing the shot mandating any of the coronavirus vaccines rolled acquainted with religious sciences through province. The motifs and patterns of Gabbeh are and they skillfully weave them. In general, the for a number of reasons, including allowing out in the U.S., as each has received only emergen- his father at the School of Religious Stud- not the same as the carpet. Gabbeh may do not common feature of the Gabbeh of Bushehr is others in more vulnerable groups to take it first, cy FDA approval rather than full authorization, ies. Then he left Indonesia for Mecca as a have any margin, or may not be symmetrical. the traditional patterns that have been evolved allergies to the vaccine or obtaining it by other, some in Congress have pressed the Joe Biden young man. And for many years during Many of its motifs look like paintings of chil- through generations and are artistically valuable. non-military means. administration to change that. his presence in this holy city, he studied dren, quite simple and primitive, but inspired Continued on page 6 Frushour stressed the need to “build vac- Continued on page 5 religion under the great Muslim scholars. Originally a Shafi’i )one of the four Sunni schools of religious law(, he gained Minorities struggle racism in Europe as right-wing movements rise: scholar GSA: Riyadh, Tal Aviv more knowledge in the science of hadith and came under the teaching of several BY MOHAMMAD MAZHARI the London School of Economics and Political and successful.” unhappy over possible great Indonesian scholars who special- TEHRAN - A London-based history professor Science, tells the Tehran Times. Following is the text of the Interview with ized in hadith in Mecca and taught Sahih says that today many people across the world Motadel who has held visiting positions at David Motadel: transformation from Bukhari(Sahih al-Bukhari is a collection face every day discrimination fuelled by the rise Harvard, Yale, Oxford, Sciences Po, and the Sor- How do you see the status of Muslims of hadith compiled by Imam Muhammad of right-wing movements. bonne also believes that “Europe has sometimes in European countries in view of the rise ‘maximum pressure’ to al-Bukhari; d. 256 AH/870 AD). “Many – as other minorities – struggle with been defined in religious terms, as Christendom. of populists in Europe? ‘maximum diplomacy’ Kiai Haji Muhammad Hasyim then got everyday racism, now further fuelled by the rise But there is a long history of Judaism in Europe.” I am concerned about the growth of right-wing acquainted with other great scholars who of right-wing movements,” David Motadel notes. However, the author of Islam and Nazi Ger- nationalist movements in Europe. Yet I am still BY M.A. SAKI were present in Mecca, and after a few years “The situation of minorities in Europe is overall many’s War and the editor of Islam and the convinced that the majority of Europe’s population TEHRAN - Chief executive officer of Gulf State An- of studying other sciences such as astronomy, better than anywhere else in the world,” Motadel, European Empires, notes that “the majority of is tolerant and will continue to resist these groups. alytics (GSA) says that both Saudis and Israelis in a mathematics, algebra and other sciences, associate professor of international history at Muslims in today’s Europe is well-integrated Continued on page 5 “tacit partnership” are worried about a revitalization he decided to return to Indonesia. of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. After settling in Indonesia, he decided “Saudi Arabia and Israel both share major con- to establish a school of religious studies cerns about the possibility of Biden’s administration to teach people what he had learned and transforming Washington’s Iran foreign policy from use it to promote his country, a dream Martyrdom “maximum pressure” to “maximum diplomacy,” that came true a few years later. Giorgio Cafiero tells the Tehran Times. Kiai Haji Muhammad Hasyim estab- Iran and the remaining members of the nu- lished a school with only two rooms, in anniversary clear deal, officially called the JCPOA, plan to one of which he lived and in the other he continue talks on the nuclear deal especially taught only 8 students of religious sciences. of Sayyad after they first held a virtual meeting on April His great thoughts, however, were not 2 and then agreed to hold talks in Vienna on limited to one room. He brought about such Shirazi April 7. They also held talks in Vienna on April a change in Indonesia’s education system 9. The sides also agreed to meet in the coming that for many years all public schools and Wednesday. The talks are being arranged by colleges imitated him and his seminary. marked the European Union as the coordinator of the His students grew from 8 to more than A ceremony was held on Thursday to JCPOA Joint Commission. 2,000 students in less than a year. commemorate the memory of Lt. Gen. However, some regional regimes, particularly Kiai Muhammad Hasyim is one Sayyad Shirazi who was martyred in front Israel and Saudi Arabia which seems to have formed of the most leading scholars of the of his house in Tehran 22 years ago. The a secret alliance, are really unhappy with a diplomatic contemporary era ceremony was arranged by the General solution when it comes to Iran. The establishment of the boarding Headquarters of the Army. Adbolrahim “Both the Saudi and Israeli governments school for religious studies was the start- Musavi, the commander of the Army, at- believe that former President Donald Trump’s ing point of a great thought that Asy’ari ‘maximum pressure’ on Tehran needs to stay and Saeed Reza Razavi tended the commemoration ceremony. believed in. At first, he believed that publi- Lt. Gen. Sayyad Shirazi was martyred by should not be eased until Iran drastically changes cization and cultural activities could bring a senior MKO terrorist named Zohreh many aspects of its foreign policy,” the DC-based good to society. Mehr/ Qa’emi. consultant adds. Continued on page 8 Continued on page 5 I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y POLITICS APRIL 11, 2021

Germany, U.S. voice West, IAEA failed to provide nuclear cautious optimism on Iran nuclear deal talks German foreign minister describes the technology to Iran, Rouhani bemoans ongoing talks as “constructive” President says JCPOA fully legalized nuclear technology in Iran Representatives from major world powers and Iran continued 1 Rouhani said nuclear technology industrialized countries are indebted to talks on the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is among superior technologies but since Iran for failing to help Iran in the nuclear on Friday in Vienna, with the U.S. and Germany both expressing the other sides have used this technology industry. cautious optimism about the state of the ongoing negotiations. for building atomic weapons have been Iran joined the NPT, acted based on the “The United States team put forward a very serious idea and pressing Iran and “put us parallel with IAEA Safeguards Agreement and voluntarily demonstrated a seriousness of purpose on coming back into themselves”. agreed to surprise inspections based on the compliance if Iran comes back into compliance,” a top U.S. State ‘16 years of problems for the Iranian Additional Protocol to the NPT to receive Department official in the talks told reporters Friday. nation’ technological support but this did not The official said the U.S. is The president went on to say that happen, the president explained. now waiting for Iran to recip- “unwarranted worries” about Iran’s nuclear Rouhani, who was Iran’s chief nuclear rocate its efforts. program have created problems for the negotiator during the Khatami administration What are European offi- Iranian nation for more than 16 years. from 2013-2015, said the duty of the IAEA cials saying about the talks? The nuclear negotiations with the is not just inspection and it should provide German Foreign Minis- European Union first started in 2013. technical services to NPT signatories. ter Heiko Maas described the “If the other side thinks properly, He added Iran has single-handedly ongoing talks as “constructive.” they will realize that their worries are manufactured 15 kinds of centrifuge “All sides showed a willing- unwarranted. These unwarranted worries machines without any technical support ness to work with the necessary have caused problems for the Iranian nation by the IAEA and countries with nuclear sincerity towards the same goal for 16 years,” the president remarked. technology, saying they have shunned their — the full implementation of the The president added if this “wrong responsibility in this regard. nuclear deal with Iran,” Maas assumption” had not been in “their minds” The world failed to help Iran in told German outlet RND in com- and paid attention to the history of the manufacturing centrifuges, stabile isotopes, ments published on Saturday. Iranian nation they would have become willingness to renter the U.S. into the termination of U.S. illegal sanctions. heavy water reactor, the president lamented. “It won’t be easy. We are only assured that the Iranian nation pays special agreement that Trump abandoned. Rouhani added, “I reiterated once again “That today we say we are ready to at the beginning of intensive attention to “religious and ethical issues”. Rouhani said the fact that Iran is still that all of our nuclear activities are peaceful voluntarily implement the Additional negotiations.” Noting that Iran’s nuclear policy is negotiating with the West, including and for non-military purposes. And as the Protocol and the Agency have the highest EU diplomat Enrique Mora called the talks “constructive and transparent, he said nuclear technology Americans, is that they have “created Supreme Leader have announced several supervisions its reward is not that the world results-oriented.” Permanent Representative of Russia to Inter- has applications in agriculture, medicine, problems and caused concerns for times, in our sharia view seeking nuclear say we will not sanction your commercial national Organizations in Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov said JCPOA electricity production, etc. themselves” about Iran’s nuclear program. arms that can pose great danger for the and economic activities.” participants “noted with satisfaction the initial progress made.” Negotiations have started since April 2 However, it should be noted that in the world is haram (forbidden).” Addressing the West, the IAEA and Iran says U.S. must lift all Trump-era sanctions to revitalize the JCPOA as President Joe ongoing talks in Vienna there is no direct Elsewhere in his remarks, the president countries mastering nuclear technology, A tweet from Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif earlier in Biden, a Democrat who served as Barack talks between the Iranian and American said the International Atomic Energy Rouhani said, “You are indebted to us. You the day urged Washington to return to “full compliance first.” Obama’s right-hand man, has expressed sides. Iran has linked direct talks to a full Agency, the United States, Europe and are not creditor.” He said “anti-JCPOA” sanctions implemented under former President Donald Trump must be removed. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said prior to Friday’s negotiations there “are signs that the U.S. is about Age, education and managerial posts of presidential candidates will be observed: MP to revise its position and lift sanctions.” Although the United States was an original signatory to the POLITICAL TEHRAN – A senior parliamentarian has with the views of the oversight Guardian Council and the Ex- desk deal in 2015, Trump ordered the country’s withdrawal from the said the age, education and managerial record pediency Council. agreement in 2018. The U.S. maintained a “maximum pressure” of presidential candidates in senior positions will be observed Meanwhile, Manouchehr Mottaki, the spokesman for the policy towards Iran during the Trump era, severing its connection in the registration process. unity council of the principlists, said there is a plan to ask more to the global financial system. “The negotiations of Majlis (parliament) with the Interi- possible presidential candidates to present their plans for run- President Joe Biden has previously said his administration or Ministry shows that at least the education degree, having ning the country as president. would be unwilling to remove sanctions unless Iran ceases its state positions and the age of will be observed in registering Reportedly, Ayatollah Movahedi Kermani, a member of uranium enrichment. the names of the candidates,” Mohammad Hossein Farhangi, the Assembly of Experts and Tehran Friday prayer leader, has Negotiations in Vienna are slated to resume on Wednesday. the spokesman for the Majlis presiding board, told reporters written letters to three key potential presidential candidates on Saturday. from the principlist faction, including Judiciary Chief Ebra- The presidential elections will be held on June 18. him Raisi, Parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, and Delay in removing sanctions He also expressed hope that the registration process for Mohsen Rezaei, the secretary of the Expediency Council to presidential elections will be held in accordance with the new present their plans. Raisi, Qalibaf and Rezaei. benefits Iran, harms West: bill passed by the Majlis. Mottaki, a former foreign minister, said the number of So far, these three figures have been asked to present the list nuclear official However, Farhangi said, the final say in this regard lies persons that the unity council plans to invite are more than of the key members of their cabinet to the council, Mottaki said.

The spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says any foot-dragging in removing U.S. sanctions on the Islamic Republic is in the interests of Tehran and to the detriment of Senior analyst says U.S. ‘needs to do some serious steps to revive the trust’ with Iran the Western countries. POLITICAL TEHRAN — “The U.S. eration. It was working very well, and Iran need to go back to full compliance. It means, “Iran is moving fast in the nuclear industry, and time is on its deskneeds to do some serious delivered completely every promise within currently, they are complying with 50%; they side. In this regard, if no progress takes place in the negotiations, steps to revive the trust” with Iran, says a the deal. Iran was in full compliance, with need to go back from 50 to 100. And the we are still makng progress technically,” Behrouz Kamalvandi senior nuclear policy specialist at Princeton zero failure. And the U.S. withdrew, imposed U.S. needs to start from 0 to 100. This is said on his Instagram account. University. — not only reimposed the nuclear sanctions, compliance for compliance.” Hossein Mousavian, a Princeton Uni- but the U.S. imposed the most comprehensive Also, when asked what the primary sanc- versity researcher, says the U.S. has “killed sanctions ever, after the revolution.” tions are, he said, “Before the nuclear deal, the trust” with Iranian by quitting the 2015 “Iran is a member of JCPOA; the the previous U.S. administrations imposed nuclear deal – JCPOA- and now Iranians U.S. is not.” sanctions, like sanctioning Iranian oil, sanc- feels deceived. He also says if Washington is serious to tioning investment on Iranian oil industry, The analyst makes the remarks with the revive the JCPOA it must lift sanctions first many other sanctions under the umbrella Democracy Now as the United States and the JCPOA, it has taken some remedial because it was the U.S. that created this crisis of terrorism or human rights, and so and Iran are holding more indirect talks as part measures in accordance to paragraph 36 by abrogating the agreement. so. That’s why those sanctions practically of a push to revive the JCPOA. of the JCPOA which has “provided a mech- “If the U.S. wants to revive the nuclear blocked any economic relation between the The two countries have agreed to set up anism to resolve disputes and allows one deal, since the U.S. killed the deal, they have U.S. and Iran. Iran was ready to continue two expert-level working groups along with side, under certain circumstances, to stop to lift the sanctions first. Iran would be ready economic relations, trade relations with other signatories of the 2015 deal. complying with the deal if the other side is to come to full compliance. Here, there is a the U.S. But it was the U.S., because of the The U.S. abrogated the nuclear deal as out of compliance.” big difference: Iran is a member of JCPOA; sanctions, that practically blocked any trade former president Donald Trump unilater- However, Iran has said if the U.S. lifts the U.S. is not. Iran is at least implement- with Iran. However, there are some sanc- ally pulled out of the deal in May 2018 and the illegal sanctions fully and in a verifia- ing 50% of the JCPOA; the U.S. is at zero tions even before the nuclear deal that the imposed the harshest ever sanctions on Iran ble manner Iran would be ready to undo its implementation. And the U.S. is really the U.S. had decided for exterritorial imposing under his “maximum pressure” campaign nuclear measures. country who killed the deal. That’s why the sanctions. It means if the other countries are Talks were held in Vienna earlier this week between Iran and against the Islamic Republic. In a Twitter message on Friday, Foreign U.S. needs to do some serious steps to revive going to make business with Iran, the U.S. the P4+1 group of countries — Britain, France, Russia, and China The United States has imposed some 1,600 Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran the trust and to fill the gap already has been would not make business with them. That’s plus Germany — within the framework of the Joint Comprehen- different sanctions on Iran in a move that is proposing a “logical path” to bring the created by President Trump.” why these are the problems before the nu- sive Plan of Action (JCPOA) Joint Commission. has also made it harder for Iranians to even nuclear deal fully to life. “U.S. needs to start from 0% to 100% clear deal. When they came to nuclear deal, An American delegation was also present in the Austrian cap- import food and medicine, a situation that Zarif said the United States created the compliance” based on JCPOA, there is a clear statement ital, but it was not allowed to attend the talks aimed at removing became even more dire during the pandemic. current crisis and therefore it “should return On what “compliance for compliance” in JCPOA saying the signatories, the P5+1, anti-Iran sanctions and discussing other issues related to the 2015 The main hurdle to reviving the nuclear to full compliance first.” means, the nuclear policy analyst says, “Com- the five permanent members of the United nuclear deal, from which former U.S. president Donald Trump deal is doubt over the U.S. commitment to Zarif, who was Iran’s chief negotiator in pliance for compliance means that, first of Nations Security Council and Germany, they withdrew his country in May 2018 and imposed the “toughest diplomacy, says Mousavian. crafting the 2015 nuclear deal, said a full all, the U.S., during President Obama, was would not do anything to impede normal trade ever” sanctions against Tehran. State Department spokesperson Ned compliance by the U.S. which is rapidly ver- really serious to implement the deal. But business between other countries and Iran.” After the withdrawal, Iran waited for a year for the Europeans Price described the talks with the JCPOA ified will be reciprocated by Iran. even during President Obama, the United He added, “Therefore, the primary sanc- to take remedial measures and thwart the unilateral U.S. bans as Joint Commission as “start of a process” and “Iranians feel deceived” States was not in position for full compliance tions practically blocked the normal trade per their obligations under the JCPOA, but to no avail. claimed the Biden administration is prepared The nuclear policy analyst tells Democ- because of primary and secondary sanctions business between the other countries and That prompted the Islamic Republic to scale down some of to lift sanctions on Iran. racy Now that Iranians are angry and feel before the nuclear deal. However, Iran re- Iran. That’s why we are saying the primary its commitments in line with its legal rights stipulated under “When it comes to sanctions, the point I betrayed by the United States. mained committed and implemented 100%, sanctions are a problem. The nuclear sanc- Article 36 of the nuclear deal. made before remains. We are prepared to take The Trump administration withdrew from while, during President Obama, the U.S. was tions are a problem. Strong sanctions are a Trump’s successor, President Joe Biden, has claimed his ad- the steps necessary to return to compliance the JCPOA despite the fact that the Interna- implementing 30% because of the primary problem. That’s why I believe the current ministration was willing to rejoin the JCPOA, but he has taken with the JCPOA, including by lifting sanc- tional Atomic Energy Agency was regularly and secondary sanctions. U.S. nuclear team now in Vienna, headed no practical measures. tions that are inconsistent with the JCPOA,” reporting that Iran was in full compliance “Now, President Trump withdrew and by Robert Malley, they have a really, really Tehran says Washington, as the first party that reneged on its Price said. with the terms of the JCPOA imposed not only nuclear sanctions, hundreds difficult — they are in a very difficult situation, commitments, should take the first step towards unconditionally Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Po- “Iranians, frankly speaking, they think of other sanctions, far, far, far beyond nuclear. because they have a lot of sanctions which, remove all the anti-Iran sanctions in a verifiable manner. litical Affairs Abbas Araghchi who leads the they have been deceived by the U.S. They have Therefore, now Iranians say, ‘Look, we showed based on JCPOA, they have to lift it in order Kamalvandi said, “Now, the situation is such that as long as Iranian team in Vienna told Press TV the accepted the most comprehensive commit- our full commitment for full compliance for to make normal trade business between Iran the Western side dithers, it will benefit Iran and harm the other lifting of the sanctions must happen before ments during the history of nonproliferation. three years nonstop with zero failure. It was and the other countries possible.” side. The number of our centrifuges and the amount of enriched the nuclear deal is revived. They have implied — they have complied you that even you were not able to comply “Sanctions during pandemic is material is rising fast.” “If the U.S. is serious, they should be perfectly. In reward, they have received the with your commitments during President disaster” The official said Iran will not act until the sanctions are re- prepared to lift all sanctions that they have most comprehensive sanctions ever, after Obama because of the primary sanctions. The senior analyst called sanctions on Iran moved and the process is verified. imposed or reimposed against Iran. And the revolution. Therefore, they are coming Now we have an ocean of new sanctions by during the Covid-19 pandemic a “disaster”, “We have no trust in the other side. The list of 1,600 sanctions after verification, we’ll certainly go back to back to nuclear negotiations with complete President Trump. Therefore, we need to see saying thousands of people have lost their as well as demands mentioned in the JCPOA but not met in full compliance. If we wanted to avoid full mistrust,” the senior analyst and former dip- you would really lift the sanctions.’ lives because of the shortage of medicine practice have now been brought up by Iran. No measure will be compliance to the JCPOA, we would have done lomat regrets. “Compliance from the U.S. side is lifting the and medical assistance.” taken by Iran until these issues are resolved,” he said. it before. We would have totally withdrawn He adds, “Actually, the problem with the sanctions. And compliance from the Iranian He adds there is a “huge shortage” of med- The AEOI spokesman stressed that nuclear power is very from the JCPOA once the U.S. administra- current negotiation is that since the U.S. broke side is to continue to accept the measures ical equipment in the hospitals and foreign important to Iran’s progress, adding it is a driving force behind tion — the previous U.S. administration left the promise, practically the U.S. killed the within the JCPOA, which is the most intrusive companies “cannot export medicine to Iran the development of the country’s industries. the JCPOA. So, we are quite serious. Nobody trust on the Iranian side, because after 12 inspections among all NPT members and because of the U.S. financial sanctions.” Kamalvandi said Iran’s nuclear industry has become completely can question Iran’s goodwill. The JCPOA is years of negotiation, Iran and the U.S., Iran the most limits on Iranian nuclear program, The former nuclear negotiator says it is indigenous and the country has made great progress compared alive because of Iran, and we have paid a and the world powers, they agreed in 2015 like cap on 20% or 90% or 60% enrichment, because of this reason that “now Iran has the to previous years. heavy price for that,” Araqchi explained. on a deal, which is the most comprehensive cap to below 5%, cap to a stockpile, and a lot most difficult situation with corona.” (Source: Press TV) Though Iran formally remains in agreement during the history of nonprolif- of other commitments. Therefore, Iranians (See full text at tehrantimes.com) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y APRIL 11, 2021 IRAN IN FOCUS 3 SPORTS Top Iranian negotiator hails Vienna Iran’s Farhad Shahmiri ends refereeing career

POLITICAL TEHRAN – Iranian international volleyball talks but highlights complications deskreferee Farhad Shahmiri brought an end to his refereeing career. POLITICAL TEHRAN – Iran’s Depu- with specifying the sanctions that the U.S. Tokyo 2020’s postponement in light of the Covid-19 outbreak desk ty Foreign Minister Seyed should lift to revive the deal while the oth- means he will not be able to referee in a third Olympic Games Abbas Araghchi expresses satisfaction at er is discussing how to reverse the nuclear and he is a member of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) the progress made in Friday’s nuclear talks measures taken by Iran in response to the Refereeing Committee at the moment. between Iran and the remaining parties to U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA. Last year, Shahmiri became the FIVB’s longest-serving volleyball the 2015 nuclear deal. Receiving a report about these groups’ referee after Russian referee Andrei Zenovich announced retirement. Araghchi, who led Iran’s negotiating technical talks was the most important agenda “I want to share my experience with the next generation of team in the Vienna talks, said the dis- of the Friday meeting, the Iranian Foreign volleyball referees. Being in the AVC Referees Committee has been cussions over how to revive the nuclear Ministry said in a statement on Friday shortly a decision that I made after consulting with the Iran volleyball deal, officially known as the Joint Com- after the meeting was concluded. federation,” Shahmiri said. prehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), were Araghchi underlined during the meeting Shahmiri, 56, had already whistled in the two 2012 and 2016 moving in the right direction. Iran’s willingness to continue “serious inter- Olympics Games. “The conclusion is that we think we are actions” but said that hinges on witnessing going in the right direction and that we have “political will and seriousness” on part of to continue. It was something that all delega- the other sides. “Otherwise, there will be no Iran’s Geraei, Saravi tions agreed. We had three days of intensive reason to continue negotiations,” he warned. discussions in two working groups and the job Araghchi reiterated that the lifting of all win gold medals at Asian done by the working groups was fairly good, U.S. sanctions imposed during the previous but still they need to continue discussions, U.S. administration was a necessary step Olympic qualifying especially in the field of sanctions lifting be- in reviving the JCPOA, and that only after SPORTSTEHRAN – Mohammadreza Geraei and Mo- cause it is so complicated,” Araghchi told verification of the lifting of these sanctions deskhammadhadi Saravi claimed two gold medal at Press TV on Friday night. Iran would be ready to suspend its remedial the Asian Olympic qualifying in Almaty, Kazakhstan on Friday. “Today, we heard the reports by the two measures and fully return to JCPOA. “What we mean by verification is to see the In the Greco-Roman 67kg final, Geraei put on an impressive working groups. And we decided to give At the end of the meeting, it was agreed performance in dismantling veteran Hansu Ryu from South Korea, them a break to go back and have more effects of sanctions lifting in practice. So, it that the next meeting of the Commission at winning by 9-0 technical fall. consultations in their capitals and we come is not enough for the U.S. to sign waivers or the level of deputies and political directors In a clash of the most recent Asian gold medalists at 97kg, back fresh on next Wednesday to resume to be held next Wednesday in Vienna. The executive orders.” reigning champion Saravi handily defeated his predecessor Uzur the talks,” he added. Iranian Foreign Ministry said the Wednesday Dzhuzupbekov from Kyrgyzstan, finishing off a 10-0 technical Explaining Iran’s stance on the verifica- compliance,” he said, referring to the Joint reversed… Whatever imposed, re-imposed meeting will immediately be followed by fall early in the second period. tion of the lifting of sanctions, Araghchi said, Comprehensive Plan of Action by its initials. or re-labeled during the Trump adminis- technical and specialized intensive nego- Saravi completed two gut wrenches in the par terre position to “What we mean by verification is to see the “This is actually a concept that almost tration and whatever is mentioned in the tiations in the framework of expert groups take a 5-0 lead in the first period. Just 15 seconds in the second, effects of sanctions lifting in practice. So, it everybody agreed on. We need to somehow JCPOA should be lifted and they should re- to prepare a list of nuclear and sanctions he countered an attack and slammed Dzhuzupbekov to his back is not enough for the U.S. to sign waivers identify how this is going to happen, but verse whatever has been done and I think measures that should be done by all parties as they went off the mat for a 4-point move. An unsuccessful or executive orders.” before we come to that point now we are the Americans know best how to do that.” to revive the JCPOA. challenge added the 10th point. “They have to officially sign [the orders], working on the measures that both sides Iran’s top negotiator, however, said the Araghchi also said Tehran will not reverse Both wrestlers had qualified for Tokyo with victories in the but what matters for us is to see the effects should take. Once we have done with this discussion is going on. the reduction of its nuclear compliance before semifinals in the afternoon session. of sanctions lifting on the ground. And we and once we know exactly what the U.S. “We are now in a position to have a better the U.S. removes all its sanctions and returns insist that we have to verify what is lifted. This should do and what Iran should do, then we understanding of each other’s position. As I to the JCPOA, according to IRNA. needs its own methods that we are working have to work on the question of sequence said we have a long way to go. We are not still “Until the United States removes all of its Iranian Greco-Roman on. I don’t know how long does it take. But of verification,” Araghchi added. in a position to say what measures should sanctions and returns to the JCPOA, none we stand ready to discuss with other JCPOA “U.S. president has authority to be taken exactly by both sides. But we are of Iran’s nuclear activities, especially in the wrestlers leave for participants for a fast and easy verification.” terminate sanctions through exec- moving on that direction. Our demands are field of enrichment, will be halted or even Araghchi also reiterated Iran’s position utive orders” clear and we insist on that. Let’s see what reduced,” he asserted. Kazakhstan that the U.S. should take the first step to Asked about the kind of sanctions relief, happens in the next rounds,” Araghchi noted. He pointed out, “Our 20% enrichment is lift all its sanctions on the Islamic Republic the Iranian deputy foreign minister said, “We The latest meeting of the JCPOA Joint now moving even faster than the speed envis- SPORTSTEHRAN – Iranian Greco-Roman wrestlers desk before Tehran pedals back on some of the know we have to go back to the same model in Commission, a group comprised of Iran and aged by the Islamic Consultative Assembly traveled to Almaty, Kazakhstan on Saturday to “remedial” measures which it has taken in the JCPOA. They are sanctions which should the P4+1 responsible for overseeing the im- (the Iranian Parliament) in its law, and 20% participate at the 2021 Asian Wrestling Championships. response to the other sides’ non-compliance. be terminated and the U.S. president has plementation of the deal, was held on Friday. enriched materials are being produced now.” The event will take place from April 13 to 18 in the same venue the “Well, this is a very logical and reasonable the authority to terminate them. So, they During the meeting, participants received He asserted that the process will continue 2021 Asian Wrestling Olympic Qualification Tournament was held. position by Iran and everybody understands should obviously be terminated through a report from the two newly-established until an agreement on the implementation of Iran has sent 10 wrestlers to the competition. The wrestlers by reason that the U.S. has left the table. The executive orders. “ expert groups, which were put together on the JCPOA is reached, under which the U.S. will be headed by Mohammad Bana in the event. U.S. has left the JCPOA and they have to come “For the sanctions that are the result of Wednesday to conduct technical talks over should remove all of its sanctions. Greco-Roman wrestling team: back first. They should lift their sanctions and Congress legislation, the (U.S.) president could how to revive the JCPOA and what measures “As it has been stressed many times, all of 55kg: Puya Dadmarz become again a participant to the JCPOA, only waive. This has been mentioned in the are needed to be done by Iran and the U.S. the sanctions must be removed in one step,” 60kg: Mehdi Mohsennejhad then, Iran would follow and go back to full JCPOA. So, we want all those sanctions be in this regard. One of the groups is tasked the top Iranian negotiator added. 63kg: Meysam Delkhani 67kg: Hossein Asadi 72kg: Amin Kavianinejhad 77kg: Pejman Pashtam 82kg: Mehdi Ebrahimi Iran ready to thwart enemies’ threats, IRGC 87kg: Naser Alizadeh 97kg: Mehdi Bali commander says 130kg: Aliakbar Yousefi POLITICAL TEHRAN — Commander of the Islamic efforts to grow increasingly stronger to defend the country deskRevolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Major and the Islamic Revolution. General Hossein Salami said on Saturday that Iran is “The IRGC Navy forces do not hesitate even a mo- Two Persepolis players to ready to confront any threat posed by the country’s foes, ment in paving the path of strength and they are ready miss 2021 ACL groups stage Fars News reported. for all-out defense for the Islamic Revolution at any The IRGC commander underlined the unity, amity, in- point on earth,” Rear Admiral Tangsiri pointed out, SPORTSTEHRAN – Persepolis football team defenders tegrity and all-out readiness of the Armed Forces to counter according to Fars News. deskFarshad Faraji and Saeid Aghaei didn’t travel threats and conspiracies waged against Iran. He added that the Americans are not in favor of to Goa, India following their initial positive test for COVID-19. “We will badly punish aggressors,” he warned. Iran’s security, stability, economic and scientific Persepolis traveled to Goa, India on Saturday to face Indi- Earlier this week, Commander of the IRGC Navy Rear growth, and international dignity and attempt to an outfit Goa, Al Rayyan of Qatar and Al Wahda of the UAE in Admiral Alireza Tangsiri said IRGC forces will continue block the country’s progress. Group E of the 2021 AFC Champions League without their two defenders Faraji and Aghaei. The players will join Persepolis in the coming days if they test negative. The Iran’s Health Ministry’s spokeswoman said at a press We fought for this for 43 years conference on Saturday that 193 coronavirus patients have died across the country over the past 24 hours, bringing the total Iran unveils dozens of nuclear achievements on Nuclear Day death toll to 64,232. POLITICAL TEHRAN – Iran has by Iranian experts and scientists during the fulfill their commitments under the deal. the world and the Americans to stop their Sima Sadat Lari said the total number of people tested positive deskannounced 133 nuclear Islamic Republic. Instead of cooperating Iran weathered the storm and even illegal actions and if this misconception for COVID-19 infection in Iran has exceeded 2,049,000 following achievements and a series of nuclear meas- with Iran, the West started to work against made a stride in expanding its nuclear had not existed in their minds, we would the detection of 19,666 new cases since yesterday, adding that ures in what amounted to a new leap in Iran developing peaceful nuclear energy. program. The Saturday announcement have not gone through these problems.” 2,205 new cases have been admitted to the hospital. Iran’s march toward achieving advanced, Western countries, led by the U.S. and was the latest indication in this regard. At the same time, Rouhani underlined More than 1,702,000 patients have recovered from the coro- peaceful nuclear technology. the so-called E3 – France, Germany and the Iran now has more advanced centrifuges the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear pro- navirus infection so far or have been discharged from hospitals The announcement was made on Satur- UK- imposed severe economic sanctions than when it signed the JCPOA. gram, saying that concerns expressed by across Iran, the spokeswoman added. day on the occasion of the National Day of on Iran since the 2000s. Iran moved to President Hassan Rouhani pointed to world powers have their roots in these Among those undergoing treatment in medical centers at pres- Nuclear Technology. At a ceremony held to assuage the concerns of these countries this fact in the Saturday unveiling ceremony powers’ misuse of nuclear technology. ent, 4,329 coronavirus patients have critical health conditions commemorate thd day, President Hassan with new confidence-building measures of nuclear achievements. “The Islamic Republic of Iran has never because of more severe infection, Lari noted. Rouhani issued a presidential order in- such as giving more access to international Referring to the launch of the IR6 centri- had, and will not have, non-peaceful goals The number of people infected with COVID-19 across the structing nuclear authorities to start using inspectors and accepting more restrictions fuge chain at Saturday’s ceremony, he said, from its nuclear activities,” Rouhani under- world has surpassed 135 million and the death toll has exceeded the announced achievements. on its nuclear program. “The production capacity of these centrifuges lined, noting, “Iran’s nuclear activities have 2.93 million. “Design, construction and commissioning Since at least 2000, Iran has been in close is 10 times more than IR1 centrifuges and always been peaceful, but the enemies of of the second phase of industrial production contact with the Europeans to convince the next generation of centrifuges that are this nation had passed several resolutions units in Arak, design and construction of spin them that it does not pursue a nuclear under research and construction have 50 against these activities in the United Nations Geraei joyful to join his test machine, construction and assembly of bomb. In October 2003, Iran reached an times the production capacity of the coun- Security Council, which this government brother in Tokyo the first prototype of the IR9S and IR9-1B understanding with the E3 on its nuclear try’s first centrifuges.” sent to the dustbin of history forever and centrifuges, and design and construction program. It agreed to give more access The president praised the develop- legalized Iran’s nuclear activities.” SPORTSTEHRAN — Iranian Greco-Roman wrestler of 3D laser printing of metals are some of to international inspectors. Tehran also ment of technology in the nuclear sector This year, Iran commemorated Nuclear deskMohammad Reza Geraei is very happy to join the projects that were inaugurated today,” agreed to implement the Additional Protocol throughout the country and added, “Today, Day amid renewed talks with the West aimed his older brother at the Tokyo Olympics. according to a statement issued by the Ira- to the Non-nuclear Proliferation Treaty. production and progress in the nuclear at finding ways to restore balance to the He defeated veteran Korean wrestler Hansu Ryu in a 9-0 nian presidency. While Iran kept up its end of the bar- industry continue together.” JCPOA. Iran and the remaining parties to technical fall in the 67kg final. In addition, the Atomic Energy Organ- gain, the Europeans went back on their Rouhani pointed out that these activities the JCPOA have resumed nuclear talks in Vi- “It’s a good day,” Geraei said in an interview with UWW. ization of Iran (AEOI) began injecting gas word, prompting Iran to resume its nuclear became fully legal with the JCPOA. enna. At least two rounds of in-person talks “I won all of my bouts without giving a point. So I am proud. I into a complete chain of 164 IR6 centrifuge activities, which led to another pressure He noted that with the actions and ef- have been held in Vienna over the past two come from a wrestling family and my brother always supports machines, inaugurated a station purify- campaign by the West that ultimately cul- forts made by his government since 2015, weeks, with all parties expressing cautious me and pushes me.” ing the Uranium Hexafluoride input in minated in the P5+1 nuclear negotiation Iran’s nuclear activities became completely optimism toward making progress. Iran Geraei won all four of his matches by fall or technical fall in a the Natanz enrichment facility, and op- with Iran. This negotiation culminated in legal and the excuse was taken away from and the P4+1 have established expert-level weight class that, because it had no Olympic qualifiers from the erated an assembly line manufacturing the signing of a nuclear deal in July 2015 the enemies. “One of the achievements working groups to discuss the measures 2019 World Championships, was particularly deep and included new machinery at the Ahmadi Roshan called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of of the JCPOA was that it made Iran’s nu- needed to be done by Iran and the U.S. to the world silver medalist at 72kg. nuclear facility, according to the Tasnim Action (JCPOA). But this deal too almost clear technology fully legal and reserved restore full implementation of the deal. “My body was prepared for the tournament and I was able to news agency. fell apart after the West reneged on its the rights of the Iranian nation,” Rouhani Tehran has called on Washington to do exactly what I had planned,” said the 24-year-old. “In Almaty These nuclear achievements shed obligations to terminate sanctions on Iran. said, according to the official website of remove all Trump-era sanctions but the I achieved the next level with my performance.” more light on the history of Iran’s nu- Following then-President Donald the Iranian presidency. U.S. is yet to agree to lift all these sanc- Geraei’s older brother Mohammadali had already qualified for the clear program, which began during the Trump’s withdrawal from the JCPOA in He called the concerns about Iran’s nu- tions. This has become a major obstacle Tokyo Olympics at 77kg by placing third at the Nur-Sultan worlds. Shah regime with tangible support from 2018, the E3 failed to ensure that Iran ben- clear activities unreasonable and added, “It to fully revive the JCPOA, with American “It’s an honor to go to Olympics with my brother,” the younger Western countries. After the victory of the efits from the nuclear deal. Despite Western was the same unreasonable concern that has officials even warning that the talks may Geraei said. “I hope he can help me reach my goal of winning revolution, the nuclear program was put on non-compliance with it, Iran unilaterally been causing trouble for the Iranian nation be stymied by calls for the total removal the Olympic gold medal. Having him there is great as a support hold for some time before being resumed abided by it and kept calling on the E3 to for 15, 16 years and we are still talking to of Trump-era sanctions. system and partner and teacher.” I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 4 ECONOMY APRIL 11, 2021 Over 89m Kwh of Value of 11-month export to Afghanistan hits $2b electricity generated ECONOMY TEHRAN — The value of Iran’s export to Afghan- deskistan reached $2 billion during the period from March 20, 2020 until February 18, 2021, the data released by the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA) shows. from renewable This amount of exports indicates the high potential of the neighboring countries’ markets for importing Iranian products. Back in January, the director general of the Asia-Pacific Office of Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) had said that a sources in a month preferential trade agreement with Afghanistan was going to be signed in the near future. 1 Renewables, including hydro- technology with open arms and investors Speaking in the fourth meeting of Khorasan Razavi-Herat Joint power, account for about seven percent also seem eager for more contribution Trade Committee in Mashhad, Reza Seyed-Aqazadeh said: “Nec- of the country’s total energy generation, in this area. essary coordination has been made with the Ministry of Commerce versus natural gas’ 90 percent share. Iran is also planning on expanding of Afghanistan.” Overall, in the next four years, Iran its presence in the region’s renewable is aiming for a 5,000 MW increase in energy market. renewable capacity to meet growing do- According to the Energy Minister mestic demand and expand its presence Reza Ardakanian, the country has great in the regional electricity market. potentials in the field of renewable en- According to SATBA, the number of ergies and can have a significant role the Energy Ministry has planned good Back in December 2020, SATBA Head small-scale solar power plants across the in developing the region’s market for measures in order to implement new Mohammad Satakin said the capacity of country which are used by households such energies. policies for creating positive changes the country’s renewable power plants was or small industries is also increasing “Relying on the high potential of in the development of the country’s going to reach 1,000 MW (one gigawatt) noticeably as Iranian households and renewable energy sources, including renewable energy sector,” Ardakani- by the end of the current government’s small industries are embracing the new solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, etc., an has said. incumbency (August 2021).

He mentioned previous tariff agreements between the two coun- Natural gas supply to Chabahar port already costs over $2.8b tries and said: “Previously, in 2015, the tariffs for the imports of ECONOMY TEHRAN – Managing Director of Na- According to the Oil Minister, the coverage of the five commodity items from Afghanistan including the imports of desktional Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) national gas network in rural areas has also doubled sesame were reduced; the tariffs on sesame imports were reduced Hassan Montazer Torbati has said that so far about 120 over the mentioned period to reach 84 percent. from 10 percent to five percent.” trillion rials (over $2.85 billion) has been spent for con- Since the Iranian calendar year 1392 (March 2013) According to the official, balancing international trade, especially necting the southeastern Chabahar port to the national up to the previous calendar year’s 11th month (started with Afghanistan is one of the major strategies of Iran in foreign gas network. on January 20) over 20,000 rural areas with a total trade, and TPO’s goal is to establish a balanced trade between the According to Torbati, the supply of natural gas to the population of 1.76 million households have been sup- two countries. strategic port and to the Makran coasts is going to cre- plied with natural gas through the national gas network, Special strategies have been adopted by the Trade Promotion ate industrial prosperity in the region, Shana reported. according to Zanganeh. Organization for balancing trade with Afghanistan and for resolving Speaking in a follow-up meeting on Sistan-Baluchestan Chabahar Port, the only Iranian ocean port, is a stra- problems in this field, he said, adding that the issues and demands gas supply projects, Torbati said due to the vastness of the tegic port with unique opportunities that can attract of Afghan businessmen will also be reviewed in a special working province, in total, 2,000 sections of gas pipelines have investments from Iranian and foreign private sectors. group in this organization to take the necessary measures and re- been designed and planned to be implemented across The development of the Chabahar Port is important solve their issues. the province, of which so far 300 kilometers (km) have for the economic development of the region and also Having shared historical, cultural, political, and economic back- been implemented and 770 km of pipelines are currently the neighboring countries and in this regard sustain- grounds, Iran and Afghanistan have been allies for many years and the being implemented. able supply of energy carriers to the port has been of strategic cooperation between the two countries has been broadened Torbati put the projected capital for the implemen- significant importance for the Iranian government and especially over the past two decades. tation of the mentioned pipelines with the gas supply Back in February, Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar the projects for expansion of the national gas network As stated by the TPO head, Iran is capable of doubling non-oil facilities in the cities at more than 200 trillion rials (about Zanganeh had stated that over 95 percent of the country’s in Sistan-Baluchestan province, where the port lays, exports to its neighbors in two years. $4.7 billion), saying that the necessary steel sheets and population is currently enjoying natural gas through the have been seriously pursued by the NIGC over the past Hamid Zadboum has said that considering the future capacities, pipes for the mentioned pipelines have been provided. country’s huge national network. few years. the TPO has planned increasing non-oil exports to the neighboring countries to about $100 billion in a two-year time span, in a way that Iran’s share of the regional markets will significantly go up. The official has previously said: “Pakistan and Turkey have the More than 15.5m cellphones imported into Iran in a year highest capacity to import Iranian goods, which is good news for Iranian businessmen and exporters.” ECONOMY TEHRAN – Iranian Back in January, the spokesman of the try in the mentioned period, placing the Pointing to the Persian Gulf states as good markets for some deskmobile phone traders Iranian Association of Cellphone, Tablet, commodity at second among the top im- Iranian-made commodities, Zadboum said that large markets such imported 15.8 million smartphones over and Accessories Importers had announced ported items, according to the Spokesman as Russia and China should also be considered by exporters. the previous Iranian calendar year (ended that the price of cellphones had dropped of the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Iran shares borders with fifteen countries, namely the United on March 20), according to the Iranian 12-20 percent in domestic markets. Administration (IRICA) Ruhollah Latifi. Arab Emirates, Iraq, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Russia, Oman, Association of Cellphones, Tablet, and Iran’s imports of mobile phones regis- The official noted that 6,779,012 mobile Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kuwait, Qatar, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Accessories Importers. tered a 27 percent growth in the first nine phones were cleared from the country’s Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia whose total value of annual imports Based on the data released by the months of the previous Iranian calendar customs during the Iranian calendar year exceed $1000 billion. mentioned association, 15 million of the year (March 20-December 20, 2020) as 1398’s same nine months. Increasing non-oil exports to the neighboring countries is imported cellphones have been already compared to the preceding year’s corre- “The value of the imported products one of the major plans that the Iranian government is pursuing. sold and being used by consumers, IRNA sponding period. in the said nine months also increased First Vice-President Es’haq Jahangiri has called for devel- reported. mobile phones were also imported into Some 8,617,438 cellphones worth over by 65 percent compared to the previous oping non-oil exports as the only way for realizing the motto of As reported, some 2.5 million regular the country over the last year. $1.34 billion were imported into the coun- year”, Latifi said. the surge in production. “The Foreign Affairs Ministry should provide the necessary bases for the development of [non-oil] exports by expanding and strengthening economic diplomacy,” he said in a meeting on reviewing ways of boosting economic relations with the neigh- ‘PMO to fully support entities active in maritime sectors’ boring countries and supporting non-oil exporters. ECONOMY TEHRAN — Head of Iran’s Ports and at the Iranian ports. Emphasizing that 15 neighboring countries and countries deskMaritime Organization (PMO) Moham- Making the remarks addressing the journalists and such as China and India and Eurasian members should be tar- mad Rastad has said his organization plans to take all reporters on the sidelines of the annual gathering of the geted as the most important export destinations of the country, the necessary measures for supporting the companies PMO directors, the official said, “Many fruitful meas- Jahangiri called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other active in various maritime sectors during the current ures were taken in most of the ports, while some good relevant agencies to strengthen economic diplomacy and focus Iranian calendar year (began on March 21). development projects were also implemented this year”. on these export destination countries to provide the necessary “In line with the current year’s motto which is “Pro- While the enemy is trying to halt Iran’s exports and infrastructure for the development of exports to these nations. duction: support and the elimination of obstacles”, imports through imposing sanctions, operations at PMO has put it on the agenda to provide necessary Iranian ports are underway without interruption as supports for producers in order to facilitate the process the result of the PMO’s all-out efforts. TEDPIX drops 9,000 points of import and export of goods in the country’s ports,” Meanwhile, as the PMO head has announced, 11 on Saturday Rastad said. new development projects with 59 trillion rials (over According to the official, one of the important tasks $1.4 billion) of investment are currently underway at ECONOMY TEHRAN — TEDPIX, the main index of Tehran of the Ports and Maritime Organization is to support the Iranian ports. deskStock Exchange (TSE), fell 9,151 points to 1.24 production centers and industrial units that are active Not only the sanctions haven’t been able to stop million on Saturday, which is the first day of the Iranian calendar week. in the area under the supervision of the organization. development activities at the ports of Iran, but some Over 1.476 billion securities valued at 16.214 trillion rials (about Domestic producers that export their products Ports and Maritime Organization from domestic man- new development projects have also been defined, $386 million) were traded at the TSE on Saturday. through the country’s commercial ports will also be ufacturers in order to support domestic production. Rastad has said. subject to the mentioned supportive mechanisms and PMO will pursue its programs in this regard more As the major gates of exports and imports, Irani- will definitely be supported to be able to export their seriously during the current year, he added. an ports play a significant role in the country’s battle products at the lowest possible costs, Rastad stressed. Back in March, Rastad had said that despite the against the U.S. sanctions, and the ongoing operation He further noted that significant measures have sanctions imposed on Iran’s shipping activities, loading at the ports indicates that they are playing their part been taken to supply the equipment required by the and unloading of goods have been noticeably successful perfectly.

Vacancy taxes to be deposited in National Housing Fund

ECONOMY TEHRAN — The deputy that the first taxes on vacant houses will had said that in the first stage of the im- desktransport and urban de- be received in the fifth Iranian calendar plementation of the program for collecting velopment minister said that the vacancy month of Mordad (July 23 – August 22), tax from the country’s vacant housing units, taxes are planned to be deposited in the and added that this tax will be half the value only units belonging to natural persons are National Housing Fund to be allocated for of the monthly rent of the property. targeted. The first market’s index fell 7,191 points, and the second market’s supplying homes for the low-income people. Omid-Ali Parsa had announced in early The Iranian parliament (Majlis) had index dropped 16,799 points. Mahmoud Mahmoudzadeh said, “The February that the regulations for the tax on approved the double-urgency plan of the TEDPIX dropped 45,000 points, or 3.6 percent, in the past Ira- real estate and housing system is a basic houses and luxury cars would be announced vacancy tax law in mid-July 2020. nian calendar week. measure to identify the housing situation of soon, adding that this annual tax has been The mentioned plan is mainly aimed The index closed at 1.249 million points on Wednesday (the last the country. The goal is not just taxes, but collected and a heavy fine has been imposed at lowering the housing rental rate in the working day of the week). the main program is to identify the living on those who run away from it. country. During the past week, the indices of Opal Kani Pars Mining conditions of the households for housing Back in last October, Transport and Urban Expressing his agreement over the ap- and Processing Company, Social Security Investment Company, planning.” Development Minister Mohammad Eslami proval of the mentioned plan, Hossein Hos- ther reiterated. Mobarakeh Steel Company, and National Iranian Copper Industry Saying that any tax levied on vacant homes had said that the ministry has referred a sein-Zadeh Bahraini, a member of the Majlis The vacancy tax law, as part of Direct Tax Company were the most widely followed indices. goes directly to the National Housing Fund list of 194,000 vacant housing units to Iran Economic Committee, said, “Our problem Reform Law, was put on the agenda in the TEDPIX had risen eight percent in the last week of the past Iranian and is used as a facility for the housing of the National Tax Administration to be taxed in the housing sector is not the demand Iranian calendar year ending March 2016 calendar year (ended on March 20). low-income people, the official said that it is under the new vacancy tax law. higher than the supply, while the number and was enforceable from the year ending The index increased 101,000 points to 1.307 million in that week. a mistake to think that the government has The minister said that the owners of of residential units is more than required.” March 2017, but there was little data on the After several weeks of decline, growth finally returned to the created this system to increase tax revenues. these houses have been informed in this This plan is vital, as many families are number of vacant units then, according to TSE, Iran’s major stock exchange, as TEDPIX rose 2.4 percent In late March, the head of Iran National regard via receiving SMSs. struggling for renting the homes, while Mahmoud Alizadeh, a senior official with during the last week of February. Tax Administration (INTA) announced that In September 2020, Mahmoudzadeh there are many empty units, the MP fur- the INTA. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y APRIL 11, 2021 ANALYSIS/INTERVIEW 5

Minorities struggle racism in Europe 40% of U.S. Marines have rejected coronavirus vaccine

1 In a letter sent to the White House last month, a group as right-wing movements rise: scholar of Democratic lawmakers led by California Rep. Jimmy Panetta argued that unvaccinated soldiers pose a “critical threat to our national security and public health,” calling on the president to usually portrayed as inferior. ‘The battle of Marathon [against 1 We can already see a slight decline in their sup- issue a waiver overriding the rules – as well as the “informed the Persians], even as an event in English history, is more port in many parts of Europe. The Trump moment might consent” of the troops. important than the battle of Hastings’, John Stuart Mill be gone. But maybe I’m too optimistic. “Vaccinating every eligible service member will improve once remarked. ‘If the issue of that day had been different, What are the main causes of far-right groups’ readiness and have an immediate and positive impact on the the Britons and the Saxons might still have been wandering return to power in Europe? Economic problems communities in which they serve,” Panetta wrote in the letter, in the woods.’ or immigration? which was co-signed by six House Democrats. Research on the roots and nature of such discrimina- Europe has sometimes been defined in religious terms, tion shows that there is no straightforward answer. Around as Christendom. But there is a long history of Judaism in the world, radical politicians are benefiting from social and Europe. And there is a long history of Islam in Europe. It ‘U.S. wars, hegemonic political instability. Economic crises and social inequality includes Muslim majority countries such as Albania and are driving people to extremism. Yet material causes alone Bosnia. So, defining the continent as a Christian space does aspirations lead to horrific are not sufficient to explain the phenomenon. We should not make much sense. not forget that many of the populist movements have solid There was a serious debate about integrating Turkey disasters’ middle-class support. Concerns about social, demographic into the EU in the early 2000s – a great opportunity at that time. The benefits would have been immense, on both sides. A Chinese human rights organization says the United States’ and cultural change and anxiety about the complexity of the military interventions and hegemonic aspirations have caused modern world are also important. Europe’s demagogues We missed that opportunity. Now the situation is different. We have a different Turkey. Erdogan’s mounting attacks on “horrific humanitarian disasters” across the globe. play on their fears, offering simple solutions, scapegoats, China’s largest non-governmental organization, the China and a strong hand. We need to fight economic hardship and his people’s political freedom make it difficult for anyone in the EU to make the case for a Turkish EU membership. Society for Human Rights Studies, said in a report on Friday xenophobic bigotry. that Washington’s foreign wars, launched under the banner of Why do some European states try to impose re- What are the main contributions and achieve- ments of Muslims in Europe? “humanitarian intervention,” have not only cost the belligerent strictions on Muslim communities under the pretext parties a large number of military casualties but also caused of fighting terrorism? The majority of Muslims in today’s Europe is well-in- tegrated and successful. While the first generations of extremely serious civilian deaths and property damage. Thankfully Europe has not seen anything like Trump’s “The selfishness and hypocrisy of the United States have also xenophobic ‘Muslim ban’. Yet, while there is little institu- the border between Asia and Europe, following the eight- Muslims who came to Europe as part of the post-colonial eenth-century Swedish cartographer Philipp Johann von and labour migration of the 1950s and 1960s worked in been fully exposed through these foreign wars,” it said. tional, state discrimination against Muslims across most of The report cited a list of instances of US aggression, from its Europe today, many – as other minorities – struggle with Strahlenberg. In 1811, the Prussian geographer August Rühle low-paid factory jobs, their children’s and grandchildren’s von Lilienstern suggested including North Africa and the generations are now rising in companies, universities, civil intervention in Greece in 1947 to its opposition to the Venezuelan everyday racism, now further fuelled by the rise of right- government. wing movements. Europe’s ethnic and religious minorities lands to the Indus, Amu, Tobol, and Ob as part of Europe. services, judiciaries, and parliaments. Just consider figures The German historian Karl Krüger advocated in the 1950s like London’s popular mayor, Sadiq Khan, or BioNTech’s Conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Kosovo, Af- have been discriminated against throughout history. Just ghanistan, Iraq, and Syria were also among the major US wars consider the histories of Europe’s Huguenots, Jews, Sinti the idea that North Africa and the Middle East (West Asia) vaccine inventors Özlem Türeci and Ugur ?ahin. The ma- were part of a ‘greater Europe’, united by the Mediterranean jority of Europe’s Iranians – who are not connected to the cited in the report. and Roma; these are histories of exclusion and violence. “Choosing to use force irrespective of the consequences reveals At the same time, it is worth noting that the situation of as a Hellenistic-European cultural space. In contrast, around post-colonial and labour migrant community – are part the same time, the British scholar Oscar Halecki claimed of the bourgeois middle classes. In general, Iranians are a the hegemonic aspirations of the United States,” the report said. minorities in Europe is overall better than anywhere else “Only by discarding the hegemonic thinking, which is chiefly in the world, especially compared to many parts of Asia that the Ottoman Empire was not part of Europe because highly successful minority, not just in Europe but also in of its Islamic majority population, whereas Russia, with its the U.S., Canada, Australia, and elsewhere in the world. motivated by self-interest, can we prevent humanitarian inter- and Africa, where various religious and ethnic groups face vention from becoming humanitarian disasters,” it added. discrimination and even persecution. Christian majority, had been part of Europe up until the How do you assess the impact of religion (either Would the EU accept Muslims as countries and Bolshevik Revolution. Islam or Christianity) on political decision-making communities inside itself? Take for example Tur- It is noteworthy that this European concept was routinely in Europe? Resistance News key, where some say the EU is a Christian club and defined in relation to an exterior Other, often the ‘Orient’, Religion has, overall, no major impact on political deci- there is no room for a powerful Muslim country. sion-making in Europe. In most countries it is considered The debate about whether Turkey is part of Europe is Iranians are a highly something private. Yes, Muslims take over official respon- Hamas describes Israel’s centuries old. It depends how you define Europe’s borders successful minority, not just sibilities, but that does not mean that their religion impacts refusal to cooperate with – geographically, culturally, religiously. in Europe but also in the their political positions. London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, is a Too difficult to define, the geographic concept of Europe great example. He is secular. At the same time, he is very ICC as arrogance has changed throughout history. There have been the age- U.S., Canada, Australia, and open and engages wonderfully with all religious communi- old controversies over whether Russia is part of Europe or elsewhere in the world. ties in London – Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, INTERNATIONAL TEHRAN — Hamas Movement described the not, although most now consider the Ural Mountains as and so on. Politicians like him make Europe a better place. deskIsraeli government’s refusal to cooperate with the investigations of the International Criminal Court (ICC) as an assertion of its arrogance in dealing with international institutions and decisions. GSA: Riyadh, Tel Aviv unhappy over possible transformation from Hazem Qassem, Hamas’s spokesman, added in a press state- ment on Friday that Israel is acting as if it is “above the law and accountability.” ‘maximum pressure’ to ‘maximum diplomacy’ Qassem stressed that this case is a test for international institutions to enforce their decisions, achieve justice, and punish criminals. 1 Following is the text of the interview: countries? The Israeli government decided in its meeting on Thursday to send How do you read the recent events Joe Biden’s presidency has prompted cer- “Despite Riyadh and a brief response to the ICC regarding the court’s intention to initiate in Jordan? Was there a coup attempt? tain states in the Middle East (West Asia) Tel Aviv not having a trial of Israel for its crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories. This month’s palace turmoil in Amman to begin seeking ways to partially reconcile The Israeli Channel-7 reported that the response would stipu- has created much confusion and widespread with rivals and adversaries while ‘agreeing official diplomatic late that “the court does not have the jurisdiction to rule on cases concern about the future of stability in Jordan. to disagree’ in the interest of cooling regional relations, they against Israel.” Nonetheless, at this point, no evidence proves tensions. Concerns which countries such as The ICC had sent a notification to the Israeli government nearly a that there was a coup attempt in Amman. In Saudi Arabia and Egypt have over Biden’s maintain a tacit month ago, informing it of the ICC intention to open an investigation any event, as conflicting reports which push presidency have prompted these governments partnership.” into its crimes in the occupied Palestinian lands. rival narratives keep on coming out, there and others to recalibrate somewhat and find The cases that the court intends to investigate are about three are many observers who will likely continue ways to relax frictions with their regional partnership. Without any doubt, the Kingdom issues: the construction of settlements in the West Bank, the Is- framing this month’s wave of arrests in Jordan rivals and adversaries against the backdrop of and Israel’s shared interests in working to raeli crimes during the aggression on the Gaza Strip in 2014, and as part of a successful effort to prevent a coup uncertainty vis-à-vis Washington. The GCC’s dim the prospects for another partial thaw the Israeli crimes against demonstrators on the border with Gaza in the country. Yet skepticism is warranted. al-Ula summit, which resulted in the lifting of in U.S.-Iran relations factor heavily into the during the marches of return. Foreign policy experts as well as Arab and developments? the blockade imposed on Qatar in mid-2017, Saudi-Israeli relationship. Western diplomats have expressed doubts I would not reach this conclusion. Since was a salient example of this trend. Also, the that any coup attempt took place. Various the al-Ula agreement’s signing in January, thaw in Egypt’s relationships with Turkey analysts have suggested that the purported Riyadh and Doha’s relationship has warmed and Libya’s UN-recognized government are threat of a destabilization plot was part of the up significantly. While Qatar did indeed an- other cases in point. Turkey’s outreach to state’s efforts aimed at quieting critics of the nounce its full support for Jordan’s King Ab- Israel is another. government against the backdrop of major dullah II, so did the other five (Persian) Gulf Do you agree with the view that economic and COVID-19-related problems Cooperation Council member-states. Doha Saudi Arabia and Israel have formed in the country. was very much in alignment with most Arab an alliance to contain Biden’s possible Second Announcement Personally, I believe it is important for governments when it came to providing offi- attempts to approach Iran? observers to hold off on reaching conclusions cial and immediate support to the Jordanian Saudi Arabia and Israel both share ma- Qualitative Evaluation Notice for Selection of Consultant until more concrete information becomes head of state in the aftermath of this alleged jor concerns about the possibility of Biden’s available. The situation in Amman remains plot to destabilize the Hashemite Kingdom. administration transforming Washington’s International Tender No.22-97-3 quite unclear. Many pundits have speculated about for- Iran foreign policy from “maximum pres- Subject: First Notice of Invitation for Engineering, Designing & Supervision Services of Was it a coup like what happened eign powers being involved in this purported sure” to “maximum diplomacy”. Both the Gramsar-IncheBorun Railway Electrification Project in Turkey in 2016? plot targeting Jordan’s security. However, Saudi and Israeli governments believe that (Tender no.22-97-3) Unlike the case of Turkey in 2016, there there is currently no proof that Saudi Arabia former President Donald Trump’s “maxi- was no evidence of any plot to carry out a or another Arab country in the Persian Gulf mum pressure” on Tehran needs to stay and The Railways of Islamic Republic of Iran (RAI) intend to hold a qualitative evaluation for selection physical coup in Amman this month. There had a hand in this episode which was possibly should not be eased until Iran drastically of a qualified consultant among eligible bidders in accordance with Article 29–Clause E of Executive were no elements within Jordan’s military or a strictly Jordanian affair. Other commenta- changes many aspects of its foreign policy. Regulations Statute of Tender Holding Law as per hereunder described items: police that even purportedly took part in this tors have pointed their finger at Israel. But The possibility of the Joint Comprehensive alleged destabilization plot whereas many given the closeness between Israel’s military Plan of Action (JCPOA) being revived deeply 1- General Scope of Tender Subject: individuals within the Turkish state’s security and the Jordanian security apparatus, there unsettles the Saudi and Israeli governments, Selection of Consultant for carrying out engineering, designing & supervision services of Gramsar- institutions did play a role in the deadly efforts seems to be good reason to seriously question which fear that such a development would InchehBoroun Railway Electrification Project. to overthrow Turkey’s government in July claims that the Israeli government tried to undermine their geopolitical and security 2- Project Execution Place: Railways of Islamic Republic of Iran (RAI) 2016. This is all to say that the situations in destabilize its Arab neighbor which signed interests in the Middle East (West Asia) in 3- Deadline for Purchasing Tender Qualitative Evaluation Documents: Utmost by 14:30 local Turkey nearly five years ago and Jordan this a peace treaty with Tel Aviv 26 years before ways that provide the Islamic Republic with time on Saturday 24.04.2021 corresponding to 04.02.1400. month are extremely different. the Emirati, Bahraini, and Moroccan gov- unique opportunities to expand and further 4- Deadline and place of submission of completed Qualitative Evaluation Documents: Qatar announced its support for ernments did. consolidate its clout across the region. De- Bidders can complete and submit the completed documents to RAI Procurement and Logistics General Jordan. Is it a signal that Qatar may What approaches do the Biden spite Riyadh and Tel Aviv not having official Department (Foreign Orders Department) utmost by 14:30 local time on Tuesday 25.05.2021 corresponding confront Saudi Arabia again in regional administration follow toward Arab diplomatic relations, they maintain a tacit to 04.03.1400. Address: 2nd Floor, Iranian Railways Central Building; Argentina Sq., Nelson Mandela Blvd (Africa)., “Without any doubt, the Kingdom and Israel’s shared interests in Tehran-Iran, P.O. Box 15197-13111 working to dim the prospects for another partial thaw in U.S.-Iran 5- Manner of receiving the documents: Bidders can receive tender documents from the above address after paying RLS 500000 to IBAN no.IR710100004001064004005747 by mentioning the remittance code relations factor heavily into the Saudi-Israeli relationship.” of no.234064074280500885134499810000 opened in favor of Iranian Railways by Central Bank of Iran (payable in all branches of Bank Melli Iran). Bidders should hold a letter of introduction in order to receive a version of qualitative evaluation documents personally. Bidders can also receive the said documents Biden’s budget meets criticism from right and left on Pentagon spending free of charge through National Tender Information Database at the address: HTTP://IETS.MPORG.IR. U.S. President Joe Biden asked Congress to across areas ranging from public transit, Contingency Operations” account that even 6- The participants in the bid consultation notice (Iranian partnership) should have sharply hike spending on climate change, poor schools, toxic site clean-ups, foreign government bureaucrats said had come certificate of competency Grade: One, Group: Road & Transportation in Railways Proficiency cancer and underperforming schools, but his aid and background checks on gun sales, to serve as a slush fund for extra military Field (Consultancy) issued by Management and Planning Organization of Iran. first budget wishlist on Friday drew howls of but spend nothing on border walls. spending. 7- All Bidders should introduce their foreign partner or partners. bipartisan concern over military spending. The budget “makes things fairer,” said Biden’s request displeased both liberals After fulfillment of qualitative evaluation, the qualified companies who have been nominated in accordance According to Reuters, the $1.5 trillion Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. hoping to impose cuts and hawks who want with Clause 6-A of Article 12 of Executive Regulations Statute of Tender Holding Law (Article 29–Clause budget, reflecting an 8% increase in base Yet the proposal was greeted by bipartisan military spending to increase to deal with E), will be invited to receive tender documents of participation in consulting services process. funding from this year, marks a sharp contrast scorn over its suggested funding for the threats from China, Russia, Iran and North with the goals of Biden’s predecessor, Donald Department of Defense, roughly even on Korea - a reminder of the uphill battle Biden Procurement and Logistics General Department Trump. an inflation-adjusted basis at $715 billion. faces in delivering the policies he promised as Islamic Republic of Iran Railways (RAI) 99 It would spread billions of dollars more The administration also cut an “Overseas a candidate beyond the COVID-19 emergency. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 6 HERITAGE & TOURISM APRIL 11, 2021

Iranian handicrafts: discover French, German archaeologists expected Gabbeh of Bushehr 1 to resume excavations in northeast Iran The materials used in the process of Gabbeh weaving are produced from the wool of the sheep that are bred locally. Today European countries and the Arab states of the Persian HERITAGE TEHRAN – The tourism Based on the studies, various architectural Gulf are reportedly the two major buyers of Bushehr Gabbehs. deskchief of Iran’s North and archaeological evidence from the Parthian Therefore, the makers have begun dying the wool with herbal Khorasan has announced plans to resume and the Sassanid era were discovered in the pigments such as orange, blue, green, and yellow to use them in several excavations across the northeastern Rivi site, which is situated in Maneh-Samalqan the background. The motifs of these products are animals and province using the expertise of archaeological county of modern North Khorasan. doll-like. teams from France and Germany. The evidence, according to Mohammad- “Joint archaeological excavations with Javad Jafari who headed the fifth season of German archaeologists are planned to resume archaeological excavation at Rivi site, indicates across Tepe Rivi if the coronavirus situation the sequence of settlement in the area in the allows,” ILNA quoted Habib Yazdanpanah aftermath of the Achaemenid era, according as saying on Saturday. to the Archaeology News Network. “Moreover, we have are perusing to restart In 2019, several historical clay stamps, work on the historical town of Faruj with estimated to date from the Achaemenid and the presence of French archaeologists,” the Parthian eras, were discovered in the ancient official said. site. “The seals were found alongside clay urns Last October, experts from the Louvre in a large hall and the seals are imprinted in and the University of Tehran were granted a a variety of geometric patterns [depicting] license to conduct a new round of excavation plants, animals, and human figures. Studying on the ancient town of Faruj. “Experts from the findings can yield valuable information on the University of Tehran and the Louvre the economy, culture, and arts of the ancient museum in Paris will conduct a new season societies,” Jafari said. Some of the most famous patterns are Langer (anchor), Khesht of archeological excavation in the ruined city “These stamps represent the widespread (brick), chang (harp), geometric forms, birds and animals, and of Faruj with a permit obtained from the and complicated economic relations that kinds of paisley motifs. Bushehr Gabbehs are made in villages such Research Institute of Cultural Heritage & people of the time had with other communities as Shoul, Kamali, Bahmanyari, Mohammad Salehi, Sakhareh, Tourism,” according to Iranian archaeologist File photo depicts Iranian and German experts standing on Tepe Rivi archaeological in such a way that made them bring together Zakariyayi, Bamonir, Mal Mahmoud, Khalifehee, Otaybeh, De- Meysam Labbaf-Khaniki. ruins, North Khorasan province, northeast Iran. and store goods.” Evidence suggests that hdaran, etc. In the same year, experts from the Louvre residents of this area sealed the urns that The coastal province borders with the Persian Gulf on the and the University of Tehran unearthed the remains of the Bronze Age up to the Sassanid The previous rounds of research had were loaded with particular goods then tied west and bounded by the regions of Hormozgan and Fars on the ramparts and towers of an ancient fortress, period. been hired various experts in archeology, them with ropes, the archaeologist said. southeast and east and Khuzestan on the northwest. believed to date from the times of Parthians Archaeological research works in Rivi geography, geophysics, geomorphology, The history of Khorasan stretches back (247 BC – 224 CE) in Viran-Shahr near Faruj. started in 2012. Since then archaeologists and ecology who took part from the [Ludwig to very ancient times. It was part of the Furthermore, teams of Iranian and accessed remains of settlements from the Maximilian] University of Munich; the Achaemenian Empire of the 6th to 4th 10,000 sq meters of German archaeologists have completed Bronze and Iron Age, the Achaemenid, the [Free] University of Berlin; the University century BC and the Parthian empire, which several archaeological seasons across Tepe Parthian, the Sassanid dynasties, and the of Tehran; and Shahid Beheshti University, spanned from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd traditional cloth handcrafted Rivi, which has so far revealed magnificent early Islamic period. the report said. century CE. in Iranian village monthly

TOURISM TEHRAN – Weavers in the northeastern Iranian deskvillage of Rueen produce some 10,000 square meters of traditional cloth within a month. The village is famed Iran hotels remain open as fourth coronavirus wave gains momentum as a hub of traditional textile in the country. TOURISM TEHRAN – Iranian hotels and other eled across the country during the Noruz holiday, which Situated in Esfarayen county, North Khorasan province, Rueen deskaccommodation units remain open as the officially began on March 20. The Islamic Republic reported is famed for its delicate handwoven and industrial wrappers, fourth coronavirus wave gains momentum across the country. its highest number of daily coronavirus infections in more colorful garments that are widely worn by women. To curb the outbreak, President Hassan Rouhani on than three months period after millions challenged govern- April 8 announced plans to close down all non-essential ment guidelines and traveled during the two-week holiday. businesses, including bazaars and malls in cities color-coded Before Noruz, health officials voiced concerns about the ‘red’ or very high-risk for a ten-day period as of Saturday. fourth COVID wave due to the traditional travels, mostly “Hotels and other accommodation unite will be remaining to visit family and loved ones. open during the fourth coronavirus wave,” according to the Authorities had urged people to limit travel and in-person Iranian Hoteliers Association, ISNA reported. visits, saying that travels during the Noruz festival could The total number of coronavirus cases surged past the lead to another wave of infections across the country. two million on Thursday as the new wave of infections has Before Noruz, President Hassan Rouhani declared new overwhelmed hospitals in all major cities. travel bans for cities situated in the “red” and “orange” “We are expecting even more hospitalizations caused by zones to combat the new COVID-19 variant. Rouhani called the viral disease over the next few days,” Health Minister on people to avoid traveling during the Iranian New Year travel to red and orange towns and cities,” he said. “No one Saeed Namaki said on Friday. ICU beds are filled in many holidays to help contain the spread of coronavirus. He said should make any plans to travel to these cities,” he stressed. cities and the government is to set up makeshift hospitals it would be forbidden to make trips to cities marked as The Ministry of Health has classified districts based on to make room for more patients and advising patients to “red” and “orange” in terms of the prevalence of COVID-19. the rate of coronavirus infections with red color indicating visit hospitals only if it is necessary. “We request people to avoid traveling during Noruz holi- high risk, orange meaning medium, while yellow implied The number of coronavirus cases rose after millions trav- days for the sake of their own health… It will be forbidden to low risk and blue being the least. “Some 120 weavers produce handcrafted fabrics in the village. And they make an average of 300 square meters of the cloth per day,” a local official said on Saturday, CHTN reported. The craftspeople use traditional weaving machines to make Tourist map of Damavand issued towels and shawls amongst other domestic products. TOURISM TEHRAN – The first map will be prepared soon with the help village, and skiing in season at Abali, Iran exported $523 million worth of handicrafts during the deskcomprehensive tourist of the municipality,” the official noted. on the way from Tehran, according to calendar year 1398 (ended March 19, 2020) when the country map of Mt Damavand, which is home The dormant volcano (5671m), north- Lonely Planet. was not still affected by the novel coronavirus. Of the figure, to the tallest volcano in Asia, has been east of Tehran, is the highest mountain in Most people who head out this way, some $273 million worth of handicrafts were exported officially issued recently. West Asia. Shaped a little like Mt Fuji, it however, will do so to climb the peak. through customs, and about $250 million was earned via suitcase “The comprehensive map represents is one of Iran’s most recognizable icons, Start by heading to the large, comfort- trade (allowed for customs-free and tax-free transfer) through cultural and natural attractions that are appearing on the IR10,000 note, on bottles able Polour Mountain Complex (2270m), various provinces, according to data provided by the Ministry scattered across Damavand. And It also of Damavand spring water, and numerous built by the Iran Mountaineering Fed- of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts. provides information about tourist fa- other commercial items. eration – the best place to acclimatize Ceramics, pottery vessels, handwoven cloths as well as personal cilities; ones that a typical tourist may In good weather, the dramatic moun- before attempting the south and west ornamentations with precious and semi-precious gemstones are need during their trips,” Damavand’s tainous vistas around Damavand are at- face routes. The climbing season is from traditionally exported to Iraq, Afghanistan, Germany, the U.S., tourism chief announced on Saturday. tourism development in Damavand and tractive enough, and there are pleasant June to September, or May to October the UK, and other countries. “Tourism map was one of the needs of it is expected that an electronic tourism hot springs for a soak in nearby Abgarm for experienced climbers. New items added to intangible cultural heritage list Restoration to begin on ancient castle in western Iran TOURISM TEHRAN – The ancient castle of Has- to defeat attempts at the escalade, and to the defense of TOURISM TEHRAN – A total of 12 new items from the desksan-Abad in the western province of territories in warfare, and were also used to solidify rule desknorthwestern Zanjan province have been reg- Kordestan is scheduled to be revived and restored in in a region during peacetime. istered on the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list, CHTN near future, the provincial tourism chief has said. Uruk in ancient Sumer (Mesopotamia) is one of the reported. The castle, which is estimated to date back to the world’s oldest known walled cities. The Ancient Egyptians The Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Parthian era (247 BC – 224 CE) and the Sassanid era (224 also built fortresses on the frontiers of the Nile Valley on Saturday announced the inscriptions in an official document CE–651), is one of the magnificent tourist attractions of to protect against invaders from neighboring territories. it submitted to the governor-general of the province, the report the province, Yaqub Guylian announced on Saturday. Many of the fortifications of the ancient world were added. The fortification was built to protect the residents of built with mud brick, often leaving them no more than the nearby city and included residential houses as well mounds of dirt for today’s archaeologists. as military equipment to help defend the city against The name Kordestan refers to the region’s principal invaders, the official added. inhabitants. After the Turkish invasion of Iran in the Aside from the high wall of the castle, it also has three 11th century CE (Seljuq period), the name Kurdistan was guard towers, each of which is 400 meters away from applied to the region comprising the northwestern Zagros the main fence of the fortress, he explained. Mountains. It was during the reign of Abbas I the Great He also noted that the castle is only accessed through of Iran’s Safavid dynasty (1501–1736) that the Kurds rose a southern part of the hill it sits on, and it is difficult walls have often been necessary for cities to survive to prominence, having been enlisted by Abbas I to help to reach the castle. in an ever-changing world of invasion and conquest. stem the attacks of the marauding Uzbeks from the east From very early history to modern times, defensive Fortifications in antiquity were designed primarily in the early 17th century.

Oxus treasure, splendid set of prehistoric Persian metalwork The Oxus treasure is the most important personal objects, dedicatory plaques and Other pieces from the Treasure surviving collection of Achaemenid Persian coins. It was found on the banks of the subsequently emerged in the bazaars of metalwork. It consists of about 170 objects, River Oxus, probably at the site of Takht-i Rawalpindi. Some of those now in The Rajeyin Village’s Tazieh, Iranian passion play on religious dating mainly from the fifth and fourth Kuwad, a ferry station on the north bank British Museum were acquired by Major- events especially on the Day of Ashura, Golabar Village’s pottery, centuries BC. This was the time of the of the river. General Sir Alexander Cunningham (1814- and the local games of Aradan Gashdi and Kolung Aghaji are Achaemenid empire, created by Cyrus the In May 1880 Captain F.C. Burton, a 93), Director General of the Archaeological among the items inscribed on the list. Great (559-530 BC), when Persian control British political officer in Afghanistan, Survey of India, and others were obtained The list also includes the skills of making the indigenous foods stretched from Egypt and the Aegean to rescued a group of merchants who had by Sir Augustus Wollaston Franks, who of Omaj Ashi, Fesenjan stew, and Jaghur Baghur. Afghanistan and the Indus Valley. been captured by bandits while travelling was both a curator in the Museum and a Zanjan is one of the cities founded by Sassanid King Ardashir I The Treasure seems to have been between Kabul and Peshawar. They were generous benefactor. In due course Franks (180-242 CE). The province makes a base for wider explorations gathered together over a long period, carrying with them this rich collection of bought Cunningham’s share of the treasure, with the architectural wonder of Soltaniyeh, the subterranean perhaps in a temple. It includes vessels, gold and silver objects. Burton bought from and eventually the entire Oxus treasure was delights of the Katale-Khor caves, colorful mountains, and the a gold scabbard, model chariots and figures, them a gold armlet, now in the Victoria bequeathed by him to The British Museum. UNESCO-registered Takht-e Soleiman ruins are nearby. armlets, seals, finger-rings, miscellaneous and Albert Museum. (Source: The British Museum) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y APRIL 11, 2021 SOCIETY 7

Medical equipment export grows Charity foundation to support 1,240 production by 23% despite sanctions units in deprived areas SOCIETY TEHRAN – Barekat Charity Foundation, 1 Sanctions and self-sufficiency facturing diverse products to meet the needs deskaffiliated with the Headquarters for Execut- In January, Health Minister Saeed Namaki of the domestic market while saving large ing the Order of the Imam, planned to revitalize and support strongly criticized the U.S. sanctions against amounts of foreign currency, in addition to 1,240 production units in deprived areas in the current Iranian Iran, saying the sanctions made it virtually export the items. calendar year (started March 20). impossible for Iran to import medicine and The fields of aircraft maintenance, steel, Last year, the Foundation invested in 742 small, medi- medical equipment. pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment, oil, um and large production units, which will increase to about Namaki made the remarks in a letter to and gas are among the sectors that researchers 2,000 units in the current year, which has been named by the director-general of the World Health in technology companies have engaged in, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Organization (WHO). leading to import reduction. as “Production: Support and the Elimination of Obstacles”, He stated that while the U.S. government In recent years, the vice presidency for ISNA reported on Saturday. claims that the sanctions do not include med- science and technology has been supporting icine, foodstuff, and medical equipment, it knowledge-based companies active in the has blocked almost all of Iran’s financial production of sanctioned items. transactions. Iranian medical equipment market Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif Reza Masaeli, head of medical equipment said in late 2019 that the United States’ sanc- office at Ministry of Health, said in January tions and economic war on Iran targeted 2019 that the growth of Iranian medical equip- ordinary people’s health and livelihood. ment market is estimated at around 9.1% Despite sanctions putting pressure on while the global growth average is about 6%. the country, a unique opportunity was Approximately, there are around 500,000 provided for business development and types of medical devices in the world; while the activity of knowledge-based compa- there are around 280,000 types in Iran. nies in the country. Iran exports medical equipment to 55 Currently, over 5,700 knowledge-based countries including Russia, Germany, Italy, companies are active in the country, manu- Belgium, the Netherlands and Croatia. A total of 6 trillion rials (nearly $142 million at the official rate of 42,000 rials) is allocated for the support of these production firms, which will employ more than 10,000 people directly and 40,000 indirectly, according to the report. IRGC hospitals double capacity to battle coronavirus Last year, with an investment of 2.5 trillion rials (about $59 SOCIETY TEHRAN – Due to the rising number of When the third wave of the -19 pandemic was ravaging million at the official rate of 42,000 rials), 130 manufacturing deskcoronavirus patients, the Islamic Revo- the whole country, fifty-six hospitals belonging to the armed businesses entered the production cycle and over 10,000 direct lutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has doubled the number of forces have been equipped to exclusively admit patients and indirect jobs were created. beds in its affiliated hospitals allocated to the treatment of infected with the coronavirus in October 2020. Rural development COVID-19 patients. Hassan Araqizadeh, the head of the healthcare department In Iran, where villages account for generating 20-23 percent The IRGC-affiliated health and medical centers are fully of the General Headquarters of the Armed Forces, told IRIB of the value-added in the country, the development of rural areas prepared to provide the necessary assistance in the treatment that the department is ready to establish field hospitals at has been always a top agenda of the governments’ activities. of COVID-19 patients whenever the Ministry of Health an- every place, even at border points. The sustainable economic, social, and cultural development nounces, IRGC’s health department head Brigadier General New cases and mortalities of the villages is one of the major priorities of the current gov- Ahmad Abdollahi said, IRIB reported on Saturday. In a press briefing on Saturday, Health Ministry’s ernment, and many projects implemented and underway in this The number of coronavirus cases has been rising in Iran spokesperson Sima-Sadat Lari confirmed 19,666 new regard have led to outstanding development in the rural regions. after the two-week Noruz holidays, which officially began cases of COVID-19 infection, raising the total number Many other efforts have been made over the past couple of on March 20. of infections to 2,049,087. She added that 1,702,062 pa- years by the government to support villagers and slow down the The country has hit a new coronavirus infection record, tients have so far recovered, but 4,329 remain in critical trend of migration from rural areas to cities while decreasing reporting over 22,000 daily new cases. conditions of the disease. rural community dependency on one main economic sector (ag- The National Headquarters for Coronavirus Control has During the past 24 hours, 193 patients have lost their lives, riculture, forestry, energy, or mining), including rural tourism, announced a new lockdown for ten days from tomorrow as the salons, universities, schools, libraries, kindergartens, cin- bringing the total number of deaths to 64,232, she added. agritourism, religious tourism, and ecotourism. country continues to battle a fourth wave of the coronavirus. emas, museums, cafes, zoos, and amusement parks will be So far, 13,577,057 COVID-19 diagnostic tests have been Currently, 26 percent of the country’s population lives in vil- Under the restrictions, shopping malls, gyms, mosques, closed in cities at high risk of infection. performed in the country. lages, around 39,000 villages have more than 20 households and 23,000 villages have less than 20 households. Mohammad Omid, the vice president for rural development, said in November 2020 that for the first time in the country, the Over 131,000 passengers undergone COVID-19 screening in a month migration of people from rural areas to cities has reached zero. A total of 220 trillion rials (nearly $5.6 billion) has been ap- SOCIETY TEHRAN – Over health and transport, a plan was implement- the southwestern Khuzestan province, proved for the development of villages in the current year (March desk131,000 passengers have ed to rapidly identify and test incoming the province’s governor general said on 2020-March 2021), Omid said. so far been screened for coronavirus by passengers and keeping them in quarantine February 20. Some 140 trillion rials (about $3.3 billion) have so far been thermal tests at the country’s official bor- facilities, if necessary. More than 300 Iraqi nationals cross spent, he noted, adding, the unemployment rate in rural areas ders within a month (March 10 – April 9), Thirty border checkpoints have been Chazzabeh and Shalamcheh borders on a has reached 7.4 percent, which has decreased by over one percent the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) selected, including 18 land borders, nine air daily basis, Qassem Soleimani-Dashtaki compared to last year. spokesperson said on Saturday. borders, and three sea borders, all incoming said, adding that the issue has contributed Since March 10, 131,389 passengers were passengers will be tested and referred to the to a rise in the number of coronavirus cases. screened for COVID-19 by IRCS forces, quarantine facilities in case of necessity. Last week, President Hassan Rouhani 7,166 of whom with symptoms underwent Some 5,000 members of the IRCS coop- said that the fourth wave of COVID-19 Lemurs and giant tortoises PCR and 22,203 rapid tests, IRNA quoted erate for carrying out the plan; while around resurgence has been registered in two Mohammad-Hassan Qosian as saying. 8,000 individuals enter the country via provinces. facing extinction if global He went on to lament that some 44 in- borders daily, IRCS head, Karim Hemmati “If people in other provinces do not ob- dividuals, who tested positive, have so far said on March 26. serve (health guidelines), they may expe- “According to the statistics, compliance warming reaches 3C been temporarily quarantined. Iraqi nationals visiting Iran have rience the fourth wave as well,” Rouhani with health guidelines has decreased,” he With the cooperation of ministries of worsened the coronavirus pandemic in was quoted as saying. warned. Wildlife species unique to the world’s tropical islands and moun- tains face extinction if the Earth’s temperature rises 3C above pre-industrial levels, a new research paper warns. Exotic creatures like Galapagos giant tortoises, lemurs, New pediatric cancer treatment method being used in Iran Himalayan snow leopards and blue cranes will struggle to survive if the planet continues on its present trajectory and SOCIETY TEHRAN – For the first time, MAHAK who needs transplantation gets suppressed allowing the mercury is allowed to climb to that level, as it is current- deskCharity Foundation has started using the recipient to accept foreign bone marrow stem cells. ly forecast to do by 2100, the study published in Biological Total Body Irradiation (TBI) cancer treatment method for Moreover, it can eradicate the remaining cancer cells Conservation suggests. children in the country. and thereby increase survival rates of high-risk leu- Such a degree of heating is expected to lead to sea level rises Launched by the MAHAK Pediatric Cancer Treatment kemia patients. from the melting of the polar ice caps and extreme weather occur- and Research Center (MPCTRC), TBI delivers radiation to TBI is a method that has been used across the world for rences, while ongoing pollution and mineral extraction activities the whole body from head to toe. It destroys remaining ma- decades and is now mostly reserved for high-risk leukemia provide further difficulties for endangered species fighting to lignant cells, creates space in bone marrow for donor’s bone in need of transplantation. Using this type of irradiation retain their natural habitats. marrow stem cells, and prevents rejection by suppressing in Iran would increase the survival rate of children with The Paris climate accord, recently rejoined by the US, seeks the patient’s immune system. TBI increases the survival high-risk leukemia. to rein in the extent of global heating to 1.5C and would have a rate in children with high-risk leukemia. MAHAK is an NGO that supports services for cancer-strick- significant impact on averting such tragic extinctions if it could It is a part of the preparation procedure for hemato- en children and their families in accordance with international be realised, placing just 2 per cent of land-based animals at risk, poietic (or bone marrow) stem cell transplantation. standards, as a result, over 35000 children with cancer have compared to 20 per cent at 3C, according to the study. In this method, the immune system of the individual benefited from it during the past 29 years. But without world governments coming together to achieve that goal, nearly half of endemic marine species and 84 per cent of native mountain species would find themselves fighting a losing battle to survive say the researchers, who studied 270 locations ENGLISH IN USE around the world known for their high biodiversity and looked at 8,000 projections of possible outcomes. LEARN NEWS TRANSLATION Islands in the Indian Ocean and Caribbean as well as Mad- agascar, the Philippines and Sri Lanka could all begin to see an impact on their endemic plant life within the next 30 years as .things stand, the authors warn افزایــش 33 ســانتی متــری وســعت Water level in Lake Urmia rises by 33cm LET’S LEARN PERSIAN دریاچــه ارومیــه The level of water in Lake Urmia, northwestern Iran, (Part 155) (Source: saadifoundation.ir) مدیــر دفتــر اســتانی ســتاد احیــای دریاچــه ارومیــه در آذربایجــان has increased by 33 centimeters compared to the same غربــی گفــت: ســطح آب دریاچــه ارومیــه نســبت بــه مــدت مشــابه time last year, head of the provincial department for the ســال گذشــته ۳۳ ســانتی متــر افزایــش داشــته اســت. Lake Urmia restoration program in West Azarbaijan فرهــاد ســرخوش روز چهارشــنبه در گفــت و گــو بــا خبرنــگار ایســنا .province has said Currently, the volume of water of the lake is 1.920 billion گفــت: حجــم آب فعلــی موجــود در دریاچــه ارومیــه یــک میلیــارد و cubic meters which experienced 250 million cubic meters ۹۲۰ میلیــون مترمکعــب اســت. حجــم آب دریاچــه ســال گذشــته increase compared to last year which was recorded at یــک میلیــارد و ۲۵۰ میلیــون متــر مکعــب بــود کــه نســبت بــه ســال bcm, ISNA quoted Farhad Sarkhosh as saying on 1.250 گذشــته ۶۷۰ میلیــون مترمکعــب افزایــش یافتــه اســت. .Wednesday Prayer Times Noon:13:05 Evening: 19:53 Dawn: 5:08 (tomorrow) Sunrise: 6:36 (tomorrow) APRIL 11, 2021 ART&CULTURE I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y www.tehrantimes.com Managing Director: Mohammad Shojaeian Editor-in-Chief: Ali A.Jenabzadeh Editorial Dept.: Fax: (+98 21) 88808214 — 88808895 Belgian film festival to review [email protected] Switchboard Operator: Tel: (+98 21) 43051000 Advertisements Dept.: Telefax: (+98 21) 43051430 Public Relations Office: Tel: (+98 21) 88805807 Iranian cinema Subscription & Distribution Dept.: Tel: (+98 21) 43051603 ART Printed at: Jame Jam Bartar Borna - 44197737 TEHRAN – The by Keivan Majidi, and “The Wasteland” by deskMOOOV Film Festival, Ahmad Bahrami. which is scheduled to open in Bruges, Bel- A co-production between Iran and the Tehrantimes79 Tehrantimes79 Tehrantimes79 gium, on April 20, has dedicated a special Czech Republic, “Son-Mother” is about Leila, section to Iranian films. a widow who works tirelessly at a factory that No. 18, Bimeh Alley, Nejatollahi St., Tehran, Iran A lineup of 10 Iranian award-winning is failing due to the U.S.-imposed sanctions. P.o. Box: 14155-4843 films including “Bandar Band” by Manijeh She receives a marriage proposal that could Zip Code: 1599814713 Hekmat, “Yalda” by Masud Bakhshi, “There mean financial security, but could also tear Is No Evil” by Mohammad Rasulof, “Radio- apart her family. graph of a Family” by Firuzeh Khosravani, and “The Blue Girl” centers on a remote vil- “Just 6.5” by Saeid Rustai will be screened lage in western Kordestan province, where at the festival, which will be held online this everyone is in love with football, but there is year due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. no level field upon which to play the game. “Careless Crime”, the latest production The children decide to climb up the mountain by Iranian director Shahram Mokri, and the in order to find somewhere to play the game. winner of the best original screenplay of the Shot in black-and-white, “The Wasteland” Venice festival and the Silver Hugo of the jury tells the story of the 40-year-old supervisor at GUIDE TO at the Chicago International Film Festival a mud-brick factory in Iran who gets trapped SPIRITUAL AWAKENING is also among the films. between his boss who wants to shut down The film goes back to forty years ago, the factory, and his colleagues who distrust Be not like the hypocrite who, when he talks, tells lies; during the uprising to overthrow the Shah’s A scene from “Son-Mother” by Mahnaz Mohammadi him more and more. when he gives a promise, he breaks it; and when he is regime in Iran, when protestors set fire to Moreover, “The Wasteland” will compete theater showing a film about an unearthed, The film is about a writer who also works trusted, he proves dishonest. movie theaters as a way of showing opposi- with seven movies from around the world unexploded missile. as a teacher. She narrates the story of an Prophet Muhammad (S) tion to Western culture. Many cinemas were including “Maternal” by Maura Delpero from burned down. In one tragic case, a theater The festival will also screen “That Night’s orphan girl to her students. Each student Argentina, “Moving On” by Yoon Dan-bi was set on fire with four hundred people Train” by Hamidreza Qotbi, which has recently continues the story with her/his own imag- from South Korea, “The Pink Cloud” by Iuli inside, most of whom were burned alive. won the Red Rose Award for best-released ination, and this gives the teacher material Gerbase from Brazil, and “Nudo Mixteco” Forty years have passed and, in contemporary film between September 2019 and December for her new story. by Angeles Cruz from Mexico in the main Iran, four individuals also decide to burn 2020 as well as the best-adapted screenplay The lineup also includes “Son-Mother” section of the festival. Cormac McCarthy’s “Blood award at the 4th New Delhi Film Festival. by Mahnaz Mohammadi, “The Blue Girl” Meridian” published in Persian down a cinema. Their intended target is a The festival will come to an end on May 3.

CULTURE TEHRAN – American novelist and play- deskwright Cormac McCarthy’s 1985 novel “Blood Tebuireng School of Religious Sciences Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the West” has recently 1 brings regret and guarantees a comfortable life in this world been published in Persian. After enduring years of hardship by him and his wife, and the hereafter. Majid Yazdani is the translator of the book published by this happened properly. The village of Tebuireng became 3- Diligence is the effort to achieve the lofty goals of human Cheshmeh in Tehran. a venue for attracting university students and students of beings. This diligence, of course, must be accompanied by “Blood Meridian” is an epic novel of the violence and de- religious sciences, and corruption in this rural community submission to the pleasure of God Almighty. pravity that attended America’s westward expansion, bril- completely disappeared. 4- Accountability: Students should prepare themselves liantly subverting the conventions of the Western novel and Muhammad Hasyim was able to extend this idea to East for the great tasks they will take on in the future through the mythology of the Wild West. Java province and later to establish the great Islamic movement that opposes corruption throughout the Indonesian society. practice. But his thoughts were not limited to this goal. In the 18th 5- Tolerance: Respect for the rights of all human be- century, few Muslim clerics thought of creating an independ- ings through tolerance and tolerance of different tastes and ent economic mechanism to advance their religious goals. opinions is one of the things that students should learn. Examples of such progressive clerics in those years may Curriculum of Tebuireng School of Religious be seen in Iran and Egypt (one of which was the cradle of Sciences Shiism and the other the center of the Sunnis in the Islamic In this school, three different types of sciences are taught. world), although Muhammad Hasyim had no contact with The first part is the national curriculum, which is in ac- any of those clerics. cordance with the government-announced curriculum. The of Muslims in Indonesia. After he was relieved about his school of religious studies, second part is the international curriculum and the third Tebuireng religious students he set up several business companies to achieve the larger part is the curriculum called “Wisdom” which is developed The new education system launched by Haji Kiai Mu- goals he envisioned through their income. Muhammad by the school itself. hammad Hasyim Asy’ari in Indonesia not only became the Hasyim Asy’ari established various companies using Islamic Students are required to learn Indonesian, English, his- official education system of all Indonesian religious schools, economic infrastructure such as vows and endowments. tory, and a profession. Chemistry, physics, mathematics but also attracted many elites. He initially aimed to eradicate poverty in East Java society, and biology are also among the other sciences that students With the development of this school, in addition to teaching Front cover of the Persian version of Cormac McCarthy’s novel but after the thrift of these companies, Hasyim Asy’ari used are taught. The basic principles of Sunnah and Jama’ah, religious sciences, schools were set up to attract students “Blood Meridian”. them as one of the foundations for the spread of religion philosophy, Arabic language, principles of jurisprudence, from primary to high school. By doing so, many influential sciences of hadith and sciences of Quran are also among Based on historical events that took place on the Texas-Mexico throughout Indonesia. people in the future of Indonesia, each with their own name, the topics of wisdom courses. border in the 1850s, it traces the fortunes of the Kid, a fourteen- Later, Hasyim Asy’ari’s grandson established the Hasyim are tied to the Tebuireng School. Understanding the concept of Ahl al-Sunnah and Jama’ah, year-old Tennessean who stumbles into a nightmarish world Asy’ari Foundation. The foundation had several billions The role the graduates of the school played in the issue of Hadith of rules (teaching hadiths related to Islamic rules), where Indians are being murdered and the market for their in assets and capital through which it supported various Indonesia’s independence and the leadership of the Islamic Quranic sciences, Hadith sciences, principles of jurisprudence scalps is thriving. Islamic institutions and schools. currents in the country are just one aspect of the impor- (teaching Islamic rules, teaching 5 principles of religion, Although the novel initially received lukewarm critical Tebuireng and the beginning of the Ulema Move- tance of this school of religious sciences in Indonesia. The method of reasoning, teaching reasoning) and science and and commercial reception, it has since become highly ac- ment late Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid, who was Quran (understanding the relationship between science and claimed and is widely recognized as McCarthy’s magnum In 1926, Hasyim Asy’ari finally saw the ground suitable for also Muhammad Hasyim Asy’ari’s grandson, also studied Quran) are also among the topics of the wisdom section. opus and one of the greatest American novels of all time. the creation of a large Islamic complex in charge of religion at the school. Tebuireng School now has more than 3,880 students. It is Some have labelled it the Great American Novel. There have in the Indonesian society. Today, it is one of the most important religious schools one of the largest religious schools in Indonesia, home to the been multiple attempts to adapt the novel into a film, but Although religious reform movements had begun in In- in Indonesia, establishing and running several schools and tombs of several Indonesian scholars and elders. According none have succeeded. donesia in that decade, Asy’ari considered these reforms universities. to the Shafi’i jurisprudence that is taught in the school, the “Blood Meridian” was among Time Magazine’s poll of 100 against the Islamic teachings and managed to establish Ul- Living in Tebuireng shrines of Indonesian scholars, mystics and elders in the best English-language books published between 1925 and 2005 ema Movement to protect Islam in Indonesia through the Tebuireng has its own rules and principles. The school school are always a place for those who are interested in and he placed joint runner-up for a similar title in a poll taken enormous capacity of the Tebuireng School, which had now has 5 basic principles that all students are obliged to ob- them and pray to God Almighty. in 2006 by The New York Times of the best American fiction become a large, economically viable center in Indonesia. serve. In fact, the scientific life in Tebuireng is based on The Asy’ari Foundation now provides much more sup- published in the last 25 years. It did not take long for the ulema and the Muslim people these five principles: port to underprivileged students with financial and cultural McCarthy has written ten novels in the Southern Gothic, west- of Indonesia to join the Islamic movement beyond expecta- 1- Devotion: Everyone should strive to have devotion. support. And the Ulema Movement, which now has strong ern, and post-apocalyptic genres and has also written plays and tion, and a large crowd joined the movement. Since then on, Devotion is very difficult in practice, but the degree of ac- economic arms, thanks to the progressive ideas of Asy’ari, screenplays. He received the Pulitzer Prize in 2007 for “The Road”, Tebuireng became one of the key schools in the Indonesian ceptance of deeds is through devotion and avoidance of has numerous schools and mosques throughout Indone- and his 2005 novel “No Country for Old Men” was adapted as a archipelago from which Islamic fatwas were to be issued showing off. sia. The branches of this Islamic organization in Indonesia 2007 film of the same name, which won four Academy Awards, and influential scholars and students of the country were to 2- Honesty: All students should know that honesty is are also a place to remove religious doubts and teach and including Best Picture. graduate. The Ulema Movement is now the largest Islamic the most important thing in their lives. Being honest never propagate Islam in Indonesia. Literary critic Harold Bloom named him as one of the four organization in the world and is in charge of the main affairs major American novelists of his time, along with Thomas Pyn- chon, Don DeLillo, and Philip Roth. PART 1 He is frequently compared by modern reviewers to William Faulkner. In 2009, McCarthy won the PEN/Saul Bellow Award, a A brief history of Persian Miniature lifetime achievement award given by the PEN American Center. By Katy Kianush The 13th Century saw the creation of miniature. great works by Sadi, the author of the One of the most important works for the It is difficult to trace the origins of the famous “Bustan” and “Golestan”. Golestan illustrators of the period was “Shahnameh”, art of Persian miniature, as it reached is a collection of moralizing and enter- and in Shiraz there were a large staff of Canadian exhibition showcases its peak mainly during the Mongol and taining anecdotes and proverbs written painters dedicated to it. In the Shiraz min- Timurid periods (13th - 16th Century). in elegant rhymed prose, and at intervals, iatures of the 14th Century, symmetry of works by Iranian artist Mongolian rulers of Iran instilled the cult with fitting lines of verse. Bustan is a di- construction was predominant, and for of Chinese painting and brought with them dactic poem, lyrical in tone and anecdotal the most part composition was frieze- ARTTEHRAN –Works by Iranian artist Yousha a great number of Chinese artisans. Pa- in composition. It is considered to be one like, straightforward and monotonous. desk Bashir are currently on view at a 3D virtual per itself, reached Persia from China in of the masterpieces of Persian literature. Nevertheless, the Shiraz school was exhibition, which has been organized by the Vantage Art Projects, 753 AD. Hence, the Chinese influence In the 14th Century, there were en- to have great influence throughout Iran, a Canada-based collaborative curatorial platform and online is very strong. lightening and romantic works by Amir and by the end of the 15th Century it was after Timur had conquered Baghdad (in magazine for contemporary art. The most important function of minia- Khosro Dehlavi, Khajoo Kermani, Hafez, producing miniatures of highest quality. 1393, 1401) and Tabriz (1402). Many of Curated by American painter Katie Neece, the exhibit enti- ture was illustration. It gave a visual image and Kamal Khodjandi. While the 15th The illustrations for “Khamseh” (1491) them were brought to Samarkand, the tled “New Visions” explores the various modes and approaches to the literary plot, making it more enjoy- Century was the time for the many fac- by Nezami serve as an example of Shiraz capital of the conqueror, as well as to the taken by artists working within the scope of “post-digital art”, able, and easier to understand. Miniature eted poet Jami, who wrote the seven epic art at its peak. All is complete, and clear, court of his grandson, Iskandar Sultan, organizers have announced. developed into a marriage of artistic and poems called “Haft Owrang”(The Sev- both in composition and the distribution the ruler of Shiraz. In the new studios The show is an examination of the way that “post-digital” does poetic languages and obtained a deep and en Thrones or Ursa Major). His poetry of detail, and in the outline of the silhou- they adapted to the already existing ide- not have one singular definition, but with the rapid acceleration sincere accordance with poetry. embraced all the different categories of ettes. The lines are firm and confident. as and tastes, but at the same time they of technological means to iterate, create and explore. During the last ten centuries there preceding literature. At the close of the 13th Century, the introduced much of the traditions they This definition of “post-digital” is a constantly shifting have been many great literary works This great wealth of inspiring litera- Tabriz school of art had been established. had followed long before the migration. and morphing genre adapting and evolving within its current to inspire the great artists of their day. ture gave rise to the emergence of many The early artistic development of the Tabriz In the 16th Century, on the vast ter- place in space and time. As it has throughout the history of At the end of the 10th Century, Fer- important miniature schools, each with school differed from that of Shiraz, as their ritories of Iran and central Asia, poetry art ? technology shapes and changes the way we see the world dowsi created his immortal epic poem its own unique style, creating a great di- illustrations tended to combine Far Eastern by Jami was extremely popular, and it and the way we interpret it, and these influences whether “Shahnameh” (The Book of Kings), which versity of paintings. It was through these traits with the Armeno-Byzantine style enriched the art of painting with new consciously or subconsciously reflect in the work that is being at some 50 thousand couplets, relates schools that miniature painting achieved of painting. This latter influence can be themes. This was the start of great de- produced in our current moment. through fact and legend, the history of its splendid development both in Iran and explained by the geographical situation velopment throughout the various schools Works by different artists from all over the world including the country from the creation of the central Asia. Three of the most influential of Tabriz, which is on the frontier of the of art in Iran. In the Tabriz miniatures of Dan Becker, Austin Brady, Bex Massey, Charley Peters, Anna world to the Arab conquests in the 7th schools were in Shiraz, Tabriz, and Herat. Armenian region. the period, there appeared a magnificent Nero and Bernie Liu Spimes are also on display at the exhibition, Century. In the 12th Century, the poet In the 13th and 14th Centuries Shiraz, Closer relations sprung up between ability to create within a limited space, a which will run until June 1. Nezami created his romantic “Khamsa” the capital of Fars witnessed a new rise in different artistic styles of Shiraz and Tabriz full illusion of a particular scene or land- Born in 1988, Bashir is a Tehran-based multi-disciplinary (five stories in verse), which was very the development of its cultural life. This art schools at the beginning of the 15th scape; for example, a picture of a palace artist who has participated in different art exhibitions in Iran popular, and was imitated several times was the time of Sadi, Khajoo Kermani, Century. This time is connected with a building, including part of its yard, inner and other countries. by Indian poets writing in Persian. and Hafez. Poetry flourished and so did great migration of painters which begun garden and the palace interior.