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16 Pages Price 20,000 Rials 1.00 EURO 4.00 AED 39th year No.13291 Sunday DECEMBER 30, 2018 Dey 9, 1397 Rabi’ Al thani 22, 1440 Leader’s post-2009 Al-Amiri thanks Iran’s Khademalsharieh Nine debut films election statements Iran for aiding Iraq wins silver at World get Fajr festival

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Chabahar trilateral agreement to take effect on Feb. 26 ECONOMY TEHRAN— According agreement’s implementation requires at- Palestinian Islamic deskto the deputy head of traction of businessmen and launching Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization direct shipping lines between Chabahar (PMO) for ports and economic affairs, the and India’s port, as well as other ports at trilateral agreement between Iran, India and the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. Afghanistan on transit of goods via Iran’s “The implementation has been start- Jihad leader meets Zarif southeastern port of Chabahar will be offi- ed since a week ago and of course, some See page 2 cially implemented on February 26, 2019. cargos had been transited from India to As the official portal of the Trans- Afghanistan before that,” he said, “About Iran to continue backing port Ministry quoted Mohammad-Ali 10 ships of wheat and beans, weighting Hassanzadeh as saying in an interview 120,000 tons, have been transported from Palestine, Zarif says in a state-TV program on Saturday, the India to Afghanistan, previously.” 4 Iran builds radars to monitor satellites in low earth orbit POLITICS TEHRAN — Briga- achieved world’s modern technology deskdier General Hossein by relying on domestic capabilities Salami, the Islamic Revolution Guards despite economic, scientific and Corps second-in-command, announced technical boycott.” on Saturday that Iranian experts have He added that Iran has built radars succeeded to build radars to monitor to monitor satellites in low earth orbit, satellites in low earth orbit (LEO). drones to carry out operations pre- Addressing a conference at Su- cisely, and ballistic missiles to destroy preme National Defense University in warships through relying on domestic Tehran, Salami said, “Today, we have capabilities. 2

Saudi cabinet reshuffle: An attempt to avert potential dangers INTERNATIONAL TEHRAN — The has announced former Finance Minister deskcabinet reshuffle Ibrahim al-Assaf would succeed Adel al- carried out by King Salman of Saudi Jubeir as the nation’s Foreign Minister.

Mohammad Khodabakhsh Arabia has raised a lot of questions Al-Jubeir, who served as the Foreign Min- about the real motives behind the ister since 2015, was appointed minister changes and future steps taken by of state for foreign affairs. the Saudi regime. In November 2017, Al-Assaf was de- The political structure in Saudi Arabia is tained in Saudi Arabia in a corruption established in a way that the cabinet is led crackdown conducted by a new royal Tehran Times/ Tehran Times/ by the king. In cabinet shake-up the king anti-corruption committee. 13

EDITORIAL Pentagon and CIA are against Trump, reasons of U.S. withdrawal from Syria: Anzour REPORT Mohammad Ghaderi By Mohammad Fatemizadeh Following is the full text of the interview: roles and their implications for international Ramin Hossein Abadian Tehran Times editor-in-chief TEHRAN — After Donald Trump said he would What’s your assessment of Trump’s deci- politics and the future of the United States in Mehr News Agency @ghaderi62 withdraw all U.S. troops from Syria, the Turkish sion about the withdrawal of U.S. troops from international affairs. journalist military operation against Kurdish-led forces Syria and the region? Therefore, real changes have been made in in northern Syria has been postponed. Cur- A: This issue should be analyzed from four all of these cases, all of which are the reason for Independent rently, the main cast in Syria is assessing the points. First there is the resistance and achieve- the withdrawal of American troops from Syria. Cold season comes position of their forces to continue fighting the ment of the Syrian people, second is in the regional How do you evaluate U.S. policies vis- European army: A remaining ISIS presence after the departure dimension where the resistance is strengthen by à-vis the region, in particular in Syria since to an end in Syria of the U.S. our friend, Iran. Third, on the world stage, for Trump took office? Is he just looking at these dream which will The Mehr News Agency conducted an inter- the return of the East from Russia to China, its issues from the point of view of economics and espite the fact that Syrian crisis has view with Syrian Deputy Parliament Speaker political and economic role and its place at the spending for the United States, or are there been going on about eight years, the never come true Najdat Anzour. center of the world. Fourth, because of the U.S. other goals behind it? 7 DSyrian government has achieved valuable triumphs and victories against t has been a rather long time that enemies, and that has made an increasing politicians like the French President No competition between Gwader and Chabahar ports: Pakistan parliament speaker number of Arab states to begin normalizing relations with Syria. IEmmanuel Macron, and German By Banafsheh Esmaeili Following is the text of the interview: any disputes. The new government in Pa- Chancellor Angela Merkel, didn’t speak In 2011, the leaders of the Arab League, TEHRAN – Asad Qaiser, speaker of Pakistan’s Chabahar Port of Iran and the Gwadar Port kistan is determined to expand and deepen of the formation of an “Independent under widespread pressure of the US and National Assembly, believes that “there is no in Pakistan are said to be complementary to each relations with the Iranian government and European Army.” This is doubling the Western countries, voted to suspend Syr- competition” between Gwader port owned by other. What kind of joint venture can take place nation. assumptions on the cross-sectional and ia’s membership in the league. But now, Pakistan and Chabahar port in Iran. between the two ports? The project of Gwadar Port is a great op- reactionary nature of this idea by Eu- with the new developments, the same Gwader is going to be operated by China and A: First and foremost, Iran is our friend portunity for both countries. It is our will to kick ropean authorities. countries are surpassing other states to Chabahar by India. and a brotherly country. Pakistanis love off the cooperation between these ports in a way Countries like Germany, France, and resume relations with Damascus. “It is our will to kick off cooperation between and consider Iranians their best friends. that both Pakistan and Iran would be able to take Spain supported this idea, and, on the The developments throughout these these ports,” Qaiser tells the Mehr news agency. Fortunately, the two countries don’t have advantage of this opportunity. 7 contrary, Britain, Denmark and the Neth- years clearly show that the Arab states erlands have strongly opposed it. However, have played a significant role in inten- the evidences suggest that such this idea sifying and elongating the Syrian crisis has an abstract nature, and it is merely a Pakistan fencing Afghan border to curb infiltration, but Afghans not happy as well as their sudden change of heart minimal and periodic reaction by Macron By Syed Zafar Mehdi the two countries. nize its legality. that indicates their defeat in Damascus. and Merkel against unilateral measures TEHRAN — Pakistan and Afghanistan, the two One of the sources of conflict between them The armies of the two countries have often Head of Syrian National taken by the U.S. President. Meanwhile, estranged neighbors with history of hostility and is the porous 1,500 mile border. The two gov- engaged in cross-border skirmishes, resulting in Security Bureau visited Egypt Germany and France spent 1.2 percent bad blood, have made concerted efforts in recent ernments believe terrorists infiltrate through military and civilian casualties, and escalating at official invitation and 1.8 percent of their gross domestic months to open a new chapter in their bilateral the porous border from both sides and launch political and diplomatic tensions. Ali Mamlouk, head of the National Se- product (GDP) on defense spending under relations. attacks. It also allows drug smugglers to do their Pakistan army, in a bid to seal the border and curity Bureau of the Ba’ath Party, recently the NATO pact. The new government in Pakistan has not illicit trade. prevent influx of terrorists and smugglers, has traveled to Cairo at the invitation of Egyp- Trump called on German and French only pledged its support to Afghan-led and Af- The western border, Durand Line, has been been constructing a fence along the border. The tian intelligence chief. During his trip to officials to increase this amount to 2 per- ghan-owned peace process, but it has also taken the main bone of contention between the two work was inaugurated by Pakistan’s army chief Egypt, he met with senior security officials cent. Britain and four other countries (out initiatives to remove the trust deficit between countries as Afghanistan has refused to recog- Qamar Bajwa in May this year. 6 of Egypt including the head of the Egyptian of the 29 NATO member states) have so intelligence agency, Abbas Kamel. During far been willing to devote 2% of their GDP the meeting, the two sides discussed the se- on NATO defense spending, and 24 other curity developments in the region and ways countries have not yet responded to this to resume the military relations between request. This is a sign of a continuous Damascus and Cairo and fight terrorism. conflict between the United States and This was Mamlouk’s second trip to other NATO members which will last for Egypt in the past two years. His first trip a long time, even after Trump’s leaving was on October 22, 2016 when the Syrian the White House! Snow tubing official visited Director of the General In- Accordingly, we should pay attention telligence Directorate Khaled Fawzy and a to the thorough opposition of British fun in number of other senior security officials. officials to the idea of forming a “True Renovation of the UAE European Army”, as it was previously central Iran Embassy in Damascus raised by Merkel. Speaking about the Recently, the media and social networks prospect of a European army, Gevin Young people revel in Fereydunshahr ski have released images showing that the Unit- Williamson, the British Defense Sec- resort, which is nestled in the foothills ed Arab Emirates is renovating embassy retary, told the Daily Mail: ‘You can of the Zagros mountain range in Isfahan in Damascus. The move comes at a time absolutely rest assured that Britain will province, central Iran, December 28, 2018. when the UAE and Syrian authorities have never become part of a European army No skill required, as thick fresh snow resumed diplomatic relations. The reopening on my watch. covers slopes across the country, people of the UAE embassy in Syria has also been ‘It is an absolutely crazy idea. NATO has of all walks of life grab snow tubes and met with various reactions from officials. delivered European security for the last head for having fun. Faisal Mekdad, the Syrian Deputy-For- 70 years and we should feel very proud of Iran has long been an international eign Minister has recently said, “The it. Should we undermine that by forming destination for avid powder chasers during decision to reopen an embassy strictly a separate military force? Absolutely not. winter, while - in total contrast - its arid depends on a country as that is the case To begin discussing a new EU army is with the UAE, which is an independent ISNA/ Morteza Zangane and semi-arid climate reaches sweltering dangerous and undermines the security levels in summer. country with the right to announce and that NATO underwrites.’ 13 publish the news.” 7 I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y POLITICS DECEMBER 30, 2018 MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS Leader’s post- Zarif: U.S. should drag the world into 2009 election statements chaos if it tries to prevent Iran’s oil export published POLITICS TEHRAN — Iran’s for- someone that has done nothing illegal. POLITICS TEHRAN — Unpublished statements deskeign minister says the U.S. He said the arrest also raises questions deskby Leader of the Islamic Revolution would have to resort to policies that would about some trade rivalry going on behind Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after the events surrounding drag the world into a chaotic state if it tried the scene. the 2009 election have been made public in a new book, to actually shut down Iran’s oil exports. Zarif called on other parties to the Iran nu- ISNA reported on Saturday. In an interview with the Hong Kong-based clear deal to take a serious stance against U.S. Following the 2009 presidential elections, which resulted television broadcaster Phoenix TV which was moves, not for the sake of Iran but for the future in incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad winning aired on Friday, Mohammad Javad Zarif said of their own and the international relations. re-election with 62% of the votes cast, candidates Mehdi the United States cannot simply stop Iran The Iranian diplomat maintained that Karroubi and Mir Hossein Mousavi rejected the results, from selling its oil. while Europe has promised Iran to be work- claiming the elections were rigged. Zarif said that Iran would never hold ing on the finalization of a trade mechanism Karroubi, Mousavi and his wife, Zahra Rahnavard, talks with the U.S. in desperation. He said with Iran to bypass U.S. sanctions, Tehran is were then placed under house arrest for insisting on their it was the U.S. which walked away from the not holding its breath until the EU delivers claims and calling for protests. nuclear deal, not Iran, and so it is the U.S. on its promises. Zarif stressed that Iran’s which needs to come back. main trade partners are China, Russia and Zarif voiced doubt that reaching a nuclear its neighboring countries. Ayatollah deal with the U.S. would be possible if negoti- He further reassured China that Iran’s ations were to be held now instead of in 2015. interests in the East Asian country are “stra- Movahedi He added that even in case of an agreement, the tegic”, not tactical and temporary. Kermani chairing deal would still be similar to the one reached Elsewhere in the interview, Zarif said the between Iran and the P5+1 three years ago. U.S. military presence in the Persian Gulf is Expediency Council About U.S. decision to withdraw troops illegal and would add to tensions. from Syria, Zarif said that Iran does not know He said the dispatch of a U.S. aircraft car- POLITICS TEHRAN — Until the Leader appoints a Zarif says Iran would never hold talks with yet what the Americans’ agenda is with this rier to the Persian Gulf would create tensions, desknew chairman for the Expediency Council, the U.S. in desperation. move, but “what matters to us is that the adding that increased presence of Americans Ayatollah Mohammad-Ali Movahedi Kermani will chair the U.S. policy in the region is dangerous and About Canada’s arrest of Huawei’s CFO, impact on the world before it could actual- in the Persian Gulf has always posed threats council, ISNA reported on Saturday, quoting a council member. must be changed.” Zarif said the arrest would have a negative ly affect Iran, because Canada has arrested to the regional states. “After the demise of Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani, the deputy chairman of the council chaired the council until a new chairman was named,” Gholamreza Mes- bahi-Moghadam said, adding that the current circum- Palestinian Islamic Jihad leader U.S. policies in the region have failed: stances are similar to that period. meets Zarif general Ayatollah Hashemi Shahroudi passed away at a hospital in Tehran after his health deteriorated due to a chronic dis- POLITICS TEHRAN — Foreign occupied territories as manifestations of POLITICS TEHRAN — Brigadier ities and give in to the reality if they ease. He had served in many crucial positions in the Islamic deskMinister Mohammad the capabilities of the resistance movement. deskGeneral Hossein Sa- face resistance.” Republic, including the chairman of the Expediency Council. Javad Zarif said on Saturday that Iran Also, during a meeting with Mahmoud lami, the Islamic Revolution Guards U.S. President Donald Trump on De- will stand beside the Palestinian people al-Zahar, the co-founder of Hamas and a Corps second-in-command, said on cember 19 announced that U.S. troops and will continue supporting the Pales- member of the Hamas leadership in Gaza, Saturday that the U.S. policies and had defeated the Daesh terrorists in All plots against tinian cause. on December 23, Zarif said supporting strategies in the Middle East region Syria and he sought to pull some 2,000 “The Islamic Republic of Iran will Palestine is a principled policy of Iran. have ended in failure. U.S. troops out of Syria. Iran doomed to remain on the side of the Palestinian “Supporting Palestine is one of the “The U.S. spent a lot and at the end Iranian Foreign Ministry spokes- failure: general people and will support the Palestinian principled policies of the Islamic Re- left Syria. The U.S. signed the JCPOA man Bahram Qassemi has welcomed cause,” Zarif said during a meeting with public and we hope that certain Islamic [the 2015 nuclear deal] and then pulled Trump’s decision, saying the U.S. mil- Ziad al-Nakhala, the secretary general of governments which are dependent on the out of it. The U.S. gets involved in eco- itary presence in the Middle East fuels the Islamic Jihad movement. U.S. and Zionists’ support would return nomic war with the powers that it has insecurity in the region. POLITICS TEHRAN — Ahmad Vahidi, president of desk Zarif said it is one of the principles of to the world of Islam and would realize economic relations with. All of these “Basically, U.S. forces’ arrival and the Supreme National Defense Universi- Iran’s foreign policy to support Palestine. that the Zionists are not a trusted friend show the U.S. failure in political arena,” presence in the region was a wrong, ty, said on Saturday that Iran’s enemies have always failed For his part, Nakhala said the resist- and partner,” he said. he told reporters on the sidelines of a illogical, tension-provoking and cri- in their policy of economic sanctions against the Islamic ance front has boosted its capacities to Zarif also suggested that the Islamic conference at the Supreme National sis-inducing move from the outset, and Republic, stressing the new U.S. sanctions will fail as well. counter the aggressors. world should support Palestine unitedly. Defense University. has always been one of the key contrib- “The Islamic Revolution has so far thwarted many plots Nakhala cited the Great March of Re- Zahar expressed hope that the Zionism The general said, “The Iranian utors to instability and insecurity in the hatched by the enemies,” Brigadier General Vahidi said, turn, the Zionist regime’s failure in its project would end in failure through re- people have found their way in such region,” said Qassemi in a statement adding that the Islamic Republic will, as always, emerge recent attack on Gaza and a consequent sistance by the Palestinians and support atmosphere and are aware that the posted on the Foreign Ministry website victorious against such plots, Mehr reported. announcement of snap elections in the by the Islamic world. major powers have limited capabil- on December 22. Pointing to Saddam Hussein’s war against Iran in the 1980s, he said the war was one of the plots hatched by the enemies, after which an even stronger Islamic Republic emerged. Iran builds radars to monitor satellites in low earth orbit Al-Amiri thanks 1 According to Fars news agency, National Space the low earth orbit as well as space discoveries sciences,” Center chief Manouchehr Manteqi also said that Iran has “Iran has built drones to carry Manteqi stated. Iran for aiding been in possession of the know-how and infrastructure to out operations precisely, and He also added that the Iranian researchers were work- manufacture experimental satellites and explorer rockets. ballistic missiles to destroy ing on the technology to design and build sensing and Iraq against terror “We have been able to attain the technology and nec- operational telecommunication satellites, noting that the essary infrastructures to design and build experimental warships through relying on country aimed to indigenize the projects as soon as possible satellites and explorer rockets and launch (satellites) to domestic capabilities.” through serious international cooperation. POLITICS TEHRAN — Hadi Al-Amiri, an Iraqi deskMP and head of Fatah Alliance, has thanked Iran for its support to Iraq in fighting terrorism over the past years, ISNA reported. Trump couldn’t overcome Iran, Russia JCPOA an ‘existential interest’ for Al-Amiri made the remarks on Friday as he criticized aid to Syria: ex-U.S. diplomat Europe: researcher U.S. President Donald Trump for making an unannounced visit to U.S. troopers in Iraq. POLITICS TEHRAN — An POLITICS The director of the He also said it is necessary for all foreign forces to deskAmerican author and deskIstituto Affari Inter- exit the Iraqi soil. former diplomat has highlighted rea- nazionali (IAI) think tank in Rome, Ita- On the same day, Iraj Masjedi, the Iranian ambassador sons behind President Donald Trump’s ly, has described the 2015 nuclear deal to Baghdad, repeated that all Iranian military advisers had recent decision to pull U.S. troops out of as an “existential interest” for Europe, left Iraq after Daesh was defeated. Syria, saying Trump “could see no way stressing that the 28-member European of overcoming Iranian and Russian aid” Union is doing everything it can to save to the Damascus government. the agreement. Turkey to “Naturally, President Trump could “…the EU and in particular the EEAS see no way of overcoming Iranian and (European External Action Service) have continue co-op Russian aid; that help obviously proved been working on this (the special purpose with Russia, Iran decisive,” Michael Springmann, the former vehicle (SPV)), on the technical details head of the American visa bureau in Saudi of it for a number of months and weeks on Syria Arabia, said in an interview with Tasnim. now,” Nathalie Tocci told Tasnim in an “Additionally, and this is pure spec- interview published on Saturday POLITICS TEHRAN — Turkey will continue its close cease its support for the various extremist possible to get as wet as possible and desk ulation, Trump or someone close to him The SPV is expected to allow busi- cooperation with Russia and Iran on Syria finally recognized that the U.S. had illegally groups it has been backing over the years.” nesses to continue trading with the create Transatlantic (trade with Iran).” and other regional issues, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut invaded Syria,” he said, adding, “Since Because of the U.S. withdrawal, “I Islamic Republic in the U.S. sanctions When it comes to the JCPOA, Euro- Cavusoglu said on Saturday. Iran and Russia had been invited to help believe the Israeli Apartheid Entity era. France and Germany announced peans try to do what they can to save He made the remarks on a visit to the Russian capital for Bashar al-Assad fight his enemies, the idea will continue to wage war in Syria, in last month that they may host the SPV. the agreement, as it is an “existential talks on Syria between top Turkish and Russian officials. likely coalesced that remaining in Syria the hope that it will finally destroy the She added that other EU member states interest” for Europe, said Tocci, who Turkey and Russia have a joint will to clear “all ter- in a losing war would be, in the long run, country,” he added. have so far refused to host the payment is also special adviser to High Repre- rorist groups from Syria”, Cavusoglu said, according to against American Interests elsewhere.” “Saudi Arabia may well become more system as they fear the U.S. may decide sentative of the European Union for Anadolu Agency. Springmann expressed hope that this deeply involved there as well. And, of to take “retaliatory measures” against Foreign Affairs and Security Policy He stated that Turkey and Russia, as guarantors of the withdrawal is not the end of the beginning, course, Turkey will seek to press farther them through secondary sanctions. Federica Mogherini. Astana peace process, are defending Syria’s territorial in- but the beginning of the end of a cruel, into Syria, both to seize land that had “As you know Austria and Luxemburg The European Union has vowed to tegrity and political unity from all efforts to harm them. needless war. once been part of the Ottoman Empire came under pressure by the United States counter U.S. President Donald Trump’s Before the meeting, Cavusoglu said he came to Russia to On whether the move is a victory for and to continue its war against the Kurds, not to host the SPV and ultimately they renewed sanctions on Iran, including by hold talks about the latest developments in Syria. Iran, he said, “I would not necessarily including those in Syria who have been backed out,” Tocci said. means of a new law to shield European say, as some analysts have, that the U.S. fighting ISIS.” “Three signatories (France, Germany companies from punitive measures. withdrawal from Syria is a victory for Iran.” On the reasons behind Trump’s and Britain) of the JCPOA are ready to On May 8, the U.S. president pulled Cyberspace cannot Instead, the analyst continued, “I would move, he said, “His reasons for doing get wet,” she said. his country out of the Joint Comprehen- be shut down: remark that the expected drawdown of so are likely fulfillment of his campaign Tocci was referring to remarks by sive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the nuclear American forces is a distinct advantage promise to leave the Forever War in the Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad deal that was achieved in Vienna in 2015 Judiciary official for the Islamic Republic.” region, end U.S. overextension in the Javad Zarif in an interview with Italy’s after years of negotiations among Iran Iran’s role in removing American sol- Middle East, and re-orient American Rai News24 in late November who had and the 5+1 group (Russia, China, the diers from Syria has been to help irregular forces to counter non-existent threats said, “It is impossible to swim without U.S., Britain, France and Germany). from Russia and China.” Following the U.S. exit, Iran and the POLITICS TEHRAN — The Judiciary chief’s cul- forces, allied with the government, in getting wet”. Springmann also said, “Predictably, the remaining parties launched talks to save desktural deputy believes that not all of the fighting the terrorists, Springmann said “In the case of the United Kingdom, old European colonial powers objected to the accord. activities that people do in social media apps such as Tel- about Iran’s role in Syria. obviously it is slightly different given the the U.S. retreat. France vowed to remain Trump on August 6 signed an execu- egram are criminal and that the people need social media “Iran’s advice and counsel proved in- issue of Brexit… when it comes to France in Syria. Britain said it disagreed with tive order re-imposing many sanctions for different reasons. valuable in helping groups like Hezbollah and Germany; they will share the burden U.S. policy. The Germans commented on Iran, three months after pulling out “Both good and bad activities are done in cyberspace,” deal with the better-armed groups and of wetness by finding a mechanism so they were surprised because the ‘threat’ of the nuclear agreement. IRNA on Saturday quoted Hadi Sadeqi as saying. cooperate with the Syrian government’s that one country will physically host is still there.” He said the U.S. policy is to levy “Cyberspace cannot be shut down, because people need army,” he added. the SPV and in the other country the “Only Vladimir Putin, the Russian pres- “maximum economic pressure” on it… The government has the duty to facilitate positive He also said there is no timetable for SPV will be legally registered”. ident, welcomed the move. He noted that the country. usage of cyberspace,” Sadeqi added. removing the stated 2,000 U.S. soldiers “So I think it is very fair if you like ISIS had been defeated and there was no The second batch of U.S. sanctions He also said Iran’s enemies exploit cyberspace to from Syria. “Nor is there confirmation the way in which Europeans are trying longer a reason to keep the illegitimate against the Islamic Republic took effect commit criminal activities against the country. that America will not continue to bomb to do what they can and, obviously and that unhappy country or that the U.S. will U.S. invasion forces in Syria,” he added. inevitably, they will try to the extent on November 4. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y DECEMBER 30, 2018 INTERNATIONAL

Ansarullah start to redeploy in ‘Yellow vests’ target Hudaydah amid Saudi raids Macron’s holiday hideout Yemen’s Ansarullah (Houthi) movement Conte says his government wants to end arms fighters say they have started to redeploy sales to Saudi Arabia due to war and atrocities from the port of the Red Sea city of Huday- in neighboring Yemen. dah as part of a United Nations-sponsored “We are not in favor of the sale of these peace agreement signed in Sweden earlier weapons and so now it is only a question this month. of formalizing this position and acting ac- A UN source confirmed the announcement cordingly,” Conte said at the prime min- on Saturday which saw the Saudi regime air- ister’s traditional end-of-the-year press planes carry out new airstrikes despite the conference on Friday while responding presence of UN observers who arrived in to Italy’s continuing arms exports to the Hudaydah this week. Persian Gulf kingdom. “Our forces have started to redeploy since The move comes amid controversy over last night from Hudaydah port, as agreed in Saudi Arabia’s war on Yemen and massive Sweden,” an Ansarullah military spokesman aerial bombardment of Yemen’s residential If Emmanuel Macron is hoping for some holiday respite from told Yemen’s al-Masirah TV. areas and infrastructure there as well as the anti-government protests that have rocked France, he might The Ansarullah have agreed to let interna- the killing of dissident journalist Jamal want to avoid the presidential retreat along the Mediterranean tional monitors to be deployed in the strategic Kashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Tur- coast. Around 40 “yellow vest” demonstrators Thursday tried city. Under the deal, a Redeployment Coor- key’s Istanbul. to storm the medieval fort of Bregancon that serves as Macron’s dination Committee (RCC) including both If Conte’s decision goes ahead, Italy would summer retreat before being turned back by police, the mayor warring sides will oversee implementation. join a growing list of countries halting arms of nearby Bormes-les-Mimosas, Francois Arizzi, said Friday. The redeployment is intended to be the sales to the Saudis. “It’s madness. For people who want more democracy, they first step in the implementation of the agree- Denmark, Finland, Germany and Norway should start by respecting other people’s property,” Arizzi said, ment, to be followed by both sides pulling have already decided to stop selling arms adding many of the protesters had tried to infiltrate the fort by their forces out of three ports of Hudaydah, to the Saudi regime, while Canadian Prime crossing private land. The yellow vest movement has morphed Salif and Rass Issa. Minister Justin Trudeau has also expressed from anger over fuel taxes to a broad rebuke of Macron, whom The parties are due to present detailed interest in canceling his country’s $13 billion critics accuse of neglecting the rising costs of living for many in plans for a full redeployment to head of the UN arms deal with Riyadh. rural and small-town France. advance team charged with monitoring the al-Masirah television network reported. family paid a local militant leader a bribe worth Despite Trudeau’s pledge however, reports Bregancon generated some unwanted headlines last summer ceasefire Patrick Cammaert at the next RCC The truce deal saw the parties agree to let $1,360 so an older brother could go to Yem- last week revealed that a consignment of the when it emerged Macron was installing a 34,000 euro ($39,000) meeting on Jan. 1, the United Nations said. local forces take control of the port, which en. “People are desperate. They are fighting in military vehicles had already left Canada for swimming pool at the fort, which already has its own private beach. It is still unclear how far they will with- receives some 80 percent of the humanitarian Yemen because they know that in Sudan they Saudi Arabia. Media reports have said the president canceled a planned draw and who will control the three ports or aid headed into Yemen. don’t have a future. We are exporting soldiers Canada’s leading daily The Globe and Mail Christmas skiing trip, possibly at his longtime destination of if the two sides will share control with UN Child soldiers from Sudan’s to fight like they are a commodity we are ex- reported last Sunday that a cargo ship loaded La Mongie in the Pyrenees, not far from where his grandmother monitors positioned between the two fronts. Darfur fight in frontline of Saudi war changing for foreign currency,” said former with armored vehicles left the port of Saint lived while he was growing up. The UN monitors will not be uniformed on Yemen banker Hafiz Ismail Mohamed. John for Saudi Arabia a day after protesters (Source: AFP) or armed but will provide support for the Meantime, child soldiers from Sudan’s Five Sudanese militants, who had returned gathered to condemn the shipment. management of and inspections at the ports Darfur have reportedly been fighting on be- from Yemen, and another about to depart Another report earlier this month further and strengthen the UN presence in Hudaydah. half of the Saudi regime and its allies in the told The New York Times that children made revealed that despite Germany’s claim of halt- The agreement, the first significant break- frontline of the deadly war on Yemen, with up at least 20 percent of their units. Two ing its arms shipments to the Saudis over New Saudi foreign minister through in peace efforts in five years, is part money being their only motive. other militants, however, put the number the murder of Khashoggi, Berlin is covertly of confidence-building measures intended to The New York Times reported that the at over 40 percent. continuing its arms exports to the kingdom denies kingdom in crisis pave the way for a wider truce and a frame- Saudis have used their vast oil wealth to out- They said that Sudanese jets flew from the and is even planning to resume overt weapons work for political negotiations. source the war, mainly by hiring survivors cities of Khartoum or Nyala to Saudi Arabia sales to Riyadh soon. Saudi Arabia’s new foreign minister struck a note of defiance On Saturday, the Saudi regime air raids hit of the Darfur conflict to operate in Yemen, with 2,000 to 3,000 soldiers on board. This is while many more Western gov- Friday in the face of international outrage over critic Jamal an area near Qabiah Village in Bayt al-Faqih many of them children. They added that at Saudi camps, which ernments are continuing their arms deals Khashoggi’s murder, rejecting the kingdom was in crisis or that District on Friday, Press TV’s correspondent Citing several Sudanese mercenaries and already host as many as 8,000 Sudanese, with the Saudis, including the United States, his predecessor had been demoted. Ibrahim al-Assaf, a former Mohammed al-Attab reported from Huday- lawmakers, the report said that as many as the Sudanese mercenaries received Ameri- France, and Britain. veteran finance minister who was briefly detained last year in dah’s countryside. 14,000 Sudanese militants have been fighting can-made uniforms and weapons. The United Nations calls Yemen the site what Riyadh said was an anti-corruption sweep, replaced Adel The attacks came as UN observers met with in Yemen alongside the Saudi regime-backed Then, they said, Saudi officers provided of the worst humanitarian suffering in the al-Jubeir as foreign minister in a major government shake-up representatives of Yemen’s former govern- forces while at least hundreds of them have the Sudanese two to four weeks of training, world as the Saudi war has left 14 million Thursday that was ordered by King Salman. ment and the Ansarullah movement, which been killed so far. divided them into units of 500 to 750 and people facing starvation The surprise reshuffle was seen partly as an attempt to elevate defends the country against the invaders. Almost all the Sudanese come from Dar- sent them over land to Yemen. The House of Saud regime invaded Yemen the kingdom’s marginalized old guard. The United Nations dispatched the team fur and most of them belong to the Rapid The Sudanese militants interviewed also in March 2015 to reinstate former president But speaking to AFP in his first interview since his appoint- after the two sides hammered out the truce Support Forces, a tribal militia blamed for noted that they all had fought in Yemen only Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, who had resigned ment, Assaf insisted the restructuring was motivated not by the deal affecting Hudaydah Province in Sweden war crimes during the Darfur conflict, the for money. amid popular discontent and fled to Riyadh. Khashoggi affair, but the need to make the government machinery on December 18. report added. Elsewhere, the report said that The Sudanese are paid in Saudi riyals, The aggression is estimated to have left more efficient. “The issue of Jamal Khashoggi ... really saddened The strikes were the latest to be committed the Saudi or UAE overseers commanded the the equivalent of about $480 a month for 56,000 Yemenis dead. us, all of us,” Assaf told AFP at his residence in Riyadh, adorned by the House of Saud regime and the forces Sudanese militants by remote control radio a 14-year-old novice to about $530 for an The war has also taken a heavy toll on the with mahogany furniture, a wall-mounted elephant tusk and backed by the kingdom since the agreement headsets and GPS systems in a bid to keep a experienced officer. They receive an addi- country’s infrastructure, destroying hospitals, other hunting trophies. was reached. safe distance from the battle lines. tional $185 to $285 for any month they saw schools, and factories. The UN has already “But all in all, we are not going through a crisis, we are going On Friday, Yemeni army spokesman Brig- The report also noted that some Sudanese combat — every month for some. said that a record 22.2 million Yemenis are through a transformation,” he added, referring to social and adier General Yahya Saree said the Saudi families even bribe militant officers to let Italy to halt arms sales to Saudis in dire need of food, including 8.4 million economic reforms spearheaded by the crown prince. regime had violated the truce as many as 158 their teenage sons go fight. amid Yemen war threatened by severe hunger. Assaf, 69, inherits the ministry after a series of combative times over the previous 24 hours, Yemen’s Abdul Raheem, 32, said that last year his Elsewhere, Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe (Source: Press TV) foreign policy moves by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, who along with regional allies imposed a blockade on neighboring Qatar, launched a military campaign in Yemen and engaged in a bitter diplomatic row with Canada. Egypt kills 40 ‘terrorists’ in crackdown Topping it all, Khashoggi’s murder in Saudi Arabia’s Istanbul consulate by what it calls “rogue” agents is testing ties with key ally Washington, particularly after a U.S. Senate resolution recently held Prince Mohammad responsible for the killing. after Giza attack When asked whether his biggest foreign policy challenge was to repair the kingdom’s tarnished reputation, Assaf replied: “I Egyptian police killed 40 alleged “terrorists” in a crackdown vital tourism industry, which has been reeling from turmoil wouldn’t say ‘repair’ because the relationship between my country Saturday after a roadside bomb hit a tour bus claiming the lives set off by the 2011 uprising that forced veteran president and a vast majority of countries in the world is in excellent shape.” of three Vietnamese holidaymakers and an Egyptian guide. Hosni Mubarak from power. In Thursday’s reshuffle, Jubeir was appointed minister of The suspects were killed in separate raids in the Giza gov- Egypt has been seeking to lure tourists back by touting new state for foreign affairs, fueling speculation that he had been ernorate, home to Egypt’s famed pyramids and the scene of archaeological discoveries and bolstering security around demoted after he failed to quell global criticism over Khashoggi. Friday’s deadly bombing, and in the restive Sinai Peninsula, archaeological sites and in airports. “This is far from the truth,” Assaf said, adding that Jubeir had the interior ministry said. It is also planning to open a major museum near the performed with distinction. Two raids in the Giza governorate killed 30 “terrorists,” Giza pyramids – the only surviving structures of the seven Jubeir’s new role, he insisted, was tantamount to a division while the remaining 10 were killed in the North Sinai, the wonders of the ancient world. of labor and not a demotion, in a bid to accelerate the task of ministry said in a statement. In July 2017, two German tourists were stabbed to death remaking a ministry known to be overly bureaucratic. It said authorities acted after receiving information the by a suspected militant at the Red Sea resort of Hurghada. “Adel represented Saudi Arabia and will continue to represent suspects were preparing a spate of attacks against state and In October 2015, a bomb claimed by a local affiliate of Saudi Arabia ... around the world,” Assaf said. “We complement tourist institutions and churches. Daesh (ISIL) killed 224 people on board a passenger jet each other.” “Information was received by the national security that carrying Russian tourists home from the Sinai peninsula. Assaf, who is on the boards of state oil giant Aramco and the a group of terrorists were planning to carry out a series of While tourism has picked up since 2011, the 8.2 million vast Public Investment Fund, said his appointment as the top aggressive attacks targeting state institutions, particularly people who visited Egypt in 2017 are still a far cry from diplomat would help bring his financial experience to foreign economic ones, as well as tourism, armed forces, police and the 14.7 million who visited in the year before the uprising. affairs amid a current “dip” in the economy. “Economic rela- Christian places of worship,” the statement said. The blast and the subsequent police raids come as Egypt to also fly to Egypt. tionships now dominate foreign” affairs. Early on Friday evening, a roadside bomb hit a tour bus battles a persistent militant insurgency in the North Sinai, One of those heading to Cairo was Nguyen Nguyen Vu “I say with all modesty that my experience will help.” in the Al-Haram district near the Giza pyramids, killing which surged after the 2013 overthrow by the army of Mubar- whose sister Nguyen Thuy Quynh, 56, died in the bombing, (Source: AFP) the three Vietnamese holidaymakers and their Egyptian while her husband, Le Duc Minh, was wounded. ak’s successor Mohammad Morsi. guide, officials said. The couple, both aged 56, were in the seafood business Militants linked to Daesh (ISIL) have claimed responsi- A statement from the public prosecutor’s office said 11 and holidaying in Egypt when the tragedy occurred, Quynh’s bility for previous attacks, including against Egypt’s Coptic other tourists from Vietnam and an Egyptian bus driver younger brother said. Christian minority who make up about 10 percent of the were wounded. “We were all very shocked... My sister and her husband population. Russian and Turkish There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the travel quite a lot and they are quite experienced in traveling The army launched a large-scale operation dubbed “Sinai bombing, the first attack to target tourists since 2017. abroad. Their hobby is traveling,” Vu told AFP. 2018” in February to rid the Sinai of militants after an attack ministers meet for Syria talks Saigon Tourist, the tour company that organized the He said he was applying for a visa for Egypt and hoped on a mosque in the north of the peninsula killed more than trip, said the Vietnamese tourists were “on their way to a to travel on Saturday. “Our wish is that we could bring my 300 people. Russian and Turkish foreign and defense ministers met in Mos- restaurant for dinner” when the bomb exploded. sister back home, and I hope that I can settle things well in The army says that hundreds of suspected militants have cow Saturday to discuss northern Syria as U.S. forces prepare to Company officials were heading to Cairo on Saturday the next 2-3 days.” been killed since the campaign was launched. withdraw and Turkey threatens to launch a military operation and plans were made to allow some relatives of the victims Friday’s deadly bombing was the latest blow to Egypt’s (Source: AFP) against U.S.-backed Kurdish forces controlling nearly a third of the country. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said before the talks Belgium reviews smartphone use by troops to counter spying: media began that they would focus on the situation in and around Idlib, as well as “what can and should be done” when the U.S. withdraws Belgium’s defense ministry is reviewing in “certain regions and circumstances,” news a way to locate devices as other nations the risks from a physical training activity from Syria. After the meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei restrictions on the use of smartphones by agency Belga said. have banned their troops using some tracking app collecting data on soldiers Lavrov told reporters that much of the discussion focused on active-duty soldiers on operations to coun- “We’ve been investing in prevention and GPS-enabled devices or applications and military intelligence personal from 69 the pending U.S. withdrawal, and that Russia and Turkey man- ter potential espionage and data tracking awareness for several years but it does not while on overseas deployment as a way countries. aged to agree on coordinating their steps in Syria “to ultimately especially by Russia, local media reported appear to be enough,” Carl Gillis, a head of to counter spying. In January the Pentagon reviewed the eradicate the terrorist threat.” Saturday. operations for the Belgian armed forces, At the beginning of January, 250 Belgian rules for using another application for sports Turkey’s official Anadolu news agency said the meeting lasted A review is underway of all Belgian mil- told public channel VRT. “We know that troops are scheduled to be stationed in Estonia activity Strava because they worried it revealed an hour and a half. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu itary and troops operating in Baltic states, Russia is interested in this kind of mobile as part of a multinational battalion within a data on the military movements in U.S. bases said only that “we will continue our close cooperation with Russia including those bordering Russia, should no geolocation data.” NATO operation. around the United States. and Iran on Syria and regional issues.” longer be allowed to use their smartphones Geolocation uses mobile phone GPS as Last year, the Netherlands warned about (Source: AFP) (Source: Daily Star) II NN TT EE RR NN AA TT II OO NN AA LL DD AA II LL YY 44 ADVERTISEMENTSECONOMY DECEMBERDECEMBER 30,30, 2018

STOCK MARKET Saffron exports TEDPIX 158443.7 IFX 1836.84 Sources: tse.ir, Ifb.ir up 44% in 8 CURRENCIES USD 42,000 rials months on year EUR 47,936 rials ECONOMY GBP 53,353 rials TEHRAN — Iran rise from that of the same period of time in deskexported $252 million the past year, ILNA reported on Saturday. AED 11,380 rials of saffron during the first eight months of Iran’s exports of saffron increased about the current Iranian calendar year (March 55 percent in the past Iranian calendar year Source: iribnews.ir 21-Novemebr 21), showing 44 percent compared to its preceding year, breaking growth from the figure of the same period of the record of exports in the past ten years. destination markets in the mentioned Also, as announced by the Ministry time in the preceding year, according to the According to Kaveh Zargaran, the period. of Agriculture, the saffron output in the director general of Exports Development chairman of the Agricultural Committee UAE, Hong Kong, Spain, Afghanistan country will reach 400 tons by the end COMMODITIES Department of Ministry of Agriculture. at the Tehran Chamber of Commerce, and China were the top importers of Iranian of current Iranian calendar year (March WTI $43.10/b Shahrokh Shajari put the weight of Industries, Mines and Agriculture saffron while the top three namely UAE, 20, 2019). exported saffron during the mentioned (TCCIMA), some 236 tons of saffron worth Hong Kong and Spain accounted for over 77 The annual saffron production stood Brent $51.12/b time span at 170 tons with a 36-percent over $326 million were exported to the percent of the total exports, Zargaran said. at 326 tons during the previous year. OPEC Basket $53.92/b Gold $1,272.65/oz Domestic production a focal point in next year’s budget bill Silver $14.88/oz ECONOMY TERHAN — Iranian deputy industry “In comparison with the budget bill of 1397, that President Hassan Rouhani presented the Platinium $799.70/oz deskminister announced that in the budget of the next year allocates more credit to industries administration’s draft of the national budget bill bill for the next Iranian calendar year 1398 (starting renovation and localization expansion and also is for the next Iranian calendar year to the Majlis on Sources: oilprice.com, Moneymetals.com on March 21, 2019) specific attention has been paid more protective regarding the related issues to the December 25. to domestic production and renovation of domestic existing funds, providing facilities to mining sector, The proposed bill amounts to 17.03 quadrillion rials NEWS IN BRIEF industries, IRNA reported on Saturday. and allocated grants,” Farshad Moghimi said. (about $405 billion at the official rate of 42,000 rials). Iranian trade delegation to visit South Korean economy enters rough seas as chips lose steam India in early South Korea’s economy appears headed for data centers, which had driven demand for Hyundai Motor’s operating profit tumbled growth to between 2.6% and 2.7% from a a slowdown in 2019, as chipmakers send memory chips. Optimism that the tech industry nearly 80% on the year in the July-September previous forecast of 2.9%, while anticipating January industrial output sliding and other key is enjoying a supercycle with ever-growing quarter. The company’s strategy of using the a similar level in 2019. Hyundai Research industries such as automobiles are expected demand has receded, and speculation is rising money earned at home where it dominates to Institute eyes 2.5% growth for next year, to remain soft. that Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix will develop overseas markets no longer works, as deeming the economy in a downturn. ECONOMY TEHRAN – An Iranian trade delegation desk The gloomy economic outlook has weakened post profit drops for the October-December local players emerge in the key Chinese arena. “The situation will be even tougher next headed by the chairman of Iran Chamber public support for President Moon Jae-in, who quarter after stretches of growth. Hyundai also faces rising costs following wage year,” said an analyst at brokerage SK Securities. of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA) is continues pursuing income-driven policies Hyundai Research Institute predicts that deals with its union employees. Two out of three South Koreans have a due to accompany Iranian foreign minister in his visit to India such as big wage increases. business conditions for major industries will Moon enacted a minimum wage hike in negative opinion of the government’s economic in January 7, 2019, the portal of ICCIMA reported. Industrial production nationwide fell deteriorate across the board in 2019. The January as part of his “J-nomics” package policy, a Wednesday survey by the Maeil As reported, Iran-India Joint Chamber of Commerce has 1.7% on the month for November, returning steel and auto sectors, after a recovery stage aimed at income-led growth. The president Business Newspaper found. Business leaders organized this four-day business visit. to negative territory after an increase in in 2017, are expected to stagnate again. The hoped the steep wage jump of 16.4% would urge the Moon administration to stimulate The delegation is comprised of businessmen active in a vari- October, government data out Friday showed. think tank also projects a recession for the prompt workers to spend more, buoying industry and freeze minimum wage hikes. ety of areas including medicine and pharmaceuticals, medical Semiconductor output slipped 5.2% on the information and communications industry the economy. But the move backfired, as Though Seoul has hinted at deregulation as equipment, vegetable pesticides, car accessories and spare parts, month, extending a losing streak that began despite a strong 2018. small business owners like restaurant and well as slowing the pace of these pay increases, electronics, petrochemical and chemical materials, textile and in May. Capital outlays tumbled 10% on the The only bright spot is shipbuilders, for convenience store operators cut jobs to trim it remains committed to income-driven growth. related industries, health tourism and information technology. year overall, weighed by declining investment which orders are bottoming out. costs, raising unemployment and depressing A Dec. 21 poll by Gallup Korea shows Moon’s in chip production. Automakers, a key engine fueling the consumption. disapproval rating exceeding his support rate ICCIMA to The weakness in semiconductors was country’s export-dependent economy, are Seoul this month downgraded its estimate for the first time, 46% to 45%. dispatch trade triggered by a slowdown in investments into losing their edge over foreign competitors. for South Korea’s gross domestic product (Source: Nikkei Asian Review) delegation to Baku in early Trade wars cost U.S., February China billions of ECONOMY TEHRAN — In collaboration with Iran- deskAzerbaijan Joint Chamber of Commerce, dollars each in 2018 Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture The U.S.-China trade war resulted in billions of dol- (ICCIMA) plans to dispatch a trade delegation to Baku in early lars of losses for both sides in 2018, hitting industries February 2019. including autos, technology - and above all, agriculture. The delegates active in the foodstuff, agricultural products, Broad pain from trade tariffs outlined by several nuts, livestock, greenhouse products, pesticides, car accesso- economists shows that, while specialized industries ries and spare parts, electronics, petrochemicals, textile and including U.S. soybean crushing benefited from the related industries and tourism will visit the neighbor country IN THE NAME OF GOD dispute, it had an overall detrimental impact on both First Announcement to find potential partners through B-2-B meetings, the portal of the world’s two largest economies. of ICCIMA published. ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN BROADCASTING The losses may give U.S. President Donald Trump The ICCIMA Head Golam-Hossein Shafeie is to lead the and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, motivation delegation. to resolve their trade differences before a March 2 deadline, although talks between the economic su- RENEWAL OF INTERNATIONAL TENDER NO. 97/120-51/10 perpowers could still devolve. Tender Holder: Chabahar trilateral The U.S. and Chinese economies each lose about $2.9 billion annually due to Beijing’s tariffs on soy- ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN BROADCASTING (IRIB) agreement to take effect beans, corn, wheat and sorghum alone, said Purdue University agricultural economist Wally Tyner. Subject of Tender: on Feb. 26 Disrupted agricultural trade hurt both sides par- Purchasing of Audio and Video Equipment (LTO Cartridge, LTO Drive, SSD, HDD) accordance 1 On October 23, Iran, India and Afghanistan inked an ticularly hard because China is the world’s biggest with the technical specifications and other terms and conditions mentioned in the tender documents. agreement on transit of goods via Chabahar. soybean importer and last year relied on the United The agreement was signed in Tehran by Mohammad Rastad, the States for $12 billion worth of the oilseed. Deadline and How to Receive the Tender Documents: head of PMO, T.S. Tirumurti, the secretary of economic relations China has mostly been buying soy from Brazil since From Monday 31 Dec. 2018 (1397/10/10) by 4 p.m. on Monday 07 Jan. 2019 (1397/10/17) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and Imammohammad imposing a 25 percent tariff on American soybeans in with presentation of introductory letter by company or its representative and the receipt of paying the Warymoch, Afghanistan’s deputy minister of transport, during July in retaliation for U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods. the first meeting of coordination council of agreement on the The surge in demand pushed Brazilian soy premi- documents fee. establishment of an international transport and transit corridor ums to a record over U.S. soy futures in Chicago, in among Iran, India and Afghanistan (Chabahar Agreement). an example of the trade war reducing sales for U.S. Place of Receiving the Tender Documents: These three countries signed a trilateral transit agreement exporters and raising costs for Chinese importers. Interested participants may refer to purchasing (KALA) Dept., 4th Floor of IRIB Administration Complex, in Tehran in May 2016, which allows them open new routes to “It’s something that’s crying for a resolution,” Tyner connect among themselves via converting Chabahar Port into said. “It’s a lose-lose for both the United States and Hotel Esteghlal St., Vali-e Asr Ave., Tehran Iran. a transit hub bypassing Pakistan. China.” Accordingly, through Chabahar Port India can bypass Paki- Total U.S. agricultural export shipments to China The Fee of the Tender Documents and How to Deposit it: stan and transport goods to Afghanistan and Central Asia, while for the first 10 months of 2018 fell by 42 percent from Submission of payment receipt for the amount of 1,000,000 Rials to Account No. 4101029171204273 Afghanistan can get linked to India via sea. a year earlier to about $8.3 billion, according to the (IBAN: IR310100004101029171204273) with CENTERAL BANK OF IRAN in the name of IRIB. The document was signed in the presence of Iranian President U.S. Department of Agriculture. Hassan Rouhani, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and The most actively traded soybean futures contract Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. averaged $8.75 per bushel from July to December Type and Amount of Guarantee for Participation to Tender: 2018, down from an average of $9.76 during the same The amount of deposit for participant in tender is USD 35,000 fixed or its equivalent in 3,500,000,000 period a year earlier. Rials which should be in the form of Bank Guarantee. Russia’s 2018 inflation hits 4.2 As of Dec. 28, futures in the last month of the year were averaging $8.95-1/2 a bushel. That was down pct, above central bank›s target from $9.61-3/4 for all of December last year. Time and Place of Delivering Priced Bid: To compensate suffering farmers, the U.S. govern- The sealed A, B & C packages/envelopes should be submitted no later than 4 p.m. on 16 Feb. 2019 Russia’s consumer price index (CPI) rose slightly above the ment has allocated about $11 billion to direct payments (1397/11/27) and at the address mentioned in the 4th clause. central bank target of 4 percent in 2018, the statistics service’s and buying agricultural goods for government food preliminary data showed on Saturday. programs, after consulting economists, including Tyner. Earlier this month, the central bank raised its key interest In North Dakota, which exports crops to China Time and Place of Opening Envelopes: rate, seeking to keep a grip on rising inflation spurred by an through ports in the Pacific Northwest, soy farmers The date of opening the envelopes A&B is on 17 Feb. 2019 (1397/11/28) at 3 p.m. in the office of increase in value-added tax from 2019 and some external factors. face at least $280 million in losses because of Beijing’s Financial Vice President and opening of envelope C will be after technical evaluation. Annual inflation in December accelerated to 4.2 percent, tariffs, said Mark Watne, president of the North Da- exceeding the central bank’s target of 4.0 percent for the first kota Farmers Union. time since June 2017. “You could almost put another $100 million on For more information, please see: Month on month, inflation picked up to 0.8 percent in De- top of this because all commodity prices are down www.iriboffice.ir/tenders and http://iets.mporg.ir/ Tel: 00982122167463 cember from 0.5 percent in November. and that affects North Dakota farmers indirectly,” The central bank governor Elvira Nabiullina said this month Watne said. Purchasing (Kala) Dept. of IRIB that the central bank had acted proactively trying to curb the China’s tariffs improved margins for U.S. soy crush- inflationary risks. ers such as Archer Daniels Midland Co (ADM.N) by Inflationary expectations, another factor the central bank leaving plentiful supplies of cheap soybeans on the is paying a close attention to, continued to rise in December. domestic market. (Source: Reuters) (Source: Reuters) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y DECEMBER 30, 2018 ENERGY 5 Russia dashes plans to make its oil Drones begin to deliver on their potential for the market alliance with OPEC permanent oil and gas sector

The marriage between Russia and OPEC Department to sue groups like OPEC that are Despite recent bad press following the flight disruption at London’s is off. Russian Energy Minister Alexander deemed cartels for price fixing and antitrust Gatwick Airport Unmanned Aerial Platforms, or drones as they Novak on Friday poured cold water on violations, stripping countries of sovereign are more commonly called, have a vital role to play in industry. long-simmering plans to make Moscow’s immunity protections currently built into The use of drones, in the oil and gas industry, is growing and the alliance with OPEC and other oil producers U.S. law. technology is ready to take off in a big way. It offers benefits to permanent. The group of roughly two dozen The legislation was first introduced in oil and gas operations in a numerous ways— safe and efficient producers has been managing global petro- 2007, during a time of rising crude prices maintenance and inspections among them—but the data that leum supply for the last two years in order and concerns that the world’s oil reserves UAS technology provides is transforming the industry. to rebalance the market after a prolonged would run dry. It was revived earlier this “Oil and gas companies will continue to explore new tech- and punishing oil price downturn. year in both chambers of Congress by bi- nologies and digitize their operations, especially as crude prices The effort succeeded in shrinking glob- partisan groups of lawmakers. have fallen in recent months,” Renner Vaughn, Cape’s director al crude stockpiles and boosting prices to The White House has historically opposed of oil and gas, explains. “Remote vehicles, including UAVs and four-year highs — until the market suddenly the legislation, but President Donald Trump’s underwater ROVs, will be operationalized, as enterprises get crashed again in early October. The group attacks on OPEC this year have raised con- beyond the testing phases and begin to realize the safety advan- has agreed to a fresh round of output cuts cerns that he could back the measure. tages, the time saved on asset inspections and the situational that begin Jan. 1. However, like past presidents, Trump awareness that live aerial video can provide.” For at least a year, OPEC Secretary Gen- has shown he is willing to work with OPEC One of the most significant benefits of drones in the field to eral Mohammed Barkindo has discussed when it suits his needs. date has been their ability to improve safety in the field. As tools “institutionalizing” the arrangement. That His administration lobbied top OPEC used to support and enhance emergency response and recov- would essentially form a supergroup of oil producer Saudi Arabia to reverse the alli- ery, drones can provide live situational awareness during fires, producers comprised of the 14-nation OPEC, ance’s policy of capping production in order spills, and other emergencies. Additionally, drones are enabling Russia and nine other oil-exporting nations, to prevent oil prices from spiking as the U.S. companies to safely and efficiently assess, monitor, and manage which would be able to more quickly respond prepared to sanction Iran, OPEC’s third-big- assets. This includes conducting routine inspections and pro- to problems in the market. ed. He said it would create too much red relation to financing, cartel, with the U.S. gest producer. The alliance agreed to hike viding real-time visibility into systems and sites that were once Energy ministers had been talking up tape and expose the non-OPEC members side,” Novak told reporters, according to output in June, a decision that ultimately a challenge to view, fix, and maintain. progress toward the permanent arrange- of the alliance to potential sanctions from Reuters. contributed to the current oil price slump. “With the ability to remotely pilot drones from anywhere in ment as recently as their meeting in Vienna the U.S. government. The U.S. penalties in question are spelled Russia and Saudi Arabia were the world’s the world, whether onshore or off, operators can much more earlier this month. “There is a consensus that there will be out in legislation known as NOPEC, or the top two oil producers until this year, when easily and quickly inspect well sites, pipelines, storage tanks, But on Friday, Novak said the prospects no such organization. That’s because it re- No Oil Producing and Exporting Cartels U.S. output surpassed production from both and offshore platforms, giving the right experts all the benefits for that plan now look dim, Reuters report- quires additional bureaucratic brouhaha in Act. The bill would authorize the Justice countries. (Source: CNBC) of a first-person viewpoint, without the safety risks or time and cost required to manually traveling onsite,” Vaughn explains. “For example, operators can deploy drones to get visibility on an alarm situation before sending a field operator out, helping Azerbaijan is likely to increase Canada is producing more them to more quickly get eyes on the situation while also keeping oil than it can handle personnel out of a potentially dangerous situation. oil output in 2019 “Additionally, the remote visibility offered through the drones can slash the costs of managing large-scale facility builds, minimizing Azerbaijan is likely to increase oil output in Western Canada is producing 365,000 timelines for approvals and drastically reducing costs previously 2019, Trend reports citing S&P Global Platts. bpd more crude oil that current pipeline required for travel, ensuring time, resources, and personnel are It expects rising condensate production capacity can handle, a new report from dedicated to more impactful areas of work.” at the Shah Deniz field offsetting declines at the National Energy Board has revealed. Increased visibility legacy crude fields in Azerbaijan. According to the authority, as of Sep- Drones provide a new and unmatched level of visibility “We forecast Azerbaijani crude and con- tember this year, Western Canada produced and accessibility, both for operators in the field and for offsite densate output to grow modestly in 2019, by a daily average of 4.30 million barrels of experts around the world. Traditionally, visibility around oil less than 10,000 barrels per day (b/d). The crude, while pipeline capacity stood at and gas sites required manual, cost-and time-intensive, and Shah Deniz condensate project will grow 3.95 million barrels per day. inefficient methods. From lease operators physically driving by 30,000 b/d due to its Phase 2 ramp up, barrels accounted for crude oil and 68,000 the Albertan government. Alberta, the largest oil producer in out to inspect well sites, to deploying a helicopter to offshore to an average of 90,000 b/d,” said Platts. barrels for condensate, while 6,000 barrels This prompted Premier Notley to im- Canada, has turned to oil trains to offset platforms, inspections came with heavy resource requirements Azerbaijan’s flagship project Azeri-Chi- of oil products were exported. pose obligatory production cuts effective the pipeline capacity shortage, and last and often steep safety risks. rag-Gunashli, which accounts for the bulk In January 2018, daily oil production January 2019 and totaling 325,000 bpd month Premier Rachel Notley announced “Drones enable operators and experts to get complete, up- of production, is set to see further natural stood at 814,600 barrels, in February 2018 until the excess oil in storage is cleared. that the province will buy an additional close, and real-time visualization into assets from anywhere decline next year, according to the analysis. – at 806,000 barrels, in March – 794,000 The cuts will be reviewed on a monthly 120,000 bpd in oil train capacity, to be- in the world, for a fraction of the cost of traditional methods, Platts analysts pointed out that despite barrels, in April – 785,700 barrels, in May – basis, and once the overhang is gone, they gin operating next year. It will reach full and without the physical constraints or budget constraints,” project operator BP introducing measures 801,000 barrels, in June – 792,000 barrels, in will be reduced to 95,000 bpd, to remain capacity in 2020. Vaughn adds. “Additionally, access to real-time data and video to shore up output, it has been broadly on July – 773,000 barrels, in August – 774,000 in force until the end of 2018. The glut Oil-by-rail shipments are already at a footage allows subject matter experts to instantly assess assets the decline since it peaked at 800,000 b/d barrels, In September – 796,000 barrels and clearing is estimated to take no more than record high: in October, NEB said, these in need of repair, without having to wait until post-inspection. in 2009. in October – 783,000 barrels of oil per day. three months. averaged 327,229 barrels per day, up by Future technology “We expect Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli (ACG) In December 2016, at a meeting of oil Meanwhile, troubled producers are over 21 percent from the 269,829 barrels Today, drones can be fitted with several payloads that enable to produce 510,000 b/d next year, down from producers in Vienna, 11 non-OPEC coun- being late with their municipal tax pay- per day transported by rail in September. faster and more accurate decisions for organizations across 530,000 b/d in 2018,” Platts said. tries, including Azerbaijan, agreed to cut oil ments and some are even foregoing these Although some familiar with the industry industries. From software like the Cape Aerial Telepresence that Azerbaijan presented data on its daily oil production by a total of 558,000 barrels a payments, which has so far resulted in argue that shipping oil by rail is not as allows for easy remote operation of the drone from anywhere production in November 2018 to the OPEC day. The agreement was concluded for the losses in the tens of millions, according expensive as it may seem at first glance in the world and the ability to live stream the video to up to 50 Joint Technical Committee as part of the first half of 2017 and was extended until the to a report by the Globe and Mail, which because the heavy Canadian crude does credentialed users, to the use of thermal sensors and cameras Vienna Agreement. end of the first quarter of 2018 at a meeting has created tensions between the industry not need as much diluent as it would to to detect tank levels or potential issues, drones are unlocking Daily oil production stood at 801,000 on May 25, 2017. and municipalities. be shipped via a pipeline, the current ar- a new level of information and insight never possible. barrels in November 2018, of which 733,000 (Source: Azernws.az) (Source: oilprice.com) rangement is not optimal according to “The realm of possibilities for drone integration in oil in gas is quite literally sky high,” Vaughn concludes. “Widespread adoption of commercial drones, whether onshore or off, will Oil price ‘meltdown’ puts offshore drilling stocks ‘back to square one,’ analyst says require solutions that are both safe and easy to use,” Vaughn The recent collapse in oil prices makes an for “robust” growth in activity in 2020, “The Brent oil price collapse to $60/ that Jefferies rates as a buy, based on its concludes. “In the future, we’ll see a focus on integrations to anticipated recovery for the beaten-down according to Jefferies. But the collapse in bbl had not put this into question, in our order backlog. further enhance the capabilities of drones. From gas detection sector in 2020 unlikely, investment bank oil prices in the fourth quarter has cast view, but a prolonged period of oil prices The 2014-2016 downturn in oil prices sensors and advanced thermal imaging to autonomous flights, Jefferies said Friday as it cut its price targets doubt on that view. in the $50-$60/bbl range or lower could caused energy companies to pull back capital additional integrations and payloads will exponentially increase for offshore drilling stocks. “If most of 2018 felt as though the put downward pressure,” the analysts spending, with big, long-cycle projects like the value that drones already offer. Companies that provide offshore drilling Offshore Drillers were seeing some said. “Regardless, the bigger issue is the deepwater drilling hit particularly hard. A “We’re already applying machine learning and AI capabilities equipment and services have seen their momentum build for a late-decade recovery, implication that commodity price weakness/ rebound in those types of projects hinges not to drones to help detect cues in video feeds, for example, and stock tumble since the 2008 recession — the macro meltdown feels like it has brought uncertainty has on any ‘real’ recovery.” only on higher prices, but also confidence enable operators to automatically adjust systems based on even as share prices tied to oil producers, the industry back to square one,” Jefferies Jefferies analysts expect oil companies that the cost of crude will remain relatively those cues.” pipeline companies and other enterprises analysts said in a research note on Friday. to seek lower rates from offshore drillers, stable. (Source: Forbes) in the energy complex have rebounded. Brent crude, the international benchmark or halt the tendering process altogether in Until October, oil prices had mostly rallied Diamond Offshore shares are now trading for oil prices, has collapsed from more than some cases. They now see day rates averaging since hitting 12½-year lows in early 2016, at all time-lows going back to their stock $86 a barrel on Oct. 3 to about $52 a barrel about $175,000-$190,000 in 2020. with occasional pullbacks over that period. Russia inks MOU with market debut 1995. Ensco, Noble Corp, Friday. The investment bank slashed its price Oil majors like Exxon Mobil and Chevron Japan’s Saibu for Asia-Pacific Rowan Companies and Transocean are Prior to that, oil prices had spiked targets roughly in half for Ensco, Noble have been investing in short-cycle shale trading at lows not seen since 1993-1995. to nearly four-year highs, emboldening Corp and Rowan Companies. It knocked $5 fields in the United States, where production LNG optimization With Brent crude forecast to trade at offshore drillers to submit bids for deepwater off its target for Diamond Offshore and cut can be ramped up and throttled back quickly roughly $70 a barrel in 2019, the offshore projects with day rates for floating rigs at its target for Transocean by $4 per share. when oil prices change directions. Russia’s Novatek said it had agreed a provisional deal with drilling sector had appeared poised roughly $225,000, according to Jefferies. Transocean is the only stock out of the five (Source: CNBC) Japan’s Saibu Gas to optimize its LNG portfolio through the use of Saibu’s 3.5 million mt/year Hibiki LNG import terminal in Japan. Urals crude oil differentials continue to climb versus Forties in Northwest Europe Novatek operates the 16.5 million mt/year Yamal LNG plant in northern Russia and also plans to take final investment decision Urals crude oil differentials in Northwest Europe have market so far in January because no one can guarantee on the planned 19.8 million mt/year Arctic LNG-2 plant next year. continued to climb relative to the UK’s medium sweet arrival time, which has pushed buyers towards the Northwest Since Yamal LNG started up in December last year, many Forties, despite having slipped slightly from recent highs, European market, even as differentials have remained cargoes have stayed in Europe, but Novatek has signaled that S&P Global Platts data shows. at premiums well above Dated Brent and arbitrage has the Asia-Pacific region would be a key market for its LNG. On Thursday, Forties loading FOB from UK’s Hound been theoretically closed. Under Thursday’s memorandum of understanding, Novatek Point was assessed at a premium of 67 cents/b versus Despite the high cost of refining Urals, few buyers have said it had agreed to consider potential cooperation with Saibu Urals loading FOB from the Russian Baltic Sea port of turned towards medium sweet Forties as an alternative, “to enter the end-customer market and optimize Novatek’s LNG Primorsk. even as limited buying interest from far eastern refiners portfolio supplies to the Asia-Pacific region by utilizing the Hibiki This is significantly lower than the $2.145 cent/b has put substantial pressure on differentials. terminal.” premium seen between the two crude grades on December On Thursday, Total offered a January 10-12 Forties Saibu started operations at Hibiki LNG in 2014. 10, and is indicative of a general divergent trend between cargo loading FOB from Hound Point down to Dated Novatek deputy chairman Lev Feodosyev said the Asia-Pacific the two Northwest European crude grades, which have Brent minus $1.25/b and Vitol offered a January 13-15 to region was a “priority destination” for Novatek’s LNG projects. historically been seen as possible substitutes for each minus $1.15/b before both offers were lifted by Glencore. “Our ability to use the Hibiki terminal will help diversify our other in the local refining market. Market sources said the frequency with which Forties customer base and increase the flexibility of deliveries to the Urals, which is typically traded in Northwest Europe on moves to Asia -- despite being the North Sea’s single- premium LNG markets,” Feodosyev said. a delivered Rotterdam basis, has been uncharacteristically However, a surge in demand for Urals loading out of largest crude stream, nearly two-thirds of every Forties Saibu has long-term LNG purchase agreements with Russia’s strong over the last two months on a combination of high the Baltic from refiners in the Mediterranean throughout program sells into the far East -- has meant that much Sakhalin Energy and Malaysia LNG. freight rates -- this is included in delivered crude differentials late-December and into early-January has helped to keep of the local refining market no longer factors it in to the Trading partnerships are becoming increasingly popular in -- and strong regional demand. Platts FOB Urals assessments Urals differentials supported, even as the cost of freight refining slate as a substitute for Urals. LNG markets as global players look to work together to smooth are netbacks from the more liquid delivered assessments. has eased. “Who even really does that Forties-Urals swap anymore,” out inefficiencies in the LNG value chain. Differentials for Urals, delivered CIF basis Rotterdam, “Urals in the north is still super strong,” a trader said. one trading source said. “Sure some probably still do, In November, Germany’s RWE Supply & Trading signed a hit their highest levels since mid-2013 in late-November, “Nothing from the Mediterranean is coming through the but there are a lot fewer of them than there used to be.” memorandum of understanding with Tokyo Gas to cooperate over briefly peaking at a premium of 37.5 cents/b to Dated Brent [Turkish] straits at the moment.” It seems likely that the two cargoes Glencore purchased and optimize their LNG sourcing, trading and shipping activities. on November 23. Shipping delays through the Turkish straits now exceed Thursday will also now move east. According to Platts And in July this year, Japan’s JERA and energy company EDF This surge in prices was partially driven by a bullish two weeks for southbound cargoes, which has pushed many tracking data, the company now holds five of six cargoes Trading agreed to merge their short- and medium-term LNG freight market, and failed to carry through to the FOB Mediterranean refiners towards alternative sources of crude. currently loading between January 5 and January 15, a trading and optimization businesses in an attempt to enhance market, which continued to price more in line with the Traders said none of the Urals cargoes from the Black likely line-up to combine into a VLCC. their global portfolio flexibility and risk mitigation capabilities. local FOB medium sour crude market. Sea port of Novorossiysk have sold into the Mediterranean (Source: Platts) (Source: hellenicshippingnews.co) ساعت: 17:00 امضاء صفحه آرا: ساعت: امضاء مسئول صفحه: ساعت: امضاء ادیتور: ساعت: امضاء سردبیر:

I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 6 INTERNATIONAL DECEMBER 30, 2018 NEWS IN BRIEF Indian ‘CPEC a bilateral economic project, mission off to space by 2022 has no military component’ INTERNATIONAL TEHRAN — Days after trying to revive the flailing economy. INTERNATIONAL TEHRAN — India looks all set to send deskNew York Times reported The militaries of the two countries maintain desk astronauts to space by 2022 in its ambi- that the ambitious China-Pakistan Economic high-level exchanges as well as defence and tious space program, which got a major boost this week with Corridor (CPEC) project has a military dimen- security cooperation. The strategic partnership BJP government approving budget for it. sion and the two new all-weather allies were has manifested itself in the form of CPEC, India’s union cabinet approved Rs. 10,000 crore ‘Gaga- building a military partnership, both Beijing infrastructure development and routine joint nyaan Programme’ that envisages two unmanned and one and Islamabad have rejected the report. military exercises. manned flight to space in next three years. Reacting to the NTY report that China has The CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Senior Indian minister Ravi Shankar Prasad was quoted hatched a secret plan to build fighter jets and Balochistan with China’s Xinjiang province, saying by IANS news agency that three Indian astronauts other military hardware in Pakistan as part is the flagship project of Chinese President will be sent to space for up to seven days by 2022. of CPEC, Pakistan’s foreign office spokesman Xi Jinping’s ambitious Belt and Road Ini- The space program was announced by Indian Prime Minister Mohammad Faisal said the project was a tiative (BRI). Narendra Modi on August 15, the country’s Independence bilateral economic project with no military The eighth joint coordination commit- Day. The cost of the project is estimated at Rs 10,000 crore, dimensions. tee (JCC) meeting of the CPEC took place which includes the cost of technology development, flight “The CPEC has helped Pakistan improve this week, in which the two sides signed an hardware realization and essential infrastructure elements. its economy, particularly energy and infra- agreement to expand industrial cooperation The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), the structure sectors have improved under it,” in diverse fields and attract investment in IANS report said, will collaborate extensively with various he was quoted as saying by Dawn. “The CPEC special economic zones. national agencies, laboratories, academia and industry to is a bilateral economic project, which is not Last week, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister accomplish the objectives of program. against any country.” Shah Mehmood Qureshi had visited China First human space flight demonstration is targeted to China also dismissed the report as false. as part of his four-nation tour, during which be completed within 40 months from the date of sanction. “According to our information the relevant he held talks with his Chinese counterpart Prior to this, two unmanned flights in full complement will report is not true,” the Chinese foreign ministry a host of nations who suspect the infrastruc- technology in a place once defined by its Wang Yi. be carried out to gain confidence on the technology and spokesperson, Hua Chunying, told media ture initiative is really about helping China close military relationship with the United Last month, PM Imran Khan embarked mission management aspects. on Friday. project armed might,” the NYT report said. States,” it said further. on his maiden visit to China, during which Hua said the CPEC is an important frame- “In Pakistan, China has found an amena- The growing strategic partnership between he held talks with the top Chinese political Pakistan-Russia work for cooperation bearing the long-term ble ally with much to recommend it: shared China and Pakistan has been one of the im- leadership and business community. trade interests in mind. borders and a long history of cooperation; portant stories of recent years, especially In an interview to Tehran Times recently, “Chinese officials have repeatedly said the a hedge in South Asia against India; a large after the Pakistan-U.S. ‘marriage’ ended in Pakistan-based journalist and analyst Farrukh jumps Belt and Road is purely an economic project market for arms sales and trade with potential an acrimonious divorce. K Pitafi said Pakistan-China relationship “has with peaceful intent. But with its plan for for growth; a wealth of natural resources,” China has become the new all-weather and will go from strength to strength”, adding to $660m Pakistan, China is for the first time explicitly the report added. ally of Islamabad, investing heavily in the that Washington, which has been engaged in tying a Belt and Road proposal to its military tiffs with both Beijing and Islamabad, was dis- INTERNATIONAL TEHRAN — The bilateral trade between “Now, China is also finding a better country and offering aid to the Imran Khan deskPakistan and Russia increased to $660 ambitions — and confirming the concerns of showcase for its security and surveillance led government at a time when it has been playing a “characteristic lack of imagination”. million during 10 months of the current calendar year, and is expected to reach around $750 to $800 million by year-end. It was announced by Russia’s trade representative Yury Kozlov , who said there was huge potential to boost the exist- Pakistan fencing Afghan border to curb infiltration, ing trade volume between the two countries, which has seen slow pace due to lack of direct banking channels. The Russian official informed that Russia was engaged in but Afghans not happy numerous projects and was cooperating with Pakistan in the construction of north and south gas pipeline from Karachi 1 The first phase of the mega project – 482 km long safer locations. to Lahore and also engaged in a project at Jamshoro Power patch of the border in Khyber Pakhtunkha (K-P), has been Former Afghan army chief Shir Mohammad Karimi once Plant for production of 600MW. completed, according to reports. said these attacks are used as ‘pressure tactics’ by Pakistan He said all these Russian companies were keen to ex- Pakistani authorities believe it will resolve the issue of to force Afghanistan into recognizing Durand Line as an plore opportunities in Pakistan, whereas the business and terrorism and smuggling quite significantly, which will help international border. industrial community of Karachi Chamber should look into in betterment of ties with Afghanistan. But, Pakistan has maintained that it has both external the possibility of participating in numerous trade exhibi- From the Torkham border crossing, around 1,200 trucks and internal compulsions to secure the border from secu- tions in Russia. and 10,000 people enter on a daily basis but now only those rity perspective. It has already announced to add as many He further asked KCCI to send a trade delegation to Russia with proper documents would be allowed to enter the bor- as 60,000 troops to boost its patrol along the disputed to enhance the existing trade and investment cooperation der, officials said. border, to prevent flow of terrorists and smugglers and between the two countries. Special entry cards have been given to 200 Afghan stu- illegal refugees. dents who live in Afghanistan but study in Pakistan. People The political and diplomatic ties between the two South EU, Pakistan in need of medical care will be given permission to enter Asian neighbors, once described by the former Afghan president without documents. Hamid Karzai as “inseparable brothers”, have worsened in sign two The fencing work on the border will be completed by ghanistan with Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. recent years. During the previous government in Islamabad, the end of 2019, according to Pakistan Army’s spokes- Border incursions and setting up of military bunkers by the relations had touched an all-time low. key person, who hoped that it will benefit peace-loving both Afghan and Pakistani troops along the border in eastern Following the political transition in Pakistan this year, pacts people of the two countries while restricting the move- and southern provinces have always sparked political and the two governments vowed to bury the hatchet and improve ment of terrorists. diplomatic tensions between them. bilateral ties. There have been many peace overtures in recent INTERNATIONAL TEHRAN — European Union and Pakistan The decision, however, has not gone down well with the Afghanistan has often accused Pakistan of interminably months, which have rekindled hopes of better ties between desksigned two crucial financing agreements Afghan government authorities. While Pakistan insists on firing rockets into Afghan provinces bordering Pakistan, the unfriendly neighbors. on Friday with aim to provide assistance of €100 million building a barrier at the border crossing “to prevent terror- killing civilians and security forces and rendering people However, whether the construction of fence on the bor- for enhanced education and growth for rural development ists’ entry into Pakistan”, Afghanistan does not recognize homeless. A large number of people in these border prov- der will again put spanner in their relations is a matter of programs. the colonial-era Durand Line drawn up in 1893. inces – mainly Kunar, Nuristan, Paktika and Nangarhar speculation right now. Both sides have so far refused to EU envoy to Pakistan Jean Francois Cautain signed the Torkham connects eastern Nangarhar province of Af- – have been forced to evacuate their homes and move to work out a compromise formula. agreements with Pakistan government’s economic secretary Noor Ahmed. The agreements - Development through Enhanced Educa- tion Program (DEEP), and Growth for Rural Advancement In 2018, Trump’s erratic belligerence spiraled and Sustainable Progress (GRASP) – are equivalent to Rs. Syed Zafar Mehdi involved in the killing. 15,942 million collectively. This year, Trump not only engaged in Pakistan and European Union have a long history of TEHRAN — As we get ready to bid adieu blatant war-mongering and sabre-rattling, he development cooperation, and the financing agreements to 2018, an eventful year marked by trials, also crushed the values of universal human were part of the Multiannual Indicative Program (2014- tribulations and triumphs, it is time to look rights, violated press freedom, and supported 2020) signed between European Union and Pakistan, said back at some of the major developments that dictators accused of horrendous war crimes. a report in The News. shaped the year. Yet he had the audacity to stand up in the The Pakistani official said the government of Pakistan As yet another year goes by, it is time to United Nations and claim that his administra- deeply appreciated the development assistance provided reflect and see whether the world is getting tion had “accomplished more than almost any by the European Union. Both sides agreed to deepen their better or worse. Optimists would tell you administration in the history of our country.” engagement in multiple areas of development cooperation. that the world is certainly becoming a better The titters from the world leaders sitting in place. But, there is a section of people who the hall was a perfect response to his gran- ‘Trump believe that the world has taken a turn for diloquence and pomposity. the worse. As Guardian editorial on Thursday noted, didn’t order Their misgivings aren’t completely un- Trump’s increasingly “erratic belligerency” is Afghan troop founded. Looking at the world today and how not simply a display of his unsuitability for the certain countries are acting as ‘globocops’, presidency. “It is the behavior of a president withdrawal’ bullying and intimidating other countries who sees the threats facing him and whose through interventionism, intrusiveness and instability is such that he may try to pull the INTERNATIONAL TEHRAN — In a classic volte-face, White imperialism, it can be argued that our world temple down with him.” desk House has contradicted reports that the still isn’t a better place to live in. Korea’s Kim Jong Un and Trump. writes that Trump has used the term many Bloomberg, reviewing his performance this U.S. President Donald Trump ordered withdrawal of troops It was another year for the American in- Kim warned that the U.S. was “within the times, including during his 2016 campaign year, said the damage Trump has wreaked on from Afghanistan. dustrial military complex to advance their range of our nuclear strike and a nuclear button in Little Haiti. the U.S. role in the world is “only beginning Apparently, in response to backlash at home and abroad, hegemony around the world and for the mega- is always on the desk of my office.” That didn’t This year, the U.S. president also blasted G7 to manifest itself”, adding that the year saw White House spokesman dismissed reports that Trump di- lomaniac U.S. president to prove why he is go down well with mandarins in Washington leaders in Canada, insulted leaders of European a “staggering number of countries misruled rected the military to pull 7,000 soldiers out of the war-torn such a loathed world figure today. and the president himself. He responded in his Union and announced an unprecedented trade by the worst crop of world leaders in recent country, Bloomberg reported. The year 2018 started with Donald Trump characteristic way, boasting he had a bigger war with China. He threatened to impose heavy memory”, with Trump topping the list. “The president has not made a determination to draw- launching a tirade against former U.S. ally nuclear button than Kim. tariffs on Chinese imports to force Beijing into New York Times said 2018 has been a year down US military presence in Afghanistan and he has not Pakistan with a hyperbolic tweet, which raised A few months later, he held a summit with renegotiating its trade balance with the U.S. of “perpetual motion” for Trump, who has directed the Department of Defense to begin the process eyebrows in Islamabad and led to fractures his Korean counterpart and famously told a However, the old man forgot that the U.S. “presided over near constant turmoil as he of withdrawing US personnel from Afghanistan,” Garrett in the U.S.-Pakistan ties. crowd of his supporters that he had “fallen in will be a loser as big companies like Walmart has increasingly relied on his own instincts”. Marquis, a spokesman for U.S. National Security Council, “The United States has foolishly given love” with the North Korean leader. A perfect import billions of dollars of cheap goods from The year ends where it began, with res- said in an emailed statement on Friday. Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid match it was. China. The war is still going on and there is ignation of Defense Secretary James Mattis, The statement came more than a week after a senior over the last 15 years, and they have given Ironically, a year later, North Korea’s nu- no sign of truce. withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria and Af- U.S. defense official said the Pentagon will withdraw 7,000 us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our clear program is still thriving and Trump’s The year’s most important strategic event, ghanistan and the much-publicized govern- of about 14,000 troops in Afghanistan. That decision was leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the handshake and love letters have failed to dis- though, was Trump’s unilateral withdrawal ment shutdown. widely reported in media across the world. terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little suade North Koreans from building a robust from the nuclear deal with Iran – a decision A latest poll by Reuters/Ipsos showed that While the decision was welcomed by many countries that help,” Trump tweeted. nuclear arsenal. that shocked the world and exposed the hy- 47 percent of adult Americans held Trump saw it a step towards peace in the war-ravaged country, there It was followed by suspension of security Known for his loud-mouthed, thoughtless pocrisy of the U.S. As Financial Times noted, responsible for the government shutdown, was huge uproar in the U.S. over what they saw as America’s aid to Pakistan, from $255 million to whopping utterances, Trump made many controversial Trump “isolated America from the rest of the which officially began at midnight on De- humiliating retreat from Afghanistan after 18 years of war. $900 million before culminating in $3 billion. and provocative remarks throughout the year. West by quitting the Iran deal”. cember 22. The U.S. commander of international forces in Afghani- The sequence of events that led to the decline He called some African nations “shithole coun- The brutal murder of Saudi journalist Jamal The year ahead doesn’t promise much stan, General Scott Miller, said on Sunday that he hadn’t and fall of this relationship began on the first tries”, which backfired in a way he wouldn’t Khashoggi was one of the biggest stories of this change with people like Trump presiding received any orders to change troop levels in the country, day of this year. Despite latest overtures, the have imagined. year. And the way Trump deemed “credible” over a devilish empire, announcing open according to Voice of America. divorce is final. Trump used the vulgarity to describe Haiti Saudi explanation that the journalist died in a war against the world, barring Israel and Pertinently, security situation has deteriorated in Af- Another interesting development that during a meeting on immigration. However, fistfight was preposterous. He even denied a Saudi Arabia. Because petro dollars matter ghanistan in recent months despite the so-called ‘peace talks’ happened in the beginning of this year was veteran journalist Bob Woodward in his re- U.S. intelligence conclusion that Saudi crown and the powerful Jewish lobby in the U.S. between the U.S. government and the Taliban. the sensational Twitter battle between North cent book ‘Fear: Trump in the White House’ prince Mohammed bin Salman was directly matters too. ساعت: امضاء صفحه آرا: ساعت: امضاء مسئول صفحه: ساعت: امضاء ادیتور: ساعت: امضاء سردبیر:

I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y DECEMBERِDECEMBER 30, 2018 ANALYSISANALYSIS && INTERVIEWINTERVIEW 7 Cold season comes to an end in Syria 1 Additionally, a UAE delegation from Damac Properties on Sunday. This is the first visit of the leader of an Arab state holds on to its former policies towards Damascus, is accepting Pentagon and CIA are against recently traveled to Damascus at the invitation of Syrian com- to Syria since the start of the Syrian crisis in 2011. The trip al-Assad’s power and plans to deal with it. That’s precisely why panies and members of the delegation met with their Syrian is considered the introduction of the official Arab return to Erdogan recently stressed that Turkey does not have an eye Trump / Reasons of U.S. counterparts to work together to develop real estate in Da- Damascus. on Syria. The comment is a message to the leaders of Damas- withdrawal from Syria: Anzour mascus. Damac Real Estate is one of the leading construction The Lebanese alliance party released a statement in which it cus to reduce the tension between the two sides, especially in companies in the Arab world, which currently has more than said, “President Omar al-Bashir’s visit to Damascus will stabi- eastern Syria. 20 projects in the Middle East. lize the return of the Arabs to Syria. We will expect more visits An attempt to restore Syria’s membership in Abdul Sattar Bushnaq, an international affairs research- by the Arab authorities, while Lebanon continues to have a the Arab League er, said, “The UAE delegation trip to Syria coincided with US relationship with Damascus. The region is moving towards The attempt to resume Damascus’s membership in the President Donald Trump’s announcement of the withdrawal of building ties with Syria again.” Arab League is another issue that reaffirms Arab efforts to American forces from Syria. Clearly, on that trip, the military Regarding al-Bashir’s visit to Syria, Mohammad Khair al- normalize relations with Syria, although perhaps Saudi Arabia and economic instructions of Syria were also discussed. The Akar, an expert in political and international affairs, says, “The may prevent the desirable outcome by influencing the Arab trip by the UAE is only part of the movement of Arab countries Arab countries did all they had in power against Damascus and League members, politically and financially. towards the Syrian government.” the Syrian resistance, and now they are struggling with the fact An informed source in the Tunisian government has said Abdullah II of Jordan and acknowledgement that Damascus has triumphed in the war against terrorism. that President Beji Caid Essebsi had put in place new efforts of normalizing relations with Syria They are planning their future relationship with Damascus to resume Syrian membership in the Arab League. “President Jordan might be one of the countries waiting to restart according to this fact.” Essebsi will hold talks with the Arab states on the sidelines of relations with Damascus. The recent comments by King of Turkey has implicitly agreed for al-Assad to stay in power the Arab summit in Lebanon, scheduled to be held in Lebanon, Jordan Abdullah II on Syria and the nature of the relationship In addition to the Arab countries, Turkey, which has always to return Syrian membership to the Arab League.” between Damascus and Amman could be the best source for been at the forefront of supporting armed opposition groups in President Essebsi will also discuss the issue of inviting citing Jordan’s desire to resume relations with Syria. Syria, has implicitly endorsed the presence of Bashar al-Assad Bashar al-Assad to the Arab League summit in March with King Abdullah II recently said in a statement: “Our re- at the head of the Syrian government. the Arab parties. lationship with Syria will return to what it was. We see that Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut cavusoglu delivered a speech All in all, a series of efforts have been made by some Arab the situation in Syria is improving, and Jordan has goodwill in which he said: “If Bashar al-Assad succeeds in a democratic and non-Arab countries to normalize relations with Damascus toward Syria. God willing, the situation in Syria will return to election, perhaps Turkey and other countries will consider the are not a goodwill gesture, but it proves their defeats in Syria. 1 A: Trump is not just a person, but also an expression of normal.” In line with that, Amman and Damascus have had option of working with him.” In response to a question about Now, the Arab leaders and their regional and international serious frustration with the return and renewal of capitalist crises close cooperation on reopening the Nasib Border Crossing. Ankara’s cooperation with Assad’s government, he said, “First, allies have come to the conclusion that the continuation of the in the world centered in the United States. Also, institutions such The Arabs’ message of resuming ties with Da- an election should be held, and then we’ll discuss this issue.” current trend will only bring them more pain, especially since as the Pentagon and the CIA and the lobbies that influence the mascus Remarks by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a few the Americans have also decided to leave Syria. Now, we have to U.S. are often against Trump. These issues require an in-depth Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir arrived in Damascus days ago also indicate that Ankara, despite the fact that still wait and see the new chapter of Arab relations with Damascus. study because they will greatly affect the return of balance to the world, especially in our region. Q: After announcing the decision to withdraw from Syria, Zi- onists and Israeli officials threatened Iran with escalating attacks No competition between Gwader and Chabahar ports: in Syria. How is this possible? A: Netanyahu is afraid to put these threats into practice, but repeated violations may be the same as the recent developments Pakistan parliament speaker in Syria. On the other hand, the axis of resistance is becoming stronger every day. To make China-Pakistan Economic to convey the progress on completion of the to the menace of terrorism. Therefore, the 1 Given efforts to defend the resistance, we emphasize that the Corridor (CPEC), in Gwadar more efficient joint Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline. Pakistani government has called for the end biggest loser is certainly the occupying regime. Also, internal and accessible to other countries and establish After taking office, Pakistan’s Prime of the war in the region and the elimination crises in the Zionist regime are on the rise, even if the Zionists a connection between them, the cooperation Minister Imran Khan said in his speech that of elements that are vying to cause instability express themselves with military power, they still cannot make of the two ports of Gwadar and Chabahar is he would travel to Iran as his first foreign trip, and insecurity in the region. up for their mistakes. very important. Both Iran and Pakistan are but this has not been done yet. Is this trip going How can participating countries in the Q: How do you comment of the role of the coalition between working out the necessary steps to move in to happen any time soon? 6th Asian Leadership Conference (ALC) combat Russia, Iran and Turkey in the political arena and the pressure this direction. A. Iran being a neighbor is of utmost impor- terrorism? What actions will the participating on America? Gwadar Port serves as Pakistan’s co- tance to Pakistan and Prime Minister Imran countries take in the conference? There is no real coalition of this kind, but Russia and Iran operation with China, and Chabahar Port be- Khan’s position on upgrading relations with A. In a statement issued at the end of ALC, are united, and relations with Turkey are at the level of political tween Iran and India. Some people believe that Iran is very clear. Dr. Javad Zarif, Iran’s For- the cooperation of the participating countries consensus that the geographical and natural necessities require Chabahar Port is rival to Pakistan’s Gwadar eign Minister, visited Pakistan and the foreign in the fight against terrorism was emphasized. joint efforts. Port. What is your take on this please? ministers of both countries are in close contact. Strengthening the economy and increasing Of course, these understandings are good and essentially formed A. There is no competition between the In addition to this, a high powered Paki- trade relations between the six Asian countries with the aim of keeping the region from massive wars. The larger two ports and generally there shouldn’t be any. stani delegation came to Tehran to attend the were also on the agenda. test of these understandings is also to stop Turkey from invading In fact, Gwadar and Chabahar ports are great Conference of the Presidents of the Six Asian In these meetings, the participating states Syria, and instead of deploying terrorism, getting Turkey to take gifts from God and nature to both Iran and Countries, which reflects Iran’s importance in also try to bring the governments, parliaments up the fight against terrorism. Pakistan. Therefore, it is necessary to make the context of Pakistan’s foreign policy. Paki- and people of these six countries closer and close and effective cooperation with each other The center of this struggle is Idlib and also the Euphrates. use of these ports wisely and based on a robust stan’s prime minister’s visit to Iran will also be provide an effective mechanism for promoting on this issue. In addition, we seek to formulate Q: How has the Syrian military power been progressing in program which can benefit both countries in realized in the future as the incumbent Pakistani business and trade cooperation between the an effective mechanism for resolving issues that recent years? Are the Syrian forces ready to fight the Zionists to the long term. government has a strong will to strengthen Asian countries. exist on Iran-Pakistan common borders through recapture the Golan? In fact, the growth and development of relations between the two countries. Iran recently witnessed terrorist activ- the two states’ parliamentary cooperation. A: We look at the Golan as a sacred piece of land occupied one country does not create a barrier to the What is Pakistan’s stance on Af- ity in Chabahar Port. Unfortunately, terrorist Following the recent visit of Pakistan’s by the Zionists, and its liberation is not just about the power of advancement of the other and usually it is ghan-American Peace Talks with the Taliban groups cross Iran-Pakistani borders to carry Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia, Pakistani au- the Syrian army. The strength of the Syrian army has advanced complementary and necessary. Therefore, as and the Taliban peace talks in Russia? out their malicious terrorist activities. Has thorities said that Riyadh has agreed to invest considerably. The country depends on the army, the economy the cooperation between Iran and Pakistan A. The will of the Pakistan’s government Pakistan devised any plan to deal with these in a new oil refinery in Gwadar Port. Is it pos- and culture. increases, the challenges in connecting these is establishment of stability and security in all terrorist groups decisively? sible for Saudi Arabia to join China-Pakistan The goal of all three is to promote Syria. All of this, especially ports will be lessened and the road to progress countries of the region including Afghanistan A. The occurrence of such terrorist incidents, Economic Corridor? our heroic army, is in a state of increased ability and excellence. will be smoother. because stability in Afghanistan is tantamount both in Iran and in Pakistan, has always been A. Islamabad welcomes investments and Knowledge is at the center of this and, despite all the crises that Pakistan has a new government in place. to stability and security in Pakistan. Peace and condemned. As you know, such incidents also partnerships with all countries, including Saudi surround us, we certainly hope for the future liberation of our Has it come up with a new plan to launch and stability in Afghanistan will serve the interest occur in Pakistan’s territory and a while ago, Arabia and Iran in the Free Trade Zones offered occupied territories. facilitate Iran-Pakistan Pipeline (IPP) project? of all countries in the region. suicide bombers attacked Chinese consulate under the CPEC project. A. I had a meeting with Iranian President In addition, Pakistan has been a victim of in Pakistan’s Karachi. Thus, Pakistan, too, has Dr. Hassan Rouhani and Iran’s Majlis Speaker terrorism for many years and thousands of been exposed to destruction and loss of lives Mr. Ali Larijani on this issue, and will continue Pakistanis including personnel from military, due to terrorism and terrorist attacks. the talks until a solution is reached about the IP law enforcement agencies and civilians have Terrorism is the common foe of the two gas pipeline project. Pakistan’s embassy in Iran lost their lives in fighting terrorism. Pakistan’s countries. Pakistani and Iranian officials, at is also in contact with the Iranian government government has borne a lot of suffering due the level of government and military, have had

First Announcement First Announcement First Announcement TEHRAN TIMES Khouzestan Steel Company

N.I.O.C National Iranian Drilling Company 1397.5056 IN THE NAME OF GOD Call for public tender (First/Second publish)- Retender INVITATION TO INTERNATIONAL TENDER IN TWO STEPS Call for public tender (First/Second publish)- Retender N.I.O.C Two-Stages (semi compressed) tender National Iranian No. :392583 Subject of Tender PARTSTwo FOR-Stages 12P160 (semi compressed) NATIONAL tender MUD PUMP API 7 K KHOUZESTAN STEEL COMPANY INTENDS TO PURCHASE Drilling Company Subject1397.5056 of Tender PARTS FOR 12P160 NATIONAL MUD PUMP API 7 K 500 MT ACTIVE BASIC TERMAL INSULATING POWDER Iran’s Leading WITH THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATIONS: Tender descriptions:

Tender No. Estimated value The Tender holder Registration No. through national electronic tendering system SiO2 95 % /Indent No. (Rial/Euro)

International Daily MgO < 0.5 % Tender No.:FP/17-97/028 National Iranian Drilling Company 3,185,811 41,820,000,000 Indent No.: 48-22-9622052 Al2O3 < 1.0 %

Na2O+K2O 2.0 % CHEMICAL ANALYSIS  Qualitative evaluation of tenderers Advertising Dept Fe2O3 < 0.5 %

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Hall No.:113, 1thfloor, Foreign Procurement Dept., National Iranian 1) ACCOUNT No.0100013543943 AT "EXPORT DEVELOPMENT BANK OF IRAN AHVAZ CENTERAL BRANCH" Distribution Place Drilling Company, Airport square, Ahwaz, IRAN.KASHANI- TEL:06134148659- 2) ACCOUNT No.1902-750-4019644-1 AT "EGHTESAD NOVIN BANK- OF IRAN AHVAZ SHARIATI BRANCH" OR Rials 2,000,000,"TWO MILION RIALS" TO THE ONE OF BELOW ACCOUNT No.: Submitting one original Bank Fund Receipt in the amount of 510,000  Iranian Rials under account number 4001114004020491( Shaba No. IR 1) ACCOUNT No.0102513186002 AT "MELLI BANK OF IRAN AHVAZ KSC BRANCH" 520100004001114004020491) in name of “NIDC Incomes Centralized Fund” Submitting Method .issued by I.R. of Iran Central Bank 2) ACCOUNT No.0100304453001 AT "SADERAT BANK OF IRAN AHVAZ KSC BRANCH" Submitting format Request for the purpose of receiving Tender  .Documents AND PRESENT THE PAYMENT RECEIPT TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS: CONSUMABLE MATERIAL PURCHASING DEPARTMENT Closing date .Days after the last time of Purchasing 14  KHOUZESTAN STEEL COMPANY (KSC) Hall No. 107, 1stfloor, Tender Committee, Operation building, Tel: KM 10 AHWAZ – BANDAR IMAM KHOMEINI ROAD Documents Receiving Method National Iranian Drilling Company, Airport square, Ahwaz, P.O.BOX: 1378

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 Tender Guarantee Note1: BIDDER SHALL SUBMIT WITH TENDER A BID BOND ISSUED BY AN IRANIAN BANK OR BY A EUROPEAN FIRST CLASS BANK , IN THE AMOUNT OF 1,653 Euro OR 160,000000 Rial FOR 500 MT ACTIVE BASIC TERMAL INSULATING POWDER AND MAY Value of guarantee 2,091,000,000 Rial/ 42,526 Euro REDUSED IN PROPORTION WITH THE QUANTITY OF BIDDERS OFFER.

Bank guarantees or guarantees issued by non-bank institutions that obtain activity license from the central bank of the th Islamic Republic of Iran. Note2: ALL BIDS MUST BE INFORMED US WHICH PARTICIPATE IN OUR TENDER UP TO 14 Feb., 2019. WHEN YOUR COMPANY IS Type of guarantee CONFIRMED AND THE TENDER DOCUMENT IS SENT TO YOU, YOU MUST BE DELIVERED TO THE AFORESAID ADDRESS ON OR Submitting one original Bank Fund Receipt under account number 4001114006376636 ( Shaba No. IR th th 350100004001114006376636) in name of “NIDC saving account” by the central bank of Islamic Republic of Iran. BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE 27 Feb.,2019.THE OPENING DATE OF ENVELOPES WILL BE AT 11 AM ON THE 29 Feb.,2019 IN THE BUYER'S CONFERENCE ROOM LOCATED AT THE HEAD OFFICE OF KSC AHWAZ-IRAN AND THE BIDDERS OR THEIR AUTHORIZED Duration of credit & quotation Tender Guarantee and quotation should be valid for 90 days and extendable maximum for one time in initial validity REPRESENTATIVES CAN ATTEND THE MEETING OF THE TENDER. duration.

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II NN TT EE RR NN AA TT II OO NN AA LL DD AA II LL YY DECEMBERDECEMBER 30,30, 20182018 HEALTHADVERTISEMENT 99

Rising trend of A glance at Imam Sadr’s liver transplant in Derdghaiya medical center By Maryam Khosrojerdi

Iran: from 2 to 749 It was the spring of 2018 when we visited Derdghaiya health care center, standing on the heights of the southern prov- HEALTH TEHRAN — In 1993, Shiraz was at the forefront of such surgeries desk ince of Lebanon. The medical facility was established by only two liver transplants over the whole period with doing 3,663 of the Imam Sadr Foundation in 1987. were conducted in Iran, but the figures has liver transplants out of the total 4,485 ones The clinic puts patients at ease by offering a pleasant been rising significantly over the years, reach- performed in the country. location, cleanliness and even fruit trees in its small yard. ing 749 transplants in 2016. Out of the total transplants, 4,106 were We became acquainted with nurse Mona Tiba, in charge According to a large-scale research con- from deceased donors and 379 were from of the spinal cord rehabilitation department. She was ad- ducted by Tehran University of Medical Scienc- living donors. There were 3,553 adults mitted to nursing school in the Islamic University with the es in coordination with Shiraz University and 932 pediatric recipients. Hepatitis B support of the foundation the year earlier. Tiba welcomed of Medical Sciences, 4,485 liver transplants and biliary atresia were the most common us with open arms and gave us a tour of the clinic and were performed in the country, over a period etiologies in adult and pediatric patients, explained the caregiving offered at the facility. of 23 years (from 1993 to 2016). respectively. The clinic provides services for rheumatology, pediat- The research data was gathered around by The report indicates that over this period, rics, counseling, neurology, general medicine, nutrition, a collaboration of 24 university professors. livers were procured from more than 700 urology, cardiovascular, physiotherapy, immunology and According to a report, first published deceased donors per year. midwifery. It serves 350 to 400 patients every month. in July, the transplants were performed in In November, Deputy Health Minister The clinic is the only healthcare center in the district that six centers; two centers in Tehran and one Reza Malekzadeh announced that Iran is offers physiotherapy and spinal cord care affiliated with center in each cities of Shiraz, Mashhad, among the top 10 countries in the world The report revealed that the number of the Norwegian Group Norvac. The bilateral relationship Isfahan and Kerman. in liver transplantation and ranks first transplants has been increasing steadily in all is important for the transfer of knowledge and technology The report revealed that the number of in the region. for treating spinal cord injuries. transplants has been increasing steadily in all He stated that annually there are at the centers over this period; however, the rise The staff of the clinic attends Norvac Group’s specialized the centers over this period; however, the rise least 500 liver transplantations in the has been much faster in Shiraz, growing from workshops every so often. In addition, in 2017, Derdghaiya has been much faster in Shiraz, growing from country, around 85% of which are from only two transplants in 1993 to 524 in 2016. health care center held three scientific meetings at Hiram only two transplants in 1993 to 524 in 2016. brain dead patients. hospital in Tyrus, Al Rassoul Al Azam Hospital in Beirut, and at Rahmat rehabilitation hospital in Tripoli. The second floor of the clinic has rooms with specialized Salt intake in Iran doubles global 8 hospitals built in 9 months machines for various tests for urinary and bladder ailments standards costing $120m suffered by children and adults and expectant mothers. When a patient loses control of his urination, the clinic HEALTH TEHRAN — Salt imum level of intake. HEALTH TEHRAN — Eight manshah. The new hospitals are under offers initial tests and, if necessary, they are referred to deskconsumption in Iran WHO has stated that salt intake of less deskhospitals have been built construction and will be inaugurated by specialized hospitals. is twice as much as global standards, the than 5 grams per day for adults helps to in the country since the beginning of the the end of current Iranian calendar year The cost of running such tests at the American Univer- head of the Iranian Heart Association reduce blood pressure and risk of cardi- current Iranian calendar year (March 21), (March 20, 2019),” added Alizadeh. sity of Beirut is around $650, while the clinic only charges has said, Fars news agency reported ovascular disease, stroke and coronary announced the deputy minister of transport “Currently, there are on average 2.8 $170, and very low-income people pay only $32. on Thursday. heart attack. and urban development. hospital beds in the country per 1,000 All expenses of the clinics are provided by the Imam “The average salt intake among Iranians National surveys in Iran has revealed According to Mohammad Jafar Aliza- people,” he further remarked. Sadr Foundation. is around 10-12 grams per day, which is that around 34% of Iranians have high deh, in total, the hospitals have 1,200 Health Minister Hassan Qaziza- The clinic offers free services to people with disabilities far beyond standard levels and it is mostly blood pressure, leading to the prevalence beds and their construction cost some 5 deh-Hashemi said on Friday that 31,500 new and vaccinations are free. due to consuming breads that contain too of stroke and cardiovascular diseases to trillion rials (around $120 million), ISNA hospital beds have been set up in the country Each year, around 150 food packages are distributed much salt,” Fereydoun Noohi added. the extent that they are the second cause reported on Saturday. since 2013 when President Hasan Rouhani among those in need during the holy month of Ramadan. According to recent studies in the coun- of death among Iranians over the age of The new hospitals are in seven prov- started his first round of administration. The clinic is also associated with some Christian insti- try, salt intake among women is three times 50, Noohi remarked. inces; namely, Tehran, Kohgiluyeh and According to the minister, there are tutions that provide medicine for patients who are con- the men, he noted. “Controlling high blood pressure is Boyer-Ahmad, Lorestan, East Azarbaijan, currently 120,000 hospital beds in the stantly in of such. World Health Organization (WHO) a must in today’s society. So, taking pa- West Azarbaijan, Kordestan and Khuzestan, country. To protect the environment the clinic has fridges for recommends that adults consume less tients’ blood pressure should become a Alizadeh stated. On Friday, a 294-bed hospital was inau- the disposal of pharmaceutical waste, and each month than 5 grams (just under a teaspoon) of priority on doctors’ protocol. Additionally, “Some 4 trillion rials (around $95 mil- gurated in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad the waste is sent to landfills. salt per day; however, based on global the people must constantly check their lion) has also been assigned to the construc- province, western Iran. The completion of Before leaving the clinic, we noticed a couple of tall statistics, most people consume too much own blood pressure at home with digital tion of hospitals in six other provinces of the hospital took 10 years and some 900 buildings, sitting adjacent to each other on a hilltop salt—on average 9–12 grams per day that devices, especially if they are over the Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Hamadan, billion rials (nearly $22 million) was spent just a bit further away from the clinic, a mosque and is around twice the recommended max- age of 35,” he explained. Mazandaran, Gilan, Ardabil and Ker- on its construction. a church.

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Study begins on ruined Archaeological remains historical bathhouse unearthed in heart of Tehran

HERITAGE TEHRAN – A team of Studies on the site is ongoing, however, deskarchaeologists has exca- its “identity and usage” is still unknown, he vated some archaeological remains in the said, adding “Excavations in the site will be basement of a shop located in the grand continued until it reaches the intact soil.” bazaar of Tehran. In 2014, a mysterious skeleton of a “[Parts of] a wall and a fort, related woman was unearthed in Molavi Street, to the Timurid period (1370-1507(, were south of the Iranian capital. Initial sur- discovered in Hazrati Bazaar [a locale in veys on the human remains, which dates the grand bazaar],” according to Qadir back to the 5th millennium, suggested that Afrovand, a senior Iranian archaeologist, Tehran may date back to 7000 years ago. IRNA reported. Many archaeologists were used to asso- On December 19, excavations in a two- ciate earliest settlements in Tehran with HERITAGE TEHRAN — A team of Iranian experts has by-two meter trench led to discovery of a the time of Safavids who ruled the country deskcommenced studying on a recently excavated wall and bricks that date back to the Qajar, from 1501–1736. historical bathhouse used to be supplied with clay water pipes Safavid, and Timurid periods, Afrovand The Timurid Empire was a Persianate in northwest Iran. told reporters. Turco-Mongol empire comprising mod- Experts estimate that the bathhouse dates from the Seljuk era The trench has yielded pieces of tiles ern-day Uzbekistan, Iran, the Caucasus, (1037–1194) as pottery fragments founded beneath the structure and potteries so far, which date from var- Mesopotamia, Afghanistan, much of Cen- suggest. ious periods including Qajar and Timurid tral Asia, as well as parts of contemporary “This structure, which is built of brick, covers some 100 square eras, he explained. India, Pakistan, Syria and Turkey. meters of area and it is a remarkable example of early Islamic bath- houses,” CHTN quoted a provincial official as saying on Saturday. The archaeological discovery was made recently in Germi county of Ardabil province where a team of researchers and Iranian visits to Turkey drop in Jan.-Nov. restorers strengthened centuries-old Alajouq fortress before a nearly dam is inaugurated. TOURISM TEHRAN — Iranian ar- increase year on year. Sprawling on a high, windswept plateau, Ardebil is well-known deskrivals in Turkey fell some Experts say Iran’s rial depreciation is the for having lush natural beauties, hospitable people and its silk and 18 percent during the first 11 months of the main reason behind the slump, which started carpet trade tradition, it is also home to the UNESCO-registered year from the same period a year earlier. in May when U.S. President Donald Trump Sheikh Safi al-Din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble. “In January-November 2018, 1.894 mil- pulled out from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, lion Iranian tourists visited Turkey, 18.17 officially known as the Joint Comprehensive percent less than the same period in 2017,” Plan of Action, re-imposing new sanctions the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey on Iran’s economy. told Trend on Friday. Rial weakness has also pushed up costs of Kermanshah to host national The share of Iranian travelers in the total air travel and accommodation for outbound foreign arrivals in Turkey was 5.05 percent Iranian passengers. The situation, on the craft workshop during the first eleven months of 2018, the other hand, has opened up a new chapter for ministry said. “During November, 105,200 travelers to the country, particularly Iraqi Iranian nationals visited Turkey, a decrease of nationals. 46.39 percent compared to the same month Iran hosted some six million foreign trav- in 2017.” Statistics also suggest that 37.5 mil- elers in the first half of the current Iranian lion tourists toured Turkey from January calendar year (started March 21), which shows to November, which shows a 22.25 percent 51 percent year-on-year growth. Airline fatalities rise more than 900% in 2018 In 2018, airlines set another record by flying nearly 4.5 billion Captain Tammie Jo Shults, one of the Navy’s first female passengers on nearly 45 million flights worldwide. On the fighter pilots, was able to land the depressurized 737 safely surface, things were good. with a single working engine. But 2018 has only been an average year for safety in According to USA Today, the accident resulted in regula- HERITAGE TEHRAN — Kermanshah province’s cultural airline travel, according to retired airline pilot and safety tors “reviewing certification standards and the life limits for deskheritage department is scheduled to hold a expert John Cox, writing in USA Today. engine components.” Several other in-flight engine failures, four-day national craft workshop from Jan- Actually, Captain Cox may have been too kind. The Avi- thankfully, did not result in fatalities. In February, a United uary 8 to 11, 2019. ation Safety Network (ASN) stated that this year there were Boeing 777 also had to make an emergency landing after The event will be held at Kermanshah Parsian Hotel, provincial 16 airliner accidents that killed a total of 555 people as of losing the engine cowling on a flight from San Francisco to tourism chief Parvaneh Heydari said, CHTN reported. December 27, 2018. Honolulu. Amazingly, the plane landed safely at its desti- The workshop will cover enamel and needlework among other That’s a more than 900% increase over last year when nation just 20 minutes off-schedule. local skills, she said. just 59 people died in accidents. That led ASN to call 2017 In September, the captain of an Iberia Airbus A350 flying Dozens of Iranian handicrafts have gained the UNESCO Seal “the safest year ever, both by the number of fatal accidents from New York to Madrid made an emergency landing in of Excellence during the past couple of years. as well as in terms of fatalities.” Boston after the in-flight shutdown of one of its Rolls-Royce Of course, after 2017, for all practical purposes, there was engines. Issues with Rolls-Royce Trent engines took many nowhere to go but down (sorry) in terms of airline safety. Boeing 787 Dreamliners out of service for inspections during ROUND THE GLOBE But worryingly, the 555 deaths in 2018 are the highest in 2018, although the company insisted that the A350’s Trent the last five years since 2014, when 692 died. battle, and the plane plunged 5000 feet into the Java Sea. XWB was based on a different architecture than the Trent In 2018, plane crashes in Russia, Iran and Nepal killed At least one lawsuit has been filed in the US against Boe- 1000 in the 787. Historic monuments zone 195 people in just one month, from February 11 to March ing on behalf of a victim of the Lion Air crash, alleging the Most recently, an Airbus A330 aircraft lost not one, but of Tlacotalpan 12. In the Iranian accident, the crash site (a 12,000-foot airplane was “unreasonably dangerous.” The suit alleged both engines in flight, but fortunately, not at the same time. mountain) was not found for two days, yet Iranian officials that the plane’s safety system improperly engaged and pilots According to Boarding Area, a Brussels Airlines A330-200 reported there were no survivors of the 66 onboard before were not properly instructed by Boeing on how to respond. was flying from Kinshasha to Brussels on December 10 when Tlacotalpan, is an exceptionally well-preserved Spanish colonial the aircraft was found. It is believed the plane was not able Boeing issued an Operations Manual Bulletin in November the pilots received a warning from an electronic monitor river port close to the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. to de-ice its wings, but responsibility for the crash of the on flight crew procedures to “address circumstances where that the port (left) engine had failed. They declared an emer- The original urban plan, a checkerboard or grid pattern, aging ATR-72 turboprop, which had been out of service for there is erroneous input from an AOA (angle of attack) sen- gency and descended to 27,000 feet, where the engine relit. laid out by the Spanish in the mid-16th century, has been 7 years, is still unclear. sor.” The Federal Aviation Administration issued an emer- The pilots were able to return to their 40,000 foot cruising preserved to a remarkable degree. n another terrible accident, on May 18, 112 of 113 pas- gency directive to US carriers like Southwest, American, altitude. The flight continued normally until the approach Its wide streets are lined with colonnaded houses that sengers and crew were killed when a Cubana de Aviaci?n and United to follow the new instructions on dealing with to Brussels. This time, the starboard (right) engine began reflect a vernacular Caribbean tradition with exuberant dec- 737-200 crashed after takeoff from José Mart? International possible erroneous sensor alerts in 737 MAX aircraft. The to fail, relight and shut down while descending. It finally oration and color. Airport in Havana, Cuba. As with the other accidents, the directive warns “erroneous inputs can potentially make the relighted as the aircraft landed. Investigators believe the cause has apparently not been officially determined; ASN horizontal stabilizers repeatedly pitch the nose of the air- rare dual-engine failure may have been caused by fuel con- classifies it as “loss of control (presumed). plane downward, making the aircraft difficult to control.” tamination at Kinshasa airport. But in 2018, the spotlight was on two other accidents. In a statement to the NY Times, Boeing said it was confident The good news is that such engine shutdowns continue Each is concerning, for different reasons. in the safety of the 737 Max. “While we can’t discuss specifics to prove that twin-jet aircraft can fly safely for significant One was the crash of Lion Air Flight 610 near Jakarta, of an ongoing investigation, we have provided two updates periods of time on one engine. (Rigorous pilot training is Indonesia on October 29, killing all on board. The 189 fatali- to operators that re-emphasize existing operating proce- also helpful.) Things have changed since FAA administrator ties, on a brand-new Boeing 737 MAX, made it the deadliest dures — the series of steps required — for these situations.” Lyn Helms said in 1980, “It’ll be a cold day in hell before I crash of the year and accounted for more than one-third of A full investigation into the crash won’t be completed let twins fly long haul, overwater routes.” airline deaths in 2018. until next year. But with today’s clearly safer aircraft, the nearly ten-fold In a powerful interactive presentation, the New York Times The other notorious accident in 2018 was an engine fail- increase in passenger deaths from 2017 to 2018 is not ac- shows how the pilots of Lion Air Flight 610 apparently got ure and cowling separation on Southwest Flight 1380 near ceptable. The aircraft industry, the airlines, and government false readings from sensors, ended up fighting the automatic Philadelphia in April. A woman sitting in a window seat regulators must work together to ensure this troubling trend anti-stall systems, tried to control the plane’s stabilizers and was fatally injured and almost sucked out of the aircraft. does not continue into 2019. bounced up and down two dozen times. Sadly, they lost the Eight other passengers were injured. However, Southwest (Source: forbes.com)

Many mature trees can be found in the public parks, open spaces and private gardens. Initially settled by the Spanish around 1550, the settlement reached its major brilliance in Ancient history unearthed at UAE archaeological site the 19th century. History lovers are digging into the UAE’s debate. the Arabian Gulf and overlooks the shallow immediately called to book a spot and until The surviving grid pattern consists of 153 blocks covering rich past at one of the largest archaeological “There are around 120 archaeological lake of Khor Al Beidha. now it’s the most exciting thing I have ever 75 hectares and divided into two distinct sectors, the larger sites in the country. sites in Umm Al Quwain and Ed-Dur is the It is surrounded by high sand dunes, which done,” he said. “Spanish” quarter in the west and smaller “native quarter in Members of the public are being invited to largest one of them and was discovered protect it from the northern offshore wind Mr Al Ali, along with the other participants, the east. The larger quarter is created by seven wide streets take a step back in time before they usher in by an Iraqi archaeologist in 1974,” said that prevails in the region. was first introduced to excavation tools and or calles laid out east-west parallel to the Papaloapan River a new year by embarking on an eye-opening Rania Kannouma, head of the archaeology Saif Ali Ali, a 26-year-old Emirati, is among techniques and the story behind Ed-Dur site. and connected by narrow lanes or callejones. The “public” tour of Ed-Dur, in Umm Al Quwain. department at UAQ Department of Tourism the visitors eager to learn more about his “I learned how to slowly remove the sector, an irregularly-shaped area found at the intersection A workshop - running until January 3 and and Archaeology. homeland’s history and says it is the “most sand and dirt on and around the ruins of the two quarters, has commercial and official buildings as organised by Umm Al Quwain Department “We picked a newly discovered ruins at exciting” thing he has taken part in. and how to use the different tools such well as public open spaces. of Tourism and Archaeology - is being held the site to be the place for the workshop as “It’s a hobby that I inherited from my as the small hand shovels, trowel and A UNESCO World Heritage, Tlacotalpan has retained to help shed new light on a 2,000 year-old we didn’t identify the ruins yet, if it’s a grave father who likes to collect artefacts and has brushes,” he said. an unusual density of high-quality historic buildings that building recently discovered at the site. or a house, and that should make it exciting a passion for history and archaeology,” said “I will keep visiting the site even after provide architectural harmony and homogeneity. While the It is just the latest treasure from the past for participants. Mr Al Ali. the workshop finishes as I want to see basic vernacular style is found elsewhere on the Mexican unearthed at Ed-Dur since excavation began “We have been organizing the archaeol- “This has made me become curious to what kind of building it’s going to be,” Gulf Coast, Tlacotalpan’s single-storey houses exhibit dis- in the 1970s, with previous finds including ogy exploration workshops since 2000. It is know more about the pieces we had at home said Mr Al Ali. tinctive manifestations that include a profusion of bright- everything from ancient temples, tombs and part of our community initiatives aimed at and what they were used for and which era Another enthusiast, who came all the ly-colored exteriors and original features such as the roof houses to jewellery, pottery and statues dating highlighting the unique archaeological sites they represent, so I took one piece to the way from Ras Al Khaimah to take part in coverings of curved terra cotta tiles and the layouts with back to the Roman era. in the emirate and to educate people about archaeology department and it was dated the workshop, said that she always feels a interior courtyards. Organisers are hoping the discovery will the country’s rich history.” back to the Neolithic period. sense of calm when at historical places. (Source: UNESCO) stir up lots of interest and spark plenty of Ed-Dur lies along the south-east coast of “So when I heard about the workshop I (Source: The National) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y DECEMBER 30, 2018 SCIENCE 11

How Hawaii’s volcanoes could help Rare Super Blood Wolf Moon to coincide with total lunar us find life on Saturn’s icy moon eclipse this January The total lunar eclipse will be witnessed on the evening of Jan. Kilauea’s historically huge 2018 eruption Geochemical and microbiological 20 to 21 wherein the rare Super Blood Wolf Moon is going to pass didn’t just transform the southeastern samples through the northern half of Earth’s shadow. This phenomenon corner of Hawaii’s Big Island. Most of German, along with Darlene Lim at the is the first and last to occur across the winter skies within the the lava wound up spilling into the ocean, NASA Ames Research Center and others, next three years. creating an enormous new undersea delta recently received funding from NASA Another total lunar eclipse is happening almost a year after that hardy ocean microbes are already and the National Oceanic Atmospheric 2018 Super Blue Moon total lunar eclipse, only that it will not colonizing. Administration (NOAA) to pursue that be a “blue” one this time around. That finding, along with the broader idea as part of a new astrobiology research The total lunar eclipse will be witnessed on the evening of exploratory campaign that made it possible, program called SUBSEA. In August, the Jan. 20 to 21 wherein the rare Super Blood Wolf Moon is going might inform the search for life on an icy researchers shipped off for a multi-week to pass through the northern half of Earth’s shadow, according to moon of Saturn. expedition to map the seamount, collect meteorologist Scott Sutherland who revealed the news through That’s according to Woods Hole geochemical and microbiological samples, The Weather Network. Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and test space exploration protocols. The total lunar eclipse will be seen throughout the United geochemist scientist Chris German, who Location of the 2018 lava flows from States beginning Jan. 20. It will finish on Jan. 21 starting at presented the unpublished findings along Kilauea’s eruption, which deposited twice 09:36 P.M. EST and end at 02:48 A.M. EST. The Super Blood with WHOI volcanologist Adam Soule at the as much material in the ocean as it did on land. Wolf Moon will grace the night-side of Earth that includes South American Geophysical Union conference But they wound up getting a little extra America, the Eastern Pacific Ocean, the Western Atlantic Ocean, earlier this month. bang for their buck when German and and Extreme Western Europe. To study the L`ihi seamount, an undersea Soule realized the mission’s timing — Interestingly, the total lunar eclipse happening in winter 2019 volcano just south of the Big Island that, right as Kilauea was erupting — offered a is far hotter than any hydrothermal system L`ihi is different. A “hotspot” volcano will not be just like any other. What makes it so extraordinary is according to German, is one of Earth’s best rare opportunity to see how another ocean we’re likely to find on Enceladus. in the middle of the Pacific tectonic plate, it it will be a rare Super Blood Wolf Moon total lunar eclipse. This comparisons to potential hydrothermal environment was being transformed by a The depth of many black smokers emits cooler hydrothermal fluids at shallower is quite so as the total lunar eclipse takes place when the moon is systems on the seafloor of Enceladus, an different volcano. Soule worked with NOAA means that life around them is subjected depths (and therefore lower pressures). It’s near perigee, the point at which it is in closest distance to Earth ice-crusted moon in Saturn’s E-ring with and the National Science Foundation to to crushing pressures that alien microbes an environment not unlike something we than usual, making it appear larger. a liquid water ocean beneath its surface. acquire funding to divert E/V Nautilus from on a gravitationally puny moon would have could imagine existing on a wee ocean world Why is it called the Super Blood Wolf Moon? In Native Amer- Mid-ocean ridges L`ihi for a day to scope out the seafloor along no experience with, either. orbiting Saturn. ican times, hungry wolves would be seen near the towns and As German explained to Gizmodo, most Kilauea’s south flank, including the lava’s villages at a full moon. Also, the full moon is both a Supermoon of the hydrothermal systems humans have The depth of many black smokers means 3-mile-wide ocean entry site. and a Blood Moon, which obviously explains why it is named studied so far occur at mid-ocean ridges, Using E/V Nautilus’ sonar system, the Super Blood Wolf Moon. where tectonic plates are spreading apart that life around them is subjected to researchers first set about mapping the (Source: Tech Times) and causing hot magma from the mantle seafloor. They discovered a gigantic pile to burble up near the surface. crushing pressures that alien microbes on of freshly cooled lava that stretched some The mineral-rich fluids spewing out of a gravitationally puny moon would have no 1.5 kilometers offshore and sloped steeply Our universe: An expanding these so-called black smokers can get as hot down to a depth of about 1,000 meters. as 400 degrees Celsius, which German says experience with, either. (Source: gizmodo.com) bubble in an extra dimension

Researchers have devised a new model for the universe -- one that may solve the enigma of dark energy. Their new article Genetic breakthroughs make dreams (and Researchers monitor electron behavior proposes a new structural concept, including dark energy, for a universe that rides on an expanding bubble in an additional nightmares) come true, researchers say during chemical reactions for the first time dimension. Uppsala University researchers have devised a new model for the Universe -- one that may solve the enigma of dark energy. Their new article, published in Physical Review Letters, proposes a new structural concept, including dark energy, for a universe that rides on an expanding bubble in an additional dimension. We have known for the past 20 years that the Universe is expanding at an ever accelerating rate. The explanation is the “dark energy” that permeates it throughout, pushing it to expand. Understanding the nature of this dark energy is one of the paramount enigmas of fundamental physics. It has long been hoped that string theory will provide the answer. According to string theory, all matter consists of tiny, vibrating “stringlike” entities. The theory also requires there to be more spatial dimensions than the three that are already part of everyday knowledge. For 15 years, there have been models in string theory that have been thought to give rise to dark Chinese researcher He Jiankui discusses his questions about what He and his colleagues A simulation of indium wire atoms (red) trons on the outside of an atom that are energy. However, these have come in for increasingly harsh lab’s effort to produce babies whose genes actually did (or failed to do). Their experiments on top of a silicon substrate. The glowing candidates for helping form chemical bonds criticism, and several researchers are now asserting that none have been altered to protect them from future have now been put on hold due to multiple regions highlight where indium bonds have — may re-arrange to form new chemical of the models proposed to date are workable. HIV infection. investigations. been excited and photoholes have formed. bonds, resulting in new molecules. Because In their article, the scientists propose a new model with 2018 was a year when researchers focused Immunotherapy hits the big time: Tech- In a recent publication in Science, re- of the speed and scale of these interactions, dark energy and our Universe riding on an expanding bubble in on ways to head off disease by reprogram- niques that rev up a patient’s own immune searchers at the University of Paderborn though, researchers have only hypothe- in an extra dimension. The whole Universe is accommodated ming a patient’s own cells, but also crossed system to fight cancer and other diseases and the Fritz Haber Institute Berlin demon- sized how this re-arrangement takes place. on the edge of this expanding bubble. All existing matter in what many thought were ethical red lines in gained traction over the past year, thanks strated their ability to observe electrons’ In addition to experimental methods, the Universe corresponds to the ends of strings that extend genetic experimentation. It was the first year to research aimed at maximizing the benefits movements during a chemical reaction. high-performance computing (HPC) has out into the extra dimension. in which women won a share of the Nobel of genetically engineered cells while reducing Researchers have long studied the atom- become an increasingly important tool for The Uppsala scientists’ model provides a new, different Prize for physics as well as for chemistry, but the negative side effects. ic-scale processes that govern chemical understanding these atomic-level interac- picture of the creation and future fate of the Universe, while also a year when the #MeToo issue came to Biotech ventures reactions, but were never before able to tions, verifying experimental observations, it may also pave the way for methods of testing string theory. the fore in the science community. Seattle is becoming a center for such re- observe electron motions as they happened. and studying electron behaviour during a (Source: sciencedaily.com) As I look back at 2018, I’m seeing some search, thanks to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Electrons exist on the smallest scales, chemical reaction in more detail. A Uni- stories that I missed but ended up featuring Research Center and a bevy of biotech ventures. being less than one quadrillionth of a me- versity of Paderborn group led by Prof. Dr. prominently in other folks’ year-end recaps. Immunotherapy’s latest local heroes include ter in diameter and orbiting an atom at Wolf Gero Schmidt has been collaborating Mount Etna comes to life, So, to even things out, my top-ten list focuses Juno Therapeutics, Seattle Genetics, Aminex femtosecond speeds (one quadrillionth with physicists and chemists to complement on five developments that we featured in the Therapeutics, OncoResponse and Kineta. Next of a second). experiments with computational models. spewing ash, team finds course of the last 12 months, and five more year, the Allen Institute for Immunology will Experimenters interested in observing In order to better understand elec- that didn’t get much play at the time. join the campaign — fueled by $125 million electron behavior use laser pulses to interact trons’ behavior during a chemical reac- Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, came to life on Science highlights from the institute’s late founder, Paul Allen. with the electrons. They can calculate the tion, Schmidt and his collaborators have Christmas Eve, spewing ash across a swath of the Italian is- Feel free to use the comment section to Solving the brain’s mysteries: The Allen energy and momentum of the electrons by been using supercomputing resources land of Sicily. cast write-in ballots for the year’s science Institute started out 15 years ago with a focus analyzing the properties of the electrons at the High-Performance Computing The eruption was followed by a 4.8-magnitude earthquake, highlights and low lights. (For example, on neuroscience, and the past year brought a kicked out of the probe by the laser light. Center Stuttgart (HLRS) to model this which shook eastern Sicily before dawn on December 26. The the sad tale of Tahlequah and the Southern string of advances. In March, the institute’s Recording events phenomenon. BBC reported that at least 28 people were injured in what Resident orca population tops The Seattle researchers unveiled a publicly available The challenge for researchers is re- Substance changes was the strongest tremor since the eruption on December 24. Times’ year-end list): database of computerized neuron models cording events that are taking place on a Last year, Schmidt’s group partnered The quake damaged churches, roads and houses in towns Gene-edited babies born in China: Last that could be combined like Lego blocks to femtosecond scale — they must first excite with experimentalists from the University near the volcano, and caused panicked residents to flee their month, genetic researcher He Jiankui an- simulate brain activity. a system with a laser pulse, then watch the of Duisburg-Essen to excite an atomic-scale homes. Many spent the remainder of the night sleeping in nounced that twin girls had been born with Researchers also took part in a project next few femtoseconds. Then, they send a system and observe photo-induced phase their cars. a genetically engineered mutation aimed at that turned up a new breed of human brain second laser pulse with a short time delay of transitions (PIPTs) in real time. Phase A 70-year-old man suffered preventing them from getting the HIV virus. cell, and laid out a “parts list” for the brain in a few femtoseconds. Achieving this level of transitions — when a substance changes fractured ribs and was taken The claim raised concerns that a door was research featured on the cover of the journal resolution is difficult, as femtoseconds are from one physical state to another, such into surgery. A number of others being opened to science-fiction scenarios in Nature. Looking ahead, the institute and its extremely short—light can travel 300,000 as water changing to ice—are important were treated for minor injuries which genetic traits are changed or enhanced Allen Frontiers Group will play roles in multiple kilometers in one second, but just 300 in studying and designing materials, as a and released, according to the with the aim of creating the real-life equiva- multimillion-dollar efforts focusing on con- nanometers in one femtosecond. substance’s properties may change wildly Italian news agency ANSA, while lents of comic-book X-Men (and X-Women). nections between brain function and disease. After being excited with the first laser depending on the state it is in. still more were treated for shock. But since then, there’s been a rising tide of (Source: Geekwire) pulse, the atoms’ valence electrons — elec- (Source: phys.org) Two people had to be pulled from the rubble of their homes, including an 80-year-old man. “Etna remains a dangerous Sound changes the way rodents sense touch volcano, and this country of ours Our eyes, ears and skin are responsible for different were unresponsive to light, but that a strong majority is unfortunately fragile,” gov- senses. Moreover, our brain assigns these senses to responded to sound. These neurons showed electrical ernment undersecretary Vito different regions: the visual cortex, auditory cortex and responses to sound that could be categorized as regular Crimi said. somatosensory cortex. However, it is clear that there are spiking or fast spiking. Further, the barrel cortex appeared At more than 10,000 feet anatomical connections between these different cortices to treat tactile and auditory stimuli separately. high, Mount Etna is the largest of Italy’s three active volcanoes, such that brain activation to one sense can influence brain “These responses indicate that tactile and auditory and the second largest in all of Europe (Mount Teide in Tenerife activation to another. information is processed in parallel in the barrel cortex,” is taller). Etna is classed as the most active stratovolcano in A new study by the laboratory of Associate Professor says Komai. the world and has a long documented history of eruptions, Shoji Komai at the Nara Institute of Science and Technology Additional analysis showed that the electrophysiological stretching back to 1,500 B.C. (NAIST), Japan, seen in PLOS ONE, explains how auditory properties of the responses were different, with sound Etna has seen frequent activity since July. The eruption stimulation of the barrel cortex influences responses to causing longer postsynaptic potentials with long latency, on Christmas Eve saw a new fracture appear on the volcano’s tactile stimulation in mice and rats. almost priming the animal to sense touch. This would be flank, spewing lava. It forced the temporary closure of Sicilian The barrel cortex is one of the most highly studied like the shuddering one does when hearing a loud boom. airspace because of clouds of smoke and ash, which coated primary somatosensory systems in animals, that is, systems model to see how sound can affect the perception of touch. According to Komai, this reaction would be an evolutionary nearby villages. in our brain sensitive to touch, pain, and temperature. Multisensory responses advantage for nocturnal animals such as rats and mice. The 4.8 magnitude quake was the largest of the many trem- It may not immediately be obvious why studying the “We think our senses are distinct, but there are many “In a nocturnal environment, sound may act as an ors felt after the eruption. The quake’s epicenter was north of barrel cortex, which maps sensation to whiskers, is relevant studies that show multisensory responses, mainly through alarm to detect prey or predators. The combination of Catania, the second-largest Sicilian city, although no damage to humans, but it turns out the texture discrimination audio-visual interactions or audio-tactile interactions,” auditory and tactile cues may yield an effective response. was reported there despite reports of shaking buildings. performed by the whiskers in rodents is quite similar explains Komai. It will be interesting to learn how the same system is In some towns, piles of rubble littered the roads, while to the same discrimination we do using our finger tips. Using patch clamp experiments of single neurons, his advantageous in humans,” he says. gaping holes ripped open the sides of shops and houses. Therefore, Komai considered the barrel cortex a good group found that mouse and rat neurons in the barrel cortex (Source: eurekalert.org) (Source: Newsweek) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 12 SOCIETY DECEMBER 30, 2018

Iranian scientist Babak DOE’s next year budget seen to rise by 47% ENVIRONMENT TEHRAN — The De- million) will be allocated. Farzad dies of terminal cancer deskpartment of Environ- And the Department’s expenses are to ment (DOE) will receive a budget rise by be 1.02 trillion rials (about $24 million), SOCIETY TEHRAN — Iranian scientist Babak Farzad desk 47 percent as proposed in the budget bill for of which some 350 billion rials ($8.3 passed away on Thursday after months of bat- the next calendar year (starting on March million) will be allocated to increase tling with cancer. He was 41. 21, 2019), an official with the DOE has said. protection in areas safeguarded by the Farzad was an Associate Pro- “We received a total budget of 2.54 rangers, he said. fessor and Graduate Program trillion rials (nearly $60 million) over the Pointing to the staff shortage in the Director at Brock University, current Iranian calendar year, which will DOE, he highlighted that the necessary Canada since the year 2007, increase to 3.73 trillion rials (around $88 measures for recruiting 350 rangers and IRNA news agency reported. million) for the next year,” Mina Ebrahi- 200 environmental experts annually are He came in third and won a mi, deputy director of DOE’s budget and being taken to compensate for the shortages. bronze medal at the 7th Interna- planning center said, DOE’s official website Jamshid Mohabbat Khani, head of tional Olympiad in Informatics reported on Wednesday. the DOE’s protection unit, said earlier (IOI), hosted by The Nether- Moreover, Amir Zand, caretaker of this month that there should be 8,500 lands in Eindhoven from June DOE’s budget and planning center also rangers protecting the country’s natural 26 to July 3, 1995. said on Saturday that some 55.7 billion resources and environment, however, there He obtained a bachelor’s rials (about $1.3 million) is considered are 3,200 rangers working in the country. degree in computer software engineering in 1999 from Sharif for combatting air pollution and a total President Hassan Rouhani presented University of Technology and completed a PhD degree in com- of 1.67 trillion rials (nearly $40 million) will the administration’s draft of the national puter science at University of Toronto in 2004. He was also a be allotted to protecting the biodiversity budget bill for the next year to the Majlis post-doctoral fellow at McGill University from 2005 to 2007. through restoration of the country’s wet- on December 24, which amounts to 17.03 lands, as well as conservation and revival quadrillion rials (about $405 billion at the of Golestan National Park and areas under Zand further stated that a budget poor waste management, especially in the official rate of 42,000 rials). Supplying basic the organization’s protection. amounting to 10 trillion rials (around northern cities of the country. goods, treatment and medical equipment; ‘Diesel particulate filter best He went on to highlight that another 51.8 $240 million) is proposed in the budget Referring to 40 percent increase in securing livelihood; supporting production option to cut PM 2.5’ billion rials (approximately $1.2 million) bill to create regional facilities for waste development plans budget for the DOE, and employment; promoting tourism; and will also be earmarked for research and management by private sector, aiming at he noted that for development plans also preserving water resources and environment development in environmental issues. reducing irreparable damages caused by a credit of 2.43 trillion rials (around $58 are the focal points of the bill. SOCIETY TEHRAN — Installation of diesel particulate deskfilter on vehicles is one of the best and cost-ef- ficient measures to reduce small particulate matter of 2.5 microns University students protest against old transport fleet or less in diameter (PM2.5) in metropolises, Masoud Zandi, head SOCIETY TEHRAN — Hundreds injury of dozens of their peers. After the accident many announced According to IRNA news agency some of the national center for air quality and climate change, has said. desk A diesel particulate filter is a filter that captures and stores of university students In a bus rollover at the Islamic Azad that the driver had a hard attack at the of the family members of the students who exhaust soot (some refer to them as soot traps) in order to reduce participated in a demonstration at Is- University, northwestern Tehran, on time of the crash. However, the main were killed in the bus crash also joined emissions from diesel cars. lamic Azad University, Science and Re- December 25, ten were killed and 28 reason behind the deadly bus crash seems the demonstration. Renovating public transport has been put off due to budget search Branch, in Tehran on Saturday, were injured. Some of the injured are to be the old transport system as the The university has already fired five deficiency and sharp increases of prices and currently retrofitting to stage their protest about old transport in a critical condition and the rest have driver lost the vehicle control after its officials who are held accountable for the polluting old buses with diesel particulate filter is a cost-effective fleet which led recently to the death and sustained serious injuries. brakes failed. bus crash. measure to quickly slash particulate emissions. According to World Health Organization (WHO) ambient (outdoor) air pollution in both cities and rural areas was esti- 25,000 carbureted motorcycles to be scrapped within 2 months mated to cause 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide per year ENVIRONMENT TEHRAN — Some 25,000 polluting is trying to offer the government in order to support in 2016; this mortality is due to exposure to PM2.5, which cause deskcarbureted motorcycles will be discarded the owners of clunker motorcycles to exchange their cardiovascular and respiratory disease, and cancers. by the next two months as per enforcement of clean air vehicles with low-emission ones, he highlighted, adding Based on a statute passed by the cabinet has made diesel partic- law, head of the national working group for air pollution that Tehran Municipality will be also ready to cooperate ulate filter mandatory so that all in-use vehicles in 8 metropolises mitigation affiliated to the Department of Environment in this regard. of Iran must be equipped with the filters and new models should (DOE) has announced. “We hope that other metropolises of the country being already have the filter, YJC quoted Zandi as saying on Saturday. “According to the clean air law, no license plate for carbu- hit by air pollution cooperate to scrap polluting motorcycles The diesel particulate filters used to cost some 250 to 300 mil- reted-engine motorcycle should be issued unless a clunker and encourage the citizens to use electric motorcycles, which lion rials (nearly between $6,000 and $7,000) but now the prices carbureted motorcycle is scrapped,” ISNA quoted Vahid helps the motorcycle industry to grow and opens up many have climbed to 800 million rials (nearly $19,000), he regretted. Hosseini as saying on Saturday. job opportunities,” he concluded. However, renovating the old and scanty public transport is The clean air law constituting 35 articles has been drawn The national working group for air pollution mitigation, much costlier, for instance a gas-powered bus costs some 14 up by the DOE as an integrated approach to curb air pollu- made a proposal to bring production of the pollutant car- billion rials (nearly $333,000) and as some 202 buses should be tion, which was passed by the parliament on July 16, 2017. bureted-engine motorcycles to a halt some two years ago. scraped already the prices will skyrocket, he explained. The law singles out inefficient vehicles, substandard fuels, The cabinet approved the proposal on June 22, 2016 which Air pollution is a major environmental risk to health. By re- industrial activities and dust storms as the major sources of went into effect as of September 2016. ducing air pollution levels, countries can reduce the burden of air pollution in the country and tasks different organizations The main purpose of According to a report by the World Bank, motorcycles disease from stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and both chronic with specific actions in line with the objective. scrappage of numerous old are the second largest contributor to PM in the capital, even and acute respiratory diseases, including asthma. Last week, an important agreement was reached before cars which greatly outnumber them. There are less Tehraners have experienced a fortnight of clean air quality between Tehran Traffic Police, the Execution of Imam motorcycles is to renovate than 1 million motorcycles in Tehran which contribute to since the beginning of the current Iranian calendar year (started Khomeini’s Order office, and all related bodies to help and replace them with new about 12 percent of the total mobile PM emissions. On the March 21). Furthermore some 224 days of good air quality, and remove 25,000 clunker polluting motorcycles during other hand, with a total fleet of 3.37 million, or 80 percent 43 days of slightly polluted air quality for sensitive groups were the next two months, Hosseini stated. motorcycles and encourage of all vehicles, cars only account for about 3 percent of the reported in this period. The main purpose of scrappage of numerous old the residents to purchase city’s mobile PM pollution. motorcycles is to renovate and replace them with new electric motorcycle. One of the main reasons behind their high contribution motorcycles and encourage the residents to purchase to emissions is that a large part of the fuel consumed in LEARN ENGLISH electric motorcycle, he added. He went on to say that motorcycle producers were motorcycles burns incompletely. The Tehran motorcycle Carbureted motorcycles scrapping process has awaited obliged to scrap a carbureted motorcycle in exchange fleet consists mostly of carburetor-equipped motorcycles Skiing implementation in recent years due to executive and for the production of a new one. which are typically less fuel efficient and emit more emissions legal problems, he noted. In addition to discarding these motorcycles, the DOE compared to newer, fuel injection technology. A: Welcome ski lovers of all ages! My name is Rick Fields and here with me is the man that needs no introduction, Bob Copeland. B: Thank you, Rick! What a beautiful day here in Aspen, Colorado where the sun is shining, and we’ve got twelve inches of fresh Charge on plastic carrier bags to be doubled and extended to all shops in England powder. It doesn’t get much better than this. Shoppers will have to pay double for effect in January 2020, are contained in a in 2015, with the money raised going of the 5p charge since it was introduced in A: That’s right, Bob, but today we have a special treat for our carrier bags at all stores across England consultation which has been launched by to good causes rather than government October 2015 and regularly provides evidence viewers. We’re joined here by Ian Roussy, the four-time giant under new plans set out by the environ- the government. coffers. for government consultations. slalom champion. And on this special edition of the show, Ian ment secretary. In August, Theresa May promised there Association of Convenience Stores chief Dr Foster said: “We are able to measure is going to teach us the basics of skiing! So, let’s hit the slopes! The current 5p charge will be increased to would be a consultation on changes to the executive James Lowman said: “We welcome the impact of legislation and we’ve seen that C: Well, first off, let’s get those boots on. You’re going to want to 10p and will apply to all shops, not just large levy by the end of the year despite reported the government’s plans to extend carrier bag since the introduction of the plastic bag charge make sure your boots fitsnugly . That’s right; now snap them retailers, under Michael Gove’s measures opposition from the Treasury and Philip charging to all shops. in the UK the amount we find on the beaches into your bindings. And you’re also going to want a good pair aimed at curbing plastic consumption. Hammond. “This has been shown to be highly effective has gone down. of goggles to protect your eyes. It’s a bright day today, so there’s An estimated 3.6 billion single-use bags “The 5p single-use plastic carrier bag at reducing waste, whilst also raising money “That’s also been replicated by studies going to be a lot of glare out there on the slopes. We don’t want are supplied annually by smaller retailers charge has been extremely successful in for local, national and environmental charities. that have been done offshore - they’ve also you hitting any of those moguls! which are exempt from the current 5p reducing the amount of plastic we use in “Around half of small shops in England seen a reduction in the amount of plastic A: Bob, since you’re a beginner skier and might take a few spills, bag levy. our everyday lives,” Mr Gove said. already charge for plastic bags voluntar- bags they find. it is a good idea to have a good warm pair of dry ski gloves. Trade bodies representing around 40,000 “Between us, we have taken over 15 ily, with wider support for a mandatory “So we do know that legislation can di- C: Easy there, Rick! Well, let’s head on over to the chairlift, and test your skills! All right, we’re up here on the bunny hill, small retailers have already launched a vol- billion plastic bags out of circulation. charge.” rectly impact on the amount we find on our so, Bob, why don’t you do a few snow-plow turns. Gnarly run, untarily approach to a 5p charge, but this “But we want to do even more to protect Oceanographer Dr Laura Foster, head beaches and in our oceans.” Rick! Nice carving! You’ve got some mad skills! That was sick! accounts for less than one-fifth of England’s our precious planet and today’s announcement of Clean Seas at the Marine Conservation Meanwhile, schools are being urged to A: You want to see gnarley? Well, see that bump over there, estimated 253,000 small and medium-sized will accelerate further behaviour change and Society (MCS), said she hoped there would end the consumption of single-use plastics I’m going to catch some major air. enterprises. build on the success of the existing charge.” be support for the move. by 2022. C: Butt plant! The changes, which could come into The 5p levy was introduced in England The MCS has been monitoring the impact (Source: The Independent) B: Ha ha ha! He lost his skis! Yard sale!!! A: Ahem, well. Thanks for joining us here today, I think that about does it. Bob, Ian, time for some apres-ski? ENGLISH IN USE C: No way, man! We’re off to grab some freshies!!! Key vocabulary LEARN NEWS TRANSLATION slalom: a skiing race where you must go through flags champion: winner hit the slopes: start skiing snugly: fitting very tightly $170,000 collected in fundraising کمک 7 میلیارد ریالی خیرین به بیماران مبتال به سرطان snap: make something attach by pressing down binding: a bottom part that attaches the boot to a ski for cancer patients goggles: a pair of glasses used to protect one›s eyes مراســم گلریــزان بــه نفــع بیمــاران مبتــا بــه ســرطان روز جمعــه در کــرج برگــزار glare: bright light that is reflected by the snow Philanthropists have donated a total of 7 billion rials (nearly شــد کــه مبلغــی بالــغ بــر هفــت میلیــارد ریــال بــرای حمایــت از ایــن بیمــاران slopes: a space on the mountain which is used for skiing mogul: a bump on a ski hill $170,000) to cancer patients in a charity fundraising event held توســط خیریــن اهــدا گردیــد. .take a spill: fall on Friday in Karaj, Alborz province بــه گــزارش خبرگــزاری مهــر، ایــن مراســم بــا شــعار »مــا بســیاریم« و بــرای ترغیب ski glove: a covering of hands with each finger separated The event was held by Mehr-e-Soheila charity institute with the chairlift: a line of chairs through moving cable that carries people بــه حمایــت از بیمــاران مبتــا بــه ســرطان، بــه همــت موسســه خیریــه مهر ســهیل، ,snow-plow turn: a slow, easy turn where you make a V with the skis theme of “We are so many” to support patients suffering cancer carving: turn on your skis with your edges Mehr news agency reported. بــه نفــع بیمــاران مبتــا بــه ســرطان برگــزار شــد. (gnarley: awesome, cool (used by ski lovers bump: small hill catch some major air: used to describe a skier jumps really high yard sale: falling so hard that you lose all your ski equipment PREFIX/SUFFIX PHRASAL VERB IDIOM apres-ski: a party after skiing grab some freshies: ski on the area that has never been skied before “deka-, deca-, dec-” Catch up Come hell or high water Supplementary vocabulary lodge: the building that has restaurants and stores on the ski hill Meaning: ten Meaning: get to the same point as somebody else Explanation: to do something in spite of the pow: (powder) soft, light snow For example: In a large bowl put the 40 dekagrams For example: You’ll have to run faster than that if difficulties involved avy: (avalanche) lots of snow falling on the mountain of flour. you want to catch up with Marty. For example: Come hell or high water, I’ve got to be liftie: a person who operates the chairlift bowl: a steep hill with high sides, shaped like a bowl on time for the interview. ساعت: 19:40 امضاء صفحه آرا: ساعت: امضاء مسئول صفحه: ساعت: امضاء ادیتور: ساعت: امضاء سردبیر:

I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y DECEMBER 30, 2018 WORLD IN FOCUS 13 The Arab Spring, 8 years on; from Bouazizi Independent European army: A dream which will self-immolation to Bread Revolution never come true By Farzad Farhadi announced the allocation of 120 million di- TEHRAN — Protests have arisen in Sudan, nars in Libya ($ 85.4 million) for immediate 1 He added: ‘Before Europe starts seriously planning its Tunisia, Morocco, Libya, Lebanon and Jor- use in southern cities. own army it should adequately fund the military that has protected dan this year. This coincides with the eighth Lebanese activists also chose the “yellow its borders from aggression for 70 years. Two per cent of GDP anniversary of the Arab Spring revolutions vest” for protesting the country’s disastrous should not be beyond the wit of those who have accumulated that began in Tunisia on December 17, 2010, economic conditions. The first demon- great wealth through the protection of NATO, primarily under leading to the collapse of the ruling regimes strations were held this past Sunday when the leadership of the US and UK.’ in some Arab countries, in particular Egypt. hundreds of people rushed onto the streets London’s opposition to the U.S. policies is not new. But this Some protests, such as those in Lebanon of al-Shohada and Riyadh-e-Salah in the approach has intensified on the eve of the departure of Britain and Tunisia, have been inspired by the French center of Beirut. from the European Union. The British officials are seeking to “yellow vests”, which began on November The protesters wanted reduced taxes on maintain their security relations with the United States and the 17 against the economic policies of French fuel prices, the creation of a comprehensive EU member states under the NATO after leaving the EU. In President Emanuel Macron over soaring health plan including health cards and the such a situation, there are various questions about this recent energy and living costs. return of bond yields to 7.5 percent. controversy. Meanwhile, the Sudanese protests were The protests arose because of the diffi- Can the disagreements over the formation of the European so intense they led to the overthrow the rul- cult economic conditions facing Lebanon, Army be considered serious? Are the establishment of the Euro- ing regime. On December 19, protest rallies and over political disagreements that have pean Army and the disputes around to be analyzed as a symbol across the cities of Sudan, including Khar- brought the formation of a government to of a gap between in trans-Atlantic relations? toum, captured the capital, and ensued so a standstill. Regarding these questions, we should note that many ana- far in the 14 provinces of the country’s 18 In 2018, Jordan saw protests against lysts argue about the lack of the real and necessary will among provinces. The deterioration of livelihoods the difficult economic situation and the countries such as Germany and France to achieve their security has been the main cause. Bread prices were introduction of new taxes. Beginning last independence from the United States. This has led the Europe to also a concern. The cost of a loaf of bread on fire in protest over the disastrous social and wages. February, protesters demanded that the adopt a passive approach towards Washington. This passivity can reached four pounds in Sudan. situation, and in particular unemployment. This protest movement came at the in- government be dissolved because of ris- be well seen in security and economic affairs, and is also evident In addition, Sudan has long complained The protesters demanded pay increases. vitation of the Technician League, which ing taxes and fuel prices and the removal in different positions taken by European leaders. about the lack of fuel, and also financial li- Tunisian activists chose red vests, inspired by occurred on the anniversary of the Tunisian bread subsidies. For example, shortly before, when the German Foreign Min- quidity. Banks have prevented people from the “yellow vests” demonstrations in France. revolution of December 17, 2010. The protests led to the resignation of the ister spoke of establishing a Special Purpose Vehicle to preserve accessing their money to withdraw savings Activists have said more peaceful protests Mohammed VI, the King of Morocco, country’s previous Prime Minister Hani the nuclear deal with our country, we saw that Merkel, empha- and turn currencies into U.S. dollars, and will be launched in the coming days against has sacked four ministers because of the al-Mulki. King Abdullah in June appoint- sizing the importance of security relations between Berlin and with the rises in bread prices, the chant “Peo- the economic, social and political situation. inability to execute the program and pardon ed Omar Al Razzaz to form his cabinet. But Washington, refused to confirm this solution. This is true for ple Call for the Overthrow of the Regime” But disagreements between the president hundreds of prisoners. The government also the failure of the execution of promises an- many European leaders. swelled. This demand became famous during Beji Caid Essibsi and Prime Minister Youssef conducted talks with labor unions for wages gered Jordanians. They want the dismissal This is while many European citizens are calling for the abolition the Arab Spring revolutions. al-Shahed also caused problems. Al-Shahed and pensions, labor rights, and employer of Al-Razaz and the current government. of the North Atlantic Treaty and the creation of an independent In the protests, according to official fig- said that lack of political support didn’t yield demands. It is undeniable that many Arab countries European army. NATO has created violence and crisis not only ures of the country, eight were killed and better economic results. In Libya, the protests occurred in the are facing harsh conditions. Lebanon and in the international system and the rest of the world, but also 22 others were wounded. Tunisians continue to demonstrate and southern cities of the country. The Fezzan Sudan may be the worst off. There is military has imposed a lot of financial and structural costs on European In 2018, Tunisia has witnessed sporadic attack the security forces with stones, and Anger movement forced El-Sharara oil field rule in Sudan, and in Lebanon, the process citizens. Currently, 26 NATO members are European countries. protests centered on social demands. On De- the police also use tear gas. to be closed on December 8. There, protesters of forming the government has been fraught Obviously, in the near future, the internal conflicts in Europe cember 24 in al-Qasrayn in western Tunisia The “yellow vest” has also appeared in demanded more work and fuel for citizens. with turmoil. will be strengthened over NATO. Conflicts that will initially under- protesters and security forces clashed. This Morocco, worn by government and private Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj agreed It is noteworthy that the main demands mine the foundations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization was followed by the suicide of Abdul Raz- sector workers on December 17. Again the with the protesters and promised to meet of the protesters in these countries are for and, at a later stage, would provide the ground for the collapse zaq, a media photographer, who set himself issues were demands for better livelihoods their needs and the field was reopened. Siraj better economic conditions. of this structure.

Exploring cabinet reshuffle in Saudi Arabia: An attempt to avert potential dangers House GOP quietly ends 1 countries as well as those Saudi activists and critics of Sau- Riyadh ulterior motives behind the politi- di regime inside the country, rather they would increase probe into FBI’s 2016 cal smokescreens Crown Prince’s power more than ever. Some also predict decisions Those observing the changes consider the cabinet shake-up that the tensions would heighten between Saudi Arabi, as an agreement between the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Qatar, and Turkey. House Republicans say more investigation is needed into deci- bin Salman (MBS) and the king so that he can pretend he Some political analysts are still trying to remain positive sions made by the FBI and the Justice Department in 2016 as is still in power. In fact Saudi Arabia is striving to show the and regard the recent changes as foreign policies to ease the they brought an unceremonious end to their yearlong look at the world that the changes are on the way in their country to tensions, especially as al-Assaf is a long serving politician department’s handling of probes into Democrat Hillary Clinton’s deal with intense international pressure over the killing of being in office during the reign of three kings including emails and Donald Trump’s ties to Russia. Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the conflicts in Yemen, Fahd, Abdullah, and Salman. In a letter released Friday evening, less than a week before and Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy towards its neighboring Some analysts also believe that Riyadh is making the Republicans cede the House majority to Democrats, the chair- countries which are causing regional instabilities. changes in the wake of international fallout from the killing men of two House committees described what they said was However, the reshuffle haven’t gone any further and the of Saudi writer Khashoggi. the “seemingly disparate treatment” the two probes received main reason behind the changes was to keep some certain Saudi authorities also have other purposes, they are during the presidential election in 2016 and called on the Justice people satisfied. The reshuffle doesn’t appear to lead to any trying to pretend to dismiss people close to Mohammad Department to appoint a special counsel to investigate further. particular changes in the policies of the Saudi regime and bin Salman such as Al-Jubeir and Turki bin Abdulmohsen, House Judiciary Chairman Robert Goodlatte and Rep. Trey people close to the crown prince are still in full power. The Chairman of the General Sports Authority who caused some Gowdy, House Oversight and Government Reform chairman, cabinet reshuffle is setting the scene for King Salman to problems. However, they took office again and that’s why to bring down the opponents and King Abdullah’s offspring both of whom are retiring next week, sent a letter to the Justice maintain authority and his son’s power and marginalize they seem to pretend to make changes. and their allies. Same goes for Musaed al-Aiban who was Department and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell saying other powerful princes such as Mutaib bin Abdullah son Averting possible dangers to MBS appointed as the new national security adviser. they reviewed thousands of documents and conducted interviews of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and Muhammad bin Nayef Nonetheless the political changes are unreal but appointing Additionally MBS overseeing a restructure of Saudi in- that “revealed troubling facts which exacerbated our initial ques- former Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. Prince Abdullah bin Bandar as chief of the powerful National telligence services are all aiming to increase crown prince’s tions and concerns.” Republicans have said since the election The cabinet shake-up wouldn’t result in changes in Saudi Guard, which is the monarchy’s preeminent protector and power and averting any possible dangers to his government that they believe Justice officials were biased against President Arabia’s policies towards Yemen, Qatar, and other regional provides internal security for the kingdom is theoretically or ambitions. Trump when they started an investigation into his ties to Russia and cleared Clinton in a separate probe into her email use. The wrapping up of the congressional investigation, done in a letter and without a full final report, was a quiet end to a probe U.S. troops pullout to shed light on coalition’s war crimes in Syria that was conducted mostly behind closed doors but also in pub- A military diplomatic source says the Damascus or a United Nations mandate. The letters concluded that the embar- three Syrian soldiers. lic as Republican lawmakers often criticized interview subjects planned withdrawal of the United States The military alliance has repeatedly rassing silence of the Security Council Israel frequently attacks military tar- afterward and suggested they were conspiring against Trump. troops from Syria would expose the been accused of targeting and killing had encouraged the coalition to kill more gets inside Syria in what is considered as The investigation’s most public day was a 10-hour open hearing extent of war crimes committed by the civilians. It has also been largely inca- Syrian civilians and destroy their property. an attempt to prop up Takfiri terrorist in July in which former FBI special agent Peter Strzok defended U.S.-led coalition purportedly fighting pable of achieving its declared goal of Syrian army positions, not groups that have been suffering heavy anti-Trump texts he sent to a colleague as he helped lead both the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant destroying the ISIL. Iranian advisers, target of Israeli defeats against Syrian government forces. investigations. Strzok fought with Republican lawmakers in a (ISIL/Daesh) Takfiri terrorist group in Syria has on numerous occasions airstrike: DEBKAfile U.S. commanders propose riveting spectacle that featured Strzok reading aloud from his the war-ravaged country. condemned airstrikes by the U.S.-led Meantime, an Israeli intelligence web- Kurdish fighters in Syria keep sometimes-lewd texts, and Democrats and Republicans openly “The upcoming withdrawal of U.S. coalition, asking the UN to force Wash- site has refuted Tel Aviv’s claims that a weapons yelling at each other. military personnel from Syria will most ington and its allies to put an end to their recent aerial raid in Syria had targeted The developments follow as the U.S. Goodlatte and Gowdy laid out several concerns in the letter, likely shed light on numerous war crimes military intervention in the country. Iranian military advisers and Hezbollah officials say the Pentagon is considering many of them echoing a report issued this year by the Justice committed by the international coalition On November 13, the Syrian Ministry fighters, saying the attack actually hit recommending that Kurdish militants Department’s internal watchdog. That report concluded that during the so-called fight against [the] of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates con- Syrian army positions. be allowed to keep American-supplied Strzok’s anti-Trump text messages cast a cloud on the agency’s Daesh terrorist group.” demned an airstrike earlier that month by The DEBKAfile cited “highly credi- weapons after the withdrawal of troops handling of the probe and also that fired FBI Director James Comey “First of all, this concerns, of course, the U.S.-led coalition against the eastern ble” U.S. military sources as saying that from Syria. repeatedly broke from protocol, including when he announced the much hyped liberation of Raqqah in town of al-Shaafah, which left more than Israel had decided to take advantage of Speaking on the condition of anonym- his recommendation against charging Clinton. But unlike the October 2017, which has transformed 60 people dead and injured, arguing that the chaos generated by Washington’s ity, three U.S. officials told Reuters that congressional investigation, the report also found there was no into a ‘ghost city’ as a result of carpet the massacre clearly pointed to the fact decision to withdraw forces from Syria the recommendations were part of dis- evidence that Comey’s or the department’s final conclusions were bombings by coalition aircraft,” Russia’s that members of the military alliance had and Turkey’s threat to launch an operation cussions at the Pentagon on a draft plan. motivated by political bias toward either candidate. Sputnik news agency quoted the unnamed no respect for moral values, international in the Arab country’s north. The initiative, they added, would be Democrats have blasted the GOP-led congressional source as saying. rules and regulations besides the lives Tel Aviv’s purpose of the Syria offen- presented to the White House in the com- probe, saying it was merely meant as a distraction from The source went on to say that Takfiri of innocent civilians. sive was to disable the Syrian military ing days with the U.S. President Donald special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation. militants operating in the al-Tanf region The ministry, in two separate letters, sites, they added. Trump making the final decision. New York Rep. Jerry Nadler, the top Democrat on the were constantly trying to flee from the addressed to United Nations Secretary On Tuesday night, Israeli F-16 war- Pentagon defends Trump’s judiciary committee, and Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings, area and take refuge either in adjacent General Antonio Guterres and the former planes fired Delilah cruise missiles from decision to withdraw troops from top Democrat on the oversight panel, are expected to regions or even in neighboring Jordan rotating president of the UN Security Lebanon’s air space into Syria followed Syria end the investigation when they take power in January. in the wake of the announcement of the Council Ma Zhaoxu, called on the Security by similar air raids near Damascus by However, the U.S. Defense Depart- Nadler has called it “nonsense.” U.S. plans to withdraw troops from Syria. Council to fulfill its responsibilities and F-35 stealth fighter jets. ment is defending Trump’s decision to California Rep. Adam Schiff, who does not sit on either panel “After the announcement of the stop the U.S.-led aerial assaults. The second phase of the attack came withdraw 2,000 American troops from but is the top Democrat on the House intelligence committee, imminent withdrawal of U.S. soldiers, It also asked the world body to pro- after the F-16 missiles failed to reach Syria, saying the pull out is “deliberate, tweeted Friday evening that the Republican investigation is end- the entire ‘hive’ of the militants there pose an international, independent and their targets, DEBKAfile reported. well thought-out, mutually supportive, ing “not with a bang, but with a Friday, buried-in-the-holidays … was set in motion. Almost every day, impartial mechanism to investigate the Russia’s Defense Ministry said on and controlled.” whimper, and one foot out the door.” the militants attempt to break through crimes being perpetrated by the U.S.-led Wednesday that Syrian air defenses In a tweet on Friday, the Pentagon also The Republicans have insisted that they were not trying to from there not only to the territory con- coalition. had destroyed 14 of 16 Israeli missiles called the withdrawal the “next phase” undermine the Mueller probe. trolled by Damascus in Syria, but also The letters noted that the coalition was launched against unspecified targets near of Washington’s support to the so-called “Contrary to Democrat and media claims, there has been no to Jordan,” the source said. deliberately targeting Syrian civilians and Damascus by six Israeli F-16s. anti-ISIL coalition, but did not provide effort to discredit the work of the special counsel,” Goodlatte The source added that the heavy smoke making use of internationally banned Russia’s Defense Ministry also said further detail about what that support and Gowdy wrote in the letter. “Quite the opposite, whatever around the Rukban refugee camp in al- weapons, including white phosphorus the airstrike in Syria attributed to Israel looks like. product is produced by the special counsel must be trusted Tanf could indicate that the militants bombs, in Syria. “directly endangered” two civilian flights. The tweet did not specify which by Americans and that requires asking tough but fair ques- were burning the corpses of refugees, who The ministry stressed that the U.S.-led Syrian state media reported that Syr- parties were “mutually supportive” tions about investigative techniques both employed and not had perished from hunger and diseases coalition airstrikes were meant to kill as ia’s air defenses had confronted “hostile” of the decision to withdraw the U.S. employed.” due to the shortage of humanitarian aid many Syrian people as possible, prolong missiles launched by Israeli warplanes troops. Republicans have repeatedly asked for a special counsel to supplies. the ongoing Syria conflict, destroy the from over the Lebanese territory and Trump announced his decision to look into the 2016 questions, but former Attorney General Jeff The U.S.-led coalition has been con- country’s infrastructure and undermine downed most of them before they reached withdraw the U.S. troops from Syria Sessions never granted their request. The department is now led ducting airstrikes against what are said to its sovereignty and territorial integrity their targets. on Wednesday, asserting that the ISIL by Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker, a Trump ally who be ISIL targets inside Syria since Septem- in flagrant violation of all UN Security The aggression, they added, damaged Takfiri terrorist group had been defeated. has not weighed in on the issue. ber 2014 without any authorization from Council resolutions on the country. an ammunition warehouse and injured (Source: agencies) (Source: AP) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 14 WORLD SPORTS DECEMBER 30, 2018 Rafael Nadal: tennis’ next generation Juve and VAR defeat Sampdoria is ready to take on Big Three Juventus go into the new year as the overwhelming favourites Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger in the beginning of the season. And then to claim their eighth straight Serie A crown. Federer have dominated men’s tennis he started, the confidence came back, The Bianconeri opened up a 12-point lead over Napoli with a for more than a decade. But could this and Novak is back to his normal level.” hard-earned 2-1 victory against high-flying Sampdoria. finally be the year the status quo changes? Loses comeback match Juve certainly didn’t have it all there own way in Turin, but a Starting with Federer’s 2003 Wim- Nadal began his own comeback Friday brace from Cristiano Ronaldo either side of Fabio Quagliarella’s bledon triumph, the Big Three have won at an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi and penalty sealed the three points. 51 of 62 majors. That’s a strike rate of it ended in a three-set defeat to South The €100m summer signing now has 13 goals to his name just over 82 percent. African Kevin Anderson, another player in the league, just one behind Lionel Messi, who has 14 in La Despite showing much promise, the knocking on the door of a grand slam Liga already. generation immediately following the breakthrough. Ronaldo’s goals secured him another personal milestone, be- Big Three, which includes Kei Nishikori, Nadal, who has not played an official coming the highest scoring Portuguese player in a single Serie Grigor Dimitrov and Milos Raonic, have match since September after retiring with A season, eclipsing Rui Barrios. yet to win a grand slam title. a knee injury in the semifinals of the However, it was the record set by Juventus as a team that But Nadal, 32, believes the new gen- US Open, also underwent ankle surgery will really catch the eye. eration of young players is so strong, last month. Max Allegri’s side have now amassed 53 points after 19 rounds it won’t be long before they will start The match started well, with the of fixtures, the first time that has ever been done in the history contending for the sport’s biggest prizes. Spaniard taking the opening set, but of Italian football. “For a long time, we have been very the big-serving Anderson took the next They have dropped just four points all season and are yet to consistent,” Nadal, a 17-time major two to win 4-6 6-3 6-4 to reach the final lose a domestic game. winner, told CNN Sport in an exclusive where he will play Novak Djokovic, who If they maintain their form for the entirety of the season, they interview at his academy in Manacor, on beat the emerging Khachanov in straight would finish on 106 points. the Spanish island of Mallorca. sets in the second semifinal. Juve currently hold the record for most points recorded in ’Not enough good’ Nadal later said he would likely not a single Serie A season, amassing 102 in the 2013/14 season Nadal’s breakthrough victory came play in the third place playoff match under Antoino Conte, where they won 33 out of their 38 games. at the 2005 French Open, when he was Saturday although he insisted it was a The Bianconeri also went unbeaten for an entire season back 19 years old. Since then, no teenager precaution ahead of the Australian Open in 2011/12 under Conte. has won any of the sport’s four majors which starts next month. Can Allegri beat both those records in the space of one campaign? in the men’s game. “I want to do things step by step. I They could be on course to do so with Ronaldo as their focal point. “The previous generation probably, “[Nick] Kyrgios, [Alex] De Minaur. Nadal said he wasn’t surprised at the spent more time on court than I thought,” Juve’s next two Serie A games see them take on struggling they were not enough good,” said the All these guys are good, very good. So successful comeback of Djokovic, who he said. outfits Bologna and Chievo Verona, before a tough away trip to second-ranked Nadal, who won a re- they are going to be there and they are won Wimbledon and the US Open after Murray, a three-time major winner, Lazio on January 27. cord-extending 11th Roland Garros title going to fight for important things for dropping out of the top 20 following a will also be making a comeback in 2019, (Source: Football Italia) in June. probably the next five, six years.” six-month injury break. starting with next week’s ATP event in “But now, yes, in my opinion, we have If they are going to be successful, the “He is too good to not be back,” said Brisbane. a new generation that is very good. It is next generation will have to get past the Nadal about the Serb, who is a 14-time “If he is healthy, I am sure he will be just a question of time, that’s my feeling. Big Three, who between them have won major winner and one of only two players back at the highest level,” Nadal said “It’s just about time that they are going all of the last eight majors. Only Stan to have beaten the Spaniard on the clay about the Scot, a former world No. 1 who Australian Open players to win grand slams. [Alexander] Zverev, Wawrinka (twice) and Andy Murray have of Roland Garros. has slumped to No. 256 in the rankings [Dominic] Thiem, [Stefanos] Tsitsipas, interrupted their dominance in the last “He did well, he held the passion in the following a lengthy spell away following to get 10-minute break in [Denis] Shapovalov, [Karen] Khachanov, 16 grand slams. tough moments, and he held the spirit of hip surgery in January 2018. extreme heat [Andrey] Rublev, all these guys are good. Djokovic, Murray work when he had some tough moments (Source: CNN) Men’s singles players at the Australian Open will be permitted 10-minute breaks if temperatures at next month’s Grand Slam Shiffrin collects record 15th victory in WADA discussing date for lab visit as reach hazardous levels. Organizers have unveiled a “more extensive” Extreme Heat calendar year deadline nears - Russia Policy after temperatures in the shade approached 40C during the 2018 tournament. A 10-minute break was already in place for women’s and junior singles, plus a 15-minute break for wheelchair singles. The Australian Open gets under way in Melbourne on 14 January. Tournament director Craig Tiley said the wellbeing of players was the “utmost priority”. Organizers were forced to defend their heat policy in 2018 after players, including six-time champion Novak Djokovic, criticized their decision not to stop play during extreme temperatures. Under the new policy, if a reading of 4.0 is recorded on the Australian Open Heat Stress Scale during a men’s singles match, a 10-minute break will be allowed after the third set. If the reading occurs during a women’s or junior singles match, this break will take place between the second and third sets, as will the 15-minute break in wheelchair singles. If a reading of 5.0 is recorded, the tournament referee can suspend play. Other changes to the policy for 2019 include more compre- hensive measuring of weather conditions and an increase in American Mikaela Shiffrin cruised to vic- Cup races. Moscow and the World Anti-Doping Agency A WADA team returned from Moscow measuring devices across Melbourne Park. tory in the slalom in Semmering, Austria, Under clear skies in Semmering, she are discussing a date for WADA experts to empty-handed this month after Russian “The AO Heat Stress Scale takes advantage of the latest medical on Saturday for a record 15th World Cup built a 0.49sec lead over Vlhova in the first visit and receive laboratory data, Russia’s authorities said their equipment was not research into the effects of heat on the human body including the triumph in a year leg and, skiing last in the second leg, was sports minister said on Saturday, as Russia’s certified under Russian law. maximum heat stress an athlete can safely withstand, the sweat It was also the American’s 36th slalom able to cruise to victory by 0.29sec. anti-doping agency, RUSADA, stands on Kolobkov said that Russia’s Investi- rate of that person and their core temperature,” said Dr Carolyn victory, also a record. She finished 0.29sec On Friday, after winning for the first the verge of suspension. gative Committee, which is holding the Broderick, Tennis Australia’s chief medical officer. ahead of the Slovak Petra Vlhova, winner of time this season, Vlahova reacted with relief RUSADA was stripped of its accredita- data for its own probe, had approved the “The scale also accounts for the physiological variances be- Friday’s giant slalom, and the Swiss Wendy to a rare victory over Shiffrin. tion in 2015 after a WADA-commissioned equipment to be used. tween adults, wheelchair and junior athletes while also taking Holdener. “I’m always second. Second, second report found evidence of widespread He said WADA and Russia had a “mutual into account the four climate factors - air temperature, radiant After a disappointing fifth place the day and second. Then seeing her behind me I state-sponsored doping in Russian athletics, understanding” on the issue, adding: “We are heat or the strength of the sun, humidity and wind speed - which before, Shiffrin reasserted her domination feel pride,” Vlhova said. On Saturday she but conditionally - and controversially - currently discussing a date for the next visit.” affect a player’s ability to disperse heat from their body.” of the World Cup slopes as she broke the was second again. reinstated in September. Russia was barred from competing at (Source: BBC) record for World Cup victories she had She is also second in the overall World If judicial authorities fail to hand over this year’s Pyeongchang Olympics by the briefly shared with the Austrian Marcel Cup standings. Shiffrin has 1,034 points, laboratory data by the end of the year, it International Olympic Committee (IOC) Hirscher who has won 14 this year. Neither Vlhova has 568, although she is comfort- will again lose its status, raising the pros- after it was found to have run a state-spon- will race again before January 1. ably ahead of Ragnhild Mowinckel, in pect of Russia being banned from a second sored doping cover-up scheme at the 2014 Swedish slalom great Ingemar Stenmark third on 396. consecutive Olympics and remaining shut Games in the Russian city of Sochi. China to punish athletic won 13 races in both 1977 and 1979. In the slalom standings, Shiffrin has a out of international athletics. Some Russians with no history of dop- Shiffrin also ensured she stands alone perfect 500 points while Vlhova has 400 The minister, Pavel Kolobkov, said ing were invited to compete as neutrals, doping as criminal offence in women’s World Cup slalom history. She for finishing second every time. his ministry had received a letter from however. The world athletics federation, broke a tie with the legendary Austrian Holdener was third, 0.38sec behind WADA president Craig Reedie outlining the IAAF, has also cleared some Russians Chinese athletes who use performance-enhancing drugs will Marlies Schild, who won 35 slaloms be- Shiffrin for the career 18th podium finish “the options for organising the process to compete internationally as neutrals. receive criminal punishments and jail terms from next year, as tween 2004 and 2014. in her specialist event. of copying the data from the Moscow an- Moscow has denied any involvement in China cracks down on doping ahead of the 2022 Beijing Winter Shiffrin has won 13 of the last 14 World The women and men slalom skiers open ti-doping laboratory” and specifying the state-sponsored doping but has acknowl- Olympics, state media reported. Cup slaloms, including two parallels, and the New Year with a “City Event” through equipment to be used. edged some issues in its enforcement of China’s sports administration and top judicial authority are all five run this season, including one par- Oslo on January 1. WADA could not immediately be reached anti-doping regulations. drafting rules that would apply criminal law to doping cases, allel. At 23, she has already won 51 World (Source: AFP) for comment. (Source: Reuters) official news agency Xinhua said Friday. Citing remarks made at a Friday meeting by Gou Zhongwen, director of China’s sports administration, Xinhua said that the new anti-doping punishments will be put into effect “probably Guardiola’s intensity has a downside: Hojbjerg in early 2019”. “It is our will to show the world we are really serious about Pep Guardiola’s obsessive attention to detail has brought “He wants many good players to push each other,” said anti-doping, and are taking concrete measures on fight against much success but could also be the reason Manchester City Hojbjerg. doping,” Gou said. have suffered a slump in form, claims Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg “They will all fight against each other and the best one China’s sports administration told AFP it could not confirm who played under him at Bayern Munich. will play. Xinhua’s report. Hojbjerg will captain Southampton when they host “You would not complain, you just do better on the pitch. Doping scandals have riddled China’s international sporting Guardiola’s side on Sunday with City arriving on the back He keeps players so sharp.” record in the past decade, with some athletes stripped of Olympic of three defeats in four matches leaving the champions in Hojbjerg, who has battled his way back into the national gold medals. third place, seven points off leaders Liverpool ahead of this side after an 18 month hiatus which cost him a place at the In January 2017, three Chinese women’s weightlifting gold weekend’s matches. World Cup finals, admits he was too young at Bayern to medallists at the 2008 Beijing Olympics were disqualified and The 23-year-old Danish international midfielder -- who appreciate all of Guardiola’s philosophy. stripped of their medals for doping following a reanalysis of joined Saints in 2016 for a fee believed to be £12.8million However, Hojbjerg -- who admits Guardiola transformed their drug tests. ($16.2million) -- admires Guardiola but thinks sometimes him from a man into a boy -- says there are some things that Later that year, a Chinese doctor claimed that there had been his analyzing of a match is too intense even for the Spaniard. have stayed with him. a systematic doping programme in China during the 1980s and “He is the most demanding person, not only coach, that “He (Guardiola) always told me about controlling the 1990s across a range of sports, in an interview with German media. I have ever met,” Hojbjerg told The Times. game with or without the ball,” he said. All medals won by Chinese athletes at major international “We sit on the bus after we have won and he sits on the “To make the player you play against react to you, not you tournaments in the last two decades of the 20th century are bus watching the game and then he is in his office with two to him. “He used to say to me, ‘Pierre, the most important tainted by doping, alleged the whistleblower, Xue Yinxian. laptops and a television and he is analyzing. thing is, if they are close to you, go out and if they are open, This year, China banned several of its own athletes who were “Maybe that’s what makes him the greatest. Hojbjerg, who was loaned out twice whilst at Bayern you go in, but you need to read it.’ found to have used performance-enhancing drugs, as Beijing “But also maybe that is what makes him lose, because it under Guardiola, says if the City players have taken their “He would say: ‘You need to tell me after one minute, works to clean up its international sporting reputation. is too much, he drowns. foot off the pedal they will soon be knocked into shape by how do they play.’” (Source: AFP) “I don’t judge him but he is the greatest teacher I have had.” the former Barcelona coach. (Source: AFP) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y DECEMBER 30, 2018 SPORTS 15

Iran tallest team in AFC Carlos Queiroz unclear Asian Cup With an average height of 184cm, Iran national football team is the tallest team in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. The tallest team at the tournament are willing to go all the way based on their strength and sheer passion for winning. South Korea and China are second and third with 183cm and over his future in Iran 182cm respectively. Team Melli’s opponents Vietnam and Yemen are the shortest teams with an average of 175cm. Iran have been pitted against Iraq, Vietnam and Yemen in Group D. SPORTS TEHRAN — Iran national football team head coach Carlos The 2019 AFC Asian Cup will be held in the United Arab deskQueiroz says his future depends on what Team Melli will do at Emirates from January 5 to February 1. the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. (Source: Fox Sports Asia) Iran have been drawn in Group D of the competition along with Yemen, Vietnam and Iraq. Team Melli will start the campaign with a match against Yemen on Jan. 7. Queiroz will look to end the country’s 43-year Asian Cup title drought at the Milad Mohammadi’s throw-in prestigious event. Iran last lifted Asian football’s most coveted trophy on home soil in 1976, when among 2018 notable events they completed the third leg of three consecutive championship wins that mark the country out as one of continent’s most successful ever. Iran defender Milad Mohammadi’s throw-in against Spain in After Iran narrowly missed out on advancing from the group stage for a first time, the FIFA World Cup is among the notable events in the 2018. Queiroz’s demands for a new four-year contract were ignored by Iranian football With seconds to go and Iran pressing for an equalizer against authorities and doubts will remain over his future until the Asian Cup finishes. Spain in an actual World Cup game, Mohammadi chose the perfect Asked him about his future in Team Melli, the Portuguese said, “At the moment, moment to break out his innovative forward-roll non-throw-in. I just concentrate on the AFC Asian Cup. We are going to win the title and make He kissed the ball for luck before trying a dramatic somersault the Iranian people happy. My current contract runs until the AFC Asian Cup and throw in as his team searched for a goal to draw level with Spain the future is in God’s hands.” and keep their tournament hopes alive. “The football coaches cannot decide their future because their future depend Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s stunning, high-velocity scorpion kick, on the results they earn. At the moment, we concentrate on booking a place at the which was nominated for the FIFA’s Puskas Award, was chosen Asian Cup semis,” Queiroz stated. as the most notable event. “AFC Asian Cup is a difficult tournament and I think Australia, Japan and South (Source: Four Four Two) Korea will most likely to qualify for the semis and the remaining teams must fight to advance to final four as the fourth team,” he concluded. Queiroz, whose team take on Iraq, Vietnam and Yemen in the group phase, will be looking to create history for Iran once more and nothing short of victory Montazeri Iran’s oldest in the final in Abu Dhabi on Feb. 1 will be deemed a success. player in AFC Asian Cup

Team Melli defender Pejman Montazeri is Iran’s oldest player Iran’s Khademalsharieh wins silver at Persepolis sign Mohammad Naderi, at 35 in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. Only 18 years and 6 months, Iraq striker Mohanad Ali is the World Rapid Championship give up on signing Gucci youngest player in the tournament. The oldest squad in the tournament is China with an average age of 28.74 years. Most of their players are in their late 20s with Zheng Zhi being the oldest player at the tournament at 38. Iran sit 16th out of 24 teams with an average age of 27.04 years. The youngest team in the AFC Asian Cup 2019 are Vietnam, whose average age is just 23.13. The 2019 AFC Asian Cup will be held in the United Arab Emirates from January 5 to February 1. (Source: Fox Sports Asia)

Azkals set up camp in Doha for AFC Asian Cup

The Philippine Azkals have arrived in Doha, Qatar to kick off the final stretch of their preparations for their historic debut SPORTS TEHRAN — Sarasadat rapid chess as well. With 10 points in 12 SPORTS TEHRAN — Persepolis an agreement with Iranian striker of APOEL desk desk in the AFC Asian Cup to be held in the United Arab Emirates Khademalsharieh from games, she finished solely on top. football club have con- Ghoochannejhad. starting January 7. Iran claimed a silver at the King Salman Wenjun has already won three world firmed the signing of KV Kortrijk defender The ex-Iran forward had been linked The Azkals face AFF Suzuki Cup tormentors Vietnam in a World Rapid and Blitz Championships championships in 2018 (two classical) and Mohammad Naderi but the Reds have not with a move to Persepolis in recent days friendly on New Year’s Eve as part of their preparations. The 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The might get yet another crown on Sunday, agreed with Reza Ghoochannejhad “Gucci” but two parties have not reportedly reached 23-man squad that will represent the country in its first-ever AFC competitions are being held in Manege, when the blitz event will come to an end. over financial issues. an agreement on financial issues. Asian Cup appearance was revealed on December 27. the largest exhibition space in central Saint Khademalsharieh and Russian Al- The 22-year-old defender has joined the Persepolis, who are looking forward to The team is not wanting in strikers with old hands Phil Young- Petersburg from Dec. 25 to Dec. 31. eksandra Goryachkina tied for second Iranian giants on a six-month loan deal. win Iran Professional League for the third husband and Patrick Reichelt joined by youngsters Jovin Bedic, Iain Chinese chess player Ju Wenjun, who place a full point behind the winner. Naderi joined the Belgian First Division successive season, are going to strength- Ramsay and Curt Dizon. The biggest news for the offense, though, had defended her Women’s World Champi- Khademalsharieh’s superior tie-break A side in July from Tractor Sazi of Iran. en their 2019 AFC Champions League was the inclusion of talented Javier Patiño, who was in the Azkals’ on’s title a month ago in Khanty-Mansiysk, secured her second place, Goryachkina He has also played in Nassaji Mazandaran. hopes after they become runners-up in Suzuki Cup lineup but was unable to see action due to an injury. managed to defend her champion’s title in got the bronze. Furthermore, Persepolis did not reach the last season. For the midfield, the coaching staff can choose among Stephan Schrock, the Ott brothers, James Younghusband, Kevin Ingreso, John-Patrick Strauss and newcomer Miguel Tanton. 10 of the Best: Group stage match-ups The defense will have veterans Carli De Murga, Paul Mulders, There are just seven days until the big kick-off of the AFC Australia edged 3-2 on aggregate after extra-time. Daisuke Sato, and Alvaro Silva teaming up with Luke Woodland, Asian Cup UAE 2019, with teams and fans beginning to That match was full of drama and with Syria boasting who is back after missing most of the Suzuki Cup with a leg injury, descend on the United Arab Emirates. an exciting frontline of 2017 AFC Player of the Year Omar Stephan Palla and Adam Tull. As ever, the group stage will throw up a number of in- Khribin and Omar Al Soma, as well as seeking revenge, this Manning the sticks will be Michael Falkesgaard, Kevin Ray triguing clashes between the nations, so, next in the ‘10 of has the potential to also be a classic. Hansen and Ace Villanueva. Top keeper Neil Etheridge was left the Best’ series, the-AFC.com has picked out 10 standout Australia v Syria off after he could only commit to the January 7 match against fixtures to keep an eye out for. Venue: Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain Korea due to his duties with Cardiff in the English Premier United Arab Emirates v Bahrain Kick-off: January 15, 17:30 UTC+4 League. Patrick Deyto, who saw action in the Suzuki Cup, was The opening game of a tournament always generates wide- Korea Republic v China PR also stricken off the roster. spread excitement and it is regional rivals the UAE and Bahrain East Asian heavyweights will bring Group C to a close in After Korea, the Azkals face China on January 11 and Kyr- who face off in the curtain raiser in Group A on January 5. winners Japan, will again be among the favorites in 2019, and the Emirati capital when Korea Republic take on China in gyzstan on January 16. All their group stage matches will be held When the UAE finished third in Australia four years ago, they kick Group F off against Central Asians Turkmenistan. what is the first time the sides have met in the competition in Dubai. The top two teams in each of the six groups plus the they claimed a narrow 2-1 win over Bahrain in the group The Samurai Blue were last crowned champions in 2011, since a 2-2 draw in the 2000 group stage in Lebanon. four best-placed third teams will advance to the knockout stages. stage, with Ali Mabkhout scoring the AFC Asian Cup’s fastest while they also claimed glory in 2004, the first and only time More recently, the teams claimed a win apiece in the 2018 (Source: ESPN) ever goal after just 14 seconds. The Bahrainis may view this the Turkmens have appeared at the continental competition. FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, with Korea Republic as a chance for revenge. Japan v Turkmenistan defeating China 3-2 in Seoul in September 2016 and the Chi- United Arab Emirates v Bahrain Venue: Al Nahyan Stadium, Abu Dhabi nese running out 1-0 winners in Changsha in March 2017. Venue: Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi Kick-off: January 9, 15:00 UTC+4 Korea Republic v China PR Qatar seeks solid World Cup Kick-off: January 5, 20:00 UTC+4 United Arab Emirates v India Venue: Al Nahyan Stadium, Abu Dhabi rehearsal in UAE Korea Republic v Philippines Another team with a large expat population in the UAE Kick-off: January 16, 17:30 UTC+4 Continental heavyweights and competition debutants is India, who will hope to have some support among the Islamic Republic of Iran v Iraq collide when Group C gets underway, with two-time winners tens of thousands of Emiratis when they take on the hosts Arguably the most eagerly awaited tie of the group An in-form Qatar will be hoping to use the 10th Asian Cup in Korea Republic providing one of the toughest possible starts in Abu Dhabi on Matchday Two. stage sees Iran and Iraq square off in a repeat of the 2015 nearby United Arab Emirates as a platform for a successful maiden for the Philippines, who will look for support from a sizable India are returning to the competition for the first time quarter-finals – a scintillating 3-3 draw before the Iraqis World Cup campaign as the hosts of soccer’s biggest event in 2022. expatriate community in the Emirates. since 2011, and the Blue Tigers will hope to improve on a eventually won 7-6 on penalties. The Jan. 5-Feb. 1 tournament will be Qatar’s last major com- After narrowly missing out on qualification for Australia showing that saw them lose three from three as they aim to The Iranians may boast the better record at the tourna- petition ahead of the next World Cup and the tiny, wealthy Arab 2015, the Azkals finally booked their place this time round, pick up their first AFC Asian Cup points since 1984. ment, but they have not tasted glory since 1976. The 2007 state will look to improve on their Asian Cup quarter-final ap- while the Taeguk Warriors are looking for their first title United Arab Emirates v India champions have the better recent history and will be des- pearances of 2000 and 2011. since 1960 after again finishing as runners-up four years ago. Venue: Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi perate to defeat their neighbors once again. Comprised largely of players from 2018 AFC Champions League Korea Republic v Philippines Kick-off: January 10, 20:00 UTC+4 Islamic Republic of Iran v Iraq semi-finalists — Al Sadd and Al Duhail — the Maroons have been Venue: Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai Uzbekistan v Turkmenistan Venue: Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai pooled alongside Lebanon and Saudi Arabia in Group E, with Kick-off: January 7, 17:30 UTC+4 The two nations took part in the first ever Central Asian Kick-off: January 16, 20:00 UTC+4 only North Korea below them in the FIFA rankings. Vietnam v Iraq derby in the continental competition when Alexander Ge- Saudi Arabia v Qatar However, Felix Sanchez’s men will be confident of advancing Two teams who will have aspirations of advancing deep nyrikh scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 victory for It’s been some time since the Green Falcons and the deep into the tournament, having been boosted by two impressive into the tournament go head-to-head in their opening Group the Uzbeks in the 2004 group stage. Maroons have come up against each other in the AFC Asian displays in international friendlies last month. D match as 2007 champions Iraq take on recently crowned Fifteen years on and the rivals clash once more, with Cup, with a goalless draw in Lebanon in the 2000 group Qatar pulled off one of the most impressive results in their AFF (ASEAN Football Federation) Cup winners Vietnam. bragging rights at stake. For the first time ever, there are four stage their previous meeting. history when they won 1-0 in Switzerland and five days later, The Southeast Asians have not appeared in the tour- sides from Central Asia at the tournament as the region’s On that occasion, the pair advanced to the quarter-finals they fought back to earn a 2-2 draw against 2016 UEFA Euro nament since Iraq’s victorious 2007 campaign, when the teams continue to progress. and they will hope to have done likewise before bringing quarter-finalists Iceland. Lions of Mesopotamia defeated the Golden Stars 2-0 in Uzbekistan v Turkmenistan Group E to a close on January 17. “The Asian Cup is a very important tournament, and we want the quarter-finals after a brace from Younis Mahmoud. Venue: Rashid Stadium, Dubai Saudi Arabia v Qatar to give it our best,” Qatar goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb told sports Vietnam v Iraq Kick-off: January 13, 20:00 UTC+4 Venue: Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi weekly Doha Stadium Plus. Venue: Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi Australia v Syria Kick-off: January 17, 20:00 UTC+4 “Our preparations have been very good. We played two high-in- Kick-off: January 8, 17:30 UTC+4 The defending champions’ encounter with Syria in their Which of the 10 encounters do you think will be the most tensity matches in Europe and did well and hopefully, we can Japan v Turkmenistan final Group B game marks a rematch of the FIFA World exciting at the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 group stage? Cast continue in the same way at the Asian Cup.” The AFC Asian Cup’s most successful team, four-time Cup Russia 2018 qualifying playoff in October 2017 which your vote in the poll below. (Source: the-afc) (Source: Reuters) Prayer Times Noon:12:07 Evening: 17:20 Dawn: 5:44 (tomorrow) Sunrise: 7:14 (tomorrow) DECEMBER 30, 2018 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: Ali Asgari Editor-in-Chief: Mohammad Ghaderi Editorial Dept.: Fax: (+98 21) 88808214 — 88808895 Nine debut films get [email protected] Switchboard Operator: Tel: (+98 21) 43051000 Advertisements Dept.: Telefax: (+98 21) 43051450 Public Relations Office: Tel: (+98 21) 88805807 Subscription & Distribution Dept.: Tel: (+98 21) 43051603 www.eshterak.ir Distributor: Padideh Novin Co. Fajr festival premiere Tel: 88911433 Webmaster: [email protected] ARTTEHRAN – Nine Printed at: Rooztab - ISSN: 1017-94 deskdirectorial debut movies No. 18, Bimeh Alley, Nejatollahi St., Tehran, Iran will premiere in the New Look section of P.o. Box: 14155-4843 the 37th edition of the Fajr Film Festival, Zip Code: 1599814713 the organizers announced on Saturday. The lineup for the New Look section includes “Polo Coat”, a comedy by Mehdi Alimirzai that is about a philosophy student who has inherited a coat from his father. Evil thoughts pop into his head when he puts on the coat. Cinematographer Turaj Aslani’s directorial debut “Gold Carrier” will also GUIDE TO have its Iranian premiere at the event. The SPIRITUAL AWAKENING film has previously been screened in several international events. It is about Reza, a gold runner who Happy is he who thinks himself humble, and his work delivers gold pieces after work to retailers. and profit are to his heart’s desire; his intention is Delivering the gold as usual one day, a group good and his heart chaste; his conduct admirable, of gangs hit him and steal the gold pieces. and he feels lighter by giving the remainder of his The owner of the retail business demands wealth to the needy; holds his tongue and checks paying back, but Reza has no way to pay him loquacity; abstains from troubling others and follows back. Hearing from his friend Louie that there is an expensive jewel somewhere on the peace and good will; adopts the Prophet’s way in floor of a traditional toilet in the workshop, his life and gains happiness; and joins the good by Reza uses the money from the aid group to avoiding innovations. bid on the workshop at an auction. Imam Ali (AS) Arash Lahuti’s acclaimed drama “Orange Days” will also screen in this section. The film is about Aban, the only female “Gold Carrier” directed by Turaj Aslani. contractor in the cutthroat and male- dominated orange harvesting industry, Clown” while actor Pulad Kimiai will join the “A Respectable Family”. and Pedram Puramiri are other entries to Taxim Trio to perform who enters a competition to win a large festival with his directorial debut “Reverse”. “Tsunami” by Milad Sadr-Ameli, “Snake the New Look category. contract. The lineup also includes “Yalda”, which Venom” by Javad Razavian, “Watching This The 37th Fajr Film Festival will take at Milad Tower Stage director Homayun Ghanizadeh will is the second feature movie by Masud Film Is a Crime” by Reza Zehtabchi and place in Tehran and several other Iranian also compete with his screen debut “The Bakhshi. He made his debut in 2012 with “Creature” co-directed by Hossein Amiri cities from February 1 to 11. ARTTEHRAN – Turkish band Taxim Trio is sched- deskuled to perform a concert at Tehran’s Milad Tower on January 8, 2019. The trio features Husnu Senlendirici on clarinet, Aytac Dogan Theaters in Chile, France, Switzerland set for “Timeloss”, “Summerless” on qanun and Ismail Tuncbilek on baglama. ARTTEHRAN – Iranian The play will be performed by a deskdirector Amir-Reza cast composed of Mona Ahmadi, Saeid Kuhestani’s Mehr Theater Group will Changizian and Leili Rashidi. perform their acclaimed plays “Timeloss” “Summerless” is about the relationships and “Summerless” in Chile, France and between members of the new generation, Switzerland. eager to discover the world and live in The troupe will start with performing a different society, an essential show to “Timeloss” at the Santiago a Mil understand the current transformations International Theater Festival in Chile in of Iranian society. three performances arranged for January The group will leave France for 3 to 5, the group has announced. Switzerland to perform the same play at Starring Hassan Majuni and Mahin the Kaserne Basel on January 16 and 17. Sadri, “Timeloss” tells the story of two The Théâtre Populaire Romand, a former lovers sitting in a room bickering theater center in the Swiss city of La over an argument they have had so many Chaux-de-Fonds will also host the troupe times and began so many years ago that on January 19 and 20. they know it by heart. The Mehr Theater Group has frequently A poster for a concert that will be performed by Taxim Trio at The troupe will next move to Mulhouse performed the plays in Italy, Sweden, Tehran’s Milad Tower on January 8, 2019. in France to stage “Summerless” at the Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, the Les Vagamondes Festival on January 11 U.S. and several other countries over the They will perform a combination of different styles such as and 12. A scene from “Summerless” past few years. classical, traditional, arabesque and jazz music. The performance is organized by Rangin Kamane Honare Javan, a cultural institute in Tehran. Kevin Spacey asks to skip Mariah Carey’s Christmas classic sets Fajr Intl. Theater Festival Massachusetts court appearance new record on Spotify announces national lineup BOSTON (AP) — Lawyers for Kevin NEW YORK (AP) — Mariah Carey’s Spacey are asking a judge to allow the 24-year-old Christmas classic is so popular ARTTEHRAN – Fourteen plays have been selected actor to skip his arraignment on sexu- it set a new one-day streaming record on deskto go on stage in the national competition of the al assault charges in a Massachusetts Spotify on Christmas Eve. 37th Fajr International Theater Festival, the organizers announced courthouse next month. Chart Data reported that “All I Want on Saturday. The Boston Globe reports that Spacey’s for Christmas Is You,” released in 1994, attorneys have filed a motion asking to was played 10.8 million times on Spotify excuse his presence at a Jan. 7 hearing on Monday. The song bested the record in Nantucket District Court. The reason set by rapper-singer XXXTentacion, who wasn’t disclosed. logged 10.4 million streams with “SAD!” a Prosecutors asked the judge to deny day after his death in June. the motion. The judge did not immedi- Spotify wouldn’t comment on the ately rule. news when reached by The Associated Cape and Islands Assistant District Press. Carey called the new feat “such an Attorney Michael Giardino wrote that amazing Christmas gift” in an Instagram Spacey’s appearance is required under post on Tuesday. In this Oct. 9, 2018 file photo, Mariah Carey In this May 24, 2017 file photo, Kevin poses in the press room at the American state rules for criminal case procedure. Spacey participates in the speaker series Every holiday season “All I Want for The 59-year-old Oscar winner is Christmas Is You” begins to climb the Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater in in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/ Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/ charged with felony indecent assault Invision/AP, File) Billboard charts as its popularity resurfaces. and battery. This year the song reached its highest peak Invision/AP, File) Prosecutors say he groped an 18-year- Spacey’s attorneys have not spoken — No. 6 — on the Billboard Hot 100 chart; Christmas album, 1994?s “Merry Christmas,” A scene from “The Trap” by Esmaeil Movahedi. (Tasnim/Alireza old man in a Nantucket restaurant in publicly about the case but in a court it’s currently No. 7 on the chart. spend its fourth week at No. 1 on Billboard’s Vasiq-Ansari) 2016. hearing questioned the evidence. The success has helped Carey’s first R&B albums chart. “Australia” by Peyman Karimi, “Return” by Ehsan Malekirad, “Living in Theater” by Mohammad Berahmani and “Centimeter” by Morteza Shahkaram are among the plays. Britain’s HMV faces the music as retailer calls in administrators The lineup also includes “On the Dinner Table” by Mohammad- Javad Serami, “The Little Prince” by Mostafa Qorbanpur, “The Swan LONDON (Reuters) — Music retailer HMV said on industry”, said Wright, a joint administrator and partner Lake” by Reza Saberi, “The Gods” by Rahmat Amini and “The Trap” Friday it was calling in the administrators, blaming a at KPMG. by Esmaeil Movahedi. worsening market for entertainment CDs and DVDs, to “Over the coming weeks, we will endeavour to continue The 37th Fajr International Theater Festival will be held in Tehran become the latest victim of brutal trading conditions in to operate all stores as a going concern while we assess from February 11 to 23. Britain’s retail sector. options for the business, including a possible sale”, he added. The accounting firm KPMG has been named as the Britain’s retailers had been hoping Christmas would administrator and intends to keep the business running revive spending after a year for much of the sector that Vocalist Shahram Nazeri while it seeks a potential buyer, HMV said in a statement. has seen a string of store groups go out of business or Will Wright, Neil Gostelow and David Pike from close shops. released from hospital KPMG’s Restructuring practice have been confirmed as Weakening consumer spending, uncertainty over Britain’s joint administrators to HMV Retail Limited and HMV exit from the European Union, rising labour costs and ARTTEHRAN – Veteran vocalist Shahram Ecommerce Limited, KPMG said in a statement late Friday. higher business property taxes, has spread gloom across deskNazeri was released from the hospital on The retailer, one of Britain’s best-known high street the retail industry. Saturday after a quick recovery stores, went into administration in 2013 before its rescue In the years running up to its first rescue in 2013, HMV from severe respiratory by restructuring specialist Hilco, but it has since been hit by struggled to hold its own against supermarkets and online infections. competition from online rivals and music streaming services. services in sales of CDs, DVDs and video games. Quoting his brother, Sadi, Sky News earlier reported that about 2,200 jobs were Pedestrians walk past an HMV shop in central London, More recently, traditional players in the music industry the Persian service of ILNA at risk if HMV went into administration, adding that the Britain December 28, 2018. (Reuters/Peter Nicholls) have been hit by the growing popularity of online streaming said that he has recovered company had been in talks with leading names in the recorded services such as Spotify and Apple Inc’s Apple Music, which from the illness. music industry for funding, but that those discussions year, and whilst HMV performed considerably better than this year became the recording industry’s single biggest Nazeri cancelled his came to nothing. that, such a deterioration in a key sector of the market is revenue source. concerts in the central Iranian HMV was opened on London’s Oxford Street by English unsustainable,” said Paul McGowan, Executive Chairman HMV - which had a hand in The Beatles’ big break in the city of Isfahan last week due to composer Edward Elgar in 1921 and made famous by the of HMV and its owner Hilco Capital, which paid around 1960s, recommending the group’s demo record to publishers the illness and was admitted image of the “dog and trumpet”. 50 million pounds ($63.47 million) for the group in 2013. - had around 230 stores and over 4,000 staff before it went Vocalist Shahram Nazeri in an to Tehran’s Day Hospital last “During the key Christmas trading period, the market “The company has suffered from the ongoing wave into administration in 2013. It currently has 125 stores around undated photo. Thursday. for DVDs fell by over 30 percent compared to the previous of digital disruption sweeping across the entertainment Britain and employs 2,025 people.