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8 Pages Price 50,000 Rials 1.00 EURO 4.00 AED 42nd year No.13809 Monday NOVEMBER 16, 2020 Aban 26, 1399 Rabi’ Al awwal 30, 1442 Hamid Estili still Asia to form world’s biggest First identity card issued IIDCYA publishes coach of U23 trade bloc, a China-backed for child born to Iranian encyclopedia of stories football team Page 3 group excluding U.S. Page 3 mother, foreign father Page 7 on Yalda Night Page 8

Ghalibaf: Iran’s fate not hanging on See page 3 Arizona, Georgia, Michigan – Parliament Speaker Mo- President Donald] Trump’s defeat but hammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Sun- people’s life and livelihood should not day that Iran’s economic problems are be tied to the victory or defeat of anyone related to mismanagement in “Pasteur in the White House,” Ghalibaf said in and Bahrestan” rather than the result remarks at the parliament. of U.S. election in the states of Arizona, “The most important root of the coun- Georgia, or Michigan. try’s problems is mismanagement, inaction, Pasteur is the seat of the president in not using great domestic capacities and lack Iran and Bahrestan is the seat of the Majlis of coordination between policy-making (parliament). and executive bodies,” he said. Safe Zone “Although we are happy over [U.S. Continued on page 2 Industry Ministry approves over $1b of foreign investment in 7 months TEHRAN— The Ministry of Industry, Min- in the country, of which 27 percent in terms ing and Trade has approved 75 foreign of value was the share of the industry, investment cases valued at about $1.02 mining, and trade sectors. billion in the first seven months of the Foreign investment approved by In- current Iranian calendar year (March dustry, Mining, and Trade Ministry in the 20-October 21). first seven months of this year increased According to the latest data released 36 percent and 71 percent in terms of num- by the ministry, in the mentioned sev- ber and value, respectively, compared to en-month period, 102 foreign investment the same period of time in the past year. cases valued at $3.7 billion were approved Continued on page 4

Ebrahim Hatamikia fills in for director in TV Iran, Iraq stride series on Moses (AS) TEHRAN – Ebrahim Hatamikia, director lahshur. However, he failed to fulfil the toward defense of the acclaimed movies “From Karkheh plan after he was diagnosed with lung to Rhein” and “The Glass Agency”, has cancer. He ultimately died in 2016 after replaced Jamal Shurjeh to complete a TV which IRIB decided to implement the cooperation series project on the Prophet Moses (AS), project with another director. which has remained unimplemented twice In 2018, Salahshur was replaced over its directors’ illness. by Shurjeh who also failed to resume The project, which is being produced the massive project due to a brain by Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting disease. (IRIB), was to be made by Farajollah Sa- Continued on page 8

Travel startups and Diabetes prevention on closer consideration Violence erupts as thousands rally behind efforts to survive amid COVID-19 Trump in Washington, DC coronavirus BY FARANAK BAKHTIARI are pre-diabetic, health ministry official Alireza Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump officials said. Two police officers were injured and TEHRAN – As long as people with diabetes are Mahdavi said in November 2019. fought on the streets of Washington, DC with several firearms were recovered by police. BY AFSHIN MAJLESI at higher risk of serious complications associated In Iran, 25 percent of people are not aware of counter-demonstrators early on Sunday with One person was stabbed and rushed to a e are all aware of the im- with COVID-19, diabetes prevention must come their diabetes, which is 50 percent in the world; several fistfights, at least one stabbing and 20 trauma centre, a spokeswoman for the city fire pact of the novel corona- to a closer consideration than ever. in West Asia and North Africa, 60 percent of people arrested. and emergency medical services department virus on tourism yet we In 2007, UN General Assembly designated people are unaware of their diabetes. Several other cities on Saturday also saw said. The Washington Post newspaper reported W November 14 as World Diabetes Day empha- About 422 million people worldwide have gatherings of Trump supporters unwilling to the stabbing occurred amid a melee between know that the sector has proven gi- ant, successful tracks of resilience sizing “the urgent need to pursue multilateral diabetes, the majority living in low-and mid- accept Democrat Joe Biden’s Electoral College Trump supporters – some carrying batons – before. efforts to promote and improve human health, dle-income countries, and 1.6 million deaths and popular vote victory as legitimate. Cries of and counter-protesters that broke out about It already overcome vast challenges, the and provide access to treatment and health-care are directly attributed to diabetes each year. “Stop the Steal” and “Count Every Vote” contin- 8pm (01:00 GMT). ones like SARS in 2003 and the financial education.” Both the number of cases and the prevalence ued despite a lack of evidence of voter fraud or ‘Keep up his spirits’ crisis of 2009, after which the tourism The theme for World Diabetes Day 2020 of diabetes have been steadily increasing over other problems that could reverse the result, al Trump himself had given an approving nod industry saw a full decade of continuous is Nurses Make the Difference. The campaign the past few decades. As it is expected that by Jazeera reported. After night fell, the relatively to the gathering on Saturday morning by dis- growth. aims to raise awareness around the crucial role 2030, 578 million people will develop diabetes, peaceful demonstrations in Washington turned patching his motorcade through streets lined Startup founders, shoulder to shoulder that nurses play in supporting people living with and the number of patients may exceed 700 from tense to violent. Videos posted on social with supporters before rolling on to his Virginia with hoteliers, tour operates and guides, diabetes. million by 2045. media showed fistfights, projectiles thrown and golf club. People chanted “USA, USA” and “four craftspeople, museum owners, transport Diabetes burden to be heavier In 2019, 4.2 million people died of diabetes. club-swinging as Trump supporters clashed with more years” and many carried American flags businesses, agents, and ordinary travel Some 11 percent of Iranians above 25 years And now, 50 percent of coronavirus patients those demanding they leave. and signs to show their displeasure with the insiders, are still facing many challenges old, accounting for 5 million people, are suffering were diabetic. A variety of charges, including assault and weap- vote tally and insistence that, as Trump has in the mid-pandemic. from diabetes, and 18 percent of the population Continued on page 7 ons possession, were filed against those arrested, baselessly asserted, fraud was the reason. Weighing tourism losses is not easy to gauge as the data changes rapidly and the virus behavior is less-known. Howev- er, one thing is evident; if the pandemic Oxford professor says Trumpism has its roots in American society Iran’s gasoline continues for the months to come, it will BY MOHAMMAD MAZHARI How do you see the fate of Trump’s has been some concern that Trump would refuse rationing scheme: lead to the loss of tens of millions of jobs TEHRAN – A professor of international rela- refusal to accept Biden’s victory in the to leave the White House, but that becomes less and billions of dollars in revenues in the tions at the University of Oxford believes that the presidential election? and less likely as support for Trump’s continued from policy to practice global scene. “particular form populism” promoted by Donald A: Trump will eventually have to concede de- resistance diminishes. What’s going on now in the coronavirus Trump “has its roots in American society”. feat. To date, he has offered no credible evidence What is Trump’s legacy for America BY EBRAHIM FALLAHI era is very different than tourism insiders In an interview with the Tehran Times, Richard to support his claims of voter fraud. Moreover, and the international community? TEHRAN – These days last year, Iranians were sur- expected before as a resilient sector in Caplan notes that “Trump has polarized the nation, he is losing support among his Republican allies. A: Trump’s ‘America First’ policies have demon- prised by the sudden news of the implementation the face of various disruptions and crises. leaving the country more divided than before.” With each passing day, Republican leaders are strated to U.S. allies—including some of its closest of a program for rationing gasoline and also the Some say the current challenges resemble “To some Americans, he represents ‘real stepping forward to acknowledge Biden’s victory. allies—that they may no longer be able to count increase in the fuel prices. past encounters faced by the sector but American values’,” he notes. Meanwhile, world leaders have been lining up on the United States for support. Under Trump, In a drastic policy shift on November 15, 2019, the exponentially accelerated. The following is the text of the interview: to extend their congratulations to Biden. There Continued on page 5 Iranian government partly eliminated subsidies on With 1.5 billion tourists, the tourism gasoline and started rationing the highly subsidized and hospitality sectors are amongst the fuel, saying it was planning to use the revenues for most immense industries globally with supporting underprivileged families. their footprints being traced in the cre- Over the past few decades, the changes in the ation of many jobs, with women, young Iranian government’s fuel supply policies have been people, SMEs, and microenterprises due to a series of reasons which include controlling playing key roles. consumption through non-price methods, prevent- Startups are considered a streamline ing smuggling, and increasing exports, reducing enabling society to benefit from new ad- government subsidy costs, preventing dependence vances in a shorter time, and their flow on fuel imports and finally, saving the environment of knowledge and investments is a novel and controlling air pollution. paradigm for introducing state-of-the-art Date harvest Now that a year has passed since the implemen- technologies to have tourism recovered. tation of the government’s rationing scheme, the Entrepreneurship and digital transforma- Tehran Times takes a look into the outcomes of tion are two sides of the same coin facing underway in the scheme to see how much the government has the challenges of the coronavirus crisis. been successful in realizing the goals intended for Here we explore how entrepreneurs Hormozgan this program. could be adapting to survive problems To help us with the matter, energy expert and the like changing business plans, markets, A man is picking fresh dates at a farm in Chairman of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, workplaces, and finding news investment: Hajiabad county, southern Hormozgan Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA)’s Energy Committee The world we know is becoming more province, November 15, 2020. The harvest Hamidreza Salehi also provided us with his insights. and more digital so entrepreneurs should season begins in early October and ends Reducing consumption and increasing exports make sure their services, products fit the in mid-December. One of the major goals of the rationing program markets, especially as the market shifts in Emamdadi Rahbar More than 1.2 million tons of dates are was to reduce consumption and to cut the depend- the wake of changes in consumer behavior produced each year in Iran, making the ence of the country on importing gasoline and even and restrictions of travel. Mehr/ country the second largest producer and to make Iran an exporter of the product. Continued on page 6 the fifth largest exporter in the world. Continued on page 4 I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y NOVEMBER 16, 2020POLITICSANALYSIS & INTERVIEWNOVEMBER 16, 2020 2

Iran has provided Iraq with IRGC pounds terrorist positions defense products, says general

POLITICAL TEHRAN – Chief of Staff of Iran›s Armed Forces deskMajor General Mohammad Bagheri says the Is- lamic Republic has provided Iraq with necessary defense equipment across Iran’s northwestern borders on Baghdad’s request. “In the past, we’ve had cooperation in the field of defense and POLITICAL TEHRAN – The Islamic of sabotage across the country. equipment and we’ve signed and implemented contracts in this regard,” deskRevolution Guards Corps The IRGC forces recently destroyed a team General Bagheri said on Sunday in a meeting with Iraqi Minister of (IRGC) announced on Saturday that it has of terrorists in the vicinity of northwestern Defense Juma Inad in Tehran. targeted positions of terrorist groups across Iranian city of Maku in West Azarbaijan Iran’s Defense Ministry has provided Iraq with the military prod- the country’s northwestern borders. Province. ucts it needed, he said. “The forces of the Guards’ Ground Force Back in May, the IRGC Ground Force in “The armed forces of the Is- targeted this morning the positions of an- an operation destroyed a foreign-backed an- lamic Republic of Iran and the Re- ti-Revolution terrorist groups across the ti-Revolution terrorist team in the western public of Iraq as two neighboring country’s northwestern borders, and in- province of Kordestan. and brotherly countries have had flicted heavy losses on the anti-Revolution According to the public relations depart- long-term relations and interests elements,” the statement read, according to ment of the IRGC’s Hamze Sayyid al-Sho- which were thoroughly discussed Mashregh news. hada Base, its servicemen clashed with an in the recent trips,” Bagheri added. “As it has repeatedly been declared, main- eight-member anti-Revolution team in Heading a high-ranking taining national security, peace and comfort Marivan, Kordestan province, killing two delegation of Iraqi military com- of the Iranian nation, especially the people terrorists and wounding four others. manders, Inad Saadoun visited living in border provinces, is the red line of Earlier in May, the base had been engaged Tehran at the formal invitation the country’s Armed Forces, especially the in an armed clash with the terrorists near of the Iranian defense minister. Guards’ Ground Force,” it added. Divandareh, during which an IRGC service- On Saturday, he met his Irani- It came after three Iranian border guards man was martyred. an counterpart Brigadier General were martyred and two others were injured In the same month, Iran’s Intelligence Amir Hatami. During the meeting, on Friday during a clash with terrorists in Republic elements. Iran’s West Azarbaijan Province has been Ministry forces identified and smashed two Hatami said Iraq now enjoys better Iran’s northwest region, according to a report “With the dispatch of backup forces to witnessing numerous clashes with elements terrorist cells affiliated with “separatist” groups security than in the past, adding by Iran’s police. the area and the border guards’ resistance of PJAK, which is closely affiliated to the who had crossed the western border in the that Iran will continue to support the political process and the stability The incident took place in the district as well as their courage and self-sacrifice, the PKK terrorist group. provinces of West Azarbaijan and Kordestan. and security of Iraq and its territorial integrity. of Targavar in West Azarbaijan Province, attack by the terrorists was repelled and their Forces of the Islamic Revolution Guards The forces arrested 16 members of the According to the Iranian defense minister, good cooperation has ILNA reported. penetration into the holy land of the Islamic Corps (IRGC) regularly engage in clashes terrorist teams and confiscated 2 AK-47 been established between Iran and Iraq during the fight against ter- According to the report, the attack also Republic was prevented,” the report said. with terrorists attempting to infiltrate the rifles, 1 handgun, 2 grenades, and some rorism, and Iran considers it a good model. caused major losses to the anti-Islamic Due to its borders with Iraq and Turkey, Iranian borders in order to carry out acts ammunition. “We consider the development of Iraq as a prerequisite for es- tablishing stability and security in that country, and we are ready to participate in the reconstruction and development of Iraq,” Hatami was quoted by Fars news agency as saying on Saturday. Hatami also pointed out that Iran believes that the countries of Ghalibaf: Iran’s fate not hanging on Arizona, Georgia, Michigan the region must ensure and manage the security of the region them- selves, and that stability and peace will not be possible as long as the Problems lie in mismanagement in Pasteur and Baharestan, the parliament speaker says trans-regional forces are present and involved. 1 The parliament speaker said decisions regarding the The speaker also said it is true that there is a difference He also took a jab at some regional countries that have recently housing sector, stock exchange, release of goods from customs, between outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump and incoming established diplomatic relations with Israel, saying Iran views nor- monetary and banking policies, budget planning, profiteering president Joe Biden but in the best-case scenario, he will act like malization deals between Israel and Arab countries as “a betrayal of in foreign currency, gold and car markets, and inattention to Barack Obama who introduced “crippling sanctions” on Iran. all Muslim nations.” domestic production as examples of mismanagement. “It is true that Biden is different from Trump but we should ‘Iran-Iraq cooperation guarantees regional stability’ It is because of these mismanagements that have not pro- know that in the best case he will not be different from Obama Also on Sunday, the Iraqi defense chief held talks with Secretary of duced desired results in establishing effective trade ties with who was the architect of the so-called crippling sanction.” Iran›s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani neighbors, regional countries, and important countries in Biden served as vice president in the Barack Obama ad- on bilateral, regional and international developments. the world, especially Eurasians, added Ghalibaf, the former ministration. At the meeting, Shamkhani touched on defense and security Tehran mayor. “While we know the difference (between Trump and Biden) cooperation between Iran and Iraq in their fight against terrorism Since assuming office in January 2017, Trump has pursued we believe that the new occupant of the White House has clear sponsored by the United States and its allies in the region as well as confrontational policies against Iran. He withdrew from the Iran aims and his policies have already been implemented,” the the Islamic Republic’s unwavering support for the liberation of Iraqi nuclear deal (JCPOA) in May 2018 and imposed the “toughest parliament speaker remarked. it were a lesson,” he said. “The U.S., which for years hid its cities from Daesh occupation. ever” economic sanctions in history on Iran. Trump’s Iran Ghalibaf said Biden and Obama facilitated the path for the structural, social, political and economic problems with its “This cooperation guarantees the stability and security of the re- policy has been described by observers as an abject failure. reimposition of sanctions on Iran by the Trump administration. media power, was exposed to the world’s public opinion.” gion and should be deepened to strategic levels,” he said, according In his latest move, the U.S. president notified Congress on He said Biden has a bad record in his policy toward Iran Ghalibaf said the real picture of the United States showed to Press TV. Thursday that he was extending the state of national emergency and it for this reason that “Biden’s signature” also does not the declining trend of the country in front of the eyes of the One of US objectives in the West Asia is to create rifts and conflicts with Iran that has been in place since 1979. “guarantee” a normalization of Iran’s economic and trade world’s oppressed people. among regional states, Shamkhani stressed, underlining the need for “Our relations with Iran have not yet normalized, and the relations with the outside world. “As my dear brother Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah said a few the regional countries to exercise vigilance against “the sinister plot.” process of implementing the agreements with Iran, dated January Ghalibaf said it is Biden’s actions and not words that matter. days ago, we are happy with the defeat of the killer of Lieutenant He also underscored the importance of preserving security along 19, 1981, is ongoing. For this reason, the national emergency He said what is important for Iran is export of oil, resumption General [Qassem] Soleimani and Abu Mehdi al-Muhandis,” joint borders, warning, “The Islamic Republic of Iran will deal deci- declared on November 14, 1979, and the measures adopted of banking transactions, and the Iranian companies’ trade he remarked. sively with any component of insecurity that intends to disturb the on that date to deal with that emergency, must continue in with the outside world. “We blame the corrupt regime in the United States for people of the two countries and their peace.” effect beyond November 14, 2020,” Trump wrote in a letter “For us the practical action of the Biden administration their misdeeds, and they must withdraw their forces from Shamkhani further hailed a decision by the Iraqi parliament to to Congress. is important, and we’ll show goodwill only if we see in action the region,” he added. expel US troops from Iraq. Meanwhile, U.S. President-elect Joe Biden has voiced support the process of oil sale, bank activities and trade of Iranian In remarks on Wednesday, Rouhani said his administra- Khattab, for his part, hailed Tehran’s support and assistance for for the JCPOA, saying his administration will rejoin the deal. companies with the world, even though we not optimistic tion will make use of every opportunity in order to lift the his country in repelling terrorism and stressed expanding bilateral Ghalibaf, however, emphasized that in order to resolve the about it,” the senior parliamentarian asserted. U.S. sanctions. relations, especially in military and security sectors. country’s problems, the government should focus on domestic He went on to say that the new American president should “Whenever we see that there’s a situation for the lifting No third country can affect relations between Iran and Iraq, he capabilities instead of waiting for the new U.S. administration know that the Iranian people have found their own path and of sanctions, we will make use of that,” he said at a cabinet said, noting that the experience of the two neighbors in the fight to resolve Iran’s problems. are determined to strengthen their “economy”, “security” and meeting. “Our goal is that cruel sanctions would be lifted.” against Daesh showed that any crisis can be overcome through joint “Do not give the wrong address to the people,” he advised also create strategic opportunities and make any pressure on He also said the world is faced with new conditions with cooperation. the officials. Iran “impossible and costly”. the defeat of Donald Trump, adding that it would enable the Ghalibaf added, “It is quite evident that lifting of sanctions Addressing Biden, Ghalibaf said, “The Iranian people, quite Islamic Republic to strengthen relations with friends and should be one of the aims of foreign policy, but to be realistic a intelligently, will only look at decisions and not publicity and neighbors. Trump admin doing utmost to lift of sanction without creating opportunities and increasing are only waiting for action and not words, and will give proper Iran’s foreign relations are based upon ties with neighbors power is simplistic.” answers in accordance to them.” kill JCPOA: Wendy Sherman and friends, he added, noting that the termination of Trump’s The senior lawmaker also said saying something the signals “U.S. decline” administration, which was an obstacle to Iran’s relations with POLITICAL “weakness” to the enemy is just a loss of opportunity. Ghalibaf also said the November 3 elections laid bare the TEHRAN – Wendy Sherman, the former U.S. other countries, would pave the way for the Iranian relations. desk He said the Majlis believes that Iran should make economic reality in the United States. nuclear negotiator with Iran, has said the Trump “We established good relations with certain neighbors pressure on the Islamic Republic “costly” for its enforcers. “The recent U.S. election and the events before and after administration is trying to do whatever they can, quite frankly, to such as Iraq, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Azerbaijan over the make it more difficult for the Biden administration to return to the past years, as well as with other friendly countries like Russia, Iran nuclear agreement (JCPOA). Addressing Biden, Ghalibaf said, “The Iranian people, China and others. I feel that the atmosphere for closer relations “But a lot of these sanctions with all of our friends is more prepared.” are going to actually be similar quite intelligently, will only look at decisions and not publicity and are only waiting for action and not words, Rouhani also said the Trump administration that sought to things that have already been the fall of the Iranian establishment has faced a “humiliating” done, with new names on them. and will give proper answers in accordance to them.” defeat itself. But the underlying sanctions, I think, are not fundamentally go- ing to change,” Sherman said in an interview with the PRI published on Wednesday. ‘Power shift in White House not “So, a Biden-Harris adminis- tration is going to have to look at important for Islamic Republic’ where we are. The president-elect INTERNATIONAL TENDER has said he wants to reenter ne- TEHRAN (MNA) – The spokesman of tration unilaterally walked away from gotiations and build back better. Parliaments’ Independent Faction has the 2015 nuclear deal, officially called NOTICE NO. R99001 So this will be a very complicated said that any change in the white house the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action puzzle,” she said. doesn’t matter to the Islamic Republic (JCPOA), in May 2018. The outgoing U.S. President of Iran and the U.S. election doesn’t Under the JCPOA, which was also Hereby Sirjan Jahan Steel Donald Trump has pursued the “maximum pressure” policy against exhilarate Iranians in no way. signed by Russia, China, France, the Iran in order to force Tehran to succumb to its demands. The policy The weekly meeting of the Parlia- United Kingdom, Germany and the Complex announces selling was implemented after Trump unilaterally pulled Washington out ments’ Independent Faction held with European Union, Iran agreed to curb of the historic nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers. the presence of Iranian Deputy Foreign its nuclear program in exchange for and export of 5,000 tons of Washington then slapped several rounds of harsh sanctions on Minister Abbas Araqchi, Jaber Ansari, termination of sanctions and interna- Iran, claiming it was pursuing to negotiate a better deal with Iran and Deputy Foreign Minister for legal, tional investment. Rebar on ex-work basis. Interested bidders than the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was consular, and Parliamentary Affairs, Trump’s withdrawal came while Iran clinched under his predecessor Barack Obama. Gholamreza Nouri Ghezeljeh said. was in full compliance with the treaty. He are invited to get documents by sending Meanwhile, U.S. President-elect Joe Biden has voiced support “In this meeting, everyone agreed then reimplemented stringent sanctions for the JCPOA, saying his administration will rejoin the deal. that the principled policies of the White against Iran. All other parties to the deal an email to “We’re not in 2016. We’re in 2020 and almost to 2021. Time has House towards the Islamic Republic of have repeatedly criticized the Trump passed. Circumstances have changed. And even though the deal was Iran will not change, therefore, Iran administration’s policy toward Iran. kept together by our European allies and by Russia and China, in the must deal with every aspect of this is- Ever since Trump’s defeat was pro- [email protected] last year, I would say it has started to unravel a bit,” Sherman said. sue with a more sensitive and accurate jected by the U.S. media, his admin- “And although Iran has said it has taken reversible steps, none- manner”, he added. istration has accelerated its efforts to All documents will be sent VIA email. theless, we’re not in the same place. So, this will be difficult, hard Stressing that any change in the white slap more sanctions on Iran in order work. And I would suspect that President-elect Biden and his team house doesn’t matter to the Islamic to create more obstacles in the path All bids in conformity with tender will first start by talking with our European allies, with France, Great Republic of Iran and the U.S. election of Washington’s return to the nuclear Britain, Germany, with the European Union, and then with Russia doesn’t exhilarate Iranians, he said, agreement. instruction should be submitted no later and China, to see what might be the best way forward,” she added. “However, we must make the most of On Tuesday, the U.S. government She also said one thing that she knows about Iranian negotia- every possible opportunity ahead so as imposed Iran-related sanctions on six than Wednesday, November 25, 2020 tors is that they are very tough. They’re going to put as many chips to meet our national interests.” companies and four people, accusing the on the table as possible before sitting down to talk with the new Tensions soared between Tehran and network of supplying sensitive goods administration, the former diplomat said. Washington after the Trump adminis- to an Iranian military firm. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y NOVEMBER 16, 2020 IRAN IN FOCUS 3 POLITICAL TEHRAN — As Iranian Tehran Times, adding that Iraq has lost its deskand Iraqi defense officials defense capabilities over the past decades held talks in Tehran on Sunday to discuss and that it needs to boost its capabilities. SPORTS ways to boost defense cooperation, an expert According to the expert, Iraq’s military on West Asia told the Tehran Times that Iran incurred remarkable damage after the Iran- Hamid Estili still coach of and Iraq enjoy strategic relations because Iraq war because the United States heavily they have many things in common. bombed Iraq and destroyed much of its Iran U23 football team During his visit to Iran, the Iraqi defense military equipment. Sadr al-Hosseini also SPORTSTEHRAN — Hamid Estili remained as head minister sought to strengthen these relations, pointed to the impact that the war against deskcoach of Iran U23 football team. a move that was warmly welcomed by Iran. the Daesh terrorist group had on Iraq’s de- Under leadership of Estili, Iran U23 football team failed to bring Heading a high-ranking delegation of Iraqi fense capabilities, saying that during the an end to a 44-year Olympic qualification drought in January. military commanders, Iraqi Defense Min- war against Daesh Iraq’s military suffered ister Juma Inad Saadoun arrived in Tehran serious damage. on Saturday at the formal invitation of his “Increasing and deepening relations [with Iranian defense minister Brigadier Gener- Iran] in all fields, especially in the defense al Amir Hatami. During the meeting, the sector, is currently very important to Iraq two defense ministers discussed a variety given the cordial cooperation that Iran had of issues such as the fight against terrorism, with Iraq in the fight against terrorism,” boosting the defense capabilities of Iraq, and pointed out Sadr al-Hosseini, noting that developments in the region. Inad Saadoun’s visit to Iran is very necessary During his meeting with Inad Saadoun, considering the existing agreements between Hatami said Iraq now enjoys better secu- Tehran and Baghdad regarding Iran’s efforts rity than in the past, adding that Iran will to provide Iraq with defense equipment. continue to support the political process The expert said that holding defense talks and the stability and security of Iraq and between Tehran and Baghdad is important its territorial integrity. Safe Zone given developments in the region. “We consider the development of Iraq as Iran, Iraq stride toward defense cooperation Iran has strong relations with Iraq’s various a prerequisite for establishing stability and political and military institutions such as the The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI)’s security in that country, and we are ready to the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National riences, joint military exercises and training Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) which Youth Committee, headed by Mirshad Majedi, announced that participate in the reconstruction and devel- Security Council. issues were discussed, and God willing, this played a crucial role in defeating Daesh with Estili will remain as U23 head coach. opment of Iraq,” Hatami was quoted by Fars “So far, we have had and will have various cooperation will be developed,” pointed out Iran’s support. Some media outlets in Iraq Estili was named as head coach of Iran U23 football team in news agency as saying on Saturday. discussions in all fields. The two countries have the military chief. and beyond have sought to portray Iran’s October 2019. Hatami also expressed Iran’s readiness also prepared a document that is in the final The general also noted that Iran has dealing with the PMF as an improper rela- to boost Iraq’s defense capabilities and meet stages and will be signed in the near future,” signed defense contracts with Iraq in the tion that marginalizes Iraq’s conventional the needs of the Iraqi Armed Forces. Bagheri said on Sunday at the sideline of the past and has provided it with the military Army despite the fact that the PMF is a formal The Iraqi defense minister, for his part, meeting with Inad Saadoun. products it needed. Iraqi institution on par with the country’s IPL Matchweek 2 to be appreciated Iran’s support for Iraq in the Bagheri added, “The minister of defense Iran and Iraq enjoy “strategic relations” conventional Army. fight against the Daesh terrorist group, and the commanders of the Navy, Air Force, that are based on many commonalities, ac- Sadr al-Hosseini rejected the claim that played as scheduled: official saying that the first goal of his trip to Iran Air Defense, and some other Iraqi com- cording to the Seyed Reza Sadr al-Hosseini, Iran is favoring one Iraqi institution over the was to boost and strengthen the relations manders came to our country and discussed an expert on the Western Asia region. other as “rumors” that are “untrue.” SPORTSTEHRAN — Iran Professional League (IPL) desk between the two countries and the other how to develop and deepen defense and Sadr al-Hosseini said these strategic He said the PMF is an official Iraqi in- Matchweek 2 will be played as scheduled goal was to get acquainted with the scien- military cooperation.” relations derive from factors such as long stitution and Iran’s relations with it are in according to acting head of Iran Football League Organiza- tific and technological achievements of the According to Bagheri, the Iraqi officials shared borders, shared culture, and the fact accordance with the rules of Iraq’s military. tion Soheil Mahdi. Islamic Republic of Iran and gain valuable met with their Iranian counterparts and that the two countries can play an effective “The Iraqi defense minister’s visit to the The National Headquarters for Coronavirus Control will im- experiences in the defense arena. discussed several issues. role in the region. Islamic Republic of Iran can dispel these plement a plan, according to which all occupations, except for During the second day of his visit, the “During this meeting, issues related to “Expanding cooperation in various fields rumors while boosting the armed forces of emergency services and basic food suppliers, will be closed for Iraqi defense minister also met with Chief of the defense industry and security of the two such as political, cultural and defense fields the two countries,” noted Sadr al-Hosseini, two weeks in more than 100 cities in an attempt to curb the virus, Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces Major General countries’ shared borders, as well as issues can be very effective in strengthening these underling that these rumors are only intended which will go into effect on Nov. 21. Mohammad Bagheri and Ali Shamkhani, related to cooperation and exchange of expe- strategic relations,” Sadr al-Hosseini told the to undermine Iran-Iraq relations. IPL Matchweek 2 will start on Nov. 19 and will continue until Nov. 21. “We have not been ordered to postpone the league so far. So, Iranian, UK ambassadors discuss developments in Iraq the IPL Matchweek 2 will be played as scheduled,” Mahdi said. POLITICAL TEHRAN — Iraj Masjedi, Iran’s am- Masjedi’s meeting with Hickey came on the heels of his deskbassador to Iraq, met on Sunday with meeting with the Norwegian ambassador in Iraq. The Iranian Azerbaijan’s Sabail complete his British counterpart Stephen Hickey to discuss devel- ambassador met with his Norwegian counterpart on Saturday. opments in Iraq and the region, according to the Islamic The British ambassador, for his part, called on all parties signing of Bakhtiar Rahmani Republic News Agency (IRNA). to the 2015 nuclear deal to uphold their commitments. SPORTSTEHRAN — Iranian midfielder Bakhtiar The meeting was held at the Iranian embassy in Baghdad. U.S. President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of the desk During the meeting, the two ambassadors discussed the JCPOA on May 8, 2018, reimposing sweeping economic Rahmani, who had been linked with a move political developments in Iraq and the region, underlin- sanctions on Iran in a bid to reach a new deal with Iran. to Esteghlal, joined Azerbaijani football team Sabail. ing the need for Tehran and London to cooperate with the Almost all parties to the Iran nuclear deal remained com- The 29-year-old attacking midfielder has joined Sabail for government of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. mitted to the deal and opposed the U.S. sanctions on Iran. an undisclosed fee. The Iranian ambassador underlined the necessity for Trump’s Democratic rival Joe Biden, who is on course Iranian defender Peyman Keshavarzi in also a member of Sabail. the United States to rejoin the 2015 Iran nuclear deal – to become U.S. president after he won enough electoral Rahmani started his career in Foolad in 2007 and has also officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action votes, had vowed to rejoin the JCPOA after moving into played at Sepahan, Esteghlal, Tractor, Zob Ahan and Sanat Naft. (JCPOA) – which the Trump administration unilaterally the White House. Biden did not make any comment on his Rahmani has also played four matches for Iran national withdrew from two and a half years ago. Masjedi said it is pledge to reenter the nuclear deal since he won the U.S. football team. essential for the U.S. to return to its commitments under presidential election but he is widely expected to rejoin Sabail were established in 2016 and immediately joined the the nuclear deal. the JCPOA in the coming months. Azerbaijan First Division.

Iranian government should boost ties Iraq needs Iran support: Three coaches shortlisted for with the East: senior MP Iraqi MP Iran U19 football team

POLITICAL TEHRAN — Seyed POLITICAL TEHRAN — Iran is SPORTSTEHRAN — Hamid Derakhshan, Ali Latifi desk desk Amirhossein Ghaziz- stable and militarily deskand Davoud Mahabadi have been shortlisted deh, the deputy speaker of the Iranian advanced and that Iraq needs its support, to take charge of Iran U19 football team. Parliament, called on the government according to Amer al-Faez, a member Parviz Mazloumi stepped down as coach of Iran U19 of Hassan Rouhani to strengthen Iran’s of the Iraqi Parliament’s Foreign Re- team in October to work as Iranian football club Esteghlal’s relations with the East instead of tying lations Committee. sporting director. the interest of the country to the United The lawmaker’s remarks came after the Mazloumi had been named as U19 coach in late July. States presidential election. Iraqi Defense Minister, Juma Inad Saadoun, Now, the three coached have been nominated for the Iranian “The foreign policy of the Islamic fact that there is no difference between visited Iran on Saturday on an official visit commanders, sent weapons, sent money, U19 team. Republic to secure its political and eco- Republicans and Democrats in dealing with at the invitation of his Iranian counterpart and trained Iraqi fighters,” said al-Faez. nomic interests must be based on the Iran has become clear not only to officials Brigadier General Amir Hatami. He also said that the shared political, strategy of “look East” and strengthen in the country’s diplomatic apparatus, but The Iraqi defense minister met with military, and economic interests encourage its relations with neighboring countries also to officials in other countries who Hatami and other high-ranking Iranian the leaders of the two countries to contin- Seven Iranian players at ACL and the region,” the deputy speaker acknowledge that there will be no change officials including Chief of Staff of Iran’s ue and strengthen cooperation between (West) Best XI told the Islamic Consultative Assembly in U.S. policy toward Iran. Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Tehran and Baghdad. News Agency (ICANA). Ghazizadeh stated, “Despite repeat- Bagheri and Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Commenting on Iran’s call for coun- Just a few days before the 2020 AFC Champions League (East) He added, “Unfortunately, in the ed threats from the Americans, gasoline Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. tries of the region to protect the region resumes, the-AFC.com announced the all-star team, as voted by eleventh and twelfth governments [the was successfully exported to Venezuela Al-Faez described the Iraqi defense from foreign interference, al-Faez said, the fans, from the 2020 (West) edition. Rouhani government], little attention was a few months ago, and not only did the minister’s visit to the Islamic Republic “The Iranian approach raises the mo- It will come as no surprise that a number of the Perse- paid to interaction and relations with Af- Americans fail to stop it, but Iran’s trade as part of the historical and necessary rale of the region and strengthens the polis side who have reached the 2020 AFC Champions rican countries, and some government with Venezuela also expanded, and this communication and military coopera- region’s position…. This means that Iran League final made the line-up after their impressive dis- officials justify their shortcomings by trade continues.” tion between the two brotherly countries, today calls on the countries of the region plays throughout and the players are joined by five other saying that trade with African countries The lawmaker said the only way to stressing that the Iranian and Iraqi peoples to be self-sufficient. Iran did not reach standout performers. is not economically viable for us, but this save the Iranian economy is to enhance are one nation, and Iraq does not forget what it is today until after it became , Shoja Khlilzadeh, , , is not the case and we could make a lot the country’s capabilities, calling on the Iran’s distinguished and honorable po- self-sufficient.” , and Bashar Resan from Persepolis as well as of money for the benefit of the people by government to solve economic problems. sition in purging the filth of Daesh from He went further to say, “The state- Esteghlal forwards Mehdi Ghaedi and Amir Arsalan Motahari increasing trade with Africans.” “The only way to save the country’s the land of Iraq. ments of Imam Khomeini is a witness are in the favorite team. The senior lawmaker also called on the economy is to focus on the country’s internal “Communication between the two to history, when he said, ‘A country does Al Nassr striker and defender and cabinet of Hassan Rouhani to pay more capabilities. We have abundant resourc- brotherly countries is necessary and in not advance unless it relies on itself,’ and Maicon and Al Sadd forward Baghdad Bounedjah are among attention to the East. es that the youth of this country can use the interest of the two countries, and co- from this standpoint, he made Iran and the team as well. “So instead of tying the interests of the for the development of the country and operation between the Islamic Republic the Iranians really depend on themselves Persepolis coach has been also chosen country and the people to the U.S. election, overcome the problems; In addition, there and Iraq is a historical issue, especially by developing weapons and the econo- as the best coach. it is better to act in accordance with the are necessary bases for attracting foreign the new Iraq after the fall of the dictato- my and by rolling up their sleeves until (Source: the-afc) strategy of ‘look East’,” Ghazizadeh said. investment in Iran, and if the responsible rial regime,” the Iraqi lawmaker told the today, Iran is one of the great powers The lawmaker pointed out that there is agencies in this field are seriously active, Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). in the region and on the course of the no difference between Donald Trump and they can also use foreign capital for the Al-Faez added, “The visit by the Iraqi superpowers of the world.” Joe Biden, underlining that the policies development and prosperity of the coun- defense minister to the Islamic Republic The Iraqi lawmaker stated, “The Islamic Iran wrestling coach Bana of the White House toward Iran do not try; therefore, Iran’s policies, especially in comes to consolidate this relationship and Republic’s call for the countries of the region change with the change of individuals. the economic field, will not change with complete the previous process. This rela- to protect the region and keep it away from tests positive for COVID-19 “I have said on many occasions that the change of U.S. presidents,” noted tionship is not new or unlikely. Rather, it foreign interference, is really a liberation we see no difference between Biden and Ghazizadeh. is continuous communication and serves of the region, an increase in its stability Tasnim — Iran Greco-Roman wrestling team head coach Mo- Trump because the White House officials’ He also warned against repeating the both countries, especially since the Islamic and independence, and a non-interference hammad Bana has tested positive for coronavirus. policies do not change when individuals mistake that the country’s diplomatic Republic today is stable and advanced mil- of distant countries in the internal affairs The 62-year-old trainer has been infected with coronavirus change. The United States’ confrontation apparatus made during the Obama ad- itarily, and Iraq today needs the support of the region, especially since it is a rich after receiving a positive test result. with the Iranian people has been exactly ministration. and cooperation of friendly countries in region and all countries of the world are Bana has led Iran national Greco-Roman wrestling team at the same, not only in the last 40 years but “The country’s diplomatic apparatus the region, first and foremost the support focused on it.” London Olympics 2012 and Rio Olympics 2016. throughout history,” asserted Ghazizadeh, must be careful not to repeat the mistake of the Islamic Republic.” Al-Faez called on the leaders of the re- Bana is regarded as the most successful coach in Iran’s adding that during the Obama adminis- it made during Obama’s presidency in the “With regard to the fight against terror- gion to cooperate in this regard if they can Greco-Roman wrestling history. The Iranian wrestlers (Omid tration the wall of sanctions against Iran Biden administration, because we have ism, the history testifies that the blood has independently make decisions, adding that Norouzi, Ghasem Rezaei and Hamid Sourian) won three gold did not crack and that, now with Biden, passed the ‘trial and error’ stage and now been mixed and that when Daesh desecrated the European Union has become a strong medals in London under his leadership. a fellow Democrat of Obama, assuming is only the time to serve the people and the land of Iraq, the position of the Islamic power in the world because it confronted More than 11,200 new coronavirus cases were detected in office, the wall is unlikely to crack. try to solve economic problems,” pointed Republic was distinctive and honorable, the American expansion and because they Iran during the previous 24 hours, the Health Ministry’s spokes- According to the deputy speaker, the out the deputy speaker. and everyone admits that. It sent field created unity among themselves. woman said Saturday. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 4 ECONOMY NOVEMBER 16, 2020

Industry Ministry approves Iran’s gasoline rationing over $1b of foreign investment in 7 months 1 The highest volume of foreign investment approved in scheme: from policy to practice the industry, mining and trade sectors in the period under review were in the categories of chemical materials and products, base 1 According to Salehi, prior to the Although Iranian people were initially metals, coke, refined products and nuclear fuels, rubber and rationing scheme, daily gasoline consump- shocked after the implementation of the ra- plastic products, respectively. tion in Iran hovered around 90 million liters tioning scheme, the allocation of the subsidies Germany, China, Turkey, and India were the countries with while the country’s refineries hardly produced to the lower classes wore off their dissatis- the highest volume of investment and Afghanistan, Turkey, Chi- enough gasoline to meet the domestic demand faction to a great extent. na, and India were those with the largest number during the and so despite having great hydrocarbon The proceeds from the price hikes have mentioned time span. resources Iran was an importer of gasoline. been paid to underprivileged classes of the Also, Sistan-Baluchestan, Khuzestan, Tehran, Isfahan, and After the implementation of the program society in the form of cash subsidies since East Azarbaijan provinces were the top five provinces in terms in November 2019, average daily gasoline the first month after the implementation of of the volume of approved foreign investment. consumption fell to 75 million liters in De- the program and the revenues earned from As previously reported by the Industry Ministry, Iran expects cember, and later the outbreak of corona- the exports have helped the government for a 10-fold increase of foreign investment in industry and mining virus in early March and April led to even funding development projects and offsetting sectors by the end of the Sixth Five-Year National Development further decline in consumption so that in the budget deficit. Plan (March 2022). some days of April the figure even fell to Mentioning the environmental impacts about 22 million liters. of fuel consumption management, Salehi This created a great opportunity for the said energy subsidies are in fact encouraging Copper anode production up 12% government to export the surplus fuel to people to consume more and to care less about other countries so that gasoline became one the negative impact that they are leaving on ECONOMY TEHRAN — Production of the copper anode in of the top exported commodities during the the environment. deskIran has risen 12 percent during the first seven first half of the current Iranian calendar year Cheaper fuel means more careless con- months of the current Iranian calendar year (March 20-October (March 20-September 21). sumption that is more consumption in fact. 21), from the same period of time in the previous year. A look into the government’s performance Most of Iran’s big cities are currently strug- As reported, 205,110 tons of the product has been produced and the outcomes of the program, consid- of the rationing program in their lives to gling with high levels of air pollution which in the seven-month period of this year. countries with the most energy subsides, ering the mentioned two goals we can fairly accept it as a positive act; for example, new is a direct outcome of the cheap fuel which is In early May, four development projects worth 40 trillion rials this is not a good thing,” he said. say that although most of the decline in the jobs should be created with the revenues being consumed by everyone on a daily basis. (about $952.3 million) were inaugurated in the copper sector of In 2018 with $69 billion of subsidies allo- consumption has been due to pandemic-re- earned from the exports and subsidies, peo- Supplying fuel with real prices and elim- Kerman Province in the southeast of Iran. cated for various types of energy consumption lated travel restrictions, still the results are ple’s purchasing power must increase and inating excess subsidies would discourage President Hassan Rouhani put the projects into operation including oil, natural gas, and electricity, significant. etc.,” Salehi said in this regard. people from over-consuming and consequent- through video conference. Iran holds first place among the world’s top People and pollution According to the expert, in order to move ly contribute to less air pollution. The projects inaugurated in Khatoon Abad Copper Complex countries in terms of the number of subsidies A program on the national scale can be toward a dynamic economy, the government So considering these two factors, once included increasing the capacity of copper smelting in the com- which is allocated to energy consumption. considered successful when it brings about (and along with it the people) should change again we can say that although gasoline ra- plex, building a copper concentrate storage, construction of a If carried out properly, purposeful elimi- general satisfaction; that is when the masses their approach and viewpoint regarding the tioning may seem an outdated approach in sulfuric acid production plant, and an oxygen supplying unit. nation of energy subsidies and providing fuel are happy with the results of the so-called energy subsidies. managing fuel consumption, it is bearing By putting the first project into operation, the complex’s capacity with real prices would have great outcomes program. “Based on the International Energy Agency considerably positive results since its im- for producing copper anode rises by 50 percent to 120,000 tons, for people including more job opportunities, “People should see the positive results (IEA) data Iran is among the world’s top plementation. and the country’s copper smelting capacity rose to 400,000 tons. and less pollution. Iran has seen its copper exports doubled in the past Iranian calendar year despite a series of bitter sanctions imposed by the United States aimed at hampering the Islamic Republic’s trade of lucrative metals. Online intl. conference on fisheries, aquatic research to kick off this week A senior official at Iranian Mines and Mining Industries ECONOMY TEHRAN – Iran’s 4th International the areas covered in this conference. Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO), Iran’s desk largest metals and mining holding, has said that the value of Conference on Fisheries and Aquatic In this event, fishery researchers and experts from Ger- exports for main copper products reached more than $1 billion Research is due to kick off through videoconference on many, Australia, and Singapore will deliver speeches on over the past year. November 18, IRIB reported. aquatic biosafety, borderless aquaculture, and onshore and The three-day online event is organized by the Agri- offshore ecology to share the latest scientific findings with culture Ministry in collaboration with the Iranian Fisher- participants. Over 387,000 tons of commodities ies Science Research Institute (IFSRI), Iran University of Fishery production has increased noticeably in the Medical Sciences, Iran Fisheries Organization (IFO), and country in recent years, according to IFO Head Nabiollah traded at IME in a week Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmos- Khoun-Mirzaei. pheric Science. According to the official, Iran’s annual fishery output ECONOMY TEHRAN—More than 387,500 tons of com- As reported, this congress will be an important step to- currently stands at about 1.28 million tons. deskmodities worth $136 million were traded at wards increasing the scientific level of the country’s fishery “The figure is anticipated to reach 1.37 million tons in the Iran Mercantile Exchange (IME) in the past Iranian calendar and aquaculture sectors and ultimately boost the production current Iranian calendar year (ends on March 20, 2021), week (ended on Friday), IME Public Relations and International of these industries. and surpass 1.5 million tons in the next year,” he said. Affairs Department reported. Biology and assessment of aquatic resources, climate Khoun-Mirzaei has announced that the country’s fishery Last week, on the domestic change and aquaculture, algae and aquatic plant breeding, export stood at 146,000 tons worth $538.9 million in the According to the IFO Deputy Head Hossein Ali Abdolhay, and export metal and mineral aquaponics, and nutrition and live food in aquaculture, fish past Iranian year, while the import was 29,000 tons valued some 12 aquatic species are already bred in Iran and the trading floor of IME, 98,160 tons breeding, health, and diseases, as well as marketing and at $98.9 million, so Iran’s fishery trade balance was $440 figure is planned to reach 17 by the end of the Sixth Five- of various products worth $41 branding of fishery and aquaculture products are some of million in the previous year. Year National Development Plan (March 2021). million were traded. On this trading floor, 97,300 tons of steel, 80 tons of alumi- num, 660 tons of copper, 120 128 projects implemented under TCCIMA to host online business forum tons of molybdenum concen- trates as well as 16 kg of gold “A-B-Iran” scheme since March with Russia’s Samara, Saratov next month bar were traded by customers. ECONOMY TEHRAN – Iranian ECONOMY TEHRAN — Tehran The report declares that on deskEnergy Minister Reza deskChamber of Commerce, domestic and export oil and Ardakanian said on Saturday evening that Industries, Mines and Agriculture (TCCI- petrochemical trading floors of his ministry has implemented 128 projects MA) is going to hold an online business IME, 288,776 tons of different with a total investment of 430 trillion rials forum with the private sector represent- commodities with the total value (about $10.2 billion) under the framework atives of the Russian cities of Samara and of $96 million were traded. of a program called “A-B-Iran” since the Saratov on December 1, to explore ways of On this trading floor, 73,300 tons of VB feed stock, 73,594 beginning of the current Iranian calendar expanding trade between the two sides. tons of bitumen, 38,366 tons of polymer products, 31,249 tons year (March 20). Aimed at establishing new connections of chemical products, 54,000 tons of lube cut oil, 1,665 tons of Following “A-B-Iran”, the Energy Min- between the businessmen and the private insulation, 966 tons of base oil, 150 tons of argon as well as 15,320 istry plans to inaugurate 250 major water sectors of the two countries, the event is tons of sulfur were traded. and electricity projects worth 500 trillion mainly focused on the agriculture and Furthermore, 1,764 tons of commodities were traded on the rials (about $11.9 billion) during the current seven supply projects to large cities as well foodstuff sectors. services, and metals also held B2B talks side market of the IME. year (ends on March 20, 2021), the Energy as nine thermal power plants, 13 renewable Officials from the two sides are sched- with representatives of 20 companies from As previously reported, over 2.462 million tons of commodities Ministry’s portal Paven reported. power plants, five small scale power plants uled to deliver speeches at the event while the Samara region. worth $983 million were traded at Iran Mercantile Exchange “We hope that until the end of the year, and 33 substations and transmission line company representatives from both sides The business forum was the first event during October. the inauguration of new projects will go on projects have been implemented under are also planned to hold talks and have held following the signing of a memoran- IME is one of the four major stock markets of Iran, the other week by week and according to schedule, and the framework of the mentioned program. B2B meetings. dum of understanding (MOU) between three markets are Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE), Iran’s over- we will do our best to fulfill this promise this The first phase of the A-B-Iran scheme In early October, TCCIMA had organ- TCCIMA and REC for the expansion of the-counter (OTC) market known also as Iran Fara Bourse (IFB), year just like the previous year,” Ardakanian [the acronyms A and B stand for water, ized another online forum in collabora- trade relations between the two countries. and Iran Energy Exchange (IRENEX). said in an interview with the national TV. electricity in Persian], was started in the tion with Russia Export Center (REC), TCCIMA signed an MOU with the Rus- Since the beginning of the first phase of previous year, during which 227 major pro- the Chamber of Commerce and Industry sian Export Center (REC) for boosting the Basic goods import falls 27% the program in the previous Iranian calendar jects with a total investment of 335.6 trillion of Samara Region, and the Ministry of two countries’ trade in early September. year every week several energy projects went rials (about $7.99 billion) went operational Economic Development of the Russian Tehran Chamber of Commerce, In- in 7.5 months operational across the country. across the country. Federation. dustries, Mines, and Agriculture, which According to the minister, so far, seven According to the minister, during the In this forum, Iranian traders and busi- used to hold business forums between ECONOMY TEHRAN — Iran’s imports of basic goods dams, eight irrigation and drainage network 20 weeks of the mentioned program in the nessmen active in the fields of telecom- Iran and other countries regularly, has deskduring the 7.5-month period since the be- projects, four large water treatment plants, previous year, the minister made 31 trips to munications, IT, training and technology not stopped such activity during the coro- ginning of the current Iranian calendar year (March 20) has seven large wastewater treatment plants, various provinces for inaugurating energy transfer, oil and gas, agricultural machin- navirus pandemic, while the chamber is decreased 27 percent, compared to the same period of time in 448 water supply projects to rural areas and projects. ery and products, medical equipment and holding such events online. the past year. During the 7.5-month period of the present year, 14.8 million tons of basic commodities worth $7.1 billion have been imported into the country, while the figures for the same time span of the previous year were 14.9 million tons valued at $9.7 billion. Next year’s budget mainly targeted at cutting direct dependence on oil: Rouhani Among the imported goods, corn with more than 6.1 million ECONOMY TEHRAN — Iran’s President Hassan assets acquisition plans, improving the business environment, tons worth $1.4 billion, drugs and medical equipment valued at deskRouhani said that the main goal of the paying attention to people’s livelihoods with the priority $948 million, oilseeds valued at $682.1 million and wheat with the national budget bill for the next Iranian calendar year 1400 of basic goods and developing a model of public-private worth of more than $666.5 million were the top imported items. (begins on March 21, 2021) is to downsize the government partnership”, he added. In early October, the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) announced and cut the direct dependence on oil incomes. “The budget of the organizations should create new that $5.267 billion was supplied for importing basic commodities Speaking in a session of the Resistance Economy Head- opportunities and sources of non-oil-dependent income in the first half of the current Iranian calendar year. quarters on Sunday, the president said that the next year’s for the country, without disturbing the balance of prices of Iran imported 25 million tons of basic goods during the budget bill will be drafted within the framework of the gen- goods and services in the same sector or other sectors and previous Iranian calendar year, based on the data released by eral program of reforming the budget structure and general organization. Also, solve the challenges facing the country the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA). policies of the resistance economy, Shana reported. related to the budget and facilitate the budget plan imple- According to the IRICA Head Mehdi Mirashrafi, 35 million “The main goal of the 1400 budget is to reduce costs, mentation process”, Rouhani stated. tons of commodities were imported into the country in the increase revenues, downsize the government, develop “Strengthening and supporting domestic production mentioned year, of which 25 million tons were basic goods. e-government, cut the direct budget dependence on oil, and manufacturing and focusing on export development “This year, the trend [of trade] has slowed down, and we pick up and surge in production, and the implementation policy, especially non-oil exports, with special emphasis on hope that with the measures taken by the central bank, the of the general policies of the resistance economy”, Rouhani policies of the resistance economy, with long-term growth neighboring countries and Eurasia as the target markets, and Industry Ministry, and IRICA, we will be able to minimize the further noted. approaches by focusing on non-oil exports, actively coun- establishing long-term trade relations and reducing tariffs deposition of goods in the customs before and after clearance”, “The 1400 budget bill is formulated in the framework tering the outbreak of coronavirus and reducing its negative in bilateral or multilateral international agreements are the Mirashrafi said in June. of the general plan to reform the budget structure, general economic effects, accelerate the completion of production main tools to counter the sanctions”, the president stressed. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y NOVEMBER 16, 2020 ANALYSIS/INTERVIEW 5

Trump’s base has largely supported Asia to form world’s biggest trade bloc, a China-backed group excluding U.S. his claims of fraud: political analyst Fifteen Asia-Pacific economies were set to form the world’s largest free trade bloc on Sunday, a China-backed deal that excludes the By Mohammad Mazhari which he plans to bury “America First” as United States, which had left a rival Asia-Pacific grouping under a guiding principle of the nation’s foreign President Donald Trump. TEHRAN – A Lebanese political expert says policy. He says he will re-enter the Iran nu- The signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Donald Trump’s base has largely supported clear deal, assuming the Iranians are willing (RCEP) at a regional summit in Hanoi, will be a further blow to the his claims of voter fraud, “but his effort to to reverse course and observe its limits and group pushed by former U.S. president Barack Obama, which his convince more mainstream Republicans that that he would sign up for another five years successor Trump exited in 2017, Reuters reported. the election was stolen suffered a big blow when of the only surviving nuclear arms treaty Amid questions over Washington’s engagement in Asia, RCEP Fox News, the conservative cable network with Russia and double down on American may cement China’s position more firmly as an economic partner with that has been supportive of his presidency” commitments to NATO after four years of Southeast Asia, Japan and Korea, putting the world’s second-biggest declared his rival Joe Biden as the victor. threats from President Trump to withdraw economy in a better position to shape the region’s trade rules. “Some Republicans did criticize Trump from the alliance. However, Biden said many The United States is absent from both RCEP and the successor to for making what they called ‘baseless alle- times that he would make Russia “pay the the Obama-led Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), leaving the world’s gations’ about voter fraud,” Marwa Osman price” for what he says have been disrup- biggest economy out of two trade groups that span the fastest-growing tells the Tehran Times. tions and attempts to influence elections, region on earth. The following is the text of the interview: including his own. By contrast, RCEP could help Beijing cut its dependence on overseas How do you see the fate of Trump’s Do you expect a change in U.S. atti- markets and technology, a shift accelerated by a deepening rift with refusal to accept Biden’s victory in the pres- tude towards Arab countries, including Saudi Washington, said Iris Pang, ING chief economist for Greater China. idential election? Arabia? RCEP groups the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian A: Donald Trump did not shock anyone Biden is expected to continue the U.S.’s Nations (ASEAN), China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New when he refused to accept the result of the withdrawal from the region, even more so Zealand. It aims in coming years to progressively lower tariffs across U.S. election, especially as he accused media since championing a return to a more con- many areas. outlets that called the race for Joe Biden of ventional foreign policy that is likely to play colluding with the president-elect is trying second fiddle to domestic emergencies such to steal the White House. The man even de- of the ballots. incoming Biden administration could reverse as the coronavirus pandemic and an Amer- Trump acknowledges Biden clared that “this election is far from over.” What is Trump’s legacy for America those acts, but the whiplash effect would add ican economy on its knees. Nonetheless, ‘won’ the U.S. election Trump’s base has largely supported his and the international community? confusion over Washington’s standing and I do believe Biden will make his presence claims of fraud, but his effort to convince The man is definitely poised to leave sap confidence around the world that the felt in the Middle East (West Asia). Biden’s Donald Trump appeared to acknowledge publicly for the first time more mainstream Republicans that the elec- a legacy of chaos with his big last-minute U.S. will stick to agreements it signs. strategy for the broader Middle East region on Sunday that Democrat Joe Biden won the Nov. 3 U.S. presidential tion was stolen suffered a big blow when Fox decisions, one of which is the foreign policy Can it be said that Trump is an exception remains unclear; however, many observers election but asserted that it was “rigged”, reiterating his false claims News, the conservative cable network that move. The abrupt dismissal of the U.S. de- in America’s history? Or does he represent conclude that Biden will proceed with the of widespread voting fraud. has been supportive of his presidency, also fense secretary, Mark Esper, and reported real American values? U.S. withdrawal that began under president Biden defeated Trump by winning a series of battleground states called the race for Joe Biden. Meanwhile, some plans for multiple layers of new sanctions Donald Trump branded the whistleblower, Barrack Obama and reached its peak un- that the Republican incumbent had won in 2016. The Democratic Republicans did criticize Trump for making on Iran has made clear that Donald Trump’s who first revealed reports about his effort der Trump. Moreover, Biden has also vehe- former vice president also won the national popular vote by more what they called “baseless allegations” about last ten weeks in the office could still prove to shake down Ukraine to dig up dirt on a mently opposed pro-Palestinian initiatives than 5.5 million votes, or 3.6 percentage points, Reuters reported. voter fraud; party leaders are in a difficult a very bumpy ride for the rest of the world. political opponent, along with a list of in- from within his party. Biden’s reaction to Trump seemed to acknowledge Biden’s victory in a Twitter post position because they know the president Trump is seeking to demonstrate he is still stitutions Donald Trump smeared, which the UAE-Israel deal also displayed his sup- in which he listed unsubstantiated allegations of fraud. retains huge support among the party base. in charge of foreign and defense policy, includes: the intelligence agencies he once port for Israel. He called the deal a “historic “He won because the Election was Rigged,” Trump wrote on Keep in mind that Trump has received 70 fueling fears about the impact a vengeful accused of using Nazi-type tactics, the news breakthrough” and promised to persuade Twitter on Sunday morning, not referring to Biden by name. “NO million votes, over 7 million more than his president might have on the U.S. role on media, the foreign service, the military, and the more countries in the region to sign similar VOTE WATCHERS OR OBSERVERS allowed, vote tabulated by final count four years ago. Trump said his the world stage over the coming ten weeks Federal Reserve. So yes, he is an exception in agreements. What sets Biden apart is his a Radical Left privately owned company, Dominion, with a bad campaign has started prosecuting his case of transition. In recent months, the Trump that sense, especially when he waged vitriolic pledge to reverse Trump’s withdrawal of reputation & bum equipment that couldn’t even qualify for Texas in court to ensure that election laws are fully administration’s strategy has been to build and systematic attacks to undermine such economic and humanitarian assistance from (which I won by a lot!), the Fake & Silent Media, & more!” upheld. The rightful winner is actually seated, up pressure on Iran to provoke a response government institutions. As for American the Palestinians and his pursuit to reopen especially in the swing states that remained from Tehran, which would make it harder values, win or lose, Trump was the mirror the Palestinian Liberation Organization’s undecided. Either way, Trump is hoping for for the incoming administration to salvage America, and its so-called values needed. mission in Washington, as well as the U.S. Pressure from sisterly countries more success in Pennsylvania, where it has the 2015 nuclear deal. Trump could also go He lacks transparency and demonizes every consulate in Jerusalem for Palestinian affairs. challenged a move by the state to accept postal as far as formally withdrawing from the New institution or person he disagrees with. He However, Biden’s Israel policy is likely to be to recognize Israel: Imran Khan ballots that arrived up to three days after the Start Treaty with Russia, which limits the regularly flaunts undemocratic values, and a continuation, while experts argue could election. However, in Pennsylvania, election nuclear arsenals of both states and which is his narcissism seemingly knows no bounds. sum up Biden’s upcoming Middle East policy Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan revealed that his country is officials have said that the number of votes due to expire in February or seek to remove This is America for the rest of the world. in general. As for Yemen, I don’t think the under pressure from sisterly countries to recognize Israel. that arrived after election day was insufficient the U.S. signature from the Comprehensive Do you expect a fundamental change in country will be part of any discussions and In statements made on Friday, Khan announced: “We have been to alter the outcome, which means Trump Test Ban Treaty, which the U.S. signed but U.S. policies under Biden’s administration? aspirations that would drastically change under pressure from friendly countries to recognize Israel, howev- has no legal chance of changing the results which remains unratified by the Senate. An Biden makes no secret of the speed with the current situation. er, we will not do so without a fair settlement to the Palestinians.” He pointed out that there are matters related to the countries that recognize Israel, which he would not address “due to brotherly ties that we do not want to damage.” It is likely that the Pakistani official was referring to Saudi Arabia. Oxford professor says Trumpism has its roots in American society Khan is considered to be one of the most prominent support- ers of the Palestinian cause and has stated in previous interviews “Biden will face a very difficult challenge to bring the country together” that Pakistan will never recognise Israel. The Pakistani PM considers the Palestinian cause: “As a will of a repudiation of those values—especially the closer together. 1 the United States has undermined the great leader Muhammad Ali Jinnah whose soul flies with the values of compassion, fairness, and equal- As far as domestic policies are concerned, multilateral efforts to combat global warming, soul of scholar Muhammad Iqbal, may Allah have mercy on them.” contain the coronavirus’s spread, restrain ity—however imperfectly realized they are Biden will adopt a more concerted and coher- nuclear proliferation, and promote the rule of in the American republic. ent approach to the COVID pandemic than law. Even if Biden reverses many of Trump’s Do you expect a fundamental change Trump pursued. He will seek to strengthen Azerbaijan extends Armenian policies, which I’m sure he will, U.S. allies will in American policies when Joe Biden takes the Obama era healthcare reforms that Trump have learned the lesson that they may need the helm at the White House? has sought to dismantle. He will pursue eco- pullout deadline from disputed area to rely more on themselves going forward. A: With regard to foreign relations, we nomic policies that are greener and seek to At home, Trump has polarized the na- can expect greater U.S. engagement with redress imbalances that have benefitted the Azerbaijan said Sunday it had agreed to extend a deadline for Armenia tion, leaving the country more divided than multilateral organizations but also greater rich above all. However, Biden will have to to withdraw from a disputed district as part of a peace accord that ended before. Throughout his presidency, he has consultation with allies; greater support for balance competing pressures from the left and six weeks of fierce fighting over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. shown contempt for democratic norms and collective efforts to reduce carbon emissions the right, including resistance from a Senate Residents of the Kalbajar district in Azerbaijan, which has been con- institutions with his attacks on the media, and inhibit climate change; more joined-up that may remain in Republican hands (we are trolled by Armenian separatists since a 1990s post-Soviet war, began the judiciary, and Congress. Even his refusal efforts to fight the spread of infectious diseases still awaiting the final electoral results). He and non-Arab countries) with some notable a mass exodus in the days leading up to the initial withdrawal deadline to accept electoral defeat has undermined and to curb nuclear proliferation, including may find he has limited room for maneuver. exceptions. Biden will continue to support Is- on Sunday, AFP reported. confidence in the integrity of the U.S. electoral support for the Iran nuclear deal, which the Do you expect a change in U.S. attitude rael but, contrary to Trump, he will discourage But a foreign policy adviser to Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev said process in the eyes of many U.S. citizens. Obama-Biden administration negotiated. In towards Arab countries, including Saudi Ara- Israel’s further expansion (annexation, Jewish his country had extended the deadline over humanitarian considerations. Biden will face a very difficult challenge to other respects, we can expect continuity: for bia? Is Biden able to end the war in Yemen settlements) into the West Bank. He will take Hikmet Hajiyev said the withdrawal of “Armenian armed forces bring the country together. instance, Biden will continue to confront China while America has a big deal with Saudi Arabia a few steps back from Saudi Arabia, which and of illegal Armenian settlers” was delayed until November 25 Can it be supposed that Trump is an over trade, currency, and regional security, to sell them arms? Trump embraced warmly. On the campaign following an appeal from Armenia and mediation with Russian exception in American history, or doe he and he will build on Trump’s achievements in A: I expect more consistency than a change trail, Biden vowed to end U.S. support for President Vladimir Putin. represent real American values? bringing the (Persian) Gulf states and Israel in U.S. policy towards the Middle East (Arab the Saudi war in Yemen, suggesting that he A: Trump can be said to be an exception would stop selling weapons to Riyadh. Biden R esistance N ews insofar as we have not witnessed a U.S pres- “Trump can be said to be an exception will seek to re-join the nuclear accord with ident as divisive domestically and bullish insofar as we have not witnessed a U.S Iran (JCPOA), provided that Iran comes back internationally as Trump has been. However, into compliance with uranium enrichment Israel strikes Gaza after Trumpism is homegrown: this particular form president as divisive domestically and limits. Improving relations with Iran is a of populism has its roots in American socie- bullish internationally as Trump has been,” much greater challenge in view of the fact rockets target ‘center’ of ty. To some Americans, he represents ‘real that U.S. and Iranian interests in the region occupied territories American values,’ but to many, he represents Professor Richard Caplan says. are not aligned. INTERNATIONAL TEHRAN — The Israeli military has attacked the deskGaza Strip after rockets from the Tel Aviv-blockaded Palestinian territory targeted the “central” and “southern” parts of the Pompeo’s war on China, Iran and truth-telling occupied territories. The Israeli strikes were carried out against infrastructure and po- By Stephen Lendman is coming to accept…that we have a responsibility to the line of propaganda addresses. sitions belonging to the Gaza-based resistance movement of Hamas, American people to make sure (Beijing is) not continuing It featured his usual litany of bald-faced Big Lies, distor- Israeli paper The Jerusalem Post reported on Sunday, citing the military. As point man for Trump regime foreign policy, illegal U.S. to rip us off, steal our stuff, and present a security risk to tion and mass deception. The aggression followed several rocket launches from the enclave sanctions on targeted countries likely come at Mike Pom- the United States (sic).” He lied calling China a threat to U.S. security. that set off incoming fire sirens in the coastal town of Ashdod in the peo’s urging. China threatens no other countries. The U.S. and its im- He falsely called Iran a “terrorist” threat. occupied territories, the daily said. On Monday, new U.S. sanctions were imposed on four perial threaten everyone everywhere. He pretended that “might makes right” has nothing to ‘Rockets intercepted over Tel Aviv’ Chinese and Hong Kong officials in connection with Beijing’s On Iran, Pompeo said new Trump regime sanctions tar- do with Washington’s agenda. Alleged footage, however, also showed the regime’s missile systems legitimate National Security Law. geted “six companies and four individuals for facilitating Reinventing belligerent USA, he lied claiming that “(n) intercepting rockets “over the Yad Eliyahu neighborhood in Tel Aviv,” the Pompeo falsely claimed it “threaten(s) the peace, security the procurement of sensitive goods, including U.S.-origin ever before, in all of recorded history, was a nation founded occupying entity’s economic hub and most densely-populated center. and autonomy of Hong Kong” — what’s true about illegal electronic components, for Iran Communications Industries on the premise that government’s role is to protect those Projectiles were also intercepted over the city of Holon and sirens US meddling in internal Chinese affairs and other hostile (ICI),” adding: very rights, to secure them (sic).” went off in Kibbutz Palmachim, both located at the heart of the occupied actions against its government, officials and enterprises. “These individuals and entities were designated under “And it’s what makes us so special (sic). It’s what makes territories. If Biden/Harris replace Trump in January, U.S. war on Executive Order 13382, which targets proliferators of weap- us so good (sic).” The incidents came as the Israeli military has been put on high alert China by other means will continue unchanged — the same ons of mass destruction (WMD) or WMD delivery systems, Based on the above remarks and similar ones earlier, can following the first anniversary of the regime’s assassination of Baha Abu true about other countries free of its control. and their supporters.” anyone anywhere take him seriously? al-Ata, a senior commander of the Islamic Jihad movement, another Separately on Thursday, Pompeo said “make no mistake WMDs and their delivery systems apply to the hostile Or claiming “American exceptionalism” that’s nonexistent Gaza-headquartered resistance group, Press TV reported. about the work that we’re doing to counter the threat from agendas of Washington, NATO, and Israel — not how Iran now and earlier throughout the country’s history. The 42-year-old and his wife were killed in an Israeli aerial assault the Chinese Communist Party (sic),” adding: operates. He lied claiming Washington destroyed U.S. invented on his Gaza home on November 12 last year. Local officials “across America need to understand that U.S. sanctions on targeted nations, entities and individuals and supported Daesh. The atrocity was followed by a barrage of retaliatory rocket fire from the Chinese Communist Party is coming for them in ways have no legitimacy. He bragged about killing Iran’s Quds Force commander the besieged coastal sliver. that they may not appreciate (sic). They need to understand Yet time and again they’re used as weapons of war by General Qassem Soleimani, a renowned and beloved region- Back then, the Islamic Jihad released a statement, pledging to continue those risks (sic).” other means — even though their effectiveness is nil. al figure responsible for waging war successfully against in the footsteps of its assassinated commander in order to “complete the “(T)he foreign policy establishment here in Washington On November 10, Pompeo delivered the latest in his long U.S.-supported Daesh in Iraq. process of liberation of the entire beloved Palestine.” I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 6 HERITAGE & TOURISM NOVEMBER 16, 2020

Travel startups and efforts to survive coronavirus Female breadwinner

1 It’s time to embrace new technologies to solve prob- lems. Recent experiences have shown us many things that can go online. And it’s also the time to be well prepared to demonstrate crafters to receive support clear paths to try bright ideas. Consider that many aspects of the travel industry are already dominated by giant high-spending companies so that the ground TOURISM TEHRAN — The Minis- virus Control has recently approved a new is fertile to hit niche pockets of the industry as the best places to desktry of Cultural Heritage, support package to pay loans to businesses find new opportunities. Tourism, and Handicrafts and Keramat Razavi affected by the coronavirus pandemic. charity foundation have signed an agreement Depending on the type and activity of to support women heads of households who the businesses, they could benefit from at are active in the field of handicraft, especially least 160 million rials ($3,800 at the offi- during the coronavirus pandemic. cial rate of 42,000 rials) to nine billion rials The ministry has secured an agreement ($214,000) of bank loans with a 12-percent with the Keramat Razavi Foundation to ca- interest rate, deputy tourism chief Vali Tey- ter to low-interest loans, grants, domestic mouri announced on late in October. markets, and online sales to craftswoman The loans are planned to be allocated in particular breadwinner ones. to tourist guides, travel agencies, tourism A memorandum of understanding was transport companies, tourism educational inked in this regard by the deputy tourism institutions, eco-lodges and traditional ac- minister Pouya Mahmoudian and the CEO commodations, hotels, apartment hotels, of Keramat Razavi Foundation Mohammad motels, and guesthouses as well as traditional Hossein Ostadaqa on Saturday. accommodation centers, tourism complexes, According to deputy tourism minister and recreational centers. Pouya Mahmoudian, establishing handicraft In September, Teymouri pointed to the Online travel experience is a vast opportunity now, rather markets will be one of the most important 1.3 million tourism workers in the country, than just a showcase for new technology. Here is a gold oppor- measures to create sustainable jobs for ar- who are facing several issues due to the tunity: ground transportation, due to the virus limitations, is tisans. “In this line, an online exhibition of coronavirus crisis and said “This number, still largely ignored by the established players of the industry. handicrafts will be held in which all arti- in addition to their households, includes a Hygiene-based products will be more significant in the sans from across the country can offer their to the outbreak of coronavirus, suitcase ex- less developed areas of the country. significant population that makes a living future, even beyond a vaccine for the novel coronavirus, with products without the need to pay any fees.” ports of handicrafts were completely stopped The country exported $523 million worth through tourism, who are needed to be con- brands very sensible for healthy travels. The first phase of the plan will address since the month of Esfand (the last month of of handicrafts during the past calendar year sidered in ministry’s decisions.” In case of Iran, optimistic forecasts, expect the country women-headed households, whose jobs have the year), and official exports of handicrafts 1398 (ended March 19). Of the figure, some Back in April, the government announced would achieve a tourism boom after coronavirus contained, been affected by the coronavirus pandemic experienced a steep decline. $273 million worth of handicrafts were ex- it will support those which are grappling believing its impact would be temporary and short-lived for in the eight provinces of Khorasan Razavi, “Some 295 fields of handicrafts are cur- ported officially through customs, and about with fiscal problems by offering loans with a country that ranked the third fastest-growing tourism des- South Khorasan, North Khorasan, Kordestan, rently practiced across Iran with more than $250 million was earned via suitcase trade a 12-percent interest rate. The Ministry of tination in 2019. Sistan-Baluchestan, Khuzestan, Lorestan, two million people engaging, majority of (allowed for customs-free and tax-free trans- Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts and Golestan, CHTN reported. whom are women… Handicrafts also play fer) through various provinces, according also suggested a rescue package for tourism It aims to create and maintain jobs for an important role in the economy in our to data provided by the Ministry of Cultural businesses. The government has also allo- 1,500 people through allocating 80 billion rials rural villages,” she said. Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts. cated a 750-trillion-rial (about $18 billion) Special monument to be (some $1.9 million) to around 400 women In Iran, there are 3 million women-head- Support package approved for package to help low-income households and breadwinners, the report added. ed households, out of a total of 22 million corona-affected tourism businesses small- and medium-sized enterprises suffered built in memory of Professor Back in May, Mahmoudian noted that due families, and most of them can be found in The National Headquarters for Corona- by the coronavirus concerns. Mahmoud Hessabi

TOURISM TEHRAN — A special monument is planned deskto be constructed in memory of the renowned Archaeologist accentuates proper maintenance of Achaemenid ‘masterpiece’ Iranian nuclear physicist Professor Mahmoud Hessabi (1903 HERITAGE TEHRAN – A senior Iranian archae- rambid, and Kamin embrace the most number of water -1992) in his hometown Tafresh, central Markazi province. deskologist, who leads a survey examining structures being constructed during the Achaemenid era, A memorial monument for the ancient Bostan Khani Dam in southern Iran, has urged he said. the late professor will be con- the need for proper maintenance and conservation of the Karami explained that waterways and water transmis- structed adjacent to his tomb embankment monument that he describes as a “master- sion networks are another part of their water management with a budget of 10 billion rials piece” of architecture and water management in Achae- engineering, which is designed to bring water to the farthest ($238,000 at the official rate menid-era Iran. possible areas of the region. of 42,000 rials), the provincial “So far [valuable evidence of the] architectural structure “This way, a very large volume of satellite hills have been tourism chief announced on has been obtained with the aim of recognizing and realizing harvested… different parts of the rocks have been cut in Saturday, CHTN reported. the structure of the dam and its construction method,” the mountainous paths and excavated in the flatlands to a With the completion of Hamidreza Karami said, CHTN reported. large extent so that the result of this great work is what the the project, the monument He considered the monument the largest dam of the designers and implementers of this system thought, that is, could be promoted as one of Achaemenid period that has been identified so far, saying all areas related to the Achaemenid capital of Pasargadae SCO-registered Pasargadae, the dam was built during the the region’s tourist attractions, it measures a crown height of 21 meters, a length of 170 being benefited from water,” he explained. reign of Cyrus the Great. According to sources, archaeolo- he noted. meters, and a width of 70 meters. “Excavations and surveys on Bostan Khani Dam can gists believe that this unique work was designed to contain Professor Mahmoud Hess- According to the archaeologist, the embankment dam increase our knowledge and understanding of the meth- floods and store large amounts of water for public use as abi, one of the most popular is still a source of inspiration for modern architects and ods and techniques of dam construction and architectural well as use in agriculture and horticulture. Iranian scientists, was a pol- engineers. structure that is currently being practiced.” The embankment dam has been registered in the Na- ymath, with five bachelor’s The neighboring plains of Pasargadae, morqab, Khor- Located on a branch of the Polvar River, near the UNE- tional Heritage list. degrees in literature, civil engineering, mathematics, electrical engineering, and mining engineering. He also held a Ph.D. in physics. He was well acquainted with traditional Iranian music as well as classical Western music and played piano and violin skillfully. Online handicrafts expo eyeing overseas buyers He was a senator and the Minister of Education from 1951 TOURISM TEHRAN — The 34th World Crafts Council (WCC), as China of handicrafts were exported officially to 1952. He was also the founder of the Physics Faculty at desknational handicrafts with seven entries, Chile with four, and through customs, and about $250 million Tehran University. exhibition of Iran, which is being held India with three ones come next. was earned via suitcase trade (allowed On a trip to Princeton in 1947, he had the opportunity to virtually from November 3, is planning In late January, cities of Shiraz, Malay- for customs-free and tax-free transfer) meet Albert Einstein, discussing his scientific activities with to lay the ground for offering products to er, and Zanjan and the village of Qassem- through various provinces, according to him. He is considered the sole Iranian student of Einstein. foreign buyers. abad were designated by the WCC- Asia data provided by the Ministry of Cultural During his years of scientific research, he had meetings and “This issue is being studied and, if pos- Pacific Region, putting Iran’s number Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts. discussions with other well-known scientists as well, such sible, we are planning to provide the online of world crafts cities and villages from Ceramics, pottery vessels, handwoven as Erwin Schrodinger, Max Born, Enrico Fermi, Paul Dirac, shopping opportunity for people outside ten to 14. cloths as well as personal ornamenta- and Neils Bohr, and scholars such as Russell and Andre Gide. the country,” CHTN quoted tourism official The country exported $523 million tions with precious and semi-precious Khashayar Nikzadfar as saying on Sunday. worth of handicrafts during the past gemstones are traditionally exported to So far, 800 crafters with 2,800 products Iran ranks first globally in the number calendar year 1398 (ended March 19). Iraq, Afghanistan, Germany, the U.S., Historical mansions in have applied to attend the exhibition, he said. of cities and villages registered by the Of the figure, some $273 million worth the UK, and other countries. northern Iran demarcated

TOURISM TEHRAN – A total of fifteen historical deskbuildings have recently been demarcated Six lesser-known historical bridges in Iran in the city of Gomish Tape, northern Golestan province, in (Part ½) – is known as the homeland of Iran’s Historical Bridges. a bid to protect them from illegal constructions within their HERITAGE TEHRAN — The age-old, eye-catching Some archaeologists believe that after Egyptian pyramids, boundaries. deskbridges of Iran that have carried the sto- Lorestan’s stone bridges are the oldest stone structures from ries of hundreds of thousands of trampling feet throughout ancient times. history, should not be left out when talking about Iran’s The bridge, also called ‘Tagh-e Pil-Eshkesah’ is 312 meters tourist attractions. long and 10.75 meters high. It has 28 arches and 27 piles, Here is a brief look at some of the oldest and most im- each 61 square meters. Five of its arches are intact; the portant bridges in the ancient land: others have been destroyed by natural factors. The arches Gavmishan Bridge are shaped like wishbones. The piles and breakwaters are Another Sassanid bridge, Gavmishan (meaning buffa- in the form of six lateral lozenges made of stone. lo) is located 30 km from Pol-e-Dokhtar, on the border of It is thought that the bridge may also have been used to Lorestan and Ilam Province. The bridge is built from brick, distribute water. As construction materials, mainly river stone, and mortar over the Seymareh River. stones were used, with stone chips in the arches, and trun- Situated on the border of two provinces, it is officially cated stones in the piles. The floor is paved in red block regarded as one of the attractions of Ilam by Iran’s Cultural stones whose square shape has been eroded. Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism Organization (ICHHTO). Kashkan Bridge Historians attribute its name to the buffalo breeding A view of the ancient Gavmishan Bridge located 30 km Built over a river of the same name, Kashkan Bridge is tradition among the locals of the area, or to the Mythraist from Pol-e-Dokhtar, on the border of Lorestan and Ilam situated along the ancient route of Shapurkhast (today’s tradition, which holds the Buffalo in high regard. province. Khorramabad) to Tarhan, a district in Koudasht county Gavmishan is 175 meters long, over 8 meters wide. Only in Lorestan province. In the ancient writings, Kashkan is The demarcation projects also aimed at preserving the six of its arches survive. Gavmishan has the largest span Gondishapur, which persisted for several centuries after called Kazhaki. The local Lors of the region call it Kashkoo. structures, which are all inscribed on the National Heritage among all the bridges in Iran and is over 50 meters wide. the Sassanids, as a Muslim institute of higher learning. There are tablets with Kufic Arabic scripts on remains of list, CHTN reported. The whole construction is typical of the Sassanid style, Shapur I ordered the building of the bridge after defeating the bridge, dating back to the 9th century CE. According to Amongst the structures are Dolu House, Shirmohammadi but evidence of renovations during Safavid and Qajar can the Romans, to facilitate the transfer of captured Roman one script engraved on the base of the bridge was built in 392 House, Mostafaei House, and Talebi House, which are named also be seen. It was inscribed on the national heritage list soldiers, and for this reason, the bridge is also known as AH (around 10 century CE), but archaeological excavations after famed local owners, merchants, or dignitaries. in 1998 in the vicinity of Ilam province. Roman Bridge. and architectural evidence dates back to the Sassanid era. Golestan is reportedly embracing some 2,500 historical and The Old Bridge of Dezful The bridge has been renovated several times during It is thought that the date on the tablet could have been the natural sites, with UNESCO-registered Gonbad-e Qabus – a The Old Bridge of Dezful, or as it is famously known, the various dynasties, such as the Safavids. date of one of the early renovations. one-millennium-old brick tower – amongst its most famous. Sassanid Bridge, is the oldest bridge in the world, which Shapoori Bridge The bridge is 300 meters long, and originally had 11 Narratives say the tower has influenced various subsequent was in use till years ago. It connects the two eastern and Located in southern Khorramabad, Shapoori Bridge, columns and 12 arches, some parts of which are in a ruined designers of tomb towers and other cylindrical commemorative western sides of Dezful and was initially constructed in 260 another Sassanid bridge, connected the western part of state and have not survived. The highest point of the bridge structures both in the region and beyond. The UNESCO com- CE to connect Jondishapur to Mesopotamia, according to Lorestan to the east, and Khuzestan province and Ctesiphon, is 26 meters high and the lowest, 10. ments that the tower bears testimony to the cultural exchange irandeserts.com. the capital city of the Parthian and the Sassanid Empires. Kashkan Bridge is one the most spectacular attractions between Central Asian nomads and the ancient civilization Jondishapur or Gondishapur was the intellectual center Lorestan with more than 77 registered bridges from dif- of Lorestan province which is also registered on the list of of Iran. of the Sassanid Empire and the home of the academy of ferent eras of Iran history – ranging from Sassanid to Qajar National Heritage. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y NOVEMBER 16, 2020 SOCIETY 7

Diabetes prevention on closer Is the climate crisis pushing the world towards a ‘point consideration amid COVID-19 of no return’? If global greenhouse gas emissions stopped tomorrow, how much 1 About 90 percent of diabetics are as the largest group of this career. The world warmer would the world get? diagnosed with type 2 diabetes worldwide. nursing workforce is 27.9 million, more than It’s a question with no simple answer. Even if humans quit Education, self-care, and following a healthy 19.3 million of whom are professional nurses. polluting the world overnight, scientists say it would take many lifestyle, and using medication are effective About 90 percent of the nursing workforce decades for the Earth’s climate to reach a new equilibrium. This in controlling the disease. are women. is largely linked to how heat is stored in the world’s oceans, which Type 2 diabetes is preventable and in National diabetic week can, in turn, have an influence on air temperatures. some cases can be cured early. Lack of In Iran, the national diabetic week is Matters might be complicated further by potential “tipping access to insulin, failure to early diagnosis held on November 14-20 in the light of the points” in nature that might be triggered by global warming, the of type 1 diabetes leading to diabetic COVID-19 pandemic. Independent reported. ketoacidosis is a common cause of death The health ministry has assigned each day For example, rising temperatures are causing permafrost, in children and adolescents. of the week with a special theme as follows: frozen ground found in high northern latitudes that stores vast Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, Saturday, November 14: the role of self- amounts of carbon, to thaw out. This thawing causes more carbon kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, and lower care in the control of diabetes to be released into the atmosphere, which, in turn, is adding to limb amputation. A healthy diet, physical Sunday, November 15: the role of nurses rising temperatures. There is a worry that such positive “feedback activity, and avoiding tobacco use can prevent in the diagnosis and control of diabetes loops” could ultimately lead to rapid heating, and limiting global or delay type 2 diabetes. In addition, diabetes Monday, November 16: 100th anniversary warming is important for avoiding such feedbacks. can be treated and its consequences avoided of discovering insulin A new study, published today in the journal Scientific Reports, or delayed with medication, regular screening, Tuesday, November 17: the role of health makes the bold claim that, hypothetically speaking, we could and treatment for complications. workers and health ambassadors in diabetes “already [be] past a point of no return for global warming”. Nurses play a vital role prevention and control education Using a simplistic mathematical model, it simulates what Nurses currently account for over half of the Wednesday, November 18: the role of digital would happen in a hypothetical world where greenhouse gas global health workforce. They do outstanding technology in self-care and diabetes control emissions were stopped in 2020. It finds that, in the simulations, work to support people living with a wide range nurses with the skills to support them. Healthcare providers and governments Thursday, November 19: the role of the world continues to heat up for hundreds of years as a result of health concerns. People who either live with As the number of people with diabetes must recognize the importance of investing healthy nutrition and physical activity in of positive feedback loops such as permafrost thaw. diabetes or are at risk of developing the condition continues to rise across the world, the role of in education and training. With the right the prevention and control of diabetes However, leading climate scientists from across the UK and need their support too. nurses and other health professional support expertise, nurses can make a difference for Friday, November 20: the role of optimal beyond have urged people to take the results of the new study People living with diabetes face a number staff becomes increasingly important in people affected by diabetes. diabetes control in reducing the risk of with extreme caution. of challenges, and education is vital to equip managing the impact of the condition. Nurses make up 59 percent of health workers COVID-19 complications Prof Richard Betts MBE, chair of climate impacts of the University of Exeter and the Met Office, told The Independent: “Having talked to various colleagues, we don’t think there’s any First identity card issued for child born Mashhad to host national festival on credibility in the model. “Feedbacks are important. The possibility of eventually be- to Iranian mother, foreign father water, hydraulics coming committed to long-term climate change is important. But there is no real evidence that this has already happened.” SOCIETY TEHRAN — Thanks SOCIETY TEHRAN — The Because the model used in the new study is simplistic, it does not desk desk to the child citizenship first national festival well simulate important climate feedback loops, Prof Betts explains. law, the first identity card has recently of water and hydraulics inventions will In addition to permafrost thaw, the melting of Arctic sea ice is been issued for a child born to an Iranian be held at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad also an important potential feedback. Warming of the world’s oceans mother and a foreign father. on January 17-18, 2021. and atmosphere is causing the ice to melt at an astonishing rate. “Thanks to efforts made to approve With the support of the Vice Presidency Bright white ice reflects away sunlight, and, once it disappears, and implement the law, the first Ira- for Science and Technology, the event aims the exposed dark ocean begins to absorb more sunlight, heating nian identity card was issued for a at identifying innovators in this field to the ocean further – leading to further ice melting. child born to an Iranian mother and enter the industry. Though this feedback is important to take into considera- a foreign father,” Masoumeh Ebtekar, This festival will be held concurrent tion, the model used in the new study does not well simulate vice president for women’s and family with the 19th National Hydraulic Confer- how it works, says Prof Betts. affairs, wrote on her Twitter account nian men who were born before or after ence with the aim of commercializing the Particular issues include the costs and The results also stand in contradiction with the findings of on Saturday. the law can be an Iranian citizen in case top inventions in the water industry and benefits of alternative environmental the upcoming assessment report from the Intergovernmental Mansour Haji, director of citizens the Iranian mother requested if they awarding the first three top projects. policies to deal with air pollution, water Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), an independent group made and foreign immigrants of Tehran gov- have no security problem before the The event, supported by the National quality, toxic substances, solid waste, and up of the world’s leading climate scientists. ernorate, said that through the imple- age of 18. Elites Foundation and the specialized work- global warming, he suggested. “The results presented in the paper are interesting but are mentation of the child citizenship law, These children, after reaching ing group on water, drought, soil erosion, Environmental economics emphasizes really at odds with the science community’s understanding of 18,300 applicants have been registered the age of 18, can apply for Iranian and environment of the Vice Presidency strong sustainability and rejects the propo- how the climate is changing,” says Prof James Renwick, head of on the website for citizenship. citizenship if not requested by the for Science and Technology, is organized sition that human-made (physical) capital the school of geography, environment and earth sciences at the Of the people who requested citizen- mother, then will be granted Irani- by the Iranian Hydraulic Association. can substitute for natural capital, he added. Victoria University of Wellington. ship, 1,551 cases have been approved for an citizenship in case of no security Technology dealing with envi- “We can never have an environ- “The latest round of climate model simulations show that the issuance of Iranian identity cards, problem. ronmental issues ment-based economy if we do not price if greenhouse gas emissions were to stop immediately, there is and 1,400 cases are awaiting approval, The United Nations High Commis- In September, Sourena Sattari, the vice environmental problems, and the gov- likely to be very little further increase in temperatures and no he stated. sioner for Refugees also has welcomed president for science and technology, told ernment must enter to tackle any issues, sign of warming resuming in future.” He went on to add that now the first the law as a step toward reducing state- the Tehran Times that the knowledge-based but when there is an economic solution, The models used by the IPCC are more advanced and better Iranian identity card in the country was lessness around the world. firms have so far been developing advanced people will engage and the issue is solved able to simulate the behaviour of the Earth’s feedback loops, says issued for a child. Worldwide, statelessness affects mil- technologies to address different environ- sustainably. Prof Mark Maslin, a climate scientist at University College London. In October 2019, the Guardian Coun- lions of people, leaving them without mental issues, such as wastewater treatment, For example, to control a sand and “These results do need to be confirmed by more complex cil ratified a bill amending the law on the basic rights and official recognition water purification, fighting sand and dust dust storm hotspot, if the government climate models used in the IPCC reports, because these results conferring citizenship on children born that most of us take for granted. Some storms, alternative cultivation patterns, etc. enters, it can solve the problem by mulch- come from one model which has not undergone the rigorous cross to an Iranian mother and a foreign fa- 3.9 million stateless people appear Hi-tech tackling environmental issues ing for a while, but if businesses enter, checking and testing that is usual for climate models,” he says. ther regardless of where they are born. in the reporting of 78 countries, but highly depend on environmental econom- an economic aspect will be formed and In their paper, the authors note the simplicity of their According to article one of the law, UNHCR believes the true total to be ics which is a sub-category of economics they can generate revenue and counter model by saying that they “encourage other model builders children of Iranian women and non-Ira- significantly higher. concerned with environmental issues. the environmental problems.” to explore our discovery in their [bigger] models, and report on their findings”. It is important to understand that it is not too late to take actions Iran, Russia to hold first joint sociology conference to address the climate crisis, says Prof Betts: “I really wouldn’t SOCIETY TEHRAN — The first joint Iran-Russia economic, and demographic dimensions of the two countries’ Iranian Sociological Association, will make a short speech. want people to take [the research paper] seriously and start get- deskSociology Forum will be held online in development in the context of global challenges (including The first social atlas of Iran and Russia will also be un- ting worried that the climate catastrophe is now unavoidable.” Moscow on November 16-18, IRNA reported. the coronavirus epidemic). veiled at the conference. Claims that the world is “doomed” to suffer extremely high Organized by the Russian Academy of Sciences, the On the first day, at the opening ceremony of the forum, Nahal The officials and representatives of the two countries levels of warming can be detrimental to global efforts to tackle the conference aims to exchange views and discuss the social, Naficie, commissioner of the International cooperation of the will participate in the event and make speeches. climate crisis, explains Leo Barasi, author of the Climate Majority. “Claims the world is irreversibly doomed to runaway warming, and no amount of emission cuts can help us, can always find an audience, just like claims that climate change is nothing to worry Scientists link record-breaking hurricane season to climate crisis about,” he told The Independent. Climate scientists say that this year’s re- year, but the strength, rapid intensification first with Hurricane Mitch, and in recent Subsistence farmers in the region have “But these assertions usually rest on outlying studies or data cord-breaking hurricane season and the and total rainfall of these weather systems. years with more extreme weather patterns, struggled to adapt to the new reality, and that’s been taken out of context and ignore all the opposing evidence. “unprecedented” double blow for Central “The warmer ocean waters that climate particularly in what’s known as the dry cor- many in the region have simply given up and America has a clear link to the climate crisis. change brings are expected to make the strong- ridor, which extends from northern Costa left. The climate crisis – and the hunger it LET’S LEARN PERSIAN “In a 36-hour period [Eta] went from a er storms stronger and make them rapidly Rica all the way to southern Mexico. brings – is increasingly being recognized as a depression to a very strong category 4,” said intensify more frequently and at a greater “Heat is energy,” said Masters. “Depending major driver of emigration from the region. (Part 58) (Source: saadifoundation.ir) Bob Bunting, CEO of the non-profit Climate rate,” said Dr Jeff Masters, a meteorologist on the prevailing weather conditions you’re “I don’t see a lot of options for Central Adaptation Center. “That is just not normal. and contributor to Yale Climate Connections. going to intensify those conditions.” America to deal with the global warming Probably it was the fastest spin up from a “These things have already been observed, In the dry corridor, that has meant more issue,” said Masters. “There are going to be depression to a major hurricane in history.” particularly in the Atlantic, and it’s going frequent, prolonged and intense droughts as a lot migrants and in fact, a lot of the migra- The evidence of the influence of the climate to be increasingly so in coming decades.” well as heavier rainfall when it does come, tion that’s already happening in recent years crisis is not so much in the record-breaking Central America has been one of the regions often causing flash flooding that washes is due to the drought that started affecting 30 tropical storms in the Atlantic so far this most affected by the climate crisis to date, away crops. Central America back in 2015.”

ENGLISH IN USE LEARN NEWS TRANSLATION

برگزاری همایش اوتیسم در تهران Tehran to host autism conference The 4th conference on autism disorder with a theme of empowering چهارمیــن همایــش »اُتیســم، توانمندســازی نیــروی انســانی و خانــواده« اول .human resources and families will be held in Tehran on February 20 اســفند مــاه در تهــران برگــزار می شــود. The event is organized by the Charity Foundation for Special ایــن همایــش توســط بنیــاد امــور بیماریهــای خــاص و بــا مشــارکت ,Diseases in cooperation with the Special Education Organization ســازمان آمــوزش و پــرورش اســتثنایی، وزارت بهداشــت، ســازمان بهزیســتی، the Ministry of Health, the Welfare Organization and the Health و انجمــن روانشناســی ســامت ایــران برگــزار می شــود. .Psychology Association Empowering human resources, discussing academic topics revolving محورهــای ایــن همایــش، وضعیــت منابــع انســانی و ســرفصلهای دانشــگاهی around autism, and describing the parent’s role in promoting and حــوزه اوتیســم در ایــران و نقــش والدیــن در ارتقــاء و بهبــود وضعیــت افــراد improving the autistic patient’s condition will be among the subjects بــا اختــاالت طیــف اوتیســم اســت. .to be discussed in the conference Prayer Times Noon:11:49 Evening: 17:16 Dawn: 5:15 (tomorrow) Sunrise: 6:42 (tomorrow) NOVEMBER 16, 2020 ART&CULTURE I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y www.tehrantimes.com Managing Director: Mohammad Shojaeian Editor-in-Chief: Ali A.Jenabzadeh

Editorial Dept.: Fax: (+98 21) 88808214 — 88808895 IIDCYA publishes encyclopedia [email protected] Switchboard Operator: Tel: (+98 21) 43051000 Advertisements Dept.: Telefax: (+98 21) 43051430 Public Relations Office: Tel: (+98 21) 88805807 Subscription & Distribution Dept.: Tel: (+98 21) 43051603 of stories on Yalda Night Printed at: Jame Jam Bartar Borna - 44197737 CULTURE TEHRAN — An The collection is available at the IIDCYA deskencyclopedia containing bookstores. Tehrantimes79 Tehrantimes79 Tehrantimes79 studies on traditional Persian stories about Yalda, the last evening of autumn and Yalda Night, the longest night of the year, has the beginning of winter is a ceremonious, No. 18, Bimeh Alley, Nejatollahi St., Tehran, Iran recently been published by the Intellectual auspicious time for Iranians and lovers of P.o. Box: 14155-4843 Development of Children and Young Adults Iranian traditions everywhere on earth. Zip Code: 1599814713 (IIDCYA) in Tehran. Nationally called “Shab-e Yalda” or “Encyclopedia of Studies on Stories about “Shab-e-Chelleh”, it literally means the Yalda” has been published in 16 volumes, night of the forty. This refers to the first which contain over 8,000 stories collected forty days of winter that are often the coldest by a team of 70 experts, researchers and and toughest to bear. editors under the leadership of Ali Khanjani The story of Yalda may perhaps be within five years. interpreted as a tale of courage and effort All the stories in this collection have during darkness, a triumph of light and been collected from over 220 different human warmth that ultimately causes the sources, Khanjani has said. spring to bloom in hearts. GUIDE TO “The collection also contains detailed People on Yalda Night are usually SPIRITUAL AWAKENING information about the original narrators, served with fresh fruits and a mixture of writers and collectors, and the primary and dry fruits, seeds and nuts in floral bowls. To Do not wish to be like anyone except in two cases. secondary messages of the stories,” he said. Iranians, fruits are reminders of abundance The first is a person, whom Allah has given wealth “Other information such as prayers, in summer. Watermelon and pomegranates, oaths and curses are also offered in this as symbols of bounty, are the traditional & he spends it righteously; (the second is) the one A poster for “Encyclopedia of Studies on Stories about Yalda” published by the collection,” he added. Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults. fresh fruits of this night. It is believed that whom Allah has given wisdom and he acts according “Introducing the hidden values of eating watermelon before the arrival of to it and teaches it to others. Persian culture in the venerable tales to Thompson Uther Index (ATU Index). into English, revised and expanded by winter can immunize the body against Prophet Muhammad (S) international assemblies, world researchers The ATU Index is the product of a American folklorist Stith Thompson illness. and folklorists are among the main goals series of revisions and expansions by an (1928, 1961), and later further revised and Following a hot dinner, many people of this collection,” he noted. international group of scholars, originally expanded by German folklorist Hans-Jorg often recite poetry, narrate stories, chant, He added that each story has its composed in German by Finnish folklorist Uther (2004). The ATU Index is an essential play musical instruments or just chat cozily Ebrahim Hatamikia fills own international code based on Aarne Antti Aarne (1910). The index was translated tool for folklorists. until midnight or so. in for director in TV series on Moses (AS) Cinéma Vérité to spotlight Chilean documentary cinema 1 In a press release published on Sunday, IRIB announced that the 14th edition of the major Iranian documentary The movie is about Salvador Guillermo Allende that it has reached an agreement with Hatamikia to implement festival will review the Chilean documentary cinema Gossens who was a Chilean physician and politician, the project after two months of negotiations. during a special program. better known as the first Marxist to become president He is currently rewriting the screenplay to commence making A lineup of top documentaries from Chilean of a Latin American country through open elections. the series as soon as possible. filmmakers will be screened and reviewed by critics The festival earlier announced that it will review Speaking to IRIB, Hatamikia called his agreement for making and film experts during the festival, which will be held a selection of documentaries acclaimed at 2020 the series a debt of gratitude to Salahshur and added, “In addition, totally online during December due to a spike in the international events across the world in a special among the numerous stories I’ve made, I see there is an absence of a COVID-19 cases in the country. section named “World’s Best”. Quranic story, therefore, I fervently take on this heavy responsibility.” Documentaries by Chilean filmmakers have been Due to the pandemic, the organizers have made changes Hatamikia has previously made the TV series “The Red Soil” screened in the various categories of previous editions in the festival’s regular program this year. and “The Green Ring” for IRIB. of the festival, which will also be non-competitive this year. Accordingly, they plan to organize a review of movies “The City of Photographers” (“La Ciudad de los acclaimed in previous editions of the festival. Fotógrafos”) by Sebastian Moreno competed in the 1st In addition, a lineup of documentaries on the pandemic edition of the festival in 2007. and COVID-19 will be screened in a special category, The film, which was selected as best feature documentary which has so far received over 130 submissions. at the festival, is a photographic indictment of the Pinochet The four top works selected in this category will be dictatorship brilliantly captured by the photography and honored at the closing ceremony, while the international A poster for the Cinéma Vérité festival. the camera work of David Bravo and Sebastian Moreno. section of the festival is non-competitive this year. The 9th edition of the Cinéma Vérité festival also A highlight of this year’s festival is a virtual master ARTTEHRAN — The Documentary and screened Chilean filmmaker Marcia Tambutti Allende’s class that will be held by Polish filmmaker Hanna Polak. desk Experimental Film Center (DEFC) as the “Beyond My Grandfather Allende” in the international She will be discussing filmmaking in a crisis at the main organizers of Cinéma Vérité announced on Sunday competition. master class.

Director Ebrahim Hatamikia attends a press conference after Iran’s “Eaten” wins honorable mention at Golden Beggar filmfest the premiere of his movie “Exodus” during the 38th Fajr Film Festival at Tehran’s Mellat Cineplex on February 7, 2020. ARTTEHRAN — Iranian so many of us say about relationships: for Local Television went to “I Need the desk (Jamaran.ir/Fatemeh Rajezi) director Mohsen ‘It’s complicated’,” the statement added. Handshakes”, a co-production between Producer Seyyed Ahmad Miralai also said that a team is Rezapur’s short movie “Eaten” has won Produced at Iran’s Experimental and Poland and Belarus by Andrei Kutsila. currently searching for an appropriate actor to cast in the role an honorable mention at the 26th Golden Documentary Film Center, “Eaten” has “The Saverini Widow” by French of the Prophet Moses (AS). Beggar International Film Festival in been screened at numerous festivals director Loic Gaillard won the Grand Prix He also noted that a cast of Iranian and foreign actors will Slovakia. around the world. Golden Beggar Award for Production be working in the serial, which will be produced in 50 episodes. The story of “Eaten” is set on a In March 2019, it won the special jury Company. In 2018, when Shurjeh was selected to replace Salahshur mysterious, unknown planet, where a award at the 11th Tehran International Austrian director Martin Winter’s in the TV series, IRIB announced that that the script of 44 rabbit-like creature is eaten by a wolf. Animation Festival, which is organized “Day Release” received the Grand Prix episodes of the project had been written by a cleric named It meets another rabbit-like creature by the Institute for Intellectual Golden Beggar Award for Young Author. Hojjatoleslam Saeid Bahmanpur. in the wolf’s stomach and they begin a Development of Children and Young German director Emanuel Rotstein’s In addition, Shurjeh had spoken about his plan to pick an new life with each other, but that’s not Adults every year. “The Invisible Line” co-produced by the the end of the story. The Golden Beggar International German History Channel was honored obscure stage actor who was familiar with Quranic teachings “Eaten” by Iranian director Mohsen Rezapur. to star as Prophet Moses (AS). “A surreal voyage into the outside of Film Festival took place in Kosice, the by the Association of Serbian Journalists. its own, where you might be safer inside In a meeting with Salahshur in 2011, Egyptian actor Abdel the inside, over and over again,” the jury largest city in eastern Slovakia, from Children’s jury award for best animation rather than outside. Until you end up Aziz Makhyoun had said that he was eager to play the role of wrote in its statement for the movie. November 5 to 7. went to “Thatching Eggs” by Max Marlow inside again, and so on, ad infinitum. As the Prophet Moses (AS). “An animated film with a logic all of The Grand Prix Golden Beggar Award from the United Kingdom.

Iranian platform to stream “Sleep No More”, “Homa and Sisters” receive nominations at LA Asian Film Festival “Cinema Donkey” ARTTEHRAN — Iranian films “Sleep No “Homa and Sisters” is about Homa, a depressed girl deskMore” and “Homa and Sisters” have whose lonely life has left her mentally disturbed and ARTTEHRAN — Upera, a major Iranian platform received nominations at the 2nd Annual Golden Diamond confused. To escape her loneliness, she is living with the desk for online movie screening, will be streaming Awards of the Asian Film Festival in Los Angeles. false memories that she has borrowed from her sisters’ the Iranian comedy “Cinema Donkey” directed by Shahed Written by Iman Davari, “Sleep No More” was nominated lives. Although this mind-boggling adventure is enjoyable Ahmadlu next month. for the Golden Diamond Award for best screenplay, while Sahra at first, she gradually learns to live with a past that is Starring Mohammadreza Davudnejad, Hassan Rezai and Asadollahi received a nomination in the best actress category as uncertain and ambiguous as her future. She cannot Puria Shakibai, the movie satirizes professional misconduct for her role in “Homa and Sisters” by Homa Bazrafshan. tolerate it and decide to finish this mental adventure but in Iranian cinema. It is about the making of a movie and the The 2nd Golden Diamond Awards announced the this is not mental anymore. need to find a donkey for the shoot. nominees last week. The virtual festival ceremony will Other nominees in the best screenplay category are go on stream on the official website of the festival. “Allegiance” written by Phillip Hollins, “Klaus; Witch “Sleep No More” centers on the year 2221. A year in Killer” by Christopher Joseph Washington and “StarPeople: the future when the impossible has become possible. Our Evolution” by Kelly LaCombe, all from the U.S., To free the society from evil and immoralities, the Sleep and “Whispers in the Wind” by Ensadi Djoko Santoso Golden Triangle, controlled by Father, runs a program from Indonesia. in which people work in sleep and help Father control A poster for “Sleep No More”. The nominees for the best actress award are Zicheng people’s minds, thoughts and dreams. Therefore, sleep Father, black box and people. Li for “A Sunburnt Summer” from the U.S., Nhi Do for time has become the common currency to pay for the Davari received first prize in the screenplay competition “Hope And Grace” from Canada, Sofiee Ng for “Apart” things you buy or the services you get. The symbol of of the Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival from China and Hong Kong, and Jessica Park for “Trust the Sleep Golden Triangle consists of three concepts: (RIIFF) for “Sleep No More” in 2019. Me” from France.

A scene from “Cinema Donkey” directed by Shahed Ahmadlu. Bernd Schroeder’s “We’re All There” published in Persian The movie has been acclaimed in several festivals. It won CULTURE TEHRAN — A Persian Ines and Michael, his parents, actually never Bernd Schroeder writes about the people the Corall d’Or for best picture at the 6th Begur International desktranslation of Bernd wanted to meet again. whom no one chooses, but who determine Comedy Film Festival in the Costa Brava, a coastal region of Schroeder’s “We’re All There” (Wir sind Else and Ferdinand are the grandparents everyone’s life. Catalonia in northeastern Spain in October. doch alle da) has recently been published with whom Benny has lived for a long time. Schroeder was born in Aussig, the The dark comedy was showcased during the Cannes Film by Fanus Publications in Tehran. His friend Willi found him after he went to Czech Republic. He lives in Berlin. As Market – Marché du Film during May 2019. The book has been translated into Persian the ski hut alone. They all stand there with the author and director of numerous radio “How Much Do You Want to Cry?” is Ahmadlu’s feature-length by Mahshid Mir-Moezzi. their memories and conflicts, new jealousies and television plays, he received the Adolf film debut. His credits include the short films “The Crew”, “Charlie The story is about Benny who is sixteen. and old arguments. Grimme Prize in 1986 and the German Is Sad”, “The Photographer’s Studio”, “The Watchtower”, “The After an accident, he lies unconscious in the The story leads the readers to wonder Film Prize in 1992. Young Directors” and a number of mini-documentaries made hospital. People who otherwise have little to who will be waiting for Benny when he finally “Old Love”, “To America” and “Waiting Cover of the Persian translation of Bernd behind the scenes of other films. do with each other gather around his bed, wakes up again. Moving, with wit and irony, for Goebbels” are among his other books. Schroeder’s “We’re All There”.