IRGC and Velayateh Faqih CI: Iran’s sovereign Iranian rower Fajr foreign guests 21112under heaviest media attacks 4 ratings affirmed, Mahsa Javar advances visit Farabi Cinema

NATION from enemies: general ECONOMY with a ‘stable’ outlook SPORTS to Olympics ART& CULTURE Foundation

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12 Pages Price 10,000 Rials 37th year No.12536 Monday APRIL 25, 2016 Ordibehesht 6, 1395 Rajab 17, 1437 Iran designing Iran might 2MW wind turbine: Leader: Independent states still outwit SUNA chief should come closer together the Saudis SUNA in talks with foreigners to persuade POLITICAL TEHRAN — Su- ceived on Sunday the visiting South the expansion of economic and on Oil investment in renewable energies deskpreme Leader African President Jacob Zuma dur- political ties between Tehran and By Julian Lee EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei re- ing which the Leader highlighted Pretoria. By Ali Kushki ran’s oil exports are growing Imuch more quickly than analysts TEHRAN — Within the coming decade, Iran will be see- See page 2 predicted back in January when ing numerous wind turbine installations, and wind actually sanctions were eased. If the recovery coming in as a source of new electricity capacity in the continues at its recent pace, it could years to come. raise an interesting dilemma at OPEC’s At investors’ disposal are enough land, wind, security, next meeting in June. long-term customer, eye-catching market, and finally joint April actual assumes higher exports partnership. These are Dr. Mohammad Satkin’s remarks, have come from increased production, head of the Waves and Wind Energy Department of the not storage. Renewable Energy Organization of Iran (SUNA). As Bloomberg reported earlier this Could it be any better than this?! Of course not. month, Iran exported more than 2 mil- Satkin tells the Tehran Times that there is no reason lion barrels per day of crude during the why Iran cannot turn into a wind energy heaven as the first half of April -- a figure calculated post-sanction era has wetted the appetite of investors, Eu- from tracking ships loading at Iranian ropeans the most, to flock to Iran. export terminals. This compares with In what follows, the transcript of the interview with 1.45 million barrels a day in March. SUNA director has been given: Neither figure includes the country’s What’s your assessment of wind and waves exports of condensate (a type of light energy capacity nominally and operationally? oil recovered from gas fields). A: We can say wind accounts for almost all energy gen- If we add the volume of oil refined erated from renewableewable rresourcesesources in Iran -- estimated at about 1.6 mil- in Iran which standsnds atat llessess ththanan Leader.ir lion barrels per day -- to the exports, 200 megawatts. EElectricitylectricity ggen-en- we get a total daily crude supply of eration from wavesaves is zero for about 3.6 million barrels. Keep that a number of reasons,asons, includinincludingg number in mind. economic considerations.derations. Iran, South Africa sign eight co-op agreements When oil producers, led by Ven- Unlike high seaa waves ezuela and Russia, began to talk in England or Canada,Canada, POLITICAL TEHRAN — On Sun- industry, fight against money-launder- cob Zuma who arrived in Tehran on about an output freeze back in Feb- here in Iran sea wawavesves deskday, Iran and South ing, culture, and art. Sunday for a two-day visit at the head ruary, Iran made it very clear that it are low, makingg it Africa signed eight cooperation docu- The agreements were signed at the of 180-strong delegation including six wouldn’t participate until it restored less cost-effective.e. ments in trade, economy, joint invest- presence of President Hassan Rouhani ministers. production to pre-sanctions levels. See page 10 ment, management of water resources, and his South African counterpart Ja- 2 4

Iranian troupe to perform Some in U.S. believe S. Arabia was involved in 9/11 attacks: professor Senior diplomat: play on aftermath of Nazi INTERVIEW why does the administration warn to have the same strategic value it once Iran not occupation of Paris By Javad Heirannia veto it? had, but Saudi Arabia is still viewed by A: It is not just the Republicans who Washington as a significant linchpin of recognizing seizure ARTTEHRAN – An Iranian troupe led by direc- TEHRAN — “There are several people are pushing for the passage of this bill. its policies in the Persian Gulf and the of assets by U.S. desktor Masud Musavi plans to stage “October in the United States who believe that There are many Democrats who also fa- surrounding regions. 1942, Paris”, which is about the aftermath of the Nazi occu- Saudi Arabia was involved in the 9/11 vor it. There are several people in the In the recent summit between TEHRAN (Tasnim) — A top Iranian pation of Paris during World War Two. attacks,” a South Alabama University United States who believe that Saudi the U.S. and (P)GCC leaders in Riyadh diplomat deplored the U.S. decision to professor says. Arabia was involved in the 9/11 attacks, the sides agreed on the common seize the Central Bank of Iran’s assets However, Nader Entessar tells the and they are asking for the release of patrol forces against Iran. While the in an American bank, saying Tehran Tehran Times that Saudi Arabia “is still the classified 25-plus pages of the 9/11 (P)GCC tries to impose a “common reserves the right to take any neces- viewed by Washington as a significant report that may shed light on the pos- defense agreement” such as NATO sary legal action for reimbursement. linchpin of its policies in the Persian Gulf sible Saudi involvement. We need to on the U.S., will the common patrol Hamid Baeidinejad, the director gen- and the surrounding regions.” keep in mind that Saudi Arabia has forces be a huge achievement for the eral for political and international affairs Following is the text of the interview: powerful supporters in the U.S. who will Arab bloc? at the foreign ministry, wrote a note on The White House signaled on fight against the passage of such a bill. A: This may carry important sym- Saturday after the U.S. Supreme Court April 16 that President Obama would Some argue that Saudi Arabia bolism for the GCC states, but in prac- upheld the Congress and President Ba- veto a legislation to allow Americans has lost its strategic importance to tical terms the common patrol forces rack Obama’s actions to hold Iran finan- to sue the Saudi government for any the U.S. Do you agree with such a are nothing new. However, such joint cially responsible for the 1983 bombing role Riyadh officials played in the view? patrols may increase the possibility of that killed 241 Marines at their barracks Sept. 11 terror attacks. Why do Re- A: I only partially agree with this unintended incidents and heighten ten- in the Lebanese capital, Beirut. publicans try to approve this bill and assessment. Riyadh may no longer sion in the region. The ruling allows the families of the Marines and victims of other attacks A poster for “October 1942, Paris” that courts have linked to Iran to seize The play written by Milad Hosseini will go on stage at Teh- Iran’s central banker: No restriction for international banking activities some $2 billion in assets held in New York’s Citibank, belonging to the Cen- ran’s City Theater Complex on May 8. TEHRAN (IRNA) — The governor of by Iran and South Africa in the past, in- “October 1942, Paris” is about the life a noble Parisian tral Bank of Iran (CBI), which has been the Central Bank of Iran said on Sunday cluding the MTN company . “We should blocked under U.S. sanctions. family, which is deeply affected by the Nazi occupation. that there is no restriction for Iran’s inter- try to provide such issues with full bank- A cast composed of Shiva Khosromehr, Masumeh Aqajani, In his note, Baeidinejad underlined national banking activities, except for the ing support.” that Iran will “by no means” recognize Reyhaneh Salamat, Saleh Mirza-Aqai, Rasul Naqavi and Far- U.S. banks. The CBI governor said small and had Safaju will perform the play. the U.S. move, and reserves the right Valiollah Seif made the remarks in a medium-sized banks have no problems to get its money back through any le- meeting with South African Minister of with ties with Iranian banks. gal and international procedure. Uruguayan VP to lead Finance, Pravin Gordhan. “Big banks fear and doubt hav- The diplomat further criticized the The CBI governor said that the ing banking relations with Iran due to previous Iranian administration, under trade mission to Iran Iran-5+1 accord has lifted all sanc- high and the requisite for it is regulating penalties of the U.S. and it has made former president Mahmoud Ahmad- tions related to Iran”s nuclear pro- banking relations and preparing facilities normalization of banking relations inejad, for purchasing U.S. govern- ECONOMY Uruguayan Vice-President Raul Fernando gram but the previous sanctions for bilateral economic activities. sluggish.” ment bonds when a number of cases deskSendic Rodriguez, leading a trade delega- prior to the nuclear dispute are still “So, we are ready for preparatory On Iran-U.S. recent discussions, were being filed against Iran in the U.S. tion, is scheduled to arrive in Iran today to discuss ways for remaining which have nothing to do works and invite South African banks to he said the topics led the U.S. Sec- and the CBI’s assets in the American boosting bilateral ties with senior Iranian officials. with the nuclear talks. resume banking relations and open up retary of State John Kerry to say in banks were under constant threat of A wide range of topics, including oil exports, cooperation He said that Iran and South Africa mutual accounts.” a demand to foreign banks to have being seized. in building petrochemical refineries, promotion of joint ven- have satisfactory banking relations and “We consider South Africa as hub of cooperation with Iranian banks. Seif He also criticized the former cabi- tures as well as customs, shipping, and scientific relations will that under sanctions, there were rupture the African continent which can serve as quoted Kerry as announcing that any net fforor imimprudenceprudenc and lack of be discussed by the two sides, Tasnim reported. in bilateral relations which the two sides a gateway of banking relations with the bank doubting in this concern can actionaction to pupullll outo the coun- During his three-day visit, the Uruguayan official will meet should strive for better times due to res- entire continent.” contact Washington. try’stry’s fifinancialnancial resources in Majlis speaker Ali Larijani, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad olution of the dispute and the sanctions He hoped for resumption of banking He referred to ratification of a law on thethe U.S.U.S. Zarif, Agriculture Minister Mahmoud Hojjati, Industry Minister were lifted. and economic relations between Iran campaign against financial support for InIn 2012, theth U.S. Con- Mohammadreza Ne’matzadeh, and Energy Minister Hamid He noted that Iran-South Africa eco- and South Africa at an extensive level terrorism and said very positive steps gressgress ppassed a law Chitchian. nomic cooperation capacity is in a very and said good investments were made were taken in this respect. thatthat specifical- ly directedd the TEHRAN TIMES AmericanAm bank Iran’s Leading International Daily VP calls knowledge-based economy linchpin of resistance economy to turn over POLITICAL TEHRAN — First a ceremony held to open the 4th exhi- the country will be managed based on thet Iranian deskVice President Es’haq bition of laboratory materials in Tehran. knowledge and the universities will be assetsa to vic- Advertising Dept Jahangiri said on Sunday that knowl- He added that “precise approaches” the main infrastructure of this to hap- tims’t fami- 021- 430 51 450 edge-based economy is the “linchpin” should be adopted to reach a knowl- pen,” he said. lies.lie Obama Te l : of the resistance economy. edge-based economy. He urged the government to help alalsoso entered the Being “knowledge-based” and “jus- “The knowledge-based economy equip the universities. bbattleattle in an effort ttoo fforceo the pay- [email protected] tice-based” form the cornerstones of means that our industry, agriculture Jahangiri also called “science” the the resistance economy, he said during and oil will be knowledge-based and basis of national development. mementsn on Iran. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y NATION 2 AAPRILPRIL 225,5, 22016016 http://www.tehrantimes.com/international

MEDIA MONITOR Iran, South Africa sign eight co-op Saudis putting turns and twists into Hajj: agreements Iran We will never forget friends of the sanctions time, Rouhani says

TEHRAN — The outcome of the recent talks be- 1 In a joint press conference Rouhani contracts with Iran yet the Islamic Republic tween Tehran and Riyadh on issuing visa to Iranian and Zuma also insisted on the need to will not forget the friends of sanctions time. pilgrims to visit Saudi Arabia for Hajj ritual remains strengthen ties now that sanctions against “We will never forget our amicable unclear, Iran’s minister of culture and Islamic guid- Iran have been lifted. friends during the sanctions times,” Rou- ance has said. Rouhani called South Africa an impor- hani noted. Ali Jannati told the IRIB on Sunday that Saudi of- tant country and said, “The Islamic Repub- The president also said South Africa can IRIB ficials have shown “cold” and “imperious” behavior lic of Iran has always had friendly and close be one of the most important trade part- during the talks. ties with the Republic of South Africa since ners of Iran. the post-apartheid government started Rouhani also said expansion of Iran- Iran not seeing U.S. work and the African National Congress South Africa relations can have “positive took power.” international effects”. as powerful: The Iranian people stood beside the “Expansion of ties between Iran, as an commander South African people during their struggle important country in the volatie Middle against the apartheid regime. East region, and South Africa, as an im- Zuma: Iran-South Africa ties should portant country in Africa, can have pos- TEHRAN — IRGC Naval Force Commander Rear turn into ‘strategic partnership’ itive regional and international effects,” Admiral Ali Fadavi has said Iran does not recognize The South African president said that Rouhani stated. the U.S. as a powerful country. in the meeting with Rouhani discussions Rouhani said Iranians show great re- Fadavi added the U.S. does not have the strength were made to turn the relations into spect for South Africans due to their long to attack Iran, Mizan reported on Sunday. “strategic partnership”. years of resistance against “the arrogant

MIZAN He said the enemies have not been able to hurt Zuma also said that Iran has an impor- long historical relationship. good departure point for strengthening and apartheid system.” Iran since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. tant status in the views of South African “Total trade‚ however‚ has unfortunately our economic cooperation. It aptly outlines He also said Iran’s “good experience” of people as the country supported them in been falling over the past decade owing the objectives that both our sides wish to cooperating with South African corpora- their fight against apartheid. to‚ amongst others‚ the non-existence of achieve‚” Zuma stated. tions in various fields has provided “good Belgian Senate South Africa‚ Iran plan to increase banking relations between South Africa “I‚ however‚ believe that this would not ground” for expansion of relations. president due in non-oil trade to $1bn by 2020 and the Islamic Republic of Iran and the be optimally realised in the absence of your He added an expansion of banking Tehran on Addressing a South Africa–Iran business various sanctions imposed by the West‚” involvement‚ as the captains of industry. It relations is an “important step” in accel- forum, Zuma said during his meeting with Zuma noted. is in this regard that I welcome the estab- erating ties. Wednesday Rouhani the two sides agreed to increase As of 2015‚ total trade between the two lishment of the envisaged South Africa-Iran Rouhani also highlighted the impor- TEHRAN — The president of the Belgian Senate non-oil trade to $1bn by 2020, Times LIVE countries stood at R358m‚ which did not Business Council. It is imperative that the tance of Iran-South Africa cooperation in and her accompanying delegation will visit Teh- reported. reflect the optimal capabilities of the two council members streamline their planning fight against terrorism. “All countries’ co- ran on Wednesday for talks on parliamentary ties, He added that it was imperative that economies‚ he said. so as to complement the objectives of the operation and solidarity are required to an advisor to the Majlis speaker said on Sunday, the two countries focused on diversifying “In this regard‚ I welcome the Memo- roadmap. establish peace and stability in the region.” MEHR Mehr reproted. their respective trade baskets in favor of randum of Understanding on the estab- “This would translate into tangible de- Zuma also said Iran has a “strategic” According to Hossein Sheikholeslam, Christine value-added trade. lishment of the Joint Investment Commit- liverables and would add further impetus position in the region, adding the nucle- Defraigne will stay in Tehran for five days and hold This would add much impetus towards tee which puts in place‚ a measured and towards expanding on the economic ties ar agreement between Tehran and great talks with a number of Iranian officials, including addressing issues of job creation as well as pragmatic form of cooperation. between our respective business commu- powers and a consequent removal of sanc- Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani, President Rouhani, Expe- skills and technology transfer in both coun- “I am of the firm belief that these meas- nities‚” Zuma explained. tions are indications of Iran’s “wise policies”. diency Council Chairman Akbar Hashemi Rafsanja- tries. ures will enable us to significantly increase Rouhani says close ties with South Iran and the 5+1 group - the United ni, and director of the Strategic Research Center at “South Africa views the Islamic Republic our levels of trade. “I believe the MoU on Africa will bear positive international States, Britain, France, China and Rus- the Expediency Council Ali Akbar Velayati. of Iran as a strategic trading partner within Cooperation in the field of trade and in- effects sia plus Germany - finalized the text of She will also hold talks with the director of the the Middle East and Central Asian regions. dustry that we signed today‚ which was In a joint meeting of the senior dele- the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action Center for Women and Family Affairs Shahindokht Within the bilateral sphere‚ South Africa one of eight MoUs that were signed‚ and gations of Iran and South Africa, Rouhani (JCPOA) in Vienna on July 14, 2015. The Molaverdi, as well as Secretary of Iran’s Human and the Islamic Republic of Iran share a the accompanying roadmap provides a said there is fierce competition for signing deal took effect in January, 2016. Rights Council Mohammad Javad Larijani.

Turkey responsible Leader: Independent states should come closer together for many regional 1 “Independent countries should come closer to toward South Africa as positive and constructive, calling gime. problems: Armenian each other and expand their cooperation unlike the the relations between Iran and South Africa warm and “The South African people never forget these sup- meddling of arrogant powers,” the Leader noted. constructive though there is a need for increasing bilat- ports and Mandela’s visit to Iran was a practical sign of archbishop Referring to Iran’s severance of ties with the apartheid eral trade. thanking these supports,” Zuma mentioned. TEHRAN — The archbishop of Armenians resid- regime of South Africa after the 1979 revolution, the Lead- Elsewhere in his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei named Zuma further noted that his country has always been ing in Tehran has criticized Turkey for being re- er said, “The Islamic Republic of Iran severed ties with the interaction between the two countries within the Non- against the Western sanctions against Iran, highlighting sponsible for “a great part of regional problems.” Zionist regime and the apartheid regime of South Africa Aligned Movement as another ground for cooperation, numerous areas for flourishing bilateral cooperation. Turkey has started supporting Daesh while it almost at the same time.” saying, “This cooperation will be in the interest of all Referring to the Leader’s remarks about the necessi- has not yet apologized for the Armenian gen- The Supreme Leader also paid tribute to Nelson Mandela member countries.” ty of close cooperation between independent nations, ocide of 1915, Sebuh Sarkisian said in a confer- for his key role in toppling the apartheid regime and his long “Interest of independent countries will lie in expansion he said some powers try to prevent ties being formed and friendly bonds with the Islamic Republic of Iran. “With the of cooperation in different sectors and there is need for among independent nations under different pretexts. TASNIM ence on Sunday, Tasnim reported. continuation of the resistance of Mandela and South African clearing cooperation obstacles created by some pow- “But we can resolve problems through solidarity.” people, the oppressive and anti-human regime collapsed and ers,” the Leader noted. Finally, Zuma hailed the “bright resistance” of the Su- ‘Army sending with doing this, Mandela in fact breathed new life into the re- In the meeting, who was attended by President Rou- preme Leader and the Iranian nation, saying the Islamic sistance scene of the whole Africa.” hani as well, Zuma expressed thanks to Iran’s supports Republic has shown that it can resolve its problems and advisors to Syria The Leader also hailed the Islamic Republic’s attitude for the South African people during the apartheid re- set an example for all. following Leader’s order’ Aref says public demands high on 5+1 and Iran form task force to TEHRAN — The Iranian Army is dispatching forces as advisors to Syria according to a decree next parliament agenda monitor sanctions removal by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, an POLITICAL TEHRAN — Mo- POLITICAL TEHRAN — Abass Army commander has said. deskhammad Reza Aref, a deskAraqchi, Iran’s dep- The Army has reached a level of power to go top reformist who led the parliamentary uty foreign minister for legal and in- on advisory missions by the side of the IRGC, said elections in Tehran, said on Sunday that ternational affairs, said on Sunday NASIM Kamal Peyambari, deputy commander of the Ar- if his faction succeeds in taking the par- that the 5+1 countries and Iran have my’s Ground Force for education, Nasim report- liament’s helm, he will make it a priority to agreed to form a taskforce to look ed Sunday. respond to the demands of Iranians. into Tehran’s complains over the re- Among these demand are better eco- moval of sanctions just in case. nomic indexes, promoting living stand- The Iranian diplomat let slip the Rouhani reiterates ards, controlling inflation, and creating news after attending the JCPOA com- political solution to jobs, Aref explained. mittee meeting in Vienna. regional crises In order to achieve these goals the The taskforce is obligated with of- ground should be laid for such responsive- and values.” fering solutions to address Iran’s con- however, in some others there are still ness and factions should avoid misusing Political goals are obtainable via solidarity cerns and if necessary pass on them technical and administrative problems in TEHRAN — In a joint press conference with his their status, the reformist figure noted. and election campaigns should not take this to the joint committee, Araqchi said. place,” Araqchi was quoted as saying. South African President Jacob Zuma in Tehran on The runoff parliamentary election away from candidates, according to Aref. The two sides agreed on the mech- Among other issues discussed in Sunday, President Hassan Rouhani said the crises in will be held on Friday. The campaigning Also in the run-up to the parliamentary anism during their joint committee the session were the modernization Syria and Yemen should be settled politically. started on April 21 and will continue until runoffs, the former presidential candidate meeting, said Araqchi who acted as a and redesigning of the Arak heavy ILNA He added that providing the Iraqi government April 28. 136 candidates will be vying for warned candidates against mudslinging. senior negotiator in nuclear talks with water reactor as well as isotopes. with help will stabilize the country, ILNA reported. remaing 68 parlimentary seats. “People are defenders of values and I ask the 5+1 countries (the five permanent While the JCPOA resulted in re- During the February 26 parliamentary competitors to bear this in mind in the run- members of the UN Security Council moval of sanctions against Iran in ex- elections, the 30-strong reformist ticket up to the election.” and Germany). change for restraints on the country’s Iran blasts UN topped by Aref won a landslide victory During the February parliamentary This was the third joint committee nuclear program, Iran says the sanc- silence over Israel’s in the capital Tehran, unprecedented in elections, a mix of candidates from different meeting between Iran and the 5+1 and tions relief has failed to end in any living memory of Iranians. political backgrounds including reformists, the first one following the implementa- tangible outcome. illegal acts A highlight in the Stanford-educated principlists, independents, and conserva- tion of the JCPOA in January. A reason for this, people familiar politician’s remarks was a call for political tives secured seats in the parliament. Araqchi further said a key theme of with the matter say, is the U.S. prima- campaigns based on ethics and rationality. Some, on the other hand, failed, eye- the session was removal of sanctions ry sanctions which are still in place, of TEHRAN — Iran’s deputy permanent representa- “We are of the belief that under no ing on votes in the run-offs to make it to and relevant obstacles. which foreign investors are afraid fall- tive to the UN has slammed the UN Security Coun- conditions we should fall short of morals the parliament. “Progress was made at some sections, ing foul. cil for its silence over the Zionist regime’s crimes and illegal moves.

ISNA Speaking in a UN Security Council meeting, Gho- lam-Hossein Dehghani also stressed the position of IRGC and Velayateh Faqih under heaviest media attacks from enemies: general the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) on solidarity with Palestinians against the occupation of Palestinian POLITICAL TEHRAN — The deputy “Enemies attempt to attack the pivots of stated the program is not open to negotiations Also, the high-ranking military figure lands by the Zionist regime, ISNA reported. deskchief of staff of the Iranian the country and that’s why we see the two and Iran will not allow Americans and any other hinted at the Syrian crisis, saying Iran will “The UN Security Council has shown that it is armed forces has said a major strategy of the come under heaviest attacks,” Brigadier Gen- country to meddle in defense-related issues. not allow arrogant powers to remain in the unable to resolve the issue. The Zionist regime con- enemies is to put the Islamic Revolution Guards eral Massoud Jazayeri said in interview with “Certainly, our defense might is not limited region through its helps to the resistance tinues its colonial policies without fear of any pun- Corps (IRGC) and Velayateh Faqih (the rule of Mehr news agency published on Sunday. to missiles and fortunately, we have a variety movement. “We will try to manage our ishment,” he remarked. supreme jurisprudence) under media barrage. Referring to Iran’s missile capability, Jazayeri of equipment and capabilities.” presence in Syria as the need arises.” I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y

http://www.tehrantimes.com/international AAPRILPRIL 225,5, 22016016 INTERNATIONAL 3

N. Korea vows to stop nuke tests if NEWS No contact between U.S. ends military drills with Seoul Hezbollah and Saudi Arabia Kim hails ‘successful’ submarine missile test to resolve crisis: Qassem Pyongyang said it will stop conducting exercises in South Korea demonstrates Lebanese resistance movement of Hezbollah deputy head, nuclear tests if the United States puts the U.S.’ commitment to the region and Sheikh Naim Qassem revealed that there has so far been no an end to its annual military drills in the provides an opportunity to update exist- contact between the resistance movement and the House of South, North Korea’s foreign minister ing military techniques. Saud regime to discuss tensions between the party and the told Associated Press on Saturday. “We call again on North Korea to Kingdom, which he said could last for more than a year. “Stop the nuclear war exercises in the refrain from actions and rhetoric that “Until now, there has been no contact between Saudi Korean Peninsula, then we should also further raise tensions in the region and Arabia and Hezbollah” Qassem said in an interview with the cease our nuclear tests,” Foreign Minis- focus instead on taking concrete steps Islamic Republic News Agency published on Sunday. ter Ri Su Yong said in his first-ever inter- toward fulfilling its international commit- “They haven’t sent anyone to us to discuss relations be- view with Western media. “If we continue ments and obligations,” said the official tween us.” on this path of confrontation, this will on condition of anonymity. The senior Hezbollah official said the House of Saud re- lead to very catastrophic results, not only Pyongyang views American exercises gime is the one taking escalatory measures, questioning for the two countries but for the whole in the South as a rehearsal for an actual whether Riyadh will “stop and think of a solution.” entire world as well.” invasion of the North. This is not the first “[Saudi Arabia] thinks that it can affect our stances, but At the same time, Ri stressed that his time such a proposal has been made, but we will remain [in their path] and will not be affected by the country has the right to maintain a nu- the U.S. continues to insist that North Ko- pressure,” Qassem added. clear deterrent and will not be bullied by rea must make the first move by giving He said that he does not believe Saudi Arabia will “take a international sanctions. up its nuclear ambitions. step back or try to open channels” with his opposing sides. Korea’s foreign minister asserted that it Kim hails missile test “The time is not ripe for settlements at the moment. It was the U.S. that had pushed the North to Meanwhile, North Korean Leader Kim seems that it will take a bit of time, at least months ahead and develop nuclear weapons as a self-defense Jong-Un hailed a submarine-launched it could surpass more than a year,” he said when asked about strategy, adding that the only thing that ballistic missile (SLBM) test as an how long the regional crisis will last. could dissuade the country from carrying “eye-opening success”, state media said region. one more precious gift the defense sci- Tensions between Riyadh and Hezbollah have been out its tests, would be for the U.S. to halt its on Sunday, declaring Pyongyang has the The North’s state-run KCNA news entists and technicians are presenting to steadily rising since the outbreak of the Syrian crisis in 2011, military exercises with Seoul. ability to strike Seoul and the U.S. when- agency said the test, personally mon- the great leaders and the party,” KCNA where the two back opposing sides, and exacerbated by “It is really crucial for the United States ever it pleases. itored by Kim, confirmed the reliability quoted Kim as saying. the Saudi-led military campaign against Yemen launched in government to withdraw its hostile policy Saturday’s launch came amid growing of the country’s underwater launching South Korea’s defense ministry said March 2015. against the DPRK [Democratic People’s concern that Pyongyang is preparing a system. the missile, fired from a submarine in the Relations between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia took a Republic of Korea] and as an expression fifth nuclear test, AFP reported. It also cited the young leader as Sea of Japan (East Sea), flew around 30 heavy blow in February when the Persian Gulf state suspend- of this stop the military exercises, war ex- But it was followed just hours later by saying Pyongyang was now capable of kilometers (18 miles) and that the test ed $4 billion in aid to Lebanon. ercises, in the Korean Peninsula. Then we a North Korean offer to impose a unilat- “hitting the heads of the South Korean showed “certain technological progress” (Source: The Daily Star) will respond likewise,” he said in Korean. eral moratorium on nuclear testing if the puppet forces and the U.S. imperialists in the North’s SLBM capability. If the drills were to be stopped “for United States suspends annual military anytime as it pleases.” “It is believed... that the North would some period, for some years, new op- drills with South Korea. Still images broadcast on state televi- be able to deploy the SLBM weapon portunities may arise for the two coun- The U.S. and Britain denounced the sion showed Kim on the deck of the sub- within three to four years, or even sooner Economy, security crises in tries and for the whole entire world as SLBM test as a violation of United Na- marine before watching the test through if it dedicates all its resources on the pro- well,” he added. tions Security Council resolutions and binoculars from shore and meeting the ject,” ministry spokesman Moon Sang- focus as Obama arrives in In response to Ri’s comments, a U.S. of- called on the North to refrain from fur- crew and scientists afterwards. Gyun told reporters. ficial told AP that participating in military ther moves that could destabilize the “This eye-opening success constitutes (Source: agencies) Germany Turkish-Dutch journalist detained over Voting under way in Serbia’s snap Erdogan tweet parliamentary poll A Turkish-Dutch journalist has been de- ing out against Turkey’s crackdown on Voting is under way in Serbia for parlia- er of the opposition. tained for questioning over a tweet she freedom of expression because of the mentary election that is being seen as His ultra-nationalist Radicals, who posted about Turkish President Recep country’s role in stopping the refugee a de facto referendum on Prime Min- oppose EU membership and favor Tayyip Erdogan, her newspaper said on influx. Merkel has come under criticism ister Aleksandar Vucic’s bid to lead the closer ties with Russia, are tipped to Sunday. for her decision earlier this month to Balkan nation towards European Union become the third largest party, return- Metro newspaper said Turk- grant Turkey’s request to let German membership. ing to parliament for the first time since ish-Dutch columnist Ebru Umar was prosecutors and courts decide whether Opinion polls suggest voters are set 2012. detained on Saturday. The journalist a German comedian insulted Erdogan. to grant Vucic’s pro-EU Serbian Pro- The ultra-nationalists may compli- tweeted in Dutch late Saturday that Umar wrote a column last week gressive Party four more years in pow- cate Serbia’s EU membership talks by police were at her door and that she for Metro criticizing an appeal sent er on Sunday, but he will probably have resisting concessions, such as ending was being taken to a police station in by Turkey’s consulate in Rotterdam to contend with a resurgent ultra-na- Serbia’s constitutional claim to sover- United States President Barack Obama arrived in Germany the resort of Kusadasi. urging Turks in the Netherlands to re- tionalist opposition demanding closer eignty over Kosovo. on Sunday to hold talks with German Chancellor Angela In The Hague, Foreign Ministry port cases of people insulting Turkey ties with Russia. Vucic is expected to continue a co- Merkel, one of his closest allies in dealing with a shaky global spokesman Herman van Gelderen con- or its leader. She compared the letter Polls close at 8pm local time (18:00 alition with the current First Deputy economy and security crises in the Middle East and Ukraine. firmed that she had been detained, but to “NSB practices,” a reference to the GMT) with first unofficial exit polls ex- Prime Minister and Foreign Minister It will be the last stop on a six-day foreign journey where had few details. Dutch branch of the Nazi party before pected about an hour later. Some 6.7 Ivica Dacic’s Socialist Party of Serbia, Obama has sought to shore up U.S. alliances he views as “We are aware of it. We are in con- and during World War II. million people are eligible to vote. even though he does not need to, to key to increase trade, defeat the Islamic State in Iraq and the tact and we’re following the case very Prime Minister Mark Rutte last week Parliamentary elections were broaden his base. Levant (ISIL/Daesh) terrorist group and offset Russian inter- closely,” he told the AP. responded to reports of the appeal by originally due to be held by March This is Serbia’s third parliamentary vention in Ukraine and Syria. Turkish authorities have launched saying “it is not a good thing and our 2018. However, Vucic called for a election in less than four years. Obama, who is in the last nine months of his presidential close to 2,000 lawsuits against people ambassador will ask for clarification snap election in January claiming According to the Serbian Elec- term, spent three days in British capital, London where he accused of insulting Erdogan since he from the Turkish authorities.” Serbia “needs four more years of toral Commission (RIK), 20 political urged Britons to remain in the European Union in a June came to office in 2014, including for so- Earlier this week, a German report- stability so that it is ready to join the parties and alliances are racing for referendum, a vote that could have global economic con- cial media postings. er was detained at an Istanbul airport European Union”. 250 seats in the National Assembly sequences. Umar was detained as German and sent back to the Egyptian capital, Analysts believe that Vojislav Seselj, and a total of 126 seats are needed Earlier in the week, he met with Persian Gulf leaders in Chancellor Angela Merkel and top Cairo where he is based. A day later, a nationalist firebrand who was acquit- for a majority. Saudi capital, Riyadh to try to allay fears that Washington European Union officials were in Tur- authorities denied entry into Turkey for ted by the United Nations tribunal in In addition to the parliamentary had become less committed to their security. key to bolster a deal to stem the flow Russian news agency Sputnik’s Istan- The Hague last month of war crimes election, local elections are also being In Hanover, he will tour and speak at a massive industrial of migrants to Europe. The EU lead- bul-based general manager. during the 1990s breakup of Yugosla- held in the country on Sunday. trade fair with Merkel. ers have been accused of not speak- (Source: AP) via, could emerge as the effective lead- (Source: Reuters) The leaders want to breathe life into a U.S.-European free trade accord still under negotiation which supporters say Pakistan’s Khan sees Panama Papers as second chance to oust PM could boost each economy by some $100 billion. Their push comes at a time when many Europeans and Pakistani opposition politician Imran Khan is Sharif ride out in exchange for control of Americans alike fear the deal could cost jobs and affect leading a party rally on Sunday to rail security and foreign policy, areas Paki- standards. against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, seiz- stan’s generals have long considered to “But time is not on anyone’s side at the moment,” said ing on the Panama Papers leak linking Sha- be their domain. Heather Conley, a former State Department official in the rif’s family with offshore wealth as a second Khan, who captained Pakistan to its George W. Bush administration, now with the Center for chance to unseat the leader. only cricket World Cup victory in 1992, is Strategic and International Studies think tank in Washington. Former cricket hero Khan, who staged expected to draw tens of thousands to an Leaders are trying to wrap up complex talks on the Trans- protests in Islamabad for months in Islamabad park later on Sunday. atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), the formal 2014 over alleged electoral fraud, has But to have any realistic chance of dis- name of the accord, before Obama, a Democrat, leaves of- threatened to call new demonstrations placing Sharif, he will have to have the fice on Jan. 20. for Sharif’s resignation, saying this month backing of the powerful military. Getting a sign-off from the Republican-controlled U.S. the prime minister has lost the “moral au- The army has not commented pub- Congress in the heat of an election campaign will be diffi- thority to rule”. licly on Khan’s new threat of protests, but cult. Obama has yet to secure approval for the sweeping Khan aides insist the government is on Tuesday, the army chief, arguably the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact, which is at a much more wobbling and it is time to strike. Critics, country’s most powerful man, spoke out advanced stage. however, say Khan may be overplaying against corruption in general. “Getting trade deals done is tough, because each country his hand for the second time. “Across the board accountability is nec- has its own parochial interests and factions. And in order to “We demand the resignation of the essary for the solidarity, integrity and pros- get a trade deal done, each country has to give something prime minister on moral grounds,” said perity of Pakistan,” General Raheel Sharif up,” Obama said at a London event on Saturday. Shafqat Mahmood, a senior leader of said while addressing a military function. In Hanover, thousands of protesters holding placards with Khan’s party. nothing wrong – he gave in to oppo- “Imran is just really desperate for any But while the military may have seen slogans like “Stop TTIP” marched on Saturday to express This month, leaked documents from sition demands for a Supreme Court kind of shortcut to becoming prime min- Khan as useful in the previous protests, their opposition to the deal. the Mossack Fonseca law firm in Panama appointed inquiry commission on Fri- ister and with these leaks he thinks he’s by putting pressure on the civilian gov- Before Obama returns to Washington late on Monday, showed Sharif’s sons Hassan and Hus- day and said he would resign if it found hit the jackpot,” Muhammad Zubair, min- ernment and enabling the army to he and Merkel will get together with British Prime Minister sain, and daughter Maryam, owned at wrongdoing - but opponents accuse the ister for privatization and a member of convince it to fall into line with its wishes, David Cameron, French President Francois Hollande, and least three offshore holding companies family of using the tax haven to launder the prime minister’s media team, told the generals also see him as a nuisance Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi to talk about beefing registered in the British Virgin Islands. stolen money and dodge taxes. Reuters. for seeking to end the fight against the up intelligence sharing after terrorist attacks in France and The International Consortium of In- The ruling party has dismissed Khan’s “But it would be a big mistake to Pakistani Taliban and negotiate peace. Belgium. vestigative Journalists, which studied the threat of fresh protests and says the 2014 launch any movement right now ... The Few believe that Khan has won over The leaders are also expected to discuss how best to find papers, said those companies, had en- demonstrations against electoral rigging public is just tired of his agitation politics.” the generals, and without the military’s a political settlement to Syria’s crisis. Hundreds of thousands gaged in at least $25 million in property had also damaged Khan’s credibility after backing there is little chance Khan will of Syrians have fled the country for Europe, contributing to and acquisition deals. election tribunals ruled that the 2013 poll Sharif was left weakened by Khan’s succeed in dethroning Nawaz Sharif. the continent’s worst refugee crisis since World War Two. Sharif said his children have done was largely free and fair. previous protests, which the army helped (Source: Reuters) (Source: Reuters) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 4 ECONOMY AAPRILPRIL 225,5, 22016016 http://www.tehrantimes.com/economy

NEWS Iran, S. Africa stress speedy CI: Iran’s sovereign ratings affirmed, with a ‘stable’ outlook reconnection of banking links

Capital Intelligence Ratings (CI Ratings), the international credit ECONOMY TEHRAN — During a nomic cooperation with Tehran and un- rating agency, today announced that it has affirmed Iran’s Long- deskmeeting between Ira- derlined that resuming banking ties with Term Foreign and Local Currency Sovereign Ratings of ‘BB-’, and nian Minister of Finance and Economic Iran will boost common trade between its Short-Term Foreign and Local Currency Sovereign Ratings of Affairs Ali Tayyebnia and his South African the two countries. ‘B’. The Outlook for Iran’s ratings remains ‘Stable’. counterpart Pravin Gordhan in Tehran on The South African minister, leading a The ratings reflect the improved short- to medium-term Saturday, the two ministers underscored 150-member politico-economic delega- outlook for the economy following the recent lifting of interna- accelerating reconnection of banking tion, entered Tehran on Saturday on the tional economic and financial sanctions related to the country’s links between the two countries. invitation of Tayyebnia. nuclear program. As a result, Iran has begun to repatriate pre- As the IRNA news agency quoted South African President Jacob Zuma, viously frozen external financial assets, export more hydrocar- Tayyebnia, Iran and South Africa are de- at the head of a high-level delegation, bons, and re-access international financial and banking markets. termined to improve bilateral relations, arrived in Tehran on Sunday. During his The removal of sanctions has also facilitated trade diversifica- thanks to the removal of financial sanc- two-day stay, President Zuma will explore tion, thereby improving the country’s medium-term economic tions against Iran as of January. the grounds for converting bilateral and growth prospects. “Iran regards South Africa as a gate- economic relations with Iran into a sub- CI Ratings expects the combination of higher oil production, way to Africa,” he said, adding that easing stantive strategic partnership. lower costs for trade and financial transactions, as well as re- and cementing baking relations will play South Africa is among those countries stored access to foreign assets to support real GDP growth of a pivotal role in enhancing the volume of with positive investment experience in South African Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan (L) visited his Iranian counterpart Ali Tayyebnia about 3.8 percent in FYE 2017-18. Improved terms of trade and trade between the two countries. Iran in projects such as MTN. renewed access to foreign assets and capital are also expected “Iranian banks have taken positive (R) on Saturday in Tehran. MTN group is one of the sharehold- to increase the stability of the exchange rate and possibly help steps towards expanding relations with for Pretoria supporting the move,” he Gordhan, for his part, said Pretoria is ers of Irancell, one of the largest mobile contain inflation, bringing it down to around six percent in FYE their South African partners in the hope added. strong-minded to deepen trade and eco- phone network operators in Iran. 2018, compared to a record high of 34.7 percent in FYE 2013. The public finances are expected to improve as well, albeit at a slower pace in view of the steep decline in oil prices since mid-2014, and amid fierce competition for market share, espe- Tehran hosting 2 international exhibitions cially with PGCC member states. The budget is expected to post a small deficit in 2016, and to register a small surplus of 0.5 per ECONOMY TEHRAN — The second edition of ny, Italy, Austria, Spain, Britain, the United Arabic Emir- companies are showcasing their latest products, equip- desk cent of GDP in FYE 2017-18, based on the assumption of aver- “Project Iran” international exhibi- ates, Jordan, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, the Czech ment and services in the exhibition. age oil prices of $50 a barrel. tion and the 23rd International Exhibition of Detergent, Republic, Denmark, France, Greece, Lebanon, Hungary, Representatives from 14 countries, including Turkey, Iran’s public debt remains low and official foreign assets Cleanser, Hygienic, Cellulous Products and Machinery of South Korea, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal , Russia, Germany, China, France, Italy, Spain, United Arabic Emir- remain sizeable, estimated by CI Ratings to be equivalent to Iran titled “Iran Beauty and Clean 2016” opened on Sunday Switzerland, Romania, Tunisia, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, ates, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Austria, India, around 14.5 months of imports of goods and services and at the Tehran International Permanent Fairgrounds. Serbia, Malaysia, Malta, India, Turkey are exhibiting. Russia and South Korea constitute the participants of this around 12 times as high as external debt payments falling due in In “Project Iran” exhibition, for the construction materi- It is also scheduled for a number of local and foreign international event. 2016, although there is still some ambiguity regarding the liquid- als, more than 360 foreign companies are exhibiting. This delegations to visit the event which will wrap up on April These events will bring thousands of leading manufac- ity and usability of these assets. is the first international exhibition in Iran in which only for- 27. turers, exporters and industry professionals from all over The internal political situation is reasonably stable, and a vic- eign companies are present and it does not involve any Meanwhile, “Iran Beauty and Clean 2016”, which is the the world to share a common vision and shape what will tory for supporters of the current government in recent leg- domestic participants, according to the Islamic Republic largest exhibition of its kind in the Middle East, is also be- become the next regional economic giant, while at the islative elections has raised the prospect of greater economic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB). ing held for 4 days at the same venue. same time offering them a guaranteed access to Iran’s reform going forward. Geopolitical risk remains a material rating In this exhibition representatives of Armenia, Germa- More than 200 domestic companies and 145 foreign multibillion dollar market. factor, however, given the escalating conflict in neighboring Iraq, as well as in Syria and Yemen, and in addition to the ongoing tension with the PGCC member states, namely Saudi Arabia. The Outlook for the ratings is ‘Stable’. This indicates that Iran’s Petchem projects in Iran need $77b finance by 2020: NPC official sovereign ratings are likely to remain unchanged within the next ECONOMY TEHRAN — Director cannot be financed domestically, the ISNA The Islamic Republic drew up 30 new panies mainly from Europe and East Asia 12 months provided that key metrics evolve as envisioned in CI deskof Production Control news agency reported on Sunday. petrochemical projects to be implemented are seeking to make investment in the Ratings’ baseline scenario and no other credit quality concerns in Iran's National Petrochemical Company “Foreign investors have voiced readi- in the post-sanctions time, Marzieh Shah- implementation of Iranian petrochemical arise. (NPC) Alimohammad Bosaqzadeh said ness to back completion of petrochemical daie, the managing director of NPC, said in projects now that the sanctions are being The ‘Stable’ Outlook balances the projected positive out- that domestic petrochemical industry re- projects in Iran and related negotiations are an exclusive interview with the Tehran Times removed against the country. come of lifting the sanctions against the prolonged period of quires attracting $77 billion of finance by taking place,” he added. in January. She mentioned Iran’s huge reserves of low oil prices and the concerns of spillover from the conflict in 2020. According to the NPC director, the Ira- Questioned about the status of Iran’s energy, its strategic location as well as do- neighboring countries. (Source: CPI Financial) Bosaqzadeh noted that the undergo- nian government prefers to attract the for- petrochemical sector for the attraction of mestic capabilities and expert manpower as ing projects in this sector worth from $100 eign finance in form of investments and via foreign investment in the post-sanctions the country’s advantages for the attraction million to several billion dollars but they making joint venture with Iranian partners. time, Shahdaie answered that foreign com- of foreign investment. Abe says Japan will compile extra budget for Kumamoto earthquake Iran might still outwit the Saudis on Oil 1 tion continuing at about 3.7 million bar- ports. JBC Energy, a consultancy, suggests of OPEC in an output freeze, the Saudis Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Sunday he will create an It put that figure between 4 million rels per day throughout 2012 and most of Iran may also be blending condensate would be faced with a choice. Either ac- extra budget to address the economic damage caused by deadly and 4.2 million barrels per day, although the following year. into crude exports to raise the quality of cept that their terms had been met and earthquakes in Kumamoto earlier this month. a look back at its official OPEC-supplied The difference probably reflects Iran's the heavier oil it's pumping. agree to freeze their own production just Abe wants to pass the budget before the current parliamenta- production numbers shows it reported unwillingness to admit sanctions were Iran claims it's now producing 3.5 mil- before it would typically start to rise to ry session ends on June 1, which comes ahead of an upper house daily output at between 3.7 million and having any impact. It's possible, though, lion barrels per day, pretty close to the 3.6 meet a seasonal surge in domestic de- election in July. The earthquakes, which killed 48 people, have 3.8 million barrels before fresh sanctions that production didn't fall as steeply as million indicated by my calculation above. mand; or move the goalposts again. dealt a blow to policy makers struggling to gather momentum for were imposed in 2012. outside observers thought, with the ad- This suggests that the restoration of Iran's As I wrote last week, Saudi Arabia an economic recovery. Bloomberg, and the six organizations ditional oil going into onshore storage pre-sanctions production, which analysts doesn't want oil prices to rise to a level Abe “can’t politically afford to take time to wait for” a rebound OPEC used for its "secondary sources" tanks (much harder to track than oil said would take a year -- if it could be allowing new high-cost projects before from the disaster, Hiroaki Muto, chief economist at Tokai Tokyo estimate of its members' production, saw stored on tankers). Still, Iran doesn't have achieved at all -- has just about been the market's rebalanced, giving it little Research Center, wrote in a report last week. “There is a possibil- Iran's output falling during the first half enough storage capacity to have kept managed within three months. incentive to support further price rises. ity that Japanese people will be in a self-restraint mood and that of 2012 as buyers went elsewhere before that up for long. That could put Saudi Arabia in a That next OPEC meeting might be testing causes weakness in consumer spending.” sanctions came into force. The official fig- Drawing oil out of onshore tanks may tricky spot when OPEC meets at the start for the kingdom. Abe said the extra budget will include funds for housing, busi- ures given to OPEC by Iran show produc- explain some of the recent boost in ex- of June. If Iran were willing to join the rest (Source: Bloomberg) nesses and infrastructure. “We will gather all strength of the gov- ernment and work on the relief and reconstruction,” he said. Finance Minister Taro Aso said the size of the budget hasn’t been decided. Last week, Kozo Yamamoto, a lawmaker in Abe’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, called for an issue of 20 trillion yen ($179 billion) in bonds to go toward disaster relief and helping the economy. Earthquakes as big as 7.3 magnitude hit Kumamoto prefec- ture in the southern island of Kyushu in mid-April. In addition to the 48 people killed, 263 were seriously injured and 1,527 houses were destroyed, a report from Abe’s office said. Japan hasn’t ex- perienced a natural disaster as severe since an earthquake and tsunami struck the northeast of Honshu, the main island, in 2011. Kumamoto’s economy accounts for about 1.1 percent of Ja- Oil production is closer to government plans than analysts’ more pessimistic expectations Assessments of Iran’s oil production have varied widely pan’s gross domestic product, according to the Cabinet office. (Source: Bloomberg) Ford not interested Volkswagen positive Toshiba in final talks in tie-up with Fiat of China sales, plans on new president; Merkel, Obama say Chrysler: CEO Fields more investments Tsunakawa top EU-U.S. free trade deal with JV partners candidate: source would benefit both sides Ford Motor Co is not interested in a tie-up with Volkswagen AG is optimistic that its positive sales Japan’s Toshiba Corp is in final talks to replace Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, Chief Executive Mark trend from the two previous quarters will continue in President Masashi Muromachi, with Senior Executive German Chancellor Angela Merkel and U.S. President Barack Fields said on Saturday, when asked about FCA head China, the world’s biggest auto market, its China chief Vice President Satoshi Tsunakawa a leading candi- Obama said on Saturday they favored sealing a U.S.-European Sergio Marchionne’s remark that Ford could be a po- Jochem Heizmann said on Sunday. date as it aims to turn the scandal-hit firm back to free trade agreement as it would fuel growth on both sides of tential merger candidate. Volkswagen also plans to invest 4 billion euros ($4.49 growth, a source told Reuters on Sunday. the Atlantic. “I can’t speak to what Sergio or others wake up billion) in connection with its joint venture partners in The source, who is familiar with the matter, in- Merkel is expected to discuss the Trans-Atlantic Trade and and want to say,” Fields told reporters ahead of next China this year, while the expansion of its share of the dicated Tsunakawa was a top candidate, saying the Investment Partnership (TTIP) with Obama when he visits a trade week’s Beijing motor show. sports utility vehicle (SUV) and new energy vehicle (NEV) successor would be likely be one of three senior ex- show in Hanover on Sunday and Monday. Support for TTIP has After being rebuffed by General Motors last year, markets will be a focus over the next several years, Heiz- ecutive vice presidents, and noting that he was not plunged in both their countries, however. Marchionne said last week that Ford, Toyota Motor mann told reporters ahead of the Beijing auto show, embroiled in the accounting scandal. Tens of thousands of protesters marched in Hanover on Sat- Corp and Volkswagen AG are the only remaining which begins on Monday. A company committee is expected to make a final urday to express their opposition to the deal. Police said 35,000 merger candidates for FCA. The company has lagged in China’s SUV boom with decision after the Golden Week holiday that ends in people took part in the demonstration, while organizers said Marchionne has long called for mergers among relatively few locally produced models, but it plans to early May, the source said. more than double that number had attended. large automakers to help diffuse development costs change that with launches of 10 locally made VW-, Audi- Toshiba officials were not immediately available

Protesters held placards reading "Stop TTIP" and "For a fair NEWS IN BRIEF for advanced cars that pollute less. and Skoda-badged SUV models in the years ahead. for comments on a new company president. world trade." (Source: Reuters) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y http://www.tehrantimes.com AAPRILPRIL 225,5, 22016016 HISTORY & HERITAGE 5

Iran, Silk Road ‘historically IN THE NEWS Novel collagen fingerprinting intertwined’: tourism chief identifies Neanderthal bone Scientists from the universities of Oxford and Manchester have TOURISM TEHRAN — The his- ment and promoting the conservation of used a new molecular fingerprinting technique to identify one desktory of Iran and the his- the route’s natural and cultural heritage. Neanderthal bone from around 2,000 bone fragments. All the tory of Silk Road are intertwined, Iran’s The Silk Road is not only a commercial tiny pieces of bone were recovered from a key archaeological tourism chief Masoud Soltanifar said route but also a cultural and touristic one, site, Denisova Cave in Russia, with the remaining fragments Saturday during the opening ceremony Soltanifar said. found to be from animal species like mammoths, woolly rhino, of the 6th Silk Road Task Force Meeting Sharing information and mutual wolf and reindeer. It is the first time that researchers have identi- of the United Nations World Tourism Or- cooperation between Silk Road coun- fied traces of an extinct human from an archaeological site using ganization (UNWTO). tries would be a great help to solve a technique called ‘Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry’ or Representatives from 33 member international problems in the region, ZooMS. From just a microscopic sample of bone, their analysis countries are participating in the three- he added. revealed the collagen peptide sequences in the bone that mark day event, which is being held in the “Iran as an important spot in cultural, out one species from another. northwestern city of Urmia. art and economic exchanges along the Their paper, which appears in the journal Scientific Re- The UNWTO Silk Road Program is a Silk Road can have an influential role in ports, suggests that ZooMS has huge potential to increase collaborative initiative designed to en- boosting economic ties and improving our understanding of human evolution, including the amount hance sustainable tourism development tourism relations among member coun- of interbreeding that went on between our closely related along the historic Silk Road route. tries,” he said. cousins and modern humans. It aims to maximize the benefits of He called the meeting a great oppor- The international research team was led by Professor tourism development for local Silk Road Participants in the 6th UNWTO Silk Road Task Force Meeting pose for a photo during the opening tunity, which would boost peace between Thomas Higham and his student Sam Brown of the Univer- communities, while stimulating invest- ceremony of the event. (IRNA/Taha Asgharkhani) countries. sity of Oxford, with the developer of the ZooMS method, Dr Michael Buckley from the University of Manchester; the Max Planck Institute in Leipzig; Cranfield University, UK; and the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Russia. The Qeshm bloggers festival to announce sequences of collagen peptides in bone differ in tiny ways between different animal species. The team profiled the sequences using microscopic samples from 2,300 unidenti- winners on Persian Gulf National Day fied bone fragments from the site. They then compared the sequences obtained against a reference library of peptides TOURISM TEHRAN — The winners of the first The sponsors will provide budget for bloggers to visit from known animal species. deskQeshm Island bloggers’ travel writing different parts of Qeshm and write reports about the On discovering that one 2.5 cm long piece of bone had a festival will be announced on April 29, which marks Iran’s places, he explained. clear human fingerprint, Sam Brown said: ‘When the ZooMS Persian Gulf National Day. The event is co-organized by Iran Federation of Tour- results showed that there was a human fingerprint among The Persian Gulf island of Qeshm will host the festival ist Guide Associations and Qeshm Free Zone Organiza- the bones I was extremely excited. After a lot of hard work, from April 25 to 29. tion. finding this tiny bone which yields so much information about “We do believe that bloggers can boost Iran’s About 50 bloggers applied for the festival and 28 our human past was just fantastic. The bone itself is not ex- tourism activities a lot. Such festivals will be held in ones were selected to travel to Qeshm. ceptional in any way and would otherwise be missed by any- other countries like Germany, Switzerland, Thailand, Bloggers will visit Qeshm, Hengam and Hormuz is- one looking for possible human bones amongst the dozens and South Korea as well,” President of Iran Federa- lands during their three-day sojourn. of fragments that we have from the site.’ tion of Tourist Guide Associations Arash Noora- Nooraghayee along with travel writer Masnour Zabe- Study co-author Professor Svante Paabo and his group ghayee said in a press conference on Saturday. tian and tourism photographer Asad Naqshbandian will from the Max Planck Institute in Leipzig found that the bone “Qeshm will host tourism startup in October and the be the festival’s jury members. belonged to a Neanderthal on the basis of its mitochrondrial first sustainable ecotourism seminar in the future as well,” Qeshm is the biggest Iranian island in the Persian Gulf genome. The results suggest that this Neanderthal was most he said. near the Strait of Hormuz. closely related to other Neanderthals in the Altai region and more distantly related to those further to the west. The Ne- anderthal bone was also radiocarbon dated and shown to be more than 50,000 years old, as expected based on its deep position in the site. Some epic long-distance walks around the world (Source: Science Daily) Makalu Base Camp, Nepal parks and the largest nature reserve The trek to the base of the fifth highest in Europe. This is the Kungsleden – the mountain in the world leads from dense King’s Way – and it is magnificent. Start- rain forests over steep passes, to high ing at Hemavan in the south, the route Hilton earns multiple Brand pastures below glacier-clad peaks. runs through pristine pine and birch for- of the Year Honors Although only 125 miles long, the trek ests and Arctic tundra before finishing at is tough as it involves an ascent of more Abisko, on the shores of Torneträsk lake. The Harris Poll released its 28th annual EquiTrend Study this than 7,000 meters and remote and rug- There are lodges along the way, run by week, highlighting the top brands across dozens of categories ged terrain. Once over the 4,100-meter the Swedish Tourist Association, although in a handful of industries, including travel. Based on customer Shipton La (pass), the route descends camping is necessary on some nights – response (more than 97,000 Americans), the study analyzes into the spectacular Barun river valley and which I recommend anyway. a brands’ familiarity, quality and purchase consideration to climbs to the tongue of the Barun glacier, Long lakes are crossed by ferries run by determine its overall equity. below the great dark wedge of Makalu. local people, or by rowing boat. Glacier- Those top rated brands earned the Harris Poll’s Brand of As the only way to get back is over the clad mountains line the route, including the the Year title. Shipton La, there is a degree of commit- highest in Sweden: 2,097-metre Kebnekai- In 2016, Hilton brands took home Brand of the Year hon- ment not required on many treks. se. The latter can be climbed on an extra ors in three of the five hotel categories. There are few villages and teahouses, trip. It’s an interesting ascent and the views Homewood Suites by Hilton received the title of Brand of making this even more of a wilderness from the summit are tremendous. the Year among extended stay hotels, Hilton’s flagship brand trekIt. Passes through every climatic After the watershed, Scotland Hilton Hotels & Resorts was recognized as Brand of the Year zone, from tropical forest to tundra and is Running for 745 miles from Peel Fell Walkers on the cliff above Duncansby Head, Caithness, Scotland in the full service hotel category and Hampton Inn & Suites a wonderful way to experience the huge in the Cheviot Hills, to the north-east boasted the top equity rating among mid-market hotels. range of environments found in Nepal. tip of Scotland at Duncansby Head, the mountains. The crux of the route is long but takes most walkers at least two “We are thrilled that Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Homewood Mountain crests, Corsica the Scottish Watershed (between the Suites by Hilton and Hampton by Hilton were awarded Brand The Grand Randonnée 20 (GR20) is the descent into – and climb out of – the weeks, because of the steep, rocky ter- Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea) is great rock bowl of the Cirque de la Soli- rain. of the Year in their respective hotel categories by Harris Poll’s a walk for those with a good head for a twisting, tortuous route. It averages EquiTrend Study,” Hilton’s executive vice president of global heights who are happy scrambling over tude. Cross the Arctic Circle, Sweden 450 metres in height and crosses many Here, chains and a ladder are bolted In Lapland, in the far north of Swe- brands Jim Holthouser said in an emailed statement. steep rocks for hours and days at a time. summits, including 44 munros (hills “This recognition underscores Hilton’s commitment to de- This spectacular route runs along the to the rock in places to aid progress.It’s den, a 280-mile footpath crosses the Arc- above 914 metres) and 24 corbetts (be- not a place to slip. The GR20 is 112 miles tic Circle and runs through four national velop meaningful connections with our guests at each of our spine of Corsica, following the crest of tween 762 and 914 meters). 4,600 properties worldwide by providing exceptional cus- There’s no path and the way is not tomer service and quality guest experiences every day.” PICTURE OF THE DAY IRNA/Reza Zare’ always as obvious as you’d expect, so While it may sound meaningless, performing well on the good navigation skills are essential. The Harris Poll EquiTrend Brand Equity Index is important for a Watershed doesn’t run in anything like brand. After all, on multiple occasions, academics have found a straight line and, at times, you can be that possessing strong brand equity is associated with sound heading south even though you are fol- financial performance. lowing it northwards. The terrain is also That means brands excelling on the EquiTrend Index are a challenge, often rough and boggy, likely better off than others in times of economic uncertainty sometimes dense with trees, sometimes or downturn. steep and rocky. There are few build- “Consumers form impressions of brands long before they ings on or near the Watershed. It’s sur- ever use them, based on their perceptions and what they prisingly remote and lonely but also a may know from trusted sources,” said Nielsen’s (the Harris superb walk. Poll’s parent company) vice president of brand solutions Joan High and remote, Pyrenees Sinopoli in a statement. Several trails run along the mountains “This high level equity is the gateway to eventual pur- from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. chase; it also helps to protect brands from the consequences Of these, the Haute Randonnée Pyrénée- of an occasional misstep,” added Sinopoli. nne (HRP) is the most remote and chal- “The strength of a company’s brand equity can have direct lenging as it stays high in the mountains, business and financial outcomes.” crossing many passes and climbing sev- Wyndham Worldwide’s Microtel Inn & Suites won Brand eral summits. The border between France of the Year honors for the economy hotel segment, while and Spain runs along the crest of the Pyr- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide’s W Hotels & Resorts enees and the HRP crosses it many times. finished atop the competition in the luxury hotel category. It is about 500 miles long and takes W Hotels will soon join Marriott International’s umbrella around six weeks to complete. T as the of brands when the Bethesda, Maryland-based company ac- route isn’t fixed and many variations are quires Starwood later this year. possible. There is a path much of the way Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines were recognized as but the route isn’t often waymarked and Brands of the Year in full service airline and value airline, respectively. the terrain is steep and rocky. Mountain The family-friendly Disney Cruise Line secured the top huts are sometimes several days apart, spot in the cruise line category, while Expedia.com prevailed so camping is a necessity – and a boon as the top brand among online travel services. as there are many lovely spots to pitch It’s worth noting that 2015 was a huge year for Expedia, in. The HRP passes through many land- which acquired Travelocity, Orbitz Worldwide and HomeA- scapes: some lush and green, some al- way in separate deals valued at roughly $6 billion. People pass Pirtaqi suspension bridge in Hashtjin city, Ardebil Province, northwestern Iran pine, some almost desert. (Source: travelpulse.com) (Source: The Guardian) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y

6 INTERNATIONAL AAPRILPRIL 225,5, 22016016 http://www.tehrantimes.com/International Is the impeachment trial of Brazil’s Dilma Rousseff a coup? Supporters of Brazilian President Dilma of procedures that will follow over the and former president Luiz Inácio Lula dedicated his pro-impeachment vote people believe she must have known Rousseff, whom the Chamber of Depu- next several months. da Silva in his investigation of the Oper- to the general who tortured Rousseff what was going on. Her predecessor ties voted to impeach Sunday night, Emphasizing constitutional proce- ation Car Wash scandal. Impeachment during Brazil’s 1964-1985 military dic- and mentor Lula is being investigated. have been calling the proceedings a dure is not technical quibbling. It mat- itself is still constitutional. tatorship. Rousseff attracted wrath when she “coup.” Héctor Perla suggested here ters a lot for understanding Brazil to- In the 1990s, the influential political Impeachment is not a popularity attempted to offer Lula a cabinet post, on Saturday that they constitute a “soft day. Not so long ago, Latin American scientists Juan Linz and Alfred Stepan contest. In 1993, Brazil held an unusual a move that would have protected him coup.” Is Sunday’s vote actually a coup? military and civilian elites alike felt con- explained that democracy becomes constitutional referendum to decide from some forms of prosecution. Many Let’s discuss what a coup (also fident entirely sidestepping the consti- the “only game in town” when “even whether to switch from a presidential elected officials implicated in the scan- known as a coup d’état) is. There are tution if they strongly opposed current in the face of severe political and eco- to a parliamentary system of govern- charges. Sometimes legislatures fail to dal appear to be pursuing her to de- many definitions of coups out there. All officeholders. Fifty or 60 years ago, a nomic crises, the overwhelming major- ment. If the referendum had passed, impeach the guilty, and other times flect attention from themselves. have a few elements. (1) Coups seize military and political coalition might ity of the people believe that … political Rousseff would have been a prime they gang up on an executive against Latin American history provides little executive power. (2) They are led by a have unceremoniously shown a presi- change must emerge from within the minister, and Brazil’s parliament would whom there is little proof. What hap- guide. Brazil’s president Fernando Col- small group of military officers or occa- dent like Rousseff — one overseeing parameters of democratic procedures,” have used a vote of no confidence to pened Sunday is analogous to jurors lor de Mello was impeached in 1992 in sionally other social elites. (3) They use a severe recession and at loggerheads and when everyone becomes “ha- fire her Sunday. But the referendum ruling against a defendant based not a relatively contained corruption scan- unconstitutional or “extralegal” means with parliament — the exit. bituated” to political conflict being “re- didn’t pass, and Brazil’s president can on the charges, but because they think dal. outside the bounds of the existing po- Military intervention solved according to established norms.” be dismissed only for a limited number she is a bad person. This does not Venezuela lawmakers in 1993 and litical system. Today, threat of military intervention The actual improprieties named in of offenses. Juan Linz famously argued constitute a coup, but it is a misuse of Ecuadoran lawmakers in 1997 unsuc- So if we think of 367 lawmakers as is low, and politicians can’t simply mus- the impeachment charges — balanc- that presidentialism can lead to demo- democratic procedures. cessfully attempted to contain wide- a “small group,” what happened Sun- cle Rousseff out. They have to follow ing the federal budget by reducing and cratic breakdown because presidents So if the actual charges are minor, spread crises by impeaching presidents. day might fit the first and second com- complicated, legalistic procedures with delaying transfers of funds to a govern- and parliaments don’t have a way to why do legislators want to impeach Still, the strategy may work this time, ponents of the definition. It definitely uncertain outcomes. ment-owned development bank — are fire each other when cooperation fails. Rousseff? given the number of lawmakers impli- doesn’t fit the third component: the Yes, Rousseff’s opponents — includ- relatively minor. Under most conditions, Impeachment The first reason for Rousseff’s ex- cated in Operation Car Wash. Surely it use of unconstitutional or “extralegal” ing dominant media outlets — are try- they wouldn’t lead to impeachment. As By misusing the impeachment pro- treme unpopularity is the country’s ma- is not actually possible to throw all the means. The impeachment case against ing to manipulate public opinion. This legislators spoke one by one on Sun- cess, Brazil’s parliament has solved this jor recession. Arguably more important, bums out. By focusing popular ire on Dilma Rousseff has proceeded through is a political weapon of the democratic day night, though, they largely ignored problem. though, is the ongoing and enormous the executive first, at least some corrupt constitutional channels, following the era. Yes, Federal Judge Sergio Moro im- the actual charges. Aníbal Pérez-Liñán shows that poli- Operation Car Wash corruption scan- legislators will likely be able to outlast letter if not the spirit of the law. This properly released bugged recordings Perhaps the lowest point of the tics often affect the way Latin Ameri- dal. Even though there is no evidence the current crisis. is why experts can explain the series of a conversation between Rousseff evening came when one legislator can legislatures handle impeachment Rousseff was directly involved, many (Source: The Washington Post)

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Syrian elections: washington unable COMMENT Palestine: A distinctive to strangle Assad's legitimacy voice for climate action By Riyad Mansour The victory of Syria's ruling Baath party in on the issue in his article for New Eastern the recent parliamentary elections has in- Outlook. Ambassador Riyad Mansour is Permanent dicated that the Syrian government led The journalist calls attention to the fact Observer Mission of the State of Palestine to by President Bashar al-Assad is a real and that the parliamentary elections were not the United Nations credible force in Syria; predictably, West- supposed to replace the presidential one ern media largely neglected the event and planned in the Geneva accords. hose illegally denied control over their natural re- even tried to downplay its significance. National unity government Tsources must be heard in the global climate conver- The recent parliamentary elections In an exclusive interview with Sputnik sation. in Syria held on April 13 have become a Syrian Prime Minister Wael Nader Hal- Leaders have converged at the United Nations in New thorn in the side of those who call them- qi explained that after the formation of a York to sign the world's action plan to curb global warming selves the “Syrian opposition” and whom “national unity government” and a referen- and avert climate change's worst consequences. the West and the Persian Gulf States sup- dum on a new constitution for the country Paris agreement port; they have rushed to label the vote new parliamentary elections will take place The signing of the Paris Agreement is a testament to the as a “flimsy façade” and a “sham.” in Syria. world's ability to act collectively to address an existential “So contrary to spurious claims However, according to Dean the latest problem. It is also a chance to recognize nations and peo- from Western governments and media, ef- vote “was a show of strength for Assad.” ples with unique struggles against extreme climate condi- forts were made to open the voting to all “As a result of the Sryian anti-terrorism tions. Syrian civilians including those who have coalition success, 1.7 million refugees are al- The State of Palestine is one among many countries fled terrorist held areas. We must also bear ready returning to their homes. All are eligi- around the world facing such challenges. Now as a State in mind that over 90% of IDPs (Internally ble for immediate loans to begin rebuilding Party to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change displaced persons) have fled to Govern- result Syria's ruling Baath party has won a litical establishment is unsatisfied with the their shattered lives,” Dean adds. (UNFCCC), the UN treaty body in charge of climate action, ment controlled areas, thus further dis- decisive victory. vote: the elections have clearly indicated But that means nothing to those who the State of Palestine has a unique role. crediting claims that these elections are It is impossible to deny the legitimacy that the U.S.-backed opposition enjoys little blindly believe that “Assad must go.” The It can, in particular, share expertise about conservation in non-representative,” peace activist and in- of the vote. if any support from the Syrians. Western press closes its eyes to what is re- harsh environments and serve as the voice for those with- vestigative journalist Vanessa Beeley wrote However, Washington refused to recog- “The last thing the opposition groups ally going on the ground. out full control over their natural resources in the context of in her article for 21CenturyWire.com. nize the results of the Syrian vote. Remark- wanted to see or acknowledge was their Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to arm international climate action. Syria's political future ably, much in the same vein it denied the tremendous defeat at the polls, as they and train the so-called “Syrian moderate Palestine has long been a dedicated partner in the in- Professor Tim Anderson, Australian legitimacy of the 2014 Syrian presidential could not continue their charade of repre- rebels.” ternational negotiations on climate change. Since the Rio social activist and academic, reported election, when President Assad received senting the majority of the Syrian people, At the same time, al-Qaeda's affiliate Conference in 1992, I have represented Palestine at six in- from the ground on the eve of the elec- almost 88.7 percent of the vote. which is a bad joke,” Jim W. Dean, manag- al-Nusra Front terrorist group, backed and ternational climate meetings. At each of these meetings, I tions that Damascus and the people of Syr- It is understandable why the U.S. po- ing editor for Veterans Today, comments re-supplied by Turkey, is making every ef- highlighted the specific vulnerabilities faced by occupied ia “are clearly taking to heart UN recog- fort to preserve control over the Aleppo peoples, who must, for example, cope with limited control nition… that the country's political future It is understandable why the U.S. political area and gain ground in the war. over, and constant deprivation of, their natural resources. must remain in the hands of Syrians, and “The Syrian people want their homes While people living under occupation face distinct chal- no-one else.” establishment is unsatisfied with the vote: back and the terrorists’ dead… so let's get lenges, I also know that everyone, everywhere shares simi- According to the People's Council, the the elections have clearly indicated that the on with what needs to be done, or more lar concerns. We all face rising temperatures, water scarcity, number of citizens who participated in the U.S.-backed opposition enjoys little if any will die who did not need to,” Dean empha- drought and rising sea levels. That is why learning from each elections in the war-torn country amount- support from the Syrians. sizes. other and sharing our determination is universally beneficial ed to 57.56 percent of the electorate. As a (Source: Sputnik) - and absolutely vital to saving our planet for future gener- ations, an urgent objective set out by the UN in its Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. Palestinians are experts in survival on minimal resources, We can never negotiate our values with Erdogan having developed their resilience and refined practices for community, for instance Cyprus, are protected; and that it is sustaining life in a cruel environment. This is especially true By Donald Tusk in full accordance with EU and international law. The cooper- in agriculture, where Palestinians have for decades applied innovative farming techniques with proven results. President of the European Council ation is an important element of our strategy, but let us bear in mind that it is merely one of many elements. Today, Palestinian farmers use recycled waste water, wa- The solution in the Balkans and the agreement with Tur- ter harvesting and drip irrigation to overcome Israel's usur- key are not a universal model applicable to other migration pation of our water and to conserve our limited resources, as well as maintaining local seedbanks to preserve agrobi- ough policies on migration do not rule out humani- routes, including the central Mediterranean Route. Libya is odiversity. Communities cut off from the Israeli-controlled tarian goals in the EU, the European Council president not Turkey . Closing the border on the Brenner Pass on the T border between Italy and Austria would be a blow to the energy grid look to alternative energy sources, such as solar argues in an editorial. But Europe must also set clear panels. limits on the concessions it is willing to make with its partners heart of Schengen. For this reason, the recently proposed Becoming a State Party to the UNFCCC affords us the in resolving the refugee crisis. “migration compact” of Prime Minister Renzi is welcome. Eu- opportunity to build upon these techniques through cli- One year ago, at the outset of the migration crisis, some rope should also back Italy in its actions against smugglers, mate finance, technology and capacity-building, and to accepted as a given that the migration wave is too big to which will likely require greater involvement in Libya. better share our practices with others in the Mediterranean stop. One consequence of this was to suspend the Schen- No one else is going to protect our borders for us. We the problem is solved. We are facing months, perhaps years and beyond. gen and Dublin rules, leading to the opening up of our terri- cannot hand over the keys to our territory, to our securi- of efforts and difficult choices. What we see now is positive Yet, pursuit of such opportunities is impaired by the fact tory to uncontrolled migration. ty, to any third country. This applies to Turkey as well as to data on the Balkan route, which until a few weeks ago was that Palestine continues to be illegally denied control over Europeans experienced increasing helplessness and un- North African countries. Our helplessness would provoke a the main artery. The numbers are telling: 70,000 in January, its natural resources by Israel, the occupying Power, particu- certainty, along with more or less justified fears about secu- temptation to blackmail Europe. Too often I have heard from 50,000 in February, 30,000 in March, and in April approxi- larly as a result of its ever-expanding settlement enterprise rity, the ability to integrate newcomers in our societies and our neighbors that Europe should give in, otherwise it will mately 3,000. in the West Bank, its blockade of Gaza, and its attacks on the social and financial implications of an unrestricted flow be flooded by migrants. This was when I realized our coop- Three decisions were key to this. infrastructure, which have devastated the quality of our nat- of migrants. eration would be a cooperation of partners only when we First, the European Council decided to end the wave- ural resources and our access to them. This growing unease provided fertile ground for radical, regain our own ability to control migration. through approach and to return to full compliance with the National action plan populist, often nationalist sentiment. With surprising intensity, We cannot negotiate our values Schengen rules. The leaders reaffirmed that there would be This underscores the fact that truly addressing the chal- the debate became infused with apocalyptic prophecies and Only strong states are capable of supporting those in no European solution without respect for European law. In lenges we face as a people in all realms, whether political, questions about the future of Europe. need on a large scale, without the risk of self-destruction. mid-2015, when the crisis struck with full force, Europe ig- social, economic, humanitarian, environmental or other- Stopping this dangerous trend was a change of para- Tough policies do not rule out humanitarian goals -- quite nored its own principles and laws, thus demonstrating weak- wise, requires first and foremost ending the Israeli occu- digm. So, several months ago, I proposed we make the re- the opposite: only determined policies enable their imple- ness and indecision. Drawing fresh conclusions in February pation that began in 1967 and securing the freedom and verse assumption that the wave of migration is too big not mentation. If we want Europe to remain open and tolerant, was a breakthrough in this respect. It should serve as a lesson. rights that the Palestinian people have been for too long to stop. Our priority should be to have a proper migration we can no longer allow ourselves to be helpless. Second, was the permanent inclusion of the Balkan coun- unjustly denied. policy. The European Union and its member states must re- We need the solidarity and determination of all member tries in the union's migration priorities? The coming months As we continue to exert all efforts to that end, we are si- gain the capacity to decide who crosses our borders, where states in every aspect of migration policy: relocation, human- will require further support. I became involved in this process multaneously seeking to responsibly carry out our duties to and when. itarian aid, external actions and most importantly protecting fully aware of the risks and controversies it entails. Coopera- improve the lives of our people in accordance with interna- Paradoxically, this is essential to operate a rational and our external borders. What is at stake is not only the future of tion with our Balkan partners such as Macedonia is not easy. tional law and with a view to their resilience and sustainable humane asylum policy. Without such an approach, tragedies Schengen, but the very future of our community. But political leadership is about the readiness to make diffi- development as a part of the global community. at sea will also continue. We know the gravity of the present Recent experience with Turkey shows that Europe must cult decisions, even in the face of hostile public opinion. Thus, in 2010, the Palestinian Authority developed a “Cli- situation. Last Wednesday, the UN refugee agency said up to set clear limits to its concessions. We can negotiate mon- And finally, EU-Turkey cooperation. For many of us it was mate Change Adaptation Strategy” that set out a national 500 migrants may have died when a large ship sank in the ey but never our values. We cannot impose our standards at least as controversial. It was reached because the leaders action plan to address some of our biggest threats. Mediterranean last week. on the rest of the world. Equally, others cannot impose their decided it was the most effective way to support Greece and Currently, we are preparing to submit to the UN an INDC, Telling numbers standards on us. Our freedoms, including freedom of ex- break the smugglers' business model in the Aegean Sea. I our national contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emis- Framing the debate in a new way has had an impact and pression, will not be part of political bargaining with any part- mobilized all the member states to support this on two ab- sions, confirming our commitment to shouldering our re- brought cautious hope, though we are under no illusion that solute conditions: that the interests of the members of our ner. This message must be heard also by President Erdogan. (Source: Spiegel) sponsibilities to achieve a carbon-neutral future, in spite of the fact that the Israeli occupation prevents us from fully executing our climate policy. It is in part because of these circumstances that the State Unfinished business from 9/11 of Palestine decided to become a State Party to the UN- Fourteen years after its completion, the full re- The Saudi government has long denied er effort by some 9/11 families to sue mem- veto the measure because it could prompt FCCC. cord of Congress’s investigation into the 9/11 any involvement and that view was largely sup- bers of the Saudi royal family, banks and char- other countries to retaliate with lawsuits For the first time the State of Palestine will sit as an equal attacks has not been published. Twenty-eight ported by the 9/11 Commission, an independ- ities and hold them responsible for any role, against the American government, citizens among fellow countries in the global fight against climate pages are still being withheld amid suspicions ent bipartisan panel that conducted a separate including terrorism financing, they may have and corporations. Citizens should have a change, which stands among the top priorities on the inter- that what they contain could implicate the inquiry in 2004 and found “no evidence that had in the attacks. right to legal redress, but Obama has a national agenda. Saudi government and Saudi citizens in the the Saudi government as an institution or sen- So far, such legal challenges have been valid concern about the bill’s potential im- With this strengthened position we can ensure that peo- terrorist strike. ior Saudi officials” funded Al Qaeda terrorists. thwarted because, critics say, federal courts pact. Senator Lindsey Graham, a Repub- ple without complete control over their natural resources President George W. Bush ordered the Still, questions remain about the work of since 2005 have misread congressional intent lican who has similar reservations about have an equal platform to voice their needs and be part of pages kept secret in 2002. In 2014, prodded a number of Saudi-sponsored charities with on the issue of immunity for foreign nations the legislation, said last Tuesday that he is the global conversation and effort. by some of the 9/11 families, President Oba- financial links to Al Qaeda terrorists. from private lawsuits. They say there was working with the bill sponsors to address The Paris Agreement was a tremendous diplomatic ma asked intelligence officials to work on As Ben Rhodes, a White House official, never any intent to provide a legal shield for those concerns. achievement. We are proud that the State of Palestine is a declassifying the material. The process is still said last Monday, while it was not Saudi gov- foreign nations against liability for acts of ter- The controversy comes at a time when partner in pursuing ambitious climate action. Yet, to bring dragging on. ernment policy to support Al Qaeda terrorists, rorism committed in the United States. Saudi-American relations have been badly about the substantive change we all seek, we each must do The 28 pages should be released imme- “There were a number of very wealthy indi- Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of shaken by disputes over Iran, Syria and other more at home and abroad. diately. Americans still do not know exactly viduals in Saudi Arabia who would contribute, New York, and others are sponsoring a bipar- issues. The State of Palestine is a respected party in the UN and why 15 out of the 19 hijackers from Al Qaeda sometimes directly, to extremist groups that … tisan bill that would make it clear that immu- Repairing troubled ties with Saudi Arabia, will work with our diplomatic partners to ensure effective terrorists were Saudi citizens and whether that ended up being ways to launder money to nity should not apply in cases where nations which cooperates closely with America on implementation of the Paris Agreement and further en- indicates efforts by influential Saudis to sup- these groups.” are found culpable for terrorist attacks that counterterrorism and security matters, re- hancement of climate commitments. We want a world with port the plot. Former Senator Bob Graham, Congressional inquiry kill Americans on American soil. The bill was quires that all the facts be known. The Saudis a sustainable future that we can all share, as equals, in sta- who was a co-chairman of the 2002 joint con- Because those connections remain unex- approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee themselves have previously called for the re- bility and peace. As a new State Party to the world's action gressional inquiry into the attacks, has long plained, it’s important that the full congres- in January. lease of the redacted pages. It’s past time to plan on climate change, we are eager to work towards that claimed there is evidence of complicity by in- sional inquiry report be released. Thought-provoking commentary do that. bright future. stitutions and people beyond the 19 terrorists. The push for the 28 pages is part of a larg- President Obama has said he may (Source: The NYT) (Source: Al Jazeera) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y

8 MED & SCI AAPRILPRIL 225,5, 22016016 http://www.tehrantimes.com

NEWS IN BRIEF Scientists share why keeping warming Only route to success is through scientific under 1.5 degrees Celsius is crucial research: Prof. Samii With the possible prospect of the world aims to keep global average temperatures MEDICAL TEHRAN — Professor Majid Samii, the distin- warming dangerously and uncontrollably, “well below” the 2 C previously agreed—and deskguished Iranian neurosurgeon and medical scien- half of one degree Celsius may sound like to pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 C. tist, has said that the only route to success is through scientific research. a negligible temperature change unlikely to But the report by European research- Hailed for his medical contribution to neuroscience as the head of make much difference to life on Earth. ers—published in Earth System Dynamics, the world-renowned International Neuroscience Institute (INI), based But scientists say 0.5 C could make a cru- an open access journal of the European in Hanover, Germany, Samii cial difference in some regions — particularly Geosciences Union (EGU)—says they have called on university professors in developing countries in the tropics — that found that there would be substantially in Iran to contribute more to the are already at great risk from climate change. different impacts for the two targets by world of knowledge. The consequences could include higher sea 2100. They say the extra 0.5 C would mean Making the remarks on Sat- level rise and extended heatwaves, threaten- a global sea-level rise of 10 centimeters, urday at the Shiraz University ing most tropical coral reefs. longer heatwaves and would put virtually of Medical Sciences, southern Bill Hare, CEO of Climate Analytics and all tropical coral reefs at risk. Iran, Sameii expressed delight a member of the research team that has “We analyzed the climate models used to deliver his speech in a city produced the cautionary report, said: “Our in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate where great achievements in study shows that tropical regions —mostly Change’s Fifth Assessment Report, focus- neurology were made, par- developing countries that are already highly ing on the projected impacts at 1.5 C and 2 ticularly in the modern science vulnerable to climate change — face the big- C warming at the regional level. of brain and nervous system, gest rise in impacts between 1.5 C and 2 C. The consequences of climate change could One of these is the Mediterranean re- IRNA reported. Climate risks include higher sea level rise and extended gion, already experiencing climate change- The knowledge transferred “Our results add to a growing body of evi- heatwaves, threatening most tropical coral reefs. induced drying. With a global temperature through inheritance in medi- dence showing that climate risks occur at lower increase of 1.5 C, the availability of fresh cine from ancestors, Samii said, is no longer sufficient. “Therefore, levels than previously thought. They provide Countries and Small Island Developing States, The Paris agreement on climate change water in the region would be about 10 per- college professors and physicians in the country should help build scientific evidence to support the call by vul- that a 1.5 C warming limit would substantially signed on Friday in New York was concluded cent lower than in the late 20th century. upon the wall of medical knowledge one brick at a time.” nerable countries, such as the Least Developed reduce the impacts of climate change.” at last December’s UN climate conference. It (Source: Eco Watch) Addressed the audience, mostly medical staff, Samii enjoined “not to even rely on today’s knowledge, but to produce it.” The prominent doctor invited Iranian students to tap into the rewards and power of working hard and find their drive and mo- Solving poaching using AI-based systems tives to acquire higher education. Research funded by the National Science Foundation may ”In most parks, ranger patrols are poorly planned, reactive cooperation between intelligent rational decision-makers.” He urged college pupils to step up efforts and turn the stum- have found an ingenious solution to poaching: applying rather than proactive, and habitual.” makes use of mathematical theory and models of rational bling blocks into stepping stones. game theory and computer science to real-life situations. To address these limitations, the NSF and the Army Re- cooperation and conflict to predict how an enemy be- The 78-year-old doctor then highlighted the power of knowl- One of the biggest factors in why there are so many en- search Office have teamed up to fund a project that uses haves, and therefore plan ahead. Tambe has already pro- edge and called it a better treasure than financial wealth. dangered animals today is poaching – a centuries-old prob- artificial intelligence (AI) and game theory to stop poaching. duced a similar method now in use by the Coast Guard and lem. The dwindling tiger population is one of the most glaring Fang is part of this team, along with Millind Tambe, professor the Transportation Security Administration. She says, examples of this. Whether for sport, medicine, pelts or other of computer science and industrial and systems engineering “This research is a step in demonstrating that AI can have a body parts, poaching remains a huge threat to wildlife. and director of the Teamcore Research Group on Agents and really significant positive impact on society and allow us to as- Number of HIV patients is Patrols have long been the most direct form of human Multiagent Systems. They collaborate with other researchers sist humanity in solving some of the major challenges we face.” intervention in wildlife protection. This is especially true for from the USA, Singapore, Malaysia and the Netherlands. PAWS works by studying data on past patrols and dropping in Iran, says labor large national parks and forest reserves. However, the ef- Models of conflict poaching activity to learn, predict patterns and plan ahead minister ficacy of these patrols in stopping poaching has its limits. In This project relies on the use of “green security games,” for preventive measures. It uses information on terrain, to- a report from the NSF, Fei Fang from the computer science or game theory. Game theory, according to Roger Myer- pography, foot and animal traffic and natural paths to cre- MEDICAL TEHRAN — Recent studies show a decline in department at the University of Southern California, states, son, is the ”study of mathematical models of conflict and ate a kind of “street map.” (Source: immortal.org) deskthe number of patients with HIV in Iran, mean- ing that measures taken to control the disease have been success- ful, Labor Minister Ali Rabiei said on Saturday. Alcohol and processed meat link to Newly discovered gene sheds light Speaking on the sidelines stomach cancer on evolution of Darwin's finches of a meeting held in support of HIV patients, Rabiei said between 85,000 to 100,000 persons have been identified with HIV in the country. The minister called for raising public awareness on AIDS and treating the patients properly, thereby brining the disease more easily under control, ISNA reported. The most important issue discussed in the meeting, the minister said, was to find ways for the public to treat HIV pa- tients like other patients so as to prevent their isolation, he added. He then introduced www.aids.ir website where patients can reg- An analysis from the World Cancer Re- increases the risk of stomach cancer. Re- It’s evolution in action: species compet- food intensified among various finch spe- ister and receive confidential counseling as well as social support. search Fund has found "strong evidence" search mainly relates to high-salt foods ing for the same food and resources cies. Work done by study authors Peter To study ways of reducing and preventing HIV infection that alcohol and processed meats can and salt-preserved foods, including pick- tend to diverge from each other to de- and Rosemary Grant from Princeton, for at schools and in the public was the decision the committee cause stomach cancer. led vegetables and salted or dried fish, as crease competition. Now scientists have example, found that the medium ground came up with. Stomach cancer is the 16th most com- traditionally prepared in East Asia. recently identified a gene answering for finch moved away from the beak size of mon cancer in the UK with around 7,100 · Being overweight or obese increases variations in the beak size among Dar- the large ground finch. cases in 2013. It is more common in men the risk of stomach cardia cancer which is win’s finches, a glaring example of this Critical role than women. cancer affecting the upper portion of the evolutionary mechanism. HMGA2 locus played a critical role Only around a fifth of people diag- stomach that adjoins the gullet. An example of adaptive radia- in this evolutionary shift and that natu- Solar plane on course, flying nosed with stomach cancer survive the · Eating processed meat increases the tion, Darwin’s finches appeared on the ral selection acting on this gene during from Hawaii to California disease for 5 or more years. risk of stomach non-cardia cancer. Galapagos around two million years past the drought is one of the highest yet re- Established risk factors for stomach The findings on alcohol and being and evolved into 18 different species with corded in nature,” said the two scientists cancer include eating too much salt and overweight or obese are new since the various sizes, beak shapes, songs, and who carried out field research in the area An experimental plane trying to fly around the world on solar smoking. Although alcohol is sometimes last assessment was made in 2007. feeding practices. Evolutionary biologist for 40 years. energy was about a third of the way between Hawaii and Cali- mentioned as a risk factor, experts have The findings on processed meat have Charles Darwin observed these birds The researchers discovered that dur- fornia Friday on its quiet quest to make history. maintained that the evidence is unclear. upgraded to 'strong', and is now specifi- while visiting islands while on board the ing that episode of drought, the me- Solar Impulse 2 pilot Bertrand Piccard, 58, who is spending Latest analysis cally linked to stomach non-cardia cancer. HMS Beagle in the 1830s. dium ground finches’ average beak size 62 hours by himself in the tiny cockpit, did the closest thing he The latest analysis was conducted Commenting on the report in a state- Now, researchers from Uppsala Uni- turned smaller due to a high death rate could to stretching his legs -- after spending a day and a night by a research team at Imperial College ment, Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, chair of versity and Princeton University identified among those with large beaks, which sitting in that cramped space. London and then reviewed by a panel the Alcohol Health Alliance, says: "We the HMGA2 gene as one that influences could not fiercely compete with the To wit, he raised and lowered his arms to do exercise, accord- of leading international scientists. They were aware that alcohol causes 7 types beak shape and drives changes in that larger species. ing to a photo on the mission web site. looked at evidence from 89 studies of cancer, and worryingly, this report part of the birds’ anatomy. They showed The team saw that 61 percent of the It shows him wearing sun glasses and a long sleeved orange worldwide which included nearly 77,000 now demonstrates a link with an eighth - that through having a smaller beak, me- surviving birds had genes coding for a shirt as he sat at the controls. cases of stomach cancer. stomach cancer. dium ground finches more ably consume smaller beak, while only 37 percent of "It is high time for Bertrand to make some physical exercis- Among the main findings considered The "link between alcohol and cancer tiny seeds and thus better compete with those who perished had the same geno- es to fight muscle atrophy, not easy in the 3.8 m3 cockpit, but as 'strong' evidence are that: is one of the reasons the chief medical of- large finches, which eye bigger seeds and type. This gene contribution to survival, something he has trained for intensely over the past years," the · Having approximately 3 or more al- ficers (CMOs) in the UK revised their alco- thus leave the smaller ones alone. according to lead author Leif Andersson, photo caption read. The cockpit measures 134 cubic feet. coholic drinks each day increases the risk hol consumption guideline at the begin- This transition in beak morphology is among the “highest yet recorded for an The plane's wingspan is wider than that of a jumbo jet but its of stomach cancer. ning of the year. likely happened after a severe drought individual gene” occurring in nature. weight is roughly the same as a car's, thanks to its light construc- · Eating foods preserved by salting (Source: Medscape) from 2004 to 2005, when competition for (Source: Tech Times) tion. The aircraft is powered by 17,000 solar cells. The plane is due to land in Mountain View, not far from San Francisco in the heart of California's Silicon Valley, on Saturday evening. It took off from Hawaii Thursday. If parents see their kids as overweight, they're more likely to be so This is the ninth of 13 legs in a journey that began last year in the United Arab Emirates. One way health programs today are trying to reduce the Body mass index The goal of the flight is to promote the use of renewable growing problem of childhood obesity in the United States The team determined the body mass index, or BMI, of the energy. The SI2 was grounded in July last year when its batteries is by making parents aware that their child is overweight. children at 4 or 5 years of age and asked one of their parents, suffered problems halfway through its 21,700-mile (35,000-kilo- The thinking is they can take steps to help their child eat in most cases their mother, if they thought their child was un- meter) circumnavigation. The crew took several months to repair more healthily and exercise more. derweight, normal weight or overweight. The researchers then the damage from high tropical temperatures during the flight's Researchers found that young children were actually measured the child's BMI every other year until they were 13. final Pacific stage, a 4,000-mile flight between Japan and Hawaii. more likely to gain weight during childhood if their parents Children who were normal weight or underweight also The aircraft was flown on that stage by Piccard's teammate thought they were overweight. gained more weight at every two-year interval if their par- Andre Borschberg, whose 118-hour journey smashed the previ- The study monitored more than 3,500 Australian chil- ents had mistakenly perceived them as overweight. ous record of 76 hours and 45 minutes set by US adventurer dren and found that those who were overweight when Sutin believes the reason behind this could be that par- Steve Fossett in 2006. they were 4 or 5 years old, and whose parents viewed ents who thought their children were overweight, regard- The plane is expected to cross the United States, stopping in New them as overweight, gained significantly more weight by less of whether they actually were, could have been limiting "In this case, misperception may be protective," said York before a trans-Atlantic flight to Europe, from where the pilots their 13th birthday. This added gain is in comparison to how much their kids ate and the kids could have rebelled Angelina R. Sutin, who led the research published Thursday plan to make their way back to the point of departure in Abu Dhabi. children who were overweight, but whose parents thought by eating more. in the journal Pediatrics. (Source: AFP) they were actually normal weight or underweight. (Source: CNN) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y http://www.tehrantimes.com/international APRIL 25, 2016 WORLD IN FOCUS 9

Militants have launched fresh rounds of and injuring four others. attacks on civilians and security forces Militant attacks kill 12 It said four of the shells hit residential across Syria, killing at least 12 and injur- neighborhoods, while the other 10 fell in ing a number of others. the surroundings of the cities and villages NEWS The Lebanon-based al-Mayadeen TV civilians across Syria located in the northwestern countryside said that rounds of shelling by militants of Hama. Merkel calls for refugee on two residential neighborhoods in the The attacks came one day after four ‘safe zones’ in Syria northern city of Aleppo left 11 people residential neighborhoods of Aleppo and dead, including women and children. two in and around the capital Damascus The German chancellor has sought the creation of “safe The report said the rocket attacks tar- were targeted by militants, leading to zones” to shelter refugees inside Syria, a proposal criticized geted al-Neel Street and the New Alep- four deaths. by the United Nations and rights groups. po neighborhood, saying fatalities came Syrian officials say the attacks show Speaking at a university in the city of Gaziantep, Angela mainly due to the destruction of houses lack of seriousness in the opposition to Merkel called for “zones where the ceasefire is particular- in those areas. respect a truce deal which is current- ly enforced and where a significant level of security can be Syria’s official SANA agency said ly holding in the country. The cease- guaranteed”. rocket shells also fell in al-Hamadaniyeh fire, which was brokered by the United neighborhood of Aleppo, inflicting losses States and Russia in late February, was on private and public properties. It said meant to facilitate ongoing peace talks the attacks were carried out by al-Qae- in Switzerland between the govern- da-linked al-Nusra Front (Jabhat al-Nus- ment and the foreign-backed opposi- ra) and other armed groups operating tion. The deal excludes al-Nusra Front inside and near Aleppo. and the Islamic State in Iraq and the SANA said militants from al-Nusra and Levant (ISIL/Daesh). the so-called Ahrar al-Sham (Free men of However, Damascus and militant Levant) group also launched rounds of groups involved in the ceasefire have mortar attacks on al-Sqeilbiyeh city and been trading accusations of truce vio- al-Jaberiyeh village in Hama province, lation. again in north Syria, killing one civilian (Source: Press TV) Keeping people displaced from their homes on the Syrian side of the border would help the 28-nation bloc and Turkey, which hosts 2.7 million Syrian refugees; stem the flow of ref- Saudi king dismisses utilities minister over price hikes ugees to European shores. The House of Saud regime’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz cember to cope with low oil prices and the ensuing billion riyals ($224 billion), the statement added. Merkel, who visited Nizip refugee camp near the Syria Al Saud has dismissed the kingdom’s water and electric- budget deficit. Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who border along with senior European Union leaders on Satur- ity minister amid growing anger over unpopular increas- Last month, al-Hussayen reportedly told people angry is responsible for the economic reforms, is expected to day, heaped praise on Turkey for its efforts at the camp. es in the utilities’ prices. at high water bills to get permission to dig their own wells. announce plans on Monday for diversifying the king- “Our goal is not only to stop illegal migration, but for ref- King Salman issued a decree on Saturday, sacking Earlier this month, the Arab News Daily said that the dom’s economy that depends on oil for 70 percent of ugees to have more opportunities near their home,” Merkel Abdullah al-Hussayen, the official SPA news agency re- Shura Council was “unconvinced” when its members state revenues. said. ported. criticized Hussayen for the price hikes. He, however, said earlier this month that the min- The UN has warned against the safe-zone plan unless The Saudi king appointed Agriculture Minister Ab- Also in December, the Finance Ministry said in a istry’s new water tariff was not satisfactory. He added, there was a way to guarantee the refugees’ safety in the war- del Rahman al-Fadli as the acting minister for water and statement that the country would be running a budget “Now, we are working diligently on reforms within the torn state. Aid workers have also opposed it. electricity. deficit of $87 billion in 2016, which will be its third annual water ministry so that things will be in accordance with A ceasefire between the Syrian government and rebel The kingdom has reduced subsidies on water, elec- shortfall in a row. the agreed plan.” groups in place since February end has faltered, forcing tens tricity and fuel as part of the reforms adopted last De- Riyadh is also projecting spending next year at 840 (Source: Press TV) of thousands of people to flee the fighting. But they are not allowed to cross into Turkey, and instead are camped near the Azaz border crossing where local agen- Number of Palestinian No progress in inter-Yemeni cies offer humanitarian support. minors in Israel jails on rise peace talks Turkey only allows critically injured Syrians to enter the country where more than 2.7 million refugees are regis- tered. (Source: Al Jazeera)

Ansar Bank, top chart in financial transparency: SEO

ECONOMY TEHRAN — Iran’s Securities and Exchange deskOrganization (SEO) declared Ansar Bank to stand at the first place among Iran’s banks regarding scores of “transparency of financial information”, “timeliness” and “reliable information”, Ansar Bank general department of The number of Palestinian minors held Earlier this month, Human Rights The third day of United Nations-bro- noting that members of his delegation marketing and advertisement reported. in Israeli prisons has reportedly seen Watch also expressed concerns over the kered peace talks between representa- did not accept the formation of paral- According to the report of department of supervision on a dramatic rise since the beginning of rising number of Palestinian minors be- tives from Yemen’s Ansarullah (Houthi) lel committees. issuers of SEO on the 12-month period ended on 29th Ira- what observers call the third Palestinian ing arrested; saying Israeli forces are movement and the former government “Our delegation has not agreed to nian Calendar month of Esfand (19 March 2016), regarding Intifada or uprising last October. abusing Palestinian children in various in Kuwait has ended without any pro- form the parallel committees as stated the scores of “timeliness” and “reliability of information” Ansar The number of minors in Israeli cus- prisons and detention facilities. gress, reports say. in the UN communiqué,” the unnamed Bank stood at the first place among banks and financial insti- tody grew from 170 in September 2015 The New York-based rights group Sources close to the talks, request- delegate said. tutions and ranked sixth among stock companies, to 438 in January 2016, the Israeli news- said the regime forces resort to exces- ing anonymity, said during the nego- The inter-Yemeni peace negotiations Referring to this success, Yahya Foroutan, vice managing di- paper Haaretz reported on Sunday, cit- sive force in detaining Palestinian mi- tiations, the warring sides could not in Kuwait opened late on Thursday. The rector of Ansar Bank noted, “Adherence to corporate govern- ing figures by the Israel Prison Service. nors and hold them captive in unsafe work out any agreement over numer- negotiations had been planned by the ance rules for the dissemination of timely and reliable financial The number of prisoners aged 16-18 and abusive conditions. ous issues, amongst them the need to UN to open on April 18, but were de- information is an important factor affecting investors’ actions soared from 143 to 324 during the same Israelis regularly interrogate Palestin- hold the fraying ceasefire that took ef- layed over accusations of ceasefire vio- and behavior through which investors’ confidence to the stock time span, while it increased from 27 to ian children in the absence of a parent, fect on April 11. lations from the parties to the Yemeni market could be recovered and also it will help lowering the 98 for those aged 14-16. hence infringing upon international laws United Nations Special Envoy for conflict. risks for investors and reduce the costs for companies. A 12-year-old girl is the youngest of that demand special protection for de- Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed said Ansarullah movement forces took Mr. Foroutan also underlined the importance of adher- the Palestinian teens incarcerated in Israel. tained kids, the rights group added. in a late Saturday statement that the state matters into their own hands after ing to the rules and principles of financial transparency for She was arrested in early February in More than 7,000 Palestinian prison- talks were difficult, adding, howev- the resignation and escape of Hadi in all banks and financial institutions and called for strict legal possession of a knife outside the illegal ers are currently held in some 17 Israeli er that the “atmosphere of the talks late January 2015, which threw Yemen action against information rent in stock market in order to settlement of Karmei Tzur, near the West jails, dozens of whom are serving multi- is promising and there is common into a state of chaos and threatened a improve the position of banks and financial institutions in the Bank city of al-Khalil (Hebron), and sen- ple life sentences. ground to build on in order to recon- total security breakdown in the impov- capital market as an effective industry in country’s economy. tenced to four and a half months in prison. Over 500 detainees are under the so- cile differences.” erished country, where al-Qaeda terror- However, the Palestinian child is set called administrative detention, which is “We must realize that these difficult ists are gaining more ground as a result to be released later on Sunday at the a sort of imprisonment without trial or negotiations require time because they of power vacuum. Zar grain processing request of her parents. charge that allows Israel to incarcerate aim at reaching a solid agreement on The House of Saud regime launched Itamar Barak, a researcher for the Palestinians for up to six months. a package of contentious issues so that its military aggression against Yemen on complex, a sample of Israeli human rights organization B’Tse- Palestinian detainees have continu- the solution would be comprehensive March 26, 2015, in a bid to bring Hadi lem, criticized Israel’s policy of jailing mi- ously resorted to open-ended hunger and holistic,” the top Mauritanian diplo- — who is a staunch ally of Riyadh — industrial jihad: NNFTRI nors, saying “This is an oppressive sys- strikes in an attempt to express their mat said. back to power and undermine the An- ECONOMY TEHRAN — Visiting Zar Macaron Holdings, tem based only on incarceration. There outrage at the illegal and unfair admin- He further asserted that the sarullah movement. desk is no attempt to provide alternatives to istrative detention and to demand an delegates agreed to the proposed More than 9,400 people have been Dr. Hedayat Hosseini, head of national nu- imprisonment.” end to the policy. agenda, and to “work in parallel killed and at least 16,000 others injured trition and food technology research institute (NNFTRI) under- “The question is what a 14- or At least 210 Palestinians, including committees on political and secu- since the onset of the aggression. lined the potentials of Zar Company and noted, “This Corpo- 16-year-old who spends a year in pris- children and women, have lost their rity issues.” The Saudi strikes have also taken a ration deserves to receive all-out support from the scientific on with security prisoners learns about lives at the hands of Israeli forces since However, a high-profile represent- heavy toll on the country’s facilities and community for its significant technical and industrial activities”. life, the world and the Israeli-Palestinian last October amid escalating tensions in ative from the administration of fugi- infrastructure, destroying many hospi- In this event attended by NNFTRI professors and directors conflict. It only sends them back to the the occupied territories. tive ex-president, Abd Rabbuh Man- tals, schools, and factories. and board members of Zar Holding group, emphasizing Zar cycle of violence,” Barak added. (Source: Press TV) sur Hadi, dismissed Ahmed’s remarks, (Source: Press TV) corporation’s substantial progresses, Dr. Hosseini said, “The success that we are witnessing today in Zar Corporation is a result of a strong, creative and innovative management team”. Top terrorist commander killed in northwest Syria bombing Mentioning the achievements of this visit Dr. Hosseini add- ed, “In a meetings with Zar holding directors we agreed to The leader of al-Qaeda-linked Ahrar al-Sham (Free Men single brigade in order to fight against the Syrian gov- cooperate in various spheres like holding joint conferences of the Levant) terrorist group has been killed in a bomb ernment. In July 2013, Ahrar ash-Sham had 10,000 to with the theme of processed grain products, joint publica- attack that targeted the terrorist’s headquarters in the 20,000 fighters, making it the second single most pow- tions and also exchanging faculty members”. northwestern Syrian province of Idlib. erful unit fighting against the Syrian government forces, Mohammad Hossein Azizi head of Iran’s food science and Majed Hussein al-Sadeq, along with three other after the Free Syrian Army. It is the largest rebel group technology association (IFSTA), for his part, mentioned Zar members of the terrorist outfit, were killed when the in Syria. The group along with Jaysh al-Islam (Army of company’s activities and achievement in grain processing attack targeted Ahrar al-Sham headquarters in the Islam) are the main rebel groups supported by Turkey and said, “What happens today in Zar corporations, sets ma- town of Binnish, located about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) and the House of Saud regime. jor steps on the path to economic independence, exchang- northeast of Idlib, the so-called Syrian Observatory for Ahrar al-Sham, is also one of the oldest and largest ing technology and preventing the outflow of currency to Human Rights (SOHR) reported. terrorist groups operating in Syria since 2011, is mostly import sweeteners”. The Britain-based group noted that an unknown per- active in the country’s northwestern part. The group is Further in the meeting, Mohsen Amini, director of Zar son parked his motorcycle near the terrorist base, and identified as Abu Abdel Rahman Salqin, was killed af- allied with al-Nusra Front (Jabhat al-Nusra), an offshoot Macaron, also emphasized the human-centered and knowl- headed on foot towards a gathering of the Takfiris. He ter two unidentified bombers detonated their explosives of al-Qaeda terrorist network in Syria. edge-based perspective of the Zar Holdings co. and noted, then detonated his explosives-laden belt, killing Sadeq at the terrorist group’s bases in the Abu Talha area of According to a February report by the Syrian Center “In Zar group, we have always been looking for producing and three of his comrades. Idlib. for Policy Research, the conflict has claimed the lives of safe and high quality products and we believe this is possible An unspecified number of the terrorists were also in- Six other high ranking members of the terrorist group over 470,000 people, injured 1.9 million others, and dis- only by implementing technology and science” jured in the incident. The Observatory reported that the were also killed in the deadly incident. placed nearly half of the pre-war population of about 23 He also pointed out the formation of Iran’s first fructose death toll is expected to rise as some of the wounded Harakat Ahrar ash-Sham al-Islamiyya (Islamic Move- million within or beyond Syria’s borders. The observato- association and expressed hope for a good interaction be- terrorists are in critical condition. ment of the Free Men of the Levant) is a coalition of ry, however, puts the number at about 270,000. tween the company and NNFTRI and that soon the Zar’s Last July, one of Ahrar al-Sham’s most senior leaders, multiple Islamist and Salafist units that coalesced into a (Source: agencies) grain processing complex to be officially inaugurated. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 10 ENVIRONMENT AAPRILPRIL 225,5, 22016016 http://www.tehrantimes.com/society

IRAN’S WILDLIFE Iran designing 2MW wind turbine: SUNA chief Predominant hub of wildlife 1 Yet, a more important point to to manufacture some but not all compo- rehabilitation center in Tehran bear in mind is our priorities. Given a nents of wind turbines simply because nominal capacity of nearly 30,000 mega- we don’t have the technology and know- watts of energy from wind resources in how required for manufacturing these ARTICLE Iran, we have made actualizing the ca- parts, including control systems, blades, By Farnaz Heidari pacity our first priority. Of course, there is etc. On the other hand, there are oth- M.Sc. of Environmental Science Engineering strong justification behind it. Almost half er parts which we can produce in Iran. of the nominal capacity is economically Some are towers, nozzles or nose, hubs, onservationists apply numerous ways to protect wild- justifiable and cost-effective. Therefore, it and shafts. Clife heritage and wildlife rehabilitation centers are one is quite natural that there has been a fo- Therefore, I don’t think we have got of these options. cus on wind. what it takes to produce wind turbines Wildlife rehabilitation centers provide unique insights into Do you have any wind energy from A to Z domestically and it’s better issues affecting wildlife management such as providing profes- project under consideration or con- to focus only on those we have the tech- sional care to injured, orphaned, displaced or even distressed struction? nology to produce them. wild animals in such a way that they have a chance to survive A: To come up with a concise answer, I Considering the post-sanctions when returned to their native habitats. think it would be good to talk about two era, have you talked to foreign part- But the story does not always have a happy ending, in some general strategies which we follow. Our ners to share their technologies with cases it ends tragically. Ending some of animals’ life intentionally first strategy applies to those renewable Iran? is one of these tragic ends. energy projects which are financed and A: Yes actually. We have been in talks Euthanasia is the best vi- implemented by the state-run sector. over the past months with the Danish able option for some special These have a piloting purpose, meaning Vestas, a pioneering wind turbine manu- cases because letting animals that governments implement such plans Highlight: The good news is that we are facturer in the world. Their team came to go through pain and suffering to indicate that such projects are possible designing a 2MW wind turbine in Nirou Research Iran for more talks, expressing readiness is not acceptable. to operationalize. Almost all operational to start a production line in Iran. However, Euthanasia techniques may renewable energy facilities in the coun- Institute in collaboration with the MAPNA I wonder if the company and other ones seem undesirable to those who try are motivated by this piloting strategy, Group (a conglomerate of Iranian companies such as Goldwind transfer technology un- are unaware of some facts, but an example of which is the 150-MW Bin- involved in development and execution of less we order numerous wind turbines. in some cases veterinarians are aloud Wind Power Plant. Also, at the mo- The good news is that we are de- required to form professional ment there is another facility with a ca- thermal and renewable power, oil & gas, railway signing a 2MW wind turbine in Nirou judgment for such situations pacity of 100 megawatts which will come transportation and other industrial projects as Research Institute in collaboration with regardless of judgmental and online soon where V47/660KW turbines well as manufacturing main equipment.) the MAPNA Group (a conglomerate ignorant remarks and act ac- are used to produce energy. Also, ground of Iranian companies involved in de- cording to science. will be broken for a 250MW facility soon. are potentially appropriate target points. from different perspectives. velopment and execution of thermal Tehran wildlife rehabil- But, the second strategy, which is The next phase, the meso scale, has to Can our universities be of help and renewable power, oil & gas, rail- Navid, the newly born calf of itation center, Pardisan Park more important for us, is to encourage do with preparing a wind atlas. As men- to flourish the renewable energy sec- way transportation and other industrial Persian fallow deer As the population of Tehran the private sector to enter the scene. Ac- tioned before, we have gone through the tor of the country? projects as well as manufacturing main and other metropolises of Iran tually, steps have already been taken by stages, carrying out assessment studies A: In my opinion, they can’t be of much equipment.) If we succeed in manufac- grow, the frequency of human-wildlife interactions also increase. the government to persuade the private and drafting a wind atlas for the first time help though we have a couple of good turing the turbine, then our country will Trained, informed and wildlife conscious specialists can cer- sector. An incentive is the guaranteed in 2007 in collaboration with a German universities such as Sharif, Amir Kabir, etc. join those countries having the tech- tainly provide best services for endangered and vulnerable spe- purchase scheme, according to which partner. However, we need to keep up- I do believe research centers can play a nology. We need the technology as ac- cies. Experts of wildlife rehabilitation centers in Pardisan Park governments will buy output from the dating the atlas through new numerical better role in the process. Universities are cording to our roadmap, over the next now help to protect both wild animals and the people who come private sector with higher prices. and non-linear fluid-dynamic techniques mainly theoretically based and that’s why five years, we plan to build capacity for into contact with them, as well as adding to overall knowledge Have you conducted any study and modern sensors. I emphasize that research centers and 5000 megawatts, 500 of which by the and understanding of species that live as our wild neighbors. on the country’s capacity for wind The new version will be prepared by institutes are better options. There are a government and the rest by the private Baby season comes along energy? the meteorological institute of Iran Mete- number of top Iranian research institutes sector. Wildlife rehabilitation center of Tehran now is prepping for A: Yes, actually. Any relevant study orological Organization and the Danish when it comes to renewable energies. Also, during the next five years, an- newborn season. Spring called ‘baby season’ at wildlife rehabil- includes three main stages of macro, Technological University. It takes almost We have even signed an agreement with other 5000MW capacity has been im- itation centers. Wildlife newborns are on their way and soon re- meso, and micro. The first two fall within one year for the atlas to be updated. one of these research hubs affiliated with agined. Moreover, we need two techno- habilitators of Pardisan Park will reach their peak of animal intake. the sphere of SUNA’s responsibility. The But, the last stage should be conduct- Iran Meteorological Organization. logical types for manufacturing 2MWs Due to proficiency of Dr. Iman Me’marian, chief veterinarian first stage is called wind resource assess- ed by investors themselves. That is, in- How strong are we in terms of or 2.5 MWs direct-drive gearless and of Pardisan Rehabilitation Center, and also his close cooperation ment which is related to identifying dif- vestors will conduct feasibility studies in manufacturing required equipment? turbines with gearbox due to geograph- with Veterinary Medicine Faculty of Tehran, this center has a best ferent locations across the country which a specific location to size up the situation A: We have good domestic capacities ical considerations of our country. chance for caring infant wildlife. On April 21, Pardisan Re- habilitation Center opened IN FOCUS iew.ir hands for a specific newborn: calf of Persian fallow deer or Dama mesopotamica which is IN FOCUS evaluated as endangered spe- cies by International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). The chief veterinarian of Pardisan Rehabilitation Center explained that endan- gered animals breeding is al- ways critical for rehabilitation centers around the world. Dr. Iman Me’marian “We have to study the nat- ural habits of endangered an- imals to breed them successfully,” he added. “While protecting and managing rare or endangered species, it is vital to have a firm grasp of the ecology of the species, its distinctive characteristics which is called natural history, and par- ticularly their dynamic processes that affect their health,” he said. Dr. Me’marian also added sometimes females need to ob- serve breeding and infant care when they are young, so that they can behave naturally when they become adults. “Our Persian fallow deer which is called ‘Navid’ [literally meaning promise] among my colleagues is a great miracle for us because the situation of Persian fallow deer is really unique not just in Iran but also in the whole world,” he noted. Why Pardisan newborn is a miracle? The range of Persian fallow deer or Dama mesopotamica once extended eastward from Mediterranean coast includ- ing northeast Africa through Mesopotamia and southern Turkey to western and south- western Iran. This shy and secretive creature then seemed to disappear and was all but forgotten about, until it was rediscovered in 1875 in the riverine forests of Khuzestan. Several live specimen were sent to the London Zoo and later to Woburn Park but none survived. It occurred to conservationists that the species was extinct. Till 1957, when two population found along the Karkheh and Dez River, Khuzestan province. Since then, Department of Envi- ronment (DoE) started the project of Reproduction in Captivity. It was a great success at first for Iran but the situation changed after many years. Now it seems that the project of Persian fallow deer reproduction has no goal because different populations are just being introduced from one cage to another cage and there is no plan for their reintroduction to natural habitats. “Persian fallow deer is our magnificent heritage; it is true that newborns are so important but the most important thing is Snapshots from a leopard and a brown bear are planning for their future,” Dr. Me’marian highlighted. taken in the Saland-Kuh mountainous area in He went on to say that “without a specific plan for future, we Dezful, Khuzestan Province. Up to now no one are not able to effectively maintain existing populations, so it is vital to develop alternative management options that can sup- knew for sure whether there were any leopards port safe reintroduction to natural habitats.” inhabiting in this area. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y

http://www.tehrantimes.com/sports AAPRILPRIL 224,4, 22016016 SPORTS 11

IIranianranian ppara-swimmerara-swimmer IIzadyarzadyar FOOTBALL Luis Enrique ‘optimistic’ Barcelona can win all rreadyeady ttoo sshinehine aatt RRioio 22016016 remaining games to SPORTS Iranian swimmer Shahin Izadyar is secure title deskgoing to get better results in Rio 2016 Paralympic than London 2012. Barcelona coach Luis Enrique says he is confident his team can win The 23-year-old Paralympian swimmer displayed their three remaining La Liga games to secure the title after Sat- considerable performances during a Winter Open Pol- urday evening’s 6-0 win against Sporting Gijon at the Camp Nou. ish Championships in Swimming for Athletes with Disa- For the second time in just four days, Barca top scorer Luis bilities in last year’s December. Suarez found the net four times, two from the penalty spot. Izadyar will compete at the 2016 Paralympic Games The other goals came from Lionel Messi’s early header and in Rio as Iran’s sole representative. another penalty from Neymar late on as a weakened Sporting “I will participate in 100 m breaststroke, 100 m free- side submitted. style, 50 m freestyle, and 100 m butterfly events but I With three games to go, think I could get better result in 100 m breaststroke. In Barca remain just ahead of the event I will have a tough task ahead of me against Atletico Madrid and Real Ma- Russian, Portuguese and Canadian swimmers,” Izadyar drid in the title race, after both told Paralympic.ir. challengers had also won their “I trained hard for the competition. I’ve participat- games earlier on Saturday ed in the eight international events so far and I have against Malaga and Rayo Val- gained an enormous amount of experience; however lecano respectively. I am well aware that the best swimmers will partake at The Blaugrana coach told the Paralympics,” he added. the postgame news confer- “In Rio 2016, I am going to get better results than ence at the Camp Nou that the previous edition,” Izadyar concluded. he was optimistic as his side’s Izadyar represented Iran in the 2012 Olympic Games big wins against Deportivo and finished in eighth place in the men’s 100m breast- La Coruna and now Sporting stroke SB9 with a time of 1:12.47, where Russian swimmer meant they had moved on Pavel Poltavtsev claimed a gold medal, clocking 1:04.02. from a rough spot when they had lost a previous big lead in the title race. “I am optimistic when I see how we train and how we play,” Ansarifard’s goal voted the best of Dragan Skocic linked to Esteghlal Luis Enrique said. “We have turned around a very negative run, which nobody expected. We are all humans, can make mistakes, the season football team but now we are in the best situation of the three at the top. SPORTS Karim Ansarifard SPORTS Foolad coach Dra- “We know if we win our three games we will be champions. deskwonderful goal deskgan Skocic has While knowing it will still be difficult.” against PAOK FC has been vot- been linked with a move to Esteghlal For the second game in a row Barca were involved in a very ed the best goal of the season football team. open first half, gave up chances to their opponents, but ended in the Greek Super League in a Media reports suggest that the up winning easily with Suarez and his fellow South American poll conducted by NovaSports 47-year-old Croat will replace Parviz superstars on the scoresheet. website. Mazloumi in the next season. “The first half was dangerous for us, Sporting had two chanc- “I would like to thank all the With three matches to go, Esteg- es, to put the game in their favour,” Luis Enrique said. “The sec- people who voted me while I’m hlal is second in Iran Professional ond half we had more pace in our play, which obliged the oppo- very happy that at last this goal League (IPL), three points behind its sition to do more, and helped us make chances. has been voted the best of the arch-rival Persepolis. “At 2-0 the game was decided, and what happened next was season. I want to say that this Skocic signed a two-year contract not really important. It boosts our spirits to score so many goals. goal belongs to the whole team, with Malavan in May 2013 but parted The trident was lethal, but praise for the win goes to them all.” the whole club, all the people company with the Bandar-Anzali based Both challengers Atletico and Real now face Champions involved in the team, and all the in 27 appearances for Panionios football team and took charge of Fool- Foolad one more year, however he was League semifinal commitments, while Barca’s exit from that players,” Ansarifard said. so far, has still one year left on his ad on a one-year deal in May 2014. on the verge of the sack in November competition means they have a full week to prepare for the trip Ansarifard, who scored 9 goals contract with the club. Skocic extended his contract with 2015 after a poor run of results in IPL. to Real Betis next Saturday. “To play every three days can have an effect,” he said. “I would love for it to affect Atletico and Madrid, but you never really know. Last year we were in that position, and it did not affect us at all. I’ll score more if I get more playing time, says Jerry Bengtson “We do not have any physical problems, the stats show that. But we go to Betis at the end of a long week, which we do not SPORTS Persepolis Honduran striker Jer- of the players work hard to achieve it. We had a poor often have. We can work on improving some things, and move deskry Bengtson, who netted a decisive start to the season but step by step we got better and forward confidently.” brace on Friday’s 2-0 win over Esteghlal Ahvaz, be- now we are on the verge of winning the title,” he added. A tired-looking Neymar had a difficult evening, missing at lieves that if he gets more playing time he could score “My contract with Persepolis will expire in May least four clear chances, but he kept going and won two of the more goals. and we’ll see what happens. My agent will talk with late penalties. “The condition in Ahvaz was awful but the most im- the club and if we came to an agreement I’ll stay,” “[Neymar] showed personality to take the penalty, to keep portant thing was to get the three points, I am very he added. taking people on, to press opponents when we lose the ball,” happy to score two goals against Esteghlal Ahvaz and Persepolis is currently at the top of Iran Profes- Luis Enrique said. “That is why he is a top player. Other players now I have more enthusiasm to score more. I think if I sional League with 51 points while three wins in the might end up participating less in the game. get more playing time I can score more,” Bengtson said. three remaining games of the league will secure the “The fans were singing his name -- which strengthens the “We need just 9 points to win the title and I think all title for them. player when he needs it.” Luis Enrique said that his substitutions of Sergi Roberto at half-time and Gerard Pique midway through the second half had been forced by minor injury concerns. Iran to participate at First women’s Tournament of Nations “Sergi Roberto got a bang on his ankle early in the game,” he said. “We decided to take him off. Pique had some issues with SPORTS The Iran Under-16 “We will play world champion USA in she added. his hip for a while now. Today, after the second goal, I decided to deskwomen’s football team this tournament and I think it’s a good The competition will be held in Gra- change him and give [Marc] Bartra time on pitch.” will play USA and Italy in Group A of the opportunity for our players to gain ex- disca d’Isonzo between Monday 25th (Source: ESPN) First women’s Tournament of Nations. perience,” Iran coach Shadi Mahini said. April and Thursday 28th April. Iran will play USA on Tuesday and “We will do our best in the tourna- Group B consists of Mexico, France meet host Italy one day later. ment and no matter what team we play,” and England. Manchester United seal deal for Jose Mourinho’s Iranian rower Mahsa Javar advances Volleyball player Shahram Mahmoudi Premier League return to Olympics to quit after Rio 2016

She earned his quota place at the the 2016 Rio de Janeiro. The former Chelsea boss has been in the running to take over 2016 Fisa Asia and Oceania Continen- Iran volleyball team has not secured at Old Trafford since December but finally signed the contract at tal Olympic Qualification Regatta at its place in the Olympics and has been the end of last week. the Tangeum Lake in Chung-ju, South scheduled to participate in the World United bosses held off a late bid from French giants Paris Korea. Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Tokyo. St-Germain to secure his services and had hoped to wait until Javar clocked 8min 05.08sec in the “I have made up my mind that I will the end of the season to make semi-final of the 2,000 meters women’s retire after the Rio Games if our team an announcement. single sculls event. qualifies for the event. I am suffering from They didn’t want any dis- The A final will be contested by six the long-term injury and I think it’s time tractions ahead of their bid to rowers from Iran, Kazakhstan, South Ko- to go,” the 27-year-old said. finish in the places for Cham- rea, Vietnam, Taiwan and Indonesia. “I like to participate at Rio 2016 since pions League qualification as South Korean rower was the fastest I think to compete at the Olympic Games well as FA Cup Final glory. But they have been forced Mahsa Javar from Iran booked a place qualifier with a time of 7:57.64. Iranian opposite hitter Shahram is every athlete’s dream,” he added. to bring it forward after news at the 2016 Olympic Games on Sunday. (Source: Tasnim) Mahmoudi says that he will retire after (Source: Tasnim) of Mourinho’s signing the con- tract leaked out yesterday in his native Portugal. Basketball rebels could be denied Olympic glory Van Gaal has been under pressure after United were Top European basketball teams could miss out on the Olym- FIBA hosts the qualifying rounds for the Olympics and the dumped out of the Champi- pic Games in Rio de Janeiro this summer, warns the Interna- body has informed the countries involved that they could ons League in the group stages and then failed to impress in tional Basketball Federation. lose the right to take part in senior men’s national team com- the Europa League. There was only one item on FIBA’s agenda - what action petitions, such as EuroBasket 2017. They look like missing out on the Champions League next to take against rebel countries, including Spain, which have The federation has said it will study each case individually season after Arsenal and arch-rivals Manchester City moved aligned themselves with the Euroleague. and meet with the heads of each federation before making well clear of them in the Premier League table. After a meeting of more than three-and-a-half hours, the its decision in the next few weeks. Mourinho, who will be handed full control of transfers, is al- committee decided that the punishment will centre on their This could be good news for the Spanish federation which ready working on a list of targets as he looks to bolster a squad participation in future Olympic Games and World Cups, with is in favour of the rival Euroleague competition. that has struggled particularly in front of goal. Rio being the first competition where sanctions would apply. Other countries which could be affected by a possible That could mean a return for Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronal- The row has broken out after some countries aligned ban are Serbia and Italy, who are hosting two of the Olympic do, who shares the same agent – Jorge Mendes – as Mourinho. themselves with the unsanctioned Euroleague. qualifying rounds. (Source: Marca) (Source: Express) b

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NEWS Future of cinema is in authors’ Fajr foreign guests visit Farabi Cinema Foundation hands: Alexander Sokurov ARTTEHRAN — A group of foreign guests deskof the 34th Fajr International Film Fes- ARTTEHRAN — Russian director Alexan- tival visited the Farabi Cinema Foundation on Saturday, deskder Sokurov who is currently in Tehran and discussed cinematic cooperation. to attend the 34th Fajr International Film Festival has fore- Director of the foundation Alireza Tabesh later held casted that the future of cinema rests with authors. talks with the cinematic delegation from Hong Kong, “The future of the cinema is in the hands of authors,” which included secretary general of the Hong Kong Film he said in an interview that the organizers published on Development Council Wellington Fung, founder of MBS Saturday. Studios Kinson Tsang and Chief Entertainment Standards “The only hope is that one day a new talented author Russian Control Officer Elliot Au. appears because the topics of movies are exhausted,” director Wellington Fung gave a brief report on the process of added Sokurov who made the acclaimed movie “Faust” Alexander filmmaking in China and Hong Kong, and said that their based on works by German writers Johann Wolfgang von Sokurov trip to Iran has helped them learn more about the cinema Goethe and Thomas Mann. poses of Iran, the foundation reported on Sunday. “Cinema has talked about every critical subject so now during the 34th Fajr He called their trip a good start to know Iran’s cine- it is just the same subjects from different vantage points,” ma better and added that they will try to achieve good International he noted. Film agreements on joint productions during their other Sixty-five-year-old Sokurov called cinema “an unfaith- Festival at meetings with officials. ful friend” and said, “Films become old but authors are Tehran’s He invited Iranian cinematic officials to attend the still alive and make different movies. Charsu Hong Kong International Film and TV Market held annu- “A movie that I made five years ago is really old now. Cineplex ally in March to become more familiar with the industry You cannot name a movie that stays bright over time. on April that has developed in Hong Kong. Cinema is very temporary and I believe that only five per- 21, 2016. Tabesh also briefed the delegation on the latest cent of all movies from the past have survived and the (Tasnim/ achievements of Iranian cinema and the Farabi Founda- Foad rest no longer exist.” Ashtari) tion. The organizers of the Fajr festival honored Sokurov “It is good for China, Hong Kong and other Asian coun- by arranging an event entitled “A Night with Alexander drama “Francofonia”, which Variety viewed as “a dense, the counselor for cooperation and cultural action at the tries to learn more about the cinema of Iran. Of course Sokurov”, which was held at the National Museum of Iran enriching meditation on the Louvre, Paris and the role of Embassy of France, attended the meeting. we know that Iranian films enjoy widespread audiences in on Saturday. art as an intrinsic part of the spirit of civilization.” Fajr secretary Reza Mirkarimi and a number of Iranian the film festivals of China and Hong Kong,” Tabesh said. The gathering began with a screening of Sokurov’s Some French diplomats, including Jamel Oubechou, cineastes were also in attendance at the session. He asked the delegation to provide an opportunity for the people of China and Hong Kong to watch more Iranian films, adding, “Screening Iranian films across the cinemas will be a very good achievement for Iran”. Indian classical flutist Hariprasad Chaurasia honored in Tehran Tabesh also mentioned that Iran enjoys varied climates ARTTEHRAN — The Indian classical that he hoped such programs would lead to cultural that can work as suitable locations for making Chinese desk films and that Iran welcomes joint productions. flutist Hariprasad Chaurasia was diplomacy. He told the guests that their trips to Iran would help honored in Tehran, receiving awards from the Rudaki He called hosting master Chaurasia, who had long them to learn more about the art and culture of Iran and Foundation and the Indian Embassy on Saturday. collaborated with (Indian musician) Bismillah Khan help find a new market in the eastern Asian countries. Chaurasia was in Tehran to give a performance at (1913-2006), a great honor. Vahdat Hall, which was attended by large number of Director of the Rudaki Foundation Bahram Jamali officials and musicians, the media reported also hoped for more cultural cooperation between the Addressing the audience, the 77-year old Chaurasia two countries. expressed his happiness that he is in Iran after many The Indian Ambassador to Tehran, Saurabh Kumar, NEWS IN BRIEF years to give a concert. Indian flutist Hariprasad Chaurasia (R) receives a basket of flowers pianist Peyman Yazdanian, singer Pari Maleki, filmmak- In his brief words before the concert, Deputy Cul- from Rudaki Foundation Director Bahram Jamali after a performance er Ali Ruintan and composer Christophe Rezai were Indian festival to ture Minister for Artistic Affairs Ali Moradkhani said at Tehran’s Vahdat Hall on April 23, 2016. (ISNA/Borna Qasemi) among the participating guests. screen doc on Iranian PICTURE OF THE DAY painter Tasnim/Foad Ashtari Over 60 foreign ARTTEHRAN — The 6th Dada publishers to deskSaheb Phalke Film Festival, which will open in New Delhi on April 30, is scheduled to screen a short documentary Sul- participate in tan Muhammad, one of the greatest of Persian painters and the most notable artist of the Sa- Tehran Intl. favid school at Tabriz during the 16th century. The documentary “Sultan Muhammad, the Painter” directed by Seyyed Vahid Hos- Book Fair seini-Nami has been produced by Iran’s Ex- perimental and Documentary Film Center. CULTURE TEHRAN — Six- deskty-five publishing companies from around the world will Swiss artist couple to showcase their latest offerings at the hold workshop 29th Tehran International Book Fair (TIBF) during May. in Tehran The publishers are mostly from Mexico, Australia, Syria, Russia, Ger- many, Italy, China, Sweden, Leba- ARTTEHRAN — Swiss artist cou- non, Denmark, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, deskple Albertine and Germano France, Oman, Emirates and Algeria, Zullo is scheduled to hold a one-day work- the organizers announced on Sunday. shop on book illustration at Tehran’s Aras- In addition, 27 top international baran Cultural Center on May 5. cultural officials and many prominent Germano is the author of several popular authors will visit the TIBF, which is one children’s comics and stories. of Iran’s major cultural events. Albertine teaches book illustration at the “Tomorrow Is Too Late to Read” School of Visual Arts in Geneva and also is the motto of this year’s exhibition, works for several French newspapers in Swit- which will be held from May 5 to 15 at Actor Reza Kianian (R), who is the director of the convention center for the 34th Fajr International Film Festival, accompanies Minister of Culture Shahre Aftab, a newly-established cul- zerland. and Islamic Guidance Ali Jannati during a visit to a photo exhibition at Tehran’s Charsu Cineplex on April 23, 2016. Among their joint publications are “Jump- tural center in southwest Tehran. ing Jack”, “Marta and the Bicycle”, “Sky High”, “Little Bird”, “Line 135” and “At the Seaside”. French producer Steve Reverand finds Royalty, Obama & fans mark 400 Iran, Macedonia to Iranian screenplays interesting years since Shakespeare died expand cultural ties ARTTEHRAN — The ma and met Daneshmand. LONDON (AP) — If all the world’s a given the English language). deskPrague-based “Occasional Showers” tells the stage, William Shakespeare is its architect. U.S. President Barack Obama took French producer Steve Reverand story of a family, which is on a The playwright died 400 years ago a break from political talks in London said that the spectacular focus on road trip in a torrential rain. The Saturday, but remains the world’s most to tour Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre CULTURE TEHRAN – Minister of Cul- screenplays and the way Iranian family is on the brink of breaking famous writer, living on through endlessly on Saturday, listening to Hamlet’s “To deskture and Islamic Guidance Ali directors tell a story in great detail apart. reinterpreted plays and globally known be or not to be” soliloquy and admir- Jannati and Republic of Macedonia Minister in their films are appealing to him. Reverand who has also worked characters, including the tormented ing the open-air venue - a recreation of Foreign Affairs Nikola Poposki met in Teh- Reverand is currently in Tehran as a film editor, said that the pro- prince Hamlet and the star-crossed lovers of the theater, built in 1599, where ran on Sunday, discussing ways to expand to promote his short film “Occa- duction area is something else. He Romeo and Juliet . many of the Bard’s plays were first cultural relations. sional Showers” by Iranian direc- likes to help young directors with The long-dead Bard is one of Brit- performed. Collaboration on joint movie projects was tor Kaveh Daneshmand at the new voices and help them present ain’s leading cultural ambassadors, and The president met a Globe troupe one of the major subjects discussed at the 34th Fajr International Film Festi- their ideas through their movies. the anniversary of his death on April that has taken “Hamlet” on a two-year meeting. val, the organizers announced on On his knowledge of Iranian 23, 1616, is being marked across Britain tour to almost 200 countries. They’ve Plans to organize art exhibitions and cul- Saturday. cinema, he said that he has seen with parades, church services and - of performed Shakespeare’s tragedy on a tural festivals were also reviewed at the ses- He owns the Lab Studio, a pro- some movies by Asghar Farhadi, course - stage performances. After all, tennis court in Kabul, Afghanistan, in a sion. duction company based in Prague, Ali Mosaffa and some works by the play’s the thing. (That’s just one of Syrian refugee camp in Jordan and at where he discovered Iranian cine- young Iranian directors. scores of phrases that Shakespeare has the U.N. General Assembly in New York.