» Merging ministries was not compatible with our economy
The editorial of Forsat Emrouz daily addresses merging of ministries in Iran and the reasons why it is not compatible with the country’s economy. Merging ministry of trade with that of the industry is suitable for the countries which have an export-oriented industry, while the conditions of Iran’s economy is different.
The writer of this editorial believes that first of all, Iran needs to have a strategy for its economy. Iran has had 17 kinds of ministries of industry and trade in the forms of heavy industries, industries and mines for the past four to five decades. Without a strategy, merging trade and production has been an unsuccessful experience.
According to statistics, there has been no improvement in the industry, mining, and trade, compared to the time these fields were not merged, says the editorial. Consequently, each field needs to be separate from others in order to be able to defend its own interests.
The editorial also sheds light on the condition of trade in Iran, saying its ministry has developed no policy so far to join the World Trade Organization. Interestingly enough, those involved in industries are in favor of merging of ministries, while trade activists think otherwise.
An Editorial in “Forsat Emrouz” Daily on Sunday, Jul. 16th, 2017
» Why did Trump go to France?
Aftab Yazd editorial reflects on U.S. president Donald Trump’s recent trip to France. In recent past months after Trump’s coming to power, British Prime Minister Theresa May and German Chancellor Angela Merkel went to the U.S. to meet with Trump, but this wasn’t possible for newly-elected French President Emmanuel Macron.
The editorial continues that Trump’s trip to Paris coincided with France’s National Day. Americans felt that their views on climate change are isolating the U.S., and distancing this country from European Union (EU). And this would result in making this union more powerful. Washington knows that it cannot ignore EU’s views regarding international issues – particularly France that has EU’s biggest army in its possession and is one of this union’s leader.
As a result, Trump’s trip to France, according to the editorial, was very well-calculated and organized and it can be the beginning of reconciliation between America and EU. During this trip, Trump who was under the pressure of Congress and his political advisors slightly changed his stance towards climate change, which is why, in his press conference with Macron, he said it is possible that he might do something about Paris Climate Agreement.
An Editorial in ” Aftab Yazd ” Newspaper on Monday, Jul. 17th, 2017
» “Sleeping in cars” in the shadow of poverty and unemployment
Afkar daily, in its editorial, deals with the issue of “sleeping in cars” due to poverty and unemployment. After homelessness, grave sleeping, and other kinds of social pathologies, some youths, due to bad economic conditions and unemployment growth, have come from provinces to Tehran, and after purchasing cheap automobiles, have started “sleeping in cars”.
The editorial maintains that social pathologies are like “fire under the ashes” and will appear because of bad economic conditions, thus destroying valuable assets of the society. With the increase in “overt and covert” immigration in Iran, poor families migrated from smaller cities to bigger cities. Meanwhile, lack of proper employment and job has resulted in youths and adolescents separating from their families and homes to go to bigger cities like Tehran to find jobs.
The Afkar editorial continues that for these youths, automobiles are both work instruments and place for living due to high expenses of life. During days, they work with these cars in Tehran’s suburbs, and they sleep in them at nights, “dreaming of glamorous promises of officials.”
Sleeping in cars, the editorial writes, creates many problems; from hygienic issues to getting used to an unmarried lifestyle are some of the consequences of this new phenomenon. From the behavioristic viewpoint, the most important point is feeling discrimination and destruction of social relationships, while the continuation of such a life will lead to depression, anxiety, lack of confidence, etc.
The editorial holds that the most important cause of the phenomenon of sleeping in cars is poverty and unemployment.
An Editorial in “Afkar” Daily on Monday, Jul. 17th, 2017
» Hossein Fereydoun’s issue and Rouhani’s test
Arman Daily editorial focuses on significances and implications of arresting Hossein Fereydoun, President Rouhani’s brother. The editorial asserts that this arrest was made by a certain group and faction to put pressure on Hassan Rouhani in choosing members of the 12th government cabinet, which is a sign that that particular group “do not care about people’s demands and are after their own factional demands”.
The editorial underscores the equality of all before the law and the fact that even the president’s brother must be doubtlessly held accountable. But today activists and people ask whether cases of officials who had violated the law in previous governments were as seriously followed up as Hossein Fereydoun’s case which eventually ended up in arresting him.
The editorial continues to shed light on meaningful differences in this arrest: the news of arresting president’s brother was broadcast live, and the media opposing the government made a lot of fuss about it, openly talking about Hossein Fereydoun. And whereas previously the embezzlers’ names were announced in abbreviated forms, the name of president’s brother was openly announced.
If some factions, Arman editorial emphasizes, think that they can have a share in Rouhani’s government by thus putting him under pressure, they must be told that the president will be only accountable to the people and law”. The president has committed himself to “defend people’s rights and resisting those who have excessive demands”.
An Editorial in “Arman Emrouz” Daily on Tuesday, Jul. 18th, 2017
♦ Kermanshah Oil Refinery sold at one tenth of real price
The lawmaker from Kermanshah Province said that the share of Kermanshah Oil Refinery was sold for 2,250 tomans instead of 22,500 tomans, urging the Parliament to investigate the issue. Javad Hosseinikia told ISNA that selling Kermanshah’s oil refinery for one tenth of the real price was followed by strong protests of this province’s MPs, which is why they have signed a request for investigation in this regard.
He added that while the real price of the oil refinery has been estimated at 2,000 billion tomans, the base price for selling this company was set at 180 billion tomans, and was eventually sold at 210 billion tomans.
Afarinesh
♦ Bahonar: Raisi cannot be core of fundamentalists’ current
Mohammad Reza Bahonar, Secretary-General of Front of Followers of Line of Imam and Leader, rejected the idea of Ebrahim Raisi becoming the core of fundamentalists’ current due to a number of his votes, saying that Raisi’s votes must be analyzed to see how many voted for his personality. He emphasized there must be discussions to see if Raisi can be a charismatic figure for fundamentalists.
Regarding Raisi’s remarks about Hassan Rouhani’s unethical behaviors during the presidential election, Bahonar said Rouhani should stop taunting IRGC in his words. He added that the other side also should stop comparing Rouhani with Banisadr [deposed president of Iran].
Aftab Yazd
♦ 11 members of Erfan group arrested
IRGC’s Intelligence Office in Isfahan Province announced in a statement that 11 members and supporters of Erfan-e Halgheh (Erfan circle) were arrested in the city of Najafabad in this province. According to the statement, this group was “completely destroyed” in Najafabad after identification and arrest of their teacher and leader.
The statement says: “By the order and guideline of the supreme leader regarding attention to the cultural issue and serious danger of penetration of misleading elements in society’s beliefs and convictions, IRGC’s Intelligence Office has put in its agenda combatting promoters of false and newly-founded mysticisms.”
Mohammad Ali Taheri founded Erfan-e Halgheh in 2001, and he was involved in “trans-therapy and Scientology”. He was arrested in 2010 on a charge of “acting against national security”, and was sentenced to death in 2015 on a charge of “corruption on earth”.
Jam-e-jam online
♦ Iranian lawmaker: Defense Ministry’s missile activities are through IRGC
MP Mohammad Ali Pourmokhtar criticized Rouhani’s remarks against IRGC after the missile attack against ISIS, saying that missile projects in Defense Ministry are centered around IRGC forces. He added that Defense Minister’s activities in this field are by members of IRGC who do research and development and put themselves at danger for strengthening this industry.
Pourmokhtar said people are aware that the major part of missile activities are because of incessant efforts of IRGC, expressing hope that Rouhani would comprehensively support armed forces, particularly IRGC, and would stop his past behavior in undermining this force.
Vatan Emrouz
♦ Ratification of legislation for confronting U.S. hostile measures
Iranian lawmakers voted for the single priority of the legislation for confronting the U.S. hostile measures. After Kazem Jalali, a member of Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, gave some explanations about the legislation, Shahin Shahr Mp Hosseinali Haji-Deligani talked against it, emphasizing that the reason for his disagreement was that the U.S. measures must be confronted more seriously.
Haji-Deligani stressed that “treasonous companies like Total of France” must have been mentioned in the legislation and cooperation with them must have been limited. He also added that activities of the U.S. military bases in the Middle East must have been brought up in the legislation.
After passing the single priority of legislation with 213 votes, lawmakers chanted “Death to America”.
Alef
♦ Lawmaker to Rouhani: You couldn’t be president without Ahwaz!
Abdullah Sameri, Parliament Member representing Khorramshahr city, said Ahwaz province provides more than 60% of the country’s budget, yet it suffers from discrimination, unemployment, dust particles, and at times is scammed by financial institutes like Arman without any authority being accountable. In his speech at Iran’s Parliament, Sameri called the problem of dust particles at Ahwaz a testament to Rouhani’s inefficiency and asked: “Why out of 245bn-toman budget for fighting dust particles, only 19bn tomans are dedicated to it? What is taking priority over people’s health?”
The lawmaker also elaborated on drought in his province and said Ahwaz is paying tariffs for sweet water like Tehran, Esfahan and other rich provinces, but its people drink dirty water. “How come you build huge dams and accomplish great projects, but when it comes to Ahwaz nothing noteworthy is done?” said Sameri addressing President Rouhani, “Without Ahwaz, you couldn’t be president.”
Alef
♦ Rouhani’s brother arrested, released in ambulance
The brother of Iranian President, Hossein Fereydoun, who was taken to Tehran Prosecutor’s Office on financial charges had to be transferred to hospital after an hour in an emergency ambulance due to physical problems.
In a press conference, Iran’s judiciary spokesperson Mohseni-Ejei said Fereidoun had been arrested because of failing to secure bail. According to some sources, the bail was 50 billion tomans (equivalent to $15-16 million).
Fars News
♦ U.S. charges Portuguese man with helping Iran skirt sanctions
The U.S. Justice Department announced a Portuguese engineer pleaded guilty to conspiring to help an Iranian company illegally buying sophisticated optical lenses and inertial guidance systems that both have commercial and military uses, reported Tasnim News.
Joao Pereira da Fonseca, a 55-year-old Portuguese citizen, pleaded guilty to the federal charge, according to a statement issued by U.S. Justice Department. The Portuguese engineer will face 20 months in prison if the plea agreement is approved by the court.
Jam-e Jam online
♦ Iraqi militia leader, IRGC Quds Force commander hold private meeting
Akram al-Kaabi, the leader of the Iraqi Shiite militia al-Nujaba met with the commander of IRGC’s Quds Force Qassem Suleimani, according to Young Journalists Club News Agency. Suleimani and al-Kaabi discussed the liberation of Mosul in this meeting, says the report.
Jam-e Jam online
♦ Vaezi: Telegram voice call will bankrupt Telecommunication
Iran Minister of Telecommunication and Technology Mahmoud Vaezi pointed out to the issue filtering Telegram voice call, urging that this filtering will not be removed. He added that there are Telecommunication Company and 3 good mobile operators, which will go bankrupt if Telegram voice call is opened. Vaezi also announced that general policies of his ministry are focused on increasing economic profitability.
Sputnik
♦ 12 million Iranian workers with temporary contracts
Head of Contract Workers Union Fathollah Bayat announced that there are 12 million workers in Iran who work with temporary contracts. Pointing out to “poor conditions of the contracts”, Bayat added that currently there are 13 million workers insured by Social Security Organization, and 12 millions of them have temporary contracts. He said that the majority of these contracts are for 3 months or 6 months, adding that the number of such contracts is on the rise. Bayat also mentioned that 4% of workers with permanent contracts are old, and thus about to retire.
Radio Farda
♦ 13 people killed and injured in clash between people and police over water
In a clash over water between people and police forces over water in Joghatai County in Khorasan Province in Iran, one person was killed and 12 were injured. The governor of the county Mohammad Ali-Abadi said that following the operation for digging a well for drinking water, there was a clash between the police forces and people, in which 5 police officers and 7 protesters were injured.
Anatoli news agency
♦ Three killed and five injured in shooting in Iranian military base
Due to the shooting of an Iranian soldier in the military region of Abyik in Qazvin Province, three soldiers were killed and five others were injured. During hours of rest, this soldier started shooting his fellow-conscripts with his weapon. After the shooting, he shot himself and was taken to the hospital due to his critical conditions.
Anatoli news agency
♦ Judicial lawsuits in Iran beyond international standards, claims head of judiciary
Head of Judiciary Sadegh Larijani said Iran’s judiciary system dealt with 15 million and 300 thousand lawsuits in 2016, which is far beyond the international standards. He added that many such extensive services are offered to Iranian people by all judiciary authorities and organizations subordinated to this branch.
Larijani pointed out to the creation of electronic offices for judiciary services, calling it a great development in offering Judiciary services to people. He urged that this plan has its own shortcomings, but with the elimination of such shortcomings, there will be greater developments.
Hamdeli
♦ Half of Iran’s dams are empty
The amount water entering the country’s dams shows 15% decrease compared to the same period last year. From 171 dams in Iran, only 13% are full between 90 to 100 percent, 66% of dams are 40% full, and 21% are less than 40% full. Moreover, the capacity of all dam reservoirs of the country is recorded as 4,907 billion cubic meters this year, which means that only 60% of dams are full.
Arman Emrouz
♦ Iran ambassador to Iraq meets with PUK officials
Iraj Masjedi, Iran’s Ambassador to Iraq, has met with authorities from Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). At a joint press conference with Adnan Mufti, a member of PUK’s political office, Masjedi said their talks were focused on increasing relations between PUK and Iran, adding that a group of PUK officials has gone to Tehran at the same time to meet with Iranian authorities.
Moreover, the Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received Iran’s Ambassador to Iraq in Erbil yesterday. During their meeting, Masjedi said Tehran would make all its efforts to settle problems between Baghdad and Erbil.
Fars News
♦ Iran government’s silence over Canada’s $1.7bn ruling
Iranian Vice President for Legal Affairs Majid Ansari remained silent about Ontario Court of Appeal’s upholding a $1.7bn judgment against Iran. In an interview with Fars News, when asked what measures have been taken to follow up on the issue, Ansari said, “I will talk about this issue later.”
On July 3, Canada’s Ontario Court of Appeal upheld a ruling that requires Iran to pay $1.7bn in damages to American victims of terrorism.
Fars News
♦ Iran Intelligence arrests another dual nationality
Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, Iran’s judiciary spokesperson, announced: “a U.S. infiltrator who has dual nationality has been identified and arrested by intelligence ministry forces.” Ejei added the detained individual was “directly guided by America.” The lower court has sentenced him to 10 years in prison, which can be appealed, stated Judiciary spokesperson.
Tasnim News
♦ Iran president issued implementation of 6th development plan
Iranian government’s news website “dolat.ir” made an announcement according to which President Rouhani has sent the Sixth Development Plan (Sixth Five-Year Economic, Cultural, and Social Development Plan) to the government cabinet. The plan went through many revisions by the 10th Parliament before being passed, yet Rouhani issued its implementation regardless.
According to dolat.ir, Vice President for Parliamentary Affairs Hosseinali Amiri denied the news about non-fulfilment of the sixth plan by Rouhani, saying there is “an acceptable interaction between the government and parliament.”
Etelaat daily
♦ Taliban is different from ISIS, says advisor to foreign minister
Advisor to Iran’s foreign minister Rasoul Mousavi said Taliban is an Afghan group, which is very different from ISIS, and Iran distinguishes between the two. Mousavi expressed his hope that Taliban would abandon its past method, and adopt a new approach to Afghanistan’s issues.
Previously, in a conference hosted by Pakistan, Rasoul Mousavi had said that Afghanistan has faced three key crises in its contemporary history: stability, security, and development. He had underscored that “security crisis” in Afghanistan is a regional issue, and creating sustainable security in this country would not be possible without regional cooperation, particularly that of this country’s neighbors.
Siasat Ruz
