Lorestan province in western Iran is known for its pristine nature, which is quite stunning during spring.
What follows are Tasnim News Agency’s photos of spring blooms in Hanam village near Aleshtar city, Lorestan province:
Tehran, Caracas Exchange Experience, Info on Fight against COVID-19
Iran and Venezuela have discussed their latest information and experiences regarding the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The meeting was held via video conference by representatives of health ministries of both countries, namely Mohsen Assadi Lari, the director general for international cooperation at the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education, and María Gabriela Miquilareno, the Venezuelan deputy health minister.
Their discussions followed a phone call between the presidents of both countries where they the two sides said they would share experiences in tackling the disease.
The representatives of the two countries’ health ministries exchanged information on the fight against the coronavirus and how to stem the spread of the disease.
They also discussed measures adopted to cushion the blow from US sanctions.
In the discussions, the Iranian representative explained Iran’s handling of the epidemic nationwide in accordance with measurers adopted by the National Coronavirus Headquarters and its committees, including the launching of diagnostic laboratories, the national campaign against coronavirus, the smart social distancing plan, the launching of certain applications, etc.
Among other measures adopted are drawing up plans to tap into volunteer popular forces’ potential, distribution of basic supplies, offering support aid to the needy, production of coronavirus diagnosis kits and protective gear, conducting clinical tests for the production of medicines and introducing several treatment methods, namely those using plasma and stem cells.
The Venezuelan official, in turn, expressed her country’s willingness to draw on Iran’s experience in containing the spread of the coronavirus.
She touched upon Iran’s achievements in fighting the coronavirus, including the establishment and equipment of numerous laboratories, implementation of the screening program, and the launching of a virtual training centre.
Also attending the discussions were several other top health official who made comments on Iran’s successful measures in containing the disease.
Iran’s EAEU Accession Good Chance for Boosting Ties with Belarus
Iran’s trade minister says the country’s membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) will be an ideal opportunity for the enhancement of trade cooperation between Iran and Belarus.
Iranian Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade Reza Rahmani said in a meeting with Belarusian Ambassador to Tehran Yuri Ivanovic Lazarcic that the two countries have what it takes to forge closer cooperation.
“The necessary potential exists [to boost ties],” said the minister, adding, “But obstacles to the expansion of relations should be carefully studied and removed.”
Rahmani touched upon already reached agreements to expand Tehran-Minsk trade cooperation, and said more needs to be done.
“The conclusion of a preferential trade agreement between Iran and EAEU member states sets the stage for the enhancement of trade relations between the two countries, and bigger steps should be taken in that regard,” he said.
“The general policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the enhancement of trade and economic ties is to pay due regard to the existing potential with friendly and neighbouring countries as well as increase trade with northern countries,” the minister noted.
He urged both Iran and Belarus to focus on ideal areas for cooperation, and said both sides should take the initiative to create the necessary infrastructure and establish the required principles for closer cooperation.
Elsewhere in his remarks, the minister referred to threats to economic development of countries posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
“We should have precise planning for the post-coronavirus era and forthcoming trade opportunities, and attention should be paid to both sides’ trade privileges in order to increase transactions,” he added.
“To that end, we are prepared to provide the necessary facilities for businessmen and economic players of both sides, so that they will be able to take the necessary measures in more favourable conditions,” he said.
Given the COVID-19 outbreak, he said, Iran stands ready to provide the necessary facilities to hold a meeting of the Iran-Belarus Joint Economic Commission via video conference.
The Belarusian ambassador, in turn, said his country tries its utmost to make the most of the existing opportunities to boost economic cooperation between the two sides.
Yuri Ivanovic Lazarcic said one of his key responsibilities is to work towards development of economic diplomacy between the two countries.
He expressed Minsk’s readiness to hold a meeting of the Iran-Belarus Joint Economic Commission via video conference as well.
He recalled the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the economic development of many countries. He said the disease has created some problems in trade relations between countries, and added ground should be prepared for further expansion of cooperation.
Iranian Regions Categorized Based on Coronavirus Threat
Iran’s National Coronavirus Headquarters has decided to put all areas of the country into three categories based on the COVID-19 outbreak and the threat of spread of the disease, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says.
Addressing a Sunday session of the National Coronavirus Headquarters in Tehran, President Rouhani said a plan has been ratified to categorize various regions of the country as “white, yellow and red zones” based on the threat posed by COVID-19.
The president said each region will fall into one of those three categories on the basis of the coronavirus morbidity rate, the extent of outbreak, and the regulations introduced by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education.
Various restrictions and regulations relating to the coronavirus outbreak will apply to each of the three zones, the president added.
More than 100 cities would fall into the white zone category, he noted, saying as long as a region remains in the white zone, the religious sites could reopen in that area and the congregational prayers and Friday prayers could be held in there.
President Rouhani explained that an area will be declared a white zone when there is no report of new coronavirus cases and deaths for two weeks.
The Health Ministry will be drawing a map to define the white, yellow and red zones according to its criteria, he added.
The president then underscored that the smart social distancing scheme must be strictly observed without any interruption, stressing that reopening of businesses should not translate into an end to COVID-19 and resumption of the normal life.
The best way to defeat the coronavirus epidemic is to observe the social distancing regulations, the health protocols, and personal hygiene, President Rouhani noted.
He further pointed to a new decision on the mandatory use of face masks and gloves in the subway, saying the Interior Ministry will announce the start of the compulsory plan.
President Rouhani also highlighted Iran’s success in meeting the domestic demand for the medical supplies in the battle with the coronavirus, saying the hospitals across the country have been equipped with 1,100 more beds, 425 ICU (intensive care unit) beds, and 900 respiratory devices.
Maternal Bond at the Time of Coronavirus Pandemic
A mother takes food to her daughter who is a medical worker at an Iranian hospital treating COVID-19 patients.
Photo by Behzad Alipour, Fars News Agency
Iran Condemns Expansion of Israeli Settlements
In a statement on Sunday, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyyed Abbas Mousavi categorically condemned the Zionist regime’s recent moves to expand the settlements and annex parts of the West Bank to the territories occupied in 1948.
Mousavi described the annexation as a violation of the international law and a part of the shameful plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, known as deal of the century.
The Iranian spokesperson said such illegal measures violate the international law and threaten regional peace and security, and called on the United Nations and the other international circles to act against such moves within the framework of their duties and responsibilities.
Mousavi also deplored the Zionist regime’s abuse of the current circumstances in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, adding, “Alongside the battle with coronavirus, the oppressed people of Palestine are struggling against other viruses such as occupation, blockade and sanctions.”
The Iranian diplomat further asked the international organizations and assemblies and the world countries to help the Palestinian people and not allow the oppressed people of Palestine to be displaced from their homes once again.
The Palestinian territories belong to the Palestinian people, Mousavi underlined, noting, “The Zionist regime is a usurper and occupier regime, and the only solution to the Palestinian crisis is holding a referendum among the main inhabitants of that territory and formation of an independent Palestinian government with Bait al-Muqaddas as its capital.”
Earlier this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main rival Benny Gantz signed a coalition agreement that includes a clause to advance plans to annex parts of the West Bank, including Israeli settlements, starting on July 1.
The decision has drawn condemnation from the United Nations and the European.
The UN’s special Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov said on Thursday that such a move would be a “devastating blow” to the solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as the EU said annexing Palestinian territory “would constitute a serious violation of international law”.
Iran Not Interested in Escalation of Tensions in Persian Gulf: Spokesman
Iranian government Spokesman Ali Rabiei says the Islamic Republic does not welcome increased tensions in the Persian Gulf, and it will do its best to ensure security in the region.
In a video press conference on Saturday, Rabiei referred to the recent threats by US officials saying that the Islamic Republic has always expected to hear such useless words from the United States, but Tehran constantly has announced its stance.
“We and all the countries in the region are the great victims of insecurity in the Persian Gulf. Amid the conditions in the domestic economy and oil prices, the one who benefits from insecurity in the Persian Gulf is the United States of America,” added Rabiei.
“Our strategy is to reduce tensions in the Persian Gulf, but we warn that if the United States is looking for adventure, the responsibility of every incident will falls on Washington.”
As long as the United States continues its destructive military presence in West Asia, and refers to defeated groups and lobbies in recognising its interests, even the interests of the American people will not be protected, underlined Rabiei.
Noting that Iran is not seeking tension in the region and is taking action in its territorial waters, the government spokesman stated security in the region is Iran’s main demand. Tehran has sent several messages to the leaders of the regional countries calling for security in the region, he added.
Rabiei also announced that during Ramadan, security accords with the countries of the region and agreements to deal with corona can be reviewed to have a violence-free region to cope with the coronavirus and save lives. However, the Islamic Republic will definitely give the necessary response to the aggressors.
In another part of his remarks, he said, unfortunately, amid the fight against Corona, where all the people of the world must unite, we are witnessing such comments [by US officials].
“We believe we must move towards peace in the region so that we can confront corona. The world needs a physical and a mental security to overcome this crisis. Unfortunately, the Americans are still launching psychological projection, and we know in the difficult conditions since the outbreak of the coronavirus in the United States, the US government, especially the president, has been trying to divert public opinion from his failures against COVID-19. In order to escape from his international responsibilities, he has no choice but to launch psychological projection.”
Iranian spokesperson further said the United States accuses the Islamic Republic of Iran of violating the UN resolution for a conventional act that does not contradict the legal and international regulations, but the Islamic Republic has no doubt that Washington will fail to prove this.
He emphasised that the Islamic Republic of Iran believes its military and civilian technological advances are in accordance with international law and saying such advances are Iran’s absolute and irreconcilable right.
“This kind of warning from a country that has become the number one threat to global security, and has proven its mastery in discriminating against the rules of law will not have the slightest effect on our will to continue on our legal path.”
He also advised European countries to learn from the past experiences and put an end to giving concessions to this bully as soon as possible. In this way, the world will be safer amid the coronavirus outbreak and even after corona, reiterated Rabiei.
We have not taken any action contrary to the laws and resolutions, stressed Rabiei, underlining that the United States must return to resolve its internal problems.
The government spokesman went on to say that misleading statements about disease control and statements rejected instantly by scientific and medical associations are only meant to pose a mental challenge to the American people. So instead of resolving his country’s problems, Donald Trump is blaming other countries.
“We believe that we are committed to the highest level of transparency in the fight against the coronavirus, and we have not endangered the lives of our citizens,” highlighted the spokesman.
“I assure the people we have kept our promise regarding people’s lives. Certainly, the life of an elderly, a patient and any Iranian is important to us in any way, and like many countries, we did not abandon these people and did not say which social class and which age group our hospitals belong to.”
In the end, Rabiei called on people to help the government in maintaining relative control of the disease. He asked people to observe personal hygiene and use masks to go ahead with smart social distancing protocols, especially in crowded places.
Iran’s First VP, FM Congratulate Muslim Nations on Arrival of Ramadan
First VP Esha’q Jahangiri wrote in separate messages, “Now that the fresh breeze of servitude and self-purification is blowing, I hope we will be subject to the blessings of God Almighty through our worships and veneration in this cherished month.”
He also expressed hope that the ties between the Muslim countries will get stronger than before.
“I hope Muslim nations will be able to work together to accelerate the process of fighting the deadly coronavirus to see its eradication by the end of this blessed month,” reads his message.
Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif also congratulated Muslim nations on the holy month, expressing hope that God may help people to pass through the ongoing crises.
In an Arabic tweet on Saturday, Zarif said, “I ask God Almighty to accept our worships in this blessed month and to help us overcome the crises and establish unity among the believers and ensure security, peace, justice and equality throughout the world.”
رمضان كريم
و كل عام و الأمّة الإسلاميّة و شعوب العالم بألف خير.
أسأل الله أن يتقبل أعمالنا في هذا الشهر الفضيل، و أن يمنّ علينا بالخير و النصر و تجاوز الأزمات، و أن يوحد صفوف أهل الإيمان، و أن يحقق الأمن و السلام و العدالة و المساواة على وجه المعمورة.
آمين، بمنّه و كرمه.— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) April 25, 2020
The holy month of Ramadan began on Saturday in Iran and many other Muslim countries. During this month Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk.
Iran Starts Exporting Medical Supplies for Coronavirus Battle
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has highlighted the country’s success in dealing with the novel coronavirus outbreak, saying the Islamic Republic has begun to export the health supplies necessary for the fight against COVID-19 after meeting the domestic demand.
Addressing a meeting with economic activists from the Iranian private sector on Saturday evening, President Rouhani said the Islamic Republic has successfully coped with the coronavirus pandemic.
Commending all Iranians for joining hands in the fight against the contagious disease, President Rouhani said the administration, the private sector, the non-governmental public sector, the Armed Forces, the knowledge-based companies, and the medical society have all played a role in the national efforts to contain the coronavirus.
Paying special tribute to the Iranian medical personnel for their devotion to duty, the president said, “They (health staff) are doing a great job today. This is not an easy job. This is an outstanding and great job when you see that the bulk of people admitted to the hospital are being discharged in good health, thank God.”
Highlighting Iran’s major progress in the production of health supplies over the past two months, President Rouhani said the administration has not only fulfilled the domestic needs for medical items and disinfectants, but can even export those products.
“The administration has permitted the Minister of Industry to allow the plants with overproduction to export (their output),” President Rouhani noted.
Iran has achieved such great success in coping with the local demand for medical supplies that it is going to export the coronavirus diagnostic test kits in future, he noted.
The president also lauded the production of medical ventilators, computerized tomography (CT) scan devices, N95 masks and disinfectants by the domestic knowledge-based companies as a remarkable job, saying such breakthrough has been achieved through the efforts of local companies, private sectors, administrative organizations and banks.
Stressing the need for closer interaction between the state-run and private sectors, President Rouhani said the social distancing scheme is targeted only at the battle with the coronavirus.
“In light of closer contacts among the banks, the private sector and the stock market, we will be able to make a great move in the economic arena,” the president underscored.
