Israeli Regime Makes Life Difficult for Palestinian Fishermen

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January 22, 2017

People in Gaza Strip have limited access to facilities, equipment and raw materials for construction, production, and farming on fields located on border areas.

They should also pay high import fees and can only catch fish in a restricted area, according to a Farsi report by ISNA.

In addition, Gaza has the world’s highest unemployment rate, particularly, among the youths that constitute 70 percent of its population.

Four out of every five households in Gaza Strip do not have regular income, and this has created a great deal of problems for Palestinian families when coupled with the daily reduction in the quality of life in the region.

Due to the Gaza blockade, Palestinian fishermen are only permitted to catch fish within 6 miles from the coastal line.

Fishery constitutes an essential part of Gaza Strip’s economy. Nevertheless, restrictions imposed by the Israeli regime have weakened the sector over the past 10 years.

Prior to 2014, Palestinian fishermen were only allowed to sail for as far as 3 miles off the coast. However, following the signing of the long-term truce agreement between Israel and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip in the same year, they were authorized to propel their boats for as far as 6 miles.

This is while, catching fish in such a small area was neither of great assistance to the Palestinians fishermen’ families nor in favour of their environment. The limited area leaves no choice for fishermen but to catch fingerlings, which, per se, deprives the young fish of the opportunity to reach maturity and start reproduction. This leads to a decrease in the total number of fishes and, even, extinction of certain species.

Furthermore, due to the discharging of wastewater into the sea, those fish that feed on algae growing at the bottom of the sea may become polluted and, thus, endanger the health of those who eat them.

Expanding this area by another 6 miles can, to a great extent, decrease these environmental risks and have a significant impact on the livelihood and life quality of about 4,000 Palestinian fishermen and their families.

Fishers have never had a convenient life in Gaza Strip.

A Fake Police Officer and a Thief Arrested in Plasco Building Collapse Site

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IFP Editorial Staff

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January 22, 2017

A person has been reportedly arrested after trespassing on the building collapse site while wearing the police uniform, Tasnim said in a Farsi report.

Another report by ILNA indicated that the police has also arrested a thief who was trying to abuse the situation and rob the place.

A truck carrying the debris was also trying to transfer them to a place different from what the Police had told the driver, but it was finally forced to unload them where it was supposed to.

The 17-storey Plasco Building in downtown Tehran collapsed on Thursday after a huge blaze. At least 25, mostly firefighters, are feared dead following the tragic incident.

Trump’s Education Pick Mocked for Her Grammatical Mistakes

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IFP Editorial Staff

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January 22, 2017

In a tweet that was later deleted, DeVos wrote, “Honored to witness the historical inauguration and swearing-in ceremony for the 45th President of the United States.”

Other tweets quickly pointed out that “historical” is meant to refer to past events, while “historic” refers to important events, The Hill reported.

DeVos, like many of Trump’s cabinet members, has faced pushback from Democrats who are critical of her views. She was grilled during her three-and-a-half hour confirmation hearing over her past criticism of public schools and for saying she supported guns in school so children could protect themselves from grizzly bears.

Trump Returns Churchill Bust to Oval Office

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IFP Editorial Staff

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January 22, 2017

Churchill’s statue had been removed from the Oval Office by Barack Obama, who put it outside the Treaty Room in the private quarters of the White House.

A figure of Martin Luther King was put in its place in the Oval Office, The Independent reported.

Now, the first pictures of Trump in the Oval Office appear to show the Churchill bust restored to pride of place.

Trump Is a Would-Be Dictator: American Billionaire

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IFP Editorial Staff

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January 22, 2017

George Soros was quoted by Reuters as saying, “I personally have confidence that he’s going to fail.”

For Soros, Trump will have “a very far-reaching effect in Europe and other parts of the world.”

Considered as an actor behind the colour revolutions, Soros also predicted that Theresa May, the British Prime Minister, won’t last long in her post, as the English people will notice the effects of leaving the European Union.

Iran’s Oil Achievements in Post-Sanctions Era

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IFP Editorial Staff

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January 22, 2017

Iran’s achievements in its oil industry came as, prior to the lifting of the embargoes, the country’s oil exports amounted to less than 1 million bpd, according to a Farsi report by ISNA.

After the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed between Iran and P5+1, went into effect, the number of foreign customers of Iran’s oil has also witnessed a gradual rise.

At the time of sanctions, importers of Iranian oil constituted a very short list. Only a small number of Asian states were among the customers of Iran’s hydrocarbon resources. This is while, 15 European companies have joined the list in the post-JCPOA era, particularly, in the first month of 2017.

Iran’s European customers purchase a total of 700,000 barrels of Iranian oil per day.

They include France’s Total, Italian oil refiner Saras, Greece’s Hellenic Petroleum, Russia’s Lukoil, Spain’s CEPSA, Italy’s Eni and Turkey’s Tüpraş, which have signed long-term contracts with the National Iranian Oil Company.

In addition to these firms, a number of other large European companies have also imported single shipments of oil from Iran. They include Austria’s OMV Group, Poland’s Grupa Lotos and PKN Orlen, Britain’s Shell and BP Global, Vitol of Switzerland and Spain’s Repsol.

Currently, Iran’s monthly oil revenues stand at $3.3 billion. The figure was not more than $1 billion before the lifting of anti-Iran sanctions.

Dos and Don’ts of Iranian Parties after Ayatollah Rafsanjani’s Death

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IFP Editorial Staff

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January 22, 2017

In the aftermath of Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani’s death, what would happen to Iran’s political boundaries? What would be the short-term impact of the tragic incident on the country’s reformists? What changes would take place in Iranian conservatives’ political orientation? What would happen in the country’s upcoming presidential elections? And finally, from a conservative point of view, what measures are required to be taken, in the short-term and long-term, by the political party opposing reformism?

In a recent Farsi report, Alef news website has tried to answer some of these questions.

Apparently, reformists will face a number of serious problems in the absence of Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani.

Connection with the Establishment

Following the demise of Ayatollah Rafsanjani, reformists have lost the most important channel that connected them to Iran’s Establishment. Clearly, from now on, for such a link, they will have to count on people with whom they do not have a close rapport including Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani and the member of the country’s Expediency Council Ali Akbar Nateq Noori. Reformists have lost their bargaining power in Iran’s ruling system.

A Trustee for Traditional Society

Iranian reformists have also lost the most important factor securing their votes in the traditional stratum and body of the society. Individuals such as Iran’s former president Mohammad Khatami do not possess such a trait. Such a role, formerly played by Ayatollah Rafsanjani, can hardly be taken on by anybody else.

A Prudent Mediator

Ayatollah Rafsanjani was an effective factor in managing the reformist trend. Following what happened after 2009 presidential election in Iran, the reformist faction faced an internal chaos as well as threats to its identity. The presence of such individuals as Ayatollah Rafsanjani did not let the consequences of the chaos impact the society. His role gains increased importance in view of the fact that he was the main link between the countries’ political parties.

Given the abovementioned facts, Ayatollah Rafsanjani used to legitimize Iran’s reformist party, and, thus, reduced its political and social costs. The reformist camp’s legitimacy would now be subject to problems. In the absence of Ayatollah Rafsanjani, the reformist faction is expected to be less conformist, politically speaking, and become more straightforward.

What Would Reformists Do?

The reformists would, most probably, continue holding their political funeral ceremonies, commemorating Ayatollah Rafsanjani, up until Iran’s presidential elections in May to foster their solidarity.

What about Conservatives?

Apparently, the death of Ayatollah Rafsanjani will cost dearly for conservatives, for they have also lost a symbolic asset they could make use of in their interest in competitive debates, by merely showing their opposition with. Apart from his own performance, Ayatollah Rafsanjani was a symbolic asset for the liberal-patriotic circle in the country from political, economic, social and cultural points of view.

Thus, expressing opposition with Ayatollah Rafsanjani as a symbol, could guarantee the conservatives’ success in debates. However, they will most probably face social misunderstanding in their competitive debates in the absence of such a symbol.

No one would be able to replace Ayatollah Rafsanjani in this regard. President Hassan Rouhani is the only alternative with such a potential. Yet, he will not risk being extremely straightforward due to his position which requires taking political precautions.

Conservatives’ Do’s and Don’ts

In the short-term, it would be costly and unnecessary for conservatives to continue criticizing Ayatollah Rafsanjani in the way it was done in the past. Currently, voicing criticism against him would be, in fact, criticizing the conservatism.

In addition, any form of criticism used by the conservatives would help reformists be successful in the project of demonstrating their innocence and that of Ayatollah Rafsanjani and, thus, complete their electoral game.

At present, criticizing Ayatollah Rafsanjani needs to be aimed at reviewing the history, revealing historical facts about him and his political behaviour and learning lessons from the past, not passing on competition messages.

The conservatives currently need to focus more on the country’s main issues and let go of criticizing Ayatollah Hashemi. They should also break up Ayatollah Rafsanjani’s symbol into smaller and more meaningful units and distribute them among other available political symbols. Real symbols, such as aristocracy, Westernization, capitalism and Western culture, are required for a real competitive debate.

Rouhani’s administration, all over, is a collection of liberal dialogue symbols in the society.

Greater Unity

Following Ayatollah Rafsanjani’s death, Ayatollah Seyyed Hossein Mousavi-Tabrizi, the secretary-general of the Assembly of Qom Seminary Scholars and Researchers, said the gap would not widen between the members of Iran’s conservative and moderate parties.

He added they would even become more united.

Mousavi-Tabrizi said, “Ayatollah Rafsanjani’s burial ceremony had a common message for everybody, particularly radicals and those who intend to create chaos in the country. A certain group of people plan to gain monopoly over the Iranian society and control it. This is not going to work for them. Running a country requires incorporation of all different ways of thinking and styles and respecting them.”

Aleppo Peace Talks Lead Nowhere without Iran’s Intervention

By

IFP Editorial Staff

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January 22, 2017

These days, Kazakhstan is hosting Syria peace talks attended by Iran, Russia, and Turkey.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is hopeful about these negotiations which he considers a platform for the dissidents.

Meanwhile, Sabah Zanganeh, a former Iranian envoy to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and an expert in Middle East affairs, believes that Tehran has played, and will play, a key role in Syria negotiations.

“Several questions were to be considered in Aleppo Agreement,” Zanganeh stated in a Farsi interview with Khabar Online.

“The problems raised in the raw deal between Russia, Turkey and armed groups have been partially resolved through Iran’s intervention. Based on the agreement, the inhabitants of al-Foua and Kafarya villages must be allowed to leave these towns after the withdrawal of armed forces. They have been strictly under the siege of armed groups, and encountered serious problems in their food and water supply, and healthcare.”

“There was no firm commitment, though, and the armed groups didn’t allow government buses to transfer the residents out of the towns. Anyway, some of their needs were met thanks to Iran’s insistence. Some inhabitants were saved, while they couldn’t leave those regions if Iran didn’t exert pressure on some parties of the deal.”

“The negative point, however, was that the armed groups left Aleppo. It means that they will go to another region and cause problems there,” he added.

Regarding the possible Russian sabotage of the deal, he expressed, “I rather consider it an act of inexperience and naivety.”

“For Iran, the US has a destructive role in the region, one of a warmonger and supporter of ISIS,” he noted, referring to Iran’s opposition to the US presence in Astana negotiations.

“The US has repeatedly and clearly acted against the Syrian government forces by bombarding them and destroying their stockpiles of weapons to make way for ISIS to enter regions such as Deir ez-Zor.”

He stressed that the US presence may cause disturbance in the region and lead to ceasefire violation.

“The US undertook not to let its army intervene in the Syrian scene; but did so, and is helping the ISIS terrorists under the pretext of fighting against them. Recently, the US provided ISIS with weapons in Deir ez-Zor airport to make it capable of breaking the blockade and occupy the city.”

“Turkey, on the other hand, is somehow playing the role of Washington’s representative. So its direct participation is not needed.”

“The Astana negotiations is just a step forward,” he said, referring to the future of peace talks on Aleppo.

“We are taking this step after the considerable victories of Syrian governmental forces in the liberation of Aleppo. Thus, Syria has the upper hand in the negotiations.”

“Besides, the Syrian government has made compromises with tribes, nomads and families of different regions; an attempt that reduced the number of rebels and attracted some of them to government forces.”

Zanganeh believes that now the Syrian government holds a stronger position; its opponents, thus, should strive to find their place in the negotiations as it is crucial for their future.

“Regarding Turkey’s position on Syria, it is probable that Turkey uses the armed forces who left Aleppo for Idlib again, and provokes the unrest in order to fulfil its desire to occupy some cities in the north-western Syria.”

“To cope with this problem, the Syrian government should act carefully. Russia also should be sensitive in dealing with the case,” Zanganeh noted.

The peace negotiations between the Syrian government and the opposition in Astana will be held on January 23 and 24.

The talks will be addressing issues such as the further stabilization of the all-Syria ceasefire, effective confrontation with terrorism, and intra-Syrian dialog toward the achievement of a political solution to the crisis.

Aviation Security Important Factor to Attract Tourists to Iran

By

IFP Editorial Staff

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January 22, 2017

“Iran is a unique territory with excellent cultural heritage and abundant places of interest; a country that embodies all the four seasons, where tourists can go to the seaside in one part and ski in another,” noted Yonathan Betkolia, an Assyrian member of Iranian Parliament.

“These qualities can attract many tourists who go to different parts of the world. Many countries rely on tourism to increase their incomes.”

According to a Farsi report by ICANA, he went on to say that Iran should show the tourists how safe the country is.

“All Iranian regions are safe and calm,” he mentioned. “We can make good moves. The better is our air, railway, sea, and ground transportation, the more tourists are attracted to Iran. We all should join hands to ensure safe tourism in Iran.”

“So the Parliament should make regulations on the security and safety of tourists’ arrival in Iran,” he noted.

Regarding the Airbus plane recently imported to Iran, Betkolia said, “This airplane is announced to be used for domestic flights.”

“Meanwhile, one hundred Airbus planes have been bought and will be imported to Iran. They can be employed for domestic and international tourism.”

He then referred to the strong presence of Airbus chief and managers and European ambassadors in Iran on this occasion. “This demonstrates the legitimacy of our demands.”

“By importing the Airbus, we showed the world that we can uphold our rights.”

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on January 22

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IFP Editorial Staff

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January 22, 2017

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 19

Newspapers today highlighted the latest updates on the Thursday collapse of Plasco Building, including President Hassan Rouhani’s visit to the site and his orders.

They also covered Iranian people’s spontaneous moves to commemorate the firefighters killed in the tragic incident.

US President Donald Trump’s inauguration and the massive anti-Trump rallies across the world also received great coverage.

The above issues, as well as many more, are highlighted in the following headlines:

19 Dey:

1- Rouhani: Plasco Building Collapse Was a Warning for Everyone

2- Parliament Speaker: Municipalities Should Improve Safety Conditions of Commercial Buildings

3- Prosecutor General: They Shouldn’t Have Confined Themselves to Giving Warning; Municipalities Responsible for Immunization of Buildings

4- Deputy Labour Minister: 500,000 New Jobs to Be Created

Abrar:

1- City Council Champions! And Firefighting Heroes

2- Richard Murphy: Middle East Is Not Trump’s Priority

3- Taiwan’s Representative Attends Trump’s Inauguration Ceremony despite China’s Criticism

4- Debris Removal Operation to Take over a Week to Complete: Official

Afarinesh:

1- President: We Should Bow before Sacrifices of Rescuers and Firefighters

2- Iranian Scientist’s Invention Receives US Patent

Aftab-e Yazd:

1- Debris Removal Still Goes on and No Sign of Firefighters’ Bodies Yet

2- Rouhani Visits Plasco Collapse Site to Alleviate Firefighters’ Pains

3- Health Minister: Iraq Spending Three Times More than Iran on Health!

Arman-e Emrooz:

1- Mr. Expediency’s Seat: Coldest Meeting of Expediency Council after Ayatollah Rafsanjani’s Demise

2- Deputy FM Jaberi Ansari: We’ll Attend Astana Talks with Full Preparation

3- US Shadow on Syria Peace Talks in Kazakhstan

4- Iran’s Ambassador to Kuwait: Iran’s Stances Are Clear, We Don’t Hide Anything

Emtiaz:

1- Intelligence Minister: Those Spreading Rumours Will Be Prosecuted; Plasco Building Collapse Is Not Suspicious

2- 59% Increase in Iran’s Export of Handicrafts

3- Labour Minister Says Production Units Destroyed in Plasco Building Collapse Can Receive Low-Interest Loans

Etemad:

1- Man to Man War with Mountain of Rubble: 80 Hours after Beginning of Difficult Debris Removal Operation, People Are Worried and Waiting to Know about Fate of Firefighters and Other Missing Ones

2- Analyst: Obama Was Popular among Europeans and Disgraced among Middle Eastern People

Ettela’at:

1- President: Plasco Tragedy Should Be a Lesson for Future

2- Iran: No Foreign Player Can Decide for Syrian People

3- Senior Conservative Politician Haddad Adel: Islam Is Basis of Iran’s Ties with Arab World

4- Moscow-Damascus Deal for Russia’s 49-Year Presence in Syria

Ghanoon:

1- Rescuers without Shelters: A Report on Inadequate Attention Paid to Firefighters in Iran

2- We’re Not Legally Obliged to Consider Firefighters as Martyrs: Martyrs Foundation; In Spite of All Difficulties, Firefighting Is Not a Hard and Harmful Job

3- Cheques Are Alive under the Rubble: A Report on Documents Found in Plasco Debris

Haft-e Sobh:

1- These People Are Fantastic: Those Who Raise Accusations against People Should Be Ashamed

2- Strange Case of Obama’s TV: Former US President Uses an Economic TV Set in His New Home Which Is Also Found in Iran

Hemayat:

1- Prosecutor General: Special Court to Be Formed in Plasco Collapse Site

2- Mayor of Tehran: Temporary Place to Be Established for All Shop Owners of Plasco Building to Run Their Business

Iran:

1- National Assistance for Plasco Shop Owners: People, Government, and Syndicates Joining Hands to Help Those Who Incurred Damages in Plasco Collapse

2- Islamic Revolution Is Today Threatened by Ignorant and Radical People: Culture Minister

Jame Jam:

1- Central Bank Governor: $78,000 Loans to Be Given to Shop Owners of Plasco

2- No to Trump: Increasing Protests after Inauguration of Trump

Javan:

1- Trump Started Work with Iranophobia; 60 Cities in the World Start Riots against Trump

2- Iran Removes US from Astana Talks

Jomhouri Eslami:

1- President: We Need More Comprehensive Plan for Old Buildings

2- We’ll Rebuild Plasco Building in Two Years: Building Owner

3- Export of Pharmaceuticals Tripled after JCPOA: Health Official

4- MP: Foreign Ministry’s Fourth JCPOA Report Is Full of Moves Forward

5- Al-Aqsa Mosque Preacher: US Embassy Move to Quds Is Declaration of War against Muslims

6- Health Minister: Unfortunately We Are Gripped by Corruption in Iran

7- Anti-Trump Demonstrations in 635 Parts of the World

Kayhan:

1- A Nation Praying for Selfless Firefighters: Fear and Hope in Heart of Tehran, Fight against Fire and Rubble Continues

2- Months after Controversial Election: Unrest and Chaos Not Leaving US Alone

Khorasan:

1- Plasco Shop Owners to Be Exempted from Paying Taxes

2- Fresh CIA Document Shows Details of US Support for Saddam Hussein in His War against Iran

Rah-e Mardom:

1- Human Factor Was Cause of Fire and Destruction of Plasco Building: Number of Injured People in Plasco Increases to 145

2- Identity of Victims Not Announced Yet

Resalat:

1- Hard Days of State-Sponsors of Terrorism: US Does Not Deserve to Take Part in Astana Talks

2- Russia: Iran Does Not Welcome US Presence in Astana Meeting

Shahrvand:

1- Rouhani’s Order:

Damages Should Be Compensated
Plans Should Be Made to Prevent Similar Dangers
Vulnerable Buildings Should Receive Special Attention
Conditions Should Return to Normality
Insurance Companies Should Compensate for Damages
Social Welfare Organisation Should Address Problems of Plasco Workers

2- Culture Minister: Government Doesn’t Want Prescription-Based Medium

Shargh:

1- Firefighters Say How Disaster Happened

2- Guardian Council Secretary Not Hospitalised: Ayatollah Jannati Is Fine

Vatan-e Emrooz:

1- Wreaths Laid for Selfless Firefighters: People Visited Fire Stations and Laid Wreaths to Commemorate Plasco Building Victims

IRAN FRONT PAGELatest News and Views From Iran, Middle East and the World

IRAN FRONT PAGELatest News and Views From Iran, Middle East and the World

IRAN FRONT PAGELatest News and Views From Iran, Middle East and the World

IRAN FRONT PAGELatest News and Views From Iran, Middle East and the World

Israeli Regime Makes Life Difficult for Palestinian Fishermen

A Fake Police Officer and a Thief Arrested in Plasco Building Collapse Site

Trump’s Education Pick Mocked for Her Grammatical Mistakes

Trump Returns Churchill Bust to Oval Office

Trump Is a Would-Be Dictator: American Billionaire

Iran’s Oil Achievements in Post-Sanctions Era

Dos and Don’ts of Iranian Parties after Ayatollah Rafsanjani’s Death

Aleppo Peace Talks Lead Nowhere without Iran’s Intervention

Aviation Security Important Factor to Attract Tourists to Iran

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on January 22

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