The 8th International Tehran Sculpture Symposium is underway at the Iranian capital city’s Milad Tower with the participation of sculptors from Iran and several other countries.
The eighth international sculpture symposium evaluate artworks which have been proposed to the secretariat of the symposium by sculptors from around the world.
Twelve artists selected from 189 applicants from 53 countries along with several Iranian sculptors will compete in the various sections of the event.
Among the competitors are Klaus F. Hunsicker from Germany, Alexey Kanis from Russia, Oscar Aguirre Comendador from Spain, Umit Turgay Durgun form Turkey, Francesca Bernardini from Italy, Valerian Jikia from Georgia, Genti Tavanxhiu from Albania, Ana Maria Negara from Romania, Michael Levchenko from Ukraine, Tatsumi Sakai from Japan, Zdravko Zdravkov from Bulgaria, and Emin Petrosyan from Armenia.
Iran announced that several major European and Asian financiers have announced their readiness to fund the purchases of planes from global aviation giants Airbus and Boeing.
Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development for International Affairs Asghar Fakhrieh Kashan was quoted by Press TV as saying that nine financial institutions from Norway, Denmark, Ireland, Britain, China and Japan had already approached Iran to fund the purchases.
He did not disclose the names of the interested financers.
Nevertheless, he underlined that arrangements to hold a tender to choose the financier for the purchases were underway, adding that tender documents would be sent out to potential bidders within a month.
Last week, he was quoted by THE media as saying that Britain’s key export credit agency — UK Export Finance (UKEF) — had informed Iran’s Ministry of Roads and Urban Development that it was ready to provide funding for all of Iran’s purchases from Boeing and Airbus.
He stressed that Iran wanted to have an open hand in choosing the best financiers and that a tender to this effect would be held soon.
“Iran Air is preparing the tender documents so that they would be sent to all credible financiers worldwide,” Fakhrieh Kashan told IRNA.
“We are in conditions that permit us to choose our desired financiers in a competitive atmosphere that a tender creates.”
Also, Iran’s media last October quoted an unidentified government official as saying that Boeing had sealed a deal with an American bank to provide financing for Iran’s purchase of airliners in cooperation with a Japanese bank.
Winners of the 35th Fajr International Film Festival (FIff) were announced, with ‘The Home’ from Iran snatching Golden Simorgh for Best Film in the main competition section.
The festival’s awards ceremony took place late Thursday at Tehran’s Vahdat Hall.
According to fajriff.com, Iran’s Culture Minister Reza Salehi-Amiri, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, Director of Iranian Cinema Organization Mohammad-Mehdi Heidarian, plus a large number of A-list Iranian and foreign film directors, producers, critics, journalists, academics, and stars attended the ceremony.
Addressing the participants, the secretary of the festival, Reza Mirkarimi said, “I would like to extend my gratitude to all those who worked round the clock to help me make this up-and-coming event possible. We are now more than ever determined to turn FIff into an annual event for those vying for global peace, justice and dignity both in their films and in their workings.”
Hosted by prominent actor Ashkan Khatibi, the ceremony was broadcast live in both English and Persian.
Full list of winners follows
International Competition (Cinema of Salvation)
Golden Simorgh for Best Film: ‘The Home’ by Asghar Yousefinejad, Iran
Silver Simorgh for Best Director: ‘Ivan D. Gaona, Guilty Men’, Colombia
Silver Simorgh for Best Actress: ‘Margita Gosheva, Glory’, Bulgaria
Silver Simorgh for Best Actor: ‘Stefan Denolyubov, Glory’, Bulgaria
Silver Simorgh for Best Script: ‘The Home’, Asghar Yousefinejad, Iran
Silver Simorgh for Special Jury Prize — Art Direction and Cinematography: Zhu Jinjing (Cinematography), ‘Wang Tou (Art Director), ‘Mr. No Problem’, (China, France)
Silver Simorgh for Best Short Film: ‘Online Shopping’ by Qasideh Golmakani, Iran
Members of the panel of jury in this section were: Florian Gallenberger (Germany), Jessica Woodworth (USA), Lech Majewski (Poland), Mieko Harada (Japan), Uberto Pasolini (Italy), Fatemah Motamed-Aria (Iran), and Rasoul Sadrameli (Iran).
Muhammad al-Ameen Award
‘Babaei’, Mozaffar Hosseinkhani Hezaveh, Iran
Asian Film Awards
Best Asian Film: ‘Returnee’ by Sabit Kurmanbekov, Kazakhstan
Best Asian Director: Shahrbanoo Sadat, ‘Wolf and Sheep’, Afghanistan/Denmark/France/Sweden
Best Asian Short Film: ‘Not Yet’ by Arian Vazirdaftari, Iran
Members of the panel of jury in this section were: Hamida Omarova (Azerbaijan), Omirbaev Darezhan Karazhanovich (Kazakhstan), Zeki Demirkubuz (Turkey), Nejib Ayed (Tunisia), and Kamal Tabrizi (Iran).
Interfaith Award
‘Knife in the Clear Water’ by Wang Xuebo, China
Jury members are Michał Legan (Poland), Katia Malatesta (Italy) and Hojatollah Ayoubi (Iran).
NETPAC Prize
‘The Home’ by Asghar Yousefinejad, Iran
The members of the jury in this section were: Anne Demy-Geroe (Australia), Rolando B. Tolentino (Philipines) and Houshang Golmakani (Iran).
Presided over by Reza Mirkarimi, the 35th edition of FIff took place from April 21 to 28 in Tehran.
The inauguration of phases 17-21 paves the way for Iran to overtake neighboring Qatar in production from the offshore gas field which it shares with Iran, Iranian officials said, reported AFP.
Iran has so far developed 12 phases in the field – phases 1, 2&3, 4&5, 6-8, 9&10, 15&16. The remaining phases are 11, 12, 13, 14 and 22-24.
“Our production has reached 575 million cubic meters per day,” said Rouhani at the ceremony.
Iran’s total gas production is 885 million cubic meters per day.
It is estimated that production from every two phases of South Pars would generate $3.5-$4 billion for Iran. Reports further said that the total investments in phases that were inaugurated today would be reimbursed within less than two years.
“At the height of sanctions, with the help of Iranian engineers and workers, we succeeded in developing 11 phases of South Pars,” noted Oil Minister Bijan Namadar Zanganeh.
South Pars is the largest known gas reserves in the world. Iran has the largest gas reserves in the world, and the fourth-largest oil reserves.
Each of the new projects produces 28 million cubic meters per day, Zanganeh told reporters late Saturday.
Qatar announced earlier this month that it was ending a 12-year ban on new projects at its section of the shared field. Qataris call their part of the deposit the North Field, which together with South Pars forms the world’s largest reserves of non-associated gas. Iran has no plans to impede Qatar over its activities at North Field, Zanganeh said. “They can carry out their development projects as we do ours,” he said.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani inaugurated Phase 19 development project of the South Pars gas field (SP. 19).
Iran is targeting the export of 50 million cubic meters of gas per day to neighboring Iraq once that country can arrange for a letter of credit to finance the purchase, Zanganeh said.
Since the nuclear deal went into effect in January 2016, Iran has increased oil production from 2.6 million barrels per day (mbd) to 3.9 mbd, while more than doubling its oil exports.
Iran has signed a flurry of deals with Western companies over the past year since the easing of international sanctions on Tehran after an accord was reached over its nuclear program.
Iran needs foreign investment for repairs and upgrading of its oil and gas fields. It also seeks the transfer of technology to its oil industry after a decade of sanctions.
In November 2016, France’s Total became the first oil major to sign a big deal with Tehran since the lifting of sanctions and agreed to help it develop the world’s largest gas field, South Pars.
Shell signed a provisional deal in December to develop Iranian oil and gas fields of South Azadegan, Yadavaran and Kish.
Iran has named 29 companies from more than a dozen countries as being eligible to bid for oil and gas projects using the new, less restrictive contract model.
The firms include Shell, France’s Total, Italy’s Eni, Malaysia’s Petronas and Russia’s Gazprom and Lukoil, as well as companies from China, Austria, Japan and other countries.
Russia’s Zarubezhneft signed an MoU for a feasibility study on two joint fields in the west of the country.
Norway’s International Aker Solutions Company signed an MoU to modernize Iran’s oil industry.
Last May, Austria’s OMV signed an MoU for projects in the Zagros area in western Iran and the Fars field in the south.
Italy’s Saipem signed MoUs to cooperate on pipeline projects, upgrading of refineries and development of Tous gas field in the northeastern province of Khorasan Razavi.
Norwegian oil and gas company DNO said it was the second Western energy company after Total to sign a deal with Iran under which it agreed to study the development of the Changuleh oilfield in western Iran.
Lukoil, Russia’s second biggest oil producer, hopes to reach a decision on developing two new oilfields in Iran.
Germany’s Siemens AG signed an MoU in May to overhaul equipment and facilities at Iran’s oil operations and refineries.
BASF’s Wintershall oil and gas exploration subsidiary signed an MoU with the National Iranian Oil Company in April 2016.
Iran was crowned AFC Beach Soccer Championship Malaysia 2017 champion on Saturday after beating the UAE 7-2 in Kuala Terengganu.
#AFCBeachSoccer2017
M23 United Arab Emirates vs Islamic Republic of Iran – News Report
The UAE’s Haitham Mohamed opened the match with an impressive effort which Iran goalkeeper Peyman Hosseini saved well, but it was to be Iran which would draw first blood, Moslem Mesigar tapping home from close range to hand his side an early lead, the-afc.com reported.
Clearly, boosted by its goal, Iran immediately doubled its advantage through Hosseini’s impressive strike, before Iran skipper Mohammad Ahmadzadeh fired a volley, just inches wide.
With the UAE failing to make an impression, Iran struck again as Mohammad-Ali Mokhtari’s penalty rounded off a fine first period for the Iranians.
Kamal Ali then went close with a volley as the Emiratis tried to rally. However, worse was to come for them as Mesigar’s cool header found the net with keeper Humaid Jamal rooted to the spot.
It was to be Jamal who eventually dragged the UAE back into the game with an impressive finish four minutes from time, a brief glimmer of hope that shone even brighter when Haitham Mohamed scored following neat approach play.
It was, however, not to be for the UAE, as an accurate Ali Nazem free-kick, followed by Amir Akbari’s volley and a Mokhtari penalty sealed a win – and the title – for the Iranians.
President praise
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa congratulated Iran on capturing the Asian title.
In the earlier third and fourth place match, Japan edged out Lebanon 6-3 to secure its spot, alongside Iran and the UAE, as Asia’s three representatives at the upcoming FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2017, which will be played in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, from April 27 to May 7, 2017.
Shaikh Salman said, “I would like to congratulate Islamic Republic Iran who were a formidable force from start to finish. UAE should also be praised for their brilliant efforts in a captivating final.
“Along with Japan, Asia has three teams of outstanding quality and I am confident that they will do the continent proud in the Bahamas.”
The AFC President also paid tribute to Terengganu, Malaysia and the Local Organizing Committee for hosting a memorable tournament. “On behalf of the Asian football family, I must convey my appreciation to the Terengganu State Sports Council and the Terengganu State Government for their warm hospitality and displaying excellence in organizing a truly exceptional competition.
“This is the first time the tournament was hosted in Southeast Asia and it once again represents the AFC’s Vision and Mission to better engage with passionate football fans across the continent.”
The newly-crowned champion of Asia has been drawn to face Italy, Mexico and Nigeria in Group B at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2017. Meanwhile, runner-up the UAE is in Group C, where it will compete against Panama, Paraguay and Portugal. Third-placed Japan will feature in Group D comprising Brazil, Poland and Tahiti at the Bahamas Beach Stadium in Nassau.
Iran will open Asia’s campaign in the Bahamas against Mexico on April 27, 3.30 p.m. (local time). Japan and the UAE will begin their conquests the following day on April 28 against Poland and Paraguay at 3.30 p.m. and 8 p.m. (local time) respectively.
Physical fitness, Iran’s trump card
Following the final showdown, Iran head coach Mohammad Hossein Mirshamsi praised the performance of his players, saying, “We were ready for this game and we knew that the UAE were tired as it was a tough semifinal game against Lebanon for them.
“I think today’s game was easy for us. The most important advantage that we had over the UAE today was physical fitness. We were thankful for that.
“Looking back, I think our most difficult match in this competition was our encounter against Japan in the semifinals, but we analyzed the UAE’s games and I believe we were ahead of them in terms of tactics and technique.”
Mirshami believed Asia is now well placed to challenge for honors come April’s global extravaganza in the Bahamas.
“It is good that Iran, the UAE and Japan are all representing Asia [at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup],” he said.
“I believe we now have a strong Asian presence at the World Cup.”
Iran is making rapid forays into the European crude oil market and selling its parcels to countries such as France, Italy, Greece and Spain, UK-based global shipping consultancy, VesselsValue said.
“Following the removal of sanctions, new players have emerged in the mix,” VesselsValue said in a report. Iran’s crude oil shipments have been delivered to destinations ranging from Malaysia and Singapore in Asia to Syria in Africa, it said, according to Platts.
In 2016, the number of voyages to deliver crude from Iran to France was estimated at 21, while Italy, Greece and Spain took 15, 14 and 13 shipments respectively, it said. This includes shipments in VLCC, Suezmaxes and Aframaxes.
In July 2012, the European Union had banned the import of Iranian crude by member countries and also the provisions of EU-linked insurance, which included protection and indemnity cover for any shipments of Iranian crude, irrespective of destination. The sanctions were relaxed in January last year.
There has also been a significant change in the geographical mix of owners whose ships were used to lift Iranian cargoes of crude.
Prior to the lifting of sanctions, the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) was the largest provider of tonnage to load cargoes from Iran, in addition to Iran-o Hind, Idemitsu Tanker, JX Ocean and KLine.
The Iranian ships were provided local insurance cover but there were always concerns over the possibility of any potential liability in event of maritime accidents in waters of importing countries which were permitted to purchase crude from Tehran.
During the period of sanctions, India permitted Iranian ships to call at Indian ports based on Tehran’s local insurance cover, China used ships of domestic companies while the Japanese government provided insurance cover only for VLCCs.
South Korea and Taiwan also took deliveries of cargoes purchased on a cost and freight (CFR) basis.
Now, “the group of shipowners lifting crude from Iran has changed dramatically to include those from Greece and Belgium”, VesselsValue said.
“The influx of owners from Greece has significantly increased the number of Suezmaxes plying on the ex-Iran voyages to 81 last year, compared with 15 in 2015,” the report said.
While NITC continues to be the market leader in terms of the number of ships deployed for loading crude from Iran, other companies with ships loading from the country include Dynacom, Delta Tankers, Euronav, Polembros, COSCO, Avin International, Olympic Shipping and Management, New Shipping and Thenamaris, it said.
Last month, two Iranian VLCCs, the ‘Huge’ and the ‘Snow’ delivered a mix of the country’s heavy and light crude grades to Shell at Rotterdam, according to trade sources and S&P Global Platts.
In late January, Iran’s Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said that the country was producing 3.9 mbd crude and was set to reach its 4 mbd target by the end of the Iranian year on March 20.
This will mark the return of Iran’s output to levels last seen before 2012, when international sanctions were imposed on the country.
A Platts survey released on February 6 estimated Iranian production at 3.72 mbd in January, up 30,000 bpd from December.
While cuts in crude production have been initiated under an OPEC-led agreement, Iran is allowed to boost its output to 3.797 mbd. If this materializes, Iran’s output would exceed its OPEC quota by more than 100,000 bpd.
This is expected to translated into more crude shipments from Iran. According to VesselsValue, the seaborne exports of Iranian crude are rising significantly.
The number of crude laden shipments from Iran increased to 563 last year — up from 66 in 2012 and 277 in 2015, their data showed.
Iranian film ‘The Salesman’ on Sunday won the Oscar for best foreign language film, but director Asghar Farhadi skipped the Hollywood gala to protest a travel ban by US President Donald Trump.
Farhadi initially said he would head to Hollywood for Oscars night, where his film — the story of two actors whose relationship turns sour during a performance of Arthur Miller’s ‘Death of a Salesman’ — earned a statuette.
However, after citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries were briefly denied entry last month to the United States, he decided there were too many ‘ifs and buts’ about whether he would be allowed to enter the country.
Instead, thousands of people watched ‘The Salesman’ for free in London’s Trafalgar Square.
In a statement read out at the Oscars ceremony on Farhadi’s behalf by Anousheh Ansari, an Iranian-American astronaut, Farhadi said the empathy filmmakers can foster is needed today more than ever. Ansari was joined onstage by another accomplished Iranian-American, Firouz Naderi, a former NASA director.
“I’m sorry I’m not with you tonight,” Farhadi’s statement read. “My absence is out of respect for the people of my country and those of other six nations who have been disrespected by the inhumane law that bans entry of immigrants to the US.
“Dividing the world into the ‘us’ and ‘our enemies’ categories creates fear.”
At the age of just 44, Farhadi has established himself as Iran’s most acclaimed director, touching people around the globe with stories that resonate beyond borders.
This was his second film to win an Oscar in the foreign language film category, following the 2012 victory for ‘A Separation’ — a stark, powerful family drama about Iran’s fractured social classes, which also picked up a Golden Globe.
Coming at another dark time in relations between the United States and Iran, when international sanctions were at their peak, Farhadi’s 2012 speech was lauded back home for putting Iranian art, culture and history above politics.
But this time, politics trumped art.
Best Foreign Language Film The Salesman Asghar Farhadi (Iran) is accepted by a designated woman reading Farhadi’s statement. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson
Farhadi’s lead actress, Taraneh Alidoosti, also boycotted the event, calling Trump’s visa ban ‘racist’.
The measure has been put on ice by the US federal courts, and Trump’s White House is devising a new order.
Born in 1972 near the ancient city of Isfahan, Farhadi was swiftly drawn towards the arts, becoming interested in writing, drama and cinema while still at school.
He later took courses at the Iranian Young Cinema Society and graduated with a master’s degree in film direction from Tehran University in 1998.
‘The Salesman’ also found success at last year’s Cannes film festival, with Farhadi winning best screenplay and his star Shahab Hosseini named best actor.
It was his second official festival selection after his French-language film ‘The Past’ in 2013, which won the ecumenical jury prize.
89th Academy Awards – Oscars Backstage – Hollywood, California, U.S. – 26/02/17 – Anousheh Ansari and Firouz Naderi pose with the Oscar they accepted on behalf of Asghar Farhadi, who won the Best Foreign Language Film for “The Salesman”. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson – RTS10HRL
The structure of Farhadi’s scripts “is always complex but fluid”, cinema writer Beatrice de Mondenard said at the time.
“He seeks to show the difficulties inherent in relationships between people, the choices faced by everyone, choices which make us question our values and our convictions.”
Farhadi’s ‘About Elly’, which tells of a woman who vanishes on a beach getaway with friends, scooped the Silver Bear award for best director at the 2009 Berlin film festival.
Other films include ‘Dancing In The Dust’, ‘Fireworks Wednesday’ and ‘Beautiful City’.
Late Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami was also honored at the 89th Academy Awards.
The Academy awards ceremony named Kiarostami in a video that honored the world artists who passed away in 2016.
Kiarostami was also an accomplished photographer and painter. His last film was ‘Like Someone in Love’ (2012) — a romantic drama set in Japan — was nominated for a Palme d’Or at Cannes.
Congratulations
Iranians cheered the choice of one of their own for the best foreign film Oscar, lauding director Farhadi’s boycott of the Hollywood ceremony for his film as an act of defiance against the Trump administration.
The six nominated directors in the foreign language category had put out a joint statement ahead of the award decrying what they called the climate of ‘fanaticism’ in the United States and dedicating the award to the promotion of ‘unity and understanding’ regardless of who won.
Film critic Esmaeil Mihandoost, who wrote a book about Farhadi, told AP that thanks to the boycott, the film director has now “more influence on public opinion than a politician”.
“It created an exceptional opportunity for criticism” of Trump’s policy,” he added.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said he saw the prize as taking a stance against Trump’s executive order. “Proud of Cast and Crew of ‘The Salesman’ for Oscar and stance against #MuslimBan. Iranians have represented culture and civilization for millennia,” he tweeted in English.
Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri praised Farhadi both for the award and for boycotting the ceremony, calling it a ‘priceless action’.
Farhadi had organized a free screening of ‘The Salesman’ in London’s Trafalgar Square on Sunday.
89th Academy Awards – Oscars Backstage – Hollywood, California, U.S. – 26/02/17 – Anousheh Ansari and Firouz Naderi pose with the Oscar they accepted on behalf of Asghar Farhadi, who won the Best Foreign Language Film for “The Salesman”. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson – RTS10HRP
Meanwhile, Iran’s Culture Minister Abbas Salehi-Amiri congratulated Iranian filmmaker for winning the Oscar and commended his stance against the racist policy of Trump administration against refugees.
“In today’s chaotic, insecure and dark world, it is altruism, pacifism and a shining light which bring freedom-seeking people together, and you [Asghar Farhadi] were successful in using the expressive language of the arts to convey the peaceful message of Iran and the Iranians beyond geographical borders,” he said in his message to Farhadi for winning his second Oscar.
“Your symbolic absence at the Academy Awards as a protest against the shortsighted and racist policies of America’s novice politicians against refugees brought together many with a good conscience together and removed the mask from the false faces of those so-called defenders of human rights, at the same time as it displayed to the world the true, culture-loving image of the Iranians,” he added.
He underlined, “As of today, the world acknowledges that the ‘Iranophobia’ project was nothing but a deceit, and you managed to tie the Iranian outlook of contemporary ills of humanity with the shared outlook of the whole world.
“Your message today was the message of sympathy, empathy and solidarity.”
He concluded, “No doubt, Iranian cinema with its major share in promoting and fostering culture and national security, can make great use of such opportunities to introduce the Iranian arts on an international level.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan told the crowds: “President Trump cannot silence me. We stand in solidarity with Asghar Farhadi, one of the world’s greatest directors.”
2017 Academy Award winners
The coming-of-age drama ‘Moonlight’ won the best picture at the 89th annual Academy Awards Sunday night in a chaotic ending.
The film won after ‘La La Land’ was mistakenly announced as the best picture winner.
Presenter Warren Beatty said he paused so long before the name was read because the envelope read Emma Stone, ‘La La Land’. Actress Faye Dunaway read the name ‘La La Land’ after chiding Beatty for taking so long to read the winner.
The film tells the story of a boy’s journey to adulthood through his rough upbringing in Miami. The film stars Naomi Harris as the boy’s drug-addicted mother, and Mahershala Ali as a drug dealer-turned mentor for the boy.
The winners are as follows:
Best Picture: ‘Moonlight’
Actor: Casey Affleck, ‘Manchester by the Sea’
Actress: Emma Stone, ‘La La Land’
Supporting Actor: Mahershala Ali, ‘Moonlight’
Supporting Actress: Viola Davis, ‘Fences’
Directing: Damien Chazelle, ‘La La Land’
Foreign Language Film: ‘The Salesman’, Iran
Adapted Screenplay: ‘Moonlight’, screenplay by Barry Jenkins, story by Tarell Alvin McCraney
Original Screenplay: Kenneth Lonergan, ‘Manchester by the Sea’
Production Design: ‘La La Land’, Production Design: David Wasco; Set Decoration: Sandy Reynolds Wasco
Cinematography: Linus Sandgren, ‘La La Land’
Sound Mixing: ‘Hacksaw Ridge’, Kevin O’Connell, Andy Wright, Robert Mackenzie and Peter Grace
Sound Editing: ‘Arrival’, Sylvain Bellemare
Original Score: ‘La La Land’, Justin Hurwitz
Original Song: ‘City of Stars’ from ‘La La Land’, music by Justin Hurwitz, lyric by Ben Pasek and Justin Paul
Costume Design: Colleen Atwood, ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’
Documentary (short subject): ‘The White Helmets’, Orlando von Einsiedel and Joanna Natasegara
Documentary Feature: ‘O.J.: Made in America’, Ezra Edelman and Caroline Waterlow
Film Editing: ‘Hacksaw Ridge’, John Gilbert
Makeup and Hairstyling: ‘Suicide Squad’, Alessandro Bertolazzi, Giorgio Gregorini and Christopher Nelson
Animated Feature Film: ‘Zootopia’, Byron Howard, Rich Moore and Clark Spencer
Animated Short Film: ‘Piper’, Alan Barillaro and Marc Sondheimer
Live Action Short Film: ‘Sing’, Kristof Deak and Anna Udvardy
Visual Effects: ‘The Jungle Book’, Robert Legato, Adam Valdez, Andrew R. Jones and Dan Lemmon
Iran expects to sign its biggest oil refining contracts worth $8.6 billion with a number of Japanese, Chinese and South Korean companies this month or later, an official said on Wednesday.
The biggest deal is reserved for Japan’s Marubeni, Chiyoda and Mitsui companies to upgrade Isfahan refinery, Deputy Oil Minister Abbas Kazemi told reporters in Tehran, Press TV reported.
“Negotiations have been held with the three companies and the deal for this massive refining project worth $3.6 billion is expected to be finalized soon,” he said.
Another $2-billion contract is about to be signed with South Korea’s Daelim to boost oil processing capacity at Isfahan refinery, Kazemi added.
However, the most imminent contract, valued at $3 billion, is expected to be concluded within the next couple of weeks with the Chinese to develop and improve the quality of Abadan refinery.
Kazemi predicted the formal implementation of the project beginning in the current Iranian month, which started on January 21, with the participation of energy officials from the two countries as well as senior directors of China’s SINOPEC company.
The scheme is planned to cut furnace oil production at the plant to about 20 percent from the current 40 percent, the official said.
China has opened $1.3-billion credit line to financier the plan, he said, adding another $1.7 billion is expected to be opened in the spring.
Iran plans to sign contracts worth $14 billion to fix and upgrade the quality of Tehran, Bandar Abbas, Isfahan, Tabriz and Abadan refineries, said Kazemi who is also managing director of National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company.
Iranian girl volleyball player Soudabeh Bagherpour has been elected as the best middle-defense player in women’s world qualifiers in Central Asia, an official said.
Soudabeh Bagherpour, No. 4
Deputy Head of Mazandaran Sports and Adolescent Organization Maryam Farajpour told IRNA on Monday that Bagherpour together with four other players were elected as the best players.
Women’s world qualifiers of Central Asia started on January 27 in Malé, Maldives.
Iranian team overpowered the host country 3-0 and ranked 1st in the competitions.
Iran has been introduced as the 10th team of Asia qualifiers and it will head for semi-final match to receive quota of world competitions.
The 18th round of the 2018 World Women’s Volleyball Championship will be held from September 30 to October 21, 2018 in Japan.
Iran as well as the other twenty nations learned their opponents for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Jordan 2018 qualifiers when the official draw was held in the Jordanian capital of Amman on Saturday.
Iran women football national team has been drawn in Group D of the meet along with host Vietnam, Myanmar, Syria and Singapore.
The squads to take part in the tourney are the Korea Republic, Thailand, Vietnam, Jordan, Myanmar, Chinese Taipei, Uzbekistan, Philippines, Hong Kong, Lebanon, Bahrain, Islamic Republic of Iran, India, Palestine, DPR Korea, Guam, Iraq, Singapore, Syria, Tajikistan and the UAE, the-afc.com reported.
Draw result of AFC Women’s Asian Cup Jordan 2018 qualifiers
Group B: B1. Korea Republic, B2. Uzbekistan, B3 Hong Kong, B4. India, B5. DPR Korea (host)
Group C: C1. Thailand, C2. Chinese Taipei, C3. Lebanon, C4. Palestine (host), C5. Guam
Group D: D1. Vietnam (host), D2. Myanmar, D3. IR Iran, D4. Syria, D5. Singapore
The three highest-ranked women’s national teams from the last AFC Women’s Asian Cup — Japan, Australia and China PR — received automatic qualification into the eight-team finals. The group winners of each of the four qualifying groups will qualify for the finals in Jordan.
Jordan as host also received automatic qualification, but it has expressed interest to participate in the qualifiers. Therefore, in case it finishes top of its qualifying group, the runner-up team will also advance to the final competition. The qualifiers will kick off on April 3, 2017.
The finals, which will be held from April 7 to 22, 2018, will also serve as the Asian qualifiers for the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019.