0535 GMT: We begin today with a couple of nuggets from a snapshot, by Ali Chenar of Tehran Bureau, of the economic situation in Tehran. Here, for example, is an extract on the regime's efforts to control news of its currency and import difficulties:
Last month, when Baztab posted detailed information about Iranian-Chinese commercial links and arrangements, it was filtered immediately. According to the article, Iran has been depositing its oil revenues in China to be used for the purchase and importation of Chinese products and services. The accounts are run and managed by the Chinese government, which accepts no responsibility for any losses caused by market fluctuations. Furthermore, it charges a 4 percent insurance fee on its exports to Iran. Estimating the amount involved at more than $25 billion, Baztab called the arrangement "a capitulation."
In less than 48 hours, the website permanently withdrew the controversial report. The government makes little secret of its efforts to manipulate data and other information to present a less bleak picture of economic conditions. However, Iranian consumers hardly need accurate CBI reports to see what is going on.
Chenar also posts this telling claim:
The economic conditions frustrate Alireza, a 31-year-old engineer and father of a four-year-old girl. He shares his experience. "Before Nowruz, I received a text message asking me not to accept subsidies." Several thousand Iranians received such text messages, which usually read, "Dear Sir, given your financial strength, please refer to , the portal for the Subsidy Policy Reform Organization, to stop receiving subsidies.
Posted via email from lissping
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