QC, MADLSA QSL: discuss demands, Al Sadd crush grievances of Al Arabi businessmen in thriller

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MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2020 8 RABIA II - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8450 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS Recharge using the app and get health insurance as a gift! Al Rayyan Stadium to open on

THE PENINSULA — The Al Rayyan Stadium will host Al Rayyan Stadium, one of eight FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 seven matches up to the round stadiums, will be inaugurated 7 of 16 stages during Qatar 2022. on Qatar National Day, which falls on December 18, staging the 2020 Amir Cup final. The outer façade of Al Rayyan The Supreme Committee for Stadium is made up of intricate Delivery and Legacy (SC) announced the opening yes- patterns representing Qatar, terday in a report about the from its history of trade to milestones reached at Qatar its varied wildlife. 2022 stadium sites. It said that three stadiums Dune-shaped hospitality areas – Khalifa International, Al and merchandise stalls are Janoub, and Education City – have all been inaugurated and dotted around the Stadium fully operational, with the complex. remaining five at various con- struction stages. All eight sta- Three other stadiums – Khalifa diums will be completed well International, Al Janoub, and in advance of the tournament, Education City – have all been which will kick off on November 21, 2022, it added. inaugurated and fully The Al Rayyan Stadium will operational. An aerial view of the Al Rayyan Stadium. host seven matches up to the round of 16 stages during Qatar 2022. The outer façade is made FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, is surrounding Al Bayt Park is now tribute to Al Wakrah’s seafaring - Ibrahim M Jaidah. The 40,000 The 40,000-capacity Edu- up of intricate patterns repre- complete and ready to host open to the public. past. The stadium has hosted capacity stadium will host cation City Stadium was the first senting Qatar, from its history of games, according to the SC Inaugurated in May last year AFC Champions League matches through the quarter- Qatar 2022 venue to receive a trade to its varied wildlife. Al report. The 60,000 capacity for the Amir Cup final, the Al matches and will host the 2020 finals stages and is just 13km five-star GSAS sustainability Rayyan’s desert landscapes will -tent-themed structure Janoub Stadium at Al Wakrah ACL final on December 19. from the city centre. rating ahead of its inauguration. be reflected on the facade – with is the second Qatar 2022 Stadium will host seven matches up to Al Thumama Stadium, The stadium’s roof and Located in the heart of Qatar the dune-shaped hospitality areas to achieve a five-star rating from the round of 16 stages of the inspired by the ‘gahfiya’, a tra- façade works have been com- Foundation, the stadium will host and merchandise stalls dotted the Global Sustainability System 2022 World Cup. The 40,000 ditional woven cap worn by pleted, while the seat instal- matches up to the quarter-finals around the stadium complex. (GSAS). The stadium will host capacity stadium is fitted with men across the , is lation and mechanical, elec- of the 2022 World Cup and will Al Bayt Stadium, which will matches through to the semi- a cooling system, retractable the first FIFA World Cup venue trical, and plumbing works, plus be the eventual home of the Qatar host the opening match of the finals of Qatar 2022. The roof, and its dhow design pays designed by a Qatari architect finishing, are ongoing. women’s national team. `P4 Katara launches postage QA helps bring tens of thousands of seafarers home stamps designed by kids THE PENINSULA — DOHA facilities, a television area, reading mate- Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Oslo, Sao Paulo, rials and a Business Centre. Seoul and Singapore. `P4 RAYNALD C RIVERA 11-year-old IIhem Boughanmi Qatar Airways is playing an important part The combination of an extensive global THE PENINSULA from France, 13-year-old in the repatriation of seafarers stranded network with more than 100 destinations, Abdullah Yusuf Al Mulla from due to the pandemic, working closely with a selection of fuel-efficient aircraft to Four postage stamps designed Qatar, and 14-year-old Simra governments and the maritime industry operate charters and the Best Airport in 150,000 by children were launched Shamshad from . to operate hundreds of chartered and the Middle East has enabled the airline to Hundreds of chartered and yesterday at the Cultural Village A total of 10,000 sets of the scheduled flights to help bring home over quickly and seamlessly support the mar- scheduled flights operated by Foundation (Katara) in cele- stamps and 4,000 commemo- 150,000 workers. itime industry to repatriate their workers Qatar’s flag carrier helped bration of World Children’s Day. rative cards were printed which Understanding the difficulties and and facilitate crew changes. bring home over 150,000 The stamps contain the are now available at all challenges many of these vital workers The airline’s commitment to take winning drawings of children branches of Qatar Post. have faced in returning home or com- people home has seen it operate charters stranded seafarers. chosen from among 572 entries Unveiling the stamps, pleting crew changes, Qatar Airways has for maritime workers to many destina- submitted by 390 participants Katara General Manager Dr. recently established a dedicated Mariner tions not previously served by Qatar who took part in an art com- Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti Lounge at Hamad International Airport. Airways, including Abidjan, Ivory Coast; petition that Katara launched congratulated the winners for Seafarers and offshore worker passengers Bridgetown, Barbados; Lomé, Togo; Port in cooperation with Qatar Post their creative work and can relax and enjoy refreshments in the of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago; and Port in line with Katara Children’s thanked all the children who exclusive Mariner Lounge while they wait Moresby, Papua New Guinea. In addition, Festival on the occasion of the joined in the competition. for their onward flight. Qatar Airways sustained operations World Children’s Day last year. Dr. Al Sulaiti stressed that this In addition to an international selection throughout the pandemic to many The competition, which was competition reflected has both of food and beverages, facilities include important locations for seafarers, such as opened to children aged seven cultural and intellectual compo- unlimited high-speed wi-fi, shower Amsterdam, Barcelona, Copenhagen, to 14, witnessed participation nents which characterise activities from 46 nationalities including of Katara whose programmes and those from India, Egypt, Qatar, festivals have always dedicated Firms must coordinate with MoTC to install EV charging units Syria, Pakistan, the US, Canada, educational and entertainment Japan, Italy, Turkey, the United activities for children aimed at THE PENINSULA — DOHA with installing the said units. [email protected]. General Electricity & Water Kingdom, Indonesia, Kazakhstan educating them, developing their This comes in implementation The step is meant to ensure Corporation (Kahramaa). and Sudan, among others. skills and refining their talents. The Ministry of Transport and of the Electric Vehicle Strategy all charging units match the The taskforce will be Among the hundreds of entries, He added that the initiative Communications (MoTC) has developed by the MoTC with the approved standards and spec- working on issuing a guidebook six winners were selected to would not be the last and that stressed that any company bodies concerned and which ifications as well as the coun- on the infrastructure relating to receive QR2,500 each and four Katara would continue its wanting to install electric includes the standardized speci- try’s plans drawn in this regard EV charging units in Qatar. were selected to be printed on various initiatives that charging units for electric fications and criteria for EVs and by the taskforce in charge of The MoTC coordinates with the postage stamps. encourage children to develop vehicles (EV) must coordinate charging units already certified implementing the strategy of several government entities to The drawings were created and showcase their creative directly with the Technical by relevant government entities. installing electric changing install and operate EV charging by nine-year-old Najla Al talents and abilities that deserve Affairs Department at the The companies can simply call units, chaired by MoTC with the units this year and the coming Dirham from Qatar, care and attention. `P4 Ministry before going ahead 40451275 or email echargerstask- membership of the Qatar one. `P4 Farm in Qatar harvests saffron for first time SANAULLAH ATAULLAH other countries. Today we celebrate the quantity as much as possible,” he added. THE PENINSULA inauguration of the farm,” the owner of He said that the project is the farm Jaber Al Mansouri said at the expected to meet 25 percent needs of A Qatari farm has started harvesting event. saffron in Qatari market and with saffron for the first time in the country He said that the farm uses latest State support the farm will be able to and is eyeing 25 percent local market technologies for cultivating saffron like cover the requirement of Qatari share. hydroponic without soil. “The plant was market within five to six years. Saffron Qatar, located in North of also cultivated in soil using five layer The event was also attended by the country, marked the opening of the vertical farming and in cooled container Director of Agricultural Affairs harvest season in a ceremony held at in an area of 150 square meters,” said Department at MME, Yousuf Khalid Al the farm yesterday. Assistant Under- Al Mansouri. Khulaifi; Director of Public Parks secretary for Agriculture and Fisheries “We want to expand the project to Department Mohamad Al Khuri and Affairs at the Ministry of Municipality increase the produce to supply to the Director of Fish Affairs Department and Environment, Sheikh Dr. Faleh bin local market as a Qatari product,” said Abdul Aziz Al Dehaimi. Nasser Al Thani attended the event. Al Mansouri adding that this is a CEO of Hassad Food Company, “We are very happy to inaugurate remarkable achievement in terms of Mohamed Badr Al Sada, and the head the first farm in Qatar that produces providing saffron to local market. “The of Qatar Chamber's Food Security and The owner of the farm, Jaber Al Mansouri, gives a briefing about saffron saffron, as these plants are usually found project succeeded in cultivating saffron Environment Committee Mohamed cultivation during the event yesterday. in Iran, Morocco, Afghanistan, Spain and as we are working to cultivate in large Ahmad Al Obaidli attended the event. 02 HOME MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2020

Qatar participates in 30th meeting of GCC Qatar Museums OFFICIAL NEWS Agricultural Cooperation Committee Amir congratulates launches new Culture President of Lebanon DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Pass programme Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani sent yesterday cables of THE PENINSULA — DOHA be sharing a series of quick tips congratulations to President of for a healthier home. the Lebanese Republic H E Gen- In its continued efforts to raise On December 10 and 24, eral Michel Aoun on the occasion awareness of initiatives that are Culture Pass Plus and Culture of his country’s Independence Day. driving Qatar’s sustainable Pass Family are invited to Prime Minister and Minister of Inte- future, Qatar Museums (QM) attend a tour of Al Shaqab, to rior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa has launched Menthaar, a year- learn more about Qatar’s bin Abdulaziz Al Thani also sent a long programme to introduce natural heritage. The event will cable of congratulations to Prime Culture Pass Plus and Culture also include a tour of the Minister-designate of the Lebanese Pass Family members to Equine Exercise Centre, Equine Republic H E Saad Al Hariri on the projects in Qatar that are Spa, and the Emiri Stables occasion of his country’s Independ- working towards building a (Royal Stables). ence Day. -QNA better tomorrow. Meanwhile, Culture Pass Through a series of tours, Plus and Culture Pass Family workshops, webinars, and are invited to attend a tour of talks, Menthaar, meaning to Kahramaa Awareness Park Somalia welcomes take a closer look in , from 6pm to 8pm on affords the opportunity to learn December 12 to learn more Shura Council polls about Qatar’s heritage, culture, about the educational and announcement environment, and its vision for awareness platform, whose the future. role is to raise awareness in an Aisha Al Khater, Deputy entertaining and educational QNA — MOGADISHU CEO of Museum Affairs at Qatar way, in order to disseminate Museums, said: “Menthaar is a information about conserving The Somali Government wonderful way for Qatar electricity and water. As well welcomed the announcement Museums to engage its valued as learning about the park on by Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Culture Pass Plus and Culture the tour, members will also Hamad Al Thani to hold the Minister of Municipality and Environment H E Eng Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie takes Pass Family members in have the opportunity to Shura Council elections in part in the 30th ministerial meeting of the GCC Agricultural Cooperation Committee. projects that are making a dif- explore the technology used October 2021. ference and contributing to the in the building. The Somali Ministry of QNA — DOHA livestock and fisheries were menting regulations. sustainable development of From 10am to 11am on Foreign Affairs and Interna- discussed, including the follow- In the field of fisheries, the Qatar. It is our pleasure to December 15, Culture Pass tional Cooperation said that The State of Qatar participated up of the decisions issued at the Ministers discussed the present several tours and talks Plus and Culture Pass Family this step is important to yesterday in the 30th minis- 29th meeting of the committee, program to inspect the landing to raise awareness of Qatar’s are invited to attend a tour of strengthen the traditions of terial meeting of the GCC Agri- the discussion of the law of kingfish, the guideline for fish vision for the future as seen Education City Golf Club, a Shura in the State of Qatar. cultural Cooperation (system) of organic inputs and farming, the unified law through many initiatives.” landmark project of Qatar Somalia-Qatar Parliamentary Committee that was held via products and its executive reg- (system) for the protection, Upcoming Menthaar Foundation. Friendship Committee also video conference technology. ulations, and the GCC unified development and exploitation events include sustainability The events are open to welcomed the announcement, Qatar was represented law (system) for agricultural of the living aquatic wealth of webinar led by Qatar Green Culture Pass Plus and Culture describing it as important and during the meeting by Minister quarantine, the unified col- the GCC States and its executive Building Council on December Pass Family members only. based on firm traditions of fair of Municipality and Envi- lective purchase of veterinary regulation, the non-tariff 6 from3pm to 4pm. The online For more information and good governance. ronment H E Eng. Abdullah bin medicines and vaccines, and restrictions, the General Secre- session will tackle how a about Culture Pass, or to Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie. the law (system) of precau- tariat paper on promoting joint greener home can establish a become a Culture Pass Plus or A number of key topics on tionary measures for protection Gulf action (post-Coronavirus healthier environment that Culture Pass Family member Philippines welcomes the agenda related to joint GCC from infectious and epidemic pandemic), and the Secretariat promotes occupants’ wellbeing please visit www.qm.org.qa/ Shura Council polls action in the agriculture, animal diseases and its imple- paper on food security. and is the place where we will en/culturepass announcement

Exams at end of QNA — MANILA QFFD signs MoU to repair schools first semester The Philippine Government welcomed the announcement begin on Dec 2 by Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin damaged in Beirut explosion Hamad Al Thani to hold the QNA — DOHA Shura Council elections in October 2021. The Ministry of Education and THE PENINSULA —DOHA In a statement, the Phil- Higher Education announced ippine Department of Foreign yesterday the schedule of the In order to provide the necessary support Affairs said that this major step end of first semester exams for for the project aiming at rebuilding the is part of H H the Amir’s con- the academic year 2020-21 for damaged schools following Beirut explosion tinued efforts to achieve the grades (1-11) in public schools and ensuring the educational process conti- goals of Qatar National Vision (daytime and adult education) nuity, Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) 2030. The statement expressed and private schools that follow has signed a Memorandum of Under- the Philippines’ aspiration to national standards. standing (MoU) with the Lebanese Ministry work with Qatar in promoting The Ministry indicated that of Education in cooperation with Education shared values and interests. the exams will start on Above All Foundation (EAA) and United December 2, and will continue Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural until December 16. All exam Organization (Unesco). 167 new virus schedules will be attached and Sponsored by QFFD, EAA and Unesco published on the website of the have joined hands for the sake of repairing cases, 182 Ministry of Education and 55 schools, 20 technical and vocational Higher Education www.edu. education and training (TVET) centers and recoveries: MoPH gov.qa. three universities in Beirut. This is within the framework of ensuring the continuity THE PENINSULA — DOHA of learning, and enabling children and 53 referred to youth’s access to their right to Education The Ministry of Public Health prosecution for not and its practice. Qatar Fund for Development and Lebanese Ministry of Education officials during signing (MoPH) yesterday announced “This Memorandum is signed as a part of a memorandum of understanding. the registration of 167 new wearing masks of the undertaking of Amir H H Sheikh confirmed COVID-19 cases. , to contribute According to the Ministry, to the reconstruction process of Beirut. That providing this country with the necessary destructive explosion at the Port,” said Min- among them 36 were travellers QNA — DOHA undertaking was given during the Paris support in various stances,” Al Kuwari ister of Education and Higher Education H returning from abroad. Conference of Donors, held under the aus- added. E Tariq Muhammad Al Majzoub. Also 182 people have The designated authorities pices of UN with the participation of dif- CEO of Education Above All, Fahad Al It is recalled that the Beirut Port recovered from the virus, referred 53 people to the Public ferent world leaders and presidents. This Sulaiti said: “This partnership will help explosion occurred on August 4. It took bringing the total number of Prosecution for not wearing Conference was held in an effort to raising provide children and young people in place in concurrence with a multi-faceted recovered cases in Qatar to masks in places where they are funds in favor of the Lebanese people fol- Lebanon with access to safe, quality edu- economic downturn. During the explosion 134,282. The Ministry also mandatory. lowing the Beirut Port explosion,” Director cation to ensure that they have the oppor- at Beirut Port, more than 207 private and announced one death of a They also referred 10 people General of QFFD Khalifa bin Jassim Al tunity to succeed in life. The partnership public schools were damaged, affecting person aged 65 years old, who to the Public Prosecution for Kuwari asserted. between Education Above All Foundation more than 85,000 students, as well as 7,600 was receiving the necessary violating the maximum number “Since the beginning of the crisis, the and Unesco will help the people of Lebanon male and female teachers. medical care due to COVID-19. of four people in a vehicle State of Qatar has taken actions through to overcome this challenging period and In addition, 20 schools for TVET were All the new cases have been including the driver, except for building field hospitals and sending air ensure that the heavily damaged education damaged, affecting at least 7,300 trainees. introduced to isolation and are cases when they are members bridges on an urgent basis to secure the sector is rebuilt and rehabilitated following From this standpoint, the State of Qatar receiving necessary healthcare of one family. The measure is necessary assistance for Lebanese brothers the recent unfortunate event.” responded to fill the deficit in the heavily according to their health status. in line with the cabinet decision, & sisters. This MOU constitutes a comple- “We express our sincere gratitude for damaged educational sector in Lebanon. The Ministry further said decree law no. 17 of 1990 on mentary element of Qatar’s humanitarian QFFD’s support provided to rehabilitate Because education must continue, this that measures to tackle communicable diseases in force duty. It is also the product of brotherhood educational buildings in Beirut. It consti- stems from the humanitarian duty of the COVID-19 in Qatar have suc- to contain the spread of the bonds, in terms of solidarity and fulfillment tutes an essential component of the recon- State of Qatar and its commitment to ceeded in limiting the spread coronavirus. of its duty and commitment represented in struction process in Beirut following the support the people of Lebanon. of the virus. Ashghal starts converting Street 33 in Industrial Area into Expressway

THE PENINSULA —DOHA interchanges of two levels will and West Industrial Street to He explained that Industrial to the two new interchanges as be be built to link Street 33 with facilitate access to both Salwa Area Street 33 Upgrade Project they will provide free traffic flow The Public Works Authority each of Al Kassarat Street and Road on one side and G Ring is scheduled to be completed in along the street and distribute (Ashghal) has announced the West Industrial Street , respec- Road on the other side. the first quarter of 2022 to serve traffic through the two traffic start of Industrial Area Street 33 tively, instead of the two existing For his part, Engineer Bader many economic and industrial lights at Al Kassarat Street and Upgrade Project, with a length roundabouts. Darwish, Asst. Manager of facilities in the area, as Street 33 West Industrial Street. of about 5km, and converting it With the completion of the Highway Projects Department is a major link between the east For his part, Engineer Nooh into a highway to provide free project works by 2022, Street 33 said that the Industrial Area is and west of the industrial area. Al Joof, from the Highway traffic flow from 33 East Inter- will bring about a major among the priorities of Ashghal In turn, Engineer Nasser Projects Department, indicated change on East Industrial Street improvement in traffic due to its strategic importance, Dalmouk, of the Highway that it is planned to rely on and the Industrial Area Road movement due to its strategic developing many of the roads, Projects Department, said that national and locally manufac- reaching West Industrial Street. location in the heart of the it serves such as the Industrial Street 33 will improve traffic tured materials in the project’s Street 33 will be expanded Industrial Area, significantly Engineer Bader Darwish Area Road, the G Ring Road, East movement to and from the works by about 80%, such as from three lanes in each saving the travel time without Industrial Street, and West Industrial Area, as the devel- poles, lighting poles, directional direction to four lanes in each the need to use the local streets. Doha towards the Industrial Industrial Street, in addition to opment works will contribute to signs, sewage pipes, rainwater direction to accommodate about Street 33 is integrated with Area and a number of other vital the various local roads that aim increasing the road capacity. He drainage, asphalt and prefabri- 16,000 vehicles per hour, in the Industrial Area Road to streets such as the East Indus- to fully develop the industrial said that Greater fluidity of cated manholes in addition to addition to two new connect the traffic coming from trial Street, Al Kassarat Street area. traffic will be achieved thanks concrete and steel. MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2020 HOME 03 Health Ministry marks World Antimicrobial Awareness Week THE PENINSULA — DOHA The Global Antimicrobial Awareness Week is an The Ministry of Public Health is annual celebration endorsed by the World Health participating in the global Organization since 2015 to be a global event aimed at campaign to mark World Anti- better understanding of the problem of antimicrobial microbial Awareness Week, resistance. which is being held from November 18 to 24 under the slogan, “United to preserve anti- microbials.” maintain their effectiveness for around the increasing of antimi- The Global Antimicrobial as long as possible so that those crobial resistance, as well as take Awareness Week is an annual who need them can get the best all actions necessary to achieve celebration endorsed by the possible treatment. It also aims the related WHO’s Sustainable World Health Organization since to raise awareness of the dangers Development Goals.” 2015 to be a global event aimed of antimicrobial resistance at the Director of the Strategic at better understanding of the global, regional and local levels, Planning and Performance problem of antimicrobial and to encourage the implemen- Department at the Ministry of resistance, raising awareness tation of best practices among the Public Health, Huda Amer Al about it, and encouraging the general public, policy-makers, Katheeri, affirmed that many The Ministry of Public Health building lit up in blue to mark the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week. fight against the exacerbation of and health workers in the human factors can increase the risk of the spread of antimicrobial and animal health as well as in antimicrobial resistance around resistance infections. other related sectors the world, including the overuse Action Plan to address antimi- resistance”. Theory to Practice.” The invi- As resistance grows to a Chairman of the National of medicines and their misuse in crobials resistance. The Ministry of Public Health tation is open to all specialised wider range of drugs beyond Committee for Combating anti humans as well as in the live- Awareness materials were building was also lit in blue, sectors and stakeholders in the antibiotics, this year, the World -Microbial Resistance, Dr. Abdul stock and agricultural sectors, in developed and distributed based on the recommendations country. The symposium is a Health Organization broadened Latif Al Khal said, “The National addition to the lack of clean water across the health sector and to of the World Health collaboration between the Stra- the focus of the campaign to Committee to Combat Antimi- and sanitation in certain areas partners and stakeholders. Addi- Organization. tegic Planning and Performance include all antimicrobials such crobial Resistance is playing an of the world. She emphasised that tionally, an expanded social Among the activities during Department team at the Ministry as antibiotics, antivirals, anti- effective role and leading in the work to contain this problem media campaign aimed at this week, the Ministry of Public of Public Health, experts from fungals and anti-parasitics. improving the practices of is not limited to the celebrations enhancing awareness of the Health will hold a virtual scien- the Ministry of Municipality and The World Antimicrobial workers in the health sector and of the World Antimicrobial antimicrobial component and tific symposium on November Environment, Hamad Medical Awareness Week aims to help other related sectors in order to Awareness Week, but rather is a the optimal use of it was 25 under the title “United to Pre- Corporation, Primary Health reduce the incorrect usage of optimise the proper use of anti- continuous process, in line with launched under the theme serve Antimicrobials: Optimal Care Corporation and Sidra antimicrobial medicines, and to microbials, raise awareness the objectives of the National “Unite to prevent antimicrobial Antimicrobial Stewardship from Hospital. All pregnant are screened for diabetes: Official

FAZEENA SALEEM Abou-Samra. about 140,000, have type 2 (by about 7%) and exercise (30 type 2 diabetes,” he said. non-symptomatic for a THE PENINSULA “All pregnant women in diabetes and only about 10,000 min daily) prevent progression Development of type 2 dia- longtime. During this period Qatar are screened for dia- have type 1 diabetes. Pre-dia- from prediabetes to diabetes betes occurs over a very long patients are not aware that they Due to high prevalence of betes. The screening has betes affects about 20% of all in individuals who are at high period. Most patients have risk have diabetes. We estimate that diabetes and obesity, Qatar has become embedded in the adults. risk. Also recent data from our factors for a longtime, and about 3% of the adult popu- implemented a universal routine practice of Primary “Obesity is the main risk team in Qatar and from a then they develop pre-dia- lation have diabetes but are not screening approach for all preg- Care Health Center and Hamad factor responsible for the high research group in the UK betes. Pre-diabetes is a term aware of it,” said Prof. Abdul- nancies. Medical Corporation in a highly levels of type 2 diabetes, pre- showed that weight loss of used when blood sugar is Badi Abou-Samra. “Gestational diabetes, coordinated pathway. Thus all diabetes and gestational dia- 7-15% of body weight during 3 above normal but not so high For early detection of dia- which occurs during preg- women with gestational dia- betes in Qatar,” said Prof. months causes reversal of type to diagnose diabetes. betes, the Primary Healthcare nancy, affects about 23 percent betes are discovered and Abdul-Badi Abou-Samra. 2 diabetes in those who had a “Patients with pre-diabetes Corporation is running a of all pregnant women in guided to treatment,” he told He emphasised the fact that recent diabetes diagnosis,” said have increased risk for com- screening clinic, SMART clinic, Qatar; this translates into The Peninsula. healthy lifestyle is key in the Prof. Abdul-Badi plications. Patients with pre- to screen for multiple chronic 6,000-6,500 cases each year,” Diabetes affects 17% of prevention and management Abou-Samra. diabetes convert to diabetes at conditions including diabetes. said Director, Qatar Metabolic adults living in Qatar, this of diabetes and is superior to “Therefore, I would like to a rate of about 8-10% per year. Patients discovered during the Institute, Chief Quality Officer includes both Qatari and long medication. emphasize the role of healthy Thus most patients with pre- screening are also guided to and Deputy CMO, Hamad term residents; the number is “International studies in eating and weight reduction diabetes becomes diabetic in the right treatment pathway Medical Corporation (HMC), around 150,000 patients in several countries across the of those with excess in both about 10 years. Also when dia- between primary health care Prof. Abdul-Badi Qatar. Most of these patients, globe showed weight reduction prevention and treatment of betes occurs, it remains and HMC. Hundreds on waiting list to learn driving SIDI MOHAMED licence is a common necessity THE PENINSULA for everyone nowadays and there are some companies Due to COVID-19 restrictions which insist their employees period, driving schools are must secure a driving licence. witnessing huge demand for About the percentage of driving classes particularly for success among trainees, Al Zain light vehicle driving licences. said that the success rate is rea- “We are working now only sonable compared to the with 50 percent of our number of trainees currently. capacity, and the number of Regarding the demand for learners is witnessing an heavy-vehicle licences, he increase in driving schools. noted, “The demand for heavy- Also there are some learners vehicle licences is less com- registered before COVID-19 Mohamed Al Zain Ibrahim, pared to light-vehicle driving period and so far did not join Executive Manager of Gulf licences.” the training,” said Mohamed Driving School Regarding a question about Al Zain Ibrahim, Executive whether new categories of pro- Manager of Gulf Driving existing schools. Some schools fessions were allowed to apply School. have a small area, and do not for the licence, he said that they He told The Peninsula that accommodate a large number have not received any details in hundreds of people are on the of cars and trainers. this regard so far, and they also waiting list due to the closure Despite all this, schools do not know when it will be period, which lasted many doing their best to accom- allowed to work by their full months. modate all applicants for capacity. The General Direc- There are also other driving training. torate of Traffic said earlier that reasons behind increase in Driving schools have wit- it has tightened mechanisms of number of aspirants of driving nessed many developments issuing the driving licence and licences like the limited and more are underway in the aim is to decrease the rate number of driving schools and coordination with the General of injuries and deaths resulting limited capacity of some of Directorate of Traffic as driving from traffic accidents. SSP at QU ranked in top 200 in Shanghai’s Global Ranking 2020

THE PENINSULA — DOHA much bigger units worldwide, and partners at QU and within such as sports colleges or the Sport Science Community The Sport Science Program schools and sports in Qatar, the SSP initiated (SSP) at Qatar University (QU) universities. Research Units in 2017 to ranked in the top 151-200 Over the last three years, the increase knowledge on sport worldwide for Sport Science research outcomes have almost and exercise matters in Qatar Schools and Departments in doubled. In 2019, the program and the region, including Sport, Shanghai’s Global Ranking reached an average of about Culture and Society (SCS), Sport, 2020. Once again, this five published articles per Physical Activity and Health achievement puts the SSP in a faculty in reputable journals and (SPAH), and Sport Performance leading position in the Middle publishers. Most publications (SP). East and North Africa region are in top-tier journals (Q1 and Chair of Research Enabling (Mena). Q2) and open-access, with a Committee in Sport Science The SSP has made signif- median impact factor of around Program Dr. Lina Majed said, icant progress in research in the 2.4. This excellent quality of “We expect a further last few years and improved its publications assisted the SSP in improvement in the SSP ranking by at least 50 places increasing its visibility and research output in the coming compared to the 2018 Shanghai ranking. years. Given that we have a full Global Ranking edition. One of the pillars of the new facility, which has been Although the SSP is a relatively Sport Science Program is dedicated to state-of-the-art small program, with only about research. To capitalise on the laboratories for physiology and 10 to 12 faculty members active expertise and national/interna- movement science testing and in research, it competes with tional networks of faculty in SSP research. 04 HOME MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2020

In the field of standardisation Qatar attends 47th GSO and metrology, the meeting will discuss a memorandum from the GSO’s presidency Technical Council meeting regarding the approval of GCC standards and technical QNA — DOHA the follow-up of the decisions regarding the outcomes of the of the two council meetings No. 29th meeting of the Steering regulations and their The State of Qatar is partici- 44 and 45. Committee for Metrology, and amendments, in addition to pating in the extraordinary In the field of standardi- another note regarding the presenting another memo meeting of the 47th Technical sation and metrology, the report of the Chairman of the regarding updating the Council of the GCC Standardi- meeting will discuss a memo- GCC metrology group. zation Organization (GSO), randum from the GSO’s presi- The meeting will discuss a technical work guide (method which began yesterday via dency regarding the approval memorandum from the GSO’s for producing GCC standards video conference and will last of GCC standards and technical presidency guideline (law) and technical regulations and for two days. regulations and their amend- product safety and market their projects). The State of Qatar is repre- ments, in addition to presenting survey, and a memorandum sented in the meeting by another memo regarding related to the development of Chairman of Qatar General updating the technical work the GCC conformity system, and In the field of communi- Organization for Standardi- guide (method for producing the application of the GCC tech- cation, a memorandum of the zation and Metrology (QGOSM) GCC standards and technical nical regulation for low-voltage GSO’s presidency will be pre- Chairman of QGOSM, Engineer Mohammed bin Saud Al Musallam, Engineer Mohammed bin Saud regulations and their projects). electrical appliances and sented on the progress of a participating in the meeting virtually. Al Musallam. The meeting will also discuss a equipment to household appli- project that has completed the The meeting will discuss a memorandum on the technical ances. The extension of the work of publishing and pro- Administrative and Financial from 2021 to 2025, and the number of important issues committees plans for 2021. transitional period to accept the ducing GCC standards and tech- Committee will be presented as meeting concludes with a dis- related to the implementation The consolidated report standard specifications adopted nical regulations. well. The meeting will discuss cussion of the memo by the of the previous decisions of the reviews the progress of the with the approval will also be In regard to corporate developments in the implemen- GSO’s presidency regarding the Technical Council of the GSO, Technical Council of the GSO, discussed, in addition to dis- services, a memorandum on the tation of the GSO’s strategic plan proposal to delegate the GSO’s and will also review memos and discusses a memorandum cussing the costs of fuel final account of the organization for the period from 2016 to Technical Council some of the submitted by the GSO’s presi- related to the evaluation for the economy cards for GCC con- for the year 2019 and another 2020 and present the strategic powers of the ministerial com- dency in various fields, year 2019, a memorandum formity certificates for vehicles memo regarding the outcomes plan of the Gulf Standardization mittee for standardization including a memorandum on from the GSO’s presidency and tires. of the 30th meeting of the Organization for the period affairs. Katara launches postage stamps designed by kids FROM PAGE 1 Katara Prize for Arabic Novel, The newly issued postage The newly issued postage which has now become the stamps are another significant stamps are another most prestigious award of its addition to the collection of significant addition to the kind in the region. Arab Postal Stamps Museum in collection of Arab Postal World Children’s Day is cel- Katara. ebrated on November 20 every Established in 2010 as part Stamps Museum in Katara. year “to promote international of the cultural activities for Established in 2010 as part togetherness, awareness Doha Capital of , of the cultural activities for among children worldwide, the museum boasts multi- Doha Capital of Arab Culture, and improving children’s themed stamp collections from the museum boasts multi- welfare” according to the 22 Arab countries affirming its themed stamp collections United Nations. It takes on important role in the field of special significance for Katara, philately and the history of the from 22 Arab countries. which directs programs and region. activities for children Katara General Manager Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti (centre) with other officials at the launch of Yesterday’s launch was the throughout the year aimed at the postage stamps celebrating World Children’s Day at Katara yesterday. second time that stamps on a first time was in May 2015 to developing their skills and Katara event was unveiled. The mark the inaugural edition of honing their creativity. QA helps bring tens of thousands of seafarers home FROM PAGE 1 Lulu Hypermarket launches variety of refreshments on including the largest fleet of With the support of the offer. Airbus A350 aircraft, has maritime industry, Qatar “Throughout the pandemic, enabled it to continue flying Airways was also able to we have worked closely with throughout this crisis and per- ‘Super Friday’ promotion establish scheduled services to governments and the maritime fectly positions it to lead the Cebu and Clark in the industry to operate as many sustainable recovery of inter- Philippines. flights as possible to facilitate national travel. THE PENINSULA — DOHA Qatar Airways Group Chief crew changes and to reunite The airline recently took Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, seafarers with their families delivery of three new state-of- The leading retailer, LuLu said: “Qatar Airways recognises and loved ones. While other air- the-art Airbus A350-1000 air- Hypermarket has launched the vital role shipping plays and lines stopped flying, Qatar craft, increasing its total A350 ‘Super Friday’ promotion how seafarers are essential to Airways pledges to remain open fleet to 52 with an average age of offering massive discounts on keeping the global economy for business to facilitate just 2.6 years. Due to COVID-19’s electronics, mobile phones, open and operating. As a essential business travel. With impact on travel demand, the fashion and other products gesture of our thanks and to plans to further expand our airline has grounded its fleet of from grocery and fresh food show our support to the network to more than 125 des- Airbus A380s as it is not environ- categories, which coincides industry, we have established tinations, we will continue to mentally justifiable to operate with the Black Friday shopping a dedicated Mariner Lounge at work closely with all stake- such a large, four-engine aircraft season across the globe. Hamad International Airport holders to continue to be the in the current market. Qatar Running till December 5, Commodities showcased under ‘Super Friday’ promotion that is complimentary for all airline of choice to keep sea- Airways has also recently offers will be available across at a Lulu outlet. seafarers and offshore workers farers and the global economy launched a new programme that the stores in the country and its travelling with Qatar Airways. moving.” enables passengers to voluntarily online shopping portal While waiting for their con- Qatar Airways’ strategic offset the carbon emissions asso- Dr. Mohamed Althaf, Running till December 5, offers will be available across the necting flight they can relax in investment in a variety of fuel- ciated with their journey at the Director of LuLu Hypermarkets, stores in the country and its online shopping portal comfort and enjoy the wide efficient, twin-engine aircraft, point of booking. said: “We are excited to launch www.luluhypermarket.com. Apart from its high-quality product our biggest promotion yet for the much-awaited shopping range, LuLu has ensured safe shopping by implementing health Firms must coordinate with MoTC to install EV charging units season of the year. Our and hygiene measures. FROM PAGE 1 shoppers can expect big dis- infrastructure projects sustainability, sup- counts across all our major cat- It also coordinates with private sector com- porting economic growth and making the most egories, such as tech, fashion, global contact center with a sig- from its high-quality product panies to provide a number of charging units for out of the natural resources by increasing the home appliances, and even nificant increase in manpower range, LuLu has ensured safe free – to be installed at locations to be specified revenues of oil and gas sectors and developing grocery products. We have also to better reach and serve its shopping by implementing by MoTC – and perform periodic maintenance the means of transportation though deploying boosted our e-commerce valued customers. health and hygiene measures, for them. clean and alternative energy in step with latest platform with exclusive online Running till December 5, from contactless payments to The strategy backs the country’s agenda universal eco-friendly systems to reduce discounts.” offers will be available across safety measures among its for a greener future and contributes to carbon emissions and, therefore, create a clean, In anticipation of high the stores in the country and its employees, and regular saniti- striking an economic-environmental balance healthy and safe environment for generations demand, LuLu has added more online shopping portal www. zation of warehouse and in a way that ensures transportation sector’s to come. vehicles and beefed up its luluhypermarket.com. Apart transport facilities.

Ras Abu Aboud Stadium Seven arrested for violating A general aerial view of the Education City Stadium. home quarantine rules

QNA — DOHA Mohammed Imdad Allah, Al Tayyib Yassin Al Sheikh, The authorities arrested Mohammed Salem Saleh yesterday seven people who Rashid, Khalil bin Habib, violated the requirements of Saud Ahmed Al Sulaiti and the home quarantine, they Malek Issa Mahmoud. committed to following, The concerned authorities which they are legally in the State called on citizens accountable for, in and residents who are subject accordance with the proce- to quarantine to fully adhere dures of the health authorities to the requirements set by the in the country Ministry of Public Health, to Al Rayyan Stadium to open on Qatar National Day It is in implementation of ensure their safety and the FROM PAGE 1 the precautionary measures safety of others. playoff of the 2022 World Cup. unprecedented milestone as it will be the in force in the country, They warned that anyone Education City Stadium recently played The Qatar 2022 final host, the Lusail first fully demountable and re-usable venue approved by health author- who violates these conditions host to the AFC Champions League Stadium, is designed with characteristics of in World Cup history. The 40,000-capacity ities represented in the Min- will be subject to the pen- competition. the interplay of light and shadow of the fanar stadium will be built using shipping con- istry of Public Health (MoPH) alties stipulated in The iconic Khalifa International Stadium lantern. The 80,000-capacity masterpiece tainers and other modular materials. The to ensure the achievement accordance with the provi- became the first Qatar 2022 stadium to open is located in the state-of-the-art Lusail City stadium will be built using 998 modular con- of public safety and to curb sions of Article 253 of the when it hosted the Amir Cup final in 2017. and will host 10 matches, including the final. tainers, with the delivery and installation of the spread of the Penal Code No. 11 of 2004, Located in Aspire Zone, the 40,000-capacity The stadium’s concrete works and bowl steel all remaining containers now completed. This coronavirus. and the provisions of Law No. structure has hosted many world-class installation have been completed, while the includes special containers for the completed The arrested persons 17 of 1990 regarding the pre- events like AFC Champions League, 24th roof’s big lift has commenced. The stadium’s Kahramaa Primary Substation. All remaining being referred to the com- vention of infectious dis- Arabian Gulf Cup, FIFA Club World Cup Qatar steel structure and façade are ongoing, as structural steel members, including tension petent prosecution have eases, and Law No. 17 of 2019, and the 2019 Asian Athletics and IAAF are the mechanical, engineering, plumbing, rods, have also been delivered and installed. been identified as 2002 on the protection of World Athletics Championships. The stadium and finishing works. Installation of all seats in the stadium’s bowl Mohammed Miah, society. will host matches up to the third-place The Ras Abu Aboud Stadium will set an has also been completed. MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2020 HOME 05 HMC cautions about dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning

THE PENINSULA — DOHA odourless, colourless, nonirri- loss of consciousness. While a gas range or oven for tating gas produced by the CO exposure is responsible anyone is at risk for carbon heating and only use portable Last winter between 70 and 100 incomplete combustion of for more unintentional monoxide poisoning, some pop- gas camp stoves outdoors. patients were treated each carbon-based fuels. CO is found poisonings than any other ulation groups are particularly Only use fuel-burning appli- month at Hamad Medical in fumes produced by furnaces, vulnerable, including pregnant ances such as space heaters, Corporation’s (HMC) Emergency vehicles, portable generators, agent, and during the women, newborns, young furnaces, charcoal grills, Departments for carbon stoves, lanterns, gas ranges, and colder months our children, the elderly, and those cooking ranges, water monoxide (CO) poisoning. As burning charcoal or wood. Emergency Departments with chronic illnesses, such as heaters, fireplaces, portable the cooler temperatures begin “With the colder season pulmonary, respiratory, or car- generators, and wood- to set in, an emergency approaching, it is very see a significant increase diovascular problems and burning stoves in properly medicine specialist at HMC is important for people to be in the number of patients anaemia. vented spaces. Speak up when warning the public about the aware of the risk of CO poi- with carbon monoxide “CO can build up in they see something unsafe. It dangers of burning charcoal and soning and to take extra pre- enclosed or partially enclosed is essential that we all work wood inside their homes. cautions. Some people burn coal poisoning. spaces very quickly. It can be together as a community to “CO exposure is responsible or wood inside their homes to very hard to detect and people raise awareness about the for more unintentional poi- stay warm during the winter Dr. Galal Saleh Al Essai, Accident and Emergency who are sleeping can die from dangers of CO poisoning,” soning than any other agent, months and are unaware of the CO poisoning before they said Dr. Al Essai. and during the colder months danger and the risk of CO Consultant and Medical Toxicologist at HMC have symptoms,” said Dr. Al Dr. Al Essai said that carbon our Emergency Departments poisoning. Essai. monoxide poisoning is so dan- see a significant increase in the “Sadly, we see deaths each carbon monoxide poisoning Al Essai. “Never use a gas-powered gerous because the signs and number of patients with carbon year as a result of carbon mon- that people may be unaware of, Signs and symptoms of generator indoors, including symptoms can be easy to miss. monoxide poisoning,” said an oxide poisoning and specifically including smoking shisha. The carbon monoxide poisoning inside a camper or tent. Never He said most patients treated at Accident and Emergency Con- as a result of smoke inhalation charcoal used to heat the may include a dull headache, burn charcoal or wood the Emergency Department for sultant and Medical Toxicologist from the burning of coal and tobacco in a hookah gives off weakness, dizziness, nausea or indoors, unless it is in an CO poisoning have flu-like at HMC, Dr. Galal Saleh Al Essai. wood in enclosed areas. And potentially toxic amounts of vomiting, shortness of breath, approved indoor wood- symptoms such as a headache, Carbon monoxide is an there are other sources of carbon monoxide,” added Dr. confusion, blurred vision, and burning appliance. Never use dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Sidra marks World Prematurity Day Traffic Department organises

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Approximately 15 million awareness programmes for campers Sidra Medicine marked World babies are born preterm Prematurity Day in support of each year, accounting for THE PENINSULA — DOHA raising awareness about about one in 10 of all preterm birth. The hospital In order to spread the traffic hosted several information babies born worldwide. awareness among campers, Traffic sessions with staff and parents In addition, premature Awareness Department at the and also lit up its main building birth is the leading cause General Directorate of Traffic in purple, the official colour for of death globally in visited on Friday the dune bashing the observance. children under the age activity being organised in Al Udeid. World Prematurity Day is The activity is being observed on November 17 each of five. organised by Mawater Centre of year to raise awareness of Division Chief of Neonatology the Ministry of Culture and preterm birth and the concerns at Sidra Medicine, Dr. Charlotte Sports. Commenting on the of preterm babies and their Tscherning challenges of giving complex Department visit, Captain Abdul families worldwide. neonatal care to the babies, Wahed Gharib Al Enezi, Traffic The Division Chief of continually improving the along with making sure that Awareness Officer, said the Traffic awareness Department officials with campers in Al Udeid. Neonatology at Sidra Medicine, quality of care but also saving the sensorial inputs to the department is keen to attend and Dr. Charlotte Tscherning said, the lives of preterm babies. We babies are controlled and also supervise such events to make it of the favourite activities for traffic laws and regulations. The “Approximately 15 million also wanted to acknowledge the supporting the parents to successful. Also, it is a chance to young people,” he said. Department called on campers babies are born preterm each role of our own Neonatal ICU connect with their newborn meet dune bashing enthusiasts Al Enezi added that the and visitors to the Sealine Area year, accounting for about one staff and their tireless efforts in baby. The day ended with a to educate them about traffic Department carries out its and other places to adhere to in 10 of all babies born saving the lives of premature walk around the main hos- rules and safety measures. awareness campaign through the precautionary measures set worldwide. In addition, pre- and sick babies at our pital building with staff and “We are today with all other the vehicles designated for by the State to limit the spread mature birth is the leading hospital.” guests sporting purple glow parties to make this event a traffic awareness. Through the of the coronavirus among cause of death globally in On November 17, the NICU sticks in support of families success, which is considered one vehicle’ screen, it displays members of society. children under the age of five. team from Sidra Medicine everywhere. For preterm babies who gathered with families whose The program also featured survive, the additional burden babies were NICU patients to the stories from three mothers, of prematurity-related disa- mark the occasion along with who each shared the journeys QU-CENG organises IAESTE event bility may affect families and senior leadership, including the of their sick babies and the health systems. Managing Director and Member challenges they overcame. Eme, THE PENINSULA — DOHA join forces with Qatar University organisation’s work plans, and whose daughter Winifred was on this important initiative. By to enhance exchange between born premature last year, Qatar University College of Engi- providing advanced and multi- member states.” shared her experience as a neering (QU-CENG) organised an cultural training opportunities, “Qatar joined IAESTE in 2011 NICU parent and the care that event for the International Asso- we hope future technical chal- to prepare qualified graduates was provided at Sidra Medicine ciation for the Exchange of lenges will be solved. Those who can contribute effectively to following her daughter’s Students for Technical Experience taking part will graduate and areas they join and make a dif- surgery to treat Short Bowel (IAESTE) to present program develop into future leaders and ference. QU-CENG seeks to cul- Syndrome. details. contribute to their nation’s well- tivate the talents of its students “Thank you to everyone The event was sponsored by being. We are delighted to be with international experiences at Sidra Medicine who took Dolphin Energy Limited and sponsors and wish all the partic- through this exchange. We seek such good care of us. We Qatar Petroleum Development ipants the best of luck.” to meet the challenges of student spent seven months in the Co Ltd. The event aims at com- In his speech, QU-CENG exchange in the countries of the Baby Winifred NICU ward and we could feel municating with students to urge Dean Dr. Khaled Kamal Naji said, region and to enhance student and Eme. the love and care for our little them to join the program and look “We are honoured at QU-CENG exchange between these coun- fighter Winifred. We are truly for the most prominent training to be Qatar’s representative of tries,” Dr. Naji added. grateful for the amazing care opportunities available. the International Association for It is concerned with students’ “Observing this important of the Board of Governors at and for saving her life. There Dolphin Energy’s General the Exchange of Students for exchange for technical work day is a major step towards Sidra Medicine, Mohammed were some very hard and Manager – Qatar, Hassan Al Technical Experience. We will experience abroad, as students raising awareness, educating Khalid Al Mana and Acting challenging days. However, Emadi, said, “This significant facilitate the enrolment proce- gain organisation appropriate families and healthcare profes- Chief Medical Officer, Prof the team at Sidra Medicine training platform has been dures for various training oppor- technical training. This organi- sionals of the milestones and Ziyad M Hijazi. were wonderful in supporting designed to enhance the skills of tunities in the participating sation includes committees rep- advancements in the field and The agenda included us every step of the way,” talented Qatari and international country to develop solutions to resenting more than 80 what we can all do in not only presentations about the Eme said. students, and we are delighted to the challenges facing the countries. Huawei FreeBuds Pro now available at Ooredoo eShop THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Qatar’s leading telecommunications operator has announced that the Huawei FreeBuds Pro is now available at the Ooredoo eShop. The Huawei FreeBuds Pro is the world’s first dynamic noise cancellation True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earphones, which provide an enhanced, com- fortable audio experience and iconic design. In addition to long battery life, the FreeBuds Pro also supports wired and wireless Huawei Super- Charge, which can charge up to 30% wired and 18% wirelessly in 10 minutes. This functionality is paired with other features such as dual device connection across multiple platforms, smart interactive features, and a seamless connectivity experience. Customers can get their new Huawei FreeBuds Pro from the Ooredoo eShop for just QR649 and get double Nojoom Points with their purchase. Director PR at Ooredoo, Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari, said, “We’re delighted to be able to offer our cus- tomers the Huawei FreeBuds Pro at the Ooredoo eShop. Not only can they get a great deal on this new product with the extra Nojoom points; they can expe- rience how quick, easy and efficient our digital sales channels are, making their purchase experience smooth and enjoyable.” DOHA TODAY

06 MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Spreading hope and humanity one place at a time

AYENI OLUSEGUN project management, risk management and com- THE PENINSULA pliance, and supply chain operations. Solanki’s company also provides free lectures Amanat Solanki had and is doing on the latest trends in IT to school kids in Qatar. it all from a teenage dream of “I am very passionate about IT. ERP’s are costly providing affordable education, software, and we have managed to develop ours. We healthcare, equality, and spreading help companies develop their software to run their awareness on important issues. entire operation. We do web designs, mobile applica- Now 28, the social entre- tions, and more. We support small companies to help preneur who had his primary and their business grow through Mission20 knowledge.” higher , Solanki, He also formed a new business, Berries and More, had seen his youth organization with a friend, which he said aims to push sustaina- Mission20, established when he bility awareness and promote healthy living. was 14 with his friends, grow into “We aim to push eating healthy. This idea was born a force to reach out to vulnerable in the pandemic, and we have two branches so far. Our people in society. Solanki is also an model is to grow into a franchise in Qatar. All are part of alumnus of Herriot-Watt Uni- the Mission20 family. We want to make sure we can earn versity in Scotland. well and provide jobs for people. That’s the service!” From raising money to help In his fight for equal education rights and women typhoon victims in the Philippines empowerment, Solanki believes parents, especially and donating to Nepal’s earthquake in impoverished parts of the world, need to be edu- victims, Mission20 has participated Qatar resident and social entrepreneur Amanat Solanki. cated as to the importance of educating their kids. in several social projects in part- “Sometimes, parents don’t understand the need nership with charity organizations and then I heard people speaking properties in India that can be to educate their kids because they feel the child being in Qatar. The organization was English. That was an eye-opener remodeled into a school, but that’s in school blocks a stream of income. We need more rebranded in 2017 as Mission20 With so many milestones for me,” Solanki said. another project,” Solanki told The affordable institutions and relevant authorities to Foundation – a social responsibility to accomplish, the social Connecting sports with social Peninsula. promote the importance of education and let kids show arm under the Solanki Mission entrepreneur wants to responsibility through the Missions Solanki aims to do more phil- the difference education makes in their lives. Though Group. Trophy since 2009 is another anthropic ventures, but he knows some parents value education, they need to be in the Speaking to The Peninsula, continue investing and project that helps drive his vision. building a business to fund his right environment to thrive. After education, Solanki, from a business-oriented hopes to see his IT Through that, they have managed vision is the best option. employment is the next big need. It’s not about giving background through his father to build a hall called Mission20 Hall According to him, understanding money we need to empower people,” he noted. (Abdulbasid Solanki), said his social company grow and run in Bihar State in India (which this helped shaped his knowledge With so many milestones to accomplish, the social responsibility vision was inspired independently. But most happens to be what he calls his of social entrepreneurship. entrepreneur wants to continue investing and hopes by his mentor and a former Qatar- importantly, his life’s most significant achievement). The He began as a business exec- to see his IT Company grow and run independently. based teacher Shakil Ahmed. Hall is used as classrooms during utive in the trading division under But most importantly, his life’s mission is to reach out Travelling with reach Out to mission is to reach out to the day and into a community his father’s company Solanki to vulnerable people and create dialogues to solve Asia (ROTA) across the continent vulnerable people and centre at night. Trading & Contracting. A graduate society’s immediate problems. also inspired Solanki, lighting a fire create dialogues to solve “We got the funding for this of marketing and business man- in his already growing vision. project through our football com- agement, but an IT lover at heart, “I went into social responsi- society’s immediate petition. We did that in the school Solanki formed his own IT bility and made it part of my life problems. days though it took us some time Company (M20Zero) after grad- mainly because of one person, to finish it. It’s a school in the uating college. Shakeel Sir (Shakeel Ahmed). He village, and it’s the only private His company also developed was my teacher and is the founder was the only concrete building. It school in the area, and it makes a its Enterprise Resource Planning of Kainat Foundation who runs the was more than a school to the difference in that part of the world. (ERP). ERP is a type of software same school (Kainat International villagers. “We have the vision to set up a that organizations use to manage School). He gave us an opportunity “I visited eight years after my healthcare system for the needy by day-to-day business activities to visit his village, and the school first visit and saw many changes, 2027 in India. We have some such as accounting, procurement,

ISC organises Ultra-modern operating online fitness theaters challenge

THE PENINSULA – DOHA

As part of the Year of Sports initiative, the Indian Sports Center (ISC), under the patronage of the Embassy of India, recently organised for the first time the 'ISC Online Fitness Challenge' where a total of 71 participants regis- State-of-the-art ambulance tered from Qatar and partic- fleet ipated. Separate events for men and women were conducted Participating students at the FIRST Global Challenge pose with their invention. for push-ups, squats, and planks. Virtual competition on Zoom platform and Robotics team mentored by Texas A&M at Facebook Live lasted for three hours, where all the participants competed in the Qatar finishes 19th at FIRST Global Challenge respective categories for the title. THE PENINSULA – DOHA community of members to come at Texas A&M at Qatar in 2019 in Capt Atla Mohan, together and take on problems of cooperation with QNRF to use Defense Attaché at Embassy Team Qatar, the STEM-vengers, have purpose. Team Qatar is keen on robotics to enhance, supplement, of India and coordinating finished in 19th place among 175 delivering results every day to and enrich science and math officer for Indian Sports teams worldwide in the FIRST Global benefit the world by whatever learning experiences for secondary Center inaugurated the Highly-advanced patient Challenge. means necessary. I’m proud of my students. competition. information systems The team is part of Texas A&M contribution to Team Qatar’s per- To put together a team of tal- ISC President Hassan University at Qatar’s STEM Hub formance this year, and I’m most ented students from different Chougule announced the Robotics Club (SHRC), a joint initi- definitely excited about next year’s schools in Qatar whose interests are winners and runners for the ative between the QF partner uni- competition!” in engineering in general and Squats and emphasized the versity and the Qatar National QNRF Executive Director, Dr robotics in particular; and prepare importance of fitness daily Research Fund (QNRF). Abdul Sattar Al Taie, said, “I would them to participate in international and the initiatives taken by Team Qatar is made up of 25 like to congratulate the team repre- competitions. ISC in promoting sports and high school students with interest in senting Qatar in the FIRST Global Team Qatar has shown a strong fitness. robotics from 14 schools across Challenge for being ranked in the presence in the FIRST Global com- ISC Vice President Qatar. top 20 among 175 teams from across petitions since the first participating Abdurahman E.P delivered The annual FIRST Global Chal- the world. in 2018 when Qatar achieved the closing remarks and lenge, an “Olympics”-style robotics "This achievement is a tes- bronze medal in Mexico. In 2019, announced the prize winners event, is based on the 14 Grand timony of the success of our part- Gharib won the Outstanding Mentor for the push-ups Challenges of Engineering identified nership with Texas A&M University Award, which is given to mentors competition. ISC General by the U.S. National Academy of at Qatar through the state-of-the- committed to their students and Secretary Nisha Agrawal was Engineering. Because of the art STEM HUB facility, which has inspired them to keep going, despite among the judges and Cutting-edge treatments for COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 been providing training to students any challenges. announced the winners for competition, “Connecting Commu- from schools across the country Gharib said, “I am so proud of Planks (women). cancer nities,” consisted of three months and nurturing them as Qatar’s these students who dedicated their The winner and filled with social media and tech- future researchers and scientists. time and effort with passion and runner-up in the women nical challenges, talks by STEM pro- The team’s impressive per- creativity for three months. They category for squats are Judi At Hamad Medical Corporation we fessionals, and technical training formance at this high-level robotics always have the determination to Paul and Vijayalakshmi. are utilizing advanced technology and sessions — all while connecting the competition will greatly motivate introduce innovative ideas, and Push-ups were Judi Paul and FIRST Global Community around other students to pursue STEM with their talent and teamwork in Janani Nagarajan, while innovative systems to deliver the highest the world. education with passion, and different areas, they developed Nishana Macksood and quality care to Qatar’s population. Mohammed Al Marri said, “I through their knowledge, con- impressive solutions for the 25 chal- Janani Nagarajan won the have participated in many STEM tribute to the development of lenges in the current competition. planks. outreach programs at Texas A&M Qatar.” "STEM education in Qatar is In the men's category, the in Qatar. I aspire to become an The team was mentored by rapidly developing and directly winner and runner up for www.hamad.qa engineer who solves various Texas A&M at Qatar’s STEM influences the students’ knowledge Squats were Bilal Mohammed problems from renewable energy program specialist Dr. Mohamed and skills. As a result, Qatar teams and Shafeeq Mohammed; for methods to global environmental Gharib to promote creative appli- have shown a strong presence in Push-ups, Bilal Mohammed challenges. FIRST Global Challenge cations of engineering and science the latest competitions by FIRST and Prashanth S Kumbi. 2020 was not only an opportunity toward innovative thinking and Global. The support of Texas A&M Nagarajan Velappan and for students to consolidate their original design among Qatar’s at Qatar and Qatar National Prashanth S Kumbi claimed learning, but a home to a diverse youth. Gharib established the SHRC Research Fund was invaluable.” the win in planks. MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2020 DOHA TODAY 07 Kids’ Special Screening enchants many at 8th Ajyal Film Festival

THE PENINSULA – DOHA Bringing together children in their Presented in its first-ever hybrid edition, the Doha Film Insti- favourite prince and princess tute’s (DFI) 8th Ajyal Film costumes, this year’s Kids’ Special Festival hosted its annual Kids’ Screening celebrated the 70th year of Special Screening with a spec- tacular open-air event at the Disney’s beloved animated classic new Lusail Drive-In Cinema. Cinderella by Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred The Festival’s compelling cine- Jackson, and Hamilton Luske. matic and cultural programme for audiences of all ages also featured Libyan interna- Cinderella by Clyde Geronimi, gave audiences unique insights tional humanitarian hero, Wilfred Jackson, and Hamilton into the definition and articu- Dr. Alaa Murabit, as part of Luske. The nostalgically lation of change and success in this year’s virtual Ajyal Talks enduring family-favourite today’s world. In the virtual dis- showcase. follows Cinderella’s life as it is cussion, Dr. Murabit touched on Bringing together children forever changed when her fairy how her move to Libya as a in their favourite prince and godmother appears and magi- 15-year-old teenager presented princess costumes, this year’s cally transforms her reality into a new challenge and helped her Kids’ Special Screening cele- a dream come true. grow through discomfort to brated the 70th year of Disney’s Meanwhile, ‘In Conver- redefine her understanding of beloved animated classic sation with Dr. Alaa Murabit’ success. Celebrated as a ‘Forbes 30 Under 30’ and one of Canada’s 100 most impactful women in Special Screening with a spectacular open-air event at the new Lusail Drive-In Cinema. history, Dr. Murabit serves as an advisor to organisations such as the UN Women Global will learn how to negotiate with unprecedented access to digital of success – and ourselves.” Advisory Board and the Council people and how to recognize information, Dr. Murabit com- Nicknamed the “The Libyan on Foreign Relations (CFR). their diversity.” mented, “Maybe success is Doogie Howser” by Jon Stewart She is one of 17 Global Sus- On the search for one’s per- putting yourself on the line to for attending medical school at tainable Development Goal sonal goals, she said, “Whether give people who are not in the 15, in 2019 Dr. Murabit was Advocates appointed by the UN you want to pursue academic room a voice, looking at stories selected as one of the Top 20 of Secretary-General. research, speak out on that haven’t been told yet, or the ‘World’s 100 Most Influ- Addressing the online important issues or teach – it’s empowering people who are ential People in Gender Policy’ audience, Dr. Murabit said, “I important to ask yourself: generally powerless. alongside Ruth Bader Ginsburg, highly recommend placing Where do you feel the most Maybe success looks dif- Melinda Gates, and Michelle yourself in uncomfortable posi- effective to change the world? ferent in today’s world because Obama. tions in life - where you are not No matter which path you the world has changed from the She has spoken at some of always heard or acknowledged choose, you need a genuine one our parents grew up in. the most prestigious events and – as they can be incredibly pow- sense of compassion in the way It would be a shame to live institutions worldwide, erful for your own leadership. you communicate with others.” in a time of incredible access including SXSW, Oxford, and Through these situations, you Speaking on today’s and not change our definition TED. IIS hosts FM-107 Fan’s Cricket Tournament 2020 Teachers begin hands-on robotics training at CNA-Q THE PENINSULA – DOHA Star could manage only 38 runs for the THE PENINSULA – DOHA loss of 5 wickets, thus losing the match FM-107 Fan’s Cricket Tournament 2020 by 37 runs. Habib Afrid was adjudged the Twenty-four teachers from Qatar’s supported by Urdu Radio FM-107, was man of the match for his magnificent public schools will again participate played at Ideal Indian School (IIS) on batting. Shahzada Salim, captain of in a robotics-training course. The November, 20. Four (4) different teams, Eleven Star took the runner’s trophy. course comprises of 10 classes and namely Young Star of RJ Mahwash, Director of FM-107, Shadab Khan has been organized and hosted by Eleven Star of RJ Nazia, Eleven Brother distributed the trophy and medals to the the College of the North Atlantic- of RJ Obaid and New Star of RJ Samia winning team. Qatar (CNA-Q) for the past several participated in the tournament. On the occasion Saifur Rahman; years. The final match was played between Mahmood Ahmad; Obaid Tahir; Farzana; The training is provided in part- Young Star and Eleven Star. Reshan Ali, Samia Tayyab; Mahwash Khan; Nazia nership with the Ministry of Edu- captain of Young Star won the toss and Ahmed; Ayesha; Heesham AND Faiza cation and Higher Education, who elected to bat first and managed 76 runs Jameel graced the occasion. While Ayesha have been instrumental in ensuring in stipulated 5 overs for the loss of 3 Mujahid and Dr. Fauzia extended their that teachers participate. wickets, while chasing the target Eleven best wishes. The robotics training and its sub- sequent delivery across the public is not only to support student’s importance of students’ early school system is vital in developing advancement with their STEM skills, exposure to programming and student interest in STEM (Science, it also develops other transferable skills robotics as a way to increase their Technology, Engineering, Mathe- such as teamwork, communication awareness of the many professional matics), and a fun and effective way and innovation. opportunities awaiting them in the to inspire the young to engage. The training ensures that the edu- fields of science, technology, engi- The free training sessions are cation system in Qatar is both current neering and mathematics.” provided in both English and Arabic and capable of developing students’ “To achieve the Qatar National during the evenings. competence in these areas, sup- Vision 2030, the country needs a Since CNA-Q started hosting the porting the future needs of our pro- workforce dedicated to technical robotics teacher-training program, gressive and innovative society. competence, and by introducing hundreds of teachers across Qatar Dr. Tom Wigger, Vice President robotics programs and other scien- have been trained to bring applied for Academic Affairs at the College tific disciplines in the classroom, we STEM education into their classrooms of the North Atlantic in Qatar, com- are helping to develop the skills in a fun and interactive way. Teachers mented, “Robotics are part of a global needed to build a bright future. receive about 30 hours of instruction movement to encourage hands-on We are the leading national tech- in robotics programming on the skills training and technology inte- nical college, and it is our pleasure CNA-Q campus. gration for young people. to provide the technical expertise and The impact on children’s education We strongly believe in the facilitation this endeavor requires.”

THROUGH THE LENS

Sharq Park, located at the beginning of Doha Corniche near Ras Abu Aboud flyover, features naturally designed topography with small hills, valleys, a monument, commemorative special tower, an old castle and a wooden bridge connecting the small hill with the castle. The park has a number of trees like the fruitful palm, Albonsaana, Bahrain almonds and those from Qatari environment and seasonal species increasing the beauty of park. A mosque, water coolers (located within the mosque) and car parking are the other services at the park. Sharq Park attracts large number of visitors especially during the weekend due to the pleasant weather. PICS: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA 08 VIEWS MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Pandemic casts economic Established in 1996 CHAIRMAN shadows on virtual G-20 summit DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED MIRIAM BERGER THE WASHINGTON POST [email protected] Leaders from the Group of 20 DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR nations urged for greater MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI global cooperation Saturday [email protected] to ensure coronavirus vaccines reach beyond the wealthiest regions, drawing clear contrasts with the Trump administration’s break EDITORIAL with the World Health Organ- ization. The comments also struck Sports visitors well looked after at questions over whether U.S.-made vaccines would SPORTS visitors - that includes players and team offi- become widely available Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in a video conference during the G20 Leaders’ Summit cials - to Qatar are being well looked after as interna- beyond commercial deals 2020, at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow, on Saturday. tional sports tries to find its way back with the once President-elect Joe COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the globe. This week’s Biden takes office and pos- Covax, a WHO-linked effort to global economic crises and to continue to provide pan- feedback from Perth Glory defender Dane Ingham on sibly restores ties with the expand vaccine distribution in climate change. Members are demic-related economic his trip to the Qatari capital for the AFC Champions WHO - even as the United the developing world. Trump expected to finalize a support until recovery from the League, East Zone, matches seemed to be exactly States struggles with the had refused to join Covax as framework for providing virus is certain. what fans and players should expect during the sports world’s highest death toll his administration pulls away poorer nations with debt She also expressed hope events taking place in Doha. from the coronavirus. from the United Nation’s relief and vaccine initiatives that the United States’ “new The 21-year-old New Zealand international - who With leaders connecting public health agency. such as Covax. President-elect” Joe Biden plays for AFC side Perth Glory - was candid enough by video link - and Saudi Pfizer and Moderna have For Trump, the meetings will “increase multilateral to admit in a social media post on the club website Arabia as the host - attention focused on eventual domestic marked another closing lap on cooperation” in areas such as that the hotel they are staying at is ‘top-notch’ and quickly turned to vaccines as distribution under the Trump the world stage before handing health and climate change, the playing surface they trained on is ‘unbelievable’. promising results from U.S.- administration’s Operation power to the Biden adminis- noting that until now “the The young defender also said ‘everything is done to based labs Pfizer and Warp Speed program. The tration in January.After United States has resisted the top level’ giving further credence to Qatar’s bold Moderna raise hopes of addi- European Union and other attending some of the virtual engaging,” in a rebuke of step of stepping in and helping the Asian Football tional weapons soon against wealthy allies have cut sep- summit from the White House, Trump’s isolationist policies. Confederation (AFC) complete the AFC Champions the pandemic, with China and arate deals for supplies of vac- Trump left to go golfing. On Friday, U.N. Secretary League - its biggest club event - that got stalled in Russia already planning cines from Moderna and Pfizer, In his opening remarks, General António Guterres said March because of the COVID-19 situation. Ingram expansion beyond trials of which has teamed up with Ger- Saudi Arabia’s King Salman that $28 billion remains told his club in a video chat that all of his players their vaccines. many-based BioNTech. spoke to a screen of interna- needed to fund the manufac- ‘settled in very quickly’ without any reservations In brief comments to the Russian President Vladimir tional leaders, including Trump, turing and distribution of despite having to fly a long distance from Perth to group, President Donald Putin said his country is ready and highlighted the economic coronavirus vaccines. While Doha. Trump said the United States to share its vaccines for support G-20 members had G-20 members previously Similar sentiments were expressed by the FIBA has “marshaled every “humanitarian considerations,” contributed to combating the agreed to suspend debt pay- 3x3 family that arrived for the Masters event held at resource” against the corona- warning that the pandemic is coronavirus pandemic and eco- ments for the world’s poorest Al Gharafa Sports Arena over the weekend. Ignacio virus and noted the “record- battering the global economy nomic fallout. nations through mid-2021, he Soriano, the FIBA 3×3 Head of Events and Partner- setting speed” to develop vac- and raising risks of “mass, “In the near future, we also urged them to extend ships, was ‘delighted to see 14 teams fly’ into Qatar cines and other therapies, long-term unemployment and must address the vulnerabil- relief until the year’s end so for the hugely popular event that is watched by mil- according to a White House the accompanying rise in ities exposed by covid-19 by that governments could pri- lions of fans around the world on TV and social media summary of the remarks. poverty and social dislocation.” working to protect lives and oritize tackling the virus and platforms. Soriano said: “We are happy to be here. He made no pledges, “And the role of the G-20 is to livelihoods,” said the 84-year- economic fallouts. We complied and we follow all the protocols and however, on expanding the ensure this doesn’t happen,” old monarch. The Group of 20 nations, measures under the instructions of the Ministry of availability of U.S. vaccines. said Putin, according to the To the king’s right was who produce about 85% of Public Health. Chinese President Xi Kremlin translation of his Crown Prince Mohammed bin global economic output, We would like to thank the Qatar Fed- Jinping China was “willing to remarks. Salman, the kingdom’s de include countries with among eration, the Qatar Olympic Committee and all the strengthen cooperation” with Turkey’s President, Recep facto ruler, who has sought to the highest coronavirus cases, authorities for their contribution in hosting this event. other countries to accelerate Tayyip Erdogan, told the reform Saudi’s economy and led by the United States. Fourteen teams from all over the world, including two vaccine development and meeting that the G-20 should society alongside a years-long Trump is one of three from the US, have travelled to compete here. We see distribution. endorse “affordable and fair crackdown on dissent that leaders attending the summit Qatar as a solid partner for 3x3 and our association “We will fulfill our com- distribution of covid-19 has brought him increased who have had confirmed cases dates back to 2013.” mitments, offer help and vaccine for everyone.” Similar scrutiny and criticism. Saudi of the coronavirus, along with Earlier this month, the Qatar Tennis and Squash support to other developing messages were shared by Arabia had hoped for an in- British Prime Minister Boris Federation had successfully put together the annual countries, and work hard to Canadian Prime Minister person Riyadh summit, but in Johnson and Brazilian Pres- Qatar Classic squad event that had players flying into make vaccines a public good Justin Trudeau and South September announced it ident Jair Bolsonaro.Johnson, Doha from all over the world for the week-long tour- that citizens of all countries African President Cyril Ram- would be held virtually who in April required intensive nament. It has to be mentioned that Qatar’s bubble- can use and can afford,” Xi aphosa, who said all nations because of the coronavirus. care after catching the virus, is to-bubble environment created to host top sports said. China has opened trials should have “equitable and It was initially unclear in quarantine after recent events merit special praise. Even in these trying cir- for several state-backed vac- affordable access” to a whether Trump would attend, exposure to someone who cumstances, Doha is doing what it has always done cines in nations from vaccine. Expectations remain but he announced Friday he tested positive for the virus. - bring delight into the lives of sports fans in Qatar and Southeast Asia to Latin low that the two-day summit would. In a statement Friday, Miriam Berger is a staff around the world. America. It also has become a will produce significant European Commission Pres- writer reporting on foreign leading backer of international results in its toned-down ident Ursula von der Leyen said news for The Washington vaccine collaborations such as setting for issues such as she planned to push members Post from Washington, D.C.

D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR Crying for lives lost due to coronavirus pandemic EMAIL: [email protected] THE WASHINGTON POST people such as Tony Building in Oklahoma City to Trump’s ineptitude borders on Stempeck, 63, a restaurateur continue her legal career and the criminal, and governors EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 myself have held the in Reno, Nev., who was an become a judge. Jeannette who went along with his FAX: +974 4455 7758 hand of dying patients unfailing volunteer at his Williams-Parker, 48, the first happy talk about the virus just who are crying out for daughters’ schools. Amanda - but tragically not the last - one day disappearing are now MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 “I their family that they can’t see. Bouffioux, 44, an adminis- nurse to die in West Virginia seeing residents in their states I’ve taken care of co-workers trative assistant in Alaska who from coronavirus pay the price. DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 as they fight for their lives on a was taking community complications. There is promising news ventilator, and knowing that college courses in hopes of In March, when the virus about coronavirus vaccines, LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 they got sick because the hos- one day owning her own was still mainly limited to hot but relief remains months pital or their government hasn’t business. Elvia Ramirez, just spots such as New York City, away at best. With 253,000 BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 protected them.” Those words 17 and starting her senior year Anthony Fauci, director of the dead - and the number sure to from Minnesota nurse Mary of high school on an Indian National Institute of Allergy climb - health-care profes- SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 Turner about her experiences reservation in North Dakota. and Infectious Diseases, pre- sionals on the front lines still on the front lines of the corona- Choua Yang, 53, a Hmong dicted that it might kill up to don’t have the equipment they ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 virus pandemic were delivered refugee who fled Laos when 240,000 Americans. That need or the cooperation from email: [email protected] on a day when nearly 2,000 the government fell to the mark, almost unimaginable at the public for whom they risk Americans died from the virus communists and built a life in the time, has been passed as their lives. “We’re seeing the PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 and during the week when the Minnesota as an educator the pandemic rages across the worst of the worst and these email: [email protected] United States reached the grim helping other Hmong immi- country. patients are dying, and you go milestone of 250,000 people grants. Fred Dean, 68, The United States is not home at the end of the night ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 dead. She cried talking about renowned National Football alone in the world in suffering and you drive by bars and you FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] the suffering during a con- League defensive end who the deadly health and eco- drive by restaurants and ference call Wednesday with helped lead the San Francisco nomic effects of the pandemic, they’re packed full and people CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 President-elect Joe Biden. He 49ers to two championships. but it is almost singular in its aren’t wearing masks,” said email: [email protected] too seemed near tears. Rebecca Cryer, 73, who sur- government’s failure to mount Michelle Cavanaugh, a nurse. More and more Americans vived the explosion of the a concerted effort to contain “I wish that I could get people SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 are crying for lives lost. For Alfred P. Murrah Federal the virus. President Donald to see covid through my eyes.” FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar G20’s actions to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 had helped prevent massive bankruptcies and an /Peninsula_Qatar even deeper crisis, but that there was more to do. The world is not out of the woods yet in terms of /ThePeninsulaNewspaper this crisis. +974 6698 6188 Kristalina Georgieva, IMF Managing Director MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2020 MIDDLE EAST 09 Erdogan says Turkey an inseparable part of Europe

REUTERS — ISTANBUL and negotiations,” Erdogan “We see ourselves as an inseparable part said. Turkish President Recep Erdogan, connected to Tayyip Erdogan said of Europe...However this does not mean the event through vide- yesterday that his country, that we will bow down to overt attacks to olink, said that the EU should an official candidate for keep its promises regarding European Union our country and nation, veiled injustices the migrants issue and membership, sees itself as an and double standards,” Erdogan said in a making Turkey a full inseparable part of Europe member of the bloc. He was but will not give in to attacks speech to the members of his AK Party. referring to a 2016 deal and double standards. under which Ankara curbed “We see ourselves as an migrant entries into Europe inseparable part of Mediterranean have raised contested waters in the in exchange for financial Europe...However, this does tensions with the EU as eastern Mediterranean at help and visa-free travel in not mean that we will bow Turkey locked in a dispute their next summit in the Schengen region. down to overt attacks to with and Greece and December, German Chan- Turkey recently our country and nation, over the extent of cellor Angela Merkel said extended the seismic veiled injustices and double their continental shelves on Thursday. survey work being carried standards,” Erdogan said in and hydrocarbon “We do not believe that out by its Oruc Reis ship in a speech to the members of resources. we have any problems with a disputed part of the his AK Party. The EU will discuss countries or institutions eastern Mediterranean Turkey’s drilling activ- Turkey’s pursuit of natural that cannot be solved until November 29, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan taking part in a video conference during ities in the eastern gas exploration in through politics, dialogue according to a naval notice. the G20 Leaders’ Summit 2020, in Istanbul, Turkey, yesterday. Iran vows to Iran: Dealings possible crush any Israeli attempt to harm with US despite ‘crimes’

its role in Syria AFP — TEHRAN Meanwhile, the US Sec- retary of State Mike Pompeo REUTERS — DUBAI The “crimes” committed by the yesterday defended his tour of United States against Iran do Gulf Arab states and the Trump Iran yesterday vowed to not prevent “carefully administration's continued defeat any Israeli attempt to considered” exchanges from efforts to squeeze Iran, even as harm its role in Syria, saying taking place, Iran’s foreign a new US administration led by the era of “hit and run” ministry spokesman said Joe Biden prepares to enter the attacks by Israel there was yesterday. White House in January. over, days after Israel carried “The future of relations Although Pompeo has not out air strikes on Syrian army between Iran and the United taken questions from US-based and Iranian paramilitary States is not simple,” Saeed reporters travelling with him targets in the country. Khatibzadeh acknowledged at over the past 10 days, he sat Israel, which views Tehran a press conference in Tehran, down with the Saudi-owned as its biggest security threat, as President Hassan Rouhani’s broadcaster Al Arabiya in Dubai has repeatedly attacked government makes signs of for brief televised remarks Iranian targets and those of apparent overtures to US pres- yesterday. allied militia in Syria, where ident-elect Joe Biden. "Our policies don’t change. Tehran has backed President “The United States has Our duty doesn’t change. My Bashar Al Assad and his forces committed repeated crimes responsibilities don’t change,” Election fever in Kuwait against rebels and militants against the Iranian people,” he said. "I still have an obli- since 2012. added Khatibzadeh, citing a gation—every hour, every Billboards featuring pictures of candidates running for Kuwait’s parliamentary elections are seen on On Wednesday, an Israeli long list. minute—to defend the a street in Kuwait city, yesterday. General elections are due to be held on December 5. military spokesman said eight They included Washing- American people and to keep targets were attacked, ton’s support for them foremost in our efforts, including an Iranian head- during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq and we’ll do that. We’ll do that quarters at Damascus inter- war, the “series of sanctions” to the very last minute.” Gaza health system days from national airport and a “secret against Tehran, and the US In what was likely his final military site” that served as a drone strike that killed top tour of the Gulf as secretary of “hosting facility for senior Iranian general Qasem Sole- state, he touted the Trump being overwhelmed by COVID-19 Iranian delegations when they imani in January. administration's Mideast strategy come to Syria to operate”. “It is natural that (between that focused on Iran as "the REUTERS — GAZA Foreign Ministry two) members of the United central threat inside the region” Iran reports 13,053 new spokesman Saeed Khateeb- Nations (like the US and Iran) and for a maximum pressure A sharp rise in coronavirus zadeh told a virtual weekly there have always been, and campaign that hampered Iran's infections in the Gaza Strip virus cases, 475 deaths news conference: “The Zionist there are, very carefully con- ability to support militias in Iraq, could overwhelm the Pales- regime (Israel) is well aware sidered exchanges, in a known Lebanon and Syria. tinian enclave’s meagre AGENCIES — TEHRAN that the era of hit and run is framework,” Khatibzadeh said, "It'll be our policy until our medical system by next week, over and therefore they are while noting that “does not time is complete,” he said, public health advisers said Iran recorded 13,053 new cases of coronavirus and 475 related very cautious.” mean that Iran is forgetting this stopping short of saying when yesterday. deaths over the past 24 hours, the health ministry said yesterday. Iran denies having military list of crimes.” he'd cease work as the top US Gaza, where the dense and That took the total death toll to 44,802 and the tally of cases forces in Syria and says it has Tehran and Washington, diplomat. President Donald poor population of two million to 854,361 in the Middle East’s worst-hit state. sent commandos to the enemies for more than four Trump has refused to concede is vulnerable to contagions, has On Saturday, Iran introduced tougher restrictions for two country as military advisers. decades, have edged to the to Biden, despite the Trump logged 14,000 coronavirus weeks to stem a third wave of coronavirus infections, including Tehran says it will provide brink of war twice since June campaign’s futile efforts to cases and 65 deaths, mostly closing non-essential businesses and travel curbs. Some Iranian military advisers to Syria for 2019, amid tensions over Iran’s block the certification of votes since August. authorities have warned that daily coronavirus deaths could as long as necessary. 2015 nuclear agreement with in various states. Seventy-nine of Gaza’s 100 reach 1,200 if the nation failed to respect health protocols, “Iran’s presence in Syria is world powers, which outgoing The Trump administration ventilators have been taken up including mask-wearing and social distancing. advisory and naturally if US President Donald Trump is attempting to ramp up by COVID-19 patients, said The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health reported 322 new cases of anyone disrupts this advisory unilaterally withdrew from. pressure on Iran before Biden Abdelraouf Elmanama, a Coronavirus in the past 24 hours, bringing the total of con- presence, our response will be Biden has promised a takes office as president. Biden microbiologist who is part of firmed cases in the country to 140,056. During the same period, a crushing one,” Khatibzadeh return to diplomacy with Iran has said he wants to return to the enclave’s pandemic task three deaths have been recorded, bringing the total number of said. after four hawkish years under rapprochement with Iran. Ana- force. deaths in Kuwait to 866 cases so far. The Syrian Observatory for Trump. Rouhani’s government lysts say Biden is expected to be “In 10 days the health The Omani Ministry of Health announced yesterday that Human Rights, a war monitor, offered a cautious welcome to more willing to engage the Ira- system will become unable to the total of reported cases of Coronavirus in the Sultanate said at least 10 people, Biden’s victory, but Iran’s con- nians in order to avoid major absorb such a hike in cases and reached 122,081. The total number of deaths reached 1,380, the including five Iranians from servatives are critical, accusing escalation, although he’s likely there might be cases that will Ministry said. the Quds Force, a branch of the country’s government of to press Tehran on its missile not find a place at intensive Iran’s elite Revolutionary yielding to what they say is an program and not just its nuclear care units,” he said, adding that Guards responsible for oper- “illusion” of a change by the programme. Pompeo's tour also the current 0.05% mortality Israeli blockade, which is sup- Izhar Shay told Army Radio. ations outside of Iran’s own “Great Satan” of America. included stops in France, rate among COVID-19 patients ported by neighbouring Egypt, that Israel was enabling inter- borders, were killed during the “The time has come to Turkey and Israel, including an could rise. has crippled the economy and national humanitarian aid to attack. attack, not to compromise” Israeli settlement in the Gaza’s Islamist Hamas undermined its public health reach Gaza, adding: “This is the “I do not confirm the mar- with Washington, the ultra- occupied West Bank and a rulers have so far imposed one apparatus. level that we can preserve in tyrdom of Iranian forces in conservative newspaper museum that honors Christian lockdown. A long-standing Israeli cabinet minister the coronavirus context.” Syria,” “Khatibzadeh said. Kayhan wrote on Saturday. Zionists. Dozens of settlers Israel strikes Hamas sites in Gaza Strip after rocket attack storm Al Aqsa Mosque AP — OCCUPIED underground infra- JERUSALEM QNA — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM structure and a Hamas naval forces training Dozens of Israeli settlers stormed Israeli aircraft yesterday compound. yesterday Al Aqsa Mosque from struck multiple sites in Late on Saturday, Mughraba Gate. the Gaza Strip in Palestinian fighters in The Palestinian news agency Wafa response to a rocket Gaza fired a rocket reported that extremist settler Yehuda fired earlier from the towards Israel, setting Glick, accompanied by dozens of settlers, Palestinian territory, off air-raid sirens in the broke into Al Aqsa in groups and carried Israel’s military said. southern Israeli city of out provocative tours in the courtyards There were no imme- Ashkelon, the Israeli under the protection of the Israeli occu- diate reports of injuries. military said. pation forces. While several Israeli police said Meanwhile, Israeli occupying fighting groups operate the rocket caused forces stormed the Ein Al Sultan out of the Palestinian damage to a structure in refugee camp north of Jericho in the enclave, Israel holds the Ashkelon area, West Bank, and raided the house of Gaza’s Hamas rulers roughly 10km north of Fatah’s secretary-general in the camp, responsible for all rocket Gaza, but there were no Yasser Abu Sharar. fire out of the territory injuries. Israeli media Israeli forces raided Abu Sharrar’s and usually strikes said the rocket struck a house, searched it and destroyed its con- Hamas targets in factory, causing tents, eyewitnesses told the Palestinian response. damage. Israel and news agency. The Israeli military Hamas are bitter They added that clashes broke out said in a statement that enemies who have in the camp, during which the occu- fighter jets and attack fought three wars and pying forces fired stun grenades and helicopters hit two numerous skirmishes tear gas at the citizens. No injuries were rocket ammunition since Hamas seized Palestinian men inspecting the damage at the site of an Israeli air strike in Khan Yunis town in the southern reported. manufacturing sites, power in Gaza in 2007. Gaza Strip, yesterday. 10 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Ethiopia warns civilians of ‘no mercy’ in Tigray offensive REUTERS & AFP — ADDIS ABABA Ethiopia’s military yesterday threatened an all- Ethiopian forces have taken the out assault on Mekele, capital of the dissident town of Idaga Hamus, 97km Tigray region and seat of the local government from the rebel-held Tigray capital Mekelle, a government it is seeking to dislodge, warning civilians to taskforce said yesterday. flee while they still can. “Our defence force took control of Idaga Hamus town which is located on the road in the region has made claims Abiy and blamed for the coun- from Adigrat to Mekelle. The from both sides in the conflict try’s woes. The bitter feud with Defence force is advancing to difficult to verify, but hundreds the central government led the capture Mekelle, which is the of people are reported to have TPLF to hold their own elec- final goal of the operation,” the been killed while tens of thou- tions this year in defiance of a taskforce said in a tweet. sands have fled the fighting into national postponement due to Reuters could not verify the neighbouring Sudan. the coronavirus pandemic. latest statement. Claims by all Abiy’s government has Abiy has spurned all calls sides are hard to verify because claimed the capture of a string for peace, including from the A view of a partially-completed 300-sq metre Lebanese national flag made up from plastic bottles, phone and internet communi- of towns in recent days, African Union -- which plans caps, and empty bullet cartridge set up by environmental activists at an open-air restaurant cation has been down since including the ancient city of to send three former national fighting began on November 4. Aksum and the town of Edega presidents as special envoys in and wedding venue in the town of Bnachii in northern Lebanon, as the country celebrates 77th Ethiopia’s military yes- Hamus, 100 kilometres (60 the coming days -- the US and independence day yesterday. terday threatened an all-out miles) north of Mekele. the UN which has warned of a assault on Mekele, capital of the “Defence forces have con- looming humanitarian disaster. dissident Tigray region and seat of trolled Edaga Hamus city, His government regards the In Lebanon, military courts the local government it is seeking which is on the road from TPLF as a criminal adminis- to dislodge, warning civilians to Adigrat to Mekele,” the Ethiopia tration and appears intent on flee while they still can. State of Emergency Fact Check, winning the military battle target anti-govt protesters “The next decisive battle is a government agency, said rather than negotiating. to surround Mekele with tanks,” Sunday. “The defence force are Military action has already AP — BEIRUT interrogated him and subjected justice system so far, according Dejene Tsegaye, a military currently marching on the cam- spread beyond Tigray’s borders him to physical abuse, before to Legal Agenda, a human rights spokesman, told state broad- paign’s last goal, Mekele city.” with the TPLF firing rockets at Khaldoun Jaber was taking part letting him go. group based in Beirut. “We expect casters on Sunday, threatening The TPLF claimed Saturday Asmara, the capital of neigh- in an anti-government protest “I was beaten, harmed psy- many more people to be prose- a siege of the city. that civilians had been killed bouring Eritrea to the north, near the presidential palace chologically and morally,” Jaber cuted,” said Ghida Frangieh, a He added a warning for during a “heavy bombardment” which it accuses of supporting outside Beirut last November said. “Three of my teeth were lawyer with the group. Mekele’s half a million resi- of Adigrat town by the Ethi- the Ethiopian government, and when several Lebanese intelli- broken and I lost 70% of my The trials underscore the dents: “Save yourself. A opian Defence Forces (EDF). the city of Bahir Dar to the gence officers in plainclothes hearing in my left ear.” “I am growing perils of activism in directive has been communi- The government insists it does southwest. The campaign has approached and forcibly took still traumatised,” he added. Lebanon, where a string of court cated for you to dissociate not target civilians. seen warplanes bombing Tigray him away. A year after mass protests cases and judicial investigations yourself from this junta, after The TPLF led the overthrow and heavy fighting, while The demonstration was part roiled Lebanon, dozens of pro- against journalists and critics has that there will be no mercy.” of Mengistu Hailemariam, head Amnesty International has doc- of a wave of protests sweeping testers are being tried before eroded the country’s reputation Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia’s military Derg umented a gruesome massacre Lebanon against corruption and military courts, proceedings for free speech and tolerance. -- last year’s Nobel Peace Prize regime, in 1991 and dominated in which “scores, and likely hun- misrule by a group of politicians that human rights lawyers say Frangieh said that security winner -- launched a military the country’s politics until Abiy dreds, of people were stabbed or who have monopolised power grossly violate due process and forces arrested around 1,200 campaign against the Tigray became prime minister in 2018. hacked to death” in the south- since the country’s civil war fail to investigate allegations of people from the beginning of People’s Liberation Front The party continues to rule western town of Mai-Kadra. ended three decades ago. torture and abuse. the anti-government uprising (TPLF) on November 4, Tigray, one of 10 regional states The UN has called for the Jaber didn’t know it then, but Defendants tried before the in October 2019 through the accusing its forces of attacking under Ethiopia’s system of opening of humanitarian cor- Lebanese security forces targeted military tribunal say the system end of June. Lebanese author- two federal military camps in ethnic federalism whereby ridors to allow aid agencies him because of his social media is used to intimidate protesters ities have prosecuted around the region and the party of regions are delineated by eth- access, and has said it is pre- posts criticising President Michel and prop up Lebanon’s sec- 200 of them, including those defying his government and nicity and language. paring for as many as 200,000 Aoun. What followed were 48 tarian rulers. referred to the military judi- seeking to destabilise it. TPLF leaders have com- refugees to flee unrest in the harrowing hours of detention Around 90 civilians have ciary, the monitoring group has A communications blackout plained of being sidelined by coming months. during which security officers been referred to the military found. Nigerian soldiers admit they were Polls open in Burkina Faso amid oppn warning of fraud AFP — OUAGADOUGOU single candidate”. given live bullets Kabore’s two main chal- Burkina Faso voted yesterday lengers are 2015 runner-up, during protest in a general election in the veteran opposition leader shadow of a growing insur- Zephirin Diabre, and Eddie AP — LAGOS gency, and with opposition Komboigo, standing for the candidates warning of a party of former president Blaise The Nigerian Army has “massive fraud” at the polls. Compaore. Compaore, who was admitted for the first time that President Roch Marc ousted by a popular uprising in soldiers were given live bullets Christian Kabore is expected to 2014 after 27 years in power, is when they went to disperse a win re-election, his supporters now in exile but some voters are large crowd at the Lekki Toll talking up his chances of an out- nostalgic for his regime. Plaza in Lagos, where several right victory in the first round Diabre told reporters on peaceful protesters were killed of voting. Saturday that “there is a huge in late October. But no votes in the presi- operation orchestrated by those The deadly October 20 dential and parliamentary polls in power to carry out a massive shootings at the plaza caused will be cast in one-fifth of the fraud” so as to give Kabore a both local and international country, where large swathes first-round victory. outrage. At least 10 people of territory remain outside the “We will not accept results protesting police brutality state’s control and militant marred by irregularity,” added were killed in the Lekki Plaza attacks strike almost daily. Diabre, surrounded at a press shooting, according to The violence has forced one conference by five of the other Amnesty International, which million people — five percent 11 opposition candidates, People queue to vote at a polling station in Ouagadougou, during Burkina Faso’s presidential and charged that army troops of the 20 million population — including Komboigo. legislative elections, yesterday. opened fire on protesters from their homes in the last two The head of the president’s without provocation. The gov- years and at least 1,200 have party, Simon Compaore, ernment said two people died been killed since 2015. “I hope for a lot of good Most of the 12 opposition ballot box. “Controversies are rejected Diabre’s “allegations”. and 20 were hospitalized. The security crisis has dom- things for the country: first a candidates running against for another day. Now we vote,” Kabore did not need “any kind Brig. Gen. Ahmed Taiwo, inated the campaign and an president who will be up to the Kabore have criticised the he said. of fraud to the win the elec- Commander of the 81 Military undisclosed number of troops security situation and also dep- incumbent’s failure to stem the But political scientist Drissa tions”, he said. Kabore can Intelligence Brigade, told a have been deployed for polling uties who will vote for laws to bloodshed. Yesterday morning, Traore said Kabore remains avoid a run-off by winning more judicial committee on Sat- day in the landlocked West bring us development,” said after voting in his district of “the big favourite against an than 50 percent of the vote in urday that the soldiers indeed African country, one of the Ouagadougou resident Christian Ouagadougou, Kabore rejected opposition which has not Sunday’s first round — as he did carried live bullets. world’s poorest. Koula after voting in the capital. any accusations of fraud at the managed to unite behind a in the last election in 2015. “The soldiers, they were given both live and blank bullets. In this particular case, Formation of Sudan transitional we saw that these protests had Three days of mourning in Iraq been infiltrated by some parliament pushed to December hoodlums,” he said, adding that the live bullets were for a province after IS attack kills 10 backup. Last weekend he tes- AFP — KHARTOUM tified that blank ammunition AFP — SAMARRA, IRAQ run attacks. February this year to levels was fired upward to scare Baghdad in 2017 declared “worryingly close” to those The formation of Sudan’s transitional parliament, a key element “hoodlums from the crowd,” The Islamic State (IS) group IS defeated after three years of before its 2014 takeover, the of a power-sharing deal between the military and protesters after but insisted that soldiers did yesterday claimed an Iraq brutal fighting, wrenching back centre said in a new study this the ouster of strongman Omar Al Bashir, has been pushed back not fire at protesters. attack that killed 10 people the the one-third of Iraqi territory month. to December. The crowd of mainly previous night and which that had been captured by the Although deaths have The Forces for Freedom and Change umbrella protest group young Nigerians were singing fuelled criticism the state is ultra-conservative armed remained comparatively low, said further consultations were needed after Sudan’s transitional the country’s national anthem doing too little to fight the group that also controlled the study noted, the IS in Iraq government signed a landmark October peace deal with rebels. and waving its flags as they extremists. swathes of Syria. appears to be moving into a In a statement late last week, the FFC said efforts to ensure peacefully protested against Salahaddin province north But although the militants phase “characterised by brazen “national consensus” were still underway to establish the legislature. police brutality under the of Baghdad, the site of the no longer hold their self- guerrilla-style attacks”. Its formation had been due within 90 days of a power-sharing deal hashtag #EndSARS. bloodshed, declared three days declared “caliphate”, IS sleeper Iraq’s security forces under signed on August 17 between the FFC and military generals who The army had initially of mourning. The attackers first cells still wage attacks on state Prime Minister Mustafa Al seized power following Bashir’s ouster in April last year. maintained that its troops hit a civilian car with a roadside infrastructure, particularly in Kadhemi have been waging a The deal stipulated that the legislature should include no more were not at the site of the bomb late on Saturday near Mt. desert areas north of Baghdad. new campaign to arrest mili- than 300 members, 40 percent of them women, with the FFC shooting, but later admitted Makhoul, 200km north of the Two weeks ago, an IS attack tants hiding out in rugged obtaining 201 seats and the rest going to other factions. they were deployed. capital, police said. When killed 11 people at Al Rad- terrain in the country’s north But in November, an FFC leader suggested that the group A judicial panel has begun security forces arrived, the waniyah on Baghdad’s mainly and west. should hold 165 seats in the transitional parliament, with 75 going investigating the shooting. The gunmen opened fire, killing at Sunni Muslim outskirts. The security forces have to the Sudan Revolutionary Front rebel alliance and the rest to panel is also investigating alle- least six security personnel and The militant group has publicly claimed success. Just other groups. gations of abuse against the four civilians, including one claimed more attacks in Iraq a day before the latest attack, Several organisations, including the powerful Sudanese Pro- police unit, the Special Anti- who died of his wounds over- than in any other country federal police chief Jaafar Al fessionals Association (SPA) trade union alliance that spearheaded Robbery Squad, known as SARS. night, said local medics. between December 2018 and Batat told state media that the the protests against Bashir, rejected the proposal. There are calls for the Interna- The latest violence May this year, says the Interna- Mt. Makhoul area had been “In order to take into consideration the views of the Sudan tional Criminal Court to carry heightened fears the gov- tional Centre for Counter-Ter- cleared following some “iso- Revolutionary Front and to engage in a broad dialogue on the dis- out an inquiry into the protest ernment is doing too little to rorism in The Hague. lated cases” linked to the IS -- tribution of seats with (all) factions, it has been decided to push deaths, the latest a petition fight Islamist militants whose IS activity in Iraq “accel- a comment that has outraged back the formation of the assembly until December 31,” the FFC signed by 154 organizations. cells keep carrying out hit-and- erated precipitously” from local figures. said in its statement last week. MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2020 ASIA 11 Less than 50,000 new cases in India for 15 days IANS — NEW DELHI With 45,209 new The aim is to identify people with coronavirus-like India reported less than 50,000 cases and 43,493 symptoms, and create a com- new single-day coronavirus more patients prehensive database and then cases for the 15th consecutive get them tested. day yesterday as its total tally discharged in last 24 The plan for the survey was reached 90,95,806. hours, the country’s taken was in a high-level With 45,209 new cases and active cases totalled meeting on November 15 43,493 more patients dis- between Union Home Minister charged in last 24 hours, the 440,962, Ministry of Amit Shah and Delhi Chief Min- country’s active cases totalled Health and Family ister Arvind Kejriwal with offi- 440,962, Ministry of Health and cials concerned in the wake of Family Welfare data said. As Welfare data said. As increasing COVID-19 cases in many as 8,521,617 persons have many as 8,521,617 the national capital. recovered so far from the District officials have roped disease. people have recovered in civil defence volunteers, In all 501 more fatalities in so far from the accredited social health activists the last 24 hours took its death (Asha), auxiliary nurse midwife toll to 1,33,227. disease. workers, booth-level officials The last time the daily new and municipal staff, including cases crossed the 50,000-mark Meanwhile, a house-to- licensing inspectors and sani- was November 7. house COVID-19 survey in Delhi tation workers — apart from the While India’s recovery rate screened more that 370,000 government health workers is 93.69 percent, the fatality rate city residents on the first day in who have experience on the job is 1.46 percent, the data said. order to find out the real picture — in the survey. Maharashtra remains the vis-a-vis the prevalence of the After the November 15 worst-hit state with 80,878 deadly disease, official sources meeting, the ICMR increased active cases and 46,573 deaths said yesterday. RT-PCR testing capacity from A policeman fines a commuter for not wearing face mask as a preventive measure against the so far. The recoveries in the The Ministry of Home 27,000 tests per day to 37,200 coronavirus, while travelling in car in New Delhi, yesterday. state total 16,47,004. Affairs (MHA) said that 3,70,729 on Shah’s directions. A total of Andhra Pradesh and Kar- persons were surveyed on Sat- 30,735 RT-PCR samples were started to rise after October 20. more ICU beds to Delhi and 5,80,95,887 persons were nataka also reported high urday during the screening, collected in Delhi on November In the week ending November many more steps to fight the infected across 191 nations, of number of cases, while states which will conclude on 19 compared with 12,055 RT-PCR 14, Delhi recorded previously pandemic. which the maximum numbers like Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh November 25. samples on November 15. unseen levels of new cases, as Delhi has reported 5,23,117 were in the US. The global coro- and West Bengal witnessed a The screening exercise Shah had said that the ICMR daily fatalities hovered close to coronavirus cases so far, navirus death toll totalled surge in infection too. involving coordination between and the Delhi government must 100 a day. including 4,68,143 recoveries 13,79,839, with maximum For the second day in a row, the MHA and Delhi Government work together to increase the Following the inputs from and 8,270 deaths. As per the reported in the US (2,55,830). recovered patients outnumbered was undertaken to check people RT-PCR testing capacity to Delhi, the Home Minister had latest 24-hour data, 5,879 more TUS remains the worst-hit new infections by 1,084 in Delhi, for signs of flu such as fever, 60,000 tests by reviewed the situation in the corona patients were detected country with 1,20,88,409 yet the number of fatalities sore throat, cough and to seek November-end. wake of spike in COVID-19 in Delhi. corona cases, followed by India, remained a cause of worry. their travel history. COVID-19 cases in Delhi cases, assuring to provide 750 Across the world, Brazil, France and Russia. Shark attack kills man in Azerbaijanis who fled war in 1990s eye return home AP — BAKU Azerbaijani forces discovered greatest happiness for me,” he everything away. But our large events, after the shelling of Western when the first area, Aghdam, said. mirror in the hallway, which we peaceful cities... after the Arme- As Azerbaijan regains control was turned over on Friday, For years, he said, his family loved to look at as children, nians who are now leaving our Australian state of land it lost to Armenian much of the recovered land is had followed reports about remains,” Jumayeva said, territories, which are even forces a quarter-century ago, uninhabitable. The city of Jabrayil on the Internet. They adding: “Maybe my grand- outside of Karabakh, burn down AP — SYDNEY civilians who fled the fighting Aghdam, where 50,000 people knew the destruction was ter- children will look in this the houses of Azerbaijanis in decades ago wonder if they can once lived, is now a shattered rible, but Sharifov’s late mother mirror.” which they lived illegally... A man died yesterday after go back home now - and if ruin. retained a desperate hope that “We all have houses in something fractured in me. I being attacked by a shark in there’s still a home to go back Adil Sharifov, 62, who left their house had been spared Baku, but everyone considered changed my attitude toward Western Australia state, the to. his hometown in 1992 during and held on to the keys. them to be not permanent, them,” she said. “I understood eighth fatality in the country An estimated 600,000 the first war and lives in “I will build an even better because all these years we lived that we, Azerbaijanis, will not this year. Azerbaijanis were displaced in Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, house,” he vowed. in the hope that we would be able to live peacefully next Police were called to Cable the 1990s war that left the knows he will find similar dev- Ulviya Jumayeva, 50, can go return to Shusha,” she said. “Our to the Armenians.” Beach, a popular tourist spot Nagorno-Karabakh region astation if he returns to the city back to better, though not ideal hearts, our thoughts have While Sharifov has less to on Australia’s Indian Ocean under the control of ethnic of Jabrayil, which he longs to circumstances in her native always been in our hometown.” go back to, he has a more mod- coast, at about 8.40am. The Armenian separatists and large do. Shusha, a city that Azerbaijani But she acknowledged that her erate view, saying the two 55-year-old man was pulled adjacent territories in Armenia’s Jabrayil is one of the out- forces took in the key offensive feelings toward Armenians have ethnic groups with different from the water with serious hands. lying areas regained by Azerba- of the six-week war. become more bitter. religious traditions still have the injuries and treated by police During six weeks of ijani troops before the recent Her younger brother, “My school friends were potential to live together before paramedics arrived. He renewed fighting this fall that fighting ended. Soon after it was Nasimi, took part in the battle mostly Armenian. I never amicably. died at the scene, police said. ended November 10, Azerbaijan taken, one of Sharifov’s cousins and phoned to tell her the treated ordinary Armenians “If the Armenians observe Police said later that they took back parts of Nagorno- went there and told him the city apartment their family fled in badly, believing that their the laws of Azerbaijan, and do shot at the shark, which lin- Karabakh itself and sizeable was destroyed, including the 1992 was intact, though mostly criminal leaders who unleashed not behave like bearded men gered close to the shore, for swaths of the outlying areas. large house with an orchard stripped of the family’s the war were to blame for the who came to kill, then we will almost half an hour after the More territory is being where Sharifov’s family once possessions. massacre, war, and grief that live in peace,” he said. “The time attack. The species of the shark returned as part of the ceasefire lived. “According to him, it is clear they brought to their people as to shoot is over. Enough casu- was not immediately con- agreement that stopped the Nonetheless, “the day when that Armenians lived there after well,” Jumayeva said. alties. We want peace, we do firmed, but locals told latest fighting. But as I return there will be the us, and then they took "But after the current not want war. reporters it may have been a tiger shark, which are some- times drawn close to the shore by shoals of small fish. South Korea weighs tighter Kimberley District Office Police Inspector Gene Pears curbs as virus cases rise told reporters that the victim had been body boarding about REUTERS — SEOUL 30 to 40 metres from the beach when he was attacked. South Korea will consider preemptively tightening some social A couple on the beach saw distancing rules in Seoul and surrounding areas, its prime minister thrashing in the water and said yesterday, as the country reported more than 300 new coro- rushed to drag the man to navirus cases for a fifth straight day. safety. The man suffered Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun told a government meeting injuries to his leg and hand. that officials would be discussing whether to enforce tougher dis- “It’s a tragic incident, very tancing regulations for the Seoul area as well as the southwestern unexpected, a person going out region of the country, Yonhap news agency reported. to have a bit of fun in the Under the country’s coronavirus guidelines, the level of water,” Pears said. Park rangers restriction is determined by certain benchmarks, such as a sig- immediately closed the beach nificant increase in a short time, or when the daily national tally and a fisheries vessel was exceeds 300 for more than a week. assigned to patrol the area. But Chung said the government is reviewing whether to move some areas to a higher level of social distancing before the country Nepal seeks early sees a full week of more than 300 cases per day. “We’re at a critical juncture of facing a large number of infec- availability tions nationwide,” Chung said. of vaccines People walk past a cafe after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased for the state of Victoria, IANS — KATHMANDU in Melbourne, Australia, yesterday. Taiwan mum on details

The Nepali government has of US official’s visit sent requests to several coun- Australia eases curbs in regions tries that are producing REUTERS — TAIPEI COVID-19 vaccines seeking their early availability, officials as no new infections reported A US official has arrived in Taiwan, the island’s foreign ministry said here yesterday. said yesterday, adding that it could not provide details as the trip The requests were made REUTERS — MELBOURNE in the state stood at 37 after an 6.4 million people, has had no has not been made public, though it did deny a media report that after the Nepali government outbreak linked to a returned new infections for 23 days, a the CIA chief was in town. introduced an ordinance last Australia moved a step closer to traveller from Britain forced victory that came after a 111-day China, which claims democratically-run Taiwan as its own ter- week, paving the way for normal life yesterday, opening 4,500 people to quarantine. lockdown that kept people at ritory, reacted with fury when the US Health Secretary Alex Azar bringing the vaccines for emer- some internal borders and “We have avoided a cata- home and most businesses shut. came to Taipei in August, followed by US Undersecretary of State gency use, reports Xinhua news easing restrictions in regions strophic situation in our state New South Wales, the most Keith Krach in September, sending fighter jets near the island each agency. affected by COVID-19, as the by following the unequivocal populous state, reported no time. “We have sent requests to vast majority of the country has health advice,” Premier Steven new community cases yes- The Trump administration has ramped up support for Taiwan, the countries including China, seen no new community infec- Marshall told a news briefing. terday for a 15th straight day. including with new arms sales, alarming China. India, the US, the UK, Russia tions or deaths for weeks. Neighbouring Victoria, The state will open its border Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said there were frequent interac- and Australia for early avail- South Australia, which last which for months fought the with Victoria today. tions with the United States and that “we welcome the visit of the ability of vaccines,” Jageshwor week became the epicentre of pandemic and where 90 percent There were 12 new cases US official”. Gautam, spokesperson at the the country’s infections, reported of Australia’s 907 coronavirus- reported across Australia among “But as this itinerary has not been made public, based on mutual Ministry of Health and Popu- no new community cases and related deaths have been travellers in hotel quarantine. trust between Taiwan and the United States, the Foreign Ministry lation said. lifted a drastic lockdown earlier recorded, relaxed its mask rules The country, which closed its has no further explanation or comment,” it added. The letters were sent than planned, with the state yesterday, saying they are not external borders early, limits However, it said in a separate statement that Taiwan media through our foreign ministry. premier saying swift action had required outside, and allowed international arrivals and reports a delegation lead by CIA chief Gina Haspel had arrived in It has been three days that we avoided disaster. larger public gatherings. requires a two-week hotel quar- Taiwan were untrue, and that Haspel had no plans to come. sent the requests,” Gautam said. The number of active cases The state, home to about antine for arriving travellers. The de facto US embassy in Taipei declined to comment. 12 ASIA MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Afghanistan faces funding cuts at Geneva conference

REUTERS — KABUL At the Geneva prompted US airstrikes to protect urban areas. Afghanistan faces funding cuts meeting, the But senior diplomats told and tighter restrictions on vital government of Afghan Reuters that a breakthrough aid from an international donor President Ashraf Ghani was expected in the peace talks conference this week, marking after the donor conference. further challenges for a nation will present a peace “Taliban and Afghan gov- torn by two decades of war and and development ernment representatives will now ravaged by COVID-19. take a break from the peace Ministers from about 70 framework meant to talks after the Geneva con- countries and officials of allocate funds to key ference but not before they humanitarian organisations, at have joint declaration of the virtual conference hosted projects, safeguard agreement over key security in Geneva today and tomorrow, millions of jobs and issues,” said a senior Western are expected to pledge billions official. of dollars to safeguard devel- protect democratic At the Geneva meeting, the opment projects, with talks institutions. government of Afghan Pres- between the Afghan gov- ident Ashraf Ghani will present Opposition rally in Peshawar ernment and Taliban rebels a peace and development stalled and President Trump senior Western diplomat par- framework meant to allocate Activists and supporters of Pakistan Democratic Movement, an opposition alliance of 11 parties, sharply reducing US forces in ticipating in the conference. funds to key projects, safeguard gather during a political rally in Peshawar, yesterday. the country. “This is the best countries can millions of jobs and protect Although the fragile offer amid the domestic chal- democratic institutions. economy depends heavily on lenge of managing a “The conference will foreign aid, Kabul will see cuts pandemic.” remain focused on making Pakistan Minister deletes anti-French tweet in donations, and donors will Trump will cut US forces in Afghanistan self-reliant by the introduce stringent political and Afghanistan to 2,500 from end of its transformation REUTERS — PARIS Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be alerted to the correction by the human rights conditions on the 4,500 by mid-January, the Pen- decade which is 2024,” Naser Upon Him) by a French French ambassador to Pakistan. money, five participants said. tagon said last week, seeking Sidiqee, a senior official of the A Pakistani minister yesterday magazine. Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Afghanistan’s economy is to wind down America’s longest Afghan finance ministry, said withdrew comments she made In a follow-up tweet yes- Le Drian had told RTL radio the set to contract by at least 5.5 war. The drawdown of foreign in Geneva last week. earlier that President erday, Mazari initially doubled comments were unacceptable percent this year because of forces — Britain plans to follow The Taliban is not invited to Emmanuel Macron was treating down on her claims following and should be withdrawn from COVID-19 impacts, stated the the US lead — could mean the conference but the militants Muslims like Nazis had treated a condemnation by France’s Twitter, but said he was World Bank in a recent report. greater influence for the have urged donors to continue Jews in the Second World War. foreign ministry late on Sat- remaining prudent because The strategy aims to protect Taliban. their humanitarian assistance France’s foreign minister urday, which described them some media had been taken the peace talks and prod the This makes donors uneasy while accusing Ghani’s gov- had demanded Pakistan as “blatant lies, imbued with an advantage of and had since Afghan government to improve over whether the hardline ernment of pocketing the aid authorities withdraw the com- ideology of hatred and clarified their articles. allocation, they said. Islamists will try to roll back money. ments posted on Twitter by violence.” Pakistan’s parliament at Donors at the last con- progress on human rights and “We request the interna- Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Later yesterday, however, the end of October passed a ference, in Brussels in 2016, girls’ education. tional community and organi- Human Rights Shireen Mazari. Mazari tweeted: “The article I resolution urging the gov- pledged $15.2bn for 2017 to The peace talks in Doha sations to deliver aid, collected She posted the remarks fol- had cited has been corrected by ernment to recall its envoy 2020, or $3.8bn a year. have stalled and the Taliban in the name of the people, to lowing a clash between the relevant publication, I have from Paris, accusing Macron That could be cut by 15 refuses to call a ceasefire. Its the people,” the Islamist group Pakistan and France over the also deleted my tweet on the of “hate-mongering” against percent to 20 percent, said a attacks have sometimes said in a statement. publication of images of the same.” She said she had been Muslims. Afghan V-P Alarm as Karachi hospitals occupied with virus patients pledges to INTERNEWS — KARACHI Out of the 500 Intensive COVID-19 cases in the province getting treatment at home among healthcare providers, track down Care Unit (ICU) beds in Karachi, till Saturday morning, of whom through telemedicine, using especially those serving at the An alarming situation is devel- around 260 are filled with 13,333 were at home isolation oxygen, and supportive public health facilities as they Kabul attackers oping in Karachi where half of COVID-19, according to officials while 544 patients were treatment but still the number were already facing a shortage the beds at the city’s public and associated with COVID-19 man- admitted to different health of seriously sick is on the rise, of trained and qualified staff AFP — KABUL private hospitals’ coronavirus agement in Sindh. facilities. Of them, the condition and now up to 50 percent of the while very few volunteers are wards have now been occupied They added that in some of of 477 was serious while 62 beds at the city’s hospitals are working at the COVID-19 Afghan Vice-President with ‘serious patients’ of the the leading public and private were on life support. occupied with serious patients,” wards, ICUs, and HDUs at the Amrullah Saleh vowed infection, it was reported health facilities, all the ICU, Khan, who is also the Chief he added. public health facilities. yesterday to track down those yesterday. High Dependency Unit (HDU), Executive Officer of the Indus He further said that space “So far around 100 responsible for a rocket attack At least five leading public and ward beds had become full Health Network (IHN), main- was still available at Jinnah healthcare providers including on the capital that killed at and private hospitals in the of patients and they are tained that COVID-19 positivity Postgraduate Medical Center 67 doctors have lost their lives least 10 people, even as the metropolis are denying directing them to other health had increased five-fold in the (JPMC), Civil Hospital Karachi in the country. The most Islamic State group claimed to admission to patients after facilities. province, from two percent to (CHK), Lyari General Hospital affected province is Sindh have fired the salvo. becoming saturated by corona- “Indus Hospital Karachi, above 10 percent which means (LGH), Sindh Services Hospital, where we have lost around 40 The rockets struck several virus cases. Aga Khan University Hospital, that of the 10,000 or above tests and Dow varsity’s Ojha campus, healthcare providers due to densely populated districts of The hospitals are directing Ziauddin Hospital, Liaquat being conducted daily, over Infectious Diseases Hospital at complications of Coronavirus Kabul Saturday — including in them to other places. Cases of National Hospital, and Sindh 1000 people were infected with NIPA Chowrangi, and some infection,” an official of the and around the heavily for- the infection are surging across Institute of Urology and Trans- Coronavirus, especially in other private hospitals but Sindh health department said. tified Green Zone that houses the province, as 17 more people plantation have become over- Karachi and Hyderabad. regretted that after getting “We need specialised embassies and foreign firms. succumbed to coronavirus and whelmed with COVID-19 “Fortunately, 90 percent of refused from the five public and healthcare providers to deal “We will find out the net- another 1,199 cases tested pos- patients,” said Professor Dr. the infected people remain private sector leading hospitals’, with very sick COVID-19 works who facilitated in trans- itive in a single day on Abdul Bari Khan, a member of uninfected but the remaining these facilities were now under patients. If most of the trained porting the materials (rockets) Saturday. Sindh Chief Minister’s COVID-19 10 per cent are coming with tremendous pressure. and qualified staff contracts the used in the attack,” Saleh said However, the coronavirus Task Force. serious health conditions.” Sindh health department disease and are unable to work, on his Facebook page after a death toll has climbed up to According to official figures, Although during this second officials said their biggest worry it could be a terrible scenario meeting with security 2,816 across the province. there were around 13,886 active wave, most of the people are was the spread of COVID-19 for us,” the official added. officials. Saleh said the attack left 10 people dead and another 51 Pakistani Olympian wounded. Several buildings China moon probe seeks to retrieve lunar rocks were damaged, including the and politician Anwar Iranian embassy and a medical REUTERS — BEIJING Aziz passes away complex. Although the attack was China plans to launch an claimed by IS, officials blamed unmanned spacecraft to the INTERNEWS — LAHORE the Taliban. They have denied moon this week to bring back involvement. lunar rocks in the first attempt Pakistan’s legendary poli- It was the third attack in by any nation to retrieve tician, intellectual, Olympian the capital claimed by IS in less samples from Earth’s natural and modern farmer Anwar than a month. satellite since the 1970s. Aziz Chaudhry passed away in The Chang’e-5 probe, Lahore yesterday, family Mainland China named after the ancient Chinese sources confirmed. goddess of the moon, will seek He died of cardiac arrest reports 17 to collect material that can help and he was 89 years old. scientists understand more Chaudhry, father of new virus about the moon’s origins and Pakistan Muslim League- formation. The mission will test Nawaz leader Danial Aziz, has infections China’s ability to remotely served as federal minister of acquire samples from space, railway & law and defence. REUTERS — BEIJING ahead of more complex Chaudhry was a seasoned missions. politician and was known as Mainland China reported 17 If successful, the mission the father of politics in Pun- new COVID-19 cases on will make China only the third jab’s Narowal district. November 21, up from 16 the country to have retrieved lunar Chaudhry completed his previous day, with three cases samples, following the United master’s in law in the United of local transmission and nine States and the Soviet Union States in the 1950s. Following cases originating overseas, the decades ago. his education in the United National Health Commission Since the Soviet Union People stand in front of a scaled model of the Challenger space shuttle at a space science museum States, he returned to Pakistan said yesterday. crash-landed the Luna 2 on the in Wenchang, Hainan province, China, yesterday. and joined politics. He was The Commission said in its moon in 1959, the first human- part of the kitchen cabinet of daily bulletin that two of the made object to reach another from Mare Crisium, or “Sea of Brown University. The Chang’e-5 mission may the then Prime Minister local transmissions took place celestial body, a handful of Crises”. Subsequent data from help answer questions such as Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. in Inner Mongolia and one in other countries including Japan China’s probe, scheduled to orbital remote sensing missions how long the moon remained Chaudhry was the only Shanghai. and India have launched moon launch in coming days, will have shown a wider diversity volcanically active in its interior politician who suggested Inner Mongolia’s health missions. attempt to collect 2kg of of rock types, mineralogies and and when its magnetic field - Bhutto stop confrontation with authority said on Saturday it In the Apollo programme, samples in a previously ages than represented in the key to protecting any form of the opposition, which was not had confirmed two new coro- which first put men on the unvisited area in a massive lava Apollo-Luna sample collections, life from the sun’s radiation accepted and finally Bhutto navirus cases in Hulunbuir city moon, the United States landed plain known as Oceanus Pro- he said. - dissipated. lost his government, was on the Chinese border with 12 astronauts over six flights cellarum, or “Ocean of Storms”. “Lunar scientists have been Once in the moon’s orbit, arrested and later hanged. Russia. from 1969 to 1972, bringing “The Apollo-Luna sample advocating for robotic sample the probe will aim to deploy a He was also Pakistan’s The positive case in back 382kg of rocks and soil. zone of the moon, while critical return missions to these many pair of vehicles to the surface: national swimmer and has also Shanghai was found after mass The Soviet Union deployed to our understanding, was different critical areas in order a lander will drill into the represented Pakistan in three testing following infections of three successful robotic sample undertaken in an area that to address a host of funda- ground, then transfer its soil events at the 1948 Olympics. a security inspector at Pudong return missions in the 1970s. comprises far less than half the mental questions remaining and rock samples to an He would be remembered International Airport and his The last, the Luna 24, retrieved lunar surface,” said James from earlier exploration,” Head ascender that will lift off and as a great humanitarian and wife. 170.1 grams of samples in 1976 Head, a planetary scientist at said. dock with an orbiting module. statesman. MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2020 EUROPE 13 Tougher curbs in England on anvil despite fall in cases

AP — LONDON tighter restrictions than when on decreasing COVID-19 trans- and people were advised not to when Johnson finally they were first used in October mission, “and will save more PM Boris Johnson will travel outside their commu- imposed a lockdown in British Prime Minister Boris even as more communities are lives than they cost.” Johnson’s nities. The second tier barred England. That decision came Johnson has announced plans expected to be placed in the Cabinet was scheduled to work present the new plan in people from meeting indoors after public health officials for strict regional measures to two highest virus alert out details of the plan before the the House of Commons with anyone from outside their warned that an exponential combat COVID-19 after categories. prime minister presents it to the today. Parliament must household. Even at the lowest rise in new coronavirus England’s lockdown ends on Some of Johnson’s Conserv- House of Commons today approve the plan before level, restaurants were forced infections was threatening to December 2, sparking a ative Party allies immediately (Monday). Parliament must the new measures take to close at 10 pm and meetings overwhelm the National rebellion by members of his demanded an impact analysis approve the plan before the of more than six people were Health Service as the winter own party who say the move of the proposed restrictions so new measures take effect. effect. prohibited. flu season approached. may do more harm than good. lawmakers can weigh the health The debate comes as hope Now Johnson plans to Confirmed new cases of Johnson’s office said late on benefits against harm to the grows that vaccines may ulti- tighten those measures. COVID-19 have started to drop Saturday that the government economy, mental health and mately provide a way out of the month. The original three- The government’s scientific across the UK, with the number plans to return to a three-tiered relationships. pandemic, and public health tiered regional approach was advisory group, known as SAGE, of positive tests during the past system of restrictions, with Steve Baker, one of 70 law- officials say restrictions on introduced on October 12 as the is expected to publish reports seven days falling 13.8% from areas facing different measures makers who have written to social and business interactions government tried to control a today showing that the original the week before. Authorities depending on the severity of Johnson with their concerns, across the UK have begun to surge in COVID-19 cases three-tiered strategy wasn’t reported 2,861 COVID-related their outbreaks. said they can’t support the slow the spread of the without resorting to a national strong enough and recom- deaths over the last seven-day Though it is likely that a approach unless the gov- coronavirus. lockdown. mending tougher restrictions period, 17 fewer than a week much-criticised 10pm curfew ernment can show the restric- Johnson’s office confirmed Under those rules, the when it returns. earlier. Still, the infection rate on restaurants will be altered, tions planned for after plans to begin a nationwide highest level of restrictions The regional approach remains high, at 244 cases for the tiers are likely to include December 2 will have an effect vaccination programme next forced some facilities to close was suspended in November every 100,000 people. France to ease lockdown Italy reports 28,337 new measures in three stages infections, REUTERS — PARIS (lockdown) easing in view of the 562 deaths health situation and of risks tied France will start easing coro- to some businesses: a first step REUTERS — ROME navirus lockdown rules in around December 1, then before coming weeks, carrying out the the year-end holidays, and then Italy has registered 28,337 new process in three stages so as to from January 2021,” Attal coronavirus infections over avoid a new flareup in the added. Macron has said that the past 24 hours, the health pandemic, the government said France’s second national ministry said yesterday, down yesterday. lockdown, which started on from 34,767 the day before. President Emmanuel October 30, would last at least The ministry also reported Macron will give a speech to the four weeks. Curbs include the 562 COVID 19-related deaths, nation tomorrow (Tuesday) closure of non-essential stores, down from 692 on Saturday about the virus situation and and restaurants. and 699 on Friday. may announce a partial relax- But with recent data There were 188,747 coro- ation of restrictions which have showing France on track to rein navirus swabs carried out in been in place since October 30. in a surge in coronavirus infec- the past day, the ministry said, “Emmanuel Macron will tions, the government is under against a previous 237,225. give prospects over several pressure from shops and busi- Italy was the first Western French President Emmanuel Macron speaks to volunteers during a visit to the 2020 Phoneton, an weeks, especially on how we nesses to ease restrictions in country to be hit by the virus annual fundraising operation organised by the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund’s French affiliate (Fonds adjust our strategy. What is at time for the Christmas shopping and has seen 49,823 COVID-19 Armenien de France), in Paris, yesterday. stake is adapting lockdown season, when many retailers fatalities since its outbreak rules as the health situation make the bulk of their annual emerged in February, the improves while avoiding a new turnover. Attal said. Restaurants however coronavirus but it is a struggle lower than the 22,882 reported second highest toll in Europe flare up in the epidemic,” gov- “We had committed to “will continue to experience which will take time, warning on Friday while the number of after Britain’s. It has also reg- ernment spokesman Gabriel allow them (shopkeepers) to restrictions,” he added. the lockdown was not yet over. people in hospital with istered 1.409 million cases. Attal told Le Journal Du reopen around December 1 if On Thursday Health Min- The number of new coro- COVID-19 dropped for the fifth While Italy’s daily death Dimanche. the health situation improved, ister Olivier Veran said France navirus infections in France day in a row and was down at tolls have been the highest in “There will be three steps to which seems to be the case,” will win its battle against the rose by 17,881 on Saturday, 31,365. Europe over recent days, the increase in hospital admis- sions and intensive care occu- France to punish pancy has slowed. German Greens aim for Merkel job with €500bn plan The number of people in ‘eco-cide’ hospital with COVID-19 stood BLOOMBERG Habeck, 51, referring to the coalition partner at 17%. The to do more to ensure their sov- at 34,279 yesterday, a rise of offenders with Social Democrats and Christian same poll showed that the ereignty on health, climate and 216 from the day before. That Germany’s Green party has Democrats who have domi- Greens, Social Democrats and security in the face of US and compared with a daily jail up to 10 years opened its bid to run Europe’s nated German politics since anti-capitalist Left party Chinese interests. increase of 106 on Saturday. biggest economy with a mani- World War II. “It’s a tall aspi- wouldn’t have enough support “As the largest single market The number of patients in AFP — PARIS festo that seeks to broaden its ration; a bold one, perhaps to form a majority government in the world, we don’t need to intensive care rose by 43, fol- appeal among mainstream cheeky.” if elections were held now. choose between a capitalist lowing an increase of just 10 France will make serious voters, while risking opposition The Greens have gained the Habeck, who polls suggest digital system or an authori- on Saturday, and now stands intentional damage to the from fiscal hawks and business most members among German is the most popular Green tarian,” Baerbock, 39, said from at 3,801. environment punishable by up leaders. parties in recent years and leader nationwide, pointed to a three-stage studio in Berlin When Italy’s second wave to 10 years in prison as part of Underpinned by a ¤500bn briefly surpassed Merkel’s the party’s achievements in that hosted the digital of the epidemic was acceler- planned “eco-cide” law, ($593bn) green spending plan, Christian Democratic Union in state governments since their conference. ating fast, until around a week government ministers said in delegates at a virtual party con- the polls little more than a year last spell in national power Many of the Greens’ ideas ago, hospital admissions were remarks published yesterday. vention backed their leaders ago in the wake of big climate under former Chancellor come with a hefty price tag. The rising by around 1,000 per The law was one recom- over the weekend in staking out protests. This year, the Gerhard Schroeder.. party proposes investments of day, while intensive care occu- mendation from a Citizens’ a claim to succeed Chancellor COVID-19 pandemic is exposing “With mild optimism, we’re ¤500bn over a decade to help pancy was increasing by about Convention for the Climate, a Angela Merkel after next year’s the party’s shortcomings: many working on solutions,” Habeck finance the transition to a more 100 per day. group created by the gov- election. Goals in the manifest Germans still view it as an inex- told delegates. “And for those sustainable economy. The northern region of ernment a year ago, bringing approved yesterday include perienced, niche party that they solutions, we’ll fight to get to That would require easing Lombardy, centred on Italy’s together 150 people from the speeding up Germany’s tran- wouldn’t trust to handle an eco- power.” Piggybacking on dis- constitutional rules that limit financial capital Milan, French population to discuss sition to a carbon-free nation, nomic crisis. Merkel has said content about inadequate child public debt. “Just like the Covid remained the hardest hit area the environment. embedding it deeper in the she won’t run for a fifth term care and ill-equipped schools, pandemic, the climate crisis yesterday, reporting 5,094 An “eco-cide” offence European Union and expanding next year. Annalena Baerbock, who shares represents an existential new cases. would be sanctioned by up to social services. Support for Merkel’s the party leadership with threat,” Sven-Christian Kindler, The southern region of ¤4.5m ($5.3m) in fines or up “For the first time, a third CDU-led party bloc was 36% in Habeck, called for a doubling the party’s budget spokesman, Campania, which has only to 10 years in prison in cases party will fight in earnest for the the latest weekly Forsa poll, of government spending on said. about 60% of Lombardy’s pop- of “intentional violation” of leadership of this country,” said with the Greens at 18% and primary education. She also “That requires acting fast ulation, chalked up the second environmental laws, Justice Green co-chairman Robert Merkel’s Social Democratic called for Germany and Europe and big sums of money.” highest number of new cases, Minister Eric Dupont-Moretti at 3,217. and Ecological Transition Min- ister Barbara Pompili told the JDD weekly. Ancient flea market reopens France finds “We are going to create a general pollution offence,” in Madrid after 8 months COVID-19 in mink Dupont-Moretti said. “Pun- ishment will be staggered AP — MADRID the Rastro sells the usual flea at one farm according to a perpetrator’s market mix of antiques, clothes, intentions.” The aim was to Madrid’s ancient and furniture, bric-a-brac and REUTERS — PARIS fine violators of environmental emblematic Rastro flea market curios in stalls that snake down laws “up to 10 times the profit reopened yesterday after a through a warren-like district Mink infected with corona- they would have generated by contentious eight-month next to Madrid’s majestic Plaza virus have been found at a throwing waste into the river”, closure because of the Mayor square. farm in the Eure-et-Loire he said. The French consti- COVID-19 pandemic that has Long a traditional meeting region of western France, and tution did not allow the qual- walloped the Spanish capital. place, the bustling Sunday 1,000 mink at the farm will be ification of such actions as With many major European morning market used to attract culled, the French agriculture “crimes”, just offences, flea markets still shut down, the thousands of tourists and resi- ministry said yesterday. Dupont-Moretti said. Rastro’s return seems to be dents alike. If you arrived after Cases in mink have also France will also add an another example of Madrid’s 11 am, it was almost impossible been reported elsewhere in offence called “endangering bid to show that heavy corona- to move. Europe, notably in Sweden, People shop at El Rastro flea market, in Madrid, Spain, yesterday. the environment” to its statute virus restrictions may not be Even though not packed — Greece and the Netherlands. books, Pompili said, under necessary even among the with one-way pedestrian flows In Denmark, the virus was which potential offenders latest surge of the virus and to prevent grouping — the Ras- government’s attempts to curb these days appear to back Díaz found to have mutated into a could be punished even before some sort of normality can tro’s reappearance is likely to the virus, constantly objecting Ayuso, leading some German different strain, which experts committing acts of illegal pol- resume with precautions. be welcomed, another example to preventative measures being newspapers last week to talk of feared could render a vaccine lution. Environmental That stance has been both of Madrid’s bid to keep things applied in the rest of Spain. the “Madrid miracle.” The less effective if transmitted expertise within the French criticised and lauded. going. Díaz Ayuso insists dra- region’s 14-day infection rate is back to humans. Around 17 judiciary will be beefed up to After lengthy negotiations, Back at the start of the pan- conian measures aren’t the below 300 per 100,000 inhab- million mink are due to be allow courts to improve their city authorities agreed the demic, Madrid’s hospitals and answer and instead opts for itants — high still but below culled there. handling of pollution cases and Rastro could open at 50% morgues were saturated. That lighter, more localised limita- national and European averages France started testing its civil claims, including by cre- capacity, with half its 1,000 eased in May, but a second tions, leaving restaurants open and way down from the 500- four mink farms in mid- ating special environmental stalls alternating each Sunday wave this summer put the for most of the day and cinemas plus figures Madrid was posting November. “At this stage, tests jurisdictions, Dupont-Moretti for a maximum crowd of 2,700 region back in the spotlight as and theatres too, albeit with just weeks ago. have shown the virus circu- said. The citizens’ convention people. infections soared. reduced capacity, compulsory Some experts explain the lating in an Eure-et-Loire has submitted 149 proposals Police with backup drones Nevertheless, conservative masks and social distancing. drop by the fear factor that has farm,” the ministry said. “A to cut greenhouse gas emis- monitored the market to avoid regional President Isabel Díaz Although no one knows for made Madrid residents more second farm is unscathed. sions to President Emmanuel overcrowding. Ayuso has consistently criticised sure why some regions’ figures cautious amid increasing media Tests are still under way in the Macron. Dating back to the 1700s, the leftist national go up or down, health data scrutiny. last two farms.” 14 EUROPE / AMERICAS MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Thousands take to the streets in Minsk, many detained

AFP — MINSK were arrested by the police, Belarus opposition according to the Viasna centre are calling for Tens of thousands of Belarus for the defence of human rights. opposition protesters took to “I can’t accept what is going the resignation of the streets yesterday, the latest on at the moment,” one pro- Lukashenko, who has large-scale rally against Pres- tester, 22-year-old computer ident Alexandre Lukashenko’s scientist Olga Matchits told AFP. been in power since contested re-election. “I feel like vomiting when I 1994. For more than three months think of the people in power in Belarus has been gripped by the country and of the values historic weekly opposition they are defending.” “They want into a prison if nobody is afraid rallies following Lukashenko’s to drag our dignity into the of the jailers,” she said. reelection to a sixth term in mud,” said another protester, Before the demonstration, August, which Western govern- 72-year-old Alexandre Ignatov. a dozen metro stations were ments have refused to “It’s for my dignity, for the closed and the mobile network recognise. future of my children that I have was experiencing cuts, Tens of thousands of pro- turned out to demonstrate,” he according to an AFP testers marched through dif- added. journalist. Belarusian opposition supporters attend a rally to reject the presidential election results in Minsk, ferent neighbourhoods in the Belarusian opposition About 5,000 people had yesterday. Around 70 demonstrators were arrested by the police. capital Minsk yesterday, leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, gathered in the Belarus capital chanting “Long live Belarus” who has claimed victory in the on Friday for the funeral of an and waving red and white flags election and is now in exile in opposition activist who died of square that has become a massive fraud. Supported by Moscow, of the opposition. Lithuania, called yesterday’s brain trauma after being regular meeting place for the Since the start of the protest, Lukashenko, 66, has been in Security forces deployed protest a step towards a “free arrested by police. opposition. thousands of people have been power since 1994 and refuses heavily around the city with and fair Belarus” in a message Roman Bondarenko, a Belarus opposition are arrested, at least four have died to leave his post. He has only armoured vehicles and water of support for protesters posted 31-year-old soldier, died in calling for the resignation of and dozens of others have mentioned vague constitutional cannons before the rally. on Saturday. Minsk after police arrested him Lukashenko, who was re- denounced torture and violence reforms in an attempt to calm Around 70 demonstrators “We cannot turn the country following a dispute in a city elected despite accusations of during their detention. the protest. Putin says ready Protesters torch Guatemala Congress building amid unrest to work with any AP — GUATEMALA CITY funding for coronavirus patients and human rights agencies, among other US leader Hundreds of protesters broke into Guate- things. Protesters were also upset by REUTERS — MOSCOW mala’s Congress and burned part of the recent moves by the Supreme Court and building on Saturday amid growing Attorney General they saw as attempts Russian President Vladimir demonstrations against President to undermine the fight against Putin said yesterday he was Alejandro Giammattei and the legislature corruption. ready to work with any US for approving a controversial budget that Vice-President Guillermo Castillo has leader and would congratulate cut educational and health spending. offered to resign, telling Giammattei that whoever emerges the winner The incident came as about 10,000 both men should resign their positions of the US presidential election people were protesting in front of the “for the good of the country.” He also once all the legal formalities National Palace in Guatemala City suggested vetoing the approved budget, are settled, Russian news against corruption and the budget, which firing government officials and agencies reported. protesters say was negotiated and passed attempting more outreach to various President Donald Trump by legislators in secret while the Central sectors around the country. has been taking legal action to American country was distracted by the Giammattei had not responded pub- try to overturn his November fallout of back-to-back hurricanes and licly to that proposal and Castillo did not 3 election defeat to Demo- the COVID-19 pandemic. share the president’s reaction to his pro- cratic President-elect Joe About 1,000 protesters were dem- posal. Castillo said he would not resign Biden. “We will work with onstrating outside the Congress building. alone. The spending plan was negotiated anyone who has the trust of Video on social media showed flames in secret and approved by the congress the American people,” Putin shooting out a window in the legislative Demonstrators set on fire a bus stop during a protest demanding the resignation before dawn on Wednesday. It also was quoted as saying on state building. Police fired tear gas at of Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei, in Guatemala City on Saturday. passed while the country was distracted television. But the winner must protestors, and about a dozen people by the fallout of hurricanes Eta and Iota, be named either by the were reported injured. building was unclear, but the flames ini- protest, “but neither can we allow people which brought torrential rains to much opposing party, which should “We are outraged by poverty, tially appear to have affected legislative to vandalise public or private property.” of Central America. acknowledge the victory of injustice, the way they have stolen the offices, rather than the main hall of con- The president said he had been meeting “It was a devious blow to the people their opponents, or after the public’s money,” said psychology pro- gress. Protesters also set some bus sta- with various groups to present changes because Guatemala was between natural final results of the election are fessor Rosa de Chavarría. tions on fire. to the controversial budget. disasters, there are signs of government confirmed in a legitimate, legal “I feel like the future is being stolen Giammattei condemned the fires Discontent had been building over corruption, clientelism in the humani- way, Putin said. from us. We don’t see any changes, this through his Twitter account on Saturday. the 2021 budget on social media and tarian aid,” said Jordan Rodas, the coun- Kremlin had earlier said it cannot continue like this,” said Mauricio “Anyone who is proven to have partic- clashes erupted during demonstrations try’s human rights prosecutor. would wait for the official Ramírez, a 20-year-old university ipated in the criminal acts will be pun- on Friday. Guatemalans were angered He said the budget appeared to results of the US presidential student. ished with the full force of the law.” He because lawmakers approved $65,000 favour ministries that have historically election before commenting The amount of damage to the wrote that he defended people’s right to to pay for meals for themselves, but cut been hotspots of corruption. on its outcome. Rights groups Belgian policeman who shot migrant toddler faces trial today denounce Cuba AFP — BRUSSELS rights activists, became a when he discovered little activist group that has mobi- On the night of May 16 to 17, harassment of symbol of the dangers posed by Mawda had received a fatal lised international celebrity 2018 when the migrants’ van set Belgium’s approach to policing the “criminalisation” of head wound, crouched with her support. off from Grande-Synthe in activist group undocumented migration will irregular migration. parents behind the driver. Roger Waters, of rock group northern France, French inves- be in the dock today (Monday) The officer who fired the “It’s a horror to carry the Pink Floyd, has urged Belgians tigators had placed a GPS REUTERS — HAVANA when an officer goes on trial fatal shot, reportedly a image of someone responsible to attend the hearing and make tracker on board. over the shooting death of a 40-something father-of-two for the death of a child,” his a fuss: “Do not let them sweep But the Belgian police did A number of international two-year-old Kurdish girl. with eight years experience in lawyer Laurent Kennes told the death of this child under a not know it was already under human rights organisations, Mawda was fatally the police, has not been pub- AFP. rug.” In a video message, British surveillance when they tried to including Amnesty Interna- wounded in May 2018 when a licly named. “He feels that everything filmmaker Ken Loach intercept the traffickers on a tional, have denounced Cuban policeman opened fire on a van But he faces an involuntary has fallen on him, that he has to demanded “what circumstances motorway south of Brussels. state harassment of a group of being driven across Belgium by homicide charge and will carry the errors of the state justify shooting into a van full The hearing at the court in activists in Havana who say traffickers taking migrants from appear in court in the city of prosecutors, of migration of people?” Rights activists in Mons, southern Belgium, will they have gone on hunger the continent to Britain. Mons alongside two Iraqi Kurds, policy.” Mawda’s parents, who Belgium argue that such awful last two days, after which the strike in protest against curbs The officer said he had the driver of the van and the left Iraq in 2015 and had deaths are made more likely by court will retire to consider its on free speech. intended to shoot out a tyre to alleged people smuggler. intended to head to Britain, what they see as the “dehuman- verdict. The San Isidro Movement, halt the suspect vehicle during The officer does not deny he settled in Belgium after her isation” of refugees and the The police officer could face a group of artists, journalists a high speed chase, but his car drew and fired his gun to halt death, granted leave to remain “criminalisation” of migration. five years in jail for involuntary and academics, has had swerved violently and the bullet the fleeing vehicle, but insists on humanitarian grounds. Police tactics and the coop- homicide. The Kurdish numerous run-ins with Com- went astray. he did not know migrants were They will be represented at eration between French and defendants are charged with munist authorities in recent The tragedy caused a on board. the two-day hearing by three Belgian services will also be in dangerous driving, aggravated years as it tests and protests scandal in Belgium and, for He says he felt “wiped out” lawyers and backed by a citizen question. by a death. limits on freedom of speech in the one party state. Members and allies say they have been detained mul- Mexico President urges G20 tiple times for peacefully pro- testing the arrest last week of to avoid bailouts in pandemic rapper Denis Solis and his sen- tencing to eight months in REUTERS — MEXICO CITY product. “Economic recovery prison for what authorities must happen from the bottom said was “contempt.” Solis Mexican President Andres up. First help the poor, and accused a police officer of Manuel Lopez Obrador on don’t focus government actions trespassing in his home, calling Saturday urged fellow leaders just on granting public funds to the officer a “coward” in a from the 20 biggest world companies or financial institu- verbal confrontation he lives- economies (G20) to steer clear tions in bankruptcy,” Lopez treamed on Facebook, and of debt and bailouts in the Obrador told the G20 summit, insulted Cuban President efforts to handle the COVID-19 which is being held virtually. Raoul Castro. Six activists say crisis that has caused a global “Avoid taking on debt and they started a hunger strike recession. even less so if it’s for the benefit last week after authorities From the start of the pan- of a few, at the cost of the suf- besieged their headquarters. demic, which has claimed at fering of many,” he said. Reuters was unable to inde- least 100,000 lives in Mexico, Mexico’s economy is pendently verify the claims. the government has eschewed forecast to shrink almost 10% At least two police cars and taking on debt to fund bailouts in 2020, its deepest annual more than a dozen officials for businesses or cash pay- contraction since the Great were blocking access to the ments for workers — a different Depression. Lopez Obrador Movimiento San Isidro office. approach from many other also called on countries to A man who identified himself Anti-govt protest in Bogota nations that have sought to avoid “authoritative measures” as Jorge Gomez and said he cushion the economic blow. such as confinement and A man waves a Colombian flag during an anti-government protest in Bogota, Colombia, on Saturday. worked for public health Within G20, Mexico is the curfews, and to have more trust authorities said access was Dozens of protesters gathered on the streets of downtown Bogota to commemorate one year of the country with the least fiscal in people to act responsibly in restricted due to a coronavirus massive protests against the government of President Ivan Duque. support spending as a per- curbing the spread of the novel outbreak. centage of gross domestic coronavirus. MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2020 AMERICAS 15 Biden to name first Cabinet picks tomorrow REUTERS — WASHINGTON typically draw huge crowds to Wash- Biden could also announce his ington. COVID-19 cases and deaths are US President-elect Joe Biden will selection for Secretary of State surging in many parts of the country announce the first of his Cabinet as soon as this week, with amid a pandemic that has killed about appointments tomorrow (Tuesday) and 256,000 Americans. is planning for a scaled-down inaugu- former national security adviser “We know people want to cele- ration due to the coronavirus Susan Rice and veteran brate. There is something here to cel- pandemic, aides said yesterday, as he diplomat Antony Blinken seen ebrate,” Klain said. “We just want to lays the foundation for his new admin- as among the candidates. try to find a way to do it as safely as istration despite President Donald possible.” Critics of Trump, including Trump’s refusal to concede. Democrats and some Republicans, Since Biden, a Democrat, was have accused him of trying to declared the winner of the November of Delaware, has announced a series undermine faith in the American elec- 3 election two weeks ago, the Repub- of selections for White House posts. toral system and delegitimise Biden’s lican president has launched a barrage Klain said that “you’re going to see the victory by promoting false claims of of lawsuits and mounted a pressure first Cabinet picks this Tuesday,” but widespread voter fraud. campaign to prevent state officials declined to reveal the choices or the “Fight hard Republicans,” Trump from certifying their vote totals. posts to be filled. wrote on Twitter on Sunday morning Ron Klain, Biden’s choice as White Biden said on Thursday he had as he pressed his unsubstantiated nar- House chief of staff, again urged that chosen a treasury secretary. Candi- rative of voter fraud. the Trump administration — specifi- dates on Biden’s short list include Some of Trump’s fellow Repub- cally a federal agency called the former Fed Chair Janet Yellen, current licans in Congress are now breaking General Services Administration (GSA) Fed Governor Lael Brainard, Sarah ranks though many, including the most US President-elect Joe Biden speaks to reporters as Vice President-elect Kamala — formally recognise Biden’s victory Bloom Raskin, a former Fed governor, senior ones, have not. Harris listens in Wilmington, Delaware, on November 19, 2020. to unlock resources for the transition and Raphael Bostic, president of the “We’re beginning to look like a process. Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. banana republic,” Maryland’s Repub- “I hope that the administrator of Biden allies also indicated he could lican Governor Larry Hogan told CNN’s victory. “I hope they would start to to compel the GSA to recognise Biden the GSA will do her job,” Klain added, announce his selection for secretary “State of the Union” programme, crit- accept the reality,” Klain said of Repub- “isn’t our preference.” Klain said Biden referring to GSA chief Emily Murphy. of state as soon as this week, with icising the refusal of many in his own lican leaders. is being denied intelligence briefings Biden is due to take office on former national security adviser Susan party to acknowledge Trump’s defeat. Critics have said Trump’s refusal to which he is entitled, background January 20. Rice and veteran diplomat Antony “Frankly I’m embarrassed that more to facilitate an orderly transition carries checks on potential Cabinet nominees, “A record number of Americans Blinken seen as among the people in the party aren’t speaking up.” serious implications for national and access to agency officials to help rejected the Trump presidency, and candidates. Republican Senator Kevin Cramer security and the fight against develop plans including avoiding since then Donald Trump’s been Klain said there will be “scaled- told NBC’s “Meet the Press” programme COVID-19. delays in COVID-19 vaccine rollout. rejecting democracy,” Klain told ABC’s down versions of the existing tradi- yesterday that the start of the presi- Jen Psaki, a senior advisor to “The question is: how can we get “This Week” programme. tions” for Biden’s inauguration. Inau- dential transition process is overdue, Biden’s transition team, said on CNN’s 100% of Americans a vaccine in short Biden, working in his home state guration ceremonies and related events though he declined to recognise Biden’s “State of the Union” that legal action order?” Klain said. Judge dismisses Trump campaign’s Pennsylvania lawsuit US exits ‘Open AFP — WASHINGTON complaints about mail-in that repeated allegations of Skies’ defence ballots in Pennsylvania. irregularities in the state which A Pennsylvania judge on “In the United States of Biden won by 155,000 votes. treaty Saturday threw out Donald America, this cannot justify the They asked for a delay of Trump’s claims of widespread disenfranchisement of a single two weeks to allow for a full AFP — WASHINGTON electoral fraud there, dealing a voter, let alone all the voters of audit of results in Wayne new blow to the Republican’s its sixth most populated state,” County, the state’s largest and The US said it formally left bid to overturn his loss in the Brann wrote. where majority-black Detroit the Open Skies defense treaty US presidential election. “Our people, laws, and insti- is located, which was won over- yesterday, one of several The decision — announced tutions demand more.” Biden whelmingly by Biden. international agreements in a scathing judgment which won the state-by-state Electoral Michigan’s board of can- Washington has exited under excoriated the Trump team’s College votes that ultimately vassers, which includes two President Donald Trump. legal strategy — paves the way decide who takes the White Democrats and two Repub- Open Skies was agreed for Pennsylvania to certify House by 306 to 232. licans, is also due to meet today just after the Cold War to Democrat Joe Biden’s victory The Electoral College is due to certify the results. allow signatories to avoid there, which is scheduled to to formally vote on December Republican Party national nasty surprises or unfounded Supporters of US President Donald Trump wave flags as his vehicle take place today (Monday). 14, with certifications to take committee chairwoman Ronna suspicions by monitoring enters the Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia, yesterday. With the clock ticking down place beforehand. McDaniel and the party’s rival militaries. to Biden’s January 20 inaugu- States’ certification of Michigan chair Laura Cox called But Trump said in May ration, Trump’s team has results of their popular votes is recognised Biden as the winner should accept the outcome of on the board to “adjourn for 14 that Moscow had not stuck to focused on trying to stop bat- usually routine following a US and called on Trump to the election and facilitate the days to allow for a full audit and its commitments under the tleground states from certifying presidential election. concede. presidential transition process,” investigation into those anom- pact, which was designed to election results, in addition to But Trump’s refusal to The Pennsylvania court Toomey said in a statement that alies and irregularities.” improve confidence between his numerous legal challenges concede has complicated the ruling prompted a Republican congratulated Biden while Michigan’s Secretary of the superpowers. that have so far failed. process and drawn concerns senator from the state, Pat specifying he voted for Trump. State Jocelyn Benson has said “The US withdrawal took Judge Matthew Brann wrote that he could cause long-term Toomey, to join those ranks, The judgement in Pennsyl- that audits cannot be conducted effect on November 22, 2020, in his ruling that Trump’s team damage to Americans’ trust in saying Biden “won the 2020 vania came hours after Repub- until after certification because and the United States is no had presented “strained legal their voting system. election and will become the licans also requested a delay in officials do not have legal access longer a State Party to the arguments without merit and Only a limited number of 46th president of the United certification in Michigan, to the documents needed until Treaty on Open Skies,” the US speculative accusations” in their Republicans have so far States.” “President Trump another battleground, in a letter then. State Department said in a statement yesterday. The treaty was signed in Trump defends 1992 and came into force in US to begin COVID-19 vaccine campaign by year end 2002, allowing 35 signatory withdrawal from countries, including the AFP — WASHINGTON Drug Administration, Moncef CBS’s “Face the Nation.” With spread widely and people can United States and Russia, to ‘unfair’ Paris Slaoui, who heads the govern- the Thanksgiving holiday on move closer to resuming their fly unarmed surveillance The United States hopes to ment’s coronavirus vaccine Thursday normally seeing a pre-coronavirus way of life. flights over each other’s climate accord begin a sweeping programme effort, told CNN. huge surge in travel, he said, But Fauci, separately, added territory. of COVID-19 vaccinations, He pointed to possible dates “We’re really concerned” about a note of caution, saying herd Moscow and Washington AFP — RIYADH reaching perhaps 20 million of December 11-12. “another spike in cases as we immunity would come only if had often accused each other people by year’s end, top public Slaoui estimated that 30 get colder and colder and colder “you get an overwhelming of breaching its terms, and in US President Trump yesterday health officials said yesterday million people would be vacci- into the December month — majority of the people vacci- May the Trump adminis- defended his decision to pull as cases surge across the worst- nated per month starting in and then you start dealing with nated with a highly efficacious tration said it gave the out of the Paris climate accord, hit nation. January. the Christmas holiday.” vaccine.” A recent Gallup poll required six-month notice to calling it “unfair and one- The beginning of vaccina- But top US infectious FDA vaccine advisers are to showed that four in 10 Amer- leave the treaty. sided” even as President-elect tions could be a crucial turning disease official Dr. Anthony meet on December 10 to discuss icans still say they would not get The United States under Joe Biden has pledged to rejoin point in the battle against the Fauci, who said “maybe 20 approving vaccines which a COVID-19 vaccine, though Trump has also pulled out of the landmark agreement. virus that has claimed more million people will be able to pharmaceutical firms Pfizer and that is down from five in 10 sur- the 2015 Iran nuclear deal as The United States formally than 255,000 lives in the US, the get vaccinated by the middle to Moderna say are at least 95 veyed in September. well as the Paris accord left the 2015 Paris accord world’s highest reported toll, the end December”, warned the percent effective. Officials have yet to against climate change. earlier this month, becoming since emerging from China late situation could get worse before Slaoui said that by May, announce which groups in the President-elect Joe the first country to ever last year. getting better if people fail to with potentially 70 percent of population would receive the Biden, who assumes the Oval withdraw from an interna- “Our plan is to be able to take precautions in the coming the population having been vaccine first, though health care Office in January, has vowed tional climate change pact. ship vaccines to the immuni- holiday season. vaccinated, the country could workers are certain to receive that the US would rejoin on “I withdrew the United zation sites within 24 hours of “We’re in a very difficult sit- attain “herd immunity,” priority, followed by vulnerable his first day in the White States from the unfair and approval” by the US Food and uation at all levels,” he told meaning the virus can no longer groups like the elderly. House. one-sided Paris Climate accord, a very unfair act for the United States,” Trump said on the sidelines of a virtual Infection cases in California G20 summit. “The Paris accord was not designed to save the climb; evening curfew begins environment. It was designed to kill the American economy. BLOOMBERG where the number of infections “I refuse to surrender mil- now exceeds those in Mexico lions of American jobs and California added 15,442 new and Germany, which have been send trillions of American coronavirus cases, hitting a high hot spots for the pandemic. dollars to the world’s worst as the state’s evening curfew Governor Gavin Newsom polluters and environmental kicked in on Saturday night. said earlier in the week that the offenders, and that’s what The cases topped Friday’s curfew will stop nonessential would have happened.” Trump record of 13,005 infections, work and gatherings to “flatten has aggressively championed bringing the total to almost 1.1 the curve again,” reflecting the fossil fuel industry, ques- million. The number of deaths growing alarm among state offi- tioned the science of climate increased by 86 to 18,643, state cials as the third wave of coro- change and weakened other data showed. The increased navirus infections to hit the state environmental protections. patient load left California’s hos- gathers momentum. Trump, who has refused to pitals with just 1,921 intensive- Infections across the US have concede the bitter US election, care unit beds available, near the surpassed 12 million, and the had given a one-year notice to low in July. Centers for Disease Control and leave the Paris accord on A 10 pm-to-5 am curfew will Prevention recommended November 4, 2019. be imposed in most counties for against all travel on cruise ships, Biden has vowed that the a month to ease the rate of citing the high risk of infection. US would rejoin the Paris infection, affecting areas that The impact on businesses climate accord on his first day encompass 37 million people, or will be limited. Restaurants will in the White House in January, 94% of the population. need to close outdoor dining by A general view of boarded-up shops along 5th Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter before the start of a a move welcomed by Only 10 countries globally 10 pm, but they can continue curfew in San Diego, California, on Saturday. European leaders. have more cases than California, offering takeout afterward. MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2020 16

Visually impaired man Ajyal a vital arts and culture completes solo 5km run with trial app incubator, says DFI CEO REUTERS — NEW YORK PRAYER TIMINGS A blind man completed a 5km (3.1-mile) run RAYNALD C RIVERA PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING festival, she said: “I feel that the drive- in New York’s Central Park without a guide THE PENINSULA in cinema will be something that we dog or human help this week. His navigation will see in the future. It has been very aid? Artificial intelligence through head- FAJR 04.35 am Chief Executive Officer of Doha Film successful with the audience and it’s phones plugged into a smartphone. SUNRISE 05.56 am Institute (DFI) and Ajyal Festival something that we have to consider “The safest thing for a blind man is to sit Director, Fatma Hassan Alremaihi has for the festival every year.” still. I ain’t sitting still,” said Thomas Panek, DHUHR 11.20 am stressed how Ajyal Film Festival plays She expressed pride on the resil- 50, who lost his vision in his early 20s due ASR 02.23 pm an important role as an arts and culture ience of the Institute amid the many to a genetic condition and runs Guiding Eyes MAGHRIB 04.46 pm incubator. challenges of organising the festival for the Blind, a guide dog school. ISHA 06.16 pm Responding to a question at a press during the pandemic exerting all efforts The marathon enthusiast got tired of having briefing yesterday for the eighth edition needed to deliver a safe festival both to follow slower runners as a guide. So he of the festival, Alremaihi said Ajyal’s online and in-person activities. She decided a year ago to find a way to run solo. success can be measured by its role in thanked all the entities that supported He turned to Google to find a way for a phone incubating arts and culture through the DFI to make the festival a reality to “tell me where to go,” said Panek, who years. despite COVID-19. believes “humans are born to run.” “I look at Ajyal as an incubator for On the question about the chal- He worked with the Alphabet Inc unit to arts and culture and a new way to lenges that women filmmakers in the create a research program. A smartphone understand filmmaking,” said Alremihi, region still face, she commented that camera picks up a painted ‘guideline’ on a pointing out a number of signature fortunately it is the complete opposite running track. An app detects the runner’s Ajyal features that have made a mark for women filmmakers in Qatar who position and gives audio guidance through WEATHER in the festival such as Geekdom, Ajyal comprise the majority of local an earpiece. TODAY Tunes and the multidisciplinary filmmakers. “It’s like teaching a kid how to learn exhibition. “Sixty percent of our filmmakers where the line is,” said Google researcher She said one of the successes the CEO of Doha Film Institute (DFI) and in Qatar are women, higher than Xuan Yang. Pandemic-related social dis- festival has witnessed is how it “has Director of Ajyal Festival, Fatma Hassan Europe or the US and this is some- tancing gave a boost to the research to cir- shifted the way people see films from Alremaihi. thing that we’re really proud of,” she cumvent human and canine helpers. purely entertainment to something said. “To be able to be here, it’s real emo- o o educational and cultural and essential so smart, and every guest mentions Alremaihi emphasized that they tional,” Panek said after his test of the app 22 C 28 C in life.” how pleasantly surprised they are with choose films and grantees not based on a chilly fall afternoon, in an event spon- Minimum Maximum On this year’s virtual jury expe- their questions and level of on “who’s behind the camera, but we sored by Google and the New York Road Moderate temperature daytime with rience, she observed: “There are intelligence.” look at the authenticity of story,” Runners Club on Thursday. “It’s a real some clouds at times. magical moments online between the Asked on which among the ele- adding that this has created a more feeling of not only freedom and inde- jurors and the international guests they ments of the first hybrid edition of Ajyal inclusive environment and encouraged pendence, but also, you know, you get that were talking to. The young jurors are is likely to be a regular feature of the more women to make more films. sense that you’re just like anybody else.” W ALRUWAIS : 23o → 27o W ALKHOR : 23o → 26o W DUKHAN : 20o → 26o W WAKRAH : 18o → 30o World’s deepest diving pool opens in Poland W MESAIEED : 18o → 30o W ABUSAMRA : 15o → 28o AFP — MSZCZONOW, POLAND including eight seasoned divers who hoped to pass an exam to HIGH TIDE A 45.5-metre (150-foot) deep become instructors. 11:11 – 00:00 diving pool with artificial “There are no magnificent underwater caves and Mayan fish or coral reefs here so it is LOW TIDE 03:49 – 19:51 ruins, the world’s deepest such no substitute for the sea but it structure, opened near Warsaw is definitely a good place to this weekend. learn and to train in order to The complex, named dive safely in open water,” said Taiwan actress Deepspot, even includes a small Przemyslaw Kacprzak, a wreck for scuba and free divers 39-year-old diving instructor. wins big at to explore. It has 8,000 cubic “And it’s fun! It’s like a kin- metres of water — more than dergarten for divers!” Jerzy Chinese ‘Oscars’ 20 times the amount in an Nowacki, a 30-year-old for- ordinary 25-metre pool. estry officer and diving novice, REUTERS — TAIPEI Unlike regular said: “For my first time, we went pools, Deepspot can open down five metres but you can A veteran actress and a despite coronavirus restrictions see all the way to the bottom — romantic comedy stole the in Poland because it is a training the wreck, the caves —it’s mag- limelight at this year’s Golden centre that offers courses. nificent!” Braszczynski said the Horse Awards, the Chinese- A hotel with rooms from pool “will also be used by the speaking world’s version of the which guests will be able to fire brigade and the army. Oscars, in Taiwan on Saturday, watch divers at a depth of five There are many scenarios for with China largely absent for metres is also planned. “It’s the A diver is seen in the deepest pool in the world with 45.5-metre (150-foot) located in Mszczonow training and we can also test dif- a second year following a world’s deepest pool,” Deepspot about 50km from Warsaw, yesterday. The complex, named Deepspot, even includes a small wreck ferent equipment”.Some 5,000 dispute over politics. director Michal Braszczynski, a for scuba and free divers to explore. It has 8,000 cubic metres of water — more than 20 times the cubic metres of concrete were “My Missing Valentine”, a 47-year-old diving enthusiast, said amount in an ordinary 25-metre pool. used over the two years it took Taiwanese movie about a post at the opening on Saturday. to build the pool and it cost office worker who wakes up The current holder of the Montegrotto Terme in Italy and Abyss pool planned to open in deep. Around a dozen cus- around 40m zloty (¤8.9m, to discover Valentine’s Day has Guinness world record is in is 42 metres deep. The Blue Britain in 2021 will be 50 metres tomers came on the first day, $10.6m). passed without her knowing, won five awards, including best film and best director. But it was veteran Taiwan Google launches AI actress Chen Shu-fang, 81 and in the business for more than six decades, who got possibly platform to help cities the warmest reception. She won for two different films, getting the best sup- plant more trees porting actress for “Dear IANS — SAN FRANCISCO Tenant” and best leading actress for “Little Big Women”, As policy makers aim to plant more trees to increase shade on both complex family dramas. warming city streets globally, Google has launched Tree Canopy Not only had she never Lab that combines Artificial Intelligence (AI) and aerial imagery. won before, she had never The platform will help cities see their current tree canopy cov- been nominated for the prize erage and plan future tree planting projects, starting with Los previously. “Even if I can no Angeles. longer walk, I want the “Trees are increasingly seen as a solution to both lowering director to write a wheelchair street-level temperatures while improving quality of life. Yet many role for me,” Chen said. cities may not have the budget or resources to locate where every Politics was not entirely tree in town is, or where new tree-planting efforts are most absent, with Jill Li’s “Lost needed,” Google said in a statement. Course”, about the Chinese “With the Tree Canopy Lab, you can see Los Angeles’s “democracy village” of Wukan trees with local context, like what percentage of a neigh- which rose up against cor- bourhood has leafy cover, an area’s population density, what Children's Day artwork ruption, taking the award for areas are vulnerable to extreme heat, and which neigh- best documentary, a prize bourhood councils can help get new roots in the ground,” the An aerial view shows an artwork entitled ‘6,000 Children’ by local art collective ‘Sand In Your Eye’, unlikely to further endear company informed. in Hebden Bridge, northern England, yesterday. The artwork, supported by Unicef, was created over China to the event. Tree Canopy lab is part of the Environmental Insights Explorer the course of three days by a team of six artists, to highlight International Children’s Day and raise China’s film regulator last platform, a tool that makes it easier for cities to measure, plan awareness that up to 6,000 children are at risk of dying daily, worldwide, as an indirect cause of year blocked the country’s and reduce carbon emissions and pollution. the coronavirus pandemic. movie industry from partici- “With aerial imagery collected from planes during the pating in the Taiwan-hosted spring, summer and fall seasons, as well as Google AI and awards, which were founded Google Earth Engine’s data analysis capabilities, we can now in 1962 and take place every pinpoint all the trees in a city and measure their density,” Nasa rover helps find signs of floods on Mars year. This move came after the Google said. event caused uproar in 2018 Google uses a specialized tree-detection AI that automatically IANS — NEW YORK Planet. The raging megaflood astrobiologist at Cornell Uni- in China and amongst Chinese scans the images, detects the presence of trees and then produces — likely touched off by the heat versity, Ithaca, New York. stars at the ceremony when a map that shows the density of tree cover, also known as “tree Analysing data collected by of a meteoritic impact, which “Deposits left behind by Taiwanese director Fu Yue canopy.” Nasa’s Curiosity rover, scien- unleashed ice stored on the megafloods had not been pre- made comments in support of The lab can help anyone identify residential blocks with high tists have found that floods of Martian surface— set up viously identified with orbiter Taiwan’s formal inde- tree planting potential and locate sidewalks that are vulnerable unimaginable magnitude once gigantic ripples that are tell-tale data.” As is the case on Earth, pendence. China considers to higher temperatures due to low canopy coverage. washed through Gale Crater on geologic structures familiar to geological features, including democratic Taiwan its own “With Tree Canopy Lab we’ve found that more than 50 per Mars’ equator around four scientists on Earth. the work of water and wind territory and routinely cent of Angelenos live in areas with less than 10 per cent tree billion years ago. “We identified megafloods have been frozen in time on Mars denounces any moves Beijing canopy coverage and 44 per cent of Angelenos live in areas with The finding, published in for the first time using detailed for about four billion years. These views as suggesting the island extreme heat risk,” Google said. the journal Scientific Reports, sedimentological data observed features convey processes that is separate from China or not The Tree Canopy Lab will be available to hundreds of more hints at the possibility that life by the rover Curiosity,” said co- shaped the surface of both part of its territory. cities in the year to come, the company said. may have existed on the Red author Alberto Fairen, a visiting planets in the past.