G20 to Doha 2030 vows deepen amazing Asian debt relief Games as OCA for poor Evaluation Team nations concludes tour

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With Ooredoo ONE Terms and Conditions Apply OCA Evaluation Committee satisfied with Doha’s sports infrastructure, future plans RIZWAN REHMAT THE PENINSULA The committee is satisfied with what we saw and believes The Evaluation Committee of Doha’s existing infrastructure and sustainable concept has lot the Olympic Council of Asia to offer for a successful Asian Games in 2030. The OCA notes (OCA) is ‘satisfied’ after an with great satisfaction that the Asian Games Doha 2030 exhaustive three-day visit to project is built on the legacy of the 2006 Asiad and it is fully Doha’s globally renowned sports landmarks that the Qatari integrated as a part of the national plan for sustainable capital aims to use if it wins the development in Qatar National Vision 2030. 2030 Asian Games bid. In his final remarks after Andrey Kryukov — OCA Evaluation Committee chair completing visits to a number of key facilities over three days, OCA Evaluation Committee chair Andrey Kryukov yes- terday praised Doha’s sports engagements that helped the coastal city deliver the ‘most successful’ Asian Games at the time in 2006. “The committee is satisfied with what we saw and believes Doha’s existing infrastructure Officials of Evaluation Committee at the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) during a press conference and sustainable concept has towards sports. We also saw the and to spread the Olympic on 2030 Asian Games Bid. Seen from left are: Vinod Kumar Tiwari, Member; Andrey Kryukov, Chair; lot to offer for a successful involvement of the government Movement in Qatar. We would Jassim Rashid Al Buenain, CEO of Doha 2030 Bidding Committee; and Sheikha Asma Al Thani, Director Asian Games in 2030,” and the private sector, the like to thank H H Sheikha of Marketing and Communication, Doha 2030. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA Kryukov said at a press involvement of the country’s Moza bint Nasser, the Chair- conference. leadership and the participation person of Qatar Foundation, Asiad and it is fully integrated “We know, in Qatar, sport Academy, which staged the “The committee was of athletes in the bid,” Kryukov who is deeply involved in the as a part of the national plan for is one of the top priorities,” he 2009 IAAF Indoor World Cham- pleased to see (that) sports is a added. bid. sustainable development in said. Over the course of three pionships and the FIG World national priority in Qatar. The “The committee would like “The OCA notes with great Qatar National Vision 2030 days, the OCA Evaluation Com- Artistic Gymnastics Champion- committee was pleased to see to thank the Amir H H Sheikh satisfaction that the Asian which raises the profile of the mittee visited the Aspire ships in 2018, remains busy the general enthusiasm of the Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for Games Doha 2030 project is Games at all levels,” Kryukov Academy, the world’s largest right throughout 12 months of youth and general public the support to develop sports built on the legacy of the 2006 said. indoor facility. The Aspire the year. `P3 Violators face legal action for not wearing face masks President of Tunisia arrives SIDI MOHAMED for non-compliance with increasing,” the Ministry said in Public Prosecution for non- limit allowed in a vehicle. THE PENINSULA wearing face masks in places a statement while releasing compliance with wearing masks “Strict adherence to the pre- today where they are mandatory. number of new COVID-19 cases in places where they are man- cautionary and preventive Owing to lax attitude of some According to Ministry of in the country. datory. Also, 16 people were measures to curb the spread of QNA — DOHA people in not adhering to Public Health (MoPH), measures In the same manner, the referred yesterday to the Public COVID-19 is essential to ensure precautionary measures to curb to tackle COVID-19 in Qatar Ministry of Interior is continu- Prosecution for violating the a healthy environment free of In response to the invitation the spread of COVID-19 in the have succeeded in flattening the ously urging people to not com- limit allowed in a vehicle, which coronavirus,” the MoI tweeted. extended by Amir H H Sheikh country, the authorities curve and limiting the spread promise on precautionary is limited to 4 persons, including Earlier, Dr. Abdullatif Al Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, concerned have started taking of the virus and the number of measure against coronavirus. the driver, except for the Khal, Chair of the National Stra- President of the Republic of strict action against the new daily cases and hospital “Compromising on safety members of the same family. tegic Group on COVID-19 and Tunisia H E Kais Saied will violators. admissions is continuing to measures against the corona- Similarly, on Thursday Head of the Infectious Diseases arrive today in Doha on a visit The violations of face masks decline each week. virus in public places will lead (November 12), the Ministry had Division at Hamad Medical to the country. wearing rules and crossing set At the same time, the MoPH to an increase in the spread of referred 164 persons to the Corporation, said that there The Amir will discuss limits of individuals in a car are continuously reminding people infection,” said the Ministry of Public Prosecution for not might be small waves until the tomorrow at the Amiri Diwan being dealt strictly by the author- to never neglect precautionary Interior across its social media wearing masks in places where end of the year that sometimes with H E the Tunisian President ities concerned. The Ministry of measures. “Unless we follow all platforms. they are mandatory. The could rise and subside, but it bilateral relations and the means Interior (MoI) in last two days precautionary measures, we The Ministry of Interior yes- authorities had also referred would not reach the same level to enhance them, in addition to (Thursday, Friday) referred 326 may experience a second wave terday announced that it seven persons to the Public that the country experienced issues of joint interest. people to the Public Prosecution of the virus and see numbers referred 162 people to the Prosecution for violating the before.`P2 MoTC moves towards realising eco-friendly transport mode

IRFAN BUKHARI achieve the required per- The MoTC works on pro- THE PENINSULA centage to reduce the rate of viding an integrated, multi- carbon emissions caused by modal and world-class trans- For realising country’s plans traditional buses by 2030, in portation system that provides towards adopting environmen- addition to achieving concerted safe and reliable services in line tally-friendly transport system, efforts to preserve environ- with the goals of the Qatar the Ministry of Transport and mental sustainability. National Vision 2030. It also Communications has recently The Ministry had also works on developing transport announced tender for electric announced earlier that the modes in accordance with the buses. electric buses will be used in the best worldwide eco-friendly The tender, also has been main services during the 2022 systems, in addition to using shared on Ministry’s social media FIFA World Cup, to be the first alternative and clean energy in accounts, is for supply and main- tournament to use electric mass the field for lower carbon tenance of Electric Bus Rapid transit buses, clearly demon- emissions. Transit Vehicles. The strating the commitment of the To facilitate adoption of announcement of said tender State of Qatar to clean energy sustainable transport mode by reflects advancement of Minis- solutions for transportation in encouraging electric vehicles try’s efforts and plans towards the world, and supporting the (buses, cars) in the country, adopting eco-friendly transport direction of hosting an excep- electric vehicle (EV) charging sta- mode. tional world cup tournament tions are being setup across the Drive-in cinema in Lusail Few weeks ago, the Ministry that is environmentally friendly country. The Ajyal Film Festival launched its first-ever drive-in cinema in Lusail in partnership with QNTC. of Transport and Communica- and “carbon neutral”. Recently, Kahramaa, tions had announced that 25 It is pertinent to mention through its National Pro- percent of public transport that the Ministry of Transport gramme for Conservation and Ajyal presents screenings to sensory impaired audiences buses in Qatar will be electric and Communications (MoTC) Energy Efficiency (Tarsheed), by 2022. had conducted a pilot testing of signed a memorandum of THE PENINSULA — DOHA back its popular inclusive Humanities and Social Sciences The Ministry had electric buses in Qatar in col- understanding (MoU) with screening experience to an at Hamad bin Khalifa University announced that public buses, laboration with Qatar General Qatari Diar Real Estate Making cinema more accessible online audience this year. (HBKU), Ajyal’s inclusive screening public-schools’ buses, and Doha Electricity and Water Corpo- Investment Company (Qatari than ever before, the 8th Ajyal Presented in partnership with programme features a special Metro feeder buses will be ration (Kahramaa), Mowasalat Diar) to set up 10 electric Film Festival presented by the Translation and Interpreting selection of four compelling works gradually transformed into (Karwa) and China Harbor vehicle (EV) charging stations Doha Film Institute (DFI) brings Institute (TII) of the College of by local filmmakers. `P3 electric buses, in order to Engineering Co in 2018. in Lusail City. `P2 02 HOME SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2020

‘Italy eager to carry out new industrial OFFICIAL NEWS PAP welcomes Amir cooperation projects with Qatar’ announcement to hold Shura Council polls PRAYER THE PENINSULA — DOHA TIMINGS Regarding the situation Johannesburg: The Pan-African PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING The Minister of Defence of Italy, Parliament (PAP) has welcomed the H E Lorenzo Guerini, visited in Libya, Guerini announcement of Amir H H Sheikh Qatar on Tuesday and reaffirmed the Italian Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to hold FAJR 04.30 am Wednesday to meet the Amir H position in favour of a elections for the Shura Council in SUNRISE 05.50 am H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al political solution within October next year. In its statement, DHUHR 11.18 am Thani, the Prime Minister and the framework of the the Pan-African Parliament noted the ASR 02.25 pm Minister of Interior, H E Sheikh organisation of elections for member- Khalid bin Khalifa Al Thani, and resolutions of the United ship of the Shura Council, indicating MAGHRIB 04.48 pm his counterpart, the Deputy Nations Security Council. that this announcement will pave the ISHA 06.18 pm Prime Minister and Minister of way for cooperation between the State for Defence Affairs, H E African Parliament and the Shura Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah. Council in the State of Qatar. -QNA With Al Attiyah it was his Qatari Air Forces on new second meeting in few months, training programmes for pilots, after their meeting in La Spezia involving also the Italian Qatar condemns in September. company Leonardo Spa through Among the topics on the the project of the International Minister of Defence of Italy, H E Lorenzo Guerini bombing in agenda were the intra-Afghan Flight Training School,” added peace negotiations and the latest Guerini. Regarding the situation in Libya, and the efforts made over the Pakistan WEATHER developments in the Gulf region, On Wednesday, the Italian Guerini reaffirmed the Italian past 20 years must not be lost. TODAY as well as the excellent bilateral Minister met at the Amiri Diwan position in favour of a political The country is going through a QNA — DOHA defence cooperation and indus- the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin solution within the framework delicate phase and the talks trial relations between the two Hamad Al Thani and the Prime of the resolutions of the United started here in Doha last Sep- The State of Qatar expressed countries, including cyber Minister and Minister of Nations Security Council. tember represent a historic yesterday its strong condem- security programmes in Qatar, Interior, H E Sheikh Khalid bin “The achievement of a opportunity we cannot miss.” nation and denunciation of the said a statement of Embassy of Khalifa Al Thani. ceasefire between the parties After the meetings with bombing that targeted a patrol Italy in Qatar. “On behalf of the Italian and the role of the Intra-Libyan Qatari authorities, Guerini, car of the Pakistani police 25oC 34oC “The partnership between Government, I wish to confirm Joint Military Commission are accompanied by the Ambas- forces in Quetta, Pakistan, and Italy and Qatar in the defence the importance of our relations instrumental to the success of sador of Italy, H E Alessandro resulting in injuries. Minimum Maximum sector confirms to be of high and the sincere friendship of my the peace process. The current Prunas, greeted the staff of the In a statement, the Ministry Misty to foggy at places at first becomes relatively hot daytime with strategic value. I am here to country, as well as convey the situation offers more favourable Italian Embassy and the mil- of Foreign Affairs reiterated scattered clouds and chance of rain enhance our commitment to appreciation for the support conditions to achieving a itary personnel in service in the State of Qatar’s firm stance maybe thundery. strengthen the ongoing collab- received from Qatar at the political solution and a united Qatar: “You have been carrying on rejecting violence and ter- W ALRUWAIS : 21o → 32o oration, which embraces all beginning of the COVID-19 pan- Libya,” he said. out very important tasks and I rorism, regardless of the W ALKHOR : 24o → 33o sectors,” said Minister Guerini. demic. The current geopolitical With reference to Afghan- wish to thank you for what you motives and reasons. The DUKHAN 22o → 34o “In this collaboration the scenario marked by strong istan and intra-Afghan peace have been doing for our country statement expressed Qatar’s W : Italian defence industry holds uncertainty and instability talks, Guerini highlighted the far from the national borders.” wishes for a speedy recovery W WAKRAH : 24o → 34o an important place with its requires synergic and cohesive important role played by Qatar Minister Guerini visited the for the wounded. W MESAIEED : 24o → 34o highly technological projects. action by all partners to provide in the country’s peace process: iconic Al Bayt Stadium, one of W ABUSAMRA : 18o → 34o Italy is eager to carry out new an effective contribution in the “Qatar is at the forefront in the eight facilities built for the industrial cooperation projects resolution of the many ongoing facilitating the intra-Afghan Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. with Qatar. In this context, a crises,” said Guerini. dialogue. Italy is strongly com- The unique tent structure built Qatar takes part HIGH TIDE cooperation agreement was The talks focused also on mitted in the peace and stabi- by Italian companies will host in 3rd Paris 03:14 – 14:18 signed between the Italian and Libya and Afghanistan. lisation process of Afghanistan the opening Qatar 2022 match. LOW TIDE 09:20 – 22:04 Peace Forum QDA helps people reverse pre-diabetic condition QNA — PARIS The State of Qatar participated Qatar supports FAZEENA SALEEM realised that I was on the right yesterday in the 3rd Paris THE PENINSULA path. And after another three Peace Forum, which was inau- Morocco move months, it further decreased to gurated by President of the With about 11-23% people being 5.9 percent. It kept decreasing French Republic H E on Karakat pre-diabetic in the country, until my cumulative sugar rate Emmanuel Macron with more Qatar Diabetes Association came down to 5.5 percent,” he than 60 heads of state, border crossing (QDA) — a member of Qatar said. government, and organization Foundation (QF) — offers “My weight also decreased participating. QNA DOHA support for them to reverse the to 87kg from 102kg. I finally The State of Qatar’s dele- condition and regain complete started enjoying my victory over gation to the 3rd Paris Peace Qatar has expressed its deep health. this disease,” he added. Forum was chaired by Ambas- concern over the obstruction Most Type 2 diabetics start QDA plays an important role sador of the State of Qatar to of civil and commercial by developing pre-diabetic con- in spreading awareness about the French Republic H E movement at the Karakat dition, which is characterised as diabetes. According to Pro- Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani. border crossing, and its having blood sugar levels that gramme Manager at QDA, Kitty The third edition focuses support for the step taken by are higher than normal but not Nahas, the experience of Al on the collective effort A file photo of Qatar Diabetes Association educating community the Kingdom of Morocco to quite high enough to be diag- Tijani demonstrates the associ- required to confront the coro- members. put an end to the blockage nosed as diabetic. Adel Al Tijani, ation’s success in achieving its navirus pandemic and how to caused by the obstruction of who was pre-diabetic, has been main goal to educate community enhance the international movement at the crossing. able to reverse his condition become diabetic. He advised me many ways he could bring down members about pre-diabetes, community’s capabilities in In a statement issued yes- under the guidance of QDA. to exercise, and get on a healthy his sugar levels, and develop and learn about the importance that regard. It also discussed terday, Qatar commended, in When Al Tijani noticed an and balanced diet so that the healthy lifestyle habits. The steps of having a healthy lifestyle. the projects chosen for the this context, the efforts of the increase in his weight and a cumulative rate of my blood he took at this stage were mainly “We are always happy to 2020 edition. Different parties United Nations Secretary- decrease in ability to see things sugar would decrease,” Al Tijani focused on diet change such as receive enquiries, and we always involved with global gov- General aimed at reaching a clearly, consulted a specialist as said. eating more vegetables and encourage people to contact us ernance, immediate solution political solution to the advised by a friend. “I wasn’t afraid when the stopped eating any type of food so that we are able to provide to the health current crisis and decades-old conflict. Al Tijani’s cumulative blood doctor told me that I am in the that would increase his weight customised programmes that suit the social and economic crises The State of Qatar reit- sugar test was 6.1 percent — a pre-diabetic stage, because I and raise sugar levels. He signed the health conditions of every resulting from it, took part in erated its firm position on value that indicates pre-diabetes know very well that it is possible up at a gym and started exer- individual to help avoid dia- preparing those projects. resolving differences through and the doctor explained that he to live with it. But I decided to cising for an hour every day. betes,” said Kitty. Qatar is in a partnership in dialogue, diplomacy and remained at high risk of devel- follow the right steps in order to “I continued to perform The World Diabetes Day is the forum since its estab- peaceful means. The State of oping Type 2 diabetes within the avoid becoming diabetic, and examinations and monitor my marked today and this year’s lishment. Qatar Foundation Qatar stressed the need to next ten years. the most important step was vis- cumulative blood sugar levels, campaign focuses on promoting has a partnership with the respect the sovereignty of “The doctor told me that if I iting the Qatar Diabetes Associ- and after three months, my the role of nurses in the pre- forum and participated in last states and called for the exceed the cumulative blood ation,” he added. cumulative sugar rate decreased vention and management of year’s edition with many utmost restraint. sugar rate of 6.4 percent, I would At QDA Al Tijani learned the to 6 percent. It was then that I diabetes. initiatives. Violators face legal Katara organises handicraft workshops at Cultural Market RAYNALD C RIVERA cultural market reaffirms action for not THE PENINSULA Katara’s strong support for the handicraft industry clearly dem- The Cultural Village Foundation onstrated through the launch of - Katara has announced a series a number of initiatives and wearing face masks of handicraft workshops for the events. Prior to the market, FROM PAGE 1 public at its ongoing inaugural Katara concluded the third to wear surgical masks as those International Handicrafts and edition of Traditional Handi- Dr. Naser Alansari, Con- can provide extra layers of Traditional Productions crafts Exhibition featuring a sultant Medical Microbiologist protection. Cultural Market. 10-day showcase of native and Chairman of Infection “It is important for eve- In a social media post, handicrafts from Qatar, Ethiopia, Control Committee, Al Wakra ryone to play their role in con- Katara said the workshops Syria, Palestine, Tunisia, Hospital, recently said that trolling the virus by following which are now available at the Morocco, Sudan, and Iran. wearing face mask is one of the precautionary measures market include porcelain, The market is located just proven ways of limiting the including adherence to painting on glass, drawing on outside Building 48 which is spread of COVID-19. physical distancing, avoid close canvas, crochet works, fronds home to the Handicrafts Gallery Dr. Alansari had also contact with others, avoid works, rosary making, creating which contains a display of the explained that cloth reusable crowded places and confined bracelets made of beads, rich variety of indigenous Qatari Handmade products showcased at the ongoing inaugural International masks are suitable for healthy closed spaces where other gypsum works, all kinds of handicrafts which are con- Handicrafts and Traditional Productions Cultural Market at Katara. and young people, but it is people congregate, wearing a hand embroidery, resin art, and PIC: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH/THE PENINSULA sidered a significant part of advisable for elderly and face mask and washing hands drawing on various materials. national identity. Recently, people with chronic diseases regularly,” said Dr. Alansari. “The artisans will present Katara launched a series of artistic craft workshops at With a wide array of diverse representing Ethiopia, India, workshops on developing tra- nominal prices for the public. handicraft from 15 countries, Iran, Kenya, Morocco, Pakistan, ditional handicraft with the par- Contact the craftsman directly the first-ever cultural market Palestine, Singapore, Spain, ticipation of Qatari craftswomen MoTC moves towards realising in the market if you wish to join which launched at the squares Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey aimed at reviving and main- the workshops,” read the post. of Katara buildings 45, 47 and and Ukraine are displaying their taining the local handicraft eco-friendly transport mode Through these workshops, 48 is a cultural confluence handmade products at the industry. FROM PAGE 1 the market acts as a cultural where significant elements of market. A number of handicraft Katara also organized a Kahramaa had said last year conduit which enables artisans cultures of different countries companies are also taking part handicraft competition under The MoTC also signed, this that it was planning to set up to share an important aspect of intersect through the brilliant in the market. the activities of Qatari Women’s month, two MoUs with Nasser 400 electric vehicle charging their culture to the public as showcase of traditional The market is open from Pen Forum which aimed at Bin Khaled & Sons Holding Co stations by the end of 2022 to well as promotes cultural handmade products. Tuesday to Saturday from 4pm inspiring creativity among and Q-Auto for providing free encourage the use of electric understanding among Artisans from Qatar and to 9pm until March 4. talents and focused on heritage electric vehicle chargers. and hybrid vehicles in Qatar. visitors. expatriate communities This four-month-long vocabulary. SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2020 HOME 03

Registration open Hassan Al Thawadi among Qatar’s prominent for Sidra Medicine’s precision medicine speakers leading discussions at WISH 2020 symposium THE PENINSULA — DOHA

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Sidra Medicine is pleased to Delivery & Legacy, Hassan Al announce that registrations to Thawadi, will deliver a keynote its virtual Precision Medicine and address at the upcoming World Functional Genomics Innovation Summit for Health Symposium (PMFG 2020) are (WISH) 2020 conference, taking now open. The symposium will place from November 15 to 19. be hosted online from December Tasked with overseeing the 5 to 7. infrastructure and development PMFG 2020 Organizing Co- projects for the FIFA World Cup Chair, Dr. Bernice Lo, Investi- 2022, Al Thawadi will address gator at Sidra Medicine said: “We the interrelationship of health have finalised some very topical and the Middle East’s first-ever discussions this year, including World Cup. Hassan Al Thawadi precision medicine solutions for He will join a host of expert managing COVID-19. We are Qatari and Qatar-based voices also going to cover the large- drawn from academia, industry, development of healthcare adolescent mental health. Local scale discoveries that drive pre- and healthcare providers at the policy in Qatar within the speakers include representa- cision medicine as well as biennial event, taking place vir- framework of Qatar’s National tives from the Ministry of Public lessons from industry and bio- tually for the first time as a result Health Strategy. We believe it’s Health, Hamad Medical Corpo- technology sectors.” of the current pandemic. important to invite Qatar’s ration, Primary Health Care Cor- Attendees to PMFG 2020 will They will hold discussions leaders to share their knowledge poration, Weill Cornell Med- receive 14.25 hours learning that address a global community and lessons learned with our icine-Qatar, University of credits as approved by the Qatar of healthcare leaders on topics global community, so we were Calgary in Qatar Genome Pro- Qatar participates in 46th meeting of Council of Healthcare Practi- such as precision medicine, very happy when Al Thawadi gramme, Sidra Medicine, and tioners. Speakers to PMFG 2020 dementia, and cancer care. In agreed to speak at WISH this from WISH itself. Qatar-based GCC Standardization Organization include Sir Mark Caulfield from addition to delivering his speech, year in order to share his expe- panellists will be joined by Genomics England; Dr. Adolfo Al Thawadi will join an interna- rience of leading the planning leading international Qatar participated on Thursday in the extraordinary meeting of the Garcia-Sastre from the Icahn tional panel discussing health of a major world event. We’re counterparts. 46th Technical Council of the GCC Standardization Organization, School of Medicine at Mount challenges in major sporting also pleased that many other WISH is Qatar Foundation’s which was held via video conference. Qatar was represented in the Sinai; Dr. Ingrid Scheffer from events. Explaining the impor- representatives of local organ- global health initiative. Register meeting by assistant Chairman of Qatar General Organization for the University of Melbourne; Dr. tance of having strong local rep- isations will be part of our event to attend the virtual WISH 2020, Standards and Metrology Eng Nawaf Ibrahim Al Hamad Al Mana. Paul Thompson from the Uni- resentation at the global summit, this year.” taking place under the banner The meeting discussed the memo submitted by the Presidency of versity of Southern California WISH CEO Sultana Afdhal said, Other Qatar-led discussions of ‘One World, Our Health’ at the GCC Standardization Organization regarding the organization’s and Dr. Virginia Pascual from “WISH has been an active con- will be held around the topics of https://2020.wish.org.qa/ budget for the fiscal year 2021. Cornell University. tributor to the continued nursing and of child and register/ Traffic closure NHRC celebrates Qatar Human Rights Day on Khalifa bin QNA — DOHA Ahmad Street The National Human Rights The NHRC celebrated the Committee (NHRC) marked frontline volunteers and in Al Muraikh Qatar Human Rights Day, which health leaders who falls on November 11 each year contributed to the work THE PENINSULA — DOHA and coincides with the institu- during the coronavirus tion’s 18th anniversary. The Public Works Authority The NHRC celebrated the pandemic in recognition (Ashghal) announced that a frontline volunteers and health and gratitude for their closure will be implemented leaders who contributed to the efforts in confronting on Khalifa bin Ahmad Street work during the coronavirus this pandemic. in Al Muraikh area, in both (COVID-19) pandemic in rec- directions between Khaled bin ognition and gratitude for their Abdullah Al Attiyah Inter- efforts in confronting this section and Muraikh Round- pandemic. and recommendations the about, starting from today for NHRC Secretary-General Committee submits through its a period of one year, and in Mariam Abdullah Al Attiyah said various periodic reports to the coordination with the General the celebration of this occasion Qatari government. Directorate of Traffic. highlights Qatar’s accomplish- She praised the volunteers During this period, road ments in promoting human who formed the “front line of users are required to use sur- rights. The event also renews defence” in the face of the coro- rounding streets such as Al the commitment to supporting navirus in the country. She Senbouk, Wadi Al Markh, the efforts towards more noted that the NHRC was keen Umm Al Hool and Al Nuqaib achievements and continuing to be present in the field and to National Human Rights Committee officials celebrating Qatar Human Rights Day. streets to reach Al Furousiya the pace of reforms and devel- organise field trips to educate Street and Muraikh Round- opment in the legislative system citizens and residents about this Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, proceeding steadily towards International Covenant on Civil about to reach their destina- that enhances citizens’ and res- disease and the importance of regarding the minimum wage preserving workers’ rights and and Political Rights and the tions, as shown in the attached idents’ rights. This has given preserving health. for workers and domestic taking care of them in line with International Covenant on Eco- map. Qatar the lead in the protection She said that celebrating workers, in addition to Decree- its international, regional, and nomic and Social Rights, which and development of human Qatar Human Rights Day rep- Law No. (19) of 2020 amending national commitments. Also, positively reflected Qatar’s rights in the region, with the resents an opportunity to the provisions of Law No. (21) these decisions and reforms national strategies, policies, and Ajyal presents international community’s tes- emphasise the country’s of 2015 on regulating the entry, come in the context of laws, most notably Qatar timony and many international achievements to develop and exit, and residency of expa- improving the living conditions National Vision 2030, which screenings to organisations. protect human rights, especially triates. She considers these of workers in Qatar, showing included a package of reforms She underlined the the series of laws and legislation measures a “milestone in the respect and promoting the basic based on human rights. sensory impaired keenness of the NHRC in it has adopted to develop history of employment in the principles of human rights. Besides, the State adopted making this annual celebration human rights, including laws region and that Qatar has taken She indicated that the a gradual transition from a audiences a station for evaluating the concerned with improving the lead in adopting the non- State’s hierarchy of reforms sig- caring approach based on pro- FROM PAGE 1 achievements in human rights work and residence conditions discriminatory minimum wage nificantly reduces workers’ viding social services that guar- and an opportunity to support for expatriates. in the region.” rights violations, noting Qatar’s antee the citizens’ rights to an Visually impaired audiences the development of the human She noted the NHRC wel- The Secretary-General accession to many international enabling approach that stimu- will be able to experience the rights system in the country comed Law No. (17) of 2020 added that these decisions are agreements and conventions. lates active citizenship and film through enhanced sound, through the efforts issued by the Amir H H Sheikh a true indication that Qatar is These accessions include the popular participation. with audio description of certain visual elements capturing voice, music or sound effects. Viewers 235 new virus who are deaf, hard-of-hearing OCA Evaluation Committee satisfied with or have difficulty understanding cases, 203 speech will benefit from enriched subtitles in Arabic and recoveries: MoPH Doha’s sports infrastructure, future plans English and sign-language interpretation. FROM PAGE 1 THE PENINSULA — DOHA The OCA family will impressed with the DOha analyze the readiness and Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, announce the hosts Metro (ride) and with the capability of the city Doha, the Festival Director and Chief Exec- The Ministry of Public Health The OCA Evaluation Com- (sports) facilities in the city candidate city. You know the utive Officer of DFI, said: “By yesterday announced the regis- mittee also visited the Aspetar of the 2030 Asian itself. Everybody knows that Asian Games is the largest adapting cinema to the needs of tration of 235 new confirmed Sports Medicine Hospital, the Games on December Doha now is one the fastest gathering of youth and culture audiences of all abilities, we hope cases of COVID-19. As many as Lusail Sports Arena which growing cities in the world. in Asia. It is the biggest multi- to remove stigma, transcend bar- 195 of these are from hosted the 2015 Men’s World 16, 2020, when it This is good advantage,” sports event in the world. riers and make the film-going community cases and 40 from Handball Championships, Al convenes in Muscat. Kryukov said. “The committee listened to experience truly accessible to all. travellers returning from Shaqab Indoor Arena and the “Today we saw serious the presentations and plans The first programme of its kind abroad. beIN Sports Channel’s broad- planning and that mostly the and analysed the presenta- in the region, Ajyal’s inclusive Also 203 people have casting headquarters. beIN has including the construction of budgets (in the bid) are opera- tions made by the bid com- experience reflects the Festival’s recovered from the virus extensive experience of deliv- new stadiums and training tions budgets because most of mittee to host the the 2030 power to unite people in a space bringing the total number of ering world-class, global cov- facilities. The OCA delegation the infrastructure is there. Asian Games,” Kryukov said of creative understanding and cases recovered in Qatar to erage for sports held events in also visited Al Bayt Stadium Doha doesn’t need new infra- and added that his team can’t celebrate that we are more alike 132,356. All new cases have Qatar. and Al Rayyan Stadium, two structure. We still have 10 make the fact-finding mission than different.” been introduced to isolation and The OCA Evaluation Com- new venues to be used for the years to go for the Asian Games public. “We are proud to continue are receiving necessary mittee also got to a taste of 2022 FIFA World Cup to be in 2030 so we don’t expect “Our mandate does not our collaboration with TII to healthcare according to their Doha’s cultural diversity when held in Qatar. COVID-19 pandemic would allow us to make public deliver this specially curated pro- health status. they visited at the National Qatar’s technology affect their bid,” he said. assessment. We have not fin- gramme featuring captivating The Ministry said that Museum of Qatar yesterday. advancement in everyday use “I think the bid of Doha is ished our reports. Every bid works by our local filmmakers. measures to tackle COVID-19 Other stopovers for the also impressed the OCA Eval- based on the legacy of 2006, has their own challenges. I Fittingly, Ajyal’s move to the in Qatar have succeeded in flat- OCA Evaluation Committee uation Committee. your existing infrastructure think there’s enough to virtual sphere this year will make tening the curve and limiting the included a visit to Msheireb “We had a good discussion like metro and medical is pro- analyse but as soon as our film even more accessible for spread of the virus and the Downtown Doha, the Gateway with Ooredoo CEO. He told us viding possibility to host suc- report is presented we will audiences – an extension of our number of new daily cases and to Qatar’s cultural heritage, and interesting statistics and devel- cessful Games. This was built know in December who wins. ongoing commitment to inclu- hospital admissions is con- a short ride on Doha’s state- opment plans. It is important by your people with accumu- We have not finished our sivity and integration that pro- tinuing to decline each week. of-the-art transport network for any country to move with lated knowledge and that report documents,” he said. motes equal access to the trans- Qatar’s proactive and extensive Doha Metro. the times. Qatar always dem- knowledge is now passed on,” The OCA family will formative experience of cinema.” testing of suspected cases has Earlier on day two, the OCA onstrates good vision and Kryukov said. announce the hosts of the This programme is free to enabled the Ministry to identify team visited Al Bidda Tower to remains confident when it “We are extremely pleased 2030 Asian Games on the public. To reserve a spot, visit: a high number of positive cases get an understanding of Qatar’s comes to moving with tech- to be in Doha. The committee’s December 16, 2020, when it www.dohafilminstitute.com/ in the community. FIFA World Cup preparations nology. Yesterday we were mandate is to assess and convenes in Muscat. festival 04 MIDDLE EAST SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2020 Pompeo's visit ‘dangerous precedent’: Palestinian PM AFP & QNA — RAMALLAH products that come from West Bank settlements. Palestinian premier Mohammed The visit by the US The State Department has Shtayyeh said yesterday that a not confirmed Pompeo’s itin- planned visit by the US secretary Secretary of State erary. In a statement earlier of state to an Israeli settlement Mike Pompeo this week, it said only that he in the occupied West Bank would planned for next would visit Israel and meet with set a “dangerous precedent”. Prime Minister Benjamin Mike Pompeo would week is a way to Netanyahu. become the first US secretary “legitimise the Pompeo’s trip comes two of state to visit one of the set- settlements” and months before the inauguration tlements, which are considered of President-elect Joe Biden, a illegal by most of the interna- creates “a dangerous past critic of settlements. tional community. precedent that Aaron David Miller, a The visit planned for next violates international veteran US diplomat in the week is a way to “legitimise the Middle East, tweeted that Pom- settlements” and creates “a law peo’s visit “isn’t about Trump dangerous precedent that vio- or Bibi’s politics; it’s about lates international law”, Mohammed Shtayyeh Pompeo and 2024”, referring Shtayyeh said, quoted by the to Netanyahu by his nickname. Palestinian Prime Minister Palestinian demonstrators confront Israeli security forces during clashes following a weekly demonstration Palestinian news agency Wafa. Pompeo has made little in the occupied West Bank village of Kfar Qaddum, yesterday. Pompeo’s visit to Israel secret of his aspirations for comes exactly one year after he higher office and has frequently said the US did not consider pointed to his support of Israel, Meanwhile, three Pales- Wafa news agency reported Israeli colonial settlement con- Jewish settlements on occupied Psagot, which has rolled out a major cause for his Repub- tinians were injured with that witnesses confirmed that a struction. Soldiers fired tear gas Palestinian territory to be a label named after him in lican Party’s evangelical rubber-coated steel bullets and large Israeli military force vio- canisters, stun grenades and illegal, putting Washington at tribute to his visit, Israeli Christian base. About 450,000 dozens more suffered from suf- lently dispersed the participants rubber-coated steel bullets odds with UN Security Council media reported. Jewish settlers live alongside focation as the occupation’s of the rally called for to defend towards the participants, resolutions. The winery has unsuccess- around 2.8 million Palestinians forces cracked down on anti- the villagers lands threatened causing dozens to suffocate and Pompeo is expected to visit fully challenged a European in the West Bank, which Israel settlement rally in Beit Dajan with confiscation, northeast of injuring a number of others with the West Bank winery of decision to put a label on all has occupied since 1967. village, east of Nablus city. the village, to make room for rubber-coated steel bullets. Saudi reports fire Iran may impose total lockdown in capital at oil terminal after Houthi AGENCIES — TEHRAN to 135,650. There were also three deaths, bringing the total boats intercepted Iran, battling a third wave of the death toll to 833. coronavirus, is considering The number of people hos- AFP — RIYADH imposing a two-week total pitalised with the virus cur- lockdown in the capital, state rently stands at 8,473, with 110 A fire broke out at an offshore media reported, as its death toll of them in intensive care units. Saudi oil terminal after two from the disease rose by 461 to He added that 7,834 tests were explosives-laden boats 40,582 yesterday. conducted over the past 24 launched by Yemen’s Houthi Health Ministry spokes- hours, to bring the total number rebels were intercepted by woman Sima Sadat Lari told of tests to 1,001,250 so far. Saudi-led troops, the energy state TV that Iran, the Middle The ministry had earlier ministry said yesterday. East country worst hit by reported that 751 people had The “limited fire” at a ter- Covid-19, had identified 11,737 recovered from the virus over minal off the southern province new cases of COVID-19 in the the past day, raising the total of of Jizan caused no casualties, a last 24 hours, taking the total those to have overcome the ministry statement carried by number to 738,322. disease to 126,344. the official Saudi Press Agency Iranian media said discus- Lebanon’s coronavirus said. The fire erupted after the sions were underway among infections crossed the 100,000 coalition on Wednesday inter- government and health officials mark on Thursday, as the cepted and destroyed two to impose a two-week total country prepared to enter a new boats rigged with explosives, lockdown in Tehran, which two-week lockdown in a which were launched by the could be announced as early as Pedestrians wearing face masks walk in Ankara yesterday, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Turkey country where hospital capacity Iran-aligned rebels. Saturday. On Tuesday, the gov- made wearing masks in public areas mandatory in September. has been saturated. “The operation, which ernment imposed restrictions The health ministry said the occurred in close proximity to for one month requiring all number of people who have a floating offloading platform non-essential businesses to near the peak of the first wave in mid-April and infections crossings as it works to support tested positive with Covid-19 that belongs to the Jizan oil close at 6 pm in major cities. of the pandemic in April. were last at current levels later the economy from the effects had reached 100,703, including products terminal, resulted in Saudi Arabia announced 20 The health ministry said 93 that month, when a nationwide of the coronavirus pandemic, 775 deaths. a limited fire on the platform’s deaths from COVID-19 and 441 COVID-19 deaths and 3,045 partial lockdown was in place. state news agency reported Lebanon, with a population floating hoses,” the ministry new infections yesterday. Of the new infections had been President Recep Tayyip yesterday. of around six million, is said. “The fire has been dealt new cases, 59 were recorded in recorded in the last 24 hours, Erdogan said last month that The statement said Omani recording some 11,000 corona- with according to the rules.” Riyadh, 56 in Madinah, 56 in and Health Minister Fahrettin new measures were being citizens would not need author- virus infections on average each Yemen is mired in civil war Makkah, 26 in Jeddah, 17 in Hail, Koca stressed on Twitter the mulled to curb the new rise. isation to enter the country week, the ministry added in a between the Houthi rebels, who 10 in Dhahran and 7 in Hufof. need to wear masks. Ankara This month the government from November 16 but would statement. control the capital Sana'a, and A total of 5,625 people have only reports cases that show ordered all businesses to close need a negative PCR corona- In a bid to stem the pan- a beleaguered internationally succumbed to the virus in the symptoms. More than 11,300 by 10 pm and narrowed the virus test. It gave no details on demic that has taken its toll on recognised government sup- Kingdom so far. people have now died in Turkey hours when those aged 65 and any changes for Saudi citizens an already fragile and battered ported by the Saudi-led coa- Turkey reported a rise in the and the country has adopted older were allowed to leave Kuwait Ministry of Health health sector, the government lition. The Houthi rebels have daily number of coronavirus- some new restrictions to curb home. said yesterday that it registered has announced that a fresh two- stepped up attacks, mainly tar- related deaths and new cases the spread of the virus. United Arab Emirates has 718 new COVID-19 cases over week nationwide lockdown geting southern provinces along yesterday to levels last seen Turkey's pandemic peaked reopened its land-border the past 24 hours to up the total would start from dawn today. their shared border. Women, Islamists lose seats in Jordan vote JOB VACANCY AFP — AMMAN Jordan’s interior minister quits over lockdown

Women and Islamists lost out in REUTERS — AMMAN Jordan’s parliamentary vote this tribal and family loyalty lines. week, according to results announced Jordan’s interior minister resigned The government had announced A LEADING PUBLISHING HOUSE IS LOOKING on Thursday by the electoral after a public outcry at gatherings and this month it planned the first such commission. troubles in the aftermath of parlia- lengthy lockdown since easing FOR AN EXPERIENCED The election for the 130-seat par- mentary elections that breached a measures last summer, to ensure the liament — 15 of which are reserved for five-day national lockdown aimed at polls for a new four-year assembly women —was marked by low turnout curbing a surge in COVID-19 cases, would not lead to a spike in an and overshadowed by the novel coro- state media said. already alarming surge in cases. GRAPHIC DESIGNER navirus pandemic, which has dealt a Interior Minister Tawfiq Al Jordan which has now become heavy blow to the Arab country’s Halalmah said he took “moral” one of the region’s most heavily hit already debt-ridden economy. responsibility for the unruly events countries, posted 5,685 new daily QUALIFICATIONS Only 29.9 percent of the around that followed announcements of the infections and 80 deaths on 4.5 million eligible voters cast ballots results of parliamentary elections Thursday, bringing its total to in Tuesday’s election, choosing held on Tuesday where most candi- 132,086 cases and 1,547 deaths since among 1,674 candidates, of which dates appeal to voters along mostly the pandemic surfaced in March. 360 were women.The last election in 2016 saw a turnout of 36 percent. Parliament has limited authority outgoing parliament, Independent the banning of its parent organisation in Jordan, where the king has wide Election Commission chairman earlier this year. In 2010 and 2013, it !" powers to rule by decree, but it has Khaled Al Kalaldeh told a news con- boycotted polls. provided a platform for the oppo- ference in Amman. The election went ahead despite $ sition when it has not boycotted A hundred newcomers will join a rise in novel coronavirus cases in elections. the new parliament, including around the kingdom, but measures were Only the requisite 15 women were 20 retired senior military officers, imposed to combat the virus’ spread elected, down from 20 in the though the house remains dominated during polling, including mandatory DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES : by businessmen and repre- mask-wearing and social distancing.  sentatives of powerful tribes. A curfew was put in place after the poll Kalaldeh said the Islamic aimed at reducing celebratory gath- & Action Front, the political arm erings that could spread the virus. of the Muslim Brotherhood But images on social media $ and largest opposition faction, showed rallies were held in various &' won eight seats, half the parts of the country in honour of number it held in the previous winning candidates. parliament. But IAF secretary Supporters of losing candidates general Mourad Al Adayleh also flouted the curfew, according to ()*+ said his party had in fact won social media posts, which showed 10 seats, including two on people attempting to close off roads [email protected] another list. with burning tyres and rubbish bins. The IAF fielded candidates Security forces said some 10 this year in some seats despite people who took part were arrested. SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2020 AFRICA 05 Clashes erupt in Western Sahara after 30-year truce

BLOOMBERG & AFP — RABAT The Moroccan army appropriately” after Morocco said it fired anti- “opened three new breaches” A long-frozen conflict in in a sand berm that separates Western Sahara erupted tank weaponry to territory it controls from yesterday as Morocco attempted repel an attack by Moroccan-held parts of the to end a trade blockade by the Western Sahara. region’s independence the Algeria-backed A referendum on self-deter- movement, triggering the first Polisario Front on a mination for the overall ter- major clashes since 1991. military outpost in ritory, part of the UN deal, has The Moroccan army said it been continually delayed, fired anti-tank weaponry to the disputed territory, mainly due to disputes over repel an attack by the Algeria- threatening to who would be eligible to vote. backed Polisario Front on a mil- Morocco, which saw anemic itary outpost in the disputed ter- overwhelm the three- economic growth even before ritory, threatening to over- decade-old cease-fire the COVID-19 pandemic, has whelm the three-decade-old pumped investment into the cease-fire negotiated by the negotiated by the territory and plans a $1 billion United Nations. United Nations. port project. Morocco said its forces had The move on El Guergarat “neutralised the enemy” after amounts to a declaration of war Polisario struck positions near between Morocco and Polisario as it “undermined for good the Mhabes. It didn’t mention cas- claimed about 9,000 lives over 1991 cease-fire accord” binding ualties on either side. 16 years. the two parties, Sahara Press Sustained fighting would The apparent escalation Service reported, citing a put regional giants Morocco and came a few hours after Rabat statement from Polisario leaders. Algeria on opposing sides, just said its soldiers would disperse Disputed and divided In this file photo taken on February 3, 2017 a Saharawi man holds up a Polisario Front flag in the as they both face the prospect dozens of pro-Polisario pro- Western Sahara—where a Al Mahbes area in the Polisario controlled Western Sahara. Morocco announced yesterday that its of renewed anti-government testers who for weeks have 29-year ceasefire ended yes- troops have launched an operation in no man’s land on the southern border of the Western Sahara unrest. been blocking trade at El Guer- terday — is a former Spanish to end “provocations” by the pro-independence Polisario Front. Algeria “deplores the garat, an important hub for colony mostly under Morocco’s serious cease-fire violations,” commerce with West Africa. El control. about 1,000km of Atlantic International Court of Justice in pushed back into the interior. the country’s foreign ministry Guergarat is located in the The Algerian-backed inde- coastline. The Hague, which ruled in During the 1980s, Morocco said in a statement that called southwestern extremity of the pendence movement — which With Morocco to the north, favour of self-determination. built a series of concentric walls on both sides to show restraint disputed territory, hundreds of holds a fifth of the territory — Algeria to the east and Mauri- In November 1975, 350,000 in the desert, most made of and immediately halt military miles away from Mhabes. has campaigned for a vote on tania to the south and southeast, Moroccans took part in the so- sand, to keep Polisario fighters operations that could “affect the In a statement, Morroco’s self-determination through it boasts large reserves of phos- called Green March to the out of territory where it had stability of the entire region.” armed forces said they were decades of war and deadlock. phate and rich offshore border to press the kingdom’s established control. Stretching along the Atlantic undertaking a “non-offensive” The ceasefire collapsed after fisheries. claim. In February 1976, the The outermost defensive coast and rich in minerals, operation in El Guergarat that Morocco said yesterday that it As Spain withdrew in 1975, Polisario Front proclaimed the line runs for 2,700km, ringing Western Sahara is larger than “respects clear rules of had sent troops into no man’s Morocco moved in, claiming the Sahrawi Arab Democratic the 80 percent of the Western the UK and has been bitterly engagement,” avoids contact land to reopen a road to neigh- territory was part of the Republic (SADR), with the Sahara now under Moroccan contested since its 1975 annex- with civilians and restricts use bouring Mauritania. kingdom. It was opposed by the support of allies including control. It is fortified with ation by Morocco after the with- of firearms to self-defense. The north African territory Polisario Front, which took up Algeria and Cuba. barbed wire and trenches and drawal of ex-colonial power The Polisario said its mil- sits on the western edge of the arms to fight for independence. The Polisario initially gained forms one of the world’s largest Spain. Sporadic fighting itary units “reacted Sahara desert, stretching along The dispute was referred to the the upper hand, before being minefields.

Mali militant chief More than 100 die in four shipwrecks off Libya and 14 others sentenced to death REUTERS — TRIPOLI/GENEVA Ambrosi sent a Tweet on Friday showing a picture of a tattered Twenty African migrants are lifejacket which washed up on AFP — BANAKO believed to have drowned off a Libyan beach. the coast of Libya when their “Dusk of humanity,” he A court in Mali’s capital boat sank as they tried to cross said, in an apparent com- Bamako sentenced a militant the Mediterranean to Europe, mentary on the insufficient leader and 14 other people to while more bodies washed efforts to prevent the loss of death yesterday for activity in ashore on Libyan beaches life. the south of the war-torn Sahel yesterday from a shipwreck Survivors are being held in state. “I don’t regret anything earlier this week. the city of Khums, Msehli said, because our fight is against the The latest shipwreck, a calling on authorities to release secularism of the Malian state. wooden boat that left from them and provide protection to If I had the opportunity, I Surman in western Libya, is the prevent them falling into the would do it again,” said the fourth this week and brings the hands of smugglers and main defendant Souleymane total death toll to more than 100 traffickers. Keita, 61. people, an International Organ- “The worsening humani- The court charged Keita, ization for Migration spokes- tarian conditions of migrants the head of an Al Qaeda off- woman said. detained in overcrowded shoot named Khaled Ibn Al Some of the survivors were centres, widespread arbitrary Walid, for attacks carried out from Nigeria, Gambia, Ghana arrests and imprisonment, and in Mali’s south, near the border and Burkina Faso. Elsa Laino extortion and abuse are with Ivory Coast. of Medecins Sans Frontiers alarming,” she said. Mali has been struggling to Migrants, who survived a deadly shipwreck, gather on a sandy beach on the coast of Al Khums, a (MSF) said three women had MSF’s Laino said the lack of contain a brutal insurgency port city 120km west of the Libyan capital Tripoli, yesterday. been rescued by local fish- search and rescue teams in the that first emerged in the north ermen and were in a state of Mediterranean was contributing in 2012, and has since spread trauma. seas may have prompted the two other rescues where several capsized. “Staff in the region to the high death toll. to the centre of the country and “They saw their family and flurry of departures. Thou- migrants drowned. A video by reported that more bodies con- More than 900 people have to neighbouring Burkina Faso relatives die in front of them sands of migrants leave sub- Open Arms showed a Guinean tinued to wash ashore over- died this year attempting the and Niger. and now they are left alone in Saharan Africa every year on mother crying out for her six- night,” IOM spokeswoman Safa Mediterranean crossing to reach Thousands of soldiers and a country that is not safe,” she a perilous journey to Europe month-old baby who died in Msehli told a briefing in Geneva. Europe. civilians have been killed in the told Reuters. as they seek to escape conflict one of the wrecks. Fisherman and the coast Thousands more have been conflict to date, and hundreds Aid workers say that wors- and poverty. On Thursday, a rubber guard had earlier recovered 31 stopped at sea and returned to of thousands have had to flee ening treatment of sub- Earlier this week, coast- dinghy crammed with more bodies from the first wreck, Libya where they are often vul- their homes. Saharan African migrants in guards and Spanish charity than 120 people aboard that had including a toddler. nerable to exploitation and Mali’s south has been rel- Libya as well as relatively calm Open Arms were involved in left from the town of Khums IOM Chief of Staff Eugenio abuse. atively spared the violence in other parts of the vast country, however. Keita is thought to have fought in northern Mali Ethiopians fleeing to Sudan describe alongside hardened militant leaders before founding his air strikes and killings in Tigray own southern group in 2013. Democracy ‘has REUTERS — AL FASHQA, SUDAN area was attacked with tanks,” on foot and part in a car. I’m said Araqi Naqashi, 48. afraid. Civilians are being limits’, Tanzania Civilians fleeing fighting in Ethi- Refugees said they expected killed,” said Hayali Kassi, a President says opia’s northern Tigray region many more Ethiopians to join 33-year-old driver from described bombing by them in Sudan in the coming Humera, a town near Ethiopia’s AFP — DAR ES SALAAM government warplanes, shooting days. borders with Sudan and Eritrea. on the streets and killings by Barhat, 52, said she fled Abiy has said government Tanzanian President John machete, as they joined thou- from Moya Khadra after people warplanes were bombing mil- Magufuli said yesterday that sands of refugees crossing into from the Amhara region, which itary targets in Tigray, including freedom and democracy have neighbouring Sudan. borders Tigray and whose arms depots and equipment limits, after a disputed election Speaking to Reuters yes- rulers back Prime Minister Abiy controlled by the Tigrayan which saw scores of opposition terday in the Sudanese border Ahmed, attacked them. forces. members arrested and his main town of Al Fashqa, where “They killed anyone who Kassi and four other ref- rival leave the country. more than 7,000 refugees have said they were Tigrayan. They ugees said they had seen Eri- Ethiopian women, who fled the ongoing fighting in Tigray region, Magufuli was declared the sought safety, witnesses gave stole our money, our cattle, and trean soldiers fighting alongside are seen at a refugee camp in the Sudan-Ethiopia border town of victor of October 28 election first hand accounts of the esca- our crops from our homes and the Ethiopian army against the Al Fashqa, in eastern Kassala state, Sudan, yesterday. with 84 percent of the vote, but lating conflict in Tigray, where we ran with just the clothing on Tigray People’s Liberation Front the opposition and diplomats government forces are battling our backs,” she said. (TPLF). Reuters could not inde- individuals in military uniform water and quarrels broke out have dismissed the process as fighters loyal to rebellious local Elias, a 48-year-old farmer pendently confirm this. had crossed into Sudan from over food provided by the a sham. In the wake of the vote, leaders. from the same town, said he Tigray’s leader, Debretsion Ethiopia. Sudanese army. leading opposition members, Many of the refugees was horrified by what hap- Gebremichael, said on Tuesday The border between Sudan’s “Hunger rules here, and including main presidential described seeing dead bodies pened there: “I saw gunmen that Eritrea had sent troops Al Qadarif state and Ethiopia is international organizations candidate Tundu Lissu, were strewn alongside the roads as killing and slaughtering people across the border in support of rugged land 5km east of the have not yet provided among around 150 arrested. they fled under cover of in the streets... and I fled on foot Ethiopian government forces banks of the Tekeze River. The assistance...large numbers Lissu eventually sought darkness, fearing they would be until I got here two days ago.” but provided no evidence. area lacks electricity and clean flowed across the border over refuge at the German embassy found and killed. Local Sudanese residents Eritreans Foreign Minister water. the last three days and their before returning on “I saw the bodies of people said they could hear the Ethi- Osman Saleh Mohammed Empty structures of cement numbers are far bigger than the Wednesday to Belgium, where who had been slain thrown in opian government air strikes in denied this, telling Reuters: “We dotted along the dirt roads and government had estimated,” he had previously received the streets. Others who were Tigray until Tuesday. Witnesses are not part of the conflict.” The fields shelter families from the said a local security official in medical treatment after being injured were dragged with a said some of the refugees were Eritrean foreign ministry did not sweltering sun with up to 15 Al Fashqa. shot 16 times in a 2017 assas- rope tied to a rickshaw. What injured and transferred to a immediately respond to calls for people sharing the confined The UN refugee agency sination attempt. Planned happened is frightening and local medical facility. further comment on the ref- space. A witness said many of said yesterday that the fighting protests against the election terrible, and the Tigrayans are “The bombing has demol- ugees’ claims. those who fled to al-Fashqa in Ethiopia had prompted result were quickly quashed being killed and chased down. ished buildings and killed Sudanese security sources were women and children. more than 14,500 people to with a string of arrests and Anything is looted, and our people. I escaped, part running said that some armed People formed long lines for flee into Sudan so far. heavy police presence. 06 ASIA SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2020 Suu Kyi party wins absolute majority in Myanmar polls

AFP — YANGON months will be messy, adding the situation was a consequence Aung San Suu Kyi’s ruling party Results announced by of the UEC being filled with secured an absolute majority in the Election Commission “yes-men and incompetents”. Myanmar’s election, official yesterday showed the Under the constitution, the results showed yesterday, in a NLD had won 368 seats government appoints all com- poll disputed by the military- mission members. aligned opposition and criti- — more than 50 percent But even if some results cised by rights groups. of parliament, even were overturned, “the NLD Her National League for taking into account the landslide is so large that they Democracy (NLD) had already quarter of seats wouldn’t alter the overall declared a landslide victory reserved for the military outcome”, said Richard Horsey based on its own tallies, from the International Crisis prompting street celebrations under the constitution. Group. by supporters. Japan, India and Singapore But official figures were still have already congratulated Suu being returned five days after need for the NLD to get enough Kyi and her party. the ballot, only the second such votes to form a government on Observers widely concluded polls since the nation emerged their own,” NLD spokesman that voting took place smoothly from outright military rule in Myo Nyunt said, adding this on the day, despite forecasts of 2011. would help “minimise political a low turnout due to a recent Supporters of the National League for Democracy party celebrate with a cut-out figure of state Results announced by the conflict”. surge of coronavirus cases. counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi in Yangon, Myanmar. election commission yesterday The military-aligned oppo- But they condemned what showed the NLD had won 368 sition Union Solidarity and they described as the election all ethnic minority political Arakan Army (AA), and the mil- left virtually all Rohingya seats — more than 50 percent Development Party (USDP) has commission’s lack of trans- parties, promising it would “pri- itary has already displaced Muslims disenfranchised, either of parliament, even taking into been trounced across the parency and its cancellation of oritise” their wishes. 200,000. languishing in Bangladeshi account the quarter of seats country, winning just 25 seats the polls across many ethnic But some will conclude the In unprecedented commu- refugee camps or stripped of reserved for the military under by yesterday. minority areas — ostensibly for electoral process does not work nication between the foes, the citizenship in Myanmar. the constitution. The party alleges the vote security reasons. The move left for them and choose “political AA requested the army and gov- Even though Suu Kyi’s inter- The party is on track to was neither free nor fair and is 1.5 million voters disenfran- insurrection or insurgency ernment hold by-elections as national reputation was badly improve on its landslide win in demanding that the Union chised, sparking grievances in instead”, warned Horsey. soon as possible in areas where hurt over the Rohingya crisis — 2015, despite widespread disil- Election Commission (UEC) step already restive areas that the Tension is particularly high the vote had been cancelled — for which the country now faces lusionment in many ethnic down and polls be re-run. playing field had been tilted in in western Rakhine state, where a statement welcomed by the charges of genocide — she minority areas. Yangon-based analyst Khin favour of the NLD. fighting between ethnic military. Rights groups also con- remains widely revered within “People clearly realised the Zaw Win warned the coming The NLD wrote Thursday to Rakhine militant group, the demned Sunday’s vote, which Myanmar. Thailand allows India, China formulating plan to end military standoff extension of REUTERS — NEW DELHI between India’s Ladakh region contested Pangong Tso lake September. Finding a mutually and the Chinese-held Tibetan area and establish a buffer zone. India’s defence and foreign acceptable sequence for with- migrant Seeking to end a dangerous plateau, raising the risk of Chinese soldiers will dis- ministries declined to comment drawal could be complicated. military standoff in the western further confrontation even mantle defence structures on on the specifics of the latest Indian troops currently occupy work permits Himalayas, India and China are while looking for ways to several hilly spurs overlooking negotiations. heights on the southern shore formulating a plan that involves de-escalate. the lake and pull back, the offi- “When we have something of the lake, overlooking Chinese creating no-patrol zones, After months of fitful cials briefed on the discussions to share, we will share. Discus- positions. BANGKOK — REUTERS pulling back tanks and artillery, progress, the two sides are dis- said. sions are ongoing,” foreign min- “If we empty out from there, and using drones to verify the cussing a staggered disen- India, which has occupied istry spokesman Anurag there is nothing to negotiate,” a Tens of thousands of migrant withdrawal, Indian officials say. gagement from the high-altitude heights on the lake’s south Srivastava said. second Indian official said. workers in Thailand whose Tensions have run high desert where temperatures have bank, will also withdraw. Both The three officials said that Under the plan outlined by work permits are expiring since June, when at least 20 dipped to 18 degrees below sides will cease patrolling military commanders from both Indian officials, tanks and have been granted permission Indian soldiers were killed after Celsius, three Indian gov- certain sections. sides could meet within a week artillery that two sides had to stay in the country for being attacked by Chinese ernment officials said. The 3,800-km long India- for further discussions on deployed following the clash in another two years, yet troops using rocks and clubs. “We have a firm plan for China border is undemarcated, disengagement. June would be moved back campaigners said the cost of Indian officials say the Chinese disengagement on the table, it and the two countries went to There was no immediate from the frontline. the extension could fuel debt troops had intruded across the is being internally discussed on war in 1962. comment from China, but the They were also discussing bondage and worker exploi- disputed border in a remote both sides,” said one of the offi- While there have been state-controlled Global Times a way to verify the troop with- tation. valley. China said the Indian cials, speaking on condition of recurrent incidents down the newspaper cited unnamed drawal including the use of The Thai labour ministry soldiers’ actions had been anonymity because of the sen- years, troops from both sides sources saying a disengagement drones over the disputed areas this week said a total of about provocative. sitivity of the situation. have largely abided by a long- plan was under discussion at specific times each day, one 130,000 migrants from Since then, the nuclear Under the plan that was standing protocol to avoid where India would first of the Indian officials said. Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos armed Asian neighbours have shared during a meeting of top firing weapons on the high withdraw troops who had “ille- “If you are going to establish who had entered the country deployed tens of thousands of commanders last Friday, both altitude border, although some gally crossed lines” south of buffer zones, verification is the under bilateral labour agree- troops on the rugged frontier sides will pull back from the warning shots were fired in Pangong Tso. key to this,” the official said. ments and whose permits expired from this month through December 2021 would be eligible. Delhi records highest COVID-19 “This is in order to lower the spread of coronavirus, deaths, hospitals swamped solve the labour shortage and also protect the rights of REUTERS — NEW DELHI crematorium in east Delhi migrant workers who come to located near a hospital, rela- Thailand legally,” the country’s Delhi’s COVID-19 deaths rose tives of people who had suc- labour minister Suchat by a record high on Thursday cumbed to the disease waited Chomklin said in a statement. and it also reported the most as bodies burned on funeral Thailand has about 2.8 number of infections in India, pyres placed side by side. million registered migrant an increase attributed to the Rajesh, a 38-year-old workers, mainly from city’s toxic air and a lack of ambulance driver in a blue Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos. physical distancing in public hazmat suit, said he and others But the United Nations esti- places around a major festival. had already ferried six bodies mates that 2 million more work While daily case additions to the crematorium yesterday, informally across the country have come down significantly after carrying 14 on Thursday. in sectors including fishing, in the country as a whole since They had transported only construction and agriculture. a mid-September peak, the three to four bodies last week. At least 90,000 migrant capital city of 20 million “There’s a sudden increase workers scrambled to leave people is going through its in deaths,” said Rakesh, who Thailand when its land borders worst phase in the gave only his first name. “May were closed in March to stem pandemic. be this is because of pollution, the spread of coronavirus. The Delhi late on Thursday crowding.” Southeast Asian nation has so reported 104 new deaths and Many Delhi hospitals have far recorded 60 deaths related 7,053 new infections. Data already run out of intensive to COVID-19 among at least A healthcare worker collects a swab sample from a woman amid the spread of the coronavirus from the federal health min- care beds and even normal 3,850 infections. disease at a market in the old quarters of Delhi, yesterday. istry early yesterday showed COVID-19 beds are getting Migrants who wish to that infections in the country occupied fast. extend their permits will have rose by 44,789 in the past 24 The Delhi High Court on resources to handle cases of to thousands of firecrackers pollutants, fine particles found to undergo health checks and hours, taking the total to 8.73 Thursday ordered the city’s up to 15,000 a day during the ignited during the Hindu fes- in high concentration in pay a fee of 1,900 baht ($63), million, only behind the US private hospitals to reserve winter season, when pollution tival of lights, Diwali. Its resi- Delhi’s air, can break the nasal causing concern among cam- tally. 80% of their critical-care beds peaks in the city and respi- dents have already swarmed passage barrier, weaken the paigners who said the cost India’s deaths increased by for coronavirus patients. ratory issues jump. markets to buy gifts for family inner lining of lungs and facil- could be inflated by employers 547 to 128,668. The federal government The air is only likely to and friends. itate the spread of coronavirus and labour brokers and drive At a river-side has asked Delhi to prepare worsen on the weekend due Doctors say PM2.5 infection. workers deeper into debt. Cambodia readies treason trials against political dissidents Bangladeshi wins children’s AP — PHNOM PENH summons she posted Friday on summoned people. opponents. Virtually all critical her Facebook page, she is to Theary Seng has accused media outlets were forced to prize for fighting cyberbullying Cambodia’s government has appear at the Phnom Penh Hun Sen’s government of close or tone down their cov- targeted about 50 people in its Municipal Court on November abusing human rights and being erage, and the sole credible AP — THE HAGUE win this battle against cyberbul- most concerted legal offensive 26 to stand trial for conspiracy undemocratic. Hun Sen has been opposition political party, the lying.” Rahman developed a against its political opponents to commit treason and in power for 35 years and has Cambodia National Rescue A 17-year-old Bangladeshi boy mobile phone app that provides since 2017, according to copies incitement to commit a felony. often been accused of heading Party, was forced by the high won the International Children’s education about online bullying of court summonses seen If convicted, she could face up an authoritarian regime. Several court to disband and its law- Peace Prize yesterday for his and a way to report cases after yesterday. to 12 years in prison. Western nations have imposed makers were removed from work combating cyberbullying he heard the story of a 15-year- They all were charged with The others face the same sanctions on his government, Parliament. Many people believe in his country, and he vowed to old girl who took her own life as treason for taking part in non- charges and also have court mainly after concluding that the court acted to ensure that keep fighting online abuse until a result of cyberbullying. “I will violent anti-government activ- dates in late November. Several Cambodia’s 2018 general Hun Sen’s Cambodian People’s it is eradicated. not stop until we will receive no ities over the past three years. are believed to reside outside election was neither free nor Party won the 2018 general “The fight against cyberbul- more cases through the app,” he One of the best known of the Cambodia. A court spokesman fair. The harshest measure came election, which it did by lying is like a war, and in this war said yesterday. group is Theary Seng, a Cam- was not able to confirm the total from the European Union, which sweeping all the seats. I am a warrior,” Sadat Rahman The award is accompanied bodian-American lawyer who number yesterday, but Am Sam this year withdrew some pref- Thaeary Seng is currently said after he was handed the by a fund of 100,000 euros has long been one of the most Ath, who works with the Cam- erential trading privileges. residing in the United States, but prestigious award at a ceremony ($118,225), which is invested by outspoken critics of Prime Min- bodian human rights group In 2017, Hun Sen upended said in an email that she intends in The Hague. the KidsRights Foundation in ister Hun Sen and his gov- Licadho, said there were a total the country’s politics with a to fly back to Cambodia for her “If everybody keeps sup- projects that are closely linked ernment. According to a of 56 defendants on two lists of wide-ranging crackdown on his court date. porting me, then together we will to the winner’s work. SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2020 ASIA 07 Typhoon leaves 42 dead in Philippines

REUTERS — MANILA died and six more people were missing in a landslide in Banaue Philippine police and soldiers Vamco, the 21st and town. Three people died when a joined a search yesterday for warehouse collapsed in Cavite missing people after Typhoon most deadly cyclone to province. Vamco killed at least 42 people, hit the country this year, A landslide near a gold mine as residents returned to devas- tore through the main killed 10 people in Nueva Vizcaya tated homes following the worst island of Luzon late on province north of Manila, police flooding in years in Manila and Wednesday and early chief Ranser Evasco told DZBB nearby provinces. radio. In Cagayan province, four Vamco, the 21st and most Thursday, just as the died in a landslide and two deadly cyclone to hit the country country was reeling drowned, said Governor Manuel this year, tore through the main from Goni, the world’s Mamba. The disaster agency said island of Luzon late on strongest typhoon of nearly 75,000 people were still Wednesday and early Thursday, 2020, which killed 25 packed into evacuation centres, just as the country was reeling some without proper separation from Goni, the world’s strongest people and flattened between families and many typhoon of 2020, which killed 25 thousands of homes. evacuees not wearing masks. people and flattened thousands Health Secretary Francisco of homes. Duque said makeshift shelters Tens of thousands of homes increased the risk of COVID-19 were engulfed by the floods and furniture, trash and cars blocking transmission, alongside lept- as the water receded in areas roads. ospirosis and diarrhoea. such as Marikina, a suburb east Data published by the police The Philippines has the of Manila, homes covered in showed that 42 people had died, second-highest number of debris and caked in mud 43 were injured and 20 were still COVID-19 infections and casu- Residents affected by Typhoon Vamco gather during a distribution of face masks and relief goods emerged. missing. alties in Southeast Asia behind at an evacuation centre, in Rodriguez, Rizal province, Philippines, yesterday. “All the houses here were Successive typhoons — eight Indonesia. After Vamco, up to submerged in mud and in water,” in the past two months — add to three more typhoons are said,” Mike Rusio, 51, said as he the challenges on a government expected to lash the Philippines islands, experiences around 20 and government work are still Vietnam, where devastating scooped buckets full of mud from battling community coronavirus before the end of December, the tropical storms annually. suspended in Luzon, home to half floods and mudslides since early his two-storey home. infections and an economic state weather forecaster warned. About 450,000 households of the Philippines’ 108 million October have killed at least 160 Heavy equipment was also recession. The Philippines, an archi- in and around Manila remain population. people. It is expected to make being brought in to clear Among the casualties, five pelago of more than 7,600 without power and virtual classes Vamco is approaching central landfall today. Imran urges overseas Pakistanis to invest in their country Japanese Nobel laureate INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD the State Bank of Pakistan to in Pakistan by providing ena- whereas exports have witnessed Koshiba dies at 94 devise new product to attract bling environment and an increase of 24 per cent as well Pakistani Prime Minister Imran overseas Pakistanis to invest in facilitation. as rise in remittances. Khan has urged overseas Paki- the country. Talking about government’s He said record cement sale AP — TOKYO stanis to invest in their home He said overseas Pakistanis efforts to revamp economy, indicates that the construction country and earn good return, have proved their mettle in Imran Khan said all economic industry is also flourishing. Japanese astrophysicist Masatoshi besides strengthening national every field and they own wealth indicators are showing positive Imran Khan said now coun- Koshiba (pictured), a co-winner economy. equal to the total GDP of improvement. try’s economy is heading of the 2002 Nobel Prize in physics Addressing the launching Pakistan. The Prime Minister He said current account towards right direction and for confirming the existence of ceremony of Naya Pakistan Cer- said we can convince overseas deficit has become surplus for Pakistan has come out of the dif- elementary particles called tificates in Islamabad, he asked Pakistanis to invest their dollars the first time in last 17 years, ficult period. neutrinos, has died. He was 94. Koshiba, a distinguished pro- fessor at the University of Tokyo, Indonesia to start mass died at a Tokyo hospital on Thursday, the university Koshiba worked at the Kami- COVID-19 vaccination announced yesterday. It didn’t okande neutrino detector, a huge provide a cause of death. facility built in the mountains in this year: President Koshiba devised the con- central Japan. He confirmed and struction of giant underground extended Davis’ work, and also REUTERS — JAKARTA chambers to detect neutrinos, discovered neutrinos coming elusive particles that stream from from distant supernova explo- Indonesia has sought emergency authori- the sun. sions, some of the brightest sation to start a mass vaccination campaign Neutrinos offer a unique view objects in the universe. by the end of the year to combat the coro- of the sun’s inner workings Koshiba’s contribution led to navirus in the archipelago, the Southeast because they are produced in its subsequent discoveries. His Asian nation’s president said yesterday. heart by the same process that student, Takaaki Kajita, won the In an interview with Reuters, President causes the sun to shine. Nobel Prize in physics in 2015 for Joko Widodo, commonly known as Jokowi, He shared the prize with two research at the Super-Kami- said plans were already advanced to dis- other scientists — the late okande facility that found neu- tribute the vaccine across the entire Raymond Davis Jr. of the Uni- trinos have mass. Koshiba was country. versity of Pennsylvania, who also active in science education for If approval is granted by the country’s worked on neutrino detectors, young people, and established a food and drug agency, known by its Indo- and the late Italian-born scientist basic science foundation using his nesian acronym BPOM, it will mean Indo- Riccardo Giacconi, who was cited Nobel Prize award to provide nesia — with 270 million people, the world’s for X-ray telescopes that provide learning experiences for high fourth most populous country — will be sharper images of the universe. school and college students. An Indonesian police health staff takes a blood sample to test for the COVID-19 pandemic among the first in the world to roll out a during a mass testing at a playground in Banda Aceh. coronavirus vaccine. “We expect to start the vaccination process by the end of this year following a the vaccines,” Jokowi told Reuters at the Jokowi interview, Coordinating Minister Australia scraps plans to series of tests by BPOM,” Jokowi said. presidential palace. for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Indonesia has struggled to suppress the Yesterday afternoon, after the interview Pandjaitan said the government expects allow foreign students back coronavirus for months but the steady rise with Jokowi, Indonesia posted a record BPOM approval in the first week of in infection rates has plateaued in the past daily number of infections at 5,444, well December and for Indonesia to “begin vac- REUTERS — SYDNEY in Canberra. few weeks, according to official figures. above the daily average of fewer than 3,500 cinating” two weeks later. Australia caps the numbers The country has Southeast Asia’s largest cases over the past two weeks. Vaccines produced by China’s Sinovac Australia will not allow foreign of locals allowed to return coronavirus caseload with about 15,000 Jokowi added that ensuring the safety and Sinopharm are slated to be used in the students to return as Canberra home each week in order to deaths and 450,000 infections although of the vaccine was a priority, and that health early stages of the campaign. This year, the prioritises the return of locals minimise the risk of spreading health experts warn those numbers are workers, police and the military would be companies will provide 18 million vaccines, stuck overseas, Prime Minister COVID-19. likely to be higher due to low testing rates. first in line when the vaccination campaign including 15 million that will be manufac- Scott Morrison said yesterday. Once locals arrive, they “We will put pressure on the cases so begins. tured by Indonesia’s state-owned pharma- Australia has since March enter hotel quarantine for two they can stay flat and then we will hit it with At a ministerial roundtable after the ceutical company Bio Farma. closed its borders to all non-cit- weeks. izens and permanent residents The policy deepens a in a bid to slow the spread of financial black-hole facing COVID-19. Australian education providers, South Korea begins fining people flouting mask rules With foreign students worth estimated to be worth between about A$35bn ($25.3bn) a year A$3.1bn and A$4.8bn this year REUTERS — SEOUL to the Australian economy, alone, Catriona Jackson, Chief parks and hair salons, face fines cluster outbreaks, with daily Of the new cases, 162 were Canberra had hoped to slowly Executive of Universities Aus- South Korea began fining people of up to 100,000 won ($89.75), cases hovering around 100 in locally transmitted and over allow overseas students to tralia, told Reuters earlier this who fail to wear masks in public while the operators of those recent weeks. 50% of the infections in the past return in 2021. Trials began year. yesteray as it reported 191 new places could pay up to 3 million The strengthening of the two weeks were from the earlier this year. Several leading universities coronavirus cases, with daily won in fines. policy comes as authorities also densely populated metropolitan But with thousands of Aus- have announced sweeping job infections continuing to creep The country had been expanded mandatory mask Seoul area, according to health tralians wanting to return, Mor- cuts in a bid to reduce costs. higher. praised for its response to the usage earlier this month to 23 authorities. The new cases rison there is not enough quar- In October, Morrison’s gov- People caught without pandemic including aggressive new types of places, including brought the country’s total antine facilities. ernment said it will spend masks in public venues, testing and contact tracing, but spas, wedding halls and number of infections to 28,133 “There is a queue, and Aus- A$1bn to support university including clubs, malls, theme has struggled to contain small department stores. as of Thursday midnight. tralians are in the front of the research amid the fall in queue,” Morrison told reporters overseas students. China congratulates Biden, but few US policy changes seen

AP — BEIJING College votes to unseat Pres- Beijing’s technology ambitions owned or controlled by the However, economists and maintain the US technological ident Donald Trump. and trade surplus, accusations Chinese military. political analysts expect few big lead and to attract manufacturing China yesterday became one of “We respect the choice of of spying and tension over Forecasters had said even if changes due to widespread frus- activity.” the last major countries to the American people,” said a human rights, the coronavirus lost his re-election bid, Trump tration with Beijing’s trade and Some forecasters suggest the congratulate US President-elect foreign ministry spokesman, pandemic, Hong Kong and was likely to try to increase human rights record and accu- change from Trump, who Joe Biden, who is expected to Wang Wenbin. control of the South China Sea. pressure on Beijing before he sations of spying and technology rejected multilateral alliances, to make few changes to US policy “We congratulate Mr. Biden Trump labelled China a leaves office on January 20. theft. Biden might increase pressure on in conflicts with Beijing over and Ms. Harris.” Wang gave no security threat and imposed Political analysts expect “A tough stance on China China if Washington forms a coa- trade, technology and security. reason for the delay but said, export curbs and other sanc- Biden to try to resume cooper- has broad support across the US lition with other developed coun- China, along with Russia, “the result will be confirmed tions on Chinese companies. On ation with Beijing on climate political spectrum,” Louis Kuijs tries to push for policy changes. avoided joining the throng that according to US laws and Thursday, he stepped up those change, North Korea, Iran and of Oxford Economics said in a China has tried to recruit congratulated Biden last procedures.” sanctions by issuing an order the coronavirus. And they say report this week. Germany, France, South Korea weekend after he and vice pres- US-Chinese relations have that bars Americans from Biden might pursue a more tra- “Biden’s own pronounce- and other governments as allies idential running mate Kamala plunged to their lowest level in investing in securities issued by ditional, predictable policy ments and policy programme against Washington but all have Harris secured enough Electoral decades amid a tariff war over companies U.S. officials say are toward China. suggest he will continue to try to refused. 08 VIEWS SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

EDITORIAL Palestinian school children, mask-clad due to the pandemic, take part in the morning exercises at a private school in Gaza City on Tuesday.

Respect human rights Why three feet of social distancing SINCE the imposition of illegal blockade against Qatar by Saudi-led quartet in June 2017, a number of inter- should be enough in schools national human rights organisations and mechanisms have denounced the unilateral coercive measures taken against Qatar by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and JOSEPH G ALLEN, SARA BLEICH time, such as loss in literacy, low, three feet of physical dis- limit adult-to-adult inter- Egypt. THE WASHINGTON POST missed meals (including more tancing should suffice. action and wear better masks Now once again terming the unilateral sanctions than a billion this spring), Fifth, distancing must be (a three-layer mask is very imposed against Qatar by four blockading countries virtual dropouts and evaluated in the context of effective in these lower-risk as ‘violation of international legal standards’, the UN The requirement for six feet increasing inequity - all of other controls in place. The settings). While transient, Special Rapporteur on unilateral coercive measures of distancing has forced many which hit low-income six-foot rule was declared in close-range interactions are and human rights, Alena Douhan, has called upon schools to limit the number of children the hardest because March, before widespread bound to happen in a Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt to imme- students attending in person their parents often lack mask mandates. Now, masks classroom, these are lower diately withdraw all such restrictions. due to space constraints and flexible work schedules to are our best friend - even at risk due to their short In May this year, the National Human Rights Com- thus has become a key factor care for them at home. three feet. Consider what duration and masking. mittee (NHRC) had recorded a total of 4,275 violations keeping millions of kids Second, strict six-foot dis- happens when everyone Classrooms should also set of human rights by the three blockading Gulf states home. That’s a mistake. tancing rules that force schools wears masks that are 70% a target of four to six air since the start of the unjust blockade in 2017. It was Six feet should be the into “hybrid” models, in which efficient at filtering particles changes per hour, achieved highlighted in a book published by the NHRC, titled default minimum for adults, students rotate days at school, (typical of two- and three- through any combination of fil- ‘3 years since the blockade of Qatar’. but it’s past time we recognize might actually increase com- layer masks). Because a virus tration and ventilation. This is Of the total violations, which were recorded through that kids are different and the munity risk, as our colleague must pass through two of especially important for times complaints registered by the NHRC, 2,448 violations importance of schools is dif- William Hanage warned in these masks to move from when masks are off, such as were committed by Saudi Arabia, 1,225 by the UAE ferent, especially for the August. The reason is that kids one person to another, they during lunch - even if it means and 602 by Bahrain. youngest learners. Three feet are not always fully isolated at have a combined removal keeping windows open a few Human Rights Watch in 2017 had also said that should be the default distance home; instead, they are likely efficiency of 91%. inches during the winter. the isolation of Qatar by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and for schools. to have an even wider That leads us to the last - As cases rise in the United the United Arab Emirates (UAE) precipitated serious First, decisions about network of contacts, and perhaps most critical - States, we should acknowledge human rights violations. physical distancing must increasing the chances of the point: A room with 25 adults is that there will be cases in In July 2020, the United Nation’s top court had also factor in risks beyond virus entering schools. different from a room with schools. There is no zero risk. backed Qatar in a dispute with four countries that COVID-19. The severe harms Third, six feet is not a one adult and 24 kids. Kids are We should also be prepared to imposed an air blockade against Doha. The Interna- of keeping kids out of school magical cutoff. It has a weak less likely to catch this virus adapt our strategies accord- tional Court of Justice (ICJ) had rejected the appeal by have been known for some scientific basis, coming from a than adults (especially ingly. If cases rise quickly in a Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab fundamental misunder- children younger than 10), and region, schools should not Emirates (UAE) against a decision by the world civil avi- standing going back decades if they do, the fatality rate is automatically close; rather, the ation body in favor of Qatar over sovereign airspace. The risks from that the tiny droplets we extraordinarily low. (There is level of controls should Earlier in January 2018, the Technical Mission of COVID-19 in schools exhale when we breathe and also evidence that kids increase. That might mean the the United Nations’ Office of the High Commissioner are manageable. talk will fall to the ground transmit less, although this is six-foot rule could come back for Human Rights (OHCHR) in its report ‘On the impact within six feet. The reality is not completely settled.) for high schools, while the of the Gulf Crisis on human rights’, had said that the The risks to kids that while some large droplets Remember, these are joint three-foot rules remains for actions and procedures of the blockading states being out of school, do fall out of the air, most are probabilities. The infection younger grades. If high levels of against Qatar did not fall within the scope of diplo- tiny and will stay aloft for an fatality rate for kids is very low community spread emerge and matic/economic standard sanctions. They were found however, are hour or more - travelling well (3 per 100,000), but they have school closures become war- to be unilateral, coercive, arbitrary measures that escalating rapidly. beyond six feet. There is no to get it first. That means the ranted, high schools should directly impacted Qatari citizens. bright-line cutoff. likelihood of any kid dying close first, then middle schools. In a new set of recommendations presented on For the sake of our Fourth, without such from COVID-19 is even lower. Elementary schools should Thursday, UN Special Rapporteur Alena Douhan urged children, it’s time for cutoffs, we have to turn to the In fact, the Centers for Disease close last, if at all. Most Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt to immedi- science to understand risk in Control and Prevention shows important, schools should be ately withdraw all sanctions/measures aimed at estab- more scientifically context. A recent evaluation of that excess mortality this year prioritized over bars and lishing restrictions on freedom of expression, movement, justified distancing 172 studies from 16 countries for those younger than 25 is restaurants. access to property, trade barriers, and ban tariffs, guidelines in the found a significant reduction 2% below average compared The risks from COVID-19 in quotas, non-tariff measures, including those which in risk with distancing of at with the past four years. schools are manageable. The prevent financing the purchase of medicine, medical classroom. least three feet, but no addi- The critical question, then, risks to kids being out of school, equipment, food, other essential goods for people living tional benefit at six feet so long is: How do we protect however, are escalating in Qatar in violation of international legal standards. as baseline risk is low enough. teachers? rapidly. For the sake of our There is no question risk is Teachers should continue children, it’s time for more sci- higher at close range, but to distance six feet from stu- entifically justified distancing where community spread is dents as much as possible, guidelines in the classroom.

D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR EMAIL: [email protected] Suga should build ties with Biden to strengthen Japan-US alliance JAPAN NEWS-YOMIURI alliance, but the details of his Japanese government should dialogues. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 policy remain to be seen. carefully explain those facts Former Prime Minister FAX: +974 4455 7758 The importance of the China has increased its to the new administration. It Shinzo Abe made efforts for Japan-US alliance will not hegemonic activities, is also essential that the Self- the stability of the alliance by MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 change with a change in presi- including unilaterally turning Defense Forces and the US repeatedly communicating dents. The Japanese the South China Sea into a military deepen their trust with Trump. This served as a DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 government needs to build a military base. Japan and the through joint exercises and buffer against US pressure on strong relationship with the United States must work other measures. Japan. Suga is also LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 next US administration as well. together with countries that In the phone talks, Suga encouraged to work strategi- Prime Minister Yoshihide share such values as called for cooperation on the cally to build a good leader- BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 Suga spoke for the first time democracy and the rule of issue of Japanese abducted by to-leader relationship. with former Vice President law to maintain order. North Korea. Japan and the Abe had indicated in a SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 Joe Biden by phone, after Suga and Biden confirmed United States are urged to statement after he announced Biden secured his victory in that Article 5 of the Japan-US cooperate with each other in his resignation that he ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 the US presidential election. Security Treaty, which stipu- an effort to resolve the stag- planned to compile measures email: [email protected] The exchange lasted about 15 lates US defense obligations nated situation. to strengthen missile defense minutes, and they agreed to to Japan, applies to the Suga has expressed his by the end of this year. In light PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 strengthen the alliance and Senkaku Islands in Okinawa willingness to visit the United of North Korea’s improved email: [email protected] work toward the realization Prefecture. This will send a States at an early date. It is missile capabilities, the plan of a “free and open Indo- strong message to China. expected to be after January of was aimed at securing the ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 Pacific” vision. US bases in Japan, pro- next year, when Biden officially means of attacking positions FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] President Donald Trump, vided by the Japanese gov- takes office. It is important for in foreign territory. with his “America First” ernment for the use of the US the Japanese government to However, since the CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 policy, continued to put military, function as US carefully observe the members statement had not passed email: [email protected] pressure on his allies. Biden strongholds in the Asia- of the new administration and through the Cabinet, Suga has has indicated that he will Pacific region and are linked communicate online as well as said, “Its effectiveness does SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 place importance on the to US national interests. The engaging in multilayered not extend to a later Cabinet.” FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar The adopted G20 common debt framework is a 'very important step' toward improving international /Peninsula_Qatar debt architecture, but other countries besides the world's poorest could face unsustainable debts and /ThePeninsulaNewspaper the crisis is not over. +974 6698 6188 Kristalina Georgieva, IMF Managing Director SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2020 EUROPE 09 EU backs tighter borders and online terror rules

AFP — BRUSSELS The governments met after the latest extremist attacks in France, Germany and European Union ministers agreed yesterday to reinforce Austria to review plans for a more coordinated security at the bloc’s external EU anti-terrorism policy. The interior ministers borders and to impose tougher said they hope to finalise negotiations with controls on violent extremism online. the EU Commission and Parliament on a The governments met after new law to control online content before the latest extremist attacks in the end of the year. France, Germany and Austria to review plans for a more coordinated EU anti-terrorism remain the responsibility of violence. policy. “We reaffirm our deter- member states, they backed But, despite noting the mination to do everything in efforts to build coordinated EU motivation of the murder of our power to counter this bar- security databases. “The com- school teacher Samuel Paty in baric terror,” the EU interior petent authorities need to know France last month, the joint ministers said, five years to the who enters the Schengen area statement did not single out any day after attacks in Paris left and who travels within it,” they particular religious faith. Lockdown curbs in France 130 dead. said, referring to Europe’s Member states would, it French policemen control the drivers’ permission forms on the Place de la Concorde, in Paris, yesterday, The ministers said they passport-free travel zone. said, protect “religious as France is on a second lockdown aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. Residents hope to finalise negotiations “We must effectively expression which is both with the EU Commission and control our external borders, peaceful and respectful of the are only allowed to leave their homes for certain reasons and equipped with a permission form: Parliament on a new law to record entries and departures laws adopted by our Member Shopping for food, going to work, to the doctor or the pharmacy, strolling or walking a dog within control online content before from the Schengen area in States. This applies equally to a radius of 1km and one hour, or helping their relatives. the end of the year. digital form, and cooperate all religions”. “Our fight against “The aim is to enable issuing more closely with third coun- terrorism is not directed against removal orders with cross- tries in order to combat terrorist any religious or political beliefs, border effect to create a new threats.” The Schengen zone but against fanatical and violent Whole world must benefit from and rapid and effective covers most EU members, along extremism,” the statement said. instrument to counter terrorist with Norway, Iceland, Swit- Nevertheless, “migrants are content online within an hour zerland and Lichtenstein. expected to make an active COVID-19 vaccine: WHO chief or less of its being reported,” a European home affairs effort to become integrated” statement said. commissioner Ylva Johannson and violations of European laws AFP — GENEVA Pfizer and BioNTech said have been registered, according The talks came three days said that existing intelligence and values “should be neither that their candidate vaccine to a tally from official sources after France’s President sharing and database structures downplayed nor tolerated, no The head of the World Health had proven 90 percent compiled by AFP. Emmanuel Macron hosted a could be reinforced and better matter what motivates them”. Organization hailed the rapid effective in ongoing final Tedros said the pandemic mini-summit to call for a rapid used. As an example, she noted As Johannson noted, in the progress towards a COVID-19 phase trials involving more had shown there was an urgent response to the latest attacks. that 22 percent of arrivals in the case of recent attacks, “terrorist vaccine but insisted Friday that than 40,000 people. “Never need for “a globally-agreed Horst Seehofer, Germany’s Schengen bloc are currently not organisations” had used online every country had to reap the in history has vaccine research system for sharing pathogen interior minister, said: “These properly registered in the media to stir up their sympa- benefits. progressed so quickly. We materials and clinical samples”, negotiations are ongoing. They digital information network. thisers against the French mag- “A vaccine will be a vital must apply the same urgency to facilitate the rapid devel- are not easy, but the matter is “It’s also obvious that we azine Charlie Hebdo. “Europe tool for controlling the pan- and innovation to ensuring opment of COVID-19 vaccines, so important that the European have to do more,” she said. is a superpower,” demic, and we’re encouraged that all countries benefit from diagnostics and therapeutics as Parliament should be called Some member states, notably Seehofer argued. “One by the preliminary results of this scientific achievement,” “global public goods”. upon this year... to agree on this France and Austria, have been member state can do a lot, but clinical trials released this said Tedros. He said the system could matter.” calling for action to specifically in the sense of overcoming the week,” Tedros Adhanom Ghe- The coronavirus has killed not wait for bilateral agree- And, while they said border target extremism — including scourge of this age, this can only breyesus said, in closing the nearly 1.3 million people while ments that could take years to security would ultimately ideology — as a source of recent be done together.” WHO’s annual assembly. more than 52.7 million cases negotiate.

Germany dampens hopes for swift Brexit architect Cummings steps down as Johnson's top aide end to winter AFP — LONDON would no longer be reporting fellow Brexit champion Nigel who had COVID-19 symptoms for duty. Downing Street has Farage to tweet that “seeing him at the time while his wife had lockdown Dominic Cummings (pictured), been mired in a power struggle leave Number 10 carrying a contracted the virus, claimed it the controversial brains behind that spilled into public view, cardboard box tells me a Brexit was necessary to ensure he had REUTERS — BERLIN the 2016 campaign for Britain to even as Britain passed the grim sell-out is close”, as trade talks childcare options for their leave the European Union, will milestone of 50,000 COVID-19 between Britain and the EU young son. German government officials step down as Prime Minister deaths with England in partial reach crunch time. His actions prompted a dampened hopes yesterday Boris Johnson’s top aide, a gov- lockdown. Transport Secretary Grant furious public and a political that an economically painful ernment source said yesterday. Cummings on Thursday Shapps told Sky News the backlash but he refused to resign partial lockdown would be Cummings, a divisive figure reiterated comments made in Downing Street aide would “be and Johnson stood by him at con- lifted promptly at the end of who carved out a uniquely a blogpost in January that he missed”. “In any government siderable political cost. November, since infection powerful role in government, would make himself “largely you require people who are Cummings has since helped rates were continuing to surge. said on Thursday he expected redundant” within a year. “My going to shake things up and to spearhead the government’s The number of new daily to leave at the end of the year, position hasn’t changed since come along with ideas, he’s reportedly controlling style and response to the pandemic, and coronavirus cases in Germany following the final stage of my January blog,” Cummings actually been that person.” frequent clashes with col- is thought to be the architect of hit a record of 23,542 yes- Brexit. But he was seen leaving told the BBC. Cummings, a dome-headed leagues are said to have led to Johnson’s “moonshot” plan for terday, around 1,700 more Johnson’s 10 Downing Street Cummings departure then enigma with an unconventional persistent tensions. millions of daily tests to allow than on Thursday, bringing the office yesterday carrying a would have coincided with the dress sense and combative He courted damaging con- those without coronavirus to total to 751,095, the Robert cardboard box. end of the Brexit transition political approach, was troversy earlier this year after circulate freely. Koch Institute (RKI) for infec- The government source said period, when Britain embarks appointed chief adviser by making a cross-country journey Downing Street has faced tious diseases reported. Cummings would officially be on life outside of European Johnson when he took power during the coronavirus sustained criticism over its cen- “As things stand now we employed until mid-December, Union rules and regulations on in July 2019. He helped to lockdown which appeared to tralised handling of the crisis, can’t expect any measures to but news outlets including Sky January 1. secure a thumping election breach strict regulations he had with its death toll the highest in be relaxed on Monday,” gov- News and the BBC reported he His premature departure led victory last December but his helped to design. Cummings, Europe. ernment spokesman Stefan Seibert said. National and regional leaders are due to meet on Monday to discuss Diana makes dramatic whether November’s closure of all gyms and entertainment venues has slowed the dis- debut in ‘The Crown’ ease’s spread. Germany’s health minister AFP — LONDON Diana’s husband he is seen as said it was too early to say cold and unfaithful, com- whether the restrictions would More than two decades after her plaining to Camilla that she is need to be extended beyond death, princess Diana’s ill-fated “so weak, so fragile”. November. “It is actually too entry into the British royal family The love triangle is one of early to assess this now,” Jens is the main storyline in the long- the main storylines in the Spahn told ARD television. awaited fourth season of the hit fourth season, which covers the “We will see in the next few Netflix drama “The Crown”. late 1970s and the 1980s. days whether they are making Emma Corrin, a 24-year- The scriptwriters also a difference.” Winter events old actress little known until dramatise a notorious incident like office Christmas parties, now, immerses herself in the in which a 33-year-old man, birthdays and wedding were role of the young Diana, cap- Michael Hagan broke into unlikely to go ahead, he said. turing her soft voice and timid Buckingham Palace and Bavaria’s premier said the gaze from under a heavy fringe. entered the queen’s bedroom. seven-day incidence of the But the actress admitted in The queen, who kept her virus must fall to below 50 per an interview with The Sunday legendary sang-froid, is again 100,000 residents before Times that she felt a “huge played by Olivia Colman, the serious re-opening could be amount of pressure” to pull off British actress who won an contemplated. Germany cur- Sound sleep the role in the new season, Oscar for “The Favourite” in rently has 139 cases per which starts on Sunday. 2019. In the fifth series, she will A giant panda relaxes on a tree trunk in it’s enclosure at the Zoologischer Garten zoo in Berlin yesterday. 100,000 residents. Diana is shown as a naive hand over the role of the older teenager who quickly becomes queen to 64-year-old Imelda lonely in the role of Prince Staunton, known for playing Charles’ fiancee and roller- the cruel Dolores Umbridge in British serial killer the ‘Yorkshire Ripper’ dies skates around Buckingham the “Harry Potter” films. Palace to pass the time. The US actress Gillian AFP — LONDON and was ordered to serve at depraved and evil individual”. trouble and diabetes linked to his Diana Spencer had just Anderson plays Margaret least 30 years in prison, but in Former lorry driver Sut- ballooning size. The hunt for the turned 20 when the couple Thatcher in a season dominated A notorious British serial killer 2010 a High Court judge ruled cliffe, who was assessed to have Yorkshire Ripper was one of married in 1981, while Charles by strong female roles. A critical dubbed the “Yorkshire Ripper” that he should never be freed. had paranoid schizophrenia at Britain’s biggest manhunts but was 32. Despite having doubts, and popular success, “The after murdering 13 women Sutcliffe had tested positive the time of his crimes, had spent police failings led to an overhaul he agreed to propose to Diana Crown” was first broadcast in across northern England for COVID-19 but according to time after his sentence at a of how criminal investigations but did not sever ties with his 2016 and has won numerous between 1975 and 1980 died British media reports this week high-security psychiatric unit. were conducted. long-time lover, Camilla Parker- awards, including three Golden yesterday aged 74. had refused treatment. No But he was transferred to a Sutcliffe evaded the police Bowles. Diana was killed in a car Globes and 10 Emmy Awards. Sutcliffe was convicted in immediate cause of death was prison in northeast England after for years despite being inter- crash in Paris in 1997 and Charles A total of 73 million people 1981 of 13 murders and seven given. Boris Johnson’s his mental state was deemed viewed several times, even- subsequently married Parker- have watched at least one more attempted murders after spokesman said the prime min- stable enough. He had been tually confessing to the crimes Bowles in 2005. episode of the series, Ted a reign of terror that is still ister’s thoughts were with the attacked in jail, losing the sight in 1981 after being arrested for While previous series Sarandos, Netflix’s joint chief seared on the public memory. victims, survivors and their in his left eye, and had underlying using stolen number plates on depicted Charles as a sensitive executive and chief content He received 20 life sentences families, calling Sutcliffe “a health conditions including heart his car. and misunderstood boy, as officer, said in January. 10 EUROPE SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2020 France remembers 2015 Paris attacks

AFP — PARIS The fifth anniversary reopened an impassioned and of the November sometimes painful debate over France yesterday marked five France’s approach towards its years since a squad of attackers 2015 strikes comes Muslim minority, with President went on a killing rampage in with France reeling Emmanuel Macron calling for a Paris in its worst peacetime from a knife attack crackdown on radicalism. atrocity, with the psychological Interior Minister Gerald wounds still raw and the outside the former Darmanin told Franceinfo radio country shaken by a string of offices of the Charlie yesterday that 48 foreigners new attacks. Hebdo weekly, the without proper paperwork and The night of carnage on suspected of radicalisation had November 13, 2015 saw 130 beheading of a been expelled from France people killed and 350 wounded teacher and a deadly since July 1. Since 2015, atroc- when suicide bombers and ities have increasingly been gunmen attacked a sports stabbing spree at a carried out by people unknown stadium, restaurants and clubs Nice church. to the intelligence services who and a concert hall. are often inspired by militant People gather to mourn the death of anti-government protester Roman Bondarenko who they say Prime Minister Jean Castex propaganda and use weapons was beaten by Belarusian security forces, in Minsk, Belarus. and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo France remains. such as knives in attacks that attended small memorial cer- “Five years later, the most need little preparation. emonies yesterday, scaled difficult thing is still the date of “They are still attacking us down because of the corona- November 13 and all that sur- but through fanatic individuals Thousands rally in Belarus after virus pandemic, at targeted rounds it,” said David Fritz who use knives to create fear,” sites including the Stade de Goeppinger, who survived the Francois Hollande, who was France, the bar Le Carillon and Bataclan massacre and wrote president at the time of the opposition protester’s death the Bataclan venue. a book, “A Day in Our Lives”, to attacks, told the Le Parisien “Today, five years on, Paris help overcome the experience. newspaper. “The war on our AFP — MINSK after police arrested him fol- Earlier, the widow of Alex- remembers,” tweeted Hidalgo, “It’s really hard for me to say soil is therefore not over, but lowing a dispute in a city square ander Taraikovsky, a 34-year- using as a hashtag the Latin- ‘today, I’m better or today, many battles have been won Thousands of demonstrators that has become a regular old protester who died during language nautical motto of that’s it... Post-traumatic stress since 2015.” turned out in the Belarus capital meeting place for the oppo- a rally in August, said that the Paris — Fluctuat Nec Mergitur is not forgotten,” he said. In January 2015, gunmen Minsk yesterday to mourn the sition. Witnesses said unrest probe into Taraikovsky’s death (She is Rocked but does not Frenchwoman Catherine massacred staff at Charlie Hebdo. death of a protester who was erupted between protesters had been suspended. “This was Sink). The Eiffel Tower switched Bertrand, who also survived the Verdicts in the Charlie Hebdo pronounced dead the day after hanging red-and-white ribbons predictable. I was sure that a its lights off in homage to the Bataclan assault and wrote a trial, which had been expected police arrested him. — the colours of the opposition criminal case would not be victims and then flash every comic book, “Chronicles of a this week, are now due on Lining the capital’s main — and plainclothes police who opened,” Yelena German said. hour in memory of the attack. Survivor”, said the post-trau- November 27 as the process thoroughfares, the protesters were removing them. The European Union con- “This was an assault not just matic stress has lessened over resumes on Monday following a formed human chains, while Bondarenko was pro- demned Bondarenko’s death, on the people of Paris but time but still returns. two-week adjournment after dozens more laid flowers at the nounced dead on Thursday warning that it could impose against our common humanity “As soon as it’s a question three defendants tested positive site where Roman Bondarenko, after suffering brain damage, further sanctions on targets in and shared values,” US Pres- of going out, of using transport, for COVID-19. a 31-year-old former soldier, triggering a wave of outrage Belarus. “This is an outrageous ident-elect Joe Biden said in a it comes back,” she said. Early 2021 will meanwhile was arrested on Wednesday. among the Belarus opposition, and shameful result of the statement, vowing improved The fifth anniversary of the see the opening of the trial into Tens of thousands have who believe Lukashenko’s actions by the Belarusian cooperation “in order to con- November 2015 strikes comes 20 suspects in the November taken part in weekly protests security forces are ultimately authorities,” the EU said. front the many shared chal- with France reeling from a 2015 Paris attacks. Just one of since strongman leader Alex- responsible. The EU statement noted lenges we face”. knife attack outside the former the suspected perpetrators will ander Lukashenko, who has Lukashenko told reporters that Belarus authorities are The sheer horror of the offices of the Charlie Hebdo be in the dock — French- been in power for more than yesterday that he had contacted guilty of direct violence attacks, claimed by extremists weekly, the beheading of a Belgian Salah Abdeslam — as two decades, won a landslide investigators and the prose- against the population and of from the Islamic State group, teacher and a deadly stabbing all of the other attackers deto- victory in a disputed presi- cutor general, telling them to creating an environment in left scars that have not yet spree at a Nice church. nated their explosive vests or dential election in August. conduct the probe “honestly which such “lawless, violent healed as the security threat to The renewed assault has were killed by police. Bondarenko died in Minsk and objectively”. acts can take place.” Naples primed for new virus restrictions Scottish govt urged to probe AFP — NAPLES oxygen tanks to treat people locally in their homes.” He said many lies that are told and Trump golf investments parked in their cars outside the he was “proud” to see nurses repeated about healthcare in The southern Italian city of crowded emergency room, while running outside “to take care of Campania. We are afraid. We AFP — EDINBURGH prosecution in the US, he may Naples braced yesterday for others in full protective gear patients with oxygen tanks”. are asking for help,” said Don finally be held to account there. further coronavirus restrictions awaited ambulances bringing in But such scenes have Maurizio Patriciello, a priest The government in Edinburgh Is it not the case that he is also as hospitals risked becoming new COVID-19 patients. sparked fear among many in and long-standing health cam- has been urged to order an held to account here?” overwhelmed by new cases, “We have almost no more Campania, which was spared paigner in the region. investigation into the financing Unexplained wealth orders with medics forced to treat beds available,” Rodolfo Punzi, the worst of the coronavirus Italy imposed an economi- of US President Donald — also called “McMafia laws” — patients in their cars. head of the hospital’s infectious outbreak that ravaged northern cally crippling national Trump’s business interests in were introduced by the UK gov- “The situation in Campania disease department, said. Italy earlier this year. lockdown earlier this year that Scotland. ernment in 2017 as a mechanism (region) is out of control,” “Unfortunately, the disease A video showing a dead brought the outbreak under Scottish Green Party leader to fight money laundering. It Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio requires long hospitalisations man on the bathroom floor of control, but has been seeking Patrick Harvie asked First Min- gives law enforcement agencies told La Stampa newspaper yes- and that’s why there is a low the emergency room in Naples’ an alternative approach to the ister Nicola Sturgeon to use the the power to seize and, if nec- terday, adding: “We need urgent turnover. The emergency Cardarelli hospital went viral recent surge in cases. Infections Criminal Finances Act to probe essary, sell suspicious assets, restrictions... people are dying.” room... gets full of people who this week, despite uncertainty passed the one-million mark Trump’s two golf courses in the particularly property, whose Outside the Cotugno hospital need to be hospitalised but also over how exactly he died. this week while cases are rising country. Trump owns Trump owners cannot explain how they in Naples, medics brought out of people who could be assisted “That video unmasked the at more than 30,000 a day. International Golf Links paid for them. Scotland in Aberdeenshire, Harvie’s party has opposed northeast Scotland, and Turn- the development of Trump’s Russia reports berry, in southwest Ayrshire. Aberdeenshire course — and Harvie told First Minister proposals to build a second 21,983 new Nicola Sturgeon in parliament nearby — on environmental on Thursday that there was a grounds. Sturgeon, whose pred- virus infections “need to protect Scotland’s ecessor Alex Salmond has criti- good name from association cised Trump’s failure to keep his REUTERS — MOSCOW with the toxic Trump brand”. investment promises, said it was In a debate, he said there not a matter for ministers. Russia reported a record 21,983 were “long-standing concerns “In matters such as this, new coronavirus infections yes- about Trump’s business activ- (Scottish prosecution service) terday, as Moscow prepared to ities”, including “patterns of the Crown Office operates close restaurants and clubs buying and selling... suggestive independently of the Scottish overnight in an effort to contain of money laundering”. ministers, as is right and the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted accusations proper,” she said. Despite a recent surge, the Trump Organization Trump bought the 1,400 Russian authorities have repeatedly reporting different acres of land in Aberdeenshire resisted imposing lockdown financial details in the United in 2006, pledging to build “the restrictions as they did earlier States to those in the UK about world’s best golf course” and this year, stressing instead his Scottish golf courses. “The to create 6,000 jobs. He bought the importance of hygiene, Baby deaths case probe Scottish Government is able to the Turnberry golf resort in social distancing and bringing go to court and ask for an unex- 2014 and also owns a course in A police van, believed to contain Lucy Letby, a British nurse charged with the murder of eight babies in targeted measures in plained wealth order to start Ireland. In October last year at a hospital in Chester, arrives at Chester Crown Court, in north-west England, yesterday. Lucy Letby, certain regions. getting answers,” said Harvie. Trump International Golf Club Moscow, which reported 30, was arrested for a third time on Tuesday as part of an investigation that began in 2017 into baby “Now that Trump is due to Scotland reported a loss of 5,974 new cases in the past 24 deaths at the Countess of Chester Hospital in Chester, in north-west England. lose immunity from £1.07m for 2018. hours, has ordered clubs and restaurants to close between 11pm and 6am effective yes- terday until mid-January. Offi- Bulgaria’s ageing medics struggle on virus front line cials warned of raids and fines for establishments that do not AFP — SHUMEN, BULGARIA In the region around government has refused to take says Krasimir Simeonov, chief nurses are worried about being comply. Some restaurant Shumen, for example, half of similar action this time round. of the regional medical workers’ exposed to the virus. owners complained the With just one doctor and three the medics are nearing pension Nearly 4,500 coronavirus union which has shrunk by a A total 3,459 medics have measures hurt their businesses nurses for every 55 seriously- age and more people leaving patients are currently hospi- third since 2000. Low salaries so far been infected with the while doing little to prevent ill coronavirus patients, staff in the system than coming in. talised and 270 people are in and meagre pensions mean virus in Bulgaria, and at least the virus from spreading. the hospital in the eastern Bul- “We’re collapsing from intensive care. those medical staff who do stay 25 have died. The sprawling city of garian city of Shumen say they physical and mental According to data from the in the country often work long “Doctors work as long as nearly 13 million has also are at the end of their tether. exhaustion,” says the head of Bulgarian Doctors’ Union, eight past retirement age. they draw breath,” a 77-year- moved university and college “The situation is critical,” the infectious diseases ward out of ten medicine graduates “A doctor’s basic salary is old neurologist told the bTV tel- students to online learning and says Dimitar Kostov, the head Albena Kostov as she hurries leave Bulgaria to seek better- 840 leva ($500) per month and evision station earlier this year recommended that school of the Shumen hospital, the between patients’ rooms in her paid careers in western Europe, a nurse gets 600 to 700 leva,” when asked about his decision children, already learning most overloaded in the country. white scrubs to the incessant a trend that has worsened since says Rumyana Nanovska, head to return to work on the from home, keep their travel As a second wave of the beep and buzz of alarms. EU accession in 2007. of the municipal hospital in the COVID-19 ward. to a minimum. pandemic engulfs the country Not a single bed is left unoc- As a result, 52 percent of the northern town of Lovech which He died of the virus in June. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin has of just under seven million, cupied in the entire hospital. medical staff in the country are almost went bankrupt even In another tragic case, three said he hoped Moscow would staff reinforcements in hos- While the EU’s poorest state aged over 55 compared to a before the crisis. medical workers in the same not have to impose any addi- pitals are in short supply as managed to avoid the worst of mere 14 percent under 35. The government has family died from coronavirus tional restrictions, but that it the shortcomings of the the first wave of the pandemic The situation in Shumen is promised hefty bonuses for within days of each other in could do so if the situation healthcare system are cruelly in the spring by imposing dire, where “40 percent of medics on the front line. But September in the southwest of worsened. laid bare. shutdown measures, the doctors are over 60 years old,” many elderly doctors and the country. SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2020 AMERICAS 11

Canada PM calls Peru protesters clash with police for redoubling of efforts in AFP — LIMA Some lawmakers had questioned the COVID-19 fight Thousands of people took to the streets in cities across Peru late wisdom of removing AFP — OTTAWA on Thursday night to protest the Vizcarra in the midst ousting of popular president of the coronavirus Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Martin Vizcarra by Congress called on Canadians yesterday over corruption allegations. pandemic and a to redouble efforts to slow the In the capital Lima, police crippling recession, spread of COVID-19, citing a used tear gas to disperse a with the markets record number of new cases group trying to reach the Con- and projections the count gress building while protesters nervous about could soon double. threw sticks and stones at the whether the new There were nearly 5,000 officers. Congress voted on new cases reported across Monday to impeach Vizcarra government will Canada on Thursday, including over allegations he took kick- maintain existing 83 deaths, and those figures backs from developers while a economic policies. could double by early regional governor and Speaker December without strong Manuel Merino assumed office measures to curb outbreaks, on Tuesday as Peru’s third pres- which he denies. according to public health pro- ident in four years. Vizcarra survived a pre- jections. “We have to reverse “In all the cities of Peru vious impeachment vote in Sep- these trends, now,” Trudeau people are rising up because tember charged with “moral told a news conference. they consider that this has been incapacity”. “We do not agree “We all want this to be a coup,” protester Luis Bardales, with parliament. It was not nec- over, but it’s not going to be 34, said in Lima. “And that is why essary” to dismiss Vizcarra, said Demonstrators confront riot police during a protest against the new government of interim President over for many more months,” I would like to live in a future protester Irene Aguilar. Manuel Merino, following the impeachment and removal of Peru's former president Martin Vizcarra, he said. “How bad it gets in where my children can be in a “It’s not for Vizcarra, it’s for at the San Martin Square in Lima late on Thursday. the coming months depends democratic country where the us,” proclaimed a banner where on all of us.” laws are respected,” he said. riot police cordoned off the area Costa, who voted against change,” he said, after installing support since succeeding Pedro The Prime Minister urged Vizcarra has dismissed the around the Congress building. impeachment. Vizcarra said the his government, with a conserv- Pablo Kuczynski, who was his compatriots to continue to impeachment vote and again “This parliament is a pandemic protests must be allowed and ative majority. When he took forced to resign under threat of take precautions including questioned the legality of his that does not stop” and “even called on the people to express office on Tuesday, Merino said impeachment. Some lawmakers social distancing and wearing removal. “The legality is in the COVID-19 has not hurt us themselves peacefully. he would respect the calendar had questioned the wisdom of masks, and to not let up as question and the legitimacy, as much as Merino,” other “We also appeal to the for the next general elections, removing Vizcarra in the midst of pandemic fatigue sets in. given by the people — we see it banners said as the demon- national police to respect the scheduled for April 11, 2021 and the coronavirus pandemic and a He also warned of dwin- in the street” with the protests, strators marched peacefully. demonstrators,” he said. would leave power on July 28, crippling recession, with the dling federal resources to Vizcarra said in front of the “The people defend Interim president Merino 2021, the day when Vizcarra’s markets nervous about whether combat the pandemic — after prosecutor’s office where he democracy against the abuse of called for calm. “We are not mandate was to end. the new government will maintain spending more than will face the corruption charges, power,” said centrist MP Gino going to put in place a brutal Vizcarra had broad popular existing economic policies. Can$300bn (US$230bn) — while the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) warned that hospitals are at risk of being Storm Eta ‘devastated’ lives overwhelmed as the number of serious illnesses rises. of 1.2 million children: UN “We’re at a tipping point,” the CMA said in a statement, AFP — PANAMA CITY diseases is increasing as is the calling for “tougher restric- risk of COVID-19 spreading in tions.” “The measures being Tropical Storm Eta, which left shelters.” taken to mitigate the virus are more than 200 dead and Meanwhile, the Interna- not sufficient,” it said. missing in Central America, has tional Organization for As of yesterday, Canada “devastated the lives” of more Migration (IOM) said 2.5 million reported more than 285,000 than 1.2 million children in the people had been affected by Covid-19 cases, including region, according to Unicef. Eta, which first made landfall nearly 11,000 deaths. There The number of children and in Nicaragua as a Category 4 are currently about 45,000 adolescents affected by the Hurricane. active infections. Trudeau said storm “is expected to increase IOM personnel in Hon- each of Canada’s 10 provinces as relief teams gain access to duras, Guatemala, El Salvador would soon announce new the worst-affected areas,” the and Belize have distributed COVID-19 measures. United Nations Children’s Fund thousands of emergency kits, The midwestern province said in a statement. including kitchen sets, mat- of Manitoba, which was spared Eta caused severe damage tresses, sheets and hygiene at the start of the pandemic, throughout Central America, products, the organization said. has already ordered a month- destroying road infrastructure, In Honduras alone, 1.8 long lockdown to curb soaring Venezuela politics hospitals, schools and water million people had been infections. Quebec is consid- and sanitation systems. impacted by Eta, the IOM said. ering prolonging an upcoming Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido addresses supporters during a rally in the Terrazas del More than 110,000 people, “The damage there can Christmas school break, while Avila neighbourhood, in Caracas, Venezuela, late on Thursday, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. including some 44,000 worsen the conditions of eco- doctors called for emergency children, were evacuated to nomic instability and food inse- lockdowns in Alberta province temporary shelters in the seven curity that have forced thou- and hotspot Toronto after Rain and dam countries of the region, sands of Central Americans to Ontario this week overtook Children of El Chapo build according to Unicef. migrate in search of better Quebec in new cases. discharge cause “Access to quality water living conditions,” said the “There is a threshold makeshift school for poor and sanitation has become seri- organization’s regional director beyond which, when the cases flooding in ously problematic in the areas Michele Klein-Solomon. spike too much, we might have REUTERS — CULIACAN, MEXICO reputation when they laid siege most affected by Eta,” said The hurricane had “left to make really difficult choices southern Mexico to the state capital Culiacan to Bernt Aasen, Unicef regional behind the seed of future about where to deploy the The children of former drug force the police to release Ovidio director. migration crises that we must limited resources we have,” AFP — VILLAHERMOSA lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, one of their siblings. “Now the risk of waterborne try to prevent”, she said. Trudeau said. Guzman helped build a make- Esmeralda Quinonez, a com- Torrential rain from Hurricane shift school near the Mexican munity leader in the Bicentennial Eta and water discharged from city of Culiacan for families Extension, an impoverished set- a dam that had reached who have no access to online tlement north of Culiacan, said Deforestation in Amazon rises again capacity meant continued classes during the coronavirus some El Chapo’s children had flooding in parts of the pandemic, residents said. contacted her to enquire about REUTERS — BRASILIA season begins and makes zilians to cut down the forest. southern Mexican state of Now serving a life sentence what was needed most in the logging difficult. Forest clear- Brazil is expected to release Tabasco late on Thursday. in a US prison, El Chapo is area and put up a makeshift Deforestation in Brazil’s ances are down 6% in the first its official measure of 2020 At least six regions, revered as a fallen folk hero school in just days. Amazon increased in October ten months of 2020, compared deforestation by year’s end. including Centro, where the and a community benefactor “Thank God, the children of for the first time in four months, to the same period a year ago, That measure, called state capital of Villahermosa is by some in his home state El Chapo heard about the situ- government data showed yes- to 7,899 square kilometers, PRODES, compares satellite located, were severely affected, Sinaloa - despite the drug gang ation here and showed soli- terday, as destruction of the Inpe found. That’s roughly ten images at the end of July 2020 with around 12,000 people he headed unleashing violence darity,” Quinonez said. Reuters world’s largest rainforest times the size of New York City. to those taken at the beginning forced to take refuge in shelters. in the state and elsewhere. was unable to contact El remains high under right-wing Destruction in 2020 con- of August 2019 to detect forest “What we want most is food and Some of El Chapo’s Chapo’s children for comment. President Jair Bolsonaro. tinues to be far higher than the clearances. sustenance,” cried a man who children, meanwhile, are fol- The Sinaloa state government In October, deforestation years prior to Bolsonaro Researchers at the non- watched the flood from the lowing in his footsteps and did not immediately respond rose 50% from the prior year to assuming office on January 1, government Amazon Environ- second floor of his home. have risen up the ranks of the to a request for comment. 836 square kilometers, 2019. Bolsonaro has weakened mental Research Institute say Local authorities have Sinaloa cartel, heading a new Juan Alfonso Mejia, the according to preliminary data environmental enforcement that PRODES is predicted to reported eight deaths in recent wing of the crime gang, known state’s education minister who from government space and called for more farming show a dramatic increase to days, and 150,000 affected by as “Los Chapitos”. visited the school last week, research agency Inpe. and mining in the Amazon to more than 14,000 square kil- rivers that overflowed their Last year, Los Chapitos gar- told Reuters “the relevant But monthly deforestation lift the region out of poverty, ometers deforested for 2020 banks when Eta arrived from nered global headlines and authorities will have to find out eased from its peak from July which environmental advo- compared with 10,129 square the Caribbean, inundating enhanced the family’s outlaw who equipped the school”. to September as the rainy cates say is emboldening Bra- kilometers for 2019. Central America and southern Mexico with rain. And on top of that, two towns were flooded when the Brazil’s shift to right seen advancing in local polls Federal Electricity Com- mission released water from AFP — SAO PAULO choose its 5,568 mayors and city In recent days, he has added conservative victories, elevating coronavirus fears among the the Penitas dam, which had councils, with analysts watching to that a string of live broadcasts a raft of Evangelical candidates country’s 148 million voters. reached its maximum capacity. Two years after far-right Pres- to see where the various on Facebook to endorse his and ex-cops and -soldiers who In a survey by the Locals in hard-hit area ident Jair Bolsonaro’s election political camps stand midway favourite candidates — including have made religion and security Democracy Institute, 27 percent Macusapana said that water upended the political game- to the next presidential elec- his son Carlos, a Rio de Janeiro — signature Bolsonaro issues — of Brazilians said they feared levels had exceeded buildings’ board, Brazil votes on Sunday tions in 2022. city councillor — and urge Bra- central in their campaigns. voting because of COVID-19, first floors. “There are people in municipal polls that analysts Bolsonaro heads into Sun- zilians to stop the country from “2020 is going to deepen and 53 percent had “little who don’t even have clothes. I say will likely consolidate its day’s first-round vote weakened “going red”. However, the pres- what we saw in 2018: the interest” in the elections. left everything, it was a tre- shift to the right. by his political idol Trump’s loss ident’s picks do not look set to advance of right-wing parties,” In an effort to generate mendous thing,” said Macu- Bolsonaro’s win ushered in a in the US and his controversial win Brazil’s biggest cities. said political scientist Oswaldo buzz, many candidates have sapana resident Teresa new style of politics summed up handling of the coronavirus pan- In Sao Paulo, Bolsonaro Amaral of the University of resorted to colorful nicknames Cordoba, who had to abandon in his nickname, the “Tropical demic, which has killed more acolyte Celso Russomanno trails Campinas. But it will be hard to and campaign gimmicks. her house. “We don’t have any- Trump,” and put the final punc- people in Brazil than any country center-right Mayor Bruno Covas, judge to what extent that is a There will be 18 Obamas, body’s help here, we’re tuation mark on 13 years of left- except the United States. who is seeking reelection. And in win for Bolsonaro, who quit his three Trumps and 84 Bolsonaros abandoned.” wing rule in Brazil that ended But his approval numbers Rio de Janeiro, Mayor Marcelo party, the Social Liberals (PSL), on the ballot, according to a count Authorities in neigh- with the impeachment of pres- are strong — more than 40 Crivella, an Evangelical pastor last year, and has not yet fol- in the Brazilian media -- not to bouring Chiapas state reported ident Dilma Rousseff in 2016. percent recently — and he still and Bolsonaro ally, trails ex- lowed through on plans to mention 99 Tiriricas, borrowing the deaths of at least 20 people Now, in the first elections excels at whipping his hardline mayor Eduardo Paes. launch a party of his own. the name of a clown elected to due to heavy rains and since Bolsonaro swept to power, base into a frenzy with his social But analysts say the country Turnout is expected to be Congress in 2010 on the slogan, flooding last week. the Latin American giant will media diatribes. is headed for a new wave of low, thanks largely to “It can’t get any worse.” 12 AMERICAS SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2020 Biden cements victory by winning Arizona

REUTERS — NEW YORK On Saturday, Biden certifying them. They cited a had already cleared “glitch” in vote-counting President-elect Joe Biden software, allegations that ballots cemented his US election victory the 270-vote were mishandled, and impedi- by capturing the battleground threshold to win ments to poll-watchers. state of Arizona late on Thursday, the election, setting “These claims deserve our but the official transition to his full attention and diligent inves- administration remains stalled him on course to be tigation to ensure fairness and as President Donald Trump sworn in on January transparency in our election refuses to accept defeat. 20. Arizona’s 11 process,” Lana Theis and Tom Biden was projected to win Barrett said in a letter to Sec- Arizona after more than a week additional electoral retary of State Jocelyn Benson. of vote counting from the votes put any Federal election security November 3 election, Edison officials have found no evi- Research said. He becomes only longshot challenge by dence that any voting system the second Democratic presi- Trump even further deleted or lost votes, changed dential candidate in seven out of reach. votes, “or was in any way decades to win the traditionally compromised,” two security Republican state. groups said. Biden’s win in Arizona gives claimed without evidence that Trump’s refusal to accept him 290 electoral votes in the he was cheated by widespread defeat has stalled the transition. state-by-state Electoral College election fraud. State election The federal agency that releases that determines the White officials report no serious irreg- funding to an incoming pres- House winner. On Saturday, ularities and his legal challenges ident-elect, the General Services Biden had already cleared the have failed in court. Administration, has not yet rec- 270-vote threshold to win the To win a second term, ognized Biden’s victory. A woman waves a Joe Biden flag as people celebrate on Black Lives Matter Plaza across from the White election, setting him on course Trump would need to overturn Biden’s pick for White House in Washington, DC, afterBiden was declared the winner of the 2020 presidential election, in to be sworn in on January 20. Biden’s lead in at least three House chief of staff, Ron Klain, this November 7, 2020 picture. Arizona’s 11 additional electoral states, but he has so far failed told MSNBC on Thursday that votes put any longshot chal- to produce evidence that he starting the transition is partic- immigration reform, strength- declined to recognize Biden as intelligence briefings, though lenge by Trump even further could do so in any of them. ularly crucial now, as the Biden ening the “Obamacare” the winner. But more signs of they stopped short of explicitly out of reach. States face a December 8 “safe administration will inherit a healthcare law and environ- dissent began emerging. Party calling him the winner. Biden also holds a lead of harbor” deadline to certify their coronavirus vaccination cam- mental protection as issues figures such as Ohio Governor Democrats have assailed more than 14,000 votes in the elections and choose electors paign as soon as he takes office. Biden would address on Jan. 20. Mike DeWine, New Hampshire Trump, and the Republicans uncalled state of Georgia, a for the Electoral College, which Regardless of the impedi- Biden was set to meet with Governor Chris Sununu and giving him cover, for under- margin that is nearly certain to will officially select the new ments, Biden will sign a “stack” transition advisers again as he Karl Rove, a top adviser to mining the country’s institu- survive a manual recount. president on December 14. of executive orders and send maps out his approach to the former President George W tions. In an interview that will Although the national popular In Michigan, where Biden high-priority legislation to Con- pandemic and prepares to name Bush, said Biden should be air on CBS’ “60 Minutes” on vote does not determine the won by 2.6 percentage points or gress on his first day in office, his top appointees, including treated as the president-elect. Sunday, former President outcome, he is winning that by more than 148,000 votes, two Klain said. “He is going to have cabinet members. Meanwhile, a number of Barack Obama said Republicans more than 5.3 million votes, or Republican state senators have a very, very busy Day One,” Most Republicans have pub- Republican senators said the were walking a “dangerous 3.4 percentage points. asked the state’s top election offi- Klain said, citing a return the to licly said Trump has a right to Trump administration should path” by endorsing Trump’s Trump, a Republican, has cials to audit the results before Paris accord on climate change, pursue court challenges and allow Biden to receive classified baseless claims of voter fraud. US election officials Biden's advisers nix national US lockdown REUTERS — WASHINGTON member of Biden’s COVID-19 we should be thinking about this accompanied by increasing say ‘no evidence’ of team, Dr. Michael Osterholm, is more like a series of restric- hospitalizations and surges in The head of Democratic US suggested in a Yahoo Finance tions that we dial up or down the rate of COVID-19 tests President-elect Joe Biden’s interview on Wednesday that depending on how bad spread is coming back positive. The onset coronavirus advisory board said the country could cover indi- taking place in a specific region,” of winter, with people more compromised votes yesterday that there was no vidual companies’ and local Murthy said. likely to congregate indoors, plan to shut the country down governments’ losses for a four- Murthy cited New York City will only worsen those trends, AFP — WASHINGTON Infrastructure Security Agency and that the new administra- to six-week lockdown to drive as an example where health experts say. (CISA). tion’s approach will be targeted numbers down. officials are targeting COVID-19 More than a dozen US states There is no evidence of com- “There is no evidence that at specific areas. Osterholm clarified in an interventions “down to the ZIP reported a doubling of new promised ballots or corrupt any voting system deleted or Dr. Vivek Murthy, a former interview with ABC on Thursday code”. In his failed campaign for COVID-19 cases in the last two voting systems in the US lost votes, changed votes, or US surgeon general tapped to that he did not discuss a re-election, Republican Pres- weeks. Murthy said the Biden election, officials said, as a top was in any way compromised,” lead the board, said doctors have lockdown with anyone on the ident Donald Trump warned team’s priority will be to stop Democrat accused Republicans they said. “While we know there learned a lot about how the virus advisory board and he did not without evidence that Biden the spread of the virus and who refuse to accept President- are many unfounded claims and spreads and what steps to reduce think there was a national con- would seek to lock down the focus on hard-hit populations elect Joe Biden’s win of “poi- opportunities for misinformation risk are effective. sensus for it. “Nobody’s going to country. The Trump adminis- like nursing homes and prisons. soning” democracy. about the process of our elec- “We’re not in a place where support it,” he said. tration pushed hard for the Increasing testing capacity will Their messages came hours tions, we can assure you we have we’re saying shut the whole Neither Murthy nor Dr. Celine country’s economy to reopen. be key to those efforts. after President Donald Trump the utmost confidence in the country down. We got to be Gounder, another Biden adviser, Coronavirus cases spiked over “We still don’t have ade- once again cried foul, security and integrity of our elec- more targeted,” Murthy said in who appeared on CNN yesterday, the summer and are increasing quate testing so that anyone retweeting a baseless claim that tions, and you should too,” the an interview with ABC’s “Good embraced the idea of a national again now around the country. who wants a test can get one an election equipment maker statement said. Morning America”. Another lockdown. “Right now the way The current rise has been and get results quickly,” he said. “deleted” 2.7 million votes for It was signed by the heads him nationwide. Biden leads by of the National Association of more than five million in the State Election Directors and the New Pentagon popular vote. National Association of Secre- With most Republican law- taries of State — the officials chief asssures makers having yet to who manage elections at the acknowledge Biden’s win, state level — and by the US military Senate Minority Leader Chuck chairman of the US Election Schumer, the chamber’s top Assistance Commission. ‘remains strong’ Democrat, accused them late The statement came just on Thursday of “denying hours after Trump’s retweet, AFP — WASHINGTON reality” and “auditioning for which in addition to claiming 2.7 profiles in cowardice”. million “deleted” votes also said The new head of the Pentagon “Instead of working to pull hundreds of thousand had been said yesterday that the US mil- the country back together so switched from him to Biden in itary has not been weakened that we can fight our common Pennsylvania and other states. in the wake of President Donald enemy COVID-19, Republicans It was the latest in a series Trump’s reelection defeat and in Congress are spreading con- of bogus assertions Trump and his abrupt replacement of top spiracy theories, denying Republicans have put forth in defence officials. reality and poisoning the well order to reject Biden’s victory. “I want to assure the of our democracy,” he said. Republican lawmakers such as American public and our allies Senior US federal and state Senate Majority Leader Mitch and partners that the election officials meanwhile in McConnell have stood firm with Department of Defence a statement rejected Trump’s Trump by supporting his remains strong and continues claims of fraud, saying that “the refusal to concede and backing its vital work of protecting our November 3rd election was the his legal challenges. homeland, our people and our most secure in American Meanwhile, a total of 161 interests around the world,” history”. The statement was former national security officials, Acting Secretary of Defence issued by the Election Infra- including some who worked Recount of ballots in Georgia Christopher Miller said. structure Government Coordi- with Trump, additionally warned Miller was named to the A sign designed to encourage people to keep their distance from one another sits on the outside nating Council, a public-private the current administration’s con- position on November 9 after as Gwinnett county workers began their recount of the ballots yesterday in Lawrenceville, Georgia. umbrella group under the tinued delay in recognizing Trump fired Mark Esper, his primary federal election security Biden’s victory is posing “a The difference in votes betweenUS President Donald Trump and President-elect Joe Biden is about fourth defencse secretary in body, the Cybersecurity and serious risk to national security”. 14,000 as of right now. four years. With no experience man- aging a massive workforce like the Pentagon, Miller, a former Chicago, Detroit told to hunker down as pandemic surges special forces officer and a White House counter-ter- REUTERS — CHICAGO the rate of COVID-19 diagnostic patients were already straining Metrics and Evaluation. Michigan Governor rorism specialist, will likely be tests coming back positive. The resources at University of Wis- Chicago Mayor Lori Gretchen Whitmer likewise replaced soon after President- Chicago’s mayor issued a month- onset of winter, with people consin Health in Madison. Lightfoot issued an advisory urged residents to avoid min- elect Joe Biden takes office on long stay-at-home advisory late more likely to congregate Offering a glimmer of hope, calling upon residents to stay at gling with other households January 20. on Thursday, and Detroit’s public indoors, will only worsen the a leading medical research home without visitors for the over the Thanksgiving holiday. But his arrival at the Pen- schools called a halt to in-person trends, experts say. institute reported that the next 30 days, including during The Detroit public school tagon, together with several instruction to curb the spread of California became the second expected mortality rate for Thanksgiving festivities in late district, the largest in Michigan, other Trump loyalists with little the coronavirus. state, after Texas, to see its tally coronavirus infections has November. said it would suspend face-to- or no Department of Defence The two Midwestern cities of confirmed infections to date dropped by nearly a third since The third-largest city in the face instruction effective yes- experience, raised concerns that became the latest in a growing climb above 1 million. While April due to advances in thera- United States could see 1,000 terday until at least January 11, the US military establishment number of states and metro- hopeful a vaccine might soon peutic treatments. more COVID-19 deaths by the switching to online classes. could pass several weeks under politan areas — including New become available for front-line However, computer mod- end of 2020 unless residents Total COVID-19 cases across weak leadership. York, California and Iowa — medical professionals and the eling suggests the daily number modify their behaviour, the US hit an all-time daily high Miller though has reached moving this week to re-impose most vulnerable, public health of COVID-19 deaths in the United Lightfoot said. Lightfoot set a for a third straight day on out by telephone to fellow public health restrictions that experts worry a wintertime surge States will rise to 2,200 in mid- 10-person limit on gatherings, Thursday, reaching at least defence chiefs in France, had been eased in recent will overwhelm hospitals in January, with a cumulative including indoor and outdoor 160,000, and crossing the 100,000 Britain, and Germany, and months. The measures were much of the country. 439,000 lives lost by March 1, events, and ordered out-of- mark for a ninth consecutive day. plans to speak later with Nato driven by surging numbers of Dr. Jeff Pothof, an emer- nearly double the current toll, state travellers to quarantine for The number of people hospitalized head Jens Stoltenberg, to daily infections, rising hospital- gency medicine physician, said according to the University of 14 days or submit a negative with the virus surged to at least reassure Washington’s most izations and ominous spikes in record numbers of COVID-19 Washington’s Institute for Health coronavirus test. 66,500 by late Thursday. important allies.