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FRIDAY 19 MARCH 2021 6 SHA'ABAN - 1442 VOLUME 26 NUMBER 8566 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

Food Safety Lab inaugurated at Hamad Port

The Food Safety Lab obtained international Steering Committee in accreditation (ISO 17025) for the results, accordance with the highest before its official opening. international technical standards in order to achieve The lab includes 10 test centers and a store for the vision of the Ministry of chemicals. It aims to accelerate analysis and control Communications and Commu- of food, facilitate early release of food shipments, nications in integrating the port and reduce the storage burden on ports. facilities’ work mechanisms using the latest advanced technology. THE PENINSULA — DOHA that the lab uses the latest inter- “The huge technical capabil- nationally approved analysis ities and modern facilities, Minister of Public Health, H E techniques, to ensure the coupled with the advanced Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al accuracy and safety of results, systems at Hamad Port, have Kuwari, and Minister of in a way that contributes to contributed significantly to Transport and Communica- ensuring quality and safety of enhancing the mechanisms and tions, H E Jassim bin Saif Al food in local market. regulations of the competent Sulaiti inaugurated the Food The Minister explained that state authorities at the port,” he Safety Lab, affiliated to MoPH opening labs at the main ports added. The lab carries out its Central Food Laboratories, at facilitates clearance procedures current activities through two Hamad Port, yesterday. of food shipments. She indi- analysis units, which are the Following the inauguration cated that the lab obtained chemical analysis unit (pesticide ceremony, their excellencies international accreditation (ISO residues) and the microbiological toured the lab and listened to a 17025) for the results, before its and molecular biology unit. thorough briefing from the per- official opening. Director of the Food Safety sonnel in charge. Dr. Al Kuwari pointed out Minister of Public Health, H E Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari and Minister of Transport and Department at MoPH, Wassan Dr. Al Kuwari affirmed the that the lab includes 10 test Communications, H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, with other officials during the Food Safety Lab Abdullah Al Baker explained Ministry of Public Health’s centers and a store for chemicals. inauguration at Hamad Port yesterday. that the chemical analysis unit keenness to enhance the capa- It aims to accelerate analysis and handles fresh or processed food bilities of food safety man- control of food, facilitate early said: “The inauguration of the accelerating the processing of enhancing the requirements of samples to analyze pesticide agement system in harmony release of food shipments, and food safety laboratory is con- food import companies’ trans- shipping operators.” remains, which includes the with the best international reduce the storage burden on sidered a new addition to the actions in Qatar to protect the He pointed out that the lab detection in its first stage of 423 standards, that required devel- ports. Minister of Transportation Hamad Port’s accomplishments. interests of traders and building has been constructed pesticides commonly used in opment of lab services, noting and Communications, Al Sulaiti The lab will contribute to importers, in addition to by the Hamad Port Project field products. `P2 Schools to operate with 30% AgriteQ and EnviroteQ from March 23 student capacity from Sunday SANAULLAH ATAULLAH 2021 will begin on March 23 at agriculture, environment, food the participants and visitors,” QNA — DOHA commitment to applying all the THE PENINSULA Doha Exhibition and and animal production sectors. said Chairman of the Organising approved precautionary Conference Center (DECC). Companies from Saudi Arabia Committwee of the Exhibition, The Ministry of Education and measures. The Ministry of Municipality Under the patronage of will participate in the exhibi- Muhammad Ali Al Khoury, in a Higher Education issued a First: The regulations for and Environment (MME) Prime Minister and Minister of tions that spread over an area press conference held yesterday circular to the directors of government schools: These announced that the 8th Qatar Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin of 23,000 sq metres. Over 35 at the headquarters of MME. public and private schools and include the commitment to International Agricultural Exhi- Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, countries will showcase Al Khoury, who is also kindergartens on the keep the working hours for the bition (AgriteQ) and the 2nd the five-day exhibition will products through their Director of the Public Parks amendment of school hours for teaching and administrative Qatar International Environ- witness the participation of over embassies and commercial Department, said that the students and working hours for staff at a rate of 100% in the mental Exhibition (EnviroteQ) 200 companies from the offices in Doha. entry process will be con- teaching and administrative school building, the The event has a special trolled by pre-registration staff after the mid-term leave continuation of blended importance as it is a strategic through a link to the exhibition of the second semester. learning for students with an platform that helps to explore site for those who wish to visit It is in order to achieve the attendance rate of 30% in the new horizons in the and after registering the data, public interest, preserve school building so that each advancement of the Qatari agri- a system generated barcode students’ health and safety, school prepares a school cultural sector as it is the base will sent to applicant’s phone and it is in line with the schedule commensurate with of food security that comes at which should be produced at procedures in place in order its absorptive capacity, the the forefront strategic priorities the entrance. to address coronavirus attendance of students to direct for self-sufficiency. “The visitors are also (COVID-19) pandemic in broadcast lessons according to Companies from the agriculture, environment, Moreover, exhibition will required to show green status cooperation and coordination the approved school schedule food and animal production sectors. offer innovative environmental in Ehteraz app and keep with the Ministry of Public during the days of their distance 200 solutions to meet current and wearing face mask during their Health. learning, and the application of More than 35 countries will participate emerging challenges and an presence. The focus of the exhi- According to the circular, full time for students of village opportunity to exchange inter- bition is to attract specialists the Ministry has set student schools with low density (by through their embassies and commercial 35 national and local experience and those interested in the agri- attendance at 30% of the 100%), as well as the offices in Doha. which makes it an effective cultural and environmental approved capacity of the application of full time for platform. fields. Children will not be school building, as of Sunday students of specialised schools Exhibition, spread over an “All necessary preventive allowed since there are no March 21, with the continuation of low density (by 100%), taking 23,000 area of 23,000 sq metres measures will be taken to activities for them,” said Al of the blended education into account the approved ensure the health and safety of Khoury. `P2 system, and the continued preventive measures. `P2 Qatar, UK sign MoU to support children’s education in Syria

QNA — DOHA The agreement aims to the State of Qatar delivered on provide important resources its promise to provide $500m Qatar, represented by Qatar that would guarantee the con- over the past five years to help Fund for Development (QFFD), tinuation of the educational international efforts in signed a Memorandum of process. responding to the humanitarian Understanding (MoU) with the This support from the State needs resulting from the Syrian United Kingdom represented by of Qatar represents a funda- crisis. He noted that the the Foreign and Commonwealth mental and sustainable financing by the Qatar Fund for Office, that aims to support the investment that will help Development came at a crucial education of children in children and teachers and time, stressing that the funding Northwest Syria and provide improve their living conditions will support those who would them with their needs. in the governorates of Idlib and be deprived of education in the The agreement was signed Aleppo in Syria. This cooper- middle of a school year due to via video conference on QFFD’s ation will also strengthen the lack of financial resources. part by its Deputy Director- QFFD’s vision of giving hope He expressed his delight General for Development and promoting peace and with strengthening the part- Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) Deputy Director-General for Development Projects, Misfer Hamad Projects by Misfer Hamad Al justice, by providing support to nership between QFFD and the Al Shahwani, with the MoU. Shahwani. It was signed on the 130,000 children and 11,683 Ministry of Foreign Affairs and part of the Foreign and Com- teachers in 435 schools. Commonwealth Affairs in the difference with these contribu- teachers for the remainder of do for children in one of the monwealth Office by the Syria Commenting on the United Kingdom, adding that he tions, especially for teachers, by the school year 2021 in affir- world’s most challenging cir- Team Leader Maria Wyard. occasion, Al Shahwani said that looks forward to making a big paying the salaries of 11,683 mation of the crucial job they cumstances. `P2 02 HOME FRIDAY 19 MARCH 2021

Minister opens Nomas Center branch in Wakra OFFICIAL NEWS QNA — DOHA Amir sends condolences to Minister of Culture and Sports H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali Vice-President of PRAYER inaugurated yesterday a new Tanzania TIMINGS branch of the Nomas Center in PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMINNGG the old market of Al Wakra, as DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin part of the centre's expansion Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir FAJR 04.22 am plan in different regions of the H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad country, and in implementation Al Thani sent cables of condo- SUNRISE 05.39 am of its mission to be a profes- lences yesterday to Vice-President DHUHR 11.42 am sional school and an incubator of the United Republic of Tanza- ASR 03.08 pm for culture and heritage in the nia, H E Samia Hassan Suluhu, State of Qatar. on the death of President John MAGHRIB 05.46 pm During the inauguration, H Magufuli. Prime Minister and Min- ISHA 07.16 pm E the Minister was briefed on ister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid the various departments of the bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani centre, some of which were also sent a cable of condolences devoted to youth activities, in to Prime Minister of the United addition to the sections devoted Republic of Tanzania H E Kassim Minister of Culture and Sports H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali and others at the inauguration of a Nomas to girls, including old handi- Majaliwa on the death of President Center branch at Al Wakra old market, yesterday. crafts. The Minister also John Magufuli. — QNA watched a number of short films explaining the centre’s Ministry of Culture and Sports. and openness to others, and Qatar condemns activities to preserve the Qatari The opening of the Nomas She also praised the efforts preserving the national identity. attack in Niger WEATHER identity. Center branch in Al Wakra of the people in charge of the Director of the Nomas TODAY The opening of the Nomas Nomas Center in creating gen- Center, Salah bin Ibrahim Al Center branch in Al Wakra comes within the erations aware of the impor- Mannai, said the opening of a DOHA: The State of Qatar has comes within the programme programme of hosting tance of heritage, expressing new branch of the centre in the expressed its condemnation and of hosting 'Doha, the Capital of 'Doha, the Capital of her hope that the new centre, old market of Al Wakra within denunciation of an attack on a culture in the Islamic World Culture in the Islamic through its programmes and the activities of 'Doha, the livestock market in Niger, leaving 2021' activities due to the cen- World 2021' activities. activities, will be a mirror of the Capital of Culture in the Islamic dozens including children killed. tre’s achievement of high- rich heritage of Qatar and con- World 2021', indicates the Min- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27oC 37oC lighting the richness of local tribute to strengthening the istry's keenness to hold distin- renewed, in a statement yester- Minimum Maximum culture, and human values of religion and morals, and Qatari identity. guished events on the occasion day, the State of Qatar’s position the culture of Qatar and its equipping them with skills that General coordinator of the of this selection that Doha of rejecting violence and terrorism, Relatively hot daytime with slight dust to blowing dust at times and ancient history. qualify them for self-reliance celebration of 'Doha, the Capital deserves as a result of the great regardless of the motives and rea- some cloud. Director of the Heritage and and responsibility. of Culture in the Islamic World position of the Qatari culture in sons. The statement expressed Identity Department at the Min- She emphasised the interest 2021', Hamad Al Athba said the the Islamic world, pointing out the State of Qatar’s condolences W ALRUWAIS : 23o → 30o istry of Culture and Sports, of the State of Qatar in heritage, opening of a new Nomas Center that this branch will serve the to the families of the victims, the W ALKHOR : 26o → 33o Sheikha Najla Faisal Al Thani, which is clearly evident in Qatar branch is implementation of the residents of Al Wakra, and the government, and people of Niger. said in a speech on this occasion National Vision 2030, which Ministry's strategy on identity visitors to the ancient market — QNA W DUKHAN : 21o → 30o that the opening of a new pays great attention to heritage as a framework for preserving from Arabs and foreigners, as WAKRAH 26o → 37o W : branch of the Nomas Center in and preserving it as the main culture and promoting citi- it is one of the archaeological W MESAIEED : 26o → 37o the ancient city of Al Wakra pillar of the national identity, zenship, noting that this step and historical monuments in Food Safety Lab W ABUSAMRA : 24o → 32o came to achieve the centre’s as it works to consolidate the comes after the centre’s distin- the country. goals in developing youth and popular heritage in the hearts guished role in the past years Nomas Center was estab- inaugurated at working to invest their free time of generations and promotes by promoting a spirit of lished in 2014 as an educational HIGH TIDE in learning and practicing many human values and gains in the belonging and citizenship centre that contributes to Hamad Port 06:42– 21:28 activities related to the heritage hearts of future generations among young people, consoli- investing the youth’s spare time FROM PAGE 1 LOW TIDE 2:46 – 14:44 and authentic customs of the through many mechanisms, dating the values and traditions in learning and practicing many people of Qatar in terms of perhaps the most important is of society and preserving its activities related to the heritage Director of the Food Safety solution and travel, on land and the presence of the Heritage heritage, affirming a value and authentic customs of the Department at MoPH, Wassan sea, all within a framework of and Identity Department at the system based on human dignity people of Qatar. Abdullah Al Baker added: The analysis is done using the liquid and gas “chromatog- raphy” related to the mass Agricultural exhibition to spectrometer, which are the two most recent technologies host specialised seminars in the world in the field of pes- ticide analysis and detection SANAULLAH ATAULLAH the development of clean and and their concentrations. THE PENINSULA environmentally friendly tech- Analyzing several stages of nologies in water resources daily accuracy tests and veri- A series of specialised seminars management and wastewater fying the validity and integrity will be held virtually during the treatment; the role of inno- of the results before the results 8th Qatar International Agri- vative technology; promoting of the samples are issued cultural Exhibition (AgriteQ) production and improving its within a record time not and 2nd Qatar International quality; and other issues of exceeding twenty-four hours Environmental Exhibition concern to various workers in from the time of receiving the Muhammad Ali Al Khoury, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Exhibition; Yousef Khalid Al (EnviroteQ) 2021. the agricultural and environ- samples. Khulaifi, Vice-Chairman of the Organizing Committee; and Dr. Muhammad Saif Al Kuwari, Chairman The event will be organised mental sectors. Al Baker said that the of the Conference Committee addressing a press conference, yesterday. by the Ministry of Municipality Dr. Al Kuwari indicated that Microbiological Analysis and and Environment (MME) from all these seminars will be Molecular Biology Unit also March 23 to 27 at Doha Exhi- broadcast online, and regis- receives all food samples, as AgriteQ, EnviroteQ exhibitions from March 23 bition and Convention Center tration will be available for all detection of the microbial (DECC). those wishing to attend, free of content in the samples for all FROM PAGE 1 products for livestock, poultry achievements in the devel- “What is new in this year’s charge, in light of adherence to microbial species determined Al Khoury said that the and other species,” said Al opment of the agricultural session is the organisation of all necessary measures and by the regional and interna- exhibition will have dedicated Khoury. sector.” He said Qatar is scientific and educational standards set by the authorities tional food standards is carried areas for showcasing dates, He said with its agricultural making investment in tech- forum, a series of virtual spe- concerned in the country to out using the latest global vegetables, fruits and honey and environmental aspects, the nology, research and devel- cialised seminars via the maintain public health and analysis techniques such as from local farms and first time event enjoys considerable opment and food control, as a Internet in conjunction with the safety. the technique of genetic fin- nursery market will be held to attention regarding the vital agri- priority to raise the volume exhibition,” said Dr. He said that the activities of gerprinting (PCR) used for offer plants and flowers. cultural projects and promising and quality of agricultural, Muhammad Saif Al Kuwari, the forum include six sessions, DNA analysis, detecting con- “Vegetable market, which investment opportunities in animal and fish production in Chairman of the Conference and one session consists of two tamination in meat, within a includes about 100 Qatari which Qatar is rich, also regarding safe and sustainable ways, Committee for the agricultural periods, the first period starts standard time that does not farms will provide the public the unlimited government along with the objectives of the and environmental exhibition. from 11am to 12:30pm, while exceed 24 hours from the with their production of fresh support, which is highlighted in second national development Addressing a press conference the second period lasts from receiving of sample, using vegetables and fruits, and the the allocation of QR70m annually strategy of the State of Qatar yesterday, Al Kuwari said more 4pm to 5:30pm. standard analytical methods honey and dates market that to boost agricultural, animal and (2018-22). than 30 experts and speakers “A book entitled ‘Con- to ensure the accuracy and brings together the elite pro- fish production and to enhance “The move helped in from 16 countries will be hosted ference Presentations’ will also integrity of the results for all ducers of honey and dates,” national agricultural products’ increasing the percentage of to discuss the most prominent be releases during the con- samples. said Al Khoury. marketing. local production of livestock issues and challenges in the ference, which contains The inaugural of the lab He said Food Industry Zone Yousef Khalid Al Khulaifi, to 30% and fish to 65% respec- agricultural and environmental working papers, research, and comes as part of plans to (FoodteQ), will shed light on Vice-Chairman of the Organ- tively by the year 2022, to sectors. agricultural and environ- expand this important sector the latest agricultural products izing Committee, Director of support “Qatar National Vision “People can follow these mental studies that will be pre- of public health, and to add and food packaging and the Agricultural Affairs 2030” in order to consolidate sessions through their smart sented by an Arab and inter- labs for food analysis with the processing machinery. “Veter- Department at MME, said: Qatar’s leadership as an phones and gadgets,” said Al national elite of scientists and same competence and inary Products Zone (VeteQ), “With a focus on adopting advanced country capable of Kuwari. He said that agenda of researchers, in order to dis- accreditation that the main a specialized platform for vet- innovative policies, strategies achieving sustainable devel- discussion includes how to tribute them to the conference labs have obtained since 2015 erinary health will introduces and technologies that serve opment and providing decent achieve sustainable devel- guests to spread benefit and with the aim of achieving food a wide range of services, environmental sustainability, living for its people” said Al opment in the fields of agricul- knowledge,” said Dr. Al safety and security in the equipment and veterinary Qatar has made remarkable Khulaifi. tural and animal production; Kuwari. country. Qatar, UK sign MoU to Schools to operate with 30% student capacity from Sunday FROM PAGE 1 support children’s virtual whenever possible. School from 12:30 - 2:00 pm, and that kindergarten, stressing the necessity Public schools will also send text administrations shall calculate the student enrollment in them is of daily monitoring of attendance education in Syria messages to parents about their chil- absence of students and notify them optional. and absence on the NSIS system. dren’s time in the school building, and their parents of the importance Second: The regulations for Each private school or kinder- FROM PAGE 1 and they will distribute students into of coming to the school and fol- private schools: These include deter- garten has the authority to Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the UK groups so that one class accommo- lowing up direct broadcast lessons, mining the percentage of actual determine the daily hours for Yousef bin Ali Al Khater said that the State of dates a maximum of 15 students. applying the attendance and absence attendance in the building by the blended learning, provided that it is Qatar and the UK realized the importance of They will use open spaces in the policy, and making statistics peri- school or kindergarten in proportion not less than four hours per day for placing future generations at the heart of the school building and convert them odically to manage school affairs. to the needs of each class, with an the school, and two hours per day response to the crisis. He added that this meant into classes to achieve social dis- The Ministry also stressed the emphasis on adherence to 30 for kindergarten, as well as the pos- the two sides needed to cooperate on this long- tancing of no less than (1.5) meters importance of continuing to apply percent of the approved capacity of sibility of applying the two-shift term educational initiative to bring hope and between each student and another. the same school schedule, as the building, and with a maximum system. The Ministry stressed the knowledge to those in desperate need for Schools will continue to apply all working hours start at 7:15 am and of 15 students per classroom, need to continue the school calendar assistance in Syria. precautionary measures to ensure end at 12:30 pm. The school schedule pointing out to the need to adhere in the private school or kindergarten UK Ambassador to Qatar, H E Jonathan Paul the safety of students and employees shall include 30 lessons per week, to social distancing of not less than as approved during this year. Wilks said a third of Syria’s children are still out in the school building and to adhere six classes a day, so that the class (1.5) meters between students. Third: Continuing to exclude stu- of school 10 years after the Syrian crisis. He high- to previous circulars issued by the time is 45 minutes, with five minutes Distance learning system will dents with a chronic disease and a lighted that the conflict has had a negative impact Ministry’s security and safety as a break between classes. continue to be applied in private medical certificate, provided that their on education and destroys the opportunities department regarding canceling the The Ministry also called for schools on days when students do attendance is remotely and that they young boys and girls have. He added that, thanks morning queue and group activities ensuring the organization of not come to the school building, perform the second semester exams to the new partnership, the two sides will work such as trips, camps and celebra- remedial lessons to help students in according to the schedules planned with physical attendance according on improving education for children in Syria. tions and converting them into basic subjects after school hours by the school or private to the procedures for such cases. FRIDAY 19 MARCH 2021 HOME 03 Over 250,000 watch debut of Doha Debates #DearWorldLive programme season 3 THE PENINSULA — DOHA Wickramanayake said that she said: “Education has to young people are uniquely The season three debut always adapt. Curriculums Better teaching in schools is positioned to tackle polari- episode of must continually evolve,” and needed to empower young sation. They are not only #DearWorldLive that it is necessary to really people to help bridge polarised incredibly resilient but “have address the issues of access differences on the most chal- the fantastic ability to reach coincided with the and funding more spaces for lenging issues of our time, across the divide and build education-focused SXSW girls and more equality within education advocates have told coalitions to drive towards a EDU Conference and the education system. Qatar Foundation’s Doha common goal, often by holding The season three debut Festival, where Doha Education activists and speakers during the live discussions. Debates’ #DearWorldLive the leaders of previous gener- Debates is a featured episode of #DearWorldLive programme. ations accountable.” coincided with the education- The programme featured Wickramanayake argued exhibitor. focused SXSW EDU Con- making sure every child could get initely have to reject.” solutions from three education that “affordable, accessible, ference and Festival, where a great quality education.” The programme included activists: Jayathma Wickrama- and quality education is one of Doha Debates is a featured Otherwise, she warned: “I see comments and questions from nayake, United Nations Sec- the most important tools that “We must not only look at exhibitor. More than 250,000 another future, and it’s the one around the world, including Bhag- retary-General’s Envoy on we have at our disposal in education in terms of numbers, viewers around the world that we need to avoid, and it’s the yashree Prabhutendolkar, an Youth; Dr. Fatima Akilu, a fighting social inequalities, but in terms of content. When watched the live one where government budgets Indian student and the founder of Nigerian psychologist and which in turn will help us deal we talk about education, we programme. are really hit by the economic Youth Magazine. expert on countering violent with polarization.” just talk about people being in Gillard, the board chair of shock of COVID-19, [where] gov- Prabhutendolkar said: extremism; and former Aus- Dr. Akilu, the director of school, but we have to talk the Global Partnership for Edu- ernments retreat their expend- “Progress can only happen when tralian Prime Minister Julia Nigeria’s Neem Foundation, about how [you are] taught to cation, said: “Building back iture on education. That cements you realize that learning should Gillard, chair of the board of said: “We see polarization navigate your way around better would mean putting preexisting inequalities based on be endless. As a student, you never the Global Partnership for because schools are not as differences.” gender equality right at the poverty and race and gender. just stick to textbooks — especially Education. inclusive of differences. To tackle these challenges, centre of decision-making and That, to me, is the future we def- in this polarized world.” SJC Chairman affirms Qatar’s support for enhancing criminal justice Qatar attends Moscow meeting QNA — DOHA Nations Conference on Crime and judicial cooperation praised Al Mohannadi. develop a profession of ethics Prevention and Criminal Justice it due to the great achievements The Chairman of the philosophy in line with the on Afghanistan Chairman of the Supreme Judi- in the Japanese city of Kyoto, made during the Qatari presi- Supreme Judiciary Council developments that humanity is ciary Council, Dr. Hassan bin which was held under the title dency, represented by the Min- highlighted the role of the witnessing with the passage of QNA — MOSCOW Lahdan Al Hassan Al of judicial integrity is the istry of Interior, at the global Global Judicial Integrity time. Mohannadi, has affirmed the essence of the rule of law. level, and due to the largest Network initiative in achieving They are the main themes The State of Qatar participated State of Qatar’s continued The State of Qatar had financial, technical and political the desired goals of the judicial of the Doha Declaration on in Moscow Conference on commitment to support the handed over the presidency of support in the history of inter- integrity pillar, one of the most Judicial Integrity, which was Afghanistan organised by the United Nations activities to the United Nations Conference national action provided by the important pillars of the imple- adopted by the largest inter- Russian Federation yesterday. promote the culture and meth- on Crime Prevention and State. mentation program of the Doha national judicial cooperation The State of Qatar was odology of criminal justice and Criminal Justice six years after The Supreme Judiciary Declaration. It has provided the event in Doha during the represented in the conference the right of everyone to a fair the convening of the thirteenth Council had played a prominent world with a platform for second high-level conference by H E Minister of Foreign trial run by an impartial judicial conference hosted by the Min- role during that period through building important capabilities of the Global Judicial Integrity Affairs’ Special Envoy for system as institutions and istry of Interior in Doha in the initiative of the Global that have reached distant parts Network hosted by the Counterterrorism and Medi- judges. March 2015. Judicial Integrity Network of the world with its training Supreme Judiciary Council in ation in Conflict Resolution Dr This came during his par- The presidency of the State which its advisory council and programs and specialized tech- Doha in February 2020 and Mutlaq bin Majed Al Qahtani. ticipation remotely in the of Qatar for this conference was its second high-level meeting nical advice that helps judicial was the first of the Qatari inter- The conference high- plenary session of the Four- considered exceptional as all is currently chaired by Dr. institutions and the world’s national specialized action in lighted support for the peace teenth United parties to international legal Hassan bin Lahdan Al Hassan judges to understand and this direction. process in Afghanistan and the ongoing talks in Doha between the Afghan parties. The closing statement also Qumra Master advises young filmmakers Qatar University in top 30 of appreciated the role of the State of Qatar in facilitating the to have original cinematic voice THE Emerging Economies peace process and supporting the continuation of the Doha THE PENINSULA — DOHA negotiations. Taking a leaf from Michael University Rankings 2021 Qumra Master Jessica Hausner, Haneke, her advice to THE PENINSULA — DOHA national needs and meeting the renowned Austrian film- young filmmakers is to international standards of MoPH: 499 new maker who had her breakout Qatar University (QU) is placed success.” moment with her second film “have an original 26th in the overall Times Among 55 Arab universities, COVID-19 cases, Hotel, which screened in the Un [cinematic] language of Higher Education (THE) QU is ranked third in the Arab Certain Regard section at the your own and find a way Emerging Economies world, indicating its strength in 331 recoveries 2004 Cannes Film Festival, to make it accessible to University Rankings for 2021 the region. Qatar University THE PENINSULA — DOHA likes mystery to linger in her an audience.” and entered the top 30 category continues to rank first in the films. for the first time. QU improved international outlook category, The sense of the unknown, Jessica Hausner at Qumra 2021 12 places from the previous which indicates QU’s success The Ministry of Public Health the unanswered questions and Masterclass year and has shown solid in attracting students and (MoPH) yesterday announced an almost deliberate effort not mysteriously. The stylistically improvement since 2017, when faculty from around the world, the registration of 499 new to tie up all those knots – a con- perspective on reality and striking film drew majestically it first made the ranking at 75. a key component for any uni- confirmed cases of COVID-19. ventional film approach – make makes normal things look dif- on the beauty of silence – with QU President Dr. Hassan Al versity looking to have a global Among them 70 were trav- her films ideal lessons for ferent. The whole story-telling intention. Derham commented: “The Uni- impact. ellers returning from abroad. emerging filmmakers. lies within the composition and “There is always an versity is proud to be placed Chief Knowledge Officer of Meanwhile, another 331 The quest for questions colours of those frames.” unspoken layer in my films: In 26th in the THE Emerging THE, Phil Baty, said of the people recovered from the indeed was a recurring element Hausner brings out the Hotel, for example, the girl, a Economies University Rankings achievement, “Qatar Univer- virus have taken the total of her masterclass at Qumra, same flourish in her frames, curtain and the staircase are all for 2021. This achievement sig- sity’s strong march up the 2021 number of recovered cases in the Doha Film Institute’s annual such as in Amour Fou, also characters. Of these three, two nifies the improvement of World University Rankings is Qatar to 159,472. talent incubator for Arab screened in the Un Certain cannot talk. I have always been Qatar’s economic sector, which echoed in the new Emerging All new cases have been cinema. Regard section at the 2014 interested in studying more of has positively and noticeably Economies Rankings – but the introduced to isolation and are Being open-ended, being Cannes Film Festival, and in what we think is normal and impacted the education additional context and focus receiving necessary healthcare unpredictable, not knowing it Hotel. She was also inspired by have always wanted to create sector. This achievement also provided by the Emerging according to their health all, she says, is also what life is the conversations at home a strange, unknown, uncanny highlights the continuous Economies Rankings allows us status. about. But it is not a visceral about cinema and art, with her atmosphere. After all, if you progress of Qatar University to see the full extent of the The total number of approach to human frailties and father introducing her to the stop talking and listen around, both in its regional and inter- improvement. While QU moved vaccine doses administered fears that make her films stand- works of Ingmar Bergman and you will find strange noises, and national role. It also points to up a band in the world since the start of the COVID-19 out: it is in her approach to Akira Kurosawa. “My father those are part of what inspires the university’s vision, which rankings, among all the coun- vaccination campaign is visuals, structured almost like loved the visual elements of my imagination,” said Hausner. aims to be at the forefront of tries classified by the (London 538,441. As many as 18,635 the paintings she would see at Kurosawa’s films, who was a With every subsequent film, institutions by delivering aca- Stock Exchange) FTSE Group doses of COVID-19 vaccines museums with her painter painter himself in the Hausner has kept the spirit of demic excellence, impactful as emerging economies, have been administered father, Rudolf Hausner. beginning.” mystery alive, underlined by research, and strong partner- including economic power- during the past 24 hours. She recalled studying a Taking a leaf from Michael her outlook that “I don’t give ships with industry.” houses like China, QU moved While the first phase of painting on a vacation to Haneke, her advice to young away what you want to know.” QU President Dr. Hassan Al up 12 places into 26th.” COVID-19 vaccinations has Madrid with her father detailing filmmakers is to “have an She compares that to life: “We Derham added: “I would like “The success is of course started in Qatar and in the the different layers and dimen- original [cinematic] language would like to know what life is to congratulate all members of driven by several factors, and coming months it will be sions, revealing almost ten of your own and find a way to like, but we don’t know. I try to Qatar University for their con- some smart strategic moves: available for the public for stories in one illustration of a make it accessible to an put that in my films. I want to tributions in this feat. We will but it is primarily driven by a free, the Ministry has stressed battlefield. audience.” She realised this tell my audience that you really continue our focus and com- steady improvement in that it is important for eve- “I think my whole attraction with Hotel, about a young don’t know what is true or false mitment to quality and excel- research impact and influence, ryone to play their role in to composition was probably woman who goes to work at a and still have them engaged in lence in academic and scien- judged by an analysis of many controlling the virus by fol- formed back when I was a deserted hotel where her pred- a way that satisfies them in the tific research, as well as our millions of citations to research lowing precautionary child. Art shows an alternate ecessor had disappeared end.” constant pursuit of targeting papers globally,” he added. measures. Young filmmakers laud Qumra for expanding their horizon amid pandemic THE PENINSULA — DOHA inspired them to work closer to it added to the challenges we The sentiment was shared the goals. This was the over- already faced. Qumra helped us by Amil Shivji, a filmmaker In a tumultuous year for young arching sentiment of the young to push our film out there. In based in Tanzania who partic- filmmakers in the Arab world filmmakers whose feature fact, a lot of answers [regarding ipated with his film, Tug of War. facing the impact of a pandemic, projects are being showcased the film’s sales and moving “Qumra has done a spectacular ensuring that their cinematic at Qumra, the DFI’s annual forward strategy] came from job of organising the online journey was uninterrupted was talent incubator for Arab Qumra.” He said shooting his event. I have heard amazing not an easy task. For film- cinema. film was logistically challenging stories of the previous makers in Lebanon, there was Mounia Akl, young Leb- with the ongoing street protests editions.” the added challenge of the anese filmmaker, captured the and then the Beirut blasts hap- Highlighting the diversity of street protests and the blast that mood, stating: “Qumra helped pened setting him back again, the feature film projects nur- rocked the capital city. expand our horizon when the as he paused to take in the tured by Qumra is The Pearl. Its Qatari filmmaker Noor Al Nasr (left) and filmmaker Ely Dagher at For filmmakers who were world was closing down. It gave impact of the incident that had director Noor Al Nasr said films Qumra 2021. nurturing their ambition to us the opportunity to continue resonance in the story he was are her passion and with The bring to screen their feature to have the context to help telling too. Pearl, she tells a story that con- films, the situation could not make things. It led to more pro- Qumra Project. She said: “[At whose film Waves 98 was Carlo Francisco Manatad, nects her to her own roots. “I have been more challenging. To found relationships with people, Qumra], I feel like I am learning awarded the short film Palme director of Whether the had a discussion with my overcome this, they found with an urge to protect each again. I have been most excited d’Or at Cannes Film Festival, Weather is Fine said Qumra was mother to learn that her father comfort in each other, with the other and connect at a different about the masterclasses [by the participates in Qumra with his “quite helpful. I was impressed was a pearl diving captain and mentoring sessions of the Doha level.” Qumra Masters] and it has been project, The Sea Ahead. by how it matched us with wondered what it would like for Film Institute serving as a Her film, Costa Bravo a well-planned online expe- “The pandemic was a huge industry experts, which helps my younger brothers to meet platform that united them and Lebanon is a ‘Work-in-Progress’ rience for me.” Ely Dagher, blow to the cinema world, and the project in the long-run.” him.” 04 MIDDLE EAST FRIDAY 19 MARCH 2021

Yemeni minister Hariri: Priority to unharmed after explosion targets form government, his convoy re-engage IMF AP — CAIRO REUTERS — BEIRUT “The main priority of any Yemen’s internationally recog- government is to prevent the nised government said a Lebanon’s Prime Minister- collapse that we are facing Cabinet minister survived an designate Saad Al Hariri said attempt on his life in the yesterday after a meeting with today... that we proceed to southern city of Aden President Michel Aoun that start halting the collapse with yesterday, escaping unharmed forming a government that the IMF and regain the trust from an explosion that could reengage with the IMF of the international targeted his convoy. was the only way to halt the A government statement country’s financial collapse. community,” Lebanon’s Prime said Minister of Civil Service The meeting took place after Minister-designate Saad Al and Insurance Abdel Nasser Al a heated exchange on Hariri told reporters. Waly was not harmed, Wednesday night between the describing the attack as “sinful two politicians, who have been and terrorist.” at loggerheads for months over told reporters. It was not known if cabinet formation. Lebanon’s talks with the anyone was hurt in the Aoun, in a televised speech, IMF stalled last year over a row Lebanon’s President Michel Aoun meets with Prime Minister-designate Saad Al Hariri at the presidential explosion. No one immedi- asked Hariri to form a new gov- among government officials, palace in Baabda, Lebanon, yesterday. ately claimed responsibility ernment immediately or make bankers and political parties for the blast. Yemen’s new way for someone else. Hariri hit over vast financial losses. progress to resolve the crisis. The currency has crashed - including on fuel, wheat and prime minister, Maeen back by telling him that if he could The Lebanese pound has “We are really looking at so fast in recent weeks, losing medicine - may soon end have Abdulmalik Saeed, ordered not approve his cabinet line-up sunk by 90% in the country’s the abyss, seeing it very clearly, a third of its value, that grocery also triggered panic buying. an investigation. then he should call an election. worst crisis since the 1975-1990 and I think it’s either now or shops closed on Wednesday and Cars lined up outside gas Yemen has been Yesterday, Hariri’s tone was civil war. It has plunged many never,” Mohanad Hage Ali of the bakeries cautioned they may stations earlier this week, and embroiled in a civil war since more positive after saying a into poverty and endangered Carnegie Middle East Center have to follow suit. scenes of brawls over subsi- 2014, when the Iran-backed further meeting was scheduled imports as dollars grow scarce. said, alluding to the urgency of Many pharmacies shut their dised goods at supermarkets Shia rebels — known as the for Monday and that he saw “an Politicians have since late forming a new government able doors on Thursday and flashed have heightened fears among Houthis — overran the opportunity to be seized”. 2019 failed to agree a rescue plan to make reforms. neon strike signs, the latest Lebanese over their most basic capital, Sana'a, and much of “The main priority of any to unlock foreign cash which He added that major sector of the economy to voice needs. the north. government is to prevent the Lebanon desperately needs. political parties, including frustration. Ali Obaid, a Beirut The sharp descent of the A Saudi-led coalition inter- collapse that we are facing In Paris, French President Aoun’s ally, the Iran-backed pharmacist, said he could no pound sent protesters into the vened months later and has today... that we proceed to start Emmanuel Macron said he Hezbollah movement, were re- longer keep up with expenses. streets this month, blocking been battling the rebels since halting the collapse with the would push for a new approach evaluating their positions as “Pharmacies will close perma- roads in anger at an entrenched 2015 to try and restore the IMF and regain the trust of the in the coming weeks as Leba- delays worsen the economy’s nently if this continues,” he said. political elite that has domi- internationally recognised international community,” he non’s main actors had made no free-fall and unrest grows. Comments that subsidies nated since the civil war. government to power. The conflict has killed about 130,000 people and spawned the world’s worst Health officials in Gaza humanitarian crisis, according to the United Nations. The incumbent gov- urge wary Palestinians to ernment was formed in December to end an internal have COVID-19 vaccine rift with southern separatists. REUTERS — GAZA he said. He said mild side- Saeed’s Cabinet was effects experienced by some formed following a power- Waiting for her COVID-19 people such as short-term sharing deal between the vaccination in a Gaza clinic, headaches and fever “cannot Saudi-backed President Leena Al Tourk, 28, a Pales- be compared to the huge ben- Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi and tinian lawyer, recalled the efits the vaccine offers to the secessionist Southern social pressure she faced in the protect them against infection”. Transitional Council, an enclave over getting the shot. Dhair said health author- umbrella group of militias “Some people told me, are ities in Gaza were prioritising seeking to restore an inde- you insane? Wait until you see the around 150,000 people pendent southern Yemen, whether it is good or bad,” she deemed to be at high risk, such which existed from 1967 until said. Just 8,500 people have as medical personnel and unification in 1990. turned out to be vaccinated in people with underlying health Al Waly, the minister Gaza according to an official, conditions. reported targeted yesterday is even though the enclave of two “Only 26,000 people reg- a prominent member of the million people has received istered. This is a minimal council, which said in a around 83,300 vaccine doses number,” he said, citing misin- statement that two roadside since February donated by formation on social networks bombs went off as his convoy Russia, the United Arab Emirates as part of the problem. drove through Aden. The Welcoming Nowruz and the global COVAX On a Gaza street, Ahmed statement did not provide An Iranian woman paints a Nowruz-themed decoration, ahead of Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, amid programme. Nasser, 57, leaned against a further details. the coronavirus pandemic, in Tehran, Iran, yesterday. Suspicion of the vaccines pro-vaccination mural, painted Separately, the statement runs deep in Gaza, which has by youngsters, that depicts a said 12 southern fighters loyal registered over 57,000 coro- “coronavirus” with jagged teeth to the council were killed on navirus infections and 572 trying to tug a woman away from Thursday in an attack in the Kuwait reports 1,394 new virus cases, 8 deaths deaths. It has recently relaxed two youths holding her hand. southern province of Abyan. lockdown restrictions. “Protect yourself,” a slogan next It did not elaborate. AGENCIES — KUWAIT/RIYADH day, raising the total of those to Makkah, 16 in the Northern Some people fear possible to the painting says. “Hand in Saeed’s government has have overcome the disease to Borders region, 14 in Hail, 12 in side-effects from the jab and hand we protect the elderly.” struggled to restore stability. Kuwait’s Health Ministry 199,549. Asir, 11 in Madinah, 11 in Tabuk, are sharing their misgivings Nasser, a government Thursday’s attacks came two yesterday reported 1,394 new The number of people hos- four in Jazan and three in widely on social media. employee, was unconvinced. days after a protest against coronavirus infections, raising pitalized with the virus cur- Najran. Millions of doses of “Of course I will not take dire economic conditions the total number of cases to rently stands at 14,316, with 222 The total number of recov- COVID-19 vaccines have been the vaccine. They say on social escalated when some demon- 215,067. of them in intensive care units, eries increased to 373,601 after administered around the world. media it can lead to blood strators broke through the The Ministry said, in a the ministry said. 240 more patients recovered Echoing global scientific clots,” he said. In contrast, entrance gate of the Presi- statement that eight virus- Saudi Arabia announced from the virus. and health experts, Majdi Dhair, 100,000 Palestinians have reg- dential Palace in Aden. related deaths were recorded yesterday six deaths from The health ministry said Gaza’s deputy director of prime istered to get the vaccine in the Shots were heard as the to raise the total to 1,202. COVID-19 and 381 new infec- more than 2.6 million doses of healthcare, said the vaccines Israeli-occupied West Bank, crowd gathered around the It added that some 1,276 tions. Of the new cases, 157 a coronavirus vaccine had been were safe. “We have the expe- where authorities have entrance gate but there was no more people had been cured were recorded in Riyadh, 74 in administered in the Kingdom rience of 8,500 people who received 76,700 doses donated subsequent word of any from the virus over the past the Eastern Province, 58 in to date. have already taken (the shot),” by Israel, Russia and COVAX. casualties.

Swedish scientist critical after Gaza family longs for Mother’s Day reunion, but no hope months in solitary REUTERS — GAZA/QALQILYA confinement in Sunday is Mother’s Day across most of the Middle East but, for Iran: UN experts the third year running, Gaza resident Niveen Gharqoud will REUTERS — GENEVA be forced to spend it without four of her five children. Swedish-Iranian scientist They haven’t met since Ahmadreza Djalali, sentenced 2018, when she sent them to to death in Iran on espionage live with their father Sami in charges, is in critical condition Qalqilya, a West Bank city east and near death after months of of the military wall that sepa- prolonged solitary confinement, rates Israel from the occupied UN human rights experts said. Palestinian territories. “Djalali’s situation is truly She lives in Juhr Edeek, a horrific,” the experts said. In an village just west of a separate appeal calling on Iran to release border fence that isolates the him, they said he had been held Gaza Strip. In between the two in solitary confinement for more barriers is Israel, which she is than 100 days, with prison offi- not allowed to cross. cials shining bright lights in his So the only way Gharqoud Palestinian woman Niveen Gharqoud sits with her son Amir at their home in the central Gaza Strip. RIGHT: Niveen's other children cell round the clock to deprive and the one child who still lives gather around with her husband Sami Gharqoud as they speak with their mother on a video call, at their home in Qalqilya in the Israeli- him of sleep. with her can bridge the 120 km occupied West Bank. “Medical issues have pre- gap is electronically. vented him from eating “One hour is all I need to be separation is a complex system unfair and arbitrary. standing between my children Bank from Gaza because the properly, resulting in dramatic with my children,” Gharqoud of restrictions that Israel Gharqoud hoped the bulk and me.” enclave is controlled by Islamist weight loss,” said the experts, said as she prepared for her applies in the territories that it of her family would be better COGAT, Israel’s military group Hamas. who include the UN special Mother’s Day cellphone call. captured and occupied in a off outside Gaza, and that she liaison to the Palestinians, said COGAT said Gharqoud’s rapporteurs on the situation “Nothing will satisfy me but to 1967 war. could join them later. it limits to “humanitarian- application to travel was denied in Iran, arbitrary executions, be with my children on Israel says it needs the “(But) three years of exceptional cases only” the “after being carefully examined” arbitrary detentions and Mother’s Day.” system to protect its own cit- attempts didn’t work for me,” number of Palestinians allowed because it did not meet the nec- torture. Behind the family’s izens. Palestinians say it is she said. “A checkpoint is to travel to Israel and the West essary criteria. FRIDAY 19 MARCH 2021 ISLAM 05

Preparations and Salat: The believers’ Mi’raj punctuality in salat Salat is the prime mover in a believer’s or salat to become the center of gravity in a person’s life, he must meticulously life schedules, dynamism, and success. Fattend to it. His dealing with his salat must cover every aspect of it, before, during, and Under no circumstances can its role after. Things that deserve special attention are and authority be bartered. It is primary; as follows: Preparations for salat should be everything else is secondary. methodical, thorough, and even creative. They are to be physical, mental, and spiritual and should be taken very seriously. Performing SPAHIC OMER it. The qiblah is its launch pad, the ablution or wudu’ (a prescribed washing of Prophet (PBUH) the exemplar, and certain body parts) is meant, among other alat is a form of mi’raj God’s pleasure, symptomatic of things, to facilitate the process. Minding the because through it, in spir- Heaven, the goal. cleanliness and overall state of clothing, the itual terms, we most The believers’ constant facing whole body and the place of salat, should be directly face Almighty Allah of the qiblah inspires, motivates, and seen in the same light. and talk to Him. We are directs them. It harnesses and Ablution cleanses our body, awakens and Sclosest to Him when we perform our channels their vigor. It keeps them re-aligns our mind, and re-orientates plus cal- salat. Our spiritual faculties are determined and focused and gave ibrates our soul. It is no surprise that the sharpest and most disposed to the them a sense of purpose and Prophet (pbuh) said a great deal of goodness truth in our salat. direction in their spiritual journey(s). concerning it and its function. Synchronization of the body, He said for example: “There is no one among mind, and soul is most effective in The example of Prophet Yunus you who does wudu’, and does it well, then says: salat. In his salat, a person is most Indeed, God is everywhere with “I bear witness that there is no god except Allah human, most sensible, and almost his knowledge, power, compassion, alone, with no partner or associate, and I bear otherworldly. He operates at full and will. He is as close to us as we performed properly if it signifies no alone is not the main focus; it is witness that Muhammad is His slave and Mes- capacity and lives “to the fullest.” are willing and able to concede. God more than a series of isolated acts merely one of a few pursuits senger,” but the eight gates of Paradise will be In every physical condition of can be “near” but also “far,” just as partly or fully in disagreement with intended to be highlighted. opened for him, and he will enter through his, when he duly performs his salat, His omnipresent signs can be the rest of a person’s behavioural At the same time, however, the whichever one he wants” (Sahih Muslim). a person is able to free his soul — “visible and legible” but also models. Salat can be said to be per- Quran mentions 46 times that salat According to another narration, the fol- his spiritual being — from the fetters “invisible and illegible,” subject to formed only when it is part of a bigger is and should be “established,” lowing is to be added to the supplication: “O of matter, human ego, and animal people’s abilities and zeal. Salat is a picture, which is the establishment of employing different forms of the Allah, make me one of those who repent (spir- desires and rise indefinitely through window into the incalculable salat as a standard of living. Per- type III verb aqama, which is then itual cleanliness) and make me one of those the vastness of spiritual spheres. treasures of the spiritual Kingdom. forming salat ought to have a proper followed by the word “salat” who purify themselves (physical cleanliness)” There is no challenge that is Possibilities and boons are infinite. context and background. (meaning “to establish salat”). (Jami’ Al Tirmidhi). unbeatable and an obstacle that is For instance, Prophet Yunus That is why sometimes it is said The message of the Quran is A person should gradually disengage from insurmountable. (Jonah), peace be upon him, was that a person should not just unambiguous. The compass and worldly concerns and worries and start While rising towards the spiritual swallowed by a whale. Despite that, perform salat, but should have salat depth of the notion of “establishing focusing on spiritual matters well before salat. fulfillment (and Heaven), a person’s he supplicated and prayed to God as a value, ethos, and character salat” could be further elucidated if This by no means implies that a person should vantage points improve, and so do as though there was nothing unu- instead; that a person should not just the literal meanings of the verb stop doing what he is doing long before his his judgmental capacities. He can see sually standing between them. His perform salat, but should worship aqama, which precedes salat, are salat, but at least should start preoccupying and understand more and more and connectivity and communication God (through it) instead; and that a enumerated. The verb aqama gen- his thoughts and feelings as early and as much can judge more appropriately how with God remained uninterrupted person should not just perform salat, erally means: to establish, erect, as possible. The beginning of salat signifies inconsequential matter and this yet might have been intensified. but instead should have salat as a reside, institute, found, build, install, the climax of that process. A person should not world, in general, are when juxta- Yunus took the whale’s belly as convention and a contract with God, administer, inhabit, implement, dem- approach his salat while he is still thoroughly posed with the merit of spirit and his “mosque” (a place of worship), as well as with his self, people and onstrate, provide a proof for, etc. engrossed in worldly matters. If our minds and Heaven. Every salat is expected to setting in the process some of the the rest of creation. Thus, for instance, the Qur’an hearts are already preoccupied and full in salat, be a step higher in the right highest standards of piety and On a regular basis, the Quran addresses the Jews and Christians how can there be any place in them for what direction, guiding a person through worship. His iconic supplication in speaks of salat as being established as follows: “Say: “O People of the salat is supposed to serve? the hierarchy of spiritual degrees the darkness of the whale’s belly and enhanced as life’s permanent Scripture, you are (standing) on As a result of ablution (wudu’), we should and stations. The lower his station became the most treasured legacy and mindful routine, procedure, nothing until you uphold the law of approach salat “washed” and “clean,” both is, the closer this world and the he bequeathed to posterity. system, and institution. Its five the Torah, the Gospel, and what has physically and spiritually. Salat is always ready farther Heaven appear; and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: determined times throughout the been revealed to you from your for us, so we, too, should be ready for it. Salat higher his station is, the more “The supplication of Dhu Al Nun day and night, and its modi Lord” (al-Ma’idah, 68). is always ready to give us its maximum, so we, distant this world and the closer (Prophet Yunus) which he said when operandi, connote a framework The verb tuqimu is used in the too, should be prepared to do the same for it. Heaven appear. he was in the belly of the whale: within and around which all other context of upholding (observing, The relationship is mutual and causal. When he comes to the verge of his “None has the right to be worshipped life activities are conceived, standing fast by, keeping up, fol- It is widely held that our problem in salat spiritual fulfillment and approaches but You (O Allah)], glorified (and planned, and executed. lowing, acting according to, or per- is absent-mindedness. That is a cliché. Instead, completing his personal existential exalted) be You (above all that (evil) Salat is the prime mover in a forming) the law of the Torah, the our concern is what could be dubbed whole- mi’raj, a person sees, and craves for, they associate with You)! Truly, I have believer’s life schedules, dynamism, Gospel, and whatever has been mindedness. This is so because we live in the nothing but Heaven. The physical world, been of the wrongdoers.” No Muslim and success. Under no circum- revealed from God. The verb is thus ages of information and the internet, and being with all its temptations and false recites this supplication concerning stances can its role and authority be used in connection with the ascer- unable to be selective and discreet, we are splendor, simply disappears over the any matter, but Allah will answer bartered. It is primary; everything taining of truth and the integrity – or overstuffed with junk knowledge and infor- horizon. The ultimate objective of salat him” (Jami’ Al Tirmidhi). else is secondary. In passing, herein the lack of it - of the Jews and Chris- mation. Instead of being in control, we are – and life in general—will then be In essence, Yunus was as near to lies a clue about a person’s com- tians. Also, the verb aqama is used being controlled. Our limited capacities are accomplished. A person needs to “die” God in the whale’s belly as the mitment to salat and his punctuality in the story of Musa and Khidr, when exhausted or are stretched to breaking point. in the material world if he wanted to be Prophet (PBUH) was during the mi’raj with it—and otherwise. Suppose a the latter restored a wall in a town We must learn where and when to stop and “born” in the world of spirit. There is a journey. The difference was in acci- person imagines his life as a canvas they visited. The Quran says: “And when to say that it is enough. vast amount of attractive and repulsive dents and contexts only. Merely the with a regular outline of five daily they found therein a wall about to How can such a mind and soul be ready forces at play. Salat is that which can body of Yunus was trapped. His soul prayers, within and around which collapse, so he restored it for the riches and effects of salat? We must control and coordinate them all. roamed freely in the immediate prox- he needs to plan and slot all other (aqamahu)” (Al Kahf, 77). remember that salat and a heedless heart and There is a bit of symbolism here imity of the Creator. activities. In that case, he will never After the wall was repaired a thoughtless mind are unsuited to each other. as well. The Prophet’s (PBUH) qiblah The believers strive for a similar have any problems with his salat. This (restored, set up straight, or put into It is high time that we start taking stock of at the time of his mi’raj was Masjid condition primarily through their is so because to such a person, nothing a right state), it became sound, func- our lives and start setting our priorities right. Al Aqsa in Jerusalem. Before the salat and as much as possible. The is more important and more deserving tional and useful again. It secured a We must stop fooling ourselves and start asking mi’raj, he was first taken to Jeru- prophets are their role models. to be attended to than salat. commanding presence and good and answering the biggest life questions before salem, to the very place of his qiblah. The Quran proclaims: “And to However, suppose a person physical appearance. Most impor- it becomes too late to make amends. That part of the occasion is called Allah belongs the east and the west. imagines his life as a canvas jammed tantly, it regained its individuality. It Furthermore, salat is to be performed on isra’ (night journey). Thence, the So wherever you (might) turn, there with all sorts of undertakings and got a vital role to play concerning its time, as part of meticulous preparations for it. Prophet (PBUH) ascended the is the Face of Allah. Indeed, Allah is activities, within and around which own purpose and the purposes of the Punctuality in salat is a great virtue; unwar- heavens for the mi’raj. all-Encompassing and Knowing” (Al he has to plan and slot his five daily rest of the town’s morphology. ranted procrastination is a demerit, especially if Similarly, during our salat and Baqarah, 115). salats. In that case, he will regularly For similar reasons, does the it involves joining or missing out on congrega- personal mi’raj experiences, we also “And when My servants ask you, face all sorts of problems with his Quran instruct Prophet Muhammad tional prayers. As soon as a time for salat is due, have to face our qiblah: the Ka’bah (O Muhammad), concerning Me — salat regarding its quality and (PBUH), employing an imperative a person’s worldly interests should come – or and its Masjid Al Haram. That way, indeed I am near” (Al Baqarah, 186). quantity. This is so because of such mood of the same verb aqama: “So, should start coming - to a halt. The times of salat additionally, we face the exact “…And He is with you wherever a person. Everything seems to be direct (aqim) your face (set your face are the Creator’s calls and invitations, so people location — that is, Masjid Al Haram you are…” (Al Hadid, 4). more important and more deserving steadily and truly) toward the as creation and servants need to respond. — where Archangel Jibril (Gabriel) to be attended to than salat. religion, inclining to truth…” (Al Rum, Depending on personal conditions and external came to the Prophet (PBUH) and Performing vs establishing Without a doubt, establishing 30). The Quran also instructs that circumstances, when a time for a salat arrives, took him on his historic earthly and As per the Quranic terminology, salat promotes and teaches discipline, the religion be established (an there must be in every true Muslim a genuine heavenly journeys (isra’ and mi’raj). salat is to be both performed (salla, management, effective planning, aqimudin) and that people be not feeling aroused and an enthusiastic reaction Like so, in every salat of theirs, yusalli) and established (aqam Al time optimization, and accountability. divided therein (Al Shura, 13). caused, regardless of their exact natures and the believers establish an axis that salah, yuqim Al salah). It does so at all possible levels. Mis- By way of analogy, establishing intensities. If absolutely nothing happens and connects them to the most critical Performing implies a mere act management and mishandling of salat, in the long run, means ascer- nothing is felt, and salat is attended to at-will pivots of the spiritual presence both and execution of something while salat lead to the antitheses of all those taining the truth, practicing belatedly and hurriedly, such amounts to a cause on earth and in the heavens. They establishing denotes setting-up, insti- first-rate attributes. integrity, securing a commanding for real concern and a reason to feel real anxiety. tap into their inexhaustible tuting, creating, organising, and The Quran mentions nine times presence and identity, building a Accordingly, a companion of the Prophet resources and capacities, generating building something in such a way that only that salat is and should be “per- future, and providing proof for (PBUH), Abdullah bin Mas’ud, reported that he enough spiritual energy needed for it eventually becomes a permanent formed,” employing different forms righteousness and virtue. Salat asked the Prophet: “O Messenger of Allah, the journeys ahead. feature, institutionalised, and a of the type II verb salla (meaning extends into the domains of all which deed is best?” The Prophet (PBUH) One of those journeys is the per- second nature. It becomes proven, “to perform salat”). That is always provinces of life. Establishing salat replied: “Salat in its proper time” (Sahih Al sonal mi’raj (spiritual ascent) authenticated, and accepted. done in the frame of some larger is akin to establishing religion. Bukhari). Spahic Omer journey. Salat is synonymous with It follows that salat can hardly be contexts and backgrounds. Salat www.islamicity.org Be merciful to the poor: A direct route to the pleasure of Allah DR HAZEM SAID & MAHA EZZEDDINE with Me.’ ‘Son of Adam, I was thirsty, It is out of the mercy and wisdom At most, we may be persuaded to donate, in order to dedicate their time and but you did not give Me something to of Allah that He made serving others but usually not more. Yet in the feeding resources to easing the hardship of bu Hurairah (may Allah be drink.’ ‘My Lord, how could I give a and creating a peaceful, compassionate of the poor, relieving the thirst and suf- others. pleased with him) reported that drink when You are the Lord of the earth one of the landmarks in the fering, and comforting the sick lies an We must truly seek Allah only in Athe Prophet (peace be upon him) Worlds?’ ‘Did you not know that one of journey to Him. We cannot afford to incredible closeness to Almighty Allah, what we do for others. said: Allah will say on the Day of My servants was thirsty but you did not ignore the suffering around us, because so much that He says that He is there Feeding the hungry, cooking for a Judgment, “Son of Adam, I was sick but give him a drink? If you had given him in those pleas for help is a call to getting Himself, Glory to Him. Maybe we can new mom, or shoveling our neigh- you did not visit Me.” ‘My Lord, how a drink, you would have found its closer to our Creator. rethink our priorities so that we jump at bour’s driveway do not need to be a could I visit You when You are the Lord reward with Me.’ (Bukhari) In this Hadith, the Prophet (PBUH) the chance to be there in the places and chance to spread Islam or in order to of the Worlds?’ ‘Did you not know that Just as the Prophet (PBUH) was sent tells us that if you ever hoped for a direct opportunities where the pleasure of Allah prove ourselves as worthy citizens — one of My servants was sick and you as a mercy to mankind, so should we route to the pleasure of Allah, here it is. can be found. Maybe we can foster a high sometimes it can just be about Allah. didn’t visit him? If you had visited him be a mercy to everyone whose lives Therefore, we have to revive our sensi- level of alertness so that we are always Even when our efforts and pro- you would have found Me there.’ Then we touch. In serving others and giving tivity to the simple acts of service we can on the lookout for ways to please Allah grammes are criticised or targeted, if Allah will say, ‘Son of Adam, I needed to others, we find our Lord. In His do everyday. When we hear of someone through comforting the suffering people the motivation is pure we should not food but you did not feed Me.’ ‘My Lord, mercy, the path to Him is one of peace who is sick or in need, the impulse that in our communities and be deterred by the ill will of some how could I feed You when You are the and improving the world around us. Only we feel to help should be so strong that neighbourhoods. people. In our dedication to peace as Lord of the Worlds?’ ‘Did you not know by helping others can we help ourselves. it is impossible to ignore. This hadith also assures us that individuals and communities, we must that one of My servants was hungry but We cannot live a life of consumption and Instead, many of us have desensi- serving people does not need any other insist that our presence be a blessing you did not feed him? If you had fed selfishness and expect to win the tised ourselves to suffering because it is motive than seeking Allah. Our com- and mercy to every neighbourhood and him you would have found its reward pleasure of Allah along the way. out of sync with the lifestyles we choose. munities do not need a concrete gain city that we are in. 06 AFRICA FRIDAY 19 MARCH 2021 Tanzania President Magufuli dead at 61 REUTERS presidency for the remainder international criticism for his of the five-year term that unorthodox and increasingly Tanzania’s leadership faced Magufuli began serving last year The constitution says authoritarian tactics. calls for a smooth succession after winning a second term. Vice-President Samia Citing Magufuli’s opposition yesterday after President John It also states that after con- Suluhu Hassan, 61, should to foreign interference and Magufuli, Africa’s most sultation with their party, the assume the presidency for focus on social development, vehement coronavirus sceptic, new president will propose a the remainder of the China yesterday expressed its died following an 18-day deputy, the choice to be con- condolonces over his death, absence from public life that firmed by the votes of no less five-year term that state news agency Xinhua drew speculation about his than 50% of the National Magufuli began serving reported. health. Assembly. last year after winning a Canada’s Barrick Gold Corp, An opposition leader urged Speaking on state television second term. embroiled for several years of the immediate swearing in of late on Wednesday, Hassan said Magufuli’s presidency in a tax Vice-President Samia Suluhu Magufuli, 61, had died from the dispute with the government Hassan as successor, saying that heart disease that had plagued that was settled last year, said would avoid a constitutional him for a decade. She said burial “The VP has to be sworn in Magufuli saw the value of a vacuum and prevent arrangements were under way immediately,” opposition leader thriving mining sector. uncertainty. but did not indicate when she Zitto Kabwe told Reuters by The company said the deal But by 1400 local time (1100 would be sworn in. phone from Dar es Salaam. “The it made with his government in GMT), more than 15 hours after Government spokesman constitution doesn’t allow a which it took stakes in three Hassan announced Magufuli’s Hassan Abbasi did not respond vacuum... I will be concerned if gold mines, as part of talks death in an address to the to calls and texts seeking the day passes without her related to the tax dispute, Tanzania’s late President John Magufuli speaks during the inauguration nation, there was no official comment on succession plans. being sworn in.” A source who should serve as a model for of a bridge at Ubungo in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on February 24, 2021. word on plans for her swearing Magufuli had not been seen advises businesses operating in future partnerships between in. The ruling CCM party called in public since February 27, Tanzania said “The next 48 governments and mining com- for calm and said there would sparking rumours he had hours are crucial... There is panies in Africa. championed Magufuli’s lead- frustrating the World Health be a special meeting of its COVID-19. On March 12, offi- likely to be uncertainty. Some Thabit Jacob, a Tanzanian ership style and frequently rep- Organization. central committee tomorrow cials denied he had fallen ill and people will want to purge some scholar at the Roskilde Uni- resented him abroad, she has Some people stood on (Saturday). on Monday Hassan had urged Magufuli hardliners, but given versity in Denmark, said there been more soft spoken and less street corners in the downtown Magufuli’s death, the first of Tanzanians not to listen to how he restructured the intel- appeared to be a consensus confrontational than the area reading newspapers a Tanzanian leader while in rumours from outside the ligence services, that is easier between top political and president. including a headline blaring office, opens the prospect that country. said than done.” security figures whom he Magufuli was a vocal “Grief” and wept. As has been the country will gain its first As late as Wednesday, she Nicknamed “The Bulldozer” speaks to about the need for a COVID-19 sceptic who urged the case throughout the pan- female president. sent ‘greetings’ from Magufuli because of his reputation for smooth transition that followed Tanzanians to shun mask- demic in Tanzania, many The constitution says in remarks to an audience in the pushing through policies despite the constitution. wearing and denounced vac- people were not wearing face Hassan, 61, should assume the coastal region of Tanga. opposition, Magufuli drew Although Hassan publicly cines as a Western conspiracy, masks. African Union says use of AstraZeneca vaccine should continue S Africa picks preferred bidders REUTERS — ADDIS ABABA John Nkengasong, director said it has so far found no causal of the Africa Centers for Disease link. In Africa, the Democratic for emergency The African Union said Control and Prevention, told a Republic of Congo has delayed yesterday that African countries news conference the “benefits the rollout of AstraZeneca’s power tender should continue to use Astra- still outweigh the risks” and shot, citing the suspensions in Zeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine, countries should “move Europe. But other countries are REUTERS — CAPE TOWN echoing the World Health forward”. forging ahead. Angolan Health Organization (WHO) by saying The head of the disease Minister Silvia Lutucuta said South Africa’s government has the shot’s benefits outweighed control body added that any yesterday her country had not selected eight preferred risks. The recommendation adverse reactions should be recorded any serious side- bidders, including Turkey’s comes after more than a dozen monitored and reported. effects from AstraZeneca’s Karpowership, to provide European countries suspended “I encourage countries...to vaccine so far. She said doses emergency electricity and help use of the AstraZeneca vaccine continue with their vaccination shipped to Angola were from a prop up the country’s ailing amid concerns over the risk of campaigns and not to pause, as different batch to ones dis- power supply, Energy Minister Packages of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine are seen at a vaccination blood clots. we are in a race against time,” tributed in Europe. Gwede Mantashe said centre in Cologne, Germany, yesterday. Africa has lagged wealthier the WHO’s Africa director Mat- Muluken Yohannes, a senior yesterday. parts of the world in vaccina- shidiso Moeti told a separate adviser to Ethiopia’s health The tender for 2,000 meg- tions, with many countries on briefing. “The more people are more than 17 million people in European Medicines Agency is ministry, said the government awatts (MW), launched two the continent using free Astra- protected, the less likelihood of the United Kingdom and investigating reports of 30 cases there would continue using the years ago when South Africa Zeneca shots distributed by a mutations producing more dan- European Union who had been of unusual blood disorders out AstraZeneca shot. “It is too early suffered some of the worst global scheme co-led by the gerous variants of the virus.” given its vaccine had shown no of 5 million people who to associate the link between power cuts in a decade, aimed WHO to kick-start immuni- AstraZeneca said on Sunday evidence of an increased risk of received the AstraZeneca the current problem and the to find the cheapest and sation campaigns. that a review of safety data of blood clots. The vaccine in the 27-nation EU. It vaccine,” he told Reuters. quickest options to ease a shortage that has cost the con- tinent’s most industrialised Militants ambush economy billions of dollars. UN rights chief agrees to Ethiopia request for joint Tigray inquiry “The evaluation process Mali’s military, has resulted in the selection of REUTERS — NEW YORK about 5 million. The United “The UN Human Rights year. Eritrea denied that, but the eight preferred bids totalling 33 killed Nations has raised concerns Office and the EHRC are now EHRC also described such 1,845 MW and a further three United Nations human rights about atrocities being com- developing an investigation killings in a rare acknowl- eligible bids totalling 150 MW,” AP — BAMAKO, MALI chief Michelle Bachelet has mitted in Tigray, while US Sec- plan, which includes resources edgment from the Ethiopian Mantashe told a media agreed to an Ethiopian request retary of State Antony Blinken needed and practical modal- side that Eritrean troops have briefing. About 100 suspected for a joint investigation in the has described acts carried out ities, in order to launch the mis- participated in the conflict. Besides Karpowership, extremists on motorcycles country’s northern Tigray in the region as ethnic sions as soon as possible,” The United Nations and the which operates a fleet of pow- ambushed the Malian military region, where Bachelet says cleansing. Ethiopia has rejected Fowler said. United States have demanded erships and will provide ship- convoy in the country’s possible war crimes may have Blinken’s allegation. Ethiopia’s foreign ministry that Eritrean troops leave to-shore electricity when volatile north, killing at least been committed. Bachelet “responded posi- said on Saturday it was ready Tigray. eventually anchored at three 33 people in the deadliest Fighting between gov- tively” to a request from the to work with international Both the Ethiopian and Eri- coastal sites, Saudi Arabia’s attack of its kind since the ernment troops and the region’s state-appointed Ethiopian human rights experts to conduct trean governments have denied ACWA Power and other firms president was overthrown in former ruling party, the Tigray Human Rights Commission investigations on allegations of Eritrean troops are in Tigray, Oya Energy and Umoyilanga a coup last year, officials said People’s Liberation Front (EHRC) for joint investigations abuses. despite dozens of eyewitness Energy were also shortlisted. on Wednesday. (TPLF), has killed thousands of in Tigray, the Office of the High Amnesty International last accounts and admissions that In February last year, Kar- More than a dozen others people and forced hundreds of Commissioner for Human month accused Eritrean forces Eritreans are there from Tig- powership told Reuters that were wounded in Tuesday’s thousands from their homes in Rights spokesman Jonathan of killing hundreds of civilians ray’s federally-appointed each of its ships, which anchor attack near Tassit, located the mountainous region of Fowler said on Wednesday. over 24 hours in Axum city last regional administration. off-shore and connect to the about 60 km southeast of electricity grid, is capable of Ansongo in the Gao region, providing a range of power according to a statement options from 30MW to around issued by the military. South Africa’s Zulu king buried 600MW and contracted for There was no immediate different lengths of time. Kar- claim of responsibility for the amid praise, controversy powership did not immedi- ambush, though extremists ately respond to a request for with links to Al Qaida and the AP — JOHANNESBURG rural people. He is credited with comment. Islamic State group are active speaking openly to encourage Mantashe said the projects in the area. The traditional leader of South public education to control the were expected to inject around The military earlier said Africa’s 12 million Zulu people, HIV/AIDS epidemic that was 45 billion rand ($3.05bn) into that the UN peacekeeping King Goodwill Zwelithini, was sweeping through South Africa South Africa’s economy, with mission known as MINUSMA laid to rest in a private in the 1980s and 1990s. the first power expected to be helped evacuate the wounded ceremony early yesterday. After Zwelithini’s burial, connected to the grid from soldiers. Helicopters from the Zwelithini, 72, died from President Cyril Ramaphosa was August next year. French mission in Mali known health problems related to dia- among the speakers at a Mantashe said a request as Operation Barkhane also betes last Friday and he was memorial service who praised for proposals for the pro- helped the Malian military buried in a traditional cer- the king. curement of 2,600 MW under secure the area in the emony known as “ukutshalwa “It was during his reign that the latest bid round for private aftermath, a statement said. kweNkosi,” which is only the Zulu nation achieved power producers will go to the Extremist rebels were attended by senior men of the harmony and peace. It was market at midnight on forced from power in Mali’s royal family, many wearing during the course of his reign Thursday. northern cities with the help leopard skins and colourful that his people alongside all the “We intend to release four South African President Cyril Ramaphosa speaks at the memorial of a 2013 French-led military Zulu regalia. people of our country realised more requests for proposals service for Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini in Nongoma, South Africa, operation. However, the insur- Reigning for more than 50 the dream of freedom from the within the next 12 months,” he yesterday. gents quickly regrouped in the years, Zwelithini was the injustices of colonialism and said, adding that this will desert and began launching longest-serving monarch of the apartheid,” said Ramaphosa. include 3,000 MW from gas, frequent attacks on the Malian Zulu nation, the largest ethnic Others attending the Zwelithini’s legacy, many deaths because he col- 1,500 MW from coal and 513 army and its allies fighting the group of South Africa’s 60 memorial included former however, has not gone unchal- laborated with the apartheid MW from battery storage. insurgency. The extremists million people. The KwaZulu- president Jacob Zuma, who is lenged and the royal house this regime and the leader of the Drowning in a pile of debt, have expanded their reach Natal province is where most Zulu, and Princess Charlene of week threatened to take legal Inkatha Freedom Party, Prince state-owned power utility well into central Mali. of the country’s Zulus live. Monaco, who is from South action against the City Press Mangosuthu Buthelezi, in their Eskom cannot meet demand Democratically elected Historically, the Zulu nation Africa. newspaper for publishing a quest to create an independent and regularly cuts power to President Ibrahim Boubacar gave early resistance to British Zwelithini was lauded for scathing opinion of the king’s Zulu state and reject democratic industries and households, Keita was forced to step down colonialism under the lead- his role in helping to end the rule. reforms. known locally as load- last August after mutinous sol- ership of King Shaka Zulu from political violence that engulfed In the article, City Press The Zulu royal family issued shedding, to help stave off a diers circled his house and 1816 to 1828. the KwaZulu-Natal province editor-in-chief Mondli a statement condemning Makh- complete power grid collapse. fired into the air. Under inter- Zwelithini was a proponent before South Africa’s first dem- Makhanya accused Zwelithini anya’s assertions as “vulgar lies” Design flaws at underper- national pressure, the junta of traditional Zulu customs and ocratic elections in 1994. He is of being a puppet of South and said it would take “the nec- forming new power stations that had seized power the most influential of South credited with encouraging Africa’s former apartheid essary steps once the mourning and unreliable coal-fired appointed a civilian-led gov- African traditional leaders, who Zulus to participate in the elec- white-minority regime before has been completed.” plants that provide more than ernment to lead the country do not hold political office but tions and calling on them not to the transition to democracy. The royal family will meet 80% of the country’s electricity through an 18-month tran- have considerable influence, engage in violent attacks Makhanya alleged that to determine who will succeed needs has hit power gener- sition to new elections. especially among South Africa’s throughout the country. Zwelithini was responsible for Zwelithini. ation capacity. FRIDAY 19 MARCH 2021 ASIA 07 Myanmar faces growing isolation, builder claims money given to Suu Kyi REUTERS — YANGON Property developer erupted elsewhere day after day. Several thousand people Myanmar faced growing Maung Weik, in marched in the town of isolation yesterday with comments broadcast Natmauk yesterday, the Dem- increasingly limited Internet ocratic Voice of Burma services and its last private in a state television reported. The central town is newspaper ceasing publication news bulletin, said the birthplace of Aung San, the as the military built a case he had given Suu leader of Myanmar’s drive for against ousted elected leader independence from colonial Aung San Suu Kyi. Kyi four payments, power Britain, and Suu Kyi’s Nobel peace laureate Suu ranging from $50,000 father. Kyi was overthrown and About 1,000 protesters on detained in a February 1 mil- to $250,000 from motorbikes drove around the itary coup, triggering mass pro- 2018 to 2020, central town of Taungoo and tests across the country that hundreds marched in the Protesters run during a crackdown of an anti-coup protests at Hlaing Township in Yangon, Myanmar, security forces have struggled when she headed northern jade-mining town of yesterday. to suppress with increasingly the first civilian- Hpakant, the Irrawaddy news violent methods. service reported. torched protesters’ barricades, Myanmar is becoming increas- in a state television news bul- The documented total of led government in There were no reports of detaining 20 people, the ingly difficult to verify. letin, said he had given Suu Kyi those killed in the unrest stood decades. violence. Irrawaddy reported. There was Some 37 journalists have four payments, ranging from at 217, but the actual toll was Protesters also gathered in no word on casualties. been arrested, including 19 who $50,000 to $250,000 from probably much higher, the rule, while many foreign the central town of Monywa Yangon residents said sol- remain in detention, the UN 2018 to 2020, when she headed Assistance Association for investors are reassessing plans. after a 24-year-old campaigner diers also ordered people to dis- human rights office said. the first civilian-led government Political Prisoners activist group The UN food agency against military rule died, three mantle barricades and remove While authorities have in decades. said. warned this week that rising days after security forces posters on some streets. ordered some newspapers shut, “The anti-corruption com- Western countries have prices of food and fuel could detained and beat him, the Authorities have restricted others have apparently been mission is investigating,” it condemned the coup and called undermine the ability of poor Irrawaddy and Myanmar Now the Internet services protesters forced to close for reasons of added. for an end to the violence and families to feed themselves. news portal reported. use to organise, with access to logistics. The last private news- A spokesman for the junta for the release of Suu Kyi and “Whatever happens in The UN human rights office Wi-Fi in public areas largely paper stopped publishing on said last week authorities were others. Asian neighbours have Myanmar over coming in Geneva said this week shut off by yesterday. Residents Wednesday. State-run media investigating Suu Kyi for offered to help find a solution, months, the economy will col- “deeply distressing” reports of of some towns, including Dawei have not been affected. receiving illegal payments. but the military has a long lapse, leaving tens of millions torture in custody had emerged in the south, reported no State television said on Her lawyer dismissed that record of shunning outside in dire straits and needing in Myanmar. Internet at all. Wednesday that Suu Kyi was accusation as a joke. He was not pressure. urgent protection,” historian A junta spokesman did not The private Tachilek News being investigated for bribery immediately available for Large parts of an economy and author Thant Myint-U said answer telephone calls seeking Agency in the northeast pub- in connection with accepting comment yesterday. already reeling from the novel on Twitter. comment. lished photographs of workers four payments worth $550,000 Suu Kyi, 75, is hugely coronavirus have been para- While the security forces Opponents of the coup cutting cables it said were the from a prominent popular for her campaign lysed by the protests and a par- have focused on stamping out gathered in some Yangon fibre links with neighbouring businessman. against military rule since 1988, allel civil disobedience cam- dissent in Yangon and other neighbourhoods. In one district, Thailand. Property developer Maung over which she has spent years paign of strikes against military cities, small demonstrations have security forces opened fire and Information within Weik, in comments broadcast in detention.

Sri Lanka group seeks probe of India’s richest state suffers surge in virus cases REUTERS — MUMBAI the United States and Brazil. the month after infections rose COVID-19 facilities were filling India has administered reporter’s alleged Deaths rose by 172 to 159,216, to a multi-month high earlier up fast, especially in Mumbai, more than 36.5 million vaccine New coronavirus infections in according to health ministry this week Nagpur and Pune, said another doses since starting its immu- kidnapping India rose by the most in more data released yesterday. New cases have more than state official. nisation drive in the middle of than three months as a second The country’s first wave doubled in the past two weeks in Earlier this month, more January. In neighbouring AP — COLOMBO wave of the epidemic gathered peaked in September at nearly Maharashtra’s industrial towns than 80 percent of oxygen and Pakistan, 3,495 people tested momentum, with Maharashtra, 100,000 cases a day, with daily such as Pune, Aurangabad, intensive-care beds in Mahar- positive in the past 24 hours, the A Sri Lankan media rights the country’s richest state, infections hitting a low of just Nashik and Nagpur, known for ashtra were unoccupied. most daily infections since early group yesterday urged police accounting for two-thirds of the over 9,000 early last month. their automobile, pharmaceutical Half a dozen other states, December. Total cases rose past to expedite a probe into the latest daily tally. Cases have been rising in and textile factories. such as Punjab and Madhya 615,000. Deaths rose by 61 to alleged abduction and torture Home to India’s commercial Maharashtra since the reo- “We have asked industries Pradesh, have also seen a rise 13,717. of a journalist, calling the capital Mumbai, the western pening of most economic activ- there to operate with minimum in cases this month. The gov- Pakistani minister Asad incident a serious threat to the state reported 23,179 of the ities in February. Mumbai’s sub- manpower as much possible,” ernment has blamed crowding Umar said on Twitter that hos- safety of journalists in the country’s 35,871 new cases in urban trains, which carry mil- said a senior Maharashtra gov- and a reluctance to wear masks pital beds were getting occupied country. the past 24 hours, and the fast lions of people daily, also ernment official, declining to be for the rise. fast, warning of stricter curbs if However, Sri Lankan spreading contagion in major resumed services. named as he was not authorised Prime Minister Narendra rules were not followed. police say the journalist, industrial areas raised risks of The state, of 112 million to talk to the media. “Most of Modi on Wednesday asked state “The new strain spreads Sujeewa Gamage, lied about companies’ production being people, ordered a fresh the IT companies have allowed leaders to quickly increase faster and is more deadly,” he being abducted and has been disrupted. lockdown in some districts and their employees to work from testing and expand vaccination said on Twitter, referring to the taken into custody for making India’s total cases stood at put curbs on cinemas, hotels home.” to “stop the emerging second UK variant of the virus that has a false statement. A police 11.47 million, the highest after and restaurants until the end of Hospital beds and special peak of corona”. been found in Pakistan. spokesperson said the current investigation is focused on determining why he fabricated the events. Hong Kong emigration Gamage’s arrest on Wednesday came hours after being released from the hos- wave takes toll on its pital, according to his lawyer, Namal Rajapakse. The Sri Lanka-based Free least political residents Media Movement said in a statement that Gamage, a REUTERS — HONG KONG Cathay Pacific announced former freelance journalist in March that pets would be who now runs his own publi- Aircraft mechanic Don Yip is unable to travel as check-in cation, was abducted and tor- one of many thousands leaving baggage or on cargo flights out tured by unknown assailants Hong Kong after the imposition of Hong Kong until May. on March 10. Gamage said he of a new security law last year Many people are making was taken from Mirigama, a and 2019’s pro-democracy abrupt moves to leave fol- small town about 65km protests. Unlike many others, lowing the imposition of northeast of Colombo, and was he won’t leave without his pets. China’s national security law freed in the city later the same Yip, 40, spent over $14,000 and after the violence of the day. moving his three huskies and 2019 protests. Some are for- his cat to Britain, where he is eigners who have lost jobs in a New Zealand settling with his girlfriend and coronavirus-stricken economy. 22-year-old daughter. “All these people didn’t plan says deal close “The pets are part of my to leave so soon, they are not pre- family. I can’t bear to lose pared for this,” said Okka Scherer, for Australia Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and President of the Japan Community Healthcare Organisation them,” he said. who runs two dog shelters on the Shigeru Omi speak during a press conference at the prime minister’s official residence in Tokyo, yesterday. Hong Kong’s politics-driven city’s Lantau island. travel corridor emigration wave, which may China says the new security see hundreds of thousands law is aimed at a small minority BLOOMBERG — WELLINGTON Japan to end virus emergency in Tokyo relocating to Britain, Canada of troublemakers and will not and elsewhere in coming years, erode the autonomy and wide- New Zealand and Australia are AP — TOKYO decline has levelled off and Japan has managed to keep has been a boon for pet relo- ranging freedoms promised to the close to agreeing terms for a could rebound. virus cases and deaths rela- cation companies. former British colony when it quarantine-free travel corridor, Japan said yesterday it would Cautionary measures after tively low without enforcing a But it is also taking a heavy returned to Chinese rule in 1997. New Zealand Deputy Prime end a months-long state of the end of the emergency will hard lockdown, with the Health toll on some of the city’s least Records from the Agri- Minister Grant Robertson said. emergency in the Tokyo area be crucial, said Shigeru Omi, a Ministry tallying more than political residents. culture and Fisheries “There’s a few issues still set up to curb the spread of the doctor on a government panel 8,700 deaths out of 450,000 Increasing numbers of pets Department show issuance of to talk through, including what coronavirus, despite concerns of coronavirus experts. total cases throughout the have been abandoned by people animal health certificates for we do in the event that there the spring party season and “We must prevent a pandemic. who cannot afford the travel exports jumped 35 percent is an outbreak, how we next week’s Olympic torch relay rebound of infections. We must Suga said indicators such as arrangements or are unable to from 2018 to 2020. manage people who aren’t in could fuel a resurgence. avoid putting strains on the daily new cases and hospital take their companions with The SPCA animal welfare their home country at that The emergency measures medical and public health bed occupancy rates have come them, veterinarians and animal group, which operates veter- time,” Robertson told Radio are set to be lifted on Sunday, systems like before,” Omi said. down to levels that allow the shelter owners say. inary clinics across Hong Kong, New Zealand yesterday. “So Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga Tokyo and three neighboring emergency to be lifted in Tokyo, Vets say high costs, flight reports a four-to-five-fold we’re working through that, announced during a gov- prefectures have been under Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama cancellations and complicated increase over the same period but I’m very optimistic we’ll ernment task force meeting. emergency measures since prefectures. COVID-related procedures for pet microchips required by sort that out in reasonably The move underscores the January 7, mainly requests for Suga thanked people for have made it far harder to European countries, Australia short order. I don’t think we’re government’s eagerness to restaurants and bars to close at coping with restrictions and move pets abroad. and New Zealand. too far off.” minimize burdens on busi- 8pm and take preventive sought their continuing coop- Some dogs and cats are There has been a 30 A resumption of unre- nesses and keep the economy measures, as well as asking com- eration, saying measures to placed in shelters for up to six percent increase in the number stricted travel would be a big going. However, some experts panies and employees to do prevent a resurgence still are months until paperwork for of dogs being abandoned in boost for ailing tourism indus- warned that although Tokyo more remote work. Similar necessary, as new cases in them comes through, while recent months, averaging 20 a tries on both sides of the has managed to bring down the emergency measures were lifted Tokyo are not declining others have been certified as month, according to the Hong Tasman Sea. rate of new infections, the in six urban areas late last month. steadily. medically unfit to travel. Kong Dog Rescue charity. 08 VIEWS FRIDAY 19 MARCH 2021 Enhancing women’s political participation Established in 1996 QNA

CHAIRMAN The permanent Mission of the State of DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI Qatar to the United Nations in New York, in cooperation with India, Japan, Sweden, Tanzania and the UN Economic and Social EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Commission for Western Asia (ECWA), DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI organized a high-level event on the side- [email protected] lines of the 65th session of the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), on promoting women’s political ACTING MANAGING EDITOR participation to achieve goals of MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED sustainable development and improved [email protected] redevelopment. The high-level event focused on dis- cussing and addressing strategies and DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR interventions to accelerate the adoption of MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI laws and practices, to improve conditions [email protected] for women’s participation in public life across the region. During the event, the effects of ine- quality in the representation of women in A file photo of Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN, H E Ambassador EDITORIAL public life at the socio-economic level in its Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani addressing the UN General Assembly meeting. broader context on women and girls were highlighted, and the participation of women in assuming very high positions in In turn, Deputy Speaker of the Tan- women in political life in the Arab region the State of Qatar and at the international zanian Parliament Dr. Tulia Axon spoke Providing clean energy was reviewed. level, highlighting the efforts made by H H about the role of international discussions During her opening speech at the high- Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of and agreements on developing countries to QATAR is committed to provide clean energy to the world level event, Permanent Representative of Qatar Foundation, at the national, regional make changes to local laws and constitu- and demonstration of this unwavering dedication was the State of Qatar to the UN H E Ambas- and international levels, as she contributed tions, and their impact on politics in Tan- evident yet again on Wednesday when Qatar Petroleum sador Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al to the development of women’s rights and zania, referring to the change in the Tan- (QP) announced that it had joined the World Bank-led Thani affirmed the importance of the 65th the education for all. zanian constitution which contributed to Global Gas Flaring Reduction Partnership (GGFR) Multi- session of the women’s commission, which For her part, Executive Director of the increasing female representation in Par- Donor Trust Fund. This comes as part of its commitment highlights women’s full and effective par- Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace liament and made a big difference in the to stronger collaborations in the global effort to reduce ticipation and decision-making in public and Security H E Ambassador Melanne country. flaring or burning of natural gas associated with oil/gas life, as well as the elimination of violence, Verveer said that gender inequality has not HE Member of Indian Parliament from exploration, production and processing operations. to achieve gender equality and empower yet been overcome despite the significant Mumbai-North-Central Poonam Mahajan By committing to the World Bank’s “Zero Routine all women and girls. progress that has been made to empower said that India needs to be a woman-cen- Flaring by 2030” initiative, QP is supporting the global Sheikha Alya stressed the importance women and girls in the past decade. tered state and a country led by a woman, effort to end the industry practice of routinely flaring asso- of Qatar’s Shura Council elections which She stressed the necessity for collective noting that there is a need for more women ciated gas during oil production, a necessary goal if the will be held in October of 2021, stating that work to reinforce women’s political partic- in decision-making and in strengthening world is to keep a global temperature rise this century these elections creates a historic oppor- ipation, saying that at this time, there is a representation. well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. tunity for Qatari women, whether they recognition that the challenges the world is Chairperson of the Stockholm Chapter Launched in August 2002 at the World Summit on were candidates or voters. facing, whether related to environment, of Social Democratic Women and former Sustainable Development, the GGFR is a public-private For her part, Member of Shura Council governance, economic policy or security, Minister for Social Security in Sweden H E partnership of governments, companies, and multilateral Dr. Hend Al Muftah, who moderated the cannot be solved unless women are fully Annika Strandhall spoke about the Swedish organizations working to end routine gas flaring at oil pro- high-level panel discussion, highlighted the involved. experience, and said that progress started duction sites across the world. importance of the Shura Council elections, For her part, Executive Secretary of the early, but it took a long time, and despite In January, QP launched its new Sustainability saying that after one year of the pandemic, Economic and Social Commission for the progress of the level of gender equality Strategy, which sets a roadmap for a sustainable and the State of Qatar will witness in October a Western Asia (ESCWA) Rola Dashti, in the Swedish society, there are still chal- more prosperous future for Qatar and the world. The special event that will bring future reper- touched on the status of women in the Arab lenges with regard to political participation. strategy is an important step on the road to achieve its cussions not only for the country, but for region, and explained that the Middle East Meanwhile, UN Assistant Secretary- vision of becoming one of the best national oil and gas the whole region as well, pointing out that region has made some progress, but the General, Assistant Administrator and companies in the world, with roots in Qatar and a strong it is the first Shura Council elections in the Arab region has the world’s lowest repre- Director of Bureau for Policy and Pro- international presence. country. sentation of women in political scene, gramme Support of the UN Development The Strategy also acts as a clear direction towards Al Muftah added that the Council will pointing out that this is an indicator of the Programme (UNDP) Haoliang Xu reviewed reducing the emissions intensity of Qatar’s LNG facilities grant unprecedented legislative and over- gender gap. the obstacles to increasing gender equality by 25 percent and of its upstream facilities by at least 15 sight power, as it will become a key mile- She reviewed the challenges facing the in elections, saying that discriminatory percent, and reducing flare intensity across upstream stone for women to participate and serve representation of Arab women in political social norms and attitudes still hamper facilities by more than 75 percent. Furthermore, it sets the country by voting or holding office, life, calling for providing opportunities for meaningful participation of women in out a target to eliminate routine flaring by 2030, and limit explaining that the State of Qatar seeks to the participation of women in the Arab elections as candidates and voters. fugitive methane emissions along the gas value chain by build foundations that create an increased world, enhancing capabilities related to He cited UNDP’s Gender Social Norms setting a methane intensity target of 0.2 percent across representation of women, noting the election campaign techniques, and Index (GSNI), which showed that 47 all facilities by 2025. training courses for political empowerment adopting a quota system by facilitating dis- percent of men and women interviewed in QP, in February, had signed a deal for developing its that are offered by HBKU. cussions about the best system for them. 75 countries say that they believe men $28.75bn North Field East Project (NFE) which is the Reem Al Mansouri Shura Council also Permanent Observer of the Inter-Par- make better political leaders than women. world’s largest LNG project. This expansion is a good emphasized the support provided by the liamentary Union (IPU) to the United Haoliang Xu stressed that the challenge news not just for Qatar because the project will generate Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Nations Patricia Torsney said that of creating favorable conditions for the substantial revenues for Qatar, but for the entire world as Thani, to reinforce women’s positions to enhancing women’s political participation participation of women in terms of legis- it paves way for increase in supply of an environment play a fundamental role in achieving the requires political will to equal opportu- lation, culture and political processes, and friendly and cleaner fuel. sustainable development goals and Qatar nities, a gender-responsive political space improving the public perception of women This investment decision is a clear demonstration of has made very positive and strong steps free from inequality, harassment and vio- in politics and access to the media, require the unwavering commitment by Qatar to supply the world towards women’s rights. lence, and the promotion of gender a transformation in the legislative and with the clean energy it needs. Al Mansouri hailed the success of Qatari equality in all areas. institutional systems. Qatar has launched many steps to produce energy in an environment friendly manner. As per the GEFC report, the gas market will progressively become more interconnected and less regionalised due to the projected Overcoming grief of losing someone special extension of total gas exports. The share of traded LNG will increase to approximately 48 percent of all traded Unfortunately, those who psychological-immune system more effective way to fill such a gas in 2030 and 56 percent in 2050, respectively. continue to live after losing a – if I could say. Just as the physi- void. Undoubtedly - this husband or wife and the idea ological immune system helps husband - the absence of his that they must reach (acceptance our bodies recover from a wife left a great void for him and of reality) may make them feel physical attack, so our brains therefore anything he can do to bad and address themselves (I help us withstand any psycho- create moments of communi- D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR must overcome this now); (I logical attack. Especially since a cation, whether by visiting a don’t know why I still crying at number of studies have found neighbor or sharing a meal with EMAIL: [email protected] DR. YOUSUF ALI AL MULLA random times, despite all these that in responding to difficult life a friend or his children, as well years have passed). How can events, from the destructive as communicating with a psy- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 there be an end point to our rela- ones, such as the loss of a loved chologist, beside that perhaps FAX: +974 4455 7758 A husband addresses me with tionship after so many long one, to the difficult ones, such as focusing on doing things that MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 great sadness and the bitterness years? On other hand, some divorce and illness for instance, makes him feel personally satis- of loss dominates his speech, people even say and whoever people do better than they fying or meaningful, definitely DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 where he breaks down in tears has lived this bitter loss, wants to expected! Are you not with me he will certainly gradually begin over and over again. Sadly his end his pain. Indeed, he asks, that they think they will never to bridge that gap. LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 wife passed away a few months saying: Help me not to feel this laugh again, but they do? And At end, grief and the ago and he was in constant BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 sadness that squeezes my heart they think that they will never memory of the deceased will be mourning since then. However, and this constant depression. I love again, but they love, even present and perhaps engaging SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 with such misfortune he said, it would like to remind him here go to buy and dance at wed- little by little and switching in was the worst three months of that you cannot suppress dings again and their daily lives some way between his past and ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 his life and the depression is still feelings without ignoring other return after a period of time. his future will help that husband email: [email protected] continuing. How long will this feelings. When you want to sup- Of course, in any memory of to continue life. He will never last? I still expect her to come press pain, you will also silence that person he lost there will stop missing his wife, but we are PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 email: [email protected] out of her room every day. joy… is not it? always be pain, not only that but all aware and this husband is In fact you might imagine And here we definitely the presence of a fleeting aware somewhere within him MARKETING: TEL: 4455 7657 that after nearly half a century of remind him that in such place memory may drown him in ,that communicating with the email: [email protected] marriage, remarkably months patience, reckoning and satis- temporary despair and this is a living will help him, which is ago he not only lost the person faction with the judgment of fact because we are human. But why he spoke about his grief…. ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 857 he loved, but everything that God comes. Yet, sometimes in the most important thing is that perhaps he had taken his first FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] happened with his marriage, our pain, we are convinced that what will help that husband or step forward and relieved his CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 such as the feeling that he was the torment or grief of the loss whoever has lost a loved one in long grief without realizing it! email: [email protected] known and deeply accepted, will last forever. Whatever it is, the meantime is to do some- jokes and shared memories that even with a heavy loss - like thing about his loneliness. Dr.Yousuf Ali Al Mulla is a SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 now unfortunately become his losing that husband - we all However, communication and physician, medical innovator FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected] alone to carry! have some kind of connecting for example, is a and a writer.

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British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson +974 6698 6188 FRIDAY 19 MARCH 2021 ASIA 09 Russia, US push Afghan parties to accept interim govt REUTERS — MOSCOW A US State Department “If they are working together it is very possible to Russia hosted a summit spokesperson said bring this war to an end,” the yesterday to revive the Afghan the meeting in Russia source said, adding the main peace process, the first in a hurdle was any lingering mis- series of meetings that make complemented the trust between Moscow and unlikely allies of Washington Doha process and Washington. and Moscow as they try to pave A US State Department the way for an interim that Washington spokesperson said the meeting government in Kabul and end was engaging with in Russia complemented the the bloodshed. regional countries, Doha process and that Wash- The United States is shifting ington was engaging with the focus from largely stalled though believed the regional countries, though negotiations to meetings among peace process should believed the peace process key regional countries aimed at should be “Afghan-led, Afghan- pushing Afghan President be “Afghan-led, owned at its core”. Ashraf Ghani, Taliban insur- Afghan-owned at its “We have never sought to gents and other Afghan political be prescriptive. Rather we are leaders to form a transitory gov- core”. encouraging the sides to accel- ernment as soon as possible. erate the peace process and The Moscow meeting will organise, styled on a 2001 con- make progress toward a include US special envoy ference in the German city of political settlement and per- Zalmay Khalilzad and repre- Bonn. manent and comprehensive sentatives from Pakistan and It was there that Afghan ceasefire,” the spokesperson China, according to officials. A leaders met to set up a provi- said. team of Afghan political leaders sional administration after the The warring Afghan sides and government representa- Islamist Taliban was ousted by have yet to reach a peace deal Officials, including former Afghan President Hamid Karzai and the Taliban’s deputy leader and tives and a Taliban delegation local forces backed by the US amid mutual suspicion and negotiator Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, attend the Afghan peace conference in Moscow, yesterday. will also attend. military. ongoing violence in Afghanistan Khalilzad has been trying Some diplomats and which the government largely Russia’s foreign ministry could process, but it’s barely even request to allow US forces to to drum up support for a written experts said that for the blames on the Taliban. not be immediately reached for started,” said Andrew Watkins, stay in Afghanistan after April. proposal that includes an renewed peace push to succeed, The militant movement sees comment. senior Afghanistan analyst at Three more diplomatic interim government and Washington must align itself Ghani as a lackey of the West Three diplomatic sources International Crisis Group. sources familiar with the dis- ceasefire, as US President Joe with countries including Russia, and insists remaining foreign and one international official There are also concerns cussions said Ghani was under Biden reviews plans for Afghan- China and Iran, with which it troops leave the country. said that traditional US partners among some officials over intense pressure from the istan ahead of a May 1 troop has strained relations. Iran, which borders Afghan- including European and Nato whether an interim government United States to accept an withdrawal deadline agreed Both Russia and the United istan, is not attending the nations felt sidelined by Wash- — which Ghani has vehemently interim government. with the Taliban by the Trump States support the idea of an Moscow meeting. The source ington’s regional push. opposed and the Taliban have said Key to the Taliban, a sep- administration. interim government, said a dip- said Tehran had communicated Some experts said that, they would not join — is feasible. arate source familiar with nego- The Moscow gathering will lomatic source whose country it would accept an interim gov- although talks in Doha had A Taliban leader said they tiations said, was an Islamic be followed by a meeting of will be present in Moscow, ernment so long as it had rep- struggled to make headway since would avoid joining an interim jurisprudence council that would regional players in the first which could pressure Afghan resentation from minority starting in September, peace government, although they oversee the president. They also week of April in Turkey and a leaders to give ground while ethnic groups that have historic negotiations tend to take time. would support replacing wanted half of government posi- summit that Khalilzad has Pakistan leans on the Taliban ties with Iran. “They’re scrambling as if Ghani’s administration. He tions and the chance to nom- asked the United Nations to to do the same. Iranian officials and they need to fix a broken added that they had refused a inate a president. Pakistan reverses Pakistan army chief calls for peaceful resolution in Kashmir price decision on AP — ISLAMABAD There was no immediate Bajwa called for burying the Pakistan will take two.” He The escalation halted peace vaccine imported comment from India. past and moving forward, however, claimed “India chose efforts between Islamabad and Pakistan’s powerful army chief The disputed Himalayan saying that Kashmir holds the to take several steps back- New Delhi. Also, Pakistan wants by private firms yesterday urged for a peaceful region is split between Pakistan key to peace in all of South Asia, wards... (with) South Asia once India to reverse a 2019 move resolution in the disputed and India but claimed by both a region that is home to a again teetered on the brink.” under which New Delhi stripped REUTERS — ISLAMABAD region of Kashmir and for peace in its entirety. The two coun- quarter of the world’s The bitter relations between Kashmir’s semi-autonomous talks with arch rival India, a tries have fought two of their population. Pakistan and India were further status and imposed a slew of Pakistan has reversed its rare conciliatory call amid a three wars over Kashmir since “It is important to under- strained in 2019, when Paki- administrative changes through decision to allow uncapped weeks-long cease-fire across gaining independence from stand that without the reso- stan’s military shot down an new laws, touching off anger on prices for COVID-19 vaccines the volatile territory. Britain in 1947. lution of the Kashmir dispute Indian warplane in Kashmir both sides of the frontier. imported by private firms, the Unsettled disputes between Yesterday’s call comes as through peaceful means, the and captured its pilot, India accuses Pakistan of health minister said yesterday, the two South Asian nuclear the militaries of Pakistan and process of sub-continental rap- responding to an airstrike by arming and training anti-India a move that coincided with the rivals are “dragging this region India pledged in February to prochement will always remain Indian aircraft targeting mili- rebels in Kashmir and also arrival of a first shipment of back to the swamp of poverty halt cross-border fighting in susceptible to derailment,” he tants inside Pakistan. helping them by providing privately imported Russian and underdevelopment,” said Kashmir and adhere to a 2003 said. India at the time said the air gunfire as cover for incursions Sputnik V shots. General Qamar Javed Bajwa, accord that has been largely Also speaking at the gath- strikes targeted Pakistan-based into the Indian side, a charge Pakistan, with a popu- addressing a gathering of ignored. Since then, the cease- ering was Pakistani Foreign militants responsible for a Pakistan denies. Rebels in lation of 220 million and scholars and experts discussing fire has been holding, enabling Minister Shah Mahmood suicide bombing that killed 40 Indian-administered Kashmir largely reliant on the COVAX national security issues at a residents to freely move in the Qureshi, who said that “if India Indian troops in the Indian- have been fighting Indian rule vaccine sharing initiative for seminar in the capital, Islamabad. region. took one step forward for peace, controlled part of Kashmir. since 1989. poorer nations, last month allowed private firms to import coronavirus vaccines Uighur exiles urge and agreed to exempt them US weighs pressure, diplomacy on N Korea: Blinken from price caps. Blinken to demand “Now, however, there is a REUTERS — SEOUL formula, already in vogue, to China close determine maximum price,” Both pressure and diplomatic minister Faisal Sultan told options are on the table for Xinjiang camps Reuters. “So yes, there is a dealing with North Korea, US price cap that DRAP (Drug Secretary of State Antony REUTERS — GENEVA Regulatory Authority of Blinken said yesterday, hours Pakistan) will recommend and after a senior North Korean The largest group representing get approval for.” diplomat rejected any talks until exiled ethnic Uighurs has An official with M/s AGP Washington changed its policies. written to US Secretary of Ltd, the company that Blinken told a joint briefing State Antony Blinken urging imported the Sputnik shots, with South Korean officials in him to demand that Beijing said a first shipment of 50,000 Seoul that the administration of China close its internment doses arrived on Wednesday President Joe Biden would com- camps in the Xinjiang region night and that it will be made plete its review of North Korea in talks yesterday. available to the public as soon policy in the next few weeks in Activists and UN experts as the government agreed on close consultation with its allies. say that more than 1 million a price. “President Biden plans to Muslim Uighurs and other The official spoke on con- complete a North Korea policy Turkic Muslims are being held dition of anonymity because review in the weeks ahead in against their will in harsh he wasn’t officially authorised close cooperation and consul- camps in the remote western to release the information. tation with the Republic of region. Russian Direct Investment Korea, with Japan and with China rejects US charges South Korean President Moon Jae-in poses for a photo with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Fund (RDIF), responsible for other key partners, including that it has committed genocide US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at the presidential Blue House in Seoul, South Korea, yesterday. marketing the Sputnik V resuming pressure options and against ethnic and religious vaccine abroad, confirmed the potential for future minorities, and says the camps that a batch had been diplomacy,” Blinken said. denuclearisation by considering public statement on the matter. regional issues from climate provide vocational training to delivered to Pakistan. He declined to elaborate both “different kinds of Blinken was making his change and the coronavirus help stamp out Islamist The decision to allow com- when asked what approach the pressure points” and diplomacy. first visit to South Korea as sec- pandemic to trade and North extremism and separatism. mercial imports of vaccines United States would take after “In a sense, everything is retary of state, alongside U.S. Korea. Blinken and national with an exemption on upper the review. on the table. We have a very Secretary of Defense Lloyd “The ministers and secre- security adviser Jake Sullivan price caps had sparked crit- But when asked at a sep- open mind about it,” he said. Austin. taries emphasised that North are to meet China’s top dip- icism that it would be unfair. arate online roundtable with The comments came hours They issued a joint Korean nuclear and ballistic lomat Yang Jiechi and State China’s Sinopharm and Korean journalists if Biden after North Korean official Choe statement with their South missile issues are a priority for Councilor Wang Yi in Alaska, CansinoBio, Sputnik V and would meet Kim, Blinken said Son Hui called the Biden Korean counterparts, Foreign the alliance, and reaffirmed a in the first face-to-face AstraZeneca vaccines are Washington is exploring how administration’s attempts to Minister Chung Eui-yong and shared commitment to address meetings between the rival approved for emergency use to convince North Korea to contact Pyongyang a “cheap Defense Minister Suh Wook, and resolve these issues,” they powers since Joe Biden in Pakistan. make progress on trick”, in Pyongyang’s first vowing to work together on said in the statement. became US president. Blinken has already accused China of coercion and aggression at home and around the region. Helicopter crash kills 9 Afghan troops; four die in bombing on bus Dolkun Isa, president of the World Uyghur Congress, told AP — KABUL district of Maidan Wradak were wounded in the attack in Afghanistan is experiencing government putting the blame Blinken: “First and foremost, it province. It gave no further the city’s north. a nationwide spike in bombings, on the Taliban. The insurgents is imperative that China imme- A helicopter crash overnight has detail except to say that inves- No one immediately targeted killings and other vio- have denied responsibility for diately and unconditionally taken the lives of at least nine tigations were ongoing. claimed responsibility for the lence as peace negotiations in most of the attacks. ends the ongoing genocide and Afghan military personnel in a Separately yesterday, a Kabul attack, but government Qatar between Taliban insur- The attack in Kabul comes crimes against humanity in East central province, the defence bombing killed four state employees have been targeted gents and the Afghan gov- on the same day Russia hosts Turkestan. ministry said yesterday. employees commuting in a before. On Monday, another ernment stall. the first of three international “This includes that China In a statement, it said that minibus in the capital Kabul, bombing on a minibus carrying The Islamic State group’s conferences aimed at jump- closes all internment camps and four crew members of the MI-17 police said. Ferdaws Faramarz, state workers in Kabul killed local affiliate has claimed starting the peace process, unconditionally releases all those helicopter along with five spokesman for the Kabul police three women and a 3-year-old responsibility for some of the ahead of a May 1 deadline for arbitrarily detained,” he said in security personnel were killed chief, said a woman was among child, and wounded 13 others, violence, but many attacks go the final withdrawal of US and the letter from his group’s base in the crash, in the Behsud the dead and nine other people according to security officials. unclaimed, with the Afghan Nato troops from the country. in Munich, Germany. 10 EUROPE FRIDAY 19 MARCH 2021 Britain to slow vaccine rollout due to supply crunch in India REUTERS — LONDON The Serum Institute had ordered. “There are very significant Britain will have to slow its said it had delivered consequences to breaking con- COVID-19 vaccine rollout next five million doses tract law,” Hancock said. Britain month due to a supply crunch imports Pfizer’s vaccine from caused by a delay in a shipment to Britain a few Europe. of millions of AstraZeneca shots weeks ago. Its Pfizer and AstraZeneca said from India and the need to test on Wednesday their delivery the stability of an additional 1.7 Chief Executive schedules had not been million doses. Adar Poonawalla impacted. An AstraZeneca Supply constraints are the was quoted by the spokesman said on Wednesday biggest threat to Britain’s that “UK domestic supply chain vaccine rollout — currently the Daily Telegraph is not experiencing any swiftest among the world’s newspaper as saying disruption”. Medical staff members work in the Intensive Care Unit where patients suffering from the coronavirus major economies — and health Britain’s medicines regu- disease are treated at the Clinique de l’Estree - ELSAN private hospital in Stains, near Paris, yesterday. officials warned that the pro- that supplies were lator said there had been five gramme would face a signif- dependent on how cases of a rare type of blood clot icant reduction in supplies from in the brain among 11 million AstraZeneca vaccine deemed safe March 29. many doses the Indian people given AstraZeneca’s “We have a delay in a government allowed vaccine but said that it found scheduled arrival from the the benefits of the shot far out- to use by EU’s drug regulator Serum Institute of India,” to go to the United weighed any possible risks. Health Secretary Matt Hancock Kingdom. Hancock denied rumours BLOOMBERG — BRUSSELS accounts for about a fifth of its The EU has committed to told parliament. that the delays would mean supply. immunizing 70 percent of Hancock also said that a Israel is the leader in vac- no adults would get a first The European Union’s drug While governments said adults by the end of September batch of 1.7 million vaccine cinating its population, fol- dose of the vaccine in April, regulator said AstraZeneca Plc’s they were ready to resume once but has suffered from supply doses had been delayed as it lowed by the United Arab but said it was important to COVID-19 vaccine is safe to use, they got positive EMA guidance, issues. had to be retested for stability, Emirates, Chile and then the make sure there was enough giving the bloc an opportunity the question remains if the sus- The Astra vaccine is one of though he didn’t specify the United Kingdom — and vaccine to give people a to try to turn around its lagging pensions did irreparable four approved in the EU. The manufacturer. investors are watching closely second dose within 12 weeks inoculation campaign after damage to the reputation of the bloc expects 360 million deliv- Britain is using vaccines to see which economies could of their first. months of disarray. vaccine and if people will get eries from all providers in the made by Pfizer and Astra- recover first. He also said that Britain was The European Medicines the shots in sufficient numbers second quarter, almost four Zeneca, with 10 million doses More than half of all adults on target to offer everyone over Agency said yesterday that the to curb the spread of the virus. times as many as this quarter. of the 100 million ordered from in England have had their first 50 a first shot by mid-April, and vaccine is “safe and effective,” Thousands of appointments The blood’s propensity to AstraZeneca coming from the COVID-19 vaccine. For the a shot to all adults by the end and the benefits outweigh risks. have been cancelled because clot is highly regulated within Serum Institute. United Kingdom as a whole, just of July. He added that a Still, they said they can’t com- of concern about health risks. the human body, but some The Serum Institute said it under half of adults have had roadmap for lifting lockdown pletely rule out a link between Earlier yesterday, the UK’s medicines such as hormonal had delivered five million their first dose. restrictions in England was the vaccine and blood clots, and drugs regulator weighed in on birth control pills can disrupt doses to Britain a few weeks While Britain tries to secure unaffected. will investigate further. Astra’s shot, saying the benefits the process. ago but that there was no con- more vaccines, it is also facing Earlier, housing minister Several of Europe’s largest continue to outweigh the risks The EMA reviewed case tract period stipulated for growing anger from the Robert Jenrick said that sup- countries suspended use of and people “should still go and reports from Germany and delivery. European Union, which on plies would pick up again in Astra shots this month over get their COVID-19 vaccine Norway, among others, to Serum Institute Chief Exec- Wednesday threatened to slap May, and Moderna Inc has said reports of blood clotting, going when asked to do so.” determine whether the utive Adar Poonawalla was a ban on vaccine exports to it is expecting first deliveries of against advice from the EMA The EU has already been in problems were caused by the quoted by the Daily Telegraph Britain. its vaccine to Britain to start in and the World Health Organi- a long-running battle with vaccine or whether the timing newspaper as saying that sup- Hancock said that European April. zation that the benefits out- AstraZeneca over the pace of was a coincidence. They also plies were dependent on how Commission head Ursula von Hancock said Britain weighed the risks. The uncer- deliveries, and this week it compared the patients’ medical many doses the Indian gov- der Leyen should respect con- expected doses of Moderna’s tainty complicated the EU’s ramped up tensions with the UK profiles, seeking similarities ernment allowed to go to the tract law and that Britain vaccine to arrive “in the coming struggling vaccination cam- by threatening to restrict vaccine that may point to certain people United Kingdom. expected to get the deliveries it weeks”. paign since the Astra shot exports to its former member. being at higher risk of clots. Italy mourns its coronavirus dead as 3rd wave builds Putin cites ills in US after

REUTERS — BERGAMO anniversary of the day a convoy rounding province. that inoculations would carry of army trucks rolled into the Gori, wearing a sash in the on unhindered whatever Biden’s killer remark Flags flew at half mast and city to remove dozens of coffins colours of the national flag, said decision the European Medi- thousands of towns held a accumulated in churches and the real number in his city was cines Agency (EMA) took about AP — MOSCOW to try to help Trump in his failed minute’s silence yesterday as chapels - a stark snapshot of the much higher as only very few the AstraZeneca shot. bid to win reelection in Italy mourned the victims of a virus’s untamed power. people were tested for the virus Italy, like several European President Vladimir Putin November. The Kremlin has dis- coronavirus epidemic that has “The respect we owe to in the early days. countries, suspended the use of responded yesterday to Pres- missed the report as baseless. killed more than 100,000 in 13 those who have left us must give Like much of Italy, Bergamo AstraZeneca vaccines this week ident Joe Biden’s description of “(Putin) will pay a price,” months. us the strength to rebuild the is once again in lockdown to try over concerns about unusual him as a killer by citing Amer- Biden said in the interview, Prime Minister Mario world they dreamed of for their to contain a third COVID-19 blood disorders that had ica’s past and present troubles, asked about the declassified Draghi led tributes in Bergamo, children and grandchildren,” wave that on Wednesday saw appeared in a handful of people. from slavery and the slaughter report. an epicentre of the disease’s said Draghi, speaking in a a record 324 people nationwide EMA is due to release findings of Native Americans to racial Asked what he would tell first destructive wave a year ago “remembrance wood” being admitted to intensive care, and about those cases later in the day. injustice. Biden in response to his and where city mayor Giorgio created as a living monument to only a few people were allowed “Whatever its decision, the Biden was asked in an remarks, Putin said: “I would Gori said it had left no one the dead in a local park. to attend yesterday in what is vaccination campaign will con- interview this week whether tell him: ‘Be well.’ I wish him unscathed. In all, 103,432 deaths linked set to become an annual tinue with the same intensity, he thought Putin was a killer, health, and I say that without “There is not a single person to coronavirus have been commemoration. with the same objectives. and he replied, “I do,” a remark any irony or joking.” in Bergamo who did not have reported in Italy, the seventh Anxious to end the health Increased supplies of some vac- that prompted Russia to recall Recalling his youth, Putin to say goodbye to a loved one,” highest toll in the world, crisis, Draghi said Italy’s cines will help compensate for its ambassador in Washington said that he and his friends he said. including 670 in Bergamo and ongoing vaccination campaign delays by other pharmaceutical for consultations and warn would respond to insults with Yesterday marked the first around 6,000 in the sur- was a priority and promised companies,” Draghi said. about further retaliation. the taunt: “The names you call Biden has taken a tough are what you are yourself” - a stance on Russia, contrasting Russian version of the childhood Germany reports with the approach of former riposte, “I’m rubber, you’re glue; President Donald Trump, who what you say bounces off me biggest rise of avoided direct confrontation and sticks to you.” and frequently spoke about “It’s not just a rhymed cases in 2 months Putin with approval. childish joke; it has a deep psy- Putin was asked about chological meaning: We see our REUTERS — BERLIN Biden’s comment during a own qualities in another man, video call marking the anni- we think he’s like us and judge The number of confirmed versary of Russia’s 2014 annex- him accordingly,” he added. coronavirus cases in Germany ation of Crimea, and he said the Putin said the US estab- jumped by 17,504 to 2,612,268, remark reflected the United lishment likes to air accusations the biggest daily rise since Jan. States’ own problems. against other countries as part 22, data from the Robert Koch He pointed at the US atomic of its efforts to “solve domestic Institute (RKI) for infectious bombing of Japan during the and foreign policy problems.” diseases showed yesterday. Second World War, as well as He noted that Russia would The reported death toll its history of slavery and still cooperate with the United rose by 227 to 74,132, while the slaughtering Native Americans, States where and when it sup- number of new cases per noting the painful legacies ports Moscow’s interests, 100,000 people over seven weighing on the United States. adding that “a lot of honest and days rose to 90, compared to “Otherwise, where would decent people in the US want 86 a day earlier. the Black Lives Matter to have peace and friendship Germany is in a third wave movement come from?” he said, with Russia.” “We are aware of of the pandemic, driven by an citing racial injustice and the it, we value it and will rely on easing of restrictions in recent killing of African Americans. them in the future,” Putin said. weeks just as a more transmis- The exchange of tough “I know that the US and its sible variant has spread, the statements follows a declas- leadership is generally inclined RKI has said, predicting a big Royals visit British ambulance station sified report from the US to have certain relations with jump in cases in coming weeks. national intelligence director’s us, but only on issues which are Britain’s Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, visit Newham ambulance station in That has not been helped office that found Putin of interest to the US and on its East London, Britain, yesterday. by a sluggish rollout of vacci- authorised influence operations conditions,” Putin said. nations, further dented by a decision this week to suspend the use of AstraZeneca doses due to safety worries. Dutch PM Rutte’s conservatives see 4th straight election win Chancellor Angela Merkel and state leaders agreed a AP — THE HAGUE a vote held during a nationwide former diplomat Sigrid Kaag, coalition. According to the to hammer out a coronavirus phased easing of curbs earlier lockdown and dominated by the who danced on a table national news agency ANP, based recovery plan before getting this month along with an The process of forming a new COVID-19 pandemic. Wednesday night when an exit on 88 percent of votes counted, into a government blueprint for “emergency brake” to let Dutch governing coalition The feat put Rutte in pole poll showed her party capturing Rutte’s party, known by its Dutch the new coalition’s four-year authorities reimpose restric- began yetserday, a day after position to lead coalition talks, one of its biggest-ever victories. acronym VVD, won 35 of the 150 term. “We must have plans in tions if case numbers rise Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s most likely with another big However those two parties seats in the lower house of par- place to unlock the country,” above 100 per 100,000 on conservative party powered to winner — the centrist, pro- will likely need at least two more liament while D66 garnered 24. Rutte told his lawmakers in a three consecutive days. a fourth consecutive victory in European D66 party led by partners to form a majority Rutte wants to move quickly virtual meeting yesterday. FRIDAY 19 MARCH 2021 AMERICAS 11 US to send 4 million vaccine doses to Mexico, Canada REUTERS — WASHINGTON The “releasable” AztraSeneca vaccines are announced publicly in the Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador The country was getting coming days. had requested the vaccine pre- prepared to roll out the Astra- The United States plans to send ready to be used once they arrive. Under Two officials said the viously. The official said the Zeneca vaccine domestically if roughly four million doses of the deal, the United States will share doses vaccine would be delivered in countries were in touch about it gets authorization from the AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 “short order” once the deal was the vaccine loan. “We’ve been US Food and Drug Adminis- vaccine that it is not using to with Mexico and Canada now with the completed, but they declined to working through the diplomatic tration, the official said. Mexico and Canada in loan understanding that they will pay the United give a more specific timetable. channels,” he said. The official noted that the deals with the two countries, an The “releasable” vaccines Reports of blood disorders United States has pledged $4 administration official said States back with doses in return. are ready to be used once they have prompted more than a billion to the COVAX vaccine yesterday. arrive. Under the deal, the dozen nations to suspend use facility that aims to deliver Mexico will receive 2.5 Canada. “It is not fully finalised beginning of April. The com- United States will share doses of AstraZeneca’s vaccine but coronavirus vaccines to poor million doses of the vaccine and yet but it is our aim,” she told a pany’s shares rose slightly on with Mexico and Canada now yesterday the EU’s drug countries. Canada is to receive 1.5 million daily briefing. the news. with the understanding that watchdog said that after an The United States does not doses, the official said. The Biden administration The deal to share the they will pay the United States investigation it is still convinced need the AstraZeneca shots to “We’re lending a portion of has come under pressure from vaccine, which is still being back with doses in return. The the benefits of that vaccine out- meet its target of having enough our releasable doses of Astra- allies worldwide to share vac- finalised, does not affect Pres- official said that would take weigh the risks. doses for all US adults by the Zeneca vaccine,” the official cines, particularly from Astra- ident Joe Biden’s plans to have place later this year. Biden has said if the United end of May. said on condition of anonymity. Zeneca, which is authorized for vaccine available for all adults The United States had no States has a surplus of vaccine, The three authorized “We only put the virus behind use in other countries but not in the United States by the end plans to share the vaccine with it will share it with the rest of vaccine makers — Pfizer Inc/ us if we’re helping our global yet in the United States. of May, the official said. It does other countries at this time, he the world. The White House has BioNTech SE, Moderna Inc, and partners.” AstraZeneca has millions of not reduce the supply of said. “They are our neighbors, focused on vaccinating people Johnson & Johnson — have White House spokeswoman doses made in a US facility, and available vaccine in the United they are our partners,” the in the United States, which has promised to deliver nearly 500 Jen Psaki confirmed the plan to has said that it would have 30 States. official said about Mexico and seen more than 530,000 people million doses to the United send doses to Mexico and million shots ready at the The deal is likely to be Canada. Mexican President die from virus. States by then. Storms move eastward, leave trail of damage in Deep South

AP — BIRMINGHAM damage in at least 12 counties held virtually, it said. where tornadoes may have In South Carolina, the Storms that left splintered touched down. severe weather threat led the homes and broken trees across Forecasters issued a string state Senate president to Alabama and Mississippi moved of tornado warnings around the caution senators to stay home into Georgia and Florida region where Alabama, Georgia yesterday while urging staff to yesterday, rousing residents and Florida intersect, but there work remotely for their safety. with early morning warnings as were no immediate reports of House Speaker Jay Lucas said forecasters said the threat of major damage. A line of storms that chamber would meet less dangerous weather would move stretched from the Gulf of than an hour yesterday to take up the south Atlantic seaboard. Mexico to West Virginia, and the up routine motions in advance About 20,000 homes and Storm Prediction Center said of a budget debate next week - business were without power other, isolated severe storms then adjourn. and the weather service said at were possible from southern “If you are in a situation least two people were hurt Ohio into the central where it is perilous that you when an apparent tornado Appalachians. come, I’m asking you not to struck southwest Alabama, “Significant tornadoes, wind come,” Lucas said. “If you can A car passes by during strong winds and rain in Starkville, Mississippi, US, in this still image obtained destroying a house. damage and large hail will be come, give us a quorum and do from a social media video. Pieces of homes and twisted possible from morning into these few things we need to do, metal laid amid broken trees in afternoon,” the center said. we will be out of here in a authorities said two people the Lord for that,” he said. trees down. I guess it had to be the hardest-hit areas, but no “Severe thunderstorms will also hurry.” were hurt when a home was In north Alabama, where a tornado; it got out of here one died and the region be possible from parts of the Nearly all of South destroyed and several others forecasters said as much as 6 pretty fast,” aid Michael Brown, appeared to escape the kind of eastern Gulf Coast into the Carolina is under moderate were damaged. inches (15 centimeters) of rain whose family owns Moundville horrific toll many feared after southern and central risk of severe storms. The Between Montgomery and fell, a woman who rescuers Ace Hardware and Building. ominous predictions of monster Appalachians.” forecast led a number of the Birmingham in Chilton County, found clinging to a tree after her Additional damage was twisters and huge hail. The metro Atlanta area was state’s school systems to call a storm destroyed at least three car was swamped by flood- reported in Louisiana, Ten- “Overall, we have a lot to be pelted by heavy rain with off in-person classes yesterday homes including that of resident waters in Morgan County was nessee and Mississippi, where grateful for, as it could have intense lightning and strong and have students and Jimmy Baker. treated at a hospital, but details video showed an apparent been much worse,” Alabama wind gusts of up to 50mph. teachers meet online. “Then about a minute before about her condition were not tornado at Brookhaven. High Governor Kay Ivey said in a Morehouse College tweeted that On Wednesday, possible it got here, we jumped... in the immediately available. Schools winds blew down signs and statement. it was delaying the opening of tornadoes in Alabama knocked hall closet, a little, small closet,” closed in neighboring Madison trees in northeast Texas, and The National Weather its campus until 11am and that down trees, toppled power lines Baker told WSFA-TV. “And just County because of flooding. hailstones the size of baseballs Service office in central faculty and staff should not and damaged homes. Some of we heard it. You know, the Roofs were yanked off were reported near the Alabama said teams were arrive until after that time. All the worst problems were in sound from the house coming homes in Moundville, south of Alabama-Mississippi line, the fanning out yesterday to assess classes before then were to be rural Clarke County, where down. We were saved. We thank Tuscaloosa. “There’s a lot of weather service said. Manslaughter Despite headwinds, House set to OK Dems’ immigration bills conviction of AP — WASHINGTON would “deliver much needed Mayorkas said on Tuesday that border, the bill would only what was a Republican-run ex-Oklahoma economic security and stability figure is on track to reach a worsen the flow of illegal immi- Senate and never would have Democrats seemed poised to to millions of people who cur- 20-year high. grants to the US,” an email No. 2 received the signature of officer overturned claim victory yesterday in the rently face perpetual uncer- Scores of groups supporting House GOP leader Steve Scalise Donald Trump, who spent his House’s first votes this year on tainty and vulnerability.” the bills include the US of Louisiana sent his colleagues four years as president con- AP — OKLAHOMA immigration, but moving legis- But party divisions and solid Chamber of Commerce. Among said of the “Dreamers” measure. stricting legal and illegal lation on the divisive issue all Republican opposition mean those arrayed in opposition is Democrats were showing immigration. The Oklahoma Court of the way through Congress is an pushing legislation on the issue the conservative Heritage no signs of wavering from To counter GOP messaging, Criminal Appeals yesterday uphill fight. through the Senate remains dif- Action for America. either bill, similar versions of Cuellar said, Biden must send overturned the manslaughter With the blessing of Pres- ficult, especially for Biden’s goal GOP lawmakers have been which the House approved in “a clear message about the conviction and 15-year prison ident Joe Biden, the House was of a sweeping measure helping singularly focused on the 2019. Seven Republicans voted border, ‘Hey, you can’t come sentence of a former set to vote on one bill clearing all 11 million immigrants in the US growing wave of migrants, for the “Dreamers” bill and 34 here illegally.’” Republicans say Oklahoma police officer based a path for over twpo million illegally become citizens. The par- including children, trying to backed the farm workers the administration’s policies on a US Supreme Court ruling young “Dreamer” immigrants tisan battle shows little promise enter the US from Mexico and measure that year, but GOP and rhetoric have encouraged that much of eastern and others to gain legal status of easing before next year’s elec- blaming Biden administration support was expected to the migrants to come. Oklahoma remains an and a chance for citizenship. A tions, when Republicans could use policies for it. Though neither plummet this time as the party In an ABC News interview American Indian reservation. second measure would do the it in their effort to regain House House bill would affect those rallies behind demands for that aired Wednesday, Biden Former Tulsa officer same for around 1 million immi- and Senate control. trying to cross the boundary, stiffer border restrictions. said, “I can say quite clearly: Shannon James Kepler, 60, is grant farm workers. Both Work on the legislation top Republicans were urging “It looks like they’re trying Don’t come over.” He has ended a member of Creek Nation seemed certain to pass. comes as the number of rank-and-file lawmakers to to weaponise the border situ- Trump’s separation of young who was convicted of killing White House statements migrants attempting to cross the oppose both measures. ation against Democrats in 2022 children from their migrant fam- his daughter’s boyfriend in endorsing both measures noted border has been growing since “By failing to include to say that we’re weak on border ilies and allowed apprehended Tulsa on land within the his- that many immigrants in the US April, with the 100,441 reported enforcement provisions to deal security,” said Democratic Rep minors to stay in the US as offi- toric reservation of the Nation. illegally have been essential last month the highest level with the tide of illegal immi- Henry Cuellar, whose south cials decide if they can legally In a ruling last year known workers during the pandemic. since March 2019. Homeland gration or provisions to address Texas district abuts the border. remain, but has turned away as the McGirt decision, the US It said approving the legislation Security Secretary Alejandro the humanitarian crisis at the Both 2019 measures died in most single adults and families. Supreme Court found that Oklahoma lacks jurisdiction for crimes on tribal reserva- tions in which the defendants Maduro financier faces or victims are tribal citizens. After three trials on the state murder charges ended with extradition to US deadlocked juries, Kepler, who is white, was convicted in 2017 BLOOMBERG — PRAIA said in the ruling. “The extra- on state charges of manslaughter dition that is now authorized is for the fatal shooting of Jeremy A court in Cape Verde granted for the extradited person to be Lake, 19, who was Black. a US request to extradite Alex subject to a criminal process for Kepler, off-duty at the time Saab, a Colombian busi- only one of the crimes that is of the shooting, claimed he nessman close to Venezuelan being attributed, in accordance fired in self-defense because President Nicolas Maduro. with the guarantee offered by Lake was armed, but no The ruling comes two days the requesting state.” weapon was found at the scene. after a regional court in Nigeria Saab plans to appeal, said Federal prosecutors filed a ordered the authorities in Cape Femi Falana, one of his lawyers. first-degree murder charge Verde, an Atlantic Ocean island “We shall be filing an against Kepler in the case in nation, to free Saab and halt appeal to the Constitutional November, after he had appealed extradition proceedings. Court and reaffirm our confi- his conviction, citing McGirt. Saab, 49, has been indicted dence that Ambassador Saab “In anticipation that by a US federal court in Florida will be released,” he said in a Shannon Kepler’s state murder on money-laundering charges text message. “The defense is conviction would be dismissed related to bribing Venezuelan currently studying the decision by the Oklahoma Court of Environmental Protection Agency Administrator sworn in officials. He has denied the and we will issue a further sub- Criminal Appeals, the US charges through his lawyers. stantial statement later.” Attorney’s Office charged Michael Regan being sworn in as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator by Vice- The Cape Verde Supreme Saab was detained June 12 Kepler for the murder of President Kamala Harris, as his wife, Melvina Thomas Regan holds the bible beside other family Court “confirms the judicial when the private plane he was Jeremey Lake,” acting US members, at the White House in Washington, yesterday. authorization for the extradition travelling on made a fuel stop on Attorney Clint Johnson said. of the defendant to the US,” it the Cape Verdian island of Sal. Business 12

FRIDAY 19 MARCH 2021 FedF expects to keep its key rate nearn zero through 2023 I wouldn’t want to focus too much on the exact timing ofo a potential rate increase that far into the future.

JeromeJ Powell UUS Federal Reserve Chairman Business | 14 QSE 10,304.95 +93.56 (+0.92%) FTSE 100 6,778.05 +15.38 (0.23%) DOW 33,141.77 +126.40 (0.38%) BRENT $65.60 (-2.47)

Climate action not a zero-sum game Baladna announces DEEPAK JOHN QR152.1m net profit THE PENINSULA

Clean energy transition is one QNA — DOHA Earnings per share (EPS) of the cornerstone discussions amounted to QR 0.082 for the now days. Speaking at the Baladna, a Qatari public share- period ended on December 31, virtual event Secretary General holding company has disclosed 2020, in addition to a proposed of the Gas Exporting Countries its annual statements for the distributions of cash dividend Forum (GECF), Yury Sentyurin, period ending on December 31, at 0.053. said the GECF members fully 2020, as the net profit It is noteworthy that embrace the concept of circular amounted to QR152.1m. Despite Baladna was founded in carbon economy with the aim the various challenges related 2019 and was listed on the of carbonising gas and securing to t he COVID-19 pandemic, Qatar Stock Exchange the the transition to net zero carbon Baladna was able to achieve same year, with authorized emissions. GECF member countries have hit the For billions of people in the developing world – significant growth in its capital amounts to GECF organized the 50th ground with a demonstrative forecast of with low CO2 per capita and low access to energy revenue and net profit. QR1.9bn. edition of the GECF Gas Lecture leading the way in terms of global green – there is no greater challenge than achieving Series, entitled ‘A Clean, Secure, affordable, secure and clean supply of energy. and Affordable Energy Future energy transition. Requires Electricity, Gas, and Yury Sentyurin, Secretary General of the Gas Dr Joe M Kang Weekly real estate deal Infrastructure’. Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) President of International Gas Union (IGU) Speaking at the event, Sentyurin said GECF member volume exceeds QR815m countries have hit the ground electricity, cooking meals, fuels such as hydrogen, via blue early as 2023. Natural gas will QNA — DOHA houses, residential buildings, with a demonstrative forecast of riding a motor vehicle, trans- hydrogen based on Carbon be the only hydrocarbon and a residential complex. leading the way in terms of global porting maritime cargo, Capture, Utilisation, and resource to increase its share The total value of real estate Most of the trading took green energy transition. Qatar is boarding an airplane. The Storage (CCUS) technologies,” from 23 percent to 28 percent transactions in the sales place in the municipalities of playing a great role in the area of existing renewable energy he noted. in 2050 as it is one of the global contracts registered with the Al Wakrah, Al Da’ayen, Doha, environmental, social and gov- sources like wind, sun, and He said, according to the enablers for reducing emissions Real Estate Registration Al Rayyan, Al Khor, Al Dhakira, ernance investments, he added. water cannot yet sufficiently latest edition of the Global Gas quickly, cost effectively and Department of the Ministry of Umm Salal, and Al Shamal. The “Climate action is not a zero- replace hydrocarbons. On the Outlook 2050, global primary steadfastly by replacing carbon Justice between March 7 to 11 volume of real estate circu- sum game. There isn’t a low- other hand, natural gas is abun- energy demand is projected to intensive fuels as well as was QR815.97m. lation during the period from cost alternative yet for heating dantly available. It can, in grow by 24 percent by 2050, backing up intermittent renew- The types of real estate Feb. 28 to March 4 reached industrial buildings, producing theory, complement the rise of returning to its 2019 level as ables. `P14 traded included plots of land, QR450.47m. FRIDAY 19 MARCH 2021 BUSINESS 13 14 BUSINESS FRIDAY 19 MARCH 2021 Huawei 5G to help reshape 2022 World Cup to be amazing

THE PENINSULA — DOHA “In the post-pandemic era, local When it comes to 5G in governments and enterprises are all On the sidelines of this week’s Milipol particular, Huawei has noted actively pushing for industrial digital- Qatar summit, the President of Huawei that Qatar and the GCC have ization, upgrading smart systems and Middle East reaffirmed the company’s solutions to enhance the level of public commitment to supporting the reali- been among the world’s first services,” said Yang. “As a conse- sation of the Qatar National Vision wave of 5G deployments, quence, they are looking at enhanced 2030 through its contribution to the becoming a reference point for cybersecurity and privacy frameworks country’s growing digital economy and to guide how that transformation can major events like the upcoming 2022 global commercial use. happen. New policies, organizational FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The exec- structures, and processes will need to utive praised the country’s strong be determined, and will ultimately progress on digital transformation trust that governments and its cus- nurture a vibrant ecosystem that pro- under the Qatar Smart Program tomers have in Huawei. motes innovation in the Middle East.” (TASMU) whilst empowering cross- “Our responsibility has always been That future will also require bol- sector collaboration, data sharing, and to make secure, trustworthy, and high- stering local ICT talent, added Yang. encouraging innovation across the quality products,” noted Yang. “Huawei Huawei’s talent ecosystem currently country’s digital ecosystem. has not had any major cybersecurity consists of four parts: a Seeds for the Charles Yang (left), President of Huawei Middle East and Li Xiangyu, Vice President When it comes to 5G in particular, incidents while working with more Future program, the Huawei ICT Com- of Huawei Middle East during the event. Huawei has noted that Qatar and the than 500 telecom providers for nearly petitions, an internship program, and GCC have been among the world’s first 20 years in 170 countries. No other various ICT Academies. Over the next wave of 5G deployments, becoming a development of 5G together with AI at Milipol to help establish a more secure vendor can claim this level of cyber- three years, Huawei has committed to reference point for global commercial and cloud industries, Qatar is rightfully digital ecosystem in the region. Building security success.” training 10,000 local talents in Qatar use. These investments will demon- attaching great importance to data sov- and fully implementing an end-to-end In parallel with its cybersecurity in emerging technologies and stand- strate their value once again during ereignty and cybersecurity. Huawei is global cybersecurity assurance and emphasis, Huawei is doubling down on ardizations. This will be done across mega-events like the upcoming FIFA committed to cooperative cyberse- privacy protection system is one of Hua- its research efforts in the region and Huawei’s talent ecosystem, through World Cup 2022 in Qatar, enabling curity mitigation programs while never wei’s most crucial strategies for the internationally. The company is already which the company already works with brand-new experiences such as 8K live putting commercial interests ahead of region, according to Yang. one of the largest patent holders in the local universities, partners, govern- broadcasts and exciting in-home cybersecurity policies. I reiterate that In 2020 alone, Huawei supported world. In 2020, Huawei was the top filer ments, and enterprise customers to viewer experiences through aug- Huawei welcomes signing cyber the stable operations of over 300 net- of patents for the fourth consecutive cultivate more qualified ICT talent. mented and virtual reality. security agreement with governments works internationally, and helped year, according to the World Intellectual “With powerful technologies, a “The use cases of 5G are almost to ensure openness, transparency, and operators to provide online services Property Organization (WIPO). The local talent ecosystem, and well-estab- unlimited in terms of healthcare, edu- trust.” and minimize the impact of the pan- company has also been leading in areas lished cybersecurity frameworks, we cation, entertainment, transportation, Over recent days, the company has demic on their business. Huawei has like 5G patents for some time, and has are confident that advanced digital energy, and more,” said Charles Yang, been working closely with other global also signed more than 1,000 contracts in turn been featured on rankings such applications across all industries can President of Huawei Middle East. manufacturers, security and safety for industrial 5G applications in more as the EU Industrial R&D Investment become more widespread in Qatar and “Nonetheless, with the rapid experts, governments, and enterprises than 20 industries, demonstrating the Scoreboard in 2020. beyond,” concluded Yang.

On Wall Street, investors Fed expects to keep key registered their approval of the Fed’s low-rate message, sending stock indexes rate near zero through 2023 higher. And the closely watched yield on the AP — WASHINGTON forecast for inflation by the end economy strengthens, the poli- of this year from 1.8 percent to cymakers think the unem- 10-year Treasury note, The Federal Reserve foresees 2.4 percent after years of chron- ployment rate will drop faster which has surged in recent the economy accelerating ically low inflation. than they did in December: They weeks on inflation concerns, quickly this year yet still expects On Wall Street, investors reg- foresee unemployment falling declined slightly. to keep its benchmark interest istered their approval of the Fed’s from its current 6.2 percent to 4.5 rate pinned near zero through low-rate message, sending stock percent by year’s end and to 3.9 2023, despite concerns in indexes higher. And the closely percent, near a healthy level, at There are signs, though, that financial markets about poten- watched yield on the 10-year the end of 2022. at least some Fed officials are tially higher inflation. Treasury note, which has surged That suggests that the central edging closer to reining in the With its brightening outlook, in recent weeks on inflation con- bank will be close to meeting its central bank’s ultra-low-rate pol- the Fed significantly upgraded its cerns, declined slightly. goals by 2023, when it expects US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell giving a press briefing icies. Four of the 18 policymakers forecasts for growth and inflation. Still, the Fed’s upgraded fore- inflation to exceed its 2 percent in Washington, DC. now expect a rate hike in 2022, It now envisions the economy casts will raise questions about target level and for unem- up from just one in December. expanding 6.5 percent this year, what would cause it eventually ployment to be at 3.5 percent. Yet two or three years is highly statement. “I wouldn’t want to And seven predict a hike in 2023, up sharply from its previous pro- to raise its key short-term rate, it still doesn’t project a rate hike uncertain,” Chair Jerome Powell focus too much on the exact up from five in December. The jection in December of 4.2 which affects many consumer then. said at a news conference after timing of a potential rate increase Fed doesn’t name which officials percent. And the Fed raised its and business loans. As the “The state of the economy in the Fed issued its latest policy that far into the future.” make which projections. France vows to Turkish firm designs high-quality Google to invest $7bn in US in 2021 make EU carbon construction projects ANADOLU — ANKARA border levy top ANADOLU — ISTANBUL (DFMA) and Design in Modular Google announced yesterday green deal issue Construction (DIMC), support that it would invest more than A Turkish construction firm, an industry transition from the $7bn in the US in 2021 to create BLOOMBERG Dorce Prefabrik has been on-site construction to ready- thousands of new jobs to help creating high-quality projects made prefabricated buildings, the country recover from the France pledged to promote based on an approach focusing the firm said. economic devastation brought European Union efforts to put on simplicity of the design and Dorce manufactures pre- on by the coronavirus a charge on emissions-intensive efficiency of the assembly. fabricated modular building pandemic. imports when it takes over the The construction industry components through direct “I believe a lasting eco- A sign is pictured outside Google bloc’s rotating presidency next develops new methods to building information modeling, nomic recovery will come from offices near the company’s year. respond to customer needs and exactly in accordance with the local communities and the headquarters in, California, US. The European Commission labor-related challenges in the project requirements. people and small businesses plans to propose a draft law on light of technological develop- The company integrates that give them life,” CEO Sundar The company noted that it year, we saw a backlash and the so-called Carbon Border ments, according to a press the digital fabrication of the Pichai and Google’s parent hired a record number of Black targeting of the Asian Adjustment Mechanism in June, release issued by the company building components, that company Alphabet said in a and Latino employees last year. American community who when it unveils a package of yesterday. make up the main structure, statement. Meanwhile, the Asian were unfairly blamed for regulations to align the region’s On the digital prefabri- into its projects from the “Google wants to be a part American Business Devel- the virus,” John Wang, the economy to a tighter 2030 cation field, which produces beginning of the design of that recovery,” said Pichai. opment Center, along with US president of the Asian emissions target. various building components process. “That’s why we plan to invest Black Chambers and the US American Business Devel- “We think CBAM is an through digital data, the Digital prefabrication, over $7bn in offices and data Hispanic Chamber of Com- opment Center, said essential element of the statement said it is in the front which reduces labor in the centers across the US and merce, sent an open letter to Wednesday. European Green Deal,” Laurent line of the development of the field, increases quality, cuts create at least 10,000 new full- America’s CEOs, demanding “Tragically, this climate of Michel, Director General for construction industry. costs, and speeds up the con- time Google jobs in the US this action against “the wave of hate has continued in 2021, Energy and Climate at France’s Prefabricated building ele- struction program, offers year.” rising hate crimes, discrimi- with vulnerable elderly targeted Ministry for the Ecological and ments offer high quality opportunities such as higher He added the company is nation and harassment of Asian in California and New York City Inclusive Transition, said projects with lower costs, it quality, cost control, accel- investing in several commu- Americans and Pacific recently, and indications that yesterday. noted. erated work schedule, sustain- nities that are new to the Islanders.” the community continues to be The EU wants to lead the Both concepts, the Design ability, and applicability, company, as well as expanding “At the start of the stigmatized by racist acts and global fight against climate for Manufacture and Assembly according to the firm. in others across 19 states. COVID-19 pandemic last words,” Wang added. change and plans to toughen its 2030 emissions-reduction goal to at least 55 percent from 1990 levels. The existing target is a cut Norwegian Air's of 40 percent. The new import Climate action not a zero-sum game levy would help avoid carbon FROM PAGE 12 shareholders back leakage. The International Gas Union believes an that delivers clean, secure and France, which has long achievable transition is one that delivers affordable energy, using electrons and restructuring plan called for a carbon border levy, President of International Gas Union clean, secure and affordable energy, natural gas and hydrogen molecules, REUTERS — OSLO will be chairing meetings of (IGU), Dr Joe M Kang, made the case for using electrons and natural gas and and the necessary infrastructure to help member states on the topic natural gas. The role of natural gas as individual countries meet the UN Sus- during its presidency in the first an enabler in the energy transition while hydrogen molecules, and the necessary tainable Development and Paris Goals,” Norwegian Air's shareholders voted in half of next year. With the series underpinning economic activity will be infrastructure to help individual he explained. favour of the company's debt restruc- of steps necessary before CBAM an important theme in the international countries meet the UN Sustainable "He called on all governments to let turing plan yesterday, business news is finalized, the import charge energy discussion in the years ahead, Development and Paris Goals. the energy industry innovators compete website E24 reported. could realistically come into he said. to see how best this can be achieved by a The vote was the first of several pro- force in 2023 at the earliest.The He argued that only by marshalling variety of means, and in so doing “ensure cedural hurdles the airline faces as it biggest challenge for the EU will a collective effort the world can guar- Sustainable Development Goals and the the greatest opportunities for citizens battles for its survival amid the corona- be to ensure the new mech- antee a prosperous and secure future. provisions of the Paris Agreement. “For around the world – the opportunities a virus pandemic. anism is compatible with the “The (climate change) debate in recent billions of people in the developing just energy transition should provide.” More than 99 percent of share- World Trade Organization rules. years has been intense and loud, but the world – with low CO2 per capita and “No justice will be served if holders supported the so-called scheme “CBAM is not green protec- world has not come far in aligning on low access to energy – there is no achieving the Paris (Accord) targets of arrangement, which will in turn be tionism,” Michel told a webinar an approach that enables us to meet the greater challenge than achieving involves actions that stymie economic voted on separately by several groups organized by the European enormous challenges of decarboni- affordable, secure and clean supply of growth and prosperity, or that deny of creditors on Thursday and Friday. Roundtable on Climate Change sation, energy access and energy energy. In richer nations – with high billions of people access to much If approved by enough creditors and and Sustainable Transition." “It’s security.” CO2 per capita – resources and infra- needed affordable energy and clean Ireland's High Court, the plan will enable an environmental issue that According to Kang, there is recog- structure are in place to accelerate cooking fuels. Picking only electrical Norwegian to raise new capital and allows to increase climate nition that different nations face dif- decarbonisation.” pathways will lead to lost opportu- emerge from bankruptcy protection in ambition with a better way to ferent challenges and have different “The International Gas Union nities, higher costs and a slower tran- Ireland and Norway avoid carbon leakage.” means to achieve a pathway toward UN believes an achievable transition is one sition for millions of people. in May Sport FRIDAY 19 MARCH 2021 15 India survive scare to level Motor racing: Jeddah to be T20 series against England F1’s fastest and longest REUTERS - AHMEDABAD BRIEF SCORES was dismissed stumped for one. India 185 for 8 (Suryakumar 57, Yadav smashed three sixes street circuit India survived final-over drama Iyer 37, Archer 4-33) beat Eng- before Dawid Malan took a low to beat England by eight runs land 177 for 8 (Stokes 46, Roy 40, catch at fine leg to send him in the fourth Twenty20 Inter- back. Replays, however, sug-

Thakur 3-42, Pandya 2-16) by LONDON national and level the five- gested the ball might have REUTERS - eight runs match series 2-2 in Ahmedabad touched the grass. yesterday. Rishabh Pant made a breezy Indian players celebrate a wicket during fourth T20 against Formula One unveiled its Suryakumar Yadav regained his composure and 30 and Shreyas Iyer contributed England in Ahmedabad, yesterday. PIC COURTESY: BCCI longest and fastest street smashed 57 to help the hosts to dismissed Jordan before fin- 37 to push India past the circuit yesterday, 185-8, their highest total of the ishing with a dot ball. 175-mark. predicting top speeds of series, after being put into bat. The previous three matches England lost Jos Buttler 322kph and wheel-to- Ben Stokes and Jason Roy were won by the team electing early in their chase, and Malan Australia’s Warner ends wheel racing when Saudi then came up with entertaining to field but India managed to made 14 before Rahul Chahar Arabia hosts a race for the cameos but it was not enough buck that trend after losing the bowled him round his legs. first time in Jeddah in to stop India from levelling the toss. Rohit Sharma smashed the Roy fell in the next over century drought in match December. series for the second time. first ball of the match from Adil after a quickfire 40 but England Organisers said the Shardul Thakur (3-42) Rashid for a six but Archer star Stokes threatened to take against New South Wales December 5 night race in looked a bundle of nerves (4-33) foxed him with clever the game away with a blistering the Corniche area of the bowling the eventful final over change of pace to elicit a simple 46. The all-rounder smashed REUTERS - SYDNEY Red Sea port city will be with England needing 23 runs return catch. three sixes before Thakur over a 6.175km layout, for an unassailable lead. Yadav pulled the first ball turned the game on its head, Australia opener David Warner (pictured) hit his first century in making it the sport’s After Chris Jordan took a he faced, from Archer, for a six dismissing Stokes and England 14 months to help New South Wales maintain their unbeaten second longest track after single off the first delivery, and raced to a 28-ball captain Eoin Morgan in suc- record in the domestic Marsh One-Day Cup yesterday. Belgium’s Archer hit the next two for a half-century. cessive deliveries. Warner’s 108 off 115 balls powered the Blues to a three-wicket Spa-Francorchamps. four and a six, which seemed India crossed the 50-mark The teams play the deciding victory with seven balls to spare in a top-of-the-table clash against Largely using existing to rattle Thakur who followed in the seventh over before final Twenty20 International at Tasmania in Hobart. The Blues now have a four-point lead over roads, and encircling a it with two wides. Stokes extended KL Rahul’s the same venue tomorrow Tasmania and look on track to play the final next month. lagoon, the floodlit circuit Archer took a single off the batting slump and Rashid before moving to Pune for a The tournament marks Warner’s return from a groin injury will feature 27 corners with next delivery, breaking his bat unleashed a googly to deceive three-match one-day series that had kept him out of action since thehe fourth test against carsc lapping at average in the process, before Thakur home captain Virat Kohli who beginning on Tuesday. India at the Gabba in Brisbane in January.uary. speedss of 252.8kph, “It’s good to have some time in thehe aaccording to Formula middle,” Warner told reporters after hishis One’sO simulations. match-winning knock, which includedded That would put it 10 boundaries. behindb Italy’s Monza, the Markram, Mulder return to SA “For me, it’s a good hit-out to comeme out fastestf of any circuit, but here, and obviously we got another gameme aheada of Britain’s Silver- against Queensland in New South Waleses stones in terms of outright ODI squad for Pakistan series and I’m looking forward to that.” speed.s Warner’s first hundred in any formatat Formula One’s motor- REUTERS - JOHANNESBURG released for the April 9 start of the since January last year was notot sports managing director competition. chanceless though, as he was droppedped RossR Brawn said the layout Opening batsman Aiden Markram and all- That rules out Quinton de Kock, Kagiso twice on what he called a “two-pacedced wouldw create plenty of rounder Wiaan Mulder will return to South Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, while there is no place wicket”. oovertaking opportunities Africa’s One-Day International squad for the first in either the ODI or T20 squads for the most The 34-year-old will be key to Aus-s- aand wheel-to-wheel time in two years ahead of a three-match home expensive overseas player in IPL history, all- tralia’s hopes of winning their maidenen racing.r series against Pakistan next month. rounder Chris Morris, who was purchased by the Twenty20 World Cup in India in “We don’t want Mickey Markram has not played since the World Cup Rajasthan Royals for $2.25m. October-November as well as their bidbid to MouseM circuits,” he told the in England having failed to transfer his test form “The ODI squad boasts the calibre of talent retain the Ashes when England tour att thethe F1F website. into the 50-over format, while Mulder won the we have in South African cricket and I’m really end of this year. “We don’t want those last of his 10 caps in the home series against Sri excited to see how they go about the series. We old classic street circuits Lanka in March 2019. have enough experience within that squad to where you turn 90 Uncapped seamer Lizaad Williams and burley provide a good challenge to Pakistan,” convenor (degrees). We want fast, all-rounder Sisanda Magala are also included in of selectors Victor Mpitsang said in a media World Cup regional qualifiers sweeping circuits, we want the extended 22-man squad, which will be cap- release from Cricket South Africa. “The T20 squad circuits that are going to tained for the first time by Temba Bavuma. is also a good indication of our depth as a cricket postponed due to COVID-19 challenge the drivers and The matches will be played between April nation with the loss of some of the senior players they are going to love it," 2-7, and will be followed by a four-game to the IPL.” REUTERS - DUBAI he said. Twenty20 International series, though Cricket ODI squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Quinton "We want circuits South Africa has confirmed that players con- de Kock, Beuran Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Three regional qualifying tournaments for the men’s Twenty20 where we can have wheel- tracted to Indian Premier League sides will be Janneman Malan, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden World Cup in Australia next year have been postponed because to-wheel racing.” Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, of the COVID-19 pandemic, the governing International Cricket The fastest street Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Council (ICC) said yesterday. circuit at the moment, for Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, All three tournaments, originally to be played next month, average speeds, is Mel- Jon-Jon Smuts, Rassie van der Dussen, would now be played in October with the Asia A qualifiers in bourne’s Albert Park at Junior Dala, Lutho Sipamla, Wiaan Kuwait while South Africa hosts the two African events. 237.2kph. The longest is Mulder, Sisanda Magala, Kyle Ver- “The decision was taken... due to new restrictions being put Azerbaijan’s Baku at reynne, Daryn Dupavillon, Lizaad Wil- in place by several participating countries to suspend sporting 6.003km. liams Twenty20 squad: Temba activities to limit the spread of the new COVID-19 variants...” the “This is a circuit that is Bavuma (captain), Bjorn Fortuin, ICC said in a statement. “The other contributing factor was the utilising some existing Beuran Hendricks, Reeza Hendricks, extensive quarantine requirements for the visiting teams on their infrastructure but we’ve Heinrich Klaasen, George Linde, return to their respective countries.” been lucky that there are Rassie van der Dussen, Janneman The governing body also cancelled an Asian qualifier for next areas where we’ve been Malan, Sisanda Magala, Dwaine Pre- year’s Under-19 World Cup in West Indies. able to build from scratch,” torius, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lutho Sipamla, “We will continue to monitor and assess all events across our said Brawn. New South Africa captain Kyle Verreynne, Pite van Biljon, Migael pathway structures with the ICC’s priority continuing to be to “So we’ve been able to Temba Bavuma Pretorius, Lizaad Williams, Wihan protect the well-being of players, coaches, officials and fans,” ICC build some really exciting Lubbe Head of Events Chris Tetley said in a statement. parts of the circuit. “At one end, there will be a 180 degree corner with a moderate amount No queue, reduced crowds at Wimbledon this year of banking, so it will be a high G-load and high stress for the drivers,” he said. REUTERS - LONDON grounds, will be abandoned for ensure that we can leave deci- public ballot last year will have said that while the promise of The Saudi race is due this year’s tournament in favour sions on public capacity as late the opportunity to purchase a return to a more normal to be the penultimate Wimbledon’s famous ticket of online sales. The Wimbledon as we can in order to welcome tickets for the 2022 edition for existence was on the horizon, round on a record 23 race queue will not operate this year Championships were cancelled the maximum number of guests, the same day and court. The we are not there yet. calendar. and the number of fans inside last year for the first time in the and manage our ticket distri- Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) “As such, we have taken “When you have a the grounds at the grasscourt Open era due to the COVID-19 bution accordingly. is not holding a ballot for tickets some key decisions in order to high-speed street circuit it Grand Slam is likely to be pandemic but the AELTC board “Given the likelihood of this year, with an online provide us with some certainty doesn’t leave much room reduced, the All England Lawn hopes to welcome fans back in continued social distancing platform in place for ticket sales in our planning, and yet also to for error,” said Brawn. Tennis Club (AELTC) said June-July. requirements and with consid- in June and there will be no retain flexibility where we need yesterday. “At this point in time, the eration for the health and safety reselling within the grounds. it the most,” he said. The queue, which has most likely outcome for this of all the public, there will not “Both the queue and ticket The AELTC also said that THE 2021 F1 CALENDAR become part of Wimbledon year’s Championships, as an be a Queue or Ticket Resale in resale remain much-loved and any players who wish to par- folklore, with fans lining up outdoor venue, is a reduced operation for this year’s important traditions and we ticipate at the Championships 28 March – Bahrain (Sakhir) from the early hours and even number of spectators within the Championships.” look forward to their return in this year must stay at the official 18 April - Italy (Imola) camping overnight to snap up grounds,” it said in a statement. The board also said those 2022,” added the statement. hotels to minimise risk and curb 2 May - Portugal Algarve province, tickets for the showcourts and “For this reason, we want to who were successful in the AELTC chairman Ian Hewitt the spread of the virus. 9 May – Spain (Barcelona) 23 May – Monaco (Monaco) 6 June – Azerbaijan (Baku) 13 June – Canada (Montreal) 27 June – France (Le Castellet) Not winning but getting out of bubble 4 July – Austria (Spielberg) 18 July – United Kingdom (Silverstone) the only goal, says Benoit Paire 1 August – Hungary (Budapest) 29 August – Belgium (Spa) REUTERS - LONDON before Miami,” Paire told L’Equipe in an interview. 5 September – Netherlands “Tennis is not my priority at the moment. Getting out (Zandvoort) 12 September – Italy (Monza) Playing tennis is currently not the priority for Benoit of the bubble is the only goal I have at every 26 September – Russia (Sochi) Paire and the temperamental Frenchman said he was tournament.” 3 October – Singapore (Singapore) content to hop from one tournament to another, lose Paire has faced numerous sanctions for indiscre- 10 October – Japan (Suzuka) in the first round and earn some money in the process. tions through his career, including being kicked out of 24 October – USA (Austin) A win against Chile’s world number 1,165 Nicolas the 2016 Rio Olympics by the French delegation for 31 October – Mexico (Mexico City) Jarry in Cordoba, Argentina, last month is the only spending too much time away from the athletes’ village. 7 November – Brazil (Sao Paulo) victory the 31-year-old Paire, who reached a career- Paire, who has career earnings of over $8.5 million 21 November - Australia high ranking of 18th in 2016, has managed this year. in prize money, said he had stopped working with a (Melbourne*) His latest first round exit came against Greek Ste- coach. Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas in action during his 5 December - Saudi Arabia (Jed- fanos Tsitsipas in 68 minutes when he lost 6-3 6-1 in “I arrive, I take some money and I go to the next second-round match against John Isner of the US at dah)

the ATP 500 Mexican Open in The Fairmont Acapulco Acapulco, Mexico and Paire will next head to Miami tournament: I do my job,” he said. “If you win an ATP 12 December - Abu Dhabi Princess, Acapulco, Mexico. Tsitsipas won 6-3, 6-2 for the ATP Masters 1000 event, starting next week. 250, you only pocket $30,000. Me, with bye (in the first (Yas Island) “I lost in the first round, it’s better, I will be able to round), I took 10,000 each time losing straight. Why get out of the bubble fairly quickly and enjoy a few days tear yourself away like crazy to earn barely more?” Sport

FRIDAYF 19 MARCH 2021 AustralianA opener Warner ends century droughtd in domestic cricket match It'sIt good to have some time in the middle. For me, it's a good hhit-out to come out here, and obviously we got another game againsta Queensland in New South Wales and I'm looking foforward to that. DavidD Warner Sport | 15 AAustralian opener NBA: Bucks 109 - 76ers 105 (OT); Nuggets 129 - Hornets 104; Grizzlies 89 - Heat 85; Mavericks 105 - Clippers 89; Cav's 117 -Celtics 110

Chelsea 49th Amir Cup: Jassim Bin Hamad fear no one Stadium to host final on May 14 in CL, says Tuchel THE PENINSULA — DOHA A view of REUTERS — LONDON Jassim Bin Al Sadd club’s home ground In the semi-finals, Al Rayyan will take on Al Duhail at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium will Hamad Chelsea manager Thomas host the final of the prestigious Stadium Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, while defending champions Al Tuchel says his side should Amir Cup on May 14, the Qatar which will Sadd will clash with Al Arabi at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. fear no one in the Cham- FootballFootball AAssociationssociation (QFA) host the final pions League after the announced yesterday.yesterday. of Amir Cup London club secured a on May 14. The QQFAFA saidsaid tthehe datedate andand spot in the quarter-finals venuevenue ooff tthehe ttitleitle cclashlash ooff cocoun-un- for the first time since 2014 try’s most popular football tour-tour- with Wednesday’s 2-0 win namentnament wwasas fixfixeded aafterfter coconsul-nsul- over Atletico Madrid. tation with the SupremeSupreme Com-Com- Goals from Hakim mittee for Delivery Ziyech and Emerson and Le Legacygacy (SC).(SC). Palmieri helped Chelsea In tthehe sesemi-mi- complete a 3-0 aggregate finalsfinals to be win and extended their plaplayedyed on unbeaten run to 13 games May 3, Al in all competitions since RayyanRayyan will Tuchel replaced Frank tatakeke oonn Al Lampard as coach in DuDuhailhail at January. AbdullahA BBinin Holders Bayern Khalifa whilewhile Munich and Premier defendingd e f end ing League leaders Manchester City are among the sides left in the competition, with the draw to be made on Friday, but Tuchel said Chelsea deserved their championschampions Al edition of the tournament was for COVID-19 to enjoy the blockbuster, with Al Sadd place among Europe’s Sadd will clash decided earlier this month. atmosphere of eagerly-awaited clinching the title after a elite. withwith Al ArabiArabi atat Al Rayyan entered the semi- clash, like it used to be before thrilling battle with Al Arabi. “The most important JassimJassim Bin final after defeating Al the pandemic. The final also marked the thing is we deserve this,” Hamad Kharaitiyat while Al Duhail It added, that detail of ticket inauguration of the Ahmed Bin Tuchel said. StadStadium.ium. BBothoth qualified with a win over Al sales and precautionary health Ali Stadium, the fourth FIFA “They play with a thethe matchesmatches Shamal. Al Sadd knocked Al measures will be announced World Cup Qatar 2022 venue special bond and results willwill kkickick off aatt Gharafa out for a place in the later. to be officially launched. like this give you a certain 4pm.4pm. semi-final while Al Arabi The final of the 48th edition Al Sadd are the most suc- edge to achieve special TheThe semisemi-- overcame Al Sailiya in the of the Amir Cup last year – cessful side of Amir Cup, things. final line-upline-up quarter-final. Meanwhile, QFA played on Qatar National Day winning the coveted title 17 “I’m sure no one wants ofote9tof thethe 49th49th has urged fans to get vaccinated (December 18) was a times. to play against us. This will be a difficult challenge... But on we go, no need to be afraid. We take what we get.” Tuchel was delighted Ronaldo pushed for Portugal to face Azerbaijan in Turin: Reports with the way his side con- trolled the game against REUTERS — LONDON meaning returning Premier comment on Ronaldo’s pressure at the top of the Serie their season around under the leaders of Spain’s La League players would have involvement when approached. A standings ahead of the Cesare Prandelli, and victory in Liga but said there was still Cristiano Ronaldo (pictured) faced a hotel quarantine period. Meanwhile, AC Milan and upcoming international break. Florence would move Stefano room for improvement. pushed for Portugal to play next Although Portugal is now off thehe JuventusJuventus can capi-capi- InterInter announcedannounce yesterday Pioli's side six points behind “We need to improve week’s 2022 World Cup qual- red list Wednesday’s Azerbaijanan talisetalise onon tthehe thatthat two more of theirt players leaders Inter. in counterattacks, we have ifier against Azerbaijan in Turin, clash is still set to go ahead in postponementpostponement had contracted COVID-19, Pioli has been keen to reit- to be more forward with the veteran forward keen Turin. ofof InterInter Milan'sMilan's taking the numbernumbe of positive erate that qualification for next thinking, use our speed for his nation to use Juventus’ Gazzetta dello Sport andnd game with tests wiwithinthin AnAntonioto Conte's season's Champions League, and exploit spaces,” he training centre as a base, Tuttosport said Portugal’s all-ll- SassuoloSassuolo due to squadsquad to four, witwithh local health rather than a title tilt, is Milan's said. “We are looking to be according to reports in Italy. time top goalscorer also nego-o- a COVID-19COVID-19 authorities postponingpost all goal this season, but the chance more clinical and precise.” Earlier this month, Portugal tiated with Juventus for his outbreakoutbreak to playingplaying activity at the club for at least to apply pressure on Ziyech has fallen short were granted permission to compatriots to use the club’sb’s apply four days.days. their great rivals should not be of expectations since his change the location of their Continassa sports centre and fforor somesome ThatThat meanmeans their clash passed up. move to Chelsea but qualifier against Azerbaijan the team to stay at J|Hotel nextext withwith SassuoSassuolo tomorrow Champions Juventus have Tuchel was impressed by from Lisbon to Turin over coro- to the training base. Portugalgal has beenbeen cancelled, just domestic honours to fight for the Moroccan on navirus concerns, and several begin their qualification bid for openingopening the door for after exiting the Champions Wednesday. Italian newspapers suggest next year’s Qatar World Cup on thethe chasingcha pack to League at the last-16 stage for the “He suffers a bit with Ronaldo played a part in the Wednesday and will train at thehe close theth gap at the second season in a row last our style, he needs to move. Continassa base next Mondayay top.top. week, with a Cristiano Ronaldo adapt... but I am super Until a few days ago, Por- and Tuesday before facingng MilanMila face a hat-trick helping his side happy, this was reliable tugal was on Britain’s red list of Azerbaijan at the Juventusus tough trip tto Fiorentina, respond against Cagliari last from him,” Tuchel said. countries for COVID-19, Stadium. Juventus declined to who aarere despdesperate to turn weekend.

WINNERS Horse, Trainer, Jockey Off He Goes wins Late Yousef Al Romaihi Cup THE LATE YOUSEF AL ROMAIHI CUP (Far Bend) Off He Goes, Julian Colin Smart, Tomas Lukasek THE PENINSULA — DOHA in the saddle, finished THOROUGHBRED PLATE (3 Year Olds) (Class 2) (Far Bend) third. Sheikha Iman bint Meanwhile, Jassim Bin US Cliff, Gassim Ghazali, Soufiane Saadi THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 3) (Far Bend) Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Ali Al Attiyah’s US Cliff Thani’s Off He Goes, completed a double in a Bottom Bay, Zuhair Mohsen, Khalid Al Balushi LOCAL THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Far Bend) helmed by Tomas Lukasek, Thoroughbred Plate as Sky Blue, Bader Al Balushi, Soufiane Saadi clinched the Late Yousef Al Soufiane Saadi rode the THOROUGHBRED PLATE (3 Year Olds) (Class 3) (Far Romaihi Cup during the Jassim Ghazali-trained Bend) 40th Race Meeting at Al three-year-old colt to a Jimmy Sparks, Stefano Ibido, Alberto Sanna Rayyan Park yesterday. half length victory in the PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE (Far Bend) The Julian Smart- 2000m Class 2 run for Hadjira De Flauzins, Ali Yousuf Al-Kubaisi, Alberto trained seven-year-old 3YOs. Sanna gelding claimed a half Also yesterday, Khalifa PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE (3 YO) (Far Bend) length win in the 3200m Bin Sheail Al Kuwari’s Watnah Al Sakab, Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki, Anas Al Class 2 run to bag feature Bottom Bay won Thor- Seyabi victory. oughbred Handicap (75- THOROUGHBRED NOVICE PLATE (Class 6) (Far Bend) Alban Elie De Mieulle- 95). Khalid Al Balushi rode Pom Malpic, Ali Yousuf Al-Kubaisi, Marco Casamento trained Duke of Dundee, the Zuhair Mohsen-trained LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN NOVICE PLATE (Far Bend) ridden by Ronan Thomas, 4YO gelding to a half Off He Goes withTomas Lukasek in Abida, Alban Elie De Mieulle, Soufiane Saadi was second while length win in the 2000m the saddle on way to victory yesterday. Quelindo, with Ivan Rossi Class 3 run.