www.thepeninsula.qa Thursday 27 August 2020 Volume 25 | Number 8362 8 Muharram - 1442 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 13 PENMAG | 15 SPORT | 19

QC committee Classifieds Riders set for reviews adding new and Services thrilling weekend at electronic services section Longines Hathab to 'Single Window' included grand finale

Choose the network of heroes Enjoy the Internet Amir affirms Restrictions to ease for cultural, sports activities; Qatar's support public transport to resume from September 1 for peace in South Sudan THE PENINSULA — DOHA parties at home as well as man- All mosques in the Gatherings of a agers of wedding venues are QNA — DOHA The Supreme Committee for country reopened to maximum of 15 people required to keep records of the Crisis Management yesterday perform daily and contact information of all Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin announced splitting the fourth indoors and 30 people invitees,” the Committee said. Hamad Al Thani held a tele- phase of lifting of COVID-19 Friday prayers. outdoors allowed. Cinemas and theaters will phone conversation with Pres- restrictions into two phases, also be opened from September ident of the Republic of South further announcing reopening 1 with a capacity of 15%, pro- Sudan, H E Lt General Salva Kiir a number of activities from Weddings allowed with Cinemas and theaters to vided that precautionary Mayardit, yesterday evening. September 1. a maximum of 40 people open with a capacity of 15%. measures are followed and that During the phone call which The first phase (September indoors and 80 people only people who are 18 years H H the Amir made to H E the 1) will include reopening of all and above are allowed entry. President of South Sudan, they mosques in the country to outdoors, provided that “The Supreme Committee reviewed the bilateral relations perform daily and Friday precautionary measures Resumption of metro and public for Crisis Management thanks and ways of enhancing and prayers, provided that precau- are followed. transport services with a capacity of both citizens and residents for developing them. tionary measures are followed their commitment to adhering In this regard, H H the Amir while toilets and ablution facil- 30% according to the procedures to to the precautionary measures affirmed the support of the State ities remain closed. be announced by the Ministry of to combat coronavirus, which of Qatar for the efforts of estab- Children allowed to Metro and public transport Transport and Communications. has contributed to limiting the lishing peace in South Sudan, services with a capacity of 30%, enter malls and spread of the virus. As the State and harnessing all capabilities according to the procedures opening of food of Qatar moves on to phase four, to guarantee the success of which will be announced by the Souks to operate with a 75% it is important for the community reaching an agreement between courts in malls with a Ministry of Transport and Com- capacity and raising the capacity at to continue to follow procedures all parties in order to ensure sta- munications, will be resumed capacity of 30%. to ensure that efforts are suc- bility and peace. H H the Amir from September 1. wholesale markets to 50%. cessful and the nation can fully also praised the efforts of H E The Supreme Committee for reopen,” the Supreme Committee the President to consolidate Crisis Management has also for Crisis Management statement peace in South Sudan. allowed weddings with a provided that precautionary application, maintaining a dis- people per table, and avoiding said which was posted by the A number of issues of maximum of 40 people indoors measures are followed, tance of two meters between handshakes and kisses while Government Communications mutual concern were also dis- and 80 people outdoors, including activating the Ehteraz tables with a maximum of 5 greeting. “Individuals holding Office (GCO) on its website. `P3 cussed during the phone call. Teachers and Lebanese FM praises Cabinet allows medical services administrative at private health care facilities staff to be Qatar's rapid response examined ahead QNA — DOHA At the beginning of the annulment of the Cabinet’s to provide aid, support meeting, the Cabinet was decision on the suspension of of academic year The Cabinet yesterday allowed briefed by H E Minister of Public the system of temporary home BEIRUT medical services in private Health on the latest develop- services provided by cleaning THE PENINSULA — DOHA QNA — health care facilities and also ments in efforts to curb coro- and hospitality companies. These allowed temporary home navirus (COVID-19). The decisions shall be effective from The Ministry of Education and The Minister of Foreign Affairs The visit of the services provided by cleaning Cabinet affirmed the continu- September 1, 2020. Higher Education (MOEHE), in and Emigrants in the Lebanese Qatar's Minister of and hospitality companies. ation of work with the precau- The Cabinet also issued an coordination with the Ministry caretaker government, H E Prime Minister and Minister tionary measures taken to amendment in its decision of Public Health (MoPH), issued Charbel Wehbe, praised the aid Foreign Affairs is of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid combat the pandemic. regarding holding all meetings a package of precautionary provided by the State of Qatar highly appreciated, bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al As part of the plan to grad- for employees and workers in measures to ensure a safe and to to face the reper- and it expresses a Thani chaired the Cabinet ually lift the restrictions the government and private healthy environment in all cussions of the Beirut port regular meeting held at its seat imposed by the coronavirus sectors remotely using tech- public and private schools and explosion, while lauding, in this fraternal feeling and at the Amiri Diwan yesterday. (COVID-19), the Cabinet nology means to allow meetings educational institutions. regard, the visit of Deputy reflects the sym- Following the meeting, Min- decided following: The to be held with the attendance This came as part of the Prime Minister and Minister of pathy of the State of ister of Justice and Acting Min- annulment of the Cabinet’s of no more than 15 people. This MOEHE’s efforts to keep the Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh ister of State for Cabinet Affairs decision on the suspension of decision shall also be effective educational process going Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Qatar with the Leb- H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al medical services in private from September 1, 2020, until under sound frameworks and Al Thani to Beirut on Tuesday. anese people, `P3 Nuaimi issued the statement. health care facilities. The further notice. strict health requirements. The In an exclusive statement to Wehbe said, while new package reflects the Min- Qatar News Agency (QNA) cor- istry’s keenness to provide respondent in Beirut, Wehbe wishing the State of proper protection for students, hailed the visit of H E Sheikh Qatar more pros- teachers and administrative Mohammed bin Abdulrahman perity and stability. staff from COVID-19. Al Thani to Lebanon, saying that According to the package, it expressed Qatar’s empathy all public school staff members with the Lebanese people. people, Wehbe said, while will undergo medical exami- H E the Lebanese Foreign wishing the State of Qatar more nations by the MoPH and Minister pointed out that he prosperity and stability. Hamad Medical Corporation discussed with H E Sheikh H E Sheikh Mohammed bin and Primary Health Care Cor- Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Abdulrahman Al Thani met in poration, before the beginning Al Thani the exceptional cir- Beirut on Tuesday with Head of the school year to ensure cumstances that Lebanon is of the Loyalty to the Resistance that they are free of COVID-19. going through, in addition to Bloc in the Lebanese Parliament All private school staff the situation in the region, MP H E Mohammad Raad, Head members will be examined by while appreciating the of the Change and Reform Bloc private health care providers assistance provided by the in the Lebanese Parliament H E before the beginning of the State of Qatar to support the , Head of the Pro- school year to ensure that they sectors that are most in need. gressive Socialist Party H E Walid are free of the virus. The pri- The visit of the Qatar's Min- Jumblatt, Head of the Lebanese One of the safety features by Ashghal surrounding a school, yesterday. ority of examination will be ister of Foreign Affairs is highly Forces Party H E Samir Geagea, given to teachers followed by appreciated, and it expresses a Head of Kataeb Party H E Sheikh the administrative staff. fraternal feeling and reflects Sami Gemayel, and Head of MOEHE stresses that all the sympathy of the State of Marada Movement H E Suleiman Ashghal enhances traffic safety for schools nationwide must Qatar with the Lebanese Frangieh, separately. `P3 comply with the precautionary 465 schools across the country health measures, which were previously announced by THE PENINSULA — DOHA implement a comprehensive assessed and revised on a Health and Safety Department. and continuous plan with inter- monthly and annual basis, with The Ministry warns that The Public Works Authority national standards to ensure the number of schools in need anyone who willfully or negli- (Ashghal) has completed road safety features are in place of development increasing each gently violates the preventive improving the road safety fea- on the roads surrounding year. This year priority was measures relating to epidemics tures surrounding 465 schools schools, thus enhancing given to approximately 533 and infectious diseases will be across the country, accounting security and safety of stu- schools spread across various subjected to legal liability. for 88 percent of the total dents, parents and educational areas in Qatar. Under Law No. (9) of 2020, number of schools included in staff. In addition to the com- which amends some provi- the School Zone Safety According to a study con- pleted and ongoing safety sions of Decree-Law No. (17) Programme. ducted by the Ministry of Edu- works, design plans are in of 1990 regarding the pre- This is in addition to cation and Higher Education, progress for 25 schools and vention of infectious diseases, ongoing works to complete Ashghal has coordinated with have been completed for five the relevant punishment shall the implementation of safety the Ministry of Interior and the additional schools, with work amount to imprisonment for plans for 38 schools, as part National Road Safety Com- expected to commence as a term not exceeding 3 years Included with today’s edition is a of Ashghal readiness for the mittee to identify school areas soon as necessary approvals and a fine not exceeding new academic year 2020-21. in need of development. are obtained from concerned QR200,000, or either of the special supplement Ashghal continues to The list of schools is entities in the country. `P3 two penalties. 02 HOME THURSDAY 27 AUGUST 2020

Minister briefs Cabinet on plan for strategy Qatar strongly condemns of the Ministry of Culture and Sports explosions in QNA — DOHA Thani chaired the regular accordingly. The strategy of the national identity by developing The Cabinet approved the Afghanistan meeting of Cabinet held at its Ministry of Culture and Sports attractive cultural activities that Cabinet draft decision The Minister of Culture and seat at the Amiri Diwan included some main results and raise the level of societal par- amending some provisions of QNA — DOHA Sports H E Salah bin Ghanem yesterday. objectives. The main result is an ticipation culturally, work to decision No. (14) of 2017, Al Ali gave a presentation on the Following the meeting, Min- active cultural, sports and youth discover and sponsor cultural forming the organising com- detailed plan for the strategy of ister of Justice and Acting Min- movement based on an talents, increase cultural pro- mittee to host international and The State of Qatar has the Ministry of Culture and ister of State for Cabinet Affairs authentic value system that duction that enhances identity, regional sporting events, and expressed its strong condem- Sports. H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al supports society in achieving and organise events that con- the Ministry of Culture and nation and denunciation of The presentation is based Nuaimi issued the statement. civilised progress. tribute to increasing cultural Sports proposal to renew the the two explosions which on the directives of Prime Min- H E the Prime Minister and The Ministry will work communication with resident term of membership of the occurred in the provinces of ister and Minister of Interior the Minister of Interior stressed through this strategy to create communities. Work will also be committee for three years. Balkh and Ghor in north and H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa the need for the strategic plans an active cultural, sport and undertaken to enhance Qatar’s The committee, established central of Afghanistan, and bin Abdulaziz Al Thani on pro- of ministries and other gov- youth movement that forms a cultural status regionally and at the Ministry of Culture and resulted in the deaths and viding the Council of Ministers ernment agencies, bodies and framework for the society to internationally. Sports, is specialised in several injuries of members of the with plans related to the com- public institutions to include uphold its national identity, The executive framework specialisations, including study Afghan army and civilians. petencies of ministries and what Amir H H Sheikh Tamim value system and culture in for the ministry’s strategy con- of the proposals of sports In a statement issued yes- other government agencies, bin Hamad Al Thani affirmed light of its openness to the sists of 35 goals that work to authorities regarding hosting terday, the Ministry of public bodies and institutions, in his speeches before the Shura world and its constructive inter- achieve one main result and international or regional cham- Foreign Affairs reiterated the including all implementation Council that strategic plans are action with other cultures. four intermediate results. pionships and sporting events State of Qatar’s firm stance on programmes and projects, the developed not only to complete The first intermediate result The number of strategic and giving opinion regarding rejecting violence and ter- specified timetable for com- a procedure in a formal is culture as a framework for objectives for the cultural them in terms of the feasibility rorism regardless of motives pletion as well as standards and manner, but to be applicable preserving identity and pro- enrichment and sports excel- of holding these events and their and causes. indicators for measuring per- through clear implementation moting citizenship and civilised lence sector, which the Ministry benefit to the state; coordination The statement expressed formance progress in line with plans that include specific communication. is working to achieve, is 21 measures with the concerned the State of Qatar’s condo- the comprehensive devel- financial budgets for pro- The Ministry will, within the goals, of which 13 goals will be authorities regarding hosting lences to the families of opment vision, Qatar National grammes and projects within a framework of its strategy, achieved 100 percent by the tournaments and sporting victims and the government Vision 2030. specific time frame and clear activate the role of the cultural Ministry, while the remaining events that have been approved; and people of Afghanistan, Prime Minister and Minister criteria for measuring the scene by promoting cultural goals will be achieved in coop- and study the estimated budget wishing the wounded a of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid success of implementation and production that aims to eration with some partners in allocated to them by the State speedy recovery. bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al for accountability to be enhance major perceptions of varying proportions. and give an opinion on it. QFFD helps build Mogadishu-Afgoye road in Somalia THE PENINSULA — DOHA Balad and Jawhar). This project is part egation from the Fund. It will also contribute of the Somalia The ceremony was wit- Asphalt paving work has mainly to moving the wheel of nessed by H E Hassan bin started on the Mogadishu- development in Somalia by Roads Project for the Hamza Hashem, Ambassador Afgoye road in the Federal exporting agricultural mate- construction of two of the State of Qatar to Somalia Republic of Somalia with the rials from the city of Jawhar and a delegation from Ashghal. support of Qatar Fund for through the port of Mogadishu, roads — Mogadishu- The Somali Prime Minister and Development (QFFD). in addition to contributing to Jawhar Road and the a number of ministers, officials This project is part of the creating jobs for the Somali and parliamentarians attended Somalia Roads Project for the people through construction Mogadishu-Afgoye the ceremony. construction of two roads — works, as the Somali cadres are Road, with a length This important project Mogadishu-Jawhar Road and a major factor in the project. of 112km. The length comes within the framework the Mogadishu-Afgoye Road, The Public Works of the Qatar Fund for Devel- with a length of 112km. The Authority (Ashghal) provided of the Mogadishu- opment’s interest in devel- length of the Mogadishu- technical support for the Estad Afgoye Road is 22km. opment projects as this is a Afgoye Road is 22km. Project Management project with a long-term The project will contribute Company, which is partici- impact, which guarantees a lot to providing an ideal infra- pating as a project supervision sponsored by the President of to the residents of the region structure in the fraternal consultant. the Federal Republic of in terms of stability for peo- Republic of Somalia by estab- Qatar Fund for Devel- Somalia and in the presence ple’s lives, enhancing security lishing highways between the opment laid the foundation of Khalifa Al Kuwari, Director and facilitating their lives in A view of asphalt paving work on the Mogadishu-Afgoye road in capital Mogadishu and the stone for the two road projects General of the QFFD, in reaching the requirements of Somalia. The project is being implemented with the support of neighbouring cities (Afgoye, last year during a ceremony addition to a high-ranking del- daily life. Qatar Fund for Development.

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LuLu Hypermarket-D Ring Road : +974 44667780 4 Al Gharafa4 Al Khor Mall  4 Barwa City  4 Al Messila  4 Lulu Center-Al Rayyan Road : +974 44322442 Ezdan Oasis, Al Wukair  4 West Nuaija, Al Hilal  4 Al Meshaf, Al Wakra   4Lulu Express Al Rayyan Road  4 Lulu Express B Ring Road : +974 44252888 THURSDAY 27 AUGUST 2020 HOME 03 Minister receives credentials of German and Dutch Ambassadors

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi received separately yesterday copies of the credentials of Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, H E Dr. Claudius Fischbach, and Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Qatar, H E Marjan Kamstra. H E the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs wished the new Ambassadors success in their mission, and assured them of the availability of all support to upgrade bilateral relations between their countries and the State of Qatar for closer cooperation in various fields. Cabinet allows medical services at 244 new virus Ministries’ projects nominated cases, 240 for WSIS Prize 2020 Contest private health care facilities recoveries: MoPH FROM PAGE 1 of work, while the rest of the private sector to resume their THE PENINSULA — DOHA employees to work remotely work at their place of work, THE PENINSULA — DOHA The Cabinet also decided from their homes or upon and the rest of them to work The Ministry of the continuation of work with request, depending on the remotely from their homes. The Ministry of Public Health Education and Higher the Cabinet’s decision that circumstances. The Cabinet also decided (MoPH) yesterday announced Education has been allowed, according to the need It also decided the contin- the continuation of adherence the registration of 244 new nominated for the of work, no more than 80% of uation of work with the Cab- to the precautionary confirmed COVID-19. According prizes of the 9th the total number of employees inet’s decision that allowed no measures, including wearing to the Ministry, among them 230 contest of the World in the government sector to more than 80% of the total masks and maintaining a safe cases were from the community Summit on the Infor- resume their work at their place number of workers in the distance. and 14 were travellers returning mation Society 2020, from abroad. which is organised by Another 240 people have the International Tele- Restrictions to ease for cultural, sports activities; recovered from the virus, communications Union bringing the total number of (ITU) in Geneva, Swit- recovered cases in Qatar to zerland. yesterday. public transport to resume from September 1 114,558. All new cases have The Ministry’s project titled Two additional projects been introduced to isolation and ‘Centralised Connectivity in the submitted by Qatar have been FROM PAGE 1 workers. Qatar’s travel policy also allowed museums and are receiving necessary Schools Network (CCSN)’ has nominated for the WSIS Prizes The statement added: will continue to be followed public libraries to operate in healthcare according to their qualified for category 2 prizes. 2020. These include C7: Open “Based on Qatar’s public while the Ministry of Public full capacity and normal hours health status. It enables the Ministry to have Data Policy and Portal, sub- health indicators and the Health will continue to update provided that all precau- The Ministry further said a high speed centralised, mon- mitted by the Ministry of coronavirus (COVID-19) the list of low-risk countries tionary measures are that measures to tackle itored, secure, reliable and Transport and Communications infection rate in the com- periodically. followed. COVID-19 in Qatar have suc- scalable internet infrastructure and C8: Multi Languages Elec- munity, it has been decided to The Supreme Committee The statement announced ceeded in flattening the curve for all the public schools and tronic Labour Contract System, split phase four into two for Crisis Management also continuing the work of health and limiting the spread of the preschools nationwide. submitted by the Ministry of phases. announced continuing the clubs, gyms and public virus. Qatar’s proactive and Tariq Al Emadi, Director of Administrative Development, The first phase will com- operation of driving schools swimming pools at half extensive testing of suspected Information Technology, Labour and Social Affairs. mence on September 1, and with a capacity of 50% while capacity (50%) and allowing cases has enabled the Ministry delivered an introduction to the There are 18 winning projects the situation will be assessed suspension of summer camps massage and sauna services to identify a high number of nominated project during the and 72 champion projects that on an ongoing basis, including as well as the use of sports at a capacity of 30% in positive cases in the WSIS Prizes 2020 Awards cer- will be recognised at the WSIS the re-imposing and/or lifting equipment in public parks will approved facilities, as well as community. emony, which was held Forum 2020. of some restrictions based on continue. opening indoor swimming developments mid-Sep- The Committee has pools at a capacity of 30%. tember. The second phase will allowed audiences to attend The Committee Lebanese FM praises commence at the beginning sporting events with a announced continuing the Ashghal enhances traffic of the third week of capacity of 20% indoors and suspension of home beauty, Qatar’s support FROM PAGE 1 September.” 30% outdoors, according to barber, massage and fitness The country will continue procedures which will be training services as well as safety for 465 schools During the meetings, H E following the Council of Min- announced by the relevant continuity of the work of Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul- isters’ decision, which limits authorities. It also allowed private education and across the country rahman Al Thani offered the the capacity in workplaces to private health clinics to training centers at a capacity condolences of the government FROM PAGE 1 a maximum of 80% of resume work in full capacity. of 50%. students and parents from and people of the State of Qatar employees in both public and Normal working hours at It announced resuming All schools which were schools. on the victims of the explosion private sectors while gath- malls will continue while cleaning and hospitality included in the school zone He said that the school zone which took place in Beirut Port, erings of a maximum of 15 keeping capacity to 50%. services in workplaces at a safety plan for 2020 are in dif- safety programme works wishing the injured a speedy people indoors and 30 people The Committee allowed capacity of 30% as well as ferent stages of include the establishment and recovery. outdoors have been allowed. opening of food courts in allowing the resumption of implementation. development of roads at the H E the Deputy Prime Min- Playgrounds and leisure malls with a capacity of 30% these services at homes. Engineer Hassen Al Hamadi, highest level of safety in the ister and Minister of Foreign centres remain closed while also allowing children to enter The Supreme Committee Head of Highways Operation & school zones by providing des- Affairs was briefed on the local exhibitions with a malls. for Crisis Management has Maintenance Section, said that ignated car parks, building opinions of the heads of the capacity of 30%, according to The Committee also emphasised that the evalu- Ashghal gives the School Zone medians and small roundabouts parties and parliamentary blocs the procedures which will be allowed the increase in res- ation of lifting further Safety Programme high priority, in order to manage traffic flow on the various Lebanese issues. announced by the National taurants capacity starting with measures depends on the as it is one of the key elements in those areas. In this context, H E stressed the Tourism Council, have been 30%, according to the proce- cooperation of all and the to achieve the National Road “As part of the programme, need to work to achieve the allowed from September 1. dures which will be set by the commitment to following Safety Strategy (NRSS) 2013-22. Roads Operation and Mainte- national unity during the next The Supreme Committee Ministry of Commerce and precautionary measures, It aims to ease traffic conges- nance Department (ROMD) at stage in order to uphold the for Crisis Management has Industry. including wearing masks tions in these areas, separate Ashghal installs a number of interest of the brotherly Leb- announced continuing to It allowed allowed souks while outside, washing hands, vehicles from pedestrians and directional signs and provides anese people, wishing them allow personal boats and to operate with a 75% capacity maintain a safe distance, and improve unpaved roads to road markings near schools to success in forming a gov- yacht rentals with a capacity and raising the capacity at activating the Ehteraz achieve higher safety levels, alert drivers of the speed limit ernment that fulfil the demands of 30%, including boat wholesale markets to 50%. It application. ensuring safe entry and exit of set at 30 km/h,” said Al Hamadi. and aspirations of the people. Week-long drive to remove abandoned vehicles in Al Khor and Al Zakhira Municipality

THE PENINSULA — DOHA “So far 1,500 abandoned vehicles campaign. He said that tickets are have been removed from the Industrial being issued to the erring vehicles The Joint Committee for Removing Area. Afterward, the drive was moved alerting the owners to remove within Abandoned Vehicles at the Ministry of to Al Rayan Municipality where over given period, if they fail in doing so, Municipality and Environment (MME) 700 abandoned vehicles were removed. legal actions are being taken to take it launched yesterday the third campaign Since the beginning of drive in July, a to Umm Salal Impounding Ground. to remove abandoned vehicles at Al total of 2,200 abandoned vehicles have “The owners are being given three Khor and Al Zakhira Municipality. been removed from aforementioned days grace period to remove their Over 200 abandoned vehicles are areas,” said Al Mesaifir. erring vehicles if it does not hinder expected to be taken from a number of He said that the intensified traffic movement otherwise the vehicle places across the municipality to Umm inspection campaign will be launched will be removed immediately,” said Sala Impounding Ground during the to curb the phenomena of abandoned Ahmad. campaign, which will last for a week. vehicles which were spotted at most of Lieutenant Yosuf Fahad Al Ali from The drive aims at maintaining health the residential areas, industrial areas General Directorate of Traffic who is and hygiene at public places following and other places. a member of the joint committee said the Law No. 18 of 2017 about general “As per the plan, Al Daayen Munic- that abandoned vehicles are being kept hygiene by removing abandoned ipality will be next target of the cam- three months for owner claim after that vehicles to protect the health of people paign to remove the abandoned vehicles the licensing plat of the vehicle is and preserve the environment. like what is going on in Doha, Al Rayan removed. The third campaign was launched and Al Khor and Al Zakhira municipal- Officials from the Joint Committee for Removing Abandoned Vehicles The Joint Committee removed from in the presence of a number of senior ities,” said Al Mesaifir. while removing abandoned vehicles at a place in Al Khor and Al Zakhira 12,000 to 15,000 abandoned vehicles officials from the MME and members He said that once the job is done in Municipality, yesterday. in a year. About 500 vehicles are being of the joint committee. Assistant aforementioned municipalities, the claimed by the owners in a day after Director of Mechanical Equipment joint committee will move to the member of the joint committee Hamad the committee about the abandoned paying the fine of QR1,000 and Department at the MME, Marzouq Al municipalities of Al Shamal, Al Shee- Sultan Al Shahwani said that the drive vehicles. transport charges (QR500 for light Mesaifir who is also a member of the haniya and finally it will reach to Al will continue until the removal of all Director of Monitoring Department vehicle, QR800 for heavy vehicle and Joint Committee said that campaign for Wakra Municipality where the drive abandoned vehicles and equipment at Al Khor and Zakhira Municipality QR2000 for equipment). The removing abandoned vehicle began in will be concluded in October. from across the country. He thanked Abdula Aziz Ahmad said that about 200 impounding grounds for abandoned July this year from Industrial Area of Head of the General Monitoring the committee for issuing hot-line No. abandoned vehicles were spotted vehicles locate at Umm Sala, Al Mashaf Doha Municipality. Section of Doha Municipality and a 33238885 so they people can inform which are being removed under the in Al Wakra and Mesaimeer. 04 HOME THURSDAY 27 AUGUST 2020

MES students Qatar’s Ambassador to Japan participates shine at INDIQA online quiz in opening ceremony of Onagawa School competition H E the Mayor of Onagawa appreciated the initiative of Qatar to stand with the Japanese people during the crisis and the kind humanitarian gesture of contributing to the reconstruction efforts in the areas affected by disasters. He said that these areas are gradually returning to normalcy, thanks to the contributions and achievements of Qatar Friendship Fund.

QNA — TOKYO H E Yoshiaki Suda, director of the city’s education sector and a Soubiksha Rajesh Ambassador of the State of Qatar number of senior Onagawa gov- to Japan, H E Hassan bin ernment officials. Mohammed Rafi Al Emadi partic- The welcome speeches were ipated in the opening ceremony made in which the participants of Onagawa Elementary and from the Japanese side expressed Junior High School in Onagawa their thanks and appreciation for City, Miyagi Prefecture. the role of the State of Qatar in Ambassador of Qatar to Japan, H E Hassan bin Mohammed Rafi Al Emadi; Minister Plenipotentiary It is one of the projects supporting reconstruction efforts H E Abdullah bin Jassim Al Ziyara, and Mayor of Onagawa H E Yoshiaki Suda during the opening funded by the Qatar Friendship in the affected areas. ceremony of Onagawa Elementary and Junior High School in Onagawa City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. Fund (QFF), which is affiliated H E the Mayor of Onagawa with Qatar Fund for Devel- appreciated the initiative of Qatar Onagawa and the surrounding terms of consolidating the strong souvenirs to all 300 students of opment, to reconstruct the areas to stand with the Japanese people areas as 90 percent of the partnership between Qatar and the school. that witnessed widespread during the crisis and the kind schools were destroyed by dis- Onagawa, stressing that it will be Qatar Friendship Fund in damage due to the earthquake humanitarian gesture of contrib- asters and many of them have keen to activate communication Japan contributed with a fund of and tsunami in March 2011. uting to the reconstruction efforts not been rebuilt, he added. channels between students in $10m to the school project. It was H E the Ambassador was in the areas affected by disasters. He pointed out that the Qatar and Onagawa to raise gen- built with advanced technologies accompanied by the members of He said that these areas are grad- school is a good model for the erations that work in bridging as a pioneering institution Amina Shahal the embassy, Minister Plenipo- ually returning to normalcy, reconstruction process and will communication, cooperation and working to provide a high-quality THE PENINSULA — DOHA tentiary H E Abdullah bin Jassim thanks to the contributions and contribute positively to create an understanding between Japan educational environment. Al Ziyara and the Second Sec- achievements of Qatar effective and constructive society and Qatar in the future. The school has a special wing Soubiksha Rajesh and Amina retary at the Embassy Rashid bin Friendship Fund. in these areas. For its part, Qatar’s embassy for Qatar, which includes posters Shahal of MES Indian School Mubarak Al Khater. They were The school is of great impor- He said that the Onagawa provided gifts, including sta- and brochures introducing won the first and the second received by Mayor of Onagawa tance to the residents of school will have a good return in tionery, school supplies and Qatari heritage and culture. places respectively at the ‘INDIQA’ online quiz compe- tition organised on August 15 in connection with the 74th Qatar Toastmasters Club hosts public speaking meeting remotely Independence Day Celebra- tions of India in Qatar. THE PENINSULA — DOHA during the evaluation session. experience. Being a Toast- TM Shareef, Qatar Toast- voted, by the three club The participants had the The presidents of the three master is investing in oneself masters Club, was the Toast- members, as the best speech rapid-fire session of the com- Qatar Toastmasters club, the clubs, TM Senthil Kumar, TM and one’s best possible future. master of the Day and he ener- of the meeting. petition in which they had to largest public speaking club in Anas Zyoud and TM Abdulla Al It is a place where you will gain gised the meeting with his Members and guests of the answer 30 questions in two Qatar, collaborated with Petra Fadli expressed their joy to have confidence, shed fear, make aspiring introduction and the meeting had the chance to minutes. Toastmasters and Commercial successfully grouped the friends, continuously encourage shared knowledge on how to practise their public speaking Soubiksha Rajesh and Bank Toastmasters clubs to host members of the three clubs in and be encouraged.” become a professional speaker. skills by participating in the Amina Shahal secured the first a special online meeting for one meeting and showing good The theme of the meeting The prepared speeches impromptu speech session and the second places respec- over 50 professionals from examples of leadership. was ‘Area 14 Airways’ in ref- session was full of inspiring called ‘Table Topics’, headed tively in the open category of different backgrounds and Commenting on his journey erence to Area 14 which hosts speeches that were profes- by TM Abdulla Al Fadli who the quiz competition. experience who thrived to share in toastmasters for more than the three clubs under its wings. sionally delivered by TM asked intriguing questions to The Principal of MES their communication, interper- 12 years and a past president of Members of the three clubs Athira Sasidharan, TM Sondos the participants. TM Sandeep Indian School, Hameeda Kadar sonal skill through prepared, Qatar Toastmasters club, Wil- shared the hosting of the Salih and TM Mahmoud Alami. Wagle was named as the best congratulated the winners for impromptu speeches and liams Antony, DTM said: “Toast- meeting by having each section TM Sondos Salih‘s speech table topics speaker of the their outstanding received constructive feedback masters have been an amazing lead by a member of each club. titled ‘Vive Sin Miedo’ was meeting. achievements. THURSDAY 27 AUGUST 2020 HOME 05 QNL to hold inspiring online QRCS, OCHA support life-saving lectures in September therapeutic nutrition in Syria THE PENINSULA — DOHA To be presented by the Doha Environmental THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Qatar National Library (QNL) Actions Project, the first session, which will be With funding from United has curated a diverse catalog held on September 7, will allow participants Nations Office for the Coordi- of online events in September to learn about how plastic pollution affects nation of Humanitarian Affairs for researchers, science enthu- (OCHA), Qatar Red Crescent siasts, budding public speakers, marine life in Qatar. Society (QRCS) has commenced creative writers and inquisitive the execution phase of a project young minds. to support life-saving thera- On September 7, partici- present achievements and suc- previously thought. This finding peutic and preventive nutrition pants can start their sustaina- cesses in a team or interview could help paint a clearer services in Syria. bility journey. To bepresented with supreme confidence. Their picture than ever before of the In the preliminary phase, by the Doha Environmental tips will help participants relationship between Earth and the staff were hired and trained, Actions Project, this session will become assured public the Moon. and the target centres were allow participants to learn speakers in next to no time. On September 20, join the rehabilitated. The project is about how plastic pollution On September 13, learn Library for “Readings in Qatar coordinated with the local affects marine life in Qatar, as more about how the trafficking National Library’s Manuscript authorities and humanitarian well as some of the simple and smuggling of heritage items Collection: Prominent Copies organisations operating in the changes they can make in their from libraries and archives are of Hanafi Fiqh.” This is the target areas. lives to help ease the problem. on the rise globally. In the fourth in a series of lectures and A total of 127,000 persons On September 8, take part MENA and West and Central talks providing readings of rare will benefit from this project, in the fifth session of the Pro- Africa regions, this phe- historical works from the Her- which covers 15 towns and 24 ductive Researcher series. Part nomenon is bigger due to the itage Library’s collection of camps of internally displaced of the Postgraduate Peer greater prevalence of conflict manuscripts. persons (IDPs) in northwestern Representatives of QRCS conducting a medial test on a child Support Network Program, and insecurity. The guest On September 30, parents, Syria. Those include 16,000 under a project to support life-saving therapeutic and preventive these lectures are aimed at speaker will be Dr. Alsharqi caregivers and educators are pregnant women and 27,000 nutrition services, in Syria. encouraging researchers in Dahmali, a member of the invited to “Visual Aids for young girls and boys. Qatar through peer-learning Advisory Council of the Inter- Children with Autism.” Visual The purpose of the project micronutrients and nutritional workers. This will ensure a with leading academics from national Council of Museums supports are non-verbal ways is to save lives and reduce supplements, referring the broader outreach to the most around the world. Interact with in Morocco. for children with an autism health problems and mortality cases to specialized centers for affected populations of remote these experts to find out more While, on September 18, the spectrum disorder to commu- rates among young children, treatment, and promoting and priority areas. about the habits and thinking Science Book Forum returns nicate their needs and make pregnant women, and nursing public awareness about feeding In light of the COVID-19 processes that make them so with “What the Moon is Really sense of the world around mothers from the most vul- newborns and young kids in pandemic, some adjustments successful in their field. The Made Of.” NASA scientist Dr. them. This online training nerable groups in the northern emergency and other related were made to the nutritional sixth session of the series will Essam Heggy will discuss his session will introduce the dif- part of the country, whether the topics. programmes to minimise the take place on September 22. team’s latest discovery that the ferent types of visual schedules IDPs or host communities. To offer nutritional risks of infection while On September 12, join the subsurface of the Moon might and the importance of using It involves screening for services, there will be seven ensuring continuous pro- Library’s experts in public be richer in metals like iron and these schedules, as well as ways mild, moderate, and severe centers and two rapid response vision of life-saving nutri- speaking to learn how to titanium than researchers to use them effectively at home. malnutrition, providing teams comprising 34 health tional services. 16 QU alumni join MoPH volunteer programme to fight COVID-19

THE PENINSULA — DOHA graduates of the Public Health volunteers said: “As public valuable; we have gained programme to witness up close health graduates we believe that hands-on and practical expe- As part of social responsibility the tremendous efforts on all it is a moral duty and profes- rience and enhanced our capa- of the College of Health Sciences fronts, including disease sur- sional responsibility to support bilities to be better public health (CHS) in Qatar University, 16 veillance and community health the team at the ministry in educators.” public health graduates volun- education, as well as to put into fighting the COVID-19 pan- Public health volunteers teered at the Ministry of Public practice what they have been demic in Qatar. We volunteered are working at the MoPH in Health (MoPH) through the learning in their academic lives. at the MoPH and quickly made morning and evening shifts to National Volunteering We are very grateful to the col- valuable contribution and support tackling COVID-19 in Campaign initiated by MoPH to leagues at the Ministry of Public became part of a dynamic team. Qatar. Currently, they are sup- help tackle the COVID-19 Health for their efforts in men- This opportunity enabled us to porting the team at the MoPH pandemic. Public health volun- toring the graduates.” utilize our health education in case investigation, contact teers joined the Health Regarding her volunteering knowledge and expertise. Our tracing, data entry and Protection and Communicable experience, one of the participation was extremely analysis. Disease Control Division at MoPH. During the first two months of the pandemic, public health volunteers supported the team at the ministry in tracking the Some of the QU alumni who volunteered at MoPH to help tackle implementation of some epi- the COVID-19 pandemic. demic measures, assessing respond to public concerns. Regarding how important public needs, and developing They also helped in collecting this experience for the public awareness plans. data about patients in quar- health graduates and for the They enhanced public antine, and assessing workers’ college, Dr. Hanan Abdul Rahim, awareness by organising booths needs in different settings to the Dean of CHS, said: “Volun- in public places and working at plan for distant awareness teering with MoPH has been a the call centre at MoPH to sessions. tremendous opportunity for NU-Q opens new academic year with largest class to date THE PENINSULA — DOHA reminding the class to use their scholar of ethnography and com- time wisely, to find their strengths munication, recalled an incident Northwestern University Qatar’s and hone new skills. from his childhood when he was (NU-Q) largest class to-date was A similar message was racially discriminated against by officially welcomed to the school delivered by Hamad Alfayhani, his teacher who called him a by its dean, the president of the president of Northwestern “coloured boy.” Turning to his student union, and the dean of Qatar’s Student Union, who mother for answers, Johnson said NU-Q’s School of Communi- reflected on his personal growth he came to understand his cation. and encouraged the students to teacher’s remarks and that he In welcoming the new class, embrace the changes around needed to learn to rise above Dean Marwan M Kraidy told them, “to adapt and find new them and not be defined by them. them that Northwestern Qatar is ways to be able to get ourselves In learning how to do this, ‘a magical space of encounter, a back on track.” Johnson said, he learned how to special community sitting in Also drawing from his life listen – whether it was to his Doha, at the confluence of con- experiences, speaker E Patrick mother’s advice, or to people he tinents,’ where their creativity Johnson, dean of Northwestern’s interviewed when researching, can flourish, and their talent will School of Communication, for Johnson, listening was key. be met with support and shared life skills and values that “Listening,” he said, “includes opportunity. shaped his upbringing and asking questions, which provokes With the students beginning career. authentic exchanges and deepens their university career during a Johnson, who is a renowned relationships.” global pandemic, Kraidy assured the students that “every crisis carries within it the seeds of A reputed media organization renewal, that the human spirit in Qatar is looking for Reporter always overcomes adversity,” encouraging them to seize this [ .Q%CR .:0V : CV: 7V:` V6]V`1VJHV8 opportunity at Northwestern [ :H.VCQ`; RV$`VV 1J =Q%`J:C1I5 I: HQII%J1H:QJ Q` : Qatar for personal and profes- sional growth, keeping their curi- `VC: VR VCR8 osity alive as they navigate the [ $ :JRLQ` &'() V6]V`1VJHV 1Q%CR GV :J :R0:J :$V8 next four years as [ 1C1J$%:C ^)`:G1HL'J$C1._ 1 :J :R0:J :$V8 undergraduates. [ (. 8 Throughout his address, Kraidy recalled turning points in his life where he, like the [ Q0V`1J$ :1$JIVJ  :JR RV0VCQ]1J$ Q1J 1RV: 1J Q incoming class, had to embrace `VCV0:J JV1 HQJ VJ 8 uncertainty. For Kraidy, it was the [ /QCCQ11J$ ]`VH`1GVR VR1 Q`1:C  7CV :JR `Q`I: 8 Lebanese civil war in 1989. “As [  :7 :%JVR Q CQH:C5 `V$1QJ:C :JR  : V 1%V :JR .V1` the war raged on, I attended VcVH  QJ CQH:C HQII%J1V8 classes when I could, wrote [ )VJR1J$ HQII%J1 7 V0VJ  :JR CQH:C :JR `V$1QJ:C papers, spent time with family IVVJ$ : :1$JVR8 and friends, and hid in shelters when it rained fire. When things %:C1VR H:JR1R: V :`V 1J01 VR Q VJR .V1`  Q7 got better, I was ready to reap the [email protected] harvest I had sown,” he said, 06 MIDDLE EAST THURSDAY 27 AUGUST 2020

UN blocks US Iran allows UN access to 2 nuclear sites bid to reimpose AFP — TEHRAN President Hassan Rouhani and Rafael Iran sanctions Iran agreed yesterday to allow a UN watchdog the access it has Mariano Grossi said in AFP — UNITED NATIONS requested to two alleged a joint statement that: nuclear sites, as the head of the The United Nations blocked a agency ended his first visit to “Based on analysis of controversial bid by the US to Tehran. available information reimpose international sanctions The announcement came on Iran, with the Security Council only hours after Iran’s arch foe to the IAEA, the IAEA saying it could not proceed with the United States suffered a does not have further the disputed move. humiliating defeat when the questions to Iran and The presidency of the United Nations blocked its con- Council, assumed in August by troversial bid to reimpose inter- further requests for Indonesia, is “not in a position to national sanctions on the access to locations.” take further action” on Washing- Islamic republic. ton’s request, said Indonesian Iran agreed yesterday to ambassador Dian Triansyah grant the International Atomic IAEA, the IAEA does not have Djani. In a video conference on Energy Agency the access it has further questions to Iran and the Middle East, he cited the lack sought to two sites that were further requests for access to of consensus in the UN’s highest suspected of having hosted locations,” they said. body on the US strategy as the undeclared activity in the early “Both sides recognise the main reason. 2000s. independence, impartiality and The Trump administration “Iran is voluntarily pro- professionalism of the IAEA accuses Tehran of failing to viding the IAEA with access to continue to be essential in the comply with the terms of the his- the two locations specified by fulfilment of its verification toric 2015 Iran nuclear deal, and the IAEA,” the two sides said in activities,” they added. Iran President Hassan Rouhani (right) meets Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director-General of the International is demanding the Security a joint statement, adding they The IAEA’s board of gov- Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in Tehran, yesterday. Council reimpose sanctions on had agreed on dates for the ernors had passed a resolution the Islamic Republic. Washington access and the verification in late June put forward by He called the agreement and the five permanent the two is located in central Iran insists on its legal right to trigger activities there. Britain, France and Germany, “favourable” and said it can members of the UN Security between Isfahan and Yazd the disputed procedure, called The announcement came at urging Tehran to provide help “finally settle issues”. Council — Britain, China, provinces, and the other is close “snapback” — despite pulling out the end of IAEA director- inspectors access to the two dis- Rouhani also called on France, Russia and the United to Tehran. of the deal two years ago. general Rafael Grossi’s first visit puted sites. Grossi to consider that Iran has States — plus Germany. Iran had argued that the Thirteen of the 15 Council to Iran since the Argentine took Grossi met with Iran’s Pres- “sworn enemies” with nuclear Since the US pullout, the IAEA’s access requests are members had written to the the post last year. ident Hassan Rouhani yesterday weapons who do not cooperate remaining participants to the deal based on allegations from Israel Indonesian presidency to reject In their statement, the two before wrapping up his visit. with the IAEA and are “always have been struggling to save it. and have no legal basis. its validity. sides said the agreement fol- “Iran, like before, is ready seeking to cause issues” for Access to the two disputed After meeting Grossi, head The US “is alone” in their lowed “intensive bilateral con- to closely cooperate with the Tehran. sites had been blocked for of Iran’s atomic agency, Ali approach, and “their ultimate sultations” and that the IAEA agency in the framework of The IAEA monitors Iran’s months, prompting a diplomatic Akbar Salehi, said a “new goal is to destroy the nuclear had no further access requests. safeguards,” Rouhani said, nuclear activities as part of the row. chapter” had started in relations agreement when they have “Based on analysis of according to the government’s 2015 nuclear agreement According to the spokesman between the country and the already imposed (national) sanc- available information to the official website. between the Islamic republic for Iran’s nuclear body, one of agency. tions on Iran,” one diplomat said. Israel strikes Hezbollah posts in Macron to return to Beirut to press for reform Lebanon after firing at troops AFP — PARIS responsibility for Lebanon today and its leaders” who REUTERS — TEL AVIV terror organisation in the President Emmanuel Macron, required “a new pact with the border area,” the military said the first world leader to visit Lebanese people in the coming The Israeli military struck what in a statement, referring to the Lebanon after the devastating weeks”, Macron said in Beirut it said were posts belonging to Israel Defense Forces. Beirut port blast, will return on August 6. Lebanon’s Shia Hezbollah There was no immediate there next week to press for Premier ’s movement yesterday morning comment from Hezbollah. The reform and reconstruction. Cabinet has resigned over the after shots were fired from the two sides last fought a deadly Macron will depart on blast, which was blamed on a other side of the border month-long war in 2006. Monday for a full day of store of ammonium nitrate left towards its troops. Witnesses in south meetings Tuesday in a bid to for years in a port warehouse After a meeting, Lebanon’s Lebanon said Israel had fired boost the reconstruction effort despite warnings. Supreme Defence Council scores of flare munitions at but also looking at political But in a pattern all-too- denounced the incident which border villages. issues as Lebanon searches for familiar to the Lebanese, the it called “an Israeli assault” and The statement from the a new government, the French country today appears no closer said a complaint would be filed Lebanon’s defence council, presidency said. to forming a new to the United Nations. which includes the president Macron visited Beirut on government. Tension has been running and top security officials, August 6, two days after a France has repeatedly indi- high on the border. Last month, made no mention of any shots massive explosion at the port cated that aid is not a blank Israel said Iran-backed Hez- fired from the south towards killed 181 people and wounded cheque and Lebanon must deal bollah had carried out an infil- Israel. thousands. with its political and economic tration attempt, which the It said Lebanon’s army On August 9, he chaired a problems that led to crisis even group denied. commander had briefed the video conference that saw before the blast. The Israeli military said no council on “the denounced world leaders pledge more than “The catastrophe should not troops were wounded in the Israeli assault which took place $295m for Lebanon. be used as a pretext to obscure Members of the French military holding boxes during a joint effort to firing yesterday. Soldiers last night at the southern But he has made it clear that the reality that existed before clear the rubble from port of Beirut following the explosion, as part deployed illumination flares, border.” the country needs political of a country that is on the brink of a tour organised for media and journalists in Beirut, yesterday. smoke shells and live fire after “Israel views with great reform as well as financial help, of the abyss... and which cannot the shots from the Lebanese gravity Hezbollah’s firing at our a message that has struck a reform itself,” Foreign Minister with starting the essential Lebanon was under French side of the frontier, it said. forces,” Prime Minister Ben- chord with many Lebanese Jean-Yves Le Drian said this reforms,” he said, adding it was mandate from the collapse of “In response, overnight, IDF jamin Netanyahu said in a tired of decades of rule by the week. “not for us to replace the Leb- the Ottoman Empire in the attack helicopters and aircraft statement yesterday morning. same political dynasties. “We want the Lebanese anese government, it is up to the wake of World War I until its struck observation posts “We will respond mightily to The need for profound authorities to take the necessary Lebanese to assume their independence in November belonging to the Hezbollah any attack on us.” change meant “it is the time of leap for a government tasked responsibilities.” 1943. COVID-19 claims Armed men abduct six, injure 72 more lives in Iraq, 2 in others in Libya rally: Amnesty AFP — TUNIS The GNA’s Interior Minister Fathi ANATOLIA — ANKARA Bashagha had called those respon- At least six peaceful protesters were sible for Sunday’s violence “outlaws Iraq, a country that has imple- abducted and others were wounded who infiltrated the security forces”. mented strict measures to in Libya’s capital after armed men The UN mission in Libya, UNSMIL, contain the spread of the new used live fire to disperse a demon- had on Monday called for an “imme- novel coronavirus (COVID-19), stration, Amnesty International said diate and thorough investigation into continues to struggle with the yesterday. the excessive use of force by pro-GNA outbreak. “At least six peaceful protesters security personnel” the previous day. The Middle Eastern state were abducted and several others GNA leader Fayez Al Sarraj was confirmed 3,837 new infections, were wounded after armed men fired heading a security meeting on “the and 72 virus-linked fatalities in live ammunition including from heavy clashes” in the capital with a view to the past 24 hours. machine-guns to disperse a demon- determining “all aspects” of the situ- The new figures brought its stration in Tripoli” on Sunday, the ation and to ensure citizens’ security, total infections to 215,784, rights group said in a statement. his administration said on its including 6,668 deaths and The demonstration was one of Facebook page yesterday. 157,215 recoveries. several to take place in Libya that day, Further protests took place in the Other Arab countries also including others in Misrata and al- capital on Monday and Tuesday, but reported new numbers. Zawyia, against poor public services the GNA ordered a four-day lockdown In the , and living conditions. yesterday starting from 6:00pm local one more fatality was reported Amnesty said that the attack took time to forestall a fourth consecutive besides 399 infections. place in a district controlled by a day of protests. Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti militia aligned to Tripoli’s UN-recog- Sarraj on Monday backed Libyans’ Health Ministry registered two nised Government of National Accord “legitimate right” to protest and fatalities and 698 fresh cases (GNA), and that witness testimony announced a cabinet reshuffle, in a over the past 24 hours. gave “strong indications” that the bid to appease protesters. But he also The Gulf state’s figures now militia was responsible. said the protesters had failed to secure stand at 82,271 confirmed cases, The attack was carried out by necessary approvals. including 521 deaths, and 73,906 “unidentified armed men wearing mil- Amnesty said there was no evi- recoveries. itary-style camouflage clothes (who) dence to support GNA claims that Since originating in China opened fire,” Amnesty said, citing armed “infiltrators” had been present last December, the pandemic video evidence, photos and at the protests. has claimed over 820,200 lives witnesses. Libya has endured almost a in 188 countries and regions. Witnesses said that no warning decade of violent chaos since the 2011 More than 23.93 million was given before the live rounds were Nato-backed uprising that toppled and cases have been reported fired. killed veteran dictator Muammar worldwide, while over 15.6 “Videos also show assailants using Gaddafi. million patients have recovered a heavy machine-gun mounted on a The country’s main military fault- so far, according to figures com- pick-up truck to fire live rounds into line is between forces that back the GNA piled by the US’ Johns Hopkins the air to disperse the protesters,” the and eastern strongman Khalifa Haftar, University. rights group said. who runs a rival administration. THURSDAY 27 AUGUST 2020 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 07 Mali protest coalition offers to work with junta

AFP — KATI “We are willing Named after the day and to work with this month that it was launched, the A Malian protest coalition that June 5 Movement comprises a had campaigned against former process, we came diverse association of grassroots president Ibrahim Boubacar here to exchange groups, political parties and Keita said yesterday it was religious figures cemented by willing to work with the junta views and to reaffirm the demand for Keita’s which ousted him in a process that we have the resignation. to restore civilian rule. Following the roughly hour- The new military rulers for- same positions” as long talks, the protest leaders mally received the leaders of the military, said Issa were keen to present them- the June 5 Movement, known Kaou Djim. selves as joint partners in as the known as the M5-RPF, forging a “new Mali”. for the first time since seizing “We told the junta that it control of the crisis-hit country where they detained the pres- would be useful to have sub- in a largely bloodless coup on ident, along with Prime Minister stantive discussions afterwards. August 18. Boubou Cisse and other leaders. They agree, and they said they “We are willing to work The putsch — the second in will consult the people,” said with this process, we came here eight years — has once more Modibe Kone. to exchange views and to placed the spotlight on one of The next meeting is reaffirm that we have the same Africa’s most unstable coun- scheduled to take place on Sat- positions” as the military, said tries, which is battling a jihadist urday, attended by the junta’s Kaou Djim, spokesperson for the strategic committee of M5-RFP, speaks to the press after a meeting Issa Kaou Djim, a leading figure revolt and economic slump. leader, Colonel Assimi Goita, with CNSP (National Committee for the Salvation of the People) leaders at the CNSP headquarters in the protest movement. The coup leaders were who did not take part yesterday, on the military base, in Kati, outside of Bamako, yesterday. “We have been reassured cheered by a large rally on according to people at the talks. (by the fact) that these troops Friday organised by the June 5 Within hours of the coup, to reach a deal on the details of trade with Mali which threatens jihadist campaign that has are soldiers, great intellectuals. Movement, although they have the junta, which calls itself the the transition, but said the junta to deepen the country’s social claimed thousands of lives and Mali, across the entire spectrum, been condemned by the coun- National Committee for the Sal- had vowed to return the country and economic troubles. driven hundreds of thousands is in a drive to bring everyone try’s neighbours, the United vation of the People, promised to civilian rule within less than Keita was elected in 2013 as from their homes, and to together,” he said. States, African Union, the UN to enact a political transition a year. a unifying figure in a fractured reverse the country’s downward Keita, 75, was forced out by and European Union, with and stage elections within a ECOWAS is due to hold a country and was returned in economic spiral. young army officers who led a Brussels saying Wednesday it “reasonable time”. summit on Friday to decide 2018 for a second five-year Despite international oppo- mutiny at a military base at Kati, was suspending its programme A mediation mission by the whether to maintain sanctions term. sition to the coup, analysts say 15km from Bamako. of army and police training in Economic Community of West imposed after the coup, But his popularity nosedived Keita’s return to power is now They headed into the capital Mali. African States (ECOWAS) failed including a ban on travel and as he failed to brake a bloody highly unlikely. UNHCR condemns 14 dolphins die in Mauritius killing, suicide in Kenya refugee camp near Japanese ship’s oil spill AP — JOHANNESBURG the bow are ruining what had ANATOLIA — ANKARA been the best-preserved area At least 14 dead dolphins have of our island,” he said. The UN Refugee Agency washed up on the coast of the The Japanese bulk carrier (UNHCR) yesterday expressed Indian Ocean island of MV Wakashio ran aground on sadness over a killing, and Mauritius, where a Japanese a coral reef near the eastern suicide in one of Kenya’s ship ran aground last month and coast of Mauritius on July 25. refugee camps. spilled more than 1,000 tons of Pounded by the surf for days, “The UN Refugee Agency fuel, environmental groups and the ship’s hull cracked and on is deeply saddened by the experts said yesterday. August 6 it began leaking fuel recent tragic loss of two Other dolphins stranded on into the waters of the Mahe- refugee lives in two separate shore and appeared seriously bourg Lagoon, fouling a pro- incidents in Kakuma refugee ill, environmental consultant tected wetlands area, man- camp, Kenya,” it said in a Sunil Dowarkasing said. groves and a small island that statement. “This is a terrible day. We was a bird and wildlife A refugee was killed and are seeing these dolphins swim sanctuary. another one wounded during up to the shore in distress and The ship’s captain and first a burglary incident in Kakuma then die,” said Dowarkasing, a officer have been charged with refugee camp 1, block 5, former member of parliament. “endangering safe navigation.” according to the UN agency. “We have never seen deaths of It’s not yet clear why the ship “We are also deeply dis- these very intelligent marine strayed miles off course. heartened by the apparent mammals like this. Never.” The environmental group suicide of an asylum-seeker More dolphins may have Greenpeace has called for an who took his own life a few died out at sea and tests will be investigation. days after his arrival in the done to determine the cause of “This is a deeply sad and camp on 18 August,” the Members of Yemen’s southern separatist forces gather in front of a base of the Saudi-led military death of those found on shore, alarming day for the people of UNHCR said. coalition, on the outskirts of southern port city of Aden, yesterday. he said. Mauritius and for its singular The deceased person, it “I think there are two pos- biodiversity,” said Happy said, was under mandatory sibilities: Either they died from Khambule, Greenpeace Africa’s coronavirus quarantine in the Yemen separatists withdraw from peace talks tons of fuel spilled in the sea, senior climate and energy cam- Kakuma Reception Centre. or they were poisoned by the paign manager. The long-term “He was being closely fol- AFP — ADEN the wider conflict. commitment to the deal. toxic materials on the bow of impacts of the oil spill will lowed by our medical partners, But the on-again, off-again There was no immediate the ship that was sunk off- likely affect whales, turtles, including a psychiatric nurse, Yemen’s southern separatists process saw the STC proclaim reaction from the Saudi shore,” Dowarkasing told AP. seabirds and much of the as he was withdrawn, said yesterday they had with- self-governance in the south in government. “We’ve been worried about marine life in the area, Green- appeared disoriented and had drawn from talks over a Saudi- April, only to abandon that The breakdown between this. The oil spill and sinking of peace warned. refused to eat. He was placed sponsored power-sharing deal stance last month and pledge the STC and the government under surveillance but with the internationally recog- to implement the stalled peace has complicated the long and managed to leave the center nised government, in the latest deal. separate conflict between the late Saturday night, 22 August.” setback for the troubled process. The separatists said yes- Saudi-led military coalition and His body was discovered The Southern Transitional terday that their decision to pull the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels on August 24 in a wooded area Council (STC) said in a out of the talks was due to who control the capital Sana’a. adjacent to the reception statement that it had sent a ongoing military escalation in The separatists said they center, according to the letter to the Saudi authorities the flashpoint province of came back to the Riyadh organisation. confirming “the suspension of Abyan, and the rupture of an Agreement in late July under The Kakuma refugee camp its participation in the ongoing agreed ceasefire. pressure from United Arab is located in the northwestern consultations to implement the They also complained about Emirates and , region of Kenya. It was estab- agreement”. the failure to pay public sector which had proposed a plan to lished in 1992 following the The Riyadh Agreement salaries, and a collapse of “accelerate” the power-sharing arrival of the “Lost Boys of which was struck late last year services in the south — a process. Sudan.” was designed to mend a rift bugbear that helped trigger the The plan called for the During that year, large between allies in the war declaration of self-rule in April. Yemeni prime minister to form groups of Ethiopian refugees against Houthi rebels who have The STC’s Vice-President a new government within 30 fled their country after the fall seized much of Yemen’s north. Hani Ben Brik said in a tweet days, as well as the appointment of the Ethiopian government. It sought to quell the “civil that the separatists were com- of a new governor and security Somalia had also experi- war within a civil war” and mitted to the original director for the second city enced high insecurity and civil was hailed as a possible agreement but that their move Aden, where the government is A boy touches the carcass of melon-headed whale at the beach strife causing people to flee. stepping stone towards ending was aimed at pushing for a full now based. in Grand Sable, Mauritius, yesterday. Airstrike kills six Al Shabab 44,000 people in Africa officially missing: ICRC extremists in Somalia: US ANATOLIA — ANKARA “Conflict, violence, migration and climate shocks four years ago by an armed group have not stopped separating families in the in South Sudan, as saying. AP — JOHANNESBURG dismissing an Al Shabab claim Some 44,000 people in Africa As the report was issued of US casualties. Somalia’s gov- — 45 percent of them children pandemic, but our work to find missing people ahead of August 30, Interna- The US military says it killed six ernment in a separate — are recorded as missing by has become even harder,” said Sophie Marsac, tional Day of the Disappeared, Al Shabab extremists with an statement said the US forces the International Committee of Marsac stressed that the day airstrike in Somalia after the Al were there to advise and assist the Red Cross (ICRC), while ICRC regional advisor. “should remind us that an Qaida-linked group attacked local ones. COVID-19 restrictions create untold number of families in Somali forces while US forces Al Shabab remains the most new challenges in finding them, pandemic, but our work to find missing people in the continent, Africa are searching for a loved were nearby. active extremist group in Africa, an ICRC report said yesterday. missing people has become even driven almost entirely by the one, many of them parents The US Africa Command and the US under President “This caseload is a drop in harder,” she added. conflict in the northeast of the looking for a child.” statement said Monday’s air- Donald Trump has increased the ocean to the true scale of Nigeria, Ethiopia, Somalia, country,” by Boko Haram The ICRC called on African strike was carried out near Dar- the number of airstrikes against people whose family members Libya, South Sudan, the Dem- terrorists. authorities “to acknowledge the asalam village in southern it. The US Africa Command are searching for them,” Sophie ocratic Republic of Congo, and “Dear son Konyi, if you are tragedy of missing people” and Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region calls the group a “danger to Marsac, the ICRC regional Cameroon “make up 82 percent still alive and listening to me, “do everything in their power after Al Shabab fighters attacked Africa and the United States.” advisor for the missing and of ICRC’s missing caseload in your sisters, brothers, aunties, to prevent people from going from a building in the area. The In January, Al Shabab killed their families in Africa, was Africa,” the report said. and the whole family are waiting missing … to search for those statement said three Al Shabab a US service member and two quoted as saying in the report. Nigeria, meanwhile, with for you. We just want to hear who are missing, and to provide fighters were wounded. US contractors in an attack on “Conflict, violence, migration roughly 23,000 recorded your voice and see you,” the information to families on the No US forces were killed or a military airstrip in neigh- and climate shocks have not missing people, said the report, report quoted Juma Kedai Korok, fate and whereabouts of their wounded, the statement said, bouring Kenya. stopped separating families in the “is ICRC’s largest caseload of 52, whose son, 31, was abducted loved ones,” said the report. 08 VIEWS THURSDAY 27 AUGUST 2020

Established in 1996 COVID-19 impacts sleep!

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR DR YOUSUF ALI AL MULLA MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected] We all know that sleep is a person’s basic need, like breathing, eating and drinking. DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Thus, many studies have high- MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI lighted the close links between [email protected] the hours and quality of sleep we get and health problems that we may develop, such as high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes. So A traveller taking a nap at Galeao International Airport in Rio de Janeiro, getting a sound sleep is crucial for Brazil. EDITORIAL good health and quality of life. The coronavirus pandemic challenges even for people who melatonin, a hormone that helps (COVID-19) in the past months previously did not have sleep in regulating the sleep-wake Serving community has greatly impacted every aspect problems. cycle, in body at night. of people’s lives through social or People are concerned not Fortunately insomnia will be a ALL public, private schools and other higher educational physical distancing and the only about the virus and the temporary condition for most institutes are set to open from September 1 after a long accompanying quarantine or disease itself, but because there people, as we are in this pan- break of summer vacations and COVID-19 related home isolation. It has affected in are health issues that a person demic .What I do suggest that it is restrictions. one way or another the working suffers from already, which has important for individuals to focus Like the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, time, family time, play time and not been treated optimally, as on maintaining good sleep habits, Ministry of Public Health; the Public Works Authority also our mood and, maybe our well as financial problems and a regular sleep and wake (Ashghal) has also finalized all preparations to facilitate level of stress and our tolerance other psychological and personal schedule and avoiding naps and back-to-school activity. as human beings. stress. Probably we must realize prolonged time in bed. Of course, Along executing a number of mega development and And if you are like many here, that different sleep and you should avoid coffee and beautification projects in the country, the Public Works people, quarantine and physical wake-up times can also have a related stimulants, for instance six Authority has also completed improving the road safety distancing have also resulted in detrimental effect on sleep itself. I hours before bed and continue to features surrounding 465 schools across the country, Lack of sleep your symptoms of depression and might exaggerate if I said that exercise regularly and be exposed accounting for 88 percent of the total number of schools may weaken completely disrupted your sleep (routine is important), the worst to daylight every day, especially included in the School Zone Safety Programme. cycle, destroying what would thing you can do is to change the in the early morning. This is in addition to ongoing works to complete the the body’s have been the most of the eight time of going to bed and waking Additionally, during this implementation of safety plans for 38 schools, as part of ability to fight hours you could expect to be the up longer and spoiling your body period, individuals are likely to Ashghal readiness for the new academic year 2020-21. quietest of your day. clock. Consequently, your sleep spend more time on the Internet The School Zone Safety Programme works include disease. When However, it is important to will not be good and you will face or using electronic devices. To the establishment and development of roads at the we do not get mention that people who previ- more sleep problems. It is first for prevent such behavior from inter- highest level of safety in the school zones by providing ously had insomnia, sleep distur- anyone to aim for a fairly con- fering with sleep, they should use designated car parks, building medians and small round- enough sleep, bances and delayed sleep-wake sistent wake-up time and not to a low blue light filter during the abouts in order to manage traffic flow in these areas. our bodies phase disorder, will be most likely spend more time in bed than you evening and try to stop using the Ashghal continues to implement a comprehensive produce fewer to be affected by the coronavirus need to sleep! device at least an hour before bed. and continuous plan with international standards to related sleep disturbance. Of On the other hand, many Most importantly, if you are ensure road safety features are in place on the roads cytokines - a course, insomnia disorder is people complain and report awake in the middle of the night surrounding schools, thus enhancing security and safety type of protein usually characterized by difficulty strange dreams and the truth of and have a hard time getting back of students, parents and educational staff. falling asleep or staying asleep this, is a direct result of increased to sleep, take a break from trying According to a study conducted by the Ministry of that targets despite having adequate chance anxiety, when people are more to sleep, focus on relaxing and do Education and Higher Education, Ashghal has coordinated infection and of sleeping. anxious and have this excessive something relaxing like reading with the Ministry of Interior and the National Road Safety Not to mention that insuffi- alertness during a 24-hour period, or listening to content you enjoy. Committee to identify school areas in need of development. inflammation, cient sleep adversely affects here your body produces more of At the end, in these times of In addition to the completed and ongoing safety works, creating a hormone levels, brain function the stress hormone cortisol, and stress, it is extremely important to design plans are in progress for 25 schools and have been and exercise performance, in this may keep your body awake engage in strategies that can help completed for five additional schools, with work expected vital immune addition it contributes to obesity and activate your mind leading manage stress such as regular to commence as soon as necessary approvals are obtained response to and the risk of development of unfortunately to interrupted sleep exercise, healthy meals and relax- from concerned entities in the country. effectively fight other disease. For instance, lack and insomnia. In addition, during ation. We do not want people to Meanwhile to serve the needs of community, the of sleep may weaken the body’s this pandemic, most people were lie in bed afraid of not being able Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and any virus! ability to fight disease. When we restricted to work from home, to sleep, instead everyone should Public Places in Qatar at Ashghal has recently signed a do not get enough sleep, our and they did not have a specific focus on trying to maintain a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Qatar bodies produce fewer cytokines - time to wake up every day or eat regular sleep pattern and adhere Cyclists Center of the Ministry of Culture and Sports a type of protein that targets meals. to good sleep practices, in order regarding fast cycling track. infection and inflammation, cre- This remarkably disrupted the to avoid the development of Through the MoU, Ashghal and Qatar Cyclists Center ating a vital immune response to body’s natural sleep and wake-up chronic insomnia disorder, or will provide all the necessary services to fast track users, effectively fight any virus! cycle or the body’s circadian related sleep disorders that such as electric bike parking spaces to serve cyclists in Indeed, we must be aware rhythm, especially as some spent require specialist intervention in emergencies, as well as installation of necessary signage, that, the two main factors respon- less time outside his house in the such cases. periodic maintenance of irrigation systems, fast track sible of sleep deterioration are sunshine every day! Regretfully, asphalt and street lightings. changes in stress levels and this resulted in a lot of us staying Dr Yousuf Ali Al Mulla is a No doubt that through such initiatives and projects, changes in sleep behaviors asso- in front of the screen longer than physician, medical innovator Ashghal is contributing to promote the sport culture in ciated with this pandemic. This is ever before, whether by watching and writer. For any queries the country. Ashghal is all set to provide a network of a reality that everyone has TV or other electronic devices. regarding the content of the cycling and pedestrian paths of about 2,650 km by the noticed and how the coronavirus These devices emit blue light that article, he can be contacted at: year 2022. has created a set of new disrupts the production of [email protected] Haiti’s schools reopen but many parents now can’t afford them AND D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR ANDRE PAULTRE weakness of the Haitian state, The situation is a setback school. “The state promised us SARAH MARSH REUTERS suffering from years of unrest after Haiti hiked its primary some financial aid but we EMAIL: [email protected] and mismanagement, and still school attendance rate to 84% haven’t received anything Haiti’s school children missed struggling to recover from a from 76% over the last decade, yet.” Some already underfi- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 class this year first due to devastating 2010 earthquake, said Malebranche. While nanced schools will likely FAX: +974 4455 7758 months of violent unrest, then four out of five schools in the coronavirus has left Haiti rela- close, with teachers switching the coronavirus pandemic. Caribbean nation are private. tively unscathed healthwise, to other professions, experts MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 Now, as schools are finally And while fees are typically the education ministry has say. reopening, many parents can low, they have become unaf- mandated that staff and pupils Etienne’s father, Jackson DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 no longer afford it, raising the fordable for many as the pan- wear masks. Dorceus, 53, used to be a prospect hard-won gains in demic has worsened Haiti’s The government has also teacher himself but in the LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 education could be lost. already dire economic plight. ordered the most over- 1990s switched to working as While the pandemic has Even families whose crowded schools divide up a bodyguard because his BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 disrupted education worl- children have scored coveted classes to ensure physical dis- school had not paid him for a wdwide, the situation is espe- places at public schools are tancing and rotate each in year. SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 cially acute in Haiti, where struggling just to buy them shifts of two to three days a The unrest last year finan- just an estimated two-thirds stationery or decent shoes. week, raising concerns over cially ruined many businesses ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 of adults can read and write. The education ministry the fact they would provide which were unable to get back email: [email protected] “We’ve never seen a crisis has little firepower to tackle fewer lessons per child. on their feet before corona- quite on this scale before,” the problem, with it receiving Yet directors of five virus hit, while double-digit PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 said Beatrice Malebranche at 11% of the total budget down private schools in low-income inflation is ravaging email: [email protected] United Nations children’s from 16%. The global average areas visited by Reuters said household incomes and agency Unicef in Haiti. Virtual is 20% of total spending. only around half of their remittances are falling. ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 schooling has been impossible Spokesman Miloody pupils had returned so far. “Most our clients owe us FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] for most in the Caribbean Vincent told Reuters it would Overcrowding is no longer a money,” said Dorceus, country where more than half provide financial aid to at problem - school finances are. standing outside their corru- CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 the population lives on less least 50,000 of the most vul- “I haven’t been able to pay gated iron one-room house. email: [email protected] than $3 per day and has little nerable families, which will teachers since March,” said Like many parents, he said he internet and television access. not go far in the country of 11 Leonard Turenne, director of would seek to negotiate the SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 Meanwhile, given the million. the Pierre Fermat secondary fees with the school. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar France needs to return to work as well and avoid falling into an economic and /Peninsula_Qatar social crisis that would be much more /ThePeninsulaNewspaper dangerous than the health crisis.

+974 6698 6188 Jean Castex, French Prime Minister THURSDAY 27 AUGUST 2020 ASIA 09 India reports world’s highest daily rise in virus cases AGENCIES — NEW DELHI More than 2 million Indian students will sit for transplantation surgeries when Now the government is leftist group that represents uni- active COVID-19 lockdown pushing for a return to nor- versity students. India recorded the world’s admission tests to medical and engineering measures were being malcy to lessen the economic It urged students to wear highest single-day spike in schools next week, the government said implemented. pain, after having imposed a black armbands and join online coronavirus cases, with 67,151 “This led to almost negli- strict early lockdown of India’s protests to put pressure on the new infections, the country’s yesterday, despite growing concern that gible cornea retrieval in April- 1.3 billion people in March. government to delay the tests Health Ministry data revealed the move could fuel a jump in coronavirus May with more than 90% fall in “We are very mindful of the until infections fall. yesterday. infections. corneal transplant surgeries. I safety of our students, we will Swedish climate activist The fresh cases have taken am now happy that eye banking take full precautions,” Edu- Greta Thurnberg also waded the national tally past the 3.23 activities have now resumed,” cation Minister Ramesh into the dispute, urging a million mark. Ministry, a total of 925,383 tests Ministry said in a Tweet. he added. Pokhriyal told state radio, postponement. The death toll in the country were conducted in the country Five most affected states in Over 6.8 million people adding that the tests had to be “It’s deeply unfair that stu- rose to 59,439, as 1,059 new over the past day, bringing the terms of number of cases are suffer from corneal blindness held to ensure students did not dents of India are asked to sit fatalities were reported over the tally to nearly 37 million. Maharashtra (703,823), Tamil in the country, according to the lose a year. national exams during the past 24 hours. “Early identification through Nadu (391,303), Andhra Pradesh Health Ministry. Already twice postponed COVID-19 pandemic and while More than 2.46 million testing, prompt and effective (371,639), Karnataka (291,826), Meanwhile, more than two this year, the tests will be spread millions have also been patients have recovered from treatment through supervised and Uttar Pradesh (197,000). million Indian students will sit over several days and held at impacted by the extreme the virus, pushing the recovery home isolation and quality On Tuesday, the Indian for admission tests to medical more centres than usual, to floods,” Thurnberg said on rate to 76.29 percent. The total medical care, and innovative Health Minister Dr. Harsh and engineering schools next ensure there is no crowding. Twitter on Tuesday. number of active coronavirus graded policy measures have Vardhan said that eye-banking week, the government said yes- But many students have to Parts of eastern India are cases in the country reached resulted in almost 100 percent guidelines advised temporary terday, despite growing concern travel long distances and there also struggling with floods 707,267. increase in recovered cases in suspension of donor cornea that the move could fuel a jump was a risk of infections, said the caused by annual monsoon According to the Health the last 21 days,” the Health retrieval and elective corneal in coronavirus infections. All-India Students’ Union, a rains. Survivors and grieving families reject NZ mosque shooter’s ‘white supremacist’ world view REUTERS — WELLINGTON Christchurch which he lives- likely have been higher if it treamed on Facebook. weren’t for Abdul Aziz Wahab- The father of slain three-year- A murder conviction carries zadah, who was commended old Mucaad Ibrahim, the a mandatory sentence of life in for his courage on Wednesday youngest victim in the New prison. The judge can impose a by High Court Judge Cameron Zealand mosque shootings, told life term without parole, a sen- Mander after confronting the white supremacist who tence that has never been used Tarrant at the Linwood mosque. gunned down his son that “true in New Zealand. After shots rang out in the justice” awaited him in the next Survivors and families of mosque, Aziz engaged Tarrant life and it would be more severe victims have addressed the outside, throwing a bank card than prison. court this week and many have machine at him and drawing “You have killed my son and urged the judge to sentence fire when the gunman returned to me it is as if you have killed Tarrant to the most severe to his car, loaded with high- the whole of New Zealand,” sentence. powered weapons, ammunition Aden Ibrahim Diriye said in a Diriye, a refugee from and incendiary devices. Abdul Aziz (right), who was hailed a hero when he chased the gunman from the Linwood mosque, statement read by a family Somalia who moved to New “I didn’t want him to go gestures towards Australian Brenton Tarrant during Tarrant’s third day in court for a sentence hearing member during a sentencing Zealand 25 years ago, told the inside the mosque because we in Christchurch, New Zealand, yesterday. hearing for Brenton Tarrant court his son had been robbed had 80-100 people praying at yesterday. of a future. that time,” Aziz said yeserday. cowardly actions on March 15, wanted to hear his stories about behalf. The judge has previously “Know that true justice is “He used to engage and play Aziz took cover, and weaved 2019. the “olive trees in Palestine”. said sentencing would not occur waiting for you in the next life with the police; at home he through parked cars, to stop “You are weak, a sheep with “You made a choice here — before today. and that will be far more severe. would run around the house Tarrant getting a clear shot. Tar- a wolf’s jacket on for only 10 a conscious, stupid, irresponsible, Prosecutors have told the I will never forgive you for what pretending to be a cop and wear rant’s plan frustrated, he left minutes of your whole life,” said cold-blooded, selfish, disgusting, court that Tarrant wanted to you have done.” Gunman police uniform. We thought one quickly in his car and was Nabi, referring to the shooting heinous, evil choice,” Qasem said, instil fear in those he described Brenton Tarrant, a 29-year-old day he might become a police detained en route to a third rampage. looking at Tarrant, seated and as invaders and that he care- Australian, is scheduled to be officer,” he said in his statement. mosque. “This world was created with surrounded by guards. fully planned the attacks to sentenced this week after While most of Tarrant’s Ahad Nabi, who lost his colour, a peasant like you will Tarrant, who is representing cause maximum carnage. pleading guilty to 51 murders, victims were at Al Noor mosque, 71-year-old father in the attack, never change the human race.” himself, will not speak ahead of Live reporting from the 40 attempted murders and one including Mucaad Ibrahim, he stared at Tarrant before deliv- Sara Qasem, daughter of victim his sentencing, court officials courtroom was banned, and charge of committing a terrorist killed seven people at the ering a passionate statement, Abdelfattah Qasem, said she said yesterday. He has directed other restrictions were put in act during the 2019 shooting Linwood mosque. demanding that Tarrant should would miss smelling her father’s a lawyer assisting the court to place on what the media could rampage in the city of The casualty list would “never walk free” for his garden sauce cooking and make a brief statement on his report.

Former president of Maldives Australia aims for tests positive coronavirus antibody for COVID-19 therapy trial in 2021 REUTERS — MALE REUTERS — SYDNEY/MELBOURNE ongoing phase 1 clinical trial The former president of the shows adequate safety and Maldives, Maumoon Abdul Australian researchers hope to immune responses, its partner, Gayoom, said he had tested start human trials of a corona- CSL Ltd, could start a large- positive for COVID-19, as the virus antibody therapy in early scale study before the end of tourist-dependent island 2021, while a large-scale trial this year, UQ project co-leader nation reports a pick-up in of a vaccine could begin by the Keith Chappell said. cases since re-opening its end of this year, scientists said The “molecular clamp” borders last month. yesterday. technology adds a gene to viral “I have tested positive for The research targets came proteins to stabilise them and COVID-19. May Almighty Allah as the country’s virus hotspot, trick the body into thinking it bless me and all other sick Victoria state, recorded its is seeing a live virus so it makes people with a speedy recovery second-most deadly day of the antibodies against it. and good health,” Gayoom pandemic with 24 deaths. The Australian government said in a tweet on Tuesday Just 156 new cases were meanwhile committed A$80m night. reported nationwide on to ensure Southeast Asian and The 81-year-old former Wednesday, mostly in Victoria, Pacific nations would have president was one of Asia’s Judging the right pass well down from daily rises of affordable access to any longest serving leaders, having more than 700 about three COVID-19 vaccines. ruled the Maldives for 30 Rohingya refugees play soccer in the Kutupalong refugee camp in Ukhia, Bangladesh, yesterday. weeks ago. With new cases declining, years. Melbourne’s Walter and Victoria’s government has According to a family source, Eliza Hall Institute has made come under fire for seeking to the former autocrat was tested good progress in identifying extend a state of emergency by for COVID-19 following a Myanmar shuts schools after biggest the most potent antibodies that another year. medical consultation on Tuesday could neutralise the spike Premier Daniel Andrews morning, after he developed a protein on the virus that causes said the government needed fever on Monday night. single-day rise in coronavirus cases COVID-19, stopping it from the legal certainty to be able The source said Gayoom being able to enter human to set restrictions, which is doing well and is expected REUTERS — YANGON by nearly 35 percent in just have been confined since vio- cells, researcher Wai-Hong would be the “lightest touch to be admitted to the newly over a week is causing some lence erupted in 2012. Rohingya Tam said. possible” while the economy built Dharumavantha Hospital Myanmar ordered all schools concern. mostly face strict curbs on Antibody therapies would reopens. in the capital, Malé. to close after reporting 70 new “We have called all the freedom of movement and be most useful for the elderly “The opening up process Heavily reliant on foreign coronavirus infections schools and instructed them to access to healthcare. and people with weakened and the repair work will not be tourism, the Indian Ocean archi- yesterday, its biggest daily rise, close from tomorrow,” Ko Layy Myanmar has restricted immune systems, she said. quick. It will take time,” pelago lifted a lockdown in the as authorities try to tackle a Win, director general of the internet access in much of the Almost 64 percent of Aus- Andrews told reporters. capital in June and opened up its resurgence of the virus country’s Department of Basic region on security grounds. tralia’s 549 deaths from To help the national eco- borders for tourists in July. following weeks without Education, said. Humanitarian workers have COVID-19 have occurred nomic recovery, Prime Min- Since the end of the confirmed domestic trans- “The central committee of urged the authorities to restore among residents of aged-care ister Scott Morrison lockdown in June, the number mission. COVID decided to do that since it at higher speeds to ensure homes, mostly in Victoria. announced a A$1bn ($719m) of COVID-19 cases in the Mal- All but one of the new cases the local transmission in the reliable health information is “If we’re very hopeful, we investment to boost the dives has tripled, while deaths announced on Wednesday country is high.” One of available. are looking at clinical trials defence industry. have risen from five to 28. were in the western state of Wednesday’s cases was in the Among the 179 domestic early next year,” Tam told Australia’s total COVID-19 The Maldives Health Pro- Rakhine, found in nine different biggest city Yangon, in an indi- infections since early last week, reporters. cases rose to 25,205, with 549 tection Agency has confirmed locations, each linked to an out- vidual seeking medical authorities have detected a Separately, the University deaths, much lower than most a total of 7,047 COVID-19 cases break in the state capital Sittwe, clearance to travel. mutation thought to be more of Queensland said its scien- other developed nations on a in the country, out of which where a lockdown and curfew The virus resurfaced in contagious than previously seen tists had reported to the Inter- per-capita basis. 2,580 cases are currently active. were imposed last week. Myanmar on August 16 after a in Myanmar. national Society for Vaccines Neigbouring New Just over 5,000 tourists Myanmar’s outbreaks has month without community To keep COVID-19 at bay, that their “molecular clamp” Zealand, which extended a visited the Maldives in the been relatively small com- transmission, with the majority Myanmar has since late March vaccine had been found to be lockdown in its biggest city month to August 15, according pared with other countries in of those cases in Sittwe. closed its borders to all but effective in hamsters and Auckland this week to to Maldives Immigration, a the region, with just six deaths Sittwe is also home to returning citizens, who are could be manufactured at contain an outbreak, reported fraction of last year’s monthly and 574 infections in total, but crowded camps where about required to undergo scale. five new cases, for a total of average of more than 100,000. an increase in COVID-19 cases 100,000 Rohingya Muslims quarantine. Assuming the team’s 1,344 cases. 10 ASIA THURSDAY 27 AUGUST 2020

Army helicopters Floods leave at to pick people from inundated least 100 dead Karachi city

AP — KARACHI in Afghanistan Pakistan’s military said yesterday it will deploy rescue State Minister for Disaster Management said helicopters to Karachi to that in northern Parwan province, water transport some 200 families to safety after canal waters inundated the central city of Charikar, where flooded the city amid monsoon the Health Ministry said the local hospital was rains, displacing scores of people, officials said yesterday. partially destroyed and many of the injured Rescuers could not use were being transferred to Kabul. boats to reach the marooned families because of fast- moving floodwaters in the AP — KABUL transferred to the capital, Kabul. city’s low-lying neighbour- The provincial spokes- hoods and the military said Heavy flooding has killed at woman, Wahida Shahkar, said helicopters would fly when the least 100 people and injured the number of casualties may rise weather was clear. scores of others as heavy as people and rescue teams were A villager reacts next to his destroyed house as rescuers search for bodies after a flash flood affected Although rains have lashed seasonal rains drenched still working to locate people the area at Sayrah-e-Hopiyan in Charikar, Parwan province, Afghanistan, yesterday. many parts of Pakistan, the northern and eastern Afghan- buried under destroyed houses. southern port city of Karachi, istan, officials said yesterday. The head of the provincial hos- Ahmad Tameem Azimi, mountainous Parwan province acres of agricultural land have located near the Arabian sea, has Annual heavy rains, com- pital, Abdul Qasim Sangin, said spokesman of the Disaster Man- carried thousands of large rocks been destroyed, with the heavy been the hardest-hit. Streets were pounded by mudslides, often several children were among the agement Ministry, said flooding that caused major injuries and rain wiping out all the corps in flooded on Tuesday with sewage threaten remote areas of dead and some of the injured are blocked highways to eastern destroyed entire homes, eastern Nuristan province. water. Sewage and drainage Afghanistan, where infra- in critical condition. and northern provinces. “Along burying people under the Houses and roads were systems in the city are outdated. structure is poor. Summer often Shahkar said the flooding with rescuing people we are rubble. Several excavators had destroyed in northern Kapisa, There were no immediate brings heavy rainfall in started in the central part of the working to open the highways reached the area and were Panjshir and eastern Paktia reports of casualties yesterday, northern and eastern parts of province overnight, following back to traffic,” he said. digging for those stuck beneath provinces, Azimi said. but 90 people have died in the country, leading to floods heavy rains and destroying many Azimi said at least 300 houses the rubble. In eastern Maidan Wardak rain-related incidents across that leave hundreds dead every homes. She called on the gov- were destroyed in Parwan and “Nobody could run,” said province two people died and Pakistan since Sunday, the year. ernment to deliver aid and over 1,000 people were displaced. Shah Arian, 22 one of the five were injured when flooding country’s national disaster State Minister for Disaster provide immediate support for He said ground and air support victims. He said it all started destroyed several houses, he management agency said. management Ghulam workers digging through mud to sent to help those trapped by the around midnight, when people added. Video footage showed Bahawudin Jilani said that in reach those who were trapped. flooding had reached the prov- were asleep. The office of the Nangarhar parts of the city under water northern Parwan province, Afghan President Ashraf inces. The ministry warned resi- “Fifteen people from our governor said in a statement as troops tried to repair an water inundated the central city Ghani in a statement ordered dents of possible flooding in the two neighborhoods died,” he that two members of a family embankment of a canal. Water of Charikar, where the Health aid be delivered to Parwan and region with a social media alert said, appealing for government died and four others were started pouring out of the Ministry said the local hospital other provinces while late Tuesday, he added. help. “Everything I had is under injured Wednesday morning canal Tuesday amid heavy was partially destroyed and expressing his condolences to The flooding waters and the mud.” Azimi, the when the wall of their house rains, inundating nearby areas. many of the injured were being the victims’ families. rushing mud in the spokesman, said hundred of collapsed in flooding. Yesterday, some families displaced by the rain said the muddy water was waist-deep when they left houses carrying small bags with essential items. North, South Korea brace for strong typhoon Although volunteers and troops were able to reach several rain- AP — SEOUL lampposts as it passed over the Ministry of the Interior and North Korea’s official KCNA said earlier that a hit areas with food, people in waters off the island’s western Safety said. Korean Central News Agency typhoon warning was issued in affected areas complained they Hundreds of flights were shores. There were no imme- More than 480 domestic said that during a ruling party most areas of the country, with were still waiting for help. cancelled in South Korea while diate reports of casualties. flights in and out of Jeju and meeting on Tuesday, the officials moving fishing boats “You can see water is eve- North Korea’s leader expressed South Korea’s weather the southern mainland city of country’s leader, Kim Jong Un, and applying protective rywhere and muddy water has concern about a possible loss of agency said the typhoon would Busan were canceled as of yes- called for thorough prepara- measures to buildings, farms also entered my home and we lives and crops as the countries begin affecting the mainland at terday evening. South Korean tions to minimise casualties and railroads. have not received government braced for a fast-approaching night before making landfall in authorities also shut public and damage from the In China, authorities sus- help,” said Manzoor Ali, a res- typhoon forecast as one of the western North Korea early parks and sea bridges and typhoon. pended ferry services across ident in Karachi’s rain-hit strongest to hit their peninsula today. The agency warned of moved hundreds of fishing The storm comes weeks the Yellow Sea from the neighbourhood Dur this year. possible severe damage caused boats and other vessels, the after torrential rains caused northern port of Dalian to the Mohammad Goth. He said water Packing a maximum wind by very strong winds and heavy ministry said. flooding and massive damage cities of Weihai and Yantai on damaged their household items. speed of 155km per hour, rainfall. In the capital, Seoul, and to homes and crops in North the Shandong Peninsula as the The rains were expected to Typhoon Bavi was already In Jeju, strong winds and other cities, health workers dis- Korea, inflicting further pain typhoon closed in on the continue the rest of the week lashing South Korea’s southern rain knocked out power to mantled at least 75 makeshift to an economy ravaged by region. The government of in Karachi, where Prime Min- resort island of Jeju yesterday hundreds of homes and coronavirus testing stations pandemic-linked border clo- Dalian, a city of 7 million ister Imran Khan earlier this afternoon, flooding roads, top- damaged buildings, trees, over worries that the tents and sures and US-led sanctions people, urged people to stay month sent troops to help local pling trees, ripping off sign- street lamps, telephone poles, booths might not withstand over the North’s nuclear indoors as much as possible authorities pump out rain- boards and knocking down road barriers and signboards, strong winds. programme. yesterday and today. water from residential areas. Total number of China firm over detention of 2 Canadians after FMs meet virus cases in AP — BEIJING Meng was detained at Van- security” and their cases are conditions for the bilateral rela- Canadian government has couver’s airport at the request being handled “in strict tionship to get back on track,” made no indication it will trade Southeast Asia China said yesterday it remains of the United States, which accordance with the law while Zhao said. Meng for Kovrig and Spavor, firm in its insistence that wants her extradited to face protecting their legal rights,” In addition to detaining calls have arisen among the near 434,000 Canada make the first move to fraud charges over the com- foreign ministry spokesperson Kovrig and Spavor, China has Canadian public for a deal to be end the detention of two Cana- pany’s dealings with Iran. Her Zhao Lijian said at a daily also restricted various Canadian made. ANATOLIA — JAKARTA dians, following a meeting of arrest enraged Beijing, which briefing yesterday. exports to China, including “The blind adherence to the the two countries’ foreign calls it a political move aimed China has “made it clear to canola seed oil, in an apparent use of the rule of law and no The total number of corona- ministers. at constraining China’s rise as the Canadian side that it should attempt to pressure China into ransom ensures that Kovrig and virus infections in Southeast Former Canadian diplomat a global technology power. respect the spirit of the rule of releasing Meng, who is residing Spavor will remain forgotten Asian countries reached Michael Kovrig and Canadian Canadian Minister of law and China’s judicial sover- in one of her Vancouver man- within Chinese prisons for the 433,762 on Tuesday, including entrepreneur Michael Spavor Foreign Affairs Francois- eignty,” Zhao said, adding that sions under a form of house foreseeable future,” former 10,329 virus-linked deaths and have been held in China on Philippe Champagne urged China was not responsible for arrest. foreign service officer Gar 317,257 recoveries, according unspecified national security Beijing to release the two Cana- the current difficulties in Since her detention, China Pardy wrote in the Ottawa to health authorities. charges for more than 620 days dians during a meeting with bilateral relations. has also sentenced four Cana- Citizen newspaper last week. At least 7,762 new cases in apparent retaliation for Can- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang ”The Canadian side is well dians convicted on drug charges “The offering of Meng and 187 fatalities were con- ada’s late 2018 arrest of Meng Yi in Rome on Tuesday. aware of the crux of the to death, an unusually high Wanzhou in exchange for firmed in member states of the Wanzhou, an executive at tech The two are suspected of problem and should immedi- number for foreign suspects Kovrig and Spavor is the only Association of Southeast Asian giant Huawei and the daughter engaging in “activities endan- ately take effective measures to held in China. answer,” Pardy wrote in the Nations over the last 24 hours. of the company’s founder. gering China’s national correct the mistakes and create While the opinion piece. In Philippines, the worst- hit in the region, total infec- tions climbed to 202,361 after 5,277 new cases. Philippines FM wants US The archipelagic country reported 99 more virus- military presence in Asia related fatalities, raising the nationwide death toll to 3,137. Recoveries increased by 1,131 REUTERS — MANILA igation there. to reach 133,460. It hardened its position last Some 86 people died of the The United States military month by rejecting Chinese virus in Indonesia, bringing the presence in Asia is needed as maritime claims in the South countrywide death toll to 6,944. rivalry between Washington China Sea, a move which China A further 2,306 infections and Beijing intensifies, the Phil- condemned. were recorded, bringing the ippines foreign minister said Locsin said it would be in caseload to 160,165. Recoveries yesterday. the Philippine’s interest for the rose by 2,524 to reach 115,409. The two powers are arguing United States to maintain its In Singapore, 60 new cases over issues from trade to what military presence in the region were registered, pushing the total the United States sees as and he reiterated the country to 56,495, including 27 deaths. aggressive moves by China’s “never stopped cooperation” The neighbouring Malaysia armed forces, especially in the with its long-time security ally. confirmed six more cases, disputed South China Sea and In June, President Rodrigo pushing the total to 9,291, around Chinese-claimed Duterte suspended his decision while recoveries reached Taiwan. to scrap a two-decade-old troop 8,978. The fatality country “We have a balance of power deployment agreement with the remained unchanged at 125. situation,” Foreign Minister United States that has given the Vietnam reported 12 new Teodoro Locsin said in an Philippines access to scores of infections, raising the total to interview with ANC News annual training exercises, 1,034. Two more people died Channel. “We need the US including expertise in tackling after contracting the novel presence in Asia”. militants and maritime threats. strain, taking the tally to 29. Thai pro-democracy leaders granted bail The United States has long The US military also for- Thailand confirmed just opposed China’s territorial merly had two huge military one new virus infection, taking Pro-democracy leaders Tattep Ruangprapaikitseree and Panumas Singprom speak to media after claims on the South China Sea, bases in the Philippines — the tally to 3,403, of which being granted bail, outside the criminal court in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. regularly sending warships to Subic Bay and Clark — but was 3,237 patients have recovered. demonstrate freedom of nav- evicted from them in 1992. THURSDAY 27 AUGUST 2020 EUROPE 11 Don’t panic, says French Premier as infections mount AP — PARIS Speaking on France- localised measures to close classes or schools. But Blanquer France’s Prime Minister said Inter radio, and later said the government wouldn’t yesterday that reopening at an annual forum publish all its preparatory schools is “one of the essential measures until after school conditions” for a restart of the of an association resumes. country’s economy, which is of business chiefs, All middle school and high hobbled like elsewhere by the Medef, Jean Castex school students will be required coronavirus pandemic. to wear masks whenever they Despite confirmed virus urged compatriots to are in school, as well as all per- cases rising, Jean Castex wear masks more but sonnel, in line with World insisted that France needs to Health Organization Activist Piers Corbyn, brother of former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, leads a demonstration return to work as well and insisted that rising recommendations. against the lockdown and the use of face masks, outside the offices of The Behavioural Insights avoid “falling into an economic coronavirus infections As for returning to the Team, in London, Britain, yesterday. and social crisis that would be office, the prime minister said much more dangerous than the across the country France is striving for a balance health crisis.” are “nothing to panic between presence at work and UK govt changes its mind on Speaking on France-Inter about.” working from home. radio, and later at an annual Castex urged a careful forum of an association of return to cultural venues, business chiefs, Medef, Castex his radio interview that wearing pledging ¤2bn for the French masks in English schools urged compatriots to wear a mask all the time is “a little culture industry to help it masks more but insisted that annoying,” Castex urged people survive a plunge in revenues for AFP — LONDON expected exam grades. responsible for education in rising coronavirus infections protesting mask requirements museums, movie theaters and On a visit to a school in England, to follow Scotland, which across the country are “nothing “to think of others, hospital other sites. British Prime Minister Boris central England, Johnson has a separate education system, to panic about.” Still, he told the workers, medical workers, vul- The money will be part of Johnson yesterday sought to thanked students for enduring and already requires pupils to Medef meeting that “we are nerable people.... It’s not because a ¤100bn ($118bn) economic reassure pupils about the risks months at home because of the cover up between lessons. ready” in a worst-case scenario, you feel invincible that you can recovery package to be of going back to school, after a outbreak, which he said had But while welcoming the while “doing everything to go (and) contaminate others.” unveiled next week. policy reversal on facemasks helped the country get the change, critics including the main avoid a general reconfinement.” Castex said France is looking “t’s imperative that we get sparked fresh questions about disease under control. opposition Labour party said min- France is now reporting more for a return to school “in condi- the engine running again,” the government’s handling of “The risk to your health is not isters had shirked their responsi- than 25 positive virus tests per tions as normal as possible.” Castex said at the Medef forum. the coronavirus outbreak. from Covid because after all, sta- bility by leaving enforcement to 100,000 people, up from five “Our schools will resume, must Without providing details, The government back- tistically speaking, your chances individual schools. per 100,000 a month ago. resume,” Education Minister he said the recovery package tracked on its insistence that of suffering from that disease are Labour’s education spokes- Neighboring countries are Jean-Michel Blanquer told jour- would “very largely” be students in England should not very, very low,” he said. woman Kate Green slammed a requiring quarantines for vis- nalists separately Wednesday, directed at French regions, have to cover their nose and “The greatest risk you face “half-baked U-turn” and said itors from parts or all of France. pushing ahead with the start of including much-neglected rural mouth when they return to class now is of continuing to be out of clearer guidance should have There has also been a small term on Sept. 1. zones, and a balance would be from next week, amid concern school.” The new guidance been given earlier. but steady uptick in the number “We will benefit from the struck between large and small about a rise in new infections. advises secondary school stu- Under-fire Education Sec- of COVID-19 patients in experience of May and June,” companies. The change is being seen as dents aged 11-18 and staff to wear retary Gavin Williamson had intensive care, though the sit- when French schools partially The tax on production will another policy U-turn, just face coverings in corridors and insisted masks were not uation is far from the crisis reopened after a two-month be lowered by 10 billion euros weeks after ministers were communal areas, in places with required in schools and John- levels that French hospitals lockdown, he said. a year and there will be a forced to scrap the use of an local coronavirus restrictions. son’s office earlier this week faced in March and April. In the event of new out- reform of real estate taxes on algorithm which gave 17- and Teaching unions had called for said there was no plan to While he acknowledged in breaks, authorities could take local industries, he said. 18-year-olds lower-than- the UK government, which is review the policy. UN prosecutors Pressure mounts on Russia to probe Navalny poisoning say Mladic’s life AP — MOSCOW a transparent investigation. absolutely, no less than others, in the body, acetycholine, that deputy Stephen Biegun met sentence should “The poisoning of (Alexei) interested in understanding transmits signals between nerve with Russian Foreign Minister The Kremlin said yesterday it Navalny shocked the world,” what led to a coma.” Navalny, cells. Navalny is being treated Sergey Lavrov and other dip- be upheld doesn’t want the illness of Johnson said in a Tweet. “The a politician and corruption with the antidote atropine. lomats on Tuesday. According Russia’s opposition leader, who perpetrators must be held investigator who is one of His allies say the Kremlin is to Russia’s Foreign Ministry, is in a coma in a German accountable, (and) the UK will Putin’s fiercest critics, fell ill on behind the illness of its most Biegun warned that if Navalny’s REUTERS — AMSTERDAM hospital after a suspected join international efforts to a flight back to Moscow from prominent critic, accusations poisoning is confirmed, the U.S. poisoning, to affect relations ensure justice is done.” Kremlin Siberia on Thursday and was that officials denounced as could take steps that will exceed Prosecutors yesterday with the West as international spokesman Dmitry Peskov reit- taken to a hospital in the “empty noise.” The pressure on Washington’s response to called on United Nattions pressure mounted on Moscow erated Wednesday that Moscow Siberian city of Omsk after the Moscow mounted after Charité findings of Russia’s meddling in judges to uphold former to investigate Alexei Navalny’s “categorically” disagreed with plane made an emergency revealed its findings. Chancellor the 2016 US presidential Bosnian Serb military condition. “hasty” conclusions that landing. Angela Merkel called for a election. commander Ratko Mladic’s The statement came two Navalny was a victim of an Over the weekend, he was thorough investigation into The ministry said Russian life sentence for war crimes, days after doctors at the Berlin intentional poisoning, and said transferred to the Charité hos- Navalny’s condition. Officials in diplomats warned Biegun including genocide, while hospital where the 44-year-old it doesn’t want the situation to pital in Berlin, where doctors France and Norway echoed her against making unfounded his lawyers are calling for is being treated said tests indi- affect its ties with the West. found indications of sentiment, and the US Secretary accusations and noted that an acquittal or a retrial. cated he was poisoned, and “Of course, we wouldn’t “cholinesterase inhibitors” in of State Mike Pompeo said the Russian authorities stand for a Mladic, 77, was the com- minutes before UK Prime Min- want that... Secondly, there is his system. US “stands ready to assist” with “thorough and maximally mander of Bosnian Serb ister Boris Johnson joined other no reason whatsoever for it,” These act by blocking the a probe, if reports of a poisoning objective investigation of what forces during the 1992-95 Western officials in demanding Peskov told reporters. “We are breakdown of a key chemical “prove accurate.” Pompeo’s happened.” Bosnian War and trial judges found he was responsible for overseeing the murder of more than 8,000 Muslim men Germany bans protests, and boys at Srebrenica, Bosnia in 1995. “Srebrenica was Mladic’s to end mandatory virus operation, and the trial chamber was right to conclude that he was criminally respon- tests for travellers sible for these crimes,” prose- cutor Laurel Baig said on the AP — BERLIN to focus more on patients with second and final day of appeal symptoms and those who had hearings. Germany will end mandatory contact with COVID patients.” Mladic shook his head in coronavirus tests for travellers Spahn did not say when exactly disagreement at times as Baig returning from high-risk areas the testing strategy would spoke. abroad and again focus its change, but it is likely that Trial judges found Mladic testing strategy on people with decision will be made at a was responsible for “ethnic symptoms or possible exposure meeting on Thursday between cleansing” campaigns against to COVID-19 patients, the coun- Chancellor Angela Merkel and Bosnian Muslims and Croats, try’s health minister said the country’s 16 state and murdering and terror- yetserday. governors. ising civilians in the Bosnian Health Minister Jens Spahn The change in the country’s capital Sarajevo during a said that over the summer testing strategy is also due to Ger- 43-month siege, as part of a vacation period the number of many’s labs reaching the limits of plan to forge a “Greater virus tests performed in their capacities, Spahn said. Serbia” out of parts of the Germany nearly doubled, to The operators of Frankfurt former Yugoslavia. 900,000 per week, in part to Airport, Germany’s biggest, Mladic will have the People take part in a rally to protest against presidential election results, in Zhodino, Belarus, yesterday. identify people who caught the criticized the decision to focus opportunity to speak for 10 virus during trips abroad. on quarantining, rather than minutes at the end of Wednes- People coming home from testing travellers. day’s hearing. Belarus detains over 50 during protests coronavirus risk areas were Stefan Schulte, the chief exec- “Any illegal killings in Sre- offered free tests at airports, train utive of Fraport, said the move brenica that were outside of AP — MINSK The Interior Ministry said 51 They continued despite violent stations and highway stops, amounted to a second lockdown combat are reprehensible, but protesters were detained crackdowns during the first days allowing them to cut short the for the airline and travel indus- they are not tied to Mr. Mladic,” Police in Belarus detained over Tuesday at rallies that spanned after the election, when police required two-week quarantine if tries. He called on the government said defence lawyer Dragan 50 people across the country several cities. According to the detained nearly 7,000 people their result came back negative. to instead improve the existing Ivetic during arguments on during protests demanding the Viasna human rights group, 15 and injured hundreds with Travellers returning from system of testing travelers from Tuesday. resignation of Belarus’ author- people were detained in Minsk, rubber bullets, stun grenades and high-risk areas, which include high-risk areas rather than to dis- The appeal is being held at itarian leader, officials said the country’s capital, where clubs. At least three people died. most countries outside the mantled it again. a UN court in The Hague set yesterday. several thousand people rallied The brutal suppression of European Union and some On Wednesday, Germany’s up to hear appeals and the The renewed crackdown on at Independence Square despite peaceful rallies fueled public regions inside the bloc, will in disease control center reported remaining cases from the protesters, who have been heavy rain, pushing for the anger, helping swell the number the future be required to go into 1,576 new confirmed corona- former Yugoslav Tribunal, taking to the streets for over country’s longtime President of protesters, reaching an unprec- mandatory quarantines for at virus cases. Since the beginning which closed in 2017. two weeks, comes as author- Alexander Lukashenko to resign. edented peak of about 200,000 least five days before taking a of the pandemic, the country The proceedings are being ities crank up pressure on the Protests broke out after participants on two consecutive test, which may no longer be has reported 236,429 cases and broadcast by video because of opposition, jailing several official results of the Aug. 9 pres- Sundays. The huge crowds forced free unless ordered by a doctor. 9,280 virus-related deaths. The the COVID-19 pandemic. activists, summoning others for idential election were the government to back off and “With the end of the average age of infected indi- Appeals judges have yet to questioning and selectively announced, giving Lukashenko allow the demonstrations to take vacation period... this risk is viduals has declined to 32 from set a date for a decision, likely ordering dozens of demon- his sixth consecutive term, with place largely unhindered for the going down again,” Spahn told around age 50 at the beginning to be in 2021. strators to appear in court. 80 percent of the vote. past two weeks. reporters in Berlin. “We have of the pandemic. 12 AMERICAS THURSDAY 27 AUGUST 2020 Hurricane Laura takes aim at Texas-Louisiana coast REUTERS — GALVESTON The storm, already responders in place. Federal Emergency Man- Hurricane Laura was expected a Category 3 on agement Agency Administrator to rapidly strengthen to a the five-step Saffir- Pete Gaynor posted pictures of Category 4 hurricane yesterday teams bringing portable shelters on a steady track to hit the Simpson scale, to Camp Beauregard, Louisiana Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast was about 465km on Tuesday, and Texas Gov- after dark, causing catastrophic southeast of ernor Greg Abbott said his damage, the National Hurricane state’s National Guard was in Center said. Galveston, Texas, with place with high-water vehicles The storm, already a Cat- maximum sustained and rescue helicopters. egory 3 on the five-step Saffir- The storm was moving at Simpson scale for measuring winds of 185km per about 24km per hour yesterday hurricane intensity, was about hour. morning. Storm surge along the 465km southeast of Galveston, Gulf Coast could raise water levels Texas, with maximum sustained to as high as 3.7 metres to 4.6 mete winds of 185km per hour, the in Intracoastal City and Morgan Miami-based forecaster said. More than 420,000 Texas City, Louisiana, and Laura would Category 4 hurricanes can pack residents and another 200,000 likely drop13 to 25cm of rain over winds of up to 1250km per hour. people in neighbouring Loui- the region, the National Hurricane Skies were dark and a light siana were under mandatory Center (NHC) said. rain was falling on Wednesday evacuation orders yesterday. “This storm surge could pen- morning in the island city of “You only have a few hours etrate up to 30 miles inland from Galveston, which was mostly to prepare and evacuate for the immediate coastline in boarded up. #HurricaneLaura. Wherever southwestern Louisiana and far Randall Gilmore, a 48-year- you are by noon is where you’ll southeastern Texas,” the NHC old maintenance worker, was have to ride out the storm,” said in a yesterday morning Louisiana National Guard Sergeant Aaron Dugas prepares a boat for the arrival of Hurricane Laura riding his bike along the city’s Louisiana Governor John advisory. “All preparations to yesterday in Lake Charles, Louisiana. sea wall, watching the clouds Edwards tweeted Wednesday protect life and property should roll in. Work had prevented him morning. be rushed to completion in the to today. the state health department. More would be sheltered at hotels in from evacuating yet, but he Crude oil production in the next few hours.” Laura battered the Caribbean than 41,000 hospital beds were Austin to encourage social dis- planned to move to nearby Gulf of Mexico has been para- The storm was also over the weekend, killing 24 occupied by COVID-19 patients tancing, the Austin American- Texas City in the afternoon. lyzed as companies batten expected to spawn tornadoes people between the Dominican as of Tuesday, including more Statesman reported. “This storm doesn’t look like down operations. Output cuts Wednesday night over Loui- Republic and Haiti and damaging than 12,000 in Houston and Houston, which lies in it’ll be bad so far, but I feel it’s are nearing 90 percent, a level siana, far southeastern Texas, thousands of homes and elec- Galveston, state data showed. Laura’s path and has closed better to leave. You never know not seen since Hurricane and southwestern Mississippi, tricity infrastructure. Hidalgo County, Texas, public COVID-19 testing sites what to expect with these Katrina in 2005. the NHC said. It added there Texas is just coming down urged voluntary evacuation in ahead of the storm, was pum- storms. Sometimes hurricanes State and federal emergency would likely be widespread from a period of peak COVID-19 the coastal region surrounding meled in 2017 by Hurricane can fuel tornadoes, and I don’t management agencies were flooding in urban areas from far cases and deaths, and there are Houston, and shelters were set Harvey, which killed at least 68 want to be here in Galveston if rushing to provide shelter eastern Texas across Louisiana currently some 108,000 active up in San Antonio, Dallas and people and caused $125bn in that happens,” Gilmore said. accommodations and get first and Arkansas from yesterday cases of the virus, according to Austin. Thousands of evacuees property damage. Melania Trump offers sympathy on virus, racial suffering Suspect arrested after 2

REUTERS — WASHINGTON husband, assailed by Democrats November 3 presidential election. reshape the narrative around for his lack of solace during a The first lady reflected on the the economy by largely ignoring killed at Kenosha protest First Lady Melania Trump US health crisis that has killed racial unrest that has swept the millions of jobs lost to the coro- offered sympathy for victims of more than 178,000 people. country in the months since the navirus pandemic. AP — KENOSHA the guy, chasing him and then the coronavirus pandemic and “I want to acknowledge the death in May of a Black man, Trump, 74, still scores well he started shooting again.” a plea for racial understanding fact that since March, our lives George Floyd, under the knee of a in opinion polls on the Illinois police arrested a Scott said he cradled a in a Republican convention have changed drastically,” white policeman in Minnesota. economy, even as approval of juvenile yeserday after two lifeless victim in his arms, and a speech on Tuesday aimed Melania Trump told a crowd Protests flared anew this week his handling of the pandemic people were shot to death woman started performing CPR, directly at the women voters seated in the White House Rose after a Black man was shot and left and other issues has plunged. during another night of Black but “I don’t think he made it.” who have abandoned US Pres- Garden, the president in the front paralysed by police in Wisconsin. An array of officials and eve- Lives Matter protests in One victim was shot in the head ident Donald Trump. row. “My deepest sympathy goes “I urge people to come ryday Americans cited Trump’s Kenosha, Wisconsin. and the other in the chest, the On the convention’s second out to everyone who has lost a together in a civil manner so we efforts to loosen economic reg- Commander Norman Johnson sheriff told the Milwaukee day, the speech’s warm tone loved one.” “And my prayers are can work and live up to our ulations, put “America First” in of the Antioch Police Department Journal Sentinel. A third person was out of step with a Repub- with those who are ill or suffering. standard American ideals,” she trade deals and preserve reli- said the suspect - a young man suffered gunshot wounds not lican gathering that featured I know many people are anxious said. “I also ask people to stop gious freedom as reasons to whose name was not released believed to be life-threatening. harsh rhetoric about Demo- and some feel helpless. I want you the violence and looting being back him against Biden, 77. because he is under 18 - was According to witness cratic challenger Joe Biden and to know: You’re not alone.” done in the name of justice and “Our economic choice is arrested on suspicion of first- accounts and video footage, sometimes apocalyptic With opinion polls showing never make assumptions based very clear. Do you want eco- degree intentional homicide. police apparently let the young warnings about the dangers of Trump shedding support among on the color of a person’s skin.” nomic health, prosperity, Antioch is about 15 miles man responsible for the Democratic governance. college-educated women turned The speech by Melania Trump, opportunity and optimism, or from Kenosha, which has seen shootings walk past them with Trump’s wife acknowledged off by his combative style, whose 2016 convention address do you want to turn back to the three straight nights of unrest a rifle over his shoulder as the pain of the pandemic in Melania Trump and other was marred by plagiarism of dark days of stagnation, since the police shooting of a members of the crowd were sharp contrast to most other women featured on Tuesday lines from a 2008 Michelle recession and pessimism?” Black man, Jacob Blake. yelling for him to be arrested speakers at the party’s national appeared to be trying to sway the Obama speech, capped a day White House economic adviser Two people were shot to because he had shot people. convention, notably her critical voting bloc ahead of the when Republicans sought to Larry Kudlow said. death during another night of The sheriff told the Journal Black Lives Matter protests in Sentinel that armed people had a possible vigilante attack been patrolling the city’s streets in Firm drops bribe carried out by a young white recent nights, but he did not know man who was caught on cell- if the gunman was among them. suit against phone video opening fire in the “They’re a militia,” Beth middle of the street with a said. “They’re like a vigilante ’s semi-automatic rifle. group.” The FBI said it is “I just killed somebody,” he assisting in the case. former oil czar could be heard saying at one Wisconsin Lieutenant Gov- point Tuesday night. ernor Mandela Barnes, who is AP — MIAMI Sheriff David Beth said that Black, said in an interview with investigators had reviewed the news program “Democracy A Houston energy firm has footage and that he was con- Now!” that the shootings were not dropped a lawsuit against fident a suspect would be surprising and that white militias Venezuela’s former oil czar, arrested soon. have been ignored for too long. who it had accused of orches- The gunfire erupted just “How many times across trating demands for a $10 before midnight, during the third this country do you see armed million bribe to approve an straight night of unrest in gunmen, protesting, walking asset sale in the South Kenosha over the police shooting into state Capitols, and eve- American country. of a Black man, Jacob Blake. rybody just thinks it’s OK?” The dismissal came in a “We were all chanting ‘Black Barnes said. “People treat that filing in Houston federal court lives matter’ at the gas station like it’s some kind of normal yesterday by Harvest Natural and then we heard, boom, activity that people are walking Resources. No reason was boom, and I told my friend, around with assault rifles.” given for the sudden reversal. `‘That’s not fireworks,’” 19-year- Witness accounts and video Lawyers for Harvest and old protester Devin Scott told show that the shootings took Ramirez wouldn’t comment. the Chicago Tribune. “And then place in two stages: The gunman Harvest in 2018 won a this guy with this huge gun runs first shot someone at a car lot, default judgment against Warding off virus by us in the middle of the street then jogged away, stumbled and Rafael Ramirez for $472m and people are yelling, ‘He shot fell in the street, and opened fire after the former Venezuelan Men wear face masks as they walk by a mural in downtown Caracas yesterday, the government someone! He shot someone!’ again as members of the crowd official failed to contest the eased a nationwide lockdown. And everyone is trying to fight closed in him. civil lawsuit. He later appeared in the case and vigorously fought the accusations, man- aging to get the default Colombia may participate Harris to be Democrats’ main judgment dismissed. Ramirez oversaw the OPEC in more virus vaccine trials nation’s oil industry for a decade counter to Trump today as oil minister and president of REUTERS — BOGOTA Fernando Ruiz said in a tele- its national oil company, phone interview. He could not AP — WASHINGTON evening address from the White joining the ticket. Her tack will PDVSA. But he angrily fell out Colombia is in discussions to join name the companies because House lawn, Harris’ afternoon test an argument that the with fellow socialist Nicolas other phase three clinical trials of confidentiality restrictions. Democratic vice-presidential remarks from Washington will former prosecutor tried last Maduro while serving as the for a coronavirus vaccine, the The price per vaccine dose nominee Kamala Harris today be the Democrats’ main counter summer, as a White House can- Venezuelan president’s ambas- health minister said on Tuesday, is still uncertain, Ruiz said, but plans a speech condemning to the president on the final day didate, to show that she is ready sador to the United Nations. and will not reverse an end to its Colombia is estimating a cost President Donald Trump, hours of the Republicans’ to “prosecute the case” against After being removed, he went national quarantine. of $20 and investment of some before he is set to accept convention. Trump and his “rap sheet.” into exile in Europe. The government said on 1.5 trillion pesos ($390 m to ini- renomination for a second Biden has made similar Harris’ address come as she Harvest had alleged that Monday that Colombia, which tially vaccinate health workers term, for his handling of the arguments about Trump for steps up her activity as Biden’s starting in 2012, it refused a has nearly 552,000 confirmed and other high-risk people. coronavirus pandemic. months and Harris picked up running mate. The two have $10 million bribe demand from coronavirus cases and is fin- “Our strategy is to look for Harris will detail a “pro- on that criticism in both her been mostly quiet since the a Florida-based oil consultant ishing more than five months multilateral mechanisms where found failure of leadership” introductory speech as Biden’s Democrats’ virtual convention who said he was acting in the of lockdown at the end of countries get together to buy from Trump and highlight pro- pick and when she accepted the last week. Harris has been in name of Ramirez. The August, would participate in and that ensures coverage for posals by Democratic presi- party’s nomination last week Washington working virtually company had reached an trials with Johnson & Johnson. 20 percent of the population,” dential nominee Joe Biden to during the Democratic con- with Biden’s campaign staff, agreement to sell its stake in a “We are also talking with Ruiz said. “Colombia has to be control the virus and confront vention But the California sen- and yesterday was scheduled joint venture with PDVSA for other companies about the pos- a careful buyer because it’s not the economic fallout, Biden’s ator’s words on Thursday are for three virtual fundraisers and $725m to Indonesia’s sibility of holding clinical a country with unlimited campaign said. billed as her most focused an online discussion focused on Pertamina. trials,” Health Minister resources.” With Trump planning an denunciation of Trump since Black women in Michigan. BUSINESS THURSDAY 27 AUGUST 2020 13

PAGE | 14 PAGE | 14 Qatar can play vital France will erase role in Sri Lanka’s cost of virus strategic expansion, recovery from debt says EDB chief pile by 2025

QC committee reviews adding new The committee recommended electronic services to 'Single Window' boosting coordination THE PENINSULA — DOHA Nuaimi, Director of the Single between the chamber Window, and members of the and the Single Qatar Chamber’s (QC) Regis- Committee from the Chamber. tration and Membership Com- The meeting reviewed the Window to identify mittee recently held its third possibility of adding the cham- the most important meeting to discuss mechanisms ber’s electronic services to the of updating members’ database. Single Window, so that these services offered by QC General Manager Saleh services will be easily available the chamber which bin Hamad Al Sharqi, who is for the chamber’s members, and can be provided also the committee chairman, in a way that contributes to presided over the meeting, achieving Qatar e-Government through the Single which discussed activating the 2020 Strategy. Window. electronic linking between the The committee recom- Chamber and the Ministry of mended boosting coordination Commerce and Industry (MoCI) between the chamber and the to remove the cancelled com- Single Window to identify the professions and other activities panies from the database, in most important services offered whose work requires providing addition to add new companies by the chamber which can be services from the chamber. and update a joint database of provided through the Single It was agreed that the com- commercial sectors between Window. mittee would hold a monthly the ministry and the chamber. During the event, it was also meeting to follow up all issues The meeting was also recommended to update the Saleh bin Hamad Al Sharqi (left), Qatar Chamber Director-General; and Saleh bin Faraj Al Marri, Assistant related to company registration attended by Saleh bin Faraj Al members’ data, creating a tech- Director of the Commercial Registration and Licenses Department at the Ministry of Commerce and and classification according to Marri, Assistant Director of the nological environment that sup- Industry, during the meeting held at the QC headquarters, recently. their economic sectors, devel- Commercial Registration and ports the electronic link oping e-services and enhancing Licenses Department at the between the chamber and the conditions and possibilities of services to the institutions that registry and have a commercial cooperation between both sides MoCI, and Mohamed Hamad Al ministry, as well as studying the providing the chamber’s do not have a commercial license, and those with in this regard. Power International Holding partners with SAP on digital transformation THE PENINSULA — DOHA in the future.” growing needs” As part of its 3-year digital Using SAP S/4HANA means Power International Holding transformation, PIH is devel- that PIH now has one ERP (PIH), one of Qatar’s largest con- oping a future-proof system that system across every business glomerates, has entered into can provide a common with harmonised processes and partnership with global tech framework across all its current a single chart of accounts. PIH company SAP in its digital trans- businesses but with the flexibility has become data-driven from formation programme, taking to move into new industries as top to bottom, with easy access part in Qatar’s diversified eco- the company continues to to information. nomic growth amid the expand. PIH is running on the Data can now flow automat- COVID-19 pandemic. SAP S/4HANA real-time business ically from everywhere, such as PIH, which started in suite, the SAP SuccessFactors Internet of Things assets and building contracting nearly four human capital management point-of-sale systems, straight decades ago, has now expanded suite, and the SAP Ariba pro- into the SAP systems, and eve- into a highly successful con- curement solution. rything that happens across the glomerate with 28 companies “In Qatar, every part of the company can be seen on FROM LEFT: Ramez Al Khayyat, Vice-Chairman and Group CEO at Power International Holding; Mazen and 40 brands across five sectors business needs to be more effi- dashboards. Raad, Managing Director at SAP Qatar; and Jasim Abdul Rahman, Group Chief Information Officer at including general contracting, cient, responsive and agile, par- Jasim Abdul Rahman, Group Power International Holding. real estate development, agri- ticularly in the post COVID-19 Chief Information Officer at PIH, culture and food industries, life- world,” said Mazen Raad, Man- said: “Our goal is to become an style, and general services. Resource Planning (ERP) makes us future ready,” said Our aim is to be the model con- aging Director at SAP Qatar. intelligent enterprise, a digital- However, diversification and systems to gain full visibility and Ramez Al Khayyat, Vice glomerate, and with SAP we now Raad added: “PIH is showing first, data-driven company that rapid growth create significant real time business insights. Chairman and Group CEO at have the flexibility to expand and best practices in how Qatar’s con- has the flexibility to evolve, business and operational chal- “We truly believe in PIH. diversify into more sectors, and glomerates can run in real-time diversify and grow. SAP has the lenges. Thanks to its digital embracing a comprehensive He added: “PIH is an entre- the right infrastructure in place to drive new digital business right capabilities and roadmap transformation with SAP and digital transformation that will preneurial company that is if we wish to acquire, divest, or models, leverage procurement in place and shares our purpose channel partner LTI, PIH has gear the group to perform future growing extremely fast, and spin off any of our businesses innovations to maintain business of adding value to society for a integrated 16 different Enterprise big leaps, becoming data-driven there is no limit to our ambitions. into separate listed companies continuity, and cater for Qatar’s better lifestyle”. Nearly 58% of businesses in Qatar Qatar’s monthly trade surplus for July up 6.6% at QR6.3bn aware of new tax rules: PwC study THE PENINSULA — DOHA percent compared to June 2020. Qatar’s monthly foreign mer- The year-on-year (July 2020 to MOHAMMAD SHOEB has become a fundamental pillar and business perspective,” said some changes to their TP pol- chandise trade balance, which July 2019) decrease in total THE PENINSULA of tax and business strategy for PwC in a statement released icies or the introduction of new represents the difference exports was mainly due to lower most groups. yesterday. transactions due to COVID-19. between total exports and exports of Petroleum gases and The Transfer Pricing (TP) land- Last year, the region has Qatar’s recent implemen- Taking a closer look at the imports, showed a surplus of other gaseous hydrocarbons scape in the Middle East region seen key developments in this tation of the Country by Country responses from Qatar, overall, QR6.3bn in July 2020, registering (LNG, condensates, propane, has changed and evolved signif- field around the GCC, including Reporting rules that have been 58 percent of groups in the an increase of nearly QR400m, butane, and others) reaching icantly over the last 12 months. in Qatar, Jordan, and Oman in place globally since 2016, has country were aware of the new or 6.6 percent, compared to June QR7.8bn approximately in July And more than half of the busi- among others. To assess these increased the importance of rules in the country, with 31 2020. 2020, i.e. a decrease of 41.9 nesses in Qatar are aware of the changes and their impact on these rules for groups operating percent having already assessed When compared on yearly percent, Petroleum oils & oils new rules related to transfer businesses, PwC has conducted in the region. New and updated the impact on their business. basis, the July trade surplus was from bituminous minerals (crude) pricing, noted a latest survey on a survey of over 120 finance and economic substance and TP reg- However, 42 percent, a signif- down by QR6.9bn, or 52.3 reaching QR2.3bn nearly, transfer pricing by a leading tax professionals globally who ulations in the Middle East, icant portion, were unsure of the percent compared to the corre- decreased by 39.7 percent, and consulting firm. deal with a taxable presence for pressure from the economic rules. sponding month in the previous decrease in the Petroleum oils & In line with many other their businesses in the Middle impact of COVID-19, and new As deadlines approach, the year (July 2019), preliminary oils from bituminous minerals countries of the region, the East in positions ranging from global developments, have General Tax Authority expects figures released by the Planning (not crude) reaching QR1.2bn, results of the survey in Qatar tax managers to C-suite execu- forced TP functions to prioritise all relevant documentation to be and Statistics Authority (PSA) decreased by 41 percent. also demonstrate a high level of tives in various industries. 53 TP actions accordingly, creating submitted in the first year of show. In July 2020, China was at the awareness of the new rules percent of respondents work in an opportunity for businesses to implementation. As such, PwC In July 2020, the total top of the countries of destination among relevant professionals. organisations headquartered in revisit their TP processes. recommends that taxpayers in exports of goods (including of Qatar’s exports with close to However, the findings of the the Middle East, 20 percent in Afterall, TP arrangements are Qatar carry out a review of the exports of goods of domestic QR2.8bn, a share of 20.6 percent study also suggest that in many Europe and 17 percent in North underpinned by well-defined new rules as soon as possible to origin and re-exports) amounted of total exports, followed by Japan cases, impact assessments have America. The survey took place and implemented processes, ensure compliance. to about QR13.6bn, showing a with almost QR2bn and a share yet to occur in the country, between February and June where TP technology is expected Mohamed Serokh, PwC Tax decrease of 38.8 percent com- of 15 percent, and India with according to the PwC’s Middle 2020 taking into account views to play a significant role. Partner & Middle East Transfer pared to July 2019; and an about QR1.7bn, a share of 12.2 East Transfer Pricing Survey on COVID-19’s impact on TP. The results reflect the fact Pricing Leader, PwC Middle East, increase of 6.9 percent compared percent. 2020. “Qatar’s results demonstrate that 93 percent of businesses feel said: “In 2020, businesses across to June 2020. During July 2020, the group The combination of a high level of awareness of the that TP as a concept is either the region, as the rest of the On the other hand, the of “Turbojets, Turbopropellers & extensive new compliance new rules among relevant pro- important or very important to world, are trying to navigate imports of goods in July 2020 Other Gas Turbines; Parts requirements, a refresh of fessionals. However, our findings their group; and although, 81 uncertainty and adapt to a new amounted to around QR7.4bn, Thereof” was at the top of the business models (also pushed by revealed that in many cases, percent of respondents prepare normal and the subject of TP showing a decrease of 19.5 imported group of commodities, COVID-19) and TP controversies impact assessments have yet to TP documentation, the approach now plays an integral part of this percent over July 2019. However, with QR600m, showing a means that today TP in the occur. As we continue to adapt used varies significantly. Addi- process from a finance, tax and on a month-on-month (M-o-M) decrease of 29.9 percent com- Middle East is no longer a tax post COVID-19, TP is playing an tionally, 53 percent of ultimately business basis the imports increased by 7.1 pared to July 2019. related afterthought, but instead, integral role from a finance, tax respondents expect there to be perspective.” 14 BUSINESS THURSDAY 27 AUGUST 2020

Qatar can play vital role in Sri Lanka’s South Africa’s central strategic expansion, says EDB chief bank expects economy

THE PENINSULA — DOHA South Asia, Africa and East Asia,” said Mohottala. to shrink 40.1% Qatar can play a vital role in Sri Dr. Chandranath Amar- Lanka’s strategic expansion as asekara, Director of Economic the South Asian country seeks Research Department at the BLOOMBERG central bank said. Supply to diversify its markets in the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, high- chains were disrupted as the Middle East region and beyond, lighted the ‘Macroeconomic South Africa’s economy nation’s trading partners were Sri Lanka Exports Development developments and debt service probably contracted by an also impacted by the Board’s Director General obligations and financing annualized 40.1 percent in the pandemic. Chitranjali Dissanayake has arrangements’ in the country. second quarter, according to South Africa shut down said at a webinar on the He said Sri Lanka was able to central bank forecasts. industries from March 27 to ‘Bilateral and Synergistic contain the COVID-19 pan- The monetary policy limit the spread of the virus, Opportunities between Qatar demic due to people-centric committee used that estimate with almost all activity except and Srilanka’ hosted by Doha policies. for the quarterly drop in gross essential services halted for Bank yesterday. He added that exports have domestic product at its July five weeks. The restrictions During the event, Dissa- seen a V-shaped recovery, meeting, where it cut the were eased from May 1, nayake spoke on the topic of Doha Bank CEO Dr R Seetharaman (top left), and Sri Lanka Exports while imports have witnessed benchmark interest rate by 25 allowing the phased reo- ‘Potential exports from Sri Lanka Development Board’s Director General Chitranjali Dissanayake, decline due to restrictions basis points, the Pretoria- pening of some businesses to Qatar and the Country’s with other officials during the webinar, yesterday. imposed. “The economy is based Reserve Bank said in and sectors. Still, many com- Export Strategy’, while reiter- seeing a narrow trade deficit. an emailed response to ques- panies have closed down per- ating that the two countries have Seetharaman also highlighted Director General of the Board of Domestic production is tions. That compares with a manently and some of those had cordial diplomatic relations the bilateral relationship Investment of Sri Lanka, said improving. Workers’ remit- forecast for a 32.6 percent that resumed operations are for the past four decades. between the two countries. He that Sri Lanka which is going tances is a huge chunk of the contraction shown in its June still limited as to which “Sri Lanka aims to be a said: “The Sri Lankan economy through interesting period for economy at $7bn annually. It 29 annual report and will be services they may offer. prominent and efficient trade is expected to contract by 0.5 investments, seeks to have 6-7 witnessed a dip in March to May the biggest decline since at The Reserve Bank said in hub in the South Asian region. percent in 2020. Sri Lanka percent GDP growth in 10 years. 2020. Tourism sector is the least 1990. July that the economy may Currently, Sri Lanka exports Vision 2025 has given thrust on He added that the country is most affected sector. The The contraction in the contract 7.3 percent this year. agriculture products to Qatar. FDI and exports and to improve a global hub for hotels chains, exchange rate has stabilised second quarter is mainly due The projections used at MPC Imports include plastic and per-capita income. Sri Lanka and has a skilled workforce since April 2020. Official to strict lockdown measures meeting that month show petroleum. Export opportunities can support Qatar in the food where education and reskilling reserves reached $7bn by the to contain the coronavirus GDP will expand on a quar- for Sri Lanka to Qatar also sector. Qatar Airways and Sri is vital. “Srilanka has cost end of July 2020. Inflation is that resulted in plunging pro- terly basis in the three months include agriculture, fisheries and Lankan Airlines also announced effective labour and has the under control and by the fourth duction and demand for through September, which apparel. Joint venture opportu- a significant codeshare lowest tax rate for companies. quarter of 2020, we expect the goods and services, and a means the technical recession nities in Qatar can also be expansion in December 2019”. The country has much higher economic activity to accelerate decrease in income and will be over after four looked,” she added. Also speaking during the quality of life index in South Asia and go back to normalcy by employment levels, the quarters. Doha Bank CEO Dr. R. event, Sanjay Mohottala, and provides connectivity to next year,” he added. France will erase cost of virus recovery from debt pile by 2025 US blacklists

REUTERS — PARIS The French Chinese France will erase the €100bn government will individuals, ($117.89bn) cost of its economic unveil details of recovery plan from its debt pile the post-pandemic by 2025, Prime Minister Jean firms for Castex said yesterday. rescue plan to haul Castex said the recovery plan the €2.3 trillion South China would focus on supporting com- panies and production rather economy out of its than spurring demand. deepest slump since Sea work “The recovery plan should World War Two on not weigh on public finances, AFP — WASHINGTON quite the contrary,” Castex told September 3. the Medef employers’ federa- The United States yesterday tion’s annual end-of-summer announced sanctions and conference. Some €30bn will target restrictions on two dozen The French government will investment in tackling climate Chinese companies and unveil details of the post-pan- change. associated officials for taking demic rescue plan to haul the Earlier Castex reiterated a part in building artificial €2.3 trillion economy out of its government promise that taxes islands in disputed waters in deepest slump since World War would not be increased to help the South China Sea. Two on September 3. finance the recovery stimulus The 24 state-owned firms The government has already and that planned cuts to business include subsidiaries of con- said money will be pumped into taxes would be maintained. struction giant China Com- creating jobs, especially for France will receive 40 billion French Prime Minister Jean Castex (centre) reacts next to French Employers’ association (Medef) munications Construction, young people, and training for euros in European Union sub- President Geoffroy Roux de Bezieux after he delivered his speech during the MEDEF union summer telecommunications firms those who lost their jobs during sidies to meet the initial cost of forum “La Rencontre des Entrepreneurs de France, LaREF”, at the Paris Longchamp Racecourse in and a unit of the China Ship- an unprecedented recession. the recovery. Paris, France, yesterday. building Group. The move was the latest step in Washington’s efforts to pressure Beijing over its VW to test fleet of military buildup in areas of Britain's economy loses £22bn the South China Sea where sovereignty is contested by several countries. as virus ravages tourism: Study self-driving cars in The US Commerce Department said the com- AFP — LONDON panies “enabled China to China’s newest EV hub construct and militarise dis- Britain’s economy will lose BLOOMBERG include the Renault-Nissan-Mit- about £22bn ($29bn, €24bn) International visitor subishi Alliance-backed WeRide. this year on the coronavirus- spending could Volkswagen plans to roll out its Some of the nation’s biggest induced collapse of global first fleet of self-driving test names in tech, including Baidu, travel, which could imperil plunge by 78 percent cars in Hefei, an eastern also are pushing into the space. three million jobs, an from 2019, equating Chinese city that’s emerging as Government Relations Hefei, industry body forecast to a loss of £60m a hot spot for the nation’s in Anhui province, has also been yesterday. electric vehicle ambitions. positioning itself as the place for International visitor per day or £420m Ten Audi e-trons, VW’s new-age carmakers to be. spending could plunge by 78 a week, the World premium electric SUV model, Chinese EV manufacturer NIO percent from 2019, equating Travel & Tourism will be deployed in the city’s got a $1bn investment from the to a loss of £60m per day or Haiheng district in a com- city in April, while VW is seeking £420m a week, the World Council (WTTC) munity that’s home to about a 50 percent stake in Anhui Jian- Travel & Tourism Council predicted in a key 400,000 people and about 80 ghuai Automobile Group (WTTC) predicted in a key because Britain is the kilometers (50 miles) of roads Holdings and an interest in report. European country worst hit report. with intelligent car-friendly battery maker Guoxuan High “Travellers and tourists by the coronavirus. infrastructure. Residents will Tech. NIO also has a factory in puted outposts in the South are staying away from the UK Travel has also been dis- be able to hail one of the Audis Hefei, which it operates with China Sea.” “Since 2013, the in droves because of con- couraged after the UK gov- using a VW app. Jianghuai. PRC (People’s Republic of tinuing uncertainty around ernment recently re-imposed pandemic could wipe out “This is our first-ever pilot Jianghuai’s listed unit, JAC China) has used its state- travel restrictions designed quarantine on those more than £22bn from the UK project in China” that seeks to Motor, is VW’s smallest partner owned enterprises to dredge to curb the spread of COVID- returning from nations economy alone, from which link the automotive, electrical in China. It has bigger collabo- and reclaim more than 3,000 19,” the WTTC stated. including Austria, Croatia, it could take years to recover. and digital worlds to the benefit rations in the country with SAIC acres on disputed features in It continued: “The severe France, the Netherlands and “It could also threaten of consumers, Volkswagen Motor and China FAW Group. the South China Sea, desta- impact on UK travel and Spain. London’s position as one of China Executive Vice President VW selected Hefei due to its bilising the region, trampling tourism is laid bare by WTTC The WTTC added yes- the world’s premier hubs for Weiming Soh (pictured) said. already close relationship with on the sovereign rights of its as the economic fallout from terday that London has been business and leisure travel The trial, dubbed Project Tiger, JAC and the city’s commitment neighbors, and causing coronavirus continues to hardest hit by the travel col- which could see other desti- may be replicated in other cities to new driver technologies, Soh untold environmental dev- burn its way through the lapse because around 85 nations take over. although there isn’t any specific said. astation,” Secretary of State sector. percent of tourist spending “We urgently need to timetable, he said. “We are very close with the Mike Pompeo (pictured) said “Nearly three million jobs in the capital is from foreign replace stop-start quarantine The venerable German Hefei government. They have the in a statement. in the UK supported by travel visitors. measures with rapid, com- group is doubling down on a desire to do this and we jumped The 24 companies were and tourism are at risk of “The economic pain and prehensive and cost-effective market that’s struggling to in,” he said. “Imagine if you want placed on the Commerce being lost in a ‘worst case’ suffering caused to millions test and trace programmes revive from a coronavirus- to build cars, you’re going to Department’s “Entity List” scenario mapped out by of households across the UK, at departure points across the induced slump. Electric vehicle need a lot of suppliers, and that which allows it to block WTTC economic modelling.” who are dependent upon country.” sales in Europe exceeded creates employment and so on. exports of US goods and The nation’s economy shrank Travel & Tourism for their British tourism’s lobbying Chinese EV sales in the first half If we pick it as our base, we’re materials to them. by one fifth in the second livelihoods, is evident from body VisitBritain had forecast for the first time since 2015. starting to do that.” In addition, Pompeo said quarter, more than any the latest figures,” added Tuesday that the number of China is nevertheless a Along with the test fleet, VW individuals associated with European neighbour, as the WTTC President Gloria foreign tourists will plummet critical, albeit increasingly announced five planks to the South China Sea opera- lockdown plunged the Guevara (pictured) in the by 73 percent in 2020 to 11 crowded, market for the devel- underpin the project: self-driving tions will be unable to obtain country into its deepest report. million people on the back of opment of autonomous-driving system, battery-electrified visas to visit the United recession on record. Tourists “The lack of international the pandemic, which has technology. vehicle, fleet operations, mobility States. The names of the remain reluctant to visit travel caused by the grounded aircraft worldwide. Its scores of new auton- platform and services, and individuals were not made omous-vehicle developers content. available. Thursday 27 August 2020 To advertise contact: Tel: 44557 857 or email: [email protected] 16 CLASSIFIEDS THURSDAY 27 AUGUST 2020 THURSDAY 27 AUGUST 2020 CLASSIFIEDS 17

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AFP — NEW YORK August 31. It was the second Djokovic had pulled out of straight two-hour-plus match doubles on Sunday with pain in An out-of-gas Serena Williams for Williams who at 38 was his neck, but did not appear to crashed out of the Western & trying to become the oldest be bothered by the injury Southern Open, losing in three winner of the event. She still against Sandgren. sets to 13th seeded Maria holds the record, having won Also on the men’s side, Sakkari 5-7, 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 in this event in 2015 at age 33. hard-serving Canadian Milos New York. Williams survived a scare in Raonic routed Brit Andy Murray The 23-time Grand Slam her opening match, prevailing 6-2, 6-2 and third seeded Daniil winner finished with a whimper in a two hour, 48-minute mar- Medvedev, of Russia, swept past at the end of the two-hour, athon over qualifier Arantxa Aljaz Bedene 6-3, 6-3. 17-minute match as Sakkari Rus. It was her longest match In other women’s action, clinched the victory with a since 2012. fourth seeded Naomi Osaka backhand down the line that a “It is hard to play the way I rolled over Dayana Yastremska dejected Williams just watched have been playing and stay pos- in straight sets 6-3, 6-1 to Maria Sakkari hits the ball without making an effort to itive,” Williams said. advance. Osaka, who is the only against Serena Williams during move. “To play nine hours in a top 10 player left in the women’s their Western & Southern Open At other points in the match, week is too much. I don’t draw, clinched the victory when Williams flung her racket into usually play like that. It is all match in New York. INSET: Yastremska was called for a foot the spectator-less stands and new for me.” Serena reacts during the match. fault while serving on match rebuked the chair umpire for Williams made seven point. slapping her with a time double faults and won just 66 Japan’s Osaka blasted eight violation. percent of her first serve points aces, won 83 percent of her first Sakkari, of Greece, advances against Sakkari. On the men’s side, world No. tournament. Djokovic breezed American Sandgren, who is serve points and broke Yast- to the quarter-finals of the no- After losing the second set 1 Novak Djokovic won his 20th through the final game by ranked 55th in the world, made remska’s serve four times. spectator event where she will in a tiebreaker she tossed her straight match of 2020 with a winning four straight points, the Serb work for the victory as Osaka moves to the quarter- face Johanna Konta who cruised racket over her shoulder into hard-fought 6-2, 6-4 victory closing it out with a cross-court he survived five match points finals where she will face Anett past Vera Zvonareva in straight the empty stands behind her. over Tennys Sandgren. forehand winner to take it in 88 in the ninth game of the second Kontaveit, who defeated Marie sets 6-4, 6-2. Williams, who has lost her Djokovic, who captured the minutes on Tuesday. set. Bouzkova 6-3, 6-3. The joint WTA and ATP cool at events in New York before, Australian Open in February, “All in all it was a great per- Djokovic advances to the Yastremska, who at 20 was tournament was moved from also admonished chair umpire, needed six match points to formance,” said Djokovic. quarters where he will play the youngest player left in the Cincinnati to New York where Aurelie Tourte of France, during tough out the straight sets “I felt better and played German Jan-Lennard Struff, field, made six double faults and the same quarantine bubble will a changeover for calling a time victory and reach the quarter- better than last night. I am going who defeated seventh seed won just 38 percent of her house the US Open starting on violation for slow play. finals of the hardcourt in a great direction.” David Goffin 6-4, 3-6, 6-4. second serves. Quitting captaincy never Anderson has raised Mickelson crossed my mind, says the bar, says Australia seals 4-shot great Glenn McGrath lead at Tour Pakistan's Azhar Champions SOUTHAMPTON REUTERS — captaincy allowed Woakes and REUTERS — SOUTHAMPTON ever going to catch Sachin Buttler to snatch victory in in Test cricket for the REUTERS — LOS ANGELES Pakistan’s Azhar Ali (pictured) Manchester. England seamer James amount of runs he’s scored came in for criticism over his “There were tough times Anderson has raised the (15,921) and the matches Phil Mickelson is in the driving form and leadership during when we lost the first Test, and bar for fast bowlers around he’s played (200). Jimmy’s seat to win on his PGA Tour their 1-0 series defeat in it was blamed entirely on me,” the world, much like India done the same for fast Champions debut after the England but the 35-year-old Azhar told a virtual media con- great Sachin Tendulkar did bowling. American surged to a four- said the thought of stepping ference when asked if he con- for batsmen, former “I didn’t have the skill shot lead heading into the final down as captain never entered sidered stepping down as Australia paceman Glenn level Jimmy has. When he’s round of the Charles Schwab his mind. captain following the McGrath said. swinging that ball, both Series, which he is using to Pakistan dominated much criticism. Anderson, playing in ways, in control, there’s no prepare for next month’s US of the opening test in Man- “It was not easy but I his 156th match, became one better.” Open. chester but England pulled off focused only on how we could the first seamer to capture Former England Hall of Famer Mickelson a memorable three-wicket turn the series around, with my 600 wickets in the game’s skipper Michael Vaughan has won 44 events on the victory by riding a 139-run own performance and per- longest format, as England said they were “witnessing regular PGA Tour, including sixth-wicket partnership formance from the entire team. settled for a draw against true greatness”. five major championships, and betweentween Jos Buttler and Chris No such thought was in my Pakistan after a rain-hit “I’d be lying if I said we qualified for the senior circuit Woakes.oakes. consideration.”consideration.” final day of the third Test thought we had a bowler having turned 50 in June. The hosts’ drdra-a- AfterAfter managingman 0, 18 on Tuesday. that would get this many Mickelson followed up his maticatic win provedproved aandnd 20 in theth first two The 38-year-old’s feat wickets. We thought we opening round of 61 with a 64 decisivecisive as tthehe next Tests,Tests, AzharAzhar scored an left him fourth in the list of had a bowler of great on Tuesday to go 17-under for twoo matchesmatches endedended unbeatenunbeaten 141 in the drawn leading test wicket-takers, promise and skill. the tournament in Ridgedale, in draws.draws. thirdthird match,match, thoughth it was with only spin bowlers Stuart Broad said he Missouri, with Rod Pampling PacePace great notnot eenoughnough to avoid Muttiah Muralitharan (800), had been inspired by and Tim Petrovic trailing him Wasimasim AkramAkram was follow-on.follow-on. Shane Warne (708) and Anil Anderson throughout his going into the final round at amongmong those who “The first Test match Kumble (619) ahead of him. career. Ozarks National. feltt Azhar’sAzhar’s cost us,us, ofof course. If “He’s set the bar a bit “He’s a role model to Mickelson fired five birdies passivessive we’d won that like Sachin has,” McGrath, follow for every English in seven holes on the front match,ma we’d be who previously held the cricketer... He’s always nine before a lone bogey sittingsi here as record for most wickets by searching to be better and immediately after the turn. But seriess a pace bowler with 563, better and 600 won’t be the he recovered with three more winners,”w he James Anderson told the BBC. “No one is stopping of him." birdies in the next four holes. said. George leads Clippers to win; Nuggets stay alive

AFP — LOS ANGELES NBA PLAY-OFF back nicely in games four and Western Conference five and now trail three games Paul George says his struggles Denver 117 Utah 107 to two in the best-of-seven are over as he scored a team- (Utah leads series 3-2) Western Conference series. high 35 points to lead the Los LA Clippers 154 Dallas 111 Canada’s Murray scored Angeles Clippers to a domi- (Los Angeles leads series 3-2) 33 of his points in the second nating 154-111 play-off victory half, taking over the game over the Dallas Mavericks. with four minutes to go and George rebounded from George said he is now the score even at 101-101. three sub-par performances using mental tricks to raise his Michael Porter had 15 to combine offensively with level of play. points and Jerami Grant added Kawhi Leonard and give the The Clippers shot a spec- 13 for the Nuggets, who swept Clippers a 3-2 series lead. tacular 63.1 percent from the the regular season series over George opened up after floor and 62.9 percent (22- the Jazz. the game about his struggles of-35) from beyond the arc. The Nuggets also figured with coping inside the NBA’s Leonard finished with 32 out how to slow down quarantine bubble in Orlando, points and Montrezl Harrell Donovan Mitchell, who fin- Florida where the players added 19 points and 11 ished with 30 points on have to adhere to strict health rebounds off the bench for Los Tuesday. and safety measures and no Angeles. The third-year guard spectators are allowed into Mavericks top scorer scored a career-high 57 points the arena. Luka Doncic finished with just in the overtime loss in game George says after being in 22 points after scoring 43 and one and was averaging 39.5 a “dark place” he has finally nailing the game winner in points heading into game five. got rid of the demons and is overtime in game four. Mike Conley and Jordan ready to help the Clippers with Tim Hardaway scored 19 Clarkson had 17 points each, their playoff run. points and Trey Burke had 15 and Rudy Gobert had 11 points “The bubble got the best for the Mavericks, who were and 12 rebounds for Utah. Joe of me. I was in a dark place,” without star forward Kristaps Ingles added 13 points, and said George, who spoke with Porzingis. Royce O’Neale scored 10. a team therapist before game Also, Jamal Murray scored With 80 seconds to go in five. “I wasn’t here, I checked 42 points and Nikola Jokic had the fourth, Murray drained a out. 31 as the Denver Nuggets step back jumper to put the “I was just in a bad place. avoided elimination with a Nuggets ahead 110-101. I found my way. I am back and 117-107 victory over the Utah Mitchell knocked down a I look forward to the rest of Jazz in game five of their three-pointer with 18 seconds this run. A shout out to people playoff series. left, but Grant helped seal the that stood behind me and Denver looked tired in victory by hitting four free were in my corner.” game three, but they bounced throws in the final 14 seconds. THURSDAY 27 AUGUST 2020 SPORT 19 Riders set for thrilling weekend at Longines Hathab grand finale LONGINES HATHAB SERIES: OVERALL STANDINGS THE PENINSULA – DOHA the top four showjumpers. As the three-day affair Al Qadi (181.5) and Mohamed Al Qadi, who has been in begins today, overall titles of Al Ghazali (178). BIG TOUR: 1. Hamad The in-form Big Tour points- brilliant form in the recent Medium and Small Tour cat- Today, the event begins Nasser Al Qadi 180 points; leader Hamad Nasser Al Qadi rounds, winning three times egories are also up for grabs. with Small Tour class at 4pm, 2. Faleh Suwead Al Ajami will be up against his close and finished runner-up once In the Medium Tour, followed by Medium Tour at rivals Faleh Suwead Al Ajami in his last four outings, is just leader Mohamed Khalifa Al 6:45pm and Big Tour at 177; 3. Khalid Mohammed and Khalid Mohamed Al three points ahead of Al Baker has a tough fight on 8:45pm. Al Emadi 175; 4. Salman Emadi as riders head to the Ajami (177). his hands as he will try to Hathab Event Director Mohammed Al Emadi 173; final leg of the Longines The 2019 Amir’s Sword stave off a late challenge for Ali Al Rumaihi yesterday 5. Nasser Al Ghazali 169 Hathab Equestrian Series. winner is two points above the title from Mohamed expressed his delight MEDIUM TOUR: 1. The 12th leg of the Khalid (175) in the points Saeed Haidan. regarding the success of the Mohammed Khalifa Al popular series, which is on table. Al Baker enjoys a four- previous two rounds and Baker 188; 2. Mohammed it's third season, will take Salman Mohamed Al point cushion over Haidan praised the level of the riders Saeed Haidan 184; 3. place at the Qatar Equestrian Emadi (173) is fourth, and going into the final round, in the last two rounds despite Ghanim Nasser Al Qadi Federation's Indoor Arena both Khalid and Salman can but the latter has been in them competing after a long 178; 4. Mohammad Hazim from today. make a difference at the top imperious from since the break. Abara 174; 5. Alqaqa Adel Hamad leads the if they clinch a win this resumption of Hathab, "Hathab has been a huge Nassar 170 Big Tour with 180 weekend. having won the last two success despite the diffi- SMALL TOUR: 1. Khalifa points and will go The organisers of the rounds. Ghanim Nasser Al culties in organising the last Abdulla Al Khaldi 188.5; into the final round Series, Qatar Equestrian Fed- Qadi is third in the standings three rounds. The organisers 2. Mohamed Nasser Al as a favourite. eration and Al Shaqab – have but a 10-point deficit to Al have achieved its goals set Qadi 181.5; 3. Mohamed However, done an excellent job in con- Baker makes his job for the championship, the Al Ghazali 178; 4. Ali with 30 points ducting 10th and 11th legs of difficult. riders have performed up for grabs, the series in a safe envi- In the Small Tour, Khalifa exceptionally, which only Mohammed Al Marri 161; the contest is still open for ronment while following the Abdulla Al Khaldi (188.5) has shows their development in 5. Abdulaziz Ghanim Al Big Tour points-leader Hamad Nasser Al the rest of the pack with guidelines sanctioned by the a seven-point lead. He is fol- the last three years,” Al Nuaimi 158 Qadi in action in this file photo. just seven points separating Ministry of Public Health. lowed by Mohamed Nasser Rumaihi said.

Goals, records and Top clubs circle as Messi trophies: Messi's calls time at Barcelona glittering career AFP – BARCELONA AFP – BARCELONA Fans want managementagement out,out, nnotot MessiMessi Lionel Messi was the teenage prodigy who blossomed into Barce- Lionel Messi’s bombshell request to leave lona’s record scorer and is still operating at the highest level at BARCELONA Barcelona is expected to spark a legal REUTERS – 33. battle over a multi-million-dollar Angry Barcelona fans chanted forr thethe resresignationignation ofof the club president JosepJosep Maria After announcing he wants to leave the Catalan club, AFP buy-out clause but also raises the Bartomeu after captain Lionel Messiessi annoannouncedouncedu onn TTuesdayuesday thathatt he wishewishedd Sport examines the career highlights of one of football’s all-time question of which club could afford him to leave the Catalan side. greats. in the heat of the coronavirus pandemic. “We love you, Messi stay, Messisss i staststay!”ay!”y andanddd“B “B“Bartomeuartomrtomtomeu reresign!”sign!signsigssi ” chachantedntedntent BARCA ACADEMY Messi’s priority has always been to several hundred fans outside Barcelona’selona’sonaona’s Campampmp Nou stadiumstaditdd ummmon ono TuesdayTTuesday night.nigight.h Messi, from Rosario in Argentina, was a diminutive 13-year- be part of a “winning project” at Camp “It’s a huge outrage. I never thoughtought ththisis wowouldouldulu eeverver hhappenappappena ... yyouou ccanann tatakekek old and suffering from growth hormone deficiency when he joined Nou, and newly-appointed sporting defeats in sports but I can’t handlee MesMMessisi leleaving,”l avinga ng,”, sasaidid OrOOriol,iol,io 40.40 the academy at Barcelona, who agreed to pay for his $1,000- director Ramon Planes on Wednesday “We will defend him until death.th.h. HeH issn nnototo ththehe one too bblame.lame.l m Theh blablame a-month treatment. hailed the Argentinian a “winner” the is on (Barcelona’s) board.” Despite severe homesickness at the outset, Messi rose Catalan club was working hard to keep. through the ranks and made his first-team debut aged 17 As it stands, Messi is Barca’s record pressure president Josep Maria Bar-ar- AccordingAccoAccAccorcoordingdind ng totoSp SpSSpanishpanishann shh media,medmediedidia, in 2004, becoming Barcelona’s youngest goal-scorer scorer and has been part of a team that tomeu decides to resign. MessiMeMesMessMessiessisii metm t withwitwithth newnenew managermanaanagea ageggeer later that season. has amassed four Champions League But despite calls from fans and rivalvalal RonaldRonaRonRonalonaonalallddKo KoeKoemanKooemanannnl llastasta t weekweeeekekk aand ndn OLYMPIC GOLD titles, 10 La Liga titles and six Copa del candidates, there is no suggestion yetyeet toldtol thethhe DutchmanDutchmutchutcutu hmmanan hehe currentlycurcuururrententlyentlntlynttl Messi helped Argentina to their second straight Rey trophies. that Bartomeu is considering his position.on.n sawsaawwhw himselfhimimsmsemselellff“mf“ “more“mo“ orree outoouuttt thathanthhan men’s football gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, The 33-year-old’s latest season, Bartomeu’s new sporting directortoror in”inin”n” atat thethhe cluclubcclub.ubb. winning all six of their games and conceding just however, was not only devoid of tro- Planes, named in place of Eric Abidalall a KoemanKoemaKoeman hashhaa vowedvowvovowwweed to two goals. phies (for the first time since 2008), it day after Quique Setien was sacked asas “fight“fig“f“figh“fifighght to putut BBarcaaraarcarcarcarccca bacbabackackckck onon totop”p”p Messi, playing in a team that included Javier was also defined by chaos and ended in manager following the Bayern defeat,atat, andnndds saidsaidaia d atat hishis unveilingununvunveunveveveilinilingillingg hehe wwasass Mascherano and Angel di Maria, later humiliation with a 8-2 Champions said on Wednesday that Messi’s want-nt- hopefulhopefhhopeopefopeop fulul MessiMeM ssisi wouldw oulouldoulduldd remainremaremremamaiaiain at described it as his most cherished title. But League quarter-final defeat by eventual away demand was “a very importantantntt thethhehe clubclublub ffororor seseveraleververalveraveveeraralal mmomoreree years.yyeyeaeaaarrss. Barcelona may never have allowed him champions Bayern Munich. story”. TheT eLe LLisbonisisboisbisbosbbononn losslolos totooB BBayern,ayayeaayeryernyeryeerrnn, to play if not for the intervention of Messi, a six-time Ballon d’Or winner, Planes added: “You have to haveavave Barca’sBaBarBBarcaBarcarcrcrcacaa’’ss hheheaviesteaviesa ieiesst inin newly appointed coach Pep Guardiola, has not asked for a transfer to put his enormous respect for what Messi is andndd Europe,EurEuropEuroEuuropuropoppee, exposedex e popposposedososedsededed anan who won Olympic gold with Spain in feet up for the final years of his career. for his history. ageingageinageine ggte teamteam that that 1992. This is a considered move aimed at bol- “I think the future is positive. I amm MessiM repeatedlyrrepereepeatedlatedtededld y BALLON D’OR stering his successes, and in one com- an optimist. We need experiencededd hadhaddds ssaidaida waswasa Messi eclipsed Cristiano Ronaldo, petition in particular. players, like Leo Messi... We are puttinging simplysimpsimplsimpmply notn good then newly arrived at Real Madrid, to The Champions League has become every effort into ensuring that the rela-laa- enoughenouenougenonougougugh as his be named the world’s best footballer by his obsession, which puts all of Europe’s tionship between Barca and Messi wiwwilllll relationsrelatrelaa ionsn withwiwitw th theth a record margin in 2009. super-clubs in contention and eliminates continue. We are working internallyy tot clubub hierahierarchyierararchychy It capped a brilliant campaign where the less intensive, or more romantic, convince Leo.” Planes stressed that thereerre grewgrgreww increinincreas-asas- he inspired Barcelona to the Champions options, at least for now. was “not an argument between Messissi inglyininglglglyllyy strasstrained.ined.ineed.edd League trophy, scoring nine goals and With a reported weekly salary of and Barca -- neither deserves it”. sealing the 2-0 final victory over Manchester nearly €1m, those able both to afford “We are working to make Barcaa a United with Barca’s second goal. Messi, and convince him, may only be winner. There is no division within thethhee Guardiola’s Barcelona also won the Copa Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester club over Leo. Anyone who knowsws del Rey and La Liga, claiming the first treble City, with Inter Milan a third, more football wants him to stay here to winwiw in Spanish history. Messi picked up his sixth distant option. again. He’s a winner.” Ballon d’Or, another record, last December. City would appear favourites but the Barcelona are understood to believeevee MULLER TIME club have always trodden carefully Messi’s release clause expired in June,ne,nee, Messi enjoyed a sensational 2011-12, setting around the prospect of Messi. Their and that he remains under contract untilntiltilil a La Liga record of 50 goals in a season and scoring sporting staff, including coach Pep Guar- the end of the 2021 season. 73 in all competitions, breaking Gerd Muller’s diola, sporting director Txiki Begiristain “In principle, this clause expired onon European record of 67. and chief executive Ferran Soriano, all June 10, but the unusual nature of thishish GOALS, GOALS, GOALS have connections with Barcelona they season disrupted by the coronavirusrusus Messi was just 24 when he broke Cesar Rod- are keen to respect. opened the way for Messi to ask to bee riguez’s 57-year-old club record of 232 goals, For PSG, whose frustration in Europe released from his contract now,” wroteotetee smashing a hat-trick past Granada in March has been comparable to City’s, even if Marca newspaper. 2012. they broke new ground by reaching last “It’s the first step towards openingng He has gone on to amass 634 for his club, weekend’s final, Messi would also rep- negotiations over his departure, on thehee including a record 444 in La Liga, and an unsur- resent a seismic addition to the Qatari basis of which his release clausese passed 36 hat-tricks in the Spanish top flight. project. amounts to 700 million euros ($828m).”m)”).”).” 700-UP A Neymar-Messi-Kylian Mbappe Messi joined Barcelona’s youth academymy Another milestone fell when Messi scored front three would not be a difficult sell. at the age of 13 and made his debut in his 700th goal for club and country -- a cheeky Staying at Barcelona remains a pos- 2004 as a 17-year-old, before going on Panenka penalty -- in a 2-2 draw with Atletico sibility,sibility, however,however, particularlyparticularly if underuunder-nder- to sco scorere a clu cclub-record u 634 goals. Madrid in June. HamiltonHamilto favourite to keep the party going at Spa

REUTERSREUTERS – STAVELOTSTAVELOT races so far and is fast highest form.” Sunday’s race spectators like all the others. “It will be difficult to return to approaching a seventh title and marks the start of the third ‘triple- “We don’t expect this race will this track and he will be in our FormulaFormula OnOnee leaderleader LewisL Michael Schumacher’s record 91 header’ run of three consecutive be our favourite this year in terms thoughts all weekend,” said the Hamilton heads to Sunday’sSun wins. Hamilton has 88 victories races after a weekend off. of the layout suiting our package, 22-year-old, whose hopes may BelgianBelgian Grand Prix in the fformo of so far. Verstappen will be doing all but we will be pushing hard as we well rest on the capricious Spa hishis life and favourite to keepkee the A decision to ban engine he can to slow his Mercedes rival’s have done at every race,” said the weather. partyparty going for chachampionsm power unit ‘party’ modes in qual- charge at a race that counts as only non-Mercedes winner so far “In terms of expectations, it Mercedes.Mercedes. ifying has been delayed until the home territory after the Dutch this season. will be tougher for us in terms of TheThe BBriton,r next race in Monza in a further Grand Prix was cancelled due to Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc faces performance this time around as whowho leadslead Red boost for his chances at the COVID-19 pandemic. a difficult weekend on more than we do not have the same level of Bull’sBull’s Max Spa-Francorchamps. The high speed track may one level. competitiveness as we did in VVerstappenersta “I’m always talking about not play to his car’s strengths The Monegasque took his first 2019.” byb y 37 perfect races and that was one of but after a surprise win at the F1 win at Spa last year while Williams, the only team yet to points,point has them,” said Hamilton after 70th Anniversary race in Sil- mourning the death of his friend score points this year, will also be wonw winning the previous round in verstone, the 22-year-old Anthoine Hubert, who was killed in the spotlight after announcing fourfo of Spain. “I think it just felt like I was Dutch driver is not ruling any- in a Formula Two race on the their sale to US-based Dorilton sixs at a high. I think I’m just in my thing out in a race held without Saturday. Capital last week. SPORT SPORT | 18 SPORT | 19 Serena falls, Top clubs Djokovic reaches circle as Messi quarters in calls time at New York Barcelona

THURSDAY 27 AUGUST 2020

Fans to be 2027 Asian Cup: Qatar hands over allowed at stadium for bid file at AFC headquarters in KL Ooredoo Cup QNA – KUALA LUMPUR largest football event in semi-finals the world, which eve- The Asian Football Confeder- ryone is expecting to be THE PENINSULA – DOHA ation (AFC) yesterday received an exceptional World the Qatar Football Associa- Cup in 2022, and work The Qatar Stars League tion’s (QFA) bid to host the AFC continues for hosting has decided to keep Asian Cup 2027, after Qatar’s this event as planned, allowing fans at the Al Ambassador to Malaysia H E at the level of stadiums Sadd Stadium, at the Fahad bin Mohammed Kafood and infrastructure in 2019-20 Ooredoo Cup visited the AFC House in Kuala the country. matches, while following Lumpur to officially submit the Four other AFC precautionary measures necessary bidding documen- Member Associations to ensure the safety and tation. The Ambassador have also indicated security of everyone . handed over the QFA file to the Qatar’s their intentions to host The Ooredoo Cup AFC Secretary-General. Ambassador to Asia’s crown jewel in semi-finals will be played Qatar, the reigning cham- Malaysia, 2017. at the Al Sadd Stadium on pions of the AFC Asian Cup in H E Fahad bin The AFC Executive Saturday. 2019, are aiming to be the first Mohammed Committee had earlier Al Rayyan, who fin- Asian country to stage the Con- Kafood (right) agreed to provide ished second behind tinent’s premier national team handing over the future hosts for the AFC champions Al Duhail in the competition for the third time bid documents Asian Cup, beginning QNB Stars League, will having hosted previously in to and official at with the 2027 edition, face Al Arabi at 16:00 in 1988 and 2011. the AFC House with more preparation the first semi-final while The Qatari file includes all in Kuala Lumpur, time ahead of the event Al Ahli meet Xavi-Hern- the requirements for hosting yesterday. as part of the AFC’s con- andez-coached Al Sadd at conditions, supported by a tinued commitment 19:00 in the second great legacy in hosting tour- towards strengthening semi-final. naments, and includes what sports Cup Qatar 2022. the 2027 Asian Cup will be an extension its competitions. Fans can buy tickets facilities in Qatar will look like in the Qatar has a rich sports record in of its successes recognised by everyone The host nation for the 19th edition only on the official coming years and their full readiness hosting international, continental and in the Asian continent, not to mention of the AFC Asian Cup will be announced website (tickets.qsl.qa). to host any event after the FIFA World regional tournaments, therefore hosting that it is preparing to receive the next year.

زﺑﻴﺐ ٥٠٠غ ﻣﻠﻤﺎ اﻟﺴﻤﻦ ٥٠٠ ﻣﻞ ﺑﻄﻴﺦ اﻳﺮان WATERMELON Milma Raisin gold QAR 1.75 Iran 1kg QAR 19.00 Ghee 500ml QAR 5.00 500gm 27AUGUST - 31AUGUST - 2020

ﻟﻮز ٥٠٠غ ﻧﺴﺘﻠﻪ ﻗﺸﻄﺔ اﻟﺤﻠﻴﺐ ١٦٠ ﺟﻢ اﻟﺘﻔﺎح ﻧﻴﻮزﻻﻧﺪ ﺧﻴﺎر اﻳﺮان Cucumber Apple Nestle milk cream Almond QAR 2.50 Iran 1kg QAR 6.00 Newzealand 1kg QAR 3.25 Can 160gm QAR 15.00 Plain 500gm

اﻳﺴﺘﺎرن ﻣﺴﺤﻮق ﻛﺮﻛﻢ + ﻛﺰﺑﺮة + ﻓﻠﻔﻞ ١٨٠ غ ﺟﻮز اﻟﻜﺎﺟﻮ ٥٠٠غ ﻧﻴﺮاﺑﺎرا ﺳﻮرﺗﻜﺲ أرز ﻣﺎﺗﺎ ﻃﻮﻳﻞ ﺣﺒﺔ ٥ ﻛﺠﻢ ﺑﺼﻞ ﺻﻐﻴﺮ اﻟﻬﻨﺪي Onion Nirapara sortex matta Cashew nut Eastern Turmeric 180gm QAR 6.00 Small India 1kg QAR 19.50 rice long grain 5kg QAR 18.00 Plain 500gm QAR 10.00 +coriander 180+chilli 180gm