www.thepeninsula.qa Thursday 28 May 2020 Volume 25 | Number 8271 5 Shawwal - 1441 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 01 PENMAG | 03 SPORT | 08

Japan Classifieds Bach consults outlines fresh and Services with IOC members stimulus section over coronavirus package included fallout

Enjoy 2X speed on Ooredoo ONE! #Hadaya_Ooredoo *Terms and conditions apply 11,500 students to appear for secondary school exams QNA — DOHA through the Ministry’s website (day(daay a large gym with a distance of after their approval by H E the andand Students will appear for exams in 149 up to 4 meters in order to ensure The Ministry of Education and Minister of Education and centres across the country. that there is no crowding in the Higher Education has Higher Education. The certifi- examination rooms. completed preparations for cates will be received in schools Exams for general and specialised Furthermore, masks, gloves final examinations of senior and students will be notified of Secondary School Certificate for the and sterilizers will be provided secondary schools in which the date with a text message. at all test sites, grading and around 11,500 students will H E Undersecretary of the academic year 2019/2020 to begin on control centers, along with appear for exams in 149 centres Ministry of Education and Higher June 1 and end on June 13. thermometers. across the country. Education Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh In this context, a health and The Ministry has taken all pre- Al Nuaimi had recently con- Masks, gloves, sterilisers and safety manual has also been cautionary measures to start the firmed, in statements to QNA, prepared to do the exam of the examinations of the end of the that the Ministry attached great thermometers will be provided at all test second semester. Additionally, second semester of the general importance to high school stu- sites, grading and control centres. an awareness plan was also and specialised Secondary School dents, adding that compre- prepared for all groups partic- Certificate for the academic year hensive lessons were provided Buses transporting students will be carrying only ipating in the test. The exam 2019/2020 on June 1. for all subjects to ensure that the time was changed to start at Examinations will continue learning objectives were ade- eight students and the drivers will be isolated for 14 9am so that all required precau- for two weeks and end on June 13. quately covered by multiple days before the start and until the end of the tests. tions are implemented. The Ministry of Education and platforms for learning, in Dr. Al Nuaimi revealed in his Higher Education plans to allocate addition to the continuous com- adult education categories) for coordination with the Ministry content. The Student Assessment statements to QNA that two about 6,100 employees to work munication between teachers the academic year 2019-2020 of Public Health and other insti- Office has carried out a number buildings for grade assessment as observers and in committees. and students. are proceeding well. tutions in the country to ensure of procedures to implement the and Secondary Certificate The test papers will be His Excellency said that the In light of the global spread that these tests are carried out tests under these circumstances, control were shifted to two marked according to the preparations by the Ministry of of coronavirus (COVID-19), the in safe conditions. The Ministry including distributing the stu- larger buildings to ensure that announced schedule, and the Education and Higher Education Ministry of Education and Higher also took into accounts that the dents with a maximum of 8 stu- no congestion occurred during results will be announced for the tests for school students Education worked in test are appropriate in terms of dents in a classroom and 40 in the grading process. `P3 Qatar’s aid to benefit thousands of Ukrainians, says Ambassador FAZEENA SALEEM thousands of Ukrainians,” said THE PENINSULA Kuzmenko. “I would like to stress that The medical aid sent by Qatar the State of Qatar deserves to Ukraine was timely and will praise for its efforts to combat benefit thousands of Ukrainians, COVID-19 at the global scale. If said Andrii Kuzmenko I am not mistaken, Qatar has (pictured), Ambassador of already delivered humanitarian Ukraine. Qatar deserves praise medical assistance to around 30 for its significant contribution different countries, extending to the global efforts to overcome its helping hand at this critical the pandemic, reaffirming its moment,” he added. high prestige in the interna- The aid shipment was The cargo, which was pro- tional arena. received by Ukrainian Minister vided to Ukraine by Qatar Fund In implementation of the of Foreign Affairs Dmytro for Development, contained directives of the Amir H H Sheikh Kuleba and Qatar’s Ambassador around nine tonnes of coveralls, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, a to Ukraine Hadi bin Nasser Al medical gowns, masks, gloves, cargo plane loaded with urgent Hajri. goggles and face shields. Officials from Qatar and Ukraine with urgent medical supplies shipment. medical aid provided by Qatar “The humanitarian aid pro- “I would like to underline through Qatar Fund For Devel- vided by the State of Qatar is that this humanitarian aid is the bin Hamad Al Thani,” said Hamad Al Thani and to Deputy Kuzmenko also emphasised opment (QFFD) arrived yesterday highly valued in Ukraine as it is result of agreements reached Kuzmenko. Prime Minister and Minister of that bilateral relations between in Ukraine, in support of the very timely and contains such recently between President of “I would like to express my Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Qatar and Ukraine has reached efforts of Ukraine to address the a necessary protective medical Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky sincere gratitude first of all to Mohammed bin Abdulrahman new heights and it will further COVID-19 outbreak. goods. It will help to protect and Amir H H Sheikh Tamim Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Al Thani,” he added. expand in future. `P2 Msheireb Museums receives praise from UN Special Rapporteur THE PENINSULA — DOHA and galleries embodying these In this context and in reaf- and the Ministry of Education and global values, including “DNA: firming its mission, Msheireb Higher Education for the critical Msheireb Museums, the cultural A Journey to the Heart of Life” Museums recently received a investments it is making in using and tourist destination at and the Bin Jelmood House’s copy of the report prepared by arts, culture, and sports to shift Msheireb Downtown Doha, focus on slavery and racism. the Professor E Tendayi societal values, beliefs, and per- celebrated the 2020 Interna- Msheireb Museums also pro- Achiume, UN’s Special Rap- ceptions fundamental to equality tional Museums Day by posting moted inclusivity by focusing on porteur on Contemporary Forms and non-discrimination. awareness videos with the multicultural themes and acces- of Racism, Racial Discrimination, The report also praised theme of this year’s celebra- sibility to visitors, particularly to Xenophobia, and Related Intol- Msheireb Museums, especially tions, “Diversity and Inclu- people with special needs. erance. The UN Special Rap- Bin Jelmood House, stating, “Bin sivity.” Msheireb Museums has International Museum Day porteur was tasked with com- Jelmood House at the Msheireb received praise from United has been celebrated on May 18 piling a countrywide report on Museums is the first museum in A report by UN’s Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Nation’s (UN) Special since 1977. The objective of the state of racial discrimination the world devoted to the history Forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, Rapporteur on Contemporary International Museum Day is to as part of the “Special Proce- of Indian Ocean slavery, and and Related Intolerance commended the Ministry of Forms of Racism, Racial raise awareness on museums dures” of the UN Human Rights includes the history of slavery Culture and Sports and the Ministry of Education and Discrimination, Xenophobia, as a symbol of cultural Council, the largest body of inde- in Qatar. I commend the and Related Intolerance. exchange, and as beacons of pendent experts in the Human museum for the powerful and Higher Education for the critical investments in using Through engaging videos, mutual understanding, cooper- Rights system. crucial contribution to Qatar arts, culture, and sports to shift societal values. Msheireb Museums shared its ation, and peace among The report commends the and the world more broadly. cultural and artistic treasures peoples. Ministry of Culture and Sports `P2

1,439 more patients recover as 1,740 new cases recorded QATAR UPDATES C VID-19 ON 27 MAY 2020 THE PENINSULA — DOHA 4,769 tests, yesterday taking the sympathy to the families of the of infection, including refraining total tests done so far to 201,180 deceased. from social visits. Ministry of Public Health has tests. The Ministry of Public Anyone who has NEWNEW TOTALTOOTAL NENEWW CSSCCASESASES ACTIVEACTIVE reported 1,740 new confirmed Also additional 12 people Health stated that Qatar is still symptoms of COVID-19 should RECOVERIES RECOVERIES ANNOUNCEDANNOUNCED CASES cases of COVID-19, and 1,439 were admitted to intensive care in the peak phase of the virus either quickly contact the 1,439 13,283 1,740 35,634 new recovered patients, due to the virus, bringing the outbreak, which is seeing a rise 16000 helpline or go directly bringing the total number of total number of cases in in the number of infections to one of the designated recovered cases in Qatar to intensive care to 203. recorded daily, and therefore it health centers for testing the 13,283, yesterday. The Ministry stated that the is necessary to adhere to, more virus. This is important as the The Ministry also announced two new deaths were attributed than ever before, the preventive earlier the disease is detected two new deaths due to the virus. to two persons, aged 75 and 68, measures and social measures the easier it will be to receive The total number of positive who were suffering from recommended. the right treatment and NEW C VID-19 DEATHS GLOBALLY COVID-19 cases recorded in chronic diseases, and had The Ministry also stressed recover from it. Qatar till now stands at 48,947 received the necessary medical the importance for the elderly The four main testing 2 5,626,047 352,235 2,321,400 and there are 35,634 active care in intensive care. or those suffering from chronic centers are: Muaither Health TOTAL DEATHS cases under treatment. So far, The Ministry of Public diseases and their family Center, Rawdat Al Khalil Health TOTAL TOTALTOTAL TOTTOTALAL 30 people died from COVID-19 Health has offered sincere members to follow strict Center, Um Slal Health Center; 30 POSITIVE DEADEATHSTHS RECOVEREDRECOVERED in Qatar. Ministry has conducted condolences and great measures to reduce the chances and Al Gharafa Health Center. 02 HOME THURSDAY 28 MAY 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY

FAJR03.17 am SUNRISE 04.44 am o o Misty at places at first becomes hot daytime and mild by 28 C 37 C night. ZUHR 11.31 am ASR 02.56 pm Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 06:45–20:56 LOW TIDE 04:00 – 13:15 MAGHRIB 06.20 pm ISHA 07.50 pm W ALRUWAIS: 30o↗32o W ALKHOR: 25o↗36o W DUKHAN: 27o↗33o W WAKRAH: 25o↗37o W MESAIEED 25o↗37o W ABUSAMRA 27o↗34o

Prime Minister QRCS extends support to gets phone call Gaza's medical sector from Lebanese PM QNA — DOHA THE PENINSULA — DOHA Dr. Mohamed Klob, QRCS’s were performed to create arte- Consultant of Vascular Surgery riovenous fistulae in two Prime Minister and Minister of Qatar Red Crescent Society and Microsurgery in Gaza, patients in their fifties, one of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin (QRCS) has delivered to the together with his medical team whom had been referred back Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani Ministry of Health (MoH) in at the European Gaza Hospital from hospitals in the West Bank. received ta telephone call from Gaza 800 rapid antigen test) (EGH), performed three sur- They suffered recurrent blood the Prime Minister of the sisterly kits, in order to help the coro- geries for patients with clots in the brain on a daily Republic of Lebanon, H E Dr. navirus prevention efforts in the problems in carotid arteries and basis, as well as serious two- Hassan Diab, during which they blockade. branches of aorta. sided carotid artery stenosis exchanged greetings on the Ameed Mushtaha, Manager QRCS supports vascular sur- (70%), which resulted in loss of Officials in Gaza with theQatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) occasion of the blessed Eid Al Fitr. of the Department of Labora- gical interventions under its consciousness and upper and medical aid. The lations between the two tories at MoH, said the new kits project to enhance specialised lower limb hemiparesis. brotherly countries, and pros- give results within 15 minutes. surgical services in Gaza. “Our interventions focus on they are trained in how to make other surgeries, such as cardio- pects of developing them, So, it allows the medical staff to Dr. Klob said one patient surgical operations of the aorta arterial connections for dialysis thoracic surgery and urology, besides the latest developments act immediately in case of (18) had a successful surgery to and its branches, as well as patients. Dr. Mushtaha revealed as well as anesthesia. It also in the region were also reviewed. detection or suspicion. remove a carotid body tumor. carotid artery microsurgeries to plans for more training in arte- involves training courses on “The Ministry has a shortage The tumor surrounded the left prevent blood clots in the brain, riovenous fistulae and stents. emergency medicine, clinical GCO: Ignoring social in coronavirus testing supplies,” side of the carotid arteries, con- including removal of carotid “We are arranging with the pharmacy, and health care distancing will put said Mushtaha. “This is the first tiguous with all the endocrine artery stenoses,” he added. “We Department of Cardiac Surgery management, in addition to time we receive this type of kits. gland in that part. In a three- target to perform 30-35 opera- to work together on surgeries advanced training in endo- others at risk We hope it is not the last time. hour operation, the tumor was tions at the hospital per month”. for Palestinian patients,” he scopic surgery and treatment The kits will be used instantly removed, and the patient is now In coordination with MOH, concluded. of phenylketonuria (PKU) THE PENINSULA — DOHA for those coming from the in good health, with no neuro- he supervises the training of QRCS’s Specialized Surgical patients. The total budget of the The Government Communica- border crossing points, as per logical injuries. four physicians in the specialty Services Support in Gaza project project is $1.4m, funded by tions Office (GCO) has said that the coronavirus control policy”. Another two operations of vascular surgery. Specifically, seeks to develop vascular and QRCS. one of the main causes of COVID-19 transmission is coming in contact with infected persons. Qatar’s aid to benefit Msheireb Museums receives praise from UN Special Rapporteur It said that failure to follow social FROM PAGE 1 distancing measures puts others thousands of the museum’s effort in Msheireb Museums mark role in the global abolition of at risk and increases the rate of Ukrainians As is the case in all nations, shedding the light on the history a very significant milestone for human exploitation. The house infection. “Protect your self and Qatar’s past is vital for under- of slavery in the region, raising Msheireb Properties in realising also showcases and pays tribute your community by social FROM PAGE 1 standing its present and awareness and promoting new the vision of Msheireb to human perseverance and distancing from those outside “I would like to emphasize that shaping its future.” understandings of human rela- Downtown Doha, Qatar’s first acknowledges the cumulative your immediate household,” said Ukraine is ready to continue Dr. Hafiz Ali Abdullah, tionships, and fighting all forms sustainable regeneration project. social, cultural, and economic GCO on its website. effective cooperation with Qatar in Msheireb Museums’ Director, of racism. “This report is a clear The Museums celebrate the contribution of formerly In a video posted on its Twitter combating COVID-19 and sharing said: “Msheireb Museums are indication of the progress history of four historic heritage enslaved people to the devel- account, the GCO said: “Installing the experience in this field. I am major contributors to the cul- achieved by Qatar in supporting houses in the heart of Msheireb opment of human civilizations . the Ehteraz app on their smart- really happy, that especially during tural and artistic landscape in human rights and fighting all Downtown Doha. Located within The House explores the role phone is mandatory when leaving the recent years the Ukrainian- Qatar. Because of COVID-19 forms of slavery and racism. On the oldest part of the capital, they Islam played in providing the house for any reason, as a pre- Qatari relations has reached new and its consequences, we cel- the occasion of International form an essential part of Qatar’s guidance for the humane cautionary measures to limit the heights, thanks to the intensive ebrated International Museums Day, we would like to national history. These recon- treatment of enslaved people, their spread if COVID-19.” political dialogue and acceleration Museums Day using our digital present this report to the people structed buildings and gallery integration into society, and the The “social distancing only of trade and economic cooperation platforms to reach our wider of Qatar and the whole world to spaces allow the community to eventual abolition of slavery . Bin involves reducing physical social between our states,” he said. audience. On this occasion, we demonstrate our effort and engage in the significant aspects Jelmood House tells of a time interaction between people. It is “There are many important issues are proud to announce the out- values acknowledged by the of Qatar’s past and memories of when there was a flourishing more important than ever to of on our current bilateral agenda. I comes of the visit of UN Special United Nations. It is also a life before the country’s rapid trade in enslaved people communicate with your friends am confident that after overcoming Rapporteur on Contemporary reward of all efforts that economic development. throughout the Indian Ocean and family digitally. Failure to the pandemic, Ukraine and Qatar will Forms of Racism, Professor enhance our country’s repu- The overarching ambition World , a vast region of which the follow social distancing puts continue proactive interaction in their Achiume, to Bin Jelmood tation and show its actions on of Bin Jelmood House is to raise countries of the Arabian Gulf others at risk and increases the implementation,” he added. House and her commending the global stage.” awareness and play a pivotal are a part of. rate of infection,” the GCO said. THURSDAY 28 MAY 2020 HOME 03

11,500 students QF partner Texas A&M at Qatar producing to appear for secondary face shields for QRCS in COVID-19 fight school exams THE PENINSULA — DOHA The first batch of taking care of the patients. We FROM PAGE 1 shields have recently do appreciate them as an indis- Qatar Red Crescent Society pensable asset for our country The distribution of the (QRCS) will soon have 1,000 been delivered against the coronavirus members of the grading and critically needed new face to QRCS, whose pandemic.” control committees was done shields to protect its volunteers, volunteers and The full-cover face shields according to all required safety thanks to the state-of-the-art are just one of the several types procedures. 3D printing and manufacturing workers need more of personal protective In this context, the Ministry facilities and expertise in the than just a surgical equipment and medical devices ensured that the transportation Mechanical Engineering mask to protect produced by the Mechanical to school is safe, as most stu- Program at Texas A&M Engineering Program at Texas dents will go to the exam sites University at Qatar, a Qatar themselves from A&M at Qatar. These projects in their own cars while the rest Foundation partner university. contracting the virus are part of Texas A&M at Qatar’s will be transported through The first batch of shields from quarantined mission to the State of Qatar, school buses, which will be only have recently been delivered to The full-cover face shields are just one of several types of personal said Dr. Hassan S Bazzi, asso- carrying eight students, and the QRCS, whose volunteers and patients. protective equipment and medical devices produced by the ciate dean for research and drivers will be isolated for 14 workers need more than just a Mechanical Engineering Program at Texas A&M at Qatar. advancement. “At Texas A&M days before the start and until surgical mask to protect them- a new design that provides at Qatar, our vision is to be an the end of the tests. The bus selves from contracting the improved protection. The team direct our efforts and resources shields to Qatar Red Crescent.” essential resource to the State observer will also measure the virus from quarantined patients. used advanced laser-cutting to support Qatar Red Crescent Abdullah Sultan Al Qatan, of Qatar. The technical expertise temperature of the students That’s where the Rapid Proto- equipment to accurately cut the and other national stakeholders Executive Director of QRCS’s of our faculty and our well- before they enter the bus and typing Lab in Texas A&M at sheets and state-of-the-art 3D in dealing with the COVID-19 Medical Affairs Division equipped engineering labora- the school to ensure that they Qatar’s Mechanical Engineering printing machines and design pandemic in Qatar. We have thanked Texas A&M at Qatar for tories are proving to be instru- are not infected with the virus. Program came in. tools to fabricate the frames. reconfigured one of our labora- this valuable contribution. “Our mental in supporting Qatar’s The Ministry said that the 48 A team of faculty and lab The face shields were then tories as an assembly and pro- volunteers and medical profes- nationwide efforts in combating students were distributed to 6 engineers examined existing assembled, disinfected and duction line to be able to produce sionals are doing an amazing this pandemic. These efforts committees with 8 students in designs for face shields. After packaged for delivery. large quantities of the face job at the quarantine and other will not only help protect health each committee, in addition to fabricating and testing a few Mechanical engineering lab- shields. Our dedicated lab engi- health facilities managed by care professionals, but will also allocating places to wait for stu- prototypes and making design oratories manager Dr. Yasser Al neers are working around the QRCS. These face shields are save a tremendous amount of dents before exam starts modifications, they arrived at Hamidi said: “We are excited to clock to deliver the 1,000 face vital for them to be safe while highly needed resources.” according to t2he same mech- anism followed in committees, adding that this is in implemen- tation of the procedures for social Future of higher education in post-COVID-19 world discussed distancing among students. THE PENINSULA — DOHA in support of all the efforts of state insti- consultations and research programs in The exams, which were tutions to confront the COVID-19, and which the College of Engineering par- suspended on May 14 according With the presence of 300 participants, to study its effects and mitigate them ticipates with other universities, com- to schedule, will be resumed on the College of Engineering at Qatar in coordination with other sectors.” panies and institutions in the industrial June 1 and will continue until University organised recently a virtual “The symposium included a review sector, knowing that the fields of coop- 13 of the same month. symposium that discussed the condi- of different patterns of higher edu- eration between the college and partners The Ministry indicated that tions and challenges of higher cation discussed by the interlocutors are numerous to include joint projects the exams are carried out easily education in the post-COVID-19 phase. and answered a large number of ques- and initiatives,” he said. according to the plan laid down The symposium was entitled: tions asked by the public regarding the Meanwhile, the Research and in the testing committees. In “Higher Education After COVID-19: future of higher education and its Graduate Studies sector at Qatar Uni- implementation of its instruc- A New phase of Flexibility, Lessons and potential patterns after the COVID-19 versity decided recently to launch the tions in this regard, the religious Opportunities”. pandemic, effects, challenges and summer 2020 Internship Program for institute administration has Dr. Hassan Rashid Al Derham, potential opportunities,” he added. undergraduate and graduate students taken all precautionary President of Qatar University mod- Kamal also said: “This symposium in a number of the major research measures and procedures to erated the symposium, with the par- is s the result of the research efforts centers. The proposal for this year will ensure that the process of the ticipation of Professor Dr. Bam made by the teams of the College of be in line with the safety and security end of the second semester of Friedman, former President of the Uni- Engineering to find the necessary solu- measures and preventive precautions the institute’s secondary certif- versity of Gothenburg; and President tions to the various challenges facing in confronting the novel coronavirus icate is carried out in safety and of the International Association of Uni- the various sectors in the country in pandemic (COVID-19), by using elec- smoothness, the Ministry said, versities Dr. Melih Polo, President of an effort to provide a qualitative and tronic platforms supported by Qatar adding that measures include the University of Halk among others. distinctive addition.” University and taking into account the sterilisation of the head- Dr. Khaled Kamal Naji, Dean of the “We are currently working in the safety of its students and summer quarters of the test com- College of Engineering, said, “This college to develop initiatives and tech- internship personnel of faculty and mittees, in order to preserve Experts at a virtual symposium on higher education virtual symposium and other seminars nologies for distance education in coor- researchers in the labs of the Research the health and safety of stu- after the Covid-19, organised by Qatar University. organized recently by the college are dination with partners through studies, Centers. dents and observers. 04 HOME THURSDAY 28 MAY 2020 Education can learn much from COVID-19 pandemic: QF expert

THE PENINSULA — DOHA are working side-by-side, in tandem, the wider community, but the longer on leading learning,” she said. schools stay closed, the higher the risk A Qatar Foundation education expert We need to take a “The idea of learner agency has of learning loss,” she said. “We can’t has called for the world’s education been a huge theme and takeaway from neglect that. systems not to allow “a crisis to go to systems approach, and this crisis. This is what I call learning “However, schools reopening after waste”, in an international discussion build on and adapt to to learn – teaching students and all a global crisis such as this does not on the future of learning organized by what is there already. parts of our education ecosystem to be simply mean a return to normal. We an Italian charitable organisation. We should identify lifelong learners, and to lead their must think better, encourage the Dr. Asmaa Al Fadala, Director of learning for the sake of learning. testing of new pedagogies and learning Research and Content Development opportunities to build “We need to take a systems models, and support teachers all the at the World Innovation Summit for back better and align approach, and build on and adapt to way. It’s not just about technology — Education (WISE) – Qatar Foundation’s our thinking for the long- what is there already. We should that’s an important component, but it’s education think-tank – told a webinar term. We also need to identify opportunities to build back about making education systems more that brought together leaders of edu- better and align our thinking for the inclusive and better-prepared to face cational programs, politicians, and UN document, reflect, and long-term. We also need to document, and overcome similar crises in the representatives that the COVID-19 adjust our own learning reflect, and adjust our own learning to future.” pandemic has already shaken up tra- to build better, more build better, more resilient, future- Meanwhile, Anna Ascani, Under- ditional concepts of school resilient, future-ready ready education systems.” secretary at Italy’s Ministry of Edu- leadership. Speakers also included Stefania cation, claimed schools had been “held And speaking during Educational education systems. Giannini, Unesco’s Assistant Director- back for too long by bureaucracy, Responses to COVID-19 – hosted by General for Education, who warned delays, and outdated systems”, and the Fondazione per la Scuola Com- Dr. Asmaa Al Fadala, Director of Research and Content Development at the World that in countries where school and “now we have proof things can pagnia di San Paolo, the education university closures mean distance change”. Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) branch of one of Europe’s largest char- learning is currently the only available “This crisis can represent an ities – she explained: “There is so much form of education, 47 percent of stu- opportunity if we put things per- we can take from this experience and pandemic, Dr. Al Fadala highlighted teachers and school leaders for the dents do not have Internet access – spective, observe the strength of our so much we can learn to improve our how education systems have the realities of 21st century schooling”. including 34 percent in the Arab world education systems at such a critical systems for today and for the future. opportunity to look at successful “Overnight, the school leadership – while 60 percent of teachers do not point, and — most importantly — rec- “We are all in this together, and we examples of leadership against the hierarchy has been flattened in a way feel prepared to teach virtually in the ognize the centrality of schools, and need to respond in a space of collab- backdrop of COVID-19, and consider that we’ve never seen before, going same way they do within of education, in our societies,” she oration and deeper understanding.” whether this can be translated into “a beyond what we have referred to as classrooms. said. “We must embrace innovation, Focusing on the role of teachers blueprint to redesign our educator distributed leadership, where students, “The priority is to safeguard the and we must invest, invest, invest in and school leaders during and after the development programs to prepare parents, teachers, and school leaders health and wellbeing of students and schools.” MoI: Adhering to social distancing key to controlling spread of COVID-19

THE PENINSULA — DOHA including keeping a distance of of coronavirus and enhances not less than two meters safety.” The Ministry of Interior (MoI) between people.” Many entities in the country has stressed on the importance On its official websites, the also advised people not to leave of adhering to social distancing Ministry posted a number of the house except for the in order to control the spread tweets asking people to adhere extreme necessity while of the coronavirus. to the precautionary measures stressing the importance of “Your commitment to social issued by authority concerned adhering to all preventive distancing will contribute to such as staying at home, measures and procedures to controlling the spread of coro- wearing facemasks when protect themselves from virus navirus and enhances safety. leaving home. infection. Help limit the spread of the It also stressed on the The work of many police coronavirus by maintaining a importance of “avoiding all patrols these days is based on Repatriation of first group of Sri Lankans from Doha distance of at least two metres types of gathering and to report awareness about the pre- between you and others,” the to authorities concerned in case vention from the virus, espe- Ministry tweeted. of any violations.” cially the decisions taken by the A group of 275 Sri Lankans departed from Doha as part of a repatriation drive by the Embassy of The Ministry has reminded The Ministry said that “Your Cabinet, such as wearing Sri Lanka in Qatar on Tuesday. Onboard Srilankan Airlines flight UL 218, they departed from Hamad people also of the importance commitment to social dis- masks, number of passengers International Airport. Ratnasingam Kohularangan, Acting Ambassador at the Embassy of Sri Lanka of safety measures to control tancing in these circumstances in the vehicle and install in Qatar, Sumudu Wilpatha, Second Secretary at the mission and other officials were present at the the spread of the coronavirus, contributes to limit the spread Ehteraz app. airport to bid farewell to their fellow countrymen. THURSDAY 28 MAY 2020 MIDDLE EAST 05 Yemen’s defence Al Aqsa mosque to reopen on minister, army chief Sunday survive missile attack AFP — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM The Al Aqsa mosque AGENCIES — SANA'A The attack resulted compound in Jerusalem will reopen on Sunday after a two- Yemen’s defence minister and in the killing of Fahd month closure due to the novel army chief of staff survived a bin Aziz, son of the coronavirus, a senior official ballistic missile attack by Yemeni army chief of said yesterday. Houthi rebels in the eastern “All the doors of the Al Maarib province yesterday, staff and his nephew, Aqsa mosque (compound) will according to a military source. in addition to three be opened at dawn on The attack targeted a mil- Sunday,” Omar Al Kiswani, the itary headquarter where soldiers and two mosque’s director, said. Defence Minister Mohammed Ali officers. Details of the reopening Al Maqdashi and Chief of Staff have not yet been finalised, Sghaier bin Aziz were meeting A general view of the first official session of 11th round of the Iranian parliament after its opening including whether the army commanders in Maarib, crisis as millions remain at risk ceremony in Tehran, yesterday. mosques on the site will be the source said on condition of of starvation. opened to worshippers or if anonymity due to restriction on Meanwhile, the Saudi-led the public will only be allowed speaking to the media. coalition engaged in Yemen Iran President pushes for into the courtyard where the The attack resulted in the said its forces intercepted and faithful also pray. killing of Fahd bin Aziz, son of downed drones launched by The compound, located in the Yemeni army chief of staff the Iran-aligned Houthi harsher laws on honour killings Israeli-annexed east Jeru- and his nephew, in addition to movement towards the Saudi salem, closed its doors in three soldiers and two officers, border city of Najran yesterday AP — TEHRAN father, Reza Ashrafi, who used honour killings in Iran, where March as part of measures to the source said. in the first such incident since a farming sickle to kill his local media occasionally report limit the spread of the novel No official statement has late March. Iran’s president urged his daughter. on such cases. Under the law, coronavirus. been issued by Yemeni author- There was no immediate Cabinet yesterday to speed up The father, who is now in girls can marry after the age of Religious sites in Jerusalem ities yet, while Houthis were comment from the Houthi harsher laws in so-called custody, was apparently 13, though the average age of began to reopen in recent days not immediately available to group about the attack, which honour killings, after a partic- enraged after she ran away marriage for Iranian women is as the reported number of new comment on the reported data. comes after the expiry of a one- ularly disturbing slaying of a with her 34-year-old boyfriend 23. It is not known how many cases declined, but the Al-Aqsa Yemen has been beset by month ceasefire announced by 14-year-old girl by her father Bahamn Khavari in Talesh. In women and young girls are mosque compound remained violence and chaos since 2014, the coalition on April 24, an shocked the nation. rural areas of Iran, it’s unheard killed by family members or shut during the Eid Al Fitr fes- when Houthi rebels overran extension of a two-week truce President Hassan Rouhani of for teenage girls to run away close relatives because of their tival that began on March 24 much of the country, including prompted by the coronavirus pushed for speedy adoption of from home to be with their actions. for most Muslims and marks the capital Sanaa. pandemic. relevant bills, some which have boyfriends. Iran’s judiciary said the end of the fasting month The crisis escalated in 2015 Coalition spokesman apparently shuttled for years After five days, Romina was Romina’s case will be tried in a of Ramadan. when a Saudi-led military coa- Colonel Turki Al Malki said in among various decision- found and taken to a police special court. Under the current lition launched a devastating a statement carried on the making bodies in Iran. station, from where her father law, her father faces a prison Shootout in air campaign aimed at rolling Saudi state news agency that The killing of teen Romina brought her back home. The girl sentence of up to 10 years. back Houthi territorial gains. the drones had been directed Ashrafi last week in the Iranian reportedly told the police she Iran’s vice-president in Saudi Arabia Tens of thousands of at civilian targets. He said the town of Talesh, some 320km feared a violent reaction from charge of family affairs, Yemenis, including civilians, alliance would continue to take northwest of the capital, her father. Masoumeh Ebtekar, expressed leaves 6 dead are believed to have been killed deterrent measures to “neu- Tehran, prompted a nationwide Rouhani expressed regret hope that a bill with harsher in the conflict, which has led to tralise and destroy” Houthi outcry. She was reportedly over the tragic case. punishments will soon be in the ANATOLIA — SANA'A the world’s worst humanitarian capabilities. beheaded while sleeping by her There is little data on final stages of approval. Six people were killed and three others injured in a fire exchange in southwestern Iran sees 56 new deaths; 20 provinces contain outbreak Saudi Arabia, according to a local police officer yesterday. AGENCIES — TEHRAN Consultative Assembly, the were detected. Majdal Anjar, only one other refugees”. “Security authorities efforts of the medical personnel Officials said the death toll Syrian refugee in Lebanon had “Thousands of refugees will received a report of shooting Iran yesterday confirmed 56 and health institutions, adding went up to 425 with 14 new tested positive for Covid-19, be included in the testing cam- between a number of people fatalities from coronavirus over that Iran is on the list of coun- deaths over the past 24 hours. UNHCR says. paign... over the next weeks,” in Al Amoah province,” the the past 24 hours, bringing the tries that have achieved success The number of recovered Among Lebanon’s Pales- she added. official SPA news agency nationwide death toll to 7,564. in combating this virus due to people stands at 15,022 in the tinian refugee population, at UNHCR covers the cost of reported citing Zaid A further 2,080 people have the efforts made to strengthen country. least six cases have been screening, medical treatment Muhammad Al Sabbash, a tested positive for COVID-19, the foundations of healthcare, In Lebanon, the Health Min- detected in a camp in the Bekaa and hospitalisation for refugees spokesman for Aseer region’s raising the overall count to as health capabilities, including istry confirmed 21 new virus- Valley. infected with the coronavirus. police. 141,591, Health Ministry hospital beds and medical related cases, bringing the tally Although the coronavirus Lebanon, a small country The spokesman said spokesman Kianoush equipment, multiplied com- to 1,161 — including 26 deaths outbreak among Lebanon’s of 4.5 million people, says it security forces have taken Jahanpour said. pared to before 2013. and 692 recoveries. refugee population remains hosts 1.5 million Syrians, measures to arrest the rest of He added that 111,176 The Iranian President called At least 15 Syrian refugees limited, aid groups are con- including nearly a million ref- suspects. patients have recovered and on the members of the Islamic living in the same building in cerned that overcrowded set- ugees registered with the United The cause of the shootout been discharged from hospitals Consultative Assembly to east Lebanon have tested pos- tlements could make refugees Nations. is not yet clear, but social so far, while 2,551 patients shoulder their responsibilities itive for COVID-19, the United especially vulnerable to the In Morocco, the Health Min- media users blamed a dispute remain in critical condition. and to place national interests, Nations said Wednesday, ahead virus. istry said seven people tested between two families over a Iranian President Hassan national security and identity of plans to screen thousands of The new Covid-19 cases in positive for the virus, pushing land lot for the incident. Many Rouhani said that the corona- above other interests. refugees. Majdal Anjar are now in self- the total infections to 7,584. The users also called for banning virus outbreak has been con- Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia “There are 15 confirmed isolation, receiving food and country so far confirmed 202 firearms in the kingdom. tained in about 20 of the total yesterday confirmed 14 new cases of COVID-19 among Syrian disinfection kits from UNHCR, deaths from COVID-19 and According to Saudi law, 31 provinces in the country, deaths from the novel corona- refugees in Majdal Anjar,” a town Abou Khaled said. 4,969 recoveries. those convicted of intentional expressing his hope that the virus, while Morocco, Lebanon in the Bekaa Valley, said Lisa The spokesperson said In Libya, two more people homicides are sentenced to outbreak will be contained in and Libya reported only fresh Abou Khaled of UNHCR, the UN’s UNHCR and Lebanon’s health were reported to be infected by death, while the execution of the remaining provinces in the cases. refugee agency. ministry have “initiated a the virus, bringing the total the ruling precludes the coming weeks. The tally of cases in Saudi Lebanon has officially testing campaign in informal number to 79. Three patients pardon of the deceased’s Rouhani highlighted, in a Arabia, the second worst-hit in recorded 1,140 novel corona- settlements and collective have so far died due to the virus, family in some cases, with or speech during the opening of the region after Iran, rose to virus cases, including 26 deaths. shelters, focusing on areas with while 40 others have recovered without financial the 11th session of the Islamic 78,541 after 1,815 new cases Before the outbreak in high concentration of so far in the country. compensation.

A mural depicting a Palestinian man covering his face with a traditional keffiyeh scarf, painted on the occasion of Al Quds (Jerusalem) International Day, in the southern suburb of the Lebanese capital Beirut, yesterday. Hezbollah chief rejects US pressure over UN peacekeepers AFP — BEIRUT it to have the right to raid and search In early May, the US ambassador private properties, and the Amer- to the UN, Kelly Craft, claimed The head of the Lebanese Shia icans are pressuring Lebanon on this UNIFIL was being “prevented from movement Hezbollah rejected a US matter,” Nasrallah said. fulfilling its mandate” and Hezbollah request to empower a UN peace- In August last year, the UN had “been able to arm itself and keeping force patrolling the border Security Council voted to renew expand operations, putting the Leb- with Israel. UNIFIL’s mandate for a year. anese people at risk”. Hezbollah chief Hassan Nas- But the resolution included a The Security Council “must rallah spoke ahead of a UN Security requirement — on the insistence of either pursue serious change to Council vote this summer to renew the United States, diplomats said — empower UNIFIL or realign its the mandate of the UN Interim Force for the UN secretary general to staffing and resources with tasks it in Lebanon (UNIFIL). perform an evaluation on the UNIFIL can actually accomplish,” she wrote “The Americans, as the result of mission and its staff before June 1, on Twitter. Israeli demands, are raising the issue 2020. “We are not against UNIFIL Nasrallah spoke after a dispute of changing the nature of UNIFIL’s staying,” Nasrallah said. broke out late Monday in the mission,” Nasrallah said in a radio But “the time of deeming southern village of Blida between interview to mark 20 years since Lebanon to be weak is over, and Finnish peacekeepers and residents, Israel withdrew from Lebanon. Israel cannot impose conditions on after a UNIFIL military vehicle hit “Lebanon has refused to change Lebanon, even behind an American two cars and motorbike, the National UNIFIL’s mission, but Israel wants... mask.” News Agency reported. 06 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA THURSDAY 28 MAY 2020 ‘No masks, no gloves’: Kenyan govt under fire over quarantine centres REUTERS — NAIROBI Kenya has reported materials. On Sunday, Kenya’s Health Kenya’s government is facing 1,348 cases and 52 Ministry tweeted that many growing criticism over quar- deaths from COVID- people being tested were giving antine centres it set up to curb 19, but large-scale false contact information. the spread of the coronavirus, Robert Alai, a popular with witnesses saying some are public testing began blogger, quickly offered an squalid and expose residents to in the country of explanation for their the risk of catching COVID-19. reluctance. Since mid-March, the gov- 47 million only this “Because you treat those ernment has enforced a man- month because who test positive like pigs,” he datory 14-day quarantine tweeted. period for anyone who flies into of shortages of Alai has been sharing pic- the country or has direct materials. tures of grim quarantine con- contact with someone infected ditions which he says he Trucks drivers wait for their turn to load their transport trucks with goods destined for the neighbouring and lives in an area where self- received from people in gov- Mali at the port, amid the spread of the coronavirus disease in Dakar, Senegal, yesterday. isolation is not allowed. One woman said she was ernment-run facilities. Reuters Those who can pay spend quarantined at Nairobi’s Kenya reached three by telephone and the quarantine in an upmarket Medical Training Center for two they confirmed the Senegal to continue chloroquine treatment hotel. Others are placed in gov- weeks and tested negative for conditions. ernment-run facilities estab- the coronavirus. Dr Mark Nanyingi, an infec- AFP — DAKAR COVID-19, experts urged Senegal’s treatment of lished in buildings such as Then others at the facility, tious disease epidemiologist caution and warned that the COVID-19 patients, Moussa schools or universities. where people were crowded with the University of Nairobi, Senegal will continue treating drugs can have potentially Seydi, did not respond to Demonstrations have together at mealtimes, tested said the threat of having family COVID-19 patients with serious side effects. requests for comment. Neither broken out in some centres, positive. She was kept another quarantined could deter sick hydroxychloroquine, a senior A study of nearly 100,000 did the ministry of health. break-outs have been reported, week, and then tested positive people from coming forward. health official said yesterday, COVID-19 patients, released on The World Health Organi- and the government faces two too. “I got it from the quar- “Public health messaging despite recent evidence that the Friday, appeared to confirm zation said on Monday it had tem- lawsuits over alleged mis- antine,” she said. “We were shouldn’t be threatening,” he anti-malarial drug is harmful. some of those concerns. porarily suspended clinical trials treatment which it has yet to sharing washrooms; we were said. “If we militarise this, we Authorities in the West Published in the medical of hydroxychloroquine as a respond to. sharing everything.” Reuters won’t have as much success.” African state opted to provide journal The Lancet, the study potential treatment for corona- Reuters interviewed 12 could not verify where she con- Facing criticism over the quar- consenting patients with the found that chloroquine and virus, following the Lancet study. people who have spent time in tracted the virus. antine centres, Health Minister drug early on during its coro- hydroxychloroquine do not But medical authorities quarantine in the government- A woman in quarantine at Mutahi Kagwe said on May 6 navirus outbreak, citing prom- benefit hospitalised patients — worldwide still appear divided run centres. Two said condi- the Karen Cooperative Retreat they would be free. ising clinical results. and even increase the risk of on the use and potential harm- tions were satisfactory. The and Conference Center said she “Testing, quarantine and Chloroquine and its derivative death and heart arrhythmia. fulness of the drugs. other 10, who asked not to be and others received no pro- isolation is free. Come out and hydroxychloroquine have been It recommended against France decided to ban it as identified to avoid stigma, tective gear. be tested,” the ministry tweeted used for decades against malaria using either drug outside of a COVID-19 treatment on described filthy conditions with “We are not given masks; on Tuesday. and are considered cheap and clinical trials. Wednesday, for example, while bedbugs, overflowing toilets no gloves, no sanitiser,” she Until this month, the safe when used correctly. Abdoulaye Bousso, who Brazilian authorities indicated and bad food. said. minimum rate for quarantine US President Donald Trump heads Senegal’s Centre for that they would continue using Reuters sought comment Neither facility responded was 2,000 Kenyan shillings promoted its use and stunned Health Emergency Operations, the drug. from the facilities where these to requests for comment. ($20) per night. Some centres his own administration earlier said yesterday that the coun- Seydi, the Senegalese infec- people were housed, but phone Kenya has reported 1,348 had refused to release people this month by revealing he was try’s hydroxychloroquine tious-diseases doctor, had pre- and text messages sent over cases and 52 deaths from who did not pay their bills. taking it as a preventive treatment programme would viously said that hydroxychlo- several weeks received no COVID-19, but large-scale Kagwe has also said people measure against the virus. nonetheless continue, without roquine is only offered to con- responses. Health Ministry public testing began in the who break a dawn-to-dusk But even as countries offering further details. senting patients, and after spokeswoman Judy Sirima country of 47 million only this curfew will no longer be put in around the world rushed to use The infectious-diseases medical staff perform a declined comment. month because of shortages of quarantine. the anti-malarials to fight doctor who is spearheading cardiogram. Nigerian military unlawfully detain S African migrants face hunger, xenophobia in lockdown AFP — JOHANNESBURG slow the coronavirus pandemic members suffering because of his network provides 3,500 migrants and non-govern- children, says is eased, many foreigners living this lockdown,” said Alfred parcels and 750 meals each mental organisations insist that The car approaches the gates of in this country have no work Djang, a 50-year-old lawyer week. in de-facto terms, the help goes Amnesty the small parish church, where and are hungry. who left the Democratic “It is very important to South Africans. an army of hands await. South Africa is the conti- Republic of Congo 19 years ago. because those people have been While the “rainbow nation” REUTERS — ABUJA The precious food is swiftly nent’s second-largest economy Some had been working in neglected... hunger has no Nelson Mandela dreamed of has taken from the car boot and and a magnet for millions of shops, “they were selling things colour, but unfortunately the some four million foreigners, The Nigerian military are back seat and lined up in bags refugees and migrants from on street corners, but they are government of South Africa has most of them do not have a res- unlawfully detaining boys and in the courtyard, rather like a elsewhere. not allowed to do it anymore,” discriminated against us on the idence permit — a document men at a rehabilitation centre military parade. It is time for the But the vast majority of Djang said. basis of our country of origin,” with the value of gold. for alleged members of the handout. them depend on day-to-day “They don’t have permits so he said. In Lenasia, a township in the Islamist militant group Boko In the eyes of the waiting work — and this informal they need to beg for food here As part of an unprecedented remote outskirts of Johan- Haram, Amnesty International women and children, there is source of income catastrophi- and there,” he added. emergency plan, President Cyril nesburg, 49-year-old Edward said in a report released relief: a gleam that comes from cally dried up from one day to Amir Sheikh, head of the Ramaphosa announced food Mowo relies on his Lazarus yesterday. the prospect of having a full the next because of the African Diaspora Forum, said distributions and a monthly hands for a living. He brings In the latest allegations of belly. lockdown. his non-profit group had been allowance of 350 rand ($20 / 18 dead televisions, radios and tel- rights abuses since Boko The scene, in the parish of In a country considered by swamped by requests for help. euros) for the most destitute. ephones back to life. Haram began its insurgency Mayfair just outside the centre the World Bank to be the most “Since the beginning of the Neither Ramaphosa nor Under the corrugated iron in Nigeria’s northeast, Amnesty of Johannesburg, has become unequal in the world, many of lockdown we have initiated a his ministers have men- roof of his shack, the Zimba- criticised Operation Safe Cor- grimly familiar across South these luckless people now have process of cooking food for the tioned any conditions for the bwean admitted to having dif- ridor, a programme that Africa’s largest city. nothing. migrants,” the Somali said. nationality of people ficulty feeding his wife and receives financial and tech- Even as a strict lockdown to “I see a lot of community Funded by religious organisations, receiving the aid. But three children. nical support from the European Union, Britain, the United States and the UN International Organis ation for Russia sent jets to Libya Migration. Nigeria’s military did not immediately respond to to back mercenaries: US requests for comment. It has repeatedly denied any wrong- AFP — FRANKFURT nine-year-old UN embargo on doing in response to such sending arms into Libya. accusations during a decade Russia recently sent fighter jets In Washington, Pentagon of conflict. to Libya to support Russian spokesman Jonathan Hoffman “For almost everyone held mercenaries fighting for said that the Russians had sent (at Safe Corridor) to date, it strongman Khalifa Haftar in the a mix of “approximately 14 mil- amounts to unlawful long-running conflict, the US itary fighters.” Africom posted detention,” Amnesty said of military said yesterday. pictures of the Russian aircraft the programme which is based The warplanes left Russia on its Twitter feed, including in Gombe state and aims at and first stopped in Syria, where one that it said showed several reintegrating former militants they “were repainted to cam- MiG-29 Fulcrum jets and Su-35 into their communities. ouflage their Russian origin” Flankers parked at an airbase. “Many people there are not before arriving in Libya, said the The claim comes a day after former fighters who com- US military command for Africa Libya’s UN-recognised gov- mitted crimes, much less were (Africom) in a statement. ernment said hundreds of charged or convicted of any Stuttgart-based Africom did Russian mercenaries backing crime,” it said in a report that not specify when the jets flew rival military commander also listed alleged rights in, saying only that it was Haftar had been evacuated from abuses by Boko Haram and Mohamed Ghnouno, the spokesman of GNA Libyan Armed Forces, speaks during an interview in “recently”. But it appeared to be combat zones south of the criticised conditions at other Misrata, Libya, yesterday. the latest violation of the capital Tripoli. military detention centres. Amnesty said Safe Cor- ridor “includes positive ele- ments”, including adult edu- Kenya rolls out testing in slums, but some fear stigma cation and psychosocial counselling described REUTERS — NAIROBI took samples from people on slow the spread of infection. restrictions in Kenya. Some are deaths, far fewer than in compa- favourably by people for- Tuesday. The effort to roll out mass reluctant to be tested, fearing rably-sized countries in Europe, merly held there. Kenya is rolling out voluntary “They ask you to go back testing there shows how African neighbours will shun them. Asia or the Americas. In recent But at least seven men, public testing for the novel and get tested. If your results countries, so far spared the “People are fearful of...the days, there has been an increase including two who were boys coronavirus in its biggest slum, come back negative, you are worst of the coronavirus crisis, stigma of being found positive in cases in Kibera, and the Kenyan when in Boko Haram territory, where some residents say being fine, but with no test results, it’s are trying to head off an epi- and you are labelled by the rest government has weighed plans have died in military custody declared virus-free boosts their a bit difficult to get employed.” demic that has killed hundreds of the community,” said Ahmed to lock down the area, Kenyan at Safe Corridor between July chances of getting a job. Kibera is one of Africa’s of thousands of people on other Kalebi, consultant pathologist daily The Standard reported. 2017 and July 2019, Amnesty “Nowadays when you look biggest urban slums, home to continents. and chief executive officer of Kalebi said Kenya’s low case said. for work, they first ask to see an estimated half million Many Kibera residents are Lancet Group of Laboratories, load so far “suggests to me we It said the rehabilitation, your results first,” Shadrack people, who mostly live in tin- casual labourers, cleaners, a pathology laboratory active have actually kind of dodged a meant to last six months, can Jumba, a resident of Kibera, roofed shacks tightly packed market sellers and motorbike in 11 other African countries. bullet.” But health authorities go on for over three times located in Nairobi’s southwest, together, conditions health taxi drivers, who have lost work Kenya has so far recorded have said they expect the number longer. told Reuters as health workers authorities say make it hard to due to the COVID-19-linked 1,348 cases of COVID-19 and 52 of cases to peak in September. THURSDAY 28 MAY 2020 ASIA 07 North India reels under crippling heatwave

AFP — NEW DELHI Parts of New Delhi The UN’s weather agency, recorded the hottest the World Meteorological India is wilting under a Organization, on Tuesday urged heatwave, with temperatures May day in 18 years governments to make plans to in places reaching 50 degrees with the mercury keep people safe during heat- Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) waves without spreading the and the capital enduring its hitting 47.6 Celsius. virus. hottest May day in nearly two “We’re currently experi- decades. encing one of the hottest years Scorching weather is a Tuesday, “with severe heat on record,” WMO spokes- growing menace in the world’s wave conditions in isolated woman Clare Nullis Kapp told second-most populous nation, pockets”. a virtual briefing in Geneva. Housekeeping staff members prepare beds in a temporary quarantine facility for the incoming and the United Nations warned No deaths have been “COVID-19 amplifies the passengers inside a closed terminal building, at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, this week that the coronavirus reported so far this year, but health risks of hot weather for pandemic increased the asso- last year the government said many people, and it compli- after the government allowed domestic flight services to resume, in Kolkata, India, yesterday. ciated health risks. the heat had killed 3,500 people cates the task of managing it.” Indian meteorological offi- since 2015. There have been The United Nations agency cials said Churu in the northern fewer fatalities in recent years. teamed up Tuesday with non- Virus cases in India surpass 151,700 state of Rajasthan was the Last year, dozens of people governmental organisations to hottest place on record on died. The country of 1.3 billion call for stronger preparations AP — NEW DELHI set to end on Sunday. as migrant workers returning Tuesday, at 50 Celsius, while people also suffers from severe to keep people safe in hot The Health Ministry to native villages from large parts of Punjab, Haryana and water shortages with tens of weather while keeping a lid on India’s coronavirus caseload reported 151,767 cases yes- cities have begun arriving home Uttar Pradesh states sweltered millions lacking running water the pandemic. has surpassed 150,000, with terday, a jump of 6,387, with on special trains. in the high 40s. — to say nothing of air The information series, another single-day high of 4,337 deaths — an increase of India eased lockdown Parts of the capital, New conditioning. which covers topics such as more than 6,000 reported 170 in the past 24 hours. It said restrictions earlier this month, Delhi, recorded the hottest May Parts of Delhi and else- ventilation, vulnerable popu- yesterday. 64,426 people have recovered allowing shops to reopen and day in 18 years with the where regularly see scuffles lations and personal protection The spike comes as Prime from the virus. manufacturing to resume. Some mercury hitting 47.6 Celsius. when tankers arrive to deliver equipment, is being issued “to Minister Narendra Modi’s gov- Most of the cases are con- trains and domestic flights The hot spell is projected to water. Last year, Chennai made alert decision-makers to try to ernment prepares a new set of centrated in five of India’s 28 began operating again. scorch northern India for international headlines when help them manage the dual guidelines, with the fourth states. An increase has also Metro services, schools and several more days, the Meteor- the southern city ran out of challenge of heat and COVID”, phase of the two-month-old been reported in some of the colleges, and hotels and restau- ological Department said late water entirely. said Nullis Kapp. lockdown across the country country’s poorest eastern states rants are shuttered nationwide. Indonesia eyes V-shaped recovery with exit from virus lockdowns Australia eyes

AGENCIES — JAKARTA resuming operations, he said. destinations such as Bali and New Zealand Like many countries, Indo- Yogyakarta are among regions Indonesian officials are nesia is battling a surge in cases where the pandemic is under travel ‘bubble’ drawing up plans for a gradual and deaths from COVID-19, as control and ready for the new exit from strict social distancing well as a massive economic hit normal, he said. as cases fall measures, betting the return to on the back of strict social dis- With the COVID-19 pan- a new normal will pave the way tancing rules that have ham- demic taking a heavy toll on the REUTERS — MELBOURNE for a V-shaped recovery for pered commerce. Growth is economy, the government has Southeast Asia’s biggest expected to plunge to 2.3% this taken unprecedented emer- Falling numbers of active economy. year with officials warning the gency fiscal measures, aban- coronavirus cases in Australia Indonesia reported 686 economy may contract under doning a budget deficit ceiling and New Zealand are paving new coronavirus cases, a worst-case scenario. of 3% of gross domestic product the way for the easing of travel bringing the total number of “What we hope is for Indo- as it accelerates spending to restrictions between the two infections in the country to nesia to come out of this crisis counter the pandemic. It has countries, health officials said 23,851, a health ministry official with a V-shaped recovery or at announced stimulus packages yesterday, even as Australia said yesterday. least a U-shaped one,” Hartarto totalling $43bn to cushion the recorded its youngest corona- Indonesia also confirmed 55 said at a briefing in Jakarta after impact of the outbreak that’s virus death. new deaths from the virus, a cabinet meeting to review forecast to shrink the economy In Australia, active bringing the total fatalities to preparations for easing mobility 0.4% in a worst-case COVID-19 cases have dropped 1,473, the official, Achmad restrictions. The country must scenario. below 500 people, while New Yurianto, told reporters. prepare for “a new normal,” by The government may Zealand’s last coronavirus As of yesterday, 6,057 strengthening the health system reopen the economy in four patient was discharged from people have recovered. and adjusting economic activ- phases and the world’s largest hospital yesterday. The government is drafting ities, he said. Muslim-majority country may “The trans-Tasman bubble a new health protocol for reo- While the government will also gradually allow reopening is certainly a possibility,” Aus- pening of industrial estates in take steps to mitigate the of places of worship and reli- tralia’s Deputy Chief Medical regions where the COVID-19 spread of the virus, protecting gious gatherings, officials said. Officer Paul Kelly said. pandemic is under control, jobs must also be at the heart Authorities will reimpose “If we look at the countries Coordinating Minister for Eco- of its policy response, Hartarto social distancing rules in the that are doing extremely well nomic Affairs Airlangga said. event of a spike in new cases in in controlling this COVID-19 Hartarto said yesterday. Indonesia’s capital Jakarta, areas exiting partial lockdowns, problem, New Zealand is if Modern and wet markets, mining belts of Bangka Indonesia’s COVID-19 task anything a bit better than us. This aerial picture shows a long queue of vehicles at a checkpoint tourist sites and transport may Belitung, North Kalimantan and force chief Doni Monardo said. They have very few cases on a motorway leading to Jakarta, yesterday. follow industrial clusters in West Kalimantan and tourist now.” Senior health officials of both countries held prelim- Singaporean gets inary talks this week and are Malaysia adds fewest virus cases since March 12 preparing advice for their four months jail respective governments in the BLOOMBERG — KUALA LUMPUR were found among foreign Malaysia has detained hun- construction, restaurants and weeks ahead on how safe for COVID-19 workers at immigration dreds of undocumented plantations. travel could resume, he added. Malaysia reported the smallest detention centres as the gov- people, required testing for all Human rights organisation Australia has recorded Facebook post increase in new coronavirus ernment stepped up testing. migrant workers and imposed Lawyers for Liberty called for 7,144 cases of the disease and cases since March 12, after it The drop in the daily rise of stricter lockdown on some a temporary amnesty for 103 fatalities following the REUTERS — SINGAPORE saw a surge of infections among new cases yesterday shows the buildings home to mostly undocumented people to death of a 30-year-old man migrant workers earlier this result of the government’s foreigners. ensure they get access to with an underlying heart con- A taxi driver was jailed for four week. measures, including the That’s after neighbouring healthcare during the dition in Queensland, the months in Singapore yesterday The country added 15 cases lockdown moves, while the Singapore saw infections surge pandemic. country’s youngest COVID-19 over a Facebook post in which yesterday to bring the overall earlier jump in infections in dormitories for foreign Defense Minister Ismail victim. he falsely claimed food outlets number of infections to 7,619 among foreigners was due to workers. Sabri Yaakob said on Tuesday It was unclear how the would close and urged people with 115 deaths, according to the the health ministry’s “targeted Civil rights groups have that all undocumented migrants man contracted the disease. to stock up due to impending health ministry. approach” to curbing the spread since criticised Malaysia’s detained at immigration Kelly said 30 people COVID-19 restrictions, local The country added a total of the disease, said Director- stance toward migrant workers, detention centres will be tested remained in hospital, with six media reported. of 359 new cases on Tuesday General of Health Noor Hisham which many industries rely on and that two more hospitals will in intensive care and only Kenneth Lai Yong Hui, 40, and Monday, most of which Abdullah. for cheaper labour, including be designated to treat them. three on ventilators. deleted the message sent to a private Facebook group with around 7,500 members after Missing hikers found after 18 15 minutes, court records show, but the public prose- cutor called for a punishment days in New Zealand wilderness that would deter others. Singapore, which has seen AP — WELLINGTON, NZ concerned as the days pro- bouts of panic buying during gressed,” said police area com- a four-month battle with the Two hikers rescued in the New mander Paul Borrell in a virus, has imposed tough pun- Zealand wilderness yesterday statement. ishments on those who breach got lost in fog and exhausted The pair’s disappearance containment rules or spread their food but survived 18 days sparked a large search misinformation as it tackles with only minor injuries, police involving 50 people, including one of Asia’s highest COVID-19 said. five tracking experts, three dog rates. “The psychological fight Jessica O’Connor and Dion teams and two helicopter to allay fear and hysteria is just Reynolds, both 23, had hiked crews. Police said the search as important as the fight to into the sprawling Kahurangi was difficult because the area contain the spread of COVID- National Park on May 9, was remote, rugged and 19,” deputy public prosecutor intending to be gone for about forested. Deborah Lee said in her sen- five days, according to police. Bad weather earlier this A woman with her children makes her way through a dam damaged by cyclone Amphan in Satkhira, tencing submission, according But they became lost in fog week had hampered the search Bangladesh, yesterday. to case documents. within the first few days and and raised more concerns Lai, who represented then ran out of food, police about the pair’s safety. himself and could not be said. St John ambulance spokes- reached for comment, was Four dead after boat capsizes in Bangladesh The pair chose to stay in person Ngaire Jones said the sentenced to four months’ jail place and were rescued by a pair was brought by the heli- in the State Courts yesterday. QNA — DHAKA Police said the boat, which after the boat capsized in a military helicopter after crews copter to Nelson Airport where The offence of transmitting was carrying about 70 people, strong current and choppy river spotted smoke from a fire the medics found they had only a false message in Singapore At least 4 workers were killed, most of whom were daily waters. hikers had lit. minor injuries. They were then is punishable with a fine not and 15 are still missing, after a workers, sank on Tuesday, But at least 15 people were “This is a fantastic outcome taken to Nelson Hospital, Jones exceeding S$10,000 ($7,000) boat capsized in the Jamuna amid bad weather. still missing by yesterday and one that we were all said. Police said their condition or imprisonment for a term not River in Sirajganj district, Officials confirmed that at morning and search efforts hoping for, although we were seemed very good considering exceeding three years, or both. northern Bangladesh. least 50 people swam ashore were under way. becoming increasingly their long ordeal. 08 VIEWS THURSDAY 28 MAY 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

EDITORIAL Hong Kong business centre and harbour. National Security Legislation will protect Qatar’s strong telecom sector THE telecom sector of Qatar continues to grow and global investors’ interests in Hong Kong empower customers by connecting them with each other. Revenues of the telecommunications sector in Qatar for the year 2019 amounted to QR9.7bn, according ZHANG JIAN — DIRECTOR OF HONG great peril. Since then a politicians. The central gov- over a hundred times, I have KONG AND MACAU STUDIES, SHANGHAI to Telecommunications Market Report 2015-2019 INSTITUTES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDIES majority of Hong Kong resi- ernment will never allow always cherished a deep released by the Communications Regulatory Authority. dents have been expecting the Hong Kong to become a safe affection for the city and The mobile telephone penetration in Qatar reached central government to take haven for rioters and ter- regarded it as my second 143 percent, and the mobile broadband penetration Beijing’s draft decision at the decisive actions to protect the rorists who plot separatist and hometown. In the heat of the 129 percent, according to the report. The Telecommu- National People’s Congress to city and its people. The need subversive activities against protests over the extradition nications Market Report contains main indicators of the introduce a national security for a security law is not only China. bill last year, I talked with telecommunications market in Qatar for the period 2015 law in Hong Kong has urgent but imperative. The social unrest has some of the young people - 2019, showing trends, evolutions, as well as to provide sparked international Over the past few years, undermined global investors’ who had been engaged in guidance to stakeholders who are interested in further concerns about its broader some local fringe groups have confidence in Hong Kong. street violence to know what elaborations and analyses. implications for Hong Kong’s been openly calling for inde- Moody’s and S&P have they really wanted. To my The report indicated that retail telecom sector invest- status as a global financial pendence, self-government, lowered their credit ratings disappointment, none of them ments for 2019 amounted to QR1.7bn. The number of hub and the high degree of and referendum. Violent for the city for the first time in ever gave a definitive answer. fixed voice communication and fixed broadband autonomy the city has extremists have desecrated the past 20 years. After The bloody anti-government services subscribers reached half a million, while the enjoyed since 1997. For those the national flag and defaced assessing all the potential protests and aimless young number of fixed broadband service subscribers reached who care deeply about the the national emblem. Last risks (for example, interna- people have really upset me 300,000. According to the report, the number of sub- special administrative year some rioters even went tional capital flight or Hong over their future and the city’s scriptions to mobile services reached 3.9 million, and region’s future, the memories so far as to besiege Beijing’s Kong’s integrity as a global prospects. Unless something the number of subscriptions to mobile broadband of last year’s social unrest, Liaison Office and wave US financial hub) that may is done, neither investors nor services 3.5 million. especially those violent and and UK flags and flags of accompany the legislative travelers are ready to venture According to another survey by the CRA, overall sat- bloody incidents that Hong Kong independence, move, Beijing has come to the into a city of chaos. isfaction with telecommunication services among busi- happened to average Hong- appealing for foreign inter- conclusion that it is worth to It really hurts to see one of nesses in Qatar is high. The findings show strong results kongers, must still remain ference in China’s domestic make short-term sacrifices the four Asian tigers and a for the level of satisfaction across all service categories. fresh. An elder died shortly affairs and undermining the for the long-term security and financial center on a par with Fixed services including Voice, Internet and Leased Lines after being smashed in the one country, two systems stability of Hong Kong and New York and London report to have the highest levels of business consumer head, a passerby was burned framework. China. Without long-term sta- descend into a place con- satisfaction with at least 90 percent of respondents either by a petrol bomb, a local Last year’s upheaval has bility there will be no pros- stantly threatened by street ‘extremely satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with the services. legislator was stabbed in the cast the current administra- perity to speak of. In this violence and bloody demon- As per the survey, in 2019, the level of overall satis- stomach, a police officer’s tion’s credibility and compe- sense, the national security strations. The one country, faction with all telecommunication services has either throat was slit, a traveller tence into question. It seems legislation will ultimately two system framework ben- increased or remained consistent when compared to the from the mainland was tied impossible that local author- consolidate Hong Kong’s efits not only Hong Kong and 2015 baseline study. The percentage of fixed broadband up and intimidated, and an ities can pass a national position in the global financial China but also the rest of the subscriptions for fiber connection services was 92 Australian tourist assaulted by security law to enact Article 23 market, strengthen interna- world. Hundreds of thousands percent, and the rate for fixed broadband subscriptions mobsters. Those riots had put of the city’s Basic Law on its tional investors’ confidence, of investors, businessmen, with advertised speed (30 Mbps) reached 86 percent. the lives of local residents and own. The national security leg- and protect foreigners’ busi- and expatriates from all over The ‘Business Consumer Satisfaction Survey 2019’ international travellers in islation is long overdue more nesses in the city. the world are now living in presents the detailed findings of satisfaction among than 23 years after Hong Kong Moreover, the national the city. No governments business consumers in Qatar with their telecommuni- Governments in the was returned to China and 30 security law will be enacted to around the world would like cation service providers, Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar. years after the promulgation of criminalise specific acts of sep- to see their commercial The findings are based on a nationally represent- rest of the world the Basic Law. Beijing has no aratism, subversion, terrorism, interests or the lives of their ative survey of 1,635 businesses across a broad range might be blaming choice but to take the matters and foreign interference. It will compatriots threatened by of industry sectors, business sizes and geographic loca- into its own hands in order to not affect the normal life of acts of violence. Were these tions in Qatar. The study gathered the opinions from China for not taking safeguard its sovereignty and Hong Kong residents. The legit- life-threatening acts left individuals within the business who are either decision decisive and forceful ensure Hong Kong’s long-term imate rights and interests of unchecked, the day may not makers for procurement or responsible for managing stability and prosperity. investors and travellers will be far when the whole world the telecommunication service needs of the business. action earlier on to Amid the intensifying stra- continued to be protected by looks on as hundreds of thou- According to the survey, business consumers in Qatar protect their interests. tegic competition between local laws. Hong Kong is the sands of expatriates are being report very high satisfaction levels with all fixed services. The plan to enact the Beijing and Washington, the conduit through which interna- evacuated from a place that The telecom sector is making significant contribution Trump administration is tional capital has flown into the once boasted the world’s most to the development of the economy in Qatar. national security law increasingly use Hong Kong mainland, which has enabled free and open economy. By is indeed a preemptive as a diplomatic leverage to China to grow into the world’s that time, governments in the contain China’s development. second-largest economy. The rest of the world might be measure against such Through domestic legislation, last thing Beijing will do is kill blaming China for not taking a grim scenario. executive orders, and local the goose that has laid so many decisive and forceful action D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR NGOs, Washington is insti- golden eggs. earlier on to protect their As a scholar having been interests. The plan to enact EMAIL: [email protected] gating anti-China and anti- government riots by oppo- studying Hong Kong affairs the national security law is sition forces who have been over the last 15 years and indeed a preemptive measure EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 aided and abetted by some US visited the “Pearl of the East” against such a grim scenario. FAX: +974 4455 7758 MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 New USAID religious freedom adviser has history of anti-Islam comments DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 JOSH ROGIN Trump administration moves year, he shared a post on spewing hatred and bigotry THE WASHINGTON POST that are raising concerns it is Facebook that called Islam “a has any place helping to lead LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 undermining USAID’s ability barbaric cult,” reported. one of our government On Tuesday, the US Agency to fulfil its mission as the Four days after the Orlando agencies,” House Foreign BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 for International Devel- United States’ lead agency for terrorist attack that same June, Affairs Committee Chairman opment got a new “religious helping the world’s poorest he shared a meme saying Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., told me. SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 freedom adviser” who has a countries improve their potential gun buyers should be “The comments he made long history of making and economy, security and health. forced to eat bacon. In another four years ago were in ref- ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 promoting anti-Islam USAID officials confirmed post, Lloyd wrote that “those erence to radical Islam, not email: [email protected] comments on social media. to me that Barsa chose Mark who understand Islam for what Islam,” a USAID spokesperson This is just the latest reason Kevin Lloyd to be USAID’s it is are gearing up for the fight,” said, referring to the “barbaric PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 officials and aid experts are new “religious freedom the AP reported. Those post are cult” example, but declining email: [email protected] concerned about the politici- adviser.” His first day was no longer public, but Lloyd’s to explain any of Lloyd’s other sation and dysfunction of the Tuesday. In 2016, the Asso- Facebook account as of Tuesday Islamophobic statements. The ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 country’s lead development ciated Press reported that still shows public posts where he spokesperson also said Lloyd FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] agency under acting adminis- Lloyd (then the Trump cam- accuses Barack Obama of ties to has experience working for a trator John Barsa - a particu- paign’s Virginia field director) the Muslim Brotherhood and faith-based provider of global CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 larly dangerous dynamic in had made and shared several says people who believe Islam is relief assistance, called email: [email protected] the middle of the coronavirus Islamophobic posts on his a peaceful religion don’t under- Gleaning for the World, that pandemic. The appointment is personal social media stand history. will be valuable during the SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 just the latest in a series of accounts. On June 30 of that “No one with a history of COVID-19 pandemic. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar There's no question that an in-person meetings in an ideal situation are much more effective /Peninsula_Qatar than virtual meetings. However there are many questions to answer before we can commit to /ThePeninsulaNewspaper showing up in person G7 meeting. +974 6698 6188 Justin Trudeau, Canadian Prime Minister THURSDAY 28 MAY 2020 ASIA 09

Pakistan brings Protesters back 176 stranded citizens mass in Hong from India Kong as anthem ANATOLIA — LAHORE Another group of 176 Pakistanis, who were stranded in India due to the coronavirus lockdown, law is debated returned home yesterday. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the citizens returned to AP — HONG KONG cardboard boxes and plastic on Pakistan via the Attari-Wagah fire as demonstrations carried land border between the two Thousands of protesters on into the night. The blaze was countries. shouted pro-democracy slogans put out by firefighters. The citizens were stranded and insults at police in Hong Across Hong Kong, 360 in different Indian states — Kong yesterday as lawmakers people were arrested on including Chhattisgarh, debated a bill criminalising charges including unauthorised Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, abuse of the Chinese national assembly, possession of items Maharashtra, Punjab, A large group of detainees sitting on the ground as police officers set up a police cordon in Causeway anthem in the semi-auton- that could be used for unlawful Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Bay district in Hong Kong, China, yesterday. omous city. purposes — such as gasoline Uttarakhand — and the capital Police massed outside the bombs — to driving slowly and New Delhi due to the extended legislative building ahead of the blocking traffic, according to Beijing officials say it will foster 2014, known as the Umbrella testers and police. The legis- lockdown and closure of the session and warned protesters Facebook posts by the Hong a patriotic spirit and socialist Revolution, followed the lation was withdrawn. border following the outbreak that if they did not disperse, Kong police force. values. The debate over the Chinese government’s decision China’s ceremonial par- of COVID-19. According to the they could be prosecuted. The bill would make it anthem bill is expected to con- to allow direct election of the liament now meeting in Beijing Foreign Office, almost 400 In the Central business dis- illegal to insult or abuse the tinue today. city leader only after it screened has moved to enact a national stranded Pakistanis have so far trict, police raised flags warning Chinese national anthem, The bill was proposed in candidates. In the end, the plan security law for Hong Kong been evacuated from India protesters to disperse before “March of the Volunteers” in January 2019 after spectators for direct elections was aimed at forbidding secessionist since March 20. they shot pepper balls at the semi-autonomous Hong Kong. from Hong Kong jeered at the dropped. and subversive activity, as well “In line with the Prime crowd and searched several Those guilty of the offense anthem during high-profile Legislation proposed in as foreign interference and ter- Minister’s directions, for safe people. More than 50 people in would face up to three years in international soccer matches in Hong Kong last year that would rorism. Hong Kong’s own gov- and smooth repatriation of the Causeway Bay shopping dis- prison and a fine of 50,000 2015. Last year, FIFA fined the have allowed Hong Kong resi- ernment has been unable to stranded Pakistanis, the High trict were rounded up and made Hong Kong dollars ($6,450). Hong Kong Football Association dents to be sent to mainland pass such legislation due to Commission for Pakistan in to sit outside a shopping mall. Opponents of the bill say it after fans booed the national China for trials set off months opposition in the city, and New Delhi remained in close In the Mong Kok district in is a blow to freedom of anthem at a World Cup quali- of demonstrations that at times Beijing advanced the law itself contact with the Indian side Kowloon, some protesters set expression in the city, while fying game. Mass protests in involved clashes between pro- after the protests last year. and the Foreign Office has been coordinating with other national authorities in Man arrested Pakistan,” the High Com- South Korea sees biggest jump in virus cases mission of Pakistan said in a over arson statement issued on Tuesday. AFP — SEOUL museums and churches have The commission in New attack on Japan reopened while some profes- Delhi also facilitated and coor- South Korea reported its biggest sional sports — including dinated logistics for the animation studio jump in coronavirus infections baseball and soccer — started transfer of these people to in seven weeks yesterday, new seasons earlier this month, Attari from more than 20 dif- AFP – TOKYO driven by a fresh cluster at an albeit behind closed doors. ferent Indian cities. e-commerce warehouse on More than two million students Some of them were getting Japanese police yesterday Seoul’s outskirts, as millions returned to classes yesterday, treatment in different hospitals formally arrested a man on more pupils went back to as part of the phased reopening in India, while many of them suspicion of an arson attack school. of schools. were visiting their families on an animation studio in The country has been held Some high schools were before the lockdown. Kyoto last year that killed 36 up as a global model in how to forced to turn back pupils The commission has estab- people, a police spokesman curb the virus and has rushed shortly after resuming classes lished a special help desk that said. to contain new infections as life last week over concerns of new is catering to special requests The attack on the well- returns to normal. virus cases in their of Pakistanis stranded in India. known Kyoto Animation But officials announced 40 neighbourhood. “People are calling us on anime studio was the deadliest new cases yesterday — taking The country endured one of our helpline and a team is also Students arrive as they keep social distance at an elementary violent crime in decades in its total to 11,265 — with most the worst early outbreaks of the monitoring the social media. school in Seoul, South Korea, yesterday. famously safe Japan, and new infections from the densely disease outside mainland China, Today, we have received more shocked the country. populated Seoul metropolitan and while it never imposed a than 20 new requests.” the Shinki Aoba allegedly area. It was the largest increase added. “It is suspected that the could lead to a dreadful result compulsory lockdown, strict High Commission said. The broke into the building, “scat- since 53 infections were basic regulations were not of a mass infection.” But offi- social distancing had been number of coronavirus tered gasoline on the ground announced on April 8. enforced at the warehouse,” cials said the possibility of widely observed since March. infection cases in India has floor, set fire to it,” and killed An outbreak at a warehouse said vice health minister Kim parcel recipients being infected But it appears to have brought soared to 153,237, whereas 14 men and 22 women, a of e-commerce firm Coupang Gang-lip. was low. Social distancing rules its outbreak under control thanks Pakistan has 59,151 confirmed police spokesman said, con- in Bucheon, west of Seoul, has “If quarantine rules are not have been relaxed in South to an extensive “trace, test and cases. firming his arrest on suspicion seen 36 cases so far, the KCDC implemented at workplaces, it Korea and facilities such as treat” programme. of murder yesterday. Aoba, 42, was detained in Two policemen the immediate aftermath of the July 2019 attack, which First virus-era expedition shot dead in also injured dozens of people. But he was hospitalised imme- to measure Mount Everest Islamabad diately, suffering serious burns. AFP — BEIJING Chinese survey in 2005 AP — ISLAMABAD He was reportedly uncon- measured the peak at 8,844.43 scious for weeks and police A group of Chinese surveyors metres, not including the snow Two suspected militants riding held off charging him until his yesterday became the first team and icepack on the summit, on a motorcycle opened fire condition stabilised. this year to summit Mount while Nepal’s official figure on two policemen manning a No motive for the attack Everest, where they will try to includes the Everest’s frosty roadside checkpoint on the has been established, with pinpoint the height of the crown and is four metres higher. outskirts of Pakistan's capital, reports claiming Aoba shouted world’s tallest peak using There also has been specu- Islamabad, killing both of them “drop dead” before the assault. satellite technology. lation over whether recent before fleeing the scene, the He has reportedly con- The state-backed expedition seismic events, particularly a police said yesterday. fessed to the arson, and there is the first this year to reach the powerful 2015 earthquake in The attack took place on have been claims that he top of the mountain after China Nepal, had affected the moun- Tuesday night in the city’s area accused the studio of stealing and Nepal in March suspended tain’s height. of Tarnol and was reportedly Chinese surveyors and climbers preparing to leave the base camp his work. the busy spring climbing season State-run Xinhua news claimed by Hizbul Ahrar, a aiming to pinpoint the height of Mount Everest in China’s Tibet In addition to the charge due to coronavirus fears. It agency have touted the expe- splinter group of the Pakistani of murdering the 36 people remains suspended. dition as a chance to achieve a Autonomous Region, on May 6, 2020. Taliban. who died in the attack, Aoba Under clear blue skies, the highly accurate measurement, According to the initial faces attempted murder team set up surveying saying survey equipment will findings in a joint the approaching summer police investigation, two charges over the 34 people equipment at the peak, ping signals off a Chinese sat- announcement. The expedition monsoon brings dangerous cli- gunmen were involved in the who suffered injuries. according to a video livestream ellite and that other “advanced set out on April 30, but was matic conditions. attack and they opened fire Aoba is still recovering provided by Chinese state domestic surveying and delayed twice due to bad The 2019 climbing season when the officers signalled for from his burns, but police have media. The exact height of the mapping instruments” will be weather. saw record overcrowding on them to stop. prepared medical treatment massive mountain, which employed. It was not clear when Climbers only have a short Mount Everest, which led to 11 The funeral for the two facilities at a police station to straddles the China-Nepal the survey results would be window of opportunity to make deaths as climbers waited hours slain officers, Sajid Ahmed and which he will be sent, public border, remains a point of released, but China and Nepal the risky ascent during the main in lines to reach the summit with Mohsin Zafar, was held before broadcaster NHK reported. debate. The most recent official agreed last year to reveal the spring climbing season before dwindling oxygen supplies. dawn yesterday. US troop number in Afghanistan down to around 8,500: Official AFP — KABUL ceasefire, but Afghan security or over a certain age was being Taliban spokesman Zabi- Taliban prisoners that had been extend the ceasefire, we are forces conducted air strikes in prioritised. hullah Mujahid said on Twitter agreed in the US deal with the ready to continue the ceasefire The US military withdrawal the south that killed 18 “mili- Afghans enjoyed a rare that a government air strike insurgents and is seen as key too,” National Security Council from Afghanistan is consid- tants”, police said. respite in the nearly 19-year- had either killed or wounded to kickstarting long-delayed spokesman Javid Faisal said on erably ahead of schedule, an Under a deal the US signed old war during the ceasefire, five civilians, including four peace talks. Tuesday. official said yesterday. with the Taliban in February, only the second of its type. children. On Tuesday, the Afghan The future of talks with the The developments came as the Pentagon was to bring No major violence was According to Afghanistan’s military freed about 1,000 insurgents “depends on the questions loomed over the next troop levels down from about reported until after the pause Independent Human Rights Taliban inmates, mostly from Taliban’s next move”, he added. phase of Afghanistan’s long war 12,000 to 8,600 by mid-July, ended yesterday with air Commission, civilian casualties Bagram jail near Kabul, as part The prisoner swap is part following a historic, three-day before withdrawing all forces strikes in southern Zabul fell by 80 percent during the of a pledge to release up to of a US-Taliban deal, which ceasefire that led to a major by May 2021. province. ceasefire. 2,000 insurgents in response excluded the Afghan gov- drop in civilian casualties. But a senior US defence The strikes killed 18 mili- It said that on an average, to the Taliban-led ceasefire. ernment, that stipulates The truce, which the official said the troop number tants in response to an attack 30 civilians would be killed and A senior Taliban member Kabul would release up to Taliban called to mark the was already at approximately on a security forces convoy in wounded every day during the said that in return, the insur- 5,000 Taliban prisoners and Muslim celebration of Eid Al 8,500, as commanders accel- Shah Joy district, provincial holy month of Ramadan. gents planned to free up to 100 the militants would free Fitr, ended yesterday, leaving erate the withdrawal over fears police spokesman Lal But this fell to six killed and Afghan security force members about 1,000 national security Afghans anxious about whether of the coronavirus. Mohammad Amiri said. wounded on each day of the as early as today. personnel. it would be extended, or when “The drawdown was accel- Three children were also ceasefire, the commission said Top Afghan officials have Kabul had already freed the war might come raging erated due to COVID-19 pre- injured in the operation, he on Twitter. demanded the Taliban extend about 1,000 Taliban inmates back. cautions,” the official said, added, without specifying The Afghan government the ceasefire and offered to before the ceasefire, while the Violence levels remained noting that the departure of which group the militants meanwhile said it would con- reciprocate. insurgents had released about low even after the end of the anyone with health concerns belonged to. tinue with the release of “If the Taliban are ready to 300 government captives. 10 EUROPE THURSDAY 28 MAY 2020 UK rolls out ‘test and trace’ plan; PM refuses aide’s inquiry

AP — LONDON Britain was unprepared to Britain’s official partisan politics. At least 30 mount such an operation when coronavirus death toll lawmakers in Johnson’s Con- After two months of lockdown the outbreak first hit. Britain’s servative Party have called on and more than 37,000 corona- official coronavirus death toll stands at 37,460, the Cummings to resign, citing an virus deaths, Britain yesterday stands at 37,460, the highest highest total in the outpouring of fury from their finally rolled out a countrywide total in the world after the constituents. “test and trace” programme — United States. world after the United But Johnson appears deter- an enormous undertaking “To be absolutely blunt, we States. mined to retain the aide seen as meant to help isolate the virus didn’t have the enzymes, we instrumental to his rise to power and return the country to some didn’t have the test kits, we just — even if it erodes public trust sense of normality. didn’t have the volume, nor did “It requires all of us to do in Britain’s response to the pan- Prime Minister Boris we have enough experienced our civic duty,’’ said Dido demic. The prime minister Johnson also hopes the pro- trackers ready to mount the Harding, the former telecoms refused yesterday to hold an gramme, which starts in kind of operation they did in executive appointed to head the official inquiry into Cummings’ England today, will shift the some other East Asian coun- test and trace program. actions. nation’s attention away from a tries, for instance,” Johnson told “Instead of 60 million Facing questioning by Par- furore over allegations his top a committee of lawmakers. people being in national liament’s Liaison Committee of aide flouted the government’s “And I think the brutal lockdown, a much smaller senior lawmakers, Johnson said own lockdown rules with a reality is this country didn’t number of us will be told that an inquiry wouldn’t be “a very Britain’s Health Secretary Matt Hancock attending a remote press cross-country trip. learn the lessons of (previous we need to stay at home,’’ good use of official time.” “I conference to update the nation on the novel coronavirus pandemic, The test and trace project outbreaks of) SARS or MERS, Harding said. totally understand public indig- involves 50,000 workers, and we didn’t have a test oper- While people could poten- at 10 Downing Street in central London, yesterday. nation, I totally understand that, including 25,000 contact- ation ready to go on the scale tially be fined for noncom- but I do think that... it would be tracers hired to track down the that we needed.” Britain has had pliance, Harding said she hoped who have already sacrificed Cummings says he travelled much better if we could now contacts of anyone who tests small tracking and testing pro- that would not be needed. But personal freedom for the public to the family farm so that his move on and focus on the next positive for COVID-19. The goal grammes for diseases such as the appeal to Britons’ sense of good. nieces could care for his 4-year- steps,” he said — like the test is to isolate the infected before tuberculosis, but the sheer scale civic duty could not have come Downing Street adviser old son if he and his wife both and trace programme. they spread the virus. Similar of this project is a challenge. at a worse time for the Dominic Cummings drove 400 became sick. But that expla- One thing missing so far is programmes are being intro- Anyone with symptoms will government. km from London to his parents’ nation has prompted fury with a mobile phone app meant to duced in Scotland, Wales and be told to get a test, which they Though the public has house in northeast England many Britons, who say they complement the tracing work. Northern Ireland. can order by phone or online. responded better than politi- while he was falling ill with sus- were unable to attend funerals A pilot project began earlier this Johnson said test and trace If they test positive their close cians expected to the directives pected COVID-19 — despite and visit elderly relatives, month but government officials could “unlock the prison” of contacts will be traced and told to stay home, a scandal stay-at-home rules that the among other struggles, in order have refused to say when it will lockdown. to isolate for 14 days, even if involving Johnson’s top aide has government had imposed on to follow government rules. be released — or what is holding He acknowledged that they have no symptoms. prompted fury among people the rest of the country. Anger has gone well beyond up the project. Spain reports one new New infection cases on the death from coronavirus rise in Italy

REUTERS — MADRID equivalent to more than 43,000 AP/REUTERS — ROME extra deaths. Spain has registered 27,118 “Clearly some of the excess Italy’s known death toll in the deaths from the coronavirus, can be attributed to coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic topped the Health Ministry said but establishing cause of death 33,000 yesterday, with 117 yesterday, just one more than is very complicated, especially more deaths registered the previous day, but coun- in people with underlying nationwide since the previous trywide mortality data suggest health conditions,” Dr. Joan day. the actual toll could be much Ramon Villalbi, a board But authorities higher. member of the Spanish Society acknowledge that the real The ministry said 39 deaths for Public Health and Sanitary number of deaths will were reported over the last Administration, said. probably never be known seven days, while a total of Pinpointing COVID-19’s true since many with coronavirus 236,769 cases have been toll has proved problematic for symptoms in care residences detected since the beginning of authorities. or in their own homes died the outbreak. On Monday, the gov- without being tested in the But a project by the National ernment revised down its past few months. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (centre), Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Epidemiology Centre, which official death count by nearly Lombardy, the northern Presidency and Relations with Parliament Carmen Calvo (left) and Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs compares deaths recorded 2,000 after removing duplicate region, which has registered across the country’s civil regis- cases and people who were Arancha Gonzalez Laya (right) observing a minute of silence for COVID-19 victims at La Moncloa Palace more than a third of the entire tries with historical averages, mistakenly recorded as dying in Madrid, yesterday, on the first day of the official 10 days of public mourning. nation’s known cases, con- suggests 55 percent more from the virus. firmed 384 new coronavirus people died than expected It expects further fluctua- authorities apply a new meth- deaths. Spaniards fell silent mark the start of the mourning infections yesterday, consid- between March 13 and May 22, tions in the coming days as odology for logging cases and across the nation at midday to period for all the victims. erably more than the 73 reg- istered in the next heaviest-hit region, Piedmont, also in the 26 arrested over north. EU governments ban malaria drug to treat COVID-19 Health Ministry and other migrant lorry government officials are REUTERS — PARIS/LONDON/ to involve as many as 40,000 infection. However, more recent declined to comment on the closely monitoring regions for tragedy in Britain MILAN healthcare workers. studies have raised serious future of its two trials. any jump in new cases fol- “All hydroxychloroquine safety issues. British medical Italian health authorities lowing the May 18 easing of AFP — BRUSSELS European governments moved trials in COVID-19 remain under journal The Lancet has reported concluded that the risks, coupled many lockdown restrictions, yesterday to halt the use of anti- close review” while investigators coronavirus patients receiving with little evidence hydroxy- including allowing all retail Police in Belgium and France malaria drug hydroxychloro- assess any further risks, the hydroxychloroquine were more chloroquine was beneficial stores to re-open and cafes have arrested 26 suspected quine to treat COVID-19 Medicines and Healthcare likely to die and experience dan- against COVID-19, merited a ban and restaurants to resume in- people smugglers over the patients, and a second global products Regulatory Agency gerous irregular heartbeats. outside of clinical trials. house service. deaths of 39 Vietnamese trial of it was suspended, further (MHRA) said in an email to Yesterday, France’s health “New clinical evidence on Italians are waiting to migrants in a refrigerated blows to hopes for a treatment Reuters. The swift moves by ministry cancelled a decree in the use of hydroxychloroquine learn if they will be able to truck in Britain last year. promoted by US President authorities in countries hit place for nearly two months that in subjects with SARS-CoV-2 freely travel among all regions The migrants — 31 men Donald Trump. hardest by the pandemic high- had allowed hospital doctors to infection...indicates an increased starting on June 3, or only and eight women — were The moves by France, Italy lighted the challenge for govern- dispense it in specific situations risk for adverse reactions with among some of them, in view found dead in the truck in an and Belgium followed a World ments scrambling to find ways for COVID-19. little or no benefit,” medicines of contagion rates. industrial zone east of London Health Organization decision on to treat patients and control the Medicines agencies in agency AIFA said. Currently travel between in October, sparking an inter- Monday to pause a large trial of novel coronavirus. France and Italy said the drug The WHO said a safety panel regions is limited to strict national outcry. hydroxychloroquine due to After early reports that it should not be used for COVID-19 would evaluate by mid-June the necessity. The driver of the lorry has safety concerns. might help some patients, reg- outside clinical trials. Belgium’s drug’s use in its multi-country Italy registered 584 con- already admitted man- A UK regulator said yes- ulators in several countries had regulator said trials aiming to trial of potential COVID-19 treat- firmed new cases yesterday, slaughter over the deaths but terday that a separate trial was allowed hydroxychloroquine to evaluate the drug should also ments. Germany is looking at raising to 231,139 the total Tuesday’s arrests targeted the also being put on hold, less than be used as a potential COVID-19 take potential risks into The Lancet study and the WHO’s number of known coronavirus ring of smugglers suspected of a week after its launch. The treatment. Trump was a partic- consideration. decision but has not made any infections in the country, organising the migrants’ study, being led by the Uni- ularly strong supporter, Swiss drugmaker Novartis decision about new guidance on according to Health Ministry journey. Police swooped in a versity of Oxford and partly describing the drug as a is pushing ahead with its US hydroxychloroquine, a spokes- figures. Officials said 2.291 series of raids around Brussels funded by the Bill and Melinda “gamechanger” and announcing study involving 440 patients, woman for its drugs regulator million people have now been and Paris as part of a probe Gates Foundation, was expected he was taking it to prevent while French company Sanofi said. tested for the virus. also involving British and Irish investigators. In Belgium — where some of the victims stayed before France backs virus tracing their fateful journey — police held 13 people, including 11 app; reports 66 new deaths Vietnamese nationals. “The network set up by the REUTERS — PARIS The French health ministry smugglers is suspected of said in a statement that the having likely transported up France’s coronavirus death toll number of fatalities from the to several dozen people every rose by less than 100 for the coronavirus had risen by 66, or day for several months,” seventh day running yesterday 0.2%, to 28,596, the fourth- Belgian federal prosecutors while the number of confirmed highest tally in the world. said in a statement. “The cases climbed only modestly, The daily death toll organisation focused on trans- according to data which indi- increased on average by 910 porting refugees from Asia, cated the worst of the between April 1 and April 15 as particularly from Vietnam.” pandemic could be over for the France struggled to contain the Prosecutors suspect the gang country for now. outbreak. organised the transport of the Prime Minister Edouard The number of confirmed Vietnamese migrants in the Philippe will today detail new cases rose by 191, or 0.1%, to container where they died. steps in the lifting of a two- 145,555, a lower rate of increase Most of those arrested in month lockdown that was than the daily average of 0.2% France are also Vietnamese, imposed on March 17, which seen during the last seven days. according to an investigation could include the reopening of Meanwhile, the number of source. The probe has dis- clubs and restaurants in some patients in hospital with coro- covered that the migrants who parts of France. navirus fell by 584, or 3.6%, to died were loaded onto the truck Travel industry demands govt assistance Earlier yesterday, the 16,264, the sharpest decline to in northern France, and that the French government’s contact- date. Representatives of travel agencies, bus companies and tour operators stage a protest to draw attention network continued its opera- tracing app plan was approved Intensive care patients to the economic losses in travel industry caused by COVID-19 pandemic and demand government tions even after the tragedy, by the lower house of par- dropped by 54 to 1,555, con- charging ¤15,000 to ¤20,000 assistance, in Berlin, Germany, yesterday. liament, paving the way for a tinuing the downward trend of to cross from France to Britain. weekend launch. the last almost seven weeks. THURSDAY 28 MAY 2020 EUROPE / AMERICAS 11 Moscow to ease curbs starting June 1 as pandemic stabilises

AFP — MOSCOW Moscow Mayor construction and industry sectors. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin Sergei Sobyanin said The number of hospitalisa- yesterday announced an easing that lifting some tions in Moscow has fallen 40 of the Russian capital’s restrictions was percent since then, he said. lockdown starting June 1 after “We acted proactively and the Kremlin said the corona- justified because didn’t waste time,” Putin said virus pandemic had passed its of an improvement of anti-virus measures taken peak in the country. in the situation in Moscow. “Today we can already talk Sobyanin also proposed about the next steps out of the since May 12, allowing residents of the crisis situation,” Sobyanin told when around half capital to take walks under President Vladimir Putin during a million labourers some limitations, expanding Medical specialists put on personal protective equipment at a hospital which delivers treatment to a televised video conference. rules that have kept Muscovites patients infected with the coronavirus, in Moscow. “I propose from June 1 to were allowed to within a 100-metre radius of reopen not only food retail but return to work in their home. Details of the new measures During yesterday’s meeting, campaign. Official virus figures all non-food retail.” the construction and Sobyanin proposed as a test are expected to published on the Putin reiterated that the peak released yesterday showed a The mayor also called for measure allowing people to go Moscow city hall website in the of the pandemic had passed in decrease in active cases for the the reopening of retail services industry sectors. on walks according to a stag- coming days, with questions Russia and the capital, praising second day in a row. where there is minimal contact gered schedule based on their remaining over when shopping Sobyanin for halving infections After peaking in mid-May with the customer, listing dry home addresses. malls will open and whether in Moscow and introducing at more than 11,000 new cases cleaners, laundry services and pandemic in the country with He described the decision there will be a limit on numbers widespread testing. per day, the number of daily repair workshops. around half the total of more as “very difficult,” because he of shoppers in stores. “The situation in Moscow infections has dropped below Moscow has been under than 370,000 cases. feared allowing unrestricted Putin announced in and in the country in general is 9,000. lockdown since March 30, with The mayor said that lifting walks would mean “there will mid-May that nationwide anti- stabilising, indeed,” Putin said. Putin on Tuesday ordered a residents only allowed to leave some restrictions was justified be about as many out as at a virus measures were being With 370,680 total infec- World War II victory parade their homes for brief trips to a because of an improvement in May 1 rally,” referring to a Soviet eased as the situation improved tions, Russia has the third- delayed by the pandemic to be shop, to walk dogs or travel to the situation since May 12, holiday celebrating workers. and dozens of regions highest number of cases after held on June 24, cautioning that essential jobs with a permit. when around half a million The number of commuters throughout the country have the United States and Brazil, “strict safety measures” would The Russian captial labourers were allowed to has gone up by a million from already begun to return to which officials say is due in need to be put in place for the emerged as the epicentre of the return to work in the May 12, Sobyanin added. normal. large part to a massive testing event, originally set for May 9. Switzerland to relax virus rules further as new cases ebb Venezuela REUTERS — ZURICH The move would unwind decide on June 24 whether to Switzerland said, citing But it told southern approves the current ban on meetings of also lift a ban on events with up favourable epidemiological neighbour Italy, which has been Switzerland unveiled plans more than five people that have to 1,000 people. developments. severely hit by the pandemic, Guaido rival yesterday to reopen borders to shut down much of public life Larger events will not be Switzerland also wants to that lifting border controls from all its neighbours except Italy and led to deserted city centres, possible until the end of August, restore free movement of June 3, a decision announced as Speaker of and to allow larger public gath- shops and roads as people the government said. people with other Schengen by Italy, was “too early”. erings, further easing restric- stayed at home. The relaxation comes as zone member countries by July Switzerland will coordinate Parliament tions on public life as the novel “We can enjoy all the things new cases of COVID-19 in Swit- 6, after earlier shutting its further steps with Italy and its coronavirus outbreak shows that are now possible again,” zerland have decelerated, rising borders. Switzerland reaf- other neighbours in weeks AFP — CARACAS signs of ebbing. Swiss President Simonetta by 15 yesterday to 30,776. The firmed plans with France, ahead, the government said. The government said public Sommaruga told reporters. death toll reached 1,649. Germany and Austria to lift all Switzerland has already Venezuela’s Supreme Court on and private events up to 300 “With today’s decision we The extraordinary situation travel restrictions among the reopened shops, grade schools Tuesday approved opposition people and spontaneous gath- can prepare ourselves for a new that has been in place since four countries on June 15 given and beauty salons. The country member Luis Parra as erings of up to 30 people would normality.” March giving Bern heightened the positive development of the is also testing a mobile phone Parliament Speaker after a be allowed again from June 6. The government will also powers will be lifted on June 19, pandemic. app to trace the disease. tense, months-long stand-off with opposition leader Juan Guaido, who also claims the role. Serbia bans Montenegro The court, made up of loy- alists to President Nicolas flights amid tensions Maduro, declared Parra’s claim “valid,” it said in a statement. AP — BELGRADE country in Europe with no more Guaido has dismissed Parra as active COVID-19 cases. Before “an accomplice to dicta- Serbian authorities have banned then, the country recorded a torship”. The National Montenegro’s national carrier total of 324 confirmed virus Assembly Parliament is the from operating flights out of cases and nine deaths. Serbia has only Venezuelan branch of Belgrade after the small nation’s recorded over 11,000 confirmed government in opposition government excluded Serbia cases, including nearly 240 hands. from a list of countries with deaths. Parra, who broke with which Montenegro will reopen The Montenegrin gov- Guaido after being accused of its borders after declaring an end ernment announced on Monday corruption, was sworn in as to its coronavirus outbreak. that as of June 1 it would permit parliamentary speaker in The Serbian Civil Aviation entry to the nationals from nine January in a move slammed by Directorate said Montenegro European countries. It said the the opposition as a parlia- Airlines planes cannot land at selection criteria was having no mentary coup. Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport as more than 25 active corona- Guaido, who held the of yesterday. The aviation virus-infected patients per position for the previous term, agency said unrestricted travel 100.000 inhabitants. was barred from attending that between the two countries has The list includes Croatia, vote by armed forces in dra- been “seriously violated” by Slovenia, Austria, Germany, matic and chaotic scenes. Montenegro’s decision to ban Poland, the Czech Republic, When he was finally Serbs from entering Hungary, Albania and Greece, allowed into the chamber, Montenegro. but does not include neighboring Airport personnel wearing protective face masks attend to waiting passengers from behind plexiglas Parra had left. Guaido also The flight ban comes amid Serbia or Bosnia. at the check-in counters at the Belgrade’s airport as Serbia’s national carrier, Air Serbia, resumes raised his hand and was sworn deepening tensions between the Without saying that Serbia flights following the government’s easing of lockdown measures against coronavirus. in for another term as leader former Balkan allies, which meets Montenegro’s entry cri- of the assembly. existed as one state before Mon- teria, Belgrade denounced the Montenegrin travel action, said would strip it of its property nation’s pro-Western gov- Crisis-hit Venezuela has tenegro split off through a 2006 decision as political and hostile. adding that Serbia won’t close in Montenegro. Montenegrin ernment by launching a major been in political turmoil since referendum. Montenegrin officials tried to its borders to Montenegro’s cit- officials have denied the propaganda campaign that 2019, when Guaido used his Montenegro Airlines planned dampen the Serb anger by izens as it would hurt Serbs who allegation. fueled the protests. Montenegro position as speaker to declare to resume flights to the Serbian saying the list of nationals who live there. The Serbian government has joined Nato in 2017 despite himself acting president in a capital on June 1. Air Serbia, still will be allowed to enter has not Tensions between Serbia openly supported a series of pro- strong opposition from another direct challenge to the has plans to fly to two destina- yet been finalised. and Montenegro have escalated tests by Serbs in Montenegro historic Slavic ally, Russia. authority of President Nicolas tions in Montenegro starting Populist Serbian President since late last year, when the who want the law revoked. Both Belgrade and Moscow Maduro. Nearly 60 countries, June 7. Aleksandar Vucic said yesterday Montenegrin parliament Montenegrin officials have have repeatedly denied med- including the United States, Montenegro declared itself the flight ban is the “most legal adopted a religious law which accused Belgrade and Moscow dling in Montenegro’s internal have recognised him as interim “coronavirus-free” as the first and polite” response to the the Serbian Orthodox Church of trying to destabilise the affairs. president. Armenia warns virus hospitals Poland’s ruling party sees June 28 could ration intensive care as deadline for presidential vote AFP — YEREVAN Virus cases have overwhelmed Armenia’s hospitals, officials said REUTERS — WARSAW yesterday, raising the prospect that intensive care treatment could designed to help their main to oppose this, then we will reconvene until next week to be restricted to patients with the best chance of survival. candidate’s chances. use all the means at the state’s allow committees time to The tiny Caucasus nation of some three million has so far The last possible date that Planning for the election disposal to see to it that the work on the legislation, reported 7,774 coronavirus cases and 98 deaths. Poland could hold a presi- collapsed earlier this month law is followed.” Opponents drawing fierce criticism from At a cabinet meeting yesterday, Prime Minister Nikol Pash- dential election on is June 28, because of the coronavirus say PiS rushed legislation that PiS. inyan said “the situation with the coronavirus pandemic is very the leader of the ruling nation- pandemic, forcing the gov- would allow the election to PiS is keen to get severe in Armenia.” Health ministry spokeswoman Alina alist Law and Justice (PiS) party ernment to abandon the take place through the lower incumbent president and Nikoghosyan said: “if the current situation persists, in the coming said yesterday, amid deepening original schedule. house of parliament, the Sejm, frontrunner Andrzej Duda - an days, intensive care will only be available for the patients with conflict surrounding the timing “Our position is clear, without due care and ally of the party - re-elected the best survival chances.” Health Minister Arsen Torosyan said of the vote. shared: the elections will take attention, meaning more work before the economic fallout on Sunday that out of the country’s 186 intensive care beds for The date of Poland’s pres- place,” Jaroslaw Kaczynski is required in the opposition- from the pandemic weighs on coronavirus patients, only 32 remained empty and would soon idential election, originally told a news conference, controlled Senate. his popularity. be filled. scheduled for May 10, remains flanked by the leaders of the On Tuesday, Senate As of yesterday morning The prime minister called for stricter enforcement of measures uncertain, with PiS accusing junior partners in his ruling speaker and vocal government Poland had reported 22,303 aimed at containing the outbreak such as the wearing of face the opposition-controlled alliance. critic Tomasz Grodzki said that cases of the coronavirus and masks in public spaces. This comes after the country lifted a state Senate of delaying tactics “If there are any attempts the chamber would not 1,025 deaths. of emergency on May 4 which it had declared in March because of the pandemic. 12 AMERICAS THURSDAY 28 MAY 2020

Trump threatens Congress ‘abusing’ states worst hit social media firms after Twitter by pandemic: New York Governor fact-checks him AP — WASHINGTON REUTERS — WASHINGTON President Donald Trump New York Governor Andrew yesterday threatened social Cuomo called yesterday for the media companies with new US Congress to “stop abusing” regulation or even shuttering New York and other Demo- after Twitter moved a day cratic-controlled states and earlier to add fact checks to release more federal funds to two of his tweets. help them combat the effects The president can’t unilat- of the coronavirus pandemic. erally regulate or close the Speaking after meeting companies, which would President Donald Trump at the require action by Congress or White House, Cuomo said the Federal Communications funding for states and local Commission. But that didn’t governments was essential to stop Trump from angrily fostering a national recovery issuing a strong warning. from the outbreak, which has Claiming tech giants killed almost 100,000 Amer- “silence conservative voices,” icans and ravaged the US Trump tweeted, “We will economy. strongly regulate, or close “States that bore the brunt them down, before we can of the COVID-19 pandemic ever allow this to happen.” account for one-third of the And he repeated his national GDP,” said Cuomo, a unsubstantiated claim — Democrat whose state has been which sparked his latest hit hardest by the outbreak. showdown with Silicon Valley “How can you tell one-third — that expanding mail-in of the country to go to heck?” voting “would be a free for all “So my point to our friends in on cheating, forgery and the the Congress — stop abusing theft of Ballots.” New York, stop abusing New Trump and his campaign Jersey, stop abusing Massachu- angrily lashed out Tuesday New York Governor Andrew Cuomo addresses a briefing on the coronavirus disease response at the National Press Club following his setts and Illinois and Michigan after Twitter added a warning meeting with US President Donald Trump, in Washington, yesterday. and Pennsylvania — stop phrase to two Trump tweets abusing the states who bore the that called mail-in ballots brunt of the COVID virus Speaking after meeting President Donald week ended Sunday. Florida infrastructure. Cuomo, who has “fraudulent” and predicted through no fault of their own,” Trump at the White House, Cuomo said funding reported a nearly 6 percent sparred with Trump over the that “mail boxes will be Cuomo said. Massachusetts has increase, while New York reg- federal government’s pan- robbed,” among other things. a Republican governor, but the for states and local governments was essential istered a double-digit decline. demic response, wants to Under the tweets, there is now other five states’ governors are to fostering a national recovery from the Businesses across the revive the economy by under- a link reading “Get the facts Democrats. country are opening doors after taking major transport and about mail-in ballots” that States have sought more outbreak, which has killed almost 100,000 shuttering in mid-March as other projects. He told guides users to a Twitter help from the federal gov- Americans and ravaged the US economy. states and local governments reporters on Tuesday he would “moments” page with fact ernment to get through the took drastic measures to slow discuss a federal role in invest- checks and news stories about crisis. Democrats who control the spread of COVID-19, the ments to modernise the Trump’s unsubstantiated the House of Representatives could declare bankruptcy declined to wear a mask in disease caused by the virus, nation’s bridges, roads and rail claims. passed legislation on May 15 instead of receiving federal aid. public even though his own almost bringing the country to systems. Trump replied on Twitter, that would provide nearly $1 The suggestion sparked health experts have recom- a halt. The economy contracted Trump has said he believed accusing the platform of trillion for state and local gov- outrage from some state mended it. at its steepest pace since the infrastructure spending could “interfering in the 2020 Pres- ernments, but the bill was leaders. New York has begun to see Great Recession in the first help the economy recover from idential Election” and insisting rejected by Trump and the Cuomo said his meeting drops in rates of hospitalisa- quarter. the pandemic, embracing a that “as president, I will not Republican-led Senate’s with Trump yesterday focused tions and deaths, while other With a focus on infra- massive $2 trillion plan at the allow this to happen.” His leaders. on how to “supercharge” the states relax lockdowns and structure as a way to revive the end of March. 2020 campaign manager, Brad Republican Senate Majority economy by investing in partygoers flout precautions economy, Cuomo, is touching Senate Majority Leader Parscale, said Twitter’s “clear Leader Mitch McConnell last infrastructure. aimed at curtailing the novel on a topic close to Trump. McConnell last month said leg- political bias” had led the cam- month suggested that states He arrived for the meeting coronavirus. The Republican president islation was separate from paign to pull “all our adver- whose finances are depleted at the White House wearing a Twenty US states reported has long embraced the idea of coronavirus spending and tising from Twitter months by the coronavirus pandemic surgical mask. Trump has an increase in new cases for the updating the country’s would have to wait. ago.” 4 Minneapolis cops dismissed after death of black man REUTERS — MINNEAPOLIS police in riot gear fired tear gas regardless of the investigation’s after being put in a police and non-lethal bean-bag outcome, it was clear the death chokehold and telling the Four Minneapolis police officers rounds into the crowds while of the man in custody, later iden- officers, “I can’t breathe.” were fired on Tuesday over the protesters hurled water bottles tified as George Floyd, was unjus- The officers involved in death of an unarmed black man and other projectiles, the Min- tified, and that race was a factor. Monday’s encounter were seen in a video lying face down neapolis Star-Tribune reported. “Being black in America responding to a report of a in the street, gasping for air and Local news footage showed should not be a death sentence,” forgery in progress, and found groaning, “I can’t breathe,” some demonstrators vandal- the mayor said. “For five a man fitting the suspect’s while a white officer knelt on ising the outside of a police pre- minutes we watched as a white description, Floyd, aged in his his neck for several minutes. cinct station and a squad car. police officer pressed his knee 40s, in a car, according to a Hours after the officers’ dis- The unrest appeared to have into the neck of a black man. police department account. missals were announced, thou- dissipated after dark as rain fell. For five minutes. When you After Floyd got out of the sands of protesters filled the The day began with Minne- hear someone calling for help, car, the department said, there streets around the scene of apolis police chief Medaria you are supposed to help.” was a physical altercation Monday evening’s deadly Arradondo telling reporters that The mayor later announced between the officers and Floyd. incident in a boisterous but the Federal Bureau of Investi- the termination of four officers Floyd was handcuffed, and he A file photo of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife peaceful rally. Many in the gation had opened an inquiry on Twitter, saying, “This is the appeared to be in medical dis- Cilia Flores greeting supporters during a campaign rally in Caracas. crowd wore facial coverings to at his request into the fatal right call.” tress, according to police. protect against spread of the arrest caught on video the night The case was eerily remi- Cell phone footage taken by coronavirus. before. niscent of the 2014 killing of an onlooker does not show US preparing criminal But the gathering took an Mayor Jacob Frey said at the Eric Garner, an unarmed black what precipitated the unruly turn around dusk as same news briefing that man in New York City, who died confrontation. indictment against wife Brazil police of Venezuela’s Maduro search Bolsonaro REUTERS — CARACAS over a dozen current and allies in fake former Venezuelan officials on The United States is preparing charges of narco-terrorism and news probe to charge the wife of Vene- drug smuggling. Maduro, now AP — RIO DE JANEIRO zuelan President Nicolas in his eighth year as Vene- Maduro in coming months with zuela’s president, for years Brazil’s Federal Police yesterday crimes that could include drug sought to flood the US with executed more than two dozen trafficking and corruption, four cocaine, prosecutors alleged, searches and seizure warrants in people familiar with the case seeking to weaken American six states as part of an investi- told Reuters. society and bolster his position gation into a network that If Washington goes ahead and wealth. allegedly spread defamatory fake with an indictment of first lady In a televised speech after news and threats against Cilia Flores, these people said, the indictments, he dismissed Supreme Court justices. the charges are expected to the charges against him and his The judicial orders targeted stem, at least in part, from a colleagues as a politically moti- allies and supporters of President thwarted cocaine transaction vated fabrication by the admin- Jair Bolsonaro, and the presi- that has already landed two of istration of US President dent’s son Carlos Bolsonaro crit- her nephews in a Florida Donald Trump. icised the operations on his penitentiary. “You are a miserable official Twitter account, calling Nicole Navas, a spokes- person, Donald Trump,” he the investigation “unconstitu- woman for the US Department said. Maduro’s office didn’t tional, political and of Justice, declined to comment respond to requests for Allan dos Santos, journalist and supporter of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, is seen next to a ideological.” on any investigation or pending comment on this report. Federal Police Agent during a fake news investigation at his home amid the coronavirus disease Supreme Court Judge Alex- charges against Flores. Flores The March indictments and andre de Moraes said in his outbreak, in Brasilia, yesterday. and her office at the National the expected charges against decision that there are indications Assembly didn’t respond to Flores come amid a fresh cam- of a scheme for the the mass dis- People targeted by the raids Supreme Court,” dos Santos told pro-Bolsonaro demonstrators questions for this article. paign by Washington to semination of messages on social included Luciano Hang, owner reporters outside his home in who have gathered each Venezuela’s information increase pressure on Maduro. networks to damage the image of retailer Havan; Edgar Corona, Brasilia after the raid. “We are no weekend in the capital, Brasilia. minister, Jorge Rodriguez, said The Socialist leader, Flores of the highest court, endangering owner of a chain of gyms; Allan longer living in a democracy.” Bolsonaro himself has joined the that its questions about the pos- and other members of the the “independence of judicial dos Santos, who runs the far- Bolsonaro’s backers have demonstrations. sible US indictment of Flores Maduro “inner circle” were power.” right blog Terçã Livre; Sara often expressed frustration at The president has pushed for were “nauseating, slanderous sanctioned starting in 2017 by He said the network appears Giromini, an activist known as court rulings limiting the presi- Brazil’s economy to reopen even and offensive.” He declined to the US Treasury Department. to be financed by a group of “Sara Winter” on social networks, dent’s power and denunciations as the COVID-19 death toll rises elaborate. Flores is a longtime legislator business leaders close to the and 10 others. of the justices are common and criticized those who have In late March, US prose- and power broker in the ruling government. “This will be pathetic for the among the small group of frustrated his wishes. cutors indicted Maduro and Socialist party.