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MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2020 23 RABIA I - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8436 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS Recharge using the app and get health insurance as a gift! Amir sends QA files lawsuit in congratulations to President-elect English High Court Joe Biden QNA — against Al Arabiya Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent on THE PENINSULA — DOHA Saturday a cable of congratu- lations to H E Joe Biden on the Airways (QA) has brought occasion of his victory in the claims in the English High Court The Al Arabiya presidential elections in the against the Al Arabiya news of America, channel relating to a video simu- video included an wishing him success and lation published in August 2017 animation which further development and pros- which purported to explain the depicted a Qatar perity in the friendship effect of the illegal blockade on Airways aircraft between the two countries. Qatar and Qatar Airways. Deputy Amir H H Sheikh In a 130 page judgment of the being intercepted Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, English High Court published on and potentially and Prime Minister and Min- November 6, 2020, the court dis- being shot down by ister of Interior H E Sheikh missed Al Arabiya’s application to a fighter jet in the Rashid Mishlash Al Khayarin, Director of Municipality, and Muhammad Ibrahim Al Khalid bin Khalifa bin contest the jurisdiction of the context of the Sada, Assistant Director of the Public Parks Department, with other officials during the opening Abdulaziz Al Thani also sent English court to hear the claims. of Park, yesterday. cables of congratulations to The judgment followed the service illegal blockade. H E Joe Biden on the occasion of extensive evidence and a three- The video was of his victory in the presi- day court hearing. widely viewed in dential elections in the United Qatar Airways Group Chief the UK and MME opens two parks in States of America. Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, said: “Qatar Airways is deter- worldwide and Technical tests of mined to protect its business from caused a storm of such spurious and politically media outrage at Al Daayen Municipality Tram begin motivated attacks such as this, the time. and we have confidence that the SANAULLAH ATAULLAH under sustainability devel- teria, and play areas. IRFAN BUKHARI English High Court will deliver THE PENINSULA opment goals of the Qatar The new public parks are THE PENINSULA justice in this dispute. This National Vision 2030. being built according to the judgment is welcomed and it an The Ministry of Municipality The opening ceremony of international standards. Park After successful launch of Doha important step forward for Qatar and Environment (MME), ‘Sakhama Park’ and ‘Wadi facilities include modern play Metro last year which is Airways in its quest for justice.” represented by the Public Lusail Park’ was attended by areas equipped with various providing a hassle-free transport The Al Arabiya video included Parks Department and Al Rashid Mishlash Al Khayarin, varieties of games and rubber to commuters, Qatar Rail has an animation which depicted a Daayen Municipality, inaugu- Director of Al Daayen floor for the safety of the now started technical tests of Qatar Airways aircraft being rated yesterday two public Municipality; Muhammad children. Lusail Tram in Lusail City. intercepted and potentially being politically motivated anti-Qatar parks — Al Sakhama and Wadi Ibrahim Al Sada, Assistant Pergolas (shades) at the “We have started the tech- shot down by a fighter jet in the publications by the news channel. Lusail — in the Municipality. Director of the Public Parks parks were designed specially nical tests of the Lusail Tram context of the illegal blockade. Despite arguments by Al Arabiya, This is a part of a major Department and a number giving touch of Qatari heritage in Lusail City, and therefore we The video was widely viewed in the judge found that Qatar project of the Ministry of of officials. to make the parks more beau- urge drivers and pedestrians the UK and worldwide and caused Airways had demonstrated that it Municipality and Envi- Al Sakhama Park has been tiful. There are fountains and in that area to abide by traffic a storm of media outrage at the has real prospects of showing at ronment to build new built on an area of 6,250 artificial waterfalls at public signals on the roads to ensure time, with the UK’s Daily Mail trial that the video was false and/ advanced parks in all possible square meters including 2,240 parks. Facilities of public their safety,” Qatar Rail said in commenting that it constituted “a or conveyed a false impression areas across the country and square meters green area with parks are also equipped with a tweet yesterday. chilling warning that (Saudi and that it was published - renovate the old ones ena- 16 palm trees, a cafeteria, and free wifi connection and Lusail Tram is a tram Arabia) could blast a Qatari pas- ciously, with the motive of bling citizens and expatriates play areas. solar-powered mobile service for convenient travel senger plane out of the sky” and harming Qatar Airways. to do exercise and spend their Wadi Lusail Park is charging stations. within the new city of Lusail. which the UK’s Independent Al Arabiya’s arguments that free time with their families stretching on an area of 8,370 To make the public parks The network includes four newspaper described as “beyond the Dubai courts would be a more in a healthy environment. square meters, including modern, safer and durable lines and 25 stations above- provocative”. appropriate forum for the claims The public parks which 2,360 square meters of green lamp posts have been set up ground and underground. Qatar Airways claims that the were decisively rejected by the reached near 100 across the areas with 17 palm trees and at the parks. To protect the Lusail Tram connects to the video was false and misleading judge noting the impact of the country also aims at a football field on an area of environment, lighting system Doha Metro through two inter- and that it was intended to deter illegal blockade and the “hostile increasing greenery cutting 960 square meters, and a bas- are fitted with energy saving change stations at Lusail and customers from flying with Qatar environment for Qataris in the carbon footprint and plant ketball field on an area of 970 bulbs. Many solar-powered Legtaifiya, according to Qatar Airways, being part of a series of UAE”. rear species of local trees sq meters, as well as a cafe- system are also installed. Rail website. `P3 GORD accredits S&P affirms Qatar rating 2022 FIFA World Apartments, which must No minimum Landlords will be fully furnished, can be requirement in have one month Cup Qatar stadiums located anywhere, though terms of the number to register their with stable outlook operating team preference will be given to of properties interest in THE PENINSULA — DOHA “We expect the rebound to properties in The Pearl- landlords must leasing their be linked to increased hydro- — DOHA THE PENINSULA Qatar and Lusail City. supply. properties. S&P Global Ratings has carbon prices and gradually affirmed Qatar’s sovereign abating effects of the pandemic. To ensure sustainable opera- credit rating at AA-/Stable/A-1+, Despite our expectation of tions and maintenance of the with stable outlook. current account deficits stadiums during the FIFA “The stable outlook indi- through 2021, Qatar’s external World Cup Qatar 2022 and cates our view that, despite a balance sheet remains strong, beyond, the Gulf Organisation sharp economic contraction with liquid external assets con- for Research & Development and low hydrocarbon prices, tinuing to offset the country’s (GORD) certified a group of 34 we expect Qatar’s credit profile stock of external debt by a engineers, operators and will remain resilient, supported sizable margin,” said S&P. “We facility management profes- by its wealthy economy and expect the government will sionals on November 5. strong government and provide extraordinary liquidity Titled GSAS Operations external net asset positions,” support to the banking system Certified Green Professional said S&P Global Ratings yes- in case of sudden reversals in (CGP) Workshop, the course terday in a report. capital flows related to nonres- was organised in collaboration “We also expect that the ident funding,” it added. with the Supreme Committee Apartment owners asked to register their government will provide timely Despite low oil prices, for Delivery & Legacy (SC) at extraordinary liquidity support S&P expects Qatar would the site of Al Janoub Stadium interest in leasing properties for Qatar 2022 to the banking system in the continue to generate sur- – one of the eight stadiums to less likely event of sudden and pluses in its budgetary host 2020 FIFA World Cup. THE PENINSULA — DOHA and aims to ensure the coun- furnished. The apartments can sharp reversals in foreign accounts on the general gov- Attending the training were try’s existing housing stock is be located anywhere, though flows,” it added. ernment level. “The country’s representatives from SC and The owners of residential apart- fully utilised during the tour- preference will be given to prop- The report noted that strong general government Mosanada – the facility man- ments are being encouraged to nament, the SC said on its erties in The Pearl-Qatar and despite the sharp COVID-19- net asset position remains a agement organisation respon- register their interest in leasing website. Lusail City. induced decline in economic credit strength. The govern- sible for providing the facility their properties to visitors both Landlords will have one There is no minimum activity and low hydrocarbon ment’s large liquid financial management consultancy in the lead-up to and during the month to register their interest requirement in terms of the prices, income levels in Qatar assets, averaging about 185 services for the infrastructure FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. in leasing their properties. They number of properties landlords remain among the highest of percent of GDP in 2021-2023, projects of SC. Founding The Supreme Committee should register their interest by must supply and there is no rated sovereigns, supporting its provide it with a strong buffer Chairman of GORD, Dr. Yousef for Delivery & Legacy (SC) is completing this survey by commitment to lease the prop- strong credit profile. High GDP during economic and Alhorr said: “With most World currently assessing the quantity December 7. erties from the SC. Rental fees per capita, rebounding to an financial shocks,” it said. Cup stadiums in Qatar now and quality of properties which Landlords must take note of will be determined at a later average of $61,600 in 2021- About the ongoing nearing completion, it is about may be available. This is the the following criteria: Resi- stage and the lease duration will 2023 from a low of $56,500 in blockade, S&P said that it does time we took sustainability to the second phase of the Qatar 2022 dential apartments of all sizes be for either one, six or 12 2020, will mitigate the effect not expect the siege to have sig- next stage that comes after accommodation project, which will be considered and the months. Further details will be of weak trend growth expected nificant effect on Qatar’s design and construction. `P2 was launched earlier this year apartments must be fully available from [email protected]. over the forecast horizon. economy. `P2 02 HOME MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2020

QA Cargo, QDB introduce OFFICIAL NEWS initiative to support Amir condoles with President Qatari perfume of

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Amir Qatar Airways Cargo and Qatar Through this initiative, H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Development Bank (QDB) have the airline will help Thani, and Prime Minister and Min- introduced an initiative to boost exports and sales ister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid support local perfume manufac- of locally manufactured bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani turers in Qatar. The cargo carrier sent yesterday cables of condo- is offering discounted rates to perfumes to lences to President of the Republic local Qatari perfume manufac- international markets of Philippines H E Rodrigo Duterte turers to to international and provide on the victims of Typhoon Goni markets. opportunities for Qatari which stroke the south of Luzon Through this initiative, the exporters to expand Island, wishing a speedy recov- airline will help boost exports ery for the injured. -QNA and sales of locally manufac- their business activities. tured perfumes to international Amir condoles markets and provide opportu- with nities for Qatari exporters to initiative that supports Qatari expand their business activities export businesses by offering President Speaker of the Shura Council and Chairman of Global Organisation of Parliamentarians Against through business to consumer them an additional way to access Corruption, H E Ahmed bin Abdulla bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, chairing the meeting of GOPAC Executive channels. Local manufacturers, new markets and compete glo- DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Committee via video-conferencing, yesterday. through the airline’s approved bally, while acting as a powerful Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir network of courier companies, catalyst for socio-economic H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad will have access to Qatar development. This initiative per- Al Thani sent yesterday cables of Shura Council Speaker chairs meeting Airways’ extensive global fectly complements QDB’s condolences to President of the network and modern fleet to existing range of SME-focused Republic of Burkina Faso H E Roch of GOPAC Executive Committee transport their products. financial and advisory solutions Marc Christian Kabore on the death Qatar Airways Chief Officer that empower them throughout of his father. -QNA Cargo, Guillaume Halleux, said: the entire entrepreneurial QNA — DOHA various future activities and the fight against corruption, His “We are pleased to support the journey.” Amir congratulates programmes. Highness initiated the estab- growth and success of local Amidst the global pandemic, Speaker of the Shura Council In his speech, he addressed lishment of the Sheikh Tamim exporters and help diversify the Qatar Airways Cargo continues President of Bolivia and Chairman of Global the great attention paid by Bin Hamad Al Thani Interna- economy of Qatar. Being a to operate its scheduled Organisation of Parliamen- Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin tional Anti-Corruption Excel- leading cargo carrier, we are well freighters, passenger freighters, D Amir H H Sheikh Tamim tarians Against Corruption Hamad Al Thani to combat lence Award, which is awarded placed to help businesses in Qatar belly-hold passenger flights and bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Amir (GOPAC) H E Ahmed corruption, referring to the annually to encourage person- export their products to an inter- charters globally, ensuring the H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdulla bin Zaid Al important issues included in alities who have made distin- national market utilising our continuity of global trade. Al Thani, and Prime Minister and Mahmoud chaired yesterday His Highness’s speech at the guished efforts in this field and state-of-the-art and modern The carrier has remained Minister of Interior H E Sheikh via videoconferencing the opening of the 49th session of in appreciation of their fleet.” agile and adapted to the new Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz meeting of the GOPAC Exec- the Shura Council, including important role. Hamad Salem Mejegheer, normal, displaying commitment Al Thani sent yesterday cables of utive Committee. the holding of the 7th GOPAC The Speaker concluded his Executive Director of Export to excellence and that is one of congratulations to H E the Pres- His Excellency opened the conference in Doha on speech, wishing the meeting Development & Promotion at the reasons it has become the ident Luis Alberto Arce on the meeting, stressing the impor- December 9 and 10. success and coming up with QDB said: “Through its part- largest international carrier and occasion of his inauguration as tance of its agenda, which He explained that based on decisions that achieve the nership with Qatar Airways, QDB grown its market share even President of the State of Bolivia, includes the organisation’s the position of His Highness in goals of the organisation. is introducing yet another during the pandemic. wishing him success, and the Bolivian people further progress and development. -QNA Qatar registers low stroke rate and efficient rehabilitation Amir congratulates President of FAZEENA SALEEM imised functional disability in stroke sur- THE PENINSULA vivors,” he said. Seychelles The QRI provides a range of world- Qatar has reported a low rate of stroke class integrated rehabilitation services Amir H H Sheikh Tamim cases per year compared to other coun- and the most technologically advanced bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Amir tries and majority of survivors have patient centred care for patients with H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al regained their functional ability as a result stroke from early stages until community Thani, and Prime Minister and Min- of an efficient rehabilitation programme, reintegration. The sate-of-the-art rehab ister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid said a senior official yesterday. service is delivered using rehab robotics, bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani Qatar has reported low incidence of cognitive rehabilitation and psychological sent yesterday cables of congrat- stroke with 58 per 100,000 people approaches by a multidisciplinary team. ulation to H E President Wavel annually. The structured stroke rehabil- In 2019, some 375 patients were Ramkalawan on the occasion of itation service at the Qatar Rehabilitation admitted at QRI for stroke rehabilitation. his swearing-in as President of the Institute (QRI) has helped majority of Among them 350 were discharged and Republic of Seychelles, wishing patients regain independence and their average length of stay was 35 days. him success and for the relations improve quality, according to Chair- Between January and October this of the two countries further devel- person of Physical Medicine and Reha- year, 575 patients were admitted to QRI opment and prosperity. -QNA bilitation (PM&R) at Hamad Medical Cor- for stroke rehabilitation. Among them, Qatar Rehabilitation Institute has cared for 575 stroke survivors, between January poration, Dr. Rafat Mohammed Abdullah 550 were discharged and their average and October of this year. Saad. hospital stay was 29 days. “South Asian migrants in Qatar suffer “We usually take patients for reha- circumstances, intervention if needed, per patient per day. The institute also pro- 190 new COVID-19 from strokes at younger age than Qatari bilitation within three days after the management of risk including needs of vides, inpatient rehabilitation, day care natives. Most common risk factors for stroke. The rehabilitation process is very vulnerable adults, follow up plans,” said rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, cases, 201 stroke incidence in Qatar are hyper- effective when we take patients at an Dr. Saad. community rehabilitation, functional tension (77.9%), diabetes (77.9%) and acute stage,” said Dr. Saad. “Stroke patients have access to robotic rehabilitation, cognitive rehabil- recoveries: MoPH hypercholesterolemia (28.5%),” he said, The combination of conventional advanced facilities at QRI, which include itation and mobile rehabilitation services, while speaking at a webinar on ‘Stroke physiotherapy with adjunct treatments hydrotherapy pools, advanced gyms, a according to the condition of the stroke THE PENINSULA — DOHA Rehabilitation in Qatar.’ such as robot-assisted gait training and specialist sensory room, and an Assisted survivor. “At QRI, the stroke rehabilitation pro- aquatic therapy contribute to better and Living Unit in which patients can relearn The Stroke Rehabilitation in Qatar The Ministry of Public Health gramme is aimed at prevention of stroke faster patient outcomes and culminate simple daily tasks and readjust to life at webinar was held as part of the WISH — (MoPH) yesterday announced in future, management, compensation, into a shorter ‘length of stay’ in QRI for home,” he said. Doha Healthcare Week (DHW) taking the registration of 190 new maintenance and reintegration into the patients. For individuals whose recovery is place from November 8 to 14. DHW is confirmed COVID-19 cases. society. Effective rehabilitation interven- “The structured rehabilitation stroke considered to be slow or prolonged, QRI being held ahead of the World Innovation According to the Ministry, tions initiated early after stroke has programme helps to enhance functional provides low intensity, high frequency Summit 2020, which will begin next among them 39 were travellers enhanced the recovery process and min- abilities, review care needs, social interdisciplinary therapy for 2-3 hours week. returning from abroad. Also, 201 people have recovered from the virus, One arrested for violating quarantine rules S&P affirms Qatar rating with stable outlook bringing the total number of FROM PAGE 1 recovered cases in Qatar to markets outside the region,” it 131,276. All the new cases have QNA — DOHA force in the country, approved Mohammed Abdulrahman “Although the siege of Qatar said. been introduced to isolation by health authorities represented Mahmoud Sayouda. by , Bahrain, S&P expects that gov- and are receiving necessary The competent authorities in the Ministry of Public Health The concerned authorities , and the United Arab ernment policy would continue healthcare according to their arrested yesterday one person (MoPH) to ensure the in the State called on citizens and Emirates could continue for to focus on prudent devel- health status. The Ministry who violated the requirements achievement of public safety and residents who are subject to some time, we do not expect opment of the hydrocarbons further said that measures to of the home quarantine, he to curb the spread of the coro- quarantine to fully adhere to the this to significantly affect the sector, alongside further tackle COVID-19 in Qatar have committed to following. navirus. The arrested person is requirements set by the Ministry Qatari economy in our base- attempts to promote the private succeeded in flattening the It is in implementation of being referred to the prosecution of Public Health, to ensure their case scenario, given its very sector and diversify the curve and limiting the spread the precautionary measures in has been identified as safety and the safety of others. strong gas exports largely to economy. of the virus. GORD accredits 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar stadiums operating team FROM PAGE 1 The Global Sustainability As Mena's first performance based Assessment System aims green building certification system, the The founding Chairman of GORD, Global Sustainability Assessment System Dr. Yousef Alhorr added: “Now is the to curb projects’ carbon (GSAS) aims to curb projects’ carbon time for Qatar’s stadiums to gear up for footprint linked with their footprint linked with their design, con- setting yet another benchmark by incor- struction and operations primarily porating green principles in their oper- design, construction and through three certifications – GSAS ations phase. To this end, GORD is proud operations . Design & Build, GSAS Construction Man- to be a part of SC’s journey by providing agement and GSAS Operations. the necessary knowledge, skillsets and Speaking about Mosanada’s plans to tools within the sustainability realm were incorporated during the design, implement GSAS Operations, Sailatha through its GSAS Workshop series.” construction, handover and commis- Theagaraj, Senior Sustainability Engineer The event was marked by the sioning stages.” at Mosanada, said, “We are currently presence of Engineer Abdulaziz Ali Al Representing Mosanada’s senior working on strategising sustainability Ishaq, Al Janoub Stadium Manager, who leadership Adam Wood, Deputy Director for the SC stadiums to achieve the GSAS said, “Qatar’s stadiums meet all the of Business Solutions at Mosanda, said, Operations certification. Achieving the required sustainability measures to “GSAS operations is the framework that GSAS operations certification is itself a obtain GSAS certificates with outstanding has been used and approved for ensuring statement that we are very sustainable ratings. For these projects, sustainability that the stadiums are sustainably and are performing and achieving all the started from the very beginning. When operated. At Mosanada, we make sure sustainability requirements. This training we issued the documents for tendering, that all aspects of the operations of the session will help us get there easily and Representatives from SC and Mosanada at workshop held at the site of Al we had specified the sustainability stadiums are sustainable and are setting will bridge the gap between what is Janoub Stadium. measures we were looking for. These world leading trends.” expected and where we are.” MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2020 HOME 03 QU marks ISO accreditation for its units

THE PENINSULA — DOHA The units obtained the internationally recognised ISO The Chief Strategy and Devel- opment Office at Qatar 9001:2015 standard certification, which is concerned University (QU) organised a with determining a quality management system’s ceremony in recognition of the requirements. Chief Strategy and Development university units’ efforts in Office, Social and Economic Survey Research Institute, obtaining the ISO certificates by Research Support Department (Grants and Contracts), achieving institutional excel- lence through the pursuit of and Student Learning Support Center all got certified. quality management. Dr. Hassan Al Derham, President of Qatar University, attended the ceremony along administration make informed and belief in working on insti- with Directors of university decisions and provide high- tutional excellence through the units and several university quality services. A well-estab- pursuit of quality employees. lished QMS can save time, management. The units obtained the money, resources, and reduce “Qatar University’s Institu- internationally recognised ISO errors and improve operational tional Excellence strategy has 9001:2015 standard certifi- performance. set institutional excellence as a cation, which is concerned with The Facilities Call Center of strategic goal for it as one of its determining a quality man- Facilities and General Services components’ transformation A group photo of QU officials at a ceremony marking the ISO accreditation for its units. agement system’s requirements. Department has also obtained initiatives. This can be achieved Chief Strategy and Devel- the certification of ISO 18295- by implementing the gov- opment Office, Social and Eco- 1:2017 standard, an interna- ernance system, which will representative of the Institute; 18295-1:2017 standard.” as a whole,” he added. nomic Survey Research tional quality standard dedi- work based on quality Dr. Mohammed Al Salem, “We are extremely proud of Chief Strategy and Devel- Institute, Research Support cated to the call centre industry standards and operational Director of Research Support your achievement, which is the opment Officer Dr. Khalid Al Department (Grants and Con- reflecting the organisation’s effectiveness frameworks. Department (Grants and Con- result of the continuous Khanji said, “The adoption of ISO tracts), and Student Learning commitment to professionalism “First, I congratulate Dr. tracts); Dr. Yasser Hussein, improvement of your services, certification standards reflects Support Center all got continuous improvement of the Khalid Al Khanji, Chief Strategy Director of Student Learning which could not have been the university’s interest in certified. quality of customer service. and Development Officer, and Support Center for obtaining achieved without fruitful coop- assisting its departments and The Quality Management In a statement, Dr. Al Dr. Darwish Al Emadi, the pre- the certification of ISO eration with your team. It is centres to the highest degree of System (QMS) enables the Qatar Derham said, “I am pleased to vious representative of the 9001:2015 standard. I also con- always important to improve professionalism in performing University offices, departments, express my gratitude, and I office; and Dr. Kaltham Al gratulate Eng Mai Fetais, the quality of your services pro- their duties and providing divisions, and centres to set up appreciate the cooperation I Ghanim, Director of Social and Director of Facilities and vided to increase the satis- services. It is expected that a and improving internal opera- receive from you in matters of Economic Survey Research General Services Department faction of customers, larger group of departments and tions. This system follows a continuous improvement, Institute, and Dr. Hassan Al for obtaining the certification employees, stakeholders, sup- centres will obtain similar cer- methodology that helps the which indicates your keenness Sayed, the previous for Facilities Call Center in ISO pliers, and society, university tificates in the coming period.” Ashghal launches pilot project to QRCS, WHO provide psychosocial support services in THE PENINSULA — DOHA support services for the inter- disorders, provide psychiatric nally displaced people (IDPs) drugs free-of-charge for the improve, rehabilitate roads network In partnership with World Health who live in remote areas where cases that require therapeutic Organization (WHO), Qatar Red such services are not available. interventions, and conduct THE PENINSULA DOHA Crescent Society (QRCS) is To that end, mobile clinics awareness raising activities such working on a project to deploy are deployed, including physi- as community mental health The Public Works Authority mobile psychological clinics in cians trained under WHO’s education on how to deal with (Ashghal) has adopted new northern Syria. Mental Health Gap Action Pro- trauma and difficulties of life. technology for quick mainte- It is part of the efforts to gramme, to provide individual Also, the project involves nance and restore the road respond to the coronavirus mental health consultations. holding remote psychological network to its optimal shape (COVID-19) pandemic in relation It covers 15 districts in north- support sessions to alleviate the and quality to address the to mental health and psycho- western Syria whose population impact of war and COVID-19 on challenges of preserving road social support in the north- do not have access to mental children. Activity bags are dis- efficiency and lifecycle amid western parts of the country. health centres. tributed to the parents and care increasing traffic loads on it. The purpose of the project is During weekdays, three providers, containing materials As part of the preventive to provide integrated, immediate, mobile psychological clinics to be used in psychological operation and maintenance and culturally high-quality make regular visits to those suf- support and at-home training for plans for Qatar’s road mental health and psychosocial fering psychological issues or children. network, Ashghal has launched a pilot project to apply the technology of Asphalt rejuvenation / fog seal on a local road with a length of 1km in Ain Khaled area, with the aim of improving, preserving and extending its life. Ashghal works to develop Ashghal has launched a pilot project to apply the technology of latest methods and techniques Asphalt rejuvenation/fog seal on a local road with a length of of maintaining road networks 1km in Ain Khaled area. by finding pioneering solu- tions to maintain their effi- Qatar, is implemented at an and maintenance and ciency and durability, using early stage on roads with enhancing customer the best international prac- slight defects with the aim of satisfaction.” tices and advanced mecha- giving a fresh appearance to This technology will be nisms, which support the the asphalt surface, and applied in different areas of the country’s strategy to achieve ensure that it’s free of defects. country in cooperation with sustainable development. On his part, Eng. Jamal Al consultants, contractors and This technique includes Ansari, Assistant Manager of local suppliers in proportion applying a bitumen layer Roads Operation and Mainte- to the condition of each road, mixed with different materials nance Department, said: “With the traffic loads, and the most to restore the required elas- the rapid development and appropriate time for ticity of the asphalt and raise growth of the roads network implementation. its efficiency, which in turn and the increase in traffic This technology is con- helps resist weather factors loads, the challenges of pre- sidered one of the quick main- such as oxidation and serving road efficiency and tenance solutions to restore the hardness of the asphalt, iso- lifecycle are increasing. road network to its optimal lates surface water and rain “Therefore through the shape and quality, as it takes water, prevents it from application of this technology, only two hours to work on 1km, seeping into road layers, and Ashghal aims to address these and it can be applied in dif- helps asphalt resist cracks. challenges aimed at enhancing ferent colours for each lane on This technology, which is traffic safety, reducing the the road according to the type being used for the first time in total cost of road operation of use and their need. Man arrested for burglary, thefts THE PENINSULA - DOHA doors and glass. Investigation procedures against him. The team seized many stolen goods Criminal Investigation The Criminal Investigation from his residence. Department calls on the public Department arrested an Arab The accused was referred and shop owners to install suspect who broke into several to the competent authorities in security cameras and surveil- shops in the country. preparation for presenting him lance devices and to comply He confessed to committing to the Public Prosecution Office with security requirements to burglary and thefts by smashing to complete the legal ensure safety. Technical tests of Lusail Tram begin

FROM PAGE 1 says that it has a compre- traditional Qatari boat used for It further says that trams are hensive plan for establishing a pearl fishing. The design greener and cope better with network of light trains, which concept focused on the sea rep- traffic than buses. They are also will connect the various dis- resenting dhow pearl fishing much more efficient in terms tricts. The train network will and bringing in the calm, cool, of road usage as one train have low energy consumption, elegant and tranquil elements replaces about 40 cars which supporting Qatar’s vision for of that medium to the design. take up a far larger area of road continuous development and Lusail tramway is com- space. Lusail tram will soon ensuring the project is environ- posed of five cars per single become the main transpor- mentally friendly. unit, with each 33-meter long tation hub for visionary Lusail Earlier in 2018, Qatar Rail car to carry over 207 pas- City - the largest single sus- had received the first Lusail sengers. Each tramway features tainable development being Tram at Hamad Port. The two classes: common and undertaken in the State of design of the Lusail Tram was family class. The cars will be Qatar. inspired by ‘Al Mehmel’, which fully low floor to enable easier Lusail City on its website signifies ‘The Dhow’ – the old access for all passengers. 04 HOME MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2020 Doha enjoys great regional, global Qatar attends La Francophonie meeting position: Qatar’s envoy to Mexico QNA — PARIS The State of Qatar participated, QNA — MEXICO CITY Ambassador Al Kuwari said via video conferencing, in the Qatar is an important that working hours have meeting of the 112th session of Ambassador of the State of centre for sport in the been set for summer work, the Permanent Council of La Qatar to Mexico, H E and workers are not Francophonie, which was Mohammed bin Jassim Al region and the World allowed to work during the chaired by Secretary-General of Kuwari, affirmed the high and Cup is an opportunity to day. the International Organization great standing of the State of transcend all differences He said that starting this of La Francophonie, H E Louise Qatar, regionally as well as year, a new wage law was Mushikiwabo. globally. between cultures and applied, so that the minimum Ambassador of the State of In an interview with the people... We welcome wage is at least 11,000 Qatar to the French Republic and Mexican channel Milano, H E everyone to the State of Mexican pesos, adding that the Qatar’s representative to the the Ambassador said that the reforms that have been done International Organization of La State of Qatar is an important Qatar. It will be a will benefit workers and Francophonie, H E Sheikh Ali bin centre for sport in the region distinguished experience improve their safety. Many Jassim Al Thani, represented the and the World Cup is an through which the accusations about conditions State of Qatar in the meeting. opportunity to transcend all of workers in 2022 World Cup The participation of the State differences between cultures audience learns about stadiums are unfounded, H E of Qatar in the meeting falls and people. Qatari culture, customs, said. within the context of its constant Regarding Qatar’s prepa- and traditions. Ambassador Mohammed desire to participate in the rations to host millions of fans bin Jassim Al Kuwari also various summits, ministerial around the world, the Ambas- spoke, in another interview conferences, and meetings held Ambassador of the State of Qatar to and Qatar’s representative sador said, “We welcome eve- H E Mohammed bin Jassim with Mexican News Channel by the organization at all levels, to the International Organization of La Francophonie, H E Sheikh ryone to the State of Qatar. It Al Kuwari, Ambassador of 13, about the cultural and and its commitment to the values Ali bin Jassim Al Thani, participating in the meeting virtually. will be a distinguished expe- the State of Qatar to Mexico aspect of the State of of Francophonie since its rience through which the Qatar. accession to the International new financial regulations of the Francophonie witnessed the audience learns about Qatari He pointed out that Organization of La Francophonie organisation. official return of Burundi to the culture, customs, and there are many tourist as an associate member in 2012. Member states and govern- Francophone organisations after traditions.” pleted next year, he added. attractions in the State of During the meeting, the ments also welcomed the adopting the decision to lift the Preparations continue to Although the current Qatar and places that can members of the Permanent progress achieved in a number suspension of multilateral coop- host the first edition of the period is considered difficult be visited such as museums, Council of la Francophonie of pilot projects for Franco- eration on it and decided to lift World Cup in the Middle East due to the circumstances of markets, and beaches, in praised the work accomplished phonie, notably the project of the suspension of the mem- and the Arab world. the coronavirus (COVID-19) addition to the hospitality by the Secretary-General and her teacher mobility in the Franco- bership of the Republic of Mali Four of the tournament’s pandemic, work continues and diversity of customs work team regarding the admin- phone countries and the estab- in the Francophonie, encour- stadiums have been com- in the infrastructure as and traditions that charac- istrative and financial transfor- lishment of a youth radio station aging the Malian authorities to pleted, and construction con- planned, the Ambassador terize the State of Qatar, mation of the organization, and in the Sahel region. continue restoring the constitu- tinues on the rest of the sta- said. which makes the visit its contribution to the sound On the other hand, the Per- tional order in a sustainable and diums, which will be com- On workers’ rights, distinctive. management, and approved the manent Council of La credible manner. PHCC urges patients with chronic conditions to get flu vaccine THE PENINSULA — DOHA Protection at the Preventive reduce your risk of getting sick addition, pregnant women, it is more important than ever to illnesses. As we enter the winter Health Directorate at Primary with flu and possibly being hos- older adults, and young children ensure that you are vaccinated months and into the flu season, Patients with chronic conditions Health Care Corporation pitalised from severe below the age of five years are this year if you do have under- the goal is to avoid an overlap have been urged to ensure that (PHCC), Dr. Khalid Al Awad said, complications.” also encouraged to take the flu lying chronic health conditions,” of two respiratory-borne dis- they are vaccinated against the “Flu vaccines are updated each Individuals who need to be shot as they could also be at said Dr. Al Awad. eases, namely influenza and flu this year. Flu vaccination is year to keep up with changing vaccinated against influenza, high risk of severe influenza. To avoid a dual infection of COVID-19,” said Dr. Al Awad. especially important for people viruses. Also, immunity wanes include those with chronic “Last year, Qatar witnessed influenza and COVID-19, Dr. Al “I urge patients with chronic with chronic conditions because over time; annual vaccinations medical conditions such as a large number of people diag- Awad, recommends that underlying health conditions, they are at higher risk of devel- are recommended for the best asthma, chronic obstructive nosed with influenza. Unfortu- patients, specifically those with falling under the higher risk oping serious flu complications. possible protection against flu. pulmonary disease (COPD), nately, many patients with chronic conditions “take flu out group, to ensure that they take Manager of Health If you are at high risk of devel- heart disease, cancer, cystic chronic diseases were hospi- of the equation” by getting vac- the annul flu shot. Whilst com- oping serious flu fibrosis, diabetes, human talised due to this. Many more cinated this year. monly practiced public health complications, immunodeficiency virus or individuals presented flu like ill- “COVID-19 is truly a trans- measures are good to ensure vaccination is acquired immune deficiency nesses across the system. To forming pandemic and we’re you protect yourself against the especially syndrome, kidney and liver reduce the spread of the influenza not through with it yet. Patients flu, the flu shot is the best way important. When disease. Obesity can signifi- and the risk of serious complica- may face a diagnostic challenge to ensure you prevent infection you get vacci- cantly increase the risk of tions, and help protect the most because of the shared signs and and avoid serious complica- nated, you influenza complications. In vulnerable in our communities, symptoms between both tions,” he added. Splash launches AW campaign with new stylish collection THE PENINSULA — DOHA For the women's wear, the key theme is ‘Glowing.’ A tailored and Splash, the Middle East’s largest relaxed-based look that takes you high-street fashion retailer, has from day to evening in style. unveiled its Autumn-Winter 2020 Statement dresses are worn over collection with “in love with fashion jeans for a contemporary take on “campaign representing a mix of party wear. inspiring fashion styles for women Glossy sporty or smart jackets sit and men. The winter lineup also over fabrics with sheen and colour. includes sustainable wardrobe alter- New embellishment’s emerge as tech- natives made from ecofriendly and niques and details. Bright colours, For colours, vibrant and a bold and shimmer and gold add a twist ethically sourced materials such as modest styling, embellishment, and palette are the options ranging from to winter’s traditional palette. organic cotton and recycled sheen are the critical highlight of vibrant yellow, hot pink, plush Meanwhile, for the men's wear, polyester. comfort and layering in mind. purple, flame red, cobalt and black, COCOON, a cosy yet functional, modern look in a gentle colour palette is the essential story this season in Splash. Soft winter products are consisting of light JOB VACANCY to mid-weights in new knit pat- terns. New length coats and trend-driven padded jackets and gilets are designed with perfection. Gilets and jackets A LEADING PUBLISHING HOUSE IS LOOKING are given a modern update with borg fabrication in body and FOR AN EXPERIENCED collar, respectively. Soft Jerseys and fleece have a brushed surface for a luxury feel. Fabrics are used in Drop GRAPHIC DESIGNER Shoulder shapes. High Neck Sweaters, Casual oversized shirts are vital pieces done in QUALIFICATIONS different materials in casual and layered. Also, for men, elasticated waistband trousers, bi-stretch fabrics for movement, soft hand feel through finishes and washes done in menswear rep- resenting styles such as loose !" fit cargos, balloon shape trousers, oversize sweats/shirts/ $ t-shirts are key categories in this range. Stay home style, slounge, and matching sets post-pan- DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES : demic gained momentum and  perfect for a staycation. Matching sets are done in sweat & fabrics and velour in a clean and minimalist look. $ Another line adding to the &' collection is GLOW, a clean look with sports-inspired details perfect for bold, col- ourful days and evening looks. ()*+ This edgy look is encompassing casual wear and tailoring. The [email protected] collection is now available in Splash and Centrepoint stores In Qatar. MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2020 HOME 05 7th Qatar International Boat Show to open on November 16 SANAULLAH ATAULLAH Executive Vice-President THE PENINSULA The event provides a Support Services, Milaha Qatar, said: “Milaha Qatar is honoured Under the patronage of Prime single window to the to participate in the show as an Minister and Minister of luxury lifestyle official sponsor. Thousands of Interior, H E Sheikh Khalid bin enthusiasts of the region. people are expected visit the Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, It preserves century’s old show to make it a successful 7th Qatar International Boat relationship of the natives event.” Show (QAWARIB 2020) will be Fahad Zainal, Chief Cor- held from November 16 to 20 with the sea in addition to porate Support Officer and at the Porto Arabia, The Pearl- its role in positioning Acting Chief Zones Operating Qatar by following preventive Qatar as a regional hub Officer, at Qatar Free Zones and precautionary measures to for luxury, highly skilled Authority (QFZA) said: “The curb the spread of COVID-19. craftsmanship and most show is very important as it Thirty-two exhibitors will focuses on latest developments be showcasing various marine modern boats and marine in the marine industry, espe- related products, including related accessories. cially small boats, yachts and latest model luxury yachts and luxury yachts as well.” boats. Hamad Issa Al Mannai Khalid bin Issa Al Mannai, Chairman, Al Mannai Plus Events, with other officials during a press Mohamed Al Yafaei, Head This was announced by Chief Executive Officer of conference, yesterday. of Public Sector Vodafone, said: Khalid bin Issa Al Mannai, “Vodafone is happy to partic- Chairman, Al Mannai Plus Al Mannai Plus Events ipate in the show as an official Events, at a press conference Chief Executive Officer of Al modern boats and marine said: “We — RME — are partic- sponsor. It is a big show on the held at Oyster, The Pearl-Qatar Mannai Plus Events said that related accessories.” ipating in this big show. The list of events in Qatar.” yesterday. Al Mannai said that the Coast Guard for their coop- annual luxury boat show is a Adel Salem, Retail and company, established in 2007, He said that Vodafone is due to the COVID-19 pandemic, eration and support. solo show being organised Office Management Director, occupies prominent position. committed to support events world-class yachts and marine He said that by imple- since 2013 in Qatar by Al United Development Company We offer a number of marine and sport activities in the accessories exhibition of Qatar menting required Ministry of Mannai Plus Events. (UDC) said: “We are happy to services to our customers.” country. was postponed in March and Public Health’s instructions on “The event provides a participate in hosting the Ehab Amin, Senior Vice- Wasim Al Omar, Sales rescheduled for November. health safety of the exhibitors single window to the luxury show.” He said that the venue President, Qatar Airways said: Manager, Bentley said: “Bentley Al Mannai paid his grat- and visitors, adequate arrange- lifestyle enthusiasts of the of event, The Pearl-Qatar is an “Qatar Airways is participating is participating in the VIP itude and thanks to UDC Qatar, ments have been made such as region. It preserves century’s excellent place as it has port in the show as strategic partner section at the show with ded- the strategic partner of additional entrances and exits, old relationship of the natives berth, boats, yachts and marine and main sponsor for all activ- icated corner for Bentley, dis- QAWARIB-Qatar, The Pearl- monitoring of use of face mask with the sea in addition to its services. ities which will enhance the playing new flying spur with Qatar and Ronautica Middle and maintaining social role in positioning Qatar as a Abdel Bomuttar Al position of Qatar as regional new edition. We will exhibit East being host of the show and distancing. regional hub for luxury, highly Muhannadi, General Manager, hub for international event.” also something from Lam- to the Ministry of Interior and Hamad Issa Al Mannai, skilled craftsmanship and most Ronautica Middle East (RME), Saleh Abdulla Al Harooni, borghini sport cars.” Aspetar introduces Cooled Radiofrequency ‘Workplace has to create feeling of belonging’ technology to treat pain conditions RAYNALD C RIVERA We need to have THE PENINSULA spaces that can be THE PENINSULA — DOHA no significant skin incision. Local anaes- utilized in many thesia is used before the procedure to With the emergence of the COVID-19 Aspetar, one of the leading sports reduce the discomfort that may be felt pandemic, emphasis on workplace different ways during medicine hospitals globally, recently during treatment. Most people can return design is placed on promoting a the same day, month introduced a Cooled Radiofrequency to work one or two days after the feeling of belonging, and a sense of or year; places that are (C-RF) treatment, an innovative option procedure.” social community, says an expert. for helping resolve joint and spinal pain Where RF lesioning is designed to Arch Michele Rossi, a co- sufficiently flexible; conditions. help people who suffer from chronic founder of Milan-based Park Asso- spaces that allow Cooled Radiofrequency is a mini- pain. Aspetar experts use C-RF for areas ciati architectural practice, said an different ways of mally invasive treatment option targeting including the knee, shoulder, hip, and essential element of their contem- working and meeting nerves that transmit pain signals. It can spine. “It is essential to be aware that no porary projects is recognising the bring non-surgical relief to those suf- one technique fits all diseases! Therefore, value of the human being in every between people. We fering from chronic pain in some cases the patient will have to be well- company. Michele Rossi also understood that resulting from surgery, trauma, or examined, the medical condition inves- “We have to make the people people need more than osteoarthritis. tigated by imaging such as X-Ray, US, who work there happier. It sounds Consultant Pain Management at or/ and MRI before deciding to perform strange, but happiness makes work forward to going back to his office ever to have a safe and Aspetar Dr. Yasin S AlMakadma, said: this technique or another procedure as more productive. People work best desk or chair. They want to come healthy place to work. “Radiofrequency (RF) treatment proce- needed,” added Dr. Yasin. when they work in a place they love back for the social experience where dures consist of applying a strong, high- The use of RF has been known for and somehow take care of them,” he they want to have exciting days in frequency electromagnetic field at a spe- years. However, the Cooled tech- said. the office, so what companies need cific nerve target. The Cooled variant nology has more recently become Rossi was one of the speakers at now more than ever is an exciting community, sustainability, and uses a minimal current of water to keep available. There is good evidence sup- a recent webinar titled “Well-being space with their community,” he well-being. the temperature stable and better con- porting the use of C-RF. A good in the Workplace” presented by the said. According to Rossi, workplaces trolled around the electrode’s tip. outcome is also reported from clinical Italian Embassy on the occasion of “We need to have spaces that can should have green areas and natural “This technique consists of using a series using the classic RF and the Italian Design Day in cooperation be utilized in many different ways light that positively impact people’s needle probe attached to a particular C-RF (depending on the site to treat). with Park Associati, the ILO Project during the same day, month or year; mood and well-being. medical device — the RF Generator. The With a successful procedure, the pain Office in Qatar, and the Arab Youth places that are sufficiently flexible; “In everything we do, we must probe is placed under imaging guidance improves or disappears within hours Climate Movement Qatar. spaces that allow different ways of consider the impact that it has on at the target nerve tissue, followed by to days. “Offices nowadays have to create working and meeting between earth,” he said, adding many clients nerve testing before applying the elec- RF lesioning may provide the pain a feeling of belonging. They have to people,” he added. nowadays are concerned about what tromagnetic field. This results in a special relief needed to allow patients to resume be able to create a social community,” “We also understood that people materials the building will be made type of non-permanent “lesion” of the their daily activities. Pain relief usually Rossi stressed. need more than ever to have a safe up of, how it’s heated and cooled, and nerve fibres allowing very good control lasts for months to years, although results COVID-19 experience has taught and healthy place to work,” he how many green spaces it has, among of difficult pain conditions. RF lesioning vary depending on the individual. the world the importance of social stressed. others. procedures typically require from 15 to While this technique is usually done interaction, and the pandemic has He pointed out four elements that Rossi said he believes the expe- 45 minutes.” in the operating area, some minor cases proved it is possible to work any- will define the future workplace and rience of COVID-19 will act as an On the level of pain involved, Aspetar are being offered in OPD clinics every where well. guide designers in constructing better accelerator of many trends that experts noted, “Unlike surgery, there is Wednesday morning. “I think nobody is really looking buildings. These include nature, already started a few years ago. MoCI recalls Ford F 150 models of 2014-2017 THE PENINSULA — DOHA

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry in cooper- Officials from AAB and community members with ation with Almana Motors upcycled items during an event to mark QSW. Company, dealer of Ford in Qatar, has announced the recall of Ford F 150 AAB upcycles with community for models of 2014-2017 due to a seal in the rear of the Qatar Sustainability Week brake master cylinder that may become weak and THE PENINSULA — DOHA AAB has been very active in recycling cause leak from brake excess packaging materials by turning them master in some of the Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. Co. (AAB), the into functional items, which is a major com- affected vehicles. exclusive distributor of Toyota and Lexus ponent of its Internal Sustainable Practices. The recall campaign in Qatar held a community Upcycling Event Beginning the journey towards sustaina- comes within the to kick off the Qatar Sustainability Week bility, AAB Green Team consisting of AAB framework of the Minis- (QSW). The event welcomed community employees as its volunteers was established try’s continuous efforts to participants who upcycled old and used about five years ago. protect consumers and tyres into ottomans or low seats. Since its formation, the AAB Green Team ensure that car dealers Excess pallets from packaging material has produced functional furniture and follow up on vehicle were turned into tea coasters, mobile phone storage material made up of pallets that are defects and repairs. holders and cat-scratchers for pet lovers. being used in the various locations of the The Ministry said that Being a family-friendly event, children were company. it will coordinate with the able to express their creativity and artistic AAB is fully committed to giving back dealer to follow up on the skills by designing on the pallets. to the community through its CSR initia- maintenance and repair Limited number of families and volun- tives and environmental awareness pro- works and will commu- teers were present due to social distancing grammes as one of its major CSR pillars is nicate with customers to and health measures which were strictly in focused on caring for the environment. ensure that they carried place during the event. In line with the Qatar This commitment is reflected on its out the necessary repairs. Sustainability Week activities, the event was support to programmes geared towards a The Ministry urged all made more significant with the participants’ Green Qatar. Its continuing partnership with customers to report any personal pledges on how to play their indi- the Public Parks Department in the Seed- violations to its Consumer vidual role for a better tomorrow. lings to your Home and Reduction of Carbon Protection and Anti-Com- Such pledges included conserving Footprint projects that promote environ- mercial Fraud Department, resources in terms of water, , transpor- mental care reinforce and manifest AAB’s which processes com- tation and electricity. Everyone is encouraged commitment and active role in contributing plaints, inquires and to register their pledge by visiting the Qatar towards the fulfilment of Qatar National suggestions. Green Building Council website. Vision 2030. DOHA TODAY

06 MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2020 Demand for home gym equipment soars

AYENI OLUSEGUN the gym environment may find have had to close. As gyms and compared to the same time THE PENINSULA it challenging to get the same fitness centres open, albeit with frame last year.” commitment level. adherence to preventive In Doha, most gyms are less Many of our daily routines Physical activity releases measures, there is still an crowded, and according to remain restricted during the endorphins, chemicals in the increase in the demand for some of the popular apparel coronavirus pandemic, and this brain that revitalise the mind home fitness equipment like and gym equipment sales can make exercising seem like and body and help improve virtual reality fitness equipment, outlets, they have seen a fair to a far-fetched activity. healthy well-being. Besides exercise bikes, treadmills, and a good increase in demand With the challenges of boosting mood and sleep rowing machines. during the lockdown and even working from home and limited improvement, exercise can also Online exercise equipment now despite the easing of access to fitness facilities, you strengthen your immune system, suppliers have seen a sharp restrictions. may be finding it hard to stick something that is particularly increase in sales as a result. “Some people prefer to a workout routine. Various important at this time, especially According to eBay.com sales training at home, especially workout activities we do with for older adults who are more data, “between March and April during the lockdown, and now friends are near not impossible vulnerable to COVID-19. 2020, online sales of fitness many are still afraid to go to the As gyms and fitness centres to do anymore. Those whose In the past few months, equipment increased up to 20 gyms. Some people had never open, albeit with PIC: DOLLAR GILL - UNSPLASH.COM workout intensity is boosted by most gyms and fitness centers times in some categories worked out before, and during adherence to preventive the lockdown, they had nothing to do and had to work out. This measures, there is still an sales were moving well even led to an increase in online increase in the demand for before the COVID-19 lockdown. requests, and we can say the home fitness equipment Apparels sales are also the number of people who started same,” said a Decathlon working out at home during the like virtual reality fitness manager. lockdown increased,” a equipment, exercise bikes, Decathlon is a famous manager at Go Sport told The treadmills, and rowing sports retail outlet with 1800 Peninsula. machines. stores worldwide. “During the lockdown, “We are a big retail shop, so people were ordering people do patronize. But with equipment online, but since the COVID-19 situation, sta- restrictions have been lifted, others recorded an increase in tionary bikes and treadmills people get both apparels and only equipment order com- have sold more. We are almost equipment. Some people also pared to apparel. out of stock right now, and we discovered working out at home “During the lockdown, our have to replenish soon. Our cus- may be better than going to the customers were active on the tomers are 85% of Europeans gym, especially with the locals.” website with their order. We because of the popularity of the Gym equipment While some outlets had just a little bit of increase store. But aquatics apparels recorded tremendous sales, (10%) because our equipment sales have been the same.” 8th Ajyal Film Festival to present 13 diverse feature films

Ultra-modern operating theaters

A still from the feature film 200 Meters. A still from the feature film Dino Dana.

THE PENINSULA – DOHA films to analyse and deliberate in lasting messages of hope and /2020) by Ilze Burkovska their respective categories, resilience across generations and Jacobsen, Sun Children (/2020) The hybrid edition of the 8th Ajyal awarding Best Film prizes ultimately inspires a sense of unity by Majid Majidi, The Reason I Jump Film Festival, presented by the accordingly. among our young jurors joining us (UK, USA/2020) by Jerry Rothwell, Doha Film Institute (DFI) from DFI supports three feature films virtually from across the globe. and The Wolves (Mexico/2019) by November 18 to 23, will show an screening in competition, Despite the challenges of this year, Samuel Kishi. inspiring selection of 13 thought- underlining the Institute’s Ajyal continues to provide a Ajyal’s Bader Jurors, aged 18 to provoking feature films from across commitment to unlock creative nurturing space where youth are 25, will choose a winner from 200 the globe online to offer voices and support quality film empowered to reach beyond Meters (Palestine, Jordan, Qatar, participants a safe event productions and reinforcing Qatar’s physical differences to find their , /2020) by Ameen State-of-the-art ambulance experience. continued focus on promoting innate creative voice.” Nayfeh, An Unusual Summer fleet The hybrid event format distinctive and compelling In competition in the Mohaq (, Palestine/2020) by expands the spirit of Ajyal into an narratives of universal resonance. segment for jurors aged 8 to 12 are Kamal Aljafari, Father (Serbia, inclusive virtual space for Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Dino Dana (Canada/2019) by J.J. France, Germany, , , immersive creative expression and Festival Director and Chief Johnson, Microplastic Madness Bosnia/2020) by Srdan Golubović, community. Executive Officer of DFI, said: “Our (USA/2019) by Atsuko Quirk and Gevar’s Land (France, Qatar/2020) Delivering inspirational stories carefully curated programme of Debby Lee Cohen, Turu, The Wacky by Qutaiba Barhamji, and Yalda, A of hope, resilience and courage international feature films inspires Hen (, /2019) by Night for Forgiveness (France, using powerfully creative our youth to reflect, build important Eduardo Gondell and Víctor Germany, , Luxemburg, narratives, the selected films will connections, and find a deeper Monigote, and Bikes (Spain/2019) Lebanon, Iran/2019) by Massoud be assessed across three separate understanding of the shared human by Manuel J. García. Bakhshi. juries – Mohaq, Hilal, and Bader. experience. With their powerful Ajyal Jurors aged 13 to 17 in the Tickets can be purchased via: Each jury is presented with narratives and diverse storytelling Hilal category will watch and www.dohafilminstitute.com/ carefully curated features and short techniques, each of the films instils evaluate My Favorite War (, filmfestival.

Highly-advanced patient VCUarts Qatar announces second Eco Lux Lab workshop information systems THE PENINSULA – DOHA Qatar created a new initiative called Eco-Luxury Laboratory,” Virginia Commonwealth University said Christopher Fink, Chair of School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Fashion Design at VCUarts Qatar. Qatar) has announced the second “The initiative offers exciting Eco-Luxury Laboratory (Eco Lux opportunities for the local Qatar Lab), a virtual workshop series. community and our students to The online session titled Denim, join forces and engage world- Designers, and Divas will be held class luxury leaders and pioneers from 5 pm to 6.30 pm on November who educate and address the new 10 and presented by Bill Curtin, the codes and benchmarks of sustain- owner of Blueprint Denim Wash- ability in the global market today. house (BPD Washhouse), based in In our next series called Denim, New York. The workshop is open Designers, and Divas, we will visit to industry practitioners and the the New York-based washhouse Cutting-edge treatments for public keen to hone their of Bill Curtin, who is a master in know-how of sustainable practices sustainable denim developments cancer in the fashion industry. and counts international During the workshop, Curtin will designers and celebrities as ded- take the audience through the dif- icated clients.” At Hamad Medical Corporation we ferent phases of producing sus- Eco Lux Lab is a pioneering ini- are utilizing advanced technology and tainable denim clothing, including tiative launched by the Fashion the processes – such as tinting and Design department at VCUarts innovative systems to deliver the highest washing, typically used to give denim Qatar – a Qatar Foundation partner quality care to Qatar’s population. its characteristic look and feel. He The online session titled Denim, Designers and Divas will be held on university – in response to the will also be sharing his experiences November 10. growing realization that current of collaborating with high-end and future generations of designers brands and celebrities. Immediately in the USA. Over the years, the com- individuals and retailers keen to need to be taught the importance www.hamad.qa following the session, participants pany’s clientele has expanded to expand their knowledge and skills of sustainable fashion. will be allowed to pose questions and include Ralph Lauren, Converse, in the denim industry. Upcoming Eco Lux Lab online share their insights with Curtin. Calvin Klein, OshKosh B’gosh, J C “With sustainability being the masterclasses will feature the BPD, which calls itself a denim Penny, and Tommy Hilfiger. The new focus and responsibility of the famous Brooklyn-based fashion studio, is one of the few facilities to company has also been holding luxury sector, both locally and glo- illustrator Richard Haines and artist offer both wet and dry processes workshops and exhibitions for bally, the fashion faculty at VCUarts Helen Kirkum from London. MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2020 DOHA TODAY 07 Doha-based Sponix Tech wins Al Daayen celebrates Qatar Sustainability Week ‘best startup in ’ award THE PENINSULA – DOHA Khayarin, Director of Al Daayen Municipality, Director LANI ROSE R DIZON technologies such as AI, machine On the occasion of the cele- of Services Affairs THE PENINSULA learning, and image processing. bration of Qatar Sustainability Department, Director of And they are working with us to Week, Al Daayen Munici- Public Affairs Department, Doha-based Sponix Tech, which develop and maintain our tech- pality, in cooperation with the Head of Parks Department, has developed the world’s first nologies. We believe in com- Al Murwab Tourist Head of Cleaning Department, technologies on purely bining technology with some- Resort, organised a bicycle and Director of Simaisma software-based immersive thing that’s profitable not only race at the olympic cycle path Tourist Resort. replay videos and real time for the market, but for the audi- in the Simaisma area. Al Daayen Municipality, virtual advertisements during ences’ passion for the sports. The event which was represented by the football matches, has been And we think that we are attended by a number of awareness team, and with winning accolades. The inventing new markets through municipality employees and the participation of all the company has been recently our technologies”. Simaisma Resort aimed at municipality’s departments, selected by Microsoft as the best Without a doubt, the tech- encouraging the practice of seeks to raise awareness startup in Asia and was also Sponix Tech Founder and CEO Mohammad Ali Abbaspour (left) preneurs behind Sponix are very sports in public places for a among citizens and residents chosen as one of the five best and Mohsen Rajabi, Business Development Director for Sponix, intentional about their mission healthy and sustainable life. about the importance of sus- companies in football inno- during an interview with The Peninsula recently. to be a game changer in the The event included tainability, which greatly vation in Austria. sports tech industry. They not planting different trees in the contributes in protecting the Sponix is a sports tech- only seek to increase fan municipality garden, in the environment and human nology startup company which engagement, but also hope to presence of Rashid Al health people. seeks to enhance sports fan create a new era for sports spon- experience and provides solu- sorship as well. The company tions and services that help has also set their sights on the broadcasters, clubs and leagues, Qatari market. In March, the Birla Public School hosts as well as advertisers in the company moved their head- sports tech industry to increase quarters from the UK to Doha, their viewers. with an aim to add value to the inter-school competition “Our immersive replay country’s growing sports technology is the first technology industry and share their inno- THE PENINSULA – DOHA Nearly 200 students were in the world that can produce SponixSponix is a sports technology startup company vation to other local market part of Virtual Competition. The this kind of immersive content which seeks to enhance ssportsports fanfan exexperienceperience players. Birla Public School hosted the quiz, show and tell, and speech anandd pprovidesrovides sosolutionslutions anandd services tthathat hhelpelp without any hardware in the “It’s very interesting for us Virtual Vista 2020, an Inter- contestants were live on Zoom. bbroadcasters,roadcasters, clubsclubs anandd lleagues,eagues, as wewellll as stadium, it’s purely software adadvertisersvertisers as a technology provider in the School Competition on Zoom. The entries for the painting, based. There’s only one com- sports field to be here, espe- A P Sharma, Principal, and music, and poster making were petitor in the world, which is a cially with the ambition Qatar Rajesh Pillai, Vice-Principal (Co received by the host school and large US-based company that of our unique remote virtual Most recently, the company has for sports technology. Also Scholastic) are the reasons judged accordingly. produces similar content. But advertisement technology, now has implemented its immersive with beIN SPORTS which is one behind the amasing initiative. The school also held a they need about $8m to $10m we are also the only company replay technology in major com- of the biggest broadcasters in The event focused on changing painting competition for SEN installations in the stadium, such in the world that can add virtual petitions including the UEFA the world, and most especially the tempo of the students from students in keeping with the as 5K cameras, servers, and ads in live feeds in real time, Champions League and worked the upcoming Qatar World Cup curricular to co-curricular inclusive policy of CBSE. Virtual infrastructure to produce their without any need for staff or with a number of clubs in which is the main reason why activities. Vista 2020 commenced with content. But we’re entering the installations in the stadium,” Europe. The company has also we chose to be here. Qatar will There were four major cat- an introduction and Arabic market without using any instal- Abbaspour added. conducted live tests on its virtual have a very big role in the sports egories for students from Grade prayer recital. lations in the stadium. We just Sponix has won the Asia ads solutions with the English industry in the region and in the I to XII, two for the Primary The Leadership team at need the feeds, and we can Startup Competition, along with Premier League and UEFA last world. We think we can create School and one for the Middle Birla encouraged the partici- make rich quality AI-based two other winners, which saw month. and add big value for all these and Senior Section each. pants with their motivating content for the football fans and the participation of about 100 In Qatar, Sponix, which is events. Our immersive replay A host of events comprising address. Jalees Bukhari, Co- sports audiences even while we startups from 22 different coun- part of the second cohort of the and virtual advertisement tech- quiz, speech, music, and art scholastic Coordinator and are sitting in our office in Doha,” tries. The event was jointly Qatar SportsTech’s award nologies were initially for were included. Team Virtual Vista were instru- Sponix Tech Founder and CEO organised by the Microsoft- winning Accelerator Pro- football, but now we’re final- The topics portrayed Qatari mental in hosting and organ- Mohammad Ali Abbaspour said powered Global Sports Inno- gramme, is also in close negoti- ising our solutions for tennis as - Indian culture and heritage ising the competitions. in an interview with The vation Center and Sport Sin- ations with the Supreme Com- well. And there are also a lot of and Qatar National Vision The teaching faculties from Peninsula recently. gapore recently. mittee for Delivery & Legacy and tennis events in Qatar. Our 2030. various departments put up a Sponix has completed its AI- Sponix was also recognised the BeINSports. technology is also very native Major Indian schools reg- wonderful show. The event based immersive replay tech- as one of the five leading com- Mohsen Rajabi, Business to the Qatar National Artifical istered their students for the proved to be a big success. nology last year, while its virtual panies in football innovation, Development Director for Intelligence Strategy, which event. Students from various The results for the various ads technology was completed and has presented its technol- Sponix, added: “Our team con- also has sports as one of its Indian schools in Qatar actively competitions will be in September. ogies at the Future of Football sists of 17 smart people who are main sections,” added participated and showcased announced on November “Also, with the completion Business Conference in Austria. experts in these new high-end Abbaspour. their talents. 14,2020. Students plant vegetable saplings at IIS THE PENINSULA – DOHA hands-on learning experience about farming, food and Media Pen and Ideal Indian nutrition and also will enhance School (IIS) in association with the chance for students to adopt Radio Malayalam 98.6, One FM healthy eating and agricultural and Qatar Stories launched practices beyond the classroom. school community based agri- Principal of Ideal Indian culture project ‘Agriventure’ School, Syed Shoukath Ali; recently. General Manager, Media Pen, The program is initiated and Binu Kumar; CEO, 98.6 FM, managed in order to educate Anwar Hussain, Heads of Sec- and bring awareness among stu- tions, Heads of Departments dents, parents and others about and Media Pen officials were the importance of agricultural Different varieties of vegetable project by planting a sapling. also present on the occasion. practices and organic farming. saplings were planted on the Speaking on the occasion Students, teachers and As a part of the project, a occasion. President of Ideal Dr. Hassan Kunhi said that parents took part in the practical farming area has been Indian School, Dr. Hassan activities of ‘Agriventure’ will program by planting a variety set up in the school premises. Kunhi M.P inaugurated the provide students with of vegetable saplings. THROUGH THE LENS

Healthcare Heroes is an exhibition featuring photos of healthcare workers representing more than 45,000 people employed across Qatar’s healthcare system to combat COVID-19. The exhibition is part of Doha Healthcare Week being held ahead of the World Innovation Summit for Health 2020. Healthcare Heroes exhibition is now open at the Fire Station outdoor exhibition space and photographs on display are by Mahmoud El Achi. PICS: SALIM MATRAMKOT/ THE PENINSULA 08 DOHA TODAY MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2020

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2020/3203 MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2020 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 09 Biden win a setback for Netanyahu, hope for Palestinians

AFP — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM Biden is expected “a long and warm personal relationship”. Joe Biden’s US election win marks to walk-back parts Biden supported recog- a setback for Israeli premier of Trump’s record, nising Jerusalem as Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, a staunch capital two decades before ally of President Donald Trump— notably by opposing Trump triggered global outcry but it could spur renewed Jewish settlement by doing so. Biden backed a engagement between Wash- construction in the 1995 Senate bill to establish a ington and the Palestinians, US embassy in Jerusalem by experts said. occupied West Bank, 1999. Biden’s 2020 campaign Netanyahu said Trump was which the president- said he would not reverse Israel’s strongest-ever ally in Trump’s embassy move, but the White House, and the elect has described would reopen a consulate in Republican advanced policies as an obstacle to Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem that delighted the Israeli prime “to engage the Palestinians”. minister’s right-wing base. peace. Biden also But Biden is expected to Netanyahu congratulated said he would restore walk-back parts of Trump’s Biden and vice-president-elect record, notably by opposing Kamala Harris on Twitter yes- “humanitarian aid Jewish settlement construction terday, before thanking Trump for the Palestinian in the occupied West Bank, for a raft of moves that, people,” after Trump which the president-elect has according to Netanyahu, described as an obstacle to advanced Israel’s interests. cut US support to peace. Biden also said he would Palestinians gather outside the Dome of the Rock in the Al Aqsa mosque compound, Islam’s third Trump unilaterally pulled the UN agency for restore “humanitarian aid for holiest site, in the old city of Jerusalem, yesterday. Experts agree that while a renewed Middle East out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal the Palestinian people,” after peace push is unlikely to top US President-elect Joe Biden’s immediate agenda, his administration —an agreement between Palestinian refugees Trump cut US support to the UN will seek to restore America’s traditional role as a broker in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Tehran and world powers (UNRWA). agency for Palestinian refugees loathed by Netanyahu —and (UNRWA). Gulf states, said Eytan Gilboa, tipped for a possible cabinet post, tration, accusing it of being fla- recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s Israel’s former envoy to political science professor at has called Netanyahu a “reac- grantly pro-Israel. “undivided capital”, moving the was first elected to the Senate. Washington Michael Oren said Israel’s Bar-Ilan University. tionary racist”. In a statement congratu- US embassy to the city, breaking In a 2015 speech, while that tensions will spike if Biden Experts have said that the Israel has meanwhile lating Biden and Harris, Pales- international consensus. serving as Barack Obama’s vice seeks to revive the Iran nuclear normalisation deals, as well as accused two Democratic con- tinian President Mahmoud Abbas He also endorsed Israeli -president, Biden said the deal, a prospect he said had a warming ties between Israel and gresswomen, Rashida Tlaib and urged the incoming adminis- sovereignty over the Golan United States was wedded to a “very high” likelihood. some Arab states under Trump, Ilhan Omar, of supporting the tration “to enhance the Pales- Heights—which was seized “sacred promise to protect the Netanyahu, and much of were partly driven by a desire to Boycott, Divestment and Sanc- tinian-American relations”. from Syria— and avoided crit- homeland of the Jewish people”. Israel’s security establishment, forge a united front against Iran. tions movement against Israel Abbas said he wanted to work icising Jewish settlements in the During the 2012 vice-pres- blasted the Iran deal for offering “The Iranians are going to say you over its treatment of the with the new administration “to occupied West Bank. According idential debate, when Biden was an arch-foe massive financial cannot have it both ways: you Palestinians. achieve freedom, independence, to a pre-vote poll by the Israel facing criticism over the Obama benefits while failing to elim- cannot have negotiation with us, According to Gilboa, “the justice and dignity for the Pales- Democracy Institute think-tank, administration’s treatment of inate the threat of a nuclear- and at the same time help to progressive, radical branch of tinian people”. Experts agree 63 percent of Israelis wanted Israel from Republican Paul armed Islamic republic. Iran expand the coalition that is basi- the Democratic party” is “anti- that while a renewed Middle Trump to win a second term. Ryan, Biden asserted that he insists its nuclear programme cally against us,” Gilboa said. Israel” and gaining strength. East peace push is unlikely to In fact, Biden’s ties with and Netanyahu had “been is strictly for civilian purposes. Israeli officials are also concerned “We don’t know yet how top Biden’s immediate agenda, Israel run deep, and he has been friends for 39 years”. A Biden effort to restore the that Israel critics in the Demo- much influence they will have his administration will seek to a vocal supporter of the Jewish Netanyahu yesterday pact with Iran could also affect cratic Party will influence Biden’s on policy making,” he said. restore America’s traditional state for decades. He visited praised Biden as “a great friend Trump-brokered normalisation administration, Gilboa said. The Palestinian Authority role as a broker in the Israeli- Israel in 1973, months after he of Israel” with whom he has had deals between Israel and two Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, cut ties with Trump’s adminis- Palestinian conflict. Daily tally of Iran President calls virus deaths in on Biden to return Iran hits 459 to nuclear deal REUTERS — DUBAI Iran’s daily tally of coronavirus AP & AFP — TEHRAN in 2018, which had seen Tehran deaths hit a record high of 459 limit its enrichment of uranium yesterday, the health ministry Iran’s president called on Pres- in exchange for the lifting of announced, increasing the ident-elect Joe Biden to economic sanctions. official toll to 38,291 in the “compensate for past mistakes” The US has since reimposed Middle East’s worst-hit and return the US to Tehran’s punishing sanctions on Iran that country. 2015 nuclear deal with world have crippled its economy, Ministry spokeswoman powers, a state-run news which was further battered by Sima Sadat Lari told state TV agency reported yesterday. the coronavirus outbreak. In an that the total number of con- Hassan Rouhani’s com- effort to pressure Europe to find firmed coronavirus cases ments mark the highest-level a way around the sanctions, increased by 9,236 to 682,486. response from Iran to Biden and Iran has slowly abandoned the Last week, the head of Vice-President-elect Kamala limits of the nuclear deal. Iran’s Medical Council, Harris clinching the November “The people of Iran, though Mohammadreza Zafarghandi, 3 election. “Now, an oppor- their heroic resistance against doubted the accuracy of the tunity has come up for the next the imposed economic war, official toll and warned that US administration to com- proved that the US maximum A newspaper with a front picture of US President-elect Joe Biden is seen at a news-stand in Tehran, Iran had reached a “cata- pensate for past mistakes and pressure policy was doomed to Iran, yesterday. strophic mortality rate”, the return to the path of complying fail,” Rouhani said. He added Iran Students News Agency Isna with international agreements “considers constructive Biden has said during his pictures of him and Trump. featuring a cartoon Biden reported. through respect of international engagement with the world as a campaign that he plans to The conservative Resalat sneaking away with a ballot in To stem a third wave of norms,” the state-run Irna news strategy.” embark on a “credible path to paper wrote that “the unmasked a skeleton’s hand. the virus, the government has agency quoted him as saying. Also yesterday, Iranian return to diplomacy” with Iran, enemy left, the masked enemy “The complaining pres- shut schools, mosques, shops Under President Donald Foreign Minister Mohammed and raised the possibility of arrived,” echoing the official ident!” reformist Arman-e Melli and restaurants in most of the Trump, tensions between the Javad Zarif tweeted that “the returning to the 2015 nuclear line that US policies will not wrote, while the mainstream country. US and Iran have escalated, world is watching” to see if the deal, negotiated when he was fundamentally change with Hamshahri daily said “it’s over: The Kuwaiti Ministry of reaching a fever pitch earlier new Biden administration would vice president under Barack presidents. The ultra-conserv- the age of Trump came to an Health announced 538 new this year. One of Trump’s sig- depart from Trump’s approach Obama. ative Vatan-e Emrooz focused end after four days of uncer- cases of coronavirus nature foreign policy moves toward Iran and seek interna- Most of Iran’s daily news- on Trump’s allegations of fraud tainty.” On Tehran’s streets, (COVID-19) in the past twenty- was unilaterally withdrawing tional cooperation. “Deeds papers reported on Biden’s in the election, in a report titled some expressed happiness over four hours, brining the total of the US from Iran’s nuclear deal matter most,” Zarif added. victory on their front pages with “the graveyard of democracy,” Trump’s election loss. confirmed cases in the country to 131,743. Three deaths also have been recorded, bringing the total number of deaths in Abiy replaces army, intelligence US sanctioned me over Kuwait to 811 cases so far. chiefs and FM as conflict escalates Hezbollah ties: Bassil Algeria reduces AP — BEIRUT In a press conference yes- jail sentence for REUTERS & AFP — GONDAR, the fighting could spark a civil but a communications blackout terday, Bassil said US Secretary ETHIOPIA war in Africa’s second most in the region has made their Lebanon’s former foreign of State Mike Pompeo and journalist populous nation and destabilise accounts difficult to verify. minister said yesterday that last other US officials repeatedly Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy the Horn of Africa region. On roads in the northern week’s US sanctions targeted asked him to sever his political AFP — ALGIERS Ahmed replaced his army chief, Yesterday, the central bank part of Ethiopia’s Amhara him over alleged corruption party’s alliance with Hezbollah the head of intelligence and the ordered the closure of 616 region, ambulances can fre- because he repeatedly refused — an alliance that makes them An Algerian journalist yesterday foreign minister yesterday as branches of commercial banks quently be seen ferrying Washington’s calls to severe ties the largest bloc in parliament had his jail term reduced on the military continued a in Tigray, citing reports of looting. wounded combatants to hos- with Iran-backed Hezbollah, a and a major power broker in appeal to one year, including five-day old offensive in the Tigrayans dominated Ethiopian pitals. In the town of Sanja, 98 powerful Lebanese militant and the country. six months behind bars, a pris- restive Tigray region with a new politics for decades until Abiy government soldiers have been political group. He said one such conver- oners’ rights group said. round of air strikes. reorganised the ruling coalition treated for “gunfire” injuries, a The US Treasury desig- sation amounted to a threat, Abdelkrim Zeghileche, head Abiy gave no reasons for the into a single party which the doctor said. “We have had 98 nation on Friday said Gebran when the US ambassador to of the web-based Radio-Sar- personnel changes, which come TPLF refused to join. cases. All of them are soldiers Bassil was “at the forefront of Lebanon gave him an ultimatum bacane, was sentenced in as pursues a military campaign Tensions escalated after from the national army,” said corruption” in Lebanon. The and conditions, or risk facing August to two years in prison for against the Tigray People’s Lib- Tigray held a regional election the doctor, who spoke on con- Treasury designation did not sanctions.“I told her it doesn’t “undermining national unity” eration Front (TPLF), a pow- in September against the wishes dition of anonymity. mention Bassil’s alliance or work with me that way,” Bassil and “insulting the head of state”. erful ethnic faction that led the of the federal government, He said there were no fatal- links to Hezbollah, but the said in press conference. He had been accused of ruling coalition for decades which called the poll illegal. On ities at the hospital, but noted sanctions against him appeared Bassil said the corruption posting calls on Facebook to until Abiy took office in 2018. Wednesday, Abiy launched mil- more serious cases have been to be part of the Trump admin- allegations, which he described create a new political party, Deputy Prime Minister itary operations in Tigray in transported to larger hospitals in istration’s maximum pressure as “laughable,” never came up according to his lawyer. Demeke Mekonnen has been response to what he said was the city of Gondar and elsewhere. campaign against Iran and its in conversation with US offi- Zeghileche has been in appointed foreign minister, while an attack on federal troops. Reports of dead and wounded sol- allies in the region. cials. He said such calls for sev- custody since June 24 and is deputy army chief Birhanu Jula The reshuffle came as a diers have mounted in recent days Bassil, who heads the coun- ering ties with Hezbollah would expected to be released at the was promoted to army chief of medical official said that nearly in Amhara, where a humanitarian try’s largest Christian bloc in lead to internal sedition and end of December, prisoners’ staff, Abiy’s office said. 100 government soldiers had aid worker said three died and 35 parliament, said he will chal- bloodshed, given that Hez- rights group CNLD said. Temesgen Tiruneh, who been treated for gunshot wounds were treated on Saturday. On lenge the sanctions in American bollah represents the Shias in During Zeghileche’s appeal was president of the Amhara at a hospital in the northern Friday 105 were reported injured courts and demand financial and Lebanon. on October 25, the prosecution region, was appointed as the Amhara region, the latest indi- and five killed in the region. They moral compensation. Lebanon’s He said if the Americans had called for his sentence to new intelligence chief. Amhara cation that fighting has been coincide with growing fears of President Michel Aoun has asked want to fight corruption in be increased. His was one of regional state forces have been intense. Abiy and military civil war after Abiy sent federal the US for evidence and docu- Lebanon, they ought to take a a string of trials of media and fighting alongside their federal leaders have touted Ethiopian troops and aircraft into Tigray in ments of the corruption allega- look at their own allies in the pro-democracy figures in the counterparts against the TPLF. soldiers’ successes against forces a major escalation of a long- tions against Bassil, who is also country, which he accused of North African country in Ethiopia’s neighbours fear loyal to the Tigray ruling party, running feud. Aoun’s son-in-law. being steeped in corruption. recent months. 10 VIEWS MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected] EDITORIAL Beating malicious agendas Supreme Judicial Council creates QATAR’S flag carrier - Qatar Airways - is operating from its hub Hamad International Airport, linking over 100 interna- tional destinations across all contents. With the reopening new specialised departments of the global travel, the airline continues to rebuild its net- works using its largest fleet globally having flown consist- ently throughout the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. QNA execution disputes aims at The decision of SJC strategy. The project also However, the successes achieved by Qatar Airways what enforcement disputes includes plans for devel- since its establishment were and still bother many of its Within its efforts to develop require in terms of speedy included the creation opment and improvement of competitors, therefore, since the imposition of the blockade the judicial system, the adjudication in the consider- of a new criminal the work environment by on the State of Qatar by its neighbours, the flag carrier Supreme Judicial Council ation of appeals filed against taking care of the status of the has become their major target. (SJC) has created new depart- them. department in the judiciary and judges, in a way The decision of the blockading states to prevent Qatar ments specialised in both the The Chamber will hold Court of Cassation, that achieves the aspirations Airways from operating in their countries and flying over Court of Cassation and the two sessions per week at its in addition to the of litigants by providing their airspace was aimed to hinder its growth and its con- Court of Appeal, as well as headquarters at the Court of prompt and efficient justice. tinued expansion linking hundreds of major destinations two appeal-hearing Appeal in Lusail. current one. Despite The strategy of the over the globe. No doubt that the step was a clear breach chambers, a new chamber for In this context, the Council the great leap made Supreme Judicial Council of civil aviation conventions and several binding agreements hearing implementation affirmed the necessity for the includes focusing on training that the blockading countries are signatories to. Qatar disputes, and a specialised implementation department by the Court of and qualifying all employees Airways kept seeking justice through international arbitration department for reviewing to take the necessary measure Cassation this year in in the judiciary, as the Council to get compensation from the countries that imposed a pretrial appeals. not to seize funds that exceed attaches great importance to blockade on Qatar on June 5, 2017. The new formations the amount required by the completing the cases this, through continuous legal As part of the principles of Qatari policy, Qatar Airways included many new elements executor against them. before it, the need training programs, including always takes all necessary efforts to resolve the crisis ami- in a way that reflects the In light of the results integrated training programs cably through dialogue, but when it comes to a conclusion Council’s efforts in developing achieved from the work of the for work requires for judges aimed at devel- that the other party is not willing to settle differences, then the judicial system and evening courts, the Council more achievement in oping judicial work skills and the decision was taken to issue Notices of Arbitration and achieving full justice in line decided to continue working the field of criminal learning from the experiences pursue all legal remedies to protect its rights and reputation. with developments that the with them, as several evening of other countries to provide Therefore, a multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways, country is witnessing in all chambers have been estab- discrimination. the appropriate environment yesterday announced that it has brought claims in the fields, as in addition to the lished in the Court of First for the work of the judge by English High Court against the Al Arabiya news channel usual departments such as the Instance and the Court of getting acquainted with the relating to a video simulation published in August 2017 department of Hadd and Appeal, and the evening conditions and customs of the which purported to explain the effect of the illegal blockade Qisas, as well as Criminal, chambers are expected to society in which the judicial on Qatar and Qatar Airways. Civil, Administrative, Labor, complete all the cases that positions of heads of courts’ work takes place. According to the airline, the Al Arabiya video included Formations and Family have been delayed due to the departments during the new The Council is working on an animation which depicted a Qatar Airways aircraft being Departments, the formations pandemic circumstances. judicial season, as the Council developing online services, intercepted and potentially being shot down by a fighter jet also included new depart- Family documentation places the issue of Qatari- activating smart device appli- in the context of the illegal blockade. The video was widely ments specialized in was also strengthened with an zation of jobs, especially the cation services and linking viewed worldwide, and caused a storm of media outrage numerous judicial fields. The additional number of judges, legal ones, on the top of prior- them to the “Hukoomi” portal at the time. It was produced in an attempt to mislead people decision of SJC included the as the number of judges was ities for the Qatarization plan and providing the service of and deter customers from flying with Qatar Airways, being creation of a new criminal increased to meet the for the judicial and adminis- submitting requests via the part of a series of politically motivated anti-Qatar publica- department in the Court of increasing demands on docu- trative staff in the courts, in online system, and online tions by Al Arabiya news channel. Cassation, in addition to the mentation procedures, in cooperation and coordination inquiring about cases. It also In a judgement after following the service of extensive current one. Despite the great addition to developing and with the academic and legal continuously provide new evidence and a three-day court hearing, the English High leap made by the Court of updating the work system by authorities in the country services, developing court- Court dismissed Al Arabiya’s application to contest the Cassation this year in com- relying more on electronic within a clear strategy and rooms and equipping smart jurisdiction of the English court to hear the claims. pleting the cases before it, the systems, which contributes to plans that can be imple- courtrooms. “Qatar Airways is determined to protect its business need for work requires more completing transactions and mented according to priorities The plan also includes from spurious and politically motivated attacks such as achievement in the field of speeding up procedures. within a specific time frame. activating the services of this, and we have confidence that the English High Court criminal discrimination. The launching of the first The Supreme Judicial online judicial notifications, will deliver justice in this dispute. This judgement is wel- The evening period has phase of the implementation Council affirmed that the pro- electronic integration with the comed and it is an important step forward for Qatar Airways been allocated to review the program is where cases are cedures for developing judicial relevant government in its quest for justice,” said Qatar Airways Group Chief pending cases of the recorded electronically to work come within the agencies, stopping the Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, commenting on the COVID-19 pandemic in the facilitate the public in liti- framework of keenness to paperwork related to the pro- judgement. Court of Appeal and the Court gation procedures. achieve prompt justice, which cedures for implementing of First Instance, while the SJC Supreme Judicial Council includes speed in litigation pro- judgments in accordance with approved the new formations indicated that the execution cedures, quality, and work- developed procedures aimed of chambers in the Court of judge is exclusively competent manship in a manner that at preserving the interests of Cassation, the Court of to adjudicate all substantive guarantees the rights of all. litigants, ensuring the privacy D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR Appeal, and the Court of First and temporary execution dis- The Council pointed out of data, and providing mul- putes, whatever they are, and that the judicial system is tiple alternatives for the EMAIL: [email protected] Instance. It is worth mentioning that to issue decisions and orders subject to comprehensive implementation of judgments. the Court of Cassation has not related to execution, as well as development and moderni- The notification services EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 stopped its service during the decide on temporary exe- zation process, whereby all the provide the online notifica- FAX: +974 4455 7758 suspension of sessions due to cution disputes as a judge of actors in this system are tions feature to the public in the COVID-19 pandemic, urgent matters. updated, on top of which is the the event of any requests reg- MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 which contributed to an In the context of imple- national human component, istered in the courts or cases unprecedented achievement menting the rulings as well, which is one of the priorities of that are submitted. DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 of the court, as only a small the Supreme Judicial Council its strategy for development Among the online services number of unforeseen instructed not to withhold and progress, in line with the is the “Inquiry” service LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 appeals remained for one or funds that exceed the Qatar National Vision 2030. available on the council’s two more sessions. amounts required to The Supreme Judicial Council website, which provides a BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 In light of the great implement judgments, in is implementing a plan to feature to inquire about the success achieved by the coordination with the con- modernize courts, which is a session’s date, time, location, SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 Criminal Council Chamber cerned authorities to achieve national project that aims to and judgment status in the that was created in the last this, so that seizure is only bring about a comprehensive event of a session by inserting ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 amendment to the Criminal made on the amount required transformation at the level of the case number. email: [email protected] Procedure Code issued under to implement judgments. Qatari courts to ensure their The “case status” service Law no. 23 of 2004, it was The new procedures distinction and elevate their sends text messages for the PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 decided to continue the approved by the Supreme work to the best international personal number registered in email: [email protected] Chamber’s work in two Judicial Council aim to settle practices. the system regarding the chambers, and it is hoped that and decide on pending cases, The project provides status of the case and the ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 this will make a qualitative within the framework of an quality and efficient services judgment issued or the FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] leap in the consideration of integrated action plan to to the public through several decision resulting from the criminal appeals and the develop performance and save easily accessible channels, session, thus providing the CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 speed of adjudication in them. time and effort for the public. including the mobile appli- opportunity for the person to email: [email protected] The decision to create a Also, the Council is keen to cation, the online portal, and follow the progress of the case specialized department to increase the Qatarization per- online services in line with and immediate knowledge of SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 look into the appeals of centage, especially the the Qatar e-government 2020 its progress. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar Tonight, the whole world is watching America and I believe /Peninsula_Qatar that at our best America is a /ThePeninsulaNewspaper beacon for the globe. Joe Biden, US President-elect +974 6698 6188 MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2020 ASIA 11 Suu Kyi poised to win second term in Myanmar AFP — YANGON Virtually all the doubts about the vote’s cred- ibility have already over- Millions across Myanmar waited 600,000 Rohingya shadowed the poll. in long lines yesterday to vote Muslims remaining in Virtually all the 600,000 in an election expected to return the country — half of Rohingya Muslims remaining to power the government of in the country — half of whom Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains whom are of voting are of voting age — are stripped a hero at home in spite of a age — are stripped of of citizenship and rights, reputation abroad shattered by including their chance to vote. the Rohingya crisis. citizenship and rights, “This is an apartheid The election is just the including their chance election,” said rights group second since the Southeast Burma Campaign UK, adding Asian nation emerged from to vote. the polls were “less free and fair nearly half a century of junta than the last”. rule in 2011. Restrictions across many Five years ago, Suu Kyi’s Coronavirus cases have spi- other ethnic minority areas — National League for Democracy ralled upwards in recent ostensibly for security concerns (NLD) won a landslide victory months, sending swathes of the — mean nearly two million but was forced by the consti- country into lockdown and voters are disenfranchised tution into an uneasy power- largely forcing campaigns from an electorate of 37 sharing agreement with the online, where hate speech million. still-mighty military. between rival factions has In Rakhine state, some This time, the civilian leader flourished. people posted protest “can’t — in a bid to maintain an But Suu Kyi refused to vote” selfies on Facebook with absolute majority — has postpone the polls. their little fingers coloured implored citizens to overcome In Yangon, people waited in white— mimicking the purple their coronavirus fears to turn the sun to enter temples, ink to mark those who have cast out and cast their ballots. shopping centres and offices to their ballots. In Mandalay — Myanmar’s cast their ballots — some The NLD-appointed election Electoral workers start to count votes inside a polling station during the general election in Naypyidaw, second-largest city and a wearing two face masks as commission has also been lam- Myanmar, yesterday. hotspot for infections — people protection. basted for lacking transparency crowded into a polling station “I’m not at all afraid of being and bungling logistics, from huge power, retaining control country against genocide numerous other long-running outside the city’s ancient palace. infected with Covid-19,” said voter lists to alleged discrimi- of three key ministries and a charges at the UN’s top court conflicts in ethnic minority “I have my concerns” about 27-year-old Khine Zar Chi. “I nation against Muslim quarter of all parliamentary played well to the Bamar Bud- areas. the lack of social distancing, don’t care if I die for Mother candidates. seats. dhist majority, who widely view Many of these minorities, schoolteacher Hnin Wut Yee, Suu.” Even army chief Min Aung The comments signalled a the Rohingya as illegal already disadvantaged by the 23, said. “We’re all watching Holding the election could Hlaing chided the “weakness “new low point in civilian-mil- immigrants. electoral system, are now each other with suspicion.” see “serious public health ram- and deficiencies” in the vote’s itary relations” even if a coup The persecuted community deprived of their vote. Voters across the country ifications”, warned the Interna- organisation and ominously or other power grab remained garnered little sympathy when This poses a “huge risk” of wore compulsory face masks at tional Crisis Group watchdog. warned the government to “be very unlikely, said Yangon- brutal military operations in election or post-election vio- polling stations, but social dis- UN chief Antonio Guterres careful” — although he told based analyst Richard Horsey, 2017 forced about 750,000 to lence, warned Horsey. tancing rules were not followed on Friday called for a reporters yesterday he would who predicted a landslide for flee from Rakhine state over the “There’s a lot of guns, there’s everywhere with crowds “peaceful, orderly and have to accept the results. the NLD. border to . a lot of armed groups, there’s a bunched together in some lines. credible” election, although The military still wields Suu Kyi’s defence of the Myanmar is wracked by lot of division.” Philippines to proclaims Crown Prince Akishino heir to throne back China AP — TOKYO prestigious Pine Room, Naruhito, postponed after Japan’s gov- anti-virus measures. The government in 2005 candidate for 60, declared that his younger ernment issued a state of emer- Yesterday’s proclamation considered the possibility of Japanese Emperor Naruhito’s brother is now officially the gency earlier that month due to for the Crown Prince paves the female emperors, but the dis- World Court younger brother, Crown Prince Crown Prince who is first in line the pandemic. way for the government to start cussion halted as soon as Fumihito, was formally sworn to succeed the throne of the Yesterday’s ritual was discussing what to do with the Hisahito was born the following in as first in line to the Chrysan- world’s oldest monarchy. scaled down from the original dire shortage of heirs. year. Surveys have shown that REUTERS — MANILA themum Throne in a traditional “I hereby declare in and 350 to about 50 attendants that Naruhito’s succession left most Japanese support having palace ritual yesterday that has outside of the country that included Prime Minister only two younger men in line female emperors, as Aiko has The Philippines’ foreign been postponed for seven prince Fumihito is now the Yoshihide Suga and other top for the throne — Fumihito and become increasingly popular. minister ordered the country’s month and scaled down due to crown prince,” said Naruhito, government officials, as well as his 14-year-old son, Hisahito. Suga recently said his gov- mission to the the coronavirus pandemic. in his reddish brown robe and prefectural representatives and Naruhito’s 18-year-old ernment will begin studying yesterday to vote for China’s The ceremony for the a headdress. select foreign dignitaries. daughter, Aiko, and the crown ways to secure a stable imperial candidate to fill one of the five 54-year-old crown prince, Fumihito, in an orange robe In a separate, closed cer- prince’s two daughters Mako succession after the crown seats at the International Court better known as Prince and accompanied by his wife, emony later yesterday, and Kako are not in line because prince’s proclamation. of Justice (ICJ) that will become Akishino, concludes a series of Crown Princess Kiko, pledged in Fumihito inherited an imperial they are women. Official duties increased vacant next year. imperial succession rituals that response: “I deeply acknowledge sword symbolising his status as Japan’s Imperial House Law, during the reign of hugely “You are instructed to cast began in May last year when my responsibilities as crown crown prince. largely based on pre-war con- popular former emperor the Philippine vote for the Naruhito ascended to the throne prince and carry out my duties.” Palace banquets and other stitution, does not allow a Akihito, who actively interacted Chinese candidate to the inter- after their 86-year-old father The approximately events including public signing female emperor and bars with the public, including vis- national court of justice. That Akihito abdicated. 15-minute ceremony, initially of congratulatory messages women when they marry iting disaster-hit areas to is your only clear instruction,” Inside the palace’s most scheduled for April 19, was have been cancelled as part of commoners. console residents. Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin said on Twitter without elaborating. Cambodia shuts Four of the eight candi- Indians celebrate Harris win with prayers, firecrackers dates contesting the five posi- schools in capital tions are incumbent judges AP — THULASENDRAPURAM whose nine-year terms are area as virus due to expire on Feb. 5 next Waking up to the news of year. One of the four is Chinese Kamala Harris’ election as Joe precaution Judge Xue Hanqin, who is also Biden’s running mate, over- the vice president of the ICJ, joyed people in her Indian AP — PHNOM PENH also known as the World grandfather’s hometown are Court. setting off firecrackers, carrying Schools in Cambodia’s capital The ICJ, the highest United her placards and offering and the surrounding area will Nations court for inter-state prayers. be shut for two weeks as a disputes, is composed of 15 Groups gathered at street precaution after ’s judges elected to nine-year corners of the tiny village of foreign minister tested positive terms of office by the United Thulasendrapuram, population for the coronavirus after Nations General Assembly and 350, reading newspapers and visiting Cambodia last week, the Security Council. Judges chatting about the Democrats’ the Education Ministry said are eligible for re-election. victory before moving to the yesterday. A United Nations doc- temple. Schools throughout Cam- ument dated June 29, 2020 A woman wrote in colour bodia reopened last Monday showed the Philippines nom- powder outside her home: after being closed since March inated another candidate Jap- “Congratulations Kamala due to the coronavirus, but anese Judge Yuji Iwasawa but Harris. Pride of our village. with limited class sizes and not Xue. Vanakkam (Greetings) hours. The foreign ministry said America.” Public and private schools the Philippines can support Most of them had gone to in Phnom Penh and the sur- more than one candidate at the sleep by the time Biden clinched Residents distributes sweets as they celebrate the victory of US Democratic Vice-President-elect rounding province of Kandal Nov. 11 election as there will the winning threshold of 270 Kamala Harris, at her ancestral village of Thulasendrapuram, in Tamil Nadu, , yesterday. will be closed again for two be five vacancies. Electoral College votes, making weeks, the Education Ministry Since coming to power in Harris the first woman and the distributing Indian sweets to deity Ayyanar, a form of Lord one of us is awaiting the day she said in a statement. It said stu- 2016, President Rodrigo first person of South Asian people and praying in the Shiva, was washed with milk would take oath as the vice dents will be able to learn Duterte has pursued better descent to be elected vice temple. We will request her to and decked with flowers by the president of the US,” said Aul- online, as they did when relations with Beijing, though president. come here. She would have priest. mozhi Sudhakar, a village schools were closed earlier. the Philippines, particularly its “For two or three days we heard our voice and she may He chanted hymns after councilor. The ministry said the military, has harboured a deep kept our fingers crossed while come.” lighting oil lamps, and the vil- More singing, dancing and shutdown was necessary mistrust of China over what it the result was delayed,” said Tamil Nadu state Food Min- lagers bowed their heads in firecrackers are planned because it has been unable to sees as intrusions into its ter- resident Kalidas Vamdayar. ister R Kamraj led about 100 respect. Sunday in the village, where collect enough information ritory, bullying of its fishermen “Now it’s a joyful moment people at the Dharma Sastha “Kamala Harris is the cutouts and posters wishing from the parents of those stu- and denial of access to its for us. We are enjoying it. We temple for a 20-minute prayer daughter of our village. From Harris a “grand success” adorn dents who had direct or indirect energy resources. will celebrate with firecrackers, during which the idol of Hindu children to senior citizens, each many walls. contact with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto during his visit last week. Szijjarto tested positive upon India-China dialogue to resolve border dispute to continue arrival in on Tuesday after his Cambodia visit. He was IANS — NEW DELHI (MoD) said in a statement that in-depth and constructive misunderstanding and It was for the first time that placed in quarantine before both countries agreed to con- exchange of views on disen- miscalculations. Lieutenant General PGK Menon leaving for Hungary on The military talks between tinue the dialogue and commu- gagement along the Line of “They also agreed to have led the Indian military Wednesday, and all his meetings India and China at Chushul in nication through military and Actual Control in the Western another round of meeting delegates. in Bangkok were cancelled. eastern Ladakh to resolve the diplomatic channels and take Sector of India-China border soon,” the Ministry said. Earlier, he had attended two Cambodian Prime Minister border dispute ended in a forward the discussions, push areas.” It added that both the Since the talks ended in a such talks but the delegation Hun Sen said on Saturday that a stalemate but both countries for a settlement of other out- countries also agreed to ear- deadlock and no thinning of was led by then Lieutenant Cambodian bodyguard for Szij- have agreed to continue the standing issues, so as to jointly nestly implement the important troops will happen, soldiers of General Harinder Singh, who jarto had tested positive for the dialogue to push for a peaceful maintain peace and tranquillity consensus reached by the both the countries deployed in was transferred last month to coronavirus. He said the body- settlement, the MoD said in the border areas. leaders of the two countries, the area will remain exposed to the Indian Military Academy guard was the only one among yesterday. MoD pointed out that “the ensure their frontline troops minus 20 degrees Celsius where he would be in charge of some 900 people who were part The Ministry of Defence two sides had a candid, exercised restraint and avoided temperatures. training. of Szijjarto’s visit to test positive. 12 ASIA MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2020 Thai police use water cannons on protesters AP — BANGKOK The demonstrators watchai said. The demonstrators had Pro-democracy protesters in had solicited letters to solicited letters to the king from Thailand were confronted by the king from protest protest supporters that were riot police and sprayed by water deposited in mock red post- cannons yesterday as they tried supporters that were boxes on wheels that marchers to approach Bangkok’s Grand deposited in mock red said they intended to deliver. Palace to deliver letters about The action was the latest their political grievances postboxes on wheels gimmick by the protest addressed to the country’s king. that marchers said they movement to maintain public The pro-democracy interest in their cause. movement has been pushing a intended to deliver. The student-led movement, bold challenge to reform the which over several months has country’s monarchy with almost seized the political initiative, daily demonstrations. Sunday initial thin line of police. has put enough pressure on the marked the second time water Protesters threw objects at government of Prime Minister cannons were used against police during the melee, but Prayuth Chan-ocha to call for them during several months of both sides backed off after a few Parliament to deal with at least demonstrations. minutes, and it appeared that some of their demands. The protesters pushed aside order had been at least tempo- They are seeking Prayuth’s one of several buses that along rarily restored. resignation, changes to the con- Riot police stand guard in front of the Grand Palace as pro-democracy protesters take part in an anti- with barbed wire was serving The water cannons were stitution to make it more dem- government demonstration in Bangkok in Thailand, yesterday. as a barrier to marchers trying employed by the police for just ocratic and reforms to the mon- to approach the palace, which a short time, and it appeared archy to make it more protesters also consider illegit- the issue, public criticism of the dozen rallied briefly Sunday houses the royal offices but is that no one suffered any serious accountable. imate and anti-democratic. royal institution was virtually across from the main protest. only used by King Maha Vaji- injuries. “People just wanted to The protesters believe The third demand, calling unknown. Parliament has agreed to ralongkorn on infrequent cer- submit the letters. There was no Prayuth lacks legitimacy for reform of the monarchy, is While the protesters have debate amending the consti- emonial occasions. sign of violence from protesters because he came to power after the most controversial. The increasingly put the monarchy tution and political leaders are The attempt to break at all,” said protester Tha- an election last year whose monarchy has traditionally issue front and centre, they discussing setting up a recon- through came after police had watchai Tongsuk, 36. rules were set up under military been an untouchable institution, have received serious push ciliation committee, an effort declared their march illegal and “If the police gave way, I rule. Prayuth as army chief in regarded by most Thais as the back. Even the main opposition that so far has been rejected by asked for protesters to send believe that the leaders would 2014 led a coup ousting an heart and soul of the nation. A party, otherwise sympathetic to the protesters. representatives to talk. have submitted the letters and elected government and then lese majeste law mandates a their other points, has said it But Prayuth has insisted he The protesters had met then been finished. Everyone headed the junta that ran the prison term of up to 15 years for does not want to amend laws won’t step down, and any effort earlier at Bangkok’s Democracy would go home. The more vio- country until last year’s polls. anyone who defames the king covering the monarchy, and to reform the monarchy seems Monument and marched as lence they use, the more people A new constitution was put or his close family. royalists have started holding to be a dead end, leaving the sit- darkness fell, pushing past an will join the protest,” Tha- into effect by the junta that the Until the protesters raised counter-demonstrations. A few uation deadlocked. Islamabad sees increase in Ties with US to deepen after Biden win: Ghani crime incidents AFP — KABUL what some see as a too-hasty Trump’s plans to end America’s no leverage to the attacks against Afghan security withdrawal of US troops. longest war. government. forces. INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD Afghan President Ashraf Ghani US President Donald His administration agreed That excluded the Afghan Scores of people were killed said yesterday that ties between Trump’s administration to fully disengage in exchange government from negotiations, in two attacks in the capital tar- The federal capital of Kabul and Washington are signed a deal with the Taliban for a commitment from the however, and also saw almost geting educational institutions has witnessed significant expected to deepen in areas of on February 29 that agreed to Taliban to stop trans-national 6,000 Taliban prisoners within days of each other. increase in incidents of counter-terrorism and building withdraw all American forces jihadist groups such as Al Qaeda released — much to the dis- Both attacks were claimed robberies, snatchings at peace as he congratulated Joe from Afghanistan by May and Islamic State from oper- pleasure of authorities. by the Islamic State group, but gunpoint, and auto theft Biden on his election victory. 2021. ating in Afghanistan. Days after the release of officials have blamed the during the last week. “Afghanistan looks “Biden will also finish the The US military has already prisoners, peace talks between Taliban. According to data, the forward to continuing/deep- war, but he wants to bring the shut several bases across the the Taliban and Afghan gov- “Joe Biden’s election as city’s various police stations ening our multilayered stra- war to a responsible end, not country and pulled out thou- ernment to end the war were president is good news for registered over 13 cases of tegic partnership w/ the United rushing like Trump,” said sands of troops as agreed. launched in the Qatari capital. Afghanistan,” said Ahmad vehicle thefts including motor States — our foundational Mohammad Dawood, a garment Timor Sharan, a lecturer at The talks, which com- Jawed, a university student in bikes, 11 cases of theft partner — including in coun- seller in Kabul. the American University in menced on September 12, have Kabul. including robbery and terterrorism & bringing peace “He will slow down the Afghanistan, said on Twitter failed to make any significant “I think he will not repeat snatchings at gunpoint, and to Afghanistan,” Ghani wrote withdrawal from Afghanistan that the incoming Biden admin- progress so far. mistakes committed by Trump. one case each of kidnapping on Twitter. and will keep some troops here, istration will have a “more tol- Violence, however, has I think Biden will even recon- and murder, during the last Biden’s victory was also which is good news.” erant” approach to peace talks, surged across the country, sider the US-Taliban deal and week. welcomed by ordinary citizens, The withdrawal of troops as Washington’s deal with the including in Kabul, with the then somehow keep some The most active areas for who thought he might slow has been a cornerstone of Taliban was “terrible” and gave Taliban stepping up daily troops in Afghanistan.” the criminal’s gangs were within the limits of Ramna, Sihala and Industrial Area police stations in the same Taliban expect Biden period. During the last week, Ramna police station registered to abide by Afghan four cases of motor vehicle theft. Carjackers stole a car (RIQ- 7235) belonging to Pehlawan troop pullout deal Shah worth Rs250,000 lifted a bike (RIQ-5269) belonging to AFP — KABUL several bases and pulled out Muhammad Hussain worth thousands of troops as Rs80,000, lifted another bike The Taliban said yesterday they agreed. (ARQ-579) belonging to Shams expect the next US president, That deal, however, Zaman, and stole a car (APX- Joe Biden to abide by the deal excluded the Afghan gov- 384) belonging to Amad Khan signed with his predecessor ernment from negotiations, worth Rs2,200,000. Donald Trump’s administration and also saw almost 6,000 Similarly, two cases each of that paved the way for with- Taliban prisoners released — robbery, and one case of car drawing American forces from much to the displeasure of lifting were reported to Sihala Afghanistan. authorities. police station during the last In February, Trump’s Days after the release of week. Umer Farooq lodged a administration signed a deal prisoners, peace talks between complaint with Sihala police with the Taliban to fully dis- the Taliban and Afghan gov- station that a pickpocketeer stole engage from Afghanistan in ernment to end the war were cash Rs550,000 from his pocket. exchange for several security launched in the Qatari capital Another, Hassan Nawaz guarantees and a com- Doha. registered a complaint with mitment from the insurgents The talks, which com- Sihala police station that to stop trans-national groups menced on September 12, have unknown robbers broke locks Morning delight such as Al Qaeda and Islamic failed to make any significant of his house, and looted cash State from operating in the progress so far. and gold ornaments worth A man reads a morning newspaper showing a photograph of newly elected US President Joe Biden, country. “The ongoing intra-Afghan Rs800,000. at a newspaper stall in Lahore, Pakistan, yesterday. However, Biden’s victory in talks is part of the agreement the US election has raised (with the US) and shall continue hopes among ordinary citizens unaffected,” Naeem said. that he might slow what some Despite the Taliban and Beijing loyalists target judges see as a too-hasty withdrawal Afghan government engaging of US troops from in talks, violence on the ground Afghanistan. has only surged, with the AFP — HONG KONG often violent pro-democracy impose harsher jail terms. essary sufferings,” she said. The Taliban said they Taliban stepping up daily protests, judges are now finding In October, graffiti daubed “Yet, the officers who lied face expected Biden’s government attacks targeting Afghan The acquittal of dozens of Hong themselves in the crossfire of the in red paint appeared on a wall no consequences.” Testimony or to stick to the deal signed on security forces. Kong pro-democracy protesters city’s festering political divide. reading in Chinese: “Police evidence from police in at least February 29. Afghan President Ashraf — often accompanied by with- Much of that criticism arrested people but the ‘dog 27 protest cases has been dis- “We signed the agreement Ghani said yesterday that ties ering court criticism of police — comes from a pro-estab- judge’ released them”. missed by magistrates as either with the American government between Kabul and Wash- has triggered a backlash from lishment bloc infuriated by That message targeted unreliable, contradictory or not not a person,” Mohammad ington are expected to deepen Beijing loyalists demanding an acquittals or perceived light former magistrate Stanley Ho, credible, and resulted in acquittal, Naeem, a spokesman for the in areas of counter-terrorism overhaul of a judicial system long sentences for protesters. who had recently acquitted two according to atally based on local Taliban, said. and building peace as he con- known for its independence. Ta Kung Pao and Wen Wei people of assaulting police. media reports. “We hope that the process gratulated Biden on his election Semi-autonomous Hong Po — two staunchly pro-Beijing Ho slammed two testifying No officer has been disci- that has started will not be victory. Kong owes much of its success newspapers based in Hong officers for “telling lies to cover plined for evidence given on the weakened, but rather Kabul resident Salim, as a financial hub to its trans- Kong — have led the charge, lies”, and said the force used stand. A police spokesperson strengthened.” meanwhile, was hopeful that parent legal system. publishing articles calling for against those they arrested was said any court complaint about The US-Taliban deal agreed Biden would withdraw forces Unlike authoritarian judicial reform and deriding “completely unnecessary”. an officer would be handled “in to withdraw all American in a “responsible” manner. China’s judicial structure — “yellow judges” — the colour District councillor Jocelyn a fair and impartial manner”. forces from Afghanistan by May “Biden thinks more about where opaque courts are associated with the democracy Chau, one of the two exonerated, Of more than 10,000 people 2021. Afghanistan. Even if he with- party-controlled and convic- movement. remains furious about the trial arrested at protests, about The withdrawal of troops draws forces from the tions all but guaranteed — Prominent local pro-Beijing and months spent on bail. 2,300 cases have gone on to has been a cornerstone of country, he would take a Hong Kong’s is internationally politicians have joined in, “The long wait, the pressure some form of judicial pro- Trump’s plans to end America’s responsible decision (about respected. calling certain judges biased, you face from family members ceedings with 331 convictions, longest war. it),” said Salim, who goes by But as Beijing cracks down and lobbying for the creation of and friends when you go according to Hong Kong police Since the signing of the only one name as many following last year’s huge and a sentencing committee to through the trial, are unnec- statistics. deal, the US military has shut Afghans do. MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2020 EUROPE 13

UK govt gives extra Johnson: US is financial support to struggling families

Britain's most REUTERS — LONDON Britain’s government will give extra support to prevent important ally families going hungry or without essential items this winter, a climbdown after REUTERS — LONDON Former finance resisting calls by footballer minister Sajid Javid Marcus Rashford to extend The United States is Britain’s free school meals to disadvan- closest and most important ally, predicted a much taged children. Prime Minister Boris Johnson better chance of Britain’s work and pen- said yesterday, expressing sions department said it would confidence he could achieve sealing a trade provide a new $223m Winter much on everything from trade deal under the new Grant scheme to local councils, to climate change with Pres- administration. with at least 80 percent ear- ident-elect Joe Biden. marked for support with food Johnson, who was once and bills until the end of fondly dubbed “Britain Trump” “The United States is our March, among other by President Donald Trump, closest and most important ally. provisions. congratulated Biden on his And that’s been the case under The government has been Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson (left) and his partner Carrie Symonds (third left) meet Chelsea victory on Saturday, saying he president after president, prime under pressure to help those Pensioners and war veterans during the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph on Whitehall looked forward to “working minister after prime minister. on low incomes to feed their closely together on our shared It won’t change,” Johnson told in central London, yesterday. children especially after more priorities”. reporters, adding he had not yet people have lost jobs due to But some say Johnson, a spoken to the president-elect. administration. But it is Britain’s trade talks Northern Ireland, and yes- the coronavirus (COVID-19) leading force in the campaign He said he looked forward Britain is pursuing trade with the EU that might cast a terday, Raab accused the EU of pandemic, but parliament, to leave the European Union, to working with Biden and his deals around the world after shadow over the relationship putting it in jeopardy. where the governing Con- might struggle to forge a close team “on a lot of crucial stuff leaving the EU in January, to between Johnson and Biden, US Senator Chris Coons, a servatives have a majority, bond with Biden, who has in the for us in the weeks and months try to project Johnson’s vision after the US president-elect Democrat, told the BBC he voted against extending free past cast doubt over Brexit and ahead: tackling climate change, of a “global Britain”, but talks expressed concerns over expected “some reconsideration school meal vouchers last has never met the prime trade, international security. with the United States have whether Britain would uphold of whatever comments may month. minister. Many, many, many, many, slowed over the last few Northern Ireland’s 1998 peace have been made about the Johnson, his foreign min- many other issues”. months. agreement and said he had moment of Brexit”. ister Dominic Raab and other Raab went further by saying Describing himself as a hoped for a “different outcome” “The special relationship New coronavirus members of the governing Con- Biden would “have no greater “keen student of the United from the 2016 Brexit between the United States and servatives were keen to ally, no more dependable friend States’ trade policy”, Johnson referendum. the has cases in Italy underline how much overlap than the United Kingdom”. said he believed there was a The British government has endured over decades and I there now was between the Former finance minister good chance the two sides repeatedly said it will uphold expect that there will be oppor- fall to 32,616 incoming US administration Sajid Javid predicted a much would “do something on trade” the Good Friday Agreement, tunities promptly for there to and that of the British gov- better chance of sealing a trade despite Washington being which ended 30 years of vio- be some visits, some REUTERS — MILAN ernment on shared interests. deal under the new “tough negotiators”. lence in the British province of conversations.” Italy has registered 32,616 new coronavirus infections over the past 24 hours, the health UK honours war dead in scaled-back Remembrance service ministry said on Sunday, compared to 39,811 on AP — LONDON The public were unable to attends the service but paid his Saturday. attend this year, with the event respects outside his home in The ministry also reported In a scaled-back service, Queen taking place during a second Colchester, around 105km 331 COVID-19 related deaths, Elizabeth II led tributes national lockdown in England, northeast of London, with the down from 425 the day before. yesterday to those from the UK and were instead encouraged support of his neighbours. But the number of swab and the Commonwealth who to take part in the two-minute “It’s something that’s really tests carried out was lower perished in wartime, as most silence at home. special and it means an awful than Saturday’s count. veterans paid their respects at In other years, the com- lot,” he said. “I shall remember A total of 41,394 people home as a result of the corona- memoration is packed with it as a good day.” have died because of virus pandemic. thousands of veterans and mil- Charles’ other son, Prince COVID-19 in Italy, which has The 94-year-old monarch itary personnel. In Sunday’s Harry, wasn’t present but spoke registered 935,104 infections looked on from a balcony at a service, there were less than 30 about what serving for his since the start of its government building above the veterans in attendance and eve- country in Afghanistan meant outbreak. Cenotaph on Whitehall in ryone present observed social to him. The northern region of central London on the 100th distancing rules though mask “Being able to wear my Lombardy, home to Italy’s year anniversary of the memo- wearing wasn’t mandatory in uniform, being able to stand up business capital Milan, rial’s installation following the the outdoor setting. in service of one’s country, remained the hardest-hit area, conclusion of World War I. Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II is seen during a service to mark Though the service was very these are amongst the greatest although new cases fell to Following a two-minute the centenary of the burial of the Unknown Warrior ahead of different, people up and down honors there are in life,” Harry 6,318 on Sunday from 11,489 silence at 11am, Prince Charles Remembrance Sunday at Westminster Abbey, in London. the land took time out to honor said in a podcast. “To me, the on Saturday. laid a wreath on the queen’s the war dead. Small services uniform is a symbol of some- Neighbouring Piedmont behalf during the Remem- William and Prime Minister from across the political were permitted. thing much bigger, it’s symbolic was the second-worst affected brance Sunday commemo- Boris Johnson, also laid wreaths spectrum, including former World War II veteran of our commitment to pro- with 3,884 new cases com- ration. Others, including in honour of those who have prime ministers, were also Seymour “Bill” Taylor, who tecting our country, as well as pared to 4,437 cases the day Charles’ oldest son, Prince perished in wartime. Leaders present. turns 96 next month, usually protecting our values.” before. One dead as over 1,600 migrants German officials slam virus protesters for endangering all AP — BERLIN order, however, and the dem- She “strongly condemned” The demonstration came as people. The Robert Koch reach Spain's onstration went ahead. the attacks on police and the Germany finished its first week Institute says any effects from German officials yesterday After it ballooned to more press. of “lockdown light,” which the measures will be seen in Canary Islands condemned the actions of than 20,000 people and “The mockery of science brings new restrictions to slow two to three weeks. 20,000 people who demon- authorities determined that and right-wing hate speech that spiking coronavirus cases but In Munich, an appeals court AP — MADRID strated against coronavirus coronavirus regulations man- we have seen are abhorrent,” also keeps schools and shops on Saturday upheld the restrictions by jamming dating mask wearing and social she said. open. southern city’s ban on demon- More than 1,600 migrants together in a Leipzig city square distancing weren’t being fol- She called for an investi- The country’s disease strations against coronavirus have either been rescued at largely without wearing masks, lowed, the crowd was told to gation into how the situation control center, the Robert Koch restrictions that were scheduled sea or reached Spain’s Canary and called for an investigation disperse. But thousands lin- was able to escalate, a sen- Institute, said Sunday that for Saturday and Sunday. Islands in small boats over the into how the protest was able gered, some scuffling with timent echoed by many, Germany had reported 16,017 The court ruled authorities weekend, emergency services to get out of control. reporters and throwing projec- including opposition parties. new cases overnight. That was in the Bavarian city could ban for archipelago said yesterday. The eastern city had tried to tiles and fireworks at police. “It cannot be that the state down from a record of 23,300 the demonstrations under The body of one person move Saturday’s demonstration “What we saw yesterday in stands by and watches as jour- new cases set the day before. infection protection who had died during the per- to a larger location after calcu- Leipzig cannot be justified,” said nalists are attacked doing their A four-week partial regulations. ilous journey was recovered lating only 5,000 people could Justice Minister Christine Lam- work and the majority of the shutdown that took effect Nov. Despite the protests, the by rescuers in waters near the gather in Augustusplatz plaza brecht. “The freedom to dem- demonstrators clearly ignoring 2 closed bars, restaurants, vast majority of Germans island of El Hierro, the Canary and maintain a safe distance onstrate is not a freedom to use the conditions,” said Konstantin leisure centers and sports facil- support the government’s effort Islands emergency services from one another. A court at the violence or put others at Kuhle of the opposition FDP ities and imposed new restric- to slow the spread of the said. Another person was air- last minute overturned the city’s massive risk.” party. tions on contact with other pandemic. lifted by helicopter to a local hospital for an unspecified health problem. The route to the islands Two arrested in Switzerland visited from western Africa, which at its closest point in Morocco is Vienna attacker in July, say reports 100km away, has seen an increase in traffic this year REUTERS — ZURICH was shot dead by police after killing four after the European Union people in the centre of the Austrian funded Morocco in 2019 to The two men arrested in the Swiss town capital, may have travelled to the canton stop migrants from reaching of Winterthur near Zurich last week over of Zurich at some point between July 21 southern Spain via the Medi- possible links to a militant shooting and November 2, citing the same two terranean Sea. attack in Vienna on November 2 visited unnamed sources, which it did not The Canary Islands have the attacker in July and he may have specify further. received over 11,000 migrants visited the Zurich region, Swiss media The SonntagsZeitung newspaper said so far this year, and the reported yesterday. the two men had visited the Vienna Atlantic route has become the The reports shed a further spotlight attacker this summer in his flat, without deadliest seaborne path to on the once prominent industrial centre citing sources. “It is still completely unclear reach Europe with more than near Zurich, where officials say a now- whether the two men simply visited the 600 confirmed dead of shuttered mosque attracted preachers Vienna terrorist or whether they can be missing people, according to who espoused “hate speech”. A man linked to the attack,” the paper said. the UN Refugee Agency. dubbed the “Emir of Winterthur was sen- Swiss authorities have said the two Arrivals in 2020 are still tenced to 50 months in jail in September men were “obviously friends” of the low compared to the 30,000 for recruiting for Islamic State. attacker and had met in person, but did migrants who reached the Swiss newspaper NZZ am Sonntag not say when. islands in 2006. But they are at said the two men, aged 18 and 24, trav- The Zurich cantonal police declined A man lights candles at a vigil remembering the victims of the terrorist attack in their highest in over a decade elled to Vienna between July 16 and July to comment on the reports and Zurich Vienna, outside the Austrian embassy in Berlin, on Friday. since Spain stemmed the flow 20 to meet the future attacker in an prosecutors could not be reached. of sea arrivals to just a few unknown location, citing “two well- Austria on Friday admitted “intol- Vienna police said people from the summer and also met the attacker hundred a year through deals informed people”. erable mistakes” in the handling of intel- Germany who were being monitored by there. By Friday, Austria had arrested 15 with West African countries. The paper also said the gunman, who ligence on the attacker. German intelligence stayed in Austria in people in connection with the attack. 14 EUROPE / AMERICAS MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2020 More than 500 detained in and other cities AFP — MINSK Rights group says 516 From exile in , people were detained Tikhanovskaya said protests Police in yesterday would continue “until victory” detained more than 500 people from protests in Minsk and that the past 90 days had during the latest in weeks of and other cities. shown authorities they had “lost unprecedented demonstrations legitimacy and power”. against strongman Alexander “The regime doesn’t want Lukashenko, as the opposition the centre of the city with police to give us the right to decide reached out to US President- sporadically detaining pro- what will happen next to our elect Joe Biden. testers in various locations. country,” she wrote on her Tel- For three months running, Local media reported a egram channel on Sunday. tens of thousands have taken to heavy police presence, with Tikhanovskaya, 38, says the streets of Belarus on Sundays human rights group Viasna she was the true winner of the to protest against the disputed saying that 516 people had been presidential poll and has re-election of Lukashenko, who detained in the capital Minsk gained the support of several has been in power for more than and other cities.Olympic Western leaders, who have two decades. decathlete Andrei Kravchenko refused to recognise the His opponents are and the 2008 Miss Belarus election results. On Saturday demanding he hand power to pageant winner Olga she congratulated Biden and Belarus law enforcement officers cross a road during a protest rally in Minsk, yesterday. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, a Khizhinkova were among those said she hopes to meet with the political novice who ran for detained, according to the Tut. newly elected president. president against Lukashenko by news website. “This was a real race of will “soon meet with the fairly Lukashenko on Saturday rallies have been organised by on August 9. Pensioner Yelena Vasily- ideas, programmes and teams, elected president of the new, called the US vote a “mockery professional groups such as Several thousand protesters, evich said she was taking part unlike Belarus, where votes at free Belarus”. of democracy” and said he teachers, students and medics. many carrying the red-and- in the protest yesterday with her elections were simply stolen, in Democrat Biden has previ- doesn’t expect relations with On Saturday, around 50 white opposition flag, joined a family and friends. the United States the vote of ously voiced support for the Washington to change no medical workers held a protest march in central Minsk yes- “I want to finally live in a every voter was taken into Belarusian opposition and matter the election outcome. outside a Minsk hospital, local terday. Police vans and water free and democratic country,” account,” she said. promised he would expand Apart from the large-scale news outlets reported. Dozens cannons had been deployed to said Vasilyevich, 65. She said she believed Biden sanctions against the regime. protests yesterday, smaller of them were detained. Mexico President Thousands rally in demanding snap polls imposes to not congratulate local nighttime AFP — TBILISI country,” he said in a statement Biden until legal ahead of the rally yesterday. curfews as virus challenges decided Thousands of opposition Gakharia, who has tested supporters rallied yesterday in positive for the virus, has been cases hit record REUTERS — MEXICO CITY ex-Soviet Georgia to demand a in self-isolation for a week and REUTERS — LISBON snap vote after the opposition announced a night curfew Mexican President Andres accused the ruling party of starting Monday. Portugal will impose localised Manuel Lopez Obrador said on rigging tightly contested parlia- Georgia has seen a rapid nighttime curfews from today Saturday he would not mentary elections. daily increase in new virus to contain the spread of the congratulate a winner of the The ruling Georgian Dream cases after it lifted in September coronavirus as the number of US presidential election until party led by billionaire ex- a lockdown aimed at containing cases reached a record high, legal challenges are concluded, prime minister Bidzina Ivan- the spread of the disease. Prime Minister Antonio Costa in an apparent bid to avoid ishvili — which won the October International monitors from announced during early hours friction with Washington 31 polls with a two-percent the Organisation for Security yesterday. during the transition. margin — has flatly denied the and Cooperation in Europe “We cannot have the Democrat Joe Biden won accusations of electoral fraud. (OSCE) said the vote was “far slightest doubt that everything the election on Saturday after But all of Georgia’s oppo- from flawless” but that “funda- must be done to contain the a victory in the battleground sition parties have refused to mental freedoms were pandemic,” Costa told a news Georgian opposition supporters rally in central Tbilisi yesterday. state of Pennsylvania put him enter the new parliament, respected”. conference. “If we fail to do so, over the threshold of 270 Elec- sparking fears of another Local election observers we must increasingly adopt toral College votes. Mexico is political crisis in the Caucasus 70, said the elections were “the told AFP yesterday. “This would reported numerous cases of more restrictive measures and the United States’ top trade nation where elections are often last straw” for Georgian Dream allow for maintaining stability ballot stuffing, multiple voting compromise the month of partner, with over $600bn of followed by accusations of and it was time “to sweep them in the country,” she said. and doctoring of results. December.” annual two-way commerce, fraud and mass out”. Several thousand oppo- “The Georgian government The overnight curfew, and the bilateral relationship demonstrations. In an unprecedented show sition supporters also rallied in has failed to meet democratic from 11 pm to 5 am, will come with its northern neighbour is The main thoroughfare of of unity before the vote, the the Black Sea city of Batumi to standards during the elections,” into force across 121 of the by far the most important for the capital Tbilisi turned into a country’s main opposition call for a new vote. 27 rights groups said in a joint country’s 308 municipalities, Mexico. sea of Georgia’s red-and-white force, exiled former president Prime Minister Giorgi statement. including Lisbon and Porto, “With regard to the U.S. five-cross flags as protesters Mikheil Saakashvili’s United Gakharia has said the elections The United States and today as the country enters a election, we are going to wait gathered outside parliament, National Movement (UNM), marked an “important mile- European Union have called for 15-day state of emergency. until all the legal matters have many wearing masks against agreed with smaller opposition stone in Georgia’s democratic a “credible and inclusive legal Night workers are exempted. been resolved,” Lopez Obrador the coronavirus. groups to form a coalition gov- development” and criticised the process for remedying substan- Costa also announced said at a news conference. “What Georgian Dream did ernment if elected. opposition for staging mass tiated electoral violations.” those in the 121 municipalities “I can’t congratulate one during the elections amounts “We demand the rallies during the coronavirus The electoral commission — home to about 70% of Por- candidate or the other. I want to a coup, we will force them to replacement of the totally dis- pandemic. has yet to formalise early results tugal’s population — will not to wait until the electoral call new polls,” said one of the credited electoral adminis- “We will not allow some that showed Georgian Dream be able to leave their homes process is over.” Republican demonstrators, 33-year-old tration and the holding of a power-thirsty politicians who had won 48 percent of the pro- between 1 pm and 5 am during President Donald Trump has pharmacist Theona Lanchava. fresh vote,” one of the UNM’s pursue their narrow political portional vote, against 46 the next two weekends, on filed a raft of lawsuits to chal- Pensioner Givi Baramidze, leaders, Salome Samadashvili, interests to destroy the percent for opposition parties. both Saturday and Sunday. lenge the results, but electoral officials in states across the country say there has been no evidence of significant fraud, Bolivia socialists sweep and legal experts say Trump’s efforts are unlikely to succeed. back to power as Arce The Mexican president linked his caution to his own allegations of fraud in two sworn in as President presidential elections he con- tested, in 2006 and 2012, REUTERS — LA PAZ resentment and revenge that before winning on his third bid does not respect the diversity in 2018. Bolivia’s Luis Arce was sworn of thought, where being from in as president yesterday, another party or political color ushering the country’s powerful makes you the object of hatred. Venezuela rivals socialist party back into power That must end,” he said. a year after long-term leftist Tensions have remained congratulate leader Evo Morales was ousted high, especially over changes amid angry protests that made by the socialist-con- Biden on victory sparked off a political crisis. trolled Congress to lower the Arce, 57, was inaugurated majority needed to pass new AFP — CARACAS in a ceremony in the highland laws and the planned return of city of La Paz, in front of heads Morales from exile in Argentina Venezuela’s political rivals of state from Argentina, Par- where he has lived since Flood-affected people get on a boat to cross a street after passage of Storm Eta, in La Lima, Honduras, Nicolas Maduro and Juan aguay, Colombia and Spain, as leaving Bolivia last year. on Saturday. Guaido on Saturday both well as senior officials from Yesterday, opposition law- congratulated Joe Biden on his Chile, Iran and the government maker protested in Congress victory in the US presidential of Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro. against the reduced majority, election. Eta hits Cuba with strong winds, rain The unassuming and which would allow the ruling President Maduro, whose bespectacled former economy party to more easily push regime was hit with multiple AFP — HAVANA kilometres per hour (about 60 emergency in the state’s minister, feted as the architect through new bills. new sanctions by the Donald miles per hour) with higher southern counties on Saturday of Bolivia’s rapid growth under Morales, who led the Trump administration, wrote Tropical storm Eta brought gusts, the institute said. in advance of the storm, even Morales, comes into office country for almost 14 years as on Twitter that “Venezuela... strong winds and torrential rain A tropical storm is con- as residents in the rain either facing the huge task of healing the first indigenous president, will always be ready for dia- to Cuba yesterday after having sidered a hurricane when it hits protested or celebrated Joe the divisions of a political crisis sparked a widespread backlash logue and understanding with earlier cut a destructive and wind speeds of 74 miles per Biden’s win in the US presi- and the coronavirus last year when he ran for an the people and government of deadly path through parts of hour. dential election. pandemic. unprecedented fourth term in the US.” Central America and southern Heavy rains were reported The Florida Keys will close “We have before us the the face of term limits and a Opposition leader Guaido, Mexico. in the eastern half of Cuba, schools today, COVID-19 testing great challenge of rebuilding national referendum. who received early support The storm was expected to where authorities have evac- sites were temporarily shut and our economy again, of gener- After claiming victory in from Trump in his bid to oust turn toward Florida later and uated thousands of people due authorities opened shelters and ating certainty, of generating that election, Morales was Maduro before that help strengthen, with the US to the risk of flooding. began handing out sandbags for growth,” Arce told a packed eventually forced to resign waned, said he and Biden National Hurricane Center Insmet said that high winds residents to protect their homes assembly of lawmakers and amid angry protests, and the would “work together to saying it was “forecast to be were expected to produce from flooding. guests in Congress alongside police and military eventually secure the restoration of near hurricane strength when strong swells and rising sea Eta hit on his Vice-President David dropping their support for him. democracy, freedom and it moves near or over the levels on the southern coast. Tuesday as a powerful hur- Choquehuanca. He fled the country and a con- human rights to the Vene- Florida Keys.” Cuba’s meteor- It added that Eta would ricane before losing strength. Arce pledged to “defeat” the servative interim government zuelan people.” ology institute Insmet said Eta continue crossing over the It caused torrential rains pandemic in a country which took over. Arce, who was hand- Under President Trump, made landfall at 4:30 am (0930 province of Ciego de Avila that have left some 200 victims has one of the worst death tolls picked by Morales and is a close Washington was one of the GMT) on the border between before passing through the dead or missing in Central per capita, and to heal political ally, has said that the former first of around 60 countries to the central provinces of Sancti north coast and turning America. rifts and “put an end to fear” president will play no role in back Guaido’s January 2019 Spiritus and Ciego de Avila. northwest toward Florida. The most affected country after deadly violence last year. his government. Morales is claim to be Venezuela’s acting Its maximum sustained Florida Governor Ron has been Guatemala, where “I believe in justice, not in expected to return to Bolivia president. winds were around 100 DeSantis declared a state of about 150 people are missing. fostering an environment of today. MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2020 AMERICAS 15 President-elect Biden urges unity in national address AFP — WILMINGTON Biden, who turns 78 election. later this month, will In Philadelphia, Los Angeles, President-elect Joe Biden urged Washington and other majority- unity and promised “a new day be the oldest person Democratic cities, people for America” in his first national to become president poured into the streets to cele- address since he won the tense when he takes office brate and car horns honked. US election and ended the era An excited crowd of several of Donald Trump. on January 20. thousand gathered on Black After jogging onto the Lives Matter Plaza next to the outdoor stage to the music of White House. Bruce Springsteen in his Casting his eye further, Biden “It’s been so many years hometown of Wilmington, Del- said he would “make America waiting for this day to happen,” aware, Biden delivered a respected around the world said Jack Nugent, a 24-year-old message of hope and healing to again” — a reference to Trump’s software engineer. There were a crowd of cheering supporters tearing up of traditional diplo- similar scenes in New York. and tens of millions more on matic ties. However, in Arizona, where television. “Tonight, the whole world is the race was close, a group of The Democrat’s victory watching America and I believe almost 1,000 Trump supporters speech followed a desperately that at our best America is a gathered in Phoenix to protest bitter election conducted in the beacon for the globe,” he said. what they said was a stolen midst of a raging coronavirus Addressing the coronavirus, election. US President-elect Joe Biden delivers remarks in Wilmington, Delaware, on Saturday, after being pandemic. which has killed more than “There’s a lot of fraud here. declared the winner of the presidential election. But instead of sounding tri- 237,000 Americans, Biden said It needs to be either redone umphant, Biden’s accent was he would form a task force of totally or recounted,” Donna more on changing hearts in a “leading scientists” on Monday. nearly complete count from But Trump refused to glitches, despite the shadow of McCollum, 77, said. country split down the middle While attendance was Tuesday’s election, giving him concede and continued to claim a still out-of-control COVID-19 For Biden, who got more between Democrats and limited for social distancing victory against Trump, who will he was a victim of fraud. pandemic and volcanic political than 74 million votes, a record, Republicans. purposes to about 360 cars at now become a rare one-term Biden was “rushing to falsely tensions. the triumph was the crowning Promising “not to divide but the drive-in style event, crowds president. pose” as the winner, Trump said With vote-counting nearly achievement of his half-century unify,” Biden reached out numbering thousands of people, Biden, who turns 78 later in a statement as he arrived to complete around the huge in US politics — including eight directly to Trump supporters, many of them dancing and this month, will be the oldest play golf at a course he owns in country, Biden built up an irre- years as deputy to Obama, the declaring “they’re not our waving American flags, lined person to become president Virginia, his first trip outside the versible lead. first Black US president who enemies, they’re Americans.” the highway leading to the when he takes office on January White House since Election Day. New tallies from the state of hailed the “historic and “Let’s give each other a chance,” facility. 20. Crowds took to the streets There is no evidence to Pennsylvania early on Saturday decisive” win. he said, urging the country to This was Biden’s first public in major cities across the US in support Trump’s unprecedented put him over the top, ending The leaders of Britain, “lower the temperature.” “Let appearance since US television celebration of Biden's win, claims of mass fraud. four days of tense waiting and Germany, France and other this grim era of demonisation in networks declared earlier on while key Western allies such Tuesday’s polling went off allowing the TV networks’ spe- European countries were the America begin to end, here and Saturday that he’d taken an as Germany quickly congratu- without any reported serious cialised data analysts to call the first, along with Canada, to send now.” insurmountable lead in the lated Biden. incidents or even technical overall result, as they do every congratulations. Vice-President-elect Harris tells women she won’t be the last Biden vows

AFP — WILMINGTON, US “Because every little girl in July — and whose state of immediate, watching tonight sees that this Georgia startled pundits with Kamala Harris has shattered is a country of possibilities.” its sharp swing in Tuesday’s science-based barriers to become the first Harris vowed to fight to election toward their Demo- woman vice-president and, in “root out systematic racism” cratic Party. action on virus a symbolism-heavy victory but, like Biden, made a broad Harris also paid tribute to speech, told girls she would not appeal to unity, saying that her mother, Shyamala Gopalan AFP — WILMINGTON be the last. Americans “have elected a pres- Harris, who emigrated from Introducing President-elect ident who represents the best India when she was 19 and died President-elect Joe Biden has Joe Biden in an optimism- in us.” in 2009. vowed immediate action to fuelled outdoor rally, Harris — The California senator’s “Maybe she didn’t quite contain the United States’ also the first Black woman and speech was in itself a sign of the imagine this moment,” Harris coronavirus crisis, signalling Indian-American as vice pres- prominent role that she has said. “But she believed so deeply science would dominate the ident — sported a white suit in been given by Biden, with newly in an America where a moment national response once Donald recognition of the suffragist elected presidents historically like this is possible. Trump leaves the White movement that fought to give keeping the spotlight on them- “So I’m thinking about her House. US women the vote a century selves rather than sharing the and about the generations of Biden’s pledge, in his first ago. podium with their number twos. women — Black Women, Asian, national address since Vice President-elect Kamala Harris delivers remarks in Wilmington, “While I may be the first A beaming Harris raised her White, Latina, and Native defeating Trump, followed Delaware, on Saturday. woman in this office, I won’t be hands in celebration as she American women throughout three days of record infections the last,” she said to cheers and entered to the energetic beats our nation’s history who have in the United States and came honks from the crowd gathered of Mary J. Blige’s song “Work self-confidence. She opened Lewis, the civil rights icon paved the way for this moment as the nation’s death toll sur- in socially distanced cars. That,” an ode to Black women’s immediately by hailing John turned congressman who died tonight.” passed 237,000. At Biden’s victory event, which took into account New record high social-distancing guidelines, Two Georgia runoffs to seal fate of Senate the president-elect announced for daily virus top scientists would be AFP — WASHINGTON dream: both the Senate and of an outright majority, seen as a potential 2024 presi- appointed to his coronavirus cases in the US House of Representatives under meaning he faces Democrat Jon dential hopeful, were also task force. “On Monday I will Control of the US Senate and his party’s control. Ossoff in a January 5 runoff as girding for battle. name a group of leading sci- AP — BOSTON prospects for united rule in Had Trump won, Democrats stipulated by state rules. “We win these two races, entists and experts as tran- Congress for incoming pres- would have needed to gain four A second Georgia race, a we save the Senate. We save the sition advisers to help take the The US has set another record ident Joe Biden will boil down seats in the Senate — where special election for the seat of Senate, we save the country. Biden-Harris plan and convert for daily number of corona- to two runoff elections in Republicans currently enjoy a Senator Kelly Loeffler who was This is what is at stake,” tweeted it into an actual blueprint that virus cases. Georgia, with Democrats and 53-47 majority — as the vice appointed to replace a retiring Perdue, as he appealed for will start on January 20, 2021,” The country reported more Republicans positioning for an president, as president of the lawmaker last December, is also donations after US networks Biden told supporters. than 126,000 positive cases epic political battle. Senate, breaks a 50-50 tie. headed to a special election on projected Biden as the 46th Earlier in the day, he had and more than 1,000 deaths Party leaders and the can- But as results rolled in, even the same day. president, in waiting. emphasised the urgency he from COVID-19 on Saturday, didates themselves on Saturday as Biden inched towards a pres- And the eyes of the political “All eyes will go to Georgia placed on beating the pan- according to the most recent presented the southern state as idential win, several Demo- world were rapidly honing in as we look at the fate of the demic. “I want everyone, eve- data from Johns Hopkins the new ground zero in a war cratic Senate hopefuls fell short on the state. Senate,” added Haley as she ryone, to know on day one University. to either clear a congressional in their challenges against “Now we take Georgia, then called for donations to Perdue we’re going to put our plan to It marked the fourth day path to help Biden implement established incumbents like we change the world!” top and Loeffler. control this virus into action,” in a row that new cases topped many of his proposed reforms, Majority Leader Mitch McCo- Democrat Chuck Schumer — Georgia has been reliably Biden said before he had been more than 100,000 as the or put a check on President nnell, Trump ally Lindsey who would likely become Republican for a generation, declared the winner. country has broken its own Donald Trump’s White House Graham and embattled mod- majority leader should the and winning even one of the Trump campaigned after record for daily cases with successor. erate Susan Collins. Senate flip — said as he revelled Peach State’s Senate seats contracting the virus himself. nearly every passing day this Democrats were aiming to Democrats so far have a net in Biden’s win. would be an uphill challenge for Senior members of his week. The seven-day rolling flip the upper chamber of Con- gain of just one seat. Now they “The future depends on Democrats. administration have also con- average for daily new cases in gress on Election Day by ousting have a lifeline. victory in Georgia,” added But the party did an tracted the virus recently. the US rose over the past two at least three Republicans, a Georgia Republican Senator Ossoff. Perdue and high profile impressive job of registering Trump’s chief of staff, Mark weeks from more than 64,000 result that would present Biden David Perdue leads in his race, Republicans like former South new voters and getting them to Meadows, was the latest to test on October 24 to nearly with an incoming president’s but at 49.8 percent he is short Carolina governor Nikki Haley, the polls. positive, media said on Friday. 104,000 on November 7, according to the university’s data. The virus death toll is Canada FM: Biden victory good also rising in the country. The seven-day rolling news, hope for smooth transition average for daily new deaths rose over the past two weeks REUTERS — OTTAWA people have spoken at this from 801 on October 24 to 930 point in time. We certainly on November 7, the university President-elect Joe Biden’s US hope for a smooth transition,” said. There have been more election victory is good news Champagne responded in an than 9.8 million cases and for Canada, Foreign Minister interview with the Canadian more than 237,000 deaths François-Philippe Champagne Broadcasting Corp. when asked from the virus in the US since said yesterday, adding that he about Trump’s refusal to the pandemic started. hopes there will be a smooth concede. “We’re going to be fol- Meanwhile, despite Trump transition of power. lowing the situation very care- administration efforts to erect “This is good news and we’ll fully. But at the same time, a protective shield around be able to work very well with we’re planning for the new nursing homes, coronavirus the administration,” Cham- administration,” he said. cases are surging within facil- pagne said on Biden’s victory Prime Minister Justin ities in states hard hit by the in an interview broadcast on Trudeau was one of the first latest onslaught of COVID-19. CTV, saying that the two coun- world leaders to tweet his con- An analysis of federal data tries could collaborate to fight gratulations to the president- from 20 states finds that new COVID-19 and climate change. elect on Saturday. weekly cases among residents Biden will not be inaugu- Champagne also said rose nearly four-fold from the rated until January 20, and Canada would reach out to the end of May to late October, President Donald Trump has Biden administration to try to from 1,083 to 4,274. Resident refused to concede, pledging to save TC Energy Corp’s Key- deaths more than doubled, Canada anti-mask protest move forward with a legal stone XL (KXL) oil pipeline, from 318 a week to 699, strategy that he hopes will which would carry oil to the US Anti-mask protesters march through the streets in Aylmer, Ontario, on Saturday. More than 1,000 according to the study by Uni- overturn state results that gave from Canada. Biden’s campaign protesters marched to demand an end to COVID-19 restrictions. versity of Chicago health Biden the win. has said he would rescind the researchers. “I’d say the American project’s presidential permit. MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2020 16

8th Ajyal Film Festival to feature 58 short films PRAYER THE PENINSULA — DOHA TIMINGS Our carefully curated PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING The 8th Ajyal Film Festival, the Doha international short films Film Institute’s (DFI) annual cinema event taking place in a new hybrid programme reflects our FAJR 04.27 am format from November 18 to 23, will commitment to develop and SUNRISE 05.47 am feature an inspiring slate of 58 short encourage our youth to films. DHUHR 11.18 am participate in cinematic The Qatar Public Shorts section will dialogue in a new virtual ASR 02.26 pm include programmes themed Matter of creative space of understanding MAGHRIB 04.50 pm Integrity and A Winding Road, while the that transcends physical ISHA 06.20 pm Qatar & MENA Public Shorts section fea- tures Dare to Imagine and Echoes of separation. Another programmes. Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Festival Fatma Hassan Alremaihi Director and Chief Executive Officer of DFI, said: “Ajyal is an important platform Festival Director that amplifies emerging voices to leave A screenshot from the film 'I Am Afraid To Forget Your Face'. a legacy of hope for young leaders of Forget Your Face; David by Zach Woods, tomorrow. Witness by Ali Asgari, Nightshift by by Farah Nabulsi. ground is the key to true understanding "Our carefully curated international Karim Shaaban, Clouds by Muzna Al- The Dare to Imagine programme of and recognition that the highest form of WEATHER short films programme reflects our com- Musafer, and Why Slugs Have No Legs shorts show audiences that great accom- knowledge is empathy. TODAY mitment to develop and encourage our by Aline Höchli. plishments require us to act — but also The selection of shorts features youth to participate in cinematic dia- A Winding Road is a programme that to dream. Family Plot by Shuichi Okita, Going After logue in a new virtual creative space of reminds audiences that life’sbeauty The programme includes Matilda and Refuge by Ibrahim Abazeed and Barış understanding that transcends physical increases with age. The films explore the Spare Head by IgnasMeilūnas, Elçin, Important Police Sh!t by Andrew separation. Film as a medium can spark kinship and its ability to carry us through Moonjump by Lasse Holdhus, Falafel T. Betzer, Quarantine by Ghadi Al Alam, significant social impact as it shapes our the toughest challenges of past and Cart by Abdullah Al-Wazzan, The Best Mascot by Kim Leeha, Prisoner and Jailer perception of the world and imparts present, childhood versus adulthood, and Orchestra in the World by Henning by MuhannadLamin, and Apfelmus by o o lifelong lessons.” memories. The selection includes How Backhaus, Watchmaker at Time’s End Alexander Gratzer. 25 C 33 C The Matter of Integrity shorts pro- My Grandmother Became a Chair by by Shaheen Sheriff, We Have One Heart For ticket purchase and to access up- Minimum Maximum gramme explores inner strength and Nicolas Fattouh. The School Bus by by Katarzyna Warzecha, Left Foot by to-date information on the 8th Ajyal Film Hazy to misty at places at first integrity as the protagonists face com- Ramazan Kılıç, Napo by Gustavo Ribeiro, Falah Al Baghdadi, and Encountering Festival, visit: https://www.dohafilmin- becomes partly cloudy and chance pelling struggles to prove that nothing En Route by Marit Weerheijm, Beth- Samir by Rand Beiruty. stitute.com/filmfestival/ticketinforma- of scattered rain maybe thundery can dim the light that shines from within. lehem 2001 by Ibrahim Handal, The Visit The programme Echoes of Another tionhttps://www.dohafilminstitute.com/ with blowing dust at places. The programme features I am Afraid to by Azadeh Moussavi, and The Present is a testament to how finding common filmfestival/films W ALRUWAIS : 25o → 31o W ALKHOR : 23o → 31o W : 22o → 30o Global virus infections W WAKRAH : 27o → 32o W MESAIEED : 27o → 32o W ABUSAMRA : 20o → 33o exceed 50 million

REUTERS HIGH TIDE for 24% of COVID-19 deaths. 11:05 – 23:57 The region is logging about Global coronavirus infections 1 million new infections every LOW TIDE 01:01 – 19:34 exceeded 50 million yesterday, three days or so, according to according to a Reuters tally, a Reuters analysis. That is 51% with a second wave of the virus of the global total. in the past 30 days accounting France is recording 54,440 for a quarter of the total. cases a day on the latest seven- Netflix to launch October was the worst day average, a higher rate than month for the pandemic so far, India with a far bigger its first television with the United States population. becoming the first country to The global second wave is channel in France report more than 100,000 daily testing healthcare systems cases. A surge in Europe con- across Europe, prompting AGENCIES — LONDON tributed to the rise. Germany, France and Britain The latest seven-day to order many citizens back to The popular streaming service average shows global daily their homes again. A man shows a WWI message probably carried by a carrier pigeon, in Munster, France, yesterday. Netflix has announced its foray infections are rising by more , which imposed into real-time, scheduled than 540,000. a new lockdown on its popu- programming with its first Carrier pigeon’s century-old message found in France More than 1.25 million lation in several northern areas, linear content TV channel in people have died from the res- ordered the culling of its 17 France. AFP — STRASBOURG, FRANCE military manoeuvres and was Ingersheim, said Jardy, who piratory disease that emerged million minks after a mutation Called ‘Direct’ and sub- addressed to a superior officer, raved about the “super rare” in China late last year. of the coronavirus found in the scription-based, the channel A couple out for a walk in said Dominique Jardy, curator discovery. They brought it to The pandemic’s recent animals spread to humans. will air French, international eastern France have discovered of the Linge Museum at Orbey the nearest museum, the one at acceleration has been fero- The United States, with and US feature films and TV a tiny capsule containing a in eastern France. It appears to Orbey dedicated to one of the cious. It took 32 days for the about 20% of global cases, is series that are available on the message despatched by a be dated 1910, or possibly 1916. bloodiest battles of World War number of cases to rise from facing its worst surge, recording streaming platform, reports Prussian soldier over a century At the time, Ingersheim — I, from 1914 to 1918. 30 million to 40 million. It took more than 100,000 daily coro- Variety. ago using an ill-fated carrier now in France’s Grand Est Jardy had enlisted the help just 21 days to add another 10 navirus cases on the latest The Netflix TV channel will pigeon. department — was part of of a German friend to decrypt million. seven-day average. initially be available in select The message from an Germany. A couple found the the message, he said. The tiny Europe, with about 12 In Asia, India has the areas in France, with plans to infantry soldier based at Inger- tiny capsule with its well-pre- piece of paper and capsule will million cases, is the worst- world’s second-highest expand through December. sheim, written in German in a served contents in September become part of the museum’s affected region, overtaking caseload but has seen a steady “The TV channel will only barely legible hand, detailed this year in a field in permanent display. . Europe accounts slowdown since September. be accessible via the service’s web browser, unlike its streaming service, which is found on set-top boxes thanks Foreigners join China’s livestream sales army to distribution deals with French telco groups such as AFP — BEIJING them with trivia and flamboyant sales been several hundred (viewers),” Zhang Orange, Canal Plus and SFR.” patter. In one livestream, Lopez appears told AFP. But now “it’s normal to get Netflix said it chose France Late at night, Lalo Lopez heads to a small wearing a pink bathrobe over his regular several thousand views.” Keane Wang, to test its first linear channel Shanghai studio for a livestream, punting clothing as he demonstrates using a planning director at Shenyang-based due to the “consumption of Chinese products from cycling shorts to handheld vacuum cleaner, at one point Neusoft Cloud Technology, said it is traditional TV [in France]". vacuum cleaners to Spanish speakers testing it on his hair. setting up a livestreaming base in France, “In France, watching tra- around the world. “It’s easier (for me) because of the aiming to recruit 300 to 500 foreign ditional TV remains hugely The 33-year-old Spaniard, who cultural background we share,” said hosts over the next three years. popular with people who just describes himself as an artist, DJ and Lopez, who earns up to 1,500 yuan ($226) “Companies in China see the success want a ‘lean back’ experience YouTuber, is in the vanguard of the per session, referring to his foreign cus- of livestreaming on (short video where they don’t have to growing ranks of foreigners hired by tomers. The pioneering livestreamers platform) Douyin and Taobao, so they choose shows,” said Netflix. mainland agencies to extend China’s are a diverse mix of traders, with Polish are willing to try it and put resources The streaming company livestream sales mania beyond its speakers selling eye massagers and into it,” said Wang. The success in China opened an office in France in borders. By some estimates, livestream Italian speakers flogging lighting for may also have inspired others to enter January and vowed to increase shopping is a near $70 billion industry selfies. Chinese agencies are now the livestream scramble for customers. its investment in French inside China, attracting influencers who training foreign hosts in China and US giant Amazon launched Amazon Live content. To be clear, it’s not a scour markets and malls for items to recruiting influencers abroad, in hopes early last year. In Southeast Asia, Sin- regular TV channel but rather peddle to live audiences via social media. of hooking onto a winning pattern. gapore e-commerce platform Shopee something you access on Net- Once an obscure form of shopping, Zhang Zhiguo, CEO of Linkone Inter- made a similar move as it took on Ali- flix’s website. livestreaming is predicted to change the active, said his firm has been training baba’s Lazada in the same region. But like a broadcast or habits of global consumers, whose non-Chinese livestreaming hosts for Within China, part of the push for cable channel, people can footfall has already headed from the high nearly two years, as brands look to retailers to take livestreaming abroad This photo taken on October 22, 2020 watch whatever movie or TV street to online marketplaces. expand abroad. It has around 50 influ- comes from its e-commerce behemoths shows Lalo Lopez from Spain practicing show is playing. Buoyed by the success of livestreams encers now — more than half of whom such as Alibaba. Its international retail with a drone at a studio in Shanghai. Several European coun- at home, Chinese companies crave are based in China — targeting markets arm AliExpress launched a platform in tries are considering the ways bridgeheads for their goods overseas. such as the US, France and Spain. May to attract over 100,000 content cre- to tax streaming giants such as Enter hosts such as Lopez, who has Livestreaming has become a natural — a bellwether of consumer sentiment ators, including livestreamers, this year Netflix, Google and Amazon. lived in China for around nine years and extension of online shopping. in the world’s second-largest economy. to market abroad. These companies often pay was approached by Beijing-based mar- Even Chinese state media has touted The industry has grown rapidly after They are eying a one million-strong very little tax in nations where keting firm Linkone Interactive after it it as a means to alleviate poverty in rural germinating in 2016, when online giants pool of influencers within three years, they are not physically present, saw videos he posted on YouTube and areas where farmers can sell produce Taobao and JD.com both launched lives- to be paired with brands and merchants presenting a major challenge Instagram. “When I speak, I look at the like tea online. This year, individual treaming platforms. This year, it could looking to hawk their goods across the for many countries. Spain is product through my culture, through my channels on e-commerce platform gross more than 1 trillion yuan ($150bn), world. The livestream is still “weird” in preparing legislation that experience,” said Lopez, whose streams Taobao clocked sales of over 100 million according to a report by KPMG and countries like France, but it has gained would impose a 5.0-percent can attract up to 15,000 viewers. yuan ($14.9m) during one shopping fes- AliResearch, an arm of e-commerce ground in other markets such as Russia, tax on steaming giants like The medium allows him to answer tival in June. giant Alibaba. That would more than says Alice Roche, a Shanghai-based Netflix with the funds used to viewers’ questions on everything from Expectations are now running high double the 2019 numbers estimated by media planner who hosts shows in boost Spanish cinematic clothing and household appliances to for the biggest discount period of the Shanghai-based firm iResearch of $68bn. French and English, selling goods from production. gadgets in real-time, while entertaining year — “Singles’ Day” on November 11 “Last year, there might only have massage machines to cosmetics.