JAMADA ALAWWAL 16, 1442 AH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020

16 Pages Max 21º Min 08º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 18323 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

Kuwait commissions unit Israel gives hero’s welcome to Colombian telenovelas New Zealand end Pakistan 3 117 of clean fuels project 5 American spy Jonathan Pollard 13 return despite pandemic 14 defiance for thrilling win

Amir, Crown Prince urge MPs to cooperate with government Sheikh Nawaf affirms necessity of adhering to constitution, enforcing laws

MoI extends amnesty for illegal expats

By B Izzak

KUWAIT: Interior Minister Sheikh Thamer Al- Sabah yesterday issued a decision extending a grace period for expat residency violators by another month, with the new amnesty ending on Jan 31, 2021. The earlier grace period was scheduled to end today. KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem and heads of Assembly Under the amnesty, residency violators were committees yesterday. — KUNA allowed to legalize their stay in the country by paying the necessary fines, or leaving the coun- By B Izzak respecting the constitution and implementing the law. Meanwhile, 18 MPs yesterday submitted a new try - also after paying fines - with the ability to Present at the meeting along with Ghanem were motion calling for setting up a parliamentary commit- return to the country in the future. KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- Deputy Speaker Ahmad Al-Shuhoumi, Assembly tee to investigate events at the opening session of the Under the new decision, illegal expats, esti- Jaber Al-Sabah and HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Secretary Farz Al-Daihani, Assembly Supervisor new Assembly, with the motion insisting that a series mated at more than 150,000, will be given simi- Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah separately Osama Al-Shaheen, head of the legislative and of constitutional, legal and moral violations had been lar facilities. However the decision warned that received members of the new National Assembly legal affairs committee Khaled Al-Enezi, head of committed. The motion calls on the investigation those who fail to benefit from the new grace office at Bayan Palace yesterday, headed by Speaker the financial and economic affairs committee committee to probe the behavior of a section of the period will be penalized in accordance with the Marzouq Al-Ghanem. The Amir and Crown Prince Ahmad Al-Hamad, head of the priorities committee invited public, their insults of MPs and causing chaos. law and deported from the country. They will urged cooperation between the Assembly and the Hesham Al-Saleh and Assembly Secretary General It also wants the panel to investigate employees also be barred from returning in the future. government and called for strengthening democracy, Allam Al-Kandari. Continued on Page 2

Sheikha Fawzia Al-Sabah, said the court’s ruling was ban on sending domestic workers to Kuwait follow- News in brief Kuwaiti woman gets fair and in compliance with the law and sharia. ing the death of Villavende. The ban was lifted a Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Mohd Noordin month later after consultations with the Philippines Pendosina Lomondot thanked the lawyer who rep- Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the filing of UK approves low-cost vaccine death sentence for resented the Philippine government and the victim. appropriate charges against the perpetrators and He also thanked the Kuwaiti government for the after Manila and Kuwait City agreed the full imple- LONDON: Britain yesterday became the first killing Filipina maid favorable ruling. mentation of a harmonized employment contract for country in the world to approve AstraZeneca and “May the court’s decision on the Villavende murder Filipino domestic workers. Oxford University’s low-cost COVID vaccine, rais- By Ben Garcia case serve as a reminder to everyone that no Filipino is The agreement signed includes prohibiting ing hopes it will help tackle surging cases and ease a slave to anyone, anywhere and everywhere, and that employers from confiscating the passports of their pressure on creaking health services. The inde- KUWAIT: A death verdict by hanging was handed justice will always come to the defense of the weak housemaids. Domestic helpers also have the right to pendent Medicines and Healthcare products and by the criminal court yesterday to a Kuwaiti woman and the oppressed,” a statement by the Philippine own a phone, work not more than 12 hours a day, Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said the vaccine “met who tortured to death her Filipino housemaid, Embassy said. Villavende’s death certificate from and get enough rest and a weekly day off. They are its strict standards of safety, quality and effective - Jeanelyn Padernal Villavende, on Dec 28, 2019. The Sabah Hospital said she died due to “acute failure of also prevented from being transferred to other ness”, and a rollout was set for Jan 4. — AFP woman’s husband was sentenced to four years in jail the heart and respiration as a result of shock and mul- employers without written consent from the worker. for covering up and not reporting the crime. tiple injuries to the vascular nervous system”. There are 230,000 Filipinos in Kuwait, of which The Philippine Embassy’s lead counsel, Attorney On Jan 3, 2020, the Philippines implemented a 160,000 are engaged in domestic work. US Rep dies of COVID

WASHINGTON: A repre- sentative-elect from Louisiana died of COVID- EU, UK leaders 19 Tuesday, the first mem- ber of the US Congress to sign Brexit deal succumb to the disease. Republican Luke Letlow, LONDON: Britain and the EU signed a post- 41, had been elected to Brexit trade deal yesterday, setting their seal on a Louisiana’s 5th district and drawn-out divorce just hours before the UK brings was due to be sworn in on Luke Letlow its half-century European experiment to an end. Sunday. Letlow is survived EU chiefs Ursula von der Leyen and Charles by his wife, Julia Barnhill Letlow, and two young Michel, the heads of the European Commission children. — AFP and European Council, smiled at a brief televised ceremony to put their names to the 1,246-page Trade and Cooperation Agreement in Brussels. (Left) Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures after signing the Brexit trade deal between “It has been a long road. It’s time now to put Qatar Amir invited to summit the UK and the EU at 10 Downing Street in London yesterday. (Right) European Commission Brexit behind us. Our future is made in Europe,” President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel pose in Brussels RIYADH: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) von der Leyen said. said yesterday that Qatar’s ruler is invited to the Continued on Page 2 earlier yesterday with the signed Brexit trade agreement. — AFP bloc’s summit meeting next week amid efforts to heal rifts between Doha and a Saudi-led alliance. Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad medical and government sources told Al-Thani received a “formal invitation” from Yemen airport AFP in the southern city, with the Saudi King Salman to the Jan 5 meeting of the casualty toll feared likely to rise. six-nation GCC in Saudi Arabia’s northwest Al- Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Ula province. — AFP blasts kill 26 as said it was preparing a “mass casualty medical response plan”. As smoke bil- govt jet arrives lowed out of the airport terminal from Iran to compensate victims an initial blast, with debris strewn ADEN: At least 26 people were killed across the area and people rushing to TEHRAN: Tehran will pay $150,000 to each yesterday as explosions rocked tend to the wounded, a second explo- family of the 176 victims killed when a Ukrainian Yemen’s Aden airport moments after a sion took place. Video footage shot passenger plane was mistakenly shot down by new unity government flew in, in what by AFP appears to show missile-like Iran in January, the presidency said yesterday. some officials charged was a “cow- ordnance striking the airport apron - Many of those killed were Iranians and ardly” attack by Iran-backed Houthi that moments before had been packed Canadians, with 85 Canadian citizens or perma- rebels. Although all government minis- with crowds - and exploding into a ADEN: Smoke billows yesterday after explosions rocked Aden airport nent residents, some dual nationals. — AFP ters were reported to be unharmed, ball of intense flames. shortly after the arrival of a plane carrying members of a new unity government yesterday. — AFP more than 50 people were wounded, Continued on Page 2 2 Established 1961 Thursday, December 31, 2020 Local Speaker says honored after talks with Amir, Crown Prince Ghanem to convey ‘important recommendations’ to assembly members

His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets National KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets National Assembly Speaker Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem and members of the parliament’s office. Marzouq Al-Ghanem and members of the parliament’s office. — Amiri Diwan and KUNA photos

KUWAIT: National Assembly Speaker Marzouq scored necessity of adhering to the National Al-Ghanem and members of the parliament’s office Constitution and enforcing the laws. Meanwhile, met yesterday with His Highness the Amir Sheikh His Highness the Crown Prince called for con- Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His structive cooperation with the government to Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al- contribute to national economic development. He Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at Bayan Palace. In a also called for further promotion of democratic statement, Ghanem said they listened to many practices, addressing challenges, respecting of important recommendations and directives from His constitution and application of the law. Highness the Amir and Speaker Ghanem His Highness the Crown led a delegation at the Prince, which would meetings featuring indeed benefit Kuwait Amir receives members of the assem- and its people. Ghanem bly bureau for the 16th added that he will con- audit bureau’s legislative term. It vey all these important included Deputy recommendations to report Speaker Ahmad Al- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al- the members of the Shuhoumi, the assem- Al-Jaber Al-Sabah receives the audit bureau’s Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah receives the audit National Assembly. bly secretary Farz Al- annual report. bureau’s annual report. During his meeting Daihani, parliament’s with the lawmakers, supervisor Usama Al- His Highness the Crown Prince at Bayan Palace. In the cable to Croatian President Zoran Milanovic His Highness the Amir Shaheen, head of the meantime, His Highness the Amir and His Highness the expressing heartfelt condolences over the victims affirmed necessity of constructive cooperation legislative and legal affairs commission Khaled Al- Crown Prince have separately received His Highness of an earthquake that struck Petrinja Area. His between the legislative and executive authorities, Enezi, chairperson of the financial and economic the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- Highness the Amir wished the injured would boosting parliamentary action for serving the affairs committee Ahmad Al-Hamad, chair of the Hamad Al-Sabah and Chairperson of the Audit recovery rapidly, and that officials would over- homeland and the nationals and backing up priorities commission Dr Hesham Al-Saleh and the Bureau Faisal Al-Shaya, who presented to them the come impacts of this natural disaster. His development. In his instructions to the parliament assembly Secretary General Allam Al-Kandari. bureau’s annual report for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. Highness the Crown Prince and His Highness the members, His Highness Sheikh Nawaf also under- Earlier yesterday, His Highness the Amir received In other news, His Highness the Amir sent a Prime Minister sent similar cables to President

Meanwhile, Sheikh Dr Ahmad Kuwaiti Amir’s envoy Nasser Al-Mohammad delivered a letter from His Highness the Amir to King Hamad bin Isa Al delivers letters to Qatari Khalifa of Bahrain. The letter highlighted strong bilateral rela- Amir, Bahraini King tions, ways of strengthening them in various fields, as well as the DOHA/MANAMA: The envoy terday from His Highness the latest developments on the of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Amir to Qatari Amir Sheikh regional and international arenas. Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Tamim Al-Thani on regional and The envoy delivered the letter to Sabah, Foreign Minister Sheikh international developments, as Bahrain’s Crown Prince and DOHA: Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim Al-Thani reads a MANAMA: Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Dr Ahmad Nasser Mohammad well as boosting ties in many Prime Minister Prince Salman bin letter from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al- Minister Prince Salman Al Khalifa reads a letter Al-Sabah, delivered a letter yes- domains. Hamad Al Khalifa. — KUNA Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. — Amiri Diwan photos to Bahrain’s King Hamad Al Khalifa.

Aron, the British ambassador to Yemen, also con- Also, MP Abdulkarim Al-Kandari submitted a Yemen airport demned the blasts. “A despicable attempt to cause Amir, Crown Prince draft law calling to organize the functions and the carnage and chaos and bring suffering when status of the chamber of commerce and industry. The blasts kill 26... Yemenis had chosen to move forward together,” he bill calls to ban the chamber from interfering in poli- said. The cabinet members arrived in Aden days urge MPs... tics and providing any aid to local or foreign political Continued from Page 1 after being sworn in by Yemeni President Continued from Page 1 groups. Kandari wrote on Twitter that when politics Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi in Saudi Arabia, which interferes in commerce, “our funds will be at risk”, It was not immediately clear what had caused the leads a military coalition against the insurgents. at the Assembly secretariat to find how unofficial adding that when a section of merchants benefits by explosions. Sporadic gunfire was heard soon after. Hadi fled to the Saudi-capital Riyadh after Sanaa ballot papers for the speaker’s election reached the crushing the middle class, “all citizens and the coun- Yemen’s internationally recognized government fell to the Houthis in 2014. hands of some MPs. try will be at risk”. and southern separatists formed a power-sharing Tens of thousands, mostly civilians, have been cabinet on December 18, forging a joint front killed and millions displaced in Yemen’s grinding through the Commons and Lords in one day, before against the Houthi rebels who have seized the capi- five-year war, which has triggered what the United EU, UK leaders Queen Elizabeth II formally signs it into law. The tal Sanaa and much of the north. Both Yemeni Nations has called the world’s worst humanitarian last-ditch deal averted the prospect of a cliff-edge Information Minister Moammar Al-Eryani and disaster. The new government includes ministers separation which would have seen quotas and tariffs Prime Minister Moeen Abdulmalik Saeed said that loyal to Hadi and supporters of the secessionist sign Brexit... slapped on all cross-Channel trade, exacerbating Southern Transitional Council (STC), as well as oth- all the members of the government were safe. “We Continued from Page 1 strains in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, er parties. assure our great people that members of the gov- which has hit Britain harder than most. While all oppose Houthi rebels, deep divisions ernment are fine, and we assure you that the cow- The hefty document, bound in blue leather, was But British fishermen have accused the govern- have grown between the forces, and the Riyadh- ardly terrorist attack by the Iran-supported Houthi then flown by the Royal Air Force to London for ment of selling them out, while services - account- sponsored push to form the unity government was militia will not deter us from carrying out our patri- Prime Minister Boris Johnson to add his signature, ing for 80 percent of the UK economy - were designed to mend rifts. Saudi Arabia has been otic duty,” Eryani said on Twitter. as the UK parliament began a rushed debate on the largely omitted. The City of London faces an anx- encouraging the unity government to quell the “war Saeed tweeted that the “terrorist attack... was deal before the looming deadline. Johnson gave a ious wait to learn on what basis it can continue within a civil war” and to bolster the coalition against part of the war waged against Yemen and its peo- thumbs up after inking what he called “the begin- dealing with Europe in the future. Theresa May, the Houthis, who are poised to seize the key town of ple”, but stopped short of accusing the Houthi ning of what will be a wonderful relationship whose three-year Brexit-dominated premiership Marib, the last government stronghold in the north. insurgents. Yemen’s government spokesman Rajih between the UK and our friends and partners in the ended in 2019 after she failed to win support for a In recent months, the rebels have stepped up Badi called for an international investigation into the EU”. “It’s an excellent deal for this country but also closer future relationship with the bloc, voiced her attacks on Saudi Arabia - including its critical oil “terrorist” attack he said targeted “all members of for our friends and partners,” he said in 10 Downing unease at the agreement. “We have a deal in trade infrastructure - in retaliation for the Riyadh-led the cabinet”. “It is too soon to accuse any party Street. which benefits the EU, but not a deal in services military campaign. Yemen also still hosts a signifi- before an investigation reveals who executed the Britain will leave the European single market and which would have benefited the UK,” she told MPs. cant jihadist presence, including Al-Qaeda and attack, including (accusing) the Huthis,” he told AFP, customs union at 11:00 pm (2300 GMT) today, the However, an influential faction of arch-Brexiteers militants loyal to the Islamic State group, despite adding those injured included civilians, security end of a difficult year and of a post-Brexit transition in Johnson’s ruling Conservatives gave their blessing two decades of air and drone strikes by the guards and local officials. period marked by intense and tortuous trade nego- to the EU agreement on Tuesday, and the main United States. Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula Meanwhile, UN envoy Martin Griffiths con- tiations. The lower House of Commons voted over- opposition Labour party also gave its reluctant (AQAP), which the US considers the terror demned the attack on Twitter, calling it an “unac- whelmingly by 521-73 to back the deal, despite backing. Despite objections among some of his own group’s most dangerous branch, has thrived in the ceptable act of violence”. “I wish the cabinet serious opposition misgivings, and the bill was MPs, Labour leader Keir Starmer said neutrality chaos of Yemen’s civil war between pro-govern- strength in facing the difficult tasks ahead,” he said. expected to pass the House of Lords later yester- was not an option given the stakes for Britain. “This ment forces and the Houthi rebels. It has carried “This unacceptable act of violence is a tragic day in an unusually rapid procedure. is a thin deal, it’s got many flaws, but a thin deal is out operations against both the Houthis and gov- reminder of the importance of bringing Yemen Introducing the legislation to ratify it, Johnson better than no deal,” Starmer told MPs. ernment forces. — AFP urgently back on the path towards peace.” Michael told lawmakers it heralded a new chapter for Britain Lawmakers from the pro-European Liberal and the EU as “sovereign equals, joined by friend- Democrats and Scottish National Party (SNP) voted ship, commerce, history, interests and values”. against it - with the SNP using the issue to push for London and Brussels would work “hand in glove a fresh referendum on independence for Scotland. whenever our values and interests coincide, while The agreement’s impact will play out in the coming fulfilling the sovereign wish of the British people to months, with UK businesses braced for customs red live under their own sovereign laws made by their tape they have avoided for decades in cross- own sovereign parliament”, he added. Channel trade. Michel echoed the sentiment in Brussels, vowing Meanwhile from Jan 1, there will no longer be the two sides would work “shoulder to shoulder” on free movement of people from Britain to the EU or major issues, including climate change and future vice versa. Under the compressed legislative calen- health pandemics. Johnson’s government only pub- dar, the European Parliament will debate the Brexit lished the accompanying UK legislation on Tuesday deal after the New Year, but they are expected to afternoon - less than 24 hours before the debate eventually nod it through. Pending that, EU member ADEN: A video grab shows the moment an ordnance hit Aden airport yesterday, shortly after the began in parliament and an hour after the EU signing. states gave their green light on Monday for the arrival of a plane carrying members of a new unity government. —AFP The government intended to ram all stages of the accord to take provisional effect before today’s 85-page European Union (Future Relationship) Bill deadline. — AFP Established 1961 3 Local Thursday, December 31, 2020 Parliamentary committees: How they work and why they matter Where draft laws are discussed before being presented to parliament’s floor By Yasmeena Al-Mulla standing, while others are created for special pur- poses and for a limited amount of time. KUWAIT: Kuwait’s newly elected National Abdulaziz Al-Hudaib, an economic researcher at Assembly has concluded the formation of parlia- the National Assembly, explained that when the mentary committees - always a first step in a new parliament’s procedural law (known in Arabic as legislative term. Now all eyes are on these newly- laehat al-dakhleya) was first issued in 1963, there elected committees as they are regarded as the were nine committees, each one reflecting more or ‘kitchen of the parliament’ amid questions about less a certain ministry. what legislation they will examine and debate. In Then in 1993, a law was enacted to create a per- this explainer, we examine how the committees manent committee known as the protection of pub- operate, their main role and what legislation is likely lic funds committee after two major corruption to dominate at the start of the new legislative term. scandals plagued Kuwait that involved the state- owned company in charge of oil tankers and How do events inside the committees affect the Kuwait’s foreign investments, where allegedly KD public? 1.5 billion in public funds were mismanaged. The committees are seen as one of the main The most recent permanent committee was competencies of the legislative branch as they are formed in 2013 - the priorities committee (known in the chambers where the MPs discuss each draft law Arabic as lajnat al-awlaweyat), which is responsible before it is presented to the floor of the parliament for deciding which drafts laws make it to the floor for a vote. Therefore, the MPs of each committee for a vote, based on their importance. “This is one have a huge role to play, as they are the ones exam- of the ways where public opinion affects the com- ining each law under a microscope and determine mittee. The priorities committee often puts forth the whether the draft law can move forward or not. laws that are demanded as crucial by the Kuwaiti people,” Hudaib told Kuwait Times. The National Assembly. How are the committees formed? The Amiri speech committee, which basically For the 16th legislative term, there are a total of replies to HH the Amir’s opening speech after every committee is created based on specific occasions, one permanent committee and nine temporary 22 committees, divided into two different cate- usually when a certain crisis or issue arises. In the committees. gories: Permanent committees and temporary com- previous legislative term, an investigative committee mittees. The permanent committees do not change, was formed to look into the Malaysian funds scan- Critical issues whilst temporary committees are suggested at the dal, known as the 1MBD case. While any MP and the government are free to beginning of every session (the legislative term has present proposals, the draft laws that are usually a total of four sessions). Response to committee formation presented are based on public demands or matters Each MP willing to join a committee must nomi- Kitchen of the In terms of the current committees, while they of national importance. Currently, several proposals nate themselves - if the number of candidates have yet to meet, many were quick to criticize their have been put forth to amend laws such as the elec- equals the specific number needed, then the com- parliament formation on several grounds. The makeup of the toral law, the amnesty law and the press and publi- mittee is formed unanimously. If there are more committees are a combination of Islamists, inde- cations law. candidates than available committee seats, then the pendents and ‘opposition’ members, a broad term “These laws are a reflection of what’s being 65 parliamentary members vote on the matter by used within Kuwaiti politics to refer to MPs that are demanded on the Kuwaiti streets and therefore will secret ballot. usually opposed to the government’s agenda. likely be some of the first issues discussed during MPs are allowed to join up to two permanent opening session, is a temporary committee, but it is One of the committees that came under harsh the term,” Hudaib said. In terms of the previous leg- committees, but can join as many temporary com- treated as a permanent committee and is the first scrutiny was the women and family committee, islative term, one of the main committees that were mittees as they wish. While an MP can join more committee formed at the beginning of every session. with many pointing to the fact that one of its active reflected important issues being addressed in than one committee, they are not allowed to be a Many temporary committees like the women and members, Osama Al-Munawer, has in the past the country. One of these was the demographic chairperson or a committee rapporteur (known in family committee, human rights committee, housing publicly called for imposing harsh measures like imbalance (where non-Kuwaitis make up 70 per- Arabic as muqarer) in more than one committee. committee and the bedoon committee are usually enforcing the hijab on all women. Munawer has cent of the population), which led the human The head of the committee is charged with chairing always reinstated every term since the 1990s, as also previously expressed that he is against resources committee (a temporary committee) to and managing the meeting, signing the reports and they focus on key issues that have yet to be appointing women as judges. meet 21 times in the last two sessions, according to invites members to the meeting. As for the commit- resolved. In addition, many committees will likely face a the website Raqib 50. tee rapporteur, they represent the committee chair- The negative phenomena committee (known as deadlock as there are competing agendas by Civil society and non-governmental agencies person in their absence, convey the committee’s lajnat al-thawher al-salbeya in Kuwait) has been many of MPs. Based on past performance, the (NGOs) have a role to play, as they are invited to report to the parliament and follow up on reports. formed almost every term since 2006 to address interior and defense committee, seen as one of the join committee meetings to share their opinion or Although each committee deals with the draft issues that affect Kuwait’s social cohesion. In the more important committees, was the slowest com- expertise on a matter as they are “the pulse of the laws that affect their responsibilities, each draft law past, the committee has proposed banning mittee in terms of discussing proposed laws dur- streets”, Hudaib mentioned. Several laws that were must first go through the legal and legislative com- Christmas trees, combating the appearance of Satan ing the past term. passed in the previous legislative term were done mittee, as it is tasked with reviewing if the proposal worshipers and punishing public acts of indecency “There were political reasons why this commit- with the help of NGOs and civil societies, from the adheres to the Kuwaiti constitution. like wearing a bathing suit in public. tee took its time and it was mainly because the domestic violence law to the press and publication Although the current legislative term has so far members did not want to change the electoral law, law, which resulted in the end of book censorship. Different forms of committees only formed temporary and permanent committees, so they purposefully delayed it,” Hudaib explained. Although many critical issues were brought up, Since the legislative branch was inaugurated, if needed, at any time in the upcoming session they The MP who has joined the most number of com- many others went unresolved due to political clash- several committees were formed. Many are long- can form an investigative committee. This type of mittees is Saleh Al-Mutairi, as he is a member of es between the parliament and the government.

ing that the unit had been Kuwait confirms Kuwait commissions designed by a pioneering international company, 205 new COVID unit 117 of clean praising the national cadres who overcame obstacles caused by the cases, one death fuels project coronavirus crisis and succeeded in operating a KUWAIT: Kuwait’s health ministry announced yester- KUWAIT: Kuwait has commissioned a naphtha number of units in the day that it reported 205 new coronavirus infections in treatment unit (No 117) at Mina Abdullah refin- project. The KNPC KNPC’s Deputy CEO the past 24 hours, raising the total to 150,298, while one ery as part of the mega Clean Fuels Project. The declared in April operat- Wadha Al-Khatib death recorded over the same period raised the death operated unit, with an output capacity of ing all units of the Clean toll to 933. Meanwhile, total recoveries increased to 23,500 barrels per day, cleans the fuel of miner- Fuels Project at Al- 146,284 after 228 new recoveries were announced yes- als, sulfur and nitrogen, said Wadha Al-Khatib, Ahmadi refinery while pursuing work to make terday. The number of patients hospitalized stood yes- KNPC’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Mina the same accomplishment at Mina Abdullah terday at 3,081, with 46 patients of them in intensive Abdullah, in a statement to the press yesterday. refinery. The two refineries are projected to put care units, according to the ministry spokesman Dr The low-sulfur naphtha is produced according out 800,000 barrels of high quality fuel a day in Abdullah Al-Sanad. He added that health workers con- to top international standards, she said, indicat- the foreseeable future. — KUNA ducted 2,429 tests during the same period, raising the total number of tests to 1,251,543. —KUNA Homeowner arrested for hosting wedding

KUWAIT: The interior ministry’s relations and security information department said public security officers carried out investigations with regards to a video on social media that showed a wedding in a house and a motorcyclist riding recklessly. The house owner was identified and was detained for violating Cabinet decision 64/2020 banning parties including weddings regardless of where they are held. The motorcy- clist was arrested and his bike impounded, as he faces legal action.

Helper dead Detectives are working on the case of a Filipina woman who died at her sponsor’s house, reported Al-Rai. A security source said a Kuwaiti told operations that he found his domestic helper on the floor of her room. Police and paramedics responded and found she was dead. Forensic officers recovered the body as they suspect the death is not due to natural causes.

Weapon lost A lieutenant lost his weapon after he left it in the car and went to pray, Al-Rai reported yester- day. He said when he returned, he discovered that the weapon had disappeared although there were no signs of forced entry on the vehicle. The lieu- tenant did not accuse anyone and does not know how the thief got into the car. Detectives are working on the case. 4 Established 1961 Local Thursday, December 31, 2020

Established 1961 The First Daily in The Arabian Gulf THE LEADING INDEPENDENT Over 7,000 titles in DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961

Founder and Publisher YOUSUF S. AL-ALYAN Kuwait Virtual Book Fair Editor-in-Chief ABD AL-RAHMAN AL-ALYAN By Nawara Fattahova 7,000 titles. Apart from Arabic books, encourage people to read during this EDITORIAL : 24833199-24833358-24833432 there are also many English publica- extraordinary period. And now there ADVERTISING : 24835616/7 KUWAIT: Due to the pandemic, all tions from different fields. “The door is are further reductions in this fair,” FAX : 24835620/1 exhibitions and fairs were canceled in open for more publishers to join the Hasan added. CIRCULATION : 24833199 Extn. 163 Kuwait, and the International fair. During the regular book fair, local The fair is great opportunity to ACCOUNTS : 24833199 Extn. 125 Fairground was and still is being used publishing houses only used to sell view and buy the latest publications. COMMERCIAL : 24835618 for medical purposes. The Kuwait their publications at the fair, but at this “People wait for the book fair to check P.O.Box 1301 Safat,13014 Kuwait. Book Fair is the most popular book fair virtual fair, these publishing houses out the latest books that were pub- Email: [email protected] in the region, visited by thousands of have authorization from other publish- lished this year. There are many new Website: www.kuwaittimes.net people - even from outside Kuwait - in ing houses to sell their publications,” publications in 2020, and the fair’s previous years. Mohammed Al-Hasan, Director of the website is systematically updated. This year it was canceled and E-book Fair, told Kuwait Times. Also, we have many individual publish- replaced by a virtual book fair - the Participating publishers offer deliv- ers such as some authors who are per- Kuwait Virtual Book Fair, organized by ery services. “Delivery inside Kuwait is sonally participating in this fair with National Library the National Council for Culture, Arts and free of charge within five days, but their books,” stressed Hasan. Letters (NCCAL) and operated by the usually it’s sooner than that. Publishers There are cultural and scientific launches ‘Kuwait Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement also provide delivery outside Kuwait activities too at the E-book Fair. “In of Sciences (KFAS). The virtual fair was for a special price. Also KFAS’ publi- cooperation with NCCAL, we have launched last month, and yesterday it was cations are available at special dis- online seminars and symposiums on Digital Memory’ extended till the end of February 2021. counted prices that reach over 50 per- social media on literature, sciences and idea about them,” concluded Hasan. You Over 70 publishing houses are par- cent. KFAS reduced the prices of its other fields. We also review participat- can visit the E-book Fair on the website ticipating in the e-book fair with over publications during the pandemic to ing books to allow the visitors to get an https://ebookfair.nccal.gov.kw/

patched a planeload of relief supplies to Kuwaitis make Lebanon in aftermath of the Beirut port bombing. Aug 15: The Kuwaiti photographer Majed Al- achievements Zuabi won the Grand Award in the international birds photography competition. in 2020 Aug 19: Kuwait Alms House donated medical equipment to Azerbaijan. KUWAIT: Kuwaiti photographers won awards for Aug 29: The Kuwaiti engineer Jenan Al-Shehab KUWAIT: As part of its effort to maintain the intellectual distinguished pictures and shooting, while Kuwait won two awards and the gold medal at Toronto and cultural heritage of Kuwait, the National Library of Red Crescent Society added to its long record of inventions exhibition for inventing electromagnetic Kuwait launched yesterday the ‘Kuwait Digital Memory’ humanitarian achievements in 2020. The following cells for wireless power transmission to charge project. The program, launched on the Library’s official are highlights of such accomplishments, also chron- electronic devices. website, aims to transfer and save a collection of various icling awards won by the Kuwaiti inventor Jenan Sept 7: Kuwait Red Crescent Society opened a information and documents of the history of Kuwait into a Al-Shehab in the passing year: field hospital in Hadramot, Yemen. Kuwaiti photographer Talal Al-Rabah. digital format. In a statement, the National Library said Feb 16: The Central Blood Bank of Kuwait was Sept 10: Kuwait Red Crescent Society sent a that the program would afford data and pictures of all the recognized by the American Association of Blood convoy of relief supplies to Lebanon following the special names, dates, and events, as well as saving the Banks (AABB), the first Arab body to win this explosion that ripped through Beirut port. Cultural Organization (IESCO) registered four sites material and cultural heritage of the country throughout recognition. Nov 24: Minister of Public Works Rana Al-Fares in Kuwait including Kuwait Towers, Sheikh the years. It also aims at saving and preserving the media June 7: Kuwaiti photographer Talal Al-Rabah declared the start of receiving citizens’ request Abdullah Al-Jaber castle, Boubyan Island, and heritage and production of Kuwait in readable, audio and online for houses’ construction in Al-Mutlaa. Mubarak Al-Khabir marine reserve in the initial list visual formats, the statement added. won the top award of Hamdan bin Mohammad Al- Nov 25: Kuwait won the Arab League’s govern- of 44 Islamic cultural sites in six countries. The library called upon the generous Kuwaiti institu- Maktoum for optical photographing for his shot, “the North Pole King.” ment distinctiveness award and Kuwait Dec 16: UNESCO included Kuwait Al-Sadu tions, people and families to enrich this national project weaving in its list of Intangible Heritage. with a copy of their holdings of rare documents and July 7: KFAED Director-General Abdulatif Al- Municipality Director-General was awarded as the Hamad and the Kuwaiti astronomer Saleh Al-Ojairi top municipal chief in the Arab world. Dec 16: UN Environment Programme (UNEP) books for digitization. The addition of these documents announced that Kuwaiti engineer Fatmah Al- will make it easier for researchers and people with her- won KFAS Award for their contributions locally, Dec 4: Member of the teaching staff at the Zalzalah won the champions of the earth award for itage interest to search for any document, and save regionally, and internationally. Public Authority for Applied Education and copies of them for future generations through the optical July 26: Kuwait Red Crescent Society distrib- Training (PAAET) Dr Salah Al-Ali won the gold 2020. The list of winners included seven other indi- character recognition (OCR) technology. OCR technolo- uted Eid clothes to 5,000 limited-income families. medal for the patent office candidates of the GCC viduals. gy enables the browser to search the content with the Aug 4: Kuwait Red Crescent Society launched a at the Seoul International Invention Fair (SIIF) Dec 17: Kuwaiti engineer Jenan Al-Shehab won desired word and then access the books and publications donation campaign to aid Lebanon in aftermath of 2020 for a device that avoids the sudden death of several accolades at Taiwan’s Kaohsiung that were received in a way that facilitates the search and the Beirut port blast. children during sleep. International Invention and Design EXPO (KIDE) reading process. —KUNA Aug 6: Kuwait Red Crescent Society dis- Dec 11: Islamic Educational, Scientific and 2020. —KUNA

July 26: KRCS distributed clothes for 5,000 fami- Kuwait spends lies during Eid holidays. Aug 4: KRCS launched a donation campaign for the Lebanese people following Beirut Port’s devastat- millions of dollars ing explosion. Aug 6: KRCS sent plane-load of humanitarian sup- in aid in 2020 plies and medical equipment for the Lebanese people. Aug 19: Kuwait Zakat House donated medical KUWAIT: Kuwait earmarked millions of dollars’ equipment for kidney patients in Azerbaijan. worth of aid for the needy at the local and external Sept 7: KRCS opened a field hospital in levels in 2020. The following are some of the recorded Hadhramawt, Yemen. relief assistances provided by Kuwait to those in need Sept 10: KRCS sent a convoy of six trucks loaded locally and abroad in the passing year. with food and medical supplies to Lebanon. Dec 14: KRCS sent 40-tons worth of humanitarian Humanitarian Assistance assistance to Sudan to help the country cope with Jan 22: Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) floods and heavy rain. delivered aid to the floods and heavy rain-devastated Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development Djibouti. Feb 14: Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Feb 20: Kuwait relief aid society signed a $1.33 Development (KFAED) signed a $5 million loan to million agreement with the United Nations High fund a road project in Cameroon. Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to aid refugees March 24: Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic in Yemen and Iraq. Development (KFAED) provided a $30 million grant May 5: The Kuwaiti Relief Society delivered to support the Kuwaiti government efforts against the $600,000 to the UN Human Settlement Program-the coronavirus. Gulf chapter. Nov 15: KFAED signed with UNICEF a grant May 22: Kuwait Red Crescent Society equipped accord worth KD 1.2 million ($4 million) for efforts 115 apartments for medical personnel at Jaber Al- against the novel coronavirus at refugees’ sites in Ahmad district. Syria. —KUNA Ooredoo Kuwait recognized by Kuwait Red Crescent Society

KUWAIT: Ooredoo Telecom, the first to introduce inno- vative digital services in Kuwait, was honored yesterday, Wednesday, 30 December 2020, by the Kuwait Red Crescent Society for its distinguished voluntary role in which a group of Ooredoo Kuwait employees volun- teered to support the society throughout the ongoing KUWAIT: KRCS Chairman Dr Hilal Al-Sayer (left) and Coronavirus pandemic. The honoring ceremony was held Deputy Chairman Anwar Al-Hasawi (right) honor at the association’s headquarters in the Shuwaikh area, Ooredoo’s Mijbil Alayoub (second left) and Fatima Dashti. with the presence of the Dr Hilal Musaed Al-Sayer, Chairman of Board of Directors, Anwar Abdullah Al- customers with free 5GB internet and free calls for one Hasawi, Deputy Chairman, Maha Al-Barjas, General month. Ooredoo Kuwait also launched its ‘Be Safe. Be Secretary - Kuwait Red Crescent Society, Mijbil Alayoub, Home. Be Online’ campaign which featured an array of Senior Director, Corporate Communications, Ooredoo digital offers and services designed to support customers Kuwait, and Fatima Dashti, Senior Manager, Public and to ensure they are well connected and informed dur- Relations, Ooredoo Kuwait in addition to the presence of ing the Coronavirus outbreak in the country. other entities. The company also gifted its customers in Ministries and During the honoring ceremony, Mijbil Alayoub, Senior Governmental Organizations which include the Ministry of Director, Corporate Communications, Ooredoo Kuwait, Health, Ministry of Interior, Civil Defense, Kuwait Police, said: “We always strive to enhance our pioneering role in Kuwait Airways and the Directorate General of Civil humanitarian work that supports the community and its Aviation free internet valid throughout the month of March individuals, and our partnership with the Kuwait Red in appreciation for their great efforts during the novel Crescent Society has resulted in many achievements in coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in the country. the field of humanitarian work. Today, I grant this recog- The Kuwait Red Crescent Society is one of the leading nition to our valued employees who have put efforts and Kuwaiti beacons in the field of humanitarian work, and it is given all support throughout the global crisis, which came noteworthy that this cooperation was not the first between with the guidance of Ooredoo’s Executive Management.” Ooredoo Kuwait and the Kuwait Red Crescent Society. The It is worth highlighting that in March 2020 which was collaboration was established based on their belief in the the beginning of the outbreak, the company reaffirmed its importance of collective work, solidarity, and cooperation in support by collaborating with the Information the face of crises and challenges through humanitarian work Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) by providing that support the society. International THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 Chinese court jails 10 Hong Kong activists Ethiopia’s Tigray conflict revives disputes over land Page 6 for up to three years Page 7

BUENOS AIRES: Pro-choice activists celebrate outside the Congress after the Senate approved a bill to legalize abortion yesterday. —AFP Argentine Senate passes abortion bill Thousands of pro-choice activists celebrate on the streets

BUENOS AIRES: Argentina yesterday ahead of the vote. Human Rights Watch Fernandez and passed the Chamber of porting it, and roughly 17 percent rejecting became one of only a handful of South Americas Director Jose Miguel Vivanco Deputies on Dec 11. “I’m Catholic but I it in all cases. “The interruption of a preg- American nations to legalize abortion, a hailed the decision as a historic step, and have to legislate for everyone. Every year nancy is a tragedy. It abruptly ends another landmark decision in a country where the hoped it would energize other governments around 38,000 women are taken to hospi- developing life,” said Ines Blas, a senator Catholic Church has long held sway. Senate to legalize abortion in Latin America. “The tal due to (clandestine) abortions and since from the ruling coalition. However, Senator Germany daily president Cristina Kirchner confirmed the criminalization of abortion has failed. It’s the restoration of democracy (in 1983) Silvina Garcia Larraburu, from the same vote, after more than twelve hours of time to end it,” he tweeted. more than 3,000 have died,” Fernandez coalition, said she would vote for the bill virus deaths debate, with thousands of pro-choice The new legislation will allow voluntary said earlier. After the law was passed, this time despite being against it in 2018. activists celebrating on the streets of capi- terminations up to 14 weeks of pregnancy, Fernandez tweeted: “Today we are a better tal Buenos Aires. and was approved 38 to 29 with one society that expands rights to women and Love for all children top 1,000 Hundreds of thousands of illegal termi- abstention. The vote overturns a similar one guarantees public health.” Despite measures to prevent the spread nations are carried out every year with at in 2018 which - although also passed the Earlier yesterday, Pope Francis, who is of the coronavirus pandemic, thousands of BERLIN: Germany’s daily coronavirus death toll least 3,000 women dying after backstreet lower house - ultimately foundered in the Argentine, tweeted: “The son of God was pro-choice and anti-abortion demonstra- crossed 1,000 for the first time yesterday, with politi- abortions since the 1980s, said President Senate by 38 votes to 31. born discarded to tell us that every person tors had gathered outside parliament cians predicting an extension of the county’s partial Alberto Fernandez, who proposed the bill Only Uruguay, Cuba and Guyana and discarded is a child of God.” While not ahead of the vote, following the debate on lockdown beyond the current January 10 deadline. A earlier this year. “After so many attempts Mexico City allow voluntary terminations explicitly mentioning the vote, his com- giant screens. Pro-choice activists have total of 1,129 deaths were reported by the Robert and years of struggle that cost us blood in South America, which has some of the ment was interpreted by many as encour- campaigned for years to change the abor- Koch Institute (RKI) disease control center, breaking and lives, today we finally made history,” most restrictive abortion laws in the world. aging the senators to vote against the bill. tion laws that date from 1921, adopting a the previous daily record of 962 logged last yesterday. protester Sandra Lujan, a 41-year-old psy- In El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua, it More than 60 percent of Argentines call green scarf as their symbol. There were 22,459 new daily infections, the RKI said. chologist, said after the vote. “Today we is banned, and women can be sentenced to themselves Catholic, according to a 2019 Anti-abortion activists, who recently “The infection and death figures show that we are leave a better place for our sons and jail even for having a miscarriage. In survey by the National Council for started wearing light blue scarves, still very far from normality,” Health Minister Jens daughters.” Argentina, terminations were previously Scientific and Technical Research expressed sadness after the vote passed. Spahn told reporters in Berlin. “I don’t see how, in this The landmark bill in the country of 44 allowed in only two instances: Rape, and (Conicet). Social law changes have always been slow situation, we can return to how things were before the million succeeded despite strong opposi- danger to the mother’s life. Another Conicet survey this year found in Argentina: Divorce was legalized only in lockdown,” he added. An apparent drop in new infec- tion from Evangelical Christians and tradi- more than half of Argentia’s Catholics sup- 1987, sex education introduced in 2006, tions and deaths in recent days was a result of local tional Roman Catholics - with Pope Francis ‘Legislate for everyone’ ported abortion only in some limited cir- gay marriage approved in 2010 and a gen- authorities not sending in their data over the tweeting his tacit disapproval of change The bill was proposed by President cumstances - with around 22 percent sup- der identity law passed in 2012. —AFP Christmas period, the RKI said. Germany is under a partial lockdown until January 10, with most shops closed along with schools, restau- video distributed by the prime minister’s office. rants, cultural and leisure facilities. New Year’s Eve Israel gives hero’s Pollard, with a kippa skullcap and a long white beard, festivities will be muted, with a ban on the sale of fire- then removed his face mask, got down on his hands and works and tight restrictions on the number of people knees and kissed the ground, with Esther following suit. who can gather in public. “It will probably be the qui- welcome to US Netanyahu and Pollard said traditional Jewish blessings etest New Year’s Eve that Germany can remember,” before the premier handed an Israeli identity card to the old Spahn said. spy Pollard spy, who was granted citizenship in 1995. “You’re home,” the Israeli premier told the two. ‘Nowhere near’ The health minister had on Tuesday told German JERUSALEM: Jonathan Pollard, an American jailed in the ‘Ecstatic to be home’ broadcaster ARD that the country was “nowhere United States in 1985 for spying for Israel, landed in the Pollard’s arrival was widely celebrated, with President near where we need to be” and “there will undoubt- Jewish state yesterday to a hero’s welcome led by Prime Reuven Rivlin and other politicians sending welcome edly be measures” after Jan 10. Chancellor Angela Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Pollard, 66, served 30 years tweets. The authority in charge of Ben Gurion airport near Jonathan Pollard, an American jailed in the US in 1985 for spy- Merkel and leaders of Germany’s 16 federal states in prison for passing on classified documents when he Tel Aviv released a recording of the pilot requesting per- ing for Israel, and his wife Esther pose for a picture on board will meet on Jan 5 to decide on future measures. served as a US Navy intelligence analyst, and had been mission to land. The Pollards flew in on a private jet owned a private jet heading to Israel from the US yesterday. —AFP Armin Laschet, the leader of Germany’s most popu- confined to the United States under his parole terms since by Jewish-American casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, lous state of North Rhine-Westphalia, told the DPA his 2015 release. After years of Israeli lobbying to allow which touched down just before 3 am, said transport sector news agency that “no one can seriously raise this Pollard, a Jewish American, to leave, the US Justice journalist Itay Blumental. possible and to get on with our lives here.” The former hope” of restrictions ending soon. Department removed the terms and conditions last month. Pollard said he and Esther were “ecstatic to be home spy and his wife then went into quarantine, after which Berlin mayor Michael Mueller also told the ZDF Pollard and his wife Esther arrived in Israel before dawn at last after 35 years, and we thank the people and the they plan to move to a home in Jerusalem, Israeli lawyer broadcaster he believes “we will have to continue to Wednesday and were seen walking off a plane towards a prime minister of Israel for bringing us home”. “We hope Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, who represented Pollard, told live with restrictions” for some time. The eastern waiting Netanyahu, who raised his hand in welcome, in a to become productive citizens as soon and as quickly as army radio. —AFP regions of Saxony and Thuringia remain hotspots in the country, with 330 and 255 infections per 100,000 accidents and violence that strain hospital resources. inhabitants respectively. Mask up: S African The wearing of masks in public space has become mandatory, and potentially punishable by jail. Bars and Vaccination delays restaurants are being ordered to close from 8 pm, which More than 32,000 people have now died from the cops enforce ‘zero is followed an hour later by a 9 pm-6 am curfew. virus in Germany, which appeared to fare relatively Ramaphosa - like other leaders grappling with the well in the spring but has been hit hard by a second pandemic’s second wave - pointed the finger at social wave. The country began its vaccination drive on tolerance’ drive events and the holiday period for sapping vigilance. Saturday, with a 101-year-old woman in a care home “We have let down our guard, and unfortunately we are becoming the first person to receive the Pfizer- JOHANNESBURG: “Go home - I could arrest you for now paying the price,” he said. Coronavirus has claimed BioNTech jab. Around 78,000 people have so far that.” The blunt message came from the policeman more than 27,500 lives in South Africa, the highest on received a first dose of the vaccine, data released armed with a gun and a night stick. It can have left no the continent. The country also became the first to notch Wednesday said. doubt in the mind of its recipient-a citizen deemed to be up more than a million recorded cases, in a population JOHANNESBURG: A South African Police Service (SAPS) officer But some German regions have reported delays in breaching South Africa’s tough new anti-COVID rules. of 59 million. gestures towards his watch while asking a pedestrian why he receiving and administering doses. Berlin’s health min- The country’s security forces stepped up checks in As the curfew began on Tuesday, several dozen is not home before the new curfew time on Tuesday. —AFP ister Dilek Kalayci said Wednesday that the city-state Johannesburg streets on Tuesday evening, under orders police cars fanned out across rundown districts in would be suspending its campaign until January 11 to implement what the authorities called a “zero-toler- Johannesburg, a city of five million people, to get the after a planned delivery of almost 30,000 doses was ance approach” to violators. message across. As the patrols passed by, shadows flit- roadblock, stopping any traffic and checking the driver. cancelled. Britain yesterday approved a second coron- The restrictions wind back the clock to the early ted away into the darkness. A young girl and a boy were “From 9 o’clock, there is no movement,” a policeman avirus vaccine developed by Oxford University and months of the coronavirus pandemic in South Africa. captured in the car headlights, but by the time the police told the driver of a minibus taxi. “Wear your mask, AstraZeneca, which is cheaper and easier to transport Announced on Monday by President Cyril Ramaphosa, got out of their vehicle, they had already disappeared. chief,” he ordered the driver before getting onboard to than the Pfizer-BioNTech jab. —AFP they include a new ban on alcohol sales, the cause of Further up the street, a dozen police cars formed a carry out a search for booze. —AFP 6 Established 1961 Thursday, December 31, 2020 International Biden says Trump vaccine plan falling ‘far behind’ Trump lashes out at Republican leaders over looming veto override

WILMINGTON: US President-elect Joe Biden on Tuesday vowed a relentless effort to fight COVID-19 the News in brief moment he takes office, as he warned that Donald Trump’s vaccination drive was falling dangerously short. Boko Haram kill 11 security men Speaking after a briefing by experts, Biden promised that as president he will undertake the “greatest operational KANO: Landmines planted by Boko Haram jihadists challenge we’ve ever faced as a nation” to inoculate have killed 11 security personnel, including four sol- against the illness that has claimed more than 1.7 million diers in northeast Nigeria, security sources said lives globally. “The Trump administration’s plan to distrib- Tuesday. Seven hunters recruited to help the mili- ute vaccines is falling far behind,” Biden said, promising: tary fight the Islamist insurgents were killed on “I’m going to move Heaven and Earth to get us going in Tuesday when their vehicle hit a landmine in the vil- the right direction.” lage of Kayamla, outside Borno State’s capital The Trump administration had predicted that 20 mil- Maiduguri. “Seven hunters died in the explosion and lion Americans would be vaccinated by the end of nine others are badly injured,” Babakura Kolo, the December. With less than three days left, some 2.1 million head of a local anti-jihadist militia, said. “Their vehi- have received the first shot of the vaccine, according to cle hit a landmine as they were pursuing Boko Haram the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. insurgents,” he added. Another local militiaman con- Biden, who takes office on January 20, confirmed that firmed the incident. — AFP he would invoke the Korean War-era Defense Production Act to force private industry to step up vaccine produc- WILMINGTON, DE: US President-elect Joe Biden acknowledges the press while departing the Queen Theater after tion for the government. He also implored Americans to addressing the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on Tuesday in Wilmington, Delaware. — AFP wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and said Hundreds evacuated in Norway he would impose a mandate on face covers in areas where the federal government has jurisdiction, such as on Tuesday, and 3,223 more deaths, according to a tally bad Defense Bill to pass,” Trump said of the looming OSLO: At least nine people were injured and up to airplanes. “We’re planning a whole-of-government effort by Johns Hopkins university. The country has notched up override by the Senate of his veto of the National 200 evacuated yesterday after a nightime landslide in and we’re going to work to set up vaccination sites and more than 19.5 million cases and more than 337,000 Defense Authorization Act. a small town north of Oslo, police and local media send mobile units to hard-to-reach communities,” Biden deaths since the pandemic began, both the worst tolls in “A disgraceful act of cowardice and total submission said. Several houses were swept away in Gjerdrum, said. “We’re going to make sure vaccines are distributed absolute terms globally. by weak people to Big Tech,” said Trump, who vetoed the home to 5,000 people 25 kilometers northeast of the equitably so every person can get one, no matter the col- Meanwhile, Donald Trump, facing a humiliating first defense bill in part because it does not repeal Section capital, in the early hours of yesterday. “Several or of their skin and where they live.” veto override of his presidency, lashed out at Republican 230, a federal law that provides liability protection to homes have been taken by the landslide. Emergency He voiced confidence of a return to normality in 2021 leaders in Congress on Tuesday as relations soured internet companies. “Negotiate a better Bill, or get better services, with assistance from the Norwegian civil — but not immediately. “We might not see improvement ahead of a crucial pair of runoff elections in Georgia that leaders, NOW!” he said. “Senate should not approve defense and the military, are in the process of evacu- until we’re well into March as it will take time for our could determine control of the Senate. The 74-year-old NDAA until fixed!!!” Trump also criticized McConnell’s ating,” Norwegian police said on Twitter. Norwegian COVID response plan to begin to produce visible Trump, in a series of tweets from his Mar-a-Lago resort refusal to allow a vote in the Senate to increase coron- media said up to 200 people had been evacuated progress,” Biden said. “The next few weeks and months in Florida, where he is on vacation, took aim at erstwhile avirus relief payments to Americans to $2,000 from from their homes and nine injured, though none were are going to be very tough-a very tough period for our close ally Senator Mitch McConnell, the powerful $600, a move approved by the Democratic-controlled in critical condition. — AFP nation, maybe the toughest during this entire pandemic.” Republican Majority Leader. House of Representatives already with wide bipartisan The US recorded 245,500 new cases of COVID-19 “Weak and tired Republican ‘leadership’ will allow the support. — AFP

year but it continued activities illegally, he added. The Chile reports new virus strain Indonesia bans move sparked an angry reaction from the Islamist group, which vowed to carry on despite the ban. SANTIAGO: Chile’s health authorities said on “They can ban FPI but they cannot stop our struggle Tuesday they had detected a case of the new coron- hardline Islamic to defend the country and religion,” said group avirus strain initially found in Britain, the first such spokesman Novel Bamukmin. “If we want, we can confirmed infection in Latin America. Experts believe Defender’s Front declare a new Islamic organization this afternoon. If it’s this COVID-19 variant to be considerably more con- banned again, we will do it again... We’re here to stay,” tagious than the original strain first detected in China. he added. Police arrested the FPI’s firebrand leader The case was found in a Chilean woman who JAKARTA: Indonesia has banned an influential hard- Rizieq Shihab two weeks ago over allegations he returned to the country on December 21 from line Islamic group as police held its leader in custody breached coronavirus restrictions after holding a series Madrid, having also traveled to Britain and Dubai. over allegations he violated virus protocols by holding of sermons with tens of thousands of followers. She started displaying coronavirus symptoms upon mass gatherings, the country’s chief security minister her arrival in Chile’s capital Santiago, health ministry said yesterday. The order bans the Islamic Defender’s ‘Moral revolution’ undersecretary Paula Daza said. — AFP Front (FPI) from holding activities or using its name in The arrest came just days after Jakarta police shot HONG KONG: This general view shows the outside of 37 public, effectively yanking its ability to legally operate. dead six FPI followers in a highway shootout. If found Shouson Hill Road in southern Hong Kong yesterday part The politically powerful group was long-notorious in guilty, Shihab could face up to six years behind bars. of a multibillion-dollar property of six mansions owned the world’s most populous Muslim majority nation for Shihab was welcomed by tens of thousands of followers by the US Consulate General in the city. — AFP 15 dead in PNG landslide targeting night clubs and other establishments it on his return last month from Saudi Arabia where he deemed “immoral”. It has also attacked minority Muslim fled shortly after police named him a suspect in a PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea: Up to 15 sects it considers “deviant”. “The government prohibits pornography case in 2017. He remained in exile for people were feared dead after a landslide struck a and will stop any FPI activities because they do not three years. Since his return, he’s called for a “moral rev- US consulate HK mining camp in central Papua New Guinea following have legal standing as a mass organization,” chief secu- olution”, stirring concerns about the group’s bid to heavy rain, officials said yesterday. Local MP William rity minister Mahfud MD told reporters in Jakarta yes- boost its political power. Basuki, who is Christian, was property sale Samb said the camp in Goilala was buried as miners terday. The group’s license to operate had expired last sentenced to two years in prison for blasphemy. — AFP slept early Monday. “Unfortunately there are no sur- stuck in row vivors from what we hear,” Samb told ABC, Australia’s national broadcaster. “Sadly they were all buried alive.” Officials said the exact death toll was HONG KONG: A multi-million-dollar property sale by unclear, but two bodies had so far been recovered the US Consulate in Hong Kong has been put on ice and up to 15 were feared dead. The group was pan- because it has not received permission from Beijing, the ning a riverbed for gold. Heavy rain and a lack of prospective buyer said yesterday. The deal for six luxury equipment had hampered local rescuers attempting pads in a swanky part of the island would have seen the to dig through the mud. — AFP US State Department pocket US$330 million. But it appears to have fallen victim to growing ten- sions between Washington and Beijing, who insisted it was no ordinary property transaction and needed a spe- Ethiopia’s Tigray cific go-ahead. The two countries have been at logger- heads for months over trade, human rights and a clamp- conflict revives down on Hong Kong, with Beijing increasingly willing to wield its economic power to push back against what it says is American interference in internal affairs. disputes over land Hong Kong’s Hang Lung Properties had agreed to pay HK$2.6 billion for the six plots earlier this year. But ALAMATA, Ethiopia: As rifle-toting militiamen fired yesterday, it said the sale could not be completed as celebratory rounds into the air, young men marched scheduled, because Hong Kong’s Land Registry had not through the streets denouncing the former ruling party received written consent from Beijing. The company of Ethiopia’s Tigray region as “thieves.” The party, the said it had received a letter from the Land Registry Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), is the target of BOGOR, Indonesia: In this file photo taken on November 13, 2020, Muslim cleric Rizieq Shihab (center), leader of advising that the “sale of the property involves foreign military operations ordered by Prime Minister Abiy the Indonesian hardline organization FPI (Front Pembela Islam or Islamic Defenders Front), gestures to support- affairs between the People’s Republic of China and the Ahmed, last year’s Nobel Peace laureate, that have ers as he arrives to inaugurate a mosque in Bogor. — AFP US, and should not be regarded as an ordinary com- reportedly left thousands dead since early November. mercial activity”.—AFP But the impromptu parade this month in Alamata, a farming town in southern Tigray flanked by low, rolling the 42-year-old, from Gateshead, northeast England. Meanwhile, others have voiced concerns that mountains, was unrelated to any kind of battlefield victo- UK pet owners have He predicted making fewer trips to Europe com- Northern Ireland will be treated as an EU member for ry. Rather it was to hail the release of Berhanu Belay pared to the 15-20 they have typically made annually pet travel and require the new paperwork for arrivals Teferra, a self-described political prisoner under the in recent years, and with fewer of his dogs in tow to from mainland Britain. The UK province, home to the TPLF whose pet issue, analysts warn, risks becoming bone to pick with save money. Pearson, who voted against Brexit in 2016, only land border with the EU, will remain subject to Ethiopia’s next flashpoint. is irked the rules will change for British-based pet special rules post-Brexit to ensure a free-flowing bor- In 2018, Berhanu, 48, was detained by the TPLF for post-Brexit travel rules owners, but that the UK government opted to maintain der with Ireland-a crucial part of the 1998 peace advocating that his homeland-located in an area known the status quo for Europeans bringing in their pets. He accords that ended decades of sectarian violence. as Raya, of which Alamata is the biggest city-had no sees the imbalance as nonsensical given Britain is free “We’re disappointed that... owners will need specific business falling under Tigrayan control. Berhanu argued LONDON: Vets, pet owners and others in Britain are from rabies while some European countries are not. “It paperwork to travel to Northern Ireland from mainland that the TPLF had illegally incorporated the famously bracing for new and potentially costly bureaucracy seems more like a punishment from the EU, because it Britain, for the first ever time,” said Ed Hayes, of The fertile land into Tigray after it came to power in the early from Friday, when the UK ends participation in the EU doesn’t make sense to put restrictions on a country Kennel Club, Britain’s biggest organization devoted to 1990s. He was detained for more than two years-endur- passport scheme for cats and dogs. Britain will be in a that is rabies-free,” he told AFP. “I guess something dog health, welfare and training. —AFP ing beatings and long stretches of solitary confinement new category-known as Part 2 listed status-under had to change with Brexit but I’m disappointed.” in a cave-before pro-TPLF forces, fleeing the govern- European Union pet travel rules, and no longer able to ment’s assault in November, let him go, setting the stage utilize passports which had permitted seamless conti- ‘More onerous’ for his triumphant homecoming. Now reunited with his nental feline and canine journeys. Vets have also greeted the new criteria warily, wife and four children, Berhanu is back to agitating for Among the changes, pet owners in mainland Britain according to representative bodies. They noted an the transfer of Alamata and its surroundings to Ethiopia’s will now have to get an animal health certificate (AHC) AHC will be required every time owners travel with Amhara region, which borders Tigray to the south. no more than 10 days before travel to the EU and their pets from Britain, and expect an overall increase “We don’t want to live with Tigray people, who Northern Ireland. Although the new regime is less in hassle and costs for all concerned. don’t know our culture and traditions,” Berhanu told onerous than if the UK had not been granted so-called “These new certificates and requirements are more AFP a few days after the parade marking his return-a listed status, it has left owners and others involved in onerous than the current pet passports and so there moment of joy he said was unrivalled by every other pet travel unimpressed. will need to be more forward planning... more trips to event in his life besides his wedding. Raya is not the “This health certificate is a new thing and obviously the vet,” said Daniella Dos Santos, senior vice-presi- only place in Tigray where, since the onset of fighting added bureaucracy,” said Stuart Pearson, who with his dent at the British Veterinary Association (BVA). on November 4, some residents have been clamoring Britain will be in a new category known as Part 2 listed wife Carole has eight dogs-five Dalmatians and three for change. A similar dynamic is playing out in western “These animal health certificates are also very com- status under the EU pet travel rules, and no longer able to Tigray, where activists and politicians also accuse the Bracco Italianos-that regularly compete in shows in plex, so vets have got a very short time to get their utilize passports which had permitted seamless conti- Europe. “That is going to add to the expense of going heads around how to fill them in,” she added, noting nental feline and canine journeys. —AFP TPLF of annexing land historically administered by abroad... pet travel’s not the cheapest anyway,” added the new system was only announced this month. ethnic Amharas. —AFP Established 1961 7 International Thursday, December 31, 2020 China jails 10 HK democracy activists for up to three years Crackdown on dissent in the territory intensifies

HONG KONG: A Chinese court yesterday jailed 10 12”, aged 17 and 18, were returned to the city Hong Kong democracy activists for up to three yesterday after they admitted wrongdoing, years over a bid to flee the city by speedboat to Chinese officials said. The court said it would not Taiwan, as a crackdown on dissent in the territory pursue its case against them. In Hong Kong, the intensifies. The group were arrested by the Chinese 18-year-old faces charges of conspiracy to com- coastguard on August 23 en route to the self-ruled mit arson, while the 17-year-old faces charges of island, which has quietly opened its doors to attempted arson and possession of offensive Hongkongers seeking sanctuary. weapons. The court in the southern city of Shenzhen sen- tenced Tang Kai-yin to three years in jail and ‘Utterly unjust’ Quinn Moon to two years for organizing an illegal Barrister Chow Hang-tung, from the “Save 12” border crossing. concern group, condemned the mainland legal The eight others were sentenced to seven process as “utterly unjust” as their families and months behind bars for illegally crossing the bor- lawyers had been kept in the dark. der. The 10 were also fined up to 20,000 yuan “According to the state media’s report, the (US$3,060) in addition to their jail terms. The sen- defendants even praised the mainland’s justice sys- tencing follows the imposition of a sweeping new tem, which is very absurd,” Chow said. “We can’t security law in Hong Kong this year that has given imagine what kind of treatment they have got in the the government broad powers to prosecute politi- detention center.” The 10 adults first appeared HONG KONG: Hong Kong’s acting chief superintendent of the Commercial Crime Bureau, Cheng Lai Ki speaks to the cal dissidents. A number of activists have fled the before the Shenzhen court on Monday, but the trial- media in Hong Kong yesterday after the release of the two youngest members of the so-called “Hong Kong 12” city for overseas and political organizations have like many in China’s opaque legal system-was not held over the border in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen since last August when the 12 were caught trying to shuttered their doors as Beijing seeks to keep a lid open to foreign reporters or diplomats. flee the territory for Taiwan. — AFP on unrest that rocked the financial hub for months Families of the accused were only notified three last year. days before the hearing and were unable to attend A total of 12 people were caught on the boat and due to the short notice and COVID-19 restrictions. day is unjust,” said the father of jailed activist group, urging them to tell the coastguard they were have been held in custody for more than four Their lawyers were barred from meeting the Cheng Tsz-ho. going fishing if caught. They all pleaded guilty to months on the mainland. The group were facing detainees, with authorities instead appointing state- the crime and signed confession papers in the pres- prosecution in Hong Kong related to last year’s approved legal representation. ‘Fleeing tyranny’ ence of lawyers, said the Southern Daily, a mouth- protests before attempting their escape. The lawyers said the sentences were too heavy According to mainland Chinese media, Tang piece of the Guangdong provincial Communist They will likely face further charges in the city and the allegation of organizing a border crossing bought the boat in August and learnt basic driving Party committee. The United States on Monday after serving their mainland sentences. was not substantiated. “I think no matter he was skills for the escape, while Quinn Moon was called for the immediate release of the group, say- Two minors from the so-called “Hong Kong sentenced to one day or seven months, every single responsible for communicating with the rest of the ing they were “fleeing tyranny”. — AFP

province since October despite peace Afghan troops talks between the warring sides. “Afghan security forces have abandon 200 retreated from 193 checkpoints and outposts in Zharai, Maiwand, Singapore kicks Arghandab and Panjwai districts,” checkpoints Kandahar provincial governor off COVID-19 Hayatullah Hayat said. “Most of the to Taleban security chiefs and officers who neg- lected their duties have been dis- vaccination drive KANDAHAR: Afghan security per- missed and referred to the judiciary.” SINGAPORE: Singapore began a coronavirus sonnel have abandoned nearly 200 Kandahar lawmaker Hashim Alkhozai vaccination campaign yesterday with a nurse checkpoints in restive Kandahar and a local police officer confirmed receiving the first jab, making it among the first province in recent weeks, officials the details to AFP. Asian nations to roll out inoculations. said yesterday, in some cases leaving “The security forces exited the The city-state, which has suffered a mild behind their weapons to be seized by bases leaving behind their weapons outbreak, became the first country in Asia to the Taleban. and ammunition,” Alkhozai said. Most approve the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine earlier Kandahar provincial governor of those who left were soldiers, said Shoppers crowd at a market in Herat. — AFP this month, and its program kicked off with Hayatullah Hayat and a local lawmaker Jan Mohammad, a policeman from healthcare workers. separately confirmed the situation, Zharai district. Nurse Sarah Lim, 46, whose work includes saying commanders would be disci- “They left without firing a bullet,” place of the Taleban, who went on to cities, but have launched near-daily screening suspected COVID-19 patients, was plined for their actions. The defense he said. “The Taleban now have all the rule Afghanistan with a harsh version assaults against Afghan forces in rural the first to be immunized, the health ministry ministry in Kabul denied the reports, weapons seized from the army and of Islamic sharia law until being over- areas. Peace talks between the two said. “I feel grateful and thankful for being the insisting government forces had been are using them against us.” Governor thrown by a US-led invasion in 2001. sides-which started in September in first to be vaccinated,” the nurse from the making progress in the region. Hayat blamed “poor coordination” for Since a US-Taleban deal in February, the Qatari capital of Doha-are cur- national center for infectious diseases was cited Government forces and the Taleban the situation amid a shortage of police the insurgents have mostly refrained rently on a break and are due to as saying by the Straits Times newspaper. More have clashed regularly in Kandahar and troops. Kandahar is the birth- from carrying out major attacks on resume on January 5. — AFP than 30 staff from the center are receiving the first dose of the two-shot vaccine Wednesday, a statement, calling the acquittals “an affront to ter- and will get the second next month. After health- US ‘stands ready’ rorism victims everywhere.” care workers, the city-state will vaccinate the “If, however, those efforts do not succeed, the elderly, and then the rest of the population. The to try mastermind United States stands ready to take custody of Omar government expects to have enough vaccines Sheikh to stand trial here,” the statement said. “We for all 5.7 million people in the city by the third cannot allow him to evade justice for his role in quarter of 2021, with the voluntary vaccine free behind Pearl murder Daniel Pearl’s abduction and murder.” Sheikh, a for all Singaporeans and long-term residents. Other countries that have started immuniza- WASHINGTON: The US Attorney General said British-born jihadist who once studied at the London School of Economics and had been tions include Britain, EU nations, and the United Tuesday the United States “stands ready” to try a States, although most Asian nations are yet to involved in previous kidnappings of foreigners, was militant convicted of murdering American journalist begin. In China, where the virus emerged, at arrested days after Pearl’s abduction and later sen- Daniel Pearl whose release was ordered by a least one million people have already received Pakistani court. The decision by Sindh High Court to tenced to death by hanging. jabs after vaccine candidates were approved release the accused comes months after it sparked In January 2011, a report released by the Pearl for emergency use, although they have so far outrage for overturning the murder conviction and Project at Georgetown University following an KARACHI: Sheikh Aslam (right), a relative of one of the been limited to priority groups such as state death sentence of Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, and investigation into his death made chilling revela- accused of murdering US journalist Daniel Pearl and employees. The inoculations are yet to receive acquitted three other men connected to the case. tions, and said that the wrong men had been con- his lawyer Nadeem Azhar speak with media represen- official approval. Vaccinations have been given The four are being held under the emergency victed for Pearl’s murder. The investigation, led by tatives outside a prison in Karachi. A court in Pakistan in limited numbers in other parts of the region, orders of the local government while an ongoing Pearl’s friend and former Wall Street Journal col- ordered the release of a British-born militant convicted including to members of Philippine President appeal against their acquittals is heard in the league Asra Nomani and a Georgetown University of murdering American journalist Daniel Pearl, who Rodrigo Duterte’s security team, and to US Supreme Court, but defense lawyers argued against professor, claimed the reporter was murdered by was kidnapped and beheaded in the southern city of troops stationed in South Korea. their continued detention in the south of the coun- Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind Karachi in 2002. — AFP Singapore has recorded about 58,000 try. “We remain grateful for the Pakistani govern- of the September 11, 2001 attacks, not Sheikh. infections, mostly among low-paid migrant ment’s actions to appeal such rulings to ensure that Pearl was South Asia bureau chief for The Wall Islamist militants. A graphic video showing his workers living in crowded dormitories, and just (Sheikh) and his co-defendants are held account- Street Journal when he was abducted in Karachi in decapitation was delivered to the US consulate 29 deaths. —AFP able,” acting attorney general Jeffrey Rosen said in January 2002 while researching a story about nearly a month later. — AFP

It has also been slow to complete Phase 3 trials, Sinopharm: Vaccine which had to be conducted abroad due to China’s India races to find success at curbing the spread of COVID-19 within 79% effective its own borders. Meanwhile, Western countries have UK arrivals to halt surged ahead with vaccine rollouts and approvals. Hundreds of millions of doses have been booked against COVID-19 from frontrunner candidates by Pfizer-BioNTech new virus strain BEIJING: Phase 3 trials of a Sinopharm coron- and Moderna, which have a 95 percent and 94 per- NEW DELHI: Indian authorities were trying yes- avirus vaccine found it was 79 percent effective, cent efficacy rate respectively. terday to track down tens of thousands of people the Chinese pharma giant said yesterday, lower who entered the country from Britain in recent than rival jabs developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Vaccine diplomacy weeks as cases of a new and fast-spreading coron- Moderna but a potential breakthrough in the battle Despite little data and unproven vaccines, more avirus strain more than doubled in 24 hours. They to stem the pandemic in Asia. than one million people have already taken unap- LIMA: A health worker prepares a syringe to inoculate a have launched efforts to locate around 33,000 peo- China, where the pandemic first emerged, has proved jabs in China under its emergency use pro- volunteer with a COVID-19 vaccine produced by China’s ple who flew to India in the last month from the UK been racing against the West to develop its own gram. They include frontline health workers, state- Sinopharm during its trial at the Clinical Studies Center after 20 people tested positive for the new, more COVID-19 vaccines, with five already in large-scale owned enterprise employees and workers planning to of the Cayetano Heredia University in Lima. —AFP virulent strain-up by 14 cases since Tuesday. Phase 3 clinical trials but none officially approved travel abroad. China plans to vaccinate millions more India also extended yesterday the ban on flights yet. Yesterday’s announcement was the first data this winter in the run-up to Lunar New Year, and its handling of the initial outbreak. to and from Britain by a week to January 7 in a bid released regarding the efficacy of a Chinese vaccine officials have vowed to ramp up vaccine production “We will also give priority to developing coun- to combat the new strain that British authorities say candidate. “The protective effect of the (Sinopharm capacity to more than 1 billion doses next year. tries for vaccines. This will be made through a vari- is no more deadly, but which spreads more easily. CNBG Beijing) vaccine against COVID-19 is 79.34 The United Arab Emirates approved a ety of ways, including through donations and aid,” “Comprehensive contact tracing has been initi- percent,” said the Beijing Institute of Biological Sinopharm vaccine earlier this month, becoming foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Friday. ated for co-travellers, family contacts and others,” Products, a Sinopharm subsidiary that has been the first foreign country to adopt a China-devel- Its inactivated vaccines are more easily trans- the Indian health ministry said Tuesday, referring developing a vaccine with CNBG. oped COVID-19 inoculation. Beijing has pledged portable than Pfizer’s candidate, which must be to those who flew between November 25 and Sinopharm has applied to China’s drug regulator to share its vaccines at a relatively low cost-a stored at minus 70 degrees Celsius-impossible in December 23, when Delhi suspended air links with for approval of the inactivated coronavirus vaccine, potential boost for poorer Asian countries who are most developing countries. As a winter wave of Britain. It remains unclear how many arrivals from the statement said, a type of inoculation using parti- otherwise reliant on limited distribution offered by virus sweeps across much of the world spurring Britain it has traced so far. Britain is home to a cles of the pathogen. But China has struggled to a global scheme. That also hands China a diplo- fresh lockdowns and grim spikes in death tolls, huge Indian community and several flights per day gain international trust for its vaccine candidates, matic carrot at a time when it has faced wide- attention has returned to China’s management of the take hundreds of people from London to New hindered by a lack of transparency on test results. spread criticism led by the US and Australia over pandemic. —AFP Delhi and Mumbai. — AFP Established 1961

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 How Cuxhaven port is navigating Brexit

Brexit will remain an unprecedented challenge for North Sea port

CUXHAVEN, Germany: The German port of years,” Zint said, exhausted by the climate of uncer- Cuxhaven has felt every twist and turn of the Brexit tainty that has prevailed since 2016. “There comes a saga, from the shock of the referendum result to the time when you say to yourself, ‘It has to finally hap- interminable negotiations. Now, with the end of the pen.’” The German car industry will be one of the transition period that has effectively kept Britain in first to feel the consequences of Brexit. The UK was the EU fast approaching, port manager Hans-Peter the largest export market for German car manufac- Zint has only one wish: “It has to finally happen.” turers in 2019, with nearly 600,000 vehicles, or But Brexit will remain an unprecedented chal- around 17 percent of automotive exports, according lenge for the North Sea port long after Britain’s to car industry association VDA. Cuxhaven’s prepa- newly agreed deal with the EU kicks in on January rations have focused on three main strands: training 1. Around 85 percent of maritime freight to and for staff in new customs procedures; a new IT sys- from Cuxhaven involves the UK, making it one of tem to facilitate the transmission of customs docu- the harbors worst affected by Brexit. ments; and the expansion of the terminal and stor- The scale of the task can be seen from Zint’s age areas. office. Hundreds of Mercedes and BMW cars from A lot is at stake: Britain was Germany’s seventh German factories are waiting to be loaded onto a largest trading partner in 2019, albeit two places ship that has just arrived from the port of lower than before the referendum. “According to Immingham, on the east coast of England. As it our simulations, if every link in the chain does its job docks, the ship opens its hatches and unloads Land well, from seller to customer, the transport times Rovers, made in Britain, destined for the continental shouldn’t get any longer,” the manager said. “But market, as well as metal parts for the construction these are still only tests, and now we must see if industry. everything works in reality,” he admits. The operation will take a few hours before the Fishing boats at Cuxhaven port. —AFP ship returns to Immingham, some 20 hours away. ‘A strange year’ “Today we have no customs formalities to carry out, Heavy goods vehicles are constantly flowing in for whom the British market is not central-are just Calais or Rotterdam. but in the future they will apply to 85 percent of our and out of the port at the mouth of the Elbe River. beginning to worry about future formalities,” he “Here, only the trailers are shipped-the drivers goods. It’s uncharted territory for Cuxhaven,” Zint After a fall in activity in spring due to the pan- said. The trade deal agreed on December 24 has don’t accompany their goods,” Zint said. said. This is not the case for other large ports near- demic, Germany and Britain worked hard to get as finally put to bed the worst-case scenario of a no- “If in the future we’re faced with incorrect or by, such as the mighty Hamburg, which are less much freight through as possible before the end of deal Brexit, which could have dramatically raised missing documents, the trailers can be put on hold dependent on British clients and more accustomed the transition period. “It’s been a strange year,” the price of goods transported via Cuxhaven and without blocking the drivers.” The German port to trading outside the EU. sighs Marcus Braue, local manager for Danish mar- put a stranglehold on commercial activity. therefore hopes to win new customers looking for itime company DFDS, which operates two daily But the threat of administrative chaos and traffic less congested routes. Zint is even willing to bet Climate of uncertainty routes between Cuxhaven and Immingham. jams remains. However, Cuxhaven believes it has an that, “In three or five years, Brexit will have blown “It’s been a lot of preparation over the last three “Most companies are well prepared, but some- advantage over maritime giants such as Hamburg, over. It will be ancient history.” —AFP Japan, S Korea run CEO of T4 operator with Vietnam coal happy to reopen US jobless to get plant despite vows Kuwait Airport weekly aid despite TOKYO: Japan and South Korea are pushing KUWAIT: The CEO of ahead with a controversial coal plant in Vietnam and Incheon Korea Airport Trump’s approval will provide $1.8 billion in loans for the project, Services (T4 operator), WASHINGTON: Jobless Americans who despite having announced ambitious pledges to Kwang Soo Lee, stated to risked not receiving unemployment aid this become carbon-neutral on their home turf. The “Kuwait Times” that he is week due to President Donald Trump’s delay in state-aligned Japan Bank for International happy to re-open the air- signing off on it will indeed receive the money, Cooperation (JBIC) said it will lend around $636 port and operate commer- This file photo taken on September 27, 2011 shows a the Labor Department said on Tuesday. million to the Vung Ang 2 project in central Vietnam, cial flights again on Congress in March expanded the US unemploy- which has come under international criticism and view of the Belchatow power plant in Belchatow, near Saturday January 2nd, 2021 Lodz central Poland. — AFP ment safety net as the coronavirus pandemic even divided opinion within Japan’s government. at 4 am after ceasing flights Kwang Soo Lee struck, creating the Pandemic Unemployment Private financial institutions and the Export- for 12 days, optimistic about Assistance (PUA) for freelancers and Pandemic environmental groups from around 40 countries Import Bank of Korea will also provide loans, with the joy of departure and Emergency Unemployment Compensation signed a petition calling on all the Japanese parties the total amounting to $1.77 billion, JBIC said on arrival passengers. (PEUC) for the long-term unemployed but only involved-reported to include big private banks-to Tuesday. The 1,200-megawatt Vung Ang 2 plant He said that everyone is going through a difficult funding them until the end of the year. pull out of the project. “It’s a real disappointment,” was first proposed over a decade ago and has phase in which we must focus in the first place on After months of stuttering negotiations, Eri Watanabe from 350.org, which signed the May received investment from heavyweight firms like making trips safe and healthy in order to avoid the Congress agreed to reauthorize those programs petition, told AFP on Wednesday about JBIC’s Mitsubishi Corporation. epidemic, and this requires cooperation from trav- in a $900 billion spending package passed only announcement. Japan said in July it would tighten rules for elers to be safe by adhering to all the instructions days before their December 26 expiration, but “It shows the Japanese government is not very seri- investment in foreign coal-fired power stations on related to this matter. Trump objected to its contents before eventual- ous about complying with the Paris agreement and environmental grounds, but stopped short of prom- He stressed the importance of maintaining the ly signing it on Sunday-one day after those pro- mitigating CO2 emissions,” she said. The Global ising to end government funding for projects or axe application of social distancing and sterilization, grams lapsed. Energy Monitor watchdog said in 2019 that Japan existing ones. The country also recently unveiled pointing out that the health security of passengers Because many states determine benefit pay- accounted for over $4.8 billion in financing for coal plans to boost renewable energy and phase out is on top priority and concern during the current ments for the week ahead on Sunday morning, power plants abroad-particularly in Indonesia, petrol cars in a bid to reach its new goal for carbon stage. He pointed out that since the first phase of experts feared Trump’s evening signing of the bill Vietnam and Bangladesh. Japan’s Environment neutrality by 2050. South Korea has also made a re-opening the airport, efforts are being made by could mean benefits under the two programs Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has also raised concern over similar pledge this year. all workers so that all passengers through Terminal wouldn’t be paid this week. In a statement to the country’s financial support for the project. — AFP Vung Ang 2 came under fire in May when 127 4 enjoy safe trips until the end of this epidemic. AFP, a Labor Department spokesperson said it would work with individual states to make sure payments under the programs, which were reau- Weak Sauce? US relief bill may thorized until March 14, continue uninterrupted. “As states are implementing these new provi- sions as quickly as possible, the department be too skimpy for restaurants does not anticipate that eligible claimants will miss a week of benefits due to the timing of the NEW YORK: Washington’s long- It “seems like a band aid,” he said. law’s enactment,” the spokesperson said. An awaited pandemic relief package “We don’t know what our business is interruption in weekly jobless payments would offers a lifeline to the devastated US going to look like when the snow have increased the pressure on Americans put restaurant industry, but eateries still melts.” out of work by the world’s largest COVID-19 face months of turmoil before they are outbreak. clear of the coronavirus crisis. The ‘We’re just hustling’ The United States saw unemployment spike $900 billion bill that provides more Nine months into the pandemic, a to 14.7 percent in April after business shut- funding for the Paycheck Protection recent survey from the National downs were ordered to stop the virus from Program (PPP), comes too late for the Restaurant Association shows more spreading. Though it decreased to 6.7 percent estimated 110,000 restaurants that than one-sixth of the nation’s restau- in November, Labor Department data released have closed their doors permanently. rants have closed, and a majority last week said more than 800,000 people on Those that survived the shutdowns expect continued furloughs and layoffs average are losing their jobs each week, a level and restrictions on indoor dining, can for at least the next three months. NEW YORK: Pisticci restaurant owners Michael and Vivian Forte set up a table out- above the worst single week of the 2008-2010 borrow up to $2 million in loans that Dimitri Fetokakis, owner of Niko doors in front of their establishment in New York. global financial crisis. would convert to grants if at least 60 Niko’s, a small Greek restaurant chain As of the week ended December 5, the Labor percent is spent on payroll. in Houston, said the crisis has forced to adapt as business has fluctuated, Political reality Department said more than 9.2 million people Despite some improvements from eateries to adapt. especially given the time-intensive Congress in June extended the were receiving PUA benefits and more than 4.8 the original PPP that Congress “We’re just hustling,” he said. When nature of good barbeque: smoked beef deadline to use the funds to 24 weeks, million were receiving PEUC. approved in March, restaurants gave in-person dining was banned in the brisket, for example, requires 15 hours but by then RayNathan’s had already Meanwhile, American workers could start mixed reviews of the program and early days of the pandemic, Niko of prep time. “The dining public is just spent most of the money, Carroll said. seeing stimulus payments of as much as $600 in some worry the funding will fall short. Niko’s cut managers’ salaries by 40 a lot more emotional,” said co-owner The PPP also has been a source of their accounts as soon as Tuesday night, Vivian Forte, who with her husband percent and they joined other staff Stephen Carroll of the unpredictable controversy, after huge amounts went Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said. owns Pisticci in New York City, said assisting with curbside pickup. flows that make it difficult to know to publicly-traded companies including “Treasury and the IRS are working with Monday she was “exuberant” the He also organized pop-up events in how much food to cook. Shake Shack and Ruth’s Chris before unprecedented speed to issue a second round relief bill was finally enacted. Without the suburbs, taking orders online and At times the restaurant has given the chains returned the funds, and after of Economic Impact Payments to eligible it she would have had to lay off the setting up mass-distribution sites away surplus food to food banks. revelations about funds going to ten- Americans and their families,” Mnuchin said. entire staff. without delivery charges. Fetokakis “You’ve either got waste, or you lose ants of buildings owned by the Trump “These payments are an integral part of our “Our back is completely against the said he expects to apply for a PPP for sales when you don’t have enough,” he Organization and the family of Jared commitment to providing vital additional eco- wall,” Forte told AFP. “None of us are his catering business and for the said. Carroll said he is not sure if the Kushner, President Donald Trump’s nomic relief to the American people during making any money. We’re all in this for downtown location that has suffered restaurant will apply for another PPP. son-in-law and advisor. Still, the pro- this unprecedented time.” On Twitter, he the staff right now.” But Andrew Volk, most with many people still working The earlier round allowed him to gram has been credited with saving added that for those not receiving electronic owner of the Hunt and Alpine Club in from home. avert layoffs, but the original rules millions of jobs and again became the payment, “paper checks will begin to be Portland, Maine, has not decided RayNathan’s, a North Carolina bar- mandated the money be spent within prime vehicle for providing government mailed tomorrow.” — AFP whether to seek another PPP loan. becue restaurant, has found it difficult eight weeks. support to small businesses. — AFP Established 1961 9 Business Thursday, December 31, 2020 EU, China reach major investment deal China pushes past US in Q3 to become EU’s top trade partner

BRUSSELS: The European Union and China yesterday approved “in principle” a major investment pact that Brussels hopes will open up lucrative opportunities, despite concerns about Beijing’s rights record. ABK extends EU chiefs Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel agreed with China’s President Xi Jinping to wrap up seven years of painstaking negotiations during a video best wishes for conference that also included German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French leader Emmanuel Macron. New Year 2021 The bloc said the deal, which is still expected to take months to be finalized and fully ratified as a legal text, KUWAIT: On behalf of the Board of Directors, was of “major economic significance” and had seen Executive Management and staff, ABK would like China commit to “an unprecedented level of market to extend its warmest wishes to the Amir, HH access for EU investors”. Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH China’s state-run Xinhua news agency cited Xi say- the Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al- ing the agreement “demonstrates China’s determination Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and to the Kuwaiti and confidence to promote high-level opening up”. And government and its people, as well as all residents Xi dubbed Europe and China “the world’s dual major French president Emmanuel Macron takes part in a video conference meeting with European Council President, of Kuwait, on the occasion of the New Year. forces, markets and civilizations.” Von der Leyen, mean- European Commission president, German Chancellor and Chinese presidents to approve an investment pact between The bank will be closed on Sunday 3rd January while, tweeted: “This agreement will uphold our inter- China and the European Union yesterday at the Fort de Bregancon, in Bormes-les-Mimosas, south-east of France. — AFP 2021 and will resume its regular working hours on ests and promotes our core values. It provides us a Monday 4th January 2021. ABK’s online services lever to eradicate forced labor.” But the end of year rush and Call Center will be available 24 hours a day to conclude the political part of the agreement could under the stewardship of leading export power health, telecoms and financial services sectors, it also during the holiday. upset US President-elect Joe Biden as he prepares to Germany just before its rotating EU presidency ends. looks set to open up Europe’s renewable energy market enter the White House, hoping to coordinate with his to Beijing. But an EU official said that the agreement western allies. Europe has long sought to increase Ahead of Biden would still allow individual member states to block access for its companies to China’s vast markets, but China pushed past the United States in the third access for Chinese firms on national security grounds. Beijing’s lack of respect for international labor standards quarter of this year to become the EU’s top trade part- The preliminary agreement is likely to take months to be had remained a final hurdle to an agreement. Brussels ner as the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the US econo- worked into shape by legal teams and translated, and will insists the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment my while Chinese activity rebounded. then have to be ratified by the EU’s 27 member states (CAI) is the “most ambitious” anyone has convinced The political accord comes just weeks before Biden and approved by the European Parliament. — AFP China to sign-lowering barriers for EU businesses, bol- will be sworn in as US president and with his team stering competition and strengthening environmental expressing concern over the EU’s outreach to Beijing protection. The bloc says it has also managed to get and urging Brussels to consult with Washington. As the southern Africa, and the world’s second-largest cop- Debt and COVID per producer, Zambia has been lashed by a plunge in Beijing to agree to “continued and sustained efforts” to EU has taken a softer approach on China, outgoing commodity prices. Starved of income, the government ratify International Labor Organization (ILO) conven- President Donald Trump has carried out a trade war to announced in mid-November that the country would tions on forced labor. batter Beijing into concessions. Despite vast differ- are a double “We have to remain realistic: this deal will not solve no longer pay creditors-and the prices of basic goods ences with his predecessor on many issues, Biden looks began to rise. all the China-related challenges we face, of which there set to continue a tough line, although he is looking to whammy for Zambia are many,” EU executive vice president Valdis forge a more multinational front to tackle Beijing. Debt spiral Dombrovskis said. “However, it ties China into signifi- The EU insists the investment agreement with China- cant commitments in the right direction-more than it has The nation of 17 million people has a foreign debt which it views as a “systemic rival”-will not hamper its LUSAKA: For days on end, Mildred Mwenya hasn’t ever agreed before”. estimated at nearly $12 billion, half of which comes relations with the new US administration and says it in seen so much as the shadow of a customer in her phar- But European lawmakers warned that there is no from private creditors. Much is owed to China. In mid- part matches the “phase one” trade deal Trump inked macy in the Zambian capital Lusaka. Today, her stomach way to compel China to make good on worker rights. October, Zambia missed the deadline to honor a pay- with Beijing in January. The bloc says the deal, which it was as empty as her premises. She had been unable to And some in Brussels accuse Beijing of running a ment of $42.5 million due on a bond worth $750 mil- began negotiating in 2014, helps rectify what it sees as afford breakfast before coming to open the store. She is “government-led system of forced labour” targeting the lion which matures in 2022. The global rating agency the long-standing imbalance in the way Brussels and one of a growing number of victims in Zambia of a dou- Uighur and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang Standard & Poor’s relegated the country to the “selec- Beijing treat investors and the access they allow them. ble hit-a macro-economic crisis combined with the province. “EU leaders do know that the CAI language tive default” category. Once classified as a defaulter, a It also insists the deal secures guarantees from China on coronavirus pandemic. “When we come for work, we on ILO and forced labor is not worth the ink. They are country undergoes penalties that further increase the key European concerns by ending obligations to trans- have no customers and not even food to eat for the cost of servicing its debts, said economist Mambo not stupid,” Reinhard Butikofer, the head of the fer technology, reinforcing respect for intellectual prop- morning,” says Mwenya, from behind her counter. Hamaundu. “You won’t have money to buy medicines European parliament’s delegation on China, wrote on erty, strengthening Beijing’s environmental commitments “When you go to order goods and the following in hospitals, chalks for our schools, because more Twitter. MEPs complain that the outline deal-which and addressing state subsidies. day the prices increase, business is bad,” she explains. money would have moved away from the treasury,” came the same day the bloc signs its post-Brexit While the deal should pave the way for EU firms to “Those who use transport are affected and we also Hamaundu says. “If there is no money in the treasury farewell trade pact with Britain-is being rushed through make inroads in areas including China’s electric car, need to pay rent for the shop.” A landlocked country in the ordinary citizens will suffer.”—AFP 10 Established 1961 Business Thursday, December 31, 2020 Annual report features effects and challenges of pandemic in Kuwait PROCAPITA launches special report on latest HR practices for 2020

KUWAIT: PROCAPITA Management Consulting launched its nies and impeding their business special annual report on the latest HR practices for 2020, which growth process. In comparison, was distinctively developed. The report includes the main fea- 19 percent of business leaders tures and trends of business and human resources practices in indicated that the adequacy of the State of Kuwait, the effects of the COVID-19 epidemic, how governance and the application various companies operating in the private sector are dealing of transparency standards in with emerging challenges, and the future outlook on the human different business transactions resources strategies for 2021. constitute the most prominent Mohammad Abu Al-Rob, CEO of PROCAPITA, said that challenges that negatively affect the survey’s participation rate was very stimulating, reaching the growth of their business, fol- more than 80 percent of companies invited to participate lowed by operational risks, risks and addressing the opinions of more than 210 business lead- of delays in technology and dig- ers (CEOs, board members, and executive business leaders), ital transformation, crisis man- Mohammad Abu Al-Rob in addition to HR leaders from various sectors in Kuwait. The agement, environmental risks, participants represented more than 144 major companies, 45 cultural and social factors, and of which are listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange, and 99 logistical factors. Only 3 percent of companies reported no are not listed. challenges and penalties that negatively impacted their busi- This report covered 12 sectors in the Kuwaiti market, the ness growth. most important of which are: telecommunications, oil and gas, l 79 percent of business leaders emphasized the impor- financial services (banks, insurance, asset management, and tance of investing in digital transformation as part of the plans varying levels according to sectors and their extent affected capital markets), general trading and contracting, manufactur- set to confront the pandemic and its repercussions. by the pandemic. ing, business and professional services sector, etc. This sur- l 32 percent of business leaders stated that direct govern- l 27 percent of companies were limited to granting short- vey’s significant interaction indicates the urgent need for busi- ment support for private sector companies to attract and term incentives (annual bonus) depending on their financial ness leaders to know recent trends in human resource prac- develop national workers is one of the most critical aspects that performance in 2019. While some companies indicated a lack tices to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and the high confi- must be improved to contribute to raising the percentage of of clarity of vision about the possibility of disbursing annual dence that PROCAPITA has gained as the largest HR consult- localization of jobs (Kuwaitization) in the coming period, fol- increases or incentives in 2021 due to poor economic condi- ing services provider in the State of Kuwait and the GCC. Abu lowed by improving education outcomes in line with future tions and declining returns as a result of the pandemic, and Al-Rob expressed his sincere labor market requirements by that it may have to stop or postpone it in response to the thanks and gratitude for 27 percent. changes taking place. PROCAPITA’s clients’ continu- l The scarcity of talents and ous support and steadfast con- specialized competencies in the l Future expectations of human resource practices (struc- fidence. This fundamental pillar local market ranked first con- tural imbalance): has enabled PROCAPITA to Report covers cerning the use of skills and l On the other hand, Abu Al-Rob stated that a structural continue achieving more excel- competencies attracted from 12 sectors in defect in the local employment market is expected as a result lent value for its services. abroad by 43 percent. of the repercussions of the pandemic on the structure of sup- Abu Al-Rob added that the Simultaneously, the vast majori- Kuwaiti market ply and demand in terms of high supply of many skills and main highlights of the survey ty of the participants indicated competencies working in the affected sectors such as tourism, conducted by PROCAPITA that the talents and competen- aviation, and others, which led to an imbalance in the rates of Management Consulting are: cies currently available do not salaries and wages as a result of the accumulation of some serve their companies’ future competencies in the Kuwaiti market and the dispensation of circumstances that may arise in the external environment, l The economic impact of strategic goals. some companies of human cadres and thus the high unem- including: the COVID-19 pandemic l 76 percent of business leaders indicated the importance l ployment rate. Remote work strategy, as many companies could con- l The results have shown that 31 percent of companies from of attracting and retaining talent, such as implementing long- l However, it is necessary to note that the local market tinue their work and run it smoothly despite the exceptional various sectors in Kuwait have been positively affected by the term incentive plans, granting shares to employees, awarding suffers from a shortage of supply and a scarcity of some spe- circumstances witnessed by the whole world. COVID-19 pandemic, including telecommunications compa- competitive wages, and other related strategies. Half of them l cialized skills and competencies such as IT-related jobs (such Developing talent management programs, including per- nies, internet service providers, IT companies, e-commerce, expressed their continuous implementation and updating of as software developers, professional IT trainers, smartphone formance appraisal systems, and linking their outputs with and some professional services such as legal advisory services, these plans and strategies. On the other hand, the other half application developers, and data analysts) and technical and annual incentives, development and training plans, succession insurance companies, consumer-trade companies, and food and expressed their tendency to study and develop these strategies professional jobs (such as professions Medical, engineering, planning, and others, because of their significant impact on medical manufacturers. and monitor their budgets to realize their importance. technicians, and chefs), in addition to the decision to stop the process of attracting and maintaining competencies and l 67 percent of companies from various sectors in Kuwait l More than 50 percent of the participants expressed their recruiting from abroad, which will increase the gap between skills, and thus companies advance and gain a competitive have expressed negative impact on the COVID-19 pandemic, satisfaction with remote work effectiveness and praised their supply and demand, and this constitutes an additional chal- advantage in the local market. including the sports sector, entertainment, travel & tourism sec- employees’ efficiency and productivity during the previous l lenge for companies to develop their business and an imbal- Defining business trips and using video and audio com- tor, the banking sector, some investment and money markets period. PROCAPITA expects that many companies will contin- ance in the salary and benefits scale. munications as a viable alternative to holding and attending companies, automotive sector, transportation and logistics ue to adopt and implement this strategy in the next year, 2021. l Based on the foregoing, Abu Al-Rob commended that meetings. companies, food and beverage companies (restaurants), in l the companies must review the current salary and benefits Investing in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, addition to general trading and contracting companies. l Manpower and Recruitment Department scale and amend it depending on the extent of the pandemic and partly relying on electronic transactions and e-commerce. l 47 percent of business leaders indicated that the decline l Only 8 percent of the participating companies have l sector and business. He also pointed out that the amendment Using “Outsourcing” contracts to meet the companies’ in oil prices is the primary concern facing businesses in the reduced employees’ wages in line with the companies’ pow- and modernization of the salary scale do not necessarily mean needs to support jobs because of their benefit in reducing coming period. ers by the relevant government agencies. In comparison, 19 reducing the salaries and benefits granted, but rather it means costs and pressure on the recruitment team and many other percent of them granted employees paid leave and adopted a restructuring them in proportion to the skills available in the benefits. l The incentive plans and economic support packages pro- remote work mechanism to maintain business sustainability, local market and being able to attract them easily and give PROCAPITA Management Consulting and Human vided by the government reduce the pandemic’s effects, and exit from it with less pos- them a competitive advantage to companies. Resources Services is a regional company headquartered in l Concerning the government’s incentive plans and eco- sible losses. l It is worth mentioning that it is not expected that there the State of Kuwait in addition to its regional offices in both nomic support packages, 37 percent of business leaders l Concerning recruitment, 62 percent of the responding will be an amendment to leaders’ salaries and benefits during Jordan and Dubai. Since its establishment in 2013 to this day, expressed their satisfaction with the incentive plans and gov- companies indicated that they did not dispense any of their the current period and not expected to be affected in the it has succeeded in providing the best consulting and admin- ernment measures presented to face the repercussions of the employees’ services as one of the alternatives available to con- coming period, as factors such as scarcity and specialized istrative services to more than 400 clients through the efforts COVID-19 crisis and revive the affected sectors. In compari- front the pandemic. Also, 52 percent of the participating com- expertise play a “decisive role” in continuing the demand for of its distinguished consultant staff. Throughout the Middle son, 44 percent of business leaders expressed their dissatisfac- panies expected an increase in hiring employees in 2021 com- leadership positions and thus salaries and benefits may be East and the Arab Gulf states. PROCAPITA has distinguished tion to some extent. pared to 2020. negatively affected. However, the annual incentives granted to itself for its unique approach by providing human resource leaders may be affected in part, depending on the decrease in consulting, recruitment counseling, and human resource out- l Business and technology practices l Compensation practices the profits made versus the planned profits or the desired sourcing services in addition to human capital development l Regarding the penalties and challenges that represent an l Concerning compensation practices and adjusting the returns. services, which has been a significant factor in making PRO- obstacle to business growth, 44 percent of business leaders salary scale and benefits, 8 percent of the responding compa- l In addition to what was mentioned above, Abu Al-Rob CAPITA one of the leading consulting firms in the region, and stated that the legislative and legal environment and the avail- nies expect a total change in the salary scale, including all job expressed the importance of adopting several different in line with leading practices in consulting services, PRO- ability of talent and competencies required in the local labor titles. In comparison, 65 percent of them expect a partial strategies in the coming period to improve the economic con- CAPITA has given technology a lot of attention through its market are among the most critical challenges facing compa- change in the salary scale, including some job titles, and at ditions of companies and enable them to face any exceptional investment in ZENITHR Intelligence Solutions business.

promotions on a range of products both online and LuLu Hypermarket offline; full trolley items totally free to 666 lucky winners for six days from 29 December to 3 January offers year-end super 2021; Midnight Sale from 9pm till stocks last on 31 Lack of cooperation December; as well as Spin the Wheel contest to win instant gifts, and a lively Guess and Win contest deals promotion where customers who guess the right answer stand hinders China’s debt to win vouchers and gifts. KUWAIT: LuLu Hypermarket, the leading retailer in Besides the huge discounts being offered on relief to Africa the region is bringing 2020 to a close and welcom- many items there are also tantalizing offers such as ing the new year with a Big Bang Super Deals pro- the Buy-Two Get-One free offer on all garments, BEIJING: China last month joined other members motion from 29 December to 5 January,2021. footwear and ladies handbags, and a special cam- of the G20 in agreeing to suspend interest pay- The eight-day amazing discount promotion paign in collaboration with Mastercard and extra influencer element to the shopping activity. ments on all loans owed by dozens of low- across all LuLu Hypermarket outlets in Kuwait, will Samsung that offers customers a free gift voucher The Big Bang year-end super deals promotion is income countries, in a bid to ease pressure on provide customers with fantastic promotional- worth KD3 from LuLu Hypermarket for the third part of LuLu Hypermarket’s commitment to interact developing economies ravaged by the coron- prices, huge discounts and enticing one-time offers continuous payment at any of the hypermarket’s with customers and enhance the shopping experi- avirus pandemic. on a wide range of products. Adding extra layers of outlets using Samsung Pay, the mobile payment and ence throughout the year, with various exciting and Most of those nations are in Africa and getting excitement to the Big Bang bonanza period are a digital wallet service from the electronics giant. alluring campaigns and promotions that offer some China onboard was considered something of a host of activities, including Happy Hours, where Popular local bloggers and Tik-Tokers will also be of the finest products from around the world at coup for the G20. But there are some reserva- shoppers can avail hour-long amazing discount present during the eight-day promotion to add an highly competitive prices. tions about how far China will really deliver on its side of the deal. What is the G20 agreement? However, it should then grow 3.1 percent Since then, prices have firmed slowly debt and raise fresh funds. On the one The world’s top economies agreed last month next year-although this is a much slower to arrive back at around $50 per barrel. hand, there is Zambia, which is heavily to suspend interest payments on all official loans COVID-19 takes pace than elsewhere in the world. In terms l Tourism-dependent countries such as dependent on mining and became the first owed by 73 low-income countries — 40 in its toll on of per capita income, it has fallen 5.3 per- Morocco, Tunisia and the Seychelles. The country to default on its debt last month, Africa-until the end of June and extended the cent and back to 2013 levels in the space pandemic has brought travel to a virtual while Ivory Coast only two weeks later repayment period. of just a few months. standstill, grounding airlines, which are easily raised funds on the market. “The debt service suspension initiative has African economy Abebe Aemro Selassie, the head of the struggling to survive. Since then, “the financial markets have provided much needed ‘breathing space’ to IMF’s African division, highlighted the fact “The crisis has confirmed the differ- found their appetite for risk again, and espe- countries,” said IMF Managing Director PARIS: Africa has so far been spared the that unlike in the 2008-09 global financial ences between diversified countries and cially for African debt, but investors are Kristalina Georgieva. While the United Nations worst of the coronavirus pandemic in crisis, sub-Saharan countries were in a the exporters of industrial raw materials going to be much more careful about the led calls for the suspension to be prolonged until terms of cases and deaths but its econo- much worse budgetary position, with few- but has also impacted North African details” and quality of the issuers, said Gillet. the end of 2021, the G20 said it would examine my has not been so lucky, especially the er resources available to face the crisis countries which were in a growth rebound Another important source of funds for the recommendation when the IMF and World poorer, smaller countries dependent on than their wealthier peers. thanks to tourism since 2016,” noted African countries is remittances from their Bank meet next spring “if the economic and a single resource or sector. The spread l Different countries, different impact - Clement Gillet, economist with Societe foreign workers and inevitably this has financial situation requires” such an extension. of the disease has also picked up speed African countries can be classified as Generale. also suffered in the pandemic. The final communique did not offer any guar- in recent weeks, stoking concerns that three economic types: Diversified, such as Standing on its own, South Africa, the According to the World Bank, such antees. worse is to come. Here are some key in West Africa, with Ivory Coast, Senegal continent’s second-biggest economy, has remittances are expected to fall 14 per- What is the situation at the moment? features of the pandemic’s economic and Ghana. In the east, Kenya, Uganda been hit the worst given that it was cent to about $470 billion going into 2021. China is the biggest investor in Africa, pump- impact on Africa: and Tanzania. In these economies, activity already in recession before the crisis hit. “The impact of Covid-19 is pervasive ing about $148 billion in railroads, ports and air- has slowed significantly but they are still Its economy is expected to shrink 8.0 when viewed through a migration lens as Historic recession ports in exchange for securing oil and commodi- managing to grow, the IMF says. percent this year. it affects migrants and their families who For 2020, the International Monetary l Oil producers such as Algeria, Angola rely on remittances,” said Mamta Murthi, ty supplies such as copper and cobalt, according Fund (IMF) estimates that the economy of and Nigeria. They have suffered very Raising funds Vice President for Human Development to data from the China Africa Research Initiative sub-Saharan Africa will shrink 3.0 per- badly from the plunge in crude prices, Again, the picture is mixed when it and Chair of the Migration Steering (CARI) at Johns Hopkins University. —AFP cent, “the worst outcome on record”. especially in the early months of the crisis. comes to how different countries manage Group at the World Bank. —AFP Classifieds Thursday, December 31, 2020

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Aries (March 21-April 19) Cancer (June 21-July 22) Libra (September 23-October 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Issues regarding love and romance should be You may have many irons in the fire today, This is an excellent day for you, Libra. You will You may feel a great deal of nervous energy going well for you now, Aries. You will find that your natural Cancer. People and projects could demand your attention, find that things automatically flow your way. You will today, Capricorn. Tension could come to you from all angles. tendency to ground and plan is working perfectly with your yet you may feel so dreamy and unmotivated that it could receive more attention than usual and be the center of any Indecisiveness might be your biggest problem. You may be desire to find what you want in a mate. Things may be about be hard to make progress on any of them. Creative solu- flattering discussions. The one difficult point might be inti- in a frenzy trying to figure out where to move next. The key is to slow down and relax. Don't make a move without eval- to come to a dramatic climax in your emotional realm. A fog- tions are the best route for you. Be flexible and open to oth- mate relations with others. Romantic issues may take on a uating things. Be careful about acting too hastily, especially gy, dreamy feeling may make it difficult for you to keep your er people's ideas, and make sure you consider the unlikeli- more serious, grounded tone at this time. when it comes to matters of the heart. feet on the ground. est ways to tackle the issues.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Leo (July 23-August 22) Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Aquarius (January 20- February 18)

You may want to escape into your dreams This is going to be a great day for you, Leo. You may feel a bit lazy and unmotivated Issues having to do with love and romance are in your favor today, Aquarius. You're more in today, Taurus. Trying to do something practical may be met Strangely enough, you will find that tension may help you today, Scorpio. It could be hard to drag yourself out of touch with your emotions. You will find that your atti- with opposition, as the general mood of the day calls for get things done. There's an easiness today that will create bed. In terms of love and romance, there's apt to be some tension, as one part of you wants to make plans tude toward love is more grounded than usual. Feel things to be more ethereal and elusive. Connect with your openings for exploring creative outlets. Regarding love and while another part is feeling up in the air and in the free to let go of some control. Let fate take you where sensitive side and feel free to spend time on artistic projects. romance, try to stay grounded. You and the object of your clouds. These two different viewpoints might make it it will in this department. Also make sure that you You may have to take a more grounded approach when it desire may have two different points of view on the rela- don't worry so much about things. Worrying will tionship. Communicate clearly. difficult to make a move in any one direction. comes to matters of love. cause doubt, something you don't need.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Virgo (August 23-September 22) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Pisces (February 19-March 20) Love and romance are apt to be going quite well You will be able to find a greater connection to You may need to let go and release your con- You may not feel in sync with the day's energy, for you now, Sagittarius. You should find that it's your inner soul today, Gemini. You will also find that you're trol, Virgo. You know what you want, so just trust your Pisces. Something about it may not sit right with you. Your easier to be yourself in a partnership. Let your romantic side more psychic than usual. Trust your intuition. The more you intuition. If you continue to let your brain do all the work, natural instinct to want to take the lead may be overshad- shine through. Indulge in delicious candlelit dinners and share look inward, the more you're apt to find the solutions to your you will probably miss valuable information that can only owed by an unwillingness to even get up. You may feel like outward questions. Combine a sense of dreamy emotion come when you slow down and look within. Connect with your deepest fantasies with those you love. If your partner your internal fire is squelched, especially when it comes to with a grounded feeling of love and beauty. You may need others on sensitive issues and feel free to let your guard resists this energy now, you may want to consider looking else- love and beauty. If your mind is cloudy, don't worry about it. The fog will clear soon. to balance your cloudy head with stable roots. down. Let your mind work freely. where for romantic company. 12 Established 1961 Lifestyle Features Thursday, December 31, 2020

This file photo taken on January 28, 1967 shows French designer Pierre Cardin flanked by fashion models after his Spring-Summer collection show, in Paris.

A file photo taken on May 13, 2011 shows French fashion icon Pierre Cardin (centre right) waving after his fashion show on board the former-Soviet aircraft carrier This file photo taken on November 9, 2006 shows French designer Pierre Kiev at the Tianjin Binhai Aircraft Carrier Theme Park outside Tianjin in northeastern China.— AFP photos Cardin posing with his new fashion space, in Saint-Ouen.

ierre Cardin, who died Tuesday ideas, and with his penchant for geomet- aged 98, was a man of many para- ric shapes and motifs he frequently Pdoxes-a designer who sought flam- ignored the female form altogether. boyant yet simple styles, an aesthete with It was this disregard for femininity Fashion pioneer a head for business, and a futurist now which led him to be credited with creat- associated with retro. He rose to the pan- ing the “unisex” look. Although he was theon of France’s post-war fashion giants gay, he had a four-year affair with the Pierre Cardin only to shake it all up by leading what French film star Jeanne Moreau. She was in the 1950s a revolutionary concept- wanted to have a child with him but could designing “ready-to-wear” collections for not after suffering from uterine cancer. in quotes the high street. A savvy businessman, he expanded ‘Beauty and the Beast’ ey quotes from French his empire globally, moving into once Cardin was born into poverty on July designer and businessman closed markets and selling hundreds of 2, 1922, near Venice in northern Italy. His Pierre Cardin who died on licences to make himself the undisputed family emigrated to France when he was K Tuesday aged 98: king of designer merchandising-and a child, and he grew up in the dour being slammed by the fashion elite for French industrial town of Saint Etienne. At Fashion selling out. Cardin’s 1960s “Space Age” the age of 17 he was apprenticed to a tai- “The clothes I prefer are those I collection is among his most legendary, lor in Vichy where he soon specialized in have created for a life that does and his designs such as the men’s collar- women’s suits. In 1944, after the libera- This file photo taken on July 29, 1982 shows not yet exist, the world of tomor- less “cylinder” suit inspired the early look tion of France, he cycled all the way to French designer Pierre Cardin posing after row.” “My aim was the street, that of the Beatles. Paris where he studied architecture being awarded the “Golden Thimble” a fashion my name and my creations be on before starting to work in fashion houses. award in Paris. the street. Celebrities, princesses Batwings and knitted catsuits He began designing costumes and met were not my cup of tea. I respect- Cardin entered the Parisian fashion the poet, artist and director Jean his many acquisitions was the upscale ed them, I dined with them, but I world in the aftermath of World War II, Cocteau, for whom he designed the mes- Paris restaurant Maxim’s, which he turned could not see them in my dress- training with the likes of Christian Dior This file photo taken on January 10, 2003 merizing sets and outfits for the classic into an international chain. es. In any case, they would have and Elsa Schiaparelli. In the 1950s, as he shows French fashion designer Pierre Cardin film “Beauty and the Beast” in 1947. looked ridiculous.” “My great began to branch out on his own, he soon walking on the stage after a show for a con- Futurist’s controversial castle stroke of genius was ready-to- established a name as an innovator with tribute to his 50 years of career in Florence. Global empire But the much used and franchised wear at a time when there was the now legendary bubble dress in 1954. In his heyday, Cardin boasted of hav- Cardin brand later showed signs of wear. only haute couture. They told me His 1964 “Space Age” collection remains ing some 1,000 licences and franchises, batwing jumpers. Throughout the 1960s, In 2011, he put his fashion label up for it would not last two years. I a landmark in the fashion history with its from fashion and food to cigarettes and as one of the most influential creative sale saying he hoped it would fetch up to charged on, believing in my idea. cut-out dresses, knitted catsuits, tight furniture, which generated hundreds of forces, he turned out collection after col- a billion euros. It failed to sell. And I was criticized, made fun of.” leather pants, close-fitting helmets and lection featuring an array of original millions in annual sales and made him a Cardin’s purchase of a castle in Provence household name around the world. He that once belonged to the Marquis de Creation headed a global empire with a strong Sade, and dozens of houses around it, “Form comes first. Then the presence in Japan. He also signed pro- and for those looking beyond function angered locals who complained the material that expresses the vol- duction deals with the Cold War-era for lingerie that is a bit more showy buildings were left empty and wrecking umes, the flow, the flexibility. Soviet Union in 1978, then became the and a fashion accessory in its own the life and economy of the village. Still, Colour comes last.” “A table leg, first French designer in 1979 to cement right: a subtle sexy strap, or bit of lace Cardin remained intensely proud of his a root, a tree, a leaf, all can give links with China. He was also the first to peek out from underneath clothing. achievements. In 2014, inaugurating a me ideas. I am capable of seeing designer to hold a fashion show in Red Chavy, who has been a designer for small Paris museum for his work, he said an artichoke and making an arti- Square in Moscow in 1991, drawing a mainstream labels, created the brand he had built up quite a “legacy for a cou- choke dress!” “I don’t stop, I need crowd of 200,000. three years ago hoping to offer some- turier who came from nothing”.— AFP it, just like a painter or a writer. I nder soft light and in concentrat- “I cover the entire world, except per- thing more modern and fresh, in a need to express myself. My rea- ed silence, seamstresses at a haps North Korea, and I could go there country where lingerie has been son for being is fashion.” Uworkshop in the heart of Paris world-famous for 200 years. “I couldn’t too if I chose,” he told AFP in a 2010 carefully assembled fine Calais lace, interview. Cardin’s empire also included find any lingerie that I really wanted to Business embroidering it with onyx beads and wear,” she said. hotels, factories and boutiques. Among sequins in delicate motifs. A couture “I own 100 percent of every- Forgoing cushioned bras and thing, I am self-sufficient. I can bra takes two days to create, a bustier shape-altering pieces for a more natu- three. Corsets, meanwhile, require drink my own wine, go to my the- ral look, Livy’s designs focus on deli- atre, eat in my restaurants, sleep “real expertise, it’s very French,” cate, intricate patterns in lace for an according to Amandine and Vanille at in my hotels, dress, wear my own elegant feel. During a recent fitting perfume...” “If I have made money the headquarters of luxury lingerie before a photo shoot, Chavy carefully brand Livy. A piece is made in 20 with my licences, it is to be free, fastened an ornate gold clasp on a do something other than fashion. steps, sometimes with 15 materials. bra worn by one of the models. The process takes patience and preci- By changing profession I distract Hidden clasps and other visual illu- myself. There would not be a big- sion. The limited collection, made sions, such as lacework resting on entirely by hand, is created exclusively ger punishment than forcing me transparent tulle, are part of the playful to play the game.”— AFP for weddings or red carpet events, seduction that is Livy’s signature. according to 39-year-old designer Lingerie should be refined, command- Lisa Chavy. ing and vulnerable all at once, Chavy The rest of the line is ready-to-wear said. — AFP and designed to appeal both to clients who want something racy but discreet, This file photo taken on July 4, 2006 shows French designer Pierre Cardin posing with some dummies featuring his Men’s 2007 Spring-Summer collection, in Paris.

This file photo taken on November 9, 2006 shows French designer Pierre Cardin This file photo taken on November 25, 1977 shows French designer Pierre This file photo taken on September 17, 1981 shows French designer Pierre posing with his new fashion space, in Saint-Ouen. Cardin surrounded by “Catherinettes” in front of his new shop Maxim’s in Paris. Cardin standing with models during the presentation of a retrospective Haute Couture collection from 1950 to 1980, in Paris. Established 1961 13 Lifestyle Features Thursday, December 31, 2020

hile a virus-laden silence has descended over what is normally Wa busy period of concerts and balls in the Austrian capital Vienna, the city’s world famous New Year Concert is at least providing one saving grace-albeit to an empty hall. The city’s concert halls were among the first in Europe to re-open in June, in the wake of the first wave lock- down, as Vienna tried to preserve its rep- utation as one of the world’s preeminent centres of classical music. But as the virus took hold again in the autumn, fresh restrictions soon followed. Music venues again had to close in November, in a city that normally boasts some 15,000 con- certs and musical events annually. But one show will go on, no doubt charged with more symbolism this year. “If we cancel the New Year’s Concert, that would be such a horrible sign to the entire world,” Vienna Philharmonic chair- man Daniel Froschauer told AFP at the In this file photo overall view taken as debutant dancers dance the first dance during the annual In this file photo Italian Maestro Riccardo Muti (center) conducts the Vienna Philharmonic end of October when rising infection Opera Ball in Vienna, Austria. — AFP photos Orchestra during the traditional New Year’s concert in Vienna, Austria. numbers were forcing Vienna’s cultural world to prepare for a new phase of restrictions. In December, even once ORF public broadcaster will play in he says. “Our audience is very disci- grandfather 100 years ago, the current city has lost 150 million euros in revenue venues had been forced to close, applause from 7,000 music lovers watch- plined.” situation is “extremely sad”. this year, says Norbert Kettner, director of Froschauer said at a press conference ing from home. While normally there would be around Vienna’s tourist office. But it is also a blow that it would be “impossible” not to go If, as Froschauer says, the ‘Musical message’ 100 students twirling on the gleaming to the Viennese carnival season, says ahead-and his view has prevailed. Philharmonic is to Austria as “soccer is to While the New Year’s Day concert may parquet floor of his school, this year it is Kettner. England”, then it’s only fitting that the be some comfort for music lovers, those empty. “It is the first time that we are total- For while the balls are an expression Applause played in New Year’s Concert should be a rare sur- hoping to dance during Vienna’s leg- ly helpless... online is not the same,” says of the city’s centuries-old traditions, they The first one of the prestigious con- vivor of lockdown closures. But the wider endary ball season will be disappointed. Schaefer-Elmayer, who has acted as have also been embraced and adapted certs took place at a much darker shutdown of cultural life has been cata- This season there will be none-in a city master of ceremonies at some of Vienna’s by younger generations and Kettner moment in Austrian history, on New strophic for many artists. Since spring, that normally hosts around 450 of them most stylish balls. The current situation is assures that they can be “very wild, live- Year’s Eve 1939. Since then it has built Froschauer has been trying to raise their between November and February, dedi- a “disaster” for the 20 or so dancing ly”. Kettner says the New Year’s Concert up a following which sees it broadcast in plight, even taking their case to cated to groups as diverse as chimney schools in Vienna. In addition, the ball will be an opportunity for the city to send more than 90 countries to more than 50 Chancellor Sebastian Kurz. Froschauer sweeps, cafe owners, bodybuilders and season normally creates work for thou- out a “musical message”-in the hope of million people. Normally the lucky few insists performances are safe, arguing florists. The tradition goes back to the sands of hairdressers, florists, hoteliers, attracting more visitors when the pan- who get to go in person at Vienna’s that in the several months in which 18th century, when the tradition of tailors and taxi drivers, among others. In demic is finally defeated.—AFP Musikverein are chosen in a draw. This restrictions were relaxed, “we never once Habsburg court balls being reserved to 2019/2020, the season attracted 500,000 year though the musicians, conducted by had a large cluster” of infection from per- the aristocracy ended. For Thomas visitors, 55,000 of whom came especially Italian Riccardo Muti, will perform to an formances. “We do PCR tests in order to Schaefer-Elmayer, the 74-year-old head from abroad, spending an average of empty hall. But to break the silence, the play and we wear masks” until playing, of a dancing school founded by his 290 euros ($350) per person. In all, the

by playwright Dael Orlandersmith. “Place of confinement. Prison. No matter whether Part of the world a it is big/small/medium-sized. It is a prison.” The act is performed by Carmen Pelaez, stage with Miami who also wrote the act on pride. She told AFP that the public reacts emotionally to the return of live art, because it is what poignant pandemic “keeps us connected to our humanity, in communion with each other.” And the pandemic “has reminded us performance all how fragile we are and how much we need each other,” said the 49-year-old Colombian actress Laura Londono is pictured Colombian actress Laura Londono (right) and TV director Mauricio Cruz (left) rehearses a actress and playwright. As if to prove her backstage as a makeup artists works on her Cuban actor William Levy perform a scene scene during the production of a new version hen the coronavirus pandemic point, a young man in the audience during the production of a new version of the during the production of a new version of the of the Colombian soap opera Cafe. began, theater director Michel approached the window where she had Colombian soap opera Cafe . Colombian soap opera Cafe. WHausmann sought to devise a just recited her furious monologue. He safe and effective way of performing. Nine pressed a piece of paper to the glass for months later, he and his theater company Pelaez to read, with the message, “Thank have done it by making the world a stage- you.” at least part of it-providing catharsis to performers and the public alike. The play How to resurrect Lincoln Road “7 Deadly Sins” has opened in Miami Since the start of the pandemic in Beach, outdoors and with empty store- March, Lincoln Road has become increas- fronts as a stage. It consists of seven 10- ingly grim as store after store closed ozens of peasants wearing face arrived on set. “We were told to pack up ‘Safe kiss scene’ minute acts, each about a cardinal sin: down. Nearly a quarter of its 250 store- masks remain immobile under the everything and go home, but at that time Director Mauricio Cruz says the testing pride, greed, lust, wrath, gluttony, envy fronts are shut. “It broke my heart,” Dbaking midday sun in a coffee it was temporary,” said make-up artist is crucial to give confidence to actors and sloth. The year 2020 is reflected in Hausmann said. “Lincoln Road is our trop- plantation in central Colombia. Suddenly Adriana Ortiz. “As the time passed things working closely with each other. both the play’s theme and execution. It is ical version of the Champs-Elysees.” He a voice shouts out: “Face masks off, became bleak.” “Yesterday we did a kiss scene for some staged in shops closed by the economic devised the concept of “7 Deadly Sins” we’re going to roll!” Colombia’s popular The RCN television channel that was promotional material ... the test was the crisis resulting from the pandemic. and commissioned seven playwrights to daytime soap operas-known as telenove- due to screen “Coffee” kept paying a day before so ... we were very safe,” said write the acts, for one or two actors each. las in Latin America-were forced off the reduced salary during the months of lock- Cruz. It’s impossible to entirely shield the One is Moises Kaufman, Miami New screens by the coronavirus pandemic. down. “We had to tighten the purse cast from the virus, says Velez. But once Drama co-founder, Tony-nominated and But after six months of silence, they are strings,” said Ortiz, 54. The pandemic the cameras roll “everyone is without face also Venezuelan, like Hausmann. The oth- back in all their steamy and corny glory- hasn’t been so kind to much of the arts masks, confident that the production has ers are Cubans Pelaez, Rogelio Martinez kisses included. Filmed in the central- and entertainment industry, though. The the situation under control as much as and Pulitzer Prize winner Nilo Cruz, as well western Caldas region “Coffee with the national statistics department says more possible.” The world of telenovelas is rife as Orlandersmith, Hilary Bettis and Aurin Scent of a Woman” is operating under than 200,000 jobs were lost in the indus- with contradictions. Squire. “But I told them that they were strict restrictions in terms of staffing going to compete with the ambulance capacity, the use of masks, personal pro- blaring, the person passing by on a skate- tective equipment and regular COVID-19 board, the dog barking,” Hausmann testing. joked. It’s constrained by a reduced budget The play, which premiered November and the perennial risk of being shut down A singer performs after the play “Seven 27, faced unprecedented challenges in again-a far cry from the romanticism of its Deadly Sins” at Lincoln Road in Miami Beach, terms of lighting and sound-not to mention characters and storylines. Social distanc- Florida.— AFP photos COVID-19 safety protocols. The actors ing is a near-impossibility in an industry rehearse over Zoom, take weekly Covid- that relies on close contacts, whether The audience is seated in the street, as 19 tests and enter onstage without coming between actors or in their interactions the Miami climate is still pleasant in into contact with anyone. Those who act with make-up or wardrobe artists. There December, in groups of 12. People watch together in a piece live together, are also dozens of people working in the acts through the store windows and Hausmann explained. Slowly, thanks to close proximity behind the camera. listen with headphones. “The world of the- this and other artistic endeavors, Lincoln Actors Laura Londono and William Levy, ater is experiencing a very important dis- Road once more began to fill with people- the stars of “Coffee,” talk to each other ruption this year,” Hausmann told AFP. though at a distance-in December. without masks, centimeters apart as the “Doing theater the conventional way is a Hausmann’s work “bolsters the crucial romance between their characters death sentence.” He was seated at an out- economic recovery of our city after months Paloma and Sebastian bubbles to the door cafe, sipping an espresso in front of of devastation and loss,” Miami Beach surface. the Colony Theatre, a 1930s building mayor Dan Gelber told AFP. “Never have “If we were astronauts we’d have a dif- emblematic of Miami’s Art Deco architec- the seven deadly sins been more wel- ferent distance but we’re actors, we work ture. Hausmann, 39, is the artistic director come.” — AFP with the voice and the body,” said and co-founder of Miami New Drama, a Katherine Velez, who plays Paloma’s Colombian actress Laura Londono reads a script on her mobile phone during the production of a non-profit theater company housed in the mother, Carmenza. To ensure safety, the new version of the Colombian soap opera Cafe in the municipality of Chinchina. — AFP photos Colony, on the pedestrian boulevard entire production staff take Covid tests Lincoln Road. “The question for us was: every Monday and most of them live at try between October 2019 and the same “Since people are enclosed at home what do we do, what is our business? Is it the farm that doubles as the soap’s set. month this year. The national media and they’re watching more television ... but on the business of filling buildings with peo- Colombia has recorded more than 1.5 communications association says that tel- the other hand, industry in general, com- ple? Or the business of telling live stories?” million coronavirus cases and over evision channels RCN and Caracol had panies, ... have stopped investing in he asked. Storytelling is the obvious 42,000 deaths. to cancel 38 productions between them advertisements” due to the economic cri- answer. “So,” he said, “that paradigm shift after Colombia imposed a lockdown in sis inflicting the country, said Giordanelli. It is what helps us imagine solutions.” ‘Things became bleak’ March. means television productions have smaller “Coffee” is a modern adaptation of a Colombia started lifting lockdown budgets while the pandemic has pushed Home is exile famous soap written in the 1990s by restrictions in September and production up logistical costs. The virus, though, has The play’s acts tell diverse stories: the Colombian screenwriter Fernando companies began to gradually return to not only disrupted revenues and sched- statue of a slave-owning politician come to Gaitan, who wrote the original telenovela work under strict protocols. However, the ules, it’s also affected storylines Script writ- life, an African-American teacher accused that inspired the hugely popular “Ugly production staff are not in a bubble and ers were forced to rewrite scenes involving of cultural appropriation, a couple trapped Betty” series in the US. Filming was due everyone is allowed to go home at week- parties or major social events in favor of by the virus, an ex-president who “glutto- Michel Hausmann, 39 years old, artistic direc- to begin in April but the pandemic put it ends to visit their families. Testing every- small family gatherings. It’s created “a nously” seeks to return to power, a person tor of the Miami New Drama, the resident on hold. “Just 10 days before starting ... one when they return is costly but much more cosy, intimate story” that is who delivers a monologue about the pan- company and operator of the historic Colony we were locked down for almost six Giordanelli said it’s a price worth paying faithful to the difficult circumstances it’s demic in a fit of rage. “Is no longer home. Theater, poses in front of a store window used months,” said Yalile Giordanelli, the as any positive cases could mean actors filmed under, said Giordanelli.— AFP It no longer feels like home. Is a place of as a stage for the play “Seven Deadly Sins” show’s executive producer. Many of the needing to stay in isolation, which would exile,” reads a line in the last act, written during an interview with the AFP. 270-strong production staff had already delay filming. 14 Established 1961 Sports Thursday, December 31, 2020

Photo of the day Thailand pledges ‘world’s safest’ badminton event as China pulls out BANGKOK: Thailand’s badminton chief pledged that next month’s restart tournaments will be the “safest in the world” yesterday after heavyweights China withdrew because of coronavirus restrictions. China’s pull-out blows a big hole in the draw for the three world tour events from January 12 in Bangkok, the first in Asia since Covid-19 shut down the sport in March. Badminton Association of Thailand president Patama Leeswadtrakul said China’s anti-coronavirus rules prevented the team, which includes men’s Olympic champion Chen Long and women’s world number two Chen Yufei, from travelling. “The reason is that the Chinese government doesn’t allow them to go out of the country-not just for the sport of badminton but for all kinds of athletes,” Patama told AFP. The three back-to-back tournaments, in bio-secure “bub- ble” conditions and behind closed doors, culminate in the delayed 2020 World Tour Finals from January 27. Patama said the Thai government has been working to ensure top standards of health, including isolating players the minute they get off their flights. “This bubble competition will be the safest in the world,” Patama said. “After January 4, no one is allowed to enter this bubble and all the measures and protocol are very strict for the health and safety of everyone.” She admitted that the prospect of playing without fans was a concern for some competitors, who are worried about how it may affect their performances. “Our badminton players also mention these same feelings... But we have to seal everyone in the bubble for the best health this time,” she said. “We are the only tournament that can host in this world at this time-I mean internationally, globally, at this time of resurgence.” Thailand has seen a low toll from the virus since it registered the first case Nasser Al-Attiyah performs in Dubai, UAE. —Photo taken from www.redbullcontentpool.com outside of China in January. But new outbreaks in recent weeks have prompted the government to put certain areas under par- tial restrictions after months of relative normalcy. —AFP Zain offers bundle of latest tech solutions to ‘Shooting’ Upgrading company’s infrastructure with world-class standards

KUWAIT: Zain, the leading digital service provider in installing, and operating outdoor and indoor CCTV sys- Services Certified Partner, affirms Zain’s capabilities in Kuwait, signed a partnership agreement with National tems, supplying, installing, and operating Cisco Wi-Fi sys- offering the latest advanced cloud and managed servic- Shooting Company (Shooting), owner of the Shooting tems via the most advanced standards, as well as offering es to corporate customers. Ranges Complex, to offer a variety of the latest tech the latest Internet and voice call services in the market. The third certification recognizes Zain as a Premier and wireless telecom solutions, Internet services, In addition, the agreement includes upgrading all of Certified Partner of Cisco. The bundle of services and CCTV systems, and more with the aim of elevating the the company’s shooting systems and wireless control solutions Zain offers in collaboration with Cisco aims company’s customer experience and reinforcing its units used inside the Shooting Ranges Complex, and at raising operational efficiency and increasing pro- infrastructure with world-class solutions. offering drone services for photography and videogra- ductivity for businesses while providing high levels of As part of this agreement, Zain will offer a wide phy purposes related to the company’s facilities. security. Zain continues to achieve its strategy range of the latest digital services and wireless telecom- Recently, Zain received three international certifications towards fully transforming into an integrated digital munications solutions built on the most advanced tech- from Cisco, the global leader in telecommunications service provider, reflecting its commitment in further nologies to serve Shooting’s technical needs as per the and networks technologies. The certifications from pushing the digital transformation wheel in Kuwait by highest standards. National Shooting Company, the Cisco reflect Zain’s commitment in offering the latest contributing to advance the local business sector. The owner and operator of the Shooting Ranges Complex - and most advanced technology solutions as per the company considers itself an active partner in creating the only shooting range in Kuwait, is a leading national highest international standards for customers in the future of smart life in Kuwait on all levels, espe- company that contributes to offering shooting sports Kuwait’s business sector. cially within business areas. activities in an appropriate and safe environment that The first certification from Cisco, Advanced The offering of these services and solutions to follows global quality and safety standards. Collaboration Architecture Specialized Partner, Shooting comes as part of Zain’s commitment to offer This commitment comes in line with Zain’s digital Zain is set to offer Shooting a number of world-class acknowledges Zain’s capabilities with respect to Cisco’s the latest and most advanced solutions to Kuwait’s transformation strategy through which it aims at solutions to upgrade and reinforce the infrastructure of HCS solutions over the cloud in the Kuwaiti market. The business community, whether large companies or empowering a more efficient business sector in the the company’s entire facilities. This includes supplying, second certification, Advanced Cloud and Managed SMEs, and as per the highest international standards. Kuwaiti market.

that last session we still clearly had that opportunity, as NZ end Pakistan did Pakistan, but in the context of the Test championship losing while trying to win was still a better bet than any- thing else. “It was great coming away with the result and defiance for a the excitement of finishing so late in the piece obviously Burns dumped as adds to that.” When Jamieson had Rizwan lbw for 60 and Wagner removed Alam for 102, New Zealand were thrilling Test win into the tail as Pakistan folded from 240 for four to be all Warner, Pucovski out for 271. MOUNT MAUNGANUI: New Zealand (NZ) beat Tail-enders Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah kept the get nod for Australia Pakistan by 101 runs in a thrilling finish to the first Test in draw option alive as long as they could, blocking for sev- Mount Maunganui yesterday, where the visitors were just en overs in fading light before Naseem was caught and SYDNEY: Australia yesterday included David 27 balls from escaping with a draw. The win tentatively bowled by spinner Mitchell Santner for one, ending Warner and debutant Will Pucovski in their put New Zealand top of the World rankings and kept Pakistan’s resistance. Pakistan captain Rizwan said that squad for the third Test against India, with alive their chances of making the World Test despite the result, he was proud of the way his side MOUNT MAUNGANUI: Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan (right) selectors ditching Joe Burns after a poor start to Championship final. After a 165-run fifth-wicket stand by played. “We put in hard work, but you must give credit to watches a shot towards New Zealand’s Tom Latham (left) the series. Warner will return as he continues Fawad Alam and Mohammad Rizwan the Test went into the New Zealand team,” he said. Jamieson struck first, 11 during the fifth day of the first cricket Test match between recovering from a groin injury, while Pucovski is the final session with both sides in with a chance to win. overs after the tea break, with the wicket of Rizwan, lbw New Zealand and Pakistan yesterday. —AFP also expected to be fit after a concussion, Pakistan needed 158 runs, New Zealand required six for 60, before Wagner removed Alam for 102. Jamieson Cricket Australia said in a statement. Fast bowler wickets and 36 overs remained. New Zealand captain produced a particularly miserly spell after the tea break down the leg side. Sean Abbott has also recovered from a calf Kane Williamson put his faith in Neil Wagner, bowling when he sent down nine overs and took two for four. Alam had been discarded by Pakistan in 2009 after strain and was included in the 18-man squad for on two broken toes, and the youngest of his pace quar- Apart from when Pakistan whipped out the New three Tests and a best innings of 168, and since his recall the remainder of the four-Test series. tet, Kyle Jamieson, to swing the match towards the Zealand openers cheaply on day one, the match had been this year his highest score was 21 against England in But out-of-form Burns was released after Black Caps. Wagner bowled a marathon 11 overs in New Zealand’s control until Rizwan, the stand-in skip- August. There were a few loose shots early in his innings struggling in the first two Tests. “Unfortunately, unchanged after tea and Jamieson - on his 26th birth- per, joined Alam in the middle with Pakistan 75 for four on and a nerve-wracking moment when a ball ricocheted off Joe’s returns haven’t been what he or the selec- day - bowled nine. the final morning. They occupied the crease for more than his arm and bounced dangerously close to the stumps. They obliged with the wickets of Alam and Rizwan. 63 overs until Jamieson struck 11 overs into the final ses- tors would like or what we consider he is capa- Otherwise he staunchly held his own through 269 deliver- ble of,” national selector Trevor Hohns said. “We saw an incredible spell from Kyle and Wags together sion. Jamieson had gone close to taking a wicket several ies before bringing up his century with a four off Wagner that did turn the match when it was looking likely to run times previously, and even his lbw shout against Rizwan Although Warner was still recovering from his — scoring only two more runs off his next 33 balls before injury, selectors were hoping the opener would out into a draw,” Williamson said, adding that with so was turned down before the umpire’s decision was over- his dismissal. New Zealand’s frontline pace bowlers Tim be fit for the match at the Sydney Cricket much at stake he could not contemplate going defensive. turned on review. Alam lasted three more overs until he Southee, Trent Boult, Wagner, Jamieson and Santner each “For us it was trying to win at all costs. Going into gloved a Wagner short ball to wicketkeeper BJ Watling took two wickets. —AFP Ground. “David has made strong progress in his recovery from injury and will be given every chance to play,” Hohns said. The selection of Pucovski clears the way for Jaffar pushes through the final the 22-year-old to make his Test debut, after a blow to the helmet in a warm-up match earlier stretch of his pre-rally training this month. Australia won the opening Test in Adelaide by eight wickets, with India leveling KUWAIT: The 43rd Edition of the world-renowned There is an upside to this particular race. “What is the series on Tuesday with an eight-wicket win rally raid is set to begin proper on January 3, just over helpful is that the race will be in KSA. The good thing in Melbourne. Despite an outbreak of Covid-19 a month from now. This year it returns to Saudi Arabia, is I have some experience there,” he said. As the race in Sydney, Cricket Australia has confirmed the where it will start and finish in the major city of Jeddah. nears he moved his training from Kuwait to the third Test will be held at the SCG on January 7, He’s feeling elevated for the rally and is very much Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he will make prepa- with players expected to arrive on January 4. looking forward to the 12-day event. “This has been a rations with the mechanical team, all of whom already The virus cluster, which emerged earlier this lifelong dream for me,” said Mohammed Jaffar. “I just have experience in the Dakar Rally. Together, they month, has forced authorities to put parts of the want to compete and learn from all the people I am will practice and learn what they can from the road city in lockdown and place restrictions on travel going to meet.” Jaffar and his team must prepare them- book, assessing the different areas, and strategize on same model used by Toby Price and Sam Sunderland, both of whom are previous champions of the Dakar to other states. But officials were still confident selves on multiple fronts and continue to work closely what to expect. the Test would be able to go ahead before the together until the race ends on January 15. The current route shows them going from sea level Rally. They also represent the Red Bull KTM Team. “I teams travelled to Brisbane for the final Test on The number of preparations are too numerous to flatlands, to sand dunes, and mountainous landscapes hope to continue to adjust my training from this race count. For Jaffar, it begins with him being physically as well. Each section must be approached with its own for the coming years. Every race leads into the next January 15. Australia squad: Tim Paine (capt), and mentally ready for the arduous journey ahead of set of rules in order to tackle them successfully. Jaffar one,” said Jaffar. Pat Cummins, Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, him. “This is my first Dakar Rally, which means my first also discussed the motorbike, which is the off-road When asked if he had anything to add or comment on Josh Hazlewood, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, pre-Dakar training regimen. What I’m doing now is category he competes in. “I’ve already received the about the upcoming race, he said, “I’m optimistic.” You Moises Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, combining my previous schedules into one that fits this new bike for the rally,” Jaffar said. “It’s fully-set to han- can find Mohammed Jaffar competing in the Dakar Rally Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, particular rally,” said Mohammed Jaffar. He trains on a dle anything we might encounter out there. I have no this January. To find out more about Mohammed Jaffar’s Will Pucovski, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, set schedule. This includes various forms of endurance, plans to use it until race day arrives.” participation in the Dakar Rally, visit @RedBullKuwait on Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David stamina, and cross-training workouts that are meant to Jaffar will be equipped with the model 2020 KTM Instagram and Twitter, and @RedBull on Facebook, or Warner. —AFP strengthen his body and build his mental fortitude. 450 Factory Rally Replica. This all-terrain bike is the visit https://www.redbull.com/int-en/events/dakar-rally 15 Sports Thursday, December 31, 2020 Bucks’ long-range barrage buries Miami Heat; Clippers bounce back Milwaukee Bucks set an NBA record

LOS ANGELES: The Milwaukee Bucks set an NBA attempts in a nine-point performance. His brother er and good things will happen.” The Bucks’ previ- the Cavaliers with a tight back, led the Sixers with record for three-pointers in a game, draining 29 Thanasis Antetokounmpo drained one three-pointer ous record for three-pointers in a game was 22, 29 points and 16 rebounds. from beyond the arc in a 144-97 blowout win over for the family on the way to five points off the bench against the Sacramento Kings on November 4, 2018. the Miami Heat on Tuesday. The Heat, who stunned for the Bucks, who simply steamrolled a Heat team The most the Heat had given up before was 24. “It Randle leads Knicks the top-seeded Bucks in the second round of the that was without injured forward Jimmy Butler. looked like they had been thinking about this game Elsewhere, Julius Randle posted a triple-double 2020 Eastern Conference playoffs en route to the “Honestly, (we) just played hard,” Holiday said. “We for 80 days,” said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, whose of 28 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists to lead the NBA Finals, never got a look in, trailing by as many know the Heat way and how they’re going to come team will get a chance to avenge the embarrassing New York Knicks to a 95-86 victory over the as 51 in a game Milwaukee led all the way. out and play no matter who’s playing. defeat when they host the Bucks again. The Los Cleveland Cavaliers. But Russell Westbrook’s triple- Sam Merrill drilled the record-breaking 28th “So we just wanted to take that approach.” It Angeles Clippers also rebounded from a big defeat. double of 21 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists - his three-pointer of the game, surpassing the 27 set by was a bounce-back win for the Bucks, who were Two days after a 124-73 loss to the Dallas third in as many appearances in the young season - the Houston Rockets against the Phoenix Suns on blown out 130-110 by the Knicks in New York on Mavericks the Clippers beat the Minnesota again went for nothing as his Washington Wizards April 7, 2019. Jrue Holiday had six three-pointers on Sunday. “Last game in New York, we didn’t show Timberwolves 124-101. Lou Williams scored 20 fell 115-107 to the Chicago Bulls. Zach LaVine led the way to 24 points. Khris Middleton, who led the what we wanted to show,” Holiday said. They left no points off the bench to lead seven Clippers players the Bulls with 23 points, and Wendell Carter Jr Bucks with 25 points, made four of five from three- doubt in this one, leading by as many as 24 points who scored in double figures. “We knew coming added a double-double of 10 points and 12 point range. Starting guard Donte DiVincenzo’s 17 on the way to a 46-26 first-quarter lead and never tonight we had to do better,” said Clippers center rebounds as Chicago notched their first win of the points included five three-pointers, and Brook let up. “Some nights, the basketball golds are with Serge Ibaka, who scored 16 points. “We had to be season. Denver center Nikola Jokic also had a Lopez had three treys on the way to 14 points. you a little bit, and it was probably one of those aggressive, just play team basketball.” The triple-double in a losing effort, his 26 points, 11 Two-time reigning Most Valuable Player Giannis nights for us,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said. Philadelphia 76ers, coming off a lopsided loss to rebounds and 12 assists not enough in the Nuggets’ Antetokounmpo was the only Bucks starter not to “But I liked our defense, too. I think the energy on Cleveland, beat the Toronto Raptors 100-93. Center 125-115 loss to the Sacramento Kings - who were make a three-pointer, coming up empty on two both ends of the court feeds and builds on each oth- Joel Embiid, who sat out Sunday’s 24-point loss to led by the 24 points of De’Aaron Fox. — AFP

Roger Federer out of Australian Open after knee surgery MELBOURNE: Twenty-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer will miss the Australian Open for the first time in his career as he contin- ues his recovery from two rounds of knee sur- gery, organizers said Monday. The 39-year-old Swiss has been out of action since February but recently resumed training and was on the entry list for year’s opening Grand Slam, which will make a delayed start on February 8. Federer, a huge favorite with the Melbourne crowds, hasn’t Wheel Chair missed the Australian Open since his debut in 2000, winning the trophy six times. “In the end Roger ran out of time to get him- Basketball game self ready for the rigors of a Grand Slam and he’s By Abdellatif Sharaa very disappointed he won’t be coming to Melbourne in 2021,” said tournament chief Craig KUWAIT: The first phase of the return of local Tiley. “We wish him all the best as he prepares sports activities for the handicapped was con- for his comeback later in the year and look for- cluded with the final Wheel Chair Basketball ward to seeing him in Melbourne in 2022.” game in the presence of the Paralympics Federer sat out most of the COVID-disrupted Committee Chairman Mahdi Al-Azmi, Honorary 2020 season after losing to Novak Djokovic in Chairwoman of Kuwait Handicapped Sport Club the Melbourne semis in January, his last competi- Al-Sheikha Sheikha Al-Sabah and Chairman of tive match. He underwent keyhole surgery on his the (KHSC) Shafi Al-Hajiri. Chairman of the right knee in February, before needing a follow- Paralympic Committee Mahdi Al-Azmi said he up operation and calling off his season to recover. will support all clubs and remove all obstacles The Swiss could only watch as Rafael Nadal the clubs face. matched his all-time men’s record of 20 Grand Slam singles titles with a 13th victory at the French Open. Federer will now concentrate on getting himself ready for the rest of the 2021 sea- son, which includes the Tokyo Olympics and the served previous terms, while new- chance of his first singles gold medal. “He has Three-day Federer and comers Pablo Andujar of Spain and made strong progress in the last couple of New Zealander Marcus Daniell will months with his knee and his fitness,” his agent Nadal re-elected serve their first term. Tony Godsick said in a statement. “I will start dis- shooting Briton Colin Dowdeswell and cussions this coming week for tournaments that to ATP players’ Venezuela’s Daniel Vallverdu were begin in late February and then start to build a Championship elected as representatives of retired schedule for the rest of the year,” Godsick added. council players and coaches respectively. The By Abdellatif Sharaa council’s president and vice-presi- Murray wildcard PARIS: Tennis legends Rafael Nadal dent will be elected at its first meet- Federer’s absence will be felt at the Australian Open, despite a top-quality field led by world KUWAIT: The Late Sheikh Abdallah Sport Club Assistant Secretary Engr and Roger Federer, ranked second ing in 2021. It was presided over until number ones Djokovic and Ashleigh Barty. US Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah Championship Mohammad Misfer Al-Ghurba lauded and fifth in the world respectively, last year by world number one Novak superstar Serena Williams, Federer’s contempo- will be launched today, and will con- the role of the Late Sheikh Abdallah have been re-elected to the ATP Djokovic. But the Serb broke away in rary at 39, is also on the entry list as she again tinue for three days with the partici- Al-Mubarak’s family towards the players’ council, whose term runs until August to establish a new players’ attempts to equal Margaret Court’s record of pation of club and National Guard shooting sport in Kuwait over the June 2022. The council, as voted by association which he said would 24-time Grand Slam singles titles. Federer’s with- shooters who will compete in the 10m years. He said there will be the ATP player members, also saw the re- include women and was intended to drawal comes as former world number one Andy Air Pistol and Rifle as well as the Archery official training starting at election of Canadian Felix Auger- bring players together to give them a Murray, a five-time Australian Open finalist, was Olympic archery for both men and 3:20 pm, then the Rifle and Pistol will Aliassime, Australian John Millman, louder voice in decision-making. given a wildcard entry. Tiley welcomed the 33- women. The organizing committee start at 5:00 pm. Actual scoring com- South African Kevin Anderson, Briton Federer and Nadal both spoke out year-old back to the tournament, two years after prepared all that the shooters need at petition will be on Friday and Andy Murray and Brazilian Bruno against the proposal when it was his first-round exit prompted fears his career Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Olympic Saturday while the closing ceremony Soares. In addition, France’s Gilles announced, calling for “unity, not was at an end. will be held by 3:30 pm. Simon returns to the council having separation”. — AFP Shooting Complex. Kuwait Shooting “Seeing him come back, having undergone major surgery and built himself back up to get onto the tour again, will be a highlight,” Tiley of players’ performance during the tourna- said. The opening Slam of the year, which will be Kuwait Weight ment, adding that such level will contribute to played in front of at least 50 percent of normal winning medals during the international crowds, has been pushed back three weeks to championships. He said that COVID-19 pan- February 8 over difficulties caused by the coron- Lifting Federation demic and suspension of sports activities halt- avirus. All players must undergo a mandatory 14- ed preparations by the national teams for day quarantine on arrival, during which they will organizes refresher tournaments. “We were keen to utilize time constantly be tested for Covid-19 but allowed to and prepare the ladies team for West Asia, train for five hours a day in a bio-secure bubble. Gulf and Arab Championship,” he said, adding The men’s and women’s qualifiers will be held championship that he is proud of the elite group of players in Doha and Dubai respectively from January who are able to put Kuwait’s name in the 10-13, with players arriving in Melbourne from international championship registers. January 15 on special charter flights. Melbourne By Abdellatif Sharaa On his part, KWLF’s secretary Musailem only emerged from a months-long lockdown in Al-Adwani said the refresher championship October following a second wave of Covid-19, KUWAIT: Kuwait Weight Lifting Federation witnessed fierce competition. He said that the complicating planning for the Grand Slam and (KWLF) organized its second refresher federation seeks good preparation for how to allow so many players and support staff championship for the ladies - in preparation upcoming championships and have a team to enter the country safely. — AFP for West Asia Championship to be organized able to compete and get results. by Kuwait next February with the participa- On another note, Al-Adwani said that tion of nine countries. Abrar Al-Fahad won KWLF cancelled all financial fines that were the first place in the 76 kg category; Seham levied on clubs on the occasion of HH the Matches on TV Al-Saif took second; Sundus Al-Faili won the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- 71 kg category. In the 64 kg category, Anfal Sabah’s assumption of power and naming HH (Local Timings) Al-Muzayen won first place, Noura Al- Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad as the Crown Awadhi (second) and Athoob Al-Faraj (third). Prince. KWLF announced in September Hawraa Al-Mousawi won the 81 kg category. 2019 the formation of ladies team for the In the 55 kg, Bashayer Al-Mayas took first first time ever - with 20 players as members. SPANISH LEAGUE place while Shathar Al-Saleh grabbed the In October 2019, the federation organized Athletic de Bilbao v Real Sociedad 16:00 second position. the first local championship, and then partic- beIN Sports HD 3 Weight lifters are pictured during the refresher championship Meanwhile, the Chairman of KWLF Talal ipated in the Arab Championship that was Osasuna v Deportivo Alaves 18:15 for the ladies. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat Al-Jassar expressed satisfaction over the level held in Jordan. beIN Sports HD 3 Established 1961 Sport

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020

Zain offers bundle of latest NZ end Pakistan defiance Bucks’ long-range barrage buries 14tech solutions to ‘Shooting’ 14 for a thrilling Test win 15 Miami Heat; Clippers bounce back

Barca end gloomy year on drab note Sevilla pound visiting Villarreal 2-0

BARCELONA: Eibar’s Serbian goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic (left) saves a shot on goal by Barcelona’s Danish forward Martin Braithwaite during the Spanish League football match between Barcelona and Eibar on December 29, 2020. — AFP

MADRID: Barcelona ended a difficult year with very little away.” The six-time Ballon d’Or winner responsibility,” said Araujo. “I didn’t notice that the had?” Barcelona have struggled with injuries this another disappointing result as they were held 1-1 Lionel Messi is nursing an ankle injury and watched forward was so close.” season and lost Philippe Coutinho who limped off in at home by struggling Eibar on Tuesday. The result from the stands. In his absence Martin Braithwaite “It’s a pity, we wanted to win and we played added time. “He said he was feeling pain in his left left Barcelona in sixth place in La Liga, seven points took an eighth minute penalty kick, and missed. The well” Ousmane Dembele levelled 10 minutes later knee,” said Koeman. “We need to do more tests to behind Atletico Madrid who have played two fewer Dane did put the ball in the net in the 25th minute with a right foot shot but Barcelona could not find find out exactly what’s wrong with him”. In the oth- matches. “We have to be realistic,” said Barcelona but the strike was disallowed. the winning goal. “We were missing Leo, of course,” er early game, Lucas Ocampo converted an early manager Ronald Koeman. Although Barcelona dominated possession and said Koeman, before asking: “How is it possible that penalty and Youssef En-Neyri added a second after “The league is very complicated. In life nothing took far more shots, Eibar took the lead after 57 we didn’t win this match?” the break as Sevilla beat visiting Villarreal 2-0. is impossible, but you have to recognize the points minutes. Their captain Kike Garcia pounced after a “We created chances, we missed a penalty, and Sevilla moved onto a tie for third with Real gap to a team like Atletico, which seems to give defensive mistake from Ronald Araujo. “I take we gave away a goal, the only shot on target they Sociedad and Villarreal. — AFP United move Coronavirus: Premier up to second League hits new high

LONDON: Marcus Rashford’s 93rd LONDON: The Premier League con- League Cup semi-finals on January 6. minute strike beat Wolves 1-0 to move firmed on Tuesday that 18 players and Southampton revealed that manager Manchester United into second in the staff have tested positive for coron- Ralph Hassenhuttl will not be in atten- Premier League as fears over the continu- avirus, the highest number since week- dance for his side’s match against ation of the season due to rising coron- ly testing began. Manchester City’s West Ham on Tuesday as a member of avirus infection rates grew on Tuesday. A clash at Everton was postponed on his household has tested positive. record 18 positive tests for Covid-19 Monday after an outbreak of multiple The Everton-City postponement among players and staff were detected in positive cases at City. “The Premier was just the second time that a the weekly round of testing. League can today confirm that Premier League game has been called After Manchester City’s trip to Everton between Monday 21 December and off due to Covid-19 since the 2019/20 on Monday was postponed due to a Sunday 27 December, 1,479 players season resumed in June. Aston Villa’s COVID outbreak in Pep Guardiola’s squad, and club staff were tested for Covid- clash with Newcastle earlier this all five matches scheduled for Tuesday 19,” the league said in a statement. month was postponed due to an out- went ahead despite disruption for Sheffield “Of these, there were 18 new pos- break at Newcastle’s training ground. United and Southampton. Bottom-of-the- itive tests. Players or club staff who However, the Premier League insisted table United revealed they had suffered a have tested positive will self-isolate the protocols put in place are still number of positive cases but were still MANCHESTER: Manchester United’s Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani controls the ball during for a period of 10 days.” That figure stringent enough to prevent another able to field a squad of 18 for their 1-0 surpassed the previous highest fig- shutdown like the three-month stop- defeat at Burnley. Southampton manager the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers on December 29, 2020. — AFP ure recorded of 16 for November 9- page between March and June earlier Ralph Hasenhuttl coached his side from his 15. All remaining seven Premier this year. “The Premier League con- home for a 0-0 draw against West Ham League games on Tuesday and tinues to have full confidence in its after a member of his household tested On the field, United were fortunate to Winning the best medicine for Arsenal Wednesday are still set to go ahead. protocols and rules, and the way in positive. escape with all three points against a Arsenal eased fears they could be City had already announced on which all clubs are implementing The Telegraph reported the Premier youthful Wolves side, who were in action dragged into a relegation battle with a 3-1 Christmas Day there had been four them,” the league said in a statement League will discuss plans for a two-week just 48 hours ago against Tottenham. In win over Chelsea on Saturday and can now positive tests at the club for players on Monday. circuit breaker with infection rates soaring keeping with several meetings between the look up the table with hope thanks to across England. However, Manchester sides in recent years, chances were few Alexandre Lacazette’s winner in a 1-0 vic- Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus and Further down the English football United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer called and far between. But United answered tory at Brighton. Pierre-Emerick two staff members prior to the latest pyramid, postponements are mount- for the competition to continue. “I’m not Solskjaer’s call to win more games late on Aubameyang returned from injury in the positive cases on Monday. ing with seven of the 12 games sched- sure if stopping playing football will make in the style he did as a player during Alex place of Lacazette in the only change made The club’s training ground has uled for Tuesday in League One a difference,” said Solskjaer, whose side Ferguson’s time at Old Trafford as by Arteta. But the French striker came off been closed for an “indeterminate called off due to COVID-19 infec- are mounting an unexpected title challenge Rashford’s shot took a wicked deflection the bench to make an instant impact with a period” with further testing on players tions. The number of positive tests after a slow start to the season. “In our off Romain Saiss deep into stoppage time. fine near-post finish from Bukayo Saka’s and staff to take place before it can recorded over a 24-hour period in bubble we’ve proven to be quite (safe), we “This is a big step forward that you don’t pass just 21 seconds after coming on. reopen. City are due to face Chelsea England and Wales hit new high of haven’t had too many cases transmitting perform, but you still win,” added Victory moves the Gunners up to 13th, away in the Premier League on 41,385 Monday, according to UK within the group.” Solskjaer. within six points of the top six. — AFP Sunday and Manchester United in the government figures. — AFP