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TUESDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11665 September 8, 2020 Muharram 20, 1442 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

3 held for violating Qatar-Turkey Red Crescent aid arrives in Sudan home quarantine Authorities yesterday arrested Schools safe three people who violated the requirements of home quarantine they had committed to following, in accordance with the procedures of the health authorities in the for students, country to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The three persons who are currently being referred to prosecution are: Rashid Bakhit Hamad al-Twaijer al-Marri, no room for Abdul-Mohsen Hazam Mohamed Rashid al-Marri and Saeed Hamad Mohamed al-Ghufran al-Marri. Authorities have called upon citizens and residents who are subject to worry: offi cials quarantine to fully adhere to the requirements set by the Ministry of Public Health, to ensure their safety By Isaac Philips and the safety of others. Qatar wins WSIS 2020 Off icials from Qatar Red Crescent Society and Sudanese Red Crescent Society at Khartoum International Airport, e-Science award Sudan, upon the arrival of a consignment of medical aid to help Sudan combat the Covid-19 pandemic. The aid has he number of Covid-19 cases in been provided as part of a joint response under a tripartite agreement signed by QRCS with its Turkish and Sudanese schools is “very few” and there Qatar, represented by Qatar Open counterparts. Accordingly, two batches of medical aid were deployed from Ankara, Turkey, to Khartoum. The cargo Tis no cause for any fear or anxi- Data Portal of the Ministry of contained several tonnes of medical equipment and materials aimed at enabling hospitals and quarantine centres to ety, and parents can rest assured that Transport and Communications treat Covid-19 patients and ensure protection for the medical professionals engaged in the pandemic response. Page 2 their children are in safe hands. (MoTC), won the 2020 World This was stressed by senior offi cials Summit on Information Society yesterday while speaking on the is- (WSIS 2020) award for e-Science. sue of the new academic year and the The announcement came yesterday return to schools amid the Covid-19 during the opening activities of the novel coronavirus pandemic. last week of the WSIS 2020, which Mohamed al-Bishri, adviser to HE Mohamed al-Bishri is organised by the International ‘Next 5 years seen as game the Minister of Education and Higher Telecommunication Union via Education, told Qatar Radio yesterday videoconferencing and continues that there is constant communication until tomorrow. Acting Assistant and follow-up by the Ministry of Edu- Undersecretary for Information changer for Qatar startups’ cation and Higher Education (MoEHE) Technology Aff airs at the MoTC with both students and their parents in Mashael Ali al-Hammadi expressed this regard. happiness at Qatar Open Data By Peter Alagos contin- dividuals and businesses will be able Besides, there is an approved pro- Portal winning the award. Page 5 Business Reporter ued Javier, to perform local and international tocol in place along with continuous a Filipino fi nancial transactions online, includ- co-ordination between the MoE- MoPH reports 117,241 national, ing paying and receiving wages and HE and Ministry of Public Health total Covid-19 recoveries he steady delivery of multi- who spoke sending remittances to their home (MoPH). billion legacy projects being to Gulf countries. As one of the few local More than 340,000 students are The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) Tcompleted across the country Times yes- platforms available in nine diff erent registered in public and private schools announced yesterday 253 new would usher in demand for human terday. languages, it also succeeds in over- along with over 30,000 teaching staff confirmed cases of coronavirus resource in tech-based platforms and He also coming the communication chal- members this academic year, he said. Dr Layla al-Dahnaim (Covid-19) during the last 24 hours, of solutions, according to an industry forecasts lenges often faced by customers in the The number of Covid-19 cases are which 233 are from community cases expert. that while targeted markets. “very few” and “rare” among them and Medicine consultant and director of and 20 from travellers returning “As Qatar slowly moves away from the startup Asked what advice could help en- there is no reason for any fear or worry, the School Health Department at the from abroad who are subject to the construction sector and demand space is courage entrepreneurs or start-up he stressed. Primary Health Care Corporation, quarantine, in addition to the deaths for labour force, it will be focusing cWallet CEO and “relatively owners in Qatar to enter the local The reported cases are being dealt also stressed that parents should avoid of two patients aged 71 and 76, who more on technology-oriented and a founder Michael Javier. new in and international market, Javier said: with professionally through an ap- worrying and rest assured that their had received the necessary medical more robust society,” said Michael Qatar,” the “Jump! If you don’t jump, you will proved protocol and constant and close children are in safe hands. They are care. The MoPH also recorded 243 Javier, the CEO and founder of cWal- next fi ve years “is going to be a game never soar and your wings will never co-ordination between the MoPH, given the maximum possible care and recoveries from the virus during let Services. changer.” open. This is what I have been telling MoEHE and the school authorities, al- protection, she added. the past 24 hours, bringing the total cWallet is a Qatar-based fi nancial “With the government’s initiatives myself every time I face challenges in Bishri said. Speaking to Qatar TV yesterday, she number of recovered cases in Qatar technology startup incubated by the and support in terms of mentoring my entrepreneurship life at the age of Some in-person classes were sus- said it is easy to track and follow the to 117,241. Page 2 Digital Incubation Centre under the and funding, we shall witness diverse 40.” pended in certain schools due to Cov- chains of infection and those who have Ministry of Transport and Commu- portfolios both on startup founders Javier added that his advice reiter- id-19 infections but remote learning been in contact with suspected cases Tokyo Olympics will nications, and is funded by the Qa- (Qataris and expats), as well as a huge ates what American comedian Steve continued there, he noted. because there are no morning gather- tar Science and Technology Park’s growth in angel investors,” Javier em- Harvey said in one of his shows: Attendance in most schools was ings of students and no activities out- start on July 23, 2021 Product Development Programme, as phasised. “…eventually, the parachute has more than 80% of the stipulated 30% side the classroom. Tokyo’s postponed Olympics will go well as the Qatar Business Incubation In early third quarter of 2020, to open. However, if you ever want capacity at this stage, the offi cial add- “The back-to-school preparations ahead next year regardless of the Centre, a Qatar Development Bank cWallet Services successfully se- to get there, you’re going to have to ed. this year were diff erent because of coronavirus pandemic, IOC vice- initiative. cured more than QR2mn in grants jump. You can play it safe and deal Al-Bishri advised parents and stu- the Covid-19 pandemic and we, at the president John Coates said, vowing “So, there will be more demands and funding in its fi rst year, having without the cuts and the tears, and dents to obtain information only from School Health Department, have tak- they will be the “Games that for programmers, content creators, created cWallet, Qatar’s fi rst and only you can stand on that cliff for life offi cial sources in the MoPH and MoE- en all necessary measures to ensure a conquered Covid”. The Olympics entrepreneurs, computer scientists, mobile application to facilitate bank- forever safe; but if you don’t jump HE, and avoid rumours and reports safe return to school for all students, have never been cancelled outside data analytics, and talents that are ing via blockchain technology. your parachute will never open. from inauthentic sources. employees and teachers,” she noted. of the world wars and Coates was high-demand on tech companies,” Thanks to the new technology, in- You’ll never know.” Dr Layla al-Dahnaim, Community To Page 4 adamant that the Tokyo Games will start on their revised date. “It will take place with or without Covid. Biden woos workers in Pennsylvania The Games will start on July 23 next year,” said Coates. Trump for decoupling Al Khufoos Street that links US, China economies US President Donald Trump yesterday raised the idea of separating the US and Chinese three major roads opened economies, also known as decoupling, suggesting the US he Public Works Authority would not lose money if the two (Ashghal) yesterday announced countries no longer did business. Tthe opening of the 3.7km-long “So when you mention the word Al Khufoos Street that links Al Furo- decouple, it’s an interesting word,” usiya Street in the west and Sabah Al Trump said. “We lose billions of Ahmad Corridor to the east and serves dollars and if we didn’t do business Al Murraikh, Al and ar- with them we wouldn’t lose billions eas. of dollars. It’s called decoupling, so The opening of the street coincides you’ll start thinking about it,” he said. with the start of the new academic year and facilitates access to many sur- Navalny out of coma rounding schools and nearby sport and after ‘poisoning’ business facilities by improving traffi c movement, according to a statement. Russian opposition leader Alexei Highway Projects Department man- Navalny, who Germany says was ager engineer Bader Darwish said Al poisoned by a weapons-grade Khufoos Street serves many education- Novichok nerve agent, is now al institutions along with commercial out of a medically induced coma and sport facilities such as and reacting to speech, the and Khalifa International Stadium. Al Khufoos Street serves many educational institutions along with commercial Berlin hospital treating him said. Al Khufoos Street, which earlier and sport facilities such as Aspire Zone and Khalifa International Stadium. The 44-year-old anti-corruption had only one lane in each direction, campaigner and one of President has been expanded with three lanes in passing through Umm Al Jamajim pressway without the need to use the Vladimir Putin’s fiercest critics, each direction to accommodate about Street, Mehairja Street and Umm Al parallel Street to reach Me- fell ill on a domestic flight last 10,000 vehicles per hour, reducing Tin Street to Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor hairja, Murraikh and Waab reaching di- month. “He is responding to verbal Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden briefly visits local labour leaders travel time by more than 60%. and Al Amir Street (Doha Expressway) rectly to and from stimuli,” Charite hospital said in on Labor Day, yesterday in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Due to the ongoing It intersects with the vital Al Furo- to connect traffi c to Al Sadd East. the vital roads as it provides an alterna- a statement, reporting that his coronavirus pandemic, Biden’s campaign has organised more virtual events, usiya Street to connect the traffi c com- Al Khufoos Street will provide a di- tive route to the parallel Al Waab Street condition “has improved”. Page 8 engaging with supporters using video teleconferencing. Page 7 ing from Al Rayyan and West Doha rect traffi c movement from Doha Ex- reducing traffi c congestion. To Page 12 Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, September 8, 2020 QATAR

Amir sends cable of congratulations to Bolsonaro

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani yesterday sent cables of congratu- lations to President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro on the anniversary of his country’s Independence Day. Education minister holds meeting with Qatar Chamber

HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Mohamed Abdul Wahed Ali al-Hammadi and a number of ministry’s off icials yesterday held via video confer- ence technology a meeting with the education committee of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, headed by First Vice- Chairman of Qatar Chamber and The cargo was delivered at Khartoum International Airport, containing 12.5 tonnes of medical equipment head of its education committee and materials. The QRCS delegation visited a number of places in Turkey. Mohammed bin Ahmed Towar al-Kuwari. During the meeting, they dis- cussed co-ordination between the private education aff airs sector at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the Cham- ber’s education committee, in addition to consulting on several QRCS team visits Turkey, Sudan aspects related to private schools as well as encouraging investors in the education sector and over- coming obstacles facing them. to arrange for Covid control aid Al-Muraikhi holds phone talk with high-profi le delegation Khartoum, Sudan, to help the of Higher Committee for Health British minister from Qatar Red Crescent country to combat the Covid-19 Emergencies. ASociety (QRCS) has vis- pandemic. The visit concluded In a statement, al-Hammadi HE the Minister of State for ited Turkey to hold talks with with a tour of the aid stock ware- said the visit was part of the Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad the Turkish Red Crescent and houses, emergency shelter tent permanent humanitarian co- al-Muraikhi yesterday received a arrange for the deployment of production plants and museum operation between QRCS and phone call from British Minister of medical aid to Sudan, under a of the Turkish Red Crescent in SRCS in various areas of hu- State for Middle East and North tripartite agreement signed in Ankara. manitarian action. “We are Africa James Cleverly. June by QRCS and its Turkish The cargo was delivered at going not only to deliver the During the call, they reviewed and Sudanese counterparts. Khartoum International Airport, medical aid cargo, but also to bilateral relations between Qatar QRCS’s delegation comprised containing 12.5 tonnes of medi- distribute it to some benefici- and the UK and issues of common Ali bin Hassan al-Hammadi, cal equipment and materials, to ary hospitals in different parts concern. secretary-general; and Dr Fawzi enable hospitals and quarantine of the country,” he added. Oussedik, head of International centres to treat Covid-19 pa- Dr Yahya and al-Taher Qatar participates Relations and IHL. tients and ensure protection for thanked the offi cials of QRCS At the Turkish Red Cres- the medical professionals en- and appreciated the partnership in Arab League cent, they met Dr Ibrahim Al- gaged in the pandemic response. between the two national socie- Council session tan, director-general; and Alper Present upon the arrival of ties. Küçük, deputy director-general, the cargo were al-Hammadi; Within the coming couple Qatar yesterday participated in to discuss further mutual hu- Dr Oussedik; Naglaa al-Hajj, of days, the delegation is set to the 154th Ordinary Session of manitarian co-operation glo- head of International Develop- distribute in-kind donations the Arab League Council at the bally. ment at QRCS; Al-Fadel Amer to Bahari General Hospital and Permanent Delegates level at Then, they visited 16 social al-Taher, chairman of the Steer- Ibrahim Malek General Hospi- the headquarters of the League’s services centres of the Turk- ing Committee of the Sudanese tal in Khartoum. Co-ordination General Secretariat, chaired by ish Red Crescent, which have Red Crescent Society (SRCS); Dr meetings will be held, and fi eld Palestine succeeding Oman. The many capacity-building, socio- Afaf Ahmed Yahya, secretary- visits will be made to QRCS’s meeting prepares for the Council’s economic empowerment, psy- general of SRCS; representa- ongoing humanitarian opera- meetings at the level of foreign chological support and logistics tives of the embassy of Qatar in tions in El-Obeid, the state of The aid will enable hospitals and quarantine centres to treat Covid-19 patients and ensure protection for the ministers on Wednesday. activities for Syrian refugees in Khartoum; and director of the North Kurdufan, where more medical professionals engaged in the pandemic response. Qatar’s delegation was headed Turkey. Offi ce of Prof Al-Seddik Tawer aid would be distributed and a by the Permanent Representa- Two batches of medical aid Kafy, member of the Sovereignty new water and sanitation project tive of Qatar to the Arab League were deployed from Ankara to Council of Sudan and Chairman would be launched. ambassador Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz al-Sahlawi. The Permanent delegates will discuss items on the Council’s agenda and prepare draft deci- sions related to them to submit Qatar Charity launches urgent them to the meeting of foreign ministers for discussion and ap- proval. The draft agenda includes a relief campaign for Sudan number of political, security, social, health and administrative items of interest to joint Arab action, atar Charity (QC) has for Sudan”, which was launched stroyed over 100,000 homes. foremost of which are develop- started distribution of by Qatar Charity to provide Besides, 2,705 utilities were ments in the Palestinian cause and Qurgent relief aid to the QR7.3mn worth of shelter and damaged, and nearly 100 people developments in the situation in victims of the unprecedented food aid to the aff ected people in were killed in the fl ood. Libya, Syria and Yemen. devastating fl ood in Sudan. Sudan. Qatar Charity appeals to the In addition, the agenda includes Qatar Charity’s fi eld teams As part of the campaign, people in Qatar to support Su- social and health issues, includ- have delivered food parcels, per- which is expected to benefi t dan flood victims, who are in ing Arab co-operation in the sonal hygiene kits, mattresses, 75,000 people, the fi eld teams desperate need of emergency field of confronting the Covid-19 and blankets to the most aff ected will distribute medical and study aid, and help them survive this pandemic, and the Arab strategy people in Ad-Damar and Berber tents and other shelter essen- humanitarian disaster, urg- for prevention and response to of the River Nile State, as well as tials, in addition to giving tents ing benefactors to contribute combat all forms of violence in in Jabal Awliya and Bahri in the to vulnerable families. to Qatar Charity’s “Peace for refugee and displacement status, Khartoum State. The fl ood is described as the Sudan” relief campaign to pro- especially sexual violence against The humanitarian aid comes worst in Sudan in a century, vide food aid and shelters to the women and girls, in addition to an within the framework of the re- which has aff ected more than maximum number of benefici- Arab study on violence against the lief campaign entitled “Peace half a million people and de- aries. – QNA The QRCS delegation with other off icials during the visit to Turkey. elderly.

Qatar participates in meeting MoPH reports 117,241 total Covid-19 recoveries of GCC traffi c dept heads he Ministry of Public Health is continuing to decline each week. following precautionary measures: (MoPH) announced yesterday Qatar has one of the lowest Cov- zAdherence to physical distanc- atar, represented by the T253 new confi rmed cases of id-19 death rates in the world. This ing. General Directorate of coronavirus (Covid-19) during the is a result of: zAvoid close contact with others, QTraffi c, participated in last 24 hours, of which 233 are from zVery high quality of care pro- crowded places and confi ned closed the 36th meeting for Traffi c Di- community cases and 20 from trav- vided thorough the public healthcare spaces where other people congre- rectors-General of the Gulf Co- ellers returning from abroad who are sector for Covid-19 patients. gate. operation Council (GCC) states. subject to quarantine, in addition to zQatar’s young population. zWearing a face mask. The meeting, which was held the deaths of two patients aged 71 zProactive testing to identify zWashing hands regularly. remotely, discussed ways to en- and 76, who had received the neces- cases early. zMost importantly, it is vital that hance co-operation on a number Col Nasser Durman al-Hajri sary medical care. zExpanding hospital capacity, people continue to protect the eld- of topics related to raising traffi c represented Qatar in the The MoPH also recorded 243 recov- especially intensive care, to ensure erly and those with chronic medical safety rates in the GCC coun- meeting. eries from the virus during the past 24 all patients receive the medical care conditions. tries. It also reviewed the im- hours, bringing the total number of they need. zWhen spending time at home portance to continue exchanging ing guide for driving lessons, recovered cases in Qatar to 117,241. zProtecting the elderly and those with elderly family members or those traffi c statistics and informa- with the aim of raising the level The MoPH issued a statement on with chronic diseases. with chronic diseases, people must tion in a way that contributes to of effi ciency of driving schools in Covid-19 developments in Qatar, Even though restrictions are being ensure that they wash their hands meeting traffi c requirements in the member-states and in a way which said that all new cases have lifted, and numbers are declining, regularly, wear a mask and maintain reducing the rates of violations that contributes to enhancing been introduced to isolation and are this does not mean that the Covid-19 social and physical distancing. and accidents and the resulting the protection of all road users. receiving necessary healthcare ac- pandemic is fi nished in Qatar people Anyone suff ering from Covid-19 death and casualties. The meeting also dealt with cording to their health status. continue to be admitted with mod- symptoms should either contact Assistant Director-General of the impact of the emerging It said that the measures to tackle erate to severe Covid-19 symptoms. 16000 helpline or go directly to one Traffi c Col Nasser Durman al- coronavirus (Covid-19) on the Covid-19 in Qatar have succeeded in While the restrictions of Covid-19 of the following designated health Hajri represented Qatar in the number of deaths and severe in- fl attening the curve and limiting the are gradually being lifted in Qatar, centres to undergo the necessary meeting. The Qatari side pre- juries resulting from traffi c acci- spread of the virus and the number of it is important for everyone to play checks: Muaither, Rawdat Al Khail, sented a proposal to adopt a uni- dents during the period of health new daily cases and hospital admissions their role in controlling the virus by Umm Slal, or . – QNA fi ed train precautionary measures. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 8, 2020 3 QATAR

Joaan Bin Jassim Joint Command and Staff College opens National Defence Course No 1

Joaan Bin Jassim Joint Command and Staff College opened yesterday the National Defense Course No. 1 in the presence of HE the Chief of Staff of the Qatari Armed Forces Lieutenant-General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghanem. The 43-day course will be attended by senior staff of the various state ministries, institutions and security agencies and senior off icers of the Armed Forces. The course will give them a master’s degree in defence and security studies. Commenting on the occasion, Commander of Joaan Bin Jassim Joint Command and Staff College Major General Fahad Mubarak al-Khayareen stressed the importance of the National Defence Course as it qualifies civil and military intellectual and leadership elites, and provide them a strategic vision capable of studying strategic environment variables and employing the various elements of the state’s power in building national policies and strategies, in order to protect the national interests.

Mall of Qatar resumes operations after ‘slight smoke’ incident Qatar Airways to resume four Mall of Qatar said yesterday brought under control after an evening that it had resumed incident of slight smoke arose operations on confirming safety from the air-conditioning unit of standards following an incident an outdoor advertising bill- involving “slight smoke” earlier board”. “No damage or injuries weekly fl ights to Lagos on Sept 10 in the day. occurred,” it said. “Your safety is Around afternoon yesterday, our utmost priority.” the Ministry of Interior tweeted Later in the evening, the mall atar Airways has an- in the Middle East, Hamad In- cabin crew include the provision that the Civil Defence had taken informed through social media nounced the resumption ternational Airport. of Personal Protective Equip- safety measures at Mall of Qatar that it is “open now to welcome Qof four weekly fl ights to The airline currently operates ment (PPE) for cabin crew and after “slight smoke was detected visitors and has resumed its op- ‘Murtala Muhammed Interna- more than 650 weekly fl ights to a complimentary protective kit from an electrical substation erations as usual after confirm- tional Airport’ Lagos, Nigeria more than 85 destinations across and disposable face shields for attached to the mall”. ing safety standards”. from September 10. the globe including 27 destina- passengers. Business Class pas- There were no casualties, the “We appreciate your patience The four times weekly serv- tions in Asia-Pacifi c, 32 in Eu- sengers on aircraft equipped MoI said. and collaboration,” Mall of Qatar ice to Africa’s largest city will rope and nine in North America, with Qsuite can enjoy the en- In a related tweet, Mall of Qatar said, extending “a big thanks” to be operated by Qatar Airways’ such as Guangzhou, Houston, hanced privacy this award- said the “situation has been the Civil Defence. state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Kuala Lumpur, London and New will enable us to respond quickly the largest international carrier winning business seat provides, Dreamliner featuring 22 seats in York. to passenger demand and in- since April off ering more global including sliding privacy parti- business class and 232 seats in Qatar Airways Group Chief crease frequencies, off ering our connectivity than any other air- tions and the option to use a ‘Do 2016 Lincoln MKX model recalled economy. Executive, HE Akbar al-Bak- passengers more fl exibility to line to help take people home. Not Disturb (DND)’ indicator. With the addition of Lagos, er said, “We are delighted to travel when they want. This enabled the airline to ac- Qsuite is available on fl ights The Ministry of Commerce and ensure that they carried out the Qatar Airways’ network in Africa resume fl ights to Lagos and “With 44 weekly fl ights to 10 cumulate unmatched experience to more than 30 destinations Industry (MoCI), in co-operation necessary repairs. The MoCI will expand to some 10 destina- further expand our network in destinations across Africa and in carrying passengers safely and including Guangzhou, Kuala with Almana Motors Company, an- urged all customers to report tions with 44 weekly fl ights to Africa. We know the Nigerian plans for further resumptions reliably and uniquely positioned Lumpur, London, Paris, and New nounced the recall of Lincoln MKX any violations to its Consumer the continent including Addis diaspora is spread across the in line with the easing of entry the airline to eff ectively rebuild York. model of 2016 due to potential Protection and Anti-Commercial Ababa, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, globe and we are thankful to the restrictions, we are committed its network. Qatar Airways operations are damage in the wiring harnesses Fraud Department, which Kigali, Kilimanjaro, Mogadishu, Nigerian Government for their to supporting the recovery of The carrier has stringently not dependent on any specifi c under the front seats which may processes complaints, inquires Nairobi, Tunis and Zanzibar. support in helping us to reunite international tourism across the implemented the most advanced aircraft type. The airline’s vari- cause the airbags to not perform and suggestions through the Qatar Airways passengers family and friends with their continent while also maintaining safety and hygiene measures on ety of modern fuel-effi cient air- as intended. The MoCI said that following channels: Call centre: travelling from Lagos can enjoy loved ones. With our mixed fl eet vital supply chains to support board its aircraft and in Hamad craft has meant it can continue it will co-ordinate with the dealer 16001, e-mail: [email protected], more fl exible travel options with of fuel-effi cient aircraft, we are African businesses.” International Airport. fl ying by off ering the right ca- to follow up on the maintenance Twitter: @MOCIQATAR, Instagram: seamless connections via the able to resume Lagos services According to the latest IATA Qatar Airways’ onboard safety pacity in each market. and repair works and will com- MOCIQATAR, MoCI mobile app for most connected and Best Airport with the right sized aircraft that data, Qatar Airways has become measures for passengers and municate with customers to android and iOS: MOCIQATAR Elite Paper Recycling, Zulal Wellness Resort sign MoU

lite Paper Recycling as our contribution towards (EPR) and Zulal Well- securing a greener future Eness Resort have for the upcoming genera- signed a memorandum of tions.” understanding (MoU) to Al-Suwaidi also said: mark their joint eff orts for a “We are very happy to sign more sustainable environ- this partnership with Zulal ment. Wellness Resort. We are also The MoU was by signed keen on uniting eff orts and by EPR communications exchanging services. During adviser Catina Aghayan and the fi rst step, we will provide Zulal Wellness Resort gen- Zulal Wellness Resort with eral manager Daniele Vas- carton containers designed tolo, in the presence of EPR to throw paper waste and chairman Abdullah Ibrahim raise awareness regarding al-Suwaidi. paper recycling. This is in In a statement, EPR said line with the Qatar National the agreement marks one of Vision 2030, and there will the fi rst steps towards waste be many, future cooperation management based on the between EPR and the resort, mutual aim of spreading especially green initiatives awareness in the fi eld of en- on various levels.” vironmental sustainability Aghayan added: “We are and recycling amongst the thrilled to spark a part- community. EPR communications adviser Catina Aghayan (left) and Zulal nership with a one-of-a- Vastolo said: “It is a Wellness Resort general manager Daniele Vastolo during the kind resort in Qatar that pleasure to be at this sign- signing of the MoU. has wellness and sustain- ing ceremony today, ce- ability as part of its core menting Zulal Wellness hand-in-hand with envi- for years to come. We aim visions. We endeavour to Resort’s commitment to- ronmental wellness. to involve our partners and build awareness and con- wards a more sustainable “Recycling is one of the the community in our sus- tribute to the development environment. Since the fi rst steps towards reducing tainability initiatives and of a better quality of life inception of our philoso- our carbon footprint, pro- continue to recognise our and harmony with nature phy, we continue believing tecting our environment, responsibility in preserv- through waste management that personal wellness goes and enriching our wellness ing our destination, as well and recycling.”

Partial closure on Al Oyoun Street

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) yesterday announced a partial closure on Al Oyoun Street by reducing the number of lanes from two to one in both directions for two months. The closure in co- ordination with the General Directorate of Traff ic is to to enable the upgrade of Al Oyoun Street as part of Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor project. During the clo- sure, the traff ic signal linking the New Al Hatim Street with Al Oyoun Street will be partially closed and road users will not be able to turn left from the New Al Hatim Street. Instead, they have to continue straight and make a U-Turn to reach their destinations. Road users on Al Oyoun Street heading towards Al Shamal Road will have to turn right at the closed traff ic signal to reach their destinations. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, September 8, 2020 QATAR HBKU Press marks start of WCM-Q research group earns academic year, Literacy Day he Hamad Bin Khalifa Uni- teaching and learning, including gies. critical acclaim for its work versity Press (HBKU Press) every day reading material for The theme will highlight liter- Thas announced a discount enjoyment as well.” acy learning in a lifelong learning of 25% on all HBKU Press books HBKU Press has a wide variety perspective. research group at Weill Sohaila Cheema from the In- The papers were highlighted until September 30 to coincide of fi ction and non-fi ction titles ILD 2020 is an opportunity to Cornell Medicine-Qatar stitute for Population Health at by the editors of the journals for with the start of the new school for children who range from pre- refl ect on and discuss how inno- A(WCM-Q) has received WCM-Q and another one ‘Fla- the quality of the studies and the academic year and International readers to young adults. vative and eff ective pedagogies critical acclaim for fi ve of its re- vonoids in Cancer and Apopto- benefi ts they may bring to other Literacy Day (ILD) which falls Sub-genres available include and teaching methodologies can search papers in recent months, sis’ were also selected as ‘editor’s researchers within the fi eld. today. classic children’s stories, educa- be used in youth and adult lit- bringing their studies on cancer choice’ articles by Cancers. Dr Büsselberg said, “It is quite “As teachers and students all tional materials, award-winning eracy programmes at present and to a broader audience of scientists. ‘Metformin: The answer to an honour to have so many of our over Qatar begin the new aca- novels, history, fantasy, biogra- in the future. Four of their published articles cancer in a fl ower? Current papers acknowledged like this in demic year navigating the chal- phy, sociology, philosophy, life- “International Literacy Day have now been selected as the knowledge and future prospects such a short time, and it is testa- lenging parameters of online style, health and wellness, sports, 2020 explores the notion that ‘editor’s choice’ by the respective of metformin as an anti-cancer ment to the excellence and pro- teaching and learning, HBKU and much more. learning never stops; not as we journals they were published in – agent in breast cancer’, co-au- fessionalism of our researchers, Press is committed to providing This HBKU Press initiative also grow older nor when we are faced Cancers and Biomolecules – while Dr Dietrich Büsselberg thored by Dr Chris R Triggle, and to QNRF’s commitment to the necessary support to pro- aligns with this year’s ILD. with an adversity as monumental a fi fth was chosen as the ‘feature professor of pharmacology at fund high-quality research that mote literacy and to establish a Established in 1967, ILD re- as a global pandemic,” continued paper’ in Biomolecules. cidence and progression. Funding WCM-Q, was one of the articles has a strong and positive impact love of reading and literature,” minds the public of the impor- Slim. “It is our hope at HBKU Lead principal investigator, Dr for the studies has been provided picked as an ‘editor’s choice’ by on the lives of Qatar’s citizens explained, Mounir Slim, head of tance of literacy as a matter of Press that by making our complete Dietrich Büsselberg, professor Qatar National Research Fund. the publication Biomolecules, and the wider world.” fi nance and publishing services dignity and human rights, and catalogue of works available at a of physiology and biophysics at Two articles published earlier and Dr Büsselberg’s group has The fi nal study – conducted at HBKU Press. to advance the literacy agenda discounted rate, we can encourage WCM-Q, and his team, research and funded via a bridge funding also been asked to record a short in collaboration with other re- “Through our outreach work towards a more literate and sus- people to continue investing in associate Dr Samson Mathews grant to Dr Büsselberg from the video discussing the study in search groups – that was se- with teachers and educators tainable society. themselves as readers and learn- Samuel, and research specialist Qatar Foundation-funded Bio- order to promote it further on lected for the ‘editor’s choice’ around Qatar, our latest avail- ILD 2020 focuses on literacy ers despite any challenge.” Elizabeth Varghese, have so far medical Research Programme at social media. The study ‘Anti- recognition was ‘Fluctuations of able collections include a variety teaching and learning in the The discount applies to any published 13 research papers since WCM-Q – ‘The Yin and Yang of Angiogenic Eff ects of Phyto- Histone Chemical Modifi cations of quality supplemental educa- Covid-19 crisis and beyond with HBKU Press books purchased June 2019, on the theme of how Natural Compounds in Antican- chemicals on miRNA Regulating in Breast, Prostate, and Color- tional resources in Arabic that a special evaluation of the role of through the Rafeeq and Snoonu natural compounds, metabolic cer Therapy of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Progression’ was ectal Cancer: An Implication of can be used in parallel with online educators and changing pedago- applications until September 30. management and diabetes medi- Breast Cancers’ co-authored by the one chosen as the ‘feature Phytochemicals as Defenders of cations can infl uence cancer in- Dr Ravinder Mamtani and Dr paper’ in Biomolecules. Chromatin Equilibrium’ Schools safe for children: offi cials

From Page 1

Dr al-Dahnaim explained that the MoPH has prepared special school health protocols, which includes the precautionary measures to follow in order to avoid any possible infections among all those present inside a school, such as teach- ers, other staff members, students and the school management. It has put in place approved health systems to detect and discover any possible in- fected cases among everyone concerned and on how to deal with them eff ectively and instantly, starting from the isolation of suspected cases in dedicated and specially equipped rooms in each school until they are referred to the specifi ed health centre. “When we were preparing these protocols, we took into consideration the fact that these should be practical measures that are easily applicable in all schools in Qatar, private or government. There is close co-ordination and co-operation between the School Health Department, the Health and Safety Department at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, and the management of all schools to ensure that the approved health proto- cols are strictly followed.” She said training workshops have been con- ducted for nurses in all schools along with health and communication offi cers in these institutes to make sure that they are familiar with the proto- cols and can safely and eff ectively carry them out on a daily basis. The protocols are designed to ensure the health and safety of students and all the workers and employees of schools, from the time they en- ter the campus until the end of the school day. For example, students or employees with a body temperature over 37.5C are taken to the dedicated isolation rooms for checking. In the case of a stu- dent, his/her parents are contacted before referral to a health centre. For an employee, referral will The Ministry of Public Health has provided back-to-school tips for parents. be done directly while all the necessary protocols are followed by the well-trained nurses and health “We have seen that there among both parents and stu- spreads and the ways of protec- offi cers at the school. is a good degree of awareness dents about Covid-19, how it tion,” she added.

ICBF Life Insurance scheme relaunched for Indian expats

he Indian Com- the value of such a scheme munity Benevo- at such a low cost. We are Tlent Forum (ICBF) glad to restart it now so has relaunched its well that community members received ICBF Life In- and families can benefit surance Scheme in asso- from it.” ciation with Damaan Is- ICBF head of media lamic Insurance Company and development, Juttas (Beema), after a break of Paul said,“in a short span a few months due to the of a few months, we re- Covid-19 situation. ceived eight claims out of All Indian residents in which claim distribution Qatar are eligible to en- has been completed for rol for the life insurance four and other claims are programme with a cov- in progress.Though it is erage of QR100,000 for painful that few of those two years at a premium of took the insurance have QR125. passed away, the scheme The scheme was start- could provide some im- ed in December 2019 and mediate financial relief in a short span of time, to their family mem- it became very popular bers during this difficult among the Indian di- time.” aspora and people started The scheme also cov- joined the scheme in large ers permanent or partial numbers. Many Indian disability up to the maxi- companies as well as In- mum covered amount de- dian associations too pending on the severity of conducted campaigns to the disability. Those who get their staff enrolled would like to join for the in the programme as the programme may contact unique programme pro- ICBF Office located at vided maximum benefits Integrated Indian Com- at a very low cost. munity Centre (IICC), P N Baburajan, presi- Thumama (50977090/ dent ICBF, said,“ The [email protected] ) community has been ea- or ICBF head of media & gerly waiting for the in- development Juttas Paul surance scheme to restart (55745265 /juttaspaul@ as many people realised gmail.com). Gulf Times Tuesday, September 8, 2020 5 QATAR Doha College’s new campus in Al Wajba opens n its 40th anniversary and after recording the best examination Oresults in its history, Doha College heralds a new era of British international by opening a state- of-the art campus in Al Wajba, it was an- nounced yesterday. Completed in just over two years by Domopan Construction, with the project managed by quantity surveyors Quantex Qatar, the new campus is kitted with the latest technology designed with forward- thinking features in mind for all areas of education, including science labs, per- forming arts auditorium with a LED back- drop screen, two swimming pools with touch pads, fl ood-lit astroturf pitch, and recreation areas shaded by plentiful trees Doha College principal Sommer: ‘Excellence for all, excellence from all’ now has a new home. Doha College has opened a new campus in Al Wajba. and greenery. Despite the challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, the eff orts of all involved ensured that this ambitious project was ready on time to open its doors to welcome students. Doha Institute welcomes After two consecutive years in which Doha College had bettered its examina- tion records in various categories, in 2020 Executive Master of Public it clocked a new record with exceptional results across the board. For A-Levels examinations, Doha Col- Administration students lege recorded 62.4% A*-A, 87.5% A*-B, and 98.4% A*-C results, and for (I)GCSE examinations – 74.6% A*-A, 96.4% A*- oha Institute for Graduate Studies national recognition from international B, and 99.2% A*-C results. (DI), represented by the School of bodies and institutions,” she added. These scores put Doha College right up DPublic Administration and Devel- Welcoming the 20 new students, Ali with the elite of international education, opment Economics (SPADE), welcomed stated that the success of the programme commensurate with the High-Perform- newly-admitted 2020-2021 students of the during the previous four cohorts is evi- ance Learning World-Class award it re- Executive Master of Public Administration dence of the quality of scientifi c research ceived in 2018. Programme (EMPA) during a remote orien- in the fi elds of public administration and Dr Steff en Sommer, principal of Doha tation meeting. business administration. College, said about this momentous oc- The event was attended by administra- Alumnus Abdulaziz al-Majali, general casion: “With the opening of the new tion and fi nance vice-president Dr Hend director of the Institute of Public Admin- campus, Doha College now fi nally has in al-Muftah, SPADE dean Dr Hamid Ali, and istration at the Ministry of Administrative facilities what it has truly deserved for faculty members of the programme. Development, Labour and Social Aff airs, many years. Al-Muftah described the programme said in a statement that the programme “‘Excellence for all, excellence from all’ as an excellent opportunity to create aca- establishes an academic life that merged now has a new home, and Doha College is demic awareness to combine academia and theory and practice in Qatar work environ- fi lling these walls with a DNA of 40 years professionalism in order to achieve Qatar’s ments. of fi ne educational achievement in Qatar, vision. The Executive Master of Public Admin- opening new horizons for the future. “SPADE has recently received NASPAA istration Programme track is designed to “I am so excited for our students to get (Network of Schools of Public Policy, Af- be fi nished in 21 months, during which to new heights with all the opportunities fairs, and Administration) accreditation, students meet three to four days to enable that this new facility now enables them to which is the most prominent achievement them to reconcile academic and profes- do.” The new campus is kitted with the latest technology. of Doha Institute within its plan for inter- sional obligations.

Qatar wins WSIS Award for e-Science

QNA tion with all the facilitators partici- Doha pating in the WSIS Action Line. The MoTC launched the “Qatar Open Data Portal” to facilitate the atar, represented by Qa- process of disseminating govern- tar Open Data Portal of the ment data on the Internet through QMinistry of Transport and a single national platform, making Communications (MoTC), won the it available to the public, and ap- 2020 World Summit on Informa- propriately ensuring its quality and tion Society (WSIS 2020) Award for provision and according to inter- e-Science. national standards followed in this The announcement came yester- fi eld. day during the opening activities of The portal comes within the the WSIS 2020, which is organised framework of the Qatar Digital by the International Telecommuni- Government 2020 strategy, which cation Union via videoconferencing includes among its axes open and continues until tomorrow. data, e-participation, and related Acting Assistant Undersecretary policies as major initiatives in this for Information Technology Aff airs Mashael Ali al-Hammadi takes part in the opening activities of the WSIS context. at the MoTC Mashael Ali al-Ham- 2020, which is organised by the International Telecommunication Union via The portal promotes Qatar’s madi congratulated Qatar for win- videoconferencing. march towards the transformation ning the award, which represents of smart transactions to achieve an international recognition for thanks all government agencies’ Ministry of Administrative Devel- national development goals in pro- the digital progress achieved by the partners in the portal for providing opment, Labour and Social Aff airs. viding public services effi ciently State within the Qatar Digital Gov- all the data and statistics needed for The WSIS 2020 is held entirely and transparently, building a dig- ernment strategy. the portal. online, under the slogan “promot- ital economy based on a knowledge She indicated that this is an in- Three Qatar projects have been ing digital transformation and glo- society, and promoting innovation dication of its progress in improv- selected as the heroes of 2020 for bal partnerships...WSIS action lines and creativity by creating an open ing its online services provided to the WSIS Award. to achieve sustainable development and transparent culture in which the the public, facilitating it in the cy- The second category of the award goals”, in co-operation between foundations of knowledge are in cir- berspace, and getting rid of the re- included the “Centralised Connec- the International Telecommunica- culation and accessible. strictions of time and place, wish- tivity in the Schools Network” at the tion Union and the United Nations Several government agencies ing for the permanent presence of Ministry of Education and Higher Educational, Scientifi c and Cultural share their data through the portal, Qatar’s digital government projects Education, while the seventh cate- Organisation (Unesco), the United and it is expected that all govern- and programmes on the coronation gory included the “Open Data” por- Nations Development Program ment agencies will join and par- platforms to raise Qatar’s name high tal under the MoTC, and the eighth (UNDP) and the United Nations ticipate in the portal to build a more in international forums. category included the multilingual Conference on Trade and Develop- effi cient, open, and transparent Al-Hammadi added that MoTC e-contract system project — the ment (UNCTAD), in close co-opera- government.

AFG College launches new undergraduate, postgraduate programmes

FG College with the Uni- Management & Legal Studies. The new undergraduate interdis- we off er here in Doha. versity of Aberdeen has an- The two specialist postgradu- ciplinary approach has taken into “The new Masters in Education Anounced the launch of fi ve ate off erings are MSc International consideration the demands placed will allow educators to gain an in- new degree programmes approved Human Resource Management and on graduates by employers, to de- ternationally recognised teaching by the Ministry of Education and Masters in Education. velop a broader range of transferable qualifi cation while continuing to Higher Education. AFG College principal Brian skills, which students will benefi t work and study right here in Qatar. The new programmes include three Buckley said, “The approval of these from across these new courses.” “The programme will focus on undergraduate bachelor degrees, in new programmes by the ministry, “The two postgraduate pro- balancing academic learning with Business Management & Information demonstrates our continued eff orts grammes, which are new to the practical skills and is sure to appeal Systems, Business Management & in off ering the highest quality higher market in Qatar will further com- to those working in public and pri- International Relations and Business education provision here in Qatar. plement the existing provision that vate sector schools,” he added. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, September 8, 2020 ASIA/REGION/ARAB WORLD/AFRICA Swiss top diplomat holds ‘fruitful’ talks in Iran on peace, rights

AFP his Iranian counterpart Mo- the nuclear agreement, said “I’m glad we could establish Tehran hamed Javad Zarif before later state news agency IRNA. together the Swiss Humanitar- meeting with President Hassan ian Channel for the transfer of Rouhani. The Swiss top diplomat food and medical supplies to witzerland’s Foreign The Swiss top diplomat held held the meetings as part of the people of Iran,” Cassis said Minister Ignazio Cas- the meetings as part of a three- a three-day visit to Tehran on Twitter. Ssis said he had “fruitful” day visit to Tehran celebrating a celebrating a century The Swiss channel is a pay- talks in Iran yesterday regard- century of diplomatic relations of diplomatic relations ment mechanism aimed at ena- ing “peace, economic develop- between the two countries. between the two countries bling food, medicine and other ment and human rights”. The “Peace, economic development humanitarian aid to be sent to Swiss embassy in Tehran han- and human rights – fruitful According to the US Depart- Iran without breaking US sanc- dles US interests in Iran, since discussion with my counter- ment of State, Secretary Mike tions. ties were cut in the aftermath part,” Cassis wrote on Twitter Pompeo had a phone call with Humanitarian goods are of the 1979 Islamic revolution. after the talks. Cassis before his Tehran visit, theoretically exempt from Switzerland has also played Zarif called the talks “ex- raising speculation the visit in- sanctions, but international a major role in prisoner swaps cellent” on Twitter and said volved talks on Tehran-Wash- purchases of such supplies are between Tehran and Wash- “while appreciating Swiss ef- ington relations. almost impossible since banks ington. Iran-US tensions have forts to mitigate US sabotage, a Iran’s foreign ministry are wary of falling foul of the escalated since 2018, after return to normal trade is global spokesman Saeed Khatibza- US over doing business with President Donald Trump with- priority”. deh denied the “speculations” Iran. drew the US from the Iran nu- Rouhani reiterated that Iran on Monday, saying it was a The channel – known by its clear agreement and reimposed was “open” to the United States planned visit delayed over the acronym SHTA – was estab- President Hassan Rouhani welcoming Swiss Minister of Foreign Aff airs Ignazio Cassis ahead of a meeting tough sanctions on the Islamic to reverse its “mistakes”, repair novel coronavirus outbreak and lished and conducted its first in the capital Tehran. Cassis is on a three-day visit to Tehran, celebrating a century of diplomatic relations republic. Cassis held talks with “its illegal actions” and rejoin “not related to Iran and the US”. transaction earlier this year. between Switzerland and Iran.

Libya reports highest virus cases for a day Typhoon Haishen hits

AFP Tripoli

ibya yesterday reported more than 1,000 new coronavirus infec- tions, the highest tally for a single day since the confl ict-ravaged South , two dead Lcountry announced its fi rst cases in late March. “Of the 4,291 tests performed on Sunday, 1,080 were positive,” said the National Reuters people were injured in the wake Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), a Tripoli-based government Seoul of the typhoon. The four went agency. missing in a village in the south- The fi gure brings the total number of Covid-19 cases in the North ern prefecture of Miyazaki after a African country to 18,834, including 16,376 who required hospitalisa- outh Korea hunkered down mudslide hit the offi ce of a con- tion, 2,162 patients who recovered and 296 deaths. The NCDC urged as Typhoon Haishen rolled struction fi rm, Kyodo said. people in areas where the virus is spreading rapidly to avoid travel un- Snorthwards along the Among the injured were a less it is essential. Tripoli and its suburbs, home to more than one- country’s east coast yesterday, a woman who fell down a fl ight of third of Libya’s population, accounted for more than half of the new day after the powerful storm bat- stairs in the dark and four peo- cases for the third week in a row. tered ’s southern islands, ple who sustained cuts after the On Sunday, the NCDC launched a campaign to raise awareness where four people are missing glass windows of an evacuation about health protocols, including the wearing of masks which is com- following a landslide. centre were blown in. Kyushu pulsory in public. It called on Tripoli residents to be more vigilant and The storm, packing sustained Electric said about 290,000 to respect such measures given the “rapidly worsening epidemiologi- winds of up to 112km per hour, houses were still without power cal situation”. temporarily cut power to more as of 1pm. Almost 2mn people Libya, ravaged by a complex web of confl icts since the ouster of than 75,000 households and had been ordered to evacuate the longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi in a 2011 Nato-backed uprising, displaced some 3,100 people in region, which was still recover- has seen Covid-19 cases surge, weighing on already stretched health after making land- ing from heavy rains and fl ooding services. At the end of August, the World Health Organisation voiced fall on the southeastern tip of in July that killed 83 people. alarm over the uptick in infections. “Compounding the situation, the peninsula, according to the Typhoon Haishen comes just Libya’s health care system has been badly disrupted by years of con- safety ministry. days after fl ict,” the WHO said. “Given the acute shortages of tests and labora- At least two people died, two smashed into the Korean penin- tory capacity, the real number of (Covid-19) cases is likely to be much more were missing and fi ve sula, leaving at least two dead and higher.” others were injured, mostly in thousands without power. North southern regions hit by fl ood- Korea, which bore the brunt of ing, the ministry said. The wild both Maysak and a weather uprooted trees and week earlier, was on high alert as caused landslides near apart- the storm approached its south- ment buildings on Geoje Island, eastern province of Kangwon on A man struggles to hold onto his umbrella as he walks against strong winds caused by Typhoon Haishen Sudan fl oods threaten off the southeastern tip of the Monday afternoon. in central Seoul yesterday. peninsula, local media footage Live footage on state TV, a rar- and photos showed. Two nuclear ity that has now been broadcast archaeological jewel reactors in the city of , for three weeks, showed shaking around 375km southeast of Seoul trees, high waves and fl ooded were shut down, according to bridges and roads in Tongchon AFP tile banks of the Nile, the world’s Yonhap news agency. More than and Wonsan, both in Kangwon, Khartoum longest river, depend on its an- 340 fl ights and 114 shipping bordering the South. All Tong- nual fl oods. But water levels have routes around the country were chon residents and many others risen much further than usual this cancelled, while nearly 6,000 in the province had been evacu- ising Nile fl oodwaters are year. schools switched to remote ated, the broadcaster said. threatening to swamp an “The situation is currently un- learning or cut class hours. “Flood warnings were issued Rancient archaeological site der control, but if the level of the Entry to national parks and for rivers, streams and reser- in Sudan, after some of the high- Nile continues to rise, the meas- some national train services have voirs as many of them have not est ever recorded river levels, ar- ures taken may not be suffi cient,” been suspended, the ministry yet been able to shed the water chaeologists said yesterday. Maillot said, adding that the site is said. But the weather agency swollen by the earlier typhoon,” Teams have set up sandbag usually some 500m (1,650ft) away eased safety warnings later in the offi cial KCTV said, adding walls and are pumping out water from the river. Other ancient sites the day as the typhoon moved off some northern rivers could be hit to prevent damage at the ruins of are also threatened along the Nile, towards . President by up to 200 millimetres in rain- Al-Bajrawiya, once a royal city of according to Maillot. Moon Jae-in expressed concerns fall until Tuesday. North Korea’s the two-millenia-old Meroitic Sudanese authorities last week about potential further damage agriculture sector is particularly empire, said Marc Maillot, head declared a three month national to some regions already pum- vulnerable to severe weather, of the French Archaeological state of emergency after record melled by earlier typhoons, re- and this summer’s storms and Unit in the Sudan Antiquities breaking fl oods that have killed at questing a quick on-site survey fl oods have raised concerns over Service. least 99 people. Offi cials said they so that hard-hit areas could be the country’s tenuous food situ- “The fl oods had never aff ected had recorded the highest waters designated as special disaster ation. The country’s leader Kim the site before,” Maillot said. The on the Blue Nile — which joins zones and receive extra aid. Jong-un on Saturday toured area includes the famous Meroe the White Nile in the Sudanese In Japan, the Kyodo news coastal areas hit by Maysak, and pyramids, a Unesco World Herit- capital Khartoum — since records agency reported that four people ordered party members to join age site. Farmers along the fer- began over a century ago. were missing and more than 50 the recovery eff ort. A street and seafood restaurants submerged by Typhoon Haishen are pictured in Gangneung.

Nearly 300 Rohingya reach Indonesia ‘after 7 months at sea’ Nigerian doctors strike

AFP lucrative operations promising The migrants — including more than them beaten by traffi ckers and over pay, protective gear Lhokseumawe, Indonesia to fi nd them sanctuary abroad. forced to drink their own urine Muslim-majority Indonesia a dozen children — were spotted on a to stay alive. and neighbouring Malaysia are wooden boat by locals who helped Both groups that came ashore AFP state-run hospitals. Doctors have early 300 Rohingya mi- favoured destinations for the in June — and the latest arriv- Abuja, Nigeria long complained of a lack of beds grants reached Indone- minority group after many fl ed them land near Lhokseumawe city on als — may have been part of an and drugs in hospitals and inad- Nsia on Monday claiming following a military crackdown Sumatra’s northern coast, off icials said estimated 800 Rohingya who equate protective kits. to have been at sea for seven in Myanmar three years ago. reportedly left Bangladesh ear- igerian doctors in state- Sokomba said other demands months, the United Nations ref- “Having survived some seven group – which included 102 said Amnesty Indonesia execu- lier this year, said the Arakan run hospitals began an include life insurance coverage, a ugee agency said, in one of the months at sea in desperate con- men, 181 women and 14 children tive director Usman Hamid. Project’s Lewa. “The big ques- Nindefi nite strike yesterday pay rise and payment of unsettled biggest such landings by the ditions, an unknown number are – was ill and had to be rushed to “Their testimonies, once tion is whether all of them have over pay, overcrowded facilities wages. “We have arrears of 2014, persecuted Myanmar minority in need of medical attention,” a local hospital for treatment, again, show how perilous these now come ashore or if any are and a lack of personal protective 2015, 2016, salary shortfalls that in years. said UNHCR, citing survivor ac- said the area’s military chief boat journeys can be.” The long- still at sea.” equipment, union leaders said. were supposed to have been paid The migrants — including counts. Roni Mahendra. Images from persecuted Rohingya are widely She described the Monday The industrial action by the over six years ago, still pending,” more than a dozen children — “Over 30 are estimated to Lhokseumawe showed migrants regarded as illegal immigrants landing as the biggest since 2015. National Association of Resident he said. “These are the issues we were spotted on a wooden boat have died en route.” sitting on the ground in a make- in Myanmar, refused citizenship Hundreds of Rohingya have Doctors (NARD), which repre- have and they appear not to have by locals who helped them land Chris Lewa, director of the shift building with their meagre and unable to travel freely. been pushed back by Malaysian sents some 40% of doctors, is the been addressed up till this day,” near Lhokseumawe city on Su- Arakan Project – an NGO that possessions. Military operations in 2017 and Thai authorities during the latest in a string of stoppages by he said. matra’s northern coast, offi cials focuses on the Rohingya crisis Locals had donated food and forced some 750,000 Rohingya coronavirus pandemic, Lewa medics to hit Africa’s most popu- “It is an indefi nite strike,” said. – said the migrants may have clothing. “We’re concerned to fl ee from confl ict-torn Ra- added. “Their hazardous ordeal lous nation as it struggles to curb Sokomba said, adding that it But as many as 30 may have been held at sea while traffi ck- about their condition,” said khine state to Bangladesh in has been prolonged by the col- the spread of the coronavirus. would be called off only when the died during the perilous high- ers extorted money from their Lhokseumawe resident Aisyah. violence that now sees Myanmar lective unwillingness of states “We have kicked off the strike union’s demands were met. seas voyage, the UN said, adding families. “These people were “They need help in the name facing genocide charges at the to act for more than six months,” today,” NARD president Aliyu Strikes by medics have been that the group left from Cox’s actually kept hostage,” she said. of humanity... They’re human UN’s top court. UNHCR said. “UNHCR and Sokomba told AFP, adding that common in Nigeria where the Bazar in Bangladesh in February. “They (the traffi ckers) said they beings like us.” The landing on Monday others have repeatedly warned unlike previous strikes, medics health sector is underfunded. The Around 1mn Muslim Rohingya wouldn’t disembark until we’re Amnesty International called comes after about 100 Rohingya, of dire consequences if refugees treating virus cases would join authorities fear any reduction in live in cramped and squalid paid.” on Indonesia to give the mi- mostly women and children, ar- at sea are not permitted to land the action. capacity could severely hamper refugee camps in Bangladesh – But she added: “We don’t re- grants safe haven. “Rohingya rived in the same area in June. in a safe and expedient manner. “There will be no exemptions,” its ability to tackle the pandemic next to their native Myanmar ally know the full story yet.” refugees are still willing to risk They described a harrowing “Ultimately, inaction over the he said. There are over 40,000 as the number of cases continues – where human traffi ckers run At least one member of the everything in search of safety,” four-month journey that saw past six months has been fatal.” resident doctors in Nigeria’s to rise. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 8, 2020 7

AMERICAS/BRITAIN

PEOPLE REALTY CRIME HEALTH DEMAND Harry, Meghan pay back UK house prices hit new Police arrest man over Mexico aims for its Paraguay urged to probe home renovation costs high after Covid lockdown Birmingham stabbings own coronavirus fix deaths of 11-year-olds

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan have refunded British house prices jumped by the most since A 27-year-old man has been arrested in Mexico is working to produce its own Covid-19 The Paraguayan government must investigate British taxpayers £2.4mn, the cost of renovating 2016 in August to hit a record high, mortgage connection with the mass stabbings in vaccines and could have one ready by next “impartially and without delay” the deaths of their UK home, in line with a commitment they lender Halifax said, adding to signs of a post- Britain’s second city Birmingham that left spring, according to a researcher co-ordinating two 11-year-old girls in a police and military made after announcing in January they would lockdown boom in the country’s housing one person dead and two critically wounded, local eff orts amid a global race to tame a operation against a rebel group in the north of step back from royal duties. The refurbishment market even as fears grow of a sharp rise in police said yesterday. The man was held on disease that has infected over 26.75mn people the country, the regional off ice of the United of Frogmore Cottage, a house within the unemployment. House prices were 5.2% higher suspicion of murder and seven attempted worldwide. Esther Orozco, co-ordinator of Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights grounds of Queen Elizabeth’s Windsor Castle than in August 2019, Halifax said. The surge in murders that were carried out after midnight the scientific group that represents Mexico said. The Paraguayan government initially said west of London, had been criticised by some activity was fuelled by a temporary tax cut on Saturday, West Midlands Police said. The at the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness the two girls were teenagers and labelled them British media as too expensive. The repayment purchases, pent-up demand and some buyers suspect was detained in the Selly Oak area Innovations, said research based on a virus as “rebels” who were killed during a military comes as Harry and Meghan, an American wanting to move to bigger properties after the of the city at around 4am (0300GMT) and he that transmits the avian Newcastle disease is operation targeting members of the Paraguayan former actress, seek to forge new careers lockdown, Russell Galley, managing director remained in police custody for questioning. A the most viable candidate to produce the first People’s Army (EPP). The EPP, a small armed for themselves and attain greater financial at Halifax, said. “Notwithstanding the positive 23-year-old man suffered fatal injuries in what vaccine in Mexico. Orozco said the vaccine, group modelled after Colombian rebels and independence.They announced last week they factors supporting the market in the short-term, was believed to be a random attack, while a developed by the private firm Laboratorio active in marijuana-growing regions has been had signed a contract with Netflix to produce it is unlikely that this level of price inflation will man and a woman, aged 19 and 32, are in a Avimex, is ready to start the first phase of accused of kidnappings and attacks in Paraguay content for the streaming platform. be sustained,” he said. critical condition in hospital. testing with humans. for over a decade. EU warns Assange extradition hearing Britain’s govt over Brexit divorce pact

Reuters from the bloc on December 31. London The sterling fell against the dollar and euro. Britain said it was committed he European Union yester- to the divorce deal. day told Britain that there “We are taking limited and Twould be no trade deal if it reasonable steps to clarify spe- tried to tinker with the Brexit di- cifi c elements of the Northern vorce treaty, raising the prospect Ireland Protocol in domestic law of a tumultuous end-of-year fi - to remove any ambiguity and to nale to the saga. ensure the government is always In yet another twist to the able to deliver on its commit- four-year saga since Britain voted ments,” a spokesman for Johnson to quit the EU, Prime Minister said. Boris Johnson’s government was It could not allow the peace reported to be planning new leg- process or the internal British islation to override parts of the market to inadvertently be com- Brexit Withdrawal Agreement it promised, he said. signed in January. Britain left the EU on January 31 That could jeopardise the whole but talks on a new trade deal be- Stella Morris (left), the partner of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, arrives with his father John Shipton (right) and Australian human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson, treaty and create frictions in Brit- fore the end of a status-quo tran- at the Old Bailey court in central London yesterday for Assange’s extradition hearing. Lawyers for Assange yesterday failed to persuade a British judge to throw out ish-ruled Northern Ireland, where sition arrangement in December new US allegations against him, as he resumed his fight to avoid extradition to the US for leaking military secrets. special arrangements had been have snagged on state aid rules made to avoid a hard border with and fi shing. Ireland to the south that could London has set a deadline of be detrimental to the 1998 peace October 15 to strike a deal. agreement which ended three “If we can’t agree by then, then decades of confl ict in the province. I do not see that there will be a “I trust the British government free trade agreement between us, to implement the Withdrawal and we should both accept that Agreement, an obligation under and move on,” Johnson said yes- international law and prerequisite terday. for any future partnership,” said Johnson and French President Seven Greek islands put on Ursula von der Leyen, head of the Emmanuel Macron agreed yes- EU executive. terday that talks on a Brexit deal “Protocol on Ireland/Northern needed to make progress this Ireland is essential to protect peace month and reach a conclusion and stability on the island and in- quickly, Johnson’s offi ce said. tegrity of the single market.” European diplomats said Brit- UK Covid-19 quarantine list Britain said it would honour the ain was playing a game of Brexit deal and was simply off ering clari- chicken by threatening to collapse Guardian News and Media isolate for two weeks on their re- antine times following weeks of – explaining that the data was too picture, of exactly where infec- fi cations to avoid any future legal the process and challenging Brus- London turn to England from tomorrow at lobbying from the beleaguered patchy and that there was nothing tions are coming from. And, as diffi culties. sels to compromise fi rst. 4am, but not those arriving from aviation industry, which has to stop people moving around – a result, the government has an- But the Financial Times news- Some fear Johnson may view a the rest of the country. called for airport Covid-19 tests to but that it could potentially open nounced a new islands policy. paper cited three people as saying no-deal exit as useful distraction even Greek islands are being The islands of Lesbos, Tinos, be introduced. up quarantine-free travel to is- For the fi rst time, we have the the proposed internal market bill from the coronavirus crisis. removed from England’s list Serifos, Mykonos, Crete, San- Downing Street has faced pres- lands in future as infection rates data and the capacity to add and was expected to “eliminate the le- Some Brexit-supporting mem- Sof locations exempt from torini and Zakynthos, known as sure in recent weeks to consider change. remove specifi c islands from gal force of parts of the withdrawal bers of the ruling Conservatives 14-day Covid-19 quarantine – Zante, will be dropped from the implementing so-called regional Shapps told MPs: “When a re- quarantine … whilst still provid- agreement” in areas including oppose the withdrawal agree- but not the country’s mainland, in list, throwing holidaymakers’ travel corridors, whereby arrivals gion has natural boundaries, like ing maximum protection to the state aid and Northern Ireland ment as threatening British in- a signifi cant shift in government plans who are already in those lo- from parts of countries – such as an island, for example, the risk public.” customs. dependence even if the two sides policy as it in eff ect embraces re- cations into chaos as they face a islands – that have lower Covid diminishes signifi cantly, and that But Shapps stressed that the EU diplomats were aghast, secure future trade ties. gional travel corridors for the fi rst race to get home before the meas- infections rates are exempted presents us with a real opportu- policy would not open up ad- cautioning that such a step, leaked There was surprise and anger time. ures are imposed. from quarantine restrictions. nity. ditional islands – such as those on the eve of new talks in London, on both sides of the Irish border Speaking in the Commons yes- Separately, Shapps indicated However, Shapps stopped short “Our passenger locator form, popular among tourists in the would tarnish Britain’s global and in Brussels at the reported terday, Transport Secretary, Grant that government offi cials were of saying the government would combined with NHS test and Spanish Balearic and Canary is- prestige and heighten chances of plan to undermine the withdrawal Shapps, announced that arrivals working with health experts on be implementing regional cor- trace, will give us a clear picture, lands – immediately, as Covid a tumultuous fi nal disentangling pact. from the Greek islands will have to the practicalities of cutting quar- ridors within mainland countries and has started to give us a clear rates there remain too high.

‘Gender reveal party Biden marks Labor blamed for wildfi re’

AFP of the expected child, sometimes Day with union event announced by pink or blue smoke Los Angeles fi reworks. Reuters Trump vehemently denied the day, promoting it earlier in the California has been baking un- Lancaster, Penn. report. day with a tweet saying: “Jobs fi rework at a gender reveal der scorching conditions with Biden yesterday met with three number, and the Economic party triggered a wildfi re temperatures reaching a record 121 union workers who also served in comeback, are looking GREAT. Ain southern California that degrees Fahrenheit (49 Celsius) on emocratic presidential the US military at a home in Lan- Happy Labor Day!” has destroyed 7,000 acres and Sunday in Woodland Hills, an all- nominee Joe Biden yes- caster, Pennsylvania. Trump plans to visit North forced many residents to fl ee their time high for Los Angeles county, Dterday used his Labor Day “Do you think most of those Carolina, Florida, Michigan and homes, the fi re department said. the National Weather Service said. message celebrating workers guys and women are suckers?” Pennsylvania later in the week. More than 500 fi refi ghters and With the hot and dry condi- to also attack President Donald Biden asked, adding a sarcastic Biden’s campaign has said that four helicopters were battling the tions, California has suff ered a Trump over comments he re- chuckle. as many as 16 states could be El Dorado blaze east of San Ber- particularly busy fi re season this portedly made disparaging fallen With the coronavirus pan- up for grabs in November, with nardino, which started Saturday year, with more than 1.6mn acres soldiers, as Biden met with union demic and civil unrest over rac- doubts about Trump’s corona- morning, California department destroyed so far, including in three workers who are military veterans. ism and police brutality grip- virus response and the battered of forestry and fi re protection (Cal of the biggest blazes in the state’s Biden’s trip to Pennsylva- ping attention in recent months, economy making states like Ari- Fire) said. history. nia yesterday kicks off another Biden is seeking to maintain his zona, Texas and Georgia more Residents of several communi- In northern California, more fl urry of travel to battleground edge by painting the Republi- competitive for Democrats. ties in the area have been ordered than 200 people were airlifted states this week by both Biden can incumbent as an ineff ectual Still, polls point to the econ- to evacuate. to safety over the weekend after and Trump as some opinion polls leader who thrives on chaos and omy’s being a relative area of “CAL FIRE law enforcement a fast-moving wildfi re trapped show the race tightening with has left the working class behind. strength for Trump with voters, has determined the El Dorado Fire, them near the Mammoth Pool less than 60 days to go until the Trump has struggled to change even as the labour market reels burning near Oak Glen in San Ber- Reservoir northeast of Fresno. November 3 election. the contours of the campaign de- from the eff ects of the pandem- nardino County, was caused by They were rescued by military Trump has faced a new con- spite highly charged rhetoric on ic, which has put millions out of a smoke generating pyrotechnic helicopters, with dozens packed troversy after The Atlantic maga- racial polarisation and “law and work. device, used during a gender reveal into a Chinook, a photograph zine, citing four unnamed peo- order” intended to motivate his Tim Murtaugh, Trump’s re- party,” Cal Fire said on Twitter. posted by the California National ple, reported last week that he base and draw new supporters election campaign communica- “Those responsible for starting Guard showed. had referred to Marines buried in in suburban parts of key swing tions director, said last week that fi res due to negligence or illegal The Creek Fire, which started on an American cemetery near Paris states, such as Pennsylvania, Biden had begun travelling more activity can be held fi nancially and Friday in steep and rugged terrain, as “losers” and “suckers” and Wisconsin and Michigan. frequently out of his home state A firefighter works as flames push towards homes during the criminally responsible,” it warned. has so far spread to 73,000 acres, declined to visit their graves dur- Trump held a news confer- of Delaware because “he knows Creek fire in the Cascadel Woods area of unincorporated Madera Gender reveal parties are held according to the US Forest Service, ing a 2018 trip to France. ence at the White House yester- he is bleeding in the polls.” County, California, yesterday. during pregnancy to unveil the sex making it one of the largest. Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, September 8, 2020 EUROPE

Sweden vows cash Spain surpasses 500,000 for elderly care after Covid-19 cases: ministry Covid-19 „ French Covid-19 cases and the health ministry said. March and April, when nearly Last month it ordered night- France has the seventh-high- “So far, there are nine cases in deaths death toll creeps up This gives Spain a per-capita 900 deaths a day were reported, clubs and cocktail bars to close est Covid-19 death toll in the the camp in Moria. The number „ Greece reports nine infection rate about twice that of as the median age of new infec- and shortened restaurant op- world, and authorities are scru- might increase,” the ministry of- coronavirus cases in Moria France and Italy, according to an tions has dropped to around 40. erating hours to try to curb the tinising the data to see what fur- fi cial told Reuters on condition Denmark to limit public migrant camp AFP tally based on offi cial data. Asymptomatic cases also ac- increase in infections. ther measures might be needed of anonymity. gatherings in Copenhagen Spain was one of the worst- count for a far greater propor- The government expects the to help the country cope with an Since March 1, all migrants after coronavirus spike AFP/Reuters aff ected countries when the tion of positive results, largely country’s tourism-dependent expected second wave of the vi- reaching Lesbos have been quar- Madrid/Paris/Athens coronavirus struck Europe this due to a rise in testing. economy will contract by 9.2% rus this winter. antined away from the island’s Reuters year before one of the world’s “The situation is much more this year under the weight of the The French health ministry camps. Stockholm/Copenhagen most stringent lockdowns favourable but we remain in an pandemic. added that 537 patients were in The Moria facility, which pain’s total coronavirus helped reduce the outbreak’s upwards phase,” the health min- Meanwhile, the number of intensive care units (ICU), of hosts more than 12,000 people cases have crossed half a spread. istry’s emergencies co-ordinator confi rmed cases of Covid-19 which the majority were in ur- – more than four times its stated weden’s centre-left gov- Smillion, health ministry But infections have surged Fernando Simon told journalists. in France rose again compared ban areas such as the Paris/Ile capacity – has been frequently ernment will boost funding data showed yesterday, as the since the lockdown measures The rise in infections comes with the previous day, as did the de France region, and the areas criticised by aid groups for poor Sfor elderly care by around government struggled to contain were fully removed at the end of as Spain is reopening its schools death toll, as the country battles around Marseille and Nice. living conditions. $500mn in its 2021 budget af- a surge of infections in one of June, the rise in infections often after they were closed in March, to contain a likely second wave Greece has registered at least Most recently, aid groups have ter the number of deaths in old Europe’s hardest-hit countries. attributed to the return of night- with some parents saying that of the virus. nine cases of coronavirus in the warned that social distancing people’s homes during the coro- The coronavirus causes the life and group activities. they are afraid to send their chil- The number of new, con- overcrowded migrant camp of and basic hygiene measures are navirus pandemic sparked wide- Covid-19 respiratory disease. During the past two weeks the dren to class. fi rmed cases had risen by 4,203 Moria on the island of Lesbos so impossible to implement in the spread concern. The country of around 47mn country has recorded an average The government has imple- compared with the previous day far, a migration ministry offi cial camp due to the conditions. The government has said it people has recorded 525,549 of 7,000 to 8,000 new cases per mented several measures to curb to reach a total of 328,980, the said yesterday. Greece has recently seen a will boost spending by more confi rmed cases of Covid-19, day, around a third of them in the risk of infections in schools, French health ministry said yes- Last week, the facility was surge in coronavirus cases. than 100bn Swedish crowns and 29,516 related deaths, since the Madrid region. including making the use of terday. placed under quarantine after It has recorded 11,524 cases ($11.45bn) in the budget to be its fi rst case was diagnosed on But the mortality rate is far masks mandatory for anyone The number of deaths also authorities confi rmed that a since its fi rst infection surfaced published on September 21, as it January 31 on the remote island below that recorded at the aged six and over and requiring rose by 25 over the last 24 hours 40-year-old asylum-seeker had in February, and 284 Covid-re- seeks to restart the economy and of La Gomera in the Canaries, height of health crisis in late frequent hand washing. to 30,726. tested positive for coronavirus. lated deaths. plug holes in the welfare system exposed by the pandemic. “Our goal must be to build the world’s best system of eld- erly care, and this spring and the coronavirus have showed that Navalny out of Belarusian protest leader detained we need to speed up this work,” Prime Minister Stefan Lofven told reporters yesterday. artifi cial coma after Reuters of Russian President Vladimir Sweden’s death toll from the Minsk Putin, who has promised to coronavirus pandemic has been send in police to support him if much larger than its Nordic ‘Novichok poisoning’ needed. neighbours, though less than asked men detained Kolesnikova’s abduction, if countries like Britain and Spain. Belarusian protest confi rmed, comes as Belarusian Most of those deaths have AFP Mleader Maria Kolesnik- authorities appear to be step- been among the elderly, in- Berlin ova in central Minsk yesterday ping up their eff orts to try to cluding many residents in care morning and drove her away in halt the protests and obstruct homes. a van and two of her allies also the work of the opposition Around 5,800 Swedes have ussian opposition leader disappeared later, the opposi- council, which they have ac- died compared with around 340 Alexei Navalny, who tion movement said. cused of plotting to overthrow people in Finland, which has RGermany says was poi- Kolesnikova, a member of the Lukashenko. about half the population of its soned by a weapons-grade opposition coordination coun- On Sunday, tens of thousands bigger neighbour, and Lofven’s Novichok nerve agent, is now cil, is the last of three female of people demonstrated across minority government has faced out of a medically induced politicians left in Belarus who the country demanding Lu- widespread criticism for failing coma and reacting to speech, joined forces before an August kashenko step down. to protect vulnerable citizens. the Berlin hospital treating him 9 presidential election to try to Security forces detained 633 Lofven said that the budget, said yesterday. challenge veteran incumbent protesters, Belarusian authori- negotiated with two small cen- The 44-year-old anti-cor- Alexander Lukashenko. ties said. This picture taken on Sunday shows Kolesnikova at a rally in Minsk. tre-right parties which nomi- ruption campaigner and one A vocal critic of Lukashenko, Police in Minsk were cited by nally sit in opposition, would of President Vladimir Putin’s she has played an important role Russia’s Interfax news agency lead to anything else apart from released immediately.” prioritise welfare, fi ghting cli- fi ercest critics, fell ill on a do- in weeks of mass demonstra- as saying that they had not de- an escalation in the situation in Before the election, Koles- mate change and building up the mestic fl ight last month and tions and strikes by protesters tained Kolesnikova. the country, deepening the cri- nikova had joined forces with criminal justice system, amid was treated in a Siberian hos- who accuse Lukashenko of rig- A witness, Anastasia, was sis and fuelling protests,” it said opposition presidential candi- worries about violent crime. pital before being evacuated to ging his re-election. cited by the Tut.By media out- in a statement. date Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, “The budget has a clear direc- Berlin. Lukashenko, who has been in let as saying that she had seen “We see that the authorities who later fl ed to Lithuania, and tion – it will make it possible for “He is responding to verbal Navalny: responding to verbal power for the last 26 years, de- Kolesnikova pushed into a dark- have openly begun to use terror with Veronika Tsepkalo, who everyone in our country to con- stimuli,” Charite hospital said stimuli. nies that allegation and has ac- coloured van by masked men in tactics in recent days,” it add- has since left for Poland. tribute and work Sweden out of in a statement, reporting that cused foreign powers of trying plain clothes in central Minsk. ed, calling the actions crimes Another leading activist, Olga this crisis,” Lofven said. his condition “has improved”. Merkel’s spokesman said yes- to topple him in a revolution. She said Kolesnikova’s mo- against humanity. Kovalkova, arrived in Poland on In addition to the 9.7bn Navalny is being weaned off terday that she is in agreement He has responded with a bile phone had dropped to the Lithuanian Foreign Minister Saturday, saying that she had crowns for elderly care, local au- mechanical ventilation, but the with Maas, who is a member of crackdown which some those ground during the tussle and Linas Linkevicius likened what been told she would face arrest thorities will get an extra 10bn hospital said it is too early to junior coalition partner Social detained say includes torture that one of the masked men de- had happened to Kolesnikova to if she stayed in Belarus. crowns ($1.14bn) in grants from determine the long-term im- Democrats. and beatings. taining her had picked it up be- something that the Stalin-era The crisis is hitting the Bela- the central government, with an pact of the poisoning. She too would not rule out Three European Union dip- fore the van sped off . secret police in the Soviet Union rus economy. additional 5bn crowns coming in Germany said last week that consequences for Nord Stream lomats told Reuters that the The opposition council said would have done. Central bank fi gures pub- 2022. toxicology tests conducted by 2 – a €10bn ($11bn) pipeline EU is now preparing to impose two other activists, Anton Rod- “Instead of talking to the lished yesterday showed the Meanwhile, in Denmark, the its armed forces found “un- beneath the Baltic Sea that is economic sanctions on 31 senior nenkov and Ivan Kravtsov, dis- people of Belarus, the outgoing former Soviet republic had limit on public gatherings will be equivocal evidence” that Na- set to double Russian natural Belarus offi cials, including the appeared soon afterwards, and leadership is trying cynically (to) burned through nearly a sixth lowered to 50 people from 100 in valny had been poisoned with gas shipments to Germany, Eu- interior minister, in response said that the authorities ap- eliminate (them) one by one,” he of its gold and foreign exchange Copenhagen and in Odense, af- Novichok, the substance used rope’s largest economy. to the election and subsequent peared to be systematically tar- tweeted. “The kidnapping ... is a reserves, or $1.4bn, in August, ter a recent spike in number of in the 2018 attack on a former It has long been in the cross- crackdown. geting its members. disgrace. Stalinist NKVD meth- as it fought to prop up its rou- Covid-19 infections, the coun- Russian double agent and his hairs of the United States, Facing his deepest crisis yet, “It’s obvious that these ods are being applied in 21st ble currency during the wave of try’s health minister said yester- daughter in the English city of which has criticised European Lukashenko retains the support methods are illegal and cannot century Europe. She must be unrest. day. Salisbury. countries for their reliance on Navalny’s associates say the energy from Russia. use of Novichok, a military- Western leaders have ex- France makes first arrest over string grade nerve agent, shows that pressed horror at what Na- only the Russian state could valny’s allies say is the fi rst of attacks on horses and mutilations be responsible, but the Krem- known use of chemical weap- Ideals betrayed in Konchalovsky’s lin fi ercely denies any involve- ons against a high-profi le op- French police have made their first arrest in a string of attacks on ment. position leader on Russian soil. horses believed to be the work of several people, prosecutors said. “Attempts to somehow as- Britain said yesterday that it Dear Comrades at Venice fi lm fest A man was detained after a computer-generated image of one of sociate Russia with what hap- had summoned Russia’s am- two people suspected of cutting horses in the Yonne department of pened are unacceptable to bassador to voice its “deep central France was circulated, regional prosecutor Arnaud Laraize us, they are absurd,” Putin’s concern” over the poisoning. AFP told AFP. spokesman Dmitry Peskov told “It’s completely unaccept- Venice French authorities have been at a loss to explain the attacks, which journalists yesterday. able that a banned chemical according to the gendarmerie have seen the ears cut off some 20 Russian offi cials have ac- weapon has been used and horses nationwide, as well as genital mutilations and other cuts. cused Germany of being slow Russia must hold a full, trans- on’t ask director Andrei The suspect, 50, was arrested in the Haut-Rhin department of to share the fi ndings of its in- parent investigation,” wrote Konchalovsky whether eastern France said Laraize, adding he was known in neighbouring vestigation, despite a request British Foreign Secretary Do- Dhis new fi lm in Venice, Germany for attacks on animals, although in France he was from prosecutors. minic Raab on Twitter. Dear Comrades!, holds a mirror registered for drug-related crimes. “We expect information The condemnation ech- to today’s Russia, recent unrest (from Germany) to be provided oes other Western voices, and in Belarus, or even threats to de- in the coming days,” Peskov Merkel too has said that “only mocracy in the United States. Sunken German WWII warship found said. “We are looking forward Russia can and must” provide Interpretations are up to the to it.” answers on the incident. viewer, insisted the veteran Rus- The wreckage of a major German warship has been discovered off But Germany warned that The Navalny poisoning is sian director, as the fi lm, shot in Russian director Andrei Konchalovsky, his wife Russian actress Julia the coast of Norway some 80 years after it was sunk in a World War the failure by Moscow to thor- the latest in a long series of as- black and white, was set to pre- Vysotskaya, and their son Pyotr at the 77th Venice Film Festival. II battle, Norwegian power grid operator Statnett and a maritime oughly investigate the incident sassination attempts against miere at the prestigious fi lm fes- archaeologist said. could have serious conse- Kremlin critics. tival yesterday. the festival, in 2014 for The Post- Lyudmila, portrayed by Julia Identified this year from images and sonar scans of its hull and of quences. Already suff ering from “You can make all the paral- man’s White Nights and in 2016 Vysotskaya, is a party function- details such as the position of gun turrets, the cruiser Karlsruhe was German Foreign Minister wide-ranging Western sanc- lels you want,” Konchalovsky, 83, for Paradise. ary who early on is eager to de- first detected in 2017 just 15m (50 feet) from a subsea power cable Heiko Maas said on Sunday tions imposed over its 2014 an- told a press conference. “It’s not With Dear Comrades! he said nounce the protesters as drunks that has been operating since 1977. that Berlin, which holds the ro- nexation of Crimea, as well as up to me.” he wanted to make a fi lm about and criminals who should be Built in the 1920s, the ship was later fitted with a Nazi-era swastika tating EU presidency, will dis- the eff ects of the coronavirus The well-oiled machine of his parents’ generation, who swiftly punished for their rebel- that was also captured in subsea images taken by Statnett and its cuss possible sanctions against pandemic and the drop in oil state suppression is the frighten- shared unconditional trust in the lion. partners, and first televised by Norwegian public broadcster NRK. Russia if the Kremlin does not prices, Moscow is anxious to ingly topical backdrop to Kon- values of communism but found “We live in a democracy!” The 174m vessel, part of the German force that invaded Norway in soon provide an explanation avoid any further pressure on chalovsky’s fi lm, based on a true their idealism betrayed by subse- shouts her daughter Svetka April 1940, was struck by a British submarine torpedo shortly after for what happened to Navalny. its economy. story of a 1962 labour strike in quent events. (Yulia Burova) before the mas- starting its return voyage from the Norwegian port of Kristiansand. Otherwise, Germany will Navalny’s aides have said the then-USSR, with all its ele- The fi lm is about the 1962 la- sacre, herself a factory worker be compelled to “discuss a re- they suspect he drank a cup of ments having modern-day com- bour strike in Novocherkassk, in sympathetic to the protesters’ sponse with our allies” includ- spiked tea at the airport. parisons. which 26 factory workers pro- cause. Pioneering black opera star dead ing “targeted” sanctions, Maas The charismatic Yale-edu- Protesters are labelled hoo- testing against rising prices and However, that faith soon ap- said. cated lawyer was initially treat- ligans, propaganda slogans are slashed pay were shot and killed pears naive. Christiane Eda-Pierre, a French soprano who broke ground as the He did not rule out action ed at a Russian hospital, where repeated as fact, and if witnesses by Soviet troops and KGB opera- In the wake of the killings, a country’s first black woman to make her mark on the international relating to Nord Stream 2, a doctors said they were unable to state killings are silenced and tives. curfew is imposed, witnesses opera stage, has died at 88, her family told AFP yesterday. multi-billion-euro Russian- to fi nd any toxic substances in bodies buried out of sight, then Decades of silence ensued, as sign non-disclosure agreements She died of natural causes at her home in Deux-Sevres, western German gas pipeline nearing his blood, before he was fl own the massacre never happened. the massacre was covered up un- and the bloodstains of the vic- France, on Sunday. completion. to Berlin for specialised treat- Konchalovsky won two Silver til 1992, with the collapse of the tims are covered up with new She was born on March 24, 1932, in France’s Caribbean territory of German Chancellor Angela ment on August 22. Lion awards for best direction at Soviet Union. asphalt. Martinique. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 8, 2020 9

INDIA

DEFENCE LAW AND ORDER PEOPLE CRIME FURY India enters elite Three held for gold Kerala gold smuggling Coronavirus patient Teacher’s killer hypersonic missile club smuggling in Kozhikode case accused hospitalised abused in Kerala beaten to death

India has successfully flight tested hypersonic The directorate of revenue intelligence (DRI) The Kerala gold smuggling case’s prime A day after the shocking news of an ambulance A man was lynched by an angry mob in technology that will pave the way towards has arrested three people outside the Karipur accused Swapna Suresh was late yesterday driver raping a young Covid-19 female patient inside Kushinagar district after he allegedly killed development of missiles travelling at six times the airport at Kozhikode in Kerala for smuggling taken to the state-run Medical College an ambulance on Saturday night in Pathanamthitta a local yesterday. The man first shot dead speed of sound. With this, the country enters an gold and has recovered 4.3kgs of the metal. Hospital after she complained of a chest district, another case of abuse surfaced yesterday. a teacher, Sudhir, who was sleeping on his elite club to become a member of the hypersonic A tweet by the central board of indirect taxes pain. Swapna, who is presently in judicial A junior health inspector in Thiruvananthapuram terrace. Hearing the gunshots, local residents regime. This is a step towards manufacture of and customs said DRI officers of the Cochin custody and lodged at the Viyur jail near was arrested after he abused a female Covid patient surrounded the house and caught one of the advanced Hypersonic Vehicles. India became the zonal unit and Calicut (Kozhikode) regional Thiruvananthapuram, complained of who went to him for a Covid negative certificate. assailants while one of them managed to fourth country after the US, Russia and China to unit intercepted a vehicle suspected to be uneasiness, and was taken to the hospital, The incident occurred when the 40-year-old escape. The accused opened fire at the mob get this technology. The Defence Research and carrying smuggled gold, near the Karipur where she is being examined. The National woman working in Malappuram district returned to scare them away but was caught. The mob Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully international airport. Another tweet said that Investigation Agency (NIA), which had taken to her hometown near Thiruvananthapuram. She beat him even after the police arrived on the demonstrated the Hypersonic air-breathing scramjet the person at the wheel of the Innova vehicle over the case, had arrested Swapna and her was asked to go into quarantine for a 14-day period scene and left him only after he died. It is not technology with the flight test of Hypersonic rammed it into the two DRI personnel who associate Sandip Nair from Bengaluru on and after it got over, she approached the health known yet as to why he killed the teacher. The Technology Demonstration Vehicle (HSTDV) at had flagged him down. The DRI personnel, an July 11, after they were on the run since July 5 inspector for a Covid negative certificate. The man had come to Kushinagar from Gorakhpur 11.03am yesterday from the APJ Abdul Kalam Launch intelligence officer, and a driver were injured following the arrest of an accomplice by the off icial asked her to come to his house where she yesterday morning. His identity is yet to be Complex at Wheeler Island, off the coast of Odisha. and are currently receiving medical attention. customs department. was abused by him. ascertained. Congress calls for inquiry into Ranaut’s ‘drug links’

IANS cover ahead of her planned return Mumbai to Mumbai on September 9, amid apprehensions it could create a law-and-order situation in view dding a new dimension to of the actress’ recent utterances the ongoing probe into the on Mumbai, Mumbai Police and Anexus between narcotics the state government. and Bollywood, the Maharashtra The Congress is an alliance Congress yesterday demanded a partner in the Maha Vikas Agha- probe into what it alleged “drug di government in Maharashtra, links” of actress Kangana Ranaut. along with the Shiv Sena and the “Some videos have now Nationalist Congress Party. emerged in which Kangana Ra- Meanwhile Congress chief naut has confessed that she was spokesperson Randeep Singh a drug addict. If that was so, then Surjewala said at a press confer- who was supplying her these ence “unlike Modi and the BJP, I drugs? The narcotics control bu- will defend the right to dissent of reau which is probing the matter, the biggest critic of mine – that is should go and investigate her,” the principle of the Congress and state Congress spokesperson of the alliance partners in Ma- Sachin Sawant said. harashtra, the Shiv Sena and the He said that some of Kangana’s NCP,” former associates have revealed The Congress leader said “de- People shop at an open-air vegetable and fruit market amidst the coronavirus outbreak in Ahmedabad yesterday. that she was allegedly taking spite a particular fi lm actress car- hash, cocaine, etc, which must be rying on the agenda of Modi and investigated and the NCB must the BJP, she will be given adequate suo moto take cognisance to go protection.” and question her. The controversy snowballed On the issue of the Y-Security after Kangana dragged in the Pal- cover extended to Ranaut, Sawant ghar lynching incident, labelled said: “The BJP knows very well Mumbai as “addicted to blood”, WHO says India in talks to how to take care of persons who dared the Maratha pride of Ma- push forward its agenda of har- harashtra. assing opposition governments,” Shiv Sena activists reacted with Sawant added. protests, burning her effi gy and Attacking Ranaut, Shiv Sena pictures in Mumbai, Thane, Pal- MP Sanjay Raut said that his party ghar, Pune, Aurangabad, Nashik join ‘COVAX’ vaccine scheme follows the ideology of the great and other cities. Hindutva icons such as Chhat- Maharashtra Home Minister Reuters cine alliance are leading the cases continue to soar across the However, with the economy During peak hour in New Del- rapati Shivaji Maharaj and Great Anil Deshmukh (NCP) “strongly Geneva COVAX facility, aimed at helping globe with reported infections imploding following months of hi yesterday morning, carriages Maharana Pratap, who propagat- condemned” Ranaut’s state- buy and distribute vaccination worldwide nearing 27mn and travel restrictions, authorities were sparsely fi lled as people ed respect for women. ments, and without taking her shots against the novel corona- deaths surpassing 880,000. pressed on with risky reignition followed guidelines dictating “But, some with malicious in- name, virtually showed her the he World Health Or- virus fairly around the world. France, Israel and Australia plans. that only alternate seats could be tent are spreading misinforma- door. The actress yesterday ganisation is in talks with But some countries that have were among the nations forced The metro in the capital New occupied. tion that the Sena has insulted claimed that Brihanmumbai Mu- TIndia about joining the secured their own supplies in recent days to extend travel Delhi reopened yesterday after For total deaths worldwide, women. One should not forget the nicipal Corporation (BMC) has “COVAX” global vaccine alloca- through bilateral deals, includ- restrictions or impose new ones a fi ve-month shutdown and 12 the US has the most with more fact that those making these alle- raided her newly-constructed of- tion plan, a senior WHO adviser ing the US, have said they will to try and contain fresh surges. other cities restarted subway than 188,000, followed by Brazil gations have themselves insulted fi ce in the city. said yesterday. not join COVAX. India, home to some of the services. with 126,000. Mumbai,” Raut said sharply. Ranaut made the allegation on “India is certainly eligible, Meanwhile, India yesterday world’s most densely populated “For our lives to move on, we India is next with about Nevertheless, the Shiv Sena her verifi ed Twitter account, add- like all countries in the world, overtook Brazil as the country cities, has been reporting the have to get out of our homes... 71,000 fatalities. will continue to fi ght for the pride ing that BMC offi cials also used to be part of the COVAX facility with the second highest number highest single-day rises in the so this is a good move by the Britain, one of the worst-hit of women as taught by the party’s foul language against her. and discussions are ongoing in of confi rmed coronavirus cases, world and yesterday it confi rmed government,” passenger Deepak countries at the start of the pan- founder-supremo, the late Bala- “They have forcefully taken over that regard,” Bruce Aylward told even as key metro train lines re- a new record of nearly 91,000 Kumar, who took the Delhi sub- demic, is also battling another saheb Thackeray, he said, refer- my offi ce measuring everything, a briefi ng in Geneva. “We would opened as part of eff orts to boost new cases. way to work, said. spike. ring to demands in some quarters also harassing my neighbours. I welcome Indian participation... the nation’s battered economy. Infections have now risen above Authorities imposed strict The number of daily cases hit seeking an apology from the Sena. am informed tomorrow they will India has extensive experience The country has emerged in 4.2mn, surpassing Brazil’s total and rules on the trains, with masks, nearly 3,000 on Sunday, a level The statements came shortly be demolishing my property,” she (with vaccines).” recent weeks as the new global making India’s tally the second- social distancing and tempera- not seen since late May, accord- after Ranaut was given a security tweeted. The WHO and the GAVI vac- pandemic hotspot, although highest behind the US’ 6.25mn. ture checks mandatory. ing to health ministry fi gures.

Hunt for militants W Bengal not to support Chanda Kochhar’s govt’s new education policy husband arrested IANS able assets in possession of ICICI IANS Modi also raised the issue terjee yesterday said that the New Delhi/Mumbai Bank’s former managing director New Delhi of heavy school bags carried NEP-2020 is against the fed- and CEO, her husband and the by children and said that the eral structure of the country and companies owned/controlled by NEP seeks to address the issue that the state has decided not to n a major action, the enforce- him. raising the new National in the sense that the children implement it for now. ment directorate (ED) yester- During investigation it was re- Education Policy 2020, should not be under pressure It would not be implemented Iday arrested Deepak Kochhar, vealed that loans were refi nanced PPrime Minister Narendra vis-a-vis bags, board exams, for the time being as more dis- husband of former ICICI Bank and new loans aggregating to Modi yesterday said the govern- and society. cussions need to be held on the CEO Chanda Kochhar, in connec- Rs17.3bn sanctioned to Vide- ment should have the least in- The prime minister said that NEP-2020, he said while object- tion with a ICICI bank loan case. ocon Industries Ltd (VIL) and its terference in it. the NEP has been framed after ing to the centre’s decision to A top ED offi cial said, “Deepak group companies and these loans Addressing a Governors’ con- many years of labour by a panel exclude Bengali from the list of Kochhar has been arrested under became non-performing assets ference, Modi said: “To fulfi l led by Dr K Kasturirangan and classical languages. the Prevention of Money Laun- (NPA) for ICICI Bank on June 30, the aspirations of the country, feedback of more than 200,000 “The NEP-2020 is against the dering Act after day-long ques- 2017. education policy and system are people, including stakeholders. federal structure, and under- tioning.” Investigation further revealed important tools. In this system, He said that it was for the fi rst mines the role of states. We are He was arrested by the Mum- that an amount of Rs640mn, out the central and state govern- time that everyone was hailing against the move. It is an eff ort bai branch of the fi nancial probe of the loan of Rs3bn sanctioned ments and the local bodies are the NEP because everyone rang- to centralise the education sys- agency. by a committee headed by Chan- interlinked; it is also correct that ing from teachers to students tem and curb the jurisdiction The action comes almost a da Kochhar to Videocon Interna- in the education policy, the gov- and parents were part of the for- of states,” Chatterjee said, soon year after the ED fi led a money tional Electronics Ltd, was trans- ernment should have the least mulation process. after attending a virtual meeting laundering case last year on the ferred to Nupower Renewables interference and less infl uence.” The new policy focuses on with Prime Minister Narendra basis of a complaint registered by Pvt Ltd (NRPL, earlier known as The NEP is focused on learn- foundational learning and lan- Modi on NEP-2020. the Central Bureau of Investiga- NuPower Renewables Ltd, a com- ing rather than studying and the guages, learning outcomes, and Earlier, the Mamata Banerjee- tion against Videocon director pany of Deepak Kochhar) by VIL curricula emphasis is on criti- teachers’ training. led government had constituted Venugopal Dhoot, his companies on September 8, 2009, just one cal thinking, the prime minister “The world is changing with a six-member expert committee (Videocon International Elec- day after disbursement of loan by pointed out. time and there is discussion on to give its views and suggestions tronics Ltd and Videocon Indus- the ICICI Bank. “The focus is on passion, jobs and nature of work and this on the NEP-2020 and formally tries Ltd), as well as former ICICI Further, net revenue of practicality, and performance. policy will prepare the youth respond to the centre on the is- Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar and Rs106.5mn were generated by The National Education Policy for appropriate knowledge and sue. The committee had sub- Government forces conduct a cordon and search operation her husband Deepak. NRL from these tainted funds. is, in a way, without pressure skills,” Modi added. mitted its observations to the following reports of the presence of militants, at Kawoosa Earlier this year, the ED pro- Therefore, proceeds of crime and without infl uence to learn However, West Bengal Edu- government in the last week of Khalisa area of Budgam district, in Srinagar yesterday. visionally attached Rs781.5mn amounting to Rs746.5mn were democratic values.” cation Minister Partha Chat- August. worth movable and immov- transferred to/generated in NRPL. Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, September 8, 2020 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Djokovic’s greatness clouded by controversies Novak Djokovic has proved unbeatable on court this year but Sunday’s dramatic disqualifi cation from the US Open was not the fi rst time questionable judgement has led to unintended consequences for the world number one. Djokovic exited the Grand Slam after hitting a line judge with the ball and can expect intense criticism in the coming days, similar in nature to what followed his Adria Tour. The 33-year-old has long shown a fi erce desire to be considered a statesman of the game in the same way as Roger Haiti struggles to turn on the lights Federer and Rafa Nadal, his fellow members of the “Big Three”. anti-government protests last year to He said he aims to raise revenues agency Bureau de Monétisation des The Adria Tour was an altruistic endeavour aimed at By Andre Paultre and Sarah Marsh Port-au-Prince prevent reform. by installing prepaid systems and Programmes d’Aide au Développement, raising funds for charity, and the players’ association he Critics say he is scapegoating others increasing the number of clients. or BMPAD, that damaged multiple launched ahead of the US Open is aimed at providing a for the government’s mismanagement “It needs to act like a commercial power plants. platform for his fellow professionals. ene Max Auguste says demand of the already dysfunctional sector. company and actually turn a profi t,” he BMPAD did not respond to multiple for solar panels at his store in The situation was exacerbated in July, said. requests for comment. Sunday’s incident could yet have an impact on the the Haitian capital, Port au after Moise appointed Michel Presume, With Haiti struggling to recover Joiseus said an investigation was breakaway players body as its success depended, at least in RPrince, has soared over the past who is known for his privatisation of from the effects of a devastating ongoing but the plants should be able to part, on his stature within the game. two years. various Haitian industries, to overhaul 2010 earthquake, the lack of power treat the fuel. Federer and Nadal, who both The reason? The state power utility’s EDH. depresses living standards and is one A series of blackouts also occurred in inability to guarantee electricity, he That prompted a damaging strike at of the main obstacles to economic April last year after a dispute between The Adria missed the US Open, have says. the state utility. development, Haitian economist Etzer US energy trader Novum and the voiced opposition to the move. In a country where most survive Employees besieged its headquarters Emile said. BMPAD over overdue payments led to a Tour was His apology for the incident on less than $3 per day, customers in and refused to maintain or fi x broken Haiti needs to increase its generation shortage of fuel. on the Arthur Ashe Stadium Auguste’s shop typically opt for small machinery, leaving areas of Port-au- eight-fold to meet the needs of its Then in November they occurred an altruistic systems that enable them to charge their Prince without lights for weeks on end. population, ANARSE estimates. again after the state took over power court was the second time in phone and perhaps a lamp. There are some signs of change. “We use candles and a little kerosene plants previously run by private power endeavour three months that Djokovic had “The situation is a failure of the state: Haiti’s National Regulatory Authority lamp,” said Midrenne Lubin, 50, a provider Société Générale d’Énergie SA tendered a public mea culpa. a failure of the elite for the past 30 for Energy, ANARSE, has issued tenders cleaner who uses a charcoal iron to press (Sogener). Authorities said the takeover aimed at After much criticism of the years,” says Auguste. “The situation is for private operators to take over her clothes and waits until after dawn was due to Sogener overbilling and going to stay as it is. Or it’s going to get regional grids and develop microgrids to leave for work. “Bandits attack in the other issues. raising funds Adria Tour, which was held worse.” for rural communities, with a focus on darkness.” Stanley Gaston, a Sogener lawyer, around June with top men’s President Jovenel Moise took offi ce gas-powered and solar projects. Businesses, hospitals and wealthier said Moise singled out the company for charity players in the Balkans, he three years ago promising to bring Moise has also negotiated a $150mn households have installed generators to because its management is linked to the accepted that organising it had around-the-clock power to the poorest deal with Taiwan for an overhaul of the become self-reliant. opposition. nation in the Americas. national grid, due to start this week, More than 70% of power consumed in The state takeover did not allow for been a mistake. Instead, amid political turmoil and Minister of Public Works Nader Joiseus Haiti is produced by small-scale diesel- an orderly handover of skills, he said. While live tennis action was a welcome sight during unrest, he has presided over the worst told Reuters. fuelled generators, according to an April These altercations have likely the Covid-19 shutdown, scenes of packed stands, players power outages in more than a decade. Two multimillion dollar deals to IMF report. dampened appetite for future much- hugging and posing for pictures and dancing shirtless at a Generation at Haiti’s hydroelectric install 55.5MW of gas electricity with But diesel can also be scarce. needed private investment, analysts say. and diesel and heavy fuel oil-powered General Electric and 130MW of solar Two textile-exporting factories were ANARSE did not reply to request for club were jarring despite the event not breaking any local thermal plants was down to 94MW electricity with Turkey are also in the forced to shut down for around a week comment on whether it had receive any health protocols. in August, less than half its installed works, he said. last month due to diesel shortages, an acceptable bids for auctions that had an As fate would have it, Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna capacity, according to state electricity But the key challenge remains EDH, industry source said. end-2019 deadline. Coric and Viktor Troicki tested positive for the novel utility EDH, and less than one-fortieth which until recently monopolised Woodburning and charcoal remain The temptation for the government of the capacity of neighbouring generation and distribution. Haiti’s primary source of energy, the will be to simply add more generation coronavirus after playing in the tournament. Dominican Republic, which has roughly The company consumes around IMF wrote. capacity on credit to resolve the short- Djokovic found the resulting criticism “malicious” and the same population of 11mn. $200mn a year in subsidies, equivalent That contributes to deforestation, term problem, with an on elections, complained of a witch-hunt against him. Only around one-third of Haitian to 10% of government expenditure. aggravating Haiti’s vulnerability to the warned Rene Jean-Jumeau, a former It followed a furore in April after he suggested he would be households are connected to the grid, It loses an estimated 70% of power Caribbean’s annual hurricane season Minister Delegate for Energy. most of them in towns, according to due to technical losses, clients who by heightening the chance of mudslides But if EDH does not truly reform, opposed to vaccination for Covid-19 if it became mandatory analyst estimates. do not pay, and people who connect and fl ooding. then those new plants will also require to compete on the tour. Those who are suff er frequent illegally, according to a study by At least 31 people were killed in Haiti extra subsidies and fall into disrepair, In a follow-up statement Djokovic, who also courted blackouts, living with power for just a Limestone Analytics. by Tropical Storm Laura last month. said Jumeau, now director of the Haitian controversy when he was seen training at a club in Marbella few hours per day. “This company is practically EDH says the current decline in Energy Institute. Moise blames the blackouts largely on bankrupt and cannot see to its own power supply is partly due to the use “I’m waiting to see if Presume can in May in violation of Spain’s lockdown rules, said he would sabotage by unnamed vested interests, basic needs, like the maintenance of its of bad quality heavy fuel, which it says give the results no-one else has been keep an open mind on vaccination. whom he accuses of also fomenting power stations,” Presume told Reuters. was imported in April via the state able to,” he said. – Reuters He also made a U-turn on his earlier statements that competing at the 2020 US Open would be “impossible” due to strict Covid-19 protocols. If his many fans had hoped the focus would shift to his imperious form in 2020 once he did arrive in New York, Djokovic had other plans. On the eve of the tournament he announced he had resigned as the president of the ATP Player Council to launch the Professional Tennis Players Association and questions about the new body duly dominated his media conferences. Skipping his media obligations on Sunday after his disqualifi cation will cost him up to $20,000 on top of the $250,000 fi ne already imposed. Considering his fi tness and his relative youth compared to Federer, he can probably go on to win the most number of Grand Slams. But despite that it’s unlikely that he would be a contender for the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) honour. Many would fi nd it unfair, but that’s the way it is, especially when it comes to sport.

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© 2020 Gulf Times. All rights reserved A woman checks clothes as she sits at a sewing machine operated by foot pedal, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in this July 24 photograph. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 8, 2020 11 PAKISTAN

Over 70 villages in Sindh We must now turn peace fl ooded

Internews Islamabad into prosperity: Bajwa

Internews were received by their family work and just work”. our blood, passion, action will ver 70 villages in Katch- Rawalpindi members. The general also warned the provide proof of this on every ho area in Dadu and Addressing the gathering, Ba- nation of the perils of fi fth-gen- front,” said the army chief. OJamshoro districts were jwa said that Pakistan had faced eration or hybrid warfare, saying He reiterated that while Pa- fl ooded after rise in Indus river hief of Army Staff Gen- great trials over the last 20 years, that its aim is to “discredit the kistan is a peace-loving nation, in the wake of widespread rains eral Qamar Javed Bajwa with war on the eastern and country and the armed forces, if war is imposed on it, it would across the country and Sindh Chas said that the country western fronts. and to spread chaos”. give a stronger response than the province, while the river cur- had fought hard to attain peace He said that the country also “On this occasion, I would like enemy. rents continued to mount pres- and now it must look to turn this faced natural disasters, such as to turn your attention to another “We showed this by respond- sure on J-spur and RBOD-II sec- peace into prosperity and devel- fl oods and earthquakes, and the challenge. ing to the failed Balakot attack,” tion near Bhago Toro mountain, opment. war on terror. This challenge has been im- said Bajwa. 4km from Sehwan town. His address came during an Bajwa said that thousands posed on us through the fi fth The army chief said that Pa- Sources said that a total of investiture ceremony at the of people were displaced, and generation or hybrid war,” said kistan’s armed forces made a lot 77 villages had been fl ooded army’s General Headquarters in many sacrifi ced their lives. the army chief. of sacrifi ces across the world for in the two districts, prompt- Rawalpindi, on the occasion of He also noted that the country He vowed that the army peace. ing Dadu deputy commissioner the 55th Defence Day on Sunday. successfully fought against the would fi ght against the threat “The world acknowledges the Raja Shahzaman Khuhro to di- During the ceremony, the coronavirus pandemic and the with the support of the nation sacrifi ces of the armed forces,” rect revenue offi cials to vacate all army chief conferred military locust attack. and emerge victorious. he said. villages along the river and shift awards to army personnel for The army chief said that in all The army chief said that Pa- Bajwa added that September people to safe places. acts of gallantry during various those “challenging times”, the kistan seeks peace in the region, 6, 1965, was an “immortal chap- He asked revenue offi cials at operations. country did not lose hope and adding that the country’s key ef- ter” in Pakistan’s history. a meeting to be overcautious, as “Families of shuhada/ghazis fought against the trials head- forts in Afghanistan are a testa- The army chief said that nu- a huge fl ow between 400,000 and senior serving military of- on. ment to this. merous stories of solidarity, pa- to 500,000 cusecs would pass fi cers/soldiers also attended the He said that due to these sac- He also warned that Pakistan triotism, sacrifi ce and bravery under Dadu-Moro bridge be- ceremony,” said a press release rifi ces, Pakistan was peaceful would not be “intimidated” by came to the forefront on that tween September 8 and 9, and it by the Inter-Services Public today. the stockpiling of newly-ac- day, adding that what transpired might inundate more areas area Relations (ISPR). The military’s “Now we have to turn this quired weapons by a neighbour- was a “testament to our cour- General Bajwa: As a nation we have to fight... to turn this peace into in Kachho. media wing said that 40 offi c- peace into prosperity and devel- ing nation. age”. prosperity and development. The chief engineer of Sukkur ers were awarded the Sitara-e- opment. “The armed forces of Pakistan Bajwa said that the day was barrage Irshad Ali Memon and Imtiaz (Military), 24 offi cers and As a nation, we have to fi ght are fully equipped, vigilant and observed throughout the coun- “We are ready today as well to try will never forget their sacri- chief engineer of the irrigation soldiers were awarded the Tam- for it,” said Bajwa, adding that aware,” he noted, adding that try to remember the martyrs of defeat the nefarious plans of the fi ces. department Mohamed Ayoob gha-e-Bisalat, and one soldier the country will have to adopt they would respond befi ttingly 1948, 1965, 1971 and Kargil wars. enemy,” Bajwa said. “Our martyrs are our heroes,” Soomro told reporters that all was awarded the United Nations the principles of unity, faith, and to any move made by the enemy “This day reminds us that we The army chief said that he said Bajwa, adding that nations dykes along the left and right Medal. discipline and follow Quaid- with full force. defeated an enemy much bigger salutes the families of the mar- that forget their heroes are for- side of Guddu, Sukkur and Kotri The medals of the martyred e-Azam’s directives to “work, “Pakistan is a living reality: than us. tyrs and assured them the coun- gotten in history. barrages are safe, and that irri- gation offi cials have stepped up patrolling along embankments. RBOD-II chief engineer Syed Sardar Shah said that irrigation personnel are busy fi ghting fl ood Repeat with the help of machinery near Schools back in session next week Sehwan. He said that the embankments telecast of RBOD-II run parallel to the Punjab, Sindh provinces to The South Asian country has river, and that irrigation offi cials reopen schools in phases recorded 298,903 cases of Cov- are dumping stones and other starting September 15 id-19 and nearly 6,345 deaths, of two TV material at four diff erent places but has seen a slowing of num- to reinforce weak points. Reuters/Internews bers since June, when it record- Mahesh Kumar, irrigation en- Karachi ed nearly 7,000 infections and dramas gineer posted at Manchhar Lake, 118 deaths in single day. said that lake water continues to On Sunday, 394 people test- fl ow into the river through Aral chools in Pakistan will ed positive for Covid-19, and banned canals, dropping its level to 115 begin reopening in phases three deaths were reported. feet. Sfrom next week, follow- Explaining that there is a Meanwhile, Nai Gaaj Nullah ing a fall in new coronavirus need to lessen the density of Internews received four feet more in water case numbers, offi cials said, students in classes, Faisal Sul- Islamabad fl ow, cutting off the land links of ending a long closure that led to tan, the prime minister’s health 300 villages in Kachho with Johi exam cancellations and threw adviser, said that if there are 40 for the past two weeks. students’ grades into chaos. students in a class, it should he Pakistan Electronic The highly-contagious coro- be divided in equal batches at- Media Regulatory Au- navirus causes the Covid-19 tending school on alternate Tthority (Pemra) has K2 nuclear respiratory disease. days. banned the repeat telecast of Higher education institu- Speaking to reporters, he re- HUM TV’s serial Pyar Ke Sadqey reactor completes tions and senior school classes quested that all parents ensure and ARY’s Ishqiya on the thermal testing will reopen on September 15, face masks for children. grounds that they include “im- class six till eight will reopen A surgical mask is not nec- moral” content contrary to so- The China National Nuclear on September 23, and on Sep- essary, as even a mask made of cial and religious values. Corporation (CNNC) has said tember 30 primary classes will cloth will do, he said. In a statement, the author- that the K2 unit at the Karachi reopen, Shafqat Mahmood, the The education minister has ity also revealed that it had is- Nuclear Power Plant in Pakistan federal minister for education, warned punitive action against This picture taken in June shows teachers of private schools during a protest in Karachi to demand sued TV channel ARY an order – the first overseas unit using told a news conference. educational institutions not the reopening of schools. to review Jalan in light of public China’s homegrown Hualong One “It is a diffi cult decision, as it following precautionary meas- complaints about its plot and technology – has successfully involves the future of children,” ures. time in fi ve months, after being tion ministers of Punjab and 21, classes six to eight would content. completed Hot Functional Tests he said, adding that success will Early last month, Pakistan closed to stop the spread of the Sindh provinces confi rmed be opened, and one week after If further complaints are re- (HFT). only be achieved when parents opened gyms, salons and res- coronavirus. that schools in their provinces that, that is September 28, the ceived or if the script is “not The success has laid a solid and teachers play their role. taurants dine-in for the fi rst Yesterday the educa- would reopen in phases from classes from pre-primary to brought in line with Pakistani foundation for subsequent major September 15. fi ve would be opened,” he said values”, the show will no longer processes, including nuclear Punjab Minister for School in a statement. be allowed to air, according to fuel loading and grid-connected Education Dr Murad Raas said Masks would be mandatory Section 27 of the Pemra Or- power generation, China Global on Twitter that schools in in all schools, he said, adding dinance, which prohibits the Television Network (CGTN) Punjab would open in phases: that all schools would have to broadcast, re-broadcast or dis- reported, quoting a CNNC off icial. students in class nine and 10 implement standard operating tribution of a programme or ad- HFT plays a key role in the return on September 15, stu- procedures (SOPs). vertisement if it is deemed likely construction of the nuclear dents in class six to eight return Strict action will be taken to pose a threat to law and order power project, simulating the on September 22, and those in against schools that do not im- or national security, or is porno- actual operating conditions of the class nursery to fi ve will return plement the SOPs, Ghani said. graphic, obscene, vulgar or of- nuclear power plant to verify the to school on September 30. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) fensive. reliability of the main equipment He said that no double shifts and Baluchistan education de- The Pemra said that most and systems under the thermal would be allowed, while all partments have said that they complaints it has received conditions before the reactor is schools would follow the alter- will follow the decision taken against the three drama serials loaded with nuclear fuel. native day schedule, according by the federal government in are about plots centred around It is also a comprehensive to which 50% of total students this regard. what viewers see as the debase- inspection of the quality of would come to school one day Last week, the KP govern- ment of familial relationships. the reactor coolant system while the remaining 50% would ment decided to conduct ran- The regulatory authority add- equipment, pipeline sealing and attend the next day. dom testing of students and ed that media and production welding, as well as the design, Sindh Education Minis- teachers for the coronavirus houses have once again been manufacture, and installation of ter Saeed Ghani also said that once educational institutions warned and asked to review their relevant systems. schools in the province would reopen. content, and that “no matter the Hualong One technology is one open in phases. Offi cials said that the edu- time or capital invested in a se- of the third-generation nuclear “Classes nine and above cation and health departments rial, if its content is contrary to power designs with the highest This picture taken in March shows chairs with roll numbers at an empty examination hall of a school would be opened on Septem- would jointly carry out around Pakistani values and viewers’ acceptability in the current in Peshawar, after Pakistan shut all its schools and universities, and cancelled large gatherings amid ber 15 in the fi rst phase, and one 3,000 random Covid-19 testing expectations, the authority will nuclear power market. coronavirus fears. week after that, on September on campuses daily. ban it without warning”. Garbage piles up in Islamabad after new contractor fails to start work

Internews Islamabad (MCI) spokesperson garbage, forcing her to wait till Ehsanullah, a teenager, who Ehsanullah said that the same G-6, G-7 and G-8, the second for as per Public Procurement Regu- Islamabad Mohsin Sherazi said that the the evening and asking her son to was playing football at Azhar thing happened last year when G-9 and G-10, and the third for latory Authority rules. contractor who had been collect- throw the garbage at the garbage Mehmood Ground at I-10, said sanitation staff stopped collect- I-8, I-10 and the highway. “This year, the contractor de- ing garbage for the last 28 years box placed almost half a kilome- people had also started throwing ing garbage, due to which people The MCI’s own staff collects manded 25% higher rates com- s the contract for garbage failed to win the contract this tre away from her house. garbage in the playing grounds. began leaving their garbage in garbage from the ‘F’ series of sec- pared to last year, while the new- collection in the federal year. “My son told me that the gar- “The very fi rst day when resi- greenbelts and playing grounds. tors and I-9. comer quoted 15% less compared Acapital expired on August On September 1, the sanitation bage box was already full, with dents started throwing garbage He said that last year the staff “Last year, we tried to award to last year’s, and won the con- 31, a number of sectors in the city staff stopped collecting garbage, even the area around the box pil- here, our ball disappeared into stopped collecting garbage due to the contract of whole Islamabad tract,” he said. are starting to look like rubbish due to which people began accu- ing up with garbage. the heap of garbage. After a few non-payment of salaries. to a foreign company, but it de- Sherazi admitted that there depots, because residents are left mulating garbage at home, before “The next day I saw people days, it became diffi cult to stand The MCI’s Sharazi said the sit- manded 138% higher rates. has been an issue of garbage col- with no option but to throw gar- leaving them at the end of their throwing garbage at the end of near the ground due to the smell. uation arose as the former con- “On the other hand, the former lection for the past few days, but bage at the end of their streets, streets, grounds and nullahs. the street, so my son did the “We appeal to the MCI, the tractor failed to renew the con- contractor gave 21%, 19%, and said the new contractor has ar- grounds, in nullahs (storm water Maqbool, a resident of I-10, same. Now there is small rubbish Capital Development Authority tract after its expiry on August 31. 14% lower rates, respectively, ranged for staff and machinery, drains) and even greenbelts. said that the sanitation staff did hill at the end of the street,” she (CDA), and other stakeholders to He said that there were three compared to the previous year’s and has started collection of gar- Metropolitan Corporation of not reach her house to collect said. address the issue,” he said. contracts in the city: fi rst for contract, and won the contracts bage. Gulf Times 12 Tuesday, September 8, 2020 QATAR Ashghal projects make steady progress in face of challenges Ashghal’s roads and citizens’ subdivision projects on track, uninterrupted by pandemic

he Public Works Author- April also witnessed the com- ity (Ashghal) contin- pletion of cars and buses parking Tues to keep pace with its that serve Doha Metro stations roads and citizens’ subdivision including Al Gassar, Education projects despite the Covid-19 City and Al Wakrah. In May, crisis, it was announced yester- nine new contracts for Citi- day. zens’ Subdivision Infrastructure “The roads and citizens’ sub- Projects were signed at a value of division projects are on track. QR3.6bn. Ashghal’s ability to maintain Al Nasr Street and Al Mirqab such progress to plan refl ects its Al Jadeed Street were opened agility and resilience during the for public use while Ashghal an- current exceptional conditions,” nounced the commencement Engineer Saud al-Tamimi Al Tarfa Intersection Al Muaither Street it was explained in a statement. of West Simaisma’s Road and Engineer Saoud al-Tamimi, Infrastructure Development works on Al Sadd Intersection, manager of the Roads Projects Project — Package 1. In June, as well as the start of Roads and Department (RPD), said Ashghal Al Jazira Al Arabiya Street and Infrastructure Project in Al Ebb took a series of measures to curb Al Tarfa Intersection were both and Leabaib – Package 4,” al- Covid-19 spread both in the opened to traffi c along with the Tamimi said. construction project sites and completion of works on Al Rayy- Currently, Ashghal is ramp- offi ces as well as in the accom- an stadium car parking area. ing up construction works of the modation facilities. In July, Ashghal announced roads surrounding the central “We implemented emergency the completion of main upgrad- market in Umm Slal Area where plans with our contractors and ing works on the intersection the progress has reached 85%. consultants. We have success- known as Al Tarfa Intersection The construction works of fully managed to maintain de- and its infrastructure service the roads surrounding the new livery and business continu- utilities, in addition to the con- building of the Immigration Of- ity while strictly adhering to the struction of new service roads. fi ce of the Ministry of Interior in regularly updated health, safety, Upgrading works on Muaither Wadi Al Banat Area is 75% com- workers’ welfare and wellness- Sports Club and Plastic Round- plete. related guidelines and legal re- abouts on Road have During the past few months, quirements. started along with works on several roads were opened to This goal could not have been Roads and Infrastructure Project serve petrol stations in various Al Mirqab Al Jadeed St and Mohammed bin Al Qassim St Intersection Al Nasr Street achieved without the concerted in and – areas of the country. eff orts and continuous co-ordi- Package 2 along with Roads and “Even though Covid-19 cases nation of all workers,” he said. Infrastructure Project in Al Egda are reducing, we are still con- Al-Tamimi, who recalled that Al Heedan and – Pack- tinuing with all the actions that some major accomplishments age 1. were implemented during the were achieved during the pan- Progress on the fi rst phase peak stage in May and June this demic, said completion of roads of Roads and Infrastructure in year. leading to workers’ accommo- West Muaither – Package 3 has The Health and Safety team dation in west of Umm Slal Area reached 60%. of RPD had to review and update and infrastructure works and August was marked by the the health and safety policies upgrading works on Street 1400 completion of the main upgrad- and protocols in order to ensure and Street 300 in Abal Heeran ing works on Umm Al Dome, Al compliance with the govern- area and their opening to traffi c Muaither, and Al Ennabi streets ment precautionary measures was announced in April. along with three signalised in- and to protect our employ- “These are in addition to de- tersections and their opening to ees and the total supply chain livering a road network provid- traffi c. workforce,” he said, adding that ing access to Al Sailiya Central These are in addition to the the focus now is on the lessons Market. Besides, Ashghal also completion of the connect- learned from such an impactful announced the completion of ing and surrounding roads to Al experience and the importance Al Jazira Al Arabiya Street Al Mirqab Al Jadeed St and C-Ring Road Intersection construction works of the main Wakrah Central Market. “Fur- of keeping our crisis manage- tunnel for the foul sewer net- ther, we announced the com- ment and contingency plans al- demic has imposed on us which tingency response and man- and instructions. performance on almost every work serving eight northern ar- mencement of works on package ways updated and ready for ac- have proved to be effi cient to agement plans’. The Crisis Ashghal keeps its projects non-delivery aspect. Al-Tamimi eas and Al Rayyan Stadium and 7 of the Roads and Infrastructure tivation. adopt for the long run,” he said. Management Team at RPD mon- progressing and the Key Per- thanked everyone at Ashghal connecting it to the main Pump Development Project in South of “We are considering the new Ashghal has developed a sup- itors every Covid-19 develop- formance Indicators system that and the entire supply chain for Station,” the offi cial explained. Al Meshaf and the development ways of work that Covid-19 pan- ply chain and ‘outbreak con- ment and provides timely advice was revamped in 2018 tracks contributing their part.

Al Khufoos Street that links three major roads opened

From Page 1 such as Khalifa Interna- integrated with Umm Al tional Stadium, Aspire Jamajim Street which was Ashghal has set up a Zone, Villaggio Mall and opened in 2019 as part of median separating the the Equestrian Club as the 1,500m-long Al Khu- two directions of the traf- well as the many edu- foos Street development fi c in addition to street cational facilities and project providing direct lighting, smart message schools. It serves the ar- traffi c movement be- systems and road signs. eas of , Mehairja and tween Al Furousiya Street Pedestrian and cycle Murraikh. The importance and Al Waab Street, pass- paths on both sides of the of the street increased by ing through Al Khufoos road were completed. its connection to Sabah Al Street. Umm Al Jamajim Al Khufoos Street is lo- Ahmad Corridor which is Street improved traffi c cated in an area that con- of vital importance. movement in the area af- The 3,700m long Al Khufoos Street links Al Furousiya Street in the west and Sabah Al tains many vital facilities Al Khufoos Street is ter its development. Ahmad Corridor to the east and serves Al Murraikh, Al Mehairja and Luaib areas.

Al Khufoos Street will provide a direct traff ic movement from Doha Expressway without the need to use the parallel Al Waab Street to reach Mehairja, Murraikh and Waab reaching directly to Al Rayyan and Muaither from the vital roads.

The opening of Al Khufoos Street coincides with the start of the new academic year. Al Khufoos Street is integrated with Umm Al Jamajim Street which was opened in 2019.