www.thepeninsula.qa Friday 6 March 2020 Volume 24 | Number 8188 11 Rajab - 1441 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 15 SPORT | 18

Opec backs Navarro aims to biggest oil cut improve as Moto2 since 2008 riders get set for crisis new season

FREE Wi-Fi device! Ooredoo FREE installation! Full fun! ONE *Terms & Conditions Apply Sheikha Moza attends Education City Golf Club opening The Education City Golf Comprising 18-hole, nine- hole, and six-hole courses, the Club is designed as Education City Golf Club also a venue for top-class houses a state-of-the-art learning and practice facility within its competitions and aims Centre of Excellence, which com- to encourage people bines modern technology with expert training opportunities. of all ages in Qatar to Anthony Caira, Head PGA learn and enjoy the Professional and Head of the Centre of Excellence at the Edu- game of golf. cation City Golf Club, said: “This is a very special place for golf FAZEENA SALEEM which has the latest technology and provides every possible THEPENINSULA facility for someone to develop and improve as a golfer. We also H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, have highly qualified instructors. Chairperson of Qatar Foun- We are like a university for golf dation (QF), graced the official within the Education City.” opening of the Education City The Education City Golf Golf Club, a world-class Club’s nine-hole course is sporting and community venue. floodlit, enabling people to enjoy The official opening of the a round of night-time golf, with facility marked golf stars from the club also providing a range around the world play their of fitness classes and offering opening rounds in the latest golf lessons for individuals, edition of the Commercial Bank H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser with H E Salah bin Ghanim Al Ali, Minister of Culture and Sports, and H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al groups, and children. Qatar Masters 2020. Thani, during the inauguration of the Education City Golf Club, yesterday. PIC: AISHA AL MUSALLAM “This is a fantastic place with H H Sheikha Moza was some of the best practice facil- joined by H E Sheikha Hind bint “Through the opportunities to the array of publicly-available, professional golfer Catriona Golf Club, as it helps the sport ities in the world. It opens the Hamad Al Thani, Vice-Chair- it offers and its ethos as a venue, community-focused facilities at Matthew were also present becomes more a part of the way for beginners, children, stu- person and CEO of QF, H E Salah the Education City Golf Club Qatar Foundation while also sup- during the opening ceremony of community and offers a new dents and professionals to enjoy bin Ghanim Al Ali, Minister of reflects Qatar Foundation’s com- porting Qatar’s national tourism the Education City Golf Club. destination for all age groups the game of golf and feel the ben- Culture and Sports and other mitment to promoting healthy, goals and enhancing the nation’s Commercial Bank Qatar and all community members, efits it brings in terms of physical dignitaries who toured the Edu- active lifestyles and the impor- global profile as a sporting desti- Masters has moved from its as well as international players,” fitness, mental stimulation and cation City Golf Club and wit- tance of wellbeing, and empha- nation,” she added. previous home at Doha Golf said Alfardan. social interaction,” Martin Steel, nessed the professionals and sises the fact that sport is for all,” Hassan Al Naimi, President Club for the first time in its The Education City Golf PGA Professional at the Edu- beginners play golf. said Machaille Hassan Al Naimi, of Qatar Golf Association; Joseph 23-year history. Club is an inclusive facility on cation City Golf Club, said. The Education City Golf President of Community Devel- Abraham, Group CEO of Com- “We have been committed many levels, especially the aca- Another important feature Club is designed as a venue for opment, Qatar Foundation. mercial Bank of Qatar; Omar to supporting this tournament demic level, as it offers many of the Education City Golf Club top-class competitions and “We look forward to wel- Hussain Alfardan, Managing for over 17 years, and we are opportunities for those aspiring is the women-only tuition area aims to encourage people of all coming people from across Qatar Director, Commercial Bank of very glad today to host the to practice golf, whether they which seeks to supposrt the ages in Qatar to learn and enjoy and beyond to experience the Edu- Qatar; Keith Pelley, CEO of the Commercial Bank Qatar are beginners, advanced, or growth of women’s golf in the game of golf. cation City Golf Club, which adds PGA European Tour and leading Masters at the Education City professional players. Qatar. `P2 ‘COVID-19 patients had no Entry for Qataris, contact with community’ GCC citizens using IDs suspended FAZEENA SALEEM plane and quarantined. Eve- QNA — DOHA THE PENINSULA ryone who came by this plane are tested and we found only Government Communications A senior official at the Ministry eight cases and others were Office (GCO) said yesterday that of Public Health (MoPH) tested negative,” he said. Qatari citizens and citizens of the yesterday confirmed that the “We assure that the infected Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) patients diagnosed with Coro- have not had any contact with countries entering Qatar or trav- navirus Disease (COVID 2019) the community members since elling to other Gulf countries should were not in contact with the their arrival. The infected were use their passports, instead of ID community. admitted to the Communicable cards as a precautionary measure Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Disease Center and kept under against the Spread of COVID-19. Hamad Al Thani, Director of complete isolation. We con- “In line with Qatar’s efforts to take Public Health at MoPH, in a tinue to monitor others in quar- all the necessary preventive measures video message said that antine for symptoms of COVID to limit the spread COVID-19, all chances of COVID 2019 out- 2019 and will test them again Qatari citizens and citizens of the GCC Prime Minister meets delegation of US Attorneys break in Qatar are still very before they complete the quar- countries entering the State of Qatar low. “As of March 4, Qatar has antine period to assure that no or travelling to other Gulf countries Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani met eight confirmed cases of person infected with the disease should use their passports and not yesterday with a delegation of US Attorneys, on the occasion of their visit to the country. The meeting COVID 2019, which are all come into the community,” he their ID cards as of 6 March 2020,” focused on reviewing bilateral cooperation, in addition to discussing issues of joint interest. coming from Iran in the same added. `P2 said GCO in a statement yesterday. QVC in Philippines to start recruitment Qatar urges UNHRC to raise efforts to protect journalists of domestic workers from March 15 in occupied Palestine QNA — DOHA activated through the Qatar Al Mohannadi added that Center with the required doc- Visa Center in Manila on March the procedures in Qatar Visa uments, which include QNA — GENEVA Al Hammadi said that the The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has 15, will cover all domestic Centers will be as brief as pos- (passport, appointment letter, State of Qatar appreciates the said that the mechanism of workers, which will contribute sible, including cancelling the educational qualifications if The State of Qatar called on the important role individuals and recruitment of domestic workers to the finalisation of recruitment visa stamp, which will facilitate necessary, and the Philippine Human Rights Council to organisations play in enhancing will be activated through Qatar procedures in an easy and the procedures for its issuance, Department of Labour increase its efforts in protecting human rights during peace and Visa Center in the Philippine accurate way through verifi- in addition to some other pro- certificate). journalists and activists in the war time. He added that the capital, Manila, from March 15, cation of the employment con- cedures that reduce time and Regarding the delegation, Al occupied Palestinian territories, State of Qatar stresses the within the framework of facili- tracts and their documentation effort. Mohannadi stated that the who lose their lives trying to tell importance of protecting tating procedures for applicants. by the Ministry of Adminis- Al Mohannadi gave a pres- applicant can authorise the the truth. Qatar called on the activists and journalists from This came during an intro- trative Development, Labour entation on the procedures that recruitment office to carry out Special Rapporteur on the situ- all violations against them. ductory conference organised and Social Affairs before they are being implemented at Qatar his transactions through the ation of human rights defenders Al Hammadi noted that the by the Ministry yesterday, rep- leave their country, in addition Visa Center in the Philippine application of Metrash 2 or to pay special attention to them State of Qatar hosted on Feb- resented by the Visa Support to the procedures for medical capital, Manila, the recruitment through the electronic services in future reports. ruary 16 and 17 a summit on Services Department regarding examination and vital data. mechanism, and the mech- of the Ministry of Interior, or This came in the speech of social media and the challenges the activation of this mechanism Al Mohannadi added that a anism for authorising any of the ministry’s service the State of Qatar, delivered by facing the means to support and the procedures followed in number of new services will be recruitment agencies, in sites. Third Secretary at the interna- freedoms and protect activists. this regard, in the presence of activated, which will provide addition to the contact points In September, 2019, the tional organisation’s The event was organised by the the owners and representatives more facilities that will serve providing the necessary State of Qatar inaugurated the department at the Ministry of National Human Rights Com- of recruitment agencies oper- all the recruitment agencies information. Qatar Visa Center in Manila, Foreign Affairs, Mohammed Al mittee and the High Commis- ating in the country. through the existing cooper- He noted that upon com- within the framework of the Hammadi at the United Nations sioner of Human Rights, the The Director of Visa Support ation between the Ministry of pletion of the procedures of the project (Qatar Visa Centers Human Rights Council in European Union, the Interna- Services Department Major Administrative Development, Philippine Department of Abroad), which was launched Geneva during an interactive tional Federation of Journalists, Abdullah Khalifa Al Mohannadi Labour and Social Affairs with Labour and Employment, an in 2018 and targets a number dialogue with Special Rap- and The Global Alliance of said during the conference that its counterpart in the appointment is reserved for the of labour-exporting countries porteur on the situation of National Human Rights this mechanism, which will be Philippines. applicant to visit the Qatar Visa to Qatar. human rights defenders. Institutions. 02 HOME FRIDAY 6 MARCH 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY FAJR04.36 am SUNRISE 05.52 am o o Misty to foggy at places at first becomes moderate temperature daytime with some clouds, relatively cold by night. ZUHR 11.45 am ASR 03.07 pm 15 C 26 C Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 02:33 – 12:43 LOW TIDE 10:25 – 19:40 MAGHRIB 05.40 pm ISHA 07.10 pm W ALRUWAIS: 16o↗22o W ALKHOR: 14o↗24o W DUKHAN: 16o↗23o W DOHA: 15o↗26o W MESAIEED 11o↗26o W ABUSAMRA 16o↗23o

H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, during the official inauguration of the Education City Golf Clubesterday. y The state-of-the-art club was designed by Masters Champion Jose Maria Olazábal. PIC: AISHA AL-MUSALLAM Sheikha Moza attends Commercial Bank Qatar Masters 2020 Education City Golf Club opening FROM PAGE 1 begins at Education City Golf Club “The Education City Golf THE PENINSULA — DOHA Club is different and unique from any golf club in the world. Commercial Bank Qatar Masters 2020 The technology and facilities officially opened yesterday and will be in the hitting studios differen- held until March 8 at Education City Golf tiate it from the others. We aim Club. The opening was attended by H H at making good athletes and Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson human but not just golfers,” of Qatar Foundation, who inaugurated said Rache l Choi, PGA Profes- the Education Education City Golf Club sional at the Education City to coincide with the Commercial Bank Golf Club. Qatar Masters 2020 tournament. “The women-only tuition Abdul Rahman bin Hamad Al Attiyah, area allows ladies to play golf member of the Commercial Bank Board at a comfortable and private of Directors expressed his pride in the place,” she added. continued success of Commercial Bank Qatar Masters golf tournament, which COVID-19 patients contributed to establishing Qatar’s had no contact with position for world-class sporting events. “The tournament is the annual long- community awaited sports and social event. The will FROM PAGE 1 of our country and its wise leadership inspire us the determination and strength While, MoPH in a social to organise and sponsor such world-class media campaign has released events that raise the name of Qatar on complete information about the international map. The credit in this how to protect from COVID achievement goes to the wise leadership 2019, and what measures the of the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin health authorities have taken Hamad Al Thani, and his national vision to protect the population from in making Qatar the focus of attention the disease. of the whole world,” he said. The messages also empha- “On behalf of myself and the sised that public should avoid Chairman and members of the Com- calling 999 for enquiries mercial Bank Board of Directors, I am related to COVID-19 and said delighted to acknowledge the great that the number is for medical H H Sheikha Moza was praised for the opening of the Education City Golf Club, the new sports facility, as well as her continued efforts made by Qatar Foundation emergencies requiring imme- efforts in developing the level of sport related to youth.PIC: AR AL-BAKER headed by H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser diate medical attention and to enhance education, creativity, inno- transfer to an emergency vation and sustainability to serve the ships,” said Al Attiyah. the participants in organizing this big enhance golf in Qatar.” department. community,” Al Attiyah added. He also confirmed that achieving the event. Hussein Al Abdulla, EGM, Chief Mar- For all questions and He also congratulated H H Sheikha desired goals will become easier with Joseph Abraham, Group Chief Exec- keting Officer at Commercial Bank said: enquiries related to COVID-19, Moza on the opening of the Education the opening of the new sports facility at utive Officer of Commercial Bank said: “We would like to thank our colleagues members of the public should City Golf Club, the new sports facility, as Education City Golf Club, which wit- “Our continued sponsorship of the Com- in the Qatar Olympic Committee, Qatar call the Ministry of Public well as her continued efforts in devel- nessed yesterday, for the first time the mercial Bank Qatar Masters tournament Golf Association, Doha Golf Club, and Health’s dedicated hotline on oping the level of sport related to youth. start of the competitions of the Com- over many years demonstrates Com- the European Tour for their cooperation 16000. “Our fruitful and continuous cooperation mercial Bank Qatar Masters golf tour- mercial Bank’s support for Qatar’s Vision in contributing to the success of this Separately, as World Health with the Olympic Committee, Education nament in the twenty-third edition of to be a global sports hub and host to event for the fifteenth year in a row. Organization warned that con- City, and Qatar Golf Association will cer- the European Tour with the participation major international sporting events. We Commercial Bank seeks to provide the taminated cash may spread tainly help to reinforce and combine our of the best champions and professional are very pleased the tournament is being best golf experience ever for players and COVID 2019, some local banks efforts to showcase to the world the golfers competing vigorously to win the hosted at the beautiful new Education attendees alike, and this year we are urged their customers to use endless opportunities that Qatar can unique Mother of Pearls Trophy. Com- City Golf course which is the largest in pleased to host this exciting tournament contact-less debit and credit offer to the sports sector, as a global des- mercial Bank, in its capacity as the Title the Middle East with state of the art at the Education City Golf Club, which is cards instead of cash to reduce tination for international champion- Sponsor of the tournament, welcomed training facilities which will further a new addition to the tournament.” the risk of infection spread. New Chairman and members Ministry of Foreign Affairs concludes workshop on appointed to Board of international, regional human rights mechanisms Directors of Ooredoo QNA — DOHA The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has THE PENINSULA — DOHA Ooredoo also concluded its training workshop announces the appointment on the role of national mechanisms Ooredoo announced of new members in the in preparing reports and following yesterday the appointment Board, Essa Hilal Al Kuwari up on recommendations and of Sheikh Faisal bin Thani Al and Yousef Mohammed Al working with international and Thani as Chairman of the Obaidly, replacing Ali regional human rights mecha- Board of Directors of Shareef Al Emadi and nisms, organised by the Human Ooredoo Group, as of 5 Mohammed bin Issa Al Rights Department at the ministry. March 2020. Mohannadi effective The Department had Sheikh Faisal succeeds March 5. organised the workshop in coop- Sheikh Abdulla bin The management and eration with the United Nations The participants at the workshop. Mohammed bin Saud Al employees of Ooredoo Human Rights Training and Doc- Thani, who had held the extend their warm thanks umentation Center for South- of Qatar by advancing the four during the closing session that the He thanked the partners of position of Chairman of the to Sheikh Abdulla for all the West Asia and the Arab Region main tasks and roles of the training workshop have achieved Qatar in the UN and the trainers Board of Directors of milestones reached and in Doha, in addition to the Treaty national mechanisms for the desired goals and enriched the whom represent different relevant Ooredoo since 2005 and was achievements made across Body Capacity Building Pro- reporting and following-up, in participants knowledge. He authorities in the country. By his instrumental in the restruc- Ooredoo Group during his gramme in the Office of the High addition to studying regional and emphasized that everyone will side, The Director of the UN turing and regional tenure as Chairman, and Commissioner for Human Rights international comparative expe- work to exploit what they received Human Rights Training and Doc- expansion of Ooredoo, thank the former members (OHCHR) in Beirut. riences in establishing national from the workshop to serve the umentation Center for South-West steering the company’s of the Board for their val- It was also with the partici- mechanisms for implementation, State of Qatar. Furthermore, His Asia and the Arab region, Dr. growth from a single- uable contributions. Oore- pation of representatives of dif- reporting and following-up. Excellency added that More Abdulsalam Sayed Ahmed, said nation telecom operator to doo’s management and ferent ministries, institutions and Assistant Director of the training courses will be organized that the workshop is contributing a group operating in 10 employees pledge their full relevant civil society organiza- Human Rights Department at the on several topics during the in strengthening capabilities in the countries spanning North support for Sheikh Faisal tions. The workshop aimed to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E coming period, with the aim of national mechanism for preparing Africa, the Middle East and and wish him the very best achieve the enhancement of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Youssef raising capabilities and exchanging reports and following-up on Southeast Asia. in his new role. national experience in the State Jassim Al Thani, said in his speech knowledge and expertise. recommendations. FRIDAY 6 MARCH 2020 HOME 03 Foreign Minister praises Qatari-German bilateral ties

QNA — BERLIN The Deputy Prime Qatar, Germany and other countries were key partners in Deputy Prime Minister and Minister and Minister accomplishing this step, Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E of Foreign Affairs, H E expressing his aspiration for Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul- Sheikh Mohammed bin continued partnership and coop- rahman Al Thani said that the eration in maintaining and leadership and people of Qatar Abdulrahman Al Thani, building this agreement to com- are satisfied with the level of said that the State of plement the intra-Afghan dia- bilateral relations with Germany, Qatar fully supports logue initiated by the State of looking forward to strengthening Qatar and Germany in cooper- and developing them. the German efforts ation with other friendly coun- At a joint press conference to achieve peace and tries. His Excellency stressed that with Minister of Foreign Affairs stability in Libya. the State of Qatar is fully prepared of the Federal Republic of to support German efforts in this Germany, H E Heiko Maas, in regard and work together to Berlin, His Excellency said that Minister and Minister of Foreign achieve the desired sustainable there are multifaceted partner- Affairs noted the very delicate peace in Afghanistan. ships between the State of Qatar conditions through which the His Excellency said that the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al and the Federal Republic of region is going, adding that his State of Qatar fully supports the Thani yesterday met separately with President of the French Senate, H E Gerard Larcher, President of Germany at the political and meeting with H E the German German efforts to achieve peace the French National Assembly, H E Richard Ferrand, Member of the French Senate and President of the economic level and at the level Foreign Minister discussed at and stability in Libya. “We of coordination in regional length the peace process in expressed our support for the French-Gulf Friendship Group in the Senate, H E Jean-Marie Bockel, Head of the Foreign and Defense issues, adding that the current Afghanistan and the signing of Berlin process and the willingness Affairs Committee of the French National Assembly, H E Marielle de Sarnez and Head of the French- Qatari-German economic part- the peace agreement between of the State of Qatar to cooperate Qatari Friendship Group in the French National Assembly, H E Pascal Brando, during His Excellency’s nership is estimated at more the United States of America and and support Germany in this path, visit to France. The meetings reviewed bilateral cooperation relations, in addition to issues of common than €30bn, while looking the Afghan Taliban in Doha on hoping that the Libyan brothers concern. Earlier, H E the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Minister for forward to increasing the volume February 29, hoping that this will enjoy stability.” Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, H E Jean-Yves Le Drian. They reviewed bilateral of Qatari investments in agreement will be the first step He stressed that the State of relations and the situation in Libya and Idlib, in addition to issues of common concern. Germany, within Qatar’s confi- for a sustainable peace process Qatar will carry on its com- dence in the strength of the in Afghanistan. mitment and support to the H E the Deputy Prime Min- the State of Qatar is committed consultations on other regional German economy and in the H E Sheikh Mohammed bin brotherly Libyan people and its ister indicated that the meeting to supporting Sudan and real- issues and matters that are of strength and capacity of German Abdulrahman Al Thani just cause to reach the system presented an opportunity to talk izing the goals of the brotherly concern to the Gulf security, and companies and their future, expressed Qatar’s gratitude to of government that they aspire about other regional issues, Sudanese people to achieve sta- those related to the Iranian nuclear expressing his aspiration for more Germany for its continuous to, adding that Qatar will be the valuing the role that Germany bility and prosperity. His Excel- agreement and how to maintain cooperation in various sectors. support to the peace process in first to respect the choices of the plays in the Sudan Friends lency said he was looking it, calling on all parties to engage H E the Deputy Prime Afghanistan, pointing out that Libyan brotherly people. Group, while pointing out that forward to completing in diplomatic solutions. Minister of Justice meets members of the US House Qatar, Oman conduct joint search and rescue exercise QNA — MUSCAT teams during international to obtain the necessary skills and crises, and to carry out the experience required to provide the Lekhwiya’s Search and Rescue guidelines of the UN’s Interna- best service. It comes as part of the Team has carried out a joint tional Search and Rescue cooperation with INSARAG, with exercise with its counterpart Advisory Group (INSARAG). The the goal of saving lives and from the Sultanate of Oman’s exercise also aimed to enhance property in times of crises. Public Authority for Civil bilateral ties and exchange INSARAG had recommended Defense and Ambulance. expertise in the field. member states engage in joint The exercised aimed to The exercise included simu- exercises to develop the capabil- enhance joint cooperation lations of search and rescue oper- ities of their teams in facing inter- between search and rescue ations that would enable the teams national crises and disasters.

Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi met yesterday with a number of members from the US House of Representatives, who are currently visiting the country. During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation in the fields of legal and legislative cooperation, and how to develop them. The delegation visited the Ministry of Justice’s Legal and Judicial Studies Centre where they were briefed on the Qatari legal experience and legal training programs provided by the Center to various entities and institutions. The two sides discussed strengthening of cooperation in this area, including the organization of The members of Lekhwiya’s Search and Rescue Team and Sultanate of Oman’s Public Authority for programs and workshops and the joint legal action. Civil Defence and Ambulance, pose for a photograph. Exhibition throws light on Algeria’s struggle against colonialism NMoQ galleries to close from Sunday RAYNALD C RIVERA at Katara Building 19. THE PENINSULA Addressing the opening THE PENINSULA — DOHA event, the Algerian Chargé Black-and-white photo- d’Affaires underlined the The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) graphs that cast light on depth of relationship that will close its galleries to the public over Algerian people’s struggle exists between Qatar and the Spring period commencing Sunday, against colonialism are on Algeria in different fields at bringing forward plans to complete display at an exhibition which various levels. He stressed some system updates and maintenance opened on Wednesday at that the exhibition was sig- to the permanent galleries. Cultural Village Foundation nificant as it falls within the The Museum said in a statement yes- (Katara). commemoration of the terday that this is to ensure that visitor Organised in line with Victory Day, which is con- experience remains optimal. The the 58th anniversary of sidered the culmination of the museum’s playgrounds, shops, res- Algeria’s Victory Day, “The struggle of the Algerian taurant, café, and the much anticipated Historical Epic of the Algerian people for 132 years in order exhibitions: Splendors of the East and Struggle Against Colonialism” to gain freedom and Rewind will remain open. exhibition is presented by independence. Katara in cooperation with He also noted the support Qatar gifts hundreds of the Algerian Embassy in given by Arab countries Qatar. including Qatar during this books and references to Saif Saad Al Dosari, significant period in Algeria’s Somali Diplomatic Institute Director of Human Resources history. Department at Katara and The exhibition is divided QNA — DOHA Nasr Eddine Larabeh, Charge into important periods in Saif Saad Al Dosari (second left), Director of Human Resources Department at Katara, with d’Affaires at the Algerian Algeria’s history covering the The State of Qatar has gifted the Diplo- other officials and guests at the opening of “The Historical Epic of the Algerian Struggle Against Embassy, led the launch of Algerian occupation and rev- matic Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Colonialism” exhibition on Wednesday at Katara Building 19. the two-week long exhibition olution extending from 1830 Affairs and International Cooperation of the sisterly Federal Republic of to 1954, then from 1954 to Algerian Islamic scholar Somalia hundreds of books and scien- 1962. Abdelhamid ben Badis, the tific references in various fields of On show at the exhi- meeting of tribal leaders political science and strategic studies, bition are a number of pho- and scholars, and various provided by the Diplomatic Institute at tographs dating back to the pictures of the Algerian the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs. period capturing Algerian struggle and the Muja- In a ceremony attended by Minister people’s struggles against hideen, that had a great of Foreign Affairs and International the colonizers. Also fea- role in the success of the Cooperation of Somalia, Ahmed Issa tured are photos of the Algerian revolution. Awad; Ambassador of Qatar to Somalia, struggles of National Liber- The exhibition also show- H E Hassan bin Hamza Hashem handed ation Army and the cases a set of Algerian publi- over the books and references to important role Algerian cations on culture, urbanism Director of the Somali Diplomatic women and children played and other fields providing Institute Yusuf Alasow Mohamud. The during the revolution. visitors an idea of Algeria’s Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and The Arab and interna- history and its current state International Cooperation extended his tional dimension of the of affairs. thanks to Qatar for its continued and Algerian revolution as well The Algerian Embassy diversified support to his country. Qatar as sport and art during the and Katara has had strong Fund for Development (QFFD) has fully revolution are also featured partnership with the latter rehabilitated and built the diplomatic in a section in the hosting exhibitions and per- institute of the Somali Ministry of exhibition. formances in the past fea- Foreign Affairs, to reopen it again in Among the notable turing Algeria and Algerian December 2019 after being closed for a images on show are artists. The exhibition open period of 29 years, as a part of a package Some of the photos on display “The Historical Epic of the Algerian Struggle Against Colonialism” photos of Emir for public viewing at Building of development projects provided by exhibition. Abdelkader, prominent 19 until March 17. Qatar to the brothers in Somalia. 04 GULF / MIDDLE EAST FRIDAY 6 MARCH 2020 Erdogan, Putin seek to defuse Syria crisis at Moscow talks

AGENCIES — MOSCOW “The loss of life is always a great tragedy. Unfortunately, as I told you on the phone, no one, The Russian and Turkish leaders yesterday met including the Syrian military, knew about their in Moscow in the aftermath of an attack in Syria’s (Turkish soldiers) whereabouts,” he added. Idlib which led to the martyrdom of at least 34 Putin went on to say that the Syrian regime Turkish soldiers. forces have suffered great losses in Idlib, the last In his opening remarks in Kremlin, President opposition stronghold in Syria. Vladimir Putin thanked his Turkish counterpart “We need to talk about the situation that has Recep Tayyip Erdogan for accepting his invitation developed to date, so that nothing like this for talks on the recent escalation. happens again, and so that it does not destroy the “Thank you for coming. There is always some- Russian-Turkish relations, which I, and as I know, thing to talk about, but now the situation in a you too, treat very carefully,” he said. well-known area — Idlib, has escalated so much The Russian leader said the meeting will start that it requires our direct, personal conversation,” with one-on-one talks and then continue in an he said, offering his condolences over the fallen expanded format. soldiers. Erdogan said the decisions taken at the

Russian strikes kill 15 civilians in NW Syria: Monitor Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, yesterday.

AFP — MAARET MISRIN, SYRIA meeting will ease tensions in the region and in in Syria, and pull back behind lines agreed under Turkey. Turkey maintains that the regime and its a 2018 deal with Russia brokered in Sochi. Russian air strikes killed at least 15 civilians allies have consistently broken the terms of the The Kremlin, which launched an air war in including a child in Syria’s last major opposition 2018 cease-fire and a new one that started on support of Assad in 2015, sees it as a key success bastion of Idlib yesterday, a Britain-based war January 12, launching frequent attacks inside the of Putin’s foreign policy — with newfound clout monitor said. territory. and military bases in Syria that establish Moscow The strikes after midnight targeted an area Besides civilian casualties, this has led to an as a major player in the Middle East. where displaced Syrians had gathered outside influx of asylum seekers along the Turkey borders. Ankara says Russia is not fulfilling part of the the town of Maaret Misrin, the Syrian Observ- In response, Ankara launched Operation deal that guaranteed no attacks on Idlib and the atory for Human Rights said. Spring Shield against regime targets. status quo on the ground. A rescuer carried in the body of a baby girl, Turkey’s soldiers are stationed in north- Turkey officially declared an operation against her pink pyjamas caked in dust. western Syria to protect the local population. the Assad government over the weekend. It has At the site of the strikes, two large one-storey Ankara has urged Russia to live up to the peace since downed three Syrian warplanes and killed buildings lay mostly in rubble near green agreements and ensure an immediate cease-fire dozens of soldiers and allied fighters, according An explosion is seen following Russian air strikes orchards, and rescuers operated bulldozers to in the region. to monitors. UN special envoy for Syria Geir Ped- on the village of Al Bara in the southern part of comb through the debris. “The entire world has its eyes fixed on us,” ersen urged Putin and Erdogan to find an “imme- Syria’s northwestern Idlib province, yesterday. The strikes destroyed the poultry farm where Erdogan said at the start of the talks, stressing diate diplomatic solution” to the crisis “that could the displaced families had been living, and that decisions were needed to “calm the region spare civilians further suffering”. dozens of chickens could be seen picking critical condition. The Observatory says it deter- and our two countries”. Washington urged Europe to get behind through the dust. mines what plane carried out a strike according The Syrian government’s attempt to take Idlib Ankara’s military operation yesterday, with the The Observatory said the death toll was to flight patterns as well as the munitions and has forced close to a million civilians to flee their US special representative for Syria, James Jeffrey, likely to rise further as many wounded were in aircraft involved. homes. Ankara wants Assad’s forces to cease their saying in Istanbul: “We are pressing the Euro- assault on the province, the last rebel stronghold peans to contribute a great deal.”

Kuwait reports Iran official death toll from coronavirus rises to 107 first recovery

AFP — TEHRAN a televised press conference. The city of Qom, south of The minister called on Ira- Namaki added. Photos pub- from coronavirus The Iranian year ends on Tehran, is the epicentre of Iran’s nians to stay home and said lished by state news agency Iran yesterday reported 15 new March 19 and national holidays coronavirus outbreak and even the special coronavirus IRNA showed checkpoints at ANATOLIA — KUWAIT CITY deaths from the novel corona- then last until early April. where its first deaths were committee he chairs will hold Tehran-Qom highway where virus, raising the national toll to “People should not consider reported on February 19. its meetings remotely online. drivers and passengers were Kuwait yesterday announced 107, and said it would keep this as an opportunity to go Authorities have since Limitations on domestic checked for fever. the first recovery in a corona- schools and universities closed travelling,” the minister said. scrambled to halt its rapid movements will intensify with According to the minister, virus case in the country, the until early April. “They should stay home and spread. more checkpoints across the the government is considering state media reported. But the number of the dead take our warnings seriously. “But there is some good country. incentives for nurses and par- Health Minister Basel Al could be higher, according to a “This virus is highly conta- news, of the increasing rate of “If we identify anyone at amedics who voluntarily Sabah said that the patient’s tally reported by state news gious. It is a serious matter, do recovery,” Jahanpour said, city entrances suspected of transfer to centres and hospitals tests showed that a 36-year- agency IRNA. not joke about it.” noting that 739 of the confirmed infection or infected with the fighting the virus, and is also old Kuwaiti citizen is no longer Data gathered by the agency The country also reported cases had made recoveries. virus we will certainly quar- considering alternatives to cash infected with the novel virus, from medical universities 591 additional confirmed cases The southern province of antine them for 14 days,” in daily transactions. said the official KUNA news across Iran as of Wednesday of the COVID-19 illness, Bushehr reported its first three agency. He said the citizen will night show at least 126 have bringing the total to 3,513 confirmed cases yesterday, with be discharged after having all died, as it lists the toll in Tehran infected. COVID-19 now officially Three dead from coronavirus in Iraq; required regular tests. and Gilan — two of the worst- “Until today, samples have infecting all of Iran’s 31 Earlier yesterday, the hit provinces — as “unknown”. been taken of 23,327 suspected provinces. Friday prayers cancelled in Karbala Kuwaiti Health Ministry con- Iran has already suspended cases, only 3,513 of which have Namaki asked people not to firmed two new cases of the major cultural and sporting been confirmed,” said ministry travel as it is “very dangerous” ANATOLIA — BAGHDAD coronavirus, taking the events and reduced working spokesman Kianoush and said reports show “many number of total cases to 58. hours across the country, which Jahanpour. cars on the roads are taking the Friday prayers have been cancelled in Karbala, the holy city of According to a Kuwaiti is one of the worst hit after According to Jahanpour, virus with them” to uninfected Iraq, in a move to curb the coronavirus outbreak. health official, the two new China. Tehran province is the worst- areas. Local officials made the announcement yesterday citing the cases contracted the virus after “Schools and universities hit with 1,352 confirmed cases, “If you do not treat the sit- “current health situation in Iraq”. visiting Iran, and they have will be closed until the end” of followed by Qom with 386, uation with special care we will Iraqi authorities have reported three deaths and confirmed been in quarantine. the current Iranian year, health Gilan with 333 and Esfahan with be struggling with this disease 35 cases of the virus, officially known as COVID-19. Kuwait has evacuated minister Saeed Namaki said in 238. for a long time,” he said. around 800 citizens from Iran. Palestine restricts West Bank tourism, A leading publishing house is looking for an experienced cancels sport events over virus fears AFP — BETHLEHEM

The Palestinian authorities Graphic Designer announced measures to prevent the spread of new coronavirus yesterday, after the first suspected cases in the occupied West Bank. The response included a two- Qualifications week ban on tourists visiting cities P Should be proficient in Photoshop, InDesign and and sites in the occupied West Bank, and the cancellation of major Illustrator sporting events and other large P Ability to design advertisements gatherings. The Church of the Nativity was P Ability to meet strict deadlines closed yesterday afternoon and is among the sites expected to be shut- P Ability to work independently tered until March 20. “We have decided to prevent the P Five-year experience in similar field Palestinian police officers wearing protective masks stand guard after a entry of tourists for a period of 14 hotel was quarantined due to a number of suspected cases, in Bethlehem, P Previous experience in newspapers preferred days and to prevent hotels in all West Bank, yesterday. cities from receiving foreigners,” tourism minister Rula Maayah said. Duties and responsibilities The measures followed the first results later. Asbed Balian, senior confirmed cases of the disease, has suspected cases in the West Bank of cleric of the Armenian church at the banned arrivals from Italy and P Design and lay out magazines, the disease, which has spread Church of the Nativity, said that imposed stringent measures on newspapers and supplements rapidly across the globe after infected visitors entered the site. other European nations in a bid to emerging in China. “People affected by corona contain the disease. P Work with advertising and marketing coordi- The Palestinian health ministry visited the church,” he said. “It will Israel and the United States also nators to design advertisements for clients announced a number of suspected be closed for 14 days and they are scrapped the remainder of a joint cases had been detected at a hotel going to spray antiseptics.” military exercise in Germany P Work on special marketing projects as needed in the Bethlehem area. Israel controls all entrances to yesterday. The head of the local health the West Bank from the Jewish state The Israeli army also announced directorate, Imad Shahadeh, said a but the Palestinian government has that from noon today (Friday) all group of Greek tourists had visited limited autonomy in cities. forces would be prevented from Qualified candidates are the hotel in late February, with two Schools, universities and leaving Israel, whether “on personal invited to send their CVs to: later diagnosed with the virus. mosques in Bethlehem were also trips or on duty.” More than 95,000 Four suspected cases have since closed yesterday. people have been infected and over been identified among hotel The Palestine Marathon, 3,200 have died worldwide from the [email protected] workers, he said. scheduled for March 27, has been virus, which by Thursday had The health ministry said it was postponed. reached some 80 countries and still testing and would release final Israel, which so far has 15 territories. FRIDAY 6 MARCH 2020 ISLAM 05 Four ways to overcome envy RAIIQ RIDWAN

mong the first diseases to hit the children of Adam was the disease of Jealousy. Our Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) first hadA two sons and two daughters. As there were no other people present at that time, Allah allowed siblings to marry one another, as long as they are not twins. The two sons, Habil and Qabil (Abel and Cain in the Bible) were thus betrothed to the two daughters of Adam (PBUH). However, what Qabil thought was that the wife betrothed to him was worse off than the one that was to be the bride of his brother. That was the beginning of a very destructive jealousy, which ended in Qabil killing his own blood brother Habil later on. That is how terrible jealousy can be. It is like a fire which burns the one who has it and those around him. The jealous person may even try to hurt the one he is jealous about but the one he hurts the most is his own self. Because he is preoccupied with what is in the hands of someone else, he is in a constant state of pain, anger and frustration. Jealousy ruins the heart and soul of the one who is jealous. It ruins our good deeds as well. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Beware of envy, because it devours good deeds just like a fire con- sumes wood.” (Abu Dawud, 4903) But what exactly is jealousy or envy? Shaykh Salman Al Oudah writes: “Envy refers to the desire that a person feels for the destruction or to go to the edge of kufr (disbelief). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Do not be jealous removal of a blessing that another This is because envy is questioning person has — a destruction which the of the decision of Allah. It is almost like of each other, do not boycott each other, do not hate each other, do bearer of this feeling would himself saying: “I hate that Allah gave that carry out if he had the power to. person this, but He did not give me.” not contrive against each other. Be all of you brothers to each other, O This is quite different to wanting It is almost like saying: “I deserved Servants of Allah.” such blessings for oneself while not it, but Allah doesn’t understand.” wishing for them to be removed from It can be as bad as muttering: others, for that is, indeed, a positive “Allah made a mistake!” (Sub- and commendable desire that leads to hanallah). We seek refuge in Allah envier when he envies.” (113:5) share with Satan and the rest of the ourselves of who Allah is. It is Allah competition. from all such thoughts and inclina- Envy can be deadly, and therefore disbelievers a love for crises to befall who decides our provisions. The fact Competition is not considered tions. And thus Allah asks that we should take care of the situation of the believers and for blessings to leave that he has given something to blameworthy in general, rather it is question in the Quran: our heart and seek to rid it from our them. These are evils in the heart that someone and not given it to us is part considered to be praiseworthy if it is Do they envy people for what Allah soul. Imam Al Ghazali teaches us about devour good deeds and erase them like of divine wisdom that we do not under- in pursuit of righteousness.” has given them of His bounty? (4:54) letting go of envy in his book Ihya the night erases the day. stand all the time. Do we not put our Envy or Jealousy can be so serious It is an evil disease of the heart that Uloom Deen: The person who suffers from envy trust in the One upon whom depends that it can, not only cause our good can lead to foul manners. It leads to “Be aware that envy is one of the in his life is tortured by it, and will all of the universe, or do we put our deeds to disappear, but also cause us animosity, hatred, thinking evil of deadliest diseases of the hearts, and always be in sorrow every time he sees trust in our own flawed minds? others, backbiting, tale-bearing, lying, there is no medicine for the diseases the blessings of Allah upon the envied Thirdly, it is to understand that We need to remind and the abandonment of other Muslims of the heart except through knowledge person.” whatever we get or not get on earth is — all of which are major, major sins. and deeds. a test. Do we not see celebrities and ourselves of who Allah is. It may lead its possessor to inflict The knowledge that will treat the How to Break Free from Envy feel jealous of their popularity at times? It is Allah who decides our physical harm on the person whom he disease of envy is to know, without any So then how do we cure this And yet, we see these same celebrities envies and can even lead to murder, doubt, that envy is lethal for a person’s disease? going through mental health problems provisions. The fact that as we saw in the story of Habil and worldly life as well as his religion, and There are four points I would like and saying “I just want to live a normal he has given something to Qabil. that there is no danger from it to the to mention: life again.” The person whom you are Thus the Prophet Muhammad envied person regarding his life or his Firstly, we have to be grateful. Allah being jealous of might be going through someone and not given it to (PBUH) ordered his ummah: religion; on the contrary, the envied has created us, fashioned us, and has a test that you have no clue about. us is part of divine wisdom “Do not envy one another; do not person will actually benefit from it. given us all that we have. If we were Fourthly, make du’a. Whenever you that we do not understand hate one another; do not turn your The fact is that envy is actually dan- to count the blessings of Allah, never see something in someone and you feel back on one another (in discontent); gerous for the envier’s religion because would we be able to finish counting. jealous, make du’a. Make du’a that all the time. Do we not put but be slaves of Allah as brothers.” it is through this envy that he hated For us to forget the millions of blessings Allah purifies your heart. Make du’a our trust in the One upon (Al Bukhari, 6076 and Muslim, Allah’s predestination and the blessings we have and to focus on the blessings that Allah does not harm someone else 2558 b) that He divided among his slaves; he of someone else is —in short— being due to your jealousy. Du’a is the whom depends all of the Jealousy can be so bad that Allah also hated His justice that He estab- ungrateful. Whenever Satan pushes us ultimate resource of the believer, and universe, or do we put our has taught us to seek protection from lished in His world due to His Wisdom; to be jealous of something someone du’a is a door that is always open. May it on a regular basis! Among the Surahs therefore, the envier contested that and has, let us remind him and ourselves Allah (SWT) make us more loving and trust in our own flawed of protection from danger is Surah Al objected to it. This is contrary to belief of the millions of blessings that we have clear our hearts from all traces of envy. minds? Falaq, and among its verses is seeking in the Oneness of Allah. that others do not have. Ameen refuge in Allah from “the evil of the Additionally, the envier would Secondly, we need to remind www.onislam.net

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) presented What the Prophet gave humanity a perfect model of ADIL BIN ALI ASHSHADDY that there is to be no compulsion in the elderly, regardless of social status. He their minds, to discover the universe brotherhood among acceptance of religion. The Prophet established a set of sublime principles; around them, and to acquire human beings. He taught ome non-Muslim westerners also clarified the rights of non-Muslims one example being in the speech he knowledge. He confirmed that God wonder what Prophet Muhammad who do not wage war against Muslims gave during his farewell pilgrimage in rewards such deeds at a time when sci- that no race is superior S(peace and blessings be upon him) and guaranteed protection of their which he declared strict prohibition of entists and intellectuals in other civi- to another for all are offered to humanity. This question is lives, children, property, and honour. transgression against people’s lives, lizations were suffering persecution raised particularly after incidents of Even today in many Muslim countries property, and honor. and accusations of heresy and blas- equal in origin and equal defamation targeting the Prophet’s there are Jewish and Christian citizens He laid down these principles more phemy, being terrorised in prisons, tor- in responsibilities and honourable character by western living in peace and security, in contrast than 1,400 years ago, long before the tured and often killed. media. to the Spanish Inquisition when world knew of the Magna Charta in 9. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) rights. So, it is our duty to answer these Muslims were exterminated in an 1215, the Declaration of Rights in 1628, came with a revelation from God, pre- questions and to highlight what our ethnic cleansing that violated all basic the Personal Freedoms Law in 1679, senting a religion compatible with Prophet gave to humanity and the human principles. the American Declaration of Inde- human nature, a way of life that sat- equal in responsibilities and rights. world. Aided and guided by God’s rev- 4. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was pendence in 1776, the Human and isfies the needs of the soul and those One’s degree of faith and piety is the elation, the Prophet (PBUH) con- a mercy sent by God to all peoples Citizen Rights Charter in 1789, and the of the body, and establishes a balance only criterion for preference. His Com- tributed the following: regardless of race or faith. In fact, his worldwide Declaration of Human between worldly deeds and those done panions were given equal opportunities 1. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) teachings include mercy even to birds, Rights in 1948. for the Hereafter. to belong to Islam and serve the transferred humanity from obedience animals, plants, and inanimate beings. The Prophet presented to the world It is a religion that disciplines religion. Among them were Suhayb, a and submission to other men to the He forbade harming them without right a perfect model of brotherhood among human instincts and desires without Byzantine, Bilal, an Abyssinian, Salman, worship and submission to God alone, or reason. human beings. suppressing them completely as a Persian, and many other associating nothing with Him. Conse- 5. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) 7. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ele- happens in some other cultures which non-Arabs. quently, humanity became free from showed unparalleled respect for and vated the importance of morality in were absorbed with ideas contrary to In conclusion, each of these ten servitude to other than God, and this appreciation of all the prophets who human life. He called for good human nature, depriving religious men points requires further details and is the greatest honor for mankind. preceded him, among them Abraham, manners, honesty, loyalty, and chastity, of such natural human rights as mar- explanation. What Prophet Muhammad 2. Through revelation from God, Moses and Jesus (peace and blessings and strengthened social bonds such as riage and of such natural reactions as (PBUH) offered humanity is too Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) liberated be upon them all). being dutiful to parents and relatives, anger toward transgression. This led detailed to be mentioned in this brief the human mind from superstition, One who denies or disrespects any always putting into practice what he most members of these civilizations to outline. There is also a great deal that deception, and submission to false of the prophets cannot be a Muslim. preached. reject religious teachings and become has been said about him by objective objects of worship as well as those con- Islam regards all of the prophets as one He prohibited and warned against absorbed in the material world, which researchers from the East and West cepts contrary to reason. This includes brotherhood, inviting people to the negative behaviours such as lying, caters only to their bodies while leaving after they studied the biography of this the claim that God had a human son, belief that there is no deity worthy of envy, betrayal, fornication, and disre- their souls in a miserable state. great Prophet. and that idols and stones can harm worship except God, who is the one spect of parents, and he treated the 10. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) God’s Blessings and peace be upon people. true God. problems stemming from these grave presented a perfect model of broth- Prophet Muhammad as well as upon 3. His message laid the foundations 6. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) social diseases. erhood among human beings. He all other God’s prophets, his family, for tolerance among people. In the Holy defended human rights for both males 8. Through the revelation from God, taught that no race is superior to Companions, and followers. Quran, God revealed to His Prophet and females, for the young and the His Messenger invited people to use another for all are equal in origin and www.onislam.net 06 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA FRIDAY 6 MARCH 2020 Tripoli’s civilian airport attacked amid diplomatic impasse CAIRO AP — Four missiles Salame’s period to be the worst had hit Mitiga of all envoys,” said Abdul-Qader The only civilian airport in the Hwaili, a member of the High Libyan capital of Tripoli came International Airport Council, an advisory body to the under direct attack by eastern- late Wednesday, said Tripoli-based government. based opposition forces, “Under his watch, Libya authorities in the capital said Amin Al Hashemi, witnessed several offensives, yesterday, as diplomatic efforts spokesman for the the destruction of cities and the to end the war continued to current siege on the capital.” falter. health ministry in Haftar’s forces attacked the Four missiles had hit Mitiga Tripoli. A Grad rocket capital last spring, plunging the International Airport late also struck several country into an intensified Wednesday, said Amin Al round of fighting that has killed Hashemi, spokesman for the homes nearby, hundreds of civilians and dis- health ministry in Tripoli. A sending shrapnel placed over 150,000 people. Grad rocket also struck several Salame, an academic and homes nearby, sending crashing into one seasoned diplomat who cut his Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara gestures to members of the Congress in Yamoussoukro shrapnel crashing into one fam- family’s dining room. teeth uniting Iraqi factions after yesterday, announcing he would not run in October’s election, and so ending months of speculation ily’s dining room. the US-led invasion, “was over whether he would seek a third term. At least 20 more missiles facing a Herculean challenge struck the tarmac earlier in the the Tripoli-based government in Libya,” said Wehrey. His week “causing structural damage,” and its rival eastern-based failure to get both sides to Ivory Coast’s Ouattara says including to a commercial aero- administration. solidify even a basic cease-fire plane. Flights were diverted to the His abrupt departure, which points to “broader international coastal city of Misrata. There were caught UN Security Council disorder” and the weakness of no reports of causalities. members by surprise, “comes the flouted UN arms embargo. he won’t run for re-election The eastern forces under the at a perilous time,” said Fre- Libya’s chaos has worsened as command of Khalifa Haftar deric Wehrey, a senior fellow foreign backers increasingly REUTERS — YAMOUSSOUKRO before lawmakers that he predecessor, Laurent Gbagbo, accuse the Tripoli government of at the Carnegie Endowment for intervene, despite their pledges to would hand over power to a refused to concede defeat. using the landing strip to receive International Peace, as the pos- the contrary at a high-profile peace Ivory Coast President Alassane new generation after 10 years Around 3,000 people died in foreign weapons and fighters. sibility looms “that both sides summit in Berlin earlier this year. Ouattara said on Thursday he in office. the violence. The renewed fighting will now take the gloves off.” Turkey has sent armoured would not stand for “I have decided not to be Political tensions have been around the capital comes days Libyan factions across the drones, air defences and more re-election in October, ending candidate in the Oct. 31 presi- on the rise in recent months after the United Nation’s envoy political spectrum, which have recently Syrian militants with speculation about his political dential election and to transfer after the government issued an for Libya abruptly quit his post, long expressed doubts about links to extremist groups to future ahead of a highly-antic- power to a new generation,” arrest warrant for Guillaume throwing new doubt on the UN’s efforts, gloated over prop up the embattled UN- ipated vote. Ouattara said, prompting Soro, a presidential candidate whether a diplomatic solution Salame’s departure. backed Tripoli government. Ouattara had previously applause, cheers and gasps and former rebel leader whose to the conflict was possible. “Ghassan Salame escaped On the other side, Russia said he would run if two of his from audience members in the forces swept Ouattara to power Ghassan Salame tied his before the boat sank,” said has deployed hundreds of mer- longtime political rivals were capital Yamoussoukro. in 2011. resignation to his health, saying Hamad Al Bandaq, member of cenaries to boost Haftar’s candidates, defying opponents Ouattara was first elected Ouattara’s two main rivals, he could no longer take the the Tobruk-based House of Rep- assault. The United Arab who say the constitution does president of Ivory Coast, the Gbagbo and another former stress. Last week he appeared resentatives, the eastern-based Emirates and Egypt also back not give him the right to seek a world’s leading cocoa producer, president, Henri Konan Bedie, deeply frustrated over mor- body allied with Hifter. “He failed Haftar with fighter jets, drones third term. in a 2010 election that sparked have not yet said whether they ibund political talks between from the beginning.” “I consider and mine-resistant vehicles. But he declared in a speech a brief civil war when his will be candidates in October. South Africa’s UN food aid chief fears for Africa, Mideast amid crises capital city AP — AMMAN the world, and there is an eco- would happen in the next six amount for additional aid The leaders of Russia, placed under nomic downturn, I have been months. You could see desta- needed, but suggested it would which backs the Syrian gov- The head of the UN’s food aid telling the European leaders, bilization unlike any time be in the billions of dollars. ernment, and Turkey, which agency warned of “absolute and leaders around the world, period, maybe in my Beasley spoke after a tour backs the rebels, were meeting administration devastation” in Africa and you don’t have enough money lifetime.” of Syria’s northwestern Idlib in Moscow on Thursday to try parts of the Middle East in set aside to address the needs In the Middle East, Iran has province, the country’s last to avert further calamity. But REUTERS — JOHANNESBURG coming months if wealthier in Africa, East Africa, West been hardest hit by the new rebel stronghold, where hun- any deal will likely bring only nations grappling with an Africa, in the Middle East right virus which has spread around dreds of thousands of a temporary halt in the pun- South Africa’s Tshwane economic downturn linked to now,” Beasley said during an the globe after first being civilians have been displaced ishing offensive by the military municipality, which houses the new coronavirus don’t step interview in Jordan late detected in the Chinese city of in recent weeks by a Russian- of Syria’s President Bashar the capital Pretoria, was up aid efforts in countries in Wednesday, after a visit to Wuhan late last year. There backed Syrian government Assad, which threatens con- yesterday placed under need. Syria. are over 3,740 cases of the offensive. tinued suffering for the 3 administration by the David Beasley, head of the “If there is an economic virus across the Mideast, with UN agencies, including the million people trapped in Idlib. provincial government, citing World Food Program, told The downturn, on top of the eco- most linking back to the WFP, are distributing aid in Beasley appealed to mismanagement and irregular Associated Press that the con- nomic downturn that exists Islamic Republic which also Idlib, but are often hampered leaders on all sides of the expenditure. vergence of several crises now in Syria and Lebanon, it confirmed dozens of deaths. by logistics problems, Syrian conflict to end the war, The municipality has in could further destabilise con- absolutely could be a catas- Only a small number of cases including shifting front lines, which has raged for nine recent months been plagued flict-scarred regions. trophe,” he said. “I mean has been reported in Sub- access restrictions and roads years. “Enough is enough,” he by service delivery protests “If the corona virus con- absolute devastation. I am Saharan Africa so far. clogged by large numbers of said. “Too many people have and political fights as the tinues to create panic around very concerned about what Beasley did not give an people on the move. suffered too long.” African National Congress (ANC) party and the ultra left Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) look to stop the main Sudan June crackdown opposition party the Demo- cratic Alliance (DA) from leading the municipality. killed 241: Rights group A DA-led coalition won the mayoral seat in highly AFP — KHARTOUM violent attacks against pro- contested 2016 local gov- democracy protesters that ernment elections that saw Sudanese security forces delib- killed up to 241 people and the ANC lose control of the erately killed 241 people in a injured hundreds more,” the municipality. crackdown on a pro- report released Thursday said. Two mayors have democracy protesters in June, The group said its findings resigned since the DA-led an international rights group were based on multiple witness coalition took charge, with the said yesterday. testimonies, consultations with latest resignation happening It was the deadliest episode health workers and analysis of last week. of a months-long protest thousands of online footage Gauteng Premier David movement that kicked off in and images of the dispersal. Makhura, speaking after the late 2018 and led to the ouster “Sudanese security forces parties failed to agree a new of veteran president Omar Al were responsible for perpe- mayor and how to best Bashir in April 2019 and to trating unconscionable acts of manage the municipality, civilian rule later that year. violence against pro-democracy said that its council had Thousands of Sudanese demonstrators,” said the report. been dissolved and fresh protesters had camped outside Those acts included “extra- elections would be held in the army headquarters in judicial killings and torture, 90 days. Khartoum demanding Bashir’s excessive use of force, sexual Makhura said the local Zweli Mkhize, South African Minister of Health, addresses the South African Parliament during a ouster and kept up their sit-in and gender-based violence, government’s decision also briefing on the coronavirus in Cape Town, yesterday. even after his departure to and the forced disappearance follows unauthorised, protest against military rule. of detained protesters,” it irregular, fruitless and On June 3, armed men in added. wasteful expenditure flagged S Africa reports first coronavirus case military fatigues moved in on Phelim Kine, PHR’s by the auditor general, and fla- the protest camp and dispersed research and investigation grant disregard of the pro- AFP — JOHANNESBURG The case was detected in have been infected and over thousands of demonstrators. director, called the dispersal curement process, “which has the country’s eastern Kwa-Zulu 3,000 killed worldwide since In the ensuing days-long “an egregious violation of eroded good governance in the South Africa yesterday Natal province. the virus first emerged in China crackdown, scores were killed human rights”. city.” confirmed its first case of the The patient and his wife in December. and wounded. PHR called on UN member “At the same time,...the novel coronavirus, a were part of a group of 10 South Africa is preparing to Doctors linked to the states to sanction Sudanese city is facing serious chal- 38-year-old male who travelled people who arrived back in repatriate 184 of its citizens — protest movement have said at officials responsible for the lenges given its current ina- to Italy, Health Ministry South Africa from Italy on comprising students, teachers least 128 people were killed in violence. bility to pay all its creditors announced. March 1. and other professionals the violence. Authorities gave In August, Sudan’s military and the serious problems it is It is the first case in Two days later, on March 3, working in China’s Wuhan, the a lower death toll of 87 and leaders and others from the experiencing in terms of southern Africa, and the latest he consulted a private general epicentre of the epidemic. denied ordering the sit-in protest movement leaders revenue collection,” he told confirmed case in sub-Saharan practitioner with a fever, The government’s infor- dispersal. formed a civilian-majority journalists. Africa after Nigeria and Senegal. headache, sore throat and a mation department also But in a scathing report body to rule the country for a Makhura said an adminis- “This morning,... the cough. announced that two South titled “Chaos and Fire”, the US- transitional period of three trator will be announced in National Institute for Commu- Italy has emerged as the Africans working on the cruise based NGO Physicians for years. seven days to run the city. Pre- nicable Diseases confirmed that European hotspot for the ship Diamond Princess who Human Rights (PHR) said the The new authorities set up toria contributes about 25% to a suspected case of COVID-19 deadly virus with the national had initially tested positive for crackdown was a “massacre” in October an independent the economy of the province, has tested positive,” Health death toll at 107, the deadliest the virus, “have now tested that claimed 241 lives. commission to investigate the which also includes Minister Zweli Mkhize said in a outbreak outside China. negative and will shortly be “Sudanese security forces events of June 3. The team has Johannesburg. statement. More than 90,000 people making their way home”. launched a series of planned, yet to release its findings. FRIDAY 6 MARCH 2020 ASIA 07 As India coronavirus cases spike, experts daunted by prospect of South Asia spread REUTERS — MUMBAI India shut all primary hugely difficult in South Asia’s schools in the capital more unruly cities. India has ramped up the “The way Indian society is screening of travellers to keep New Delhi until the end structured, the kind of the coronavirus at bay but a of March yesterday lockdown that many countries flurry of new cases has experts including China and Japan have warning that it may be hard to and imposed new instituted, is pretty much contain a spread in densely restrictions on travel impossible even under good cir- populated South Asia with its cumstances,” said Vivekanand generally poor medical infra- from Italy and South Jha, executive director of the structure. Korea as part of efforts George Institute for Public India shut all primary Health, in New Delhi. schools in the capital New Delhi to fight the spread of India’s total confirmed until the end of March yesterday the coronavirus. coronavirus rose to 29 on Doctors and health volunteers demonstrate preventive measures to commuters using public transport and imposed new restrictions Wednesday, from six early this against the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in Bengaluru, India, yesterday. on travel from Italy and South week. The coronavirus, which Korea as part of efforts to fight emerged in China late last year, the spread of the coronavirus. and China, as well as sus- has infected more than 95,000 the potential for the virus to non-communicable disease have a capacity to cope with a Prime Minister Narendra pending visas of any travellers people globally, and killed more spread its dense population was epidemics,” said Dr Rajib Das- big emergency with the given Modi postponed a trip to who had been to those five than 3,200, most of them in a focus of serious concern. gupta, who is a professor of resources,” Shahid Malik, sec- Brussels for a summit with EU countries since February. China. India’s government says it community health at the Jawa- retary general of the Pakistan leaders later this month. Delhi’s deputy chief min- Some health experts fear has screened more than one harlal Nehru University in New Medical Association, said. “Both sides have agreed that ister announced in a tweet that that even with the recent spike million travellers, boosted its Delhi. Bangladesh has not con- due to health authorities all primary schools in the in cases, India’s actual tally testing capabilities and set up Prime Minister Narendra firmed any cases of the corona- advising against travel between capital would be closed to could be much bigger. isolation wards in all major Modi’s government says it is virus but five Bangladeshi regions, it would be wise to prevent the possible spread of “There is a strong possibility cities with international confident of its ability to arrest workers have tested positive in reschedule the summit to a the coronavirus. that the number of cases in airports. the spread of the virus. Singapore. later, mutually convenient India, Pakistan and Bang- India is much higher than what But 450 million of India’s 1.3 “Coronavirus is a challenge, Bangladesh’s health min- date,” foreign ministry ladesh are home to some 1.7 has been detected,” Arunkumar billion people are estimated to but the government of India has istry said more than 300,000 spokesman Raveesh Kumar told billion people, or more than a G, director of the Manipal be migrants, with vast numbers taken all initiatives to ensure people have been screened at a news conference. fifth of the world’s population, Institute of Virology, said, citing packing its rail and road that it is stopped,” said DV airports and other border entry Travellers that have visited but their over-stretched health a virus incubation of up to two systems daily meaning con- Sadananda Gowda, Minister of points. But one passenger was Italy or South Korea will now systems could struggle to weeks. trolling any spread would be a Chemicals, who oversees the not impressed by what he con- be required to show a certificate handle the type of intensive Fears were fanned this huge challenge. pharmaceuticals sector. sidered lax screening upon of having tested negative for care required for coronavirus week when India’s health min- India’s high number of dia- Neighbouring Pakistan has arrival in the capital, Dhaka. coronavirus, a temporary patients. ister disclosed that 16 foreign betics — 77 million — and high found five coronavirus cases. A “Many of us could skip the measure to be enforced from On top of that, a prevalence tourists who have tested pos- rates of problems like kidney top health official was gloomy screening. Just imagine what next week, a government of existing health problems such itive had been touring since disease could lead to higher about the prospects of tackling would happen if someone statement said. as diabetes could spell trouble mid-February. morbidity, or protracted a major outbreak. infected with the virus enters. India has also suspended while the sort of sweeping Last week, US intelligence treatment, experts said. “We don’t have human It’ll be a total disaster,” Farid most visas issued to nationals restrictions China has imposed sources said that India’s “One particular risk of India resources, we don’t have the Yamin, a Bangladeshi working of Japan, South Korea, Italy, Iran to stifle the virus would be available countermeasures and is the co-existence of other required inventory, we don’t in Singapore, said. Japan coronavirus cases cross 1,000 mark City of London revokes honour REUTERS — TOKYO granted to Myanmar’s Suu Kyi Japan’s confirmed coronavirus over treatment of Rohingya infections rose above 1,000 on Wednesday, most from a quar- AFP — LONDON antined cruise liner, as Olympics organisers dismissed The City of London Corporation speculation that the Tokyo yesterday revoked an honour Summer Games could be granted to Aung San Suu Kyi cancelled. (pictured) over the treatment Twenty-three new infec- of minority Rohinghya Muslims tions had been reported by in Myanmar. Wednesday night, from Elected representatives on Yamaguchi prefecture in the the body that runs London’s west to Hokkaido in the north, historic centre and financial underlining the virus’s spread district voted to revoke the across the country and raising freedom of the city granted to questions about whether the Suu Kyi three years ago. Games, due to start in late July, The move followed her can go ahead. appearance, as Myanmar’s The virus is spreading civilian leader, at The Interna- worldwide, with South Korea, tional Court of Justice in The Suu Kyi was originally Europe and Iran hit hard, and Hague to personally defend her awarded the honour, which A security guard (right) at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government office checks the body temperature several countries have reported country against allegations of dates back to 1237, in May 2017 of a visitor at the reception, in Tokyo, yesterday. their first confirmed cases, rape, arson and mass killings in recognition of her “non- taking the total to some 80 against Rohinghya victims. violent struggle over many nations hit with the flu-like Twelve people have died in organising committee on its total to 82, the highest among “Today’s unprecedented years for democracy and her illness that can lead to pneu- Japan, six from the cruise chip, Wednesday said it had stepped Japan’s prefectures. In western decision reflects the City Cor- steadfast dedication to create monia. The number of cases in the health ministry said. up measures to protect runners Japan, Ehime reported its poration’s condemnation of the a society where people can live mainland China, where the out- The president of the Tokyo and spectators for the torch second case and Yamaguchi humanitarian abuses carried in peace, security and break originated in December, 2020 Olympics said the option relay, which starts this month. announced its first. out in Myanmar,” said David freedom”. reached 80,270, while the death of cancelling the Games was not The number of visitors will be “Given how the coronavirus Wootton, chair of the com- She attended the award toll had risen by 38 to 2,981 by on the table, responding to limited and the runners will be was spreading throughout the mittee that deals with Honorary ceremony herself, during a tour March 3. deepening speculation of a monitored, the committee said country, I thought it would only Freedoms. of Europe, but faced protests There have been more than delay or cancellation. in a statement. be a matter of time before a “The argument for the even then at the plight of the 125 deaths outside China. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Tokyo has 40 confirmed case was confirmed in removal of the award had been Rohingya. The new cases in Japan has asked schools to close this coronavirus cases, while infec- Yamaguchi,” Tsugumasa much strengthened by Aung Previous recipients of the pushed the total over 1,000, month, companies are encour- tions have been reported as far Muraoka, the prefecture’s gov- San Suu Kyi’s close association honour include Britain’s according to calculations — 706 aging employees to work from south as Okinawa. ernor, told reporters. with Myanmar’s government wartime leader Winston are from the Diamond Princess home and sporting events are The northern island of “We will be doing all we can at the (Hague) hearing, as well Churchill, anti-apartheid cruise liner, quarantined for being cancelled or played in Hokkaido reported three new to prevent the spread of the as her lack of response” to the leader Nelson Mandela and sci- weeks off Yokohama. empty arenas. The Tokyo 2020 cases on Wednesday, bringing virus.” committee’s letters. entist Stephen Hawking. Thai full moon party cancelled Sri Lanka due to coronavirus fears seizes AFP — BANGKOK announced — and then swiftly rescinded — an order for all record drugs A popular full moon party in inbound travellers from 11 southern Thailand known for countries and territories to haul at sea its raucous revelry has been undergo quarantine, sending cancelled because of the coro- waves of concern on Twitter AFP — COLOMBO navirus, an official said among Thais and foreigner yesterday, the latest hit to a visitors. Two foreign trawlers packed tourism industry which foresees Yesterday, the palace with over $33m worth of heroin a loss of six million visitors this mouthpiece Royal Gazette said and crystal methamphetamine year. four countries — South Korea, were seized in Sri Lanka’s The full moon party on Italy, Iran, and China, including biggest-ever drugs bust at sea, a southern island Koh Phangan Macau and Hong Kong — would navy spokesman said yesterday. — which draws some 10,000 be classified as “high-risk Troops found 400km of partiers each month — will be areas”. heroin and 100km of the drug “ice” the latest casualty, according to But details on whether on board the two vessels, a local official. foreign travellers from the four spokesman Isuru Sooriyabandara Sri Lankan police personnel stand next to packages containing drugs seized by the Sri Lanka’s Navy “To prevent the spread of countries would be subjected said. The street value of the seized at sea, in the Colombo suburb of Dikkowita, yesterday. COVID-19, (the business asso- to a two-week quarantine were narcotics was estimated by offi- ciation) has voted to suspend not immediately announced. cials to be $33.5m. the party,” Somchai Somwong, Thailand currently has 47 The vessels, as well as a Sri of the foreigners were not dis- intercepted in international waters initial investigations suggested the Koh Phangan’s acting district confirmed cases of the corona- Lankan fishing boat, were yes- closed by authorities. some 1,100km from Sri Lanka’s Iran-Pakistan coast was the point chief, announced Thursday. virus. The latest announced terday escorted to a harbour near “The two foreign vessels were coast. of origin. In 2016, the navy arrested The cancellation comes the Thursday include a 42-year-old the capital Colombo. trying to offload the drugs onto a Sooriyabandara said investi- 10 Iranians, two Pakistanis and one week the Thai government Thai man and a 29-year-old Sixteen foreign crew and five Sri Lankan fishing boat,” Sooriya- gators were checking GPS data on each from India and Singapore for plunged tens of thousands of Italian man, who is currently Sri Lankan crewmen were bandara said. board the vessels to establish the allegedly trying to smuggle 110kg holiday plans in doubt. hospitalised in Chonburi detained for questioning, Sooriy- The foreign vessels, which route and the point of origin. of heroin into the island nation via Its health minister province. abandara added. The nationalities carried no registration, were Authorities said a trawler. 08 VIEWS FRIDAY 6 MARCH 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

EDITORIAL A general view of participants at the session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.

Concerted efforts against COVID-19 Qatar: Efforts in combating violent AS the new strain of coronavirus, COVID-19, spreads extremism and terrorism should conform around the world, medical professionals and author- ities are doubling up efforts to contain the virus from spreading further. to international human rights standards World Health Organisation said yesterday that the spread of the COVID-19 infection can be contained QNA belief in the importance of pro- and controlled but will need concerted response by moting understanding and con- all the governments. The State of Qatar has affirmed structive dialogue between civili- “We are calling on every country to act with speed, that efforts to combat violent zations, religions and cultures, it scale and clear-minded determination. This is not the extremism and terrorism should has established institutions con- The State of Qatar time to give up. This is not a time for excuses. This is conform to international human cerned with spreading the attaches great a time for pulling out all the stops,” WHO’s Director rights standards and that a culture of peace and combating importance to education General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a The State of comprehensive approach that is violent extremism, the most briefing. evaluated and monitored and important of which are Qatar and employment in Many countries like Qatar has already set in place Qatar believes based on security, legal, political, Committee for the Alliance of order to counter violent proper procedures to be followed and has put its that violent economic and social visions must Civilization (QCAC) and Doha medical machinery on alert to face any situation arising be taken. International Center for Inter- extremism. from the spread of the virus. It also helps that Qatar extremism and This came in a statement faith Dialogue (DICID), she has already in place a very modern medical infra- terrorism are delivered by Second Secretary of added. and employment in order to structure staffed by competent professionals. the State of Qatar’s Permanent She also said that the State of counter violent extremism, as it A senior health official also made it clear in a cross-border Mission to the United Nations Qatar, represented by the Shura has implemented many related statement that all the coronavirus cases reported so phenomena Office in Geneva Afra Al Saleh Council, signed a memorandum programs and initiatives, among far are among people evacuated from Iran on a char- during the interactive dialogue of understanding (MoU) with the the most important are the tered plane and taken to quarantine as they arrived and not limited with the Special Rapporteur on United Nations, represented by efforts of the Education Above All in Doha. They didn’t have any contact with other com- to nationality, the promotion and protection of the Office of Counter-Terrorism, Foundation which, in cooper- munity members and the chances of an outbreak in race, religion, human rights while countering aiming at providing a framework ation with a number of interna- the country is very small, the official assured. terrorism, within item (3) of the for cooperation to enhance the tional partners, has been able to As a responsible citizen or resident, we should all ideology or agenda of the 43rd session of the role of parliaments in countering provide education services to follow the instructions of competent authorities and gender. Human Rights Council. terrorism and the conditions more than ten million children try to educate others who doesn’t have access to Al Saleh said that the State of related to this phenomenon. who are not enrolled in school, such information. Ministry of Public Health has pub- Qatar believes that violent An Office of the UN Counter- besides the contribution of the lished many infographics explaining what coronavirus extremism and terrorism are Terrorism Programme, which Silatech Foundation in an is, what precautions to take, whom to call for more cross-border phenomena and will be concerned with the par- effective way to address the issue information and all the measures Ministry has already not limited to nationality, race, liamentary participation in pre- of unemployment among young put in place. These are available on their social media religion, ideology or gender, venting and combating ter- people through training and handles or can be accessed through media outlets adding that they have devas- rorism, will be established in employment programs in many like The Peninsula or other recognized newspapers. tating impact on human rights, Doha, she said. countries, the Second Secretary It is very important that we follow only genuine democracy and the rule of law. The State of Qatar attaches of Qatar’s Permanent Mission to news coming from official sources as many fake news Out of the State of Qatar’s great importance to education the UN said. are floating around on social media. Before you forward or share an information, please do check the authenticity and source of the news. Sharing fake information and creating panic is not only punishable Europe relied on Turkey to solve its migrant problem. by law but also a big disservice to the society. Instead of panicking, try to understand the situ- ation and act responsibly, thus helping the author- Now a political fight threatens to revive a crisis ities to control and contain the situation. Consult a health professional or call the hotline if you or someone false promises into this des- the political authority of the small refugee boat capsized you know have any similar symptoms. A little bit of perate situation,” she added. multistate bloc and spurred near the Greek island of caution is needed in this kind of situations and by fol- But Turkish President the growth of right-wing and Lesbos. lowing the instruction of health authorities we can Recep Tayyip Erdogan said nativist movements across the The tensions over easily tide over these hiccups. Wednesday that if Europe continent. incoming migrants coincide were serious about resolving In March 2016, Brussels with rising public anxieties in the migration problem that signed a deal with Ankara that Europe over the coronavirus JAMES MCAULEY has festered since 2015, it sought to limit the number of and its spread — often in THE WASHINGTON POST would join Ankara in migrants coming into Greece places without any clear con- thwarting the offensive led by via Turkey — many from war- nection to the original out- D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR The European Union has Russian-backed forces in torn Syria — in exchange for break in China or its sec- announced plans to reinforce Syria’s Idlib. billions of euros in aid. ondary clusters in Iran and EMAIL: [email protected] security at the Greek border “All other approaches But with the hope of pres- northern Italy. to stop a new wave of outside of this will move the suring Europe to get help in Right-wing nationalists EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 migrants — and warned European Union, which is Syria, and after the death of have seized on the virus as FAX: +974 4455 7758 Turkey not to use the already wallowing in the mire 33 Turkish soldier in Idlib, an excuse to pursue hard migrants as political pawns. of xenophobia and racism, a Turkey has let migrants flow line anti-immigrant policies. MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 Ankara on Wednesday coun- little further from its own west. The government of Hun- tered that the Europeans were values,” he said. Erdogan has claimed that garian Prime Minister Viktor DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 violating their professed Turkish officials claimed Turkey now faces a spiraling Orbán announced that it moral values. a migrant was killed in a number of people fleeing the “has indefinitely suspended LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 Frontex, the EU’s border clash with Greek author- Idlib offensive and does not access to border transit and coast guard agency, said ities on Wednesday. The have the capacity to with- areas for asylum seekers” BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 it is working with Greece to Greek government categor- stand a second wave of due to potential risks from deploy a rapid intervention ically denied the charge, refugees. the virus. SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 team to Greece’s land and sea accusing Turkey of dis- He has further needled “We observe a certain link borders. pensing “fake news tar- European leaders with lan- between coronavirus and ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 “Our first priority is geted against Greece.” guage that echoes the appeals illegal migrants,” said Gyorgy email: [email protected] making sure that order is Tensions between the of migrant activists who have Bakondi, a national security maintained at the Greek EU and Turkey have been long decried what they see as adviser to Orbán. He did not PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 external border, which is also high in recent days since the EU’s indifference to explain the nature of that email: [email protected] a European border,” Ankara announced that it human suffering. “certain link.” European Commission Pres- would let migrants make At the same time, Von der On Wednesday, Orbán ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 ident Ursula von der Leyen their way to the Greek Leyen has alluded to the idea announced that Hungary had FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] said in Greece on Tuesday, border unimpeded. that Turkey is using migrants confirmed its first two cases thanking the country for Europe has relied on as a bargaining chip, saying, of coronavirus. Both were CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 being Europe’s “shield.” Turkey to stem the flow of “People are not just a means students from Iran. email: [email protected] “I also want to express my migrants and to prevent the to reach a goal.” compassion for the migrants reemergence of a crisis that Since Turkey opened its The author is Paris correspondent SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 that have been lured through five years ago undermined borders, a boy died when a for The Washington Post. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar Britain and the European Union have "very, very serious" differences /Peninsula_Qatar about their future relationship but an /ThePeninsulaNewspaper agreement is still possible. Michel Barnier, EU's Brexit Negotiator +974 6698 6188 FRIDAY 6 MARCH 2020 ASIA 09 South Korea declares new ‘special care zone’ as coronavirus spreads About 75 percent of all cases in South North Korea’s Kim sends Korea are in and around Daegu, its condolences to South Korea fourth-largest city, AP — SEOUL according to the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a personal letter to Korea Centres for South Korean President Moon Jae-in to express his condo- Disease Control and lences over a soaring viral outbreak, Seoul officials said Prevention. yesterday. It wasn’t immediately clear if Kim’s letter was an attempt People wearing face masks stand in a line to buy masks at a post office amid the rise in confirmed cases of coronavirus disease in Daegu, South Korea, yesterday. REUTERS — SEOUL to improve strained ties with South Korea amid a deadlock in broader nuclear diplomacy with the US. Earlier this week, Kim’s sister issued insults against Moon’s presidential office in her Prevention (KCDC). killed almost 3,300 around the especially those that take place South Korea declared a “special first official statement. “Every day is sad and tough world, mostly in China, in enclosed places with many care zone” yesterday around a In his letter to Moon on Wednesday, Kim conveyed a like a war. But our Daegu cit- according to a Reuters tally. people such as religious events”. second city hit hard by the coro- message of comfort to the South Korean people over the cor- izens are showing surprise South Korea also said it was He also advised employers navirus and the US military nonavirus outbreak that has infected more than 6,000 people wisdom and courage,” Daegu banning the export of face in Asia’s fourth-largest confirmed two new cases and killed 37 others in the South, senior presidential official Mayor Kwon Young-jin told masks, stepping up their pro- economy, home to tech giants among relatives of its troops in Yoon Do-han told reporters. North Korea has repeatedly said reporters yesterday. duction and would ration them like Samsung Electronics Co the country, which is battling there have been no cases of the virus on its soil, a claim that is About 2,120 patients were to limit individual purchases to Ltd, to allow staff to work from the biggest outbreak outside questioned by many outside experts. waiting for hospital beds in two a week, in a bid to ease home. US Forces Korea (USFK) China. Daegu, city officials said. shortages and curb hoarding. reported two new cases, for a Australia became the latest Dozens of newly commis- People have flocked to total of six among soldiers, country to impose travel restric- Gyeongsan, a city of about Korea’s outbreak. Similar zones sioned military nurses were due supermarkets, pharmacies and employees or people related to tions on South Koreans, with 275,000 people 250km have been declared around to begin work in the city yes- online distributors to buy masks the roughly 28,500 US troops almost 100 nations now limiting southeast of Seoul, promising neighbouring Daegu city and terday, the health ministry said. and other supplies, with hun- stationed in South Korea. arrivals from the East Asian extra resources such as face Cheongdo County. The KCDC reported five dreds lining up at some stores Despite the new cases, country, which reported 760 masks. About 75 percent of all cases more deaths from the virus, every morning. USFK had resumed sending new coronavirus cases yes- Gyeongsan has seen a spike in South Korea are in and bringing the total to 37. The flu- KCDC Deputy Director troops to bases in Daegu and terday for a total of 6,088. in cases in recent days, many of around Daegu, its fourth-largest like virus that emerged from Kwon Jun-wook advised all surrounding areas, according The government declared a them linked to a fringe Christian city, according to the Korea China late last year has infected South Koreans to stay home and to the military newspaper Stars “special care zone” around group at the centre of South Centers for Disease Control and more than 95,300 people and avoid “any gatherings, and Stripes. Pompeo denounces ‘reckless’ ICC decision on Afghan war crimes probe Philippine police chief, 7 others AFP — WASHINGTON/THE HAGUE “This is a truly breathtaking peace deal on Afghanistan, which previous court ruling. The move Jahangiri, deputy president of the action by an unaccountable is the best chance for peace and was immediately hailed by International Federation for injured in US Secretary of State Mike political institution masquerading a generation.” human rights organisations as a Human Rights. Pompeo yesterday attacked as as a legal body,” Pompeo told a International war crimes “pivotal moment” for victims of “The decision also sends a chopper crash “reckless” a ruling by interna- news conference following the judges ruled yesterday that a the central Asian country’s much-needed signal to current tional war crimes judges that a ruling at the International probe into wartime abuses in 18-year-war since the 2001 US and would-be perpetrators of AP — SAN PEDRO probe into wartime abuses in Criminal Court in The Hague. Afghanistan must go ahead, invasion. atrocities that justice may one Afghanistan, including possible “All the more reckless for this including looking into possible “Today’s decision is a pivotal day catch up to them,” Human A helicopter carrying the Phil- atrocities by American forces, ruling to come just days after the atrocities committed by US moment for victims in Afghan- Rights Watch’s Param-Preet ippine national police chief and must go ahead. United States signed a historic forces, as they overturned a istan and beyond,” said Guissou Singh added. seven other people crashed after hitting a power cable on takeoff yesterday, critically injuring two other generals on Pakistan govt to table bill board. General Archie Francisco banning corporal punishment Gamboa and the others were pulled from the wreckage by in National Assembly police officers on a village road in San Pedro city in Laguna INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD indeed concern human rights province, south of Manila. and the federal government was Gamboa was injured in the Pakistan’s Federal Minister for obligated to legislate upon it. shoulder and right arm but Human Rights, Shireen Mazari, “The interior ministry has flashed a thumbs-up and said, said yesterday a bill banning also asked us to table the bill “I’m OK” while being wheeled corporal punishment in schools before the Council of Islamic to an ambulance. across the country had been Ideology,” Mazari informed the In a video shown by the approved by the federal cabinet court. DZMM network, Gamboa later and would be tabled before the “We support the ban on cor- said from his hospital bed that National Assembly soon. poral punishment. Prime he would report back to work The minister made the rev- Minster Imran Khan has also on Monday and asked for elation after attending the said that that corporal pun- prayers for those who remained hearing of a petition filed by ishment in schools should be hospitalised. Two passengers — singer-turned-activist Shehzad abolished. The court should Major General Mariel Magaway Roy at the Islamabad High Court declare Section 89 of the and Major General Jose Ma (IHC) against corporal pun- Pakistan Penal Code null and Victor Ramos — were in critical Passengers wearing face masks travel on a subway train in Shanghai, China, yesterday. ishment in schools. IHC Chief void,” Mazari pleaded during the condition, while the rest, Justice Athar Minallah con- hearing. including the police spokesman ducted the hearing. After hearing the statements and the police flight crew, were New coronavirus infections may drop Last month, the high court made by Mazari, Justice in stable condition, police Major had ordered a complete ban on Minallah remarked that under General Benigno Durana Jr told corporal punishment in educa- Article 14 of the Constitution of reporters. to zero in Wuhan by March-end: Expert tional institutions operating in Pakistan, the intent to hit a child The aircraft took off from a REUTERS — BEIJING The increase reversed three climbed to 131 from 114 a day the federal capital territory. can never be deemed a ‘good’ police compound in Laguna and straight days of declines, and earlier. There was no immediate Justice Minallah had subse- one. hit a power cable before Wuhan, the epicentre of China’s was driven by a rise in new elaboration. quently also suspended Section “Physical and mental pun- crashing onto a road near coronavirus epidemic, will likely infections in Wuhan, the city After what some critics said 89 of the Pakistan Penal Code, ishments negatively affect the houses, witness Glenda Garcia see new infections drop to zero where the virus is believed to was an initially hesitant which allow corporal pun- personality of a child,” Justice said. by the end of this month, an have emerged in a seafood response to the new virus, China ishment in some cases in the Minallah noted. “We cannot “It was really loud and we expert with the country’s top market late last year. imposed sweeping restrictions federal capital territory. endorse corporal punishment ran away in fear because we panel on battling the illness said Zhang Boli said almost all to try to stop it, including “The federal cabinet has in schools. thought the helicopter would yesterday, even as the city regions outside Hubei province, transport suspensions, lock- approved the bill, and it will Even Islam forbids torture move out of control in a circle reported a quicker rise in new where Wuhan is the capital, had downs of cities and extending a now be tabled in parliament,” against children. There is never and hit us,” Garcia said, adding confirmed cases. managed to halt new infections Lunar New Year holiday across Mazari told the courtroom yes- a good intention to hit a child. that power in her village was cut Mainland China had 139 new by end of last month, according the country. terday morning. The times have changed: we due to the crash. confirmed cases as of to an interview with the official World Health Organisation “The Ministry of Interior must give more respect to No one on the ground were Wednesday, the National Health People’s Daily. (WHO) officials have said other raised objections to the bill, children,” he added. hurt by the crash. Part of a rotor Commission (NHC) said, He estimated other cities in countries have much to learn claiming that the matter does Activist Shehzad Roy, while blade hit the roof of a house, bringing the total accumulated Hubei will hit such a target by from the way China has handled not fall under the jurisdiction of talking to reporters after the Garcia and police officials said. number of cases to 80,409. mid-March, based on data on the outbreak. Vice Foreign Min- the human rights ministry,” she hearing, hoped that the bill TV video showed the white Authorities reported 119 new how the outbreak has evolved, ister Ma Zhaoxu said many said. banning corporal punishment Bell 429 helicopter resting on cases the previous day and 125 but did not give details. countries had asked for help and Upon hearing this, Justice would be tabled in the National its left side, with men scram- the day before that. New infections in Wuhan China was responding. Minallah said that the matter did Assembly soon. bling to put out a small fire. Dogs, cats can’t pass on coronavirus, but can test positive Thailand begins disinfecting AP — HONG KONG the canine’s nasal and oral wild mammal, that passed it on The dog, and another also in packages sent from abroad cavity samples. to humans. quarantine which has tested neg- Pet cats and dogs cannot pass the An unidentified spokesman However, experts from the ative for the virus, will be tested REUTERS — BANGKOK new coronavirus on to humans, for the department was quoted School of Public Health of The again before being released. but they can test positive for low in a news release as saying. University of Hong Kong, the The department suggested Thailand’s postal services began disinfecting all packages received levels of the pathogen if they “There is currently no evidence College of Veterinary Medicine any pets, including dogs and cats, from overseas yesterday to counter the spread of the coronavirus, catch it from their owners. that pet animals can be a source and Life Sciences of the City Uni- from households where someone although the World Health Organisation has said it is safe to receive That’s the conclusion of of infection of COVID-19 or that versity of Hong Kong and the has tested positive for the virus post from badly affected countries, like China. Thailand reported Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fish- they become sick.” World Organisation for Animal should be put into quarantine. four new cases of coronavirus yesterday, bringing its total to 47. eries and Conservation Scientists suspect the virus Health (OIE) have unanimously In general, pet owners should One person in Thailand has died has from the disease, which first Department after a dog in quar- known as SARS-CoV-2 that agreed that the dog has a low- maintain good hygiene, including erupted in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December. There antine tested weakly positive causes the disease originated in level of infection and it is “likely washing hands before and after have been no reports of the virus being contracted from packages for the virus on February 27, bats before passing it on to to be a case of human-to-animal handling animals, their food and posted from overseas, but the plan to disinfect them is one of the February 28 and March 2, using another species, possibly a small transmission.” supplies and no kissing them. latest measures taken by authorities to halt the spread of the disease. 10 EUROPE FRIDAY 6 MARCH 2020 UK records first coronavirus death, moves to stop spread

REUTERS — LONDON Britain has so far gencies, his spokesman said. registered 115 cases “It is now highly likely that Britain is moving into the second the virus is going to spread in a of four phases in its plan to tackle of the coronavirus significant way,” the spokesman the spread of coronavirus, known as COVID- said. England’s Chief Medical Officer “Officials will therefore accel- Chris Whitty said yesterday, as 19, which started in erate work on preparations for the UK recorded its first death of China, but has held the ‘delay’ phase of the govern- a patient and confirmed cases ment’s plan, focusing on steps we rose. off from introducing could take to seek to delay the Britain has so far registered measures to restrict spread of the virus.” 115 cases of the coronavirus movement or cancel The government has said it known as COVID-19, which could encourage home-working, started in China, but has held off large gatherings for cancel large-scale gatherings and from introducing measures to fear of hurting the possibly close schools to slow its restrict movement or cancel large spread and delay the peak of the gatherings for fear of hurting the economy. outbreak until later in the year, economy. when the health service is under Whitty said in a statement less pressure. later that the person who died Hancock said the coming weeks Whitty also said that with was an older patient with under- would be tough. But with calm older people more vulnerable to lying health conditions. heads and clear determination, People wearing face masks walk on a street in London, yesterday. the virus, there may be measures Prime Minister Boris Johnson together we can see it through”. announced to encourage them says he is optimistic that Britain The government set out its Britain had mainly moved into ‘if it could be controlled in China more socially determined to stay away from public places, is well prepared to cope with the action plan earlier this week the second stage and was now and contained everywhere else, actions... We’ve moved from a such as the upper house of par- spread of the virus, but early on based on four stages: containing considering measures to try to this virus might go away’. I think situation where we were liament, the House of Lords. Thursday regional airline Flybe the virus; delaying its trans- delay the peak of an epidemic the chances of that happening are mainly in contain... to now Jacob Rees-Mogg, the leader became one of the first big cor- mission; researching its origins which officials are anticipating now very slim. Slim to zero,” we’re basically mainly delay.” of the lower house of parliament, porate casualties of the and mitigating its impact. in the coming weeks. Whitty said. Johnson was briefed after a told lawmakers there were no outbreak. Questioned by lawmakers “The original plan... was very “As time goes by, we then meeting of Britain’s Scientific plans to close the House of Health minister Matt earlier yesterday, Whitty said much predicated on the idea of may start to move into the Advisory Group for Emer- Commons. Germany remembers victims of racist terror attack Coronavirus: ANATOLIA — BERLIN solidarity with people who have France reports migrant backgrounds. Germany remembered nine “They all have the right to 2 more deaths people killed on February 19 by expect their fellow citizens to ANATOLIA — PARIS a far-right extremist in the small empathise, learn, support, con- western German city of Hanau tradict, intervene. They all have Two more people died on Wednesday. the right to expect their state, yesterday in France from the Around 600 guests, including where protective laws are broken novel coronavirus, bringing the President Frank-Walter Stein- by heinous acts, to see, inves- current death toll to six, the meier, Chancellor Angela Merkel, tigate and sentence. They all have Health Ministry announced. family members and community a right to a state that protects The fatalities included a leaders attended the memorial them,” he said. 73-year-old, a native of the Oise, service held at the Congress Park A German far-right extremist and a 64-year-old from Aisne, Hanau. attacked two cafes and killed both in northern France. “We are called upon to stand nine people with migration back- Meanwhile, the number of together against hatred and grounds in Hanau. cases leaped to 377 from 285 abuse, against terrorism and vio- Four with Turkish roots died reported earlier in the day. lence,” Steinmeier told the in the racist terror attack, as did Yesterday’s increase — 92 gathering. one Bosnian, one Bulgarian, one additional cases — is the largest “Yes, there is racism in our Romanian, and a German- single-day jump in France since country — and it didn’t start just Afghan national. the start of the epidemic in a few weeks ago. Yes, there is The gunman killed himself German Chancellor Angela Merkel (right) and members of her cabinet observe one minute’s silence China late December. widespread Islamophobia,” he after killing his mother at his in memory of the Hanau victims at the lower house of parliament in Berlin, yesterday. “All health professionals are said, adding that people with home, according to police. mobilised to limit the spread of dark skin or wearing a headscarf Steinmeier expressed his determination. We stand Islamophobia in recent years, people, Germany has the second- the virus on the French ter- often face discrimination, insults deep sorrow and sadness over together. We stick together. fueled by propaganda of neo- largest Muslim population in ritory,” said the Health Ministry. or violence in their daily life. the loss of lives in the racist ter- Because we want to live Nazi groups and the far-right Western Europe after France. The news came in a day when He called on all citizens to rorist attack. together,” he said. Alternative for Germany (AfD) Among the country’s nearly 4.7 President Emmanuel Macron step up against racism and Islam- “Our sadness and our anger Germany has witnessed party. million Muslims, 3 million are of convened 30 public and private ophobia, and to demonstrate are interwoven with growing racism and A country of over 80 million Turkish origin. health researchers at the Elysee Palace to examine the virus with maximum scrutiny. France emphasised its pre- Ireland’s Fianna Fail moots Italy reports 41 new coronavirus paredness through daily press briefings by both Health Min- coalition deal with Fine Gael ister Olivier Veran, and Jerome deaths, bringing toll to 148 Salomon, director general of AFP — DUBLIN direction in terms of housing, health. It divided its approach health and climate change.” AFP — ROME The number of COVID-19 resources intended for the health into three stages; the country is The leader of Ireland’s Fianna A surge in popular support patients receiving intensive services, civil protection and law presently categorized in Stage Fail party yesterday said it was for Sinn Fein — once the political Italy yesterday reported 41 care also rose to 351 from 295 enforcement,” Italian Finance 2 but may soon move to Stage prepared to enter a coalition wing of Irish Republican Army new deaths from the novel on Wednesday. Minister Roberto Gualtieri said. 3, where the disease is said to government with centre-right (IRA) paramilitaries — recast Ire- coronavirus, its highest single- The government has The money will also help be in wide circulation to the rival Fine Gael after inconclusive land’s political landscape at the day total to date, bringing the unveiled a series of unprece- “support incomes (of families) greater population. elections. February 8 vote. number of fatalities in dented measures aimed at and “support measures for the The six deaths come out of Micheal Martin’s party nar- Their left-wing policies on Europe’s most affected stemming the virus’ acceler- businesses and sectors... a population of some 70 million rowly won last month’s general tackling a housing and country to 148. ating spread. impacted by the containment people. Government spokes- election with 38 seats, ahead of healthcare crisis found favour The number of cases also All schools and universities measures,” Gualtieri said. woman Sibeth Ndiaye warned Sinn Fein on 37. Fine Gael, led with the public. Leader Mary Lou jumped by a new high of 769, have been closed until March The stimulus will force the that France is not yet out of the by Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, McDonald has pushed for them reaching 3,858 over the past 15, keeping 8.5 million students government to raise its 2020 woods. trailed in third on 35. to have a legitimate place in two weeks. at home. Football matches and deficit by 0.3 percent of gross None of the three main government. The latest figures mean other sporting events will be domestic product. parties secured enough seats for But talks are deadlocked and Italy has the second-most played without fans for a Rome has already informed Bosnia reports an outright majority in the 160- Martin has ruled out a deal with deaths behind China, where month, and 11 villages with the European Commission in seat lower house of parliament, Sinn Fein, which has long been the new virus was first 50,000 residents remain under Brussels about the extra deficit first two the Dail, prompting coalition tarnished by its past links to the detected at the end of last quarantine for a second week. spending. talks. IRA, which fought for decades year. The government yesterday Italian officials have said virus cases Asked whether he would do over British rule in Northern All of Italy’s 22 regions also unveiled a $8.4bn eco- they expect Brussels to approve a deal with Fine Gael, Martin told Ireland. have now been affected, with nomic rescue plan to deal with the move, which it must under AFP — SARAJEVO RTE: “Yes, depending on a pro- It wants a referendum on the data showing the virus had the impact of the new virus. the 27-nation EU bloc’s strict gramme for government that uniting the two parts of the reached the Aosta Valley on The stimulus package will be budget rules for member Bosnia reported yesterday its works and that represents a new island within five years. the French border. used primarily to “increase the states. first confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, in a man who recently travelled to Italy and his child. Greece sees 21 new coronavirus “It is a middle-aged man who worked in Italy from cases in returning tour group where he returned in late Feb- ruary,” Alen Seranic, the health AFP — ATHENS “It feels like a minor cold,” minister of Bosnia’s Serb-run he said. Two among the group half, told reporters. Greek health officials yesterday — an elderly man and his wife The patient lives in the reported 21 new coronavirus — had already tested positive, northwestern region of Banja infections among a group that becoming Greece’s ninth and Luka where he was hospi- had recently travelled to Israel 10th cases. The 66-year-old man talised and is held in isolation, and Egypt by bus, raising the has acute pneumonia and is in the minister said. country’s total to 31. stable condition, EODY said in “His health condition is “It was a closed group of an earlier statement. Another 21 good, he has no difficulties and people who were on a bus for among the group were con- feels well,” Seranic said. several days,” Sotiris Tsiodras of firmed on Thursday, Tsiodras Members of the man’s the national public health organ- said. Officials last night family were also tested and a isation (EODY) told a news con- announced a two-day school child tested positive, he said. ference, adding that they had shutdown and a cancellation of Bosnia is now the third returned to Greece on February public events in the areas in country in the Balkans region 27. western Greece where the group to which the virus has spread. The travellers, who included had come from. Croatia has registered 10 a priest, had been a trip to Israel The two-day shutdown cases, and North Macedonia and Egypt according to EODY. included “a suspension of all one. More than 90,000 people Greta Thunberg takes part in a protest “We were there from Feb- mass gatherings” at theatres, have been infected and around ruary 19... from the time we cinemas, museums and sports 3,200 have died worldwide Swedish environmentalist Greta Thunberg (centre left) takes part in a protest as she leaves the returned we had a slight cough events in the Peloponnese from the virus, the vast headquarters of the EU Council after a meeting of EU environment ministers, in Brussels, yesterday. and fever,” the priest told regions of Achaia and Elis and majority in China where reporters on Wednesday as he the island of Zakynthos through COVID-19 first emerged late arrived at a hospital for tests. to Friday. last year. FRIDAY 6 MARCH 2020 EUROPE 11 Virus cases reported Ukraine President greets people at Nato military HQ leaving quarantine AFP — BRUSSELS NATO has so far not AFP — KIEV cancelled any of Nato said yesterday it had Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed three cases of the the more than 20 personally greeted evacuees from China novel coronavirus linked to its exercises planned this as they emerged yesterday from 14-day military headquarters in quarantine, in a move aimed at calming Belgium — a civilian employee year, but said it was fears over the spread of coronavirus. and two family members. closely monitoring the Zelenskiy met the 72 evacuees as they The employee had recently left a military medical centre in the town travelled to Italy, the European outbreak. of Novi Sanzhary in the central Poltava country most affected by region. COVID-19, which has killed Visitor access to NATO Defying virus fears, the former more than 3,000 people headquarters had already been comedian shook their hands and hugged worldwide, the vast majority restricted, and military com- them, as well as posing for selfies. in China. manders given advice on lim- The good-will gesture came after NATO said the employee iting the spread of the virus. dozens of locals who opposed the arrival and family members had not NATO has so far not can- of evacuees clashed with police outside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy (centre) inspects the MI-8MTV-1 helicopter of visited its Supreme Head- celled any of the more than 20 the medical facility and threw stones at the Emergency Service, equipped to transport infectious patients and staffed by a group quarters Allied Powers Europe exercises it has planned this buses. of specially trained doctors, in Poltava region, Ukraine, yesterday. (SHAPE) facility in Mons, year, but Secretary-General The evacuee group consisted of 45 southern Belgium, since Jens Stoltenberg said the Ukrainians and 27 foreigners — plus a few returning from Italy. alliance was closely monitoring dozen of their closest contacts. “I’m not afraid,” the President joked as confirmed Tuesday in the western city of “There are three confirmed the outbreak. They were greeted warmly by rela- he hugged Skaletska who lost her post while Chernivtsi. COVID-19 cases within our “NATO military medical tives and loved ones who brought bunches she was in quarantine because of a The man was hospitalised three days wider SHAPE community,” staff remain vigilant. They are of flowers and shouted: “At last it’s over!”. reshuffle. On February 20, local residents after returning from holiday in Italy and is NATO said in a statement. monitoring any potential “I wish you good health,” Zelenskiy set up road blocks to stop evacuees arriving said to be in a stable condition. “The cases were ‘imported’ impact for NATO troops told the evacuees. at the medical centre and riot police had to His wife was initially quarantined at to Belgium following foreign deployed on operations,” an “I think you’ll remember Novi disperse the protesters to reopen the road. home but was moved to an undisclosed travel and the affected indi- alliance official told AFP. Sanzhary for your entire life. Come back Later an investigation by prominent hospital as a precaution after people living viduals have not entered the The huge multinational here on vacation, it’s a very beautiful Ukrainian news site Liga.net found the pro- in their block of flats complained about this, SHAPE site since returning US-led Defender 2020 exer- place.” tests were fuelled by social media that Ukrainian media reported. home.” After testing at hospital, cises, involving 37,000 troops He also thanked former health min- intentionally spread disinformation and Ukrainian authorities have said they will the three were sent home — 20,000 of them deploying ister Zoryana Skaletska, who volunteered fomented hatred. implement more restrictive measures to where they are in quarantine, from the United States to to stay with evacuees in the medical “I’m just very glad there wasn’t a single curb the outbreak in the near future, such but they are not said to be seri- Europe — are also going ahead centre to calm the fears of local case of coronavirus here,” said Zelensky. as banning mass events and temporarily ously ill. as planned. residents. Ukraine’s first case of coronavirus was closing schools. EU lawyer says Extradition stalemate over Euro MP wanted in Spain Spain: Family Hungary ban on takes dictator’s AFP — EDINBURGH of Spain’s application to the Soros' college European Parliament,” he exhumation to A judge in Edinburgh yesterday added. suspended extradition Ponsati became an MEP broke law proceedings against a Catalan after the May 2019 European European court AP — BUDAPEST, HUNGARY separatist wanted in Spain until Parliament elections, winning AP — MADRID the European Parliament rules one of the five seats redis- Changes by Hungary to its law on her immunity from prose- tributed to Spain after Brexit, Descendants of dictator on higher education which cution. representing the Together for General Francisco Franco have effectively forced a university Madrid wants to extradite Catalonia party. filed an appeal to the European founded by George Soros to former Catalan education min- Outside court, another of Court of Human Rights against leave the country were not in ister Clara Ponsati to face her lawyers, Aamer Anwar, the Spanish government’s line with European Union law, sedition charges in connection said: “Spain should have with- exhumation and removal of according to an opinion issued with a failed independence bid drawn the warrant against Franco’s remains from a gran- yesterday by the bloc’s highest in 2017. Clara when she became diose mausoleum outside court. But the 62-year-old aca- immune.” Madrid last year. The opinion also said the demic, who teaches at St Ponsati faces up to 15 years Lawyers representing Former Catalan Minister Clara Ponsati and her legal team leave EU’s executive Commission Andrews University in Scotland, in jail if convicted in Spain. Nine Franco’s grandchildren said in Edinburgh Sheriff Court, after attending a hearing in relation to should uphold its action has since become a member of other Catalan officials have pre- a statement yesterday that the an extradition request from Spain, yesterday. against Hungary to ensure that the European Parliament, and viously been sentenced to family believes the gov- the amendments approved by cannot be tried. between nine and 13 years for ernment effectively “expro- Hungarian legislators in 2017 Edinburgh Sheriff Court was whatsoever to keep going with extradition hearing scheduled the same offences. priated” the dictator’s remains comply with EU rules. told Madrid had applied to the this till that immunity issue is for May will now no longer take The case against her, and with the exhumation last Among the changes, European Parliament to lift her sorted,” Ponsati’s lawyer, place. A procedural hearing in fellow activists including the October as they now need per- Hungary tied the operation of immunity and a decision could Gordon Jackson, said. the case will instead happen on exiled former regional pres- mission to visit his new burial foreign universities in Hungary take months. “We seem to be in a kind of June 18. ident of Catalonia Carles Puig- place. Franco had been in the to a bilateral agreement “We’ve agreed that it would stalemate till that gets sorted.” “Nothing will happen today demont, has been followed mausoleum since shortly after between the Hungarian gov- make absolutely no sense Judge Nigel Ross agreed a full and we will await the outcome closely in Scotland. his death in 1975. ernment and the universities’ country of origin. Foreign uni- versities were also compelled to carry out educational activ- Investigators raid Portuguese ities in their home countries. At the heart of the conflict football clubs over tax evasion is the fate of Central European University, established in New AFP — LISBON Around 100 tax inspectors York state by Soros, a Hun- backed by 180 police and a garian-American financier. It Investigators swooped on a dozen magistrates carried out had to relocate most of its string of top football clubs in 76 raids on “clubs, their busi- main activities to Vienna from Portugal on Wednesday as part nesses and directors, as well as Budapest, where it had been of a tax evasion probe, the lawyers offices and interme- operating since the early prosecutor’s office announced. diary agents”, the prosecutors’ 1990s. Benfica and Porto con- office said in a statement. Hungarian Prime Minister firmed searches and declared It added that the raids, Viktor Orban has been a vocal themselves ready to collaborate codenamed ‘Operation Offside’, critic of Soros for years, with the authorities. were aimed at “professional arguing that the billionaire “Porto... Confirm that they football dealings which have philanthropist is intent on were the target of searches taken place since 2015 and undermining European values carried out by the Central Court which included activities des- with his liberal views on of Criminal Investigation,” said tined to evade paying taxation migration, claims Soros has Porto in a statement. due to the state”. denied. Orban’s ideological “As always, they are collab- Media reports said investi- aim of creating an “illiberal orating with the legal author- gators were interested in deals state” is also in contrast with Russia marks Joseph Stalin's anniversary ities.” Sporting Lisbon and involving the transfer of players, Soros’ ideal of an “open Braga, as well as the offices of with prosecutors looking for Russian Communist party supporters arrive to lay flowers at the tomb of the late Soviet leader society.” top football agent Jorge efforts to hide or modify sums Joseph Stalin during a memorial ceremony to mark the 67th anniversary of his death at Red Square In light of his views on Mendes, were also searched, involved that could lead to in Moscow, yesterday. Many in Russia praise Stalin for leading the Soviet Union to victory over Nazi Soros, the amendments were according to local media charges including tax fraud and widely seen as targeting CEU. Germany in World War II. reports. money laundering. The Court of Justice of the European Union said CEU was “the only foreign higher edu- cation institution then active Netherlands to put four on trial next week for MH17 downing in Hungary which did not meet the new requirements.” The AFP — THE HAGUE Dutch-led international probe was the role of the Russian state. with its images of wreckage as we were deprived the chance EU Commission launched an last year made its first charges I hope, I am convinced, we will strewn across Ukranian sun- to participate in it,” Kremlin infringement procedure in The Netherlands will put four in the case, accusing Russians get all the answers that we have flower fields and some victims spokesman Dmitry Peskov said April 2017 against Hungary in people on trial next week over Igor Girkin, Sergei Dubinsky, not had for five-and-a-half including children still strapped Wednesday. the wake of the changes. It the downing of flight MH17 over Oleg Pulatov and Ukrainian years,” he said. into their seats, their faces masks The first week of the trial is subsequently referred Ukraine in 2014, giving families citizen Leonid Kharchenko of Ploeg, who says he will of agony. expected to deal with so-called Hungary to the Court of Justice hope of justice even if the involvement. attend every day of the trial, Of the dead, 196 were from “housekeeping” issues rather in December 2017. suspects are not in the dock. None is expected to be at the added: “It’s a bloody shame that the Netherlands, and Dutch than hearing evidence, but it will The Hungarian gov- For more than five years rel- high-security court near Amster- the four suspects are having a authorities aided by Australia, include the crucial detail of ernment refused to sign an atives have called for the pros- dam’s Schiphol Airport on good time and parties in Russia, Belgium, Malaysia and Ukraine whether the suspects will turn agreement with New York ecution of those responsible for Monday, but family members but we can’t do anything about have relentlessly pursued the up. One is known to have state regarding CEU and also shooting down the Malaysia Air- will be out in force for the start it, they won’t be extradited. It’s case ever since. appointed a lawyer but since rejected CEU’s educational lines Boeing 777 with the loss of of what is expected to be a year- a fact that we will have to deal Investigators say the BUK neither Russia nor Ukraine activities in New York, estab- all 298 men, women and long trial. with.” anti-aircraft missile was fired extradites its nationals, it is lished through partner insti- children on board. “For the next of kin this is a Relatives will be allowed from rebel territory and was almost certain they will be tried tution Bard College. The jet travelling from very important moment,” said inside the courtroom to watch, supplied by Russia, while the in absentia. According to yesterday’s Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur Piet Ploeg, head of a foundation while a media centre has been Netherlands and Australia have “For the victims there will at nonbinding opinion by was torn apart by a Russian- for MH17 victims who lost his built outside the stark concrete said they hold Moscow respon- least be a decision and the pos- Advocate General Juliane made missile over part of brother, sister-in-law and building to house more than 400 sible. Russia has long denied any sibility for some sort of closure,” Kokott, Hungary must “treat eastern Ukraine held by pro- nephew on the doomed flight. journalists from around the involvement. “We have always said Marieke de Hoon, assistant foreign and national higher Moscow rebels, spreading bodies “We will hear what hap- globe. The downing of MH17 on questioned the objectivity of the professor of international law at education institutions equally”. and debris over a wide area. A pened, why it happened, what July 17, 2014 horrified the world, work of the investigative team, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. 12 AMERICAS FRIDAY 6 MARCH 2020 Warren, once a front-runner, ends her US presidential race AFP — WASHINGTON Warren did not announce any immediate plans to endorse either of the remaining major Massachusetts Senator Eliz- abeth Warren, once a front- candidates — former vice-president Joe Biden, runner in the race for the or senator Bernie Sanders. Democratic presidential nomi- nation, ended her campaign yesterday, setting up a two-man her continued work in the him the nomination! Came in duel between Joe Biden and Senate,” he said. third in Mass.” Warren finished Bernie Sanders. Warren’s withdrawal from third in her home state of Mas- “I’m suspending our cam- the race for the top spot on the sachusetts behind Biden and paign for president,” the Democratic ticket against Pres- Sanders. Sanders spoke with 70-year-old progressive law- ident Donald Trump in Warren on Wednesday but did maker said in remarks to her November comes after she not say whether he had asked campaign staff. failed to win a single state on for the endorsement of his “I may not be in the race for Super Tuesday, including her fellow progressive. President in 2020, but this fight own. Her decision comes one Warren led some national — our fight — is not over,” day after that of billionaire polls last summer but she never Warren said. “And our place in former New York mayor managed to build a broad coa- Democratic presidential candidate Senator Elizabeth Warren, with her husband Bruce Mann, announces this fight has not ended.” Michael Bloomberg, who quit lition to carry her through to that she is dropping out of the presidential race outside her home in Cambridge, US, yesterday. Warren did not announce on Wednesday after a disap- success in the primaries, fin- any immediate plans to endorse pointing Super Tuesday per- ishing behind Sanders and either of the remaining major formance of his own and Biden in 14 states on Super who lost the 2004 presidential out to Hillary Clinton in 2016. Politics said Warren was candidates — the 77-year-old endorsed fellow centrist Biden. Tuesday. election to Republican George One of the most notable squeezed from both sides. former vice president Biden, or Trump responded to War- There was no immediate W. Bush, congratulated Warren moments of Warren’s campaign “Warren got crowded out by the 78-year-old leftist senator ren’s withdrawal with a tweet comment from the Sanders on running an “inspiring was her debate evisceration of Sanders to her left and more from Vermont, Sanders. mocking her and Bloomberg. campaign on Warren’s with- campaign.” Bloomberg, something she moderate candidates to her Biden praised Warren in a “Elizabeth ‘Pocahontas’ drawal but former South Bend, “Massachusetts is lucky to alluded to her in her statement right, to the point where I don’t tweet following her Warren, who was going Indiana, mayor Pete Buttigieg, have that kind of leadership on yesterday. think she had much of a con- announcement. “Senator @ nowhere except into Mini Mike’s who dropped out of the race on the national stage,” Kerry said. “In this campaign, we have stituency beyond some high- EWarren is the fiercest of head, just dropped out of the Sunday, praised her in a tweet. “You’ve inspired millions, been willing to fight, and, when end suburban voters,” Kondik fighters for middle class fam- Democrat Primary...THREE “Meeting urgency with including my daughters.” necessary, we left plenty of said. The former Harvard law ilies,” Biden said. “Her work in DAYS TOO LATE,” Trump said. moral courage, she’s the kind Warren made her mark in blood and teeth on the floor,” professor cut her teeth on the Washington, in Massachusetts, “She cost Crazy Bernie, at of leader Americans are for- the Democratic race on policy she said. “And I can think of one 2008 financial crisis, guiding and on the campaign trail has least, Massachusetts, Minnesota tunate to have, and I’m honored strengths but was quickly over- billionaire who has been denied president Barack Obama made a real difference in peo- and Texas,” the President said to have run alongside her,” shadowed on the left by the chance to buy this election.” towards creation of a consumer ple’s lives. “We needed her of three of the states at stake on Buttigieg said. John Kerry, the Sanders, making his second bid Kyle Kondik of the Uni- protection agency to help voice in this race, and we need Super Tuesday. “Probably cost former Massachusetts senator for the nomination after losing versity of Virginia’s Center for weather the recession.

Court blocks Senate poised to ‘Remain in US death toll from coronavirus rises to 11 okay $8.3bn plan REUTERS — LOS ANGELES/NY seek other cruise passengers Mexico’ policy on who may have had close to fight virus The US death toll from corona- contact with those two part of US border virus infections rose to 11 on individuals. AP — WASHINGTON Wednesday as new cases Hours after that death was AP — SAN DIEGO emerged around New York City announced, California Gov- An $8.3bn measure to help and Los Angeles, while Seattle- ernor Gavin Newsom declared tackle the coronavirus In the latest twist on a key area health officials sought to a statewide emergency in outbreak should soon make its Trump administration immi- allay anxiety amid the nation’s response to the coronavirus, way to President Trump after gration policy, a federal largest outbreak. which he said has resulted in 53 a Senate vote planned for later appeals court said it will Health officials said the first cases across the nation’s most yesterday. prevent the government from California death from the virus populous state. The money would pay for making asylum-seekers wait was an elderly person in Placer “The State of California is a multifaceted attack on a in Mexico for US court County, near Sacramento. He deploying every level of gov- virus that is spreading more hearings starting next week had underlying health problems ernment to help identify cases widely and threatening major unless the Supreme Court and was likely exposed on a and slow the spread of this disruptions in the US and steps in sooner. cruise ship voyage between San coronavirus,” Newsom said in across the globe. A worker disinfects a subway station in the Manhattan borough of The 9th US Circuit Court of Francisco and Mexico last a statement. The plan, passed by the New York City, on Wednesday. Appeals in San Francisco said month. Six new coronavirus House by a 415-2 vote on Wednesday that it would only It marked the first corona- patients were confirmed in Los Wednesday, would more than block the “Remain in Mexico” virus fatality in the United Angeles County, public health has been hospitalized. The other cases, including six deaths, were triple the $2.5bn amount out- policy in Arizona and Cali- States outside of Washington officials said on Wednesday. five are recovering in home iso- connected to a long-term lined by the White House 10 fornia, the two border states state, where 10 people have One was a federal contractor lation. The greater Seattle nursing facility for the elderly, days ago. The Trump proposal under its authority. died in a cluster of at least 39 who may have been exposed region represents the biggest called LifeCare Center of was immediately discarded by President Donald Trump’s infections that have emerged while conducting medical concentration of cases detected Kirkland, in a Seattle suburb. members of Congress from administration says it is asking through community trans- screenings at Los Angeles Inter- in the United States. In New York state, the both parties. Instead, they the US Supreme Court to mission of the virus in two national Airport, the US The fact that most Seattle- number of cases rose to 10 on negotiated the increased figure intervene and had asked that Seattle-area counties. Department of Homeland area cases are not linked to Wednesday. Three family in a burst of bipartisan coop- the policy remain in effect Although the Placer County Security reported. travel or exposure to people members and a neighbor of a eration that’s increasingly rare until next week to give the high patient who died was not Three others likely were who might have been infected lawyer who was previously in Washington. court time to decide. The believed to have contracted the infected while traveling abroad means the virus has identified as infected tested “The government’s Supreme Court has consist- virus locally, that case and a recently to northern Italy, one gone from being an imported positive. The neighbor’s wife greatest responsibility is to ently ruled in the administra- previous one from the Bay Area of the areas hardest hit in the phenomenon to taking up res- and three of his children have keep Americans safe,” said tion’s favor on questions of linked to the same ocean liner global outbreak. Of the six in idence in Washington state, also contracted the virus, Gov- Democratic Representative immigration and border have led health authorities to Los Angeles County, only one health officials say. At least 18 ernor Andrew Cuomo said. Nita Lowey of New York. enforcement. The latest turn in the case comes after the 9th Circuit Pelosi lambastes halted the policy along the US seeks UN Council backing of entire southern border on Facebook over Friday but suspended its own Afghan peace deal: Diplomats order later that day after the Trump ad a week government warned of dire AFP — UNITED NATIONS, US The two-page US draft says consequences. “Remain in before census that once those talks begin, the Mexico” is a crucial part of the The United States has begun Security Council would be pre- Trump administration’s AP — WASHINGTON discussions with the UN pared to review sanctions response to large numbers of Security Council’s other imposed on individuals or asylum-seekers appearing at A week before most people can members on a draft resolution groups since 2011 “in order to the border. start answering the 2020 that would endorse the unusual support the peace process.” On Wednesday, the court census, House Speaker Nancy peace deal it signed with the The US-Taliban peace deal ruled that the policy will no Pelosi yesterday chastised Taliban, diplomats said. opens the way for the with- longer be in effect on Mexico’s Facebook for allowing the In the initial draft of the drawal of all US troops in border with California and reelection campaign of Pres- proposed resolution, the Afghanistan after more than 18 Arizona starting March 12 ident Donald Trump to run ads Security Council welcomes the years of war, in return for the unless the Supreme Court directing people to a survey that agreement signed in Doha on Taliban’s pledge to ban all acts Speaker of the US House, Nancy Pelosi, holds her weekly press wades in sooner. It declined to she says people will confuse February 29. of terrorism and to enter into conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, yesterday. extend its order to federal with the once-a-decade head It calls on “all states, in par- peace negotiations with Kabul. courts in the two other count. ticular those in the region, to The conflict has claimed the southern border states - New At a news conference held support Trump and which minority voters’ access to the provide their full support to lives of between 32,000 and Mexico and Texas. by House members from the media organizations they get ballot box. promoting the successful nego- 60,000 Afghan civilians, Judges William Fletcher black, Hispanic and Asian cau- their information, among other But the high court said the tiation of a comprehensive and according to the United and Richard Paez, both cuses, Pelosi called the survey questions. administration’s justification for sustainable peace agreement.” Nations, and more than 1,900 appointed by President Bill sponsored by the Trump ree- Similar mailings have been the question “seems to have So far, it’s unclear where Russia US troops. Clinton, said they acknowl- lection campaign, “an absolute distributed around the US. been contrived.” Opponents and China stand on the US An uptick in Taliban attacks edged that nationwide orders lie". “A lie that is consistent with Meanwhile, Democratic argued it would have intimi- draft. on Afghan government forces applied to places outside a the misrepresentation policy of senators told US Commerce dated immigrants, Hispanics The US draft also puts since the signing has been court’s jurisdiction are “a Facebook,” Pelosi said. Secretary Wilbur Ross, whose and others from participating pressure on the Afghan gov- roundly condemned by Wash- matter of intense and active “But now they’re messing department oversees the US in the once-a-decade head ernment to hold negotiations ington. But US Secretary of controversy.” They reaffirmed with who we are as Americans. Census Bureau, they felt misled count that determines how $1.5 with the Taliban to reach “a State Mike Pompeo said yes- their view that the policy, I know the profit motive is their by his testimony almost two trillion in federal spending is permanent and comprehensive terday that he still had confi- known officially as “Migrant business model, but it should years ago on the origins of the allocated and how many con- ceasefire.” The Doha agreement dence that Taliban insurgents Protection Protocols,” is illegal not come at the cost of counting failed citizenship question. Ross gressional seats each state gets. provides for the government’s are committed to the deal. under US law to prevent who is in our country.” was testifying Thursday before “Your statements were release of 5,000 prisoners in Diplomats said the United sending people to countries Facebook yesterday did not the Senate Committee on totally false,” Democratic US exchange for 1,000 to be freed States appears to want to move where their lives or freedom immediately respond to an Appropriations. Senator Patrick Leahy told Ross by the Taliban. quickly on the proposed UN would be threatened because email inquiry. The ad says, The US Supreme Court during the hearing. “There is But on Sunday, Afghan Security Council resolution. of their race, religion, nation- “President Trump needs you to blocked the Trump adminis- now an avalanche of evidence President Ashraf Ghani said he One diplomat, speaking on ality, political beliefs or mem- take the Official 2020 Congres- tration last summer from showing you repeatedly pres- did not consider himself bound condition of anonymity, bership in a particular social sional District Census today.” adding a citizenship question sured both the Justice by that commitment. described the US push for a UN group. Clicking on a red button to the 2020 questionnaire. The Department and the Census The inter-Afghan negotia- Security Council resolution Judge Ferdinand Fernandez, saying “Take the Survey” leads administration had said the Bureau for nearly a year to tions mentioned in the US draft endorsing an agreement an appointee of President to a website with questions question was being added to aid support adding the question.” are supposed to commence at between a government and an George HW Bush, disagreed asking visitors about party affil- the Justice Department in Ross denied misleading the a conference set for next week insurgent group as “truly a sin- with blocking the policy at all. iation, whether they intend to enforcing a law that protects senators. in Oslo. gular case.” FRIDAY 6 MARCH 2020 AMERICAS / CLASSIFIEDS 13

Twitter testing Former UN chief Javier Perez de Cuellar dead at 100 disappearing AFP — LIMA Perez de Cuellar was ‘fleets’ in Brazil UN secretary general Former UN chief Javier Perez de REUTERS — SAN FRANCISCO Cuellar, who was known for his from 1981 to 1991. peace-making efforts including He also brokered a Twitter Inc said on Wednesday brokering a ceasefire in the Iran- it was testing in Brazil a new Iraq war, died on Wednesday in ceasefire in the Iran- type of tweet that disappears his native Peru, aged 100, his son Iraq war. after 24 hours, similar to the said. stories feature popular on Perez de Cuellar served as Snapchat and Facebook’s UN secretary general from 1981 Perez de Cuellar considered photo-sharing app Instagram. to 1991, when he was often the 1990 independence of Called ‘fleets’, the van- described as a “pacifist by Namibia, one of the last colonial ishing messages can be viewed vocation and nature.” enclaves on the African con- by tapping on a user’s profile Lauded by his countrymen tinent, his greatest accom- picture. They do not appear on as one of the most illustrious plishment as secretary general. the user’s timeline or receive Peruvians of his era, Perez de Current UN chief Antonio retweets, likes or public Cuellar led the United Nations Guterres said he was “pro- replies, Kayvon Beykpour, the through a period marked by the foundly saddened” at the passing company’s product lead, said fight against world hunger, the of his predecessor. on Twitter. eight-year war between Iran “I extend my deepest con- “We’re hoping that Fleets and Iraq, as well as the civil war dolences to Mr. Perez de Cuel- can help people share the in US-supported El Salvador lar’s family, the Peruvian people fleeting thoughts that they A file photo of Former United Nations Secretary-General and presidential candidate Javier Perez de which led to UN-mediated peace and so many others around the would have been unlikely to Cuellar (second left) in Sicuani, Peru, on April 5, 1995, during a campaign rally. talks. world whose lives were touched Tweet,” Beykpour said. “My dad died after a compli- by a remarkable and compas- The move comes nearly a cated week. He died at 8:09 pm sionate global leader who left one of Peru’s leading political surveillance and phone tapping 10-year rule. year after Twitter’s much tonight (0109 GMT Thursday) our world a far better place,” he parties — the Union for Peru — during the campaign, ordered After the election of pres- larger social media competitor and is resting in peace,” his son said. in 1995, which pitted him against by the head of Fujimori’s intel- ident Alejandro Toledo in 2001, Facebook announced that it Francisco Perez de Cuellar told Peruvian President Martin then-incumbent president ligence services, Vladimiro Perez de Cuellar was appointed would shift focus toward RPP radio. Vizcarra expressed deep regrets Alberto Fujimori. Montesinos. ambassador to France. building products that Perez de Cuellar was known on Twitter over the death of “a The unifying force behind Following the collapse of the Born into an upper middle- emphasize privacy and for his efforts to reconcile distinguished Peruvian, a dem- the Union for Peru, Perez de Fujimori regime in November class family in Lima and edu- ephemerality, which it says warring parties. ocrat through-and-through, Cuellar won only 21.8 percent of 2000, Perez de Cuellar was cated in Catholic schools, Perez users are gravitating toward. He played a crucial role in who dedicated his entire life to the vote, coming in second appointed head of a government de Cuellar spent most of his pro- Twitter has been rolling ending the Iran-Iraq war, working to improve our behind Fujimori who got 64.4 of “unity and national reconcil- fessional life outside his out new features aimed at securing the release of American country.” percent. iation.” As prime minister, he homeland, in diplomatic posts making the platform more hostages held in Lebanon and in Perez de Cuellar’s popularity In 1997, informants revealed helped expose a web of cor- in Britain, Bolivia, Poland, the user-friendly in the past peace agreements in Cambodia prompted him to accept the that Perez de Cuellar had been ruption woven by Montesinos former Soviet Union, Swit- several months, but the com- and El Salvador, the UN said. presidential nomination from subject to systematic over the course of Fujimori’s zerland and Venezuela. pany’s growth has lagged behind rivals for years, leaving investors grumbling that it has failed to innovate or expand Tally of Brazilians missing beyond its core platform. after landslides rises to 43 Tainted drugs kill AP — SAO PAULO the slopes. “I don’t know many people two in Mexico The number of Brazilians that lived up there,” Maria da missing in the wake of deadly Conceição, an onlooker, said in AP — MEXICO CITY landslides on the coast of Sao an interview beneath one dis- Paulo state has risen to 43, aster area. “The few I knew Mexican federal officials say authorities said yesterday. were all desperate people who they are investigating a tainted The higher tally, nearly accepted living there, in the batch of an anti-clotting medi- double the number of missing riskier places.” cation given to dialysis reported on the previous day, On Wednesday, search patients at a hospital run by was largely centered in the city teams with rescue dogs picked the state-owned oil company of Guaruja, according to the through the wreckage, initially that has so far resulted in two state’s civil defense office. At seeking survivors. As the hours deaths. least 27 people have died in the slipped by, they turned their President Andrés Manuel landslides. focus to finding bodies. López Obrador, who is from Torrential rains fell early The storm left 480 people Tabasco state where the hos- Tuesday, inundating the area without homes, of which 228 pital is located, said he would Chile students protest with more rain in a 24-hour were in Guaruja. Most lived in ask federal health officials to period than had been expected poor neighborhoods known as address the situation and he Demonstrators clash with riot police during a protest of high school students against the Chilean for all of March. Poorly con- favelas that climb the verdant called the deaths “very government and the public education system, in Santiago, Chile, yesterday. structed homes washed down hillsides. unfortunate.”

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Mexican Peso depreciates said they had not yet agreed to a deeper cut, raising the risk of a Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (left) speaks next to the Head of Financial Intelligence collapse in cooperation that has in oil prices if there was no deal. on scrapping Opec production Unit of the Secretariat of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP), Santiago Nieto, during a press conference propped up crude prices since Kazakh Energy Minister limits altogether. at the National Palace in Mexico City, yesterday. Lopez Obrador compared the Mexican peso to the US 2016. Nurlan Nogayev, another non- But Opec Secretary General dollar in times of the coronavirus epidemic. The exchange rate for the US dollar has increased +3.74% Oil demand growth fore- Opec producer, said talks were Mohammad Barkindo against the Mexican Peso in the last 30 days, rising from 18.83 to 19.53 Mexican Pesos per dollar. casts for 2020 have been only focusing on extending (pictured) sought to play down slashed because of global existing curbs to June. concerns that cooperation with measures to halt the spread of “Moscow perhaps is under- Russia would falter. the virus, prompting the Organ- estimating that Saudi Arabia may “We have no reason to doubt ization of the Petroleum be ready to walk away if it the continued commitment of the Virus outbreak could cost airlines $113bn Exporting Countries to consider doesn’t get a positive answer,” Russian Federation to this part- its biggest cut since the 2008 said Amrita Sen, co-founder of nership,” he said after Opec min- AP - SINGAPORE margins and lots of debt and this nearly 100,000. So far, more financial crisis. Energy Aspects think-tank. isters held informal talks at a could send some into a very dif- than 3,200 people have died of Factories have been dis- In an unusual development, Vienna hotel. The International Air Transport ficult situation.” COVID-19, the disease caused by rupted, people have been Opec members gathered for After its formal ministerial Association says the virus out- The IATA’s estimate reflects a the new coronavirus. deterred from travelling and another informal meeting late meeting, Opec said the corona- break that began in China could scenario involving a 19 percent “This is a very serious cash other business activity has yesterday and two sources said virus outbreak created an cost airlines as much as $113bn loss in worldwide passenger rev- flow shock,” said Brian Pearce, slowed, shrinking demand for Opec would likely recommend “unprecedented situation” with in lost revenue due to the col- enues with extensive spread of the the IATA’s chief economist. “We fuel. that the additional oil cuts of 1.5 risks “skewed to the downside”, lapse of air travel. virus in markets that now have are seeing this serious decline in Saudi Arabia has been million bpd run until the end of adding that action was needed. Representatives of the airline 10 or more confirmed cases. The bookings and revenues outside pushing Opec and its allies, 2020, not just until June. It said ministers had agreed industry group said yesterday countries account for 80 percent the Asia-Pacific now that it (the including Russia, for a big cut up Russia, which joins Opec + non- Opec states were expected after a working meeting in Sin- of airline revenues, Pearce said. virus) has spread more widely.” to 1.5 million bpd for the second talks on Friday in Vienna, has to contribute 500,000 bpd to the gapore that the industry urgently The biggest losses would be in the He said a more conservative quarter of 2020, alongside been hesitant in the past in the overall extra cut. The group said needs help from governments in Asia-Pacific region, including estimate, with limited spread of extending existing cuts of 2.1 build up to meetings but has the existing supply curbs should waiving some requirements, taxes China, which has by far the most the disease, would result in an 11 million bpd, which expire this agreed at the last minute. last to the end of 2020. and fees to alleviate the burden cases of the virus. percent decline in passenger rev- month, to the end of 2020. But Opec sources have said Gary Ross, founder of Black on struggling carriers. An earlier estimate just two enues, or $63bn. Riyadh, Opec’s biggest pro- negotiations with Russia this time Gold Investors, said a worst “The industry remains very weeks ago put the potential cost The estimates also were ducer, has struggled to win over have been tougher. Two Opec case scenario in which Saudi fragile,” Brian Pearce, the IATA’s of the downturn in travel at less based on the assumption that the Moscow. Russian Finance Min- sources said yesterday that, if Arabia returned to full pro- chief economist, told reporters. than $30bn. That was before the industry will recover to normal ister Anton Siluanov said yes- Russia failed to sign up, there was duction would send oil prices “There are lots of airlines that number of cases outside China by the late summer or early fall, terday he was ready for a drop a risk Saudi Arabia would insist down to $25 to $30 a barrel. have got relatively narrow profit skyrocketed, taking the total to he said. Panic buying of sanitisers leads to acute shortage QSE's main index closes at 9,309.39 points AP - NEW YORK isn’t the best way to clean your hands. For that, soap and water - DOHA The hand sanitizers on Amazon still reigns supreme, according THE PENINSULA Banking and Financial were overpriced. A Walmart to the US Centers for Disease Services sector led traded this weekend was completely Control and Prevention. The Qatar Stock Exchange’s (QSE) number of transactions last sold out. Only on his third try agency recommends first benchmark index lost 180.75 week with 30.86 percent of was Ken Smith able to find the washing hands with warm or points, or 1.90 percent, last the total number of transac- clear gel - at a Walgreens, cold water and then lathering week when the bourse closed tions. Industries sector where three bottles of Purell soap for 20 seconds to get it on yesterday at 9,309.39 points. accounted for 20.03 percent. were left. He bought two. the backs of hands, between Trading value during last Telecoms sector accounted “I didn’t want to hoard,” fingers and under finger nails A picture shows a sign, on empty shelves, alerting customers to week increased by 17.50 for 15.85 percent and Con- says Smith, a retired biomedical before rinsing off. limited sales of antibacterial hand washes and sanitiser gels, inside percent to reach QR1.47bn sumer Goods and Services technician in Wichita Falls, If you’re not near a sink, a Boots store in London on March 3, 2020. compared to QR1.25bn at the sector accounted for 13.86 Texas. hand sanitizer will do. But keep end of previous week. percent. Fear of the coronavirus has in mind that it doesn’t kill all in hospitals always have a sink shelves, but didn’t say how Trading volume increased From the 47 listed com- led people to stock up on the germs, the health agency says. and soap to wash hands, says long that could take. Kroger, by 18.72 percent to reach panies 18 companies ended germ-killing gel, leaving store Read the label and make sure Nancy Foster, the American which runs nearly 2,800 461.96 million shares, as last week higher, while 28 fell shelves empty and online you’re using one that has at Hospital Association’s head of supermarkets across the against 389.11 million shares, and shares of one company retailers with sky-high prices least 60 percent alcohol. After quality and patient safety. But country, is limiting the amount while the number of trans- remained unchanged. set by those trying to profit on applying it, rub it all over your there are no good alternatives of hand sanitizer shoppers can actions fell by 11.96 percent, QNB led trading value the rush. More is on the way, hands until they’re dry. to masks for nurses and buy to five. to reach 32,397 transactions during last week accounted although it’s not clear how long Another tip: don’t touch your doctors. Purell says it has seen as compared to 36,799 for 19.41 percent of the total it will take retailers to restock. face, since health officials say Malls and sports arenas are higher demand from health transactions. traded value. Qatar Fuel Sales of hand sanitizers in viruses could enter your body adding more hand sanitizer sta- care facilities in addition to Market cap fell by 1.08 accounted for 17.91 percent the US were up 73 percent in from your eyes, mouth or nose. tions. And some workplaces have stores. It is adding more shifts percent to reach QR520.30bn and Masraf Al Rayan the four weeks ending February Hospitals are more con- said they are stocking up, too. and having employees work as compared to QR525.97bn accounted for 8.48 percent. 22 compared to the same period cerned about a shortage of face Purell, the best-selling overtime at the two Ohio facil- at the end of previous week. When compared on daily a year ago, according to market masks, which people have also hand sanitizer, is pumping up ities where most Purell is Banking and Financial basis, the QSE index gained research firm Nielsen. been snatching up despite production. Walmart and other made, says Samantha Williams, Services sector led traded 62.84 points, or 0.68 percent The alcohol-based gunk is pleas from health officials. stores say they are talking to a spokeswoman for its parent value last week with 43.17 yesterday compared to convenient, but hand sanitizer Patient and treatment rooms suppliers to stock up bare company Gojo Industries. percent of the total traded Wednesday’s closing. value. Consumer Goods and The volume of shares Services sector accounted for traded increased to 115.30 21.35 percent. Industries million yesterday from 86.93 Coronavirus scare, Opec move pull oil prices down sector accounted for 14.40 million on Wednesday and REUTERS - LONDON percent and Real Estate the value of shares increased on oil prices,” said Commerzbank analyst head of MENA research and strategy at MUFG, sector accounted 7.99 to QR451.94m from Oil fell yesterday as the coronavirus epidemic Carsten Fritsch. said. The proposed Opec cut of 1.5 million percent. Real Estate sector QR253.78m on Wednesday. showed no signs of slowing, with deaths Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov bpd, if approved, would be well above what led traded volume last week Indices of five sectors mounting globally, and while major pro- said Moscow was prepared for a possible drop the market had expected up until this week. with 27.65 percent of the total ended in green zone and two ducers agreed on deeper output cuts to bolster in oil prices should Opec and its allies fail to It would bring the group’s overall output traded volume. Banking and sectors in red zone today. QSE prices, they could not immediately secure reach an agreement over cutting supply. reduction to 3.6 million bpd or about 3.6 Financial Services sector Total Return Index gained Russian support for the decision. “The key will be the Opec+ communique percent of global supplies. accounted for 22.76 percent. 0.81 percent to 17,456.71 Brent crude fell by 37 cents, or 0.7 percent, that is articulated to the market once the The last time Opec reduced supplies on Consumer Goods and points. QSE Al Rayan Islamic to $50.76 a barrel by 1442 GMT. US West meetings conclude, to gauge whether the such a scale was in 2008 when it cut pro- Services sector accounted for Index increased 0.27 percent Texas Intermediate (WTI) was down 14 cents, wording signals a collective harmonious voice duction by a total of 4.2 million bpd to address 18.15 percent and Industries to 3,428.50 points and QSE All or 0.3 percent, at $46.64. amongst the group that plausibly helps to slower demand because of the global financial sector accounted 17.84 Share Index added 0.95 “The uncertainty surrounding the rebalance oil markets, or whether it’s merely crisis. Opec hold its next ministerial meeting percent. percent to 2,843.11 points. outcome of the Opec+ meeting is weighing complex face-saving maths,” Ehsan Khoman, on June 9. 16 BUSINESS FRIDAY 6 MARCH 2020 Google cloud pairs up with AT&T to capitalise on the 5G rush

BLOOMBERG - SEATTLE cloud unit revenue for the first global expansion of China’s time, $8.9bn in 2019, while rivals Huawei Technologies. Google’s cloud arm is partnering Amazon and Microsoft have con- Amazon Web Services, the with AT&T on a suite of business tinued to show impressive largest provider of cloud com- products to be delivered over 5G growth. puting services, in December networks, the latest tie-up Thomas Kurian (pictured), announced a push with Verizon between tech giants and wireless the chief executive officer for Communications to sell cloud- carriers hoping to capitalise on Google cloud, has picked com- based edge computing services, companies hope to develop new the rollout of faster munications companies as an which let clients process infor- applications for businesses that connectivity. area of focus in an attempt to lift mation closer to the source rather require faster response time The Alphabet unit and AT&T Google from its distant third place than at far-away data centres. from their rented cloud-com- said yesterday they were testing in the cloud market. “It’s one of Microsoft, No. 2 in the cloud puting power for services like products designed to bring our fastest growing industries,” market, also has a strategic automated quality control in a software and data services to Kurian said in an interview. alliance with AT&T. manufacturing plant, or point- fifth-generation, or 5G, cus- Kurian and AT&T officials Mo Katibeh, chief marketing of-sale systems managed over tomers, an initiative targeting declined to disclose the financial officer for AT&T Business, says a wireless network. Kurian said sectors including retail, manufac- terms of the deal. the partnership with Google isn’t the pitch for the edge com- turing and transportation. The The introduction of 5G is just exclusive. “When we think about puting strategy was similar to deal, which will see Google cloud beginning, with test projects from edge compute, we think it’s going that of Android, the operating offerings delivered by AT&T’s carriers like AT&T generally to take an ecosystem to bring this system Google used to gain network in major metropolitan limited to select big cities. to life.” sway over much of the smart- areas around the US, is part of a Nationwide coverage may take Kurian said the flurry of phone market. set of services Google is years. But tech giants and telecom recent deals “is reflective of cus- Google also announced deals unleashing that the company said industry incumbents angling for tomers in specific industries with telecommunications will give telecommunications a slice of the market for edge needing solutions to problems. software makers Amdocs and providers more computing power computing are announcing plans A single company cannot deliver Netcracker to build versions of and better margins. to pool their resources to go after the solution.” their programmes designed to Cloud sales are central to big corporate customers. The Google and AT&T are in a run on Google’s cloud. Both com- Google’s strategy to expand White House has made 5G a pilot programme with “a panies will continue to support beyond its core ads business. Last linchpin of its tech policy, partic- leading retailer,” who they customers who want to use other month, the company released ularly as it tries to suppress the declined to name. The clouds, too. British airline Flybe dealt final blow by coronavirus AFP - EXETER A slew of airlines, including Tolhurst (pictured), representing British Airways and Ryanair, the Department for Transport, British regional airline Flybe announced Monday the cancel- told parliament that the govern- crashed into bankruptcy yes- lation of several hundred flights, ment’s “immediate priority” was terday after the deadly corona- in particular to Italy, as the novel “to support passengers travelling virus proved to be the final nail in coronavirus spreads globally. home and employees who have its coffin, leaving its planes and Flybe narrowly avoided going lost their jobs”. passengers stranded. bust in January when the UK gov- But she added: “Unfortunately The biggest operator of UK ernment agreed to review air pas- in a competitive market, com- domestic flights said in a senger duty paid by its customers, panies do fail and it is not the role statement that it has entered and shareholders pledged extra of government to prop them up.” administration, a last-ditch investment. Flybe, which carries about eight process aimed at salvaging at least But in the yesterday’s early million passengers annually, said some of the company. hours, the carrier appointed all flights have been grounded And with the carrier long administrators after the gov- and the UK business has ceased blighted by fierce competition, ernment reportedly refused a trading with immediate effect. volatile fuels costs and a weak rescue loan for £100m ($128m, Flybe operates from 43 air- pound linked to the uncertainty Cyrus and infrastructure specialist €115m). Flybe’s network mostly ports across Europe and 28 in over Brexit, Flybe’s Stobart. links up small airports in the UK Britain, and its collapse left poten- announcement to ground all “Sadly, despite the efforts of and Europe. tially thousands of people flights places 2,000 jobs at risk. all involved to turn the airline “You need the smaller airlines stranded far from home. The airline, based in Exeter in around, not least the people of to help us go where we need to The British government said southwest England, has failed to Flybe, the impact of COVID-19 on go, there’s not many other it had asked bus and train oper- turn around its fortunes since it Flybe’s trading means that the options,” stranded passenger ators to accept Flybe tickets and was purchased just over a year consortium can no longer commit Robyn Kent told Sky News at other airlines to offer reductions ago by a consortium comprising to continued financial support,” Exeter airport. to help passengers reach their Virgin Atlantic, investment firm Virgin said in a statement. Conservative MP Kelly destination.

CROSSWORD MALL ROYAL PLAZA Onward (2D/Animation) 2:15 & 4:15pm Forensic (2D/Malayalam) 2:00, 9:00 & 11:30pm Forensic (2D/Malayalam) 2:30, 9:00 & 11:30pm Trance (2D/Malayalam) 2:00pm Baaghi 3 (2D/Hindi) 2:00, 8:15 & 11:15pm Escape From Pretoria (2D/Thriller) 5:00 & 11:30pm Sonic: The Hedgehog (2D/Action) 4:30pm Baaghi 3 (2D/Hindi) 2:00, 4:15, 7:00, 8:30, 11:15 & The Way Back (2D/Drama) 5:00pm 11:30pm; Come To Daddy (2D/Comedy) 9:45pm Come To Daddy (2D/Comedy) 6:30pm Onward (2D/Animation) 2:30, 4:45 & 6:45pm Escape From Pretoria (2D/Thriller) 7:00pm Sonic: The Hedgehog (2D/Action) 3:00 & 5:00pm The Way Back (2D/Drama) 4:30 & 6:30pm Escape From Pretoria (2D/Thriller) 7:00pm FLIK Mirqab Mall Baaghi 3 (2D/Hindi) 7:10 & 10:10pm Escape From Pretoria (2D/Thriller) 11:10am, 3:25 & 10:55pm LANDMARK Forensic (2D/Malayalam) 4:35, 7:15, 9:55 & 0:35am Birds Of Prey (2D/Action) 12:15, 4:25 & 8:35pm Trance (2D/Malayalam) 2:00 & 11:30pm Onward (2D/Animation) 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:05, 1:05, 2:10, 3:10, Sonic: The Hedgehog (2D/Action) 2:00 & 6:30pm 4:15, 5:15, 6:20, 7:20, 8:25, 9:25, 10:30 & 11:30pm Forensic (2D/Malayalam) 2:00, 4:30 & 7:15pm Sonic: The Hedgehog (2D/Action) 10:35, 12:35 & 2:35pm Baaghi 3 (2D/Hindi) 2:30, 4:00, 8:30 & 11:15pm The Call Of The Wild (2D/Drama) 10:15, 1:20, 2:25, 6:35 & 10:45pm The Way Back (2D/Drama) 5:15 & 7:00pm The Invisible Man (2D/Horror) 11:15am, 1:40, 4:05, 5:40,6:30, Come To Daddy (2D/Comedy) 9:45pm 8:55 & 11:20pm Escape From Pretoria (2D/Thriller) 11:30pm The Way Back (2D/Drama) 10:30am, 12:40, 2:50, 5:00 & 11:40pm

ROXY ASIAN TOWN Baaghi 3 (2D/Hindi) 12:45, 6:00, 8:15, 11:15, 2:00am Baaghi 3 (2D/Hindi) 10:30am, 11:00am, 12:30, 1:00, Forensic (2D/Malayalam) 12:30, 3:00, 3:30, 5:30, 6:15, 8:00, 8:45, 1:30, 4:00, 4:30, 5:20, 7:00, 7:30, 8;20, 10:00, 10:20, 10:30, 12:00 midnight, 1:00am, 2:15am 10:40 & 11:00pm Trance (2D/Malayalam) 3:00 & 8:45pm Escape From Pretoria (2D/Thriller) 3:00, 10:10, 10:30, Pon Manickavel (2D/Tamil) 12:30 & 5:45pm 11:30 Forensic (2D/Malayalam) 10:30am, 12:30, 1:00, 2:00, AL KHOR 3:40, 4:40, 6:20, 7:20, 9:00, 11:20 & 11:40pm Trance (2D/Malayalam) 11:00am, 5:15, 8:30 & Onward (2D/Animation) 10:30am, 12:30, 1:00, 2:40, 111:45pm; Thappad (2D/Hindi) 11:00am, 5:15pm Stardog & Turbocat (2D/Animation) 12:15, 2:15 & 3:50, 5:00, 6:00, 7:10 & 8:15pm 4:15pm; Kannum Kannum (2D/Tamil) 11:30, 2:15 & Pon Manickavel (2D/Tamil) 7:30 & 10:00pm 6:15pm; Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2D/Malayalam) Sonic: The Hedgehog (2D/Action) 11:00am, 12:30, 2:00 & 8:15pm The Invisible Man (2D/Horror) 9:15 & 12:00pm 1:00, 2:00 & 3:20pm; The Way Back (2D/Drama) 2:30, 4:50, 7:00, 8:20, 9:10, 9:30 & 11:50pm

BAAGHI 3

A man embarks on a bloody rampage to save his kidnapped brother. FRIDAY 6 MARCH 2020 SPORTSPORT 17

FOOTBALL FOOTBALL In the short term, I'm training to try and get QNB Stars League, QNB Stars League, ready for Miami: Former world number one Round 17: Al Ahli vs Round 17: Al Arabi Andy Murray is targeting a return to the Qatar SC at Qatar vs Al Khor at Al Arabi ACTION tour at the Miami Open. TODAY’S SC Stadium Stadium Kodjia scores winner as Al Gharafa rally to QSL: Al Rayyan and Al Sadd beat Al Wakrah 2-1

THE PENINSULA — DOHA gear up for 'Qatar Clasico' in their Week 17 clash also played at the Al Gharafa Al Gharafa collected valuable Stadium. FAWAD HUSSAIN three points as they rallied from January signing Raul THE PENINSULA a goal down to edge Al Wakrah Becerra scored Umm Salal’s 2-1 in an absorbing QNB Stars goals in the second and 52nd There could hardly be a better League (QSL) clash at their minutes. scenario for the battle between home turf yesterday. Kesse Amanguoa (16th country’s football giants Al Victory in their Round 17 minute) and Ramin Rezaein Rayyan and Al Sadd – dubbed clash took Al Gharafa’s points (78th minute) scored for Al the ‘Qatar Clasico’. tally to 28 points as they con- Shahania. Both teams will clash at the solidated their fourth spot in Umm Salal and Al Shahania Al Sadd Stadium tomorrow with the standings. now have 14 and 10 points plenty at stake in the crucial But, Al Gharafa were respectively, and still stare at match. trailing by a goal for 56 minutes relegation as the bottom teams. A victory for former cham- after Al Wakrah scored an early They both need to pull up their pions Al Rayyan – placed goal, with Iliyas Hassani socks if they are to move away second in the standings with 35 striking in the fourth minute. from the danger zone. points – will keep their pursuit Al Gharafa continued to Becerra gave Umm Salal an of points leader Al Duhail (39 launch attacks without success early advantage until points) on track, while a win for until Sofiane Hanni converted Amanguoa helped Al Shahania reigning champions Al Sadd (32 a 60-minute penalty to level draw parity as the latter had points) will help them leapfrog the score. slightly more of the ball till the to second spot as both sides With the goal, Al Gharafa end of first half. have the same goal regained confidence and found The Orange Fortress went difference. the winning goal through star ahead for a second time seven Aware of the importance of striker Jonathan Kodjia, who minutes into the second half, the crunch tie, the two title con- headed home the winner from again through Becerra, and tenders will come to their Al Rayyan's players a cross in 70th minute. Al Rezaein’s goal enabled Al Sha- Round 17 clash of the QNB Stars during a training Wakrah remained on 7th spot hania to earn a crucial point. League (QSL) well prepared session ahead of with 19 points after the loss. Both teams pressed hard in after days of intense training. ‘Qatar Clasico’. Earlier, Umm Salal and Al pursuit of a winning goal, but the Al Rayyan defeated Xavi- Shahania played out a 2-2 draw scoreline remained the same. coached Al Sadd 4-2 in the first leg but for the ‘Lions’ coach with winning mentality,” said replacements. We have to be at we hope to take three points Diego Aguirre past result will Aguirre ahead of the highly- our best level if we want to win from it,” said Miguel before Al Gharafa's Jonathan Kodjia (left) in action yesterday. not make any difference. anticipated tie. and collect points,” said Aguirre. adding that playing against Al “The match against Al Sadd “Beating Al Sadd in the first Al Rayyan defender Gabriel Rayyan gives extra motivation is one of the big games that I leg of Clasico is a thing of the Mercado said: “The Al Sadd to the players. like. I love the challenge in it. past. Such matches are always match is important because if “It’s special in so many We are ready and we will play very difficult,” he added. we win it, we will continue in aspects. There’ll be capacity Al Rayyan coach said the title the title race with Al Duhail. I crowd with a lot of fans from race is not in his mind as all his am happy with my experience either side attending the team’s focus will be to collect full with Al Rayyan. I long to be in stadium. That’s an extra moti- points in tomorrow’s clash. my best condition and help Al vation for the players as well,” “Actually, I do not focus on Rayyan achieve their goals, he said. The match against the race for title. Our focus is on most notably the league shield.” “Our preparations started Al Sadd is one of the how to face Al Sadd, achieve Meanwhile, Al Sadd’s Pedro on Monday. Everyone at the big games that I like. victory and get the three Miguel said his team is looking club is focused on this game. points,” he said. forward to a winning per- These kind of matches don’t I love the challenge “About the absences in Al formance in the important happen every week and we in it: Al Rayyan coach Sadd due to injuries, I would say match. very much look forward to it,” however good players they are, “Clasico is Clasico. It’s said Miguel. Diego Aguirre that will not affect them amazing and, at the same time, The match will kick off at because they will have good difficult. We’re game for it and 7:05pm.

PSL: Malik shines in Zalmi's win Peshawar Qatar Open: Easy sailing for Zalmi’s Shoaib Malik plays a shot during the defending champion Manyu Pakistan Super League (PSL) match against — DOHA THE PENINSULA Quetta Gladiators in Rawalpindi, Defending champion, Wang yesterday. Malik Manyu of China enjoyed a fired 54 runs relatively trouble free start as from 27 balls to she defeated compatriot Sun steer Zalmi to Mingyang 4-0 in the women’s 170-6 in singles Round of 32 at 2020 rain-curtailed ITTF World Tour Platinum 15-over match. Qatar Open, yesterday. In reply, Quetta Seeded fourth in this year’s Gladiators edition, Manyu looked in good fell short and nick as she ousted Mingyang scored 140-7 in 11-8, 12-10, 11-4, 11-5 on the Defending champion, stipulated overs opening day of main round at Wang Manyu of China to hand 30-run Aspire Academy. in action at Aspire win to Zalmi. Also, Sun Yingsha picked Academy yesterday. up a victory in the same PHOTO COURTESY: ITTF session, seeing off Miyuu Kihara (13-11, 11-2, 11-8, 11-7). Another Chinese duo of India and Australia advance to Ding Ning and Wang Yidi found their form in some style Women’s T20 World Cup final as they both coasted to wins over Monaco’s Yang Xiaoxin AP — SYDNEY Australia posted 134 for five and fellow Chinese athlete in 20 overs after being sent into Zhang Rui respectively. to speed up her shots and just enjoyed by the fans. Wang On table 1 Ma Long and India and Australia are into the bat. South Africa was given a Ding beat Yang in straight when to sit back and wait for won 4-0 (11-3, 11-5, 13-11, 11-4), Xu Xin breezed past Sweden’s Women’s Twenty20 Cricket revised total of 98 runs from 13 games, displaying her the counter. with there being no point in Anton Kallberg and Jon World Cup final, ensuring the overs after the rain finally Olympian form and clear In men’s singles Round of the match where he was suf- Persson 3-0 in little over 16 tournament started and will stopped after the innings intention to settle for nothing 32, Yukiya Uda was respon- fering a deficit against Freitas. minutes (11-5, 11-4, 11-5) and end with matches between change. less than gold (11-8, 1-8, 12-10, sible for the exit of Hong Kong Elsewhere, Sweden’s two minutes less were these two countries. India via The four-time champion 11-6). For Wang, it was a good China’s Wong Chun Ting, as Mattias Falck saw off the chal- required over on table 3 as a rain-affected free pass in the Australians held South Africa challenge to affirm as she won the Japanese youngster won lenge of Jin Takuya, winning Fan Zhendong and Wang semi-finals and Australia with to 92-5, with Laura Wolvaardt 4-1 (11-8, 11-4, 11-7, 6-11, 14-12) 4-1 (10-12, 14-12, 11-9, 11-9, 4-1 (1-5, 11-3, 8-11, 11-6, 11-9), Chuqin showed their ruthless a five-run win over South scoring an unbeaten 41 from 27 against Zhang. 11-8) despite losing the first with the Asian unable to break side against Serbia’s Ale- Africa. balls. Feng Tianwei was involved game. through Falck’s defence. ksandar Karakasevic and Slo- India advanced without When the Australia-South in a rather quick domestic England’s Liam Pitchford, Sweden’s Jon Persson is vakia’s Lubomir Pistej (11-6, bowling a ball when rain Africa match started, it was against fellow Singaporean Yu in the meantime, continued his very much an athlete on the 11-3, 11-1). washed out their afternoon only nine minutes away from Mengyu, as the veteran came good run of wins as he beat hunt for a medal right now, as In women's doubles, match against England on a deadline for the latest pos- out on top, winning in straight Spain’s Alvaro Robles 4-2 he defeated host nation’s Stephanie Loeuillette and Yuan Thursday at the Sydney Cricket sible start under tournament games (11-5, 11-8, 11-7, 11-2) (11-6, 11-7, 8-11, 11-9, 10-12, Ahmad Khalil Al-Mohannadi Jia Nan advanced to quarter- Ground. India finished first in regulations. and in under 16 minutes. 11-9) in an entertaining 4-0 (11-7, 11-8, 11-5, 11-2) in 15 finals following a fine opening Group A, giving it the advantage A washout would have Meanwhile, Mima Ito was 48-minute match. minutes. round display from the French over England if the match was given South Africa the win and taking no prisoners as she beat In other match, Wang In men’s doubles, China pair, battling past the fifth not played. a spot in the final because it fin- China’s Gu Yuting 4-1 (9-11, Chuqin put an end to the cam- enjoyed a breathtaking first seeded Hong Kong China duo In the night semi-final at ished first in Group B. 11-5, 11-7, 12-10, 11-4). There paign of Portugal’s Marcos round of men’s doubles action of Doo Hoi Kem and Lee Ho the same venue, Australia beat The final on Sunday at the was an air of smart play by the Freitas in a powerful per- as both the country’s partner- Ching in five games (8-11, 11-6, South Africa under the Duck- Melbourne Cricket Ground Japanese who knew just when formance that was particularly ships storming to victory. 3-11, 12-10, 11-7). worth-Lewis system after rain coincides with International delayed the start of their match. Women’s Day. 18 SPORT FRIDAY 6 MARCH 2020

Qatar kicks off 2020 LGCT season in style Staut, Gulliksen grab first day's honours RIZWAN REHMAT THE PENINSULA

French riding star Kevin Staut yesterday underlined his inten- tions from the get-go as he guided Visconti du Telman to a classy win on day one of the new Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) season at the iconic Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. The 39-year-old Frenchman looked in solid form as his 11-year-old ride powered to a top time of 63.55 seconds in the 1.55m competition. Staut bagged the top prize of €13,750. Staut finished narrowly ahead of popular British rider Scott Brash who was in the saddle with Hello Shelby. Brash ended the competition just 0.11 seconds slower than Kevin Staut (centre), winner of the Staut as Hello Shelby clocked Dohan CSI5* 1.50/1.55m event on 63.66 seconds. The second place the opening day of the Longines finish was worth €11,000. Globle Champions Tour, celebrates The third fastest time yes- on the podium with Scott Brash terday was posted by French and Roger-Yves Bost at the rider Roger-Yves Bost, astride Longines Arena At Al Shaqab, Castleforbes Talitha who clocked yesterday. 64.18 seconds. Ireland’s Shane Breen (Com- pelling Z, 64.54 seconds, €5,500) CLASS 01: DOHAN CSI5* 1.45M and Sweden’s Henrik von Eck- Two Phases: A + A, 2nd Phase Against the Clock ermann (Best Boy, 65.95 seconds, €3,850) completed the RK Rider/Horse Time Prize Money top five out of 42 entries. 1 Johan-Sebastian Gulliksen / Chaloubet 38.80 €6,350 Earlier yesterday, Nor- 2 Jos Verlooy / Varoune 39.91 €5,080 wegian rider Johan-Sebastian 3 Wilm Vermeir / King Kong d'Avifauna 40.50 €3,810 Gulliksen emerged the first 4 Jérôme Guery / Eras Ste Hermelle 40.71 €2,540 winner in the opening round of 5 Roger-Yves Bost / Castleforbes Talitha 40.94 €1,778 the world’s richest show jumping series when he guided Chaloubet CLASS 02: DOHAN CSI5* 1.50/1.55M to a commanding victory in the GCL Team Competition Round 1 - Table A: Against the Clock two-phased 1.45m class. 1 Kevin Staut / Visconti du Telman 63.55 €13,750 The 12-year-old gelding 2 Scott Brash / Hello Shelby 63.66 €11,000 clocked a time of 38.80 seconds 3 Roger-Yves Bost / Castleforbes Talitha 64.18 €8,250 as the 24-year-old rider - who 4 Shane Breen / Compelling Z 64.54 €5,500 was the last rider in the pecking 5 Henrik von Eckermann / Best Boy 65.95 €3,850 order - picked up the top prize of €6,350 at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. TODAY'S PROGRAMME “I was last to go so I had to 09:00 National: Accumulative 1.00/1.15m (QR10,000) try. My horse jumped fantastic 13:00 National: Against-the-clock 1.20/1.30m and hopefully, I can bring this (QR20,000 - individual & QR20,000 - teams) good feeling with me tomorrow Omar Al Mannai (front row, left), Event Director, and Badr Al Darwish, Secretary-General of Qatar and 15:45 CSI 5* Against-the-clock 1.50m (€51,100) and Saturday,” a delighted Gul- Asian Equestrian Federations (front row, right) posing for a photograph with the podium winners of 19:30 CSI 5* Against-the-clock with jump-off liksen said after the presentation the Dohan CSI5* 1.45m event, Johan-Sebastian Gulliksen, Jos Verlooy and Wilm Vermeir. 1.50/1.55m (€148,500) ceremony. In second spot was Belgium’s TOMORROW Jos Verlooy, astride Varoune. in sixth spot in a time of 41.19 St Tropez Pirates (136.29 London Knights - featuring 09:55 National: Against-the-clock 1.15/1.25m The 24-year-old sealed his seconds with Kiana van het seconds) - featuring Pieter Davos twin brothers Olivier Philip- (QR15,000) spot after his 12-year-old ride Herdershof. and Deusser - were one of eight paerts and Nicola Philippaerts - 12:15 National: Against-the-clock 1.30/1.45m clocked a time of 39.91 seconds The proceedings kicked off teams to produce flawless impressed with the third fastest (QR35,000) against clock. Verlooy won with popular Australian rider routines. time of 141.88 seconds. 14:45 CSI5* GCL of Doha Round 2 - 1.50/1.55m €5,080. Edwina Tops-Alexander who “We had a very good start, a Earlier in the day, Laffan (€95,000) Wilm Vermeir, also of enjoyed a flawless routine in the nice clear. I’m very happy with won the team event of the Al 18:15 CSI 5* Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Belgium, guided King Kong first phase but got stalled by two my new team-mate Daniel who Shaqab Internation Cup ahead Prix of Doha - 1.60m (€375,000) d’Avifauna to a third-place finish faults in the second phase with gave us a lot of confidence for of Al Uddaid and Al Maida. in a time of 40.50 seconds. Identity Vitseroel. the start of the season,” Davos Laffan managed an overall Vermeir got richer by €3,810. Qatari rider Qatari rider said. time of 132.02 seconds to bag the clock and accumulator with over the next two days as well. Belgium’s Jerome Guery Rashid Towaim Ali Al Marri, Deusser said: “It’s a new top prize of QR 39,000. Al joker). Both events will feature The Qatar leg is one of 18 (Eras Ste Hermelle, 40.71 showed a flawless routine with season, new challenge, new Uddaid clocked 143.82 seconds 55 entries. events to be held this year seconds, €2,540) and Roger- Flaire, but the home hope could team, we have a very good team (with 4 faults) to win QR 31,000. The first five-star compe- including the GC Prague Playoffs Yves Bost (Castleforbes Talitha, not match the pace of the winner but we need to produce the Third-placed Al Maida (141.71 tition - offering a prize bag to be staged at the end of the year. 40.94 seconds, €1,778) com- on the day (51.60 seconds). results.” seconds, 8 faults) won QR 21,000 €50,200 - will begin at 3:45pm. What started as a six-stop pleted the top five out of 45 Also yesterday, St Tropez Scandinavian Vikings (136.51 in the 115cm class. The day’s feature event kicks off series in 2006 now has millions entries. Pirates kicked of the Global seconds) - with the pair of In today’s action at Longines at 7:30pm with a whopping of fans around the world with In what should be a moral- Champions League team com- Evelina Tovek and Henrik von Arena at Al Shaqab, the pro- €145,800 on offer to the best LGCT events held around iconic boosting performance, last petition in style by taking the Eckermann - finished in second ceedings will start with two riders in the 1.55m class. locations like Miami, Madrid, week’s CHI Al Shaqab Grand Prix lead ahead of tomorrow’s place, just a second slower than rounds of Longines Hathab A total of 50 riders from 15 Cannes, Monaco, Paris, London, winner Daniel Deusser finished feature event. St Tropez Pirates. Series (one round against the countries will be seen in action Rome and New York. Navarro aims to improve as Moto2 riders get set for new season THE PENINSULA – DOHA Jorge Navarro Spanish rider Jorge Navarro is aiming to do better than what he achieved last year when the new Moto2 season kicks off at Losail International Circuit today. Navarro, who finished in fourth spot in the Moto2 world championship standings last season, yesterday said: “For sure last year was a good season for me, but this year the target is to make a step forward; to be fighting for the victory at every race and at the end be a title contender.” He added: “The pre-season was very good for us, we did a good job. We improved our weak points and maybe improved the strong points. We’re ready to start racing.” When asked if he had been focusing Moto2 riders posing for a photograph at the Losail International Circuit yesterday ahead of the QNB Qatar Grand Prix. on the start of the race – somewhere he admitted he needed to improve – and confirmed that, but said there was it’ll be easy to overtake and therefore work hard and to understand every starting this season like we did last of the 4th and 5th of April in four a more pressing issue for him and his we won’t be in a rush for all of the step or every move we make. Hope- year, went off with a bang. Preseason weeks’ time, a report on www. Beta Tools Speed Up team. race.” fully this weekend we will find the way testing has been quite good, just been motogp.com said. “In this area for sure we’ve worked Jorge Martin - who finished the test to fight for the victory.” working a lot with my new crew chief MotoGP will now head to the Chang but the biggest area was in aero second - said yesterday: “The end of The Spaniard added: “Every season and things are quite positive. I really International Circuit in Buriram over because we always lacked top speed last season was so good, I was quite we start, I pray to not have injuries. enjoyed the work we did in the pre- the weekend of the 3rd and 4th of and to fight in the races it’s difficult competitive. Then we changed the bike Now, in Qatar, I am almost 100% fit but season tests and yeah can’t wait to October. This was the original date for when you don’t have that. Everyone is again. It was so difficult to at the the preseason was hard. The surgery start.” the Gran Premio de Aragon, therefore aggressive at the start and if you can’t beginning to understand the new bike, on my knee was really aggressive, so Meanwhile, the 2020 MotoGP cal- we will now head to MotorLand Aragon arrive at the braking point close to the and I also had surgery 3 months ago, the recovery was hard. Also the liga- endar has been updated officially a weekend earlier, the 26th and 27th rider in front of you it’s hard to then I broke my foot again. So it was a ments on my foot… it was a bit com- with the addition of a new date for of September. overtake,” Navarro said. hard preseason, but anyway, in Jerez plicated. Anyway, I’m here, happy to the OR Thailand Grand Prix after it Aside from that, the calendar “This was our weakest point, I had I improved by best time, then again in be here almost fit and I can be ready was postponed earlier in the week remains the same with 19 MotoGP to wait to make safe moves and always Qatar. I’m still struggling to find a good to fight.” due to the coronavirus outbreak. The races and 20 Moto2 and Moto3 races, I arrived at the fight for victory too late. feeling with the front, but I think it’s Remy Gardner of Australia yes- premier class will now kick off their starting this weekend at the QNB Qatar This year, with the new aero we have, the same for everybody. Just trying to terday said. “We obviously want to be season in Austin over the weekend Grand Prix. SPORT

FRIDAY 6 MARCH 2020 Teen Hojgaard shines on opening day COMMERCIAL BANK QATAR ARMSTRONG VAS Nicolai Hojgaard tees off during the THE PENINSULA MASTERS: ROUND ONE Former winner opening day of the 2020 Commercial SCORES Bank Qatar Masters at the Education Danish teenager Nicolai City Golf Club, yesterday. Pepperell 64 N Højgaard (DEN) Hojgaard produced a PICTURES: SYED OMAR remarkable run of scoring on 65 J Luiten (NED) disqualified after the back nine to take a 66 J Campillo (ESP), T Pieters one-shot lead at the 2020 (BEL), L Gagli (ITA), A Sullivan scoreboard blunder Commercial Bank Qatar (ENG), C Pigem (ESP), J Masters in Doha yesterday. Winther (DEN) ARMSTRONG VAS On the first day of the 67 M Armitage (ENG), S THE PENINSULA European Tour event, the Jamieson (SCO), S Chawrasia 18-year-old, runner-up (IND), D Fichardt (RSA), D Former champion Eddie Pepperell’s behind Sergio Garcia at the Drysdale (SCO), B Hebert hopes of collecting a second trophy KLM Open last season, (FRA), K Moon (KOR) in Qatar suffered a cruel blow at the started with a seven-under 68 Siem (GER), S Heisele (GER), Education City Golf Club course as he 64 to hit the front at Edu- N Lemke (SWE), M Kinhult was disqualified from the European cation City Golf Club. (SWE), B Poke (DEN), R Tour event. Hojgaard hit the turn in Macintyre (SCO), G Havret The 29-year-old, who did not take 35, then birdied seven of the (FRA), Y Touhami (MAR), R part in last year’s event, besides next eight holes before a Fisher (ENG), W Nienaber eyeing The Mother of the Pearl Trophy second bogey of a stunning (RSA), D Coupland (ENG) was aiming to climb back into the opening round ensured he 69 R Paratore (ITA), C Paisley world’s top 50 in time to qualify for had to settle for the slen- (ENG), F Zanotti (PAR), O The Masters. derest of advantage. course, get to know it a bit Fisher (ENG), D Horsey (ENG), The winner of Qatar Masters in “It was a good day,” said better and it was beautiful M Korhonen (FIN), D 2018, Pepperell was disqualified for Højgaard. today,” he added. Burmester (RSA), A signing an incorrect scorecard, “I started out slow, was “I think on the golf Rozner (FRA), J Senior (ENG), erasing what was an opening-round playing really bad on the first I started out slow, course if you are in the A Saddier (FRA), M Kieffer 71, which was seven off the lead. four, five, six holes - I was fairway you can be pretty (GER), R Langasque (FRA), M A mix-up on his scorecard led to still two under at that point was playing really aggressive to the undulated Lorenzo-Vera (FRA), J Smith (ENG) his second disqualification from a but I was just playing it all bad on the first four, greens. I hit my irons and 70 J Wang (KOR), M Schwab European Tour event in four months. over the place. My putter was five, six holes - I was driver beautiful today which (AUT), S Valimaki (FIN), Z Pepperell took to Twitter to just on fire today, that’s the created a lot of chances and Lombard (RSA), K Samooja explain the bizarre situation that led difference. still two under at I rolled in a couple of putts,” (FIN), R Ramsay (SCO), M to his disqualification “Quite disap- “When I came to the back that point but I was Luiten said. Antcliff (AUS), T Lee (KOR), J pointing as I actually took the time to nine I was hitting fairways, just playing it all England’s Marcus Lagergren (SWE), J Harding change the original error, only to hitting it close and rolling the Armitage made the first big (RSA), J Scrivener (AUS), L make a costlier one myself,” Pepperell putter. You just hit the button over the place. My move of the day, birdieing Van Meijel (NED), J McLeod tweeted. and you keep going. I was putter was just on the second and third and (AUS), M Jordan (ENG), D Law “I asked the referee if this had any hitting the fairway, I was then reeling off a hat-trick (SCO), A Levy (FRA), A bearing on my disqualification but it hitting greens, I was getting fire today, that’s the from the fifth to get to five Björk (SWE), J Choi (KOR), M didn’t. … The rules are the rules and I close on the par fives. difference: under. Pavon (FRA), G Coetzee 100% accept that, but I can’t help “My putter was just the Armitage, India’s S S P (RSA), P Figueiredo (POR), G feeling that this particular way of dis- Nicolai Hojgaard Green (MAS), R Højgaard (DEN) difference today. I was Chawrasia, Scottish pair qualification is a fair distance away Selected playing okay with the long David Drysdale and Scott from common sense, and that’s also game but I was just holing Jamieson, South African 79 S Al Kaabi (AM) (QAT) disappointing. I enjoyed the course everything. All in all, I am happy with my because you can ask yourself Darren Fichardt, 80 C Hill (SCO), A Al Shahrani however and hopefully next time I’ll “The back nine is a bit game,” Luiten said. if it really helps if you hit into Frenchman Benjamin (AM) (QAT) do a better job,” he said. more tricky off the tee so I “Yesterday and Tuesday a 50 mile and hour wind on Hebert and South Korea’s E Pepperell (ENG), P Waring Pepperell is now struggling to get would say it was more of a were really bad (winds) so I the range. So I tried to stay Kyongjun Moon were three ** back in the world’s top 50 in time for three wood on the back nine, didn’t do a lot of practise away from it and played the off the lead. (ENG) (Bad time register) The Masters Pepperell, who pulled out I was hitting a lot of three of last week’s Oman Open due to woods and it was pretty Golfers taking part in the 2020 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at the brand new coronavirus fears, entered the week good.” Education City Golf course yesterday. ranked 63rd in the world after an Dutchman Joost Luiten erratic start to 2020, missing the cut was a shot back, one ahead in South Africa and Abu Dhabi before of Spaniards Jorge Campillo bouncing back with a tie for 11th at and Carlos Pigem, Italy’s the Dubai Desert Classic. Lorenzo Gagli, Belgian His hopes of making a second Thomas Pieters, England’s appearance at Augusta National next Andy Sullivan and Dane Jeff month are now in the balance, as Pep- Winther. perell would need to be ranked in the “I am absolutely pleased. world’s top 50 after the WGC Match Seven birdies and one Play, also an event he is now battling dropped shot, it wasn’t really to qualify for. needed that dropped shot Pepperell’s disqualification in coming out of the middle of Qatar follows his bizarre early exit in the fairway but on a golf Turkey last November, when he ran course like this where it is out of balls after losing “four or five” really tricky on and around in the water at the fourth during the the greens, I was out of third round and was unable to com- position, so sometimes you plete the hole. just have to accept the bogey. Our aim is to maintain the Championship, says Dorna chief

THE PENINSULA – DOHA

Dorna chief Carmelo Ezpeleta (pictured) yesterday said every attempt would be made to stage the remaining MotoGP races despite a couple of Grands Prix getting cancelled due to the outbreak of the coronavirus around the world. “There have been many questions from many journalists, so we decided to have a press conference to make a statement about where we are and what’s happened up to now, and what we plan to do from now until the end of the season,” Carmelo said yes- terday at Losail International Circuit (LIC). “The collaboration with the Qatar authorities has really been very good. When this all started, the situation was Moto3 riders posing for a photograph ahead of the season opener which kicks off today. changing day by day, we tried to accommodate ourselves with the agreement with everyone in the to do the Moto2 and Moto3 races, with is to work together, as we’ve been moment. If the situation changes and the end of March. We announced paddock to do all we can. Asia Talent Cup, also. doing all this time, to try to make the between now and that moment, we today the change of the date of “We are lucky that Moto2 and “What will happen in the future? Championship. In the best possible will make that decision. Thailand, thanks to the Aragon gov- Moto3 test was the week before, so This is something we can’t prevent. conditions, but to try to maintain the “It’s true that we tried to move ernment to make the race a week everyone was here. This made it easy The situation keeps changing around championship with the maximum United States to the end of the year, early, and a week later we’ll have to have the two races we will have the world, every day,” Ezpeleta said number of races we can. We are pre- changing for some of the Spanish Thailand. here. in a statement posted on www. pared to do that. races. It’s easy to say but to make “Our aim; FIM, IRTA and Dorna, is "This is something that we decided motogp.com. “This is the position. The next those changes in the short time we to maintain the Championship with from the beginning with the Losail “The only thing I can say is that we race? the United States. We don’t have, to do these races at the end of the maximum number of races. The International Circuit, the Qatari Fed- will try to do everything possible; know anything. We are waiting to March, it’s impossible for a circuit to rest, we will take measures,” Ezpeleta eration and the government of Qatar postpone or whatever. Our aim today send all the material until the last organise a MotoGP race between now said. 20 HOME FRIDAY 6 MARCH 2020