1996 - 2021 SILVER JUBILEE YEAR

Global Al Sadd eager to hydrogen stay unbeaten demand to as Al Gharafa quadruple by eye top 2050: GECF four spot

Business | 13 Sport | 16

SATURDAY 3 APRIL 2021 21 SHA'ABAN - 1442 VOLUME 26 NUMBER 8581 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

Virtual Education Forum 2021 kicks off today

QNA — DOHA Vice-Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation (QF) H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani and With an aim of continuing the process of permanent President of Qatar University Dr. Hassan development of the educa- Al Derham will be attending as keynote tional process, Virtual speakers in the Forum. Education Forum 2021 will begin today. The event will have 31 training sessions with the The training workshops and lectures of the Virtual Edu- participation of 41 speakers. cation Forum 2021, organized by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education under Nuaimi, Dean of College of The first theme refers to the slogan “Visions and Aspi- Education at Qatar University Integrating Education for Sus- rations...Beyond Challenges”, Dr. Ahmed Al Emadi, Director tainable Development (ESD) will be held through an online of Research and Content into school curricula, man- platform via the following link: Development at WISE Dr. aging the quality of input and https://www.eduforum2021. Asmaa Al Fadala and Assistant design in curricula, improving Lit up in blue to mark World Autism Awareness Day edu.gov.qa/. Director of the Educational curricula based on education The Ministry of Education Guidance Department at the outputs and methodology of Qatar Foundation (QF) yesterday commemorated World Autism Awareness Day, an initiative proposed and Higher Education intends Ministry of Education and scientific research and inno- by H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, its Chairperson, to the United Nations in 2007 and first marked in to hold the Virtual Education Higher Education Dr. Abdullah vation and its role in pro- 2008. Qatar Foundation Headquarters lit in blue, through an initiative sponsored by Renad Academy, Forum this year with the aim Ali Al Marri will speak in the moting sustainability. a specialised school for children diagnosed with autism, QF tweeted the picture. of continuing the process of plenary opening session. The second theme focuses permanent development of the Those wishing to partic- on aligning education educational process. It put its ipate and attend the work- outputs with labor market integrated effort in order to shops should register through and sustainable development Significant increase in cargo achieve the desired benefit of it, so that they can get needs, evaluating education the forum in the best way, to acquainted with the forum’s outputs in the context of sus- prove that despite all the cir- works, training workshops and tainable development, aca- handling at Qatari ports in March cumstances, the visions and lectures. There are 31 training demic and professional aspirations came to be realized sessions, with the participation counseling and its role in IRFAN BUKHARI tweet. A total of 250 ships docked Equivalent Units (TEUs) con- without regard to difficulties of 41 speakers, which were pre-university education, the THE PENINSULA at these ports in March. tainers; 131,472 tonnes general and not to stand in the way of chosen very carefully and in role of specialised schools in “MwaniQatar received cargo; 59,601 livestock heads; challenges. line with the objectives of this achieving sustainable devel- The ports of Qatar have witnessed 137,737 containers in March 2021, 41,554 tonnes building materials The Virtual Education forum. opment and nurturing talents an increase of 22% in containers an increase of 22% compared to and 6,088 units of vehicles. A total Forum 2021 will include two In discussion sessions and is key to creativity, and nec- handling in March compared to the same period last year. of 225 ships docked at these ports keynote speakers; Vice-Chair- workshops, the forum will essary for sustainable same period last year. General cargo volume, building in March 2020. person and CEO of Qatar Foun- address a number of topics development. Hamad Port, Ruwais Port material and RORO, all showing Hamad Port handled 136,475 dation (QF) H E Sheikha Hind and practices that will be pre- Theme number three high- and Doha Port handled 137,737 increases in varying proportions Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units bint Hamad Al Thani and Pres- sented by professors from uni- lights the new visions in early Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units on the same period last year. (TEUs) containers; 90,376 tonnes ident of Qatar University Dr. versities and participating childhood education, inte- (TEUs) containers; 134,320 #HamadPort #DohaPort general cargo; 38,639 tonnes Hassan Al Derham. bodies, with a focus on the grating ESD into early tonnes general cargo; 25,638 #RuwaisPort,” Mwani Qatar said building materials and 6,628 units In addition, Undersec- role of technology and devel- childhood programs and pro- livestock heads; 48,924 tonnes in a tweet. of vehicles during last month. A retary of the Ministry of Edu- opments in post-COVID-19 tecting education of children building materials and 6,669 In March 2020, Hamad Port, total of 138 ships docked at cation and Higher Education education, through the fol- in exceptional circumstances. units of vehicles during last Ruwais Port and Doha Port Hamad Port in March, QTer- H E Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al lowing themes: `P3 month, said Mwani Qatar in a handled 112,730 Twenty-Foot minals shared the figures. `P2 Hifz Al Naema Centre to distribute 2,500 daily Iftar meals 867,209 doses administered

SIDI MOHAMED families will be distributed from festivals, weddings and agreement and cooperation since start of COVID-19 THE PENINSULA during the holy month of hotels and distributes it after with a number of donors and Ramadan. “About 2,500 food repackaging to poor people. restaurants. vaccination program To promote the culture of giving meals will be distributed during Al Khulaifi explained that “We have agreements with and spreading the spirit of the blessed month as Hifz Al these meals will be delivered to a number of donors and restau- humanity among various Naema centre every year used their beneficiaries in their rants, whereby one charity THE PENINSULA — DOHA segments of society as blessed to provide many services and places to avoid crowding and organisation will provide us month of Ramadan is various programmes during the in implementation of all the with 1,000 meals a day to be The Ministry of Public Health Ministry of Public Health approaching, Hifz Al Naema month of Ramadan to the needy precautionary measures distributed to the needy. We yesterday announced the regis- reported that 459 Centre is gearing up to people,” public relations officer announced by the Ministry of also have donors and a group tration of 874 new confirmed people have recovered distribute 2,500 daily Iftar at Hifz Al Naema, Yousef Al Khu- Public Health. of restaurants who will provide cases of COVID-19. Among from the virus bringing meals during Ramadan among laifi, said. Speaking to Qatar TV us with 1,500 meals a day them 156 are from travelers the total number of needy people. Hifz Al Naema is a social recently, he said that these during the month of Ramadan,” returning from abroad. Also food baskets for needy centre that collects surplus food meals are provided based on an he added. `P2 Also 459 people have cases recovered in Qatar recovered from the virus to 165,003 . bringing the total number of Police officer cases recovered in Qatar to 165,003 . In addition, the Min- from the United Kingdom.” killed in vehicle istry announced three new “This new variant is much deaths, for people aged 55, 81 more contagious and spread attack on US Capitol and 82 - all were receiving the more easily between people necessary medical care. than the existing strain and AP — WASHINGTONDOHA So far 867,209 COVID-19 may be associated with vaccine doses have been increased severity of disease. A Capitol Police officer was killed administered since the start of The good news is that the yesterday after a man rammed a car National COVID-19 Vaccination Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna into two officers at a barricade outside Program. vaccines being used in our the US Capitol and then emerged “Every day, hundreds of vaccination program are wielding a knife, law enforcement offi- people are becoming sick due effective against the new cials said.The suspect died at a hospital, to the COVID-19 with many variants.” officials said. Both officers were hospi- requiring admission to hospital The Ministry further said talised, and one of them “succumbed to manage their symptoms. that the pace of the vaccination to his injuries,” Capitol Police Acting Since February 1, the number program means that there is Chief Yogananda Pittman said. of people with COVID-19 finally hope of a gradual return Pittman did not identify the slain admitted to hospital has to normal for us here in Qatar officer or suspect. Authorities said that doubled,” the Ministry said. and people around the world. there was no longer an ongoing threat It added: “Qatar’s strict “But this will not happen in the and that the attack did not appear to be quarantine policy for returning next few weeks or months. related to terrorism. There was also no travelers enabled us to delay COVID-19 will continue to immediate connection apparent the introduction of new var- be a threat to our health for the between yesterday's crash and the Jan. iants into this country for majority of 2021 and until all 6 riot. The crash and shooting hap- several months but we are eligible members of our popu- pened at a security checkpoint near now seeing positive COVID-19 lation have been vaccinated, the Capitol as Congress is on recess. National Guard troops run towards the US Capitol during a security incident in Washington, cases in the region and in we must continue to follow the  SEE ALSO PAGE 11 US, yesterday. Qatar with the new variants preventive measures.’ 02 HOME SATURDAY 3 APRIL 2021

OFFICIAL NEWS Qatar condemns attack on UN peacekeepers in Mali

DOHA: The State of Qatar expressed its strong condemnation and denuncia- tion of the attack that targeted the UN peacekeepers in Mali, leaving deaths. PRAYER In a statement issued yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the TIMINGS State of Qatar’s firm position of rejecting violence and terrorism and criminal PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING acts, regardless of the motives and reasons. The statement expressed the State of Qatar’s condolences to the families of the victims. — QNA FAJR 04.05 am SUNRISE 05.24 am Hifz Al Naema Centre to distribute DHUHR 11.37 am ASR 03.06 pm 2,500 daily Iftar meals MAGHRIB 05.53 pm FROM PAGE 1 ISHA 07.23 pm Regarding the Ramadan tents in which Iftar is usually dis- Chief of Staff meets US military official tributed, he noted, “We will not set up Ramadan tents this year because of coronavirus pandemic, in application of the precau- Chief of Staff of the Qatari Armed Forces H E Lieutenant-General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen Al tionary measures applied by the State.” Ghanem met with Deputy Director of Strategy, Plans, and Policy (J5) at the US Central Command, Last year, more than 167,000 people and families had bene- Duke Pirak, who is currently visiting Doha to attend a workshop on planning operations for the World fited from the humanitarian projects carried out by Hifz Al Naema. Cup 2022. The meeting dealt with reviewing bilateral military ties and the means to enhance them. The projects included food donations, in-kind donations, The meeting was attended by a number of ranking officers of the armed forces. awareness activities and others.

WEATHER TODAY Paintings by Iraqi artist featured in Katara virtual exhibition

RAYNALD C RIVERA inspired by carvings found in THE PENINSULA 'Prism' is the 11th art archaelogical sites north of Qatar, “The Unreachable Distinct texture and colour exhibition presented by Mirage” displaying 20 paintings composition stand out in the Katara virtually, and by Qatari artist Masoud Al 25oC 39oC paintings by Iraqi artist Falah follows the “Fine Arabic Bulushi which depict portraits Minimum Maximum Al Saeedi being showcased at a Calligraphy” virtual group of women wearing traditional virtual exhibition dubbed exhibition which features face covering, and “Heritage” Hazy to misty at places at first “Prism” launched by the featuring works by Hassan Bu becomes relatively hot daytime, Cultural Village Foundation six Turkish artists. Jassoum reflecting important mild by night. (Katara) on its website. aspects of Qatari culture and W ALRUWAIS : 25o → 28o Al Saeedi’s stunning colour heritage. W ALKHOR : 23o → 34o layering and use of geometric talent allowing him to attend Katara’s virtual exhibitions patterns result to highly the Iraqi Institute of Art during also include “Patches” by Syrian W DUKHAN : 25o → 34o One of the paintings by Iraqi artist Falah Al Saeedi on show at complex timeless works akin to his after school hours further contemporary artist Hadi WAKRAH 21o 37o “Prism” virtual exhibition launched by Katara. W : → classic paintings by masters. encouraging his remarkable Qasous showcasing 16 paintings W MESAIEED : 21o → 37o With varying subjects-from work. which integrate calligraphy and W ABUSAMRA : 20o → 33o Arabian stallions to warriors He graduated from the reality with all its contradictions group exhibition which features stunning colours and shapes, mounted on horseback-the Institute of Fine Arts with to a harmonious place and time six Turkish artists and was “Culture Collision” by Hassan paintings are a visual feast honours. He became a member framed on a canvas.” organised in cooperation with Taleb Alsalat which displays 14 HIGH TIDE which exudes Al Saeedi’s unique of Iraqi Artist Union and the This is not the first time Al Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural interesting artworks that place 7:24– 22:04 style and the technical expertise Society of Iraqi Plastic Artists. Saeedi has featured in a Katara Center in Doha. famous cartoon characters in a LOW TIDE 03:49 – 15:15 the artist has mastered through His first solo exhibition was held exhibition. In 2019, his works Other virtual exhibitions the Gulf setting, “The Result” by over three decades of prolific at the Hall of the Institute of selected from the Sheikh Fahad Katara had launched include Fatima Al Nuaimi which dis- art practice. Fine Arts in 1995. Bin Saoud Al Thani Collection “Portraits” featuring 29 works plays 19 acrylic on canvas Born in Babil, Iraq, Al Saeedi As the demand for his work were shown in an exhibition by seasoned Qatari portrait works which reflect both unan- lived there until 2004 when he grew, he left his country and hosted in line with Qatar artist Eman Al Sulaiti, “Femmes ticipated and foreseen results, had to leave his country to settle move to Amman where he held National Day celebration. à la mode” featuring 12 and “Al Taybeen” by Ali Dasmal Jumbo mega in Amman, Jordan. many exhibitions as a reputable “Prism” is the 11th art exhi- paintings by Indian artist Al Kuwari which focuses on 17 Starting his journey in artist. bition presented by Katara vir- Surabhi, “Trace” which show- realist paintings depicting tra- promotion painting at a tender age of eight, His art is highly lauded as it tually, and follows the “Fine cases abstract paintings by ditional objects and Qatari the artist exhibited exceptional “reflects his ability to transform Arabic Calligraphy” virtual Qatari artist Jawaher Al Mannai architecture. receives great response THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Jumbo’s bi-annual mega promotion has been launched with exciting offers on elec- tronics, mobiles, laptops and other products available across stores. Customers are being offered discounts up to 25 percent on select range of world class brands such as LG, Ariston, Indesit, Harman Kardon, JBL, Brother, Kenwood, Blueair, Nutribullet & Oscar. Besides the discount all purchases worth QAR 1,000 PIC: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA and above are eligible for free gifts as per entitlement, the customers will be eligible for Buildings, monuments lit up in blue to mark World Autism Awareness Day LG 60inch 4K UHD TV, LG Buildings of Ministry of Interior (left) and Msheireb Properties (right) were lit up in blue to mark the World Autism AwarenessDay, yesterday. Msheireb Properties shared Sound bar, LG Tone free their global message in supporting the rights of people with autism and raising awareness among community members about this cause. earbuds & Amazfit smart watch. During the promotion, Jumbo is also providing extended warranty plans on Significant increase in home appliances under its Unesco invites QU professor to contribute to EOLSS “Jumbo shield” program, at cargo handling at Qatari special rates to its valued cus- THE PENINSULA — DOHA Qatar” for Unesco-EOLSS tomers. By paying a little extra Theme on “6.107. Solar Co- ports in March amount, customers can have Chair Professor of Chemical Engi- generation of Electricity and FROM PAGE 1 peace of mind as Jumbo’s neering and QAFAC Chair at Qatar Water, Large Scale Photo- highly trained after sales team University (QU) Prof. Syed Javaid Zaidi, voltaic Systems.” Despite challenging situations created shall take care of the appliance has been invited to contribute to the It is an honour to con- by the COVID-19 pandemic Hamad Port during the extended warranty Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems tribute in such a reputed pub- – Qatar’s gateway to world trade – had period. (EOLSS), which is the world’s largest lication of Unesco, which is wrapped up 2020 on a successful note. There are also “Buy Now encyclopedia developed under the world’s largest comprehensive The Port had registered an increase in Pay Later” offers from leading auspices of the United Nations Educa- professional publication car- vessels’ arrival and cargo handling in 2020 financial institutions Doha tional, Scientific and Cultural Organi- rying state-of-the-art, high which indicates port’s growing importance bank, QNB, CBQ & Ahilbank at zation (Unesco). It is regarded as the quality, peer-reviewed, the- in regional trade. 0% interest rates. EMI options world’s largest source of thematically matically organized archival Hamad Port, in 2020, handled over of 6 & 12 month are available organised state-of-the-art knowledge content in many traditional 1.4 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units on leading credit as well as for our times. disciplines and interdisci- (TEUs) containers and received 1,600 debit cards, the customers can Prof. Zaidi was invited based on his plinary subjects with including vessels. Prof. Syed Javaid Zaidi, Chair Professor of Chemical call their respective banks to reputation as a world-renowned scholar the coverage of transdisci- According to figures released by QTer- Engineering and QAFAC Chair at Qatar University convert purchase amount in in clean water and clean energy, par- plinary pathways. minals, terminal operating company pro- equal installments as per ticularly Reverse Osmosis desalination Prof. Zaidi developed new viding services at Hamad Port, on its agreement without bearing processes. He is well-known in the cost-effective membrane fabrication in international journals and confer- Twitter handle, the Port handled 1.4 any additional cost. international scientific community for methods for water purification for ences. He has published more than 300 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units During the promotion on his contribution to water treatment and drinking purposes, Reverse Osmosis papers in International Journals/book containers; 304, 481 tonnes of bulk cargo; all eligible purchases, Ooredoo desalination. water purification system. He is the chapters, conferences, and 14 US patents 1,196,559 tonnes of general cargo; 59,443 Nojoom points can be earned The contributions in EOLSS are from recipient of many national and inter- and patent applications for the discov- vehicles; and 264,164 heads of livestock & redeemed. Jumbo’s existing scholars from over 100 countries and national awards, including KFUPM eries and inventions to his credit. He in 2020. and new customers shall also edited by more than 350 subject experts. Excellence in Research Award, Patent has delivered more than 120 presenta- With every passing month and year, benefit from the Jumbo’s It also includes up-to-date coverage of Award, Almari Prize for Research Inno- tions and talks at various international Hamad Port’s handling of movement of loyalty program “Mukafa”. As various aspects of sustainable devel- vation, and Lifetime Achievement forums, conferences, symposiums, and vessels and cargo is increasing and the a privileged customer the ben- opment relevant to the current state of Award by Venus International institutions in more than twenty-five port is expanding its container terminal efits of Mukafa include getting the world. Unesco-EOLSS is an inte- Foundation. countries. He has conducted joint base. On December 22 last year, there advance notifications of pro- grated compendium of twenty-one Recognising his outstanding projects in reverse osmosis desalination was inauguration of initial operation of motions and product launches, component encyclopedias, each cov- research record, he has been invited to in collaboration with the Massachusetts Hamad Port’s Container Terminal 2, priority delivery, discount on ering many disciplinary, interdisci- serve in the Advisory Council of Arab Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, to which is equipped with the latest envi- service and spare parts. plinary and transdisciplinary subjects. Water Desalination (Arwadex). He has develop novel membranes for reverse ronment-friendly technological Mega promotion is running Prof. Zaidi has been invited to write been visiting scholar at the Massachu- osmosis water desalination. He has col- equipment to meet the needs and at all LG brand shops and a comprehensive chapter on “Salt and setts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, laborated with the industry and pro- requirements of shipping line operators Jumbo stores from March 24 to Water Transport in Reverse Osmosis, a top engineering institution globally. vided technical support to the industry and would increase the port’s capacity April 13, 2021 and also available Seawater Desalination Membranes, Bio- He has published extensively and pub- in water technology and clean energy by about three million containers per on www.jumbosouq.com. fouling and Experience of SWRO in lished more than 300 research articles projects. year. SATURDAY 3 APRIL 2021 HOME 03 QU's architecture, urban planning dept holds Virtual Architecture Day THE PENINSULA — DOHA

The Department of Architecture Over the last decade, the Department of Architecture and and Urban Planning (DAUP) at Qatar University’s (QU) College of Urban Planning has become an increasingly important part of Engineering recently held the Qatar University’s story. Our architecture and urban planning graduates Virtual Architecture Day 11/12 - have embarked on their professional careers to become essential version 2021, to display the players in the Qatari government, industry, and society. graduate and undergraduate students’ projects. Qatar University President The event was attended by Dr. Dr. Hassan Al Derham, Hassan Al Derham, QU President; Dr. Khalid Kamal Naji, QU-CENG Dean; Dr. Fodil Fadli, DAUP Head experiences. DAUP Head Dr. Fadli Dr. Fadli stressed out that the of Department; and guests, archi- said, “This year, 11-12th Archi- department is in continuous growth tects, and representatives from local tecture Day is considered very and prosperity. It always strives to and international institutions. special and unique in its con- provide the architecture discipline Dr. Al Derham commented, ception. It brings together efforts and profession in Qatar with high- “Over the last decade, the and outputs of two years of work quality standards and relevant Qatar, Mali to enhance cooperation in culture Department of Architecture and since it was put on hold last year expertise locally and globally. Urban Planning has become an due to the circumstances imposed This perfectly aligns with the The governments of the State of Qatar and the Republic of Mali have signed a increasingly important part of by the Covid-19 pandemic. This day growth and development, and the memorandum of understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the field of culture. The MoU Qatar University’s story. Our archi- is important for all of us at DAUP.” architectural and urban prosperity was signed by Qatar’s Ambassador to Mali, H E Ahmed bin Abdulrahman Al Sunaidi, and tecture and urban planning grad- “The 11-12 AD includes nar- in Qatar, pointing out that the Mali’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H E Zeini Moulaye. The uates have embarked on their pro- rating and sharing experiences of Bachelor of Architecture pro- signing ceremony, held in Bamako on Thursday, was also attended by Malian Minister fessional careers to become our students and graduates over gramme is internationally certified of Culture, Handicrafts and Tourism, H E Kadiatou Konare. essential players in the Qatari gov- virtual presentations. This would by the US-based National Archi- ernment, industry, and society. enable both students and faculty tectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Architecture Day is an annual to share their experiences during During the ceremony, winners Virtual Education Forum 2021 kicks off today opportunity to display our future their studies and research work. of the Architectural Excellence FROM PAGE 1 professionals’ immense drive and The architectural design projects Award Competition, which is spon- achieving ESD and discusses community talent in architecture and urban of our students exhibit unlimited sored by the Arab Engineering Theme four talks about the role of partnership and achieving the goals of planning.” creativity and innovation skills. Bureau, were announced. The first educational supervision and educational ESD and Fostering national identity and He also pointed out that "The virtual event concluded prize went to Moza Ahmad J A Al- leadership in promoting teachers sus- human values to achieve sustainable edu- projects and designs consider sus- over a fascinating discussion Obaidan, the second winner was tainable professional development, inte- cation as part of Qatar National Vision tainability, local cultural aspects, involving architects and academics Aljaze Rashid A A Al Naimi, while grating ESD into teachers professional 2030. and quality standards in line with from Qatar and worldwide. We can the third winner was Saaeda Nasser development programs, professionalizing The Virtual Education Forum 2021 is Qatar National Vision 2030. confirm now that Architecture in B E Al-Bader. education according to professional one of the most important vehicles for Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Qatar has an even brighter future Dr. Fadli wished everybody a standards and its role in developing cognitive and professional communi- Naji said that this is an annual day merging 21st-century digital tech- safe and successful end of the Aca- teachers’ performance and the role of cation across the education sector. It pro- of the DAUP to exhibit projects that nologies with local cultural, social, demic Year and greeted the educational supervision in developing the vides opportunities for all education pro- express the students’ designs and and environmental aspects. DAUP audience with a positive message 21st century teachers. fessionals and stakeholders to address and works, noting that the graduate stu- students and faculty will lead the to meet during next year Archi- The fifth theme focuses on fostering share educational issues, practices, and dents are also involved by contrib- way towards healthier resilient tecture Day in a more “normal” community partnerships towards experiences. uting through their practical cities and buildings,” he added. circumstances. QatarDebate launches 5th International Schools Debating Championship

THE PENINSULA — DOHA participation of 46 teams. The instructors are graduates of the applied to participate in judging. the aim of introducing the par- Center hosted this champi- QatarDebate Center, who have They are tested and approved ticipants to the idea of the tech- QatarDebate Center — a onship in Doha in 2010, two participated in previous inter- based on their results and nical system and how to move member of the Qatar Foun- years after the center was national championships, and experience. between the halls. dation for Education, Science established. QatarDebate they are the ones who have "Today, after the opening, Al Shatti noted the familiar- and Community Development Instructor Mohammed Salman undertaken the task of pre- before the start of the first isation of the participants with — yesterday launched the fifth Ali said the first day witnessed paring and training the team,” round, there is a short workshop the most important technical edition of International Schools training workshops for judges he said. in which we integrate interna- instructions such as Internet Debating Championship in and instructors after the “Seventy-five judges are tional and local judges as a quality, opening cameras, and Arabic and English. opening ceremony, followed participating in the interna- reminder of general concepts.” clarity of microphones and The five-day championship directly by debating rounds for tional championship, some of he added. speakers. “Through this tech- is in a completely virtual version all participating teams. them are international and The centre’s ambassador nical meeting, we made sure to due to the COVID-19 “There are 40 teams partic- some are local, who have par- from Kuwait, Bader Al Shatti, introduce everyone to the con- pandemic. ipating in the championship, ticipated in the local champi- QatarDebate Ambassador Bader said that the technical meeting stant link throughout the cham- For the first time, the centre and the team consists of four to onships organised by the centre Al Shatti with the teams was held on pionship, to understand has organised the World five speakers. What distin- periodically, or who are Thursday, in two morning and “ZOOM”, and to control the Schools Debating Champi- guishes the championship this members of the elite, or who preparing judges in the past evening periods according to quality of the connection,” he onship in English with the year is that most of the team’s have attended workshops for years. A large number of judges the timing of the countries, with said. VCUarts students, alumna capture GWC’s corporate spirit in paintings

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Students and an alumna from the department of Painting + Printmaking (PAPR) at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) helped capture Gulf Warehousing Company’s (GWC) corporate culture and vision in a series of bespoke artwork for their new Regional Center at Ras Bufontas Free Organised by QatarDebate, the championship takes place from April 3 to 7, and for the first time is Zone, recently. being held in both Arabic and English, with 50 countries participating in each category. Ece Yigit and Alice Aslem, two PAPR students, and Salma Awad, a PAPR alumna, created VCUarts Qatar PAPR students and alumna with GWC official at Sustainability in focus at International 29 paintings for various sec- GWC Regional Center. tions of GWC’s office including the main reception lobby, Schools Debating Championship meeting rooms and various highlight the positioning of the canvases meant for each locations within the building. company as a regional leader artwork, from scratch — THE PENINSULA — DOHA championship, says: “Choosing debaters to explore issues and Yigit, due to her experience in logistics, and as the official including procuring the best sustainability as a topic for dis- topics from various frames of in collaborating with local logistics provider of the FIFA canvas material available A short video of melting ice in cussions in the tournament reference they have to study the fit-out companies for cus- World Cup Qatar 2022. It was locally from Souq Waqif, and the Antarctic was enough to encouraged me to learn more various positions and view- tomized artwork, was initially a process which, thanks to then manipulating them onto spark the interest of Moza Al about environment-related points related to a topic, cri- approached by 1000 Walls, an VCUarts Qatar – where learning purpose-built wooden frames. Hajri, who has always been topics. tique them, and compare them. interior design company tasked to interpret a brief and create For Awad, whose artistic concerned about global “I have always been inter- “We believe that by with fitting out the interiors of artwork based on specific style inclines towards the warming and its impact on the ested in these issues, and I have adopting the topic of sustain- the new GWC Regional Center, requirements of a client was abstract, “the thrill lay in environment — one of the most a passion to learn and study ability in this championship, to create artwork for their part of our PAPR curriculum – working with a team to capi- pressing issues in the global more about the environmental we will increase awareness client. Over a series of meetings we were familiar with.” talize on art’s range of func- arena, demanding the attention challenges facing the planet, among over 400 young with the design company, and Jawaher Al Khuzaei, GWC’s tional attributes and benefits.” of governments, decision- and how to confront and debaters, and over 100 coaches then with the marketing and Marketing and Communication The Class of 2020 alumna has makers, and the world’s youth. address them. I believe that this and 100 referees, by exposing communications team and Director, further elaborated on a point, given that the relevance And it is the reason for tournament will represent an them to the issue of sustaina- leadership of GWC, Yigit famil- the project. of art in the workplace was Moza’s excitement at repre- important opportunity for stu- bility in a critical way, away iarized herself with the creative “For this specific project, we highlighted at a seminar held senting Qatar, and participating dents from all over the world from traditional or superficial proposal and conceptually wanted to incorporate the local at Oxford University’s Saïd in debates and discussions to learn about the dangers that awareness.” developed the paintings over and national character, while Business School, where pan- about the environment and sus- facing the planet. Speaking about the signifi- eight weeks. reflecting the intent and capa- elists demonstrated how tainability, in the Fifth Interna- “It is important to highlight cance of the championship “The brief that GWC pro- bilities of our new GWC workers in an ‘enriched envi- tional Schools Debating Cham- the issue of sustainability as one being held in both Arabic and vided was quite specific,” Regional Center at Ras Bufontas ronment’ could be up to 32 pionship. Organised by of the most important ways of English for the first time, Al explains Yigit. “The artwork had Free Zone. The result was this percent more productive than QatarDebate, a member of facing addressing climate Subaie said: “QatarDebate has to be in the form of paintings. synergistic opportunity that those in lean or functional Qatar Foundation, it takes place change, global warming, and succeeded in being a flag Most of these paintings had to presented itself when cooper- environments. from April 3 to 7, and, for the other environmental risks.” carrier for the Arabic language be abstract, complementing the ating with the artists from the “Having artwork in work- first time, is being held in both Abdulrahman Al Subaie, around the world, and we are interior decor and incorpo- VCUarts Qatar community.” spaces has a huge positive Arabic and English, with 50 Outreach Programs Manager at continuing to reach new rating GWC’s corporate culture Following the initial impact on one’s mood, produc- countries participating in each QatarDebate, said: “Debating student communities who are and vision. meetings, Yigit reached out to tivity and wellbeing,” says category. tournaments are distinguished interested in learning the Arabic “The company also wanted Awad and Aslem. Before Awad, who recently partici- Moza, a member of the from other awareness activities language in Asia, Europe, and a few paintings in a more real- beginning the paintings, the trio pated in Qatar Museum’s Qatari debate team at the in that they encourage all America. istic style; these were meant to created the frame-mounted Jedariart public art initiative. 04 GULF / MIDDLE EAST SATURDAY 3 APRIL 2021 US, Iran to hold indirect talks on N-deal

AP — TEHRAN/WASHINGTON State Department spokesperson Ned Price called the resumption any “return by the US to the nuclear The International Atomic Energy deal does not require any negotiation Agency has said that over the past two The United States and Iran said of negotiations, scheduled for Tuesday in Austria, “a healthy step and the path is quite clear.” years, Iran has accumulated a lot of yesterday that they would start indirect forward.” In a tweet, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad “The US can return to the deal and nuclear material and new capacities talks with other major world powers stop breaching the law in the same way and used the time for “honing their next week to try to get both countries Zarif said the aim of the Vienna session would be “rapidly finalise it withdrew from the deal and imposed skills in these areas.” back into an accord limiting Iran’s sanction-lifting & nuclear measures for choreographed removal of illegal sanctions on Iran,” Araghchi was The ultimate goal of the deal is to nuclear program, nearly three years quoted as as saying. prevent Iran from developing a nuclear after President Donald Trump pulled all sanctions, followed by Iran ceasing remedial measures.” Russia’s ambassador to interna- bomb, something it insists it doesn’t the US out of the deal. tional organizations in Vienna, Mikhail want to do. Iran now has enough State Department spokesperson Ulyanov, said that “the impression is enriched uranium to make a bomb, but Ned Price called the resumption of multiparty talks — being held to get as well,” Price said. that we are on the right track, but the nowhere near the amount it had before negotiations, scheduled for Tuesday in Iran and the United States over their The United States, like Iran, said it way ahead will not be easy and will the nuclear deal was signed. Austria, “a healthy step forward.” But differences on conditions for returning did not anticipate direct talks between require intensive efforts. The stake- As part of its ongoing violations of Price added, “These remain early days, to the 2015 nuclear deal — came after the US and Iran now. Price said the holders seem to be ready for that.” the JCPOA, Iran last month began and we don’t anticipate an immediate talks Thursday brokered by other gov- United States remains open to that idea, Any return of the United States restricting IAEA inspections of its breakthrough as there will be difficult ernments that have remained in the however. would involve complications. nuclear facilities. Under a last-minute discussions ahead.” accord, known as the Joint Compre- Iranian Foreign Minister Iran has been steadily violating the deal worked out during a trip to Trump pulled the United States out hensive Plan of Action. Mohammad Javad Zarif immediately restrictions of the deal, like the amount Tehran, however, some access was of the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, and Price said next week’s talks will be stressed that no meeting was planned of enriched uranium it can stockpile preserved. President Joe Biden has said rejoining structured around working groups that between officials from Iran and the US. and the purity to which it can enrich Under that temporary agreement, the agreement is a priority for his the European Union was forming with In a tweet, Zarif said the aim of the it. Tehran’s moves have been calcu- Iran will no longer share surveillance administration. The Biden adminis- the remaining participants in the Vienna session would be “rapidly lated to put pressure on the other footage of its nuclear facilities with the tration and Iran have differed on any accord, including Iran. finalise sanction-lifting & nuclear nations in the deal — Russia, China, IAEA, but it has promised to preserve conditions for that to happen, including “The primary issues that will be dis- measures for choreographed removal France, Germany and Britain — to do the tapes for three months. It will then the timing of the lifting of US sanctions cussed are the nuclear steps that Iran of all sanctions, followed by Iran more to offset crippling sanctions reim- hand them over to the Vienna-based against Iran, and the stalemate on those would need to take in order to return ceasing remedial measures.” posed under Trump. UN atomic watchdog if it is granted points had threatened to pose a major to compliance with the terms of the State television quoted Abbas Iran has said that before it resumes sanctions relief. Otherwise, Iran has foreign policy setback for the new JCPOA, and the sanctions relief steps Araghchi, Iran’s nuclear negotiator at compliance with the deal, the US needs vowed to erase the tapes, narrowing Biden administration. that the United States would need to the virtual meeting, as saying during to return to its own obligations under the window for a diplomatic Agreement on the start of take in order to return to compliance yesterday’s discussions meeting that the deal by dropping the sanctions. breakthrough. Coalition thwarted Egypt expects $1bn explosives-laden in damages over drones fired at stuck ship in Suez Saudi city REUTERS — CAIRO AP — CAIRO and the compensation amount was agreed on, then the ship The Saudi-led coalition said on Egypt is expecting more than could travel on without Thursday it intercepted and $1bn in compensation after a problems. destroyed two explosives- cargo ship blocked the Suez However, if the issue of laden drones launched by Canal for nearly a week, compensation involved liti- Yemen’s Houthis towards the according to the top canal gation, then the Ever Given and southern Saudi city of Khamis official. He also warned the ship its some $3.5bn worth of cargo Mushait, state TV reported. and its cargo will not be allowed would not be allowed to leave Houthi military spokesman leave Egypt if the issue of Egypt, he told the show’s host. Yahya Sarea acknowledged the damages goes to court. Litigation could be complex, attack, saying in a Twitter post Lt. Gen. Ossama Rabei, head since the vessel is owned by a that the group had fired two of the canal authority, said in a Japanese firm, operated by a drones at the King Khalid air phone interview with a pro- Taiwanese shipper, and flagged base in Khamis Mushait. government TV talk show that in Panama. The coalition, which inter- the amount takes into account Bernhard Schulte has said vened in Yemen in March 2015, the salvage operation, costs of previously that two Egyptian A view shows the ship Ever Given, one of the world’s largest container ships, after it was partially has often retaliated to cross- stalled traffic, and lost transit canal pilots were aboard when refloated, in Suez Canal, Egypt. border attacks on Saudi Arabia fees for the week that the Ever the ship got stuck. Such an with air strikes in Yemen. Given had blocked the Suez arrangement is customary to sandy bank, where it had been stretch of the canal about 6 kil- Others waited in place for the Canal. guide vessels through the firmly lodged. The tugs then ometers (3.7 miles) north of the blockage to be over. The Kuwait extends “It’s the country’s right,” narrow waterway, but the guided the Ever Given through southern entrance, near the city unprecedented shutdown, Rabei said, without specifying ship’s captain retains ultimate the water after days of unsuc- of Suez. That forced some ships which raised fears of extended virus curfew who would be responsible for authority, according to cessful attempts to dislodge the to take the long, alternate route delays, goods shortages and paying the compensation. He experts. colossus that had captivated the around the Cape of Good Hope rising costs for consumers, REUTERS — DUBAI added that in the past, canal On Monday, a flotilla of tug- world, drawing scrutiny and at Africa’s southern tip - a added to strain on the shipping authorities and the ship’s boats helped by the tides, social media ridicule. 5,000km detour that costs ships industry, already under Kuwait said it would extend a owners have had a good wrenched the Ever Given’s The Ever Given had crashed hundreds of thousands of pressure from the coronavirus month-long partial curfew relationship. bulbous bow from the canal’s into a bank of a single-lane dollars in fuel and other costs. pandemic. that had been due to end next The massive cargo ship is week until April 22 as part of currently in one of the canal’s efforts to curb the spread of holding lakes, where authorities COVID-19. and the ship’s managers say an Traffic jam eases further after ship unblocked The cabinet said in a investigation is ongoing. statement on Twitter that the On Thursday, the ship’s tech- AP — CAIRO the time, Canal officials said that more That forced some ships to take the long, curfew would be from 7 pm nical managers, Bernard Schulte than 420 ships had been waiting for the alternate route around the Cape of Good to 5 am as of April 8. Shipmanagement, said in an The traffic congestion caused by a cargo ship Panama-flagged, Japanese-owned ship Hope at Africa’s southern tip — a 5,000km The Gulf Arab state email to AP that the ship’s crew that blocked the Suez Canal for nearly a Ever Given to be freed so they could make detour that costs ships hundreds of thou- recorded 1,282 new infections was cooperating with authorities week continued to ease yesterday, with the the crossing. sands of dollars in fuel and other costs. on Thursday. It had seen daily in their investigation into what number of ships waiting to transit falling to Leth Agencies said that a total of 357 Others waited in place for the blockage to cases fall below 300 in led to the vessel running aground. 206, canal services firm Leth Agencies said, vessels have crossed the Canal since the be over. December from close to 1,100 They said that Suez Canal from over 300 three days ago. ship was re-floated by a flotilla of tugboats, The unprecedented shutdown, which last May. The cabinet said Authority investigators have been On Monday, salvage teams freed the helped by the tides. raised fears of extended delays, goods deliveries from restaurants, given access to the Voyage Data skyscraper-sized container ship, ending The Ever Given had crashed into a shortages and rising costs for consumers, cafes and food stores would Recorder, also known as a ves- a crisis that had clogged one of the world’s bank of a single-lane stretch of the canal added to strain on the shipping industry, be permitted during the sel’s black box. most vital waterways and halted billions about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) north of the already under pressure from the corona- fasting month of Ramadan, Rabie also said that if an of dollars a day in maritime commerce. At southern entrance, near the city of Suez. virus pandemic. which begins in mid-April, investigation went smoothly between 7 pm and 3 am. US: Palestinian Turkey to roll out local COVID-19 vaccine end of summer people should ANADOLU — ANKARA demic, he added. decide elections In his speech, the minister Turkey is expected to roll out also highlighted that Turkey ANADOLU — WASHINGTON its first locally produced collaborated with 14 interna- COVID-19 vaccine by the end tional organizations, including The fate of upcoming presi- of summer, the country’s health WHO, in the COVID-19 process, dential and parliamentary minister said on Thursday. adding that he was personally polls are a matter for Pales- Fahrettin Koca made the in touch with the health min- tinians to decide, the US said. remarks while addressing a isters of 20 countries, and that The comments come after World Health Organization Turkey’s Coronavirus Scientific two estranged leaders of the media briefing via video link. Advisory Board shared its expe- Palestinian Authority’s ruling “I believe that our first riences with 13 countries. Fatah party decided to jointly vaccine will be ready and suc- “We have completed vacci- contest the polls independent cessful by August, September, nating nearly 1.1 million health of the party, in a blow to by the summer term,” Koca workers in Turkey in only 45 Fatah’s electoral prospects, said. days,” he said. and a potential boon to rival He pushed for enabling Koca underlined that group Hamas. vaccine production globally Turkey along with the WHO is Asked about the Biden without making intellectual preparing to establish a digital administration’s position on a property rights an issue. platform for healthcare potential cancelation of the “Although we are not professionals. polls, State Department among the countries that “The heroes of this period, spokesman Ned Price said “the produce vaccines at the when people are massively in exercise of democratic elec- moment, I would like to add fear and seeking safety, are tions is a matter for the Pales- that we share some of the vac- healthcare professionals,” he tinian people to determine.” cines that we received with dif- said. Referring to the healthcare The newly formed National ferent countries to be used for A nurse prepares a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine at Ankara City Hospital in Ankara, professionals around the world, Democratic Forum led by healthcare professionals,” he Turkey, yesterday. Koca said: “You are the people Naser Al Qudwa, nephew of said. to whom all humanity is late Palestinian leader Yasser Koca stressed that there are rapidly. We believe that we will facilitator” by establishing “dip- the COVID-19 jabs. “I can gladly grateful at the same time for the Arafat, negotiated an electoral 18 Turkish vaccine candidates produce our own vaccine in a lomatic bridges” between the say that we have started to get same reason. Humanity will arrangement with jailed Fatah on the WHO list. short time,” he said. vaccine manufacturing coun- results from these initiatives.” find the best way to express this commander Marwan Barghouti “Turkey’s domestic vaccine He went on to say that tries and the countries experi- Turkey also sent medical aid feeling. I pay my respect to you who is serving multiple life production work continues Turkey assumed “the role of a encing problems with access to to 158 countries amid the pan- all.” sentences in an Israeli jail. SATURDAY 3 APRIL 2021 AFRICA 05 Mozambique: UN food agency suspends evacuation flights

REUTERS — CAPE TOWN any threat. Mozambique’s defence ministry did not The World Food Programme French energy major respond to a Reuters request (WFP) has temporarily Total has withdrawn all for comment. suspended evacuation flights its staff from its Afungi Aid groups believe the from the town of Palma in natural gas project site attack displaced tens of thou- northern Mozambique due to a sands of people, many of whom deterioration in security, a in northern fled to safety in dense forest representative for the United Mozambique, two areas nearby or by boat. Nations agency said. sources with direct Reuters has not been able “WFP is concerned about knowledge of the site’s to independently verify the the increasing violence in operations said, as accounts from Palma. Most Cabo Delgado province which means of communication were is driving increased dis- clashes between Islamic cut off after the attack began placement of populations and State-linked insurgents on March 24. leading to a rapid deterio- and the Mozambican Islamic State-linked insur- ration of the humanitarian sit- army continue. gents have been increasingly uation in the region,” the rep- active in the surrounding resentative said. province of Cabo Delgado since Meanwhile, French energy 2017, although it is unclear Demonstrators taking part in a protest demanding political change, in Algiers, Algeria, yesterday. major Total has withdrawn all whether they have a unified its staff from its Afungi natural The situation around Palma aim or what specifically they gas project site in northern is still highly volatile, with are fighting for. Mozambique, two sources with insurgents staging attacks on At least 9,150 people have Crowds march in Algiers in direct knowledge of the site’s two security posts south of the fled to other districts of Cabo operations said, as clashes town on Thursday, a source Delgado during the latest vio- between Islamic State-linked involved in providing support lence, with thousands more weekly pro-democracy protest insurgents and the Mozambican for humanitarian organisations believed displaced within the army continue. on the ground said. Palma district, the United AP — ALGIERS state” and “We won’t stop until the capital chanted for the Total, which last week A spokesman for Mozam- Nations said yesterday. the Hirak wins” under the “independence of justice” and called off the planned bique’s military was quoted “The new wave of dis- Tens of thousands of demon- watch of police helicopters. “press freedom,” a reference resumption of construction at by a local radio station as placement has uprooted many strators marched peacefully in Similar marches were to journalists and activists the $20bn development due to saying Total’s Afungi site was people who had fled their Algeria’s capital yesterday to organized in other cities across who have been arrested and the violence, declined imme- beyond the reach of the places of origin due to the con- support the Hirak pro- the country. sent to trial amid the Hirak diate comment when contacted militants. flict in other parts of Cabo democracy movement. Hirak’s peaceful protests protests. by Reuters. “It is protected,... at no time Delgado and had been seeking The huge crowds filling the helped force long-time Algerian University professor and Mozambique’s government was its integrity at stake,” Radio shelter in Palma,” it said, adding streets of Algiers headed President Abdelaziz Bouteflika Hirak activist Nacer Djabi told has confirmed dozens of deaths Mozambique cited army the majority of those displaced toward the imposing central from office in 2019. His suc- AP that the crowd looked like in the assault by militants that spokesman Chongo Vidigal as were being accommodated by post office, the movement’s tra- cessor, President Abdelmadjid “a human tsunami in the streets began last week in the coastal saying. host families. ditional rallying point, in a Tebboune, has promised to of Algiers.” town of Palma, in a district near The radio station added in Total’s project is among joyful atmosphere. reform the power structure that “That’s a great response to gas projects worth tens of bil- its report published late on energy developments worth a Many participants sang, under Bouteflika was marked those saying the Hirak is losing lions of dollars that are meant Thursday that the area around combined $60bn that would brandished the Algerian flag by corruption and the ever- strength,” Djabi said. “Hirak’s to transform Mozambique’s the Total project was being revolutionise Mozambique’s and shouted slogans that present shadow of the army. youth will continue until the economy. patrolled day and night to repel $15bn economy. included “No to the military Some of the protesters in revolution fully succeed.” Niger inaugurates president in 1st democratic power transfer South Africa concludes sale AP — NIAMEY the interests of our country.” His main Security was tight yesterday in the election rival, Mahamane Ousmane, has capital, Niamey. US State Department of AstraZeneca Niger has sworn in its new president in rejected election results claiming fraud. spokesman Ned Price congratulated the the West African nation’s first demo- Supporters for Ousmane have held mass newly inaugurated president. shots to AU cratic transfer of power. demonstrations. “The United States congratulates Newly elected President Mohamed “I will be a President of the Republic Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum BLOOMBERG — JOHANNESBURG Bazoum’s (pictured), inauguration yes- in the service of peace, progress and on his inauguration, marking an historic terday comes days after Niger’s security happiness of the Nigerien people” and transfer of power from one democrati- South Africa concluded the forces thwarted an attempted military of the African continent, Bazoum said. cally elected president to the next. This sale of 1 million Covid-19 coup at the presidential palace overnight Bazoum is Issoufou’s chosen successor is a significant milestone for Niger’s vaccine doses that were from Tuesday into Wednesday. Niger and a longtime Cabinet minister who is democracy,” according to the statement. developed by AstraZeneca Plc already faces unprecedented threats from Niger’s small ethnic Arab minority. “We value the strong relationship and the University of Oxford from Islamic extremists near its troubled He was a former interior minister in Niger between the United States and Niger and to the African Union after they border with Mali. and is also a teacher by training. look forward to working with President were found to have little Bazoum succeeds President Maha- Fears, however, have been mounting Bazoum’s administration to expand impact on mild infections madou Issoufou who is stepping down Bazoum pledged to be “the elected that the inauguration could prompt more bilateral relations including in the areas caused by a variant of the virus after serving two terms, in accordance President for all Nigeriens” during his violence in Niger. The latest massacre of development, humanitarian first identified in the country with Niger’s constitution. Issoufou’s inauguration speech yesterday. While killing at least 137 people came on the assistance, security, and trade.” last year. decision to respect the constitution has promising to preserve the unity and broth- same day the constitutional court cer- The US also remains concerned by The vaccines were sold to been widely hailed and paves the way erhood of the Nigerien people, President tified Bazoum’s electoral victory. And at the recent outbreak of violence in the 18 member states including for Niger’s first peaceful, democratic Bazoum said he was prepared to maintain least 100 others were killed in villages capital, and condemns “any attempt to Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt and transfer of power since its independence with the leaders of the opposition “the con- near the border on the day that Niger undermine Niger’s democratically Zimbabwe, Health Minister from France in 1960. The West African structive dialogue necessary to promote announced the presidential election elected government,” according to the Zweli Mkhize said Friday in a nation has seen four coups. a peaceful political climate, favorable to would go to a second round on Feb. 21. statement. statement. The first batch of doses has been dispatched from South Africa and will be distributed via the continental Four UN peacekeepers body, he said. South Africa has pivoted to killed in north Mali using shots developed by Johnson & Johnson for its initial inoculations, with more REUTERS — BAMAKO than 380,000 health-care workers having registered to Four United Nations peacekeepers were killed in an attack by receive them. The government jihadists on their camp in Aguelhok in northern Mali, the UN aims to vaccinate about two- mission in Mali said yesterday. thirds of the population of 60 The UN mission said that helicopters were dispatched to the million people to achieve herd scene to evacuate the wounded from the camp, which houses immunity. The first vaccines will mostly Chadian peacekeepers. be issued as part of a study, The UN mission said that the attackers suffered heavy losses allowing normal regulatory and had abandoned several of their dead at the site of the attack. approvals to be bypassed. Mali has been trying to contain an Islamic extremist insur- gency since 2012. Islamic extremist rebels were forced from power Two suspected in Mali’s northern cities with the help of a 2013 French-led mil- itary operation. However, the insurgents quickly regrouped in militants killed the desert and began launching frequent attacks on the Malian army and its allies fighting the insurgency. The extremists have in Tunisia expanded their reach well into central Mali, where their presence has inflamed tensions between ethnic groups in the area. Second-hand items REUTERS — TUNIS Two suspected militants, Petrol, diesel prices hiked in Sudan A vendor arranges second-hand shoes for sale at an open stall, after the government banned gatherings including an Asian woman and amid concerns about the spread of coronavirus, at the Kibera slums in Nairobi, yesterday. local leader in Islamic State, REUTERS — KHARTOUM were killed in Tunisian moun- tains near the Algerian border Petrol and diesel prices in Sudan rose sharply yesterday following Kenya stops private import of Covid vaccines in two police operations, a fuel subsidy reforms, which are part of a series of economic security official said. measures that have helped set the country on course for substantial REUTERS — NAIROBI also brought in shots of Rus- shots, will be the sole agent of Six years ago an Islamic debt relief. sia’s Sputnik V vaccine, vaccination until further notice, State militant shot dead 39 for- Petrol prices rose by about 23% and diesel prices increased Kenya has ordered an imme- according to Kenyan news he said. Those who break the eigners on a beach in Sousse, by more than 8% at fuelling stations, a witness said. diate halt to imports of media, who say the shots are rule will be prosecuted. triggering an exodus of tourists The price of petrol at several stations in the capital Khartoum COVID-19 vaccines by private being sold for about 16,000 The head of a hospital in and severely damaging Tuni- had risen to 150 Sudanese pounds ($0.4) from 122 pounds per companies, the health minister shillings (around $150) for a Nanyuki town 148 km from sia’s economy. Since then litre, while the price of diesel had risen to 125 pounds from 115 said yesterday, saying such double dose. Health Minister Nairobi told Reuters last week Tunisia has grown more pounds. shipments were unlicensed and Mutahi Kagwe told a news con- that the hospital was preparing effective in preventing and Sudan’s transitional government has gradually phased out potentially dangerous because ference the government had to roll out Russian Sputnik V responding to attacks, but most fuel subsidies amid widespread shortages. the shots could be counterfeit. resolved to stop the practice, shots it had obtained privately, sleeper cells still pose a real In Khartoum, there are long queues for diesel, though the Kenya, which went into a without identifying any after getting official permission. threat, especially with the number of people waiting to buy petrol has eased in recent days. partial lockdown on March 26 company or vaccine. It would sell them at cost. return of militants from Syria, In many areas outside Khartoum shortages are still severe. after a surge of infections and “There will be no licensing The ministry said the gov- Iraq and Libya. Sudan has been in economic crisis since before the overthrow deaths, has started vaccinating of private players in the impor- ernment would work with a “Our forces killed a ter- of autocrat Omar al-Bashir in 2019, leading to a lack of supplies its citizens using just over 1 tation of vaccines and any such firm that had imported the rorist, as his Asian wife blew of basic goods including fuel, bread and medicines. million shots secured through license given will be and is Russian vaccine to ensure those herself up, killing also her baby In February, the central bank sharply devalued the currency, the global COVAX vaccine- hereby cancelled,” Kagwe said. who had received a first shot in Saloum mountain,” said in a move that unlocked foreign aid and opened the way for bil- sharing facility. The government, which can still get a second one when Colonel Houssem Jbebli, an lions of dollars in debt relief. At least one private firm has does not charge for COVID-19 due. official in National Guard. 06 ASIA SATURDAY 3 APRIL 2021 Myanmar junta cuts Internet, as anti-coup protests continue REUTERS shutdown, users were still able won the Nobel Peace Prize in to upload pictures of marches, 1991, is in detention. Opponents of military rule in In the town of Tamu on “flower strikes” and a funeral She and four allies have Myanmar marched and laid the Indian border, a of a slain protester. been charged with violating a bouquets of flowers yesterday policeman who supported An image shared widely on colonial-era official secrets act, while trying to find alternative social media showed a bird’s her chief lawyer said on ways to organise their campaign the democracy movement eye view of hundreds of flick- Thursday, the most serious of dissent after the authorities killed five cops in a ering candles on a dark road, charge against her. Violations cut off most users from the grenade attack on a police spelling out the words “we will are punishable by up to 14 years Internet. station before soldiers never surrender”. in prison. Protests have taken place killed him, according to a People held up roses while The security forces have almost daily since the military making three-finger salutes, a also arrested numerous sus- overthrew the elected gov- local news portal. symbol of resistance. One pected opponents of the coup. ernment of Aung San Suu Kyi arrangement of dandelions and Myanmar Now said five women on February 1. Hundreds of red roses on a lakeside walkway who spoke to a visiting CNN civilians have been killed in a demonstrators left bouquets of read: “Myanmar is bleeding”. news crew on the streets of crackdown by security forces flowers, many with messages More than 540 people have Yangon this week had been that has drawn international of defiance, at places associated been killed in the uprising, taken away by security men. condemnation. with activists killed by the many of them when troops fired Authorities have issued A woman views flowers, part of a nationwide flower campaign Yesterday, security forces security forces. on crowds, according to the warrants for 18 show business at bus stops and streets to protest the military coup, in Yangon, opened fire at a rally near The authorities, who had Association for Political Pris- celebrities, social media “influ- Myanmar’s second city Man- already shut down mobile data Myanmar, yesterday. oners (AAPP) advocacy group, encers” and two journalists dalay, wounding four people, in a bid to stifle opposition to which tracks casualties and under a law against material two critically, according to three the ruling military junta, Protest leader Khin Sadar said. The military did not detentions. The junta has said intended to cause a member of domestic media ordered Internet providers from called in a Facebook post in announce or explain its order those killed instigated violence. the armed forces to mutiny or organisations. Friday to cut wireless anticipation of the Internet to providers to cut wireless The military says it staged the disregard their duty, state media In the town of Tamu on the broadband, depriving most cus- blackout for people to join as broadband. Internet was coup because an election in reported. All of them are known Indian border, a policeman who tomers of access. many “guerrilla protests” as available only on fixed lines, November — won by Suu Kyi’s to oppose military rule. supported the democracy In response, pro-democracy possible, referring quick dem- rare in Myanmar where most National League for Democracy Western countries have movement killed five policemen groups shared radio fre- onstrations in unusual paces people connect through — was rigged and the election condemned the coup and some in a grenade attack on a police quencies, offline apps that work that break up when security wireless networks. commission failed to heed its have imposed limited sanctions. station before soldiers killed without a data connection, and forces appear. A spokesman for the junta complaints. The commission But neither China nor India, him, the Myanmar Now news tips for using SMS messages as “Let’s listen to the radio did not answer telephone calls has dismissed that assertion. which compete for influence, portal reported. an alternative to data services again. Let’s make phone calls to seeking comment. Suu Kyi, a longtime have denounced Suu Kyi’s Across the country, to communicate. each other too,” Khin Sadar Despite the Internet democracy campaigner who overthrow. India reports six-month high of daily Malaysia, China to recognise each COVID-19 infections amid new curbs other's vaccine

REUTERS — BENGALURU 469 to 163,396. measures, including shutting certificates Vaccination drives have down religious places and BLOOMBERG India reported 81,466 new been intensified amid the recent restricting train travel. COVID-19 infections yesterday, surge of cases, and many states India imposed one of the Malaysia and China have the highest daily number in six are considering imposing fresh world’s harshest lockdowns to agreed in principal to mutually months, as several states were curbs on movement of people. control the coronavirus early recognise their vaccination hit by a second wave of the Maharashtra, worst-hit last year, but it was eased to digital certificates, or coronavirus. from COVID-19 so far, reported salvage the economy, and cases COVID-19 health certification, Health ministry data as many as 43,183 new cases gradually fell later in the year. Malaysia Foreign Affairs showed the total number of yesterday — its highest since the The new surge this year Minister Hishammuddin People wait to receive a dose of COVISHIELD, a COVID-19 vaccine, cases surged to 12.3 million, pandemic spread to India in presents a challenge to the gov- Hussein said in a briefing at a vaccination centre in Ahmedabad, India, yesterday. making India the third-most hit March 2020. Officials in the ernment, which already during his visit to China. country from the virus after the state imposed a night curfew struggled to implement last This would facilitate cross- United States and Brazil. The over the weekend but are con- year’s lockdown. also up yesterday in the states Punjab, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, border movement between number of those dead rose by sidering stricter control Infection numbers were of Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Malaysia and China in the near future. Malaysia, China have established a high-level com- mittee on post COVID-19 Australia probes if blood clot case linked to AstraZeneca vaccine cooperation. The committee will be co-chaired by both REUTERS — MELBOURNE thrombosis and a low count of events following use of the higher overall rate of relatively reporting just under 29,300 foreign ministers. platelets, or blood cells that stop vaccine, and several nations, common types of blood clots (...) infections and 909 deaths. It will oversee the imple- Australia is investigating bleeding. including Canada, France, reported after COVID-19 It has had troubles rolling mentation of all under- whether a blood clotting case “Investigators have not at Germany and Spain, limited its vaccination.” out its vaccination program, standings and provide policy recorded yesterday is related to this time confirmed a causal use after similar reports. Australia launched mass however, missing a March guidance for Malaysia-China the AstraZeneca coronavirus link with the COVID-19 Astra- Australian regulator the vaccinations for its 25 million target by about 3.3 million doses relations. This will include vaccine, a health official said, Zeneca vaccine, but investi- Therapeutic Goods Adminis- people in February, with most as states and the federal gov- pandemic preparedness and raising concern in a nation gations are ongoing,” the tration (TGA) has said previ- expected to receive the Uni- ernment bickered over the response, trade and where most people are deputy chief medical officer, ously the AstraZeneca vaccine versity of Oxford/AstraZeneca blame. investment, commodity, food expected to receive the drug- Michael Kidd, told a televised was not tied to an increase in vaccine. In late March, CSL Ltd Vaccination supplies in the security, science, technology maker’s shot. briefing. overall risk of blood clots, began domestic production of northeastern state of and innovation, travel facili- A 44-year-old man was More was expected to be however. 50 million doses. Queensland will end within tation and Belt and Road admitted to a Melbourne hos- known today (Saturday), he In a statement yesterday, Australia has been highly days, health officials said yes- project. Malaysia is consid- pital with clotting days after added. the Australian Technical successful in curbing the virus terday, adding that they were ering to add the amount and receiving the AstraZeneca On Thursday, Britain iden- Advisory Group on Immuni- with snap lockdowns, border uncertain about the next further expand the application vaccine, suffering serious tified 30 cases of rare blood clot sation said, “There is not a closures and swift tracking, delivery. of second and third generation Chinese-made vaccines. Both sides agreed to Fire kills three finalise the standard operating Thai protest leader on hunger strike given IV drip in prison procedures and early con- in market near clusion to negotiations on a AP — BANGKOK offences, but the court denied it more accountable. The The activists focused late reciprocal green lane between Rohingya camp it. Corrections officials at demand about the monarchy is last year on the monarchy issue Malaysia and China. One of the leaders of Thailand’s Pathumthani Detention Center the most radical and contro- with speeches and activities They also underscored the in Bangladesh pro-democracy movement was north of Bangkok started giving versial, because the institution that drew an increasing tough need for peace to be restored administered an intravenous Parit intravenous fluids last Sat- has been widely considered an response from Prayuth’s gov- in Myanmar as well as the fos- AP — COX’S BAZAR, fluid drip in prison yesterday urday, a spokesperson from the untouchable, bedrock element ernment. After earlier pursuing tering of a collective devel- BANGLADESH after officers said they found Department of Corrections said. of Thai nationalism. It has been other charges, it began bringing opment agenda. Malaysia reaf- him weakened because of a Parit was one of several considered taboo to publicly complaints of lese majeste firmed its commitment to A fire destroyed more than 20 hunger strike that has lasted leaders behind the protest criticize the monarch, and against them. The charge had pursue dialogue and discus- shops in a makeshift market longer than two weeks. movement that has campaigned insulting or defaming key royals not been used for about three sions among the parties con- near a Rohingya refugee camp Parit Chiwarak, 22, was since last year for Thai Prime is punishable by up to 15 years years at the request of King cerned in the South China Sea, in southern Bangladesh charged in February with Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha in prison per incident under the Maha Vajiarlongkorn. in accordance with the univer- yesterday, killing at least three sedition and defaming the mon- and his government to step lese majeste law. Some 82 people related to sally recognized principles of people, police and witnesses archy for his role in leading down. They want the consti- According to Thai Lawyers the protests now face lese international laws. Both also said. demonstrations. Parit’s lawyer tution amended to make it more for Human Rights, Parit faces majeste charges since use of the agreed on the importance of Local police chief Ahmed requested bail for him and three democratic and for the mon- at least 20 charges related to law was revived in November maintaining peace and sta- Sanjur Morshed said they others charged with the same archy to be reformed to make defaming the monarchy. last year. bility in the region. recovered the bodies from the debris after it took firefighters several hours to bring the blaze under control. Several Australia’s Queensland state starts other people were injured. The fire broke out early Easter weekend with no new virus cases yesterday when residents of the sprawling Kutupalong REUTERS — MELBOURNE subsequent school term hol- Australia, which has been camp for Myanmar’s Rohingya idays. The tourism industry highly successful in man- refugees were asleep. Australia’s state of is expected to lose A$35m aging the spread of the coro- Sayedul Mustafa, the Queensland that has been ($27 million). navirus, recording just over owner of a shop, confirmed battling a small outbreak of Most Australian busi- 29,000 cases and 909 deaths the dead were his staff. COVID-19 recorded no new nesses and restaurants were since the start of the pan- “We had five workers who cases yesterday as the country closed yesterday, the first day demic and 909 deaths, has slept in the shop but three of began long Easter weekend. of a four-day Easter had troubles rolling out its them were missing. Then after On Thursday, a three-day weekend, which for some vaccination programme. the fire was put out with water, snap lockdown was lifted on Australians remains a reli- Around 670,000 doses we found one body first, then the state’s capital Brisbane, as gious holiday. “Easter is (...) had been administered by the all three. Two people survived authorities managed to a sacred time for those who end of March, well below by the grace of Allah,” said contain the spread of the virus share the Christian faith,” Australia’s initial target of 4 Aneesul Mustafa, a Rohingya that quickly grew to 18 cases. Prime Minister Scott Mor- million, with bickering going refugee and the owner’s However, the economic rison, a devout Pentecostal on between states and the relative. costs out the outbreak is Christian, said in a social federal government over Aid agencies and the gov- expected to be significant. media video message. who is to blame. ernment had started Australian media “Christians everywhere, Queensland’s health offi- rebuilding shelters after Tight security on Easter in Indonesia reported that many have our family included, will cials said yesterday the state’s another massive fire last cancelled their plans to visit grow great strength and vaccination supplies will end Armed police officers stand guard outside a church during Easter month left 15 people dead, 560 the state, a popular desti- heart from the Easter within days and they were celebrations in Jakarta, Indonesia, yesterday. others hurt and about 45,000 nation for domestic travellers message: a message of love, uncertain about the next homeless. over the Easter break and of hope and of forgiveness.” delivery. SATURDAY 3 APRIL 2021 ASIA 07 At least 50 dead in Taiwan train crash, over 140 hurt REUTERS — HUALIEN, TAIWAN said there were 496 people on the train, including 120 without There were 496 people A Taiwan express train with seats. Many were tourists and almost 500 aboard derailed in people heading home at the on the train, including a tunnel yesterday after hitting start of a traditional long 120 without seats. Many a truck that had slid down a weekend holiday to tend to were tourists and bank onto the track, killing at family graves. One French people heading home at least 50 passengers and injuring citizen was amongst the dead, the start of a traditional 146 in the island’s worst rail officials said. disaster in seven decades. The train was travelling long weekend holiday. Images from the scene from Taipei, the capital, to the showed some carriages ripped southeastern city of Taitung. apart by the impact, with others It came off the rails north of access road and entered the crumpled, hindering rescuers the eastern city of Hualien after eastern trunk line,” he added. in their efforts to reach hitting a truck that had slid off The official Central News Rescuers help stranded passengers down from the roof of a train which derailed in a tunnel north passengers. a road from a nearby con- Agency said police had taken in of Hualien, in Taiwan, yesterday. By mid-afternoon no one struction site, Feng Hui-sheng, the manager for questioning. was still trapped, though the fire the Taiwan Railways Adminis- The fire department showed department said it had found tration’s deputy director, told a picture of what appeared to so chaotic.” Passengers in some The accident occurred at the Taiwan’s state-owned body parts, meaning the reporters. be wreckage of the truck beside carriages still in the tunnel had beginning of a long weekend for railways are generally reliable number of those killed, who Feng said the manager of the derailed train, with an aerial to be led to safety, the railway the traditional Tomb Sweeping and efficient, but have had a included the driver, was likely the site, which was stabilising image of one end of the train administration said. Day holiday. patchy safety record over the to rise. the mountainside to prevent still on the track next to the con- Images showed an injured Taiwan’s mountainous east years. The last major crash was “People just fell all over landslides, visited around 9 am struction site. passenger carried away on a coast is a tourist destination. in 2018, when 18 people died each other, on top of one (0100 GMT) and stopped his Survivors described their stretcher, with her head and The railway that snakes down and 175 were injured when a another,” a woman who sur- truck in front of the site office. terror as the train slammed into neck in a brace, while others from Taipei hugs the coast and train derailed in the island’s vived the crash told domestic “At present it is suspected the truck and ground to a halt. gathered suitcases and bags in is known for its tunnels, in one northeast. In 1948, 64 people television. “It was terrifying. because the vehicle wasn’t “It suddenly came to a stop a tilted, derailed carriage as of which the crash took place. are estimated to have died There were whole families braked properly, it slid for and then everything shook,” one some walked on the train’s roof The link to Taipei opened in when a train burst into flames there.” Taiwan’s government around 20 metres along the site told local television. “It was all to exit the tunnel. 1979. in northern Taiwan.

HK bars incoming Japanese leader to hold talks with Biden in US on April 16 flights of Singapore AP — TOKYO in January. “That by itself is newspaper, said the trip was and to discuss ways to coop- security cooperation. proof that the United States delayed because of a request erate on policy toward China “We will reconfirm coor- Airlines over Japanese Prime Minister places importance on Japan,” from Washington. and North Korea and advance dination and cooperation COVID-19 case Yoshihide Suga will visit he said. “We had been arranging (a a joint vision of a “free and between Japan and the United Washington for talks with ”It is also significant as we visit by Suga) in the earlier half open Indo-Pacific” to promote States,” Kato said. REUTERS — SINGAPORE President Joe Biden on April demonstrate the strength of of April, but the date is set on rules-based order in the region. Because of the pandemic, 16, the government said the Japan-US alliance and the April 16, as we aim to take all Climate change and the fight the size of a Japanese dele- Hong Kong has barred yesterday. The trip had previ- US commitment to engage in possible measures to ensure against the pandemic are also gation will be kept to a incoming passenger flights ously been announced, but not the Indo-Pacific region.” the success of the prime min- among key issues. maximum of about 80 to 90 from Singapore operated by the exact date. Japan is eager to develop ister’s US visit and prepara- Japan, whose development people, and all participants Singapore Airlines until mid Chief Cabinet Secretary close relations with the new tions for it,” Kato said. of its own COVID-19 vaccine will be vaccinated ahead of the April, after a positive Katsunobu Kato told reporters US administration and was Tokyo hopes to strengthen has lagged, also hopes to trip. Suga received his first COVID-19 case was found on that Suga will be the first hoping to schedule Suga’s visit the Japan-US alliance, which discuss cooperation in vaccine shot on March 16 and is a flight. foreign leader to meet Biden sooner. Japanese media, it considers a cornerstone of development for possible expected to have a second Three passengers on the in person since he took office including the Nikkei business its foreign and security policies, future pandemics as part of within days. March 31 flight also failed to comply with requirements specified under the Prevention China aims to and Control of Disease Regu- Pakistani, Chinese firms to make COVID-19 vaccine lation, Hong Kong authorities vaccinate entire said yesterday. ANADOLU — ISLAMABAD Ministry. As many as 607,205 Singapore Airlines con- city in 5 days patients have recovered so far, firmed the order but said pas- A Pakistani pharmaceutical leaving the number of active senger services from Hong after outbreak company has signed a deal with cases at 56,347, latest data Kong to Singapore would not a Chinese firm to produce a showed. be affected. The suspension AP/REUTERS — BEIJING COVID-19 vaccine in the Infections have surged in applies until April 16. country, according to an official the South Asian country of over “We will continue to work A Chinese border city hit by a announcement on Thursday. 200 million in recent days, with with the authorities to ensure fresh outbreak of COVID-19 In a letter to the Pakistan more than 75,000 reported in that all passengers meet the began yesterday a five-day Stock Exchange, Searle March alone. regulatory requirements for drive to vaccinate its entire Company Limited said it had Asad Umar, the country’s entry into Hong Kong,” it said population of 300,000 people. finalised an agreement with planning minister who is in a statement. “We will also State broadcaster CCTV China’s Livzon Mapharm Inc. leading its pandemic response, assist the health authorities in showed people lining up and to manufacture a novel coro- said the entire region has been all contact tracing efforts.” Sin- getting vaccinated in Ruili, navirus vaccine, V-01, in experiencing a “severe” gapore has been reporting rel- where 16 cases have been con- Pakistan. COVID-19 spike. atively few coronavirus cases firmed since Tuesday. Twelve “The Searle Company “It is vital that we all con- in recent months, with tight People wait for their coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine shots, of them are Chinese and the Limited has successfully con- tribute to containing the spread entry restrictions and strict at a vaccination centre in Karachi, Pakistan, yesterday. other four are nationals of cluded an exclusive licensing by taking sensible precautions. rules aimed at preventing local Myanmar, which lies across and supply agreement with Wear a mask, avoid crowded transmission. the border. Livzon Mapharm Inc. for the subjects, with the aim to Pakistan has so far places, wash hands or sanitize A city Communist Party Recombinant Novel Corona- evaluate the efficacy, safety, approved four COVID-19 vac- often, reduce travel to only official told CCTV the previous virus Vaccine (V-01),” read the and immunogenicity of V-01 cines for use in the country — essential work,” he said on Vietnam premier day that 159,000 doses of letter. program,” the letter said. China’s Sinopharm and Twitter. vaccine had arrived in the city. “The licensing agreement According to the company, CanSino, along with Russia’s As part of efforts to stem nominated for Television footage showed also covers the manufacturing the vaccine has “many potential Sputnik V and the Oxford- surging infections, the gov- vacant streets as officials transition of (V-01) in Pakistan.” advantages such as strong AstraZeneca jab. ernment has reimposed a president ordered people to home quar- Searle, which will be the first safety profile … long durability, Pakistan yesterday reported blanket ban on all kinds of antine and closed non- company to manufacture a and easy to scale up for manu- 5,234 new COVID-19 cases, the public gatherings across the BLOOMBERG essential businesses. The city COVID-19 vaccine in Pakistan, facturing.” Searle said it was highest daily spike since June country and is enforcing has also said it would tighten said the jab has shown prom- hopeful that “the relevant 20 last year, raising its overall expanded lockdowns in the Vietnam’s Prime Minister controls around the porous ising results in Phase 1 and 2 authorities will take up the tally to 678,165. worst-hit areas. Nguyen Xuan Phuc, who border to try to stop anyone trials. matter on urgent basis and Another 83 patients died in Educational institutes have oversaw rapid economic crossing illegally from “The Phase Ill clinical study support fast-track approval to the last 24 hours, pushing the also been closed until at least growth and successful virus Myanmar. will include multiple countries carry out Phase 3 clinical trials fatality count to 14,613, April 11 in districts with high containment, is poised to be China has largely eradi- and enroll more than 20,000 in Pakistan.” according to the Health infection rates. elected president, possibly cated local transmission of positioning him for the top COVID-19 and quickly rolls out Communist Party job in five strict measures whenever a years. new cluster emerges. Vietnam asks for foreign support Roadside bombs kill The National Assembly is This is the first time China expected to elect Phuc, 66, as has tried to vaccinate an entire in procuring COVID-19 vaccines five, wound seven president on April 5 after he city in response to new out- was put forward by the party’s break. The move comes as the REUTERS — HANOI on Wednesday met with Chinese, civilians in Afghanistan Central Committee as the sole government ramps up a Indian and Russian diplomats to discuss nominee following a five-year nationwide vaccination drive. Vietnam has appealed to diplomats vaccines. AP/REUTERS — KABUL, AFGHANISTAN term as the government’s Meanwhile, China reported from the United States, European Union Vietnam has been praised for its functional leader. Vietnam’s nine new mainland COVID-19 and Japan to help it secure supplies of record in containing coronavirus out- Roadside bombs killed at least five civilians and leadership changes occur cases on April 1, down from 16 COVID-19 vaccines, as part of efforts breaks through mass testing, tracing wounded seven others in Afghanistan yesterday, every half decade. a day earlier, the country’s to acquire the 150 million doses needed and strict quarantine, with the country provincial officials said, while the Islamic state The candidate for the national health authority said to cover its adult population. recording just 2,620 cases and 35 group claimed responsibility for the killing of a nation’s next prime minister yesterday. Vietnam has received about deaths. policewoman a day earlier. is expected to be voted on April The National Health Com- 930,000 doses of AstraZeneca’s It aims to immunise 70% of its pop- Omer Zwak, spokesman for the provincial gov- 5 as well. Vuong Dinh Hue, 64, mission said in a statement vaccine so far but wants to procure ulation and has so far inoculated 51,200 ernor in southern Helmand province, said the five a former minister of finance four of the new cases were doses from Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, people. killed were travelling by car near Lashkar Gah, the and ex-deputy prime minister, local infections reported in Moderna, China’s Sinovac, and Rus- The request for help come as some capital of the province. The death toll may rise, he was elected chairman of the southwestern Yunnan sia’s Sputnik V shot. countries express concern about added. National Assembly March 31. province, where a new cluster Health Minister Nguyen Thanh vaccine shortages. In a separate roadside bomb attack in western Communist Party General of COVID-19 infections have Long on Thursday asked Japan’s The Ministry of Health said sepa- Herat province, seven women travelling in a Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, emerged at the city of Ruili embassy for help with technology rately that Vietnam aims to vaccinate minivan were wounded, the provincial governor’s 76, was re-elected to a rare that borders Myanmar. transfer for vaccine production and a fifth of its 98 million people against office said. No one immediately claimed respon- third term on January 31 by the The number of new testing in Vietnam, the ministry said in COVID-19 by the end of the year. sibility for the attacks, but Afghanistan has seen a National Party Congress. asymptomatic cases, which a statement on Friday. It said the country would receive nationwide spike in bombings, targeted killings, Vietnam has a collective China does not classify as con- Long also asked the US ambassador 4.1 million vaccine doses via the COVAX and violence. Meanwhile, in a statement late “four pillar” leadership firmed cases, fell to 20 from for help with accelerating Vietnam’s global vaccine sharing facility by the Thursday, the Islamic State group claimed respon- structure made up of general 42 a day earlier. inoculation programme and securing end of May. sibility for the killing of a policewoman in eastern secretary, prime minister, The total number of con- access to vaccines from US drug- Four Vietnamese companies are Nangarhar province earlier that day. president and chair of the firmed COVID-19 cases in makers, and told EU representatives engaged in vaccine research and pro- On Tuesday, unknown gunmen shot and killed National Assembly, as the par- mainland China now stands he hoped European pharmaceutical duction and two are at the human trial three women vaccinators in Jalalabad. That liament is known. at 90,226, while the death toll firms would consider more investment stage. Its first domestic shot called incident came less than a month after three female The leaders govern in con- remained unchanged at in Vietnam, the statement said. Nanocovax is expected to be put into media workers were killed in an attack claimed sultation with the 18-member 4,636. The meetings came a day after Long use in 2022. by Islamic State militants. politburo. 08 VIEWS SATURDAY 3 APRIL 2021 Vaccination rates are rising, Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI but so are COVID-19 cases EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected] ADAM TAYLOR THE WASHINGTON POST DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected] After more than a year of the pandemic, things are changing. Vaccine campaigns are rolling out with speed in some wealthy nations, as the EDITORIAL arrival of warm spring weather in parts of the world creates the sense of a fresh A timely decision start. The relentless tide of bad news and harrowing People waiting before receiving Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus disease at the Palace of THOUGH Qatar has vaccinated a majority of school statistics has been pushed the Republic concert hall in Almaty, Kazakhstan, yesterday. teachers and other staff but it is a wise and timely from front pages by stories of decision to switch to online-only mode of learning till ruptured royal families heading. Walensky said she temptation to return to normal infected enough of the popu- the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic gets fully under drifting apart and big boats had to speak of the “recurring irresistible. In countries where lation to generate a barrier of control. getting stuck in the sand. feeling I have of impending vaccinations are going well, natural immunity,” Anna Last year, the Ministry of Education and Higher Edu- But the pandemic is far doom.” A large number of doses alone have not ended the Gross wrote in an essay for cation also successfully adopted distance learning then from over. European nations are strug- disease. the Financial Times earlier gradually introduced hybrid model consisting of dis- In many countries, cases gling with their own surges, in In Chile, a rare Latin this month. “Others say it tance and in-person classes to keep children and their are surging - again. By some part because of slow vaccine American vaccine superstar, mutated to become less families safe from viral outbreak. measures it’s as bad as ever. rollouts and spreading variants. more than 6 million out of the deadly over time. Either way, Now as the country is passing through the second Globally, numbers of new cases “We will lose control if we do country’s 18 million people intense outbursts persisted wave of COVID-19 pandemic and the variants of the are approaching peaks reached not move now,” French Pres- have been vaccinated. But at around the world until 1922.” coronavrus are highly transmissible and the number of in January. In Europe, the ident Emmanuel Macron said the same time, there has been a Generally, diseases tend to reported cases is also on the rise with every passing United States and Latin as he announced nationwide surge in infections that fade rather than burn out. day the decision of adopting distance learning is a judi- America, there is talks of yet restrictions Wednesday. threatens to overwhelm the Smallpox, one of the only cious move. another wave, perhaps a mis- In India, where cases had health-care system, with a pandemics to have been Owing to conditions related to coronavirus pan- nomer - for how can a new been sharply falling for months, record 7,626 new coronavirus defeated through human demic and the increase in number of COVID-19 cases wave begin if the previous one a new surge is pitting the virus cases in a single day last week. effort, was eradicated after a in the community, the Ministry of Education and Higher never fully crashed? In the against the vaccine. “You can The more-infectious variants grueling 13-year-long global Education has decided to adopt distance learning and United States, despite one of see that the tidal wave is first found in Britain and Brazil vaccination drive that some- suspend attendance of all students in all public and the most successful vaccine coming,” Bhramar Mukherjee, a have been found in the country. times involved coercive and private universities, schools and kindergartens in Qatar, rollouts of any nation, cases are biostatistician at the University “No one questions that the violent efforts, Gross notes. as of Sunday (tomorrow). again going up. During a virtual of Michigan who models India’s vaccination campaign is a A more likely scenario will The decision comes after coordination with the Min- White House health briefing on outbreak, told The Washington success story,” Francisca be that the worst of the coro- istry of Public Health and pursuant to precautionary Monday, Rochelle Walensky, Post last week. Crispi, a regional president of navirus pandemic is over, but and preventive measures and measures required in the director of the Centers for And then there is Latin Chile’s medical association, that the virus lingers in our public interest and taking into account the health of stu- Disease Control and Pre- America, where many nations told the New York Times. “But lives. As James Hamblin, a dents and staff both teaching and administrative, Min- vention, admitted she was are lagging behind in vaccina- it conveyed a false sense of physician and writer for the istry said. “scared” of where things were tions. In Brazil, where Pres- security to people, who felt Atlantic, has put it, COVID-19 During the distance learning implementation, ident Jair Bolsonaro has been that since we’re all being vac- may already be over, but it is teachers will continue to attend schools. The final exams Much of the debate dismissive of the virus since cinated the pandemic is over.” now replaced by a successor for all grades will be held in person at schools according the very early days of the The pandemic is not over, but that we may describe as to the scheduled dates. More procedures to be taken has focused on the pandemic, an out-of-control if we are lucky we may be COVID-21. “It’s the disease as in this regard will be announced later, the Ministry added. controversial theories wave has coincided with a seeing the beginning of the it will be experienced in the No doubt that in the last one year, Qatar has success- political crisis, and top cabinet end. Gone is the overwhelming months and years to come,” fully tackled challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic to about a laboratory officials and military leaders unknown of March 2020, but Hamblin wrote last week. country’s educational system through timely decisions. leak. But in some made a chaotic exit from the the spread of variants means a Even as we struggle to see Qatar has also vaccinated teachers and other staff ways, that may be government this week. race against time with the how the pandemic will end, of schools on priority basis considering them as essential “Right now, Brazil is at the rollout of vaccines in most debate about how it started is workers so that kids, their families and eventually the the most reassuring hour when darkness reigns,” nations - and it’s a race many unresolved. The inconclusive whole society could be saved from the potential threat scenario. If the virus Ricardo Ricupero, a veteran nations run the risk of losing. findings this week of a World of spread of infection through in-person class rooms. Brazilian diplomat, told the “We now have an unpar- Health Organization-backed Though children do not suffer from serious compli- did spread from Guardian. alleled supply of astonishingly investigation into the virus’s cations due to COVID-19, they can transmit the infection animals to humans in The virus has a habit of efficacious vaccines being origins in China have sparked among their families and relatives. sneaking up on us. There was administered at an incredible new recriminations about Bei- The Ministry has emphasised that distance learning nature, possibly due to plenty of good news to keep us clip,” Zeynep Tufekci wrote jing’s handling of the early days is an integral part of the educational process and aca- the rapid urbanization distracted. Almost all the for the Atlantic this week. “If of the virus and defensive asser- demic achievement. Student’s attendance will be information about the effi- we act quickly, this surge tions from Chinese officials. recorded in this learning model. It further called on the in China, then the ciency of vaccines has been could be merely a blip for the Much of the debate has parents to closely follow up with the students’ online big concern is that positive. In Britain, once one of United States. But if we move focused on the controversial attendance, cooperate with the schoolteachers and a similar, related the countries worst hit by the too slowly, more people will theories about a laboratory offer their children an appropriate educational envi- virus, the jabs seem to be become infected by this ter- leak. But in some ways, that ronment at home. coronavirus could doing the job: On Sunday, rible new variant, which is may be the most reassuring spread to humans in there were no recorded acutely dangerous to those scenario. If the virus did COVID-19 deaths in London who are not yet vaccinated.” spread from animals to the same way in the for the first time in six months. Historically, pandemics have humans in nature, possibly coming years. But in some ways, that good not often ended neatly. Even due to the rapid urbanization D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR news is part of the problem. now, medical historians in China, then the big concern is that a similar, related coro- EMAIL: [email protected] After a year of restrictions, dispute exactly how, and frustration and misery, the light when, the great 1918 flu pan- navirus could spread to at the end of the tunnel can be demic actually ended. humans in the same way in EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 the coming years. FAX: +974 4455 7758 overwhelming and the “Some argue that it

MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 A fifth of food-output growth has been lost to climate change

LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 BRE BRADHAM Food Programme warns of a across crops and livestock. The damages to produc- BLOOMBERG BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 “looming catastrophe” with The loss of productivity tivity growth aren’t evenly about 34 million people glo- comes even as billions has spread across regions. SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 Climate change has been bally on the brink of famine. been poured into improving Warmer areas -- especially holding back food production The group has cited climate agricultural production those in the tropics -- are ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 for decades, with a new study change as a major factor con- through the development of more detrimentally affected. email: [email protected] showing that about 21% of tributing to the sharp increase new seeds, sophisticated farm Ortiz-Bobea said that coin- PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 growth for agricultural output in hunger around the world. machinery and other techno- cides with many countries email: [email protected] was lost since the 1960s. Food inflation is also on the logical advances. where agriculture makes up a That’s equal to losing the rise as farmers deal with the “Even though globally bigger share of the economy. MARKETING: TEL: 4455 7657 last seven years of produc- impact of extreme weather at agriculture is more pro- He was also warned that email: [email protected] tivity growth, according to a time of robust demand. ductive, that greater produc- current research into research led by Cornell Uni- This is the first study to tivity on average doesn’t improving production may ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 857 versity and published in the look at how climate change translate into more climate not enough consider the pace FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] journal Nature Climate has historically affected agri- resilience,” said Ariel Ortiz- of climate change. CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 Change. The study was cultural production on a global Bobea, an author of the paper “I worry that we’re email: [email protected] funded by a unit of the US scale, using econometrics and and associate professor at breeding or preparing our- Department of Agriculture. climate models to figure out Cornell’s Charles H. Dyson selves for the climate we’re in SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 The revelation comes as how much of the sector’s total School of Applied Economics now, not what is coming up in FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected] the United Nations’ World productivity has been affected, and Management. the next couple of decades.”

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar There’s no time to lose. A fully respected agreement (Iran nuclear deal) would be an advantage for the /Peninsula_Qatar security of the region, and the best basis for talks about other important aspects of regional stability. /ThePeninsulaNewspaper Heiko Maas, Foreign Minister of Germany +974 6698 6188 SATURDAY 3 APRIL 2021 EUROPE 09 Opposition grows against UK vaccine passports

REUTERS — LONDON “We oppose the divisive and discriminatory use of COVID-19 status certification to UK reports 25 new blood-clot More than 70 British lawmakers have signalled their opposition deny individuals access to general services, to the introduction of so-called businesses or jobs,” said a statement signed by vaccine passports that the cases after AstraZeneca shots government is considering a group of more than 70 lawmakers. bringing in to help to open the BLOOMBERG — LONDON reactions to the vaccine from Pfizer Inc. and economy as it starts lifting BioNTech SE, which is also being used in Britain. COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. businesses confidence. this month, with a further The UK reported 25 new cases of rare blood clots “On the basis of this ongoing review, the ben- The government is “So those three things easing of restrictions in possibly linked to AstraZeneca Plc’s COVID-19 efits of the vaccines against COVID-19 continue reviewing the idea of asking working together will, I think, mid-May before all measures vaccine, adding to the numbers that have caused to outweigh any risks and you should continue people to show proof of a be useful for us as we as we go are lifted near the end of June. some European countries to adopt precautionary to get your vaccine when invited to do so,” the COVID-19 vaccination to access forward,” Johnson said. Johnson suggested last measures. MHRA said. The AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines crowded spaces such as clubs But there has been month that some clubs might The fresh reports lift the total number of have shown “very high levels of protection” or sports events, with Prime mounting concern from some require customers to produce cases to 30 as of March 24, the Medicines and against COVID-19, the agency said, adding that Minister Boris Johnson having in his own Conservative Party, vaccine certificates. Culture Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency said “all vaccines and medicines have some side already said that a certificate is as well as opposition law- minister Oliver Dowden, mean- in a statement Thursday. The benefits of the effects.” likely to be needed for interna- makers and civil rights groups, while, has said that such certif- shot continue to outweigh the risks, the regu- Earlier this week, the EU drugs regulator said tional travel. about the prospect of vaccine icates could help get more lator said. a link between the AstraZeneca vaccine and a The Daily Telegraph news- certificates. people into theatres. AstraZeneca’s vaccine, developed with the rare type of blood clot is possible, identifying at paper reported last week that “We oppose the divisive and No decision has yet been University of Oxford, is under mounting scrutiny least 62 cases of the condition. The European trials of COVID-19 passports discriminatory use of COVID-19 made and Johnson has and has faced dwindling support in Europe. Still, Medicines Agency said its safety committee will would begin within weeks status certification to deny indi- instructed senior minister countries are counting on the shot to help them probably issue an updated recommendation next during pilots at major sports viduals access to general Michael Gove to review the exit the pandemic, and millions of doses have week. events and possibly a music services, businesses or jobs,” possible role of certificates, been administered across the region. Germany has restricted younger people from awards ceremony in the next said a statement signed by a saying there are deep and The UK agency said that the 30 incidents were taking the AstraZeneca vaccine amid growing two months to assess their group of more than 70 law- complex ethical issues to out of 18.1 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine concerns about side effects. That followed reports impact. makers from across the political explore. Gove is due to report given by March 24. Prior to that, the agency dis- of 31 cases of the rare clots, mostly in women. Yesterday, Johnson said that spectrum. back shortly. closed five cases on March 18, out of 11 million Yesterday, Australia reported one case of a combination of immunity Under the government’s More than 31 million Britons shots. clotting disorders following inoculation with the factors — if people have had the planned “roadmap” out of the have already received their first With the new reports, the rate of incidents AstraZeneca vaccine and is investigating, disease, a vaccination or had a pandemic, pubs will be allowed vaccine dose in the fastest inoc- with the AstraZeneca shot in the U.K. is about 1 according to a joint statement by government COVID-19 test — would give to serve people outdoors later ulation programme in Europe. in 600,000. There were no reports of the same agencies. Fire bomb attack Dutch Prime Minister on Spanish leftist censured but survives party’s office no-confidence vote REUTERS — MADRID A regional office of Spain’s REUTERS — AMSTERDAM referendum on his handling of leftist Unidas Podemos party the coronavirus pandemic was hit by a fire-bomb attack Dutch Prime Minister Mark crisis. yesterday, police said. Rutte’s chances of forming a Sigrid Kaag, the leader of The attack took place in new government were dealt a the second largest party in par- Cartagena in southeastern serious blow yesterday, as liament, said she was not sure Spain. The blaze damaged the parliament passed a formal whether she would now be exterior of the building. motion of disapproval, saying willing to join a new gov- Podemos accused right- he had not told the truth about ernment with Rutte. wing elements of carrying it remarks made during “If I were him, I would not out. government formation talks. continue”, she said when asked “The street terrorism of the However, lawmakers nar- about Rutte’s position. far-right will not intimidate rowly failed to pass a no-con- The crisis arose on Thursday us,” party leader Pablo Iglesias, fidence motion which would after Rutte acknowledged who is standing as a candidate have forced Rutte to resign. having privately discussed what in regional elections in Madrid “Parliament has given me a job should go to a prominent on May 4, said on social media. serious message and I will try member of parliament who had Police said no arrests had my very best to win back con- been critical of his previous been made after the attack. fidence”, Rutte told reporters Cabinet. Rutte had previously It was the sixth time after the debate. It was not clear said he did not do so. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte attending a debate over remarks he made during talks to form a vandals have struck at the when and in what form gov- “The only thing I can do new government following the March 17 national elections, in The Hague, Netherlands, yesterday. party building, a Podemos ernment formation talks would here is say from the bottom of spokesman said. resume. my heart, my toes, say what Talks on forming a new negotiators were discussing a Netherlands. “This was a very serious happened, what went well, government were abruptly put position “elsewhere” for Omtzigt, who was sworn in matter, for which I have offered what went wrong, that I never on hold on March 25 when one popular MP Pieter Omtzigt, a as a member of parliament on Italy reports 481 my apologies,” Rutte said. lied,” Rutte said in parliament of the chief negotiators unwit- prominent critic of Rutte’s pre- Wednesday, said the impli- he “motion of disapproval” on Thursday. tingly revealed a sensitive doc- vious Cabinet, though Omtzigt’s cation he should be removed COVID-19 deaths, specified that Rutte had “not Rutte, a 54-year-old con- ument to a news photographer Christian Democrats were part was “an affront to the Dutch spoken the truth”. servative who has been in office as she rushed out of parliament of the ruling coalition. The voter”. 21,932 new cases Rutte was the clear winner for more than 10 years, pointed after learning that she had cryptic remark has been inter- Rutte offered Omtzigt apol- of March 17 parliamentary elec- to his record and said he hoped tested positive for COVID-19. preted as implying outside par- ogies for what had happened REUTERS — ROME tions that were seen as a to continue leading the country. The document showed that liament — or outside the during the debate. Italy reported 481 corona- virus-related deaths yesterday against 501 the day before, the Fake German heiress taken into US custody, faces deportation health ministry said, while the daily tally of new infections AP — NEW YORK she was scheduled to be ICE declined to comment on Among other lies, she Sorokin, who became decreased to 21,932 from deported to her native Sorokin’s immigration pro- claimed her father — a former known as the “Soho Grifter,” 23,649. US immigration authorities Germany. ceedings. Sorokin’s attorney trucker who runs a heating- was sentenced to four to 12 Italy has registered 110,328 said on Thursday they have The 30-year-old was taken also declined to discuss the and-cooling business — was a years in prison after a trial that deaths linked to COVID-19 detained Anna Sorokin, the into US Immigration and case. A message seeking diplomat or an oil baron. drew international media since its outbreak emerged in con artist who passed herself Customs Enforcement custody comment was left with the Her ruse included an appli- attention. She was released February last year, the second- off as a wealthy German on March 25, agency spokes- German embassy in cation for a $22m loan to fund from prison in February. highest toll in Europe after heiress and served more than person Marcus Johnson told Washington. a private arts club, complete In a recent interview with Britain and the seventh- three years behind bars for AP. Prosecutors said Sorokin with exhibitions, installations the BBC, she suggested her highest in the world. defrauding New York banks The delay could mean the falsified records and defrauded and pop-up shops, prosecutors audacious fraud had paid off, The country has reported and hotels. one-time darling of New York’s financial institutions and Man- said. She was denied that loan noting she is writing a book and 3.6 million cases to date. Sorokin, who finagled her social scene is challenging her hattan celebrities into believing but persuaded one bank to lend working on several other Patients in hospital with way into the Manhattan elite deportation, which has been in she had a fortune of $67m her $100,000 that she failed to projects. COVID-19 — not including using the name Anna Delvey, the works since she was con- overseas that could cover her repay. “I am trying to turn the those in intensive care — stood remained in New Jersey’s victed in 2019 on multiple high-end clothing and lavish In all, prosecutors accused attention I am getting into at 28,704 yesterday, down Bergen County Jail days after counts of larceny and theft. hotel stays. her of stealing some $275,000. something positive,” she said. from 28,949 a day earlier. Ireland adds 26 countries to mandatory quarantine list Russia’s Sputnik news agency

REUTERS — DUBLIN The states added are: halts operations in Britain Albania, Andorra, Aruba, The Irish government added 26 Bahrain, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius REUTERS — MOSCOW countries to a list of states and Saba, Ethiopia, Israel, subject to mandatory hotel Jordan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Russian news agency Sputnik will halt operations in Britain and quarantine on arrival because Lebanon, Moldova, Monaco, move its English language service to Moscow and Washington, of the coronavirus, but did not Montenegro, Nigeria, North the media group that launched it in 2014 said yesterday, at a time include additional countries Macedonia, Oman, Palestine, when Russian-British relations have hit a low point. from the European Union or the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Rossiya Segodnya said the move was part of a plan to reor- United States. Saint Lucia, San Marino, Serbia, ganise its international presence in a more effective manner. According to a report in the Somalia and Wallis and Futuna It said that Sputnik, which has offices in London and Edin- Irish Independent newspaper, Islands. burgh, would continue covering British news. the government had been Ireland has some of the Sputnik’s website lists regional offices in Washington, Beijing, advised by Chief Medical Officer strictest travel restrictions in the Paris, Berlin and Cairo. to add 43 countries including European Union and last week Rossiya Segodnya and Sputnik did not immediately reply to the United States, France, followed England in bringing in requests for comment. Germany and Italy to a list of hotel quarantine for arrivals of Relations between London and Moscow hit a post-Cold War jurisdictions subject to 12-day people from countries deemed low in 2018 when Britain blamed Russia for trying to kill former hotel quarantine on arrival. “high risk” or those without a double agent Sergei Skripal with a Soviet-developed nerve agent A decision regarding “addi- negative COVID-19 test. Medical staff members wait by the stations at SSE Arena which operates on British soil. Russia denied it was to blame. tional states will be considered Including the new additions, as a mega regional COVID-19 vaccination centre in Belfast, recently. Britain also accused Russia last year of trying to interfere in in advance of the next Gov- there are 58 countries on the its 2019 national election. ernment meeting” said the Min- “designated States” list. negative for COVID-19. hotel quarantine if they intend In 2019 Russia warned British media operating on its territory ister for Health and the Minister Arrivals must quarantine for Travellers from newly- to arrive in Ireland after 4 am that they should be ready for consequences after Britain’s media for Foreign Affairs in a joint up to 14 days in a hotel room or added states will have to book on April 6. The Republic of Mau- regulator fined the state-financed RT television channel over its statement. can leave after 10 if they test accommodation for mandatory ritius was removed from the list. coverage of Skripal’s poisoning. 10 EUROPE SATURDAY 3 APRIL 2021 Biden backs Ukraine against Russia aggression

REUTERS — WASHINGTON “We stand shoulder of eastern Ukraine in 2014. to shoulder when it Russia says it only provides US President Joe Biden used a political and humanitarian first official phone call with comes to preservation support to separatist fighters in President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of our democracies,” what it casts as an internal yesterday to offer staunch Ukraine president conflict. Slovenian oppn support in Ukraine’s standoff “We stand shoulder to over Russian troops near its wrote on Twitter. shoulder when it comes to pres- seeks to impeach border. ervation of our democracies,” Washington has been Zelenskiy wrote on Twitter after PM over vaccine Ukraine’s most powerful ally aggression in the Donbass and the call. since Russia’s annexation of Crimea,” a US statement said. Biden, a point person for BLOOMBERG — LJUBLJANA Crimea in 2014 but ties were The call lasted about 50 Ukraine when vice president for overshadowed by Ukraine’s minutes, according to Zelen- Barack Obama, also stressed Slovenia’s opposition filed a unwilling involvement in events skiy’s chief of staff. Washington’s support for Zel- constitutional impeachment leading to the impeachment “We discussed the situation enskiy’s anti-corruption and motion against Prime Minister trial of Biden’s predecessor in Donbass in detail. President reform agenda. Janez Jansa (pictured), saying Donald Trump. Biden assured me that Ukraine Trump was impeached in he has failed to order enough The conversation came after will never be left alone against 2019 over what White House vaccines for the nation and is Western nations and transat- Russia’s aggression,” the aides described as an effort to hurting the freedoms of media lantic military alliance Nato Ukrainian president said in a withhold nearly $400m in aid and the judiciary. voiced concern over Russian video statement afterwards. and a coveted White House visit The government has been troop movements near the Russia said this week that unless Ukrainian officials under increased pressure and eastern Donbass region where an escalation in Donbass could announced investigations into has faced months-long pro- Ukrainian troops are in conflict “destroy” Ukraine and warned Biden. Trump denied wrong- tests, a failed no-confidence with Russian-backed forces. against any Nato deployment. doing and the Republican-con- motion in February and five “President Biden affirmed Ukraine, Western countries trolled US Senate acquitted him. A militant of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) minister impeachments, three the United States’ unwavering and Nato accuse Russia of Biden also expressed a wish points a weapon at fighting positions on the line of separation from of them in March alone. support for Ukraine’s sover- sending troops and heavy to visit Ukraine again, as he had the Ukrainian armed forces south of the rebel-controlled city of Cracks in the ruling coa- eignty and territorial integrity weapons to prop up proxies in as vice president, Zelenskiy’s Donetsk, Ukraine, yesterday. lition deepened on Tuesday in the face of Russia’s ongoing Donbass who seized a swathe office said. when lawmakers rejected a motion to oust the parliament speaker, who left the ruling alliance last week. The failure Austria to give Czech Republic 30,000 doses of vaccine to muster enough votes for his ouster has weakened Jansa’s REUTERS — VIENNA doses due to be delivered in the night it was “incomprehensible” “We do not want to accept thanked the Austrian Chan- grip on power. second quarter, so needier that its neighbour the Czech that one of our neighbouring cellor for the extra doses. The trouble comes as Austria will provide the Czech countries could receive more. Republic, which has been hit countries is left behind,” it “We are very grateful for Slovenia prepares to take over Republic with 30,000 doses of Of those 10 million doses, hard by the more dangerous added. this generous help, especially the European Union’s rotating coronavirus (COVID-19) 2.85 million so-called “soli- British variant of virus, was not Kurz is under fire from the from friends who are also in presidency in July, and the vaccine, Chancellor Sebastian darity vaccines” will be shared given more doses. On Friday it opposition for Austria’s failure need of more vaccines, but they government’s approval rating Kurz’s office saidyesterday in between five countries — Bul- followed up on a pledge to act to order as many vaccine doses understand how difficult is our fell to a record low of 28.4 what it called a display of soli- garia, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia alone. as it was entitled to under the situation,” Babis said on Twitter. percent in March. darity after it felt the European and Slovakia. “We will...support the Czech EU scheme. It failed in a bid to “This is real solidarity!” Lawmakers will debate Union did not do enough to help Czech media reported that Republic bilaterally with obtain more doses than its Babis, who also told news and vote on the impeachment its neighbour. the country would see a net loss 30,000 doses of vaccine and regular per-capita share on website Seznam Zpravy this motion as soon as next month. After days of negotiations, of 70,000 vaccine doses due to believe it is very positive that Thursday. could push the Czechs to con- If approved, the motion will EU ambassadors on Thursday the new distribution system we have also heard that other Czech Prime Minister sider using Russia’s Sputnik be passed on to the nation’s agreed to change the bloc’s after opposing the plan that European countries are pre- Andrej Babis, who earlier in the vaccine, said on Twitter top court, which will decide vaccine distribution system for would have provided more. pared to do the same,” a day said he would fight the EU Slovenia would donate 10,000 whether to oust Jansa. 10 million BioNTech-Pfizer Austria said on Thursday statement by Kurz’s office said. plan and called it a scandal, doses as well. Navalny allies pledge prison protest unless he gets proper care COVID-19: France sees biggest jump REUTERS — MOSCOW him of the use of both legs. State media and some release Navalny. Moscow has State outlet RT cited Natalia Members of the Doctors members of a prison monitoring called such appeals unac- Avdeeva, a prison paramedic, in intensive care Allies of jailed Kremlin critic Alliance trade union, a group group have accused him of ceptable interference in its as saying that Navalny had been Alexei Navalny said yesterday the authorities regard as oppo- faking his medical problems to internal affairs and questioned taken to a local hospital, patients in months they would stage a rolling sition activists, said in a video keep himself in the public eye, whether Navalny was really undergone tests and a scan, and protest outside his prison next released yesterday that they something Navalny and his poisoned. been offered the right REUTERS — PARIS week unless he is examined by would demonstrate outside allies deny. Some state media or media medicine. a doctor of his choice and given Navalny’s prison on Tuesday Navalny was jailed in Feb- sympathetic to the state yes- She told RT that Navalny France reported yesterday that what they regard as proper unless he gets to see the doctor ruary for two and a half years terday ran CCTV footage of had refused treatment however, 5,254 people were in intensive medicine. he wants and the medicine he on charges he called politically what they said was Navalny insisting he only wanted his care units with COVID-19, an Navalny, one of President needs by the end of Monday. motivated. walking around the prison own doctor. increase of 145 people in one Vladimir Putin’s most prom- Authorities at the IK-2 cor- He was arrested as he without any obvious signs of Anastasia Vasilyeva, a day and the highest daily inent critics, has complained rective penal colony 100 km returned to Russia from discomfort. Navalny ally and medic, con- increase in five months. of acute back and leg pain and (60 miles) east of Moscow Germany in January, where he Reuters could not inde- firmed he had refused The risk of emergency accused authorities of refusing where the 44-year-old oppo- had been recovering from what pendently verify the footage. treatment, but said he had done wards being unable to cope him access to his chosen sition politician is being held doctors said was a nerve agent State media portrayed his so because the medicine he was was one of the main reasons doctor and of declining to have said his condition is sat- poisoning. jail, which Navalny has called being offered had been wrongly for President Emmanuel supply him with the right isfactory and that he has been The West, including the “our friendly concentration prescribed and, in at least one Macron to order a third medicine for a condition he provided with all necessary European Court of Human camp”, as clean, well run and case, would harm rather than nationwide lockdown this has joked darkly could deprive medical care. Rights, has demanded Russia humane. help him. week, after unsuccessfully trying for months to contain the epidemic with a curfew and regional lockdowns. Italy: Officer held for spying From next week, France starts a third lockdown, with says he had no sensitive info schools and non-essential businesses closed nationwide AP — ROME Biot’s actions were “not isolated for four weeks. or sporadic” but well-planned, Announcing the lockdown An Italian Navy captain accused The judge said the evidence on Wednesday, Macron said of passing classified documents showed the officer used four the number of ICU beds will to Russia says he didn’t have different cellphones and “had be raised from 7,000 to over access to any information that no scruples betraying the trust 10,000. would have compromised the of his institution for economic At the peak of the first security or strategic operations reasons.” lockdown in spring 2020, of Italy or Nato, his lawyer said Defense lawyer De Vita said France saw a high of 7,148 yesterday. Biot, who initially declined to COVID-19 patients in ICUs, but Attorney Roberto De Vita respond to prosecutors’ ques- that fell back to a few hundred met with Capt. Walter Biot at tions, was ready to provide his in August following the strict Rome’s Regina Coeli prison, version of events and to dem- first lockdown. where the frigate captain and onstrate that the documents in During November’s less Defense Ministry policy officer question were “of little or restrictive lockdown, ICU is being held on espionage scarce relevance and that numbers peaked at just under charges in an isolation cell, a regardless, in most cases were 5,000, but since then they normal procedure for new already available from other have only briefly dipped below inmates during the pandemic to sources.” 3,000 in December. prevent COVID-19 outbreaks. “He will specify how he did With new infections rising Biot was arrested Tuesday not have access to information sharply, doctors expect the after Italian special operations that could compromise third wave of the virus will forces allegedly caught him national, military, strategic and peak in the coming two weeks, George King, the man who climbed the Shard, climbs the Hotel Melia Barcelona Sky in Barcelona, hanpen driveding over a flash Nato operations,” De Vita said with a further increase in ICU Spain, yesterday. drive with 181 documents outside the prison. “Precisely numbers. stored on it to a Russian because the position he held Yesterday, new confirmed Climber scales one of Europe’s highest skyscrapers Embassy diplomat in exchange did not allow him access.” cases jumped by the highest for $5,881. Biot’s relatives have said he week-on-week rate since the REUTERS — BARCELONA As he was coming down, he 2019, the highest tower in the Italy expelled the Russian would never betray his country. end of November, when was arrested by the Mossos United Kingdom, without any and another embassy diplomat But they said he struggled to France was in its second George King, the man who free- d’Esquadra, the Catalan safety apparatus. for what Italian Foreign Min- provide for his family of six and nationwide lockdown. climbed The Shard in London, regional police and faces a fine. The feat earned him six ister Luigi Di Maio called a to pay his mortgage on a The ministry reported took his life in his hands again “When I was at the top I felt months in a young offenders’ “hostile act of extreme gravity.” monthly Defense Ministry 46,677 new cases, 6.2 percent when he scaled one of Europe’s that I was in another dimension centre for breaching a civil A judge on in Rome on salary of $3,529. more than a week ago, taking highest skyscrapers in of bliss,” King told Reuters. injunction taken out by the Thursday denied Biot’s request De Vita said his client was the total to 4.74 million cases. Barcelona yesterday without “When I met the police on the owners of the building. to be released from jail and put most concerned about the France yesterday also any ropes or safety measures. way down my head was still in King, from Oxford in under house arrest, citing the impact of the scandal on his reported 332 new deaths from Crowds watched as the the clouds.” England but currently travelling gravity of the accusations and family. The lawyer said the case COVID-19, taking the toll to 21-year-old British free climber King scaled the Barcelona around Europe in a van, has the concern that he might raises geopolitical and institu- 96,280, but the new death tally made his way to the top of the hotel in about 20 minutes. He also climbed the 144-metre commit further crimes. tional issues “beyond the included only 32 deaths in 116-metre Melia Barcelona Sky first climbed the 310-metre The Agbar Tower skyscraper in Italian news reports quoted judicial dimension” of the cap- retirement care homes over Hotel in the Spanish city. Shard building in London in Barcelona. the judge’s order as saying tain’s conduct. three days. SATURDAY 3 APRIL 2021 AMERICAS 11 Terrorism not suspected in deadly Capitol attack

REUTERS — WASHINGTON “It does not appear or whoever, we have a respon- to be terrorism- sibility to get to the bottom of it A motorist rammed a vehicle and we’ll do that,” Contee said. into US Capitol Police officers related but obviously All roads leading to the yesterday, killing one and we’ll continue to complex were blocked by police injuring another and forcing the or police officers. Capitol and congressional office investigate,” said A helicopter was seen hov- buildings onto high alert, Robert Contee, ering overhead and observers Capitol Police said. acting chief of the were ordered to leave the area. The suspect drove a vehicle Videos from the scene showed into the officers, got out of the Metropolitan Police what appeared to be two people car and lunged at them, with a Department of on stretchers being loaded into knife in his hand, Yogananda ambulances. Pittman, acting chief of the Washington. Journalists were told to stay United States Capitol Police, away from windows. told a news conference. reminder of January 6, when Dozens of National Guard Police responded by firing thousands of supporters of troops, who have been sta- on the suspect, who died. then-President Donald Trump tioned at the Capitol since the Pittman said one of the officers overran the complex. January attack, quickly was killed and the other was Police said they did not yet deployed after the incident. In A blue car is seen after ramming a police barricade outside the US Capitol building, on Capitol Hill in injured. know what had motivated the riot gear, they jogged in Washington, DC, yesterday. “It does not appear to be attacker, and they did not columns to deploy at the scene terrorism-related but obviously identify him. and around the complex. while the House of Represent- supporters shouted slogans not in Washington yesterday, we’ll continue to investigate,” “Clearly this was someone Authorities have begun only atives and Senate, with the including “Stop the Steal” and with both the Senate and House said Robert Contee, acting chief who was actively trying to just in the past couple of weeks to Senate presided over by then- “Hang Mike Pence” as they of Representatives in recess for of the Metropolitan Police get at whoever or whatever - remove the outer ring of high, Vice President Mike Pence, was attacked the Capitol and said the Easter holiday. Department of Washington. we just don’t know right now, razor-wire-topped fencing certifying Democratic President they hoped to stop the election Biden also was out of the Dozens of police cars, so we have a responsibility to erected around the sprawling Joe Biden’s November election certification. city. He arrived at the Camp marked and unmarked, raced investigate that to get to the Capitol complex after the Jan. 6 victory over the Republican Biden took office on January David presidential retreat in toward the iconic domed white bottom of this. Whether the rampage. Trump. 20. Maryland early yesterday building, in an unwelcome attack was at law enforcement, That assault took place At the time Trump’s Members of Congress were afternoon. Kamala Harris to CDC: Fully vaccinated Americans can travel within US move into official AP — NEW YORK According to the CDC, agency says to get tested one to COVID-19 test before boarding research on the real-world nearly 100 million people in the three days before the trip, and a flight, and be tested three to effects of the vaccines for its VP residence Add travel to the activities US — or about 30 percent of the three to five days after. People five days after arrival. They do updated guidance. Last month, vaccinated Americans can population — have received at should also stay home and not need to quarantine. The the agency said fully vaccinated safely enjoy again, according to least one dose of a COVID-19 quarantine for seven days after agency noted the potential people could visit with each new US guidance issued vaccine. A person is considered travel, even if their COVID-19 introduction of virus variants other indoors without wearing yesterday. fully vaccinated two weeks after test is negative, the agency says. and differences in vaccine cov- masks or social distancing. It The Centers for Disease receiving the last required dose. Fully vaccinated people can erage around the world for the also said vaccinated people Control and Prevention updated The agency had said it travel within the US, without cautious guidance on overseas could visit with unvaccinated its guidance to say fully vacci- would update its guidance as getting tested for the corona- travel. people from a single household nated people can travel within more people got vaccinated and virus or quarantining. People Already, air travel in the under similar conditions, as the US without getting tested for evidence mounted about the should still wear a mask, United States has been picking long as the unvaccinated indi- the coronavirus or going into protection the shots provide. socially distance and avoid back up. Although traffic viduals were at low risk for quarantine afterward. “Every day you get more crowds, the agency says. remains down by nearly half severe illness if infected. Still, CDC Director Dr. data, and you change your For international travel, the from a year ago, more than 1 The US began its vaccine Rochelle Walensky urged guidance,” said Dr. Ali Khan, agency says vaccinated people million travelers daily have rollout in mid-December. Vac- caution and said she would dean of University of Nebraska’s do not need to get a COVID-19 been going through US airports cines from Pfizer and Moderna “advocate against general travel College of Public Health. test before leaving, unless the in recent weeks. require two doses given a few AP — WASHINGTON overall” given the rising number The CDC is sticking to its destination country requires it. Airlines do not require weeks apart. A one-shot vaccine of infections. guidance for unvaccinated For travelers coming into COVID-19 tests or proof of vac- by Johnson & Johnson was given After more than two months “If you are vaccinated, it is people to avoid unnecessary the US, vaccinated people cination for travel in the US. the green light by regulators at of living in temporary housing, lower risk,” she said. travel. If they do travel, the should still get a negative The CDC cited recent the end of February. Vice-President Kamala Harris (pictured) will soon be able to unpack and unwind at her official residence on the Chauvin used ‘totally grounds of the US Naval Observatory. Symone Sanders, senior unnecessary’ force on adviser and chief spokes- person for the vice-president, tweeted Thursday that Harris Floyd: Senior officer and her husband, Doug Emhoff, will move into the official vice presidential resi- REUTERS — MINNEAPOLIS argument in the defence case - dence on Massachusetts that Chauvin was correctly fol- Avenue in northwest Wash- A Minneapolis homicide inves- lowing his police training. ington next week — after some tigator testified yesterday that Zimmerman, who joined the repairs are completed. Derek Chauvin used “totally Minneapolis Police Department Sanders did not provide a unnecessary” deadly force in 1985 and is now its most date. when kneeling on George senior officer, was at home on The repairs included main- Floyd’s neck during an arrest May 25, 2020, when he was tenance on the heating, venti- last May that sparked global called to the intersection lation and air conditioning protests against police brutality. outside Cup Foods, where Floyd system, replacing chimney Chauvin, who is white, was was suspected of passing a fake liners and refurbishing some fired by the city’s police $20 bill earlier in the evening. of the hardwood floors in the department the day after he was He arrived just before 10 19th century Victorian house, captured on video on top of a pm, about half an hour after Sanders said. handcuffed Floyd as the Floyd had been declared dead Officials had said it would 46-year-old Black man was at a hospital. He said he helped be easier to do the work while dying. The 45-year-old former ensure that evidence at the the house was unoccupied officer has pleaded not guilty to scene was properly secured and Activist Hanna Kantor making food outside the Hennepin County Government Center on the fifth after former Vice-President murder and manslaughter any witnesses were found. day in the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin, who is facing murder charges in the death of Mike Pence and his wife charges. Zimmerman said officers George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, yesterday. moved out. “Totally unnecessary,” Lieu- were responsible for the care Harris and Emhoff have tenant Richard Zimmerman of anyone they arrested and are “Once a person is cuffed, the because it restricts their they were in danger, if that’s spent the months since her told the jury when prosecutors trained to give first aid to an threat level goes down all the breathing,” he said. what they felt, and that’s what inauguration on January 20 asked what he thought of injured or distressed detainee way,” Zimmerman testified. He offered harsh testimony they would have to feel in order living temporarily at Blair Chauvin pressing his knee on even if they know an ambu- “They’re cuffed. How can they against the way his former col- to use that kind of force.” House, the president’s official Floyd’s neck for about nine lance is coming. really hurt you, you know?” league and other officers at the In cross-examination, Zim- guest residence on Pennsyl- minutes. “If your knee is on a “His safety is your respon- He warned of the dangers scene restrained Floyd. merman agreed when Eric vania Avenue, across from the person’s neck, that can kill sibility, his wellbeing is your of leaving a person in a prone “Pulling him down to the Nelson, Chauvin’s lead lawyer, White House. them.” responsibility,” he told the jury. position. ground face down, and putting said the lieutenant does not District of Columbia police Prosecutors from the Min- He described how officers “Once you’ve secured or your knee on the neck for that train officers in how to use recently arrested a man near nesota attorney general’s office are trained only to respond to handcuffed a person you need amount of time is just uncalled restraints and that as an inves- the vice president’s official called Zimmerman to testify in any threat with a proportionate to get them out of the prone for,” Zimmerman said. “I saw tigator he has to use force less residence on a weapons part to undermine a central amount of force. position as soon as possible no reason why the officers felt often than a patrolling officer. charge. Two lawsuits over execution of 2020 census near conclusions AP — WASHINGTON lawsuit challenged orders from in one of his first acts as pres- in San Jose, California, a coa- once-a-decade head count a The Census Bureau is facing President Donald Trump that ident. The Biden administration lition of civil rights groups and month early and to make sure new lawsuits, though, from Two legal challenges to the directed the Census Bureau to also has stopped efforts to local governments that had the Census Bureau had enough states over when it plans to Trump administration’s gather citizenship information produce neighborhood-level sued the Trump administration time to crunch the numbers. release data used for redrawing execution of the 2020 census about every US resident through data that showed the citizenship over efforts to end the nation’s They said ending the head count congressional and legislative neared conclusions this week administrative records and also and voting age of the population head count early said this week and data processing early would districts. The states of Ohio and in the face of changes brought attempted to exclude people in and is taking the time needed that they are making “signif- hurt minority communities. Alabama recently challenged by President Joe Biden’s admin- the country illegally from the to make sure there are no icant progress” toward The census data are used to the statistical agency’s decision istration since he took office last numbers used for divvying up problems with the 2020 census resolving the case. Both the coa- determine how many congres- to release redistricting numbers January. congressional seats among the data’s quality, the Latino and lition and government attorneys sional seats and Electoral in August, at the earliest. A group of primarily Latino states. Asian American groups said in asked a judge on Thursday to College votes each state gets A federal judge has dis- and Asian American advocates The advocates said Trump’s court papers. give them two more weeks to and the distribution of $1.5 missed Ohio’s case, but the state that had sued the Trump orders violated the constitu- “Plaintiffs have concluded reach a resolution. trillion in federal spending each is appealing. Last week, a three- administration in federal court tional and civil rights of Latinos, that their claims in the case are The coalition of local gov- year. The state population judge panel was named to hear in Maryland on Wednesday Asian Americans and non-US resolved,” they said in court ernments and advocacy groups counts from the 2020 census the Alabama case, which will asked to have their lawsuit dis- citizens. papers. had sued the Trump adminis- are set to be released later this fast-track it to the Supreme missed. Their Biden rescinded both orders In a separate federal lawsuit tration for trying to end the month. Court if there’s an appeal. 12 AMERICAS SATURDAY 3 APRIL 2021 US lifts Trump’s sanctions on ICC prosecutor, official

REUTERS — WASHINGTON The US continued “to disagree strongly with through engagement with all war crimes committed by the ICC’s actions relating to the Afghanistan stakeholders in the ICC process Afghan forces, the Taliban or US The United States yesterday rather than through the impo- troops. lifted sanctions on International and Palestinian situations” and to object to ICC sition of sanctions,” his It targeted court staff, Criminal Court prosecutor “efforts to assert jurisdiction over personnel of statement said. including Bensouda, in Sep- Fatou Bensouda (pictured) that Blinken said Washington tember with asset freezes and drew international criticism non-States Parties.” was encouraged that a broad travel bans for investigating after they were imposed by the range of reforms were being American citizens without US administration of former Pres- Jurisdiction, Complementarity measures adopted were inap- considered to help the ICC “pri- consent. The United States is not ident Donald Trump. and Cooperation Division, from propriate and ineffective.” oritise its resources and to a member of the court. The move, announced by US the Specially Designated Blinken said Washington achieve its core mission of The ICC said the sanctions Secretary of State Antony Nationals list. was taking the step even though serving as a court of last resort were an attack on international Blinken, lifts the sanctions In a statement, Blinken said it continued “to disagree in punishing and deterring justice and the rule of law. imposed on Bensouda over her the State Department had also strongly with the ICC’s actions atrocity crimes.” Then US Secretary of State investigation into whether terminated a separate 2019 relating to the Afghanistan and The Trump administration Mike Pompeo also opposed an American forces committed war policy on visa restrictions on Palestinian situations” and to United States and Israel.” last year accused the Hague- investigation launched in 2019 crimes in Afghanistan. certain ICC personnel and object to ICC “efforts to assert “We believe, however, that based ICC of infringing on US into alleged war crimes in the It also removes Phakiso added: “These decisions reflect jurisdiction over personnel of our concerns about these cases national sovereignty when it Palestinian Territories, Mochochoko, head of the ICC’s our assessment that the non-States Parties such as the would be better addressed authorized an investigation into including by Israeli forces. Man charged with 4 counts of murder in California shooting

AP — ORANGE, CALIFORNIA while they were essentially from the nearby city of Santa locked in a shooting gallery is Ana, was in the wrong place at A man was charged yesterday nothing short of terrifying,” Dis- the wrong time, said Zef Farias, with murder and attempted trict Attorney Todd Spitzer said the boy’s uncle. Usually, the murder in a shooting rampage in a statement. humble boy who loved bike at a Southern California office Gaxiola was expected to be riding and his dog went to day building that left four people arraigned yesterday from the care, and Farias said he didn’t dead, including a 9-year-old hospital, where he is in critical know why he was at the office boy. but stable condition. He was with his mother, Blanca Orange County prosecutors shot during the onslaught and Tamayo, who works for Unified said Aminadab Gaxiola authorities are investigating Homes and was the attack’s Gonzalez, 44, was charged with whether he was hit by police or wounded survivor. She remains the attempted murder of two self-inflicted gunfire. It was not hospitalized, Farias said. police officers after firing at immediately known who his Reports of shots fired in the them when they reached the attorney would be. city of Orange sent officers to scene of the shooting late Authorities identified three the scene within two minutes, Wednesday and the attempted of the people killed in the attack and they exchanged gunfire murder of a woman who was on the office of Unified Homes, with the shooter through the wounded but survived. Author- a mobile home brokerage gate before the locks were cut, ities said Gaxiola had chained business, as Luis Tovar, 50; police said. A man was found the gates to the business Jenevieve Raygoza, 28; and dead inside an office, a woman complex closed with bicycle Matthew Farias, 9. They said the in another office and a second cable-type locks before the suspect and adult victims had woman was found on an Sweet treat attack. business and personal relation- outdoor landing upstairs. “The taking of the life of ships with each other, and the Spitzer said it appears the another human being is the shooting was not a random act boy died in his mother’s arms Guests pose for a photo as they enter the “Sugar Rush” experience, a candy-based theme park, in most serious of crimes and the of violence. as she tried to protect him from Woodland Hills, California, US, yesterday. slaughter of multiple people But Matthew, a third grader the shooting. Mexican soldiers Large Florida school district hit by ransomware attack accused in 2014 AP — FORT LAUDERDALE investigate the incident and you,” the Conti gang said early Europe and enjoy safe harbor targets of ransomware attacks. remediate affected systems. in its negotiations with a district from tolerant governments. The The districts of Baltimore massacre The computer system of one of Efforts to restore all systems are official, whose name does not more sophisticated groups County, Maryland; Fairfax the nation’s largest school underway and progressing well. appear in the screenshots and identify their targets in advance, County, Virginia; Hartford, Con- re-arrested districts was hacked by a We have no intention of paying has not been released. Its data- infect networks through necticut; and Fort Worth, Texas, criminal gang that encrypted a ransom.” The district did, after locking malware is one of the phishing or other means and were among those hit last year. AP — MEXICO CITY district data and demanded two weeks of back and forth, top 10 strains of ransomware. often steal data as they plant Elementary, middle and high $40m in ransom or it would offer to pay $500,000, at which “This is a PUBLIC school malware that encrypts a vic- schools have been increasingly Seven Mexican soldiers who erase the files and post students’ point the ransomware criminals district,” the Broward nego- tim’s network. targeted in recent months, were accused in the 2014 army and employees’ personal infor- apparently ended negotiations, tiator replied. “You cannot pos- After the ransomware is according the the Cybersecurity killings of 22 drug cartel mation online. according to the hackers’ sibly think we have anything activated, the criminals demand and Infrastructure Security suspects but later freed have Broward County Public screenshots. close to this!” It was unclear if money to unlock the malware Agency. In December, it said been re-arrested, a human Schools said in a statement The district declined further the representative was a district and refrain from posting - or that K-12 schools accounted for rights group confirmed Thursday that there is no indi- comment outside its statement. employee or, as is often the selling - stolen data. In the case 57% of all reported attacks in yesterday. cation that any personal infor- With 271,000 students, Broward case, a hired ransomware of corporations, that data could August and September as com- The newspaper El Uni- mation has been stolen and that is the nation’s sixth-largest negotiator. be trade secrets. In the case of pared to 28% for January versal reported that three of it made no extortion payment school district with an annual The FBI usually investigates retailers or government through July. the seven are in custody at a to the ransomware gang, which budget of about $4 billion - a such attacks, but said Thursday agencies it could be Social Overall, ransomware Mexico City military prison as an apparent pressure tactic fact the hackers kept returning it would not confirm if it was Security, bank account numbers attacks disrupted learning at and four are on a form of bail last week posted screenshots of to as they demanded $40m, to investigating this one. and birth dates.Conti claimed it 1,681 schools, colleges, and uni- but report daily. The seven its online negotiations with the be paid in cryptocurrency. The An epidemic of ransomware stole from Broward’s system versities in 2020 and at least face abuse of authority district to its site on the dark ransomware caused a brief attacks has been plaguing gov- Social Security numbers, birth 544 so far this year, said analyst charges, and three also are web. shutdown of the district’s com- ernment agencies, businesses dates and other student and Brett Callow at Emsisoft, a charged with altering evidence The Fort Lauderdale-based puter system in early March, but and individuals for the past employee information. cybersecurity firm. Seven dis- at a crime scene. district said it is working with classes were not disrupted. three years. Most are Russian- Public school districts have tricts had personal data The Miguel Agustin Pro cybersecurity experts “to “It is a possible amount for speaking gangs based in Eastern been frequent published. Human Rights Center, which represents a women whose daughter was killed in the massacre, confirmed the sol- Data: US caught over diers were re-arrested and said the case against them remains active. 171,000 migrants at The soldiers were detained in 2015 but were freed soon thereafter when a judge ruled Mexico border in March the prosecution had not pre- sented enough evidence. Rela- REUTERS — WASHINGTON backed up in crowded border tives of two of the victims stations and processing centers appealed the dismissal of the US authorities caught more than for days. civilian criminal charges against 171,000 migrants at the US The shelter system that the seven, three of whom had border with Mexico in March, houses the children has been been serving sentences for mil- according to preliminary data overwhelmed and US officials itary code violations. shared with Reuters, the highest have scrambled in recent weeks In October 2019, a court monthly total in two decades and to open emergency shelters, ordered the soldiers the latest sign of the mounting including sites in convention re-arrested. humanitarian challenge centers in Dallas and San Diego. “These arrest warrants confronting President Joe Biden. Central American and have gone unexecuted for 16 The preliminary March Mexican migrants have made months,” the rights center said arrest totals at the US-Mexico up the bulk of arrivals in recent in a statement. “Today, it has border represent the highest months, in keeping with trends been revealed that they have monthly level since April 2000, in recent years. been carried out.” when border patrol agents The March figures show a The June 2014 massacre caught more than 180,000 178 percent increase in the involved soldiers who killed migrants. number of migrant families 22 suspects at a grain ware- The total includes about caught at the border compared house in the town of Tlatlaya. 19,000 unaccompanied migrant with last month. A family of migrants cross the Rio Bravo river to turn themselves into US Border Patrol agents to While some of the 22 died children and 53,000 family While Biden said last week request asylum in El Paso, Texas, US, as seen from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, recently. in an initial shootout with an members traveling together, the that the “vast majority” of fam- army patrol a human rights figures show. Single adults ilies are being sent back to into the United States to pursue released next week and policy is still to expel families investigation determined that made up roughly 99,000 of the Mexico under Title 42, US gov- immigration court cases. declined to comment further. “and in situations where at least eight and perhaps as total. ernment data suggests that is Reuters also obtained three US Department of expulsion is not possible due to many as a dozen suspects The Biden administration is not the case. daily US border enforcement Homeland Security (DHS) Mexico’s inability to receive the were executed after they struggling to house newly More than half of the 19,000 reports in March that showed spokeswoman Sarah Peck said families, they are placed into surrendered. arrived unaccompanied family members caught at the only 14 to 16 percent of family last week that given fluctuating removal proceedings.” Investigators found that children, who are exempted border in February were not members were expelled on migration flows, “one day or US border agents have survivors and witnesses had from expulsion under a expelled, according to public US those days. week of statistics doesn’t reflect encountered more repeat been threatened and tortured, COVID-19 health order known Customs and Border Protection A CBP spokesman said the full picture.” crossers in the past year com- while bodies were moved and as Title 42. Children have been (CBP) data, with many released official statistics would likely be Peck said the department’s pared with recent years. weapons planted at the scene.