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Hassad aims to Dutch legendnd expand global De Boer investment becomes Qataratar portfolio Legacy at SPIEF Ambassadoror

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WEDNESDAY 2 JUNE 2021 21 SHAWWAL - 1442 VOLUME 26 NUMBER 8641 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

SPIEF to take , Russia relations to new heights SACHIN KUMAR Over 50 leading Qatari public and private sector entities are taking THE PENINSULA part in St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

The bilateral relations between Qatari investment in Russia estimated at $13bn in various sectors. Qatar and Russia will reach new heights during the 24th edition Qatar to present large-scale business program at its national of the St. Petersburg Interna- pavilion. tional Economic Forum (SPIEF Several business-to-business meetings planned. 2021), which is set to begin today. Over 50 leading Qatari public and private sector entities in the world and will feature between both the countries and are participating in this high- Qatar as a guest country. the desire to expand bilateral profile event which is one of the The strong participation of relations. largest investments and econ- Qatar demonstrates the huge “Qatar is a guest country of omy-focused events of its kind prospects of cooperation SPIEF this year. Though not its first time at the Forum, this is the first time that it will have a Deputy PM attends Military Secondary School graduation special status,” noted SPIEF The Military Secondary School celebrated the graduation of its first batch of students, under the Forum to enhance ties official magazine. patronage and attendance of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence H E Dr. Khalid Qatar’s honorary position at with Moscow: Al Khater the Forum as a guest country bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, and the attendance of the Chief of Staff of Qatari Armed Forces, H E demonstrates the dedication Lieutenant General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanim, at the School’s field in Miqdam Camp. QNA — DOHA and commitment of both coun- The number of the students in this batch reached 116 divided into three major specializations: Air tries to further cement their Force, Navy and Cyber Security. The graduation ceremony was attended by a number of ranking Assistant Foreign Minister and Spokesperson for the Ministry of existing economic, cultural and officials from the Armed Forces, as well as the students’ guardians. Foreign Affairs H E Lolwah Al Khater expressed her hope that tourism relations. St. Petersburg International Economic Forum will be an oppor- The Qatari-Russian bilateral tunity to enhance cooperation between the State of Qatar and relations have seen significant the Russian Federation. Al Khater said in an interview with growth in recent years, with Qatari TIR goes live in Qatar boosting Mideast trade Russian news agency Sputnik that she participates in this year’s investment in Russia estimated at St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in her capacity as $13bn in various sectors including THE PENINSULA — BRUSSELS/ goods and services to and from routes between Qatar and its Executive Director of the Doha Forum, an open platform for infrastructure, energy, and DOHA the state. trading partners in the region dialogue between world leaders, experts, academics, and jour- banking. Trade exchange between TIR, the only global transit and beyond. In addition to nalists. the two countries recorded a 47 The TIR (Transports Interna- system, allows goods to be moving goods by road, TIR is She added that it was the first time that the Doha Forum percent growth from $202m in tionaux Routiers, International transported from one country proven to be an excellent goes to Russia, expressing hope that the St. Petersburg Inter- 2019 to $297m in 2020. Road Transport) system has to another via transit countries transport and trade facilitation national Economic Forum will be an opportunity to enhance During the forum, several gone live in Qatar, boosting the if needed, in sealed load com- tool for multimodal integrated ties during the Doha Forum’s presence in the Russian business-to-business meetings country’s position as a strategic partments controlled by transports, including roll-on Federation. of Qatari and Russian busi- transport and trading partner customs via a multilateral, roll-off, container shipments, She noted that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign nessmen are planned. The and driving more efficient mutually recognised, and UN- and rail. Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani will meetings are expected to result transport routes in the Gulf backed system. IRU worked in close collab- participate in an open interview titled “West Asia and North in a number of agreements. region. With Qatar, five out of six oration with Qatar’s Ministry of Africa: Steps Towards Stability and Prosperity.” She also noted The forum will also be a With Qatar set to host a Gulf Cooperation Council Transport and Communica- that His Excellency will meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey platform where Qatar’s growth series of major international member states are now tions, General Authority of Lavrov, to build on discussions related to bilateral relations and story will be presented. Qatar events in the coming years, running TIR. Transport oper- Customs, and the IRU member, the region’s issues, in addition to meeting a number of Russian has prepared a large-scale including the 2022 FIFA World ators, shippers, and business the Qatar Chamber of Com- businessmen to discuss the opportunities for investment and business program, which will Cup, TIR will help speed up users will benefit from faster, merce and Industry, to joint cooperation. be presented at the national supply chains, ensuring the less expensive, and more implement the TIR system in pavilion of Qatar. `P4 secure and timely delivery of secure transport and trade the country. `P4 Tunisian Prime Minister praises Qatar’s continuous support QNA — DOHA He emphasised that the relations between the Prime Minister and two countries are strategic Acting Minister of and exceptional at all Interior of the Republic levels, adding that the two of H E Hichem countries continuously Mechichi affirmed that work on supporting and his visit to the State of developing them with full Qatar was successful by devotion. all measures, and that What connects Qatar its outcomes will with Tunisia, besides the contribute in enhancing strong diplomatic, political the level of brotherly and economic relations, is relations between the the sincere brotherhood two countries to and deep civilized and broader horizons. cultural relations that help develop the rest of In an interview with Qatar News Agency at the various fields of bilateral cooperation, he Education Minister reviews exam progress the end of his visit to the country, the Tunisian added. Prime Minister expressed his delight and pride In regard to his constructive and fruitful Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulwahed Ali Al Hammadi in this visit that succeeded by all measures, meeting with Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad yesterday visited Doha Secondary School for Boys to check the progress of the General Secondary stressing that the visits of Tunisian officials have Al Thani, the Tunisian Prime Minister said that Certificate Examinations. He reassured students’ performance during the examinations in light of the always been a source of satisfaction and pride, during the meeting, he sensed the extent of Qatari current circumstances of COVID-19 pandemic. The Minister directed the school to ensure adherence given the nature of the brotherly relations leadership’s keenness to continuously support to precautionary measures. between the two countries. and assist Tunisia. `P4 QA resumes Phuket flights as holiday getaway reopens to international tourism

THE PENINSULA — DOHA to Thailand, providing seamless International Airport, the first innovation and customer service forward to working with our 787 Dreamliner with seating for connectivity for its passengers and only 5-Star COVID-19 Safety throughout the pandemic. partners in Thailand to support the 22 passengers in Business Class Qatar Airways marks a signif- travelling from Europe, the Rated Airport in the Middle East. “We know many of our cus- recovery of their tourism sector.” and 232 in Economy Class. icant milestone in the rebound Middle East and United States. Qatar Airways Group Chief tomers are eager to get back flying Launched in 2010, Phuket As travellers return to the of international leisure travel As Thailand reopens to hol- Executive H E Akbar Al Baker and return to some of their became Qatar Airways’ 93rd skies with Qatar Airways, they with the resumption of four idaymakers from around the said: “With the resumption of favourite holiday destinations, destination at the time. The can take comfort knowing that weekly flights to the famed world, fully vaccinated travellers flights to Phuket, Qatar Airways such as Phuket. Famed for its resort destination is a magnet they are travelling with the only holiday destination of Phuket, will soon be able to visit once marks a significant milestone in many exotic beaches, family for holidaymakers, particularly airline in the world that has, Thailand, starting July 1. again while also enjoying the the recovery of international friendly atmosphere, turquoise from Europe, the Middle East together with its state-of-the-art In addition to its 12 weekly award-winning hospitality and tourism. We are proud to have waters and delicious local cuisine, and United States. The route will global hub Hamad International Bangkok flights, the airline will service available on Qatar lead the industry, setting the Phuket is an ideal destination for be served by the airline’s Airport, won several coveted operate a total of 16 weekly flights Airways and at its hub, Hamad benchmark for safety, a summer getaway. We look modern and sustainable Boeing awards. 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 2 JUNE 2021

MoPH: 230 new Customs decision to virus cases, 296 use pallets for shipped more recoveries THE PENINSULA — DOHA

goods goes into effect The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) reported 230 new QNA — DOHA In addition to reducing risks cases of COVID-19 yesterday. of damage during shipping, Among them 90 were trav- The General Authority of pallet (a flat wooden ellers returning from abroad. Customs (GAC) has mandated Also 296 people recovered the use of pallets in charge of structure specially used to from COVID-19 yesterday, commercial goods when load goods) also eases the bringing the total number of moving between the GCC coun- handling and unloading people recovered in Qatar tries, as of June 15. process to maintain staff 213,632.The Ministry The importance of using announced four deaths, aged these pallet (a flat wooden safety in ports. 32, 47, 61 and 68, and three of structure specially used to load which had a history of chronic goods) is to facilitate handling pallets, heavy machinery, disease and all were receiving and unloading operations on equipment, production lines, the necessary medical care. the means of transport, which generators, mechanisms, etc. 29,499 vaccine doses have been contributes to reducing the Metal products in large administered in 24 hours and a time of the release of goods. In rolls, coils or flat, insulators, total of 2,574,692 doses have addition to reducing risks of cartoon paper, carpet are all been administered since the damage during shipping, it also exempted. Others are iron start of the National COVID-19 eases the handling and skewers, large pipes, scaffolding, Vaccination Program. Also unloading process to maintain furniture, external airframes 64.2% of the eligible population staff safety in ports. entering (40) customs tariffs, has now received at least one These pallets’ importance marble, stones, crude granite dose of the vaccine. 92.4% of also enhances the efficiency of (before manufacturing), entered over 60s (the most vulnerable inspection procedures and by item (2515) and item (2516). population group) have been security on goods, transpor- The GAC also stressed that vaccinated with at least one tation, and other field opera- delegated officials would study dose; while 85.8% have received tions in state ports. special requests for any other both doses. Within this framework, the goods for objective reasons. The The Ministry also said that Authority announced a range Authority also coordinates with in recent weeks the combined of goods excluded from this the concerned parties in Qatar impact of COVID-19 restrictions decision due to the difficulty Chamber on the circular on mer- and increasing vaccination loading on pallets, given its chants. It would communicate rates, and the overwhelming nature, and includes the fol- with them to activate the use of support of the community, has lowing varieties: pallets on imported goods. resulted in a consistent Casting materials (bulk) dry It is noteworthy that the reduction in the number of new or liquid directly load on their procedure for the use of pallets daily infections in the country. own means such as (wheat and in shipping the goods has been “However, it is still important to other grain, cement, gypsum, postponed during the past be cautious as the second wave petroleum materials, etc.). period, allowing traders more is not yet over and there are still Goods exempted from this time to deal with the decision two highly contagious and decision include raw materials and preparing a list of goods highly virulent strains of the in Jumbo bags in large weights excluded from the use of pallets virus that are actively circulating that are difficult to place on due to their nature. in the community.” Three arrested for violating home quarantine rules QNA — DOHA The arrest of the violators Ali Hamad Tharfas, Qammar Al came in implementation of the Zaman Abdulrahim, Saleh The designated authorities precautionary measures in force Mohammed Mohab Al Din. The arrested three people who violated in the country, approved by authorities said that anyone who the requirements of the home health authorities represented in violates the quarantine will be quarantine, they committed to the Ministry of Public Health, to subject to article no. 253 of law following, which they are legally curb the spread of the COVID-19. no. 11 of 2004, provisions of law accountable for, in accordance The violators, who are currently no. 17 of 1990 on communicable with the procedures of the health being referred to the designate diseases, and law no. 17 of 2002 authorities in the country. prosecution, are Ali Mohammed on protecting society.

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2021/2481 / WEDNESDAY 2 JUNE 2021 HOME 03 Minister of State for Defence attends Military Secondary School graduation

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence H E Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah with first batch of graduated students at the Military Secondary School. The Chief of Staff of Qatari Armed Forces H E Lt General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanim and a number of ranking officials from the Armed Forces attended the event. John Desrocher appointed Charge QFFD supports creation d’Affaires at US Embassy in Qatar THE PENINSULA — DOHA State Department Fellow at the Institute for of 72,866 jobs in Tunisia the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown Uni- The US State Department has named John versity. From September 2014 until August Desrocher (pictured), as 2017, he served as the Deputy THE PENINSULA — DOHA QFFD worked with seven worked in market gardening and Chargé d’Affaires of the US Assistant Secretary of State beekeeping said “I carried out a Embassy in Doha. In this for and Maghreb Qatar Fund for Development partners, through which study for the creation of an agricul- capacity, Ambassador Affairs. Prior to that, he (QFFD) has targeted to provide support was provided tural project in the rural area of El Desrocher will represent served as Deputy Chief of 100,000 job opportunities for the to entrepreneurs and Fahs. I started my project with fairly the United States Mission at the US Embassy Tunisian youth by the end of 2021. Micro, Small and Medium simple means, but now thanks to government and lead the in Baghdad. The Fund set the ambitious target my olive tree market gardening embassy in its diplomatic He also served in of creating 100,000 direct and Enterprises (MSMEs) by activity which marked my begin- engagement with the State Baghdad from 2009-2010 indirect jobs, said a statement. implementing programs nings, my project has been twice of Qatar until the as Minister Counselor for Midway through the program, focused on improving rewarded with medals and tro- appointment and arrival of Economic Coordination, QFFD has supported creation of access to finance and phies, being elected best totally a new ambassador. responsible for US- eco- 72,866 direct and indirect jobs. organic virgin olive oil without Ambassador Desrocher nomic policy issues. In the QFFD worked with seven increasing capacity building. additives in the twenty-four gov- is a senior, career US dip- interim, he served in the partners, through which support ernorates of Tunisia.” lomat with extensive expe- Department of State as the was provided to entrepreneurs and The presence of high unem- Another successful entre- rience in the region. Commenting on the Director of the Office of Iraq Affairs and Micro, Small and Medium Enter- ployment of the youth population preneur is Mariem Aliét. With the strength of Qatar-USA relations, Ambassador briefly as Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary prises (MSMEs) by implementing and the financial gap to support financial and technical support she Desrocher stated: “From coordinating of State for Maghreb Affairs. Between 2006 programs focused on improving technologies suggests an underlying received from QFFD’s partnership together to strengthen regional security and and 2009, he served as the US Consul access to finance and increasing fundamental which fail to capac- with Zitouna Tamkeen she was able stability to deepening our business and General in Auckland. capacity building. itate the youths to form their own to open a well equipped coffee shop people-to-people ties through initiatives such Ambassador Desrocher has extensive Micro and small finance loans businesses and financial inde- with the best equipment in the local as the Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture, the experience in international trade and in the were provided to empower entre- pendence. QFFD is committed to market offering a modern service US-Qatar relationship is expansive and con- Arab world. Immediately prior to his preneurs, and an integrated tech- support entrepreneurs and consid- to the local community. In addition ducted in partnership and friendship. I am assignment to Auckland, he served as Coun- nology hub was launched to offer ering small and medium size enter- to generating more jobs opportu- pleased to arrive in Doha, and I look forward selor for Economic and Political Affairs at the technical and financial support to prise’s (SMEs) capacity to drive eco- nities for the community. to leading the US Embassy team as we work US Embassy in Cairo, and he has also served entrepreneurs and innovative nomic growth and job creation. The efforts at QFFD to support with a broad range of stakeholders in Qatar in Jerusalem, Monrovia, Bonn, and in the startups. In 2013, QFFD responded to the youth empowerment is a continues to achieve common goals in the interests of Office of the US Trade Representative among The partnership of QFFD aims soaring unemployment rates in effort. The successful outcomes of the people of our two countries.” other Washington assignments. to enhance youth empowerment Tunisia and support its economic this project indicate that with the Ambassador John Desrocher served as Ambassador Desrocher is a graduate of in entrepreneurship projects that development through entrepre- support of partners across the the US Ambassador to the People’s Demo- the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign will insure the individual’s eco- neurships and technology with an world and the commitment and cratic Republic of from 2017 until Service at Georgetown University and is a nomic sustainability. Sustainable endowment of $97m. The benefi- determination of the youth, 2020. Since then, he has served as mediator multiple recipient of the State Department’s youth entrepreneurship is the main ciaries of the youth empowerment financial independence and sta- for negotiations on the maritime boundary Superior and Meritorious Honor Awards. He channel through which economic projects testified their success, bility can be obtained to various between Israel and and as Senior speaks French and German. independence can be pursued. sharing her story Naima Jebali who communities. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 2 JUNE 2021

Special Envoy of FM meets US Special Envoy for Horn of Africa Saudi Foreign Ministry official meets Qatar’s Charge d’Affaires Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Counterterrorism and Mediation in Conflict Resolution, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Protocol Affairs of the Kingdom of , H E Dr. Mutlaq bin Majed Al Qahtani, met yesterday with the US Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, H E H E Mashari bin Ali bin Nahit, met yesterday with Acting Charge d’Affaires at the Embassy of the State Jeffrey Feltman, who is visiting the country in the first leg of his tour of the region. They reviewed the of Qatar to Saudi Arabia, Hassan bin Mansour Al Khater. They reviewed the cooperation relations developments of the situation in the Horn of Africa. between the two countries. QRCS discusses further Tunisian PM praises Qatar’s humanitarian cooperation continuous support FROM PAGE 1 with Sri Lankan envoy The Tunisian Prime Minister added that Qatar has always THE PENINSULA — DOHA been a strong supporter and a Sri Lankan Ambassador great advocate for the Tunisians Secretary-General of Qatar Red Mohamed Mafaz in various circumstances, espe- Crescent Society (QRCS), Ali bin Mohideen said cially during the stages of demo- Hassan Al Hammadi met cratic transition, expressing his yesterday with Ambassador of his country was great appreciation. He added Sri Lanka to Qatar H E experiencing a dramatic that the meetings were excellent Mohamed Mafaz Mohideen. increase in COVID-19 and carried positive, supportive The meeting was attended infections and deaths messages that reflected by Dr. Fawzi Oussedik, Head of keenness to strengthen and International Relations and amid the third wave. As Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Qatar, H E Mohamed Mafaz Mohideen, Secretary-General of Qatar Red develop economic and International Humanitarian a result, hospitals are Crescent Society (QRCS), Ali bin Hassan Al Hammadi, with other officials. investment relations between Law, and Naglaa Al Hajj, Head over-crowded and do Qatar and Tunisia, adding that of International Development. not have the capacity for As a result, hospitals are over- of QRCS. Special focus will be achievements in Sri Lanka. Its he sensed a Qatari affirmation They discussed chances of crowded and do not have the given to immediately representation mission there of its support for Tunisia during humanitarian cooperation more critical cases. capacity for more critical cases. addressing the gaps in medical executed numerous humani- the coming period through between QRCS and Sri Lanka Red Al Hammadi promised to equipment, medications, and tarian operations, particularly in investment and direct support. Cross Society, whether in serving Mohideen said his country extend help to the people of Sri other supplies. the water, sanitation, and hygiene He added that there was an the Lankan community in Qatar was experiencing a dramatic Lanka, through coordination This, he asserted, reflects (WASH) sector, with hundreds of emphasis on strengthening the or providing aid for the unders- increase in COVID-19 infections with Sri Lanka Red Cross the good relations between the wells dug and water tanks and investment system in Tunisia erved communities in Sri Lanka. and deaths amid the third wave. Society, as a strategic partner two countries and QRCS’s past pumps installed. during his meetings with repre- sentatives of a number of major Qatari financial, investment and banking institutions and Qatar Investment Authority. He stressed TIR goes live in Qatar boosting Mideast trade that Qatar is one of the most important investors in Tunisia, FROM PAGE 1 stone. We are proud to support conducive to reducing the cost which reflects positively on the On this occasion, Minister of Qatar in reaching its 2030 of exports and lowering the relations between the two coun- Transport and Communications National Vision for sustainable price of goods in Qatar, as well tries and pushes them to enhance H E Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti trade and driving economic and as decreasing the time of arrival investment opportunities during said, “Deploying the TIR system social development. This of imports by up to 92%, and the coming period, emphasizing his in Qatar is a step forward for important development will ensuring that goods reach their country’s strong commitment to linking Qatar’s transport system help drive a successful FIFA final destination with the providing facilities to Qatari regionally and globally with a World Cup next year. IRU will highest security standards. investors and removing all view to increasing trade continue working closely with “The General Authority of obstacles in this regard. In this exchange and supporting the Qatari authorities and all Customs has organised a context, the Tunisian Prime Min- economic exchange between TIR users to keep driving trade training programme in cooper- ister indicated that he discussed countries and this will back our Chairman of the General Authority of Customs, Ahmed bin Abdullah in the Middle East and beyond.” ation with IRU, in preparation during the visit the possibility of work on developing a sustainable Al Jamal (left), and IRU Secretary-General Umberto de Pretto. Commenting on the devel- to activate the TIR Convention organizing a Tunisian-Qatari eco- land transportation in addition opment, Ahmed bin Abdullah in Qatar to train the agencies nomic forum, which also brings to cementing the relations Al Jamal, Chairman of the involved in handling TIR. The together a number of friends between Qatar and UN organi- in such a way that contributes streamlines the transit of goods General Authority of Customs, programme included training and economic and financial sations in the field of transport.” to supporting the localisation and other preferential features stated, “The activation of inter- courses to prepare trainers at partners to support Tunisia and “Putting the TIR Convention and development of the related to facilitating trade, national road transport under the General Authority of enable it to overcome the in motion will support the Min- national industry in the area of reducing costs and time of TIR in Qatar comes within the Customs, as well as training the current economic difficulties. istry’s plans for making Qatar a logistics services. The TIR freight to and from Qatar. All framework of the importance employees of FAHES, the This is a positive message vital transit point consistent system supports developing a these are fundamental factors of developing and strengthening company in charge of approving that reflects that there is faith in with its strategic location, and multimodal transport sector. It for achieving the Qatar National cooperation links between TIR vehicles and issuing certif- Tunisia and its ability to rise and Vision 2030,” member states in international icates of vehicles approval.” overcome the current diffi- he added. road transport, and removing HE Sheikh Khalifa bin culties, given its great potential IRU Sec- restrictions and obstacles as it Jassim Al Thani, Chairman of in attracting foreign investment, retary General aims to facilitate the movement the Qatar Chamber of Com- he said, adding that Qatari Umberto de of goods by road to the fullest merce & Industry, said, “The investments will have priority Pretto com- extent possible. At the same activation of TIR system in given the traditions in dealing mented, “IRU time, maintain security and Qatar will streamline trade between the two countries and congratulates customs duties for the countries movement and minimise the distinguished level of rela- Qatar in through which the goods trans- transport and shipping costs for tions between them.He pointed achieving this ported under this system pass.” traders and facilitate the to the promising investment important “This cooperation between transport of goods and opportunities in Tunisia for Qatari trade mile- neighbouring countries is commodities.” companies and others in the fields of renewable energy, industry, information tech- SPIEF to take Qatar, Russia relations to new heights nology and others. Hichem FROM PAGE 1 Mechichi praised the care and future plans to the visitors. “Qatar has one attention that the Tunisian com- Public and private institutions will of the strongest economies in the world, munity enjoys in Qatar, adding showcase their ongoing projects and with a credit rating of AA- and AA3 from that he felt appreciation for the S&P and Fitch and Moody’s. Its Tunisian community’s role and currency is stable against the US contribution to the economic dollar. Qatar is the number one and development renaissance country in the Arab world for witnessed by Qatar. supporting entrepreneurship and The Tunisian PM praised second in the Middle East for Qatar’s economic and urban ren- economic freedom (28th in the aissance, which enabled it to world), according to the Index of receive the honor of hosting the Economic Freedom 2019,” noted FIFA World Cup 2022, stressing the magazine. “Qatar ranks 10th that the successful hosting of the among the most competitive econ- World Cup is a success for all omies and 5th for government Arabs and for the Middle East in effectiveness according to the IMD general, which hosts for the first World Competitiveness Yearbook time this huge global tour- 2019,” it added. nament.Hichem Mechichi Held under the patronage of expressed his full confidence the Russian President Vladimir that Qatar is able to organize an Putin every year, SPIEF is exceptional tournament thanks organised by Roscongress Foun- to its financial and human capa- dation and convenes individuals bilities, adding that he is fully from leading Russian and inter- confident that the World Cup will national companies, political enter a new era after 2022. The figures, and business leaders from Prime Minister stressed that the around the world. The Forum two countries share common that brings together heads of gov- visions on many issues, which are ernment and business leaders, aimed at promoting peace, sta- scientists and experts, marks the bility and development in the recovery of the economy and the region in general and the Maghreb restart of integration processes. and North Africa in particular. WEDNESDAY 2 JUNE 2021 HOME 05 HMC’s Person-Centered Care New Visit Qatar website spotlights Ambassadors Program resumes locally based curators THE PENINSULA – DOHA a strong bond between patients, family members and staff that THE PENINSULA – DOHA Hamad Medical Corporation’s culminates to enhancing the Center for Patient Experience overall patient experience in Qatar National Tourism Council and Staff Engagement (CPESE) HMC. We owe the success of this (QNTC) has introduced Curators has announced the resumption program to all the volunteers on the new Visit Qatar website. of the Person-Centered Care who have generously devoted These Curators comprise Qatar- (PCC) Ambassadors Program and their time and efforts for our based personalities who offer is calling on members of the patients,” said Nasser Al Naimi, personal recommendations for community to volunteer for the Deputy Chief of Quality for residents and visitors. They program. CPESE and Director of Hamad provide tips on where and how Since its launch, the PCC Healthcare Quality Institute. to indulge in some of Qatar’s best Ambassadors composed of both Taifa Naeem, one of the PCC cuisine, art, sports, or luxury Qatari nationals and expatriates Nasser Al Naimi Ambassadors said, “It’s the sense retail, highlighting favoured spots of various skills and professions of fulfilment from making a dif- – both old and new. were assigned by CPESE to select Ambassadors’ health, in collab- ference in people’s lives that This is part of QNTC’s HMC facilities to perform tasks oration with Communicable inspired and made me decide to broader digital and content such as wayfinding, ‘meet and Disease Center, each one of them join the PCC Ambassadors strategy, whereby the destination greet’ the patients, guiding has received a complete dose of Program. I grew up from a family is brought to life by showcasing patients to their appointments, COVID-19 vaccination prior to who volunteers to serve our unique and authentic experi- and generally supporting patients being assigned at HMC facilities fellow men. I see this program as ences across all digital touch- and family members during their such as Ambulatory Care Center, an avenue for me to continue my points, such as the VisitQatar App continuum of care. Enaya Specialized Care Center, family’s legacy of ‘giving back’ to and Visitqatar.qa website. Cur- As Qatar gradually lifts and National Center for Cancer the community.” rently available in English, both COVID-19-related restrictions Care and Research. The PCC The spirit of compassionate the website and the app will soon from May 28, the PCC Ambas- Ambassadors are equipped and volunteerism continues to grow be available in . While the sadors program resumes its trained on Infection Control, Fire in HMC. The opportunity to website offers a comprehensive The curators operations. The reactivation of Safety, and Compassionate become a PCC Ambassador is overview of the destination and the program comes after putting Human Interactions. open to all interested applicants. its offerings, the app helps indi- VisitQatar app, such on-the- the program on hold to minimize “The PCC Ambassadors For those who would like to reg- viduals explore Qatar with ease The update is part of ground perspectives bring to the effects of the second wave of Program primarily cultivates a ister, visit www.hamad.qa and when in destination, with QNTC’s broader digital and life Qatar’s varied offerings. the virus in early April 2021. culture of Person-Centered Care navigate through the Visitor location-based recommenda- content strategy, whereby Rich and immersive content To ensure safety of the PCC across the organization. It creates Information section. tions and personalised recom- the destination is brought across QNTC’s digital plat- mendations curated to the trav- to life by showcasing forms supports the digital ellers interests. experience, driving Ooredoo recognised by Cisco as key driver of economic growth Berthold Trenkel, Chief unique and authentic engagement and consider- Operation Officer at Qatar experiences across all ation for the destination. We THE PENINSULA – DOHA the Collaboration Partner of – stated, “It gives me great National Tourism Council digital touchpoints, such as look forward to continuing to The Year award reflects Oore- pleasure to recognise Ooredoo (QNTC), said, “As the stewards the VisitQatar App and reach new segments, pro- Ooredoo, the driver of digital doo’s role as a top regional Qatar, a Cisco partner that con- of the tourism sector, QNTC Visitqatar.qa website. moting Qatar until we can growth, has won two regional partner for selling Cisco’s tinues to demonstrate superior works with partners to develop welcome visitors to our awards from Cisco: Emerging Hosted Collaboration performance and drive value offerings and showcase them shores.” Partner of The Year and Collab- Solutions. for our customers. By demon- to a wider audience. Visit Qatar The Curators include oration Partner of The Year. Ooredoo has seen con- strating leadership and inno- and our Curators offer a Qatar and build its reputation Mashal Al Naimi, a Qatari Both accolades recognise the tinuous year-on-year growth vation, Ooredoo helps enter- localised window into the as a desirable travel motorcyclist who covers his top economic growth driven by based on its work with Cisco prises with their digital trans- country, helping bring the des- destination.” sports and water activities. Ooredoo’s leadership and inno- services, achieving significant formation projects.” tination to life for those looking Iris Wagner, leading digital Noor Al Mazroei and Rachel vation in digital transformation, growth in the 2020 fiscal year. Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad for their next experience. Part transformation at Qatar Morris detail their favourite confirming the partnership is By launching new Managed Bin Nasser Al Thani, Chief Com- of QNTC’s wider digital push, National Tourism Council dining options in Qatar. Muna moving from strength to Services offerings powered by mercial Officer at Ooredoosaid, through this, we aim to deliver (QNTC), commented, “The Al Bader offers up her favourite strength. Cisco products and solutions “These awards reflect the a superior visitor experience, Curators add an important art and culture destinations, Emerging Partner of The such as Meraki SD WAN, the success of Ooredoo in working grounded as ever in Service element to our website. while Elmira Kahrobaie selects Year is based, in part, on the partners continue to find new with best-of-breed partners, Excellence. Through coordi- Aligned with our audience her top luxury spots. Also launch of new Managed opportunities for profitability. finding ways to enable a wide nation with our stakeholders segments, they impart included are itineraries based Services powered by Cisco Hasan Khan – General range of businesses to achieve across the public and private authentic insights. Coupled on interest and travel tips from products and solutions, while Manager at Cisco Qatar their potential.” sectors, we continue to promote with the 360 content on the those in the know.

New directors appointed for Ehsan and Aman centers Intensified awareness on THE PENINSULA – DOHA head of the pilot project of Social Work was established identity for the QFSW and its in 2013 with a noble goal to effects of The Chief Executive Officer centers. He participated in contribute to the development (CEO) of Qatar Foundation for several committees, confer- of social and human resources tobacco on oral, Social Work (QFSW), Ahmad ences, and workshops on social in Qatar to build a community bin Mohammed Al Kuwari has sectors. Abdullah also con- that enjoys self-confidence, dental health appointed two directors to run tributed to the publication of positive bahaviour, and values. Ehsan Ehsan and Aman centers. Magazine. The Foundation runs seven THE PENINSULA – DOHA Following the decision, the Meanwhile, the Director of centers, Social Protection and Director of Awareness and Community Awareness Rehabilitation Center (Aman), The Ministry of Public Community Communication Department of Social Protection Empowering and Caring for Health and health sector Department at Empowering and Rehabilitation Center – the Elderly Center (Ehsan), institutions in Qatar are and Caring for the Elderly Aman, Abdul Aziz Al Ishaq, has Social Development Center increasing their efforts to Khalid Abdullah Abdul Aziz Al Ishaq Center – Ehsan, Khalid been appointed as acting Exec- (Nama), Orphanage Care raise awareness on the Abdullah, has been appointed utive Director of the center in Center (Dreama), Shafallah harmful effects of tobacco as Executive Director of the addition to his existing duty. Awareness Department and Director of the Public Relations Center for Persons with Disa- consumption on oral and center alongside his existing Abdul Aziz Al Ishaq worked chaired the Human Resources Department and Media at Social bilities (Shafallah), Best dental health in line with duty. as Director of Public Relations and investment Committees at Rehabilitation Center (Al Buddies Initiative – Qatar, World No Tobacco Day Khalid Abdullah joined Department and Media at Aman the center. Aween). Family Consulting Center 2021 under the theme Ehsan in 2006. He worked as in 2013, then as Director of Al Ishaq also worked as Qatar Foundation for (Wifaq) and Al Noor Center. ‘Commit to Quit’. Refraining from con- suming tobacco in all its forms and derivatives is an QRCS delivers QFFD-funded water important factor in pro- moting better oral and dental health, including testing kits to Sennar State of quitting smoking ciga- rettes, electronic ciga- THE PENINSULA – DOHA Bahaa Al Nojoomi, success, thanks to the rettes, shisha and chewing program manager at QRCS’s excellent training they tobacco. Under the Sudan Emergency office in Sudan, revealed prep- received at MOH. In this context, Dr. Health System Enhancement arations to deliver the The Sennar Emergency Wafaa Al Mulla, head of Project funded by Qatar Fund equipment of the reference Health System Enhancement the National Task Force for for Development (QFFD), lab. He said that the project’s Project is part of a grant the Promotion and Pre- Qatar Red Crescent Society remarkable success paves the agreement signed by QFFD vention of Oral and Dental (QRCS) has delivered to way for similar projects in and QRCS in the aftermath of Health at the National Oral Officials of Sidra Medicine and Afif Charity pose for photos after Sudan’s Ministry of Health other states of Sudan. the unprecedented flooding in and Dental Health Com- signing the MoU. (MOH) and the Sudanese Red Ibrahim Ali Ibrahim, many parts of the country last mittee, said that there are Crescent Society (SRCS) in SRCS’s Executive Director in year. As strategic partners, five main reasons to avoid Sidra Medicine, Afif Charity sign Sennar State 30 water testing Sennar, said his organisation they joined hands to help the tobacco use; It causes oral kits, to be distributed to local- was willing to do what it takes affected populations, ensure cancer: tobacco use and its MoU to support paediatric patients ities for testing water quality. to get the work done in coor- the sustainability of the health derivatives is one of the The delivery was attended dination with the State MOH system in the face of such leading causes of oral THE PENINSULA – DOHA Dr. Barbro Fridén, Chief by Dr. Asem Ahmed Soliman, Office. He added that SRCS recurrent natural disasters, cancer due to the chem- Executive Officer, Sidra Medicine Acting Director-General of volunteers in localities were and reduce the spread of epi- icals found in tobacco Sidra Medicine and Afif Charity said: “We are pleased with our MOH and Social Development ready to make the project a demic diseases. which are carcinogenic. have signed a Memorandum of partnership with Afif Charity. We in Sennar, QRCS’s delegation, Delayed Healing: Understanding (MoU) whereby look forward to working with Dr. Abdul-Rahman Hamed, tobacco use can delay the the charity will provide Afif Charity as their support will representative of SRCS’s healing process for simple financial assistance to cover the go a long way towards providing Health and State Water dental procedures, such as cost of treatment, medications vital financial assistance to many Departments. implants, tooth extractions and medical supplies for pedi- families in need.” During the meeting, they and gum disease. Gum atric patients in need. Zalikha Al Asmakh, Acting discussed the remaining activ- Disease: which is when The MOU was signed Chief Executive Officer, Afif ities of the project, which your gums are infected recently between Dr. Barbro Charity said: “Our partnership include holding community and inflamed, and bleed Fridén, Chief Executive Officer with Sidra Medicine is part of awareness sessions and pro- easily, which can cause of Sidra Medicine and Zalikha Afif Charity’s social responsi- viding the State Reference teeth to loosen and may Al-Asmakh, Acting Chief Exec- bility, to contribute in helping Laboratory with lab lead to tooth loss. utive Officer of Afif Charity. poor and sick people. We are equipment and materials. Bad Breath: tobacco In addition to covering the united in our joint efforts to In a statement, Dr. Soliman use can lead to bacteria treatment and costs of medi- supporting the wider com- praised the major role played buildup which can cause cines and medical supplies for munity and ensuring they have by QRCS and SRCS, which halitosis (bad breath). pediatric patients, Afif Charity access to quality healthcare, work together on the health Stained Teeth: tobacco is will also provide community especially those families who issues of Sennar. He promised far worse in causing excess support to sick children who require financial assistance for to solve any problems that dental plaque and making are being treated at Sidra their children’s medical may challenge the execution Representatives from QRCS and local authority with water testing teeth yellow. Medicine. treatment." of the project. kits to be distributed to those in need. 06 HOME WEDNESDAY 2 JUNE 2021 Aster, Roche sign MoU to provide Syrian Networks League objects election of diagnostic solutions across GCC as a new member of WHO THE PENINSULA — DOHA THE PENINSULA — DOHA Syrian Networks League Aster DM Healthcare, the largest (SNL), an institution that integrated healthcare provider The Syrian Networks League brings together the coordi- in the Middle East, has signed a (SNL) has objected the nating bodies of Syrian Civil memorandum of understanding decision of the World Health Society Organizations, (MoU) with Roche Diagnostics, Organization (WHO) to gathered by a transparent the world leader in biotech- include the Syrian regime as coordination mechanism nology, as the strategic partner a member of its Executive within credible, pluralistic across the Qatar, , Board representing Middle participatory frameworks. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) East countries. It aims at mobilising the and (UAE). “We as civil society energies of civil coordination The partnership between organisations are disap- bodies to ensure the creative these two leading healthcare pointed and shocked by the expression of the aspirations companies, will enable Aster DM election of Syria as a new of Syrian Civil Society, and Healthcare’s hospitals, clinics and member of the WHO Exec- develop its initiatives with laboratories across the region to utive Board. This disgraceful the aim of advocacy for its adopt the latest diagnostic inno- action is a setback for efforts issues and building its capa- vations and solutions that would to support the cause of pro- bilities to promote compre- bring-in fast and efficient Aster DM Healthcare and Roche Diagnostics officials during the signing of a memorandum of understanding. tecting health facilities, hensive development. systems to support doctors in health workers, and human- Syrian Networks League providing optimal treatment itarian and rescue workers,” consists of eight coordination solutions to their patients. the region today. The estab- the UAE and across the Middle said SNL in a statement. bodies. These coordination This also includes the pro- lishment of this collaboration is East.” “We denounce wasting bodies include 185 organiza- vision of antibody COVID-19 The partnership a testament to Roche Diagnostics’ Commenting on the project, the rights of our fellow tions working in the human- testing, digital solutions, as well between these two dedication towards supporting Hanie Abdul Sathar, Director at martyrs and other victims itarian and civil fields in as automated laboratory solu- countries across the Middle East Eurohealth Systems said, “This who killed in these attacks, Syria, Lebanon, , and tions that will further enable leading healthcare to further elevate their standards project marks the start of a trans- and we also strongly Turkey. Aster facilities to deliver high- companies, will enable of healthcare and bring in the formation journey that would condemn the reward of an Since 2012 until now, the quality and precise patient results Aster DM Healthcare’s latest innovations to serve enhance the service offering of international agency (WHO) Syrian regime and its allies in the shortest time possible, patients better,” said Harald Wolf, Aster Laboratories across GCC, to the executioner and con- have targeting hundreds of while boosting capabilities to hospitals, clinics and General Manager at Roche Diag- while through system integration sider him a partner instead health facilities and ambu- drive operational efficiency laboratories to adopt nostics Middle East during the and consolidation we are aiming of being legally pursued by lances in areas outside its essential to meet the rising the latest diagnostic signing at the Aster DM to develop state-of-art infra- the international com- control, where the facilities demand for diagnostics in this Healthcare Headquarters in structure for diagnostics founded munity,” SNL added. bearing the signs of interna- pandemic and beyond. innovations and Dubai. on intelligent systems, sophisti- Syrian civil society con- tional protection (the Red Alisha Moopen, Deputy Man- solutions that would “This partnership will further cated quality procedures, siders the election of the Crescent and the Red Cross) aging Director at Aster DM bring-in fast and align our commitment to upscale instrument technology enhance- Syrian regime as a new were deliberately targeted Healthcare, said, “At Aster, we are and expand healthcare opportu- ments, all with the purpose of member of the executive instead of being avoided and determined to stay ahead of the efficient systems to nities and services to all residents equipping our doctors with the board of the World Health protected. curve in offering the best medical support doctors in across the UAE, KSA, Oman and best systems needed to be able Organization an unac- Hundreds of health solutions to our patients and providing optimal Qatar,” he added. to provide the optimal treatment ceptable and unjustified bias workers, patients, and other equip our doctors with the most Also in attendance was solution to patients.” that legitimizes crimes and civilians were killed and advanced systems to be able to treatment solutions to Stavros Chisimellis, Head of The Aster laboratory consol- violations instead of con- injured by these attacks. do so. The partnership with their patients. Diagnostics for the Gulf and idation project is aimed at inte- demning them. For ten years, Syrian civil Roche Diagnostics in the Middle Levant Agencies at Roche Diag- grating future-ready systems Syrian civil society society organizations have East underscores our dedication nostics Middle East, who stated, within the company’s expansive organizations will intensify called for the protection of to supporting countries, patients “At Roche Diagnostics, we network of 13 hospitals, 106 their efforts to shed light on hospitals and health workers and medical fraternity across the and accurate detection that can put patient-care at the heart of clinics and laboratories in the violations and work by all through all international region through providing the facilitate timely medical inter- all our endeavors. Through this GCC. Aimed at driving precision available means to achieve platforms and forums. These latest healthcare solutions vention essential to prevent collaboration with Aster DM in diagnostics with speed and justice for all victims and violations have been docu- relating to the prevention, diag- unwanted disease outcomes.” Healthcare, we aim to accelerate operational efficiency, the continue to pursue the mented and denounced by nosis and treatment of various “We are very pleased to the process of providing the project will further strengthen regime and its institutions to the international community, diseases. This is a part of our core announce the official com- highest quality healthcare and the company’s ability to identify expose their violations and including the World Health strategy to introduce smart mencement of our partnership the latest diagnostic solutions to and immediately serve patient lift their legitimacy Organization. systems that encourages early with Aster DM Healthcare across all citizens and residents here in needs. RPS organises math workshop for parents VCUarts Qatar’s program aims to boost THE PENINSULA — DOHA critical thinking, communication skills Rajagiri Public School (RPS) has organised an instructive webinar THE PENINSULA — DOHA The university’s CCE have noticed how young on ‘Indian Mathematics’ for the wing is launching a children benefit from learning parents of Grades 4 and 5 on May For young residents in Qatar, about different artistic styles. 26 to brace the parent in solving art — in the form of murals, Children’s Summer For instance, early introduction intricate mathematical problems paintings, sculptures, installa- Art and Design to art appreciation has been for their children. tions, pop-up studios, and light found to improve communi- The workshop was presented and sound projections — is a Program 2021, online. cation skills, and concept by S Radhakrishnan, the Vice- permanent part of their daily development. Principal of the school, who has lives; they’re constantly Abstract Expressionism, Con- Art appreciation also helps won a wide acclaim throughout exposed to one form of artwork ceptualism, and Contemporary boost a child’s multisensory GCC for his sessions on ‘Vedic or the other at malls, parks, Art. They will also familiarize faculties; this happens as Mathematics’. The workshop public walkways, traffic junc- themselves with iconic artwork children learn about the details A workshop being presented by Vice-Principal of Rajagiri Public aimed at imparting to the parents tions, and metro stations. created by renowned artists and techniques – brush strokes, on the techniques which would School, S Radhakrishnan. Now, a course developed by from each movement. spatial perspectives, light and enhance their problem solving the department of Community These sessions will give also shading, shape and structure – skills promptly and ‘usage of complements in doing from the participants about the and Continuing Education (CCE) children an idea of the different specific to a style, and attempt competently. subtraction of numbers’ received techniques shared by the host. at Virginia Commonwealth professionals – curators, art to reinterpret and recreate it. The presenter also developed a great applause. Parents left the session with a University School of the Arts in historians, artists, and art cri- By helping children under- a level of divergent thinking in The presenter proved that credence that they could foster Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) — a tiques – involved in the global stand the reasons behind an the parents that would in turn math phobia can be curbed com- strong mathematical skills in Qatar Foundation (QF) partner fine art landscape, and what artist’s choice of style, or theme, help them train their children to pletely when students are taught their children. The welcoming university — intends to take they do. art appreciation sharpens think out of the box and break quick steps to solve the calcula- address was delivered by Nisha those art encounters a step They will even get a chance critical thinking and analytical the conventional thought tions. As they augment concen- Shahul Hameed, the coordinator further. to be mini curators, historians, capabilities. process. The ‘easy way of tration and memory power, for grades 3 to 5. The concluding The university’s CCE addition of numbers by dot learning mathematics would message was delivered by wing is launching a Chil- method’, ‘concept of complement never be a hard nut to crack. Sanjeev Kumar, the Principal of dren’s Summer Art and of numbers’, There was great appreciation Rajagiri Public School. Design Program 2021, online. Unlike typical summer art classes that enhance technical skills such as sketching, shading and painting, this program will also introduce 7-to- 9-year-olds to art appre- ciation and art history. This virtual course will take place over four weeks from July 4 to August 5, and will be led by Nourbanu Feras Hijazi and Salma Awad, who are experienced in teaching art to children. Parents can access further infor- mation by visiting the VCUarts Qatar website. Art appreciation is as much about ‘looking’ as it is about ‘doing’. Mindful of this, the University has developed a schedule that includes virtual visits to artists and critics themselves, Moreover, as they learn museums and galleries, as they take turns critiquing or about various art movements, alongside hands-on activities. describing artwork! young minds develop an under- During these visits and discus- All sessions are open to both standing of the personal back- sions, participants will be intro- genders and are taught in ground of a specific artist; the duced to age-appropriate English. Upon completion of the cultural context in which an art details about various move- course, each young attendee work was created; and the sym- ments that have influenced the will receive a certificate of bolism, if present, behind it. evolution of art over the last participation. This in turn helps them appre- century. VCUarts Qatar’s new course ciate other cultures, ethnic These include Surrealism, comes at a time when educators groups and histories. WEDNESDAY 2 JUNE 2021 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 07 Germany, UN to host conference on in Berlin

AP — BERLIN embargo and push Libya’s istry statement said. his forces, backed by Egypt and “It has been a very long warring parties to reach a full The agenda will include “In addition, steps towards the United Arab Emirates, process in which we often Germany and the United Nations ceasefire. Germany has been discussions for the creation of unified Libyan launched an offensive to try and weren’t sure ourselves whether plan to host a conference on trying to act as an intermediary. preparations for security forces will be discussed.” capture Tripoli. the aims we set could be Libya in Berlin on June 23, a gath- The countries that have been elections in December Libya has been mired in chaos His 14-month-long campaign achieved,” German Foreign Min- ering that aims to bring together involved in the process include since a Nato-backed uprising collapsed after Turkey stepped ister Heiko Maas told reporters powers with interests in the the five permanent members of and the withdrawal of toppled and later killed longtime up its military support of the UN- in Berlin, speaking of the North African country and its the UN Security Council, along foreign forces. dictator Moammar Gadhafi in backed government with hun- agreement. transitional government. with Italy, Turkey and the United 2011. dreds of troops and thousands of “But after the developments The agenda will include dis- Arab Emirates. Afterwards, the oil-rich Syrian mercenaries. in recent months, we are cau- cussions for preparations for The Berlin conference will needed for a sustainable stabili- country was long divided An October ceasefire tiously optimistic,” Maas said. He elections in December and the mark the first time that the sation,” it added. between a UN-supported gov- agreement that included a added that it “makes sense” to withdrawal of foreign forces. Libyan transitional government “The main focus will be on ernment in the capital, Tripoli, demand that all foreign fighters hold the new conference “to The meeting, announced yes- is represented at such an event, preparations for the national and rival authorities based in the and mercenaries leave Libya ensure that the path we have terday, will take place at the level the German foreign ministry said elections scheduled for country’s east, each backed by within 90 days led to a deal on embarked on in Libya is con- of foreign ministers and follows in a statement. December 24 and on the with- armed groups and foreign the transitional government and tinued, that elections take place up on a first Berlin conference It will “take stock of progress” drawal of foreign troops and governments. December elections. The gov- and that in the foreseeable future held in January 2020 at which since the first Berlin gathering mercenaries from Libya as In April 2019, east-based ernment took office in there are no longer any foreign leaders agreed to respect an arms and discuss “the next steps agreed in the ceasefire,” the min- commander Khalifa Hiftar and February. forces in Libya.” Netanyahu challenge German minister laments choice to legality of rival’s of Syria for PM bid rebuffed WHO board seat AP — BERLIN REUTERS — JERUSALEM parliament, Netanyahu’s con- servative Likud said Lapid was Germany’s health minister says A last-gasp legal challenge by not authorised to cede the pre- he is “anything but happy” that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin miership to Bennett. Syria’s government — which Netanyahu to thwart a bid by a But President Reuven Riv- has waged a devastating, rival rightist to head a new lin’s office said in response that deadly decade-long war government was rejected there was no legal merit to against dissenters — has been yesterday as his opponents Likud’s claim because Lapid selected for a seat on the World raced to seal a pact that would would be sworn in as “alternate Health Organization’s exec- unseat him. prime minister”, second to serve utive board. Naftali Bennett, Netanyahu’s as premier as part of the rotation. Health Minister Jens Spahn former defence minister, It accepted Likud’s said yesterday that the choice announced on Sunday he would argument that Lapid must of Syria, which was confirmed join a proposed alliance with provide the president with full with no debate or dissent at a centrist opposition leader Yair details of the new government meeting of WHO member The leader of the Yamina party, Naftali Bennett, after delivering a statement in the Knesset, the Israeli Lapid, serving as its premier first and not just announce that he nations in Geneva over the Parliament, in Jerusalem. under a rotation deal. has clinched a coalition deal. weekend, reflected the need They have until today mid- The Lapid-Bennett power- to work with some govern- night (2100 GMT) to present a share may include other rightist process with the Palestinians, Bennett in an Arab headdress, to the “atmosphere of incitement” ments for the benefit of their final pact to Rivlin, who handed politicians as well as liberal and and Iran. circulated on social media, against them. Lapid and Bennett people — especially on health Lapid the task of forming a new centre-left parties. Israeli media Netanyahu, 71, is the dom- prompted comparisons with have said they want to bring matters. government after Netanyahu have speculated it could also inant political figure of his gen- attempts to discredit former together Israelis from across the “I’m anything but happy failed to do so in the wake of a court parliamentary backing eration. He was first elected Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, political divide and end hateful with this decision,” Spahn said close election on March 23. from a party that draws votes prime minister in 1996 and he assassinated in 1995 by an ultra- political discourse. when asked about the issue at Hoping to beat the deadline, from Israel’s Arab minority. returned to power in 2009, nationalist opposed to his “A country that is divided and a news conference in Berlin. Lapid, Bennett and other party That has prompted holding the top office for more peacemaking. violent won’t be able to deal with But he added that interna- leaders convened to clinch coa- Netanyahu to accuse Bennett than a decade. But he also faces An Israeli security source said Iran or with the economy. A lead- tional cooperation among sov- lition agreements, sources of imperiling Israel as it con- a corruption trial for bribery, Bennett had received parlia- ership that incites us against one ereign states was necessary to briefed on the talks said. tends with internal Jewish-Arab fraud and breach of trust — mentary bodyguards on the rec- another harms our ability to deal coordinate and set standards In a letter to the legal strife over last month’s Gaza charges he denies. ommendation of the Shin Bet with the challenges we face,” together and noted that a counsels of the presidency and conflict, the moribund peace A photo-shopped picture of domestic intelligence agency due Lapid said. similar situation also arises in other international forums like the UN Human Rights Council. Uganda: Former army chief’s “These are the short- comings of realpolitik,” he said. “Especially when it comes daughter, driver killed in attack to health issues and the health REUTERS — KAMPALA Police investigators later care of the population, the combed the area, poring over question is always: Who are Gunmen opened fire at a car bullet holes in the car’s we actually punishing here if carrying a Ugandan windows and body and casings we don’t make cooperation government minister in an on the ground. possible?” Spahn said. “Are we attempted assassination The private NTV Uganda punishing the regime or the yesterday, wounding the television broadcast social population?” former army commander and media footage of Wamala Dozens of medical killing his daughter and driver, speaking in hospital. Referring workers in rebel-held the military and local media to his daughter, who was in the northwest Syria on Monday said. car with him, he said: “I have protested the decision to grant Four attackers on motor- survived, we have lost Brenda... the seat to Syrian President cycles sprayed bullets at a four- The bad guys have done it, but Bashar Al Assad’s government, wheel drive vehicle carrying God has given me a second accusing it of responsibility for General Katumba Wamala, the chance.” bombing hospitals and clinics minister of works and Army spokeswoman Brig- across the war-ravaged transport, in the Kampala adier Flavia Byekwaso said: country. suburb of Kisasi, local tele- “There was a shooting The war has left half a vision station NBS reported. involving him... he is hurt and million people dead and President Yoweri Museveni he’s been taken to the hospital, driven millions out of the condemned the attack, blaming his driver was killed.” country since the conflict it on criminals, terrorists and A government official said erupted in 2011. “pigs who do not value life”. In a local resident was also shot Syria was among 12 WHO A file photo of a man receiving the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine against the coronavirus disease a Twitter post, he said that and wounded in the incident member nations chosen to put at a medical centre in Taiz, . authorities already had clues and was in hospital. forward new members for the in the case, and the criminals Wamala once served as 34-strong executive board, responsible would be defeated. head of Uganda’s police, which which is largely a technical WHO to launch vaccination drive in Images circulating on social over the years has been group whose role is to carry media showed Wamala with accused of human rights abuses out the decisions of, and his mouth open, in apparent by rights groups, including advise, the assembly. Houthi-run north Yemen next week distress beside the car and his arbitrary arrests and torture of Syria will take up the seat light-coloured trousers splat- opposition activists. The police when the board holds its latest REUTERS — SANAA Yemen’s COVID-19 sharing scheme. tered with blood. deny carrying out rights abuses. meeting, which starts today. vaccination campaign A batch of 10,000 of those The World Health Organisation doses intended for Houthi-run will start COVID-19 vaccinations began in government- areas had been caught up in next week in north Yemen where held areas on April 20, wrangling between parties over Iran says nuclear talks not at impasse the Houthi authorities in control how it would be administered, have played down the impact of using a first shipment according to humanitarian aid REUTERS — DUBAI in which a prominent hard- the complexities created by the pandemic, largely denying of 360,000 doses of sources and Yemeni officials. liner is tipped to replace the the Trump administration’s any outbreak there. The emergency coronavirus Iran believes that barriers to pragmatist incumbent. numerous sanctions and Iran’s Inoculations in parts of the AstraZeneca’s vaccine committee of the internationally the revival of its 2015 nuclear “There is no impasse in the measures..., many details need Arabian Peninsula country run from the global COVAX recognised government, based accord with world powers are Vienna talks,” Iranian gov- to be considered, but none of by Yemen’s Saudi-backed gov- vaccine-sharing in south Yemen, has recorded complicated but not insur- ernment spokesman Ali Rabiei these obstacles are insur- ernment began seven weeks ago, 6,742 coronavirus infections and mountable, a spokesman said told a news conference mountable,” Rabiei added. giving a boost to a healthcare scheme. 1,321 deaths so far, although the yesterday, denying that nego- streamed live by a state-run On Monday, Iran’s nuclear system shattered by war, eco- true figure is widely thought to tiations had stalled. website. negotiator expressed doubt nomic collapse and, recently, a arrived at Sanaa airport on be much higher as the war has The Islamic Republic and “Negotiations have that the current round of talks shortfall in humanitarian aid Monday and were put into cold restricted COVID-19 testing and six powers have been negoti- reached a stage where a few would be the final one. funding. storage. reporting. ating in Vienna since April to key issues need to be decided, US President Joe Biden has Houthi authorities, who Only healthcare workers Human Rights Watch said work out steps for Tehran and and these issues require the said Washington will return control the capital Sanaa and would be given the shots at this yesterday Houthi authorities Washington to take, respec- proper attention, perfec- to the pact if Tehran first most major urban areas in stage, beginning next week, at the have suppressed information tively, on nuclear activities tionism and time.” resumes compliance with its Yemen’s six-year conflict, have health ministry in Sanaa “under about COVID-19 and under- and sanctions, for the pact to Since former US President strict limits on uranium provided no coronavirus the control and management of mined international efforts to resume. Donald Trump pulled out of enrichment. infection or fatality figures since the WHO”, he told Reuters provide vaccines in areas under Two Western diplomats the deal three years ago and Separately, France, one of a couple of cases in May 2020. yesterday. their control. and an Iranian official said the reimposed sanctions on Iran, the signatories to the deal, But numbers of confirmed cases Yemen’s COVID-19 vacci- “Since the start of the pan- talks would likely pause on Tehran has embarked on voiced concern after a report in the rest of Yemen started to nation campaign began in gov- demic in Yemen in April 2020, Thursday for consultations in counter-measures, including from the UN nuclear watchdog rise rapidly in mid-February. ernment-held areas on April 20, Houthi officials have actively respective capitals, though it rebuilding stockpiles of which showed on Monday that The WHO’s representative in using a first shipment of 360,000 spread disinformation about the remained unclear if they enriched uranium, a potential Iran had failed to explain Yemen, Adham Abdel-Moneim, doses of AstraZeneca’s vaccine virus and vaccines,” the rights would resume before Iran’s pathway to nuclear bombs. traces of uranium found at said 10,000 vaccine doses from the global COVAX vaccine- group said in a report. June 18 presidential election, “It is natural that due to several undeclared sites. 08 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 2 JUNE 2021 Virus labs deserve more oversight Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR Even if we never learn MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED whether COVID-19 escaped [email protected] from a lab or jumped to humans from animals, the public is entitled to a closer DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR look at what’s going on in MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI virology labs. [email protected] Some scientists worry that laboratory scientists are getting too little oversight on projects that could potentially start pan- EDITORIAL demics. Others worry about the global proliferation of labs that work with dangerous viruses A scientist working at a laboratory sequencing novel coronavirus genomes at COVID-19 Genomics and other pathogens. UK, on the Wellcome Sanger Institute’s campus south of Cambridge, England. Beating yet another crisis The journal Nature accused politicians and the press of known that scientists have young, healthy people, but demic potential,” says Ebright. AS the world is still grappling with the COVID-19 crisis, stirring up a “divisive” manipulated other viruses to also led to concerns over the Under Obama, there was a Qatar has emerged as a model in successfully con- argument over the origins of make them more dangerous. risk of a lab leak. “pause” on funding for gain- fronting the pandemic. The country had geared itself the pandemic, but it’s only rea- Biologist Richard Ebright, a Another project in 2011 of-function research in 2014 well before the virus came calling on its shores. Under sonable to want an explanation professor at Rutgers University, altered a bird flu virus so it and calls for a review of the supervision and guidance of the Supreme Com- for some curious facts. The walked me through a history of could spread between existing research, which was mittee for Crisis Management, the Ministry of Public virus that has killed 3.5 million biodefense laboratory research mammals. This was a particu- carried out through the White Health (MoPH) prepared the health system to meet the people so far and upended the going back to 9/11 and the larly scary creation because House’s Office of Science and challenges with the help of its highly efficient army of lives of billions of others seems anthrax attacks that followed in bird flu can occasionally jump Technology Policy (OSTP). professionals and state-of-the-art treatment facilities. to have its closest relative in its wake. Because Congress from birds to humans, killing Under Trump, there was a Qatar has set up specialised hospitals and quar- horseshoe bats, yet there are no was targeted in those attacks, about 60% of those infected. A new set of controls, which antine facilities to treat thousands of patients and with horseshoe bat colonies close to the incident spurred the US version of this that could required reviews through the the help of different government agencies, implemented Wuhan, China, where the pan- government’s interest in travel from human to human NIH, but Ebright said only two several preventive measures to stem the spread of the demic was first identified. researching germ warfare would be devastating. Debate projects were ever reviewed. virus. All those affected by the virus, irrespective of Wuhan does, however, host a defenses. But things took a continued for years over In practice, this meant weaker being citizens or residents, were given world-class health lab holding the world’s largest strange twist: While it was whether the benefits of this protections were in place. care free of cost. collection of bat coronaviruses. commonly assumed the attacks kind of research could pos- Ebright suggests that OSTP As the pandemic had spread across the world by A World Health Organi- were carried out by foreign ter- sibly justify the grave risk, or another independent entity the first half of last year, health experts were in a zation team sent to inves- rorists, a multi-year investi- though the research was should be responsible for quagmire as to find ways to treat the illness as no reliable tigate came back with little in gation pointed back to an scheduled to resume in 2019. oversight, rather than agencies medicine was effective against the virus. Different the way of plausible explana- American biodefense There’s also US funding for that do research or fund it. researches to find an effective vaccine gave a ray of tions for SARS-CoV-2. Nor are researcher. Investigators linked virus surveillance, which carries Purdue University virol- hope and by the fourth quarter of 2020, the world heaved the explanations mutually the attacks to Bruce Ivins, a its own risks. Researchers go out ogist David Sanders told me a sigh of relief as vaccines started to prove efficacy and exclusive - the virus could be virologist at the United States and collect viruses, grow them he agrees with Ebright’s con- were given approval for emergency use. a naturally occurring bat virus Army Medical Research in their labs, and use them in cerns, but he thinks the Qatar was one of the first countries to start a national collected by a scientist and Institute of Infectious Diseases experiments. Ebright considers danger lies less in these vaccination campaign which began in December 2020 placed in a lab from which it in Fort Detrick, Maryland, this analogous to the space virus genetic manipulation experi- after the MoPH had given Pfizer-BioNtech and Moderna later escaped. There’s no con- though he killed himself before collection in The Andromeda ments and more in the vaccines approval for emergency use. After that there vincing evidence that this he could be tried. Perhaps Strain, except that now we worldwide proliferation of was no turning back as the country consistently kept virus has been genetically increasing controls over biode- know that plenty of exotic labs that deal in deadly path- up the pace of vaccination with a clear vision and action manipulated, but it’s well fense research would have viruses exist right here on Earth. ogens, natural or engineered. plan. Now, Qatar is among the top 10 countries in the been a more rational response Scientists have, more He says there should be world in inoculating most number of people based on Some scientists than ramping up funding. recently, been creating geneti- oversight, but that some population density. Ebright told me that back in cally altered coronaviruses. genetic manipulation of According to MoPH data, 2,574,692 doses of doses worry that laboratory 2003, the scientific community That research has been done viruses can provide valuable have been administered in the country with 29,499 doses scientists are getting started to voice concerns over as a collaboration between US insights. Gene therapy, for being given yesterday itself. With this, 64.2 percent of the realization that emerging labs and the Wuhan Institute example, uses altered viruses the eligible population has now received at least one too little oversight on genetic technology might, in of Virology. In one contro- to deliver life-saving genetic dose of the vaccine and 92.4 percent of the most vul- projects that could principle, allow people to alter versial project, researchers material into human cells. nerable people (aged 60 and above) have received at viruses to make them deadlier took bat coronaviruses and And he wasn’t convinced least one dose of the vaccine and 85.8 percent have potentially start or more transmissible. And introduced changes to see if by arguments laid out in an received both doses. pandemics. Others indeed, such experiments they could induce greater pan- influential article by former In addition to the free treatment and vaccination, worry about the started happening - funded by demic potential. That research New York Times science the government has given several incentives to the eco- the National Institutes of Health was published in 2015 in writer Nicholas Wade, first nomic sector and a support package of QR75bn was global proliferation of and done in the name of Nature Medicine. published in Medium, announced during the first wave. labs that work with defense, or simply to better More experiments fol- implying SARS-CoV-2 was The Ehteraz app, launched by the MoPH, went a understand viruses as a line of lowed, in which the spike gene the product of genetic modifi- long way in protecting the society from the spread of dangerous viruses and basic research. of one coronavirus was fused cation. There’s nothing about the pandemic. other pathogens. A project in 2005 led to to the backbone of another, the virus that would make a Today, with daily cases declining below 240, Qatar the re-creation of the deadly creating new viruses increas- natural origin unlikely. can be proud of its achievements in confronting the 1918 pandemic flu virus - ingly adept at infecting human But how did it get into virus with wise policies and a comprehensive strategy. something that helped scien- cells. “And so this is, of course, humans? We still don’t know. tists understand why that a cookbook for constructing a And it’s perfectly reasonable pandemic struck so many virus of extremely high pan- to keep asking questions. The Internet is under global siege D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR EMAIL: [email protected] THE WASHINGTON POST with a court-imposed fine for primarily on the messaging requirements for in-country failing to restore a conspira- app Telegram - perhaps in representatives on foreign EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: +974 4455 7758 The Internet is under siege, torial YouTube channel taken part because the regime has firms. How else to scare com- again and always. Last week down ostensibly for breaching been unable to shut off Tel- panies into compliance but to MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 brought with it a new slate of US sanctions. These salvos egram itself. Now Belarus has threaten employees’ safety? stories of state threats against accompany orders issued to banned livestreams of unau- Perhaps this is India’s strategy DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 social media sites: pitting Facebook and Twitter last thorized protests, unau- for coercing sites into acqui- civilians desperate to make Wednesday to onshore data thorized opinion polls and escing to the absurd request, LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 their voices heard against on local users. It’s all part of an links to verboten information. also issued last week, that they BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 governments eager to keep attempt to build a “sovereign The trend isn’t restricted to scrub out all references to an them quiet. Democracies must Internet” cutting citizens off the region. India also accel- “Indian variant” of COVID-19. SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 take these developments as a from the rest of the world - but erated its already alarming Sometimes, platforms reminder of the Web’s also from each other. attacks on Twitter last week, give in to the dictates that ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 promise, as well as their Russia’s worries are sending a squadron of police come their way, arguing that email: [email protected] responsibility to protect it. domestic; its campaign took officers to the company’s New they must obey local laws; PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 Russia’s regulators have off in earnest after platforms Delhi headquarters to “serve a sometimes, they push back, email: [email protected] been warning Silicon Valley became key to protests in notice” after Twitter applied a as with Google’s appeal of companies since the winter to support of the imprisoned “manipulated media” label to Russian rulings and What- MARKETING: TEL: 4455 7657 comply with demands to pre- opposition politician Alexei tweets by the ruling party. sApp’s lawsuit against email: [email protected] serve pro-Kremlin material, Navalny in January. But the There is, incidentally, no law nascent Indian rules that even when it breaks their crackdown will reverberate in the country against doing would preclude end-to-end ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 857 rules, and remove anti- worldwide. Already, others so. Twitter is particularly vul- encryption. The fight will FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] Kremlin material even when it are taking cues: Belarusian nerable in India because this only get harder, however, as CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 doesn’t. The pressure in recent President Alexander headquarters exists. Indeed, countries continue to email: [email protected] days has mounted, with a Lukashenko intercepted a other nations hovering escalate their abuses - which mandate to Google to block European airliner to arrest a between authoritarianism and they will surely do if the SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 thousands of pieces of content dissident journalist whose democracy have already United States and its allies FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected] or be throttled - and coupled media company operates imposed, or may soon impose, continue to be silent.

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+974 6698 6188 WEDNESDAY 2 JUNE 2021 ASIA 09 Duterte opposes full disclosure of drug raid details AP — MANILA The President said in televised remarks International Criminal Court against illegal drugs do not nor- extrajudicial killings and added examination of complaints of mally “involve state secrets that some of the killings of drug The Philippine President has that divulging confidential information like potential crimes against affecting national security” like dealers were carried out by syn- rejected full public disclosure intelligence about suspects used by law humanity. those dealing with “rebellion, dicates to eliminate potential of details of his administration’s Last week, the Department invasion, terrorism, espionage, government informants. deadly anti-drug crackdown, enforcers for drug raids could undermine his of Justice said it has been given infringement of our sovereignty “My policemen and my citing national security. administration’s campaign against criminality. access to a few dozen police or sovereign rights by foreign army are trained to kill,” he President Rodrigo Duterte investigations of police officers powers.” said, but added, “they are not said in televised remarks on involved in anti-drug raids that The court said it has a allowed to kill a man kneeling Monday night that divulging the government’s war against has limited knowledge of the turned deadly. mandate to safeguard the peo- down or with his back turned.” confidential information like communist New People’s Army drug operations. Duterte’s officials have ple’s constitutional right to The tough-talking leader intelligence about suspects used guerrillas. More than 6,000 mostly argued that the country’s justice information on pressing issues. repeated his death threats to by law enforcers for drug raids “This is a national security petty drug suspects have been system could address com- “The undeniable fact that thou- drug lords preying on young Fil- could undermine his adminis- issue like the NPA,” he said. killed and 289,000 others plaints of extrajudicial killings sands of ordinary citizens have ipinos. “If I am there, I will tration’s campaign against Duterte said people could arrested since Duterte launched by law enforcers and that there been killed, and continue to be really kill you. I don’t care if criminality. Duterte has long inquire about general details of his massive campaign against is no need for international killed, during police drug oper- there’s TV around. I will really faced demands from human how drug raids were carried out illegal drugs after taking office criminal inquiries. ations certainly is a matter of kill you,” he said. rights groups to open up police and could even observe them in mid-2016, according to “There are public docu- grave public concern,” the court Rights groups have warned records about the drug killings from a safe distance. “But if you official statistics, which human ments that can be shown to the said. that such remarks by the pres- for scrutiny and for him to agree ask what prompted the police rights groups suspect are vastly public at large,” Duterte said, Duterte acknowledged that ident have fostered a culture of to an international investi- and the military to go into this understated. adding that confidential papers the anti-drug crackdown has impunity in the police force, gation, a call he has steadfastly kind of operation based on their The large number of killings would be kept from the public. left many dead and warned that which Duterte once called rejected. reports and collated dossiers, has alarmed Western govern- The Supreme Court said in “many more will die.” But he “corrupt to the core,” and have Duterte compared the anti- you cannot intrude into that,” ments and human rights a 2018 resolution that details repeated that there was no gov- emboldened law enforcers to drug crackdown to he said, adding that he himself watchdogs and sparked an surrounding police operations ernment policy condoning commit abuses. Thailand’s first AstraZeneca vaccine exports to Philippines delayed

REUTERS — MANILA duction at the Thai plant. running... that is how it is when Inside Thailand, questions you start a new plant,” he said. Delivery to the Philippines of about Siam Bioscience meeting He added that delivery of the the first batches of a promised production targets are Philippines second batch of 1.3 17 million doses of Thai-made extremely sensitive because million doses would also be AstraZeneca vaccines has been King Maha Vajiralongkorn is reduced to 1.17 million and has delayed by several weeks and sole owner of the company. been moved from July to August. reduced in size, a Philippine Insulting Thailand’s mon- Nearly four million people presidential adviser said archy is a crime punishable by in the Philippines have received yesterday. up to 15 years in prison. a first dose of a COVID-19 The delay raises questions Philippines presidential vaccine. about AstraZeneca’s vaccine adviser Joey Concepcion, who The Philippines is one of the distribution plan in Southeast has been coordinating vaccine worst-hit countries in Asia, with Asia, which depends on 200 procurement with the Phil- more than 1.2 million corona- million doses made in Thailand ippine government and private virus cases and 21,000 deaths. by Siam Bioscience, a company sector, said that AstraZeneca It aims to inoculate at least 50 owned by the country’s king had informed him that delivery million of its 110 million popu- that is making vaccines for the of the first batch of 1.3 million lation this year. first time. doses would have to be pushed Thailand’s Siam Bioscience It was not immediately clear back from the third week of last year signed a technology Passengers wearing hazmat suits queue at the departure area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport if other countries slated to June to mid-July and also transfer agreement with Astra- amid the coronavirus disease outbreak, in Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines, yesterday. received Thai vaccine exports reduced to 1.17 million doses. Zeneca to produce 200 million would be affected by similar Concepcion said he was in doses per year, with 61 million campaign will kick off next in recent weeks as Thailand 6 million AstraZeneca doses due delays. touch daily with AstraZeneca doses going to Thailand this week with no clear indication suffers its most severe for June would be delivered on AstraZeneca and Siam Bio- and was told there were delays year and the rest to other about Siam Bioscience’s pro- COVID-19 outbreak yet. time, but did not specify how science did not immediately in Thai production. Southeast Asian countries. duction volume. Public concern Thai Health Minister Anutin many would be from Siam Bio- reply to questions about pro- “It is a new plant they are Thailand’s mass vaccination about vaccine access has grown Charnvirakul yesterday said the science as originally planned. New Zealand signs space agreement with Nasa India to increase pace of

AP — WELLINGTON one of only a handful of nations Zealand four years ago when it Maori to buy land in the Can- able to launch rockets into launched a test rocket into terbury region to develop a vaccine shots per day New Zealand announced space. “New Zealand is com- space from the remote Mahia space launch site. yesterday it was the latest mitted to ensuring the next Peninsula. It began commercial Estimates indicate the New REUTERS — BENGALURU manufacturers of doses, country to sign a space phase of space exploration is launches in 2018. Zealand space industry is worth including AstraZeneca’s shot. agreement with Nasa, just as conducted in a safe, sustainable Rocket Lab founder Peter NZ$1.7bn ($1.2bn) and that India could have as many as 10 Several states have com- New Zealand’s nascent space and transparent manner and in Beck, a New Zealander, said space manufacturing generates million doses of COVID-19 plained of a shortage of the industry begins to take off. full compliance with interna- signing the accords was tes- about NZ$250m a year. vaccines available per day in AstraZenca vaccines and New Zealand became the tional law,” Mahuta said. tament to the country’s growing Nasa Administrator Bill July and August, compared with another called Covaxin, eleventh signatory to the New Zealand said it’s par- role in the space industry and Nelson said in a statement that just under three million now, developed by Indian firm Artemis Accords, a blueprint for ticularly interested in making opened the door for collabo- New Zealand was one of seven the government said, trying to Bharat Biotech. space cooperation and sup- sure that minerals taken from ration and mission opportu- nations that helped craft the prin- allay concerns about shortages Last month, the gov- porting the US space agency’s the moon or elsewhere in space nities with Nasa. ciples in the accords and he was and mishandling of the ernment ordered that the plans to return humans to the are used sustainably. There could also soon be a delighted they had signed up. programme. interval between two doses of moon by 2024 and to launch a California-based company second New Zealand launch “Outer space is getting The world’s second most AstraZeneca be increased to historic human mission to Mars. Rocket Lab, which specialises site. The government crowded,” said Kevin Covert, populous country has suffered 12-16 weeks from 4-6 weeks, Foreign Minister Nanaia in putting small satellites into announced yesterday it was the acting US ambassador to a disastrous outbreak of infec- which experts said was because Mahuta said New Zealand was orbit, made history in New partnering with Indigenous New Zealand. tions since April that is only of tight supplies. now abating and health experts Paul said there was no plan say the only way it can avert to mix doses of different vac- China reports another surge is mass vacci- cines that some officials had nation of its 1.3 billion people. suggested earlier. He also said first human case “We don’t doubt that we everyone was recommended will be able to increase the pace to take the full two doses of of H10N3 bird flu of vaccinations, once supply is AstraZeneca’s vaccine and not ramped up,” government limit themselves to one shot. REUTERS — BEIJING advisor V K Paul told reporters “India’s Covishield schedule yesterday. is of two doses... there is no A 41-year-old man in China’s Vaccine manufacturers change, and Covaxin is also for eastern province of Jiangsu has such as Serum Institute of India two doses,” Paul said. been confirmed as the first and Bharat Biotech are scram- Yesterday the country human case of infection with the bling to boost supplies, with the reported its lowest daily rise in H10N3 strain of bird flu, China’s country is also in talks with new coronavirus infections in National Health Commission major foreign vaccine pro- over a month, at 127,510, while (NHC) said yesterday. ducers such as Pfizer Inc, offi- deaths rose by 2,795 — its lowest The man, a resident of the cials have said. daily increase since April 27. city of Zhenjiang, was hospi- The health ministry said “Containment has worked. talised on April 28 after devel- nearly 45 million people had However, it is not a sustainable oping a fever and other been fully vaccinated — 4.7% solution and we have to find a symptoms, the NHC said. of the country’s 950 million measure to ease the lock- He was diagnosed as adult population. India admin- downs,” said Balram Bhargava, having the H10N3 avian istered nearly 2.8 million doses head of the Indian Council of influenza virus on May 28, it on Monday, according to data Medical Research. said, but did not give details from its official vaccine portal. The nation’s overall toll of on how the man had been Ardern monitors New Zealand flood situation Prime Minister Narendra infections now stands at 28.2 infected with the virus. Modi’s government has drawn million, while the number of The man was stable and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern gestures while flying over flood-affected areas with criticism for a slow vaccine deaths has reached 331,895, ready to be discharged from the Defence Force following a period of severe flooding in the South Island’s Canterbury region, in rollout even though India is one according to health ministry hospital. Medical observation Selwyn Huts, New Zealand, yesterday. of the world’s biggest data. of his close contacts had not found any other cases. H10N3 is a low pathogenic, or relatively less severe, strain of Australian court upholds ban on most international travel the virus in poultry and the risk of it spreading on a large scale AP — CANBERRA in preventing its citizens and power to legally enforce the Covenant on Civil and Political than an entire population. The was very low, the NHC added. permanent residents from travel ban that has prevented Rights that Australia had order could only be imposed if The strain is “not a very An Australian court yesterday leaving the country except in thousands of Australians from ratified. that individual had symptoms common virus,” said Filip rejected a challenge to the “exceptional circumstances” attending weddings and But the three judges ruled of a listed human disease, had Claes, regional laboratory federal government’s draconian where they can demonstrate a funerals, caring for dying rela- that submission was based on been exposed to such a disease coordinator of the Food and power to prevent most citizens “compelling reason.” tives and meeting newborn the “erroneous premise that the or had failed to comply with Agriculture Organisation’s from leaving the country so that Libertarian group Liberty- babies. right is absolute.” travel requirements. Emergency Centre for Trans- they don’t bring COVID-19 Works argued before the full LibertyWorks lawyer Jason LibertyWorks’ lawyers also Melbourne began a seven- boundary Animal Diseases at home. bench of the Federal Court in Potts argued that Australians argued that such a biosecurity day lockdown on Fr iday due to the Regional Office for Asia Australia is alone among early May that Health Minister had a right to leave their control order could only be the cluster that by yesterday had and the Pacific. developed democracies Greg Hunt did not have the country under the International imposed on an individual rather grown to more than 50 cases. 10 EUROPE WEDNESDAY 2 JUNE 2021 Heathrow opens terminal for high-risk travellers

AP — LONDON brought new infections and Heathrow said in a deaths down sharply, but case A terminal at London’s statement that it had set numbers are once again rising Heathrow Airport that was as a more transmissible virus mothballed because of the coro- up the new arrivals variant, named Delta by the navirus pandemic reopened facility because “red list World Health Organization and yesterday to serve passengers routes will likely be a first identified in India, spreads arriving from high-risk coun- feature of UK travel for across the UK. tries – an action that critics said the foreseeable future”. Yesterday, the government was long overdue. reported a further 3,165 con- Britain has barred travellers firmed COVID-19 cases, com- from a “red list” of 43 corona- pared to about 2,500 cases last virus hotspots including India, leaving Heathrow - previously week. But Britain recorded no Brazil, Turkey and South Africa, Europe’s busiest airport - coronavirus deaths yesterday fearing they could bring in wor- largely empty. for the first time since July. risome virus variants. UK cit- Heathrow said in a Apart from July 30, there have izens and residents who return statement that it had set up the been no days without officially from those countries face a new arrivals facility because recorded COVID-19 deaths mandatory 10-day supervised “red list routes will likely be a since March 2020. quarantine in a government- feature of UK travel for the Still, rising case numbers approved hotel. foreseeable future.” have cast doubt on the Conserv- Critics, however, have The Public and Commercial ative government’s plans to lift complained that red list pas- Services Union, which repre- social distancing rules and sengers have been using the sents border staff, said the remaining pandemic-related same airport arrivals hall as decision had been made “at restrictions on June 21. thousands of travellers from extremely short notice, Many scientists are urging People queue up outside a COVID-19 vaccination centre at St Thomas’ Hospital, amid pandemic, in other destinations, though in meaning key social distancing a delay, arguing that more London yesterday. separate lines, since hotel procedures are not in place.” people need to be vaccinated quarantines were introduced “This is another poorly before measures can be eased inoculated thousands of people backwards,” First Minister Johnson’s spokesman, Jamie in February. Some arriving planned initiative that will be safely. on Monday at London’s Twick- Nicola Sturgeon said. Davies, said yesterday. passengers have described understaffed and rely on vol- Three-quarters of UK enham rugby stadium. The UK government says it Mark Walport, a former hours-long waits at Heathrow’s unteers to do overtime, to adults have had one dose of a Yesterday, the Scottish gov- will announce on June 14 chief scientific adviser to the passport control in crowded avoid mounting queues,” the coronavirus vaccine so far, and ernment, which controls its whether the latest relaxation government, said the situation conditions. union said. almost half have had both own health policy, said it would for England will be delayed. was “very finely balanced”. Starting yesterday, red list The UK has recorded almost doses. be cautious and delay plans to “We will continue to look “It is a quite perilous arrivals will pass through the 128,000 coronavirus deaths, the Pop-up clinics have been ease restrictions in the most at the data, we will continue to moment, but we’ve just got to airport’s Terminal 3, which was highest toll in Europe. A mass set up as part of a “surge vac- populous parts of the country look at the latest scientific evi- keep our fingers crossed that closed in April 2020 as inter- vaccination campaign that cination” campaign in hotspot because cases are rising. dence, as we move through the measures work,” he told the national air travel plummeted, started in December has areas, including one that “This is a pause, not a step June,” Prime Minister Boris BBC. Germany lowers COVID-19 risk level as cases ease Czech PM faces risk of REUTERS — BERLIN fell to 35.2 per 100,000 people, stressed that while the move public at a rapid pace. Around Germany’s public health agency less than a quarter the rate of was a positive signal, he was 43% of the population of some no-confidence defeat lowered the coronavirus risk around six weeks ago. not sounding the all clear. 83 million has now received a level to “high” from “very high” “In view of the develop- “The pandemic is not over... first dose, with roughly 18% REUTERS — PRAGUE yesterday for the first time in ments - both in infection things can change quickly and fully vaccinated. 2021, reflecting a fall in the numbers and the situation in there are too many examples Spahn said 80%-90% of the The Czech centre-left number of new infections, intensive care units - we see the around the world of where adult population would be government faces potential although the government dynamics that led us to the new things have gone wrong,” he offered a vaccine by mid-July, defeat in a no-confidence stressed that the pandemic was evaluation,” said Health Min- added. and he reiterated his aim that motion tomorrow, a vote that not over. ister Jens Spahn at a news con- RKI head Lothar Wieler said all 12-18 year olds would be may keep the prime minister in A faster vaccination rollout, ference with the head of the it was essential to bring the offered a vaccine by the end of office as caretaker until an wider testing and the intro- RKI. Germany had been at a numbers down further and to August. October election but shift duction of nationwide restric- “very high risk” level since tackle infections around the The number of confirmed political power to the country’s tions helped break a third wave mid-December. world partly through coronavirus cases in Germany pro-Russian president. of infections. The 7-day inci- Spahn said it was his goal vaccinations. rose by 1,785 to 3,682,911, data The opposition blames dence rate monitored by Ger- to avoid a re-instatement of After a slower start than in showed yesterday. The reported Prime Minister Andrej Babis for many’s disease fighting agency, nationwide restrictions which Britain or the United States, death toll rose by 153, bringing failing the country in the coro- the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), are steadily being lifted. But he Germany is now vaccinating its the total to 88,595. navirus pandemic and for breaking conflict of interest rules over his control of trust Prime Minister Andrej Babis Ball in Moscow’s funds liked to his business empire. court to improve The country has suffered Russia, and by banning Belarus’s one of the world’s worst per- airline after an opposition ties with Nato, capita death rates in the pan- blogger was snatched from a demic. Opposition deputies plane forced to land in Minsk. A says Germany handed in an official request for defeat would mean Babis has to the vote yesterday. resign, but remains in office in a REUTERS — BERLIN “One reason to give the vote caretaker role. Zeman has said of no-confidence is the con- that given the short time until the Nato is ready for dialogue with firmed conflict of interests,” said election, he would keep Babis in Russia, but the ball is in Ivan Bartos, chairman of the office, which analysts say would Moscow’s court, Germany said opposition Pirate Party, referring give Zeman leverage over the yesterday, two weeks before to a European Commission audit cabinet. leaders of the military alliance of trust funds holding Babis’s “Despite (the government) are due to meet in Brussels with former business empire. looking the same on the outside, ties between Moscow and the The key to the vote is that the president would be able to West at post-cold war lows. Babis may lose the support of the change the government with “Our message remains Communist Party, which has long one stroke of a pen,” said clear: We are prepared for dia- backed his minority two-party political scientist Petr Just. logue, and we have made pro- cabinet in a tactic that has handed Babis has had good relations posals, but the key to a better the prime minister a majority in with Zeman but they have dif- relationship lies clearly with return for policy concessions. fered on building closer rela- Moscow,” German Foreign Communist chairman tions with China and Russia, Minister Heiko Maas told Vojtech Filip said the gov- which Zeman has promoted. A reporters before a video call ernment has “completely failed” key issue in this regard is the with his Nato counterparts. in foreign policy. He said the gov- planned construction of a He was echoing remarks by Andrei Pivovarov, member of Open Russia opposition group, stands in front of police officers during ernment had erred by blaming nuclear power plant by state- Nato Secretary-General Jens a demonstration on May Day in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on May 1, 2017. a 2014 arms depot explosion on controlled CEZ utility. Stoltenberg, who on Monday underscored the alliance would continue to seek dialogue with Authorities raid home of Open Moscow, while also exercising Greece, Germany introduce troops for defensive purposes. Russia opposition group leader vaccination travel certificates “We are there to prevent conflict and war. But the best REUTERS — MOSCOW The Investigative Com- needed to protect its national AP — ATHENS in all the bloc’s countries. way of doing that is to send a mittee in the southern region security from external inter- “EU citizens are looking clear message to any potential Russian authorities raided the of Krasnodar said in a statement ference. Pivovarov’s detention Greece, Germany and five other forward to travelling again, and adversary that if one ally is apartment of opposition activist it had opened a case over an drew international attention. European Union nations intro- they want to do so safely. Having attacked, the whole alliance Andrei Pivovarov yesterday online post from August 2020 “As the international com- duced a vaccination certificate an EU certificate is a crucial step will be there,” Stoltenberg said. after he was hauled off a plane that called for the public to munity, we should react to what system for travellers yesterday, on the way,” EU Health Commis- His comments were a and taken into custody as part support the organisation, the is happening in civil society in weeks ahead of the July 1 rollout sioner Stella Kyriakides said. reaction to Russia saying it of a broader crackdown on Interfax news agency reported. Russia,” Deputy Polish Foreign of the program across the Greece’s digital governance would deploy around 20 new critics of the Kremlin. It did not give details of the Minister Marcin Przydacz told 27-nation bloc. minister, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, military formations and units Police removed Andrei post, nor name Pivovarov, but state-run broadcaster TVP Info. The other countries starting said easier travel will open up close to Nato’s borders by the Pivovarov, director of Open gave the same charges his team In a separate incident yes- early were Bulgaria, the Czech within the EU as nations adopt end of the year, which Moscow Russia, a now defunct oppo- cited. terday, opposition politician Republic, Denmark, Croatia and the new verification standard. justified by calling out sition group linked to exiled Russia declared the Dmitry Gudkov said police were Poland, according to the “What will happen is that increased military activity on former oil tycoon and Kremlin London-based Open Russia searching his cottage outside the European Commission. countries will stop issuing cer- its western flank. critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky, group “undesirable” in 2017, city of Kolomna. Greece, which depends tificates using their own con- Stoltenberg, however, said from a flight that was about to effectively banning its activities. He said police had also tar- heavily on tourism, has been vention and adopt the common Nato had stepped up its exer- take off to Warsaw from St Its allies in Russia continued geted former and current pressing for the commonly-rec- convention. That will simplify cises and ramped up its read- Petersburg’s Pulkovo airport their activism under a separate members of his staff. ognised certificate that uses a QR things considerably, because you iness in response to Russia’s late on Monday. legal entity to try to protect “I don’t know the formal code with advanced security fea- can imagine the number of interference in Ukraine and an His team said police ques- themselves from prosecution. reason for this,” Gudkov wrote tures. The certificates are being bilateral agreements that would increased Russian military tioned him, searched his The group folded its activ- on the Telegram social media issued to people who are fully otherwise need to be worked presence in the Baltic Sea, apartment and opened a ities in Russia last week to platform. “But the real (reason) vaccinated as well as those have out,” Pierrakakis told private Kaliningrad and the Black Sea. criminal case against him yes- prevent its supporters from is clear.” Gudkov’s father already contracted the virus and Skai television. “This is one of the main terday for allegedly violating facing criminal prosecution as Gennady, also critical of the developed antibodies and others Kyriakides said in the next reasons why Nato over the last Russia’s legislation on “unde- parliament prepares to adopt Kremlin, described the searches who have had a PCR test within few weeks, all EU nations need years has increased the read- sirable organisations”. legislation that would increase as “a special operation to elim- the last 72 hours. The documents to “fully finalise their national iness of our forces and also why “These situations show us criminal liability for anyone inate Gudkov’s team”. will have both digital and paper systems to issue, store and verify we have deployed battle groups that they are afraid of us, and who cooperates with “unde- Authorities are yet to forms. They’ll be free of charge, certificates, so the system is func- to the eastern part of the we are a majority,” Pivovarov’s sirable organisations”. comment on the operation distributed in the national lan- tioning in time for the holiday alliance,” Stoltenberg said. Twitter account said. Russia says the law is Gudkov said was under way. guage plus English and be valid season.” WEDNESDAY 2 JUNE 2021 AMERICAS 11 Biden pledges to end ‘systemic racism’ on Greenwood anniversary BLOOMBERG & AP — WASHINGTON “I call upon the people of the United States to commemorate the tremendous loss of President Joe Biden vowed to “root out systemic racism” in a life and security that occurred over those 2 statement late on Monday to days in 1921, to celebrate the bravery and mark the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre, which resilience of those who survived and sought to wiped out one of the nation’s rebuild their lives again, and commit together most prosperous Black neigh- to eradicate systemic racism and help to bourhoods. “We honor the legacy of the rebuild communities and lives that have been Greenwood community, and of destroyed by it,” Biden said. Black Wall Street, by reaf- firming our commitment to US President Joe Biden and HUD Secretary Marcia L Fudge arrive at Tulsa International Airport on a visit advance racial justice through communities and lives that have over racial justice will continue to mark the centennial anniversary of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre in Tulsa, Oklahoma, US, yesterday. the whole of our government, been destroyed by it,” Biden said. to test Biden, whose presidency and working to root out sys- The Tulsa massacre was one would have been impossible can’t stop here”. He called on showed up with guns to prevent and by local governments temic racism from our laws, our of the worst episodes of racial without overwhelming support Congress to act swiftly to the man’s lynching, white res- looking to make cash payments policies, and our hearts,” Biden violence in US history, but for from Black voters, both in the address policing reform. idents responded with over- to Black residents. said in the proclamation. decades was little known Democratic primaries and the Despite its horror, the Tulsa whelming force. But some of Tulsa’s Black Biden has made racial equity outside Oklahoma. general election. massacre has only recently A grand jury investigation residents question whether the a centerpiece of his presidency. Biden is the first president Biden has pledged to help entered the national discourse. at the time concluded, without $20m spent to build the The government must “reckon to participate in remembrances combat racism in policing and The President is set to visit the evidence, that unidentified agi- Greenwood Rising museum in with and acknowledge” the role of the destruction of what was other areas of life following Greenwood Cultural Center and tators had given Tulsa’s African an increasingly gentrified part it has played in stripping wealth known as “Black Wall Street”. nationwide protests after announce new measures to help Americans both their firearms of the city could have been and opportunities from Black In 1921 — on May 31 and June 1 George Floyd’s death a year ago narrow the wealth gap between and what was described as their better spent helping Black Americans, Biden said. — Tulsa’s white residents and that reignited a national con- Blacks and whites and reinvest mistaken belief “in equal rights, descendants of the massacre or “I call upon the people of the civil society leaders looted and versation about race. Floyd, a in underserved communities by social equality and their ability residents of the city’s predom- United States to commemorate burned to the ground the Black man, was killed by white expanding access to homeown- to demand the same.” inantly Black north side several the tremendous loss of life and Greenwood district and used Minneapolis police officer ership and small-business Reparations for Black miles away from Greenwood. security that occurred over those planes to drop projectiles on it. Derek Chauvin, who pressed his ownership. Americans whose ancestors Disagreements among Black 2 days in 1921, to celebrate the Up to 300 Black Tulsans were knee on Floyd’s neck for more Historians say the massacre were enslaved and for other leaders in Tulsa over the han- bravery and resilience of those killed, and thousands of sur- than nine minutes. in Tulsa began after a local racial discrimination have been dling of commemorative events who survived and sought to vivors were forced for a time After Chauvin was convicted newspaper drummed up a debated in the US since slavery and millions of dollars in dona- rebuild their lives again, and into internment camps overseen in April, Biden said the coun- furore over a Black man ended in 1865. Now they are tions have led to two disparate commit together to eradicate sys- by the National Guard. try’s work was far from finished accused of stepping on a white being discussed by colleges and groups planning separate slates temic racism and help to rebuild America’s continuing struggle with the verdict, declaring, “We girl’s foot. When Black Tulsans universities with ties to slavery of anniversary events. Leading Cuban dissident released from hospital J&J to pay $2.1bn talc award

REUTERS — HAVANA first admitted on May 2, they had him under supervision at the writers and activists that has as top court nixes appeal said they could detect no sign of hospital. Cuba’s government protested restrictions in Cuba Leading Cuban dissident Luis malnutrition and that he was in accuses him of being a mer- on civil liberties for the last few BLOOMBERG — NEW YORK cases, Kim Montagnino, a J&J Manuel Otero Alcantara vowed a stable condition, in what cenary for the US, which in years. The movement has used spokeswoman, said. to keep fighting after he was appeared a bid to cast doubt on recent years has tightened its the advent of mobile internet Johnson & Johnson must pay a “Today justice is served,” released from hospital on his hunger strike. decades-old sanctions on the in Cuba at the end of 2018 to $2.1bn award to women who said Mark Lanier, the women’s Monday, four weeks after Otero Alcantara said in a Communist-run island, deep- document its provocative per- claimed its baby powder was lawyer. “Twenty families now authorities admitted the video published by outlet ening its economic crisis. formances on social media and contaminated with cancer- get compensated for a horrible, “artivist” while he was staging CubaNet that he needed to get “I’ve got to get up to date command attention. causing asbestos, after the US unnecessary disease. And J&J, a hunger and thirst strike. up to date on all that had hap- and emerge from a state of A collective hunger strike Supreme Court left intact the the trigger for that disease, is The General Calixto Garcia pened while he was kept shock, but what is clear is that... sparked a rare protest outside largest verdict in the almost held accountable.” hospital in Havana said its incomunicado in hospital and we are going to keep fighting,” the culture ministry last decade-long litigation over the Jurors in the St. Louis case treatment had enabled the would then explain in further Otero Alcantara told CubaNet November 27 which in turn cat- iconic product. awarded each woman $25m in 33-year-old artist to completely detail his side of the story. after arriving at the home of rel- alysed a new protest movement: The top US court without compensatory damages. The recover from his diagnosis of His release comes after atives, noting he was worried 27N. Last week, around 20 comment yesterday refused to panel then added more than “voluntary starvation,” and his pressure from US officials and about fellow activists who Cuban artists including some consider J&J’s objections to a $4bn in punitive damages, clinical and health parameters rights groups like Amnesty Inter- remained detained after pro- from 27N asked that their works St. Louis jury’s 2018 finding its making the award the sixth- were now all within normal national, which 10 days ago testing his hospitalization. in Havana’s Fine Arts Museum talc-based powder helped largest in US legal history. A state range. His supporters denounced named Otero Alcantara a Otero Alcantara is the head be hidden from public view, in cause ovarian cancer in 20 appeals court cut the award by contradictions in statements by “prisoner of conscience”, saying of the San Isidro Movement, a a sign of solidarity with Otero women. J&J prepared for the more than half last year. health authorities. When he was state security appeared to have group of a few dozen artists, Alcantara. appeal’s denial by announcing Asbestos, which is often in February it was setting aside found where talc is mined, is a almost $4bn to cover the St. recognized carcinogen. Boy, 7, swims an Louis verdict. The company still Lawyers for the women said faces more than 26,000 law- J&J was asking the court to do hour to rescue suits blaming baby powder for something unprecedented and causing cancers. J&J pulled the override state rules governing his father and product off US and Canadian when lawsuits can be consoli- little sister shelves last year. dated for trial. The women also “The decision by the court to contended that J&J’s years of AP — JACKSONVILLE not review the case leaves unre- deceit about its product and dis- solved significant legal questions regard for the health of its cus- A 7-year-old boy is being that state and federal courts will tomers warranted the punitive credited for helping to save his continue to face” in future talc damage award. father and 4-year-old sister by swimming to shore and calling for help after they got caught in a strong current during a California’s Coachella music holiday weekend boating trip on Florida’s St. Johns River. festival to return in April The father, Steven Poust, told Jax4 television station that REUTERS — LOS ANGELES he anchored his boat in the river while he fished and his The Coachella music festival in the Southern California desert children played on Friday. will return for the first time in two years in April 2022, the organizer Chase Poust said the current said yesterday. The 20-year-old music festival, one of the largest was too strong for her sister in the world, was cancelled in 2020 because of the coronavirus Abigail to hold onto the boat, pandemic. Organizers had previously worked to bring it back in and he also let go to stay with October 2021, according to reports, but that plan was scrapped. her. Only the girl was wearing Floods in Amazonas State The festival brings half a million fans to an open-air site in Indio, a life jacket. east of Los Angeles, over two weekends. The 2022 dates are the A man pedals his bicycle on a street flooded by waters from the Negro river in downtown of Manaus, “I felt really scared,” Chase weekends of April 15-17 and April 22-24, organizer Goldenvoice, a in Amazonas State, Brazil, yesterday. told the station. Their father festival and concert company, said. Tickets go on sale on Friday. jumped in the water to grab her. Chase then began swimming toward shore. “I told them I loved him California farmers hit by drought change planting plans because I wasn’t sure what’s going to happen,” their father REUTERS — FIREBAUGH Agriculture is an important regions needing more water years. New dams face environ- consequences for those planting told the station. “I tried to stick part of California’s economy to thrive. “I’m going to be mental restrictions meant to it. “If there is no water, there is with both of them. I wore Joe Del Bosque is leaving a third and the state is a top producer reducing some of our almond protect endangered fish and no work. And for us farm myself out. She drifted away of his 2,000-acre farm near of vegetables, berries, nuts and acreage. I may be increasing other wildlife, and don’t solve workers, how are we going to from me.” Firebaugh, California, unseeded dairy products. some of our row crops, like near-term water needs, said support the family?” said Chase kept swimming, this year due to extreme The last major drought tomatoes,” said Stuart Woolf, Ernest Conant, regional director 57-year-old Pablo Barrera, who paddling and floating on his drought. Yet, he hopes to access from 2012 to 2017 reduced who operates 30,000 acres, of the Bureau of Reclamation, was planting watermelons for back to keep from tiring out. enough water to produce a irrigation supplies to farmers, most of it in Western Fresno California-Great Basin region, Del Bosque. “The current was going the marketable melon crop. forced strict household con- County. He may fallow 30% of the federal agency that overseas Woolf said as the state con- opposite way of going to the Farmers across California servation measures and stoked his land. dams, canals and water alloca- tinues to restrict water access, boat and the shore so it was say they expect to receive little deadly wildfires. Del Bosque, who grows tions in the Western United he’s exploring ways to generate very hard to swim that way,” water from state and federal California farmers are melons, asparagus, sweet corn, States. income off the land he can no Chase said. It took him about agencies that regulate the state’s allocated water from the state almonds and cherries, said his “We simply don’t have longer irrigate, including an hour to reach land. He ran reservoirs and canals, leading based on seniority and need, operation could lose more than enough water to supply our installing solar arrays and to the nearest house for help. many to leave fields barren, but farmers say water needs half a million dollars in income, agricultural users,” said Conant. planting Agave, normally grown “I screamed for help at the plant more drought-tolerant of cities and environmental and put many of his 700 “We’re hopeful some water can in Mexico to make tequila. top of my lungs and waved my crops or seek new income restrictions reduce agricul- workers out of work. be moved sooner than October, “You’ve got to absorb all of arms and sure enough sources all-together. tural access. He and other farmers say but there’s no guarantees.” your farming costs on the few someone heard us,” Poust said. “We’re taking a big risk in Nearly 40% of California’s drought has been exacerbated Water scarcity threatens Del acres that you’re farming,” he “Little man also made it to planting crops and hoping the 24.6 million acres of farmland by California’s lack of Bosque’s watermelon crop, said. “How do we maximize shore and got help and that’s water gets here in time,” said are irrigated, with crops like investment in water storage which is due to be harvested in the value of the land that we what saved our lives.” Del Bosque, 72. almonds and grapes in some infrastructure over the last 40 August. But it also has dire are not farming?”