Border Opens As Qatar Blockade Ends O Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Cites Qatar-Saudi Deal Towards Ending Rift

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TUESDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11784 January 5, 2021 Jumada I 21, 1442 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir to chair Qatar’s delegation to 41st GCC Summit in Saudi today Border opens as Qatar blockade ends O Kuwaiti foreign minister cites Qatar-Saudi deal towards ending rift

QNA, AFP, Reuters eign Minister Sheikh Dr Ahmed Nasser al- signing the Al-Ula declaration, which he confi dence that leaders of GCC members Doha/Kuwait City/Washington Mohamed al-Sabah announced that Saudi added would serve as a fresh start for broth- and Egypt are keen to ensure that the sum- Arabia would reopen its airspace and land erly ties unobstructed by any diff erences. mit will be one of reconciliation and solidar- and sea border to Qatar, citing a deal towards He said that, based on a proposal by the ity, and that all issues could be addressed so is Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim ending a dispute in which Riyadh and its allies Amir of Kuwait, the two sides agreed to open that things could return to normal. bin Hamad al-Thani will chair Qa- imposed a boycott on Qatar since mid-2017. airspace as well as land and sea border start- “Based on (Kuwait’s ruler Amir) Sheikh Htar’s delegation participating in the Sheikh Dr Ahmed said that the Amir of ing Monday night. Nawaf’s proposal, it was agreed to open the 41st session of the Supreme Council of the Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al- Sheikh Dr Ahmed added that the Amir of airspace and land and sea borders between Co-operation Council for the Arab States Sabah held phone calls with His Highness the Kuwait expressed his great gratitude to Cus- the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of of the Gulf (GCC), set to take place today in Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and todian of the Two Holy Mosques King Sal- Qatar, starting from this (Monday) evening,” Al-Ula Governorate in Saudi Arabia, Qatar Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister man bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mo- said Kuwaiti foreign minister on state TV. News Agency reported. and Minister of Defence Mohamed bin Salman. hamed bin Salman for their commitment to A breakthrough has been reached in Qa- The confi rmation of His Highness the He added that the calls stressed the com- the success of the summit. tar’s dispute with Saudi Arabia and three Amir’s participation came after Kuwaiti For- mitment of all parties involved to unity by The Amir of Kuwait also expressed his other Arab countries and an agreement aimed at ending their rift is to be signed in Saudi Arabia today, a senior Trump admin- Amir receives message from Kuwaiti leader istration offi cial said in Washington. Saudi state agency SPA quoted Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman as saying the annual gathering of Gulf leaders would unite Gulf ranks “in the face of challenges facing the region”. The US offi cial said the Saudi crown prince and His Highness the Amir of Qatar would sign the deal. White House senior adviser Jared Kushner, assigned to work on the dispute by US President Donald Trump, helped negotiate the deal and was working the phones on it until the wee hours of yesterday morning, the offi cial said. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani Kushner, joined by Middle East envoy Avi Berkowitz and Brian Hook, a special State and Saudi Arabia, local Arabic daily Arrayah reported. Department adviser, were fl ying to the Saudi Al-Hajraf stressed that this step, which comes on the eve of Arabian city of Al-Ula to attend the ceremo- the GCC Summit, refl ects the great care and sincere eff orts be- ny, the US offi cial said. ing made to ensure the success of the summit, which is held un- “It’s just a massive breakthrough,” the der exceptional circumstances. Al-Hajraf stressed that the peo- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani received a verbal message from the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmed official said. “The blockade will be lifted. It ple of the GCC countries are proud of this step, and are looking al-Jaber al-Sabah, pertaining to the solid fraternal ties between the two countries and the prospects for enhancing them, in addition to will allow for travel amongst the countries to the future with all hopes, aspirations and opportunities to- the joint GCC action. The message was handed over by Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Ahmed Nasser al-Mohamed al-Sabah, during as well as goods. It will lead to more sta- wards a coherent and compact Gulf entity that moves ahead the a meeting with His Highness the Amir at his off ice at Al Bahr Palace yesterday evening. At the outset of the meeting, Sheikh Dr Ahmed bility in the region.” The GCC Secretary- wheel of development, progress, security and stability. Nasser conveyed the Kuwaiti Amir’s greetings to His Highness the Amir, wishing him good health and happiness and the Qatari people General Dr Nayef bin Falah al-Hajraf yes- The GCC secretary-general extended his gratitude, appre- further progress and prosperity. For his part, the Amir entrusted Kuwait’s foreign minister to convey his greetings to Sheikh Nawaf, terday welcomed the opening of airspace ciation and congratulations to the leaders and people of the wishing him good health and the Kuwaiti people further progress and prosperity. Page 2 and land and sea borders between Qatar GCC states, Arrayah added. ‘Container stadium’ getting shipshape Three more health centres off er Covid-19 vaccination

By Joseph Varghese Within the fi rst one week, over 10% of The Ministry of Public Health Staff Reporter the target group has been vaccinated (MoPH) recently announced that it and we hope that all the others in the has lowered the age limit for Covid-19 country will be vaccinated in the com- vaccine eligibility to those aged 65 and hree more health centres have ing months,” said Dr Abdul Malik. above from 70. started providing the Covid-19 The other seven designated PHCC Vaccinations at health centres will Tvaccine while over 10% of the health centres for Covid-19 vaccina- continue to be given to people with target group in the fi rst phase of vac- tion are: Al Wajbah, Leabaib, Al Ru- pre-arranged appointments that fall cination were inoculated during the wais, Umm Salal, Rawdat Al Khail, under the priority groups of people fi rst week, a top offi cial told Gulf Times Al Thumama and Muaither. The fi rst aged 65 and above; people with severe yesterday. phase of the vaccination runs until chronic conditions and healthcare “Al Khor, Qatar University and Al January 31. workers with repeated exposure to Waab health centres have been added PHCC has also launched a dedicated Covid-19. to the existing seven health centres for hotline 4027707 to enable those aged Members of the community who are Covid-19 vaccination,” Primary Health 65 and above to book, cancel or sched- eligible for the vaccine will continue to Care Corporation (PHCC) managing ule pre-booked Covid-19 vaccination be contacted through phone/SMS by director Dr Mariam Abdul Malik said appointments. The dedicated line is the PHCC team to invite them to at- in reply to a question. currently available from 7am-11pm. tend an appointment at one of the ten A view of the under-construction Ras Abu Aboud Stadium, the first fully demountable and re-usable tournament venue All other health centres under PHCC “To ensure that we are further pri- designated health centres. in FIFA World Cup history, and located 10km from Doha city centre. With less than two years to go until the FIFA World will be included to provide the vaccina- oritising those mostly at risk of se- The vaccine will be off ered more Cup Qatar 2022, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) made major progress in stadium delivery during tion in the coming days, the offi cial said. vere complications from Covid-19 we widely throughout the year. The MoPH 2020, it was announced yesterday. Designed by Fenwick Iribarren Architects, the 40,000-capacity Ras Abu Aboud “The vaccination campaign is pro- have now activated a dedicated hotline is working with the pharmaceutical Stadium is being built using 998 shipping containers and other modular materials. Overlooking Doha Corniche and gressing very rapidly and smoothly at number. This dedicated number will companies to ensure the next ship- West Bay skyline, the stadium will host seven matches up to the round of 16 stage during Qatar 2022. The delivery all the centres. With the age limit re- improve accessibility for our clients and ment of vaccines arrives in Qatar as and installation of all containers are complete. This includes special containers for the completed Kahramaa primary duced to 65 to be eligible for the fi rst encourage uptake of the vaccine by pro- early as possible and everyone who substation. All remaining structural steel members, including tension rods, have also been delivered and installed. phase of vaccination, more people viding further fl exibility on appoint- needs to be vaccinated will be able to Installation of all seats in the stadium’s bowl has also been completed. Sport Pages 2, 3 have been included to the fi rst phase. ment booking,” Dr Abdul Malik added. do so throughout the year. PHCC launches new mobile app for easy access to its services

he Primary Health Care Corpora- a health card online,” PHCC managing services for its 27 health centres, by mak- encouraging patients to take ownership of During Covid-19, PHCC accelerated tion (PHCC) has launched a new director Dr Mariam Abdul Malik said. ing healthcare services easily accessible. their health,” said Dr Mariam Abdul Malik. its digital transformation to facilitate Tmobile application ‘Nar’aakom’, “The app allows Qatar residents to ben- “It is an extension of the digital transfor- PHCC has also started a dedicated no or minimal-contact care delivery off ering a bunch of services and facilities. eﬁ t from many of PHCC’s digital services mation of healthcare services that PHCC hotline, 4027707 to help people aged 65 through virtual consultations over the “The app in English and Arabic pro- from their smartphones,” she explained rolled out early last year. With the mobile and above to book, cancel or schedule phone and video; a 24x7 Community vides comprehensive healthcare man- at a press conference yesterday. With the app, we empower people with the ability to pre-booked Covid-19 vaccination ap- Call Centre and an electronically-dis- agement on-the-go, from accessing launch of Nar’aakom, PHCC has made it access health services anywhere, anytime at pointments. The dedicated line is cur- pensed medication facility with home- Dr Mariam Abdul Malik upcoming appointments to applying for easy for Qatar residents to access digitised their convenience in a secure platform; thus rently available from 7am-11pm. delivery service. To Page 2 Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, January 5, 2021 QATAR Shura hears FM meets his Kuwaiti counterpart views on Labour Law amendments

QNA Doha

he Shura Council held its HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani met in Doha yesterday with weekly meeting yesterday Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser al-Mohamed al-Sabah. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations Tunder the chairmanship and issues of common concern. of HE the Speaker Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud. At an invitation from HE al- Mahmoud, HE the Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Aff airs Yousef bin Mohamed al-Othman Fakhro attended the session to explain Foundation course held for the articles in Decree Law No 18 of 2020 amending some provisions of the Labour Law promulgated by Law No 14 of 2004, and The Shura Council weekly meeting in progress. to present the ministry’s view- assistant public prosecutors point on what was stated in the in an appendix to the standard tion with the Qatar Chamber. general debate request submitted labour contract to preserve the Discussions during the session by a number of Council members employer’s right to compensa- focused on the new measures he Institute of Crimi- regarding the change of employer tion for the costs incurred by him taken by the Ministry of Admin- nal Studies at the Public and travel without notice for ex- in order to recruit and train the istrative Development, Labour TProsecution organised the patriate workers. worker as well as any other costs. and Social Aff airs in relation to third foundation course for pre- HE the minister began the HE the minister added that the worker’s transfer to a new paring assistant public prosecu- discussions, explaining that the the new amendments included employer. They included the pe- tors. ministry is currently seeking to setting rules and procedures by riod stipulated for the non-com- Thirty-three assistant pub- develop legal legislation based on the Labour Ministry in general petition clause for the worker’s lic prosecutors are participating the Qatar National Vision 2030, in order to defi ne the mechanism transfer, as well as compensation in the one-year course which and within the framework of im- and controls for the transfer and for the employer for his expenses includes a theoretical study of plementing the national strategy decide on the approval of the for bringing the worker and the penal and procedural laws and projects so that the labour mar- submitted applications, which proportionality of compensation other laws related to the public ket is modern and dynamic and are being studied to achieve fl ex- with what the employer incurs in prosecution, as well as practical enhances the State’s economic ibility in developing these proce- terms of material losses result- training and fi eld visits to pris- level to attract foreign invest- dures in a way that preserves the ing from the failure of one of the ons, forensic medicine, forensic ment and compete in global mar- rights of all the parties. He af- parties to comply with the provi- evidence and the crime scene. kets. It is also aimed at achiev- fi rmed the ministry’s keenness to sions contained in the termina- The assistants are trained by ing balance in the demographics follow up on employers’ observa- tion of the contract without ob- an elite group of prosecutors, of Qatar in terms of the quality tions regarding these procedures serving the notice periods. The professors and experts in this and size of the resident popula- to develop them in a manner that discussions touched on the issue fi eld. The Public Prosecution is tion, reduce the number of un- preserves the rights of all parties. of illegal labour and the need to always working to develop the skilled and illegal workers, rotate Expressing the ministry’s as- attract skilled workers. capabilities and performance of and retain skilled labour, while piration for more co-operation After the broad and fruit- its members of all ranks by hold- achieving legal guarantees for all with the Shura Council, HE the ful discussions, HE the Speaker ing foundational and refresher parties that are compatible with minister said receiving its con- thanked HE the Minister of courses with the aim of prepar- international standards. structive views and proposals Administrative Development, ing cadres and leaders who will HE the minister stated that and considering them in devel- Labour and Social Aff airs for take the responsibility for crimi- the amendments have been ex- oping procedures and amend- clarifying and answering the nal cases and establishing and pedited to accelerate handling ments achieve the common goal questions of the members. He achieving justice for all. — QNA The assistants are trained by an elite group of prosecutors, professors and experts in legal field. of the Covid-19 crisis and its to reach more economic prosper- also expressed his thanks and economic impact. The amend- ity for the State in the future, and appreciation to the esteemed ments are also sought in light of support the preservation of the government for its response and the diffi culty of returning work- rights of all parties in the labour for taking measures and controls ers to their countries due to the market. regarding the movement of ex- preventive measures taken by the In his response to queries of patriate workers. For his part, HE Covid hotline 16000 very eff ective in State, and the prevailing spread the members of the Council, HE the minister praised the propos- of the disease in labour-provid- the minister explained that get- als and observations of the Shura ing countries, adding that the ting rid of illegal workers comes Council members, stressing that situation did not allow workers at the forefront of the ministry’s they will be taken into considera- providing quick, reliable information to leave Qatar, which had a nega- priorities and that there are radi- tion. tive impact on the conditions of cal solutions to this matter, and At the end of the session, HE companies and workers. announced that a study is un- the Speaker directed the joint By Ayman Adly used to ask about the nature of The hotline updates its delivered to their homes in co- He added that the amendment derway to classify companies. He committee of the Services and Staff Reporter Covid-19 and ways of infection system almost on weekly operation with Qatar Post and included introducing the ben- also clarifi ed that the aforemen- Public Utilities Committee and and protection besides home basis in co-operation with the related departments. efi ts of free movement of workers tioned Decree Law No 18 of 2020 the Internal and External Af- quarantine and quarantine at all the entities concerned Recently, another service in Qatar locally according to spe- amending some provisions of the fairs Committee to complete its he hotline 16000 has the state health facilities, and in the country to be able to was added to the hotline to cifi c controls, and that the afore- Labour Law promulgated by Law report on Decree Law No 18 of built a very effective sys- how to deal with the infected give callers updated and give specialised psychiatric and mentioned amendments meet No 14 of 2004 is not concerned 2020 amending some provisions Ttem to answer general cases and the related issues. well-supported assistance psychological assistance in co- the required balance and justice with domestic workers. of the Labour Law promulgated or specific queries about Cov- Then, as the restrictions operation with the department between the two parties to the HE the minister stressed that by Law No 14 of 2004, and re- id-19, a senior official told Qa- started to ease and people While almost 98% of the concerned. More than 15,000 labour contract represented by the transfer of sponsorship has garding the request for public tar TV last night. “In addition started to travel and come back questions receive answers from consultations have been given the employer and the worker, as rules, controls, and procedures debate submitted by a number of to the frontline operators who to the country, the questions the hotline’s frontline opera- so far. The Medical Commis- both parties have the freedom that will preserve the rights of all members of the Council related can provide the basic informa- were mostly about the neces- tors, only the rest need spe- sion-related questions are also to terminate the contract with parties, noting that the number to the transfer of the employer tion, we have a specialised team sary quarantine period, the cialised referral. The hotline handled by the hotline. the obligation to compensate the of workers who requested a and travel without notice for of physicians, nurses and other quarantine conditions for fam- updates its system almost on Replying to a question, al- other party, and with the em- transfer is few and that those the expatriate workers, in light medical staff to answer spe- ily and children and how to use weekly basis in co-operation Nuaimi said that an icon could ployer’s right to oblige the work- whose requests were approved of the clarifi cations made by HE cific queries,” explained Nasser Ehteraz, with some calls com- with all the entities concerned be added to Ehteraz app to er to a non-competition clause as are smaller, adding that the law Minister of Administrative De- Saeed al-Nuaimi, deputy chief ing from outside Qatar. in the country to be able to give show that the person has taken a clause in the contract, and the gave the worker the opportunity velopment, Labour and Social quality officer and co-director “And now with the arrival callers updated and well-sup- Covid-19 vaccine, as indicated worker must respect this clause to submit a request to change the Aff airs and the discussions with of the Hamad Healthcare Qual- of the Covid-19 vaccine, many ported assistance. earlier by Dr Yousef al-Masla- for a full year and is banned from employer, but this request is sub- him during the session in this re- ity Institute (HHQI) and head people ask about it and the The hotline has received mani, medical director of Ha- working for a competitor in the ject to approval or rejection after gard, in order to submit its report of the hotline. possible side effects, its safety more than 1.7mn calls and mad General Hospital, in a QTV same economic sector for the communicating with the con- to the Council in preparation for The hotline 16000 has passed on the elderly and the appoint- handled them effectively since programme recently. More employer, in addition to the pos- cerned parties. He pointed out referring its recommendations to three stages of development ments for the targeted catego- March last year. In addition, it services could be added to the sibility of adding other condi- that there is a platform for the the esteemed government. since it was first launched in ries and where to take it,” the managed to help patients get hotline 16000 in the future, al- tions and clauses to be included transfer of workers in co-ordina- March last year. At first, people official said. almost 68,000 medications Nuaimi added.

PHCC launches new mobile app for easy access to its services

From Page 1 of your assigned health centre, or by PHCC including access to digital changing the assigned family phy- copy of the medical reports” said The new mobile app, Nar’aakom, sician. Tarazi. Within a year, PHCC has provides complete management of It also allows you to add depend- managed to lead the digitalisation services from keeping track of the ents to your account, so as to man- of healthcare services in Qatar. In health card expiry date and online age requests for any of these serv- October 2020, PHCC had launched renewal, to accessing the assigned ices on their behalf,” said Musallam their new website which provides health centre and fi nding your per- Mubarak al-Nabit, assistant man- an easy access to all primary care sonal assigned family physician. aging director at PHCC. Alexandra information online. Patients can The Nar’aakom app can be down- Tarazi, executive director of Health also access e-services on the PHCC loaded from the Apple App Store Information Systems, PHCC, said website that allows conducting and Google Play Store in Qatar. that the new app is a way forward to ‘day-to-day’ administrative busi- “Nar’aakom gives complete enhance and digitise the services of ness on-line. control to manage your and your PHCC in a big way. Dr Mariam Abdul Malik also an- family’s health service require- “The new app for the time being nounced that PHCC has received ments. From requesting a new ap- off er some of the basic services. It two ISO certifi cations for its digital pointment at one of PHCC health will in the coming days be expand- services: IT 20000 for IT services centres, to applying for a change ed with most of the services off ered and ISO 27001 for IT security. Dr Mariam Abdul Malik flanked by Alexandra Tarazi and Musallam Mubarak al-Nabit at the press meet yesterday. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam Gulf Times Tuesday, January 5, 2021 3 QATAR Qatar Airways expands its South America connectivity Ooredoo and Qatar Museums’ ‘The z Qatar Airways has increased Sao Paulo services and codeshare co-operation with LATAM Airlines Brasil Art and the Mobile’ initiative begins atar Airways has in- oredoo has announced the Qatar Fire Station later this creased Sao Paulo serv- that its cultural ini- month, and part of the collection Qices to 10 weekly fl ights Otiative, ‘The Art and the will be donated or auctioned for a and expanded codeshare co- Mobile’, launched in partnership worthy cause in Qatar. operation with LATAM Airlines with Qatar Museums, is well Sabah Rabiah al-Kuwari, di- Brasil optimising connectivity underway and artists have been rector, PR at Ooredoo Qatar, said: for both airline’s passengers to busy turning smartphone de- “We’re excited that this awesome and from destinations in Asia, vices into creative masterpieces. initiative is now underway, and the Middle East and South ‘The Art and the Mobile’ is a were delighted to get a sneak peek America. unique project intended to en- of how the masterpieces are pro- The new codeshare agree- rich Qatar’s cultural and artistic gressing recently. ment will further strengthen scene, and showcase its young “Part of our corporate social re- the two airlines’ strategic part- and upcoming artists, high- sponsibility is a fi rm commitment nership, fi rst initiated in 2016 lighting their skills and achieve- to supporting the communities and recently expanded in June ments. in which we operate, and we’re 2019. The expanded agree- A select group of artists was proud to be working with Qatar ment will allow Qatar Airways chosen to take part in the chal- Museums on such a worthwhile passengers to book travel on lenge. The artists were given a vices into unique pieces of art by on the technique used, and will project to promote arts and cul- 45 additional LATAM Airlines number of smartphone devices painting or decorating their back get to keep an extra device as a ture in communities in Qatar. We Brasil fl ights and to access over as their canvases, and have now panels. Each artist will decorate gift. The fi nished masterpieces can’t wait to see the fi nished art- 40 domestic and internation- begun work to turn these de- two to three devices, depending will be exhibited for the public at works very soon.” al destinations on the South American carrier’s network, including Brasilia, Curitiba, Porto Velho, Rio Branco, Rio de of their tier status at select tion has been expanded twice Janeiro, San Jose, Lima (Peru), airports with benefi ts such as in recent years. We look for- Montevido (Uruguay) and San- priority check-in and priority ward to further strengthening tiago (Chile). boarding. Qatar Airways Group our commercial co-operation QF, KHCC aim at gaining insights into LATAM Airlines Brasil pas- Chief Executive HE Akbar al- with LATAM Airlines Brasil to sengers will also benefi t from Baker said: “South America enhance the travel experience access to the recently expanded is a strategically important for our millions of customers.” Arab region’s cancer complexity 10 weekly fl ights to and from market for Qatar Airways. We LATAM Brasil CEO Jerome Sao Paulo, operated by Qatar are proud to demonstrate our Cadier said: “We are expanding Airways’ state-of-the-art Air- strong commitment to pas- connectivity and the choice of atar Biomedical Re- bus A350-1000 that features sengers travelling to and from destinations for our custom- search Institute (QBRI) the ‘World’s Best Business South America by providing ers. Even in a year as diffi cult Q– part of Qatar Founda- Class’ seat- Qsuite. even more fl exible travel op- as 2020, we are committed to tion member Hamad Bin Kha- LATAM Airlines Brasil pas- tions. off ering our passengers more lifa University – and the King sengers will also be able to book “By increasing São Paulo options to travel further with Hussain Cancer Centre (KHCC) travel to eight additional Qatar services to 10 weekly fl ights greater convenience and sim- in Jordan, together with Hamad Airways’ destinations such as and expanding our codeshare plicity.” Medical Corporation (HMC), Dr Amal al-Omari Dr Omar al-Agnaf Dr Asem Mansour Bangkok, Hong Kong, Mal- agreement with LATAM Air- In May 2020, Qatar Airways’ have launched a strategic initia- dives, Nairobi, Seoul and Tokyo lines Brasil, we will further ce- most technologically advanced tive aimed at developing a better plained: “Breast cancer is still nomic DNA from patients with “Our ongoing collaboration along with additional Qatar ment our position as the airline passenger aircraft, the A350- understanding of breast cancer the most common malignancy familial breast cancer not related with King Hussain Cancer Cen- Airways’ connecting fl ights of choice for customers travel- 1000, arrived at Sao Paulo In- complexity in the Arab region, among women worldwide and to BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations tre expands our Arab population to destinations such as Baku, ling between Asia, the Middle ternational Airport (GRU). The employing cutting-edge tech- constitutes a signifi cant per- from KHCC. Those samples have sample research and gives us the Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. East and South America. award-winning airline is the fi rst nologies and engaging scientists centage of all cancer cases diag- undergone whole genome se- opportunity to discover and study Some of these destinations “Since 2016, both Qatar to fl y this revolutionary aircraft and clinicians with varied ex- nosed in Arab females. quencing, with the data currently the diff erent underlying disease are subject to regulatory ap- Airways and LATAM Airlines to South America. pertise. “Breast cancer in Arab women being analysed. Initial analysis of mutations. We are applying a proval. Brasil have witnessed the sig- One of the latest additions to Regionally, breast cancer is is also characterised by distinctive those samples has revealed the multidisciplinary approach while With an existing loyalty co- nifi cant mutual benefi ts com- the Airbus family of twin-aisle, the most common cancer among features, such as the younger age presence of large number of ge- analysing the shared samples; the operation, frequent fl yers with mercial co-operation have wide-body jetliners, the A350- women accounting for approxi- at the point of diagnosis compared netic alterations. genetic analysis is ongoing, and is both airlines are also able to brought, providing our passen- 1000 off ers 327 seats across two mately 30% of female cancer to Western countries. Today, our Through complex computa- expected to yield important fi nd- earn and redeem miles for trav- gers with unrivalled service and cabins – 46 Qsuite business cases in Qatar and the Mena understanding of disease mecha- tional algorithms, scientists at ings that will accelerate precision el across the partners’ complete seamless connectivity and it is class seats and 281 extra-wide region, meaning it represents a nisms and gene functions enables QBRI are currently working to medicine and improvements in network as well as recognition why our codeshare co-opera- 18-inch seats in economy class. major health burden. us to guide treatment strategies decipher genetic data to identify patient care.” The chief goal of the Qatar- and design medical interventions novel susceptibility driver genes The next phase of the collabo- Jordan collaboration is to dis- that are appropriate to the indi- beyond BRCA1 and BRCA2. They ration will focus on identifying cover novel susceptibility genes vidual patient’s needs and assess are doing this by analysing addi- early biomarkers for breast cancer in the Arab population which the extent of the response to these tional samples from KHCC while diagnosis and prognosis, and to could help identify and monitor targeted interventions.” also integrating data from Qatari identify biomarkers which could Qatar Museums lines up families with a high genetic risk Among the well-known fa- patients though the collabora- be used to off er a more tailored of developing breast cancer; and milial breast cancer risk factors tion with HMC, to provide a wider treatment choices for breast can- to enable prevention, early de- are mutations in the BRCA1 and picture of genomic alterations in cer from the Mena region. tection, and treatment, improve BRCA2 genes, which account for breast cancer patients from the Dr Asem Mansour, chief execu- a slew of activities in January breast cancer patients’ pros- only 10-20% of high-risk can- Mena region. tive offi cer and director general of pects of surviving the condition. cer cases. This means the genetic Dr Omar El-Agnaf, executive KHCC, said: “There is great op- It could also lead to more per- driver behind other high-risk fa- director of QBRI, said: “Breast timism for this unique scientifi c atar Museums (QM) has launched several Curator-led tours of A Falcon’s Eye (Janu- sonalised treatment for patients, milial breast cancer phenotypes in cancer can be a result of diff erent co-operation between the excep- events and activities, to be hosted across ary 26 from 12pm-1pm). Join exhibition curator by allowing the most appropri- the Mena region remain unidenti- underlying genetic causes, and tional research capabilities of Qa- Qits cultural institutions during January. Dr Mounia Abudaya for a tour of MIA’s special ate therapy to be selected based fi ed. this variability lends itself to the tar Biomedical Research Institute exhibition, A Falcon’s Eye: Tribute to Sheikh on their genetic background. As a fi rst step towards identifi - growing fi eld of precision medi- and the distinguished medical zMuseum of Islamic Art: Saoud Al Thani. Dr Amal al-Omari, chief cation of those driver genes, QBRI cine, which can result in immense and research expertise at the King Drawing for Adults (January 17, 18, 19,and Sheikh Saoud was responsible for acquiring the scientifi c offi cer at KHCC, ex- has received the fi rst batch of ge- patient benefi ts. Hussein Cancer Centre.” 20 from 5pm-7pm). Learn the basics of draw- foundation collections for many of the QM mu- ing and shading techniques through sketching in seums, but as well as being an avid collector, he the exhibition and drawing in the Studio. To sign was also an environmentalist dedicated to saving Education up, please visit www.qm.org.qa/en/programs- rare species. Learn more about this amazing man calendar. and his passion for art and knowledge in this spe- MME partners with Ivory Coast ministry issues cial tour. To sign up, please contact whatsonat- guidelines Community has been [email protected] embassy in tree-planting drive Majlis Book Club for Adults (January 27 for schools from 5pm-7pm). Join us to read and discuss a The Ministry of Education and invited to sign up to wide variety of books – whose topics link with Is- Higher Education has issued a set lamic Art history, museums and collections, and of guidelines to be followed by all drawing classes, regional artistic themes. A new book is selected public, private schools and pre- for each meeting, inspiring readers to exchange schools to ensure the safety of the photography and ideas and thoughts within the creative group and students. Qatar has permitted 50% explore the world of Islamic art from a new per- of attendance for all the schools exhibition tours spective. During 2021, the Book Club will be fo- starting from this academic ses- cusing on books related to diverse subjects in our sion. Ottoman Design for Children aged 8-11 Sheikh Saoud Exhibition, while also revisiting old Accordingly, all schools should (January 19 and 20 from 4pm-5.30pm). Students favourites. To sign up, visit www.qm.org.qa/en/ monitor attendance or absence will gain basic knowledge of Ottoman islimi programs-calendar. policy regularly and a safe dis- design, painting, gilding and brushwork tech- zMathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art tance of 1.5m between students niques. As well as completing an illumination Art Lessons at Mathaf with Ismael Azzam must be maintained inside class- painting, by the end of the course, each student (every Tuesday and Wednesday from 4pm-7pm). rooms. Schools should organise will have a small portfolio of painting and draw- Adults are invited to join artist Ismael Azzam the entry and exit of students to ing studies to take home. To sign up, please visit for a new season of Art Lessons at Mathaf and the school building to maintain www.qm.org.qa/en/programs-calendar. to learn techniques in portraiture drawing using physical distancing and avoid Please note: If Ministry of Public Health re- pencil, charcoal and paint. overcrowding. Schools must divide strictions regarding activities for children (ac- Lessons are off ered free of charge to people students into groups of up to 15 tivities for children were prohibited until end of with basic to intermediate sketching and draw- in each classroom. Students of December) continue, then the programmes may ing skills. To sign up, please visit: https://www. specific stages should wear face need to be cancelled. mathaf.org.qa/en/ismael-azzam. masks regularly. A Falcon’s Eye: Photography for Adults z Learning and Outreach Students with chronic diseases, as (January 20 from 6pm-7pm). The 4th Floor Gal- Colour Your World is a series of educational col- supported by approved medi- leries have been hosting the Photography and ouring pages depicting the many wonderful build- cal reports, are exempted from Camera section of A Falcon’s Eye: Tribute to ings in Qatar. Each illustration is accompanied by in-person attendance. They can Sheikh Saoud exhibition. Join exhibition curator questions, with the answers hidden in the drawing The Ministry of Municipality and Environment’s Public Gardens Department, in co-operation attend their lessons remotely. Dr Giles Hudson for an informal tour of the gal- itself. Fun facts are also included to help students with the embassy of the Ivory Coast, planted a number of trees suitable for the local Schools must strictly observe the leries and learn more about the fascinating art expand their knowledge and pinpoint elements environment, within the one-million tree initiative. The ambassador of the Ivory Coast Dr Abdul precautionary measures and fully of photography and its early history, as well as they might not have recognised. Suitable for all Kadir Cisse, Doha Municipality’s Public Gardens Section off icial Nasser Darwish and other co-operate with the concerned seeing some very unusual cameras! To sign up, ages. http://qm.org.qa/en/colour-your-world- off icials were present. authorities if any Covid-19 cases please contact [email protected] tour-1. are suspected or confirmed. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, January 5, 2021 QATAR

Health minister meets ﬁ rst two recipients of Covid-19 vaccine

E the Minister of Public for taking action to protect them- in the community receiving their Health Dr Hanan Mo- selves and for playing their part fi rst dose and I encourage anyone Hhamed al-Kuwari yester- in ending this pandemic. Clinical who is eligible to have the vaccine day met with Dr Abdulla al-Ku- trials have shown that the vac- as soon as possible.” baisi and Dr Mohamed Frazat, the cine becomes fully eff ective only Dr Frazat, a 88-year-old Syr- fi rst two recipients of Covid-19 after one week of receiving the ian resident and a former profes- vaccine in Qatar. second dose and people who have sor of QU, explained how it has “Qatar was among the fi rst had the fi rst dose are still at risk been a diffi cult year for him and countries in the world to proof catching the virus and should his family living under the threat vide a safe, eff ective and ap- continue to apply the preventive of Covid-19. “Knowing that old- proved Covid-19 vaccine for its measures,” added the minister. er people are more at risk from population and the vaccinations During the fi rst phase of the severe symptoms of Covid-19 of Dr al-Kubaisi and Dr Frazat campaign, vaccines are being has meant I have been living un- signalled the launch of Qatar’s prioritised for those most at risk der the threat of this virus for Covid-19 vaccination campaign of severe complications from the most of the year. I am thankful on December 23. virus: people 65 years of age and to the leadership of Qatar and to The campaign has seen thou- older, those with multiple chron- the health authorities for ensur- sands of the most at-risk mem- ic conditions and healthcare ing the most vulnerable members bers of the community and workers with repeated exposure of Qatar’s population can access healthcare workers receive the to Covid-19. the vaccine so quickly. I have vaccine in the fi rst week and a Commenting on his vaccina- had no side eff ects following my half,” said HE Dr al-Kuwari. tion, Dr al-Kubaisi, a 79-year- fi rst vaccine dose and I look for- “I was delighted to meet Dr al- old Qatari citizen and former ward to receiving my second dose Kubaisi and Dr Frazat and hear president of Qatar University soon,” said Dr Frazat. from them how receiving the (QU), said: “It was an honour for “The response to the launch fi rst dose of the Pfi zer-BioNTech me to become the fi rst person in of the vaccination campaign has HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari yesterday meets the first two recipients of Covid-19 vaccine in Qatar as vaccine has given them cause for Qatar to receive the Covid-19 been very encouraging. Every Dr Abdullatif al-Khal looks on. optimism and how they are now vaccine. The vaccination process day, more and more people in the advocating the vaccine to other was straightforward and pain- most high-risk priority groups vaccinations – including many is helping to build trust among continue to apply the preventive Group on Covid-19 and head of at-risk members of the commu- less, and I have had no side eff ects are being vaccinated against prominent members of society the population in the safety of measures for extra protection,” Infectious Diseases Dept at Ha- nity. I would like to thank every- since receiving the vaccine. I am the virus. As greater numbers and senior health offi cials who the vaccine. We recommend said Dr Abdullatif al-Khal, chair mad Medical Corporation, who one who has received the vaccine happy to see many other people of eligible people receive their meet the eligibility criteria – this that people who got both doses of the National Health Strategic also attended the meeting. Recall of Toyota MoPH reports 141,925 total Covid recoveries

Hilux model QNA Doha he Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), in co- operation with Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros Co, an- he Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) re- Tnounced the recall of Toyota Hilux model of 2019 due to ported yesterday 207 new conﬁ rmed cases the possibility of a defect in the brake booster, which may in- Tof coronavirus (Covid-19) during the last crease the stopping distance. The recall campaign comes with- 24 hours, of which 143 were from community and in the framework of the MoCI’s continuous eff orts to protect 64 from travellers returning from abroad who are consumers and ensure that dealers follow up on vehicle de- subject to quarantine. fects and repairs. The MoCI said that it will co-ordinate with The MoPH also recorded 117 recoveries from the the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works virus during the past 24 hours, bringing the total and will communicate with customers to ensure that they car- number of cases that have recovered so far in Qa- ried out the necessary repairs. The MoCI urged all customers tar to 141,925. All new cases have been introduced to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti- to isolation and are receiving necessary health- Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, care. inquires and suggestions through the following channels: Measures to tackle Covid-19 in Qatar have suc- Call centre: 16001, e-mail: [email protected], Twitter: @ ceeded in ﬂ attening the curve and limiting the MOCIQATAR, Instagram: MOCIQATAR, MoCI mobile app for spread of the virus and the number of new daily android and iOS: MOCIQATAR. cases and hospital admissions is continuing to de- cline each week. Qatar’s proactive and extensive testing of suspected cases has enabled the authorities to identify a high number of positive cases in the community. Qatar has one of the lowest Covid-19 death rates in the world. This is a result of: 1- Very high quality of care provided thorough the public healthcare sector for Covid-19 patients. 2- Qatar’s young population. 3- Proactive testing to identify cases early. 4- Expanding hospital capacity, especially in- tensive care, to ensure all patients receive the medical care they need. 5- Protecting the elderly and those with chronic diseases.

139 people referred to Public Prosecution for not wearing masks The designated authorities referred139 people to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks in places where they are mandatory. The measure is in line with the Cabinet decision, Decree Law No 17 of 1990 on infectious diseases, and the precautionary measures in force in the country to contain the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19). The designated authorities called on the public to adhere to the precautionary measures in place to ensure their safety and the safety of others.

Five persons held for violating home quarantine rules

he designated authorities arrested Tyesterday ﬁ ve persons who violated the re- quirements of the home quarantine, they committed to, following which they are legally account- able for, in accordance with the procedures of the health authorities in the country. The arrest of the violators came in implemen- tation of the precautionary measures in force in the country, approved by health authorities represented in the Ministry of Public Health, to curb the spread of Covid-19. The violators, who are currently being referred to the designate prosecution, are: 1- Tahseen Haqqi Ismail al-Issawi 2- Mohamed Farouq Abdulaziz 3- Abdullah Mohamed Abdullah Saad al-Kharaan 4- Mohamed Nasser Mubarak al-Awad al- Marri. 5- Ekilish Komar Shok- la. The designated authorities called on citizens and residents under home quarantine to fully commit to the Ministry of Public Health’s condition, to ensure their safety and the safety of others. Gulf Times Tuesday, January 5, 2021 5 QATAR

Signal lights at Nuaija and Freej Al Ali Intersections on D-Ring Road to be removed QRCS provides medical help to patients in Yemen

atar Red Crescent Soci- about the tragedy lived by the ety (QRCS) has inaugu- patients, saying “many fami- Qrated a project to help lies, especially the poor ones, patients with hydrocephalus in have children with this condi- Sanaa, the capital city of Yem- tion.” en. “Due to the lack of CSF The ceremony was attended machines at all government by Mohamed al-Shumairi, the health facilities, and the prices project’s manager at QRCS’s are too high for the patients to representation mission; Oth- purchase the machines on the man al-Salawi, deputy man- market, the children with hy- ager of the Handicap Care and drocephalus are likely to devel- Rehabilitation Fund (imple- op serious conditions such as menting partner); staff of the brain cancer or vision loss. So, fund, and parents of children an early surgical intervention with disability. can minimise the impact and Around 1,000 children in boost their survival chances,” all governorates of Yemen will he said. beneﬁ t from the project, ac- Around 1,000 children in all governorates of Yemen will benefit Al-Shumairi said: “As we cording to QRCS in a statement. from the QRCS project. completed Phase 1 of the free- In the inaugural ceremony, of-charge treatment cam- al-Salawi welcomed the repre- during, and post-procedure Before the ceremony, the paign, we were contacted by sentatives of QRCS and valued medications. It also involves public were informed about many families. Over the early The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has the D-Ring Road works. Free right turns will be the latter’s humanitarian and payment for the costs of trans- hydrocephalus, its symptoms, days, 23 children underwent announced the removal of the signal lights at provided for road users coming from Rawdat life-saving role in alleviating portation and accommodation and treatment by the surgical surgery. Every family received Nuaija and Freej Al Ali Intersections on D-Ring Alkhail Street and Najma Street towards D-Ring the suff ering of children with for the poor families that can- placement of a cerebrospinal $200 in cash. So far, the project Road on January 8. This is to provide free flow of Road along with U-turns to facilitate traff ic in all hydrocephalus in Yemen, amid not aff ord the travel to Amanat ﬂ uid (CSF) shunt system. paid for the transportation and traff ic on the two junctions along with reducing directions along D-Ring Road. the absence of international or- Al-Asimah. Both the personnel of QRCS accommodation of 14 poor the lanes to two, all along the main road in both Ashghal will install road signs advising motorists ganisations. These activities will cost and the partner made a tour of families from remote areas. directions. of the temporary closure and urged all to follow Under the project, both ex- $309,000, totally paid by several governorates, under the For Phase 1, 100 CSF machines The removal of the signal lights in co-ordination them and abide by the speed limit to ensure ternal ventricular drains and QRCS, while the Handicap Care theme of “Save a Life”. In his re- have already been procured with the General Directorate of Traff ic is part of safety. intraventricular catheters will and Rehabilitation Fund will marks, Hassan al-Hanani, the and delivered by QRCS, out of be provided, as well as the pre, pay for the costs of procedures. project’s co-ordinator, talked 1,000 machines”.

HBKU-TII opens registration for new creative writing course Indian apex bodies elections The Language Centre at the Writing: Short Fiction will Wednesdays from 4pm- part of our vision at the to be held on January 7 Translation and Interpreting be offered in English by 6pm. Each session will focus Language Centre is to serve Institute (TII), part of the Kummam al-Maadeed, on a different aspect of Qatar’s diverse community College of Humanities and prominent Qatari novelist honing the writer’s craft. In and so we are very excited to The biennial elections to the three apex bodies under the aegis of Social Sciences (CHSS) and acting director of the course of the program, expand our course offerings. Indian embassy will be held on January 7, from 2pm-9pm, accord- at Hamad Bin Khalifa Communications and Public participants will develop an The creative writing course ing to a circular by the embassy. University (HBKU), has Relations at Qatar University. understanding of how each is designed to give all our The elections, to be held online, to Indian Cultural Centre, Indian opened registration for Al-Maadeed’s published of these elements combine participants the tools they Community Benevolent Forum and Indian Sports Centre, were its new creative writing novels include The Lost Rose to produce compelling need to develop their writing previously scheduled for December 26 but postponed due to course in collaboration with and Calling Magic. fiction. projects and hone their craft certain technical issues. Elections for AO representatives will be Qalam Hebr, a company that The course will be delivered Commenting on the launch and the opportunity to do held online in a single round for all apex bodies from 8pm-9pm provides local writers with online from January 18 to of the new course, Dr Nima so under the guidance of on the same day. Members of the apex bodies need to download creative writing platforms. February 3 and classes will Nazari, director, Language one of Qatar’s most talented the Digipol App and upload their details latest by 6pm tomorrow. Introduction to Creative be held on Mondays and Centre, said: “An important authors.” Kummam al-Maadeed Qatar Charity, Unicef in Covid-19 prevention campaign in Pakistan

Students take part in QC’s initiative.

atar Charity (QC), in partnership with Unicef, is imple- Qmenting ‘WASH in Emergency Project’ in communities and schools aff ected by the Covid-19 pandemic in parts of Pakistan. In a press statement, QC said yesterday it is also conducting resilience reinforcement in at-risk vulnerable communities in District Faisalabad and Jhang Punjab. The four-month project aims to cover 100,000 benefi - ciaries in both districts. The project is implemented in close co-ordination with Department of Health; Government of Punjab; Housing and Urban Development, Public Health Engineering Depart- ment; Local Government and Com- munity Development Department; Punjab Disaster Management Au- thority; and District Disaster Man- An instructor holds lecture on proper handwashing. agement Authority. QC with the support of Unicef Covid-19, QC provided 60 infection partments, including 60 elevated installed 80 elbow-operated hand- prevention control kits, 30 in Faisal- Afridiv hand pumps for provision of washing stations in health care fa- abad, and 30 in Jhang. safe drinking water in community and cilities, schools and community of For the sustainability of the inter- public places to prevent water borne Shokort and Faisalabad. vention, WASH committees (60 in diseases. All hand-washing stations are Jhang and 78 in Faisalabad district) QC distributed 250 menstrual hy- equipped with sterilisation and have been formed to implement all giene management kits and 11 WASH cleaning equipment to ensure the use water sanitation and hygiene project. kits in schools. At least 10 key mes- and maximum utilisation of the facil- These committees were oriented on sages regarding Covid-19 symptoms ity. the operation, maintenance and sus- and preventions were broadcasted on WASH committees were formatted tainability of the projects. local dailies in four months while fi ve for the sustainability of the project Some 20 electric water coolers, bill boards were displayed on main intervention along with UV fi lters, have been in- roads, high ways, and in diff erent road For safeguarding and handling stalled in health and education de- conjunctions. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, January 5, 2021 REGION/ARAB WORLD/AFRICA At least 15 Palestinians protest against land confiscation killed after road attack in Syria

AFP 37 soldiers. IS in 2014 over- Beirut ran large parts of Syria and Iraq and proclaimed a cross- border “caliphate” before unmen killed at least 15 multiple off ensives in the two people in Syria, mostly countries led to its territorial Ggovernment soldiers defeat. travelling on a bus, in the sec- The group was overcome ond such road ambush in re- in Syria in March 2019, but cent days, a war monitor said sleeper cells continue to yesterday. launch attacks in the vast Ba- The attack late Sunday re- dia desert, which runs from sulted in the deaths of eight central Syria eastwards to the soldiers, four allied fi ghters border with Iraq. and three civilians, the Brit- “The group has since last Members of security forces block Palestinians trying to reach their lands confiscated by the authorities, during a protest in the village of Halhul, north of Hebron in the ain-based Syrian Observatory spring been ramping up its occupied West Bank, yesterday. for Human Rights said, updat- activities and launching at- ing an earlier toll. tacks against regime forces in There was no immediate the Badia,” Observatory chief claim of responsibility, but the Rami Abdel Rahman said. monitor said the Islamic State Analyst Aymenn al-Tamimi militant group was to blame. said the latest ambushes re- Another 15 people were fl ected the diffi culty in stamp- wounded, with cars and fuel ing out sleeper cells in such tankers also attacked, in the a broad region. “The Syrian Wadi al-Azib area of Hama government forces and its al- province. lies have to cover a very large, Lebanon orders new Syria’s offi cial news agency sparsely populated area that SANA said the “terrorist at- is easy for IS to survive in and tack” killed nine people, all conduct attacks,” he said. civilians. More than 387,000 people Last week, IS said it had have been killed and millions ambushed a bus on December forced from their homes 30 in Syria’s eastern Deir Ez- since Syria’s civil war broke lockdown to fi ght Covid zor province, killing at least out in 2011. Reuters Beirut

ebanon announced a full Palestinians to receive lockdown for three weeks, Lincluding a night curfew, to stem a rise in Covid-19 in- vaccinations next month fections that threatens to overwhelm hospitals in a country already facing fi nancial meltdown. AFP through Covax, a programme Caretaker Health Minister Ramallah co-ordinated by GAVI, the Ge- Hamad Hasan said the lockdown neva-based vaccine alliance. would start on Thursday and run Covax — supported by until Feb 1, with further details he Palestinians said WHO, the European Com- today on which sectors would be yesterday that they ex- mission and other bodies exempt. Tpect to receive their — aims to help the world’s The lockdown will include a fi rst coronavirus vaccine doses poorest nations address the curfew from 6pm-5am. next month, covering 20% pandemic. “It has become clear that the of the population in the West According to Bouzia, the pandemic challenge has reached Bank and Gaza, through a UN- cost of administering vacci- a stage that is seriously threat- backed programme. nations for the first 20% of ening Lebanese lives as hospi- “We have received an offi cial the Palestinian population tals are not capable of providing letter from the World Health will be covered by WHO. beds,” Hasan told reporters af- Organisation which says the Covax will vaccinate in the ter a meeting of the ministerial delivery of vaccines will begin West Bank, home to some committee on Covid-19. next month to cover 20% of 2.8mn Palestinians, and Is- Lebanon registered 2,870 new People wait to get tested for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), at Rafik Hariri University Hospital, in Beirut, yesterday. the population,” a Palestinian raeli-blockaded Gaza, where infections on Sunday, bring- Health Ministry offi cial, Yasser around 2mn Palestinians live. ing its total to 189,278 cases and crashed the currency, paralysed summer as the virus spread after has been lax and there are now to increase as infections rise,” Bouzia, said. The remainder of the Pal- 1,486 deaths since Feb 21. banks, and frozen savers out of a massive explosion at the docks fears of a signifi cant rise in cases Mahmoud Hassoun, head of the Bouzia, director of public estinian population will be The new lockdown comes their deposits. wrecked swathes of Beirut, killed after the Christmas and New Year critical care unit at Rafi k Hariri health for the Ramallah-based vaccinated with support from amid concerns over soaring un- Medical supplies have dwindled 200 people and destroyed several holidays. hospital, told Reuters. Palestinian Authority in the the PA’s budget and donors, employment, infl ation and pov- as dollars have grown scarce. In- hospitals. “It is a big problem. In the next “We are nearly full now and we occupied West Bank, said the Bouzia said, without provid- erty. Lebanon is facing a devas- tensive care units had previously Adherence to social distancing ten days it will be very diffi cult haven’t even seen the eff ect of the vaccines would be delivered ing a timeline. tating fi nancial crisis that has reached critical capacity over the and other preventive measures and we are expecting death rates holiday period yet.”

Three dead in suspected US aircraft carrier to militant Kenya govt reopens schools attack in stay in Gulf: Pentagon Cameroon after 10-month virus closure AFP on Sunday. “Due to the recent Militants crossing from Nigeria Washington threats issued by Iranian lead- killed three members of a village ers against President Trump and self-defence force yesterday in AFP at Kasarani Primary School in other US government offi cials, I northern Cameroon, the local Nairobi Nairobi said. Teachers turned he US reversed a decision have ordered the USS Nimitz to mayor said. back students who were not to bring an aircraft car- halt its routine redeployment,” “Boko Haram killed three mem- wearing facemasks, while Trier home from the Gulf on he said. bers of the vigilance committee illions of Kenyan struggling to maintain social Sunday, with the Pentagon saying “The USS Nimitz will now re- this morning” in the village of pupils returned to distancing in crowded class- that due to “recent threats” by main on station in the US Central Kaliari, the mayor of Mozogo Mschool yesterday for rooms. Iran the USS Nimitz would stay in Command area of operations. district, and also its traditional the fi rst time since classes “It is diffi cult because we position. No one should doubt the resolve leader, Mahamat Chetima Abba, were dismissed 10 months don’t have suffi cient desks to The Nimitz has been patrolling of the United States of Ameri- said. earlier due to the coronavirus ensure we keep children one Gulf waters since late Novem- ca.” He did not elaborate on the Cameroon has set up civilian self- pandemic. metre (yard) away from each ber, but in a statement issued on threats involved. His statement defence groups in remote areas Mask-wearing students had other but we are trying our December 31, acting US defence came one year after a US drone in its Far North region, which has their temperatures checked best,” said Mvurya Mumbia, secretary Christopher C Miller strike in Baghdad killed Iran’s been hit by deadly incursions before entering school to re- Students walk towards their school in the early morning of the a headteacher at Voi Primary ordered the vessel to “transit di- revered commander Qasem So- from neighbouring Nigeria. peat their lost academic year, off icial reopening day of public schools, yesterday, in Kibera slum. School. When schools were rectly home to complete a nearly leimani and his Iraqi lieutenant A police off icer, speaking on con- in what was both a relief and a partially re-opened in Octo- 10-month deployment.” Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. dition of anonymity, confirmed concern to their parents. if the teachers have the virus, All primary and high school ber, there was a spike in Cov- The New York Times, quoting Thousands of Iraqi mourners the toll, and gave the age of the “As a parent I am pleased that or even if the support staff in students returned yesterday, id-19 cases, with pupils and US offi cials, said this move was chanted “revenge” and “no to fatalities as 25, 30 and 40. the children are back in school,” school have the virus.” while universities and colleges teachers falling ill and at least part of a “de-escalatory” signal to America” on Sunday. Boko Haram and a splinter group said mother Hildah Musimbi. Kenya shut schools in March were free to open and would do one school principal dying. Tehran to avoid a confl ict in Presi- The anniversary of the Bagh- called the Islamic State in West “At the moment we have got 2020 when the new coronavi- so on varying dates. Kenya has had almost dent Donald Trump’s last days in dad drone strike was also marked Africa Province (ISWAP) have a lot of fear because we really rus arrived in the country, and “We are happy to be back 97,000 cases and over 1,600 offi ce. in recent days across Iran and by stepped up attacks in recent don’t know if other children in partially re-opened to select in school, that was a long deaths since the start However, Miller issued a new supporters in Syria, Lebanon, years in Nigeria and neighbour- school have the virus or even classes in October. break,” Mercy Nderi, a pupil of the outbreak. statement changing course Yemen and elsewhere. ing Niger, Chad and Cameroon. More than 36,000 people have been killed, most of them in Nigeria, and three mn people have fled their homes since Boko Haram launched its insurrection in northeastern Nigeria in 2009. Central African Republic president wins re-election Niger is also being hit by militants crossing from Mali. Around 100 people were killed in two villages resident Faustin-Archange provisional results announced by the in the fi rst round with 53.9%, is declared off ensive by rebel groups who tried to ing on election day, prevented voting in in the western Niger region of Touadera has won Central Afri- electoral commission yesterday, Reu- winner,” Mathias Morouba, president disrupt the vote after former President several towns. Morouba said about half Tillaberi on Saturday, according Pcan Republic’s Dec 27 presiden- ters reported Bangui. of the electoral commission, told a news Francois Bozize’s candidacy was rejected of the country’s electorate, or around to the local mayor. tial election by securing more than 53% “Faustin-Archange Touadera, having conference in the capital, Bangui. The by the highest court. Attacks and the 910,000 people, had registered to vote of votes in the fi rst round, according to received the absolute majority of the vote election was marred by a coordinated destruction of voting materials, includ- and turnout was 76.3%. Gulf Times Tuesday, January 5, 2021 7 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA French-Irish teen’s Malaysia death ruled misadventure

AFP ered after a massive hunt through moonah Aid ruled she died by included hundreds of rescuers, through the testimony from over Anne had also shown her level of their approach, insisting a thor- Kuala Lumpur the rainforest following her dis- misadventure, indicating it was helicopters and sniff er dogs. But 40 witnesses that was presented tiredness increase.” This made it ough search was conducted. But appearance from a resort outside accidental rather than a crime. the family said in a statement during the inquest from late Au- likely that the teen, in a “strange her parents, who testifi ed via Kuala Lumpur in 2019. “After hearing all the relevant the ruling “focused exclusively gust to December. and new place”, had wandered video-link, criticised authorities French-Irish teenager Police insisted there was no evidence, I rule that there was no on physical evidence and physi- As well as saying there was no out of the London-based fam- for their response to their daugh- with learning diffi culties foul play and an autopsy con- one involved in the death of Nora cal mobility – which we believe, evidence to support the theories ily’s accommodation of her own ter’s disappearance as too slow. Adied by misadventure af- ducted in Malaysia found that Anne,” she told a court in the city presents a very incomplete/se- of homicide or sexual assault, accord on their fi rst night at the The fi ve-hectare (12-acre) resort ter disappearing in the Malay- she probably starved and died of Seremban. “It is more prob- lect theory on how Nora came she decided against an “open resort, she said. is next to a patch of thick jungle sian jungle on a family holiday of internal bleeding after days in able than not that she died by about her death”. verdict” – something which the During the inquest, the teen’s and in the foothills of a mountain and no one else was involved, the jungle. But her parents be- misadventure.” Her parents watched the rul- teen’s family had pushed for. In- parents said they heard myste- range. a coroner ruled yesterday. The lieved she had been abducted, The teen likely left the family ing being delivered online. Their stead, Maimoonah suggested the rious “muffl ed noises” coming The teen had a condition family of Nora Quoirin said they saying the teen would never have accommodation “on her own and Malaysian lawyer, S Sakthyvell, teen may have been left disori- from the accommodation the known as holoprosencephaly, were “utterly disappointed” by climbed out of the window of the subsequently got lost,” she said, said the family had a further legal ented after a long and exhausting night of the schoolgirl’s disap- where the brain fails to develop the verdict, which also saw the chalet where they were staying in handing down her ruling online avenue – applying for a revision trip from Britain and activities pearance, fuelling their belief she normally. She had limited verbal coroner rule there was no sign the dead of night, as authorities due to the coronavirus pandemic. of the verdict at the High Court – at the Dusun resort on the day of was snatched. communication and could only the 15-year-old was murdered or believe. The schoolgirl’s body was found and were thinking about whether their arrival in August 2019. In their testimony, police had write a few words. She attended sexually assaulted. However, following an in- in a stream in the jungle near the to pursue it. The coroner took two “The family (were) all jet- reiterated their view the teen had a school for young people with The teen’s body was discov- quest in Malaysia, Coroner Mai- resort after a 10-day hunt that hours to deliver the verdict, going lagged and tired,” she said. “Nora wandered off alone and defended learning diffi culties.

Cambodia reopens schools and Japan mulling museums as others lock down

Reuters washing before being allowed to strictions after a rare outbreak of Phnom Penh enter the Sovannaphumi primary community transmission linked school in the capital Phnom Penh. to a 56-year-old woman who had While private schools have travelled to the country’s two big- virus emergency ambodia has started started reopening this week, stu- gest cities since Nov 20. As Cam- reopening schools and dents at public schools are due to bodia loosens curbs, authorities Cmuseums as it relaxes a return next week. in neighbouring Thailand warned six-week lockdown following a At the Tuol Sleng Genocide yesterday that the country could coronavirus outbreak late last Museum, a former Khmer Rouge face a strict lockdown as infection year, marking a contrast with torture centre and prison in the numbers climbed and spurring it some neighbouring countries capital, staff and “tuk tuk” mo- to declare 28 provinces high-risk for Tokyo area that are facing new restrictions torcyle taxi drivers awaited the zones. due to rising Covid-19 cases. arrival of visitors. “I am worried While welcoming the prospect AFP The Southeast Asian country of that we can get infected, but I see of more business, a coff ee ven- Tokyo just over 16mn people, one of the that we Cambodians are follow- dor near the Tuol Sleng museum least impacted by the novel coro- ing the instructions set by the was concerned after hearing that navirus with just 382 infections government on wearing masks, some Cambodians working in apan’s Prime Minister Yoshi- and no deaths since the beginning washing hands with alcohol or Thailand had been infected. “I hide Suga said yesterday he of the pandemic, saw a rare cluster soap and social distancing,” said am so worried that they could Jwas considering declaring a of cases in November. Yesterday, Theun Ngor, a 43 year-old tuk- spread it here again,” said Ngeth state of emergency in the greater students wearing masks lined up tuk driver. In November, Cambo- Sokuntheary, 27, as she prepared Tokyo area over a “very severe” for temperature checks and hand dia put in a place of range of re- iced coff ee. third wave of coronavirus infections. Speaking at a regular New Year press conference, Suga also said he hoped vaccinations would begin in Japan in late Feb- ruary, adding that he would be Duterte lauds guards’ S Korea among the fi rst to receive one. He urged people to avoid non- essential outings, and said the courage in using population government would introduce legislation to penalise businesses that fl out requests to shorten unauthorised vaccine falls for hours or close, as well as provide incentives to those who abide by such calls. Reuters fi rst time Suga also insisted the gov- Manila ernment was still committed to People commute on a train in Tokyo yesterday. holding the virus-postponed AFP Tokyo 2020 Olympics this sum- prime minister said he realised “a hilippine President Ro- Seoul mer, saying the Games would be stronger message was necessary”. drigo Duterte has com- “proof that mankind overcame “The national government Pmended his security detail the virus”. will consider issuing a state of for their “loyalty and courage” outh Korea’s population Suga, who took offi ce in Sep- emergency,” he said, adding that in inoculating themselves with fell for the fi rst time in tember, has faced increasing it would prioritise measures unauthorised Covid-19 vaccines, S2020, with more people pressure over his government’s to reduce infection risks from his spokesman said yesterday, as dying than were born, the gov- response to record numbers of drinking and dining. some lawmakers called their ac- President Rodrigo Duterte ernment said yesterday, warning new infections. Tokyo yesterday Japan imposed a fi rst state of tions illegal. that towns in poor regions faced recorded 884 new infections, and emergency in spring, allowing lo- The military detail broke no at present illegal and warned of a “crisis of extinction”. said the number of serious cases cal governors to call on business- laws when they administered the potential dangers from using vac- The world’s 12th-largest – those on a ventilator or ECMO es to close and to request people Covid-19 vaccines to themselves, cines it has not approved. It has economy has one of its longest machine – rose to a record 108. to stay at home. The measure presidential spokesman Harry said it was working with the Bu- life expectancies and one of its On Saturday, Tokyo governor carries no penalties for non- Roque said, even though the Food reau of Customs to determine how lowest birthrates, a combination Yuriko Koike, joined by gover- compliance, but the requests and Drug Administration (FDA) the vaccines were brought into the that presents a looming demo- nors from three neighbouring were widely observed this spring. has yet to approve any coronavi- country. graphic disaster. regions, called on the central The scope of any new emergency rus vaccines. Some senators are demanding As of December 31, South Ko- government to impose a state of remains unclear, though Suga Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga holds a New Year’s press conference at “The president is saluting answers and want the head of Du- rea had 51,829,023 people, down emergency in their areas. Koike said “limited and focused meas- his off icial residence in Tokyo yesterday. the PSG for what they did. They terte’s guard to appear before an 20,838 from a year earlier, ac- yesterday warned that “we have ures” would be eff ective, without risked their lives to protect our inquiry on the government’s vac- cording to data released by the already entered an unprecedent- specifying further. downs seen elsewhere. is comparatively strong. president,” he told a media brief- cination plan set for next week. interior ministry. Annual births ed state of infections,” and called Local media reported the Suga said the government The new spike in infec- ing, referring to the Presidential Senator Richard Gordon has said have been falling for years and on people to avoid non-essential measure could last around a was expecting vaccine data from tions comes little more than six Security Group. “We thank you PSG chief Brigadier General Jesus it added that they had been ex- trips after 8pm. month and start from later this US companies by late January, months before Tokyo is set to for your loyalty and courage,” he Durante should consider resign- ceeded by deaths for the fi rst She said she would not seek week, but there was no immedi- and vaccinations could begin by host the virus-delayed Olympic said, quoting Duterte’s remarks. ing for violating the law. time, 275,815 to 307,764. “In re- to close schools but urged busi- ate confi rmation. The coronavi- late February. “Initially, we wish Games. Tokyo 2020 was post- Defence Secretary Delfi n Loren- Durante last week said a hand- gions with poor economic, med- nesses serving alcohol to close rus outbreak has been more con- to start vaccination of medical poned last spring as the scale of zana last week called the PSG’s ful of unit members used the ical and educational infrastruc- by 8pm from Friday, and asked all tained in Japan than some other workers, the elderly and those the pandemic became clear, but move “justifi ed” even as he said vaccine “in good faith” because ture, the crisis of the extinction restaurants to shut by that time countries, with just over 3,500 who work at elderly care facili- despite optimism from offi cials the vaccines they gave themselves they could not aff ord to wait for of such towns is escalating,” the from January 12. Suga’s govern- deaths since the fi rst domestic ties,” he said. “I will also take the and organisers, polls show most as far back as September, without regulatory approval, adding the ministry said. ment has been reticent to take case in January. With no legal lead in getting vaccinated,” he Japanese oppose holding the his knowledge, had been smuggled president was only informed af- It called for “fundamental measures that could send the mechanism to enforce business added, in an apparent attempt to Games this summer, favouring a into the Philippines. The FDA has terwards. Durante did not name changes” in government poli- economy back into reverse, soon closures or stay-at-home orders, bolster confi dence in a country further delay or outright cancel- said any importation, distribution the vaccine used or say how it was cies, including on welfare and after it exited a recession, but the Japan has avoided the harsh lock- where scepticism about vaccines lation. and sale of a Covid-19 vaccine is obtained. education. Australia’s most populous state Bush fire in Perth reports zero coronavirus cases

Reuters “The numbers are far too low... tween Australia and India in the day’s tally. Low single-digit cases Sydney if we’re going to succeed in stay- city scheduled to start Jan 7. from a cluster in northern sea- ing ahead of the Covid pandemic, The Australian Cricket Board side suburbs in recent days sug- testing is crucial in large numbers yesterday further reduced the gest a strict lockdown there since ustralia’s most populous so we can be confi dent of the data crowd capacity for the test to 25%, mid-December may have eff ec- state New South Wales when we’re making decisions,” around 10,000 spectators, from tively eliminated the virus, but a A(NSW) yesterday report- NSW Acting Premier John Bari- 50%, amid criticism from health KPMG report said the lockdown ed zero local coronavirus cases laro told reporters. offi cials the event would become cost NSW economy A$3.20bn for the fi rst time in nearly three Authorities have imposed a virus superspreader. Australia ($2.46bn) in December. weeks, as Sydney battled multiple mandatory masks in indoor spac- and India are in the middle of a NSW and Sydney, Australia’s outbreaks and authorities urged es and on public transport from four-test series, being played largest city, have been isolated tens of thousands of people to get Monday for Sydney’s 5mn resi- in the backdrop of strict health from the rest of Australia by state tested. dents or face a spot fi ne of A$200 measures, with both sides to trav- border closures or 14 day manda- NSW daily testing numbers ($154). NSW offi cials had rejected el to Sydney for the third test from tory quarantine rules for inter- have dropped to around 20,000 calls for mandatory face masks Thursday. state arrivals from NSW. Neigh- in the last two days from a peak of since the pandemic started and Two cases linked to Sydney’s bouring Victoria state, which is about 70,000 recorded on Christ- the change of policy follows the fresh cluster centred around a also battling new cases in state mas Day, Dec 25. The overwhelm- latest Sydney outbreak, which liquor store were recorded after capital Melbourne, reported three Emergency vehicles patrol the perimeter while battling a bush fire in Kwinana, some 30km south of ing majority of tests are in the seems to be highly infectious, and the daily deadline of 2000 local local cases bringing the active Perth yesterday. state capital Sydney. ahead of a cricket test match be- time. These will be added to to- cases in the state to 36. Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, January 5, 2021 AMERICAS/BRITAIN/EUROPE UK rolls out AstraZeneca shot France gives hospital staff Covid shots as it plays catch-up to protect against a new variant can be stored at fridge tempera- yesterday, after scrutinising vac- Germany mulls delaying second vaccine shot of the coronavirus that emerged tures between 2-8° Celsius, mak- cine data. Dutch advance first Covid jabs to tomorrow, last in EU in South Africa and has spread ing it easier to distribute than the But Brostrom said the original internationally. Pfi zer shot. guidelines of waiting only three Reuters/AFP “I am so pleased to be getting Johnson warned of “tough, Britain became the fi rst West- to four weeks should be followed London the Covid vaccine today, and re- tough weeks” ahead. ern country to approve and roll whenever possible. ally proud that it is one that was “If you look at the numbers, out a Covid-19 vaccine, although “If you go longer than six invented in Oxford,” said Pinker, there’s no question that we’re it is behind Russia and China, weeks, we cannot see the scien- ritain became the fi rst a retired maintenance manager, going to have to take tougher which have been inoculating tifi c evidence that you are pro- country to vaccinate its just a few hundred metres from measures,” Johnson said on a vis- their citizens for months. tected with certainty. Therefore Bpopulation with Oxford where the vaccine was devel- it to see health workers receiving France is accelerating its Cov- we cannot recommend that,” University and AstraZeneca’s oped. the Oxford vaccine. id-19 vaccination of medical staff Brostrom added. Covid-19 shot yesterday, but Britain is grappling with the ITV News said that the tough- in hospitals, its health minister As of yesterday, a total of Prime Minister Boris Johnson world’s sixth highest death toll est Tier 4 level of restrictions, said yesterday, after an initial 46,975 Danes had received the was set to tighten restrictions and one of the worst economic which currently cover much of roll-out that was slowed by bu- fi rst Pfi zer-BioNTech shot, in England in a bid to slow the hits from the Covid-19 crisis. England, will be imposed across reaucracy and precaution in one mostly health workers and the spread of cases. More than 75,000 people in the country and schools would be of the most vaccine-sceptical elderly. The Covid-19 respiratory dis- the United Kingdom have died closed. countries in the world. The Netherlands meanwhile ease is caused by the coronavirus. from Covid-19 within 28 days of Moving ahead of Johnson, Health Minister Olivier Veran brought forward its fi rst coro- “The spread of the new vari- a positive test. Scottish First Minister Nicola said several thousand Covid-19 82-year-old Brian Pinker receives the Oxford University/AstraZeneca navirus jabs by two days to to- ant of Covid-19 has led to rapidly It was the fi rst country to roll Sturgeon imposed the most shots developed by Pfi zer and Covid-19 vaccine from nurse Sam Foster at the Churchill Hospital in morrow, as pressure grows on escalating case numbers across out the vaccine developed by stringent lockdown since last Germany’s BioNTech had been Oxford, southwest England. the government in the last EU the country,” a spokesman from Pfi zer and Germany’s BioNTech spring. administered across France yes- country to launch its vaccination the prime minister’s offi ce said almost a month ago, and is prior- “It is no exaggeration to say terday. In Germany, the health min- national inoculation campaign. campaign. yesterday. “The prime minister itising getting a fi rst dose of vac- that I am more concerned about France was slow off the mark, istry was seeking the view of an According to the latest daily Frontline hospital staff across is clear that further steps must cines to as many people as possi- the situation that we face now delivering just 516 inoculations independent vaccination com- update from the Robert Koch In- the country dealing with Cov- now be taken to arrest this rise ble over giving second doses. than I have been at any time since during the fi rst week of a cam- mission on whether to delay a stitute, Germany has vaccinated id-19 patients will be the fi rst and to protect the NHS (National Some experts say they are March,” she said. paign that focused on nursing second shot beyond a current 42- around 239,000 people since to get inoculated, along with a Health Service) and save lives. He worried about such an approach. Britain has administered more home residents. day maximum limit, according starting its campaign on Decem- group of nursing home workers will set those out this evening.” Two new variants of the coro- than 1mn Covid-19 vaccines – The coronavirus has killed to a one-page document seen by ber 27 – well short of the 1.3mn in the southern town of Veghel, Against the ominous back- navirus are complicating the more than the rest of Europe put more than 65,000 people in Reuters yesterday. doses that were delivered by the the health ministry said. drop of record daily cases, Britain Covid-19 response and Britain together, Health Secretary Matt France, the seventh-highest na- The move came amid criticism end of 2020. “The start of the corona vac- touted a scientifi c “triumph” as has seen a resurgence in cases to Hancock said, declaring it a tri- tional toll globally. of Health Minister Jens Spahn – In Denmark, the health au- cination is brought forward by dialysis patient Brian Pinker, 82, new daily highs. umph of British science. Even so, a survey over the including from his conservative thority will allow a wait of up to two days” from its originally became the fi rst person to get the UK scientists have expressed Johnson’s government has se- weekend showed six in every 10 political allies – that Germany six weeks before administering a scheduled date of January 8, the Oxford/AstraZeneca shot outside concern that Covid-19 vaccines cured 100mn doses of the Ox- French citizens intend to refuse has failed to procure enough vac- second dose, its head Soren Bro- ministry said in a statement after of a trial. being rolled out may not be able ford/AstraZeneca vaccine which vaccination. cines and too slow to ramp up its strom told local news wire Ritzau meeting with health authorities.

Bolivia’s Tuni glacier disappearing, putting La Paz water supply at risk Trump, Biden campaign in Georgia Bolivia’s Tuni glacier is disappearing faster than initially anticipated, according to scientists in the Andean nation, a predicament that will likely make worse water shortages already plaguing the capital La AFP give them the majority and the Trump heard on tape urging state offi cial to ‘fi nd’ votes for him Paz, just 60km away. Dalton, US ability to thwart Biden’s agenda. Scientists from the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (UMSA), who A Democratic sweep would re- President Donald Trump pressured Georgia’s top elec- monitor the Tuni and other regional glaciers, told Reuters that sult in a 50-50 split in the Senate tion off icial, a fellow Republican, in an extraordinary the once-sprawling glacier had been reduced to just one square resident Donald Trump, with Democrats holding the tie- phone conversation to “find” enough votes to overturn kilometre. still seeking ways to reverse breaking vote in Vice President Joe Biden’s victory in the southern state, US media Where once they had predicted it would last through 2025, now Phis election defeat, and Kamala Harris. reported on Sunday. they say its disappearance is imminent. President-elect Joe Biden con- The 78-year-old Biden was In the conversation with Secretary of State Brad Though the glacier has been receding since the Little Ice Age, verged on Georgia for rallies on expected to speak around Raff ensperger on Saturday, a recording of which was when massive ice fields topped many Andean mountains, the the eve of run-off votes that will 4.30pm (2130 GMT) while the first obtained by the Washington Post, Trump warns fast-changing climate has accelerated the process, according to the decide control of the US Senate. 74-year-old Trump is scheduled Raff ensperger that he and his general counsel could Bolivian scientists. Trump, a day after the re- to take the stage in the evening in face “a big risk” if they failed to pursue his request. While the populations located at the foot of the Andes do not lease of a bombshell recording in Dalton, a city of around 30,000 “The people of Georgia are angry, the people in the depend entirely on water from Bolivia’s high Andean glaciers, the which he pressures Georgia offi - people in a rural, conservative country are angry,” Trump is heard saying on the tape, mountain ice has fed rivers used for irrigation of crops and at least cials to overturn his November 3 Georgia district. which was also aired by other media. 20% of La Paz’s water supply, the scientists say. election loss in the southern state The Georgia elections come “And there’s nothing wrong with saying, you know, um, Trump: heard on tape pressuring the Georgia (see accompanying report), one day ahead of the certifi cation that you’ve recalculated,” the president says. “You’re secretary of state in an extraordinary phone was to hold a rally in the north- by the House of Representatives off by hundreds of thousands of votes.” conversation on Saturday to ‘find’ enough votes Students protest new university head west city of Dalton in support of and Senate of the Electoral Col- Raff ensperger is heard responding: “Well, Mr Presi- to overturn Biden’s victory in the Southern state. Republican incumbent senators lege votes from the November dent, the challenge that you have is, the data you have Turkish police clashed yesterday with students who protested Kelly Loeffl er and David Perdue. presidential election. is wrong.” three days before Congress is to certify the results of against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s appointment of a new Biden, who takes over the Biden won 306 of the Elec- Biden won the traditionally conservative state by the November 3 election. rector at one of the country’s top universities, saying the process White House on January 20, toral College votes that represent fewer than 12,000 votes – a margin unchanged after The New York Times reported that aides to was undemocratic. was to campaign in Atlanta, the the returns of the popular vote recounts and audits. Raff ensperger had recorded the call, but that he told In a decree published on Saturday, Erdogan appointed Melih Bulu, Georgia capital, for the Demo- in each of the US states, while Even a hypothetical reversal there would not be advisers he did not want it released unless the presi- who has a doctorate in business management, as rector of Bogazici cratic challengers, Raphael War- Trump won 232. enough to deprive Biden of victory. dent attacked state off icials or misrepresented what University in Istanbul. nock and Jon Ossoff . Certifi cation by Congress is As Georgia’s top election off icial, Raff ensperger over- had been discussed. Speaking at a news conference after an AK Party meeting chaired Loeffl er, 50, who was appoint- generally just a formality but saw multiple recounts of the November 3 ballots, each On Sunday, before the audio was released, Trump by Erdogan, a spokesman for the party, Omer Celik, denied the ed to the Senate in December more than 100 Republican mem- of which reached the same result – that the southern tweeted about the call, saying that Raff ensperger “was appointment was a blow against academic freedom. 2019 after the serving senator re- bers of the House and about a state had narrowly favoured a Democratic presidential unwilling, or unable, to answer questions such as the signed for health reasons, is tak- dozen Senate Republicans have candidate for the first time in a generation. ‘ballots under table’ scam, ballot destruction, out of ing on Warnock, the 51-year-old said they plan to raise objections. Interviewed on ABC’s Good Morning America yester- state ‘voters’, dead voters, and more”. Greek premier reshuff les cabinet African-American pastor at the At least one member of the day, Raff ensperger said the White House had pushed Raff ensperger tweeted back, also ahead of the release Atlanta church where the civil House and one member of the him against his better judgment to take Trump’s call. of the audio, saying: “Respectfully, President Trump: Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reshuff led his cabinet rights leader Martin Luther King Senate needs to lodge an objec- “Did you consider it a lawful request when the presi- What you’re saying is not true. The truth will come yesterday in an attempt to give a boost to his conservative Jr once preached. tion to certifi cation to send it to dent asked you to find the votes?” Raff ensperger was out.” government, but left key ministers in place to signal policy Perdue, 71, a former chief ex- the fl oor for debate and a vote. asked. After the audio was released, the White House de- continuity for the economy and foreign aff airs. ecutive of Dollar General who A vote would be doomed to “I’m not a lawyer. All I know is that we’re gonna follow clined to comment. As Greece aims to reopen schools next week and start mass was elected to the Senate in 2014, failure, however, in the Dem- the law, follow the process. Truth matters, and we’ve Some political commentators compared the call to the vaccinations this month, the government is keen to kick-start the is running against Ossoff , the ocratic-controlled House and been fighting these rumours for the last two months,” Watergate tapes that led to the fall of past US presi- economy after the novel coronavirus pandemic destroyed hopes of 33-year-old head of a television would also be unlikely to pass in he replied. dent Richard Nixon. a recovery last year. production company. the Republican-majority Senate, Word of the recording came at an extraordinary Carl Bernstein, one of the reporters who helped bring Georgia has been a reliably Re- where a number of Republican juncture, two days before special run-off elections in down Nixon’s presidency, called it “the ultimate smok- publican state but Biden defeated senators have already acknowl- Georgia that will decide control of the US Senate, and ing gun tape”. Five nations join UN Security Council Trump by 12,000 votes in the edged Biden’s victory. Peach State and polls have both Trump lashed out on Twitter Five new countries – India, Mexico, Norway, Ireland and Kenya Senate races neck-and-neck. yesterday at Republican law- “How can you certify an elec- “The ‘Surrender Caucus’ Nation, who were willing to ac- – formally joined the UN Security Council yesterday at a time of Republicans hold 50 seats in makers who have refused to line tion when the numbers being within the Republican Party will cept the certifi cation of fraudu- growing polarisation in the body charged with keeping world peace the Senate and a victory in just up behind his baseless claims of certifi ed are verifi ably WRONG,” go down in infamy as weak and lent presidential numbers!” he and security. The new countries will hold non-permanent seats on one of the run-off races would voter fraud. he said. ineff ective ‘guardians’ of our added. the 15-member council for two years. UK judge rejects Assange extradition to the US

Reuters/AFP Assange’s legal team had ar- fearful about his future,: she anti-establishment hero who he fl ed to the Ecuadorean em- London gued the entire prosecution was added. has been victimised because he bassy in London, where he spent brought on by pressure from US Outside court, his partner exposed US wrongdoing in wars seven years. President Donald Trump’s ad- Stella Moris, with whom he had in Afghanistan and Iraq, and say When he was fi nally dragged British judge has ruled ministration, and that Assange’s two children while seeking asy- his prosecution is a politically- out in April 2019, he was jailed that WikiLeaks founder extradition would pose a severe lum in London’s Ecuadorean motivated assault on journalism for breaching British bail condi- AJulian Assange should not threat to press freedom. embassy, said the decision was a and free speech. tions, although the Swedish case be extradited to the United States But it was only the real risk he victory but the threat of extradi- Mexico’s President Andres against him had been dropped. to face criminal charges includ- would commit suicide if he were tion was still hanging over him. Manuel Lopez Obrador said his Last June, the US Justice De- ing breaking a spying law, saying held in a US maximum security “I call on the president of the country would now off er Assange partment formally asked Britain that his mental health problems jail that led Judge Vanessa Barait- United States to end this now: Mr political asylum. to extradite him. meant he would be at risk of sui- ser to reject the extradition re- President, tear down these prison “Assange is a journalist and The US non-profi t Freedom cide. quest. walls, let our little boys have their deserves a chance, I am in fa- of the Press Foundation said the The United States said it would Assange, she said, suff ered at father. Free Julian, free the press, vour of pardoning him,” he said. case against Assange was “the continue to seek the extradition times from severe depression and free us all,” she said. “We’ll give him protection.” most dangerous threat to US of Australian-born Assange and had been diagnosed with autism. Assange’s supporters began WikiLeaks came to promi- press freedom in decades”. US prosecutors are set to appeal Half a razor blade was found gathering early in the day, defy- nence when it published a US “The extradition request was yesterday’s decision to London’s in his London prison cell in May ing warnings to disperse because military video in 2010 showing a not decided on press freedom High Court. 2019, and he had told medical of coronavirus restrictions. 2007 attack by Apache helicop- grounds; rather the judge essen- The US authorities accuse the staff of suicidal thoughts and They erupted in cheers and ters in Baghdad that killed a doz- tially ruled the US prison system 49-year-old of 18 off ences – with made plans to end his life. shouted “Free Assange!” on en people, including two Reuters was too repressive to extradite.” a maximum 175 years in jail – re- People celebrate after a judge ruled that WikiLeaks founder Assange “I fi nd that Mr Assange’s risk hearing the ruling. news staff . Fugitive US whistleblower Ed- lating to the release by WikiLeaks should not be extradited to the US, outside the Old Bailey, the Central of committing suicide, if an ex- US prosecutors and West- It then released thousands of ward Snowden said he hoped the of vast troves of confi dential US Criminal Court, in London. tradition order were to be made, ern security offi cials regard the secret classifi ed fi les and diplo- ruling would mark “the end” of military records and diplomatic to be substantial,” Baraitser said WikiLeaks founder as a reckless matic cables. the case against Assange. cables, which they say put lives decade either in prison or self- said, adding that the United in her ruling, delivered at Lon- and dangerous enemy of the state The legal saga began soon af- UN special rapporteur on tor- in danger. imposed confi nement. States had won on all the legal don’s Old Bailey court. whose actions imperilled the terwards when Sweden sought ture Nils Melzer has urged Trump Assange’s lawyers will seek “We will continue to seek Mr points, including arguments re- “The overall impression is of lives of agents whose names were Assange’s extradition from Brit- to pardon Assange, saying he is bail tomorrow for their client, Assange’s extradition,” a US De- lating to freedom of speech and a depressed and sometimes de- in the leaked material. ain over allegations of sex crimes. not “an enemy of the American who has spent most of the last partment of Justice statement political motivation. spairing man, who is genuinely Supporters regard him as an When he lost that case in 2012, people”. Gulf Times Tuesday, January 5, 2021 9 INDIA

Top court to reveal Republic Day parade rehearsal Bird ﬂ u verdict on Central cases in Vista project today Kerala

IANS nouncement of groundbreak- districts New Delhi ing ceremony for the new Parliament building under the Central Vista project, even as cause he Supreme Court will the issues connected with the today pronounce its redevelopment plan was under Tverdict on a batch of its consideration. concern pleas which have challenged The top court had said that it the environmental clearance expected that it is dealing with a and several other aspects of the prudent litigant and that some IANS Central Vista project. deference will be shown. “We Thiruvananthapuram On November 5, last year, don’t mind if you do paperwork, a bench comprising Justices or lay foundation stone but no A M Khanwilkar, Dinesh Ma- construction should be done,” high alert has been heshwari and Sanjiv Khanna said the court. sounded in Kerala after had reserved the verdict on a There was an announcement Afour bird fl u cases were clutch of petitions. The project by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla reported in Kottayam and Alap- envisages a new triangular Par- of the government’s plans for puzha districts, keeping the of- liament building, with a seating Bhoomipujan for the new Parlia- fi cials on their toes. capacity of up to 1,200 MPs. The ment building. “We clarify that The presence of the dreaded project is estimated to be con- the authorities would be free to virus was confi rmed in some structed by August 2022, when continue with procedural proc- ducks following which the State the country will celebrate its esses without altering the status Minister for Forest, Animal Hus- 75th Independence Day. of the site(s) in question in any bandry and Dairy Development On December 7, the top manner, including to continue K Raju had ordered culling of court had expressed strong with the scheduled programme 50,000 ducks in both Kottayam dissatisfaction with the Cen- of foundation stone-laying on and Alappuzha districts, to con- tre for reportedly initiating December 10, 2020,” said the Presidential guards take part in a rehearsal for the upcoming Republic Day Parade near India Gate in New Delhi, yesterday. tain the spread of the infection. construction process with an- top court. Offi cials also confi rmed that as many as 12,000 ducks have died. The minister said that after the fi rst case was reported at Neen- door panchayat in Kottayam district and three in Alappuzha district’s panchayats, samples were sent to Bhopal’s National Institute of High Security Ani- mal Diseases (NIHSAD), where Govt, farmers fail to break the virus was confi rmed. Of the eight samples of the ducks sent to NIHSAD, fi ve have tested positive for bird fl u or H5N8. The state government has now imposed curbs in areas where the deadlock on farm laws bird fl u cases were reported and will continue with the culling IANS Agriculture Minister Narendra within that radius. New Delhi Supreme Court agrees to hear students’ plea on excesses against farmers Singh Tomar, Rail & Consumer Raju said that control rooms Aff airs Minister Piyush Goyal will be set up in Alappuzha and The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a vendetta, and order a probe into the cases government to repeal the three recently and Union Minister of State for Kottayam districts. he talks between the plea by 35 students of Panjab University, of illegal detention of farmers. “Firstly, in a enacted farm laws. The students also Commerce and Industry Som “Rapid Action Force will be farmers’ unions and the who had written a letter to the Chief Justice democratic country, the will and sentiments sought a direction to curb fake news and Parkash. deployed but no panic situation Tgovernment ended with- urging him to take cognisance of “excesses” of people are sine-qua-non. But, here the action against media channels indulging in Agriculture Secretary Sanjay exists. The H5N8 virus has been out any breakthrough yesterday. against protesting farmers. Government of India is turning deaf and misrepresentation and polarisation of the Agarwal and other ministry of- reported in Kerala in the past. After the meeting, the gov- The top court has registered the letter as a indiff erent in toto to the farmers’ plight. We whole issue. On December 17, the Supreme fi cials also attended the meeting. This virus will not spread to hu- ernment issued a statement in PIL, IANS reported from New Delhi. believe the course of action taken by the Court had unequivocally pronounced that As the sixth round of talks held at mans.” which it mentioned that the The students have sought direction from Government of India is insensitive to under- it will not interfere with the farmers’ protest the same location on December The minister added that com- agriculture minister had said in the top court to order an inquiry into the stand farmers sentiments”, said the letter. and the right to protest is a fundamental 30 ended on a positive note with pensation to the farmers will the meeting that they are ready Haryana Police action of illegitimate use of The students from the Centre for Hu- right. However, it emphasised on forming a the government agreeing on two be decided in consultation with to consider amendments to the water cannons, teargas shells and lathis on man Rights and Duties, Panjab University, committee comprising of independent and points, the government will try to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. new farm laws. peacefully protesting farmers. Chandigarh, sought direction to both the impartial persons – experts in the field of persuade the farmers to end their “We will discuss pointwise on The letter contended that farmers are pro- Centre and state governments to ensure the agriculture – to resolve the impasse between agitation by adopting a middle the farm laws, and on whichever testing peacefully, but the government is not safety of all protesters, and provide basic the Centre and the farmers’ unions. path or forming a committee to laws you have objections, we are sensitive to these issues. amenities to all, especially women, children A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde resolve the issue. ready to consider amendments,” The students have urged the Chief Justice and the elderly. They also called for mobile and comprising Justices A S Bopanna and V Krantikari Kisan Union Pres- said Union Agriculture Minister to direct the Haryana police and Delhi police toilet vans at the protest sites. The farmers Ramasubramanian had said: “We clarify that ident (Punjab) Darshan Pal, Colleges Narendra Singh Tomar. to withdraw all the cases against innocent have been protesting at various borders this Court will not interfere with the protest Bharatiya Kisan Union’s Jagjeet The next meeting will take farmers which were registered as political around Delhi or over a month, asking the in question.” Singh Dalewal and Balbir Singh place on January 8. The meeting Rajewal, Jamhuri Kishan Sabha reopen started with paying tributes to Punjab General Secretary Kul- the farmers who have lost their cussing all the issues with an laws with other farmers’ un- will not accept this proposal because we want their complete want Singh, and Bharatiya Kisan lives during the protest. open mind. ions too. Yudhvir Singh of the .The minister wanted us to dis- rollback.” Union (Uttar Pradesh) President with strict The agriculture minister said He said that both the sides Bhartiya Kisan Union said the, cuss the laws point-wise. We The meeting yesterday start- Rakesh Tikait are among the 41 the government is ready to re- should move forward and the “Government wants to take us rejected it and said that there is ed around 2.30pm at Vigyan farm union leaders who partici- solve the impasse and is dis- government will discuss these towards amendments but we no point in discussing the laws Bhavan in the presence of Union pated in the meeting. norms

IANS Biotech ﬁ rm says Glamour Income Tax dept Thiruvananthapuram fter a gap of nearly nine months, colleges and uni- approved Covid questions Vadra over Aversities in Kerala reopened for students yesterday with strict Covid safety norms. shot trials ‘honest’ ‘benami’ properties However, the classes will be conducted between 8.30am and 5pm on all days, except Sundays. Reuters address yesterday. Ella high- IANS Gandhi Vadra. Earlier in the Around 1,350 higher educa- Bengaluru lighted the company’s experi- New Delhi day, an I-T department source tional institutions including arts ence and expertise in producing related to the probe told IANS, and science colleges, engineering vaccines, its numerous patents “An I-T team is at Vadra’s resi- colleges, law colleges as well as top executive at an Indian and its presence in 123 countries. ncome Tax department dence to record his statement all the state universities and the biotechnology company The approval for Covaxin, offi cials yesterday ques- in the benami properties mat- lone central university in the state Adefended its Covid-19 jointly developed with a gov- Itioned Congress President ter.” located in Kasaragod have com- vaccine candidate, approved for ernment institute, was hailed Sonia Gandhi’s son-in-law The team of sleuths left his menced their classes. emergency use by the govern- by Prime Minister Narendra Robert Vadra for over nine residence at 6pm. The team Only 50% of students will be al- ment, and said it will produce Modi and his ministers as a hours in connection with the arrived at his residence as he lowed in each class based on the effi cacy data from late-stage tri- success in India’s self-reli- probe into the ‘benami’ prop- was unable to join the investi- strength, in compliance with strict als by March. ance push. Efficacy data from erties case. gation due to Covid pandemic. Covid-19 norms. Parvathi Babu, a The vaccine, Covaxin, re- the company’s ongoing late- However, Vadra described Speaking to the media out- third year BA political science stu- ceived emergency use approval stage trial should be available his questioning as “vendetta side his residence after the dent of a college in Thiruvanan- from India’s drugs regulator by March, Ella said. politics” and said that the team left his house, Vadra said, thapuram told IANS: “It’s an excite- on Sunday, but the move faced Health Minister Harsh Var- government is trying to divert “I replied to all the questions ment to be among the classmates questions after the regulator dhan clarified on Twitter on attention from the ongoing asked by the I-T department and teachers in physically after such took the step without publishing Sunday that the emergency farmers’ protest. sleuths in nine hours. If they a long gap. We were in virtual world information about its effi cacy. use approval for Covaxin A team of I-T department come once again, I will share for the past nine months.” Hyderabad-based Bharat was “in clinical trial mode”, sleuths yesterday morning my answers with them.” However, some teachers have Biotech had carried out “200% wherein all recipients of the arrived at the Sukhdev Vihar He said that the I-T depart- expressed their discontent over honest clinical trials”, Krishna vaccine would be tracked and Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty gestures as she arrives residential premises of Vadra ment questioned him about the education department’s de- Ella, chairman and managing monitored as if they were in after travelling from Goa, in Mumbai, yesterday. who is married to Congress his business and work and he cision to extend the timings of director, told reporters an online trial. General Secretary Priyanka responded to their queries. the classes. Kamal Haasan’s party to focus on environment protection

IANS of the Kamal Haasan promoted waste.“Incentivising of producing Systems” as per the Supreme communities, farmers and fu- (CPCB) siting criteria for indus- industrial compliance of pollu- Chennai Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) tion of non-plastic alternatives Court directive of 2017. ture generations. tries while encouraging green tion standards. party, that was announced yes- by household industries and In order to regulate the exploi- Wetland rules will be amend- industries. “Bringing in behavioural terday. Self-Help Groups will be done,” tation of groundwater, the party ed to ensure protection of local According to MNM, “Local change in people for respecting stablishing a circular As per the seven-point agenda the party said. said it would bring a compre- water bodies like lakes and other Area Environment Commit- the eco-systems will be instilled economy, enforcing pol- for the environment, the MNM The party said all pollution hensive and stringent ground- waterways. tees” involving local community through sensitisation,” the party Elution standards, strict announced that it would estab- monitoring data will be pub- water regulation for large-scale A statewide environmental activists, Tamil Nadu Pollution said. groundwater regulations and lish a circular economy, where lished as a continuous stream harvesting of groundwater. atlas will be developed for the Control Board and District Ad- The party had earlier an- having an environment atlas are recycling and reuse will be a through “OCEMS – Online Con- This will be implemented to industrial sites on the lines of the ministration, will be set up in nounced its seven-point eco- part of the seven-point agenda norm for water, plastic and e- tinuous Emission and Monitor- safeguard the interests of local Central Pollution Control Board pollution hotspots to monitor nomic agenda. Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, January 5, 2021 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah Biden’s strategy for a predecessor EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor who won’t go away: Ignore him K T Chacko

P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar By Justin Sink [email protected] Washington 44350478 (News), oe Biden faces historic challenges 44466404 (Sport), when he enters the White House 44466636 (Home delivery) on January 20: a raging pandemic, persistently high unemployment, 44350474 J simmering tensions with China and facebook.com/gulftimes Russia — and a predecessor who won’t go away. twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar Aware of the chaos and distraction Donald Trump has proved he can muster, the president-elect and his advisers have developed a strategy they believe is the only way to neutralise the GULF TIMES threat: ignore him. One lesson of Biden’s winning presidential campaign, they say, is that there’s little incentive to engage with Trump, and that his penchant There’s much to look for spectacle is wearing thin with the American people. The tension will reach a head on January 6, when Congress formally ratifi es Biden’s victory as forward to in 2021 Trump’s supporters wage protests both on the streets of Washington, egged on by the president, and within the House for tennis fans and Senate. FLIP SIDE: President-elect Joe Biden’s strategy to deprive outgoing US President Donald Trump of attention will likely face Biden has been “adamant that we were frequent and immediate tests. not going to get down in the gutter with The 2021 tennis season gets underway next week with the Donald Trump every day,” said adviser candidate, and asserted that his whether those eff orts extend beyond legal team, as well as dissent by top men playing ATP tournaments at Delray Beach and Antalya, Kate Bedingfi eld. “That’s not who he is, presence on the ballot helped infl ammatory posts on social media, offi cials including former Attorney while four of the top 10 women’s stars line up at the Abu and that’s not what the American people Republicans win election and re- the outgoing president possesses a General William Barr, who departed Dhabi WTA event. want to see in a president.” election to federal offi ces. talent for manipulating the media in December after declaring that But the incoming administration is “Republicans in the Senate so quickly and grabbing attention with tweets, the Justice Department had seen no It’s a new-look starting schedule to a year where many going to have trouble ignoring Trump, forget,” he tweeted on December 22. even when they’re plainly untrue. He evidence of widespread fraud. tournaments remain under a cloud due to the Covid-19 who’s poised to remain at least an “Right now they would be down 8 seats channelled white racial and economic Trump has even begun to shed pandemic which wrought havoc on the 2020 season with the aggravation to Biden. After refusing without my backing them in the last grievances into one successful followers on his most important sport halted for the best part of fi ve months. Wimbledon was to concede defeat and declaring the Election.” In the same post, Trump presidential campaign and a close loss mouthpiece, Twitter, with more than cancelled for the fi rst time since World War II, the US Open election he lost to be illegitimate, he’s predicted that John Thune, the number for re-election, and is likely to try to 379,000 users unsubscribing from his made clear he doesn’t plan to quietly two Senate Republican, would lose a turn those same cultural forces against account in the past month, according to played behind closed doors and Roland Garros delayed until retire, and has told associates he’ll run 2022 GOP primary challenge, “political the new president. Factba.se. Biden gained more than 2.6 September. for president again in 2024. career over!!!” In Biden’s transition offi ce, staff ers million new followers in the same period. This year, the Indian Wells tournament — often dubbed For generations, US presidents After Senate Majority Leader Mitch have barely discussed Trump’s eff orts Consumed with election conspiracies, the ‘fi fth Grand Slam’ but which was the fi rst event to be leaving the offi ce to a successor of the McConnell recognised Biden’s victory to sow discord. The battle against the Trump has all but ignored the raging scrapped due to the virus last year — has already been opposition party have yielded power and encouraged his members to avoid coronavirus eclipsed all other issues coronavirus pandemic, with its record gracefully — even those defeated for re- a messy fi ght over certifying the vote, a during the presidential campaign — daily cases, soaring hospitalisations and postponed. election after a single term. But Trump’s White House aide circulated a graphic diminishing the eff ect of Trump’s mud- death toll that’s passed 349,000 in the The Australian Open will take place three weeks later attitude has set up the most awkward to lawmakers on Capitol Hill suggesting slinging — and Biden’s advisers expect US. While he could have overseen a rapid than planned with all players to quarantine on arrival in transfer of power in modern history, the Kentucky Republican captured health and economic issues to remain and successful distribution of vaccines Melbourne. and threatens to hamstring Biden as he his seventh term thanks to Trump’s top of mind for lawmakers and voters. developed under his administration’s Qualifying for the season’s fi rst major will take place confronts a long list of crises. endorsement. “Members of Congress have to deal “Operation Warp Speed” programme, “This is unprecedented territory,” Trump’s gravitational pull over with their constituencies in real time,” the pace of shots instead badly trails the 12,000km away in Dubai and Doha. said Steve Israel, a former eight-term Republicans has only been strengthened said former Senator Chris Dodd, a Biden 20 million doses government offi cials So far the ATP has only Democratic congressman from New York by his prolifi c fundraising since Election campaign adviser. “The majority will promised would be injected by the end of confi rmed a schedule until the and director of the Institute of Politics Day. His campaign announced it had come around to trying to get something 2020. The spotlight Miami Masters which ends and Global Aff airs at Cornell University. banked $207.5 million in the two months done. Just providing an echo chamber That’s led to even more criticism of on April 4 while the WTA has “We’ve never had a former president following the president’s defeat, after for criticism doesn’t strike me as being Trump’s handling of the US coronavirus will be on who is dedicated to the proposition of the anaemic fundraising relative to Biden terribly good politics.” outbreak, the issue that likely doomed yet to reveal plans beyond failure of his successor.” before votes were cast. And the Biden team believes there’s his presidency. On December 30, Trump Federer and the Australian Open which Biden’s team regards Trump’s Trump has also persuaded a band evidence Trump’s grip on American pushed back, saying it was “up to the concludes on February 20. attempts to overturn the will of of conservative lawmakers to contest politics is already weakening. The states to administer” the vaccines, Serena, with Meanwhile, Roger Federer voters — including his eff ort to recruit Congress’ certifi cation of the election annual defence policy bill, which adding, “Get moving!” and Serena Williams will each Republican lawmakers to challenge results on Wednesday, which is usually became law on Friday after the Senate While Biden and his aides would both turning congressional certifi cation of the a pro forma aff air. Senator Josh Hawley, joined the House in handily overriding prefer Trump go away, some see a silver celebrate their 40th birthday election results today — as doing more a Missouri Republican, said last week Trump’s veto, is an example. lining to his continued presence on 40 this year in 2021 with question marks harm to the outgoing president’s legacy he’d join many House Republicans Trump also tried unsuccessfully the national stage. Trump is so toxic to over whether this season will than to Biden. who already planned to object to the to pressure lawmakers to increase Democrats of all stripes that he helps represent their fi nal hurrahs. And they believe there are already certifi cation of Electoral College votes the amount of money provided to to unify a party that might otherwise Federer, whose record haul of 20 Grand Slam titles was signs that Trump’s bully pulpit and from several battleground states. Americans in a pandemic relief bill be more openly squabbling over policy equalled by Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros in 2020, has not ability to command public attention Senator Ted Cruz of Texas led 10 other that passed Congress last month. The and political issues, such as Biden’s is eroding, including waning media lawmakers on Saturday in calling for president eventually signed the measure appointments, according to one former played since last year’s Australian Open as he recovers from a coverage of his election-related antics a delay in Biden’s certifi cation and even though his demands weren’t met, Biden campaign offi cial who asked not knee injury. and congressional Republicans’ making other demands. and only after a damaging delay. to be identifi ed. The Swiss has already pulled out of this year’s trip to willingness to buck the president in The actions by Hawley, Cruz There’s also a sense among Biden’s Biden himself predicted to donors Melbourne leaving the path clear for Nadal to potentially win recent legislative battles, including the and others will force congressional aides that Trump’s increasingly in early December that “as Donald a record-setting 21st major. fi rst override of a Trump veto. Republicans to go on the record as either outlandish claims and his inability to Trump’s shadow fades away, you’re But Biden’s strategy to deprive Trump supporting or rejecting Trump’s false accept defeat are eroding his standing — going to see an awful lot change.” Biden On the tour since 1998, Federer will be 40 on August 8, of attention will likely face frequent and claims of a fraudulent vote. Cruz and in eff ect, trading attention in the short has predicted that a bipartisan spirit can just a week after the men’s fi nal at the rescheduled Tokyo immediate tests. Hawley have both been mentioned as term for respect and a legacy in the long once again develop in Washington. Olympics where he is expected to chase an elusive singles gold The outgoing president, sensing that potential 2024 Republican presidential term. But the president-elect also allowed medal. his remaining power lies with still- candidates. The president’s eff ort to attack the that he “may eat these words.” Asked US superstar Williams reaches 40 on September 26 — two formidable base supporters, has spent Once he’s departed from Washington, legitimacy of Biden’s election has a few weeks later if Trump’s departure recent weeks threatening Republican there’s little doubt Trump will turn been rejected by courts across the would really change the political weeks after the conclusion of the US Open. lawmakers who dare to cross him. his attention toward tearing down country and become a running joke in climate, Biden responded more warily. Williams will once again attempt to pull level with Margaret Trump has repeatedly emphasised Biden and attempting to undermine his popular culture. Mainstream media “We’ll see,” he said. “I don’t know. Court as a 24-time Grand Slam champion. that he captured 74 million votes, presidency. coverage has focused on the many false I’m not a fortune teller.” — Tribune Her last triumph at the majors, however, came in Australia a record for a defeated presidential While it remains to be seen claims and missteps by Trump and his News Service in 2017 when she was pregnant. However, Djokovic, the number one record man, remains the man to beat. The reigning Australian Open champion and 17-time major winner, last month became just the second man after Federer to spend 300 weeks as world number one. A columnist’s confession: What I got wrong in 2020 He is expected to pass Federer’s all-time record of 310 weeks on top of the pile on March 8. By Doyle McManus senator from Minnesota. In February, I of the government’s failures. Wisconsin. Coincidence? You be the “This is one of my two biggest professional goals,” Djokovic dubbed her moderate Democrats’ “hope As late as September, I was still judge. said. of the week: more experienced than writing about how Trump had a clear With Congress, my mistake was “To reach the record of and surpass Roger’s record for very year at this time, I embark Buttigieg, a better campaigner than the path to win. All he had to do, I wrote, was searching for signs of the elusive longest time at No. 1 and win as many Slams as possible.” on my annual exercise in fl agging Biden.” persuade voters that he was a stronger bipartisanship that Biden says is just humility — a look back at what Klobuchar was never heard from again. leader than Biden, warn that Democrats around the corner. Most of the time I Among the ones to watch is Carlos Alcaraz. He’s Spanish I wrote over the last 12 months Then I got creative: What would were weak on “law and order,” and speed found only disappointment. and wins titles on clay. Sound familiar? Where Rafael Nadal E with an eye to what I got wrong. happen, I asked, if “nobody” won — if up delivery of a Covid-19 vaccine. In June, after the widespread protests leads, others follow and 17-year-old Carlos Alcaraz appears to This has been a bad year for punditry. Sanders and Biden took their deadlocked The president did all that, but my that followed the death of George Floyd be the 20-time major winner’s most obvious heir. When 2020 began, the Democratic battle all the way to the Democratic prediction was faulty. The worst thing in Minneapolis, something remarkable Alcaraz won three titles on clay in 2020 on the second-level nomination for president was wide open, convention? is what I got wrong: I underestimated happened: Public opinion shifted in the impeachment trial of President That didn’t happen either. the wisdom of American voters. Despite favour of police reform. One national Challenger Tour and was voted the ATP’s Newcomer of the Donald Trump was about to begin, and I was right about only one part of that disruptions in Portland, Oregon, Seattle poll found that fully two-thirds of Year. it seemed certain that politics would race: In a year with so much uncertainty, and other cities, they didn’t fall for Americans wanted to ban police from He climbed 350 places in the world rankings to fi nish 2020 dominate the year’s news. most Democrats were looking for a Trump’s “law and order” pitch. On using chokeholds, including about half of at 141 after reaching a career-high of 136 in October. He was What a diff erence a year makes. candidate who looked “electable,” and police misconduct and race relations, I Republicans. also the youngest player in the year-end top 200. Early in 2020, before we realised what Sanders never persuaded them that wrote, “Voters concluded that he was So why wouldn’t I think something All in all, there is plenty for tennis fans to look forward to. the pandemic would bring, I didn’t think he fi t the bill. Once Biden won South making things worse instead of better.” might actually happen? Instead, we got Joe Biden was likely to win his dogged Carolina on February 29, the battle for I off ered Biden free advice, too. more deadlock. “Both sides behaved but often uninspiring slog toward the the nomination was over. In April, I wrote that his initial strategy badly,” I wrote. “Each surrendered to Democratic nomination. I even described On the other side of the ballot, I of campaigning from his basement internal political pressures. That wasn’t To Advertise it, unkindly, as a “zombie campaign.” expected Trump, a uniquely talented worked surprisingly well. “In an odd surprising, especially in an election year, After Biden fi nished third in the Iowa politician despite his incompetence at way, being out of the public eye may be but it was still disappointing.” [email protected] caucuses and (ouch) fi fth in the New governing, to wage a better campaign good for Biden’s prospects. He’s running Which reminds me of a column that Display Hampshire primary, I tried out one than he did. as the I’m-not-Trump candidate, and may turn out to be either right or wrong. candidate after another as the Democratic At the outset, the president had a voters will know that next fall even if he’s In October, I wrote: “Even if Trump 44466621 44418811 hopeful most likely to succeed. plausible argument for re-election: He not on TV.... The most important factor loses, Trumpism is certain to survive as First I thought it might be Pete had presided over a healthy economy, in November will be what voters think the reigning ideology of the Republican Classified Buttigieg, the 38-year-old former and he promised to lead an all-fronts about Trump’s leadership.” Party.... Trump may have failed as 44466609 44418811 mayor of South Bend, Indiana, who battle against a deadly pandemic. By September, though, the basement president, but his angry conservative fi nished second in both early states. But candidate Trump defeated act wasn’t working anymore. “Biden populism proved spectacularly Subscription Ideologically midway between Biden and himself. His attempt to talk his needs to do much more in the two successful at winning Republican Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., he was way past the coronavirus instead of months before election day, pandemic primaries.” [email protected] “the Goldilocks candidate,” I wrote, “a managing a coherent federal response or not,” I wrote. “He needs to show up It’s too soon to know how that will surprisingly good bet to win.” was all too evident. “I don’t take any in more states than just Delaware and turn out — but I hope it’s one prediction He didn’t win. responsibility,” he told a reporter who Pennsylvania.” I’ll have to apologise for next year. — © 2021 Gulf Times. All rights reserved Then there was Amy Klobuchar, the asked whether he was culpable for any The next morning, he set out for Tribune News Service Gulf Times Tuesday, January 5, 2021 11 PAKISTAN

Educational institutions set to reopen from Jan 18 Mourners to carry The Inter-provincial Education Ministers conference decided yesterday to reopen educational institutions from January 18. Addressing a news conference, Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood announced on protesting until that in the first phase, classes 9 to 12 would be allowed to resume from January 18. In the second phase, the minister said, primary to class 8 will resume on January 25. Whereas higher education assassins arrested institutions; universities and colleges will reopen on February AILING: Leader of the Opposition Shahbaz Sharif. 1, Mahmood said. The education AFP minister further said that online Quetta classes can resume from January 11. He added that teachers and housands of mourners administrative staff would also be Shahbaz requests from the Hazara commu- allowed to come back to schools Tnity yesterday protested from January 11 after the winter alongside the bodies of miners vacations were over. He also killed in an attack claimed by the announced that board exams Lahore High Islamic State group. scheduled for March and April The 10 miners were kidnapped were postponed to May and June. before dawn on Sunday as they Special Assistant to the Prime slept near the remote coal mine Minister on Health Dr Faisal Court to form in the southwestern mountain- Sultan also addressed the presser ous Machh area – 60 kilometres and said after looking at data southeast of Quetta city, local and analysing it, it became clear government offi cial Abid Saleem that we need to take some more medical board said. Covid-19 precautions and delay Up to 2,500 protesters gath- reopening schools. ered with eight of the bodies in Sultan said that data showed Internews lion against Leader of Op- coffi ns and blocked a bypass on that closing the educational Lahore position in National As- the outskirts of Quetta, capital institutions earlier had led to a sembly Shahbaz Sharif, his of oil and gas-rich Balochistan delay in the spread of the novel two sons and other family province, demanding justice. virus. n Accountability members. “We will not end our protest On November 23, the government Court in Lahore ad- The reference mainly ac- until the arrest of all the assas- had announced to close Ajourned the money cused Shahbaz of being the sins,” chief of Balochistan Shia Mourners from the Hazara community warm around a fire near the coff ins of miners killed in an attack by educational institutions across laundering case hearing benefi ciary of assets held Conference, Agha Daud, told gunmen in the mountainous Machh area, during a sit-in protest at the eastern bypass, on the outskirts of the country amid the second against Muslim League- in the name of his family AFP. Quetta yesterday. Below: A family member of a victim cries during the protest. (AFP) wave of the coronavirus. Nawaz (PML-N) President members and ‘benamidars’ “The latest wave of killings Shahbaz Sharif and his fam- (unidentifi ed) who had no will spread to other cities in- ily members till January 6, sources to acquire such as- cluding Quetta if a decisive ac- Court bans local media reported yester- sets. tion is not taken at this stage,” he day. According to NAB, the added. virginity tests During the proceedings, family members and benam- Security offi cials who did on rape victims PML-N president requested idars of Shahbaz’s family re- not want to be named told AFP the accountability court in ceived foreign remittances the attackers fi rst separated the Lahore to form a medical of billions in their personal miners before tying their hands A court in Pakistan’s most board for him. “I am in your bank accounts. In addition and feet and taking them into the populous province yesterday custody. You are powerful so to these remittances, the hills to kill them. At least four outlawed virginity tests on rape you can call the board,” he bureau said, billions of ru- were beheaded, they added. victims — a longstanding practice said, addressing the judge. pees were laundered by way Two of the miners were Af- in the country used to assess a Shahbaz stated that he of foreign pay orders which ghans and their bodies have been woman’s so-called honour. appeared before the court were deposited in personal sent to Afghanistan for burial, a Critics of the invasive tests had despite poor health. He re- bank accounts of Hamza and local security offi cial told AFP. filed petitions in the eastern city quested the court to adjourn Suleman. Offi cials yesterday clarifi ed 10 of Lahore in a bid to have them the case hearing as his law- It further said family of people had died in the attack, re- outlawed. yer is not present. Shahbaz failed to justify the vising a previous death toll of 11. The World Health Organisation Accountability Court sources of funds used for Extremist group IS claimed has previously said there Judge Jawadul Hassan acquisition of assets. It said the attack, according to SITE is no scientific merit to the wished the PML-N presi- the suspects committed of- Intelligence, which monitors ji- examinations and considers them dent good health and in- fences of corruption and hadist activities worldwide. a human rights violation. quired about the reason of corrupt practices as envis- Ethnic Hazaras have proven to Declaring them illegal, Lahore absence of Shahbaz Sharif’s aged under the provisions be particularly vulnerable with High Court said a virginity test lawyer. of National Accountability their distinct Central Asian fea- “off ends the personal dignity of Earlier, the National Ac- Ordinance 1999 and money tures making them easy targets the female victim and therefore is countability Bureau (NAB) laundering as delineated in for militants who consider them denied the presence of IS in the past including a bombing at ous for poor safety standards, against the right to life and right fi led a reference of money Anti-Money Laundering heretics. the country, but the group has a vegetable market in 2019. such attacks against miners are to dignity”. laundering worth Rs8 bil- Act 2010. Pakistani offi cials have long claimed a number of attacks in Though the mines are notori- rare. Proponents of virginity tests claim they can assess a woman’s history of physical contact, with the results often used to discredit rape victims. The ruling was a “much needed Lawyer abducted ‘by PIA fl ies with lone step in the right direction of improving the investigative and passenger to judicial processes and making mistake’ returns home them fairer for victims of assault Manchester and rape,” a statement released by the lawyers behind the petition A lawyer in Islamabad who against his abduction. person who introduced himself said. was abducted by a group of The court has so far sought as DSP Tariq. Internews Pakistan’s president had already kidnappers from his residence a reply from the Islamabad ad- However, three people ac- Islamabad moved to ban the virginity test two days ago has safely re- ministration for the recovery of companying the DSP entered — an invasive examination — in turned home, local media re- the lawyer. the house and sat in the living December as part of a new anti- ported yesterday. Tarnol police have registered room to wait for my son,” the akistan International Airlines rape law. The lawyer told the police a case under Section 365 of lawyer’s father said. (PIA) set a new record as it took The Lahore High Court ruling that he was kidnapped “by mis- the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) “As I left for my son’s room to Pa fl ight to Manchester with only banning all forms of virginity US Congress passes ‘Malala take” and was dropped off near against unknown people and inform him about the visitors, one passenger on board Sunday. testing will apply to Punjab a temple after the kidnappers an investigation has started. the leader [of the gang] followed PIA turned itself into a chartered province and is the first of its kind Yousafzai Scholarship Act’ realised this. From there, the According to the written me,” the father narrated. fl ight, taking the passenger hailing in Pakistan lawyer said he went back home complaint lodged by a former “In the meantime, four more from Gujrat to the UK destination. The A similar case is being heard The US Congress has passed a bill named after Nobel by public transport. serviceman, armed men kid- people came into my son’s plane had a capacity of 371 apart from in the Sindh High Court and laureate Malala Yousafzai (pictured) that expands the In a video message after his napped his son, who is a lawyer room and started questioning the crew. women’s rights activists hope number of scholarships to women in Pakistan under a release, the lawyer thanked the by profession, at 2:30am from him. Finally, they asked him to The news of the fl ight comes as the the Lahore court ruling will set a merit and needs-based programme. Islamabad High Court (IHC) for his house near Tarnol. accompany them and took his PIA is hoping to cut down staff to turn precedent for a nationwide ban. According to information posted on the congressional taking up his case on an off icial The father said an armed man laptop, cellphone, and wallet,” he the national carrier into a profi t making website, the ‘Malala Yousafzai Scholarship Act’ was court holiday. identified himself as DSP Tariq of continued. entity. passed by the House of Representatives in March last “I am very grateful to [IHC] the Counter-Terrorism Depart- The father said he was told Recently, the PIA launched a vol- Embassy in US year, and the US Senate adopted it by a voice vote on Chief Justice Athar Minallah. ment (CTD) when asked who it is that they would send his son untary separation scheme (VSS) for its Friday last. He heard my case and took on the intercom. back after some time, but he employees and, so far, 2,000 employees shut after staff test It has now been sent to President Donald Trump to immediate action on a holi- “He said he wanted to meet didn’t get back home the next have applied for it. positive sign it into law. day,” the lawyer said, extend- my son. I opened the door after morning. The case has been as- The PIA spokesperson had said the The bill requires the USAID to award at least 50% of ing his gratitude to the High getting consent from my son. signed to the Superintendent of reduction in the workforce via an hon- scholarships to Pakistani women, across a range of Court Bar and District Bar as- When I opened the door, 10 Police (SP) Crime Investigation ourable separation scheme, with an The Pakistan embassy in academic disciplines and in accordance with existing sociations for raising a voice people were standing with that Agency (CIA). attractive package, was crucial for the Washington DC has been closed eligibility criteria. airlines to execute its business plan. after staff members tested positive for Covid-19, a statement issued by the Embassy stated yesterday. According to the off icial statement, the embassy has been closed as there is possible Covid-19 exposure. “Out of Covid restrictions boost online shopping abundance of caution, we are closing the embassy, including the consular section for three Internews have started online sale of their than 30 youngster were at- informed that she has started a month. She said the delivery meet their own expenses. days 4-6 January 2021,” the Multan products by signing agreement tached with his food point in selling home cooked food items boys play vital role in selling her Another boy, Sohail Arshad, statement read. with private delivery service job of delivery boy. He said that during coronavirus and earns a products. said the only positive thing It added, “In the meantime, we companies and creating pages they were not only getting sal- handsome income through the A delivery boy, Mohamed which happened in time of coro- will carry out decontamination ovid-19 restrictions on social media. ary from him but also earning a limited business. Nadeem, said he started the job navirus was job opportunities for of the premises and testing of boosted online shopping A large number of youngsters handsome amount through tip She said that most of the job of delivery boy as educational youth. He said all his friends and the staff .” Cand created job oppor- have started jobs of delivery by and commission on each deliv- holders preferred home cooked institutes were closed due to relatives were doing similar jobs The Pakistan embassy stated tunities for youth by accommo- using their motorcycles with ery. food items over fast food. She coronavirus. and added that more youngsters that all consular services will dating a large number of young- food points and other products He said that due to ban on said she made an agreement He said he was earning could line up given the scope. remain suspended during this sters in job of delivery services and many others attached with dining in hotels during corona- with foodpanda and was also Rs24,000- 26,000 a month to Raheel Nawaz, a worker of a period. However, it mentioned which not only provided jobs to courier services, Uber and Car- virus, sale of fast food items has using social media to increase support his family — a change private hospital, felt he was not that online services for visa and youth but also increased sale of eem and private delivery service increased and the delivery boys her income. from the time when he was just only fi nancially supporting his passport renewal and main- diff erent products. companies. play a vital role in sale by timely Sumera said she was receiv- sitting idle at home. He said family but also saving through in-visa services will remain Diff erent fast food points, A fast food point owner delivering orders. ing 35-40 orders daily which that his friends and class fel- both the regular job and the available. hotels, shopkeepers and women Mohsin Ali said that more A woman, Sumera Ajmal, enabled her to earn Rs25,000 lows have also followed suit to part-time bit. Gulf Times 12 Tuesday, January 5, 2021 QATAR

Dr al-Sulaiti announcing the EED Award winners yesterday.

Left: The audience at the award announcement function yesterday. EED Award ’21 winners named atar Academy (all cam- ondary School for Girls received by the committee, EED Award pleased to convey to you the awareness among distinguished the terms and conditions before However, the award was with- puses) won the most hon- the largest number of awards executive chairperson Dr Hamda greetings and congratulations of students who wish to apply for evaluation. held for the Outstanding Sci- Qours under the outstand- under the outstanding secondary Hassan al-Sulaiti announced HE Dr Mohamed Abdul Wahed the award in the future. The applications were then entifi c Research Project and the ing primary student category of student category. the winners and their respective Ali al-Hammadi, the Minister Dr al-Sulaiti called on all the evaluated according to their Outstanding Private School cat- the 14th Education Excellence The share of Carnegie Mellon medals under each of the nine of Education and Higher Educa- winners to remain on the path grades and on competitiveness. egories, which refl ects the com- Day (EED) Award for 2021, it was University in Qatar of the EED categories of the award. tion and chairman of the Board of excellence and leave distinct Dr al-Sulaiti explained that mittee’s keenness and accuracy announced yesterday. Awards was the highest under The conference was attended of Trustees for the Education Ex- marks in their future. more than one winner can claim during the evaluation of the ap- Al Bayan Preparatory and the outstanding undergraduates by the heads of the EED Award cellence Award.” The executive chairperson of the same award without taking plications. Amna Bint Wahab Preparatory category. jury committees, the winning She said the 71 winners were the EED Award said that the ap- into account a specifi c ceiling The EED Award covers nine Schools for Girls were the most- The winners, announced by students and their families as selected from 374 applicants plications went through mul- for the number of winners if the categories: primary, preparatory, awarded under the outstanding the organising committee for the well as the two winning schools under all categories, and noted tiple stages of arbitration, the grades were even, which was the and secondary students; uni- preparatory student category. EED Award, will be honoured at and teachers, and the winners that the Excellence Ambassadors most important of which was the case of the Outstanding School versity graduates; MA and PhD Qatar Banking Studies and the award’s closing ceremony on under the MA and PhD holders’ Programme, introduced this year, screening stage, where the ap- category that witnessed two holders; outstanding teacher and Business Administration Sec- March 1. category. will include a group of former plication fi les were reviewed for government schools winning the school; and outstanding scien- ondary School and Al Bayan Sec- During a press conference held Dr al-Sulaiti stated: “I am winners to support and raise eligibility and conformity with award this year. tifi c research project.

Only the best international horse breeds are eligible to participate in the first edition of Katara’s International Arabian Horse Festival. (Supplied picture) Katara’s International Arabian Horse Festival all set to take place next month

By Joey Aguilar the festival will also organise exhi- step, enhancing the relation between Staff Reporter bitions specialised in selling horse the world of purebred Arabian horses equipment, such as gears, saddles, and the public, who look forward to items for horse hair and hoof. discover all that is special, beautiful, wide range of activities, includ- According to Katara, the event will varied and interesting; a tradition, ing horse riding, auction for also host a large number of shops that which has always been there in Ka- Ahorses, riders parade, and ex- specialise in horse-related items and tara.” hibitions will take centre stage at the supplies. The organisers added that the festi- fi rst edition of Katara’s International Visitors, both children and adults, val, dubbed as one of the largest sport- Arabian Horse Festival, scheduled to will also have the chance to ride horses ing events in the equestrian fi eld, also take place from February 2-6 at the and witness a series of rider parades at aims to “enhance the culture of ‘mod- Katara beach. the festival, in addition to associated ernisation and originality’ in line with The fi ve-day event, organised by cultural and entertainment activities, the Qatar National Vision 2030”. Katara – the Cultural Village in co- such as the special horse fi rework im- “The festival involves several relat- operation with the Qatar Racing and ages. ed cultural and educational activities. Equestrian Club, aims “to promote the A wide selection of stalls at the A special feature of the festival will be country as a world hub for horse and venue will also off er a variety of food, the hosting of the Qatar International equestrian sports and a leader in the snacks and drinks. Purebred Arabian Horse Show be- pure Arabian breed and enhance its There is also a competition, with tween February 4 and 6,” Katara noted. standing in this discipline”. some QR13mn of cash prizes on of- “It is the most established horse show The festival’s website https://kiahf. fer, which only the best international in the region and, given its leading qa/ noted that it will hold an auction horse breeds can take part. global sanding, Qatar’s premier Ara- for horses of well-known pedigrees “The Katara International Arabian bian horse show and one of the world’s as “Qatar boasts a global pioneering Horse Festival is a wonderful experi- highest-ranked shows. standing in this respect”. ence and a distinctive mix between “Only champions and winners in Apart from conducting educational the past, the present and the future,” other shows are eligible to participate lectures on purebred Arabian horses, the organisers said. “It is an important in this Title Show.”