RAMADAN 15, 1442 AH TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021

16 Pages Max 39 Min 22º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 18420 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

350,000 expat workers ‘Nomadland’ wins big at pandemic First Arab woman basketball still stranded abroad Oscars as Zhao makes history referee to stand tall at Olympics 3 12 14 Fajr 03:45 Shurooq 05:10 Dhuhr 11:46 Asr 15:21 Maghrib 18:21 Isha 19:44

Assembly to hold crucial session amid challenges

Court jails Bangladeshi MP, Kuwaiti officials for 7 years

By B Izzak illegal and not in line with the constitu- actions. Kandari said some pro-govern- The sentence is not final as it can be the powers of their ruling families. tion. Opposition MP Mohammad Al- ment MPs wanted to capitalize on their challenged at the court of cassation, Mutairi, who has been living in self-exile KUWAIT: The National Assembly holds Mutair said yesterday that the decision support of the government by pressuring whose rulings are final. Meanwhile, the in Turkey for some time, described the a crucial session today amid continued to postpone grillings of the prime minis- ministers to pass illegal transactions. criminal court yesterday sentenced lead- ruling as “political” against “reformists in confrontation between around 30 oppo- ter amounts to a coup against the In the meantime, the court of appeals ing Islamist activist and leader of the Kuwait”, adding that such rulings will not sition MPs on one hand and the govern- Kuwaiti constitution. He and other MPs yesterday jailed a Bangladeshi lawmaker Islamist Ummah Party Hakem Al-Mutairi help Gulf states resolve their dilemmas. ment and the Assembly speaker on the have insisted the session will not be for seven years after convicting him of to life in jail in absentia after convicting He said on his Twitter account that such other. Opposition MPs have vowed to allowed to proceed unless the prime bribery and corruption. The court also him on charges of plotting with a foreign verdicts will only “boost our faith in the prevent the session from proceeding minister is grilled. sentenced Sheikh Mazen Al-Jarrah Al- country to overthrow a number of Gulf necessity for change”. unless HH the Prime Minister Sheikh MP Abdulkarim Al-Kandari yesterday Sabah, a senior interior ministry official, ruling families. The criminal court also sentenced MP Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah accepts to be asked Justice Minister Abdullah Al- former MP Salah Khorshid and a former The sentence is based on a leaked Marzouq Al-Khalifa, former MP Sultan grilled over a variety of accusations. Roumi if the Anti-Corruption Authority senior official of the Manpower Public recording of a conversation between Al-Shimmari and six others to two years The Assembly decided on March 30 has investigated allegations that some Authority for the same period in jail for Mutairi and former Libyan leader in jail for taking part in illegal tribal pri- to postpone grillings against the prime ministers threatened to resign because being parties to the case. The court con- Muammar Gaddafi, in which Mutairi mary elections. The court asked the con- minister until the end of 2022, but the of blackmail by some pro-government firmed the acquittal of MP Saadoun clearly said that Gulf peoples are pre- victs to pay KD 5,000 each to suspend opposition insists that the decision is MPs who wanted them to take illegal Hammad. pared to overthrow or at least restrict the jail term.

the Kuwaiti man last Tuesday, who allegedly sister’s life, but he was nevertheless freed on bail. Ramadan Kareem Man charged with stabbed her and dumped her outside Adan Hospital She also said police stations did not take their com- in Mubarak Al-Kabeer. The woman later suc- plaints seriously. murder for brutal cumbed to her injuries. Dozens of women gathered last Thursday out- Ramadan According to reports, the suspect wanted to side the National Assembly in Irada Square marry the victim, but her family rejected the pro- demanding more protection for women and taking killing of woman posal. The woman’s family said they had filed several their cases more seriously by police stations follow- boot camp cases at several police stations and with some pub- ing the brutal murder. A number of the peaceful KUWAIT: The public prosecution has charged the lic prosecutors, but the man was not kept in cus- protesters said that they came to let authorities By Shariffa Carlo suspect in the killing of a woman in Sabah Al-Salem tody. The woman’s sister - who is a lawyer - said know that complaints by women must be dealt with last week with first-degree murder, which is punish- that she repeatedly pleaded with a public prosecu- seriously like those by men, complaining that amadan is upon us once again. It is a time able by death. The woman (FA) was abducted by tor that the release of the man could endanger her authorities tend to take their cases lightly. for fasting, praying and getting closer to Rour Lord. It has been commanded for Muslims to fast in the Noble Quran, where Allah (the Almighty and Majestic) says, what can be trast. Through its early months rough- translated as: “O Believers, fasting is enjoined Palestinians ly a year ago, the enclave’s Hamas upon you, as it was enjoined upon those before Islamist rulers largely succeeded in you, that you may attain taqwa (God-conscious- fight to survive limiting significant viral spread. ness).” (Al-Baqarah 2:183) Access to Gaza was already During Ramadan, we are commanded to fast, restricted through Israeli and to attain taqwa. What does that mean? in COVID unit Egyptian controlled crossings, and Linguistically, in Arabic, sawm literally means Hamas imposed strict quarantines on “to keep away from something.” The verb is GAZA CITY: Slumped in a hospital everyone who sought entry. But in (saama, which means to abstain or to restrain bed, his face obscured by an oxygen August the first cases were recorded from something. mask in an intensive care unit for outside quarantine centers, raising The linguistic meaning of Taqwa is “a shield, coronavirus patients in the Gaza Strip, fears of catastrophe given Gaza’s or protective barrier”. When put it together, Hussein Al-Hajj said he wanted to talk. weak health infrastructure. Muslims understand that the act of self-control “Vaccinations are essential, but I’m Now, as Israel broadly re-opens that is necessary for fasting, helps to create a going to have to survive the virus thanks to a world-leading vaccination shield for those who fast, from evil and sin. The before getting vaccinated,” the 71- effort, Gaza’s vulnerable health system act of fasting is a form of physical, mental, and year-old retired Palestinian teacher is overwhelmed. Hajj was admitted to spiritual training. Along with fasting, the month of told AFP through strained breaths. In a Turkish funded hospital, built in Ramadan brings added chances for blessings and Gaza, a Palestinian territory under 2017 on land where polluted stagnant GAZA CITY: Hussein Al-Hajj, a 71-year-old COVID-19 patient, lies in his bed forgiveness. Muslims are encouraged to use this strict Israeli blockade since 2007, the water often pools, which was at the intensive care unit for coronavirus patients at the Turkish-Palestinian month as an opportunity to achieve maximum pandemic has been defined by con- Continued on Page 2 Friendship Hospital. —AFP fitness of body, mind and spirit, through fasting, adding prayers, increasing the giving of charity, working on patience, and reading, studying and implementing the Quran. In Berlin, virus Taqwa in Islam, is understood as a heightened Philippines’ sense of God-Consciousness, a recognition of the fact that while we do not see our Lord, He test before virus cases Sees us. We consider Ramadan as the exercise ground of faith. It is in Ramadan that we find the Ramadan prayers time and ability, through this deed, fasting, that is top 1 million both communal and immensely personal. BERLIN: With his head tilted back and his face MANILA: The number of coronavirus cases As a group, as nations, we gather together to mask pulled down, Imam Abdallah Hajjir patiently logged in the Philippines since the start of the pray and fast, but fasting, while it has a visual undergoes a nasal swab outside a Berlin mosque to pandemic topped one million yesterday, as a element, is something which no one, but us and get tested for the coronavirus. “Negative!” he smiles health official warned against easing restric- our Lord, truly knows has been committed fully. a few minutes later, and heads inside for Friday tions, to give hospitals some “breathing room”. As such, Muslims believe that it is a deed so prayers. The medical team manning a testing station Nearly 9,000 new infections in the past 24 loved by Allah (swt), that He sets its value for outside the red-bricked “House of Wisdom” mosque hours took the country’s caseload to 1,006,428 is part of a push by authorities in the German capital each of us personally, based on the purity and — the second-highest in Southeast Asia-with to raise COVID awareness among Muslims during BERLIN: Imam Sheikh Abdallah Hajjir (left) takes a completeness of the deed. 16,853 fatalities, government figures show. the holy fasting month of Ramadan, and among coronavirus test before attending Friday prayer at the Ramadan is truly a boot camp, because we Limited testing means the actual number of migrant populations more generally. ‘Haus der Weisheit’ (House of Wisdom) Mosque in don’t just fast or abstain from food and drink; we cases is probably much higher. A lockdown Sitting at a table in the building’s parking lot, the Berlin’s Moabit district. — AFP abstain from sins. Allah informs us that He will imposed on the national capital region and four not accept a fast that is littered with lies, back- staff made up of Libyans, Syrians and Armenians we are protecting those they come into contact with, surrounding provinces at the end of March to biting, harming of others, or other sins. We must carry out free rapid testing for a steady stream of so society as a whole,” he said. Around 35 percent of slow a record surge in infections appears to be guard not just our stomachs but our hearts, worshippers lining up with prayer mats rolled up Berlin residents have a migrant background, and working. New cases in the capital-the epicenter tongues and limbs. under their arms. neighborhoods with the highest proportion of of the outbreak-fell 20 percent to an average of Because Ramadan has such a concentrated Imam Abdallah Hajjir, wearing a gold-rimmed cap, says encouraging the congregation to get tested is a migrants have recorded the highest number of coro- 3,841 per day last week, data released by inde- and increased level of acts of worship within navirus cases since the pandemic began a year ago. pendent research group OCTA show. Continued on Page 2 way “to contribute” in the fight against the pandem- ic. “By protecting the members of our community, Continued on Page 2 Continued on Page 2 2 Established 1961

Tuesday, April 27, 2021 Local Kuwait Amir condoles with Chad military leader on president’s demise

KUWAIT: Minister of the Amiri Diwan Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah offers condolences at the embassy of Chad in Kuwait yesterday. — Amiri Diwan photos

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al- away of former President Idriss Deby Itno, praying Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al- Chad in Kuwait, where he paid condolences on Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent a cable of condo- to Allah to bestow blessing upon the deceased. His Sabah sent similar cables to General Deby. behalf of His Highness the Amir and His Highness the lences to General Hamamat Idriss Deby, chairman of Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al- Meanwhile, Minister of the Amiri Diwan Sheikh Ali Crown Prince on the demise of President Idriss Chad’s Transitional Military Council, over passing Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Jarrah Al-Sabah yesterday visited the embassy of Deby Itno. — KUNA

ees from Kuwait and over- Action, Managing Change, effective communication training content, provided by prestigious interna- NBK staff exhibit seas branches, including skills, and Applying Lean Thinking to Enhance tional universities. Bahrain, Iraq, China, Jordan, Leadership Skills. 53 trainees from the supervisory Darweesh emphasized that NBK always strives Egypt and Singapore. level participated in the program of building a driv- to provide an attractive and diverse learning expe- passion for During Q1 2021, imple- en performance culture provided through virtual rience that is accessible for all employees at all mented training activities learning. stages of their careers, noting that, due to the development included in-house training As part of the bank’s effective strategy to changing needs of the bank’s employees, the offer- programs and specialized improve the employee’s learning experience, Group ings provided by Training Department are con- workshops for new employ- Human Resources continue to ensure designing and stantly evolving in order to contribute in promot- despite pandemic ees. six “Yalla Watani” pro- enhancing NBK’s E-Learning platform. Significant ing Creativity and innovation in the digital era. grams, were held for 72 Ahmad Darweesh progress was achieved in improving the quality of Darweesh elaborated that Training and KUWAIT: During the first quarter of 2021, the trainees targeting NBK training content and interaction level. Development Department is always exploring new National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) witnessed high branches and Contact Center. In addition, the bank On this occasion, Ahmad Darweesh, Head of ways to provide training programs to the bank’s attendance rate exceeding 91 percent in the training organized four fully virtual workshops for 80 Training and Development at National Bank of employees according to their career and personal programs and courses, despite the challenges posed Service officer, Relationship officers and Personal Kuwait quoted: “Years ago, Group Human development needs, noting that Group Human by the COVID-19 pandemic held. This was achieved banking officers. Resources has been adopting a more holistic Resources has extensively promoted participation by the advanced digital infrastructure developed by NBK adopted the latest training approach approach and vision in line with the bank’s plans to in “self-learning” through NBK’s E-Learning Group Human Resources over the previous years. “Blended Learning” for newly recruited staff using implement digital transformation. In this context, it Platform, where it can be accessed anytime and A total of 500 employees participated in various NBK’s E-Learning Platform, as well as virtual train- developed a fully virtual approach to practical and anywhere. training programs and workshops, aligning with the ing. programs examinations were held in designat- theoretical training, which paid off during the pan- It is worth mentioning that NBK consistently bank’s vision and commitment towards investing in ed labs, subject to all precautionary measures and demic, as it was able to make significant strides in support its employees in building their careers its most valuable asset - human resources. social distancing to keep everyone safe. the process of training and developing employees, through diversifying and consciously evolving their NBK organized 32 training programs from the In addition, 103 trainees attended “Middle despite the partial and full lockdown measures.” talents within the bank. In recent challenging times, annual training plan for developing its employees Management Development Program” through the Both Education and qualification are top priori- efficient workforce proved to make a difference. through intensive soft skills and specialized program. e-learning platform as well as virtual to develop ties for NBK, which act as a key part of the career NBK believes that employees continuously learn in Such trainings involved building a performance driv- their capabilities and enhance their skills across development strategy and promoting digital cul- a culture that drives personal growth and truly val- en culture program as well as fraud investigation. multiple areas, including: Developing Your ture, thus being known as the best practice among ues long-term careers as a strategic pillar of the The provided programs were attended by employ- Management Skills, and Adaptive Leadership in private sector institutions in the region; in terms of Bank’s strategy and ambitious plans for the future.

ernment task force meeting to decide on the issue. Philippines’ “This is primarily our major concern.” The government has been redeploying healthcare KRCS hands 5,000 food workers from low-transmission regions to the virus cases... capital to support struggling hospitals. Philippine Red Cross chairman Richard Gordon said more parcels to Palestinian refugees Continued from Page 1 medical volunteers were “urgently” needed. Under current virus rules, indoor dining is The occupancy rate of hospital beds allocated banned, non-essential travel curbed, public for COVID-19 patients has also eased after capac- transport capacity limited and businesses such as ity was boosted and isolation facilities for mild gyms and beauty salons closed. Wearing a mask cases expanded. and face shield in public has long been mandato- But Health Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire ry. There are growing concerns about the impact said infections would go back up if restrictions of the measures on the already devastated econ- were relaxed now. “As a health agency, we in the omy. President Rodrigo Duterte’s economic DOH (Department of Health) see the importance of advisers estimate that the first two weeks of continuing these kinds of restrictions so there is lockdown cost about 252,000 jobs and slashed breathing room and space for decongestion of our household income by nearly 30 billion pesos healthcare system,” Vergeire said ahead of a gov- ($620 million). —AFP

tests a day and the 36 percent positive test rate is Palestinians among the highest in the world, according to the World Health Organization. “Officially we have about 1,000 (new) cases a day, but it’s probably fight to survive... 5,000 or more because people don’t go to the hos- pital or call us to say if they have symptoms,” BEIRUT: Kuwait Red Crescent Society delivered Lebanon,” head of the organization’s Lebanon Continued from Page 1 Abadelah said. 5,000 food parcels to Palestinian refugees in mission Musaed Al-Enezi said. Initiatives like

Samer Mansour, head nurse at the ICU, said Lebanon on Sunday during the Muslim holy fast- these are repeated each year, during the Muslim previously used as a training ground for Hamas’s when the unit opened only one of the nine beds was ing month of Ramadan. “Some 25,000 individuals fasting month, in the aim of lessening the suffer- armed wing. occupied. Now the beds are “always full,” with will benefit from these portions, donated by the ing of the refugees in light of tough economic and The white-haired Hajj was among a group of about 40 percent of patients under 50, he added, people of Kuwait to our Palestinian brethren in health conditions, he added. — KUNA mostly elderly, male patients curled up on beds and explaining that medical staff in Gaza have experi- intubated under the care of an overstretched med- ence treating combat wounds, but Covid-19 has ical team. “My wife and I contracted corona. She posed unprecedented challenges. integration officer. stayed in quarantine at home, but I have lung prob- Hamas has tried to contain transmission by “There’s false information circulating” about the lems, so first I was brought to the hospital, then imposing a 7:00 pm curfew, an effort to prevent In Berlin, virus vaccines, she said, ranging from “‘It’s going to make here,” he said in a whisper, referring to the large gatherings for evening meals during the holy me sterile’ to ‘they’re going to implant a chip’”. She makeshift ICU. “It’s a question of life and death. month of Ramadan. But relief from mass vaccina- test before... said people like the imam “with all the authority they Things can deteriorate at any moment.” tion remains a distant prospect. The United carry” are best placed to “boost people’s confi- Health authorities in Gaza say the situation Nations and rights groups have said that Israel has Continued from Page 1 dence” in the COVID jabs. turned more dire following the emergence last a legal obligation to ensure vaccine supply to Gaza, “The impact is completely different when he uses month of the more contagious British coronavirus as the military power responsible for the crippling his sermon, like he did today, to stress the need to variant, which fuelled a surge in cases among blockade. They are often also the areas where population protect lives,” she added. Berlin has also launched younger Palestinians. “The situation is critical,” said Israel has baulked at such calls, insisting the density is above average. Many immigrants live in coronavirus information podcasts in over a dozen Rami Al-Abadelah, director of infections diseases at Palestinian Authority in occupied West Bank is close quarters in small apartments, or in asylum languages, including Arabic, Farsi and Kurdish. Gaza’s health ministry. Last week the enclave of responsible for all Palestinian vaccinations. For centers where up to five people sometimes share a The vaccination of 18,500 refugees living in some two million people registered a pandemic Gazans, that means relying on the PA which has single room. Last October, the OECD sounded the shared accommodation in Berlin has also got record of 23 deaths in a single day. faced a series of procurement challenges and on the alarm and said migrant workers were “on the front- under way. Around 850 Gazans have died from COVID, Covax program set up to support COVID vaccina- line” of the pandemic in developed countries. The Outside the mosque in Berlin’s diverse Moabit while the territory is expected to cross the 100,000 tions among poorer nations. Organization for Economic Cooperation and neighborhood, a small group of worshippers have case threshold within days. The resource-strapped “We have received 110,000 doses by we need an Development, a club of some 40 mostly rich nations, placed their prayer rugs on the asphalt and are lis- Islamist authorities are conducting about 3,200 additional 2.6 million,” Abadelah said. — AFP estimated that the risk of a coronavirus infection tening to the imam’s voice carried by loudspeakers was “at least twice as high” as among the rest of the from the prayer room. Pandemic restrictions on the population. number of people allowed to gather inside the or her peak, so should the Muslim emerge from In Germany as elsewhere, people with foreign building have left them praying on the sidewalk. Ramadan Ramadan at our peak. backgrounds also tend to be employed in work that The cleansing ritual, or ablution, has to be carried can’t be done remotely, such as cleaning or caring for out before arriving at the mosque. But Ali, 30, who Courtesy of TIES: TIES is among the projects funded and managed by the elderly, according to the Dezim institute for comes every Friday, says he won’t let the virus boot camp... Kuwaiti Society for Cultural Dialogue. TIES aims at empowering Kuwait’s research on integration and migration. As Germany’s curbs ruin the holy month of Ramadan for the sec- Continued from Page 1 expats through social and educational services that promote a positive and COVID vaccination drive picks up speed, city ond year in a row. productive role in society, and to facilitate opportunities for intra- and authorities are stepping up efforts to try to overcome “It’s a shame we can’t have large family gatherings “the large reservations” held by some migrants about it, the result of a Ramadan well spent is that, like interfaith interactions that promote social solidarity. For more information, (to break the fast). But luckily we can have video getting jabbed, said Katarina Niewiedzial, Berlin’s a soldier who has attended Boot Camp returns at his please call 25231015/6 or 94079426 or e-mail: [email protected]. chats with our relatives,” he says, smiling. — AFP Established 1961 3 Local Tuesday, April 27, 2021

350,000 expat National Guard’s Caracal workers still struck abroad helicopters enter service KUWAIT: Employers have asked rele- KUWAIT: Kuwait National Guard (KNG) received vant government authorities several times a number of French-made Caracal helicopters, to allow company employees who hold which entered service as the core of the guard’s air valid residency permits to enter into the fleet. Top KNG officials attended the reception country while taking the necessary health ceremony including Lieutenant-General Hashim measures, Al-Qabas Arabic daily reported Abdul Al-Rifai, Assistant for Operations and yesterday. As the ban on expatriates’ Training Major General Faleh Shuja Faleh, Assistant flights remains indefinitely, there are Commander of the Air Force in the Kuwaiti Army 350,000 employees with valid residency Brigadier General Bandar Salem Al-Muzain, and permits currently stranded abroad, whose Commander of Ali Al-Salem Air Force Base work permits and civil IDs have been Brigadier General Mubarak Abdullah Al-Qahtan. renewed, according to official sources “On behalf of His Highness Sheikh Salem Al-Ali quoted in the report. Al-Sabah, President of the Kuwait National Guard, As the marketplace lost 500,000 work- and retired Lieutenant-General Sheikh Ahmed ers in 2020 or 31 percent of registered Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Vice workers in business sectors (350,000 with President of the National Guard, we celebrate valid residencies stranded abroad and today the arrival of the Caracal helicopters from 150,000 who left for good), it is necessary the friendly Republic of France, which join the to take the necessary action to allow the National Guard air force to allow it to carry out its return of stranded employees gradually, duties in supporting state departments through the sources said. troop transportation, search and rescue, and med- Khalid Al-Ashab, a human resources ical evacuation,” Lt Gen Rifai said during the cere- mony. He added that KNG had enrolled its person- official at a logistics company, said labor nel “in the most prestigious academies to study shortage has doubled as many companies and gain practical experience so that they are suffer from a scarcity of heavy duty driv- qualified to carry out this task” of operating the the National Guard (2020). “The idea of the heli- Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah,” he said. The ers, in addition to skilled workers in the new helicopters. copter project coincided with the expansion proj- air base was named after Sheikh Mishal, the former mechanical, maintenance, cleaning and Meanwhile, Maj Gen Faleh said that the helicop- ect of His Highness Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah Vice President of Kuwait National Guard, “in construction sectors. ter division is one of the vital ones in the KNG, camp, and the establishment of the air base that we recognition of his contributions and achievements Meanwhile, an owner of an agricultural which was included in the second strategic plan of were honored to name after His Highness Sheikh towards the march of the National Guard.” and contracting group Yousuf Al-Shimmari said the shortage in the agricultural sector is huge, as demand for workers has increased along with their salaries - from KD 120 to KD 350. Officials at the health ministry said issu- Defense ing a recommendation to allow the return of stranded employees abroad needs more Minister, Dutch studies and follow-up of coronavirus developments locally and internationally, adding that the infection curve differs from envoy discuss one country to another, so it is difficult to generalize the recommendation on all cooperation countries that have workers in Kuwait. Health officials said the health situation KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister varies between countries, adding that and Defense Minister Sheikh Hamad receiving certain doses of vaccines may Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah discussed not guarantee the entry of these nationals matters of mutual significance, into Kuwait due to the appearance of new means for cooperation and joint strains (variants) in countries like India, work with Netherlands’ Ambassador which registered 349,691 COVID-19 cases Laurens Westhoff, Kuwait’s military on Sunday, apart from 2,767 deaths. said yesterday. —KUNA

KUWAIT: Northern Ports customs officers foiled an attempt to smuggle 150 bags of chewing tobacco, as well as counterfeit perfumes. Customs detectives department learned about the shipment arriving from Jebel Ali Port, so it was searched and the banned substances were found. Legal action was taken.

show once they reach the shop- Rabiya Co-op Kuwait curfew: ping center. WhatsApp 2438-8316 What you Where to obtain a curfew pass? Wafra Farm Co-op Citizens and residents that need a Tel: 9883-5245 / 5170-0085 need to know pass during the curfew hours to leave their homes can apply for a Salmiya Co-op KUWAIT: Kuwait imposed a cur- pass at https://www.paci.gov.kw/. Tel: 22253225 few from 7:00 pm to 5:00 am The pass is available for those in until the end of Ramadan to help need of emergency medical treat- Jabriya Co-op curb the sharp increase in ment, doctor’s visits, blood donation, Tel: 1805-353 COVID-19 cases registered in COVID-19 swabs and COVID-19 WhatsApp 6566-6084 recent weeks. During the curfew vaccinations. hours, pharmacies, medical stores, Rawdha & Hawally co-operative societies and super- Co-op delivery during curfew WhatsApp 9662-2883 markets are allowed to continue hours operation only through delivery During curfew hours, co-ops, gro- Shaab Co-op services, while restaurants and cery stores and other markets will be WhatsApp 9090-4455 cafes are allowed to deliver food allowed to offer delivery services. from 7:00 pm to 3:00 am every Most co-ops will accept orders via Wafra Co-op day. Also during the curfew, peo- delivery. Here is an incomplete list of WhatsApp 5055-0539 ple are allowed to go to prayers at co-op WhatsApp numbers. Each co- mosques only by walking, and the op will be responsible for deciding if Keifan Co-op government allowed people to and when they provide delivery serv- WhatsApp 5178-1719 practice walking and jogging from ices and not all may be providing. 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The gov- Rehab Co-op ernment meanwhile allowed Omariya Co-op WhatsApp 9222-2358 salons and health clubs to reopen WhatsApp 6041-0067 during the day but kept restau- Mishref Co-op rants and cafes closed except for Farwaniya Co-op WhatsApp 5055-9900 drive-through and delivery serv- WhatsApp 6767-8211 ices. Meanwhile, taxis are allowed Faiha Co-op to carry only two passengers. Qairawan Co-op Tel: 1861-000 The Ministry of Commerce and WhatsApp 9000-3749 WhatsApp 9098-6000 Industry launched a booking serv- ice, allowing people to shop from Jahra Co-op Rumaithiya Co-op 7:00 pm to 12:00 am during the WhatsApp 5160-2458 WhatsApp 6066-0045 curfew hours. The service is valid for all co-ops and supermarkets Abdulla Al-Mubarak Co-op Bayan Co-op around Kuwait. To book an WhatsApp 6066-6338 WhatsApp 9004-2500 appointment, a shopper should visit www.moci.shop, enter the Nuzha Co-op Fahaheel Co-op required information (civil ID WhatsApp 9784-5531 WhatsApp 5178-9951 number and serial number, contact number and email address), the Khaitan Co-op Adan & Qusour Co-op reason for appointment (food sup- WhatsApp 6777-9745 Tel: 5034-3111 / 6593-3975 ply center) and the time and date of the appointment. The shopper Ardhiya Co-op Salam Co-op would then receive a barcode to WhatsApp 6902-0779 WhatsApp 9788-7832 4 Established 1961 Local Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Kuwait Heritage Established 1961 The First Daily in The Arabian Gulf

THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961

Founder and Publisher YOUSUF S. AL-ALYAN Editor-in-Chief ABD AL-RAHMAN AL-ALYAN EDITORIAL : 24833199-24833358-24833432 ADVERTISING : 24835616/7 FAX : 24835620/1 CIRCULATION : 24833199 Extn. 163 ACCOUNTS : 24833199 Extn. 125 COMMERCIAL : 24835618 P.O.Box 1301 Safat,13014 Kuwait. Email: [email protected] Website: www.kuwaittimes.net

News in brief Kuwait condemns Israeli violence

KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry has expressed Kuwait’s condemnation of the acts of violence and provocation carried out by a Jewish extremist group against Palestinians in the occu- pied East Jerusalem’s old city. In a press state- ment, the Ministry also denounced the Israeli measures preventing Palestinian worshipers from reaching and praying at Al-Aqsa Mosque in KUWAIT: This picture taken circa 1960 shows the khabbazeen (bakers) market, which also sold ‘nikhi and bajela’. Made from boiled chickpeas and fava Jerusalem. It urged the international community beans respectively, ‘nikhi and bajela’ remain very popular in Kuwait today. (Source: Collection of Ali Al-Rais, Center of Research and Studies on Kuwait to take a swift action in this regard and to demand the Israeli occupiers to stop harassments of 2017. Prepared by: Mahmoud Aakaria Abu Alella, researcher in heritage, Ministry of Information) Palestinians and to abide by relevant international law provisions.

Foreign Minster expresses condolences Bin Sabt thanked the board of directors for their Kuwait Friendship confidence in him, saying it is his pleasure to be KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Foreign Minister and Minister part of the society and an effective element in pre- of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Dr Ahmad Humanitarian Society senting its various services to the needy, helping in Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah on Sunday enhancing its work and achieving its noble goals. phoned his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein, Bin Sabt said work is ongoing with the chairman expressing sincere condolences for the accidental calls upon donors and board members to set a strategy to enhance fire that occurred at Ibn Al-Khatib Hospital in beneficiary services and reach the largest group of Baghdad. Sheikh Ahmad exhibited great sorrow for KUWAIT: Chairman of Kuwait Friendship needy people. the lives lost in this accident which took the lives of Humanitarian Society Ahmad Abdullah Al-Sarraf tens of Iraqi citizens. He also wished quick recov- urged donors, various bodies, citizens and expats to Bin Sabt said the society’s goals include: ery for the injured. support the newly-established society and help it 1. Presenting social and material care to needy Ahmad Al-Sarraf Khalid bin Sabt achieve its goals. Sarraf, as well as other board people of any nationality, especially the sick and members, thanked all those who supported the Co-ops can buy directly from local farmers those facing financial difficulties. • Aiding inmates in prison and reform establishments. society morally and materially. 2. Helping prisoners and their families. Sarraf said the board of directors recently 3. Helping families in need who do not wish to Bin Sabt said KFHS is distinguished with the KUWAIT: Minister of Social Affairs Dr Meshan Al- appointed Khalid Mohammad bin Sabt as Director Otaibi gave orders to allow co-ops to buy directly disclose their destitution. following: General of the society due to his experience in 4. Cooperating with other societies in this • The society’s founders and its board are major from local farmers without brokers, in a step to help humanitarian and voluntary work and his excep- reduce prices and support Kuwaiti farmers. regard. supporters and donors. tional contacts with public and private establish- 5. Recognizing expats who have exceeded 50 • Board members are volunteers, not receiving ments, in addition to his vast managerial expertise. years residing in Kuwait and presenting them salaries or advantages, and are not allowed to hire with gifts. their relatives. 6. Honoring law-abiding expats. • The society does not deduct any percentage of 7. Working on strengthening friendships with money from any donation it receives for its projects. expats through participating in their national • The society publishes its annual budget, names holidays. of donors and amount of donations periodically on its website. Bin Sabt said projects licensed by the social • All society accounts and activities are under affairs ministry include: the supervision of the social affairs ministry and • Providing airline tickets to female domestic audited by Howarth, Al-Muhanna and Partners. helpers in shelters. Bin Sabt said the donation procedure is simple and • Helping sick expats having financial difficulties. only requires direct contact with the general manager • Supporting expat domestic help shelters. on 55121212, or with PR official Nasser Al-Fadhly on • Helping needy families. 66759392 to arrange for a visit to donate or get more • Providing those awaiting deportation with air- information. Donations can be made through any of line tickets (both men and women). the following banks: National Bank of Kuwait, Kuwait • Honoring expats who have been residing for a International Bank and Kuwait Finance House. long time in Kuwait. Donations can be one-time or monthly.

times the world is still living with the COVID-19 Ooredoo Kuwait pandemic continuation, which requires concerted efforts by everyone to work towards one cause - helping those in need and better serve the commu- launches its nity, not only during Ramadan, but also beyond that. The distributed food baskets contain essential Ramadan initiative food items that is enough for a family consisting of 5-7 members. The company has also distrib- KUWAIT: Ooredoo Telecom, the first to introduce uted SIM cards, with free internet and minutes to innovative digital services in Kuwait, has announced keep them in touch with their family and friends. the launching of its charity campaign as part of their The little ones were also treated uniquely, as community service projects in association with Al- Ooredoo was keen on sharing the joy of the holy Najat Charity Society. Ooredoo Kuwait handed over month of Ramadan and girgean, by distributing food baskets for the needy families in the country. candy boxes to them. Ooredoo’s designated team together with Al-Najat Mijbil Alayoub, Senior Director, Corporate Charity Society volunteers distributed the food bas- Communications, Ooredoo Kuwait, said: “The kets across the country. Ramadan Initiative is one of Ooredoo’s many suc- ISSUE NO: 18420 RAMADAN 15, 1442 AH Ooredoo’s charity campaign is integral to its cessful community projects, and the aim is reducing commitment to enable collective humanitarian work, the financial burdens on the low income families, promote social responsibility, and increase aware- promoting social responsibility and performing our Established 1961 Ramadan Quiz Established 1961 Ramadan Quiz ness among the local community. This humanitarian role in supporting the national economy.” “Ooredoo 15- In which month of the Islamic calendar is Ramadan? Date : initiative is at the forefront of the various charitable Kuwait will continue to invest responsibly during the initiatives and activities that the company will holy month of Ramadan with a focus on people and ❏ A. 8th month Name : undertake throughout the month, hence, the tough community” Alayoub added. ❏ B 9th month Civil ID : ❏ C. 10th month Tel : ❏ D. 11th month Email : International TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021 IS-aligned jihadists kill 31 soldiers in northeast Nigeria US, Britain rush supplies to virus-stricken India Page 7 Page 6 COVID strikes fear in Yemeni hospitals Long-drawn conflict leaves tens of thousands of people dead SANAA, Yemen: Sitting by his wife’s graveside, Musheer Farhan recalls how she was turned away from three hospitals over fears she had coronavirus, although she was heavily pregnant and suffering from breathing problems. Balqees and her unborn child eventually died in the fourth hospital she had been taken to in the war-torn country’s capital Sanaa, leaving behind her husband and an infant son. The 31-year-old was effectively a victim of a second wave of the pandemic in the country- already on its knees amid a war in its seventh year- that is leading doctors to refuse treatment to those suspected of infection. Along with medics’ uncer- tainty over how to treat suspected COVID-19 cas- es, hospitals lack critical supplies, including oxygen, and are blighted by frequent power cuts. The Iran- backed Houthi rebels, who seized the capital from the government in 2014 and control much of the north, do not release data on infections. But the toll from COVID-19 has become a hot topic in Sanaa, with evidence mounting of a spike in cases in the past month across the country, includ- ing the south which is under the control of the inter- nationally recognized government. Farhan said Balqees arrived at the fourth hospital too late to be saved. “She entered the examination room, I went to buy medication, and I came back to find her lifeless body,” he told AFP. “The obstetrician and anaesthesiologist refused to perform an operation to save the mother, and the SANAA, Yemen: Yemeni children carry new outfits during a charity distribution of clothes at a stadium, as part of actions to help the impoverished during the Muslim baby, over fears she had coronavirus.” holy fasting month of Ramadan Sunday. — AFP

‘Emergency’ markets bustling and mosques crowded with wor- Stigma and rumors port city of Aden, Yemen’s de facto capital, where Yemen’s long conflict between the government- shippers during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. “People are often reluctant to go to hospital the internationally recognized government is based. supported by a Saudi-led military coalition-and the It is rare to see anyone wearing a mask, and pre- when they have COVID-like symptoms,” the source Ishraq Al-Sibai, spokeswoman for Yemen’s national Iran-backed Houthis has left tens of thousands of cautionary health measures are nonexistent. “There added. “People are concerned about the stigma, Covid-19 emergency committee, said 10,000 doses people dead and pushed millions to the brink of is no official data, no official communication, and sometimes they don’t believe they will be treated. were handed over to the World Health Organization famine. The United Nations calls it the world’s worst the results of tests aren’t published,” a humanitari- They are afraid because of rumors and don’t trust to transport to Sanaa for rebel-held areas. But she humanitarian crisis, with over four million people an worker familiar with the health situation in the medical system.” Houthi health authorities did cast doubt on whether the Houthis would use the displaced and two-thirds of Yemen’s 30-million pop- Yemen said of the rebel-held areas. Cases report- not respond to AFP’s request for comment. jabs to inoculate medical staff, saying: “Perhaps ulation dependent on aid. The country, long the most ed in the south began escalating in mid-March, Officially, Yemen has recorded 6,137 coronavirus they’ll use it to vaccinate Houthi officials.” impoverished in the Arabian Peninsula, is on the prompting a warning from the country’s coron- cases, including 1,187 deaths, but numbers are likely For Farhan, a 35-year-old who works for a secu- brink of total collapse. Schools, factories and hospi- avirus committee of a public health “emergency”. dramatically higher. rity firm, it is all too late and the death of his wife- tals have been destroyed, many children recruited as But there is also mounting evidence of an uptick in Last month, Yemen received its first shipment of who doctors said eventually tested negative for soldiers, and countless people have lost their liveli- infections in the capital, the source said. “Public COVID-19 vaccines via the Covax program, which COVID-19 — was all too avoidable. “My wife just hoods. Despite the pandemic, outside the over- hospitals are close to being full. At private hospi- aims to ensure equitable access to the jabs. The needed some quick assistance to help her breathe stretched hospitals, life in Sanaa seems normal, with tals, the situation is unclear.” 360,000 AstraZeneca doses arrived in the southern and save her and our baby,” he said. — AFP

eration the shop owners who need to Somali opposition Police remove make a living, and in order to lower the level of violence,” a spokesman fighters cordon told AFP. east Jerusalem “Our forces are still deployed on the ground, and we won’t let violence off Mogadishu barricades resurge,” the spokesman said. Hundreds of Palestinians, including MOGADISHU, Somalia: Somali opposi- male youths who tossed the barri- tion fighters took up positions in parts of JERUSALEM: Israeli police on cades to the side, held celebratory the tense capital yesterday, a day after Sunday allowed Palestinians to gather rallies in the plaza, watched over by clashes with government troops erupted in a flashpoint plaza outside police. Minor scuffles erupted after over the president’s bid to extend his man- Jerusalem’s walled Old City, in a move some of the revelers began waving date. Witnesses reported that armed men apparently aimed at easing tensions Palestinian flags, moves which and vehicles mounted with machine guns after days of clashes. The staired prompted police to storm the plaza. were stationed in opposition strongholds, plaza outside Damascus Gate in AFP reporters saw several young while key roads in Mogadishu were Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem is a Palestinians being detained by police. blocked. traditional gathering spot for But the plaza remained open, with “Both the Somali security forces and Palestinians during the holy month. police maintaining a heavy presence the pro-opposition fighters have taken Jerusalem, a perennial powder-keg of in the area into the early hours yes- positions along some key roads,” witness MOGADISHU: Personnel of the Somali military force supporting anti-government oppo- religious tension, has seen some of its terday. Samir Gheith, a 66-year-old Abdullahi Mire told AFP. Somalia, already sition leaders rest along a street Sunday. — AFP worst violence in years over recent Palestinian from Jerusalem, said peo- fragile after decades of civil war and an days, triggered in part by an Israeli decision to block Palestinians from ple had been looking forward to gath- Islamist insurgency, is facing its worst ‘Stop the fighting’ belonging to forces loyal to (former presi- gathering on the Damascus Gate ering at Damascus Gate during political crisis in recent years after the fail- Tensions remained high yesterday, with dent) Hassan Sheik Mohamud positioned steps following prayers. Ramadan after it was closed last year ure to hold planned elections in February. some people trying to leave their homes in along the main road leading to Marinaya,” But as crowds were building in the due to coronavirus restrictions. “I President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, tense neighborhoods. “People are starting said Ali Hassan, who lives in the northern plaza on Sunday, police Commissioner think they don’t want to see us be best known by his nickname Farmajo, has to flee from Bermudo area where the pro- Kaaraan district. Kobi Shabtai ordered the barricades happy,” he told AFP, referring to the faced harsh criticism from foreign allies opposition fighters have taken positions “There is no fighting, but the govern- be removed. The decision came “fol- initial decision to barricade the plaza. after signing a law approved by parliament last night, the situation is tense and there ment forces are also stationed a few lowing consultations with local leader- “But then they came to understand which extended his mandate by two years. can be an armed confrontation anytime if blocks away.” The former president ship, religious leadership, situation that they needed to put a stop to all On Sunday night, sporadic bursts of the situation remain the same,” Fadumo Ali, Mohamud said Sunday that “forces loyal assessments, while taking into consid- these tensions,” he said. — AFP heavy gunfire rang out across the capital a resident of one of the tense neighbor- to” Farmajo had attacked his house, which after fighting broke out between govern- hoods told AFP. the government denied. “Earlier today, our ment forces and soldiers allied-mainly by Mogadishu residents urged both sides forces foiled several attempted attacks all-important clan ties-to the various to stop fighting, and complained that elec- against the public and shut down the opposition leaders. The clashes-mainly in tricity and water had been cut. “We need organized militia who entered the capital the northern neighborhoods of Sanca and both sides to stop the fighting, have sym- with an aim of instilling fear and panic Marinaya and the busy KM4 crossroads in pathy with the children and elderly,” said among the public,” the internal security the center-began after dozens of opposi- Farah Hassan. ministry said in a statement. While schools tion supporters marched in protest against Witnesses elsewhere reported roads and universities were closed, life in some Farmajo’s term extension. There were no blocked by sand and logs. “I saw several of the unaffected neighborhoods proceed- immediate reports of casualties. pickup trucks mounted with ... weapons ed much as usual. —AFP

included on the list are Armenia, Bahrain, ond-largest tourist market-has put char- Cyprus to open Canada, Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon, the tered flights on ice until further notice due United Arab Emirates, the United States to Cyprus’ worsened epidemiological data. up doors to and Switzerland. “We are confident that once our epidemi- European Union member Cyprus will ological picture improves, charter flights accept tourists who had completed their will be allowed, something we expect to vaccinated from vaccination, regardless of when they took happen in the coming weeks as the vacci- the second jab. Perdios said the new move nation rollout progresses,” said Perdios. 65 countries would help revive a flagging tourism sec- Cyprus went into a two-week lockdown tor decimated by the pandemic. Cyprus yesterday, following a record surge in NICOSIA: Cyprus said yesterday it will agreed over a month ago that vaccinated coronavirus cases. open up to vaccinated tourists from 65 Israeli and British tourists could visit the The island’s key tourism industry has countries starting May 10, with visitors east Mediterranean holiday destination been devastated by the pandemic and allowed entry without needing a negative without entry restrictions. travel restrictions, with arrivals slumping COVID test or undergo quarantine. Britain is the island’s largest market for by more than 84 percent last year. Tourists “We will notify our partners in around tourists making up a third of nearly four must also comply with health protocols 65 countries that from 10 May entry will million arrivals in 2019, while nearby Israel such as mandatory mask-wearing and be facilitated for travellers who have com- is its third-biggest source. Authorities are social distancing. Tourism contributes pleted their vaccination with no need for waiting for the UK government to around 15 percent of GDP but earnings negative COVID tests or quarantine,” announce when they will allow Britons to plunged 85 percent in 2020. The island has Tourism Minister Savvas Perdios said. He take holidays abroad. recorded a total of 298 coronavirus deaths told the Cyprus News Agency countries At the moment, Russia-the island’s sec- and 61,576 infections. — AFP 6 Established 1961 International Tuesday, April 27, 2021 IS-aligned jihadists kill 31 soldiers in northeast Nigeria Militants ambush a military convoy escorting weapons KANO, Nigeria: At least 31 Nigerian soldiers were base outside the town, the two sources said. killed when IS-aligned jihadists ambushed a military Mainok, about 50 kilometers (30 miles) from convoy escorting weapons and overran a base in Maiduguri, has been repeatedly targeted by the northeast Nigeria’s Borno state, military sources jihadists. said yesterday. ISWAP has frequently set up bogus checkpoints Fighters from the Islamic State West Africa along the 120-km highway linking Maiduguri and Province (ISWAP) attacked the convoy with rocket- Damaturu in neighboring Yobe state on which propelled grenades on Sunday in the town of Mainok lies, killing and abducting travellers. Mainok outside the regional capital Maiduguri ISWAP split from mainstream Boko Haram faction before storming the nearby base, the two sources in 2016 and rose to become a dominant force in the said. The attack was the deadliest this year against northeast as Nigeria’s conflict has spilt over borders Nigeria’s army which has been battling a decade- into neighbouring Chad, Niger and Cameroon. long jihadist insurgency in the region that has killed 36,000 people and displaced around two million Targeted killing from their homes. Around 2,000 residents of Geidam in neigh- “We lost 31 soldiers, including their commander boring Yobe state fled their homes after a sepa- who was a lieutenant colonel, in the ambush by the rate attack by ISWAP who invaded the town terrorists,” a military officer said about the attack Friday, local officials said. On Sunday residents which happened around 1100 GMT. The convoy fled, crossing to the other side of the river to was transporting weapons to Maiduguri when it escape militants who have been in control since At least 31 Nigerian soldiers were killed when IS-aligned jihadists ambushed a military convoy escorting weapons came under attack, said a second military source they attacked the town. and overran a base in northeast Nigeria’s Borno state, military sources said yesterday. who gave a similar toll. “Our people are fleeing Geidam which is now “The terrorists came in several trucks, including under the control of the insurgents,” Ali Koko insurgents, according to fleeing residents. Geidam from the jihadists. But residents and local four MRAPs (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Kachalla, Geidam’s political administrator, said. Late “Everybody is running away because the insur- officials said militants were still around. vehicles) and engaged the convoy in a fierce bat- on Friday ISWAP jihadists took control of Geidam gents have started killing people who are Christians Since 2019, soldiers have closed up some smaller tle,” the second source said. The militants over- after a gunfight with troops, looting and burning and those with western education,” resident bases and moved into larger fortified garrisons whelmed soldiers, leading to the “colossal loss” of stores in the town. Babagana Kyari said. “So far they have killed two known as “super camps” in an attempt to better troops, he said. At least 11 civilians were killed in the fight after a Christians and two Muslim school teachers. They resist militant attacks. But critics say the “super “We lost a lot of men in very gruesome way.” projectile hit two adjoining homes, killing all occu- went to their homes and slaughtered them,” said camp” strategy has also allowed militants more The jihadists seized weapons and two MRAPs in the pants, according to residents. The exodus was another resident Ari Sanda. The army issued a freedom in rural areas and left travellers more vul- attack before overrunning and partially burning the prompted by targeted killings of residents by the statement on Saturday, claiming to have taken back nerable to kidnapping. — AFP

personal insults between candidates Albania’s socialist and further deteriorated in the final week when a gunfight between rival PM on course supporters left one person dead. Chad’s junta Despite the febrile atmosphere, vot- ing day itself passed off peacefully, for third term with US and EU ambassadors urging hunts rebel all sides to stay calm and wait for the TIRANA: Albania’s prime minister official result. leader in Niger looked set for a third term in power yesterday, as preliminary election ‘What a dawn’ results gave his Socialist Party a com- N’DJAMENA, Chad: Chad’s new ruling The early figures showed a “clear junta on Sunday vowed to root out a rebel manding lead. Edi Rama, in power trend” in favor of the Socialists, who leader accused of “war crimes”, seeking since 2013, has not yet claimed victory are heading for a bigger victory than help from neighboring Niger to track him following Sunday’s poll, which was in the 2017 election when they won an down along with his fighters. The army has closely watched in European capitals overall majority, political analyst “located the enemy spread out in small as Albania pushes to open talks on EU Skender Minxhozi told AFP. But he groups, now regrouping in Niger territory,” membership. warned that the early data needed to said junta spokesman Azem Bermandoa But the Socialists had captured be treated with caution, final results Agouna. roughly 50 percent of the vote after not expected until today. The prime ballots were counted from just over He accused the Libya-based Front for minister-a former basketball player Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama speaks to the press after casting his vote during one-third of polling stations, the elec- Change and Concord in Chad (FACT) of and keen artist-posted a photo of the the Parliamentary elections at a polling station in Tirana. — AFP killing several dozen Chadian soldiers and tion commission said yesterday morn- sunrise on Facebook with the words: said the rebels’ leader Mahamat Mahadi Ali ing. An opposition alliance under the “What a dawn in Tirana!” was “sought for war crimes by Tripoli’s Democrat Party-whose leaders contin- During his time in office, he has avirus by the end of May. But the tiny The European Union agreed to prosecutor general”, adding that his assets ued to claim victory yesterday-were on focused on ambitious infrastructure Balkans country of 2.8 million people open formal membership talks last had been frozen for “financing terrorism”. 39 percent and another party opposed projects and during the election cam- remains one of Europe’s poorest, and year in a country overwhelmingly in According to the army, several columns to Rama was polling at 7 percent. paign made much of a promise to vac- NGOs regard it as one of the conti- favor of joining, but no date has yet of heavily armed vehicles rolled in from The campaign was marked by cinate 500,000 people against coron- nent’s most corrupt. been set for the first meeting. — AFP Libya on April 11 — election day in Chad- attacking a customs post at the border in usual. “It would be too dangerous for our employees the province of Tibesti, some 1,000 kilome- Russia orders and for our supporters,” it said. ters (600 miles) from the capital The team promised to continue fighting corrup- N’Djamena. Agouna appealed to Niamey tion, the ruling United Russia party and President “to facilitate the capture and bringing to Navalny group to Vladimir Putin “in a personal capacity”. “It will not justice of these war criminals.” be easy to fight, but we will win absolutely, because FACT, which has a non-aggression pact suspend activities there are many of us and we are strong.” with Khalifa Haftar, the military strongman Germany condemned the order, with Chancellor of eastern Libya, emerged in April 2016. On MOSCOW: Russian prosecutors yesterday sus- Angela Merkel’s spokesman Steffen Seibert saying Saturday the rebels said they were pre- pended the activities of Alexei Navalny’s regional that “using the instruments of fighting terror against pared to observe a ceasefire, but Agouna offices, in a move his team said would essentially politically undesirable opinions is in no way compat- said the two sides were at war. “They are shut down the jailed opposition figure’s movement. ible with the principles of the rule of law”. rebels, which is why we are bombing them. The move comes after Navalny, President Vladimir Prosecutors on Friday said they had requested the We are waging war, that’s all,” Agouna said. Putin’s most outspoken critic, ended a hunger strike extremism label for FBK and its regional offices “The time is not for mediation, nor for last week that he had launched to demand proper because they are actively “creating conditions for negotiation with outlaws,” he said. Reached medical treatment in prison. the destabilization of the social and socio-political by telephone, Ali told AFP he was still in A court in Moscow yesterday began proceedings situation.” Chad, in the northern province of Kanem, into designating Navalny’s Anti-Corruption BERLIN: An activist with painted nails holds a poster adding that his forces had been bombarded. Foundation (FBK) and its regional offices “extremist” Upcoming elections from Amnesty International during a demonstration “If they want to make war, we will make outside the Russian embassy in Berlin calling for the after prosecutors requested they be added to a list It also accused them of working to alter “the war,” he said. “If they attack us we will release of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. — AFP run by Russia’s Anti-Terrorism Committee. “The foundations of the constitutional order”. There are respond.” activities of Navalny’s offices and FBK were immedi- currently 33 organizations on Russia’s extremism list, ately suspended,” FBK’s director Ivan Zhdanov including the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda. The now serving two-and-a-half years in a penal colony Battlefield death wrote on Twitter, attaching screenshots of a prose- groups are banned from operating in Russia and for violating parole terms on old fraud charges he Chad’s veteran leader Idriss Deby Itno cutor’s decision. The Moscow City Court confirmed participating in their activities can result in lengthy says are politically motivated. Most of his top allies reportedly died in battle early last week that the activities of the group’s regional network prison terms. FBK’s members had already faced rou- have since been placed under house arrest or left the after fighting in which hundreds of FACT were suspended, but clarified that prosecutors had tine police searches and arrests for their activism, country, with several announcing publicly they were rebels were killed, according to the army. the power to make the decision and said a final deci- with the pressure ballooning since Navalny returned quitting FBK after prosecutors requested the Northern Chad is a restive region and a sion designating the group as extremist was due. to Russia in January from Germany where he had extremism tag. Earlier this month, a Russian court breeding ground for rebel groups opposed Navalny’s office in Moscow said in a statement been recovering from a poisoning attack. jailed FBK cameraman Pavel Zelensky for two years to the N’Djamena authorities. the group will already “no longer be able to work” as The 44-year-old was arrested on his return and is on charges of inciting extremism online. — AFP Abandoned to illegal gold miners and gangs of traffickers, it is sparsely populated and difficult to control. Numerous Chadian unnamed sources, was “not true” and had been “cat- rebel groups have for decades launched Johnson under egorically denied by practically everyone”. incursions from rear bases in Libya. Deby, “None of this is serious. The prime minister has who himself came to power in 1990 at the pressure over been utterly focused on delivering, alongside head of a rebel force, had gone to the Cabinet colleagues, the response to COVID,” he told region to lead the fighting. The military Sky News. council took power last week following his ‘let bodies pile The main opposition Labour party wants an shock death, pledging to hold elections in 18 urgent inquiry into Cummings’ claims made in an months. Deby’s son Mahamat Idriss Deby, a high’ comment explosive blog post. But the Scottish National Party 37-year-old four-star general commanding (SNP) went further. “These comments are utterly the elite Republican Guard, was named LONDON: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson abhorrent. If they are true, @BorisJohnson has a president and head of a military council. faced a call to resign yesterday after claims he dis- duty to resign,” SNP leader in the UK parliament Ian The move was branded an “institutional missed the prospect of thousands dying from Blackford tweeted. “The Prime Minister must now coup” by the opposition, and FACT imme- COVID-19, as a row over government “sleaze” esca- come to Parliament to give a statement, and face diately vowed to pursue its offensive and to lated. In a front-page headline, the Daily Mail news- questioning, on these shocking claims and the grow- march on the capital. Northeastern Chad, paper reported that Johnson had said he would which borders Sudan, is also a flashpoint ing Tory sleaze scandal engulfing Westminster.” rather see “bodies pile high in their thousands” than Johnson has faced sharp criticism over his han- In this file photo, Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson between Chadian rebels and the army. (left) and his special advisor Dominic Cummings leave In 2008, rebels, who had rolled in from impose a third coronavirus lockdown. dling of the coronavirus pandemic. In Britain, one of Ultimately, Johnson did order a new round of the countries’ worst hit in the world by the disease, from the rear of Downing Street in central London, support bases in Sudan, crossed into Chad before heading to the Houses of Parliament. — AFP from east to west to reach the capital. They restrictions in January. But he is now locked in a more than 127,000 people have died from Covid. got as far as the presidential palace, but damaging war of words with his former top aide But increasingly the prime minister is facing ques- were pushed back with backing from former Dominic Cummings over his coronavirus policies last tions over his wider judgment and integrity, follow- gist behind the 2016 campaign for Britain to leave colonial power France. — AFP year and financial dealings. Defense Secretary Ben ing weeks of stories about alleged inappropriate the European Union, quit Downing Street in Wallace said the Daily Mail report, based on lobbying and special favors. Cummings, the strate- December under a cloud of acrimony. — AFP Established 1961 7 Tuesday, April 27, 2021 International US, Britain rush supplies to virus-stricken India India records 352,991 new infections and 2,812 deaths

NEW DELHI: The US and Britain rushed ventila- the UK would do “all it can” to help. tors and vaccine materials to India yesterday as The White House said it was making vaccine- the country battles a catastrophic, record-break- production material, therapeutics, tests, ventila- ing coronavirus wave that has overwhelmed hospi- tors and protective equipment immediately avail- tals and set crematoriums working at full capacity. able to India. But it did not mention whether it A surge in recent days has seen patients’ families would send any of the 30 million AstraZeneca taking to social media to beg for oxygen supplies vaccine doses it currently holds in surplus, spark- and locations of available hospital beds, and has ing accusations of hoarding. forced the capital New Delhi to extend a week- India government is facing growing criticism for long lockdown. allowing mass gatherings across the country in The country of 1.3 billion has become the lat- recent weeks, with millions attending religious fes- est hotspot of a pandemic that has killed more tivals and thronging political rallies. The glitzy than three million people, even as richer countries Indian Premier League is also under pressure, with take steps towards normality with quickening a leading newspaper suspending coverage and inoculation programs. Irfan Salmani told AFP he slamming the IPL’s decision to keep playing cricket had been going from hospital to hospital around as “commercialism gone crass”. Delhi for the past three days, searching for oxy- The league suffered further blows yesterday as gen for his sister. Australians Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson “I’ve never seen anything so terrible,” he said. became the latest players to leave after star India “I’ve been trying non-stop.” “What can I do?... spinner Ravichandran Ashwin withdrew to support I’ve just been facing rejection after rejection.” his family during the pandemic. On Sunday, Twitter France, Germany and Canada have also pledged confirmed it withheld dozens of tweets-including support to India, which has driven increases in from opposition lawmakers-critical of the govern- global case numbers in recent days, recording ment’s handling crisis after a legal demand from 352,991 new infections and 2,812 deaths yester- New Delhi. day-its highest tolls since the start of the pandem- GHAZIABAD, UP: A patient breathes with the help of oxygen provided by a Gurdwara, a place of worship ic. Creaking health facilities in poorer countries Fiji funeral for Sikhs, under a tent installed along the roadside amid COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic in Ghaziabad were exposed Sunday when more than 80 people Japan’s annual “Golden Week” holiday got yesterday. —AFP died as fire ripped through a Baghdad hospital for under way with new restrictions in Tokyo and Covid-19 patients, sparking outrage and the sus- Osaka, where shopping malls and department pension of top Iraqi officials. stores were asked to close and residents urged fewer than 100 cases and just two deaths in a pop- ‘In the flesh!’ Thailand enforced new restrictions yesterday to avoid non-essential travel. Bars and restau- ulation of 930,000, and the moves comes as a Motor racing fans also got a boost with the news a after a record daily death toll over the weekend, rants selling alcohol have also been asked to shut huge blow for hopes of opening quarantine-free limited number of spectators could be allowed to attend while the capital of neighboring Cambodia has early during the week-usually Japan’s busiest travel bubbles with Australia and New Zealand. the Monaco Grand Prix in May, Formula One chief been under lockdown for 12 days as cases spike. travel period-which comes just under three But Americans dreaming of Paris or Florence were executive officer Stefano Domenicali said Sunday. And months before the pandemic-postponed given some hope when EU chief Ursula von der another limited glimpse of pre-pandemic life was on Vaccine surplus Olympics are due to start. Leyen said US tourists vaccinated against COVID- display in the US, at an Oscars ceremony reuniting some The first of nine airline container-loads of sup- Fiji’s capital Suva entered a 14-day lockdown 19 would be able to visit the European Union in of Hollywood’s A-listers-unmasked and vaccinated-for plies from the UK, including ventilators and oxy- yesterday after detecting the first community the coming months. She gave no timetable, but told the first time in more than a year. “We’re here, isn’t it gen concentrators, was set to arrive in India early transmission cases in 12 months following a funeral. the New York Times that the new rules could be in crazy?” said best actor nominee and “Sound of Metal” today, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, pledging The tourism-dependent islands have recorded place by this summer. star Riz Ahmed. “Human beings in the flesh!” —AFP

Chinese cinemas abruptly pulled the film’s sched- News in brief China censors uled release. This year’s Oscars were also not aired on Chinese television or streaming channels. Zhao Papua intelligence chief killed Oscars success appeared to allude to these difficulties in her Oscars acceptance speech, saying, “I’ve been JAKARTA: An Indonesian regional intelligence of Chloe Zhao thinking a lot lately of how I keep going when chief was killed in an ambush by rebels in restive things get hard.” She also quoted a line from a Papua region, the military confirmed yesterday as BEIJING: Beijing-born Chloe Zhao was scrubbed Classical Chinese poem that translates to “people the country’s president vowed to crush the sepa- from Chinese social media yesterday as a national- are fundamentally good at birth”-a move praised ratists. General I Gusti Putu Danny Karya ist backlash airbrushed out her remarkable by many Chinese social media users, before the Nugraha, who headed Papua’s intelligence achievement of becoming the first woman of color posts were deleted. Weibo was initially flooded agency, was shot dead during a shootout after to win the best director Oscar. Zhao on Sunday with posts praising Zhao yesterday morning, while rebels opened fire at a patrolling security forces night became the second woman ever to win the others decried censorship. “Chloe Zhao becomes unit in the Papuan highlands on Sunday. “He was in the area as part of the operation to restore coveted award at the Oscars, as her film the first Asian diaspora/Chinese female filmmaker LOS ANGELES: Chinese Director/Producer Chloe Zhao, security and to boost the morale of locals in the “Nomadland”-about marginalized Americans to win the best director Oscar in history,” wrote an winner of the award for Picture and Director for roaming the west-bagged best picture and its lead, entertainment blogger with more than 8.9 million “Nomadland,” poses in the press room at the Oscars region following a series of attacks by separatist Frances McDormand, won best actress. followers, in a post that gained thousands of likes yesterday at Union Station in Los Angeles. —AFP and terrorist groups,” National Intelligence But all recent posts containing her name and before it was deleted. Agency spokesman Wawan Purwanto said.—AFP “Nomadland” were mysteriously wiped from the “China’s public opinion control is outrageous. Twitter-like site Weibo by yesterday noon Beijing time. After Chloe Zhao’s starling Oscars win, there is not Ying, a female engineer, told AFP yesterday morn- Her win was also met with silence by Chinese media. even a fart on Weibo,” wrote an outraged user. ing. “I think Chinese movies will get better and bet- Initially hailed by state media for her film’s suc- Despite the censors’ efforts, on the streets of ter and she will set a very good example for Turkey puts 108 on trial cess at the Golden Globes in March, Zhao became Beijing, pride in an Asian director reaching the Chinese mainland directors,” said 38-year-old legal the target of a nationalist backlash after social apogee of US cinema was easy to find. worker Yuan Min. Zhao is also well-known in China ANKARA: Turkey yesterday put 108 Kurdish media users dug up years-old interviews in which “She’s the pride of Chinese people... it’s very as the stepdaughter of famous actress Song politicians on trial for their alleged roles in she appeared to criticize her country of birth. rare for a Chinese to get an Oscar award,” Yan Dandan. —AFP deadly 2014 protests that erupted as jihadists from the Islamic State group overran the Syrian town of Kobane. The case against current and former members of the pro-Kurdish HDP party- outbreak, Thailand had managed to keep infec- including its two former co-leaders-stems from New restrictions tions down, thanks to strict travel restrictions one of the darker episodes of the decade-long and swift action to isolate confirmed cases. Syria war. Thirty-seven people died in violent But there have been complaints about the demonstrations against the Turkish army’s inac- in Thailand as slow rollout of vaccines, with Thailand lagging tion in the face of an IS offensive against the behind other countries in the region. Prime largely Kurdish northern Syrian town. The fight- virus cases spike Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha said on Facebook ing was visible from the Turkish side of the bor- the government was trying to source more der and many in the country’s Kurdish commu- BANGKOK: New COVID-19 restrictions came doses and ramp up the program to inoculate nity view the army as complicit in the humani- into force in Thailand yesterday to try to halt a 300,000 people a day. tarian disaster. —AFP spiralling outbreak that saw deaths hit a record In neighboring Cambodia, also in the grip of single-day high over the weekend. In Bangkok- a new coronavirus wave, the World Health where the latest outbreak has been traced back Organization (WHO) urged factory owners in Kazakhstan rolls out own vaccine to a nightlife district-as well as 47 other the key garment sector to help protect workers. BANGKOK: Nurses tend to patients in a COVID inten- provinces, wearing masks is now compulsory in “The current outbreaks in factories and mar- sive care unit (ICU) at Vibhavadi Hospital in Bangkok NUR-SULTAN, Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan yes- public spaces, with some locations backing it kets serve as a painful reminder of the impor- yesterday during a surge of coronavirus cases in the terday rolled out its homegrown coronavirus up with the threat of a 20,000 baht ($640) fine. tance of investing in mitigation measures before country. —AFP vaccine, with the Central Asian country’s health Authorities in the capital have also closed a cases occur, to help prevent the virus spread- minister receiving the jab on live television. raft of venues including cinemas, parks, gyms, ing,” Li Ailan, WHO representative in QazCovid-in, also known as QazVac, is a two- swimming pools, spas and nurseries. The new cases in total and 74 deaths including 10 on Cambodia, said in a statement. Li urged factory Saturday-a single-day record for the country. shot vaccine that is currently in third stage tri- restrictions come a week after authorities owners to do more temperature screening and als. The state broadcaster Khabar said that ordered bars and nightclubs to close and Neighboring Laos-which appeared to rearrange workshops to allow social distancing. escape the brunt of the pandemic last year-is 50,000 doses of the vaccine developed by the banned restaurants from serving alcohol. state-backed Research Institute for Biological The capital Phnom Penh has been under also undergoing a surge, jumping from 58 cas- The tightening comes as total infections lockdown for 12 days now and last week the Safety Problems have been distributed across reached 57,500 yesterday, up from just 29,000 es to 323 in less than a week. Its capital the vast oil-rich country. Health Minister Alexei authorities ordered all wet markets in the city Vientiane was placed under a snap lockdown in early April. Some 2,048 new cases were to close for 14 days. Prime Minister Hun Sen on Tsoi told Khabar that he felt “well” after receiv- announced yesterday. The day before, Thailand last week, with authorities prohibiting resi- ing his shot and said the government was nego- Sunday ordered tougher enforcement of lock- dents from leaving their homes except for gro- recorded its highest single-day death toll of down measures. Cambodia has reported 9,975 tiating with partners in Turkey to produce the pandemic, with 11 fatalities. Until the latest ceries and going to the hospital. —AFP future batches of the vaccine. —AFP

those gathered around a seaman strumming an Video emerges of acoustic guitar. Fiji capital in lockdown “Even though I’m not ready to be missing you, I’m not ready to live without you,” the sailors sing. SUVA: The Fijian capital Suva entered a 14- crew of sunken “I wish all the best for you.” The video was day lockdown yesterday as the Pacific island recorded as a farewell for the outgoing com- nation battled to contain a Covid-19 spike fol- Indonesia submarine mander of the navy’s submarine corps, whose lowing a “superspreader” funeral event. successor took up his role in early March, Around 100,000 people in the city must stay BALI: A poignant video has emerged showing the Indonesian military spokesman Djawara Whimbo in containment zones and non-essential busi- crew of a sunken Indonesian submarine singing said. The German-built submarine-one of five in nesses are shuttered after the first community happily together on board their vessel. The video, Indonesia’s fleet-disappeared early Wednesday This screen grab received from the Indonesian coronavirus cases in 12 months were detected. filmed a few weeks before the KRI Nanggala 402 while it was scheduled to do live torpedo training Military yesterday shows crew members singing the A soldier contracted the virus at a quarantine went down with all hands lost, shows some of the exercises off Bali. Indonesia’s military announced well-known song “Sampai Jumpa”, an Indonesian hit facility and is believed to have transmitted it to 53-strong crew singing “Sampai Jumpa”, an Sunday it had found the vessel in pieces on the whose title means “Goodbye” and composed by the a maid, who then exposed up to 500 people at Indonesian hit whose title means “Goodbye”. seafloor, around 800 meters (2,600 feet) below band Endank Soekamti, at an unknown location at a funeral. —AFP Submarine commander Heri Oktavian is among the surface. —AFP sea. —AFP Established 1961

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021 Business Italy reopens in boost to businesses Parliament debates €220bn post-COVID recovery plan

ROME: Bars, restaurants, cinemas and concert who got a seat, told AFP. halls reopened across Italy yesterday in a boost Draghi had been under intense pressure to for coronavirus-hit businesses, while parliament ease restrictions, including from far-right leader was to debate the government’s €220-billion Matteo Salvini and increasingly vocal anti-lock- ($266-billion) EU-funded recovery plan. After down street protests, as Italy battles its deepest months of stop-start restrictions imposed to man- recession since World War II. The vaccination age second and third waves of COVID-19, Italy program is gaining pace with 17.75 million jabs hopes this latest easing will mark the start of administered so far and 5.2 million people fully something like a normal summer. vaccinated in a population of around 60 million, Prime Minister Mario Draghi has admitted to but experts doubt this could be enough to stave taking a “calculated risk” with the reopenings, as off a new health crisis. infection rates and intensive care admissions have “Clearly if the gradual reopening is interpreted fallen but COVID-19 deaths still mount by hun- as a ‘free-for-all’, a new surge in infections risks dreds every day and now total more than compromising the summer season,” warned Nino 119,000. Three-quarters of regions dropped yes- Cartabellotta, head of the GIMBE Foundation terday into the lower-risk “yellow” category, with health think tank. Already at the weekend, throngs bars and restaurants permitted to restart table of people took advantage of the warm weather and service outside - including, for the first time in six packed the streets of central Rome and other months, in the evening, although a 10 pm curfew cities, many not wearing masks. In the capital, remains in place. police closed off a shopping avenue and a few “Finally!” said Daniele Vespa, the 26-year-old squares that had become too crowded. head waiter at Baccano, a restaurant near Rome’s Trevi Fountain, as he made preparations for the ‘Necessary reforms’ return of customers. “Hopefully... we can soon Italy was the first European country to be hit by reopen inside as well,” he told AFP, adding: “It’s the pandemic in early 2020 and remains one of the the start of a return to normality.” Cinemas, the- worst affected, with the EU’s highest reported atres and concert halls can also open at 50-per- death toll and one of the deepest recessions. The VENICE: A couple has coffee in a bar next to the Rialto bridge in downtown Venice yesterday. —AFP cent capacity, followed by the staggered opening economy contracted by a staggering 8.9 percent of swimming pools, gyms, sporting events and last year and a million jobs have been lost. age caused by the pandemic and address “the Italy. Draghi, a former European Central Bank theme parks by July 1. Italy is pinning its hopes on a €222.1-billion structural weaknesses” of the economy, while put- chief, has also highlighted the importance of tax In Milan, the Beltrade cinema claimed the title investment and reform plan funded largely by the ting it on a greener footing. Priorities include infra- reform and speeding up the snail-paced justice of being the first to reopen after six months of European Union. Rome is the biggest recipient of structure, notably high-speed railways; green system. inaction with a special 06:00 am screening of the bloc’s €750-billion post-pandemic recovery energy, including hydrogen power projects; invest- Disputes over the spending plan brought down “Caro Diario,” a classic Italian film from the fund. In parliament yesterday, Draghi was to formal- ment in internet services and digitalization of pub- the previous prime minister and his coalition, after 1990s. The show was sold out, despite people ly present the program he hopes will boost growth lic administration. which Draghi was parachuted in to lead a national having to wake up before dawn to catch it. “I by 3.6 percentage points by 2026, ahead of a Friday There will be money to help women and young unity government in February. His broad support in went with my husband, and it was great to be deadline to submit the package to Brussels. people, who have disproportionately lost out dur- parliament “gives him significant room for maneu- back together in a cinema and do this crazy The government said Sunday the plan was a ing the pandemic, while around 40 percent will be ver to deliver the necessary reforms”, noted thing,” Francesca Pierangeli, one of the 82 people “historic intervention” that would repair the dam- targeted at historically under-performing southern Natixis economist Jesus Castillo. — AFP

ExxonMobil investor Russia launches new World military says its climate strategy batch of UK telecom spending grows an ‘existential’ risk satellites into space NEW YORK: ExxonMobil’s strategy in the face despite pandemic of climate change poses an “existential business MOSCOW: A Soyuz rocket blasted off from the risk” to the company, according to an activist Vostochny cosmodrome in Russia’s Far East yesterday carrying 36 UK telecommunications and internet satel- STOCKHOLM: Military expenditure world- hedge fund that is a shareholder in the oil giant, a wide rose to nearly $2 trillion in 2020, defy- lites, the Roscosmos space agency said. OneWeb, a report in the Financial Times said Sunday. The London-headquartered company, is working to complete ing the economic impact of the COVID-19 company, which has been criticized over the last the construction of a constellation of low earth orbit pandemic, researchers said yesterday. Global year for both its financial performance and its satellites providing enhanced broadband and other serv- military spending increased by 2.6 percent to approach to renewable energy investment, “has ices to countries around the world. $1,981 billion in 2020, when global GDP no credible plan to protect value in an energy The company is competing against billionaires Elon shrank 4.4 percent, according to a report transition,” hedge fund Engine No. 1 said in an Musk and Jeff Bezos in the race to provide fast internet from the Stockholm International Peace 80-page investor presentation. via satellites for the world’s remote areas. Images released Research Institute (SIPRI). ExxonMobil has said its business would focus by Russia’s space agency Roscosmos showed the Soyuz Diego Lopes da Silva, one of report’s on carbon capture and storage technology as a rocket taking off against hazy skies yesterday morning at means to counter the emissions that cause global HICKSVILLE, New York: An Exxon station is seen in this file 7:14 am local time (2214 GMT). “All satellites have been authors, told AFP the development was unex- photo taken on March 20, 2020. —AFP pected. “Because of the pandemic, one would warming. However, it also plans to continue successfully placed in target orbits and have been taken think military spending would decrease,” he pumping oil and expects to spend $20 to $25 bil- under customer control,” Roscosmos said in a statement. said. “But it’s possible to conclude with some lion per year between 2022 and 2025 to fuel its increase by 2025. “Mission success!” OneWeb wrote on Twitter. The UK company plans for its global commercial internet certainty that COVID-19 did not have a sig- growth, mainly through new oil and gas explo- World leaders came together virtually this service to be operational by next year, supported by nificant impact on global military spending, in ration projects. week at the request of US President Joe Biden for In the document, which will be distributed to a 40-leader climate summit. Biden doubled US some 650 satellites. Yesterday’s launch was the third 2020 at least,” Lopes da Silva said. batch of its satellites placed into orbit from Russia, He cautioned however that due to the other shareholders, the hedge fund criticized targets to slash greenhouse gas emissions ExxonMobil’s “value destruction” and “refusal responsible for climate change by 2030, with with earlier launches from the Vostochny cosmodrome nature of military spending, it could take of 36 satellites each taking place last month and in to accept that fossil fuel demand may decline,” Japan and Canada also raising commitments and time for countries “to adapt to the shock”. December. according to the Financial Times. Engine No. 1 The fact that military spending continued to the European Union and Britain locking in force- OneWeb’s first six satellites were also launched by a is campaigning for the oil company to consider increase in a year with an economic down- ful targets earlier in the week. The US oil giant, Russian-made Soyuz rocket, taking off from the space alternative energy more seriously. The docu- which lost $22 billion in 2020 amid collapsing oil turn meant the “military burden”, or the center in Kourou in French Guiana in Feb 2019. The com- ment also claims that Exxon’s total emissions, prices, is due to report its first-quarter results on share of military spending out of total GDP, pany launched 68 more from the Baikanour launch site in including those from the products it sells, will Friday. —AFP had increased as well. Kazakhstan last year. —AFP The overall share rose from 2.2 percent to 2.4 percent, the largest year-on-year increase since the financial crisis of 2009. As a result, more NATO members hit the EU chief says Alliance’s guideline target of spending at least two percent of GDP on their military, vaccinated US tourists with 12 countries doing so in 2020 com- pared to nine in 2019. to be able to visit

Some COVID effects WASHINGTON: US tourists vaccinated against There were however indications the pan- COVID-19 will be able to visit the European Union demic had affected some countries. Nations in the coming months, European Commission chief such as Chile and South Korea openly decid- Ursula von der Leyen said in an interview on ed to reappropriate military funds in Sunday with The New York Times. Signaling a response to the pandemic. “Other countries, major change in EU policy as vaccinations step up such as Brazil and Russia, did not explicitly worldwide, von der Leyen gave no timetable, but say this was reallocated because of the pan- the Times said that the new rules could be in place demic, but they have spent considerably less by this summer. than their original budget for 2020,” Lopes “The Americans, as far as I can see, use da Silva said. European Medicines Agency-approved vaccines,” Another response, as in Hungary for exam- she said. “This will enable free movement and the ple, was to increase military spending “as travel to the European Union. “Because one thing is part of a stimulus package in response to the clear: All 27 member states will accept, uncondi- pandemic”. Lopes da Silva noted many coun- tionally, all those who are vaccinated with vaccines tries responded to the 2008-2009 economic that are approved by EMA.” The EMA, the bloc’s drug regulator, has crisis by adopting austerity measures, but SAINT-LAURENT-SUR-MER, France: In this file photo taken on June 5, 2019, US WWII veteran KT Robbins, “this time around it might not be the case”. approved the three vaccines being used in the United States - Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & 97, from Olive Branch, Mississippi, poses with a tourist on Omaha Beach as part of D-Day commemora- The world’s two biggest spenders by far tions marking the 75th anniversary of the World War II Allied landings in Normandy. —AFP were the US and China, with Washington Johnson. The Times said the US’s rapid vaccination program, and progress in talks over how to use vac- accounting for 39 percent of overall expendi- cine certificates, were behind the plan to allow the ture and Beijing for 13 percent. China’s mili- improving in the United States, as it is, hopefully, longer have to quarantine on arrival. The country is return of leisure travel from the US to EU. tary spending has risen in tandem with its also improving in the European Union,” she added. eager to reopen its badly hit tourism sector and has Von der Leyen said that the United States was The pandemic has ravaged tourism on the conti- ramped up its vaccine rollout in the hopes of build- growing economy and has seen an increase making “huge progress” and noted it was on track nent, with many nations shutting borders for non- ing up immunity among residents. The European for 26 consecutive years, reaching an esti- to vaccinate 70 percent of adults by the middle of essential travel. Greece said last week that travelers Union has said it wants to launch a vaccine passport mated $252 billion in 2020. —AFP June. Resumption of travel would depend “on the from the EU and five other countries who are vacci- for travelers, though plans have not yet been for- epidemiological situation, but the situation is nated or have a recent negative COVID test will no malized. —AFP Established 1961 9 Tuesday, April 27, 2021 Business Zimbabwe street vendors reel under virus curbs Hawkers banned as part of measures to limit spread of COVID-19

HARARE: For years, Zimbabwean single mother when “we used to have proper meals” in the morn- Spiwe Tembo would sell buns on the streets of cen- ing, afternoon and evening. “Now it’s one meal a tral Harare, earning enough to feed her three chil- day”. Police spokesman Paul Nyathi did not respond dren. But her fortunes have dived. Since authorities to calls seeking comment on bribery allegations. banned street hawkers a year ago as part of a raft of measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, she ‘Hand to mouth’ plays cat-and-mouse with the police who comb the Kenneth Tauro, 26, had a thriving stall selling streets to rid them of vendors. second hand clothes in Harare’s largest township at “Things are tough,” the 34-year-old said, waving a market called Mupedzanhamo or “the place where a packet of large buns to potential customers on a poverty ends” in the local Shona language. It has busy street in a part of Harare that locals call “Third been closed for a year. He now tries his luck at an World” because it is always teeming. “We get informal market in the high-density suburb of arrested by municipal and national police,” she said. Epworth. But business is bad and he says he earns “Almost daily I pay bribes to police officers to avoid less than 10 percent of his pre-pandemic income. “I getting arrested.” can’t remember when I last had three meals,” said On the days she doesn’t have any cash, the Tauro. inevitable happens and she is arrested and her COVID has killed at least 1,500 people and wares seized. That is when she calls friends or rela- infected 37,875 out of Zimbabwe’s 14 million popu- tives “to come to the police station and pay the fine lation and sunk millions deeper into poverty in a for me”. Yet she never gives up. “The next day I country that was already in the throes of an eco- start from scratch after borrowing money from rela- nomic crisis. The UN World Food Program in a tions or friends,” she said. It doesn’t get better and recent report, noted “a sharp decline in the standard on many days she returns home empty-handed. She of living” among the urban poor, with hunger has been forced to send her children to live with increasing and leaving 2.4 million people struggling relatives because she cannot afford their upkeep. to meet basic needs. Emily Chipwanya, whose husband is a govern- “Lockdowns imposed to contain the spread of ment clerk, has for years been selling cold bever- COVID-19 have dealt a severe blow to poor urban ages in central Harare to supplement her husband’s communities, many of whom were daily wage earn- HARARE: Spiwe Tembo, an informal trader who makes her living selling buns, is handcuffed to another vendor meagre income. “Before COVID-19 we sold a lot ers living hand to mouth,” WFP said. The global after their arrest by police at a busy shopping complex alongside a commuter bus rank on April 15 2021. —AFP because many people came into town,” she said, food agency pays $12 a month to 326,000 urban carrying a small bucket of ice-cold drinks. But sales Zimbabweans and aims to increase this number to Prosper Chitambara from the Labor and Economic But that would be the majority of Zimbabweans have plummeted. 550,000. Development Research Institute of Zimbabwe as less than 10 percent of employable people have As if that is not enough “now we get arrested. We “We’ve seen an increase in poverty levels, espe- think-tank. He said the cash-strapped government proper jobs. Zimbabwe’s economy has been strug- don’t know what to do to earn a living,” she said. “It’s cially in urban areas, on account of COVID-19 should introduce social security to cushion those gling for over a decade with hyperinflation and an a gamble.” She nostalgically reflects on the past induced socio-economic shocks,” said economist working in the informal sector. economic downturn. —AFP

the status of their super-rich founders. China food delivery Two weeks ago the regulator warned 34 technology giants - including Baidu, Tencent and Meituan - to “rectify” any anti-competitive giant Meituan faces measures, prompting a series of public pledges Japan’s ANA aims to abide by anti-monopoly guidelines. anti-trust probe Regulators told Internet companies to “heed for carbon the warning of Alibaba’s case”. Alibaba too had BEIJING: Regulators have launched an anti- come under fire for forcing the practice of trust probe into Meituan, one of China’s biggest “choosing one of two” on retailers - where neutrality by 2050 food delivery firms, they said yesterday, as merchants are compelled to work only with one TOKYO: Japan’s biggest airline ANA said yesterday it Beijing clips the wings of its soaring tech com- platform and not its rivals. aims to become carbon neutral by 2050 through new panies. The probe was prompted by reports Companies such as e-commerce platform technology, emissions trading and other efforts. It that Meituan allegedly engaged in forced JD.com have since pledged to avoid such comes after Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced exclusivity agreements with vendors, the State behavior. Alibaba and JD.com, along with mes- last week that Japan would target a 46-percent cut in Administration for Market Regulation said in a saging and gaming giant Tencent, have become greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, significantly more statement. Those were among its “suspected hugely profitable on the back of growing than previously pledged. monopolistic behaviors”, the regulator said. Chinese digital lifestyles and government ANA Holdings said it “plans to reduce carbon emis- E-commerce titan Alibaba was hit by a restrictions on major US competitors in the sion levels from aircraft operations to net zero by record 18.2 billion yuan ($2.78 billion) fine this domestic market. But as the platforms amassed 2050” by using more sustainable fuel, developing more month after facing a similar charge. The woes of hundreds of millions of regular users, concern efficient planes and engines, and through carbon trad- Meituan, which counts gaming giant Tencent as has risen over their influence in China, where QINGDAO, China: This file photo taken on Feb 20, 2019 ing. Last year, the company set a target to halve car- a shareholder, is the latest sign that China’s they are used for a huge array of daily tasks. shows a Meituan food deliveryman looking at employ- bon emissions by 2050 compared with 2005 levels. ment postings at a recruitment fair. —AFP assault on big tech is far from over. Beijing has Fintech firm Ant Group, an Alibaba affiliate Such initiatives are not new among airlines, with the taken the country’s tech firms to task in order whose planned record-shattering $35 billion industry body for America’s leading carriers pledging to work towards net-zero emissions by 2050, and to curtail the reach of private companies into Hong Kong-Shanghai IPO was shelved late last become a financial holding company - meaning British Airways eyeing greener jet fuel. Japanese car the public’s daily finances and - analysts believe year, also announced this month it would com- it will be supervised more like a bank in the - to rein in their runaway expansion as well as future. —AFP giant Honda also said last week it would aim to have ply with an overhaul outlined by regulators and electric and fuel cell vehicles account for all sales by 2040 to promote climate goals. —AFP

this month described it as the biggest purely Nestle eyes vitamin nutrition-focused company in North America and one of the three biggest in the world. Founded in 1971, the company makes vitamins, Philips sees hit boost in talks to buy minerals and other nutritional supplements and employs some 4,500 people worldwide. It has from product Bountiful Company been valued by analysts at $5-7 billion. Nestle has recently pursued a range of acquisitions in ZURICH: Nestle said yesterday it was in talks to health nutrition, considered a growth area. safety fault snap up US vitamin and nutritional supplements Last year, the world’s largest food and bever- THE HAGUE: Dutch firm Philips said yesterday it maker The Bountiful Company, as the Swiss food age company acquired the Zenpep drug for anticipates a hit of up to €250 million ($302 mil- giant expands its presence in the health nutrition digestive problems, and took majority control of lion) from a possible safety risk in some sleep and sector. Nestle said in a statement that “it is in dis- US firm Vital Proteins. It also concluded its pur- respiratory care products, even as first quarter cussions to acquire all or part of The Bountiful chase of US allergy treatment company Aimmune profits edged higher. The company, which has Company,” without providing more details. Therapeutics, and with it that firm’s Aimmune lyst Jean-Philippe Bertschy said purchasing The diversified into healthcare and last month sold off The statement came after the Wall Street Palforzia treatment to help reduce the frequency Bountiful Company would be “fully in line” with its domestic appliance business, said net profit Journal reported the acquisition talks Friday, cit- and severity of peanut allergies in children. Nestle’s strategy. “The Bountiful Company would was 40 million euros in the three months to ing unnamed sources close to the discussions. Nestle’s first big acquisition since Mark propel Nestle into a market leader position in the March 31, a 2.6-percent rise on a year earlier. The US firm is majority-owned by private-equity Schneider took the reins in 2017 was of Canadian highly attractive VMS (vitamins, minerals, and Philips had sales of €3.8 billion in the first firm KKR, which in a filing to take it public earlier vitamin maker Atrium Innovations. Vontobel ana- supplements) segment,” he said in a note. —AFP quarter, up 3.6 percent from the same period last year. “Regretfully, we have identified a quality issue in a component that is used in certain sleep and respiratory care products, and are initiating “force majeure” situation beyond its control, a legal all precautionary actions to address this issue, for Total halts concept meaning it can suspend fulfilling contrac- which we have taken a 250 million-euro provi- tual obligations. The declaration “will remain in sion,” Philips CEO Frans van Houten said in a effect until the Government of Mozambique has statement. Mozambique gas restored security and stability in the province... in a Philips said there were “possible risks to verifiable and sustainable manner,” the company users” from sound-dampening foam in some project after attacks added - although it “remains committed to sleep and respiratory care devices, which could Mozambique and to the development” at Afungi. degrade under conditions including unapproved PARIS: French energy giant Total yesterday con- A military source told AFP earlier this month cleaning methods, plus high humidity and tem- firmed it is suspending work on a massive $20 bil- that Total evacuated all of its staff after drone sur- perature. The firm said it was talking to regula- lion gas project in northern Mozambique follow- veillance showed insurgents were in areas “very tors about the problem, which mainly affects ing the latest jihadist assault on a nearby town last close” to the gas plant. Last week, the first generation DreamStation products, and month. Total removed its remaining staff from the Confederation of Economic Associations of “initiating appropriate actions to mitigate these Afungi peninsula natural gas site after a jihadist Mozambique (CTA) said Total had already sus- possible risks.” raid in the nearby town of Palma on March 24 left pended contracts with a series of businesses indi- by a group known locally as Al-Shabab. The vio- Amsterdam-based Philips started off as a dozens of people dead. rectly involved in the gas project. lence has killed at least 2,600 people according to lighting company more than 100 years ago but It had already evacuated some workers and The National Petroleum Institute (INP), a NGO Acled, while Maputo said last week that more has undergone major changes in recent years, suspended construction in January following a Mozambique government body that governs energy than 700,000 have been displaced. Its scale raised focusing in particular on remote healthcare. series of jihadist attacks nearby. “In the current projects, said yesterday that Total “may not fulfil con- doubts over the viability of the biggest single Philips announced in March that it was selling its environment, Total can no longer operate in the tractual obligations and could suspend or cancel fur- investment in Africa even before the latest raid. home appliance business to Asian investment firm Cabo Delgado province in a safe and efficient ther contracts, depending how long the halt (to con- March’s attack on Palma took place just 10 km Hillhouse Capital for €3.7 billion, and sales from manner,” a Total spokeswoman told AFP. “All proj- struction) lasts”. Nevertheless, “Total hasn’t aban- from the gas project’s nerve center, despite a gov- this were now listed under discontinued opera- tions, yesterday’s results statement said. The firm ect personnel have been removed from the site doned the project,” INP chief Carlos Zacarias told ernment commitment to set up a 25-km security said that despite continued “uncertainty” related and will not return until conditions allow,” the reporters in capital Maputo, adding that “the main radius around the site. Hundreds of people, to the COVID-19 pandemic it had upgraded its spokeswoman added, saying “it is too early to contracts between Total and its major contractors including many foreign workers, were evacuated provide an updated project schedule”. by air and sea while thousands of locals walked to sales forecast for 2021 on the back of increased remain in force”. Gas-rich Cabo Delgado has been demand for its healthcare products. —AFP Total also said yesterday that it was declaring a battered by a bloody jihadist insurgency since 2017 nearby districts. —AFP 10 Established 1961

Teusday, April 27, 2021 Business Ahli United Bank reports KD 11.1m net profit for first quarter of 2021

KUWAIT: Ahli United Bank K S C P announced impacts of the pandemic worldwide and to return convenient to life variables, especially digital its results for the first three months of this year to impose some lockdown measures. banking services with their capabilities and ended March 31, 2021, achieving a net profit of He added: AUB managed to end the first quar- resilience in meeting their needs and aspirations. KD 11.1 million compared to KD 15.3 million in ter of the fiscal year 2021 with a solid balance Dr Al-Mudhaf also expressed sincere grati- net profits recorded for the same period last sheet and was able to maintain the higher quality tude to the Central Bank of Kuwait, and all regu- year, with a decline of 27.5 percent due to higher of our assets during this critical times. This is latory, health and security authorities for their provisions in 1Q 2021 and a non-recurring capital attributed to our resilient business strategy, the efforts in facing COVID-19 pandemic and deal- gains on securities booked during 1Q 2020. sound financial footing and the prudent strategy ing with its repercussions. Dr Al-Mudhaf The Bank also recorded total operating on which we are relying. Undoubtedly, the expressed his thanks and appreciation to the income of KD 24.6 million in 1Q 2021 (KD 29.1 exceptional efforts that we see from various state Bank’s staff for their sincere efforts, stressing million in 1Q 2020). Shareholders’ equity institutions to vaccinate against COVID-19 boost that AUB is greatly proud of its human wealth increased by 2.5 percent to reach KD 453.7 mil- our optimism and hope for the approaching which is the main pillar for the Bank’s continued lion at the end of March 2021, higher than KD return of economic activities to operate at full success and progress. 442.6 million recorded as on 31 December 2020. capacity and the return of normal life. Commenting on the Bank’s financial perform- Anwar Al-Mudhaf Jehad Al-Humaidhi In addition, AUB maintained good capital ade- However, I would like to mention that our ance in the first quarter, Jehad Al-Humaidhi, quacy ratios of 15.7 percent as of March 31, 2021 keenness to set aside more hedging provisions to Acting Chief Executive Officer of Ahli United which is comfortably higher than the CBK current support the Bank’s financial position and to con- Bank said: “We have ended the first quarter of to customers by using technological and digital minimum required ratio, which enhances the tinue adopting a conservative approach in risk 2021 at a growth in all business lines while tight- means, but also because it is the future of bank- opportunities for future expansions in credit management is not conflicting with our optimistic ening control over operating expenses, and at the ing services the world is heading to in light of the facilities and operations. As of March 31, 2021, the outlook but adds a realistic basis of work and same time we use caution due to the continuing digital banking revolution, with its unmatched Bank’s return on average equity (ROAE) recorded perseverance. Dr Al-Mudhaf emphasized the challenges posed by the current situation on the added value for customers in resilience, conven- 9.9 percent and return on average assets (ROAA) AUB’s commitment to implementing solid rules of back of COVID-19 pandemic, so we have taken ience, and saving time and effort. recorded 1 percent. Earnings per share recorded governance and its continued efforts in support- the necessary steps, including strengthening the At the same time, AUB is continuing to devel- 5.7 fils per share in 1Q 2021 (7.9 fils in 1Q 2020). ing various segments of society under these cir- provisions, and with all these factors, the bank op its branches and equip them with the best Commenting on the results for the first quarter cumstances through its ambitious CSR program. managed to achieve a net profit of KD 11.1 million. amenities to receive customers with a commit- of 2021, Dr Anwar Al-Mudhaf, Chairman of Ahli Dr Al-Mudhaf expressed his thanks and Al-Humaidhi pointed out that AUB focuses its ment to apply the necessary precautionary United Bank said, we are continuing the journey appreciation to the Bank’s shareholders for their efforts to accelerate the digital transformation measures to protect both employees and cus- of the challenge against repercussions of support and backing to the Bank under these process, being an irreplaceable strategic option, tomers. Al-Humaidhi concluded by extending COVID-19 pandemic with an optimistic outlook, exceptional circumstances, and also extended not only to ensure the continuing provision of the thanks and appreciation to the Management and relying on a well-thought-out action plan to appreciation to the Bank’s customers for their best services to the Bank’s customers under the the employees of the Bank for their dedication manage this crisis and our full readiness to deal lasting loyalty, trust and interaction with the new pandemic situation, the requirements of social and cooperation which has assisted in overcom- with any possible changes in light of the ongoing services provided by the bank that are more distancing and the necessity of providing services ing the implication of this pandemic

NBK Economic Update Global yields Restoring our planet through intelligent extend rally on digital transformation recovery optimism KUWAIT: Global sovereign bond yields extended their By Lisa Johnston rally in 1Q20, led by US treasuries with the 10-year note KUWAIT: Last year, global reaching a 15-month high at the end of March. The emissions fell by 17 percent and uptrend in yields was supported by the rollout of vac- vibrations caused by human cines, an improving US macroeconomic backdrop and activity decreased by 50 per- continued stimulus measures, thereby boosting opti- cent. Yet within months, activity mism for an economic recovery and promoting a risk-on has returned close to original stance by investors who continued to pile into riskier levels. While the pandemic asset classes including equities. enforced a temporary pause in The higher yields were also helped by rising inflation activities, the start of 2021 has expectations as private spending picks up in line with seen momentum building with the improved sentiment. Meanwhile, GCC yields tracked renewed will to drive innovation Lisa Johnston their global counterparts higher on recovery optimism towards a more permanent reset and vaccine rollouts. GCC sovereign debt issuance in priorities. This April’s Earth Day, President Biden could moderate in 2021 from the elevated offerings of brought world leaders together to galvanize climate 2020 as the need for financing eases due to higher oil change efforts in the inaugural Leaders’ Summit on prices and consolidation efforts, though we still expect Climate. The G7 meeting in June similarly has the pandem- issuance to remain relatively robust on continued budg- ic and climate change top of the agenda. And COP26 in et deficits and relatively low yields. In 1Q21, GCC debt Glasgow is focused on accelerating action towards the issuance totaled $27.7 billion, up 108 percent y/y, led by Paris Agreement goals. Sustainability has never been high- Saudi sovereign offerings. er on the policy and corporate agenda.

Translating principles into action Global yields surge in 1Q21 on improving outlook With solutions spanning the engineering and opera- An improving virus scene thanks to the rollout of tions lifecycles, we are well positioned to support sustain- vaccines, coupled with ongoing stimulus support, tions in 2H21 as vaccine rollouts continue to progress. In the near to medium-term, GCC yield prospects able digital transformation. Our software is already help- stronger macroeconomic data and the easing of restric- On the other hand, assurances by the Fed that policy will continue to depend on the regional/global econom- ing customers increase energy efficiency, minimize nox- tions, has bolstered sentiment and led to a selloff in will remain accommodative and their view that the ic recovery, direction of global yields, virus containment ious emissions and optimize the use of valuable natural bonds, lifting yields in several cases to pre-pandemic higher inflation will be transitory, will likely help to backdrop, in addition to oil prices. Specifically on resources and we’re proud to be advancing sustainable levels. This follows the sharp declines seen in 2020 as keep potential yield gains in check. Kuwait, a continued lack of much needed reforms, and a development across diverse sectors. sentiment weakened in the wake of the coronavirus and persistent and growing fiscal deficit could raise the We believe that a principled approach to people, the its adverse effect on global economic growth. GCC yields track global peers higher in 1Q21 future cost of borrowing on fears of further credit rating planet and profits go hand-in-hand. We have recently Gains in benchmark yields during 1Q21 were led by GCC medium term sovereign bond yields mostly downgrades. joined the United Nations Global Compact and Business for the US 10-year treasury, which reached a 15-month tracked their global counterparts higher as the global Social Responsibility. Partnering with them and taking guid- high of 1.75 percent on March 31st (+83 bps q/q) economic and virus outlook improved. Though higher GCC issuances to ease but remain ance from our customers, we are working to align our strat- before easing notably in Mid-April on a surge in treas- GCC yields are usually a characteristic of deteriorating strong on continued financing needs egy and operations with universal principles on human ury bond purchasing, coupled with reassurances by the economic conditions and weaker credit worthiness, the Following the high level of issuances in 2020, rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption. In listening Fed that policy will remain accomodative and that the surge in yields in this case was largely influenced by to our customers, there are four recurring areas driving exceeding $100 billion and roughly in line with 2019 recent surge in inflation is transitory given the ongoing higher global bond yields. Macroeconomic conditions in levels, the first quarter of 2021 saw the issuance of their sustainability efforts where our software has a key role slack in the labor market. to play: tackling climate change, the need to boost circulari- the GCC, in fact, saw a gradual improvement over the about $28 billion, dominated by sovereign paper and European yields, previously weighed down by the quarter, in line with higher oil prices, vaccination cam- led by Saudi Arabia with $10.5 billion issued, bringing ty, the energy transition to renewables, and the drive for risk of a double-dip recession due to the spread of a enhanced transparency and traceability in operations and paigns and better overall sentiment, reflected by a broad the total GCC outstanding debt to around $600 billion new wave of covid-19, also rose in line with US treas- supply chains. We are committed to helping industries drive downtrend in credit default swap rates. as of the end of the quarter. The strong level of sustainability in those areas while also striving to exemplify uries, supported by higher inflation and hopes of a Yield increases, ranging from 44 to 58 bps, were issuances was driven by the ongoing need to finance sustainable business practices within our operations. strong economic recovery in the second half of the observed in all GCC member states, except for Oman, the budget deficits, encouraged also by a relatively low year as the virus is reigned in. German Bunds and UK where yields fell by 28 bps (charts 2 & 4). Oman, typi- cost of borrowing. Our footprint - and our handprint Gilts gained 65 and 28 bps q/q, respectively, while the cally the highest yielding GCC sovereign due to its We expect GCC issuances to remain robust in 2021 We are committed to measuring and reporting on our Japanese 10-year yield rose by a lower 7 bps q/q, typ- much lower sovereign credit rating (B+ “non-invest- to plug continuing deficits, but may ease relative to environmental stewardship efforts for our operations as ically remaining near the 0 percent target mandated by ment” grade by S&P) and higher risk profile, had a 2020 in line with higher oil prices, restrained govern- well as the impact that our technology solutions can have the Bank of Japan. much greater margin for yield declines in line with the ment spending, and recovering economic activity. on our customers’ environmental performance. We frame Looking ahead, a sustained rise in yields will improving economic and virus conditions. Further, given that interest rates remain low, it may be these concepts as the “prints” we leave behind on the depend on the strength of the economic recovery A strong appetite by global investors for higher more prudent for GCC countries to resort to borrowing, world - our footprint and our handprint. which in turn depends on the extent to which the pan- yields (in a still relatively low global yield environment), rather than drawing down reserves, which are presum- We recently conducted a detailed assessment to deter- demic is controlled - an uncertain prospect given the likely kept demand for Omani debt high, pressuring ably generating higher rates of return. Passing the debt mine the Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) issues emergence of new strains and still high infection rates yields lower. With that said, further yield declines in law in Kuwait would lead to an increase in total regional that are most material to our business as a prelude to set- in various parts of the world. Additional fiscal stimulus Oman will likely be capped by ongoing fiscal challenges issuance. However, the timing of approval of the debt ting a comprehensive set of goals. We have also conducted measures by the US government will likely drive yields and a weak sovereign rating, risks which investors will law remains uncertain at this time, awaiting an agree- a review of our GHG emissions, which we have reported higher as well as the expected easing of travel restric- publicly for several years, in order to set a baseline year for continue to demand a higher yield for. ment between the parliament and the Cabinet. company-wide reductions targets in preparation of making a credible net zero commitment. Alongside the steps we are taking to reduce the environmental footprint of our Oman and Bahrain increased by 27 percent to FMCG giants like Arla, operations, we are accelerating our efforts to grow our Bahrain-GCC trade US$230 million in the same period. Oman was fol- Mondelez, Kimberly handprint, which is how our software can enable and drive lowed by Kuwait, which recorded US$98 million in Clark and Reckitt sustainability within the industries we serve. In fact, it is bilateral trade in Q1 2021. Benckiser selecting the through our technology handprint that we believe was in Q1 2021 hits Discussing the trade figures, Ali Al-Mudaifa, Kingdom as their region- have the biggest opportunity to have a truly global impact. Executive Director of Bahrain’s Economic al manufacturing base Most sustainability challenges demand collective action, US$1.76 billion Development Board said: “The fact that Bahrain’s and distribution hub. new technology and scalable solutions to help accelerate trade with the GCC continues to grow strongly The value of global progress. A PWC survey recently identified that technology MANAMA: The total value of trade between the reflects the resilience of Bahrain’s supply chains. imports increased by 4 like ours can directly impact over 70 of the UN Sustainable GCC and Bahrain in Q1 2021 reached US$1.76 billion, Bahrain offers the region’s best value operating percent, reaching Development targets. For example, by providing real-time costs, great connectivity, and advanced logistics US$3.52 billion during the energy data and predictive analytics that support improved a rise of 6 percent compared to the same period last infrastructure. Throughout 2020 and into 2021, first quarter of 2021. operational efficiency, we can help hundreds if not thou- year, according to the latest figures released by sands of our customers to reduce their carbon footprints. Bahrain’s eGovernment and Information Authority. Bahrain has been working closely with public and Exports of nationally pro- We are currently working closely with our customers to Accounting for more than a third of this figure, non- private sector partners to find creative solutions to duced products from Ali Al-Mudaifa demonstrate the value we can bring to their businesses and oil bilateral trade between the UAE and Bahrain in keep business flowing across our borders.” Bahrain increased by 18 are proud to be working with some of the world’s most sus- Q1 2021 increased by 15 percent from Q1 2020 to Some of the biggest exports to the UAE, aside percent, reaching tainable companies - including Danone, Neste and US$ 639 million. from iron ore and aluminum products, included US$1.811 billion. The manufacturing sector is a key Schneider Electric. Meanwhile, trade between Saudi and Bahrain cheese and biscuits manufactured in Bahrain’s state driver of the Kingdom’s economic diversification and NOTE: Lisa Johnston is the Chief Marketing and accounted for 45 percent of the total Bahrain- of the art mega factories. Within the region, Bahrain a significant and consistent contributor to Bahrain’s Sustainability Officer, AVEVA GCC trade, at US$789 million. Trade between is rapidly emerging as an FMCG leader, with global economy accounting for 14.5 percent of the GDP. 11

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

s

i

i i ry

Dr. Hamoud Abdullah Alarouj ENT Consultant, Laryngologist Kuwait Board of Otolaryngology. Experienced In: Laryngology Fellowship, McGill Management of benign and malignant vocal cord lesions. University- Canada. Vocal cord augmentation. Fellow of the European Board of Diagnosis and treatment of spasmodic dysphonia. Otolaryngology – Head & Neck surgery. Adenotonsillectomy using latest techniques. Member of the American Academy of Myringotomy and ventilation tube insertion. Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery. Surgery for the deviated nasal septum. Member of the British Laryngological Endoscopic sinus surgery. Association. Diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis. Member of the European Laryngological Tympanoplasty. Society. Diagnosis and treatment of vertigo. Member of the Canadian Society of Thyroid surgery Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery. Diagnosis and treatment of snoring.

To advertise on this Page Call: 24833199 ext:101,102 or Direct line: 24835616 / 24835617 or email: [email protected] 12 Established 1961 Lifestyle Awards Tuesday, April 27, 2021

(From left) Producers Peter Spears, Frances McDormand, Chloe Zhao, Mollye Asher and Dan Janvey, winners of the award for best picture for Chinese Director/Producer Chloe Zhao, winner Yuh-Jung Youn, winner of the award Actress “Nomadland,” pose in the press room at the Oscars at Union Station in Los Angeles. — AFP photos of the award for Picture and Director for in a Supporting Role for “Minari.” “Nomadland,” poses in the pressroom.

S road movie “Nomadland” emerged reunited Tinseltown A-listers for the first “Please watch our movie on the largest as the big winner at the Oscars on time in more than a year. Zhao, who is the screen possible. And one day very, very USunday with three major prizes, first woman of color ever honored as best soon, take everyone you know into a the- including a history-making award for direc- director, thanked “all the people we met on ater, shoulder to shoulder in that dark tor Chloe Zhao, as Hollywood celebrated its the road... for teaching us the power of space, and watch every film that is repre- most glamorous night with a unique pan- resilience and hope, and for reminding us sented here tonight,” said McDormand. demic-era gala. Zhao’s drama about mar- what true kindness looks like.” She is also Zhao, who has drawn controversy in China ginalized Americans roaming the West in only the second woman to win best director after years-old interviews resurfaced in vans was honored for best picture, director after Kathryn Bigelow, who broke the glass which she appeared to criticize her country and actress for Frances McDormand, who ceiling in 2010 when she won the prize for of birth, also quoted classical Chinese poet- now is in elite company with her third “The Hurt Locker.” ry in her acceptance speech. But she was scrubbed from Chinese social media on Monday as a nationalist backlash airbrushed out her achievement, with recent posts containing her name and Oscar winners in main categories “Nomadland” mysteriously wiped from the Twitter-like site Weibo. Her win was also met with silence by Chinese media. Road movie “Nomadland” was the big winner of the night, with prizes for best pic- Hopkins’ win at 83 for his shattering por- ture, best director and best actress. trayal of a dementia sufferer in “The Father” makes him the oldest actor to win a com- Best picture: “Nomadland” petitive Oscar in history. But he did not trav- el to Los Angeles or a London venue to Best director: Chloe Zhao, “Nomadland” accept the prize, and his victory, with no speech, made for a strange ending to the Best actress: Frances McDormand, “Nomadland” night. The film, adapted by French play- Producers Frances McDormand and Chloe Zhao, hold the Oscar for Best Picture for wright Florian Zeller from his own stage “Nomadland”. Best actor: Anthony Hopkins, “The Father” production, also won best adapted screen- play. Zeller accepted his award from Paris. for marching boots,” she said. a movie set. This year’s Oscars arrived at Best supporting actress: Youn Yuh-Jung, “Minari” “Promising Young Woman” won best their Union Station venue two months late ‘Marching boots’ original screenplay, the night’s first award. due to the pandemic-organizers have said Best supporting actor: Daniel Kaluuya, “Judas and the Black Messiah” Best supporting actress went to Youn Emerald Fennell, who was seven months it would have been “impossible” without the Yuh-jung for the Korean immigrant drama pregnant when she shot the #MeToo delay. Best international feature film: “Another Round” (Denmark) “Minari.” “How can I win over Glenn revenge thriller, thanked her son who “did Before the show, stars paused briefly for Close?” she said, acknowledging her fellow not arrive until a couple of weeks after pictures and socially distanced interviews Best animated feature: “Soul” nominee, who has a joint-record eight act- shooting, thank God, because I was cross- on what organizers called a “teeny-tiny red ing nominations but no wins in her career. ing my legs.” Netflix’s “Mank” began the carpet,” where actresses Carey Mulligan Best documentary feature: “My Octopus Teacher” Close made light of her latest loss for night with the most nominations — 10 — and Andra Day dazzled fashion fans in “Hillbilly Elegy” by sportingly joining in an but ended up with two wins in technical cat- Oscars gold. An honorary award for the Best original screenplay: “Promising Young Woman” - Emerald Fennell unusual dance and music trivia segment egories, as did “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” Motion Picture and Television Fund, which late in a show that consistently tried to and Amazon’s “Sound of Metal.” “Soul” has supported struggling actors and crew Best adapted screenplay: “The Father” - Christopher Hampton, Florian Zeller. upend Oscar norms. Daniel Kaluuya won became Pixar’s latest Oscar winner for best particularly during the pandemic, was —AFP best supporting actor for his portrayal of animated feature, and also picked up best awarded at the Oscars’ traditional slain 1960s Black Panthers leader Fred score, while South African aquatic wildlife Hollywood theater base. Black entertain- Hampton in “Judas and the Black feature “My Octopus Teacher” won best ment mogul Tyler Perry was also honored. Messiah,” which also won best song for documentary. But the bulk of the awards were handed multiple Grammy winner H.E.R. out at the 1930s-built Union Station, cho- Academy Award for performing. No-show “It’s pretty fabulous to be a woman in References to racism and police vio- ‘In the flesh’ sen for its grand scale and outdoor court- Anthony Hopkins pulled an upset to win 2021,” Zhao told journalists as a virtual lence were threaded throughout the show’s The 93rd Oscars began with a movie- yards, where white tents sheltering every- best actor in the final award of the night, backstage Q&A, adding: “If this win means speeches, starting with actor-director style opening credits sequence, as King thing from Covid testing booths to catering besting sentimental favorite Chadwick more people get to live their dreams, I’m Regina King’s opening monologue, in strode into the venue clutching a gold stat- were installed. “We’re here, isn’t it crazy?” Boseman, who died of cancer last year. extremely grateful.” With movie theaters which she mentioned the conviction of a uette. “Live TV, here we go. Welcome to said best actor nominee and “Sound of The unorthodox Oscars ceremony was closed all year, and blockbuster content former police officer for the murder of the 93rd Oscars!” she said. “And, yes, we Metal” star Riz Ahmed. “Human beings in moved from a Hollywood theater to a delayed, Beijing-born Zhao’s film captured African-American man George Floyd. “If are doing it maskless... people have been the flesh!. —AFP glammed-up downtown train station to the pandemic zeitgeist with its stunning por- things had gone differently this past week in vaxxed, tested, re-tested, socially dis- abide by strict Covid-19 protocols, and trait of the isolated margins of society. Minneapolis, I may have traded in my heels tanced,” she added, comparing the show to

Welsh actor Anthony Hopkins, winner of the H.E.R., winner of the award for best original Tyler Perry, winner of the Jean Hersholt Dana Murray (left) and Pete Docter, winners of French novelist Florian Zeller smiles as he award for best actor for his role in “The song for “Fight For You” from “Judas and the Humanitarian Award. the award for animated feature film for holds his Oscars statuette after winning the Father”. Black Messiah.” “Soul.” Best Adapted Screenplay for the “The Father”.

Emerald Fennell, winner of the award for best Daniel Kaluuya, winner of the award for best Danish director Thomas Vinterberg poses with original screenplay for “Promising Young (From left) US musician Jon Batiste, US musician Trent Reznor and English musician Atticus actor in a supporting role for “Judas and the the award for best international feature film Woman.” Ross, winners of the award for Original Score for “Soul.” Black Messiah.” for “Another Round”. Established 1961 13 Lifestyle Awards Tuesday, April 27, 2021

n Oscars like no other crowned Youn Yuh-jung told the audience: “Tonight his best international film win to his daugh- “Nomadland” best picture, experi- you are all forgiven.” Fortunately one per- ter, who was killed in a car crash just days Amented with the ceremony’s tradi- son who did not stumble over Youn’s name into production of “Another Round.” “We tional format and shone a spotlight on was Brad Pitt, whose company produced ended up making this movie for her, as her diversity while also honoring more estab- the Korean immigrant drama. monument,” said the Danish director. She lished stars. Here are five takeaways from Pitt presented the award and later was killed by “someone looking into his cell Hollywood’s biggest night on Sunday: helped the slightly starstruck 73-year-old phone” on a highway, recalled Vinterberg, actress off the stage. “He didn’t mispro- who said his daughter “felt seen by” and Train wreck? nounce my name... I couldn’t believe that was “supposed to be in” the movie. “So, Shifting the Oscars from Hollywood’s he was speaking to me when he Ida, this is a miracle that just happened. Dolby Theatre to a train station in down- announced my name. So then I... maybe I And you’re a part of this miracle. Maybe town Los Angeles provided for more social just blacked out a couple of minutes, a cou- you’ve been pulling some strings some- distancing and outdoor space-but also ple of seconds or so,” she said backstage. where, I don’t know. But this one is for you.” gave the whole ceremony an odd cabaret Asked if she would like to star alongside lounge vibe. Dim lighting may have Pitt one day, Youn added: “That will never ‘Nomadland’ howls explained improved the ambience in the room, but happen with my English and age, you “Nomadland” broke a number of Oscars made it difficult to pick out some of the In this handout photo Yuh-Jung Youn accepts know. I don’t think so.” records on Sunday, including Chloe Zhao nominees in attendance. While guests the Oscar for Actress in a Supporting Role becoming the second female director and largely without masks sat tucked away in during the live ABC Telecast of The 93rd Racial justice first of color to win. Its star McDormand booths and alcoves, DJ Questlove was Oscars at Union Station in Los Angeles. Racism and police violence were con- (From left) Yuh-Jung Youn, winner of Best moved into an elite group as the fourth spinning the decks, including for an unex- stant themes of the night, beginning with Actress in a Supporting Role for “Minari,” woman to win at least three acting Oscars, pected and bizarre music trivia segment prize-but sadly, 83-year-old winner Anthony Regina King’s opening monologue poses with Brad Pitt in the press room at the alongside Ingrid Bergman, Meryl Streep that featured a dancing Glenn Close just Hopkins was 5,000 miles away in Wales, expressing relief at the conviction of Oscars at Union Station in Los Angeles. and Katharine Hepburn, who has four. before the final prizes. presumably asleep, meaning there was no Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin for the —AFP photos McDormand was also a producer on the “They didn’t ask me, but if they had, I victory speech and the show ended with a murder of George Floyd. “I know that a lot movie, entitling her to yet another Oscar for would say... we should add a karaoke bar,” whimper. of you people at home want to reach for names of those killed by police, and quoted the movie’s best picture win-something she joked Frances McDormand as she accept- your remote when you feel like Hollywood statistics on killings by law enforcement. celebrated by howling loudly on stage. “The ed best actress, noting the talented singers Brad and Yuh-jung is preaching to you,” she said. “But as a “As long as I’m standing, I’m going to fight howling is for our production sound mixer in the room such as “Hamilton” star Leslie A year after South Korea’s “Parasite” mother of a black son, I know the fear that for us,” added singer-songwriter H.E.R. Wolf... who we unfortunately lost recently,” Odom, Jr. The night then ended on a partic- broke the Oscars language barrier with its so many live with, and no amount of fame after her song for civil rights drama “Judas explained Zhao backstage, who had also ularly anti-climactic note that some viewers stunning best picture win, it seems some in or fortune changes that, okay?” and the Black Messiah” won. worked with the late Michael Wolf Snyder compared to the infamous 2017 Oscars Hollywood are still struggling with their for- Others felt similarly compelled to speak on her previous films.— AFP incident when best picture was accidentally eign language phonetics. Joking about the out-winning short film co-directors Travon Vinterberg’s tears awarded to the wrong film. This time, pro- various mispronunciations of her name, Free and Martin Desmond Roe (“Two The night’s most heartfelt moment came ducers decided to end with the best actor “Minari” best supporting actress winner Distant Strangers”) wore suits lined with the early on as Thomas Vinterberg dedicated

Oscars red carpet: Hollywood stars ditch hoodies, PJs for glamour

or the past year, Hollywood’s brightest And Colman Domingo, who co-stars stars have either been forced to wear with nominees Viola Davis and the late Fball gowns in their living rooms to Chadwick Boseman in “Ma Rainey’s Black accept awards-or they have worn fancy Bottom,” added a pop of color to the pro- pajamas. On Sunday, they hit the Oscars ceedings in head-to-toe hot pink. Paul Raci, red carpet with flair. And although the another best supporting actor nominee for women were stunning as ever, the men- his work in “Sound of Metal,” rocked his perhaps inspired by Billy Porter’s show- black suit with some killer accessories-sil- Carey Mulligan stopping turn in a tuxedo gown at the ver jewelry and dark nail polish. Academy Awards two years ago-also brought their top fashion game. Here are a Golden girls few takeaways from the red carpet, the first Odom was not the only one sporting colors. Halle Berry, a best actress Oscar with structured butterfly sleeves and sparkly big fashion event in Tinseltown since the Oscars gold. Carey Mulligan, a nominee for winner in 2002 and a presenter on Sunday, silver details. And presenter Angela Bassett coronavirus pandemic erupted in early best actress for her searing turn as a med- rocked a new short hairdo and a strapless stunned in a bright red Alberta Ferretti gown 2020. ical school dropout avenging her friend’s flowing Dolce and Gabbana purple gown. with a slit up the front and puffed sleeves Actress-director Regina King, who that came together in the back in a huge opened the show by striding into Union bow. “This is Hollywood Christmas,” Bassett Station clutching a golden Academy Award, said at the Oscars pre-show. — AFP wowed fans with a blue Louis Vuitton gown

Amanda Seyfried US actress Zendaya

she turned up in a low-cut white sleeveless rape in “Promising Young Woman,” Alexander McQueen gown with sexy Men on fire sparkled in a strapless golden gown with a cutouts throughout the bodice. Bulgarian Leslie Odom Jr, a double Oscar nomi- bare midriff and a long train. And singer actress Maria Bakalova, a first-time nomi- nee for best supporting actor and best origi- Andra Day, a nominee in that same catego- nee in the best supporting actress category, nal song for “One Night in Miami,” looked ry for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in “The also went for pristine white, fluttering onto exactly like the golden statuette he is hop- United States vs Billie Holiday,” went for a the red carpet in a Louis Vuitton princess ing to take home, in a shimmering double- daring gold gown with a huge cutout in the gown with a plunging neckline and a cloud breasted Brioni suit. Daniel Kaluuya, who middle and a sky-high slit. of tulle for a skirt. won the best supporting actor Oscar for his portrayal of slain Black Panthers activist Pretty in white Blast of color Fred Hampton in “Judas and the Black Along with Mulligan and Day, Viola Despite many gowns in white, basic (From left) Viola Davis and Julius Tennon Messiah,” suited up in all-black Bottega Davis was in contention for the best actress black or muted hues, some actresses went (From left) Leslie Odom Jr. and Nicolette Veneta-T-shirt and tux. prize for “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” and for big-time Hollywood glamour in bright Robinson

Actress Halle Berry US actress Angela Bassett US actress Regina King Australian actress Margot Robbie 14 Sports Tuesday, April 27, 2021 Kevin Durant returns to power Nets, Hawks snap losing streak

LOS ANGELES: Kevin Durant scored 33 points in his return from a three-game injury absence as the Brooklyn Nets solidified their hold on first place in the News in brief NBA Eastern Conference with a 128-119 victory over the Phoenix Suns. Durant came off the bench early in Kuwait SC wins Basketball Cup the second quarter and showed little rust after being out with a thigh injury. In 28 minutes of playing time, KUWAIT: Kuwait SC was crowned on Sunday as Durant shot 12-of-21 from the floor in a Sunday after- the champion of the Kuwait Basketball Association noon clash between two of the best teams in the NBA. Cup (KBA) for the 14th time in its history, after “It was a good start. Hopefully, I’ll build on this game defeating Al-Yarmouk SC 125-69 in the final and keep going,” Durant said. match. KBA Chairman Rasheed Al-Enizy congratu- Kyrie Irving scored a team-high 34 points, going lated the players of the first three teams, Kuwait 30-plus for the 15th time this season, and Blake Griffin SC, Al-Yarmouk SC and Kazma SC on their per- finished with 16 for Brooklyn, who improved to 41-20 formances in the tournament. Seven clubs have for a one and a half-game lead over the second-place won this cup; Al-Qadsia SC bagged it 25 times, Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference stand- Kuwait SC 14, Al-Arabi SC nine, Kazma SC three, ings. Jeff Green and Joe Harris scored 10 points each Al-Jahra SC two, and Al-Sahel SC and Al-Nasser for the Nets, while DeAndre Jordan had 12 rebounds in one time each. — KUNA front of the pandemic-limited crowd of 1,700 at Barclays Center arena. Devin Booker scored 36 points for Phoenix, while Deandre Ayton scored 20 points with 13 rebounds, as the Suns lost two straight for the Henry, Shearer HOFers first time since late January. “I thought we started off pretty well, they just con- LONDON: Thierry Henry and Alan Shearer were tinued to make shots,” Booker said. “I think we had a yesterday named as the first players inducted into lot of miscommunications on a lot of our switches and the official Premier League Hall of Fame in recog- that’s that.” Torrey Craig tallied 20 points while point BROOKLYN: Kevin Durant #7 and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets shake hands during the game against the nition of a combined 435 goals and seven Golden guard Chris Paul was held to just 14 points on five of 11 Phoenix Suns on Sunday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. — AFP shooting. Phoenix, second in the West behind the Utah Boot awards. Arsenal’s all-time top scorer Henry Jazz, dropped to 42-18 and are now 2-2 on a five-game won two Premier League titles under Arsene East coast road trip with another contest on Monday the third quarter, then had the first five of the fourth to Hawks. Bogdanovic was 12-for-21 from the field and Wenger and was part of the “Invincibles” team against the red-hot New York Knicks, who have won give Brooklyn its first double-digit lead at 102-92. six-for-11 on three-point baskets for Atlanta, who that went unbeaten throughout the 2003/04 title- nine straight. “The thing I love the most is that we all know, one of snapped a six-game losing skid. Giannis winning campaign. Shearer, who won the title with Brooklyn, who were without injured James Harden my favorite things about him is how much he just loves Antetokounmpo finished with 31 points and 14 Blackburn in 1995, is the Premier League’s record for the 10th straight game, outscored the Suns 31-27 in to play basketball,” Griffin said. “So you know when rebounds and Khris Middleton tallied 23 for the Bucks, goalscorer, netting 260 goals in 14 seasons for the final quarter after trailing by as many as 13 in the he’s sitting out it’s just like killing him, so just to see that who dropped to 37-23. The Hawks also got 20 points Blackburn and Newcastle. — AFP second period. They have won six of 10 games with joy of just being able to play basketball again is fun for from Kevin Huerter and 18 points from John Collins. Harden out of the lineup. us.” In Atlanta, Bogdan Bogdanovic equalled his sea- Atlanta was playing without leading scorer Trae Young The Nets led by just five, 97-92, at the end of the son-high of 32 points as the Atlanta Hawks came from for the second consecutive game due to an ankle injury. third but a three-pointer from Durant stretched the behind to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 111-104. Lou Elsewhere, guard Devonte’ Graham poured in 24 points Lille fights back lead to 102-92 early in the fourth and they held off Williams scored all 15 of his points in the final quarter, to lead a balanced attack as the Charlotte Hornets beat Phoenix the rest of the way. Durant scored 10 points in including three three-pointers during a 19-6 run by the the Boston Celtics 125-104. — AFP PARIS: Burak Yilmaz scored twice and set up another as Lille staged a brilliant comeback to claim a thrilling 3-2 victory at title rivals Lyon on Working in a male-dominated industry as a civil Sunday and reclaim top spot in Ligue 1 from reign- engineer in Alexandria, she is not afraid of officiat- First Arab woman ing champions Paris Saint-Germain. Monaco are ing male athletes on hardwood courts. “I have refer- just a point further back in third after Wissam Ben eed men’s games in the past and I have had a lot of Yedder’s late goal grabbed a 1-0 win at Angers, basketball referee to success running them which garnered the confi- but fourth-placed Lyon’s title challenge appears all dence of Egypt’s refereeing committee... It’s the stand tall at Olympics usual for me.” but over, sitting six points off the pace. Earlier, Gamal fell in love with the game at five years old troubled Bordeaux suffered their fifth straight learning from her older sister. “I was five when I start- defeat, losing 4-1 to Lorient. — AFP CAIRO: When 3-on-3 basketball makes its debut at ed hooping. That helped me to organize my time the Tokyo Olympics, referee Sarah Gamal will also be between studying and training. It’s all thanks to my making a breakthrough, as an Arab and African woman mother, who ran a tight ship, until I reached university officiating at the Games. Wearing a black veil embla- and studied civil engineering,” she told to AFP. Dynamo wins title zoned with a sports company’s logo, Gamal stands tall “It was difficult, especially since it’s a field that among the high-flying male players at Alexandria requires studying hard and exerting a lot of effort KIEV: Mircea Lucescu celebrated guiding United Club, a powerhouse of Egyptian basketball mentally,” she said. She is eager to show off her skills Dynamo Kiev to the Ukrainian league title after with a rowdy fanbase. “From the start of my journey as and experience at the Olympics. “My family is still beating Ingulets Petrove 5-0 on Sunday, in his first a referee, I haven’t heard one negative comment or beaming with the news of my selection. It’s a great season as coach at the bitter rivals of Shakhtar faced any obstacles to me being a veiled woman. The reward for all the sweat and tears I’ve had to go Donetsk, the side he managed for 12 years. Such veil for me is normal and doesn’t cause any problems,” through in recent years,” said Gamal. She started as a was the level of protests at his appointment of the the 32-year-old told AFP. player and switched to refereeing at 16 “because I had former Shakhtar stalwart from Dynamo fans the The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) a great passion for a deeper understanding of the 75-year-old had contemplated quitting. But he changed its rules in 2017 to allow players to wear the rules”. “My family has been completely supportive,” weathered the storm and masterminded Dynamo’s hijab (veil) under certain conditions. To attract a 16th title but first for five years, sealed with three LEEDS: Manchester United’s Portuguese midfielder she added. younger international fanbase, FIBA adopted the 3 on games of the season remaining. The title ensures Bruno Fernandes (left) vies with Leeds United’s English 3 competition popular on public courts around the Dynamo go straight into next season’s Champions midfielder Kalvin Phillips during the English Premier ‘Feeling responsible’ world before the format was added to the Tokyo League group stage. — AFP League football match between Leeds United and “Being the first Arab and African woman referee- Olympic program in 2017. Games are played on a half ing 3 on 3 games at the Olympics is a positive. Manchester United at Elland Road in Leeds, northern court with one basket, as opposed to the traditional England on Sunday. — AFP There’s no pressure on me and I am confident that end-to-end full-court play in the five against five this step will pave the way for other Arab and game. To win, a team must reach 21 points first or African women referees,” she said. “There’s nothing outscore their opponents over two 10-minute halves. that really scares me, but I do feel responsible,” Two Australians join Gamal added. Man Utd held No fear of men She stressed that her family are fine with her travel- Gamal has had plenty of experience blazing a trail ling during a global pandemic provided she takes pre- IPL pull-outs as ‘grim’ by Leeds for aspiring women referees and players including at the cautions. “My family are a bit worried when I travel... FIBA World Youth Cup in 2018 in Belarus and at the but that has not diminished their enthusiastic support COVID crisis grows LONDON: Manchester United drew 0-0 with Leeds African Women’s Championship in 2017. “The veil hasn’t to me,” Gamal said. As she prepares to hit the court in on Sunday to stay on track for a second-place finish in affected my refereeing in any tournament so far and to Tokyo, Gamal has her sights on her next goals. “I want the Premier League. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men are prove it I’m ready to take on the Tokyo Olympics,” she to make it to the men and women’s World Cups and to NEW DELHI: Two Australian cricketers became the virtually assured of a top-four finish, leading fifth- said. “My thinking is focused on training and proper maintain the trust the international body has put in me latest to pull out of the IPL yesterday as India’s devas- placed West Ham by 12 points with five games left but preparation to perform at this important event.” so far.” — AFP tating coronavirus surge increases jitters around the both teams looked short of imagination in a lackluster glitzy tournament. Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson encounter at Elland Road. are returning to Australia for “personal reasons”, their United, who are unbeaten in 24 league games on Royal Challengers Bangalore team said, joining the road, have 67 points after 33 games — they are 10 Rajasthan Royals bowler Andrew Tye who flew back behind champions-elect Manchester City but eight on Sunday. points clear of third-placed Leicester. Chasing down India star Ravichandran Ashwin also withdrew to City already appeared a fruitless task and the stale- support his family on Sunday as India staggers under a mate means Pep Guardiola’s men will be crowned daily toll of 350,000 infections and almost 3,000 champions next weekend if they beat Crystal Palace deaths from the virus. The Indian Premier League has and United lose to Liverpool. attracted criticism for continuing during the crisis, with Manchester United’s team bus entered Elland Road a leading newspaper group accusing it of “commer- with minimum fuss, in sharp contrast to Monday, when cialism gone crass” as it suspended coverage on angry Leeds fans, who had gathered in protest against Sunday. the ill-fated Super League, hurled invective at India’s surge in infections has made it the world’s Liverpool’s squad. latest hotspot for COVID-19 and has overwhelmed United supporters protested at Old Trafford on health services, with severe shortages of oxygen, med- Saturday and a banner reading “£2bn stolen #Glazers icine and hospital beds. Meanwhile the world’s richest out” was flown over Leeds’ ground before kick-off, in Twenty20 cricket league, which attracts top interna- reference to Manchester United’s unpopular owners. tional players, is being played behind closed doors in Solskjaer rested Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani from six Indian cities. his starting line-up with one eye on Thursday’s Europa Last year’s coronavirus-postponed IPL was moved League semi-final first leg against Roma. to the United Arab Emirates to reduce the risk of The visitors, who won 6-2 in December’s reverse infections. India is also due to host the T20 World Cup fixture at Old Trafford, had the better of the chances in in October-November. Zampa and Richardson are a disappointing game. Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier “returning to Australia for personal reasons and will be did well to keep out a thunderous Marcus Rashford unavailable for the remainder of #IPL2021”, their team free-kick shortly before half-time while Bruno tweeted. Fernandes dragged his shot wide after being set up by Tye, who flew back on Sunday, said other players Aaron Wan-Bissaka shortly before the hour mark. had asked him about his return home. Flights to Minutes later Helder Costa’s shot was deflected onto Australia are limited, and some countries have banned the roof of the net at the other end after a long diago- or restricted arrivals from India as its cases spike. nal pass. Solskjaer threw on Pogba and Cavani but “Some of the guys are very interested in what route I United could not find a way past stubborn Leeds. “We took home and how I approached it,” Tye told the SEN have to win every single game to put pressure on City,” WA radio station. “Other guys are just happy to make said the Norwegian manager. “This is two points sure I’m OK and make sure I’m in a good space.” dropped that makes them very safe. But we push on. Cricket Australia said it was in contact with IPL players, coaches and commentators and was listening We have two semis coming up (both legs of the Europa ALEXANDRIA: Egyptian Basketball referee Sarah Gamal gestures while holding a ball during a match between to their “feedback” and advice from the Australian League tie) and Liverpool in the middle. It was a diffi- the Al-Ittihad and Al-Geish teams at the Al-Ittihad Al-Sakandari Arena in the country’s northern city of government. “Our thoughts are with the people of cult week last week but it is the business end of the Alexandria, on April 17, 2021. — AFP season. You work so that every game matters.”—AFP India at this difficult time,” a statement said.—AFP Established 1961 15 Sports Tuesday, April 27, 2021 Failed ESL hangs over Champions League as nouveaux riches take on Real Madrid LONDON: The cloud of a collapsed Super League On top of ensuring revenue from TV rights and Guardiola’s men are closing in on a third league title in project hangs over this week’s Champions League sponsorship of more games between the European elite, four years and on Sunday won a fourth consecutive semi-finals with three of the four clubs involved — Real a key part of the breakaway plan concocted by the League Cup. Madrid, Manchester City and Chelsea — among the ‘dirty dozen’ was to control costs. A much-criticized PSG’s 222 million euro ($269 million) capture of breakaway 12 that shook European football. statement to launch the league last Sunday said: “The Neymar from Barcelona in 2017 more than doubled the Paris Saint-Germain did not sign up to the proposals, competition will be built on a sustainable financial foun- world record transfer fee and sent the entire market into which crumbled within 48 hours of being announced dation with all founding clubs signing up to a spending hyper-inflation. Barca’s reaction to losing the Brazilian last week after a fierce backlash from fans, players, gov- framework.” was to spend over 100 million euros on each of ernments, national leagues, UEFA and FIFA. Ousmane Dembele, Philippe Coutinho and Antoine However, the clash between PSG and City tomorrow Hyper-inflated transfer market Griezmann, while tying down Lionel Messi to a contract is illustrative of the forces which drove some of Backed by the state wealth of Abu Dhabi and Qatar worth a reported 555 million euros over four years. As a European football’s more established powers, led by respectively, City and PSG have played leading roles result, the Catalan giants have become saddled with PARIS: In this file photo taken on December 7, 2020 Madrid president Florentino Perez, to seek the financial in the inflated costs of player transfers and wages in debt of one billion euros. shows the UEFA Champions League logo ahead of a train- reassurances of a closed league format. recent years and been far less affected by the eco- Despite their rivalry, Barca and Madrid remain united ing session on the eve of the UEFA Champions League Under the Super League proposals, 15 founding nomic crunch of the coronavirus pandemic over the as the two major forces yet to withdraw from the ESL group H football match between Paris Saint Germain members would be guaranteed their place in a 20-team last 12 months. project. The Spanish giants have been frustrated by (PSG) and Istanbul Basaksehir FK in Paris. — AFP competition, split into two leagues of 10 with the top City’s spending power has blown away the competi- UEFA’s policing of Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, sides in each progressing to the quarter-finals. tion even in the lucrative Premier League. Pep designed to limit spending to what clubs earn.—AFP

Gulf derby: Prestige, News in brief pride riding on Inter on brink of title

PSG v Man City clash MILAN: Matteo Darmian scored the only goal to push Inter Milan to the brink of the Serie A title with a 1-0 win over Hellas Verona on DOHA: The Champions League semi-final between Sunday with coach Antonio Conte hailing the Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City tomorrow victory as worth “nine points”. Achraf Hakimi set is as much a clash of footballing titans as a proxy bat- up Darmian to grab the winner on 76 minutes at tle between competing Gulf nations and visions for the San Siro. Inter are 11 points ahead of European football’s future. Atalanta, who moved second with a 5-0 rout of It is the first encounter between Qatar-owned PSG 10-man Bologna, with five games remaining. AC and Emirati-backed Man City since the United Arab Emirates and a coalition of Saudi-led countries lifted Milan are a further two points behind in third their boycott of Doha, in place for three years. The before they travelled to fellow top-four hopefuls UAE along with Saudi, Egypt and Bahrain broke off Lazio yesterday. Juventus are level on points ties with Qatar in June 2017 over claims it was too with AC Milan but drop to fourth place after close to Iran and backed radical Islamist groups, being held 1-1 at Fiorentina. Seventh-placed which Qatar has always denied. Roma lost 3-2 at Cagliari before their Europa League trip to Manchester United, as the Sardinians, now 17th, boosted their hopes of top-flight survival. — AFP

30 million euros for Nagelsmann? BILBAO: Athletic Bilbao’s Spanish forward Alejandro Berenguer (center) celebrates with teammates after scoring dur- ing the Spanish League football match between Athletic Club Bilbao and Club Atletico de Madrid at the San Mames BERLIN: Bayern Munich are in talks with RB stadium in Bilbao on Sunday. — AFP Leipzig to tempt Julian Nagelsmann to take over as coach from Hansi Flick next season, but Sancet fired over. Luis Suarez, Joao Felix and Thomas German media claimed Sunday it could cost Atletico defeat Lemar all came on and Atletico grabbed a lifeline when them 30 million euros. According to Bild, Leipzig Stefan Savic’s flicked header found its way inside the RENNES: In this file photo taken on August 18, 2019, Paris will demand such a sum to release the highly- back post with 13 minutes left. Simeone pumped his Saint-Germain’s Qatari president Nasser Al-Khelaifi regarded Nagelsmann as his current contract hands initiative fists, urging his players to seek a winner, but instead arrives prior to the French L1 football match between still runs until 2023. Sport 1 also reported that there was a sucker-punch from Athletic, Inigo Rennes and Paris Saint-Germain at the Roazhon Park sta- negotiations have started and said the financial to Barcelona Martinez darting free in the box and powering a dium in Rennes, northwestern France. — AFP deal will be “significantly greater than 15 million superb header past Jan Oblak with four minutes

euros”. Flick himself is under contract in Munich remaining. MADRID: Atletico Madrid’s title hopes suffered a until 2023 but he has already asked to be Families were divided, students expelled, business- setback on Sunday as a shock 2-1 defeat at Athletic Griezmann fires Barca released at the end of this season due to dis- es broken and religious pilgrimages denied when the Bilbao handed Barcelona the upper hand in a thrilling Barcelona are surely now favourites to add a La spat erupted. “Whilst the tie’s geopolitical tempera- agreements with club management over transfer race at the top of La Liga. Real Madrid’s draw with Liga title to the Copa del Rey they won earlier this ture is less than it would have been if the boycott was policy. However, Flick and Bayern have yet to Real Betis on Saturday gave Atletico the chance to pull month. Villarreal struck first through Samuel still ongoing, there’s still a lot at stake,” said Simon reach an amicable settlement. Flick is considered further clear but instead they ended the weekend with Chukwueze but Griezmann equalized with a sumptu- Chadwick, professor of Eurasian Sport at EM Lyon to be the favorite to replace Joachim Loew as their lead reduced, a loss at San Mames the latest twist ous lob before capitalizing on a misplaced backpass to University. Under Gulf ownership the two teams have German national coach after this summer’s in Europe’s most unpredictable domestic chase. make it two. been propelled into Europe’s elite, uncharted territo- European Championship. — AFP Barca had earlier beaten Villarreal by the same Helped by a red card for Villarreal’s Manu Trigueros ry for both sides, with both nations accused by critics scoreline, with Antoine Griezmann’s quick-fire double shortly after the hour, Barcelona held on for a crucial becoming all the more valuable after another Atletico of seeking to “sport wash” their human rights records win. “The players are hungry to win another trophy,” slip. Sevilla have largely been overlooked as possible and attain respectability. said Koeman. “The league is closer, I don’t know how champions in Spain but they are right in the mix as “Financially, both countries have invested a huge much closer, but it is. We are on a good run and if we Leipzig keep Bayern waiting well now after a 2-1 win over Granada puts them just win the six games left, we will be champions.” amount of money into their clubs hence reaching the three points off the top and one behind Real Madrid. Champions League final will be seen as an important Griezmann started on the bench for the defeat by Real BERLIN: Second-placed RB Leipzig made Yet Barcelona were the biggest winners, with return on investment,” Chadwick added. “At the same Madrid but has been recalled for the last three games Bayern Munich wait to be crowned Bundesliga Ronald Koeman’s team able to go top of the table if time, there are considerable reputational and image in a row, repaying the faith with a goal now in each. It they win their game in hand at home to Granada on remains to be seen whether Barcelona see the 30-year- benefits that will be associated with winning. And of champions as Emil Forsberg netted a second- Thursday, even if Atletico might have a way back given old as a chance to raise funds in the summer, and also course, Gulf bragging rights are at stake. The ani- half penalty in a 2-0 home win on Sunday they are still to play at Camp Nou on May 8. Real whether the offers are there, but Griezmann now has 23 mosities may have somewhat dissipated, the battle to against 10-man Stuttgart. Defeat for Leipzig Madrid host Sevilla a day later. “There are four of us in goals this season, and 15 since the turn of the year. be the Gulf’s leading football nation remains.” would have confirmed Bayern as German cham- that race and now emotionally, those who have the pions for the ninth straight season despite Hansi Sevilla, meanwhile, pushed their case for the title The fixture will also serve as a proxy tussle mental strength will be closer to winning,” said and guaranteed their place in the top four but their win Flick’s side losing 2-1 at Mainz on Saturday. between the clubs that backed a breakaway Atletico coach Diego Simeone. “We still know that we over Granada will be remembered for the bizarre way European Super League (ESL), including Manchester Leipzig hold a seven-point cushion ahead of depend on ourselves.” Atletico have first place, for it ended. Both teams were made to come back out and City, and those that didn’t, namely PSG. PSG’s presi- third-placed Wolfsburg with three games left. now at least, but they might be the least convincing of play another minute after referee Ricardo de Burgos dent Nasser Al-Khelaifi was quickly rewarded for The Bundesliga takes a break next weekend, all the contenders. Losing to Athletic Bilbao means admitted he blew too early for full-time. keeping France’s highest profile club out of the rebel forcing Bayern to wait for another chance to they have won only six of their last 14 league games, Sevilla’s players had already left and some of them league. He was last week appointed the new head of clinch the title when they host Borussia with the momentum gained from consecutive wins had started to take their kit off, with midfielder the European Club Association (ECA) replacing Moenchengladbach on May 8. Gladbach moved over Eibar and Huesca proving short-lived. Fernando pictured without his shirt on in the stands, Andrea Agnelli, one of the key figures in the doomed into seventh, four points from the European The way some of Simeone’s players dropped to shaking his head in disbelief. Marcos Acuna had to put Super League project. their knees at the final whistle suggested this result, places, after a 5-0 thrashing of Arminia his boots, socks and shinpads back on. “The referee Khelaifi, who also heads up sports broadcaster psychologically, could be difficult to recover from. Bielefeld, having raced into a three-goal lead in stopped it because he thought time was up and then beIN, has made no secret of his desire for PSG to win Alex Berengeur had already nodded in Ander Capa’s he told us he’d made a mistake,” said Sevilla’s Lucas the opening 18 minutes. — AFP the Champions League, having been pipped by cross in the eighth minute and Athletic should have Ocampos. “It was finished. I’ve never seen anything Bayern Munich last year. —AFP doubled their advantage in the second half but Oihan like it. —AFP Classifieds Rawda 22517733 Adaliya 22517144 HOSPITALS Khaldiya 24848075 Kaifan 24849807 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Shamiya 24848913 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Shuwaikh 24814507 112 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Nuzha 22526804 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 For labor-related inquiries Chest Hospital 24849400 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Qadsiya 22515088 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 and complaints: Dasmah 22532265 Adan Hospital 23940620 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 Call MSALHOTLINE 128 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Shaab 22518752 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Qibla 22459381 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Automated enquiry Mirqab 22456536 about the Civil ID card is Sharq 22465401 112 Kaizen center 25716707 Salmiya 25746401 1889988 Established 1961 Sport

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021 Man City retain League Cup Guardiola’s men outclass Tottenham in front of 8,000 fans

LONDON: Manchester City manager By contrast, Tottenham’s long wait for Pep Guardiola said winning felt much just one goes on. Spurs could have no better with fans in attendance after complaints, though, at the end of a beating Tottenham 1-0 at Wembley to chaotic week that saw them sack Jose lift the League Cup for the fourth con- Mourinho on Monday and, along with secutive year in front of 8,000 support- City and four other English clubs, pull ers on Sunday. Aymeric Laporte’s head- out of a proposed European Super er eight minutes from time finally League amid fan fury. rewarded a dominant performance from Son Heung-min was reduced to tears City as they extended Spurs’ 13-year after full-time, but in caretaker boss wait to win a trophy. Ryan Mason’s second game in charge, For the first time in 13 months, a foot- Spurs were completely outclassed by a ball match in England had designated far superior side. “It’s difficult to take for fans from both teams inside the stadium everyone associated with the football in one of a series of test events at the club,” said former Tottenham midfielder 90,000 capacity Wembley as coron- Mason. “It hurts. I know that feeling and avirus restrictions are eased. it is normal that they are hurting. This “It’s not full, but it is much better,” group of players care deeply about this said Guardiola. “To celebrate with them football club. We tried, it wasn’t enough is much better. We played really well. We today and it’s tough to take.” are incredibly happy to win the first title, After a slight dip in form in recent four in a row in this competition, but weeks, City were back to their best as especially because in the last 33 games, they pinned Tottenham back from the we won 30.” first whistle and should have won by a Defeat by Chelsea in the FA Cup far more comfortable scoreline. Hugo semi-finals last weekend means City Lloris’s goal lived a charmed life, partic- cannot claim an unprecedented quadru- ularly during the first half. ple of trophies this season. However, they Raheem Sterling saw a goalbound remain on course for a treble with the effort blocked by Toby Alderweireld first leg of their Champions League before Lloris made a stunning save from semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain to point-blank range to turn behind Phil come tomorrow before possibly sealing Foden’s shot. A Sterling dink over Lloris the Premier League title next weekend. then spun just wide before Riyad Victory takes Guardiola’s personal Mahrez twice flashed powerful efforts LONDON: Manchester City players celebrate with the trophy after winning the English League Cup final football match between tally of major trophies to 25 across his inches off target. Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium, northwest London on Sunday. — AFP spells in charge of Barcelona, Bayern Despite Harry Kane’s recovery from Munich and City, seven of which have an ankle injury to start, Tottenham had continued to come at the other end, but Spurs’ energies were spent after But one goal was enough to ensure come in England. “I was in big clubs: offered nothing as an attacking threat the breakthrough came from an unlikely conceding as they failed to muster any City move level with Liverpool on a Barcelona, Bayern Munich and here, until Giovani Lo Celso forced Zack source as Laporte rose highest to head response to try and take the game to record eight League Cup triumphs, six that’s why it is easier to do it,” added the Steffen into a fine save a minute into the home Kevin De Bruyne’s free-kick at the extra-time. Mahrez had a second goal of which have come in the last eight Catalan modestly. second half. The majority of the chances back post. ruled out for offside in stoppage time. years. — AFP