RAJAB 11, 1442 AH TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2021

16 Pages Max 19º Min 09º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 18368 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

Iraqi archbishop readies for Mogul vs Mogul: Australia tech law ‘Bite Club’: Shark attack Nets end road trip with win, 6 pope visit amid scars of war 8 pits Murdoch against Zuckerberg 13 survivors find solace in unity 16 Ingram powers Pelicans

Cabinet imposes new curbs, but no lockdown or curfew

No dine-in at restaurants, land and sea borders shut from Feb 24

By B Izzak rior and health ministries and the civil aviation authority to oversee the Govt wants to withdraw KD 5 billion KUWAIT: The Cabinet yesterday implementation of hotel quarantine for decided against imposing a lockdown all people arriving through the airport. or curfew, but banned dining at The Cabinet also assigned the interior annually from future generations fund restaurants and closed all land and sea and health ministries along with the By B Izzak mated at around $600 billion. The gov- Assembly passed a law allowing the gov- borders as part of additional measures Olympic committee to set health con- ernment said it needs the funds to finance ernment to stop making the transfer to contain the spread of the coron- ditions for any sport activity in the KUWAIT: The government yesterday its cash-strapped general reserve fund, because of weak revenues. The govern- avirus. The dine-in ban at restaurants country as proposed by the Public sent a draft law to the National Assembly which gets money from state revenues, ment tried to pass a law in the Assembly and cafes will go into effect on Authority for Sports. seeking to withdraw KD 5 billion annual- which have been badly affected since to secure fresh funding through external Wednesday, Feb 24 until further The government had already ly from the future generations fund to 2014 because of the sharp fall in oil and internal loans, but MPs refused to notice, the Cabinet said in a statement extended indefinitely a two-week ban meet an ever-rising budget deficit due to prices, which make up more than 85 per- pass the legislation. following a meeting at Seif Palace. on the entry of foreigners into Kuwait, low oil prices. The draft law stipulates to cent of public revenues. MPs yesterday called the govern- However, takeout and delivery services but excluded foreign diplomats and allow the government to withdraw a As a result, Kuwait has posted huge ment’s move to withdraw money from the are allowed. foreign medical staff and their families. maximum of KD 5 billion from the future budget deficits since then. In the current future generations fund as “dangerous”, The Cabinet also decided to close It had also ordered the closure of generations fund in favor of the general and next fiscal years, the government has saying it reflects its failure to manage the all land and sea borders to foreigners commercial shops and malls from 8 pm reserve fund, which provides for govern- projected a deficit of KD 26 billion. The country’s finances. They vowed not to from Feb 24 until March 20, but to 5 am and banned all forms of gath- ment expenditures. drop in revenues was accompanied by a pass the law. MP Muhalhal Al-Mudhaf allowed Kuwaitis, their close relatives erings, including those for national Under the existing law, the govern- continuous rise in public spending, result- said after the government drained the and domestic helpers to use the bor- celebrations on Feb 25 and 26. ment is forbidden to make any with- ing in draining the general reserve fund. general reserve fund, it has turned to the ders to return to the country. Shipping Kuwait has reported a significant drawals from the future generations fund In past years, Kuwait was transferring future generations fund by proposing a services and workers in the neutral increase in the number of coronavirus or even use its returns, which must be 10 percent of total revenues into the law “which we will not allow to pass”. zone are exempt from the decision. cases in the past several weeks and added to the fund, whose assets are esti- future generations fund, but last year, the Continued on Page 2 The Cabinet also decided to form a blamed the rise on failure to comply joint committee consisting of the inte- with health measures by the public.

News in brief Boeing grounds, Kuwait population falls UK bans 777s KUWAIT: Kuwait’s population in 2020 experi- enced the biggest annual drop recorded in almost after engine fire 30 years, as the number of resident expatriates fell sharply, while the number of Kuwaiti nationals continued to rise, according to a report by NBK. NEW YORK: Boeing confirmed yesterday that Since the start of the pandemic and the implemen- dozens of its 777 aircraft were grounded world- tation of lockdowns and restrictions, more than wide, while Britain announced a temporary ban on 130,000 expats left the country. (See Page 8) those jets following a weekend scare involving a United Airlines plane in Colorado. The incident on the flight out of Denver - which quickly returned Mumbai imposes new curbs to the airport after part of the engine caught fire and broke off - prompted United and other airlines NEW DELHI: India’s financial capital Mumbai to ground the planes with the same Pratt & imposed fresh coronavirus restrictions yesterday Whitney engine. as a rise in cases in the worst-affected region While no one was injured in the Denver incident, sparked fears of a new wave.. All religious, social the episode is the latest setback for Boeing, which and political gatherings are banned in the city and only recently resumed deliveries of the long- the surrounding western state of Maharashtra, grounded 737 MAX following two fatal crashes of home to 110 million people, after infections spiked that plane. Shares of Boeing shook off early weak- to levels last seen in October. — AFP ness yesterday as aviation experts said the incident mostly raised pointed questions about Pratt & HERNDON, Virginia: In this file photo, an inspector for Pritt and Whitney engines checks a United Airlines Whitney and United over engine maintenance. Boeing 777 after it made its inaugural flight from Heathrow Airport in London to Washington Dulles COVID ‘vaccination passport’ Continued on Page 2 International Airport on June 7, 1995. — AFP

WELLINGTON: Air New Zealand will trial a condolences for “this huge digital travel pass to give airlines and border loss”, pledging in a video Top US general authorities access to passenger health information, Italian ambassador sent to media to “do including their COVID-19 vaccination status, the everything to find out who carrier said yesterday. The scheme, dubbed a killed in DRC attack is behind this despicable in Mideast urges “vaccination passport” by industry observers, is murder”. intended to streamline travel once borders reopen GOMA, DR Congo: Italy’s ambassador to the Attanasio, 43, had been Iran restraint by allowing passengers to store their health cre- Democratic Republic of Congo was among three representing Italy in dentials in one place. — AFP people killed yesterday when a UN convoy came Kinshasa since 2017, first MUSCAT: Iran must refrain from any provocation under attack in the troubled east, DRC sources and as head of mission, and as Washington steps up efforts to salvage the 2015 the Italian government said. Luca Attanasio died of then as ambassador from nuclear deal with Tehran, the head of US forces in Trump offered Kim ride home his wounds after a World Food Program (WFP) October 2019. The envoy Luca Attanasio the Middle East told AFP. “I would think this would be a good time for everybody to behave soberly convoy came under gunfire near Goma while he suffered “gunshot wounds to the abdomen” and was and cautiously, and see what happens,” General SEOUL: Donald Trump offered North Korean was on a field trip, a senior diplomatic source said taken to a hospital in Goma in critical condition, the Kenneth McKenzie said in an interview Sunday dur- leader Kim Jong Un a ride home on Air Force One in Kinshasa. diplomat in Kinshasa said. The DRC’s army said its ing a visit to Oman, from where he flew close to after a summit in Hanoi two years ago, according to The Italian government confirmed Attanasio’s troops were searching the area for the assailants. a new BBC documentary. If Kim had accepted the death and said an Italian policeman, Vittorio neighboring Iran in a helicopter. “I do believe we A vast country the size of continental western will be prepared for any eventuality, however.” offer, it would have put the North Korean leader Iacovacci, as well as a driver it did not identify, had Europe, the DRC is grappling with numerous con- US President Joe Biden’s administration, inside the US president’s official aircraft and seen it also died. President Sergio Mattarella lashed what he flicts, especially in its remote, mineral-rich east. European powers and Iran have boosted attempts enter North Korean airspace, raising multiple secu- called a “cowardly attack”. “The Italian republic is in Scores of militias roam the four eastern provinces, to revive a 2015 deal that has been on the brink of rity issues. In the event, Kim turned it down. — AFP mourning for these servants of the state who lost many of them a legacy of wars in the 1990s that their lives,” he said in a statement. collapse since Donald Trump withdrew from it three sucked in countries around central-southern Africa years later. On Sunday after talks in Tehran, UN Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio expressed his and claimed millions of lives. The Rome-based WFP nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi announced a Morocco seizes cannabis haul “great dismay and immense sorrow”, breaking off said that Attanasio was on a fact-finding mission with “temporary solution” to allow Iranian facility from a meeting in Brussels with EU counterparts to the UN’s food agency. inspections to continue. RABAT: Around 9.5 tons of cannabis resin was make an early return to Rome. “The circumstances of “The delegation was travelling from Goma to visit seized from a refrigerated lorry near Rabat yester- The four-star general, head of the US Central this brutal attack are not yet known and no effort will a WFP school feeding program in Rutshuru when the Command (Centcom) which covers the region urged day. A police operation intercepted a refrigerated be spared to shed light on what happened,” Di Maio incident took place,” it said in a statement. “The Iran not to undertake any “nefarious activities” in a lorry carrying 380 bales of around 9.5 tons of the said. His Congolese opposite number Marie-Therese attack... occurred on a road that had previously been bid to rebuild trust. drug, hidden among a cargo of foodstuffs. — AFP Tumba Nzeza offered Italy the DRC government’s Continued on Page 2 Continued on Page 2 2 Established 1961 Tuesday, February 23, 2021 Local Amir advises for Kuwait education’s overhaul Sheikh Nawaf meets premier, education, housing ministers

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education Dr Ali Fahad Al-Mudhaf and members of the commission tasked with overhauling education. — Amiri Diwan and KUNA photos

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al- the visual presentation of the Public Authority for Highness the Amir urged them to work for promot- who also presented a presentation of the Public Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received, at Seif Palace Housing Welfare’s enterprises, including new hous- ing the sector to the highest possible level. The Authority for Housing Welfare’ projects. His yesterday, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh ing districts and partnership ventures. Amiri Diwan’s head Sheikh Mubarak Faisal Saud Al- Highness the Crown Prince also received Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. His Highness the Later on, His Highness the Amir received Minister Sabah attended the meeting. Education Minister Dr Mudhaf. His Highness Amir also hosted Minister of State for Housing of Education and Minister of Higher Education Dr Meanwhile, His Highness the Crown Prince praised the educational process and its advance- Affairs and Minister of State for Services Abdullah Ali Fahad Al-Mudhaf and members of the commis- Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah ment, and the endeavor to establish the best edu- Marafi, who presented His Highness with a copy of sion tasked with overhauling education. His received at Seif Palace Housing Minister Marafie, cational systems. — KUNA

His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education Dr Ali Fahad Al-Mudhaf and members of the commission tasked with over- hauling education.

that failure to find viable solutions for the budget refugee agency, the UNHCR, said last week that Govt wants to deficit threatens the future of Kuwait’s finances. Italian ambassador more than 2,000 civilians were killed in North and Meanwhile, the legal and legislative committee South Kivu and Ituri province last year. yesterday approved a draft law calling on the gov- Attanasio joined the Italian diplomatic service in withdraw... ernment to purchase the personal loans of Kuwaiti killed in DRC... 2003 and served previously in Switzerland, citizens and exempt them from interest. It referred Continued from Page 1 Morocco and Nigeria. He was hailed as “a man Continued from Page 1 the bill to the financial and economic affairs com- gifted with uncommon courage, humanity and pro- mittee for an in-depth study of the law. The commit- cleared for travel without security escorts,” it fessionalism” by Emanuela Del Re, who was deputy MP Thamer Al-Suwait said “an incompetent gov- tee also passed a law calling to compensate small said. Yesterday’s attack occurred north of Goma, in foreign minister from 2018 until last month. Del Re ernment comes up with bad solutions”. MP Fares and medium businesses affected by the coronavirus Nyiaragongo Territory. said she worked with Attanasio on the emergency Al-Otaibi described the bill as “dangerous”, adding closures and referred it to the financial panel. Armed groups in the area include a Rwandan repatriation of a “very sick” nun from DR Congo. Hutu militia called the FDLR, as well as the M23, “I remember his infectious smile, his class, his also known as the Congolese Revolutionary Army. great knowledge of African affairs,” she said. “Ciao pointed to a need for additional checks of the jet The region includes the UNESCO-listed Virunga (good-bye) my dear esteemed Luca.” Attanasio is Boeing grounds, engine’s fan blades, which were unique to the model National Park, a vast wildlife reserve that is home the second European ambassador to have been and only used on 777 planes. Officials from the FAA to a quarter of the world’s population of critically killed while serving in the DRC. In Jan 1993, French UK bans 777s... met with Pratt & Whitney and Boeing representa- endangered mountain gorillas. More than 200 of ambassador Philippe Bernard was killed during tives on Sunday evening, he added. The US National the park’s rangers have been killed in attacks riots in Kinshasa sparked by troops opposing dic- Continued from Page 1 Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) said a stretching back more than a decade. The UN’s tator Mobutu Sese Seke. — AFP preliminary investigation indicated two fan blades “It’s nothing like the MAX,” said Teal Group avi- fractured on the number 2 engine on the plan. ation analyst Richard Aboulafia. “After all these “The airplane sustained minor damage,” the we constantly assess our force protection here in years of service it is unlikely to be a design issue NTSB said in a statement Sunday. “The examination Top US general the region. We look at that very hard. So I’m confi- with the engine, certainly it is something to do with and documentation of the airplane is ongoing.” Pratt dent that we’re ready for anything.” maintenance.” Boeing said all 128 of the 777 models & Whitney said it was cooperating with the NTSB But he said he was not fearful himself that he was with Pratt & Whitney engines were grounded fol- probe and “will continue to work to ensure the safe in Mideast urges... at risk of being attacked. “I’m an old Marine gener- lowing Saturday’s emergency landing of United operation of the fleet”. United said Sunday it was al,” he said. “There’s been a risk for me many times Continued from Page 1 flight 328 to Hawaii. removing the aircraft from its schedule, “and will in many places. I’m confident that we have good

continue to work closely with regulators to deter- force protection measures in place.” Last month, a “I have just had confirmation that all the 777s “I think they would want to be recognized as a equipped with this engine have been grounded,” a mine any additional steps”. Twitter account linked to Iran’s supreme leader responsible member of the family of nations and a Ayatollah Ali Khamenei posted a call to avenge spokeswoman for the planemaker told AFP in a text Japan’s transport ministry earlier said it had stable member in the region,” McKenzie said. Soleimani that appeared to target former US message yesterday. And British Transport Secretary ordered stricter inspections of engines after a Japan The US accuses Iran of destabilizing the region President Donald Trump. Grant Shapps announced a temporary ban on jets Airlines 777 plane flying from Haneda to Naha through financial and military support for Shiite mil- In Iraq in recent months, several rocket attacks with Pratt & Whitney 4000-112 series engines from experienced trouble with “an engine in the same itant groups, especially in Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. that Washington blames on pro-Iran factions have entering UK airspace. “I will continue to work family” in December. Asiana Airlines, South Korea’s Washington also accuses Iran’s elite Revolutionary closely with the (UK Civil Aviation Authority) to second-largest carrier, also said it would not fly any Guards of disrupting maritime traffic in the strategic hit bases used by the US military. The Sultanate of monitor the situation,” he tweeted. of its seven currently operational 777s. Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint through which a fifth Oman is a US ally, which has several air bases in the The Denver incident comes on heels of a similar The engine failure is unwelcome news for of world oil output passes. country, with the navy using the southern port of problem in Japan in December. A video shot from Boeing, which only recently resumed deliveries of The Strait of Hormuz was the focus of the US Salalah. It has often acted as a mediator between Iran and its regional enemies, and played a key role inside the United aircraft - which had 229 passen- the 737 MAX following a 20-month global ground- general’s visit to Oman, officially intended to make in facilitating talks involving the US that led to the gers and 10 crew on board - showed the right ing after two tragic crashes killed 346 people. The contact with the country’s new chief of staff, Rear 2015 nuclear deal. engine ablaze and wobbling on the wing of the MAX began returning to commercial service in late Admiral Abdallah Ben Khamis Al-Raissi. On Oman, with a population of 4.5 million, is also a 2020, a time when commercial airline travel remains Saturday, he visited Oman’s rugged peninsula at the Boeing 777-200. Residents in the Denver suburb of neighbor of Iran - and international sanctions depressed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Boeing naval base at Khassab, which controls maritime traf- Broomfield found large pieces of the plane scat- against Tehran have hit Muscat’s economy by tered around their community. executives said last month they expect it will take fic in the strait from its side, flying over the sea towards the Iranian island of Qeshm. “We were impacting trade. Oman’s ruler, Sultan Haitham, The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about three years for activity to return to pre-pan- ascended to the throne in Jan 2020 after the death has ordered extra inspections of some passenger demic levels. about 28 miles (45 km) across the channel and we were looking at Qeshm island,” he said. “It was a of his cousin, Sultan Qaboos, modern Oman’s jets after the incident. “I have directed them to issue Michel Merluzeau, an expert at consultancy AIR, hazy day, couldn’t see it,” he added with a grin. founding father. Qaboos transformed the former agreed the latest problem did not appear to result an Emergency Airworthiness Directive that would The visit passed off peacefully but security was Arabian Peninsula backwater into a modern nation require immediate or stepped-up inspections of from poor plane design by the aerospace giant. “It’s tight, and the general did not rule out that Tehran with a staunch policy of neutrality and non-interfer- Boeing 777 airplanes equipped with certain Pratt & not really a problem for Boeing,” he said. “It’s more would try to avenge revered Iranian general Qasem ence. Sultan Haitham has made several changes to Whitney PW4000 engines,” FAA chief Steve an issue of maintenance - how United or Pratt & Soleimani, killed in an US drone strike in Baghdad in government and reshuffled the military leadership Dickson said in a statement. Whitney is maintaining engines that have been in Jan 2020. “I think there’s still a risk that they might since he came to power, but he has vowed not to Dickson said a preliminary safety data review use for a while”. — AFP entertain that as a course of action,” he said. “Look, change the sultanate’s policy. — AFP Established 1961 3 Tuesday, February 23, 2021 Local Kuwait reports 899 new COVID cases, five deaths COVID-19 shots protect well against infection, says ministry KUWAIT: Kuwait yesterday reported 899 new coro- health ministry said on Sunday, allaying concerns navirus cases and five COVID-related deaths, taking about the efficacy of the shots. Non-essential surger- in my view the total cases up to 184,989 and deaths to 1,049. ies in Kuwait have been halted to ensure that health- The Ministry of Health also reported that 955 more care facilities are prepared to manage a potential people have been cured of the virus, raising the total influx of COVID-19 cases, as health ministry data of those to have overcome the disease to 173,182. continues to show an upward trajectory of new Message to every woman The number of people infections, Dr Sanad said. hospitalized with the virus Conversely, the number of around the world stood yesterday at 10,758, people to have recovered with 149 of them in inten- from COVID-19 in Kuwait sive care units, ministry has slightly increased, with By Azzah Al-Ghamdi spokesman Dr Abdullah Non-essential the recovery rate now at Al-Sanad told a press surgeries 93.5 percent, a figure that [email protected] conference. He added that still pales in comparison some 6,851 swab tests halted with the current pace of n this article I would like to focus on an were conducted over the infection, added the important issue faced by all women around same period, bringing the spokesman. He revealed the world. I will try to offer a suitable solu- total up to 1,738,555. He that the ratio of positive I tion to protect them from pain and other prob- went on to urge the public tests to total swabs sits at lems. The issue is sexual exploitation, which to abide by health precautions, mainly social distanc- 12.8 percent, which indicates that the infection rate has increased in the last few decades. Women ing, to help curb the spread of the virus. has not yet slowed, subsequently triggering a spike in face this issue in the entire world and not only hospital admissions for COVID-19. Despite the rising in one state or another. Mild symptoms numbers, with at least 80 virus-induced deaths seen Vaccinated people appear to be well-protected this month alone, the spokesman stressed that the We notice that men sexually exploit women against the coronavirus but are likely to develop national healthcare system remains well-prepared to under the guise of love, and after they get “mild symptoms” in case of re-infection, Kuwait’s deal with the outbreak. —KUNA bored, leave them with a lot of pain and tears. Many visit psychologists to continue with their lives and rebuild themselves. Some can but most cannot, especially if the woman still loves the man, who is not coming back. Another major Kuwait FM receives thing is if a woman becomes pregnant and the man refuses to recognize the baby - this will letter from Egyptian cause trouble for such children when other chil- dren will ask them where is your father? Why don’t you have a family like we have? President to Amir I don’t want to ask the United Nations to set KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr laws and penalties to protect women and chil- Ahmad Nasser Mohammad Al-Sabah received yes- dren. I want all women around the world to terday a letter from Egyptian President Abdulfattah protect themselves, learn how to deal cleverly Al-Sisi to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al- with men and not be cheap. Chances of mar- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah over boosting bilateral riage and starting a family are becoming rarer ties and issues of mutual interest. The letter was these days. If we go back more than a 100 delivered by Egyptian Ambassador to Kuwait Tareq years, when it was not easy to have sexual Al-Qouni during a meeting with Sheikh Dr Ahmad, a relations with a woman because it was forbid- foreign ministry statement said. Deputy Foreign den in the entire world, our grandmothers were Minister for Arab Affairs Fahad Al-Awadhi and happier than we are today. Because women Deputy Foreign Minister for Minister’s office Saleh KUWAIT: Egyptian Ambassador to Kuwait Tareq Al-Qouni hands over the letter to Kuwait’s Foreign were not easy to get, men saw women as Al-Loughani attended the meeting. —KUNA Minister Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Mohammad Al-Sabah. — KUNA something important. Also, we have duality in morals in some soci- eties, which give men all the rights to play with women and trick them. At the same time, they kill Defense Minister their female relatives if they have sexual relations with others under the name of religion. Some meets ambassadors societies have no penalties for such killings. The victim in the end is always the woman. KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense So the most important issue that all women Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah discussed joint coop- around the world should focus on is how we eration with US Ambassador Alina Romanowski, Egyptian can protect ourselves in a system that is Ambassador Tareq Al-Qouni, and Turkey’s Ambassador designed to disempower and cheapen women, Ayse Koytak in separate meetings yesterday. The and how can we protect each other from men’s Directorate of Moral Guidance and Public Relations of the tricks. This needs support from the internation- Kuwaiti Army said in a statement that during the meetings, al media and also the UN, to place women’s they also discussed topics of common interest and ways to issues under their care. strengthen cooperation and work bonds between Kuwait —Al-Ghamdi is a law graduate from Kuwait and the brotherly countries, in addition to examining latest International Law School developments on the regional and international arenas. Chief of the Kuwaiti Army General Staff Lieutenant General KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah meets US Ambassador Alina Romanowski. — Defense Ministry photo Khaled Saleh Al-Sabah attended the meeting. —KUNA

News in brief Info ministry fire

KUWAIT: Work resumed regularly at the headquarters of the Ministry of Information yesterday, following a fire that broke out in a ventilation hatch in the building, a ministry official said. The building was evacuated when smoke emanated from the burning spot, however all staff returned to the offices after the blaze was put out, the ministry’s official spokesperson Anwar Murad said. The min- istry, in cooperation with Kuwait Fire Force, is investigating the cause of the fire.

Travel ban

KUWAIT: Criminal security foiled an attempt to allow a wanted Lebanese man facing seven travel ban orders to leave the country, by arresting a Kuwaiti lawyer and his Lebanese client before departure, Al-Anbaa Arabic daily reported yesterday. Security sources quoted in the report said an employee at the airport reported a lawyer who offered her KD 1,000 to stamp the passport of a person banned from traveling. Both were arrested at the airport, and the incident was documented with video and audio. Both suspects con- fessed to the charges and were sent to con- cerned authorities for further legal action.

Foul language

KUWAIT: A 30-year-old investigator was surprised by a Kuwaiti, 63, who entered his office and demanded to complete investiga- tions in a traffic accident quickly. He also used foul language, adding “my daughter is a doctor - we do not have time for this,” Al- Anbaa Arabic daily reported yesterday. The case was referred to criminal detectives for further investigations. The suspect denied his actions, but a Bangladeshi witness contra- dicted his claims, so a case was filed. 4 Established 1961 Tuesday, February 23, 2021 Local

Established 1961 The First Daily in The Arabian Gulf Zain celebrates joys of Kuwait THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961 Founder and Publisher with all-new National Day TVC YOUSUF S. AL-ALYAN Editor-in-Chief Views exceeded one million in first days of launch 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 Top Chinese official visits Kuwait today KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Ambassador to China Samih Hayat said yesterday a high-ranking Chinese official is sched- uled to start a visit to Kuwait today, during which he will deliver a message from Chinese President Xi Jinping to the political leadership regarding bilateral ties. Hayat added that the visit of Yang Jiechi, a member of the KUWAIT: Zain, the leading digital service provider in Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China’s Kuwait, announced the launch of its latest National Day (CPC) Central Committee and Director of the Office of television commercial for 2021, starring great Kuwaiti the Foreign Affairs, at the head of a high-level delega- singer Sulaiman Al-Qassar along with aspiring Kuwaiti tion to Kuwait, is a vital addition to Chinese diplomacy stars Haneen Al-Kandari and Nasser Al-Meshari. The to joining hands with Kuwaiti diplomacy in strengthen- national production features lyrics by Kuwaiti poet ing and consolidating strategic ties between both coun- Saher, and was composed by Bashar Al-Shatti and directed by Khalid Al-Refai. tries at all fields for 50 years. As it does every year, Zain launched its National pro- Yang’s visit is one of the ongoing visits of consulta- duction to mark the celebration of Kuwait’s National and tion and coordination between both countries’ officials, Liberation days on February. This year, the celebrations which will further strengthen the distinguished relations, are even more special as the country commemorates the and will achieve many results due to good planning in 60th anniversary of its Independence Day and 30th advance. Bilateral talks between them will be profound anniversary of its Liberation Day. The TVC, which with limitless strategic dimensions in all aspects of reflects national pride and values with its wonderful cooperation and various fields, Hayat pointed out. lyrics and beautiful music, has exceeded one million There is a previous and vital harmony between the views on Zain’s official YouTube channel during the first and viewers, who were keen on learning about the Kuwait 2035 Vision and the Belt and Road Initiative to days of its launch. behind-the-scenes story of the TVC and take part in revive the Silk Road and establish a vital trade zone The current circumstances witnessed by Kuwait the many exciting national-themed entertainment seg- serving the countries of the world by air and sea, plus and the entire world has inspired Zain to select fast- ments presented by social media star Hamad Qalam. paced and cheerful music mixed along with hopeful contributing to the prosperity of the global economy, The company gave away many valuable prizes, smart lyrics in an attempt to spread positivity in the nation’s which resulted in signing several agreements and devices, and accessories to participants in a joyful future. In the TVC, singer Sulaiman Al-Qassar - who is national atmosphere. Zain was keen on celebrating the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), that reached locally renowned for performing wedding ceremonies joyous occasion in a virtual format in support of public 60, he mentioned. Hayat commended the joint state- - introduces Kuwait as the bride and praises its beauty measures and great sacrifices exerted by frontliners to ment issued in July 2018 on strengthening the compre- in melodies inspired by Kuwaiti wedding ceremonies. protect the health and safety of everyone. hensive strategic ties, underscoring that this would Zain has handpicked Kuwaiti youngsters Haneen Al- Zain takes this opportunity to express its gratitude open opportunities, prospects, as well as new areas of Kandari and Nasser Al-Meshari to perform parts of to everyone who contributed to making this national Rabea Saydawi for mix and master, Ahmad Al-Hati for cooperation between Kuwait and China in the next the TVC to reflect its strong belief in the unlimited tal- production a success. Special thanks go to great singer studio and vocal recordings, Fikra Productions for cast- stage that will benefit the interests of their people. ents of Kuwait’s youth. Sulaiman Al-Qassar and aspiring stars Haneen Al- ing, Sara Al-Muhana for art direction, Mohammad Kuwait and China celebrate on March 22 the 50th Zain hosted a LIVE virtual event on its official Kandari and Nasser Al-Meshari for their exceptional Samir for directing photography, as well as Joy anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties that Instagram channel to celebrate the launch of the new performance, Bashar Al-Shatti for composing, Khalid Production’s team headed by Mai Al-Saleh, and PH All officially began in 1971. —KUNA TVC. The event attracted large numbers of followers Al-Refai for directing, Najim for music arrangement, Over Group’s team.

Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and the Kuwaiti US, Palestine, people on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Independence and 30th anniversary of Liberation,” the ambassador said. “I pray to Allah Almighty to bestow Pakistan envoys health upon His Highness the Amir and His Highness the Crown Prince, and guide them for all that is good for Kuwait and its people, and to protect Kuwait congratulate Kuwait against all evils.” In the meantime, Ambassador of Pakistan to Kuwait KUWAIT: US Ambassador to Kuwait Alina Romanowski released a statement yesterday to con- Syed Sajjad Haider released a ‘felicitation message’ on gratulate Kuwait on its national holidays. “On behalf of the occasion of Kuwait’s national holidays. “On behalf the US Embassy, I’d like to congratulate His Highness of the government and people of Pakistan, and on my the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah own behalf, I would like to convey warm felicitations to and the people of Kuwait on the occasion of the 60th His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al- anniversary of Kuwait’s Independence and 30 years Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown since the Liberation,” the ambassador said in the state- Prince Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, ment. “Three decades ago, the US stood by our and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al- Kuwaiti friends to build an international coalition that Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, on the auspicious occa- expelled Saddam’s forces from the country. Our rela- sion of the National Day of the State of Kuwait,” the tionship has only grown stronger since. I’d like to con- ambassador wrote in the message. gratulate the people of Kuwait on this momentous “Pakistan and Kuwait are linked by historic bonds occasion in the shared history of our countries.” of common faith, civilization and culture,” the ambas- Palestinian Ambassador to Kuwait Rami Tahboub sador added. “It is our earnest desire to further solidify sent a similar statement, expressing congratulations to the mutually beneficial relations in all spheres of coop- Kuwait on this occasion. “On behalf of the President of eration. I would like to extend my wishes of long last- the State of Palestine and Chairman of the Palestine ing prosperity, success and peace to the friendly peo- Liberation Executive Committee Mahmoud Abbas, and ple of Kuwait. I believe that the relations of friendship on behalf of the Palestinian community in the State of and cooperation between the Pakistan and Kuwait will Kuwait and myself, I congratulate His Highness the continue to further strengthen for the mutual benefit of Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His two countries and people in the years to come. On this Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad gracious occasion, I wish the State of Kuwait, its lead- Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Parliament Speaker Marzouq Ali ership, the government and the glorious people, my Al-Ghanem, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh best wishes for peace, happiness and prosperity.”

NBK trains ports security affairs’ staff KUWAIT: As part of its contributions in developing the capabilities of human resources in government bodies, National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) is organiz- ing a training program for the staff of Ports Security Affairs of the Ministry of Interior on the protocols of dealing with the public and customer service. The program is attended by 75 participants and com- prises several sessions and workshops. programs in serving the society and its people, as The program was launched in a reception cere- well as reflecting the leading role it has been play- mony in the presence of Assistant Undersecretary ing in this field for long decades.” he added. of the Ministry of Interior for Ports Security Affairs, Ablani pointed out that NBK’s partnerships with Major General Mansour M Al-Awadhi, and Emad different government bodies stems from the bank’s Al-Ablani, General Manager of Group Human unshakable belief in the importance of strengthen- Resources at National Bank of Kuwait. ing cooperation between the public and private On this occasion, Ablani said: “At NBK, we are sectors, noting that the bank is always seeking to pleased with this partnership aiming to provide consolidate and expand these partnerships with the training for MOI Ports Security Affairs staff, as it aim of developing the Kuwaiti national cadres. reflects the trust placed in NBK as a leading bank NBK’s training initiatives reflect its profound with strong relationships with the local community.” vision for investing in human resources. To this end, “NBK harnesses all its capabilities and takes it the bank engages a selection of their most rep- upon itself to develop human resources, as part of utable experts to share their expertise with these its partnerships with all institutions, especially gov- promising cadres. The bank aspires to aid in the ernment, and in line with the bank’s social and development of human resources in Kuwait’s public development commitments. In addition, the bank institutions, as part of its partnerships with all insti- organizes various initiatives on annual basis, stem- tutions, especially the government, and in line with ming from its belief in the effective impact of these the bank’s social and development commitments. International TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2021 US nears 500,000 COVID deaths as vaccine drives gather momentum EU warns Myanmar, mulls sanctions on Russia over Navalny crackdown Page 7 Page 6

VIENNA: Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi addresses the media after his arrival at Vienna International Airport. —AFP IAEA, Iran hammer out ‘temporary deal’ Tehran says IAEA chief’s visit led to ‘significant achievement’

TEHRAN: Iran yesterday hailed a visit by the UN demands. They confirmed that Iran will continue to come, saying it complied with parliament’s demands US president Barack Obama. The parties to the deal nuclear watchdog chief and a temporary agreement allow access to UN inspectors to its declared and “resulted in a very significant diplomatic with Iran saw it as the best way to stop the Islamic on site inspections as a “significant achievement”, nuclear sites. achievement and a very significant technical republic from building a nuclear bomb-a goal amid international efforts to salvage its troubled But Iran will temporarily suspend so-called “vol- achievement”. The United States and Iran have been Tehran has always denied. nuclear deal. US President Joe Biden, European untary transparency measures”-notably inspections bitter enemies since the 1970s, and Washington Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif powers and Tehran are trying to keep alive Iran’s of non-nuclear sites, including military sites sus- accuses Iran of destabilizing the region through warned Sunday that if the sanctions are not lifted, 2015 nuclear agreement that has been on the brink pected of nuclear-related activity. support for Shiite Muslim militant groups, especially his nation would continue scaling back its commit- of collapse since Donald Trump withdrew from it Tehran will also deny the IAEA real-time access in Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. ments under the nuclear deal. almost three years ago. to footage from surveillance cameras installed at Animosity deepened under Trump, whose diplo- The stockpile of “enriched uranium will Tehran demands Washington take the first step some sites and, if sanctions are not lifted within matic and economic “maximum pressure” campaign increase”, he said, stressing that Tehran had the by scrapping sanctions Trump reimposed since three months, delete it, Iran’s Atomic Energy has denied Iran crucial oil revenues and cut it off right within the agreement to stop observing com- 2018, while Washington insists Iran first return to all Organization has said. from global banking, deepening its economic woes. mitments “totally or partially” if the other parties fail its nuclear commitments, some of which it has Under Trump, the United States and Iran came to to honour theirs. “We are still in the partial phase,” backed away from. In the standoff, Iran’s parliament Not ‘flying blind’ the brink of war several times, most recently early Zarif said. “We can be total.” last year demanded that Tehran by today this week Grossi said afterwards that under the new tem- last year when a US drone strike in Baghdad killed The head of US forces in the Middle East, limit some inspections by the International Atomic porary understanding “there is less access” but that top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani. General Kenneth McKenzie, in an AFP interview Energy Agency (IAEA) if sanctions were not lifted the IAEA will be able to “retain the necessary Sunday urged Iran to refrain from any provocation by a deadline two days before then. degree of monitoring and verification work”. The ‘Soberly, cautiously’ and not to undertake any “nefarious activities”, in a IAEA chief Rafael Grossi on Sunday held last- last-minute deal had prevented the IAEA from “fly- Biden has sought to resume diplomacy with Iran bid to rebuild trust. “I would think this would be a ditch talks in Tehran, where the two sides hammered ing blind”, he said, adding that now “political dis- and rescue the nuclear deal that was struck with the good time for everybody to behave soberly and out a temporary technical deal for up to three cussions at other levels can take place”. five permanent members of the UN Security cautiously, and see what happens,” said the head of months that is in line with the Iranian parliament’s Iran’s foreign ministry yesterday hailed the out- Council and Germany while he served under former the US Army Central Command. — AFP

demanding a sweeping overhaul of a Algerians hit ruling system in place since Algeria’s independence from France in 1962. streets on They only suspended marches last March due to coronavirus restrictions, but calls circulated on social media for protest ’versary a return to the streets from yesterday. On the eve of the anniversary, ALGIERS: Thousands of Algerians President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, marched yesterday in the capital and elected in December 2019 on a very other cities to mark the second low turnout in a poll boycotted by the anniversary of the North African protest movement, announced a limit- nation’s anti-government “Hirak” ed government reshuffle, in a bid to protest movement, AFP journalists head off renewed rallies. The reshuffle said. The protest movement in April saw few major changes by Tebboune, 2019 forced longtime president who was once a prime minister under Abdelaziz Bouteflika into resigning, Bouteflika. Among those retained are and yesterday’s demonstration in Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerad and Algiers is the largest since rallies were Justice Minister Belkacem Zeghmati, suspended in March last year in seen as a symbol of Algeria’s judicial response to the Covid-19 pandemic. crackdown on protesters and opposi- Police were deployed in force in tion activists. NEW YORK: Reggie Wood and the Ilyasah Shabazz (left), Qubiliah Shabazz (center) and Gamilah Shabazz (right) daughters of Malcolm-X Algiers, with helicopters hovering Tebboune also signed a decree during a news conference to present new evidence in the assassination of the civil rights activists in New York City. —AFP overhead. “We are not here to cele- dissolving parliament, clearing the brate, but to demand your departure,” way for early elections, for which no the protesters shouted, referring to a date has yet been set. In a gesture of was an outspoken Muslim advocate of X’s Muslim name, sans the two body- regime that they see as being little appeasement on Thursday, he Malcolm X’s Black rights, although critics said he guards, was shot dead by three gunmen changed from the one headed for two announced pardons which have led so preached racism and violence. as he prepared to give a speech in the decades by Bouteflika. far to the release of almost 40 pro- He was gunned down during a public Audubon Ballroom, a theater in Harlem, in “The fateful hour has arrived,” read democracy activists, including oppo- family calls to speaking appearance in New York in the north of Manhattan. one banner brandished by demonstra- sition figure Rachid Nekkaz and jour- February 1965. Wood, who did not want his testimony tors. Security checkpoints created nalist Khaled Drareni, who has reopen probe When contacted Sunday by AFP, a to become public until after his death, traffic jams across the city, with iden- become a symbol of a struggle for a spokesman for the Manhattan district maintained that the New York police tity checks carried out around key free press. attorney said the office’s “review” of the department and the FBI kept certain flashpoints, with several arrests made. Zaki Hannache, a 33-year-old into murder case is “active and ongoing.” During the aspects of the case secret. Police tried to block protesters activist, said Hirak supporters were press conference, a letter written by for- In February 2020, after the Netflix from gathering around the Grand Post unimpressed by the president’s NEW YORK: The daughters of promi- mer New York police officer Raymond release of the docuseries “Who Killed Office, which was at the heart of the reshuffle and his call for early legisla- nent Black activist Malcolm X have called Wood, now deceased, was read out, in Malcolm X?”, Manhattan district attor- mass protests that kicked off in tive polls. “The reshuffle doesn’t inter- to reopen the investigation into his mur- which he accused the NYPD and FBI of ney Cyrus Vance asked his teams to Algiers and several other cities on est me, it’s the same old people. Same der in light of new testimony implicating being complicit in the killing. review the case in order to determine February 22, 2019 to oppose thing with parliament, the new ones the New York police and the FBI. According to his cousin, Wood, who whether or not the investigation should Bouteflika’s bid for a fifth term. (deputies) will work, like the current “Any evidence that provides greatest was Black and worked as an undercover be reopened. When contacted Sunday by Elsewhere in the country, marches regime, for their own interests, not for insight into the truth behind that terrible operative, claimed to have approached AFP, the New York police said it had were being held yesterday including the people,” he said. tragedy should be thoroughly investigat- Malcolm X’s entourage on orders from released “all available records relevant to in Annaba, Oran, Setif and Last Tuesday, thousands of ed,” said Ilyasah Shabazz, one of his higher-ups. that case” to the DA’s office. Mostaganem, according to witnesses Algerians rallied in the northern town Malcolm X’s six daughters, during a Wood said he set up two of the The NYPD “remains committed to and accounts on social media. of Kherrata, where the first major press conference on Saturday. activist’s bodyguards, who were arrested assist with that review in any way,” a protest erupted in 2019 against Considered alongside Martin Luther only a few days before the murder. On spokesperson said. The FBI’s New York ‘Same old people’ Bouteflika’s bid for a fifth presidential King Jr as one the most influential February 21, 1965 — 55 years ago to the office did not respond to AFP’s request Demonstrators kept up their action term. The first nation-wide protests African Americans in history, Malcolm X day-El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, Malcolm for comment. — AFP after Bouteflika’s resignation, were held a week later. — AFP 6 Established 1961 International Tuesday, February 23, 2021 US nears 500,000 COVID deaths as vaccine drives gather momentum Global toll approaching 2.5 million, but winter’s massive spike in infections dropping

WASHINGTON: The United States stood on the brink Negi spoke for many around the world, telling AFP: “I of 500,000 COVID-related deaths yesterday, while the am fed up of corona.” vaccination rollout picked up pace globally including with the first shots in Australia. The catastrophic US toll Vaccination rollouts comes as some signs of hope are emerging in the According to the US Centers for Disease Control world’s hardest-hit country, with millions of people now and Prevention (CDC), more than 61 million people vaccinated and winter’s massive spike in infections have received at least one shot of vaccine in the dropping. But deaths are still coming, and President Joe United States, with some 18 million getting the full two Biden last month warned that “well over” 600,000 peo- doses. Biden has made it a priority to get 100 million ple in the US could die from the virus. “It’s terrible. It is people vaccinated within the first 100 days of his historic. We haven’t seen anything even close to this for administration. In Australia, top officials Sunday were well over a hundred years, since the 1918 pandemic of among a small group receiving the first vaccinations, a influenza,” Biden’s chief medical advisor Anthony Fauci day before the program starts in earnest. Prime Minister told NBC’s “Meet The Press.” Scott Morrison got the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine at a “It’s something that is stunning when you look at the medical center in Sydney, in what the government said numbers, almost unbelievable, but it’s true,” Fauci added. was a bid to boost public confidence after some anti- The US toll stood at 498,897 by yesterday morning, vaccine protests. And in Gaza on Sunday, some 20,000 according to Johns Hopkins University. Globally, the fig- NEW YORK: In this file photo Sandra Lindsay (left), a Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine doses arrived from the ure was approaching 2.5 million. United Arab Emirates. The jabs came via the Rafah nurse at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, is inocu- MOSUL: The Chaldean Catholic Archbishop of Mosul lated with the COVID-19 vaccine by Dr Michelle Chester, crossing with Egypt, meaning they did not pass through Normal ‘by end of year’ Israel, which has maintained a tight blockade on Gaza Najeeb Michaeer (left) chats with a young resident the at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, in the Queens old part of the northern city of Mosul, during a tour to After America’s first COVID-19 death was borough of New York. — AFP since 2007. announced in February last year, it took about three Britain’s government has vowed to offer a first dose to follow the progress of restoration works there. — AFP months to pass the 100,000 mark, during a firstwave every adult by the end of July. More than 17 million peo- that hit New York particularly hard. But as the outbreak in terms of infections, passed a bleak threshold yester- ple have now received at least a first vaccine dose-one surged across the country, the pace of deaths increased, day by registering its 11 millionth case following a third of the adult UK population. Prime Minister Boris Amid scars of war, with the toll jumping from 400,000 in just over a month renewed rise in cases. Fresh restrictions on gatherings Johnson was yesterday set to start unwinding England’s after a spike fueled in part by holiday gatherings. came into force in the western state of Maharashtra, third lockdown as a quickening UK-wide inoculation Fauci noted the number of daily new infections was home to financial capital Mumbai, which has logged drive relieves pressure on hard-hit hospitals. Johnson is Iraqi archbishop on a steep decline after peaking in January, but he almost 52,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic. expected to confirm the reopening of all English schools added normal life may still be some way off. “I think The vast nation’s inoculation drive is creeping slowly, on March 8 in the first big step towards restoring normal readies for pope we’ll have a significant degree of normality... as we get and India’s Serum Institute-the world’s biggest vaccine life, nearly a year after he imposed the first stay-at-home into the fall and the winter, by the end of the year,” Fauci maker-has urged other countries to be “patient,” saying order. In Hong Kong, leader Carrie Lam received a shot said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” it has been told to prioritize the home market. In the of the Chinese Sinovac drug after the financial hub last KARAMLESH, Iraq: From Mosul’s rubble-strewn Meanwhile India, the world’s second worst-hit nation capital New Delhi, vegetable vendor Radhekrishna week fast-tracked its approval. — AFP streets to ancient churches at Karamlesh, badly damaged by the Islamic State group, Archbishop Najeeb Michaeel is preparing for the first-ever papal visit to Iraq. Amid the cleanup and reconstruction, the priest has ensured some scars of war from IS’s brutal campaign remain-a broken chalice, a smashed cross on a church bell tower-to remember the horrors the Christians of Iraq’s Nineveh British PM eyes plains have survived. “We forgive, without forgetting,” said Michaeel, the Chaldean Catholic Archbishop of end to lockdown Mosul, as he visited Karamlesh and other war-ravaged Christian villages of northern Iraq. LONDON: Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set “But the most important thing is that joy enters the to start unwinding England’s third and potential- hearts of all, because this is not a simple formal visit-it is ly final coronavirus lockdown, as a quickening a spiritual moment,” he said with an infectious smile. UK-wide inoculation drive relieves pressure on Since he learnt that Pope Francis would visit Iraq in overstretched hospitals. In a statement to parlia- March, the clergyman has seen his workload double. ment, Johnson will confirm the reopening of all “We’re under enormous pressure: the Holy Father is not English schools on March 8 in the first big step your average person-he’s the representative of a state towards restoring normal life, nearly a year after and of all Catholics worldwide,” Michaeel told AFP. he imposed the first stay-at-home order. The Conservative prime minister, who was accused Ancient churches in ruins of acting too late and relaxing curbs too early Pope Francis has previously shied away from using last year, says he will lay out a “cautious but irre- bullet-proof vehicles in favour of a more open “popemo- versible” plan to ensure no more lockdowns. bile”, the better to meet people, but that may be difficult BARCELONA: Catalan regional police ‘Mossos d’Esquadra’ officers detain a protester following clashes after a “Today I’ll be setting out a roadmap to bring in a country where security threats still linger. Aged 84, demonstration against the imprisonment of Spanish rapper Pablo Hasel in Barcelona.— AFP us out of lockdown cautiously,” he said in a he may also struggle to make his way through the uneven Downing Street release, ahead of his House of pavements and debris-filled alleyways of Mosul. Commons appearance and a televised news con- “Everyone is going to want to get close to him, so it’s a detained 38 people and there were 13 people injured ference later. “Our priority has always been get- huge job,” said Michaeel. “All security officials are going Rapper’s arrest last during Saturday night’s clashes across Catalonia. ting children back into school which we know is to be on their toes.” Michaeel checks on preparations by crucial for their education as well as their mental local choirs and scout troops. straw for Spain’s ‘Society is collapsing’ and physical well-being, and we will also be pri- He also coordinates with priests who will translate Over the last few nights, young people’s growing oritizing ways for people to reunite with loved masses between Latin, Arabic, Italian and a form of young protesters anger has overwhelmed any fear they might have about ones safely.” Britain is one of the countries hard- Aramaic, the ancient language of Jesus Christ, that is still clashing with the police. Protesters have jumped on to est-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, with more spoken in Iraq’s north. It will be a first for the pope, too, police cars, even chased them. Nor have police than 120,000 deaths. as he will preside over his first-ever liturgy in the Eastern charges-and the firing of foam rounds that have already BARCELONA: At Saturday’s protest, a hood covers It was the first nation to begin a mass vacci- rite. There is no cathedral or stadium large enough to cost one young woman protester an eye-deterred one young woman’s hair, a mask her face. Only her dark nation campaign, in December, but surging case hold the numbers of worshippers expected to turn up for them. “It’s really scary to come here and to be arrested, eyes can be seen staring out at the latest demonstration numbers forced a return to lockdown and shut- a mass in Nineveh province, but authorities are working take a beating or lose an eye,” said Maria. “But it’s in Barcelona against the jailing of Spanish rapper Pablo tered schools in early January after an easing of on a possible open-air venue. In the interim, Michaeel is scarier to stay at home and not to fight for our rights.” Hasel. Hasel was jailed for a string of tweets which were curbs over Christmas. More than 17 million peo- checking on more than a dozen churches-many dating This is not her first time protesting on the streets. found to be “glorifying terrorism” in what his support- ple have now received at least a first vaccine back to the 5th and 6th centuries-that remain in ruins. She was among those who protested in October ers say illustrates the lack of free speech in Spain. But dose-one-third of the adult UK population. One is Miskinta Church, still heavily damaged, but the 2019, during the five nights of unrest in Barcelona after a for Maria (not her real name), his arrest and imprison- worst is the church of Saint Simon, its stone walls collaps- court handed down jail terms to nine Catalan separatist ment last week was the spark that lit a larger bonfire of Case numbers falling ing and its crypts filled with rubble and rubbish. other grievances. “We are fed up with injustices, job leaders for their failed 2017 independence bid. This time Over the weekend, the government said it insecurity, repression and this has made us explode,” round, the protests have spread beyond Catalonia to would seek to offer a dose to everyone aged ‘Mosaic of a thousand colors’ the 20-year-old history student said. cities across Spain, including the capital Madrid, over 50 by mid-April, and to every other adult Michaeel, a native of Mosul, a melting pot of Iraq’s The protests have been going since Tuesday in Valencia in the east and Granada in the south. And most by the end of July, accelerating the latter diverse ethnic and religious communities, worked as an Barcelona, when police forced their way past barri- of those on the streets have been young people. The timetable from September previously. Case num- oil engineer before he answered a calling to join the bers are falling again and early evidence sug- cades at the Catalan university where Hasel and his unrest has also allowed others to exploit the chaos to Church. He is well known for his work in 2014 saving hun- gests the vaccinations are reducing serious ill- supporters were holed up to arrest him. In the nights loot luxury shops, hotels and even car dealerships. dreds of rare manuscripts and scrolls by piling them into ness, after some intensive-care units were over- that followed, police and protesters clashed repeatedly “There are a lot of things behind it,” another student his car as IS was approaching. Now, Michaeel wants to run last month and queues of ambulances formed in the streets of Barcelona, Spain’s second city and the protester, Alba, told AFP. Don’t let her frail physique show the pope the beauty of Iraq’s patchwork of minori- and soft voice mislead you. Even at just 20 years old, outside hospitals, unable to transfer their ties. “This country is a mosaic of a thousand colors, and capital of the northeast region of Catalonia. They patients. Johnson said the planned relaxations fought at the makeshift barricades, around the burning she has years of experience as a climate activist behind you can’t leave it broken apart the way it is today,” he her-and her message is uncompromising. “We see that would be uniform across England, after regional- said. Michaeel told AFP that the pope’s “strong words, his dumpsters in the streets of the city. The unrest spread ized tiers were put in place last year, but to other cities in the region, where separatist senti- society is collapsing on many levels-economically, eco- blessing, and his moral support” would help bring com- logically, socially-and our generation will be the one to stressed that further progress would hinge on munities back together. It is a view that lies at the heart of ments run deep and suspicion of Madrid is strong. In factors such as any new COVID variants. —AFP Vic, for example, 11 police officers were injured after pay the bill,” she said. “We are fighting because we the pope’s visit, especially when he holds inter-religious demonstrators attacked a police station there. Police refuse to be a lost generation.” — AFP prayers at the ancient city of Ur in Iraq’s south. —AFP

Governor Greg Abbott met with legislators of both Anger over huge parties Saturday to discuss the billing problem and said, “We have a responsibility to protect Texans from spikes in their energy bills.” power bills in For his part, Turner said “those exorbitant costs (should be) borne by the state of Texas, and not the Texas weather crisis individual consumers who did not cause this catastro- phe.” President Joe Biden on Saturday issued a major- disaster declaration for much of the state, providing HOUSTON: Millions of Texans were still without safe badly needed financial and administrative aid. His water on Sunday as officials fielded angry complaints spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Sunday that Biden hoped over shockingly large power bills spawned by a cold to visit Texas “as early as this week” if he could do so weather crisis that Houston’s mayor said was ultimately without interfering with recovery efforts. Michael preventable. The frigid air mass that paralyzed parts of McCaul, a Republican congressman from Texas, said the southern and central United States early in the the financial impact of the weather crisis could equal week claimed more than 70 lives, left millions tem- that of Hurricane Harvey, a devastating 2017 storm that porarily without power and froze water lines. caused an estimated $125 billion in damages. “All of what happened this week was foreseeable He said Biden’s emergency declaration could pro- and preventable,” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner HOUSTON, Texas: An electrical substation is reflected in the window of a dress shop on Sunday in Houston, Texas. — AFP vide funds to help users pay their exorbitant electric told CBS’s “Face the Nation,” saying it had long been bills. State and local officials have demanded investi- clear that the independent electric grid in Texas was gations of how the power crisis unfolded so disas- vulnerable to extreme weather. Turner said Houston, ed orders for residents to boil drinking water. But dollars, with one as high as $16,000. While most of the trously. A US senator, Tina Smith, a Democrat of the fourth-largest US city, still needed both plumbing some 28,000 households remained without electricity state’s utility customers are on fixed-rate plans, some Minnesota, has called for a federal investigation. She supplies and plumbers, but was making progress in on Sunday, the poweroutage.us website said, and many had signed up to variable-rate plans that can save said spot prices of natural gas had spiked by up to 100 restoring service. Texans were suffering an added insult: residential money in fair weather but produce explosive increases times normal rates, and utilities passed the higher rates Both Houston and nearby Galveston on Sunday lift- electric bills sometimes running into the thousands of in frigid temperatures. on to customers. — AFP Established 1961 7 International Tuesday, February 23, 2021 EU warns Myanmar, mulls sanctions on Russia over Navalny crackdown 19 Venezuelan officials blacklisted for ‘undermining democracy’ BRUSSELS: The EU yesterday warned Myanmar’s Targeted sanctions military rulers it was ready to impose sanctions Diplomats said they expect a political agreement over this month’s coup, as foreign ministers also to be reached on punishing Russian officials-with prepared to target those behind Russia’s crack- the list of names to be worked out in the coming down on Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. The minis- days. “There is a very large majority supporting the ters from the 27-nation bloc met in Brussels for a adoption of new sanctions,” Romania’s Foreign packed agenda that includes a wide-ranging Minister Bogdan Aurescu said. Two of Navalny’s videoconference with new US Secretary of State closest associates called for the targeting of Antony Blinken. President Vladimir Putin’s closest allies-including Shortly after the start, they issued a statement oligarchs-after meetings with eight EU foreign min- on Myanmar, saying “the EU stands ready to adopt isters in Brussels. restrictive measures targeting those directly “If it’s just ten Kremlin officials who don’t travel responsible for the military coup and their eco- abroad and don’t have assets abroad, then, indeed, it nomic interests”. They called for “a de-escalation would not be painful,” Navalny’s key aide Leonid of the current crisis” triggered by the February 1 Volkov said. European diplomats say only those military coup in Myanmar and demanded that the directly implicated in the clampdown can be target- overthrown civilian government be restored. ed because the list needs to withstand any court The ministers did agree to move ahead and add challenge. The mood towards Moscow has hardened 19 Venezuelan officials to a blacklist for “undermin- in the wake of Borrell’s disastrous trip to Russia, ing democracy” and human rights abuses after the during which Moscow announced the expulsion of EU rejected legislative elections in December as three European diplomats and rebuffed talk of undemocratic. There were also expectations they cooperation. The EU has already hit Russia with would pull the trigger on sanctions against Russian waves of sanctions over the 2014 annexation of BRUSSELS: Chief of Staff and Political director of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Leonid Volkov (center officials over the jailing of opposition leader Crimea and Moscow’s fuelling of the war in Ukraine. left) and CEO of the Anti-Corruption foundation, Ivan Zhdanov (center right) give a press conference at the Lithuanian Navalny and repression of his supporters. The bloc in October slapped six officials on a Embassy in Brussels yesterday. —AFP Any such move would come two weeks after EU blacklist over the August poisoning of Navalny with foreign policy chief Josep Borrell was caught in a Novichok, a nerve agent. Putin’s most prominent diplomatic ambush in Moscow that enraged mem- domestic critic was this month jailed for almost as the EU weighs whether it needs to introduce a Trump era behind them. The discussion looks likely ber states. Capitals are eyeing using the EU’s new three years after returning to Russia following fourth round of sanctions against President to range from a joint approach to common adver- human rights sanctions regime for the first time to treatment in Germany. His sentencing sparked Alexander Lukashenko’s regime. Ministers are also saries like Russia and China to the pressing issue of hit individuals responsible for the Russian clamp- nationwide protests that saw baton-wielding secu- set to discuss China’s crackdown on Hong Kong and trying to bring the US back into the Iran deal. The down with asset freezes and visa bans, diplomats rity forces detain thousands of people. see if the EU needs to beef up its response as Beijing EU is currently looking to broker a meeting between said. “It’s clear that Russia is on a confrontational tightens it grip. The focus will pivot to cooperation Washington, Tehran and other signatories-including course with the European Union,” Borrell said, call- Blinken calling when Blinken joins for his first full talks with the bloc, Moscow-to try to work out how to salvage the ing for a “united and determined” response. The ongoing repression in Belarus is set to feature with all sides looking to put the tensions of the accord after Trump quit it in 2018. — AFP Huge anti-coup rallies in Myanmar Top Chinese official after junta threat outlines plan to YANGON: Hundreds of thousands of anti-coup protesters rallied across Myanmar again yesterday ensure ‘patriots’ after a clear threat from the junta that it was pre- pared to use lethal force to crush what it branded as run Hong Kong “anarchy”. The warning came after three demon- strators were shot dead over the weekend, and the HONG KONG: A top Chinese official yester- funeral on Sunday for a young woman who died day outlined plans to ensure only “patriots” from bullet wounds at an earlier rally. International run Hong Kong as Beijing seeks to neuter any alarm continued to build, with the United Nations remaining democratic opposition and take a chief yesterday condemning the military’s “brutal more direct role in how the business hub is force”, and the European Union announcing it was run. The landmark speech by Xia Baolong, ready to impose sanctions on the junta. YANGON: Protesters mass around vehicles as they block roads during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon head of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Massive street demonstrations have taken place yesterday. — AFP Office, came just two weeks ahead of the since Myanmar’s military staged a coup on February annual meeting of China’s rubber-stamp legis- 1 and detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, end- lature as speculation grows that further meas- ing a decade-long experiment with democracy. A testers yesterday were undeterred by the warning, stronghold. There were large protests in other cities, ures are being planned to sew up control of civil disobedience campaign has also since choked with hundreds of thousands rallying in Yangon, including Myitkyina and Dawei. the city. “The most vital and pressing task to many government operations, as well as businesses Myanmar’s biggest city and commercial hub. “We Myanmar’s generals had already responded to the enforce rule by patriots is to improve the rele- and banks, and the junta late Sunday gave its most came out today to join in the protest, to fight until uprising by gradually ratcheting up the use of force, vant systems, particularly the relevant elec- ominous signal yet that its patience was wearing thin. we win,” said Kyaw Kyaw, a 23-year-old university and the number of political prisoners. Troops and toral system,” Xia said, according to a speech “Protesters are now inciting the people, especially student. “We are worried about the crackdown, but police have used rubber bullets, tear gas, water can- published by his office. “Being patriotic means emotional teenagers and youths, to a confrontation we will move forward. We are so angry.” Residents non and some live rounds. On the weekend, two loving the People’s Republic of China.” path where they will suffer the loss of life,” said a had woken up yesterday to a heavier security pres- people were killed when security forces fired at pro- Hong Kong has never been a democracy- statement on state-run broadcaster MRTV. ence, including police and military trucks on the testers in the city of Mandalay, and a third man was something that has fuelled protests and The statement, read out in Burmese with text of roads and an embassy district barricaded. Tens of shot dead in Yangon. A young woman also died on resentment towards Beijing. But until recently, the English version on the screen, cautioned pro- thousands of professionals and public servants also Friday after being shot in the head at a protest and the city had a veneer of choice that allowed a testers against inciting “riot and anarchy”. But pro- rallied in Naypyidaw, the capital and a military spending almost a fortnight on life support. — AFP small and vocal opposition to flourish at cer- tain local elections. After huge and often vio- lent democracy protests swept the city in 2019 — and opposition politicians won a Malaysia urged to halt landslide in district council elections-Beijing responded with a major crackdown. At last year’s meeting, China’s National People’s Myanmar deportations Congress imposed a sweeping national secu- rity law that outlawed much dissent in Hong LUMUT, Malaysia: Malaysia faced those to be deported are registered Kong and radically transformed its relation- calls yesterday to halt the deportation with the body and in need of interna- ship with the authoritarian mainland. of 1,200 Myanmar nationals on navy tional protection, but it has not had Hong Kongers are therefore looking ships to their homeland weeks after a access to the vast majority of them. closely at what the next meeting might bring. coup, with the United States the latest Amy Smith, executive director of Xia’s comments suggest Beijing is seeking to to voice concerns. The migrants, who Fortify Rights, said that the planned ensure no opposition candidates are able to include members of vulnerable deportation “puts lives at risk and stand in the city’s limited elections and echo- minorities, are set to be repatriated gives undeserving legitimacy to the ing weeks of calls in China’s state media for Tuesday aboard three vessels sent abusive military coup in Myanmar”. such a purge. Authorities, he said, must “close from Myanmar, where the military “This is a time to extend protection loopholes” that allow “anti-China trouble- seized power at the start of February. to people fleeing Myanmar and grant makers” into politics. “Improving the relevant The ships arrived at the weekend and the UN access, not put them into the LUMUT, Malaysia: Myanmar vessels UMS Than Lwin (right) and UMS Sin Phyu Shin, electoral system must be led by the central docked at a naval base at Lumut, on hands of a military junta with a long government,” he added. Malaysia’s west coast. track record of serious human rights which will be used to deport Myanmar migrants from Malaysia back to their home- land, are seen docked at a jetty in Lumut, outside Kuala Lumpur yesterday. —AFP The US embassy in Kuala Lumpur violations.” Among those to be ‘Red lines’ told AFP it had expressed concerns deported are members of the Xia also laid out the criteria for what and urged authorities to allow the UN Christian Chin minority and people Officials say those being repatriat- Malaysia is home to millions of makes a “real patriot”, including love for the refugee agency access to the from conflict-riven Kachin and Shan ed have committed offences including migrants from poorer parts of Asia People’s Republic of China, its constitution detained Myanmar nationals, which states, according to Lilianne Fan, overstaying their visas and no mem- who work in low-pay jobs such as and the Communist Party. He added that the would allow them to assess if any international director of the bers of the Rohingya Muslim minority, construction. As well as Myanmar, judiciary must also be patriots-a potentially were asylum seekers. The refugee Geutanyoe Foundation which works who are not recognized as citizens in they come from countries including ominous warning for those who fear Beijing agency has said at least six among with refugees. Myanmar, will be repatriated. Bangladesh and Indonesia. — AFP is planning to overhaul Hong Kong’s inde- pendent courts, one of the pillars of its suc- cess as a business hub. Ahead of its 1997 arrive in the next three to five days, officials said- the first in their countries to receive jabs to boost handover by Britain, China agreed to let Manila OKs China despite misgivings over its safety and effectiveness. public confidence. But Duterte preferred to wait for Hong Kong keep certain liberties and auton- “It is decided... that the benefit of using the vac- a different Chinese vaccine made by state-owned omy for 50 years in a model dubbed “One cine outweighs the known and potential risks,” said Sinopharm, Roque said, citing the president’s old Country, Two Systems”. jab but health Eric Domingo, head of the Food and Drug age. The Sinopharm vaccine was secretly given to Western governments and critics accuse Administration. The CoronaVac can be given to members of Duterte’s security team last year even Beijing of shredding that commitment in workers may miss “clinically healthy” adults aged 18 to 59, but was not though it had not been approved for use. recent years. Beijing counters that it is restor- recommended for frontline health workers or the The government is in talks with seven vaccine ing stability. What form electoral reform might MANILA: The Philippines’ drug regulator gave elderly, he said. Presidential spokesman Harry makers, including Sinovac, in the hope of securing take remains to be seen. Beijing could further emergency approval yesterday to the Chinese- Roque said workers considered essential to the enough doses to inoculate 70 million people-about ramp up control of the city’s half-elected leg- made Sinovac coronavirus vaccine, with the first economy and soldiers were likely to receive the first 60 percent of the population-this year. But the lack islature to maintain an even more solid major- doses set to arrive this week-but health workers will jabs. Although trials in Turkey found CoronaVac to of transparency and delays in delivery of the first ity for its supporters in a chamber already not get the jab due to its comparatively low efficacy. be 91.25 percent effective, other, more robust trials doses have fuelled criticism of the government over devoid of any opposition after the courts dis- CoronaVac is the third vaccine approved for emer- in Brazil only demonstrated an efficacy rate of its handling of the health crisis. More than 560,000 qualified some opposition figures because of gency use in the country, but so far none have been around 50 percent. cases of coronavirus have been recorded in the their political views. It could also go after dis- delivered and President Rodrigo Duterte’s govern- Roque defended the push to use the Sinovac country, including over 12,000 deaths. Social dis- trict council elections-the only time Hong ment is under fire over the delayed rollout. Beijing vaccine, saying “it’s better than not having protec- tancing rules and travel restrictions have crippled Kongers get to vote for every seat. —AFP has agreed to donate 600,000 doses, which will tion at all.” Many world leaders have been among the economy. —AFP Established 1961

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2021

NBK Economic Report Kuwait population falls to below 4.7m as expatriate numbers drop As fallout from pandemic, companies shed jobs, economic activity slows KUWAIT: Kuwait’s population in 2020 experi- enced the biggest annual drop recorded in almost 30 years, as the number of resident expatriates fell sharply, while the number of Kuwaiti nationals con- tinued to rise. The fall in expat numbers was partly driven by fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw companies shed workers amid a weaker economic environment, but also by proposed changes to the residency law and continued enforcement of Kuwaitization policies.

Kuwait’s population trends lower in 2020 According to the latest demographic data from the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI), Kuwait’s population decreased by 2.2 percent y/y in 2020 to 4.68 million, after an increase of 3.3 percent in 2019. This was driven by modest growth among Kuwait nationals (+2.0 percent) and by a sharp decrease in expatriate numbers (-4.0 percent). The share of expatriates in the total population fell back to 68.7 percent, its lowest in seven years. Since the start of the pandemic and the imple- mentation of the lockdown and restriction meas- ures, more than 130,000 expats left the country, as KUWAIT: Kuwaitis and expatriates at the Avenues Mall in this file photo. Kuwait’s population in 2020 experienced the biggest economic slowdown due to the coronavirus pan- annual drop recorded in almost 30 years as the number of resident expatriates fell sharply. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat demic forced companies to cut their workforce. Also, job losses and higher living costs have forced some working spouses to send their dependents back home. The number of expatriate dependents has continued to decline, falling by 0.4 percent y/y in 2020 after a drop of 0.3 percent a year earlier. Despite the continued deceleration in the growth of the number of Kuwaitis under the age of 15 (down to 0.2 percent y/y in 2020 from 0.4 percent a year ago and 2.0 percent in 2013), this cohort of around 493,000 still makes up more than a third of sector (excluding domestic workers) was due main- the Kuwaiti population. ly to a sharp decline in hiring in construction (-12.9 Meanwhile, growth in the number of working age percent y/y) and real estate (-6.3 percent), in line nationals above the age of 15 has remained steady with weaker project activity and muted demand on at 2.7 percent over the last couple of years. The housing during the pandemic period. Expat young population underscores the urgency for cre- employment also declined in other sectors such as ating a considerable number of jobs in the coming manufacturing (-6 percent) and Hotels & restau- years to absorb the increasing number of youth that rants (-3.4 percent). This trend highlights that large will eventually enter the labor market. numbers of low-paid and low-skilled expatriate workers were the most affected by the pandemic Total employment declines fallout. In fact, our estimate based on the educa- After a growth of 4.9 percent y/y in 2019, total cent). The public sector has fared quite well (+2.7 less affected, as their number decreased only by 1.5 tional qualification data from PACI is that about 95 employment in 2020 recorded its largest decline in percent) in comparison to the private sector, partly percent in 2020. In fact, the government allowed percent of the expatriate job losses were from low- almost 30 years of 4.2 percent. This reflected by attributed to Kuwaitization efforts. domestic helpers to start returning to the country skilled workers, slightly above their share of all pri- moderation in hiring activity among Kuwaiti nation- In contrast, expatriate employment dropped by once flights resumed. Excluding domestic workers, vate sector expat employment. More expat workers als and a big drop in expat employment. 5.2 percent in 2020 after an increase of 5.4 percent expat employment decreased by an even greater are expected to leave in the coming period, on the Employment growth among Kuwaitis moderated a year earlier, on the back of hiring activity decline 6.7 percent, led by a sharper decline in hiring activ- back of proposed changes to the residency law, from 2.4 percent in 2019 to a still decent 2.1 percent in both the public (-3 percent) and private sector (- ity in the private sector (-7 percent versus +2.2 continued enforcement of Kuwaitization policies, in 2020, as the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic 5.3 percent). However, within the overall total, percent in 2019). and as companies are forced to shed workers amid were felt particularly in the private sector (-1.2 per- domestic (i.e. household) workers’ employment was The drop in expat employment in the private a weaker economic environment.

wields political power, the rise of Facebook and Australia’s tech law Google has seriously challenged Murdoch’s pre- eminence-gouging ad revenues that kept many pits Murdoch of his publications in the black. Global tech firms ‘Frightened of Murdoch’ against Zuckerberg At the turn of the millennium, newspapers had in Australia launch 96 percent of Australia’s classified revenues. SYDNEY: Australia’s push to regulate tech Now, that is down to around 12 percent. For giants has become a power struggle between anti-disinformation code every $100 spent by Australian advertisers two of the world’s most powerful men, with today, $49 goes to Google and $24 to Facebook, SYDNEY: Global tech firms in Australia unveiled a new Rupert Murdoch and Mark Zuckerberg locked in according to the country’s competition watch- code of practice yesterday to curb the spread of disin- a generational battle for media dominance. dog, which proposed the law in direct response Australia’s push to regulate tech giants has become a formation online, following pressure from the govern- Efforts in Australia to make Google and to this duopoly. power struggle between two of the world’s most pow- ment. The lobbying group DIGI-representing Facebook, Facebook pay for news has garnered worldwide Google, Twitter, Microsoft, TikTok and Redbubble-com- attention, creating what some call a defining “Let’s not kid around, this was very deliber- erful men, with Rupert Murdoch (left) and Mark ately designed to put money in the pockets of a Zuckerberg locked in a generational battle for media mitted under the code to a range of actions including moment for the web and for journalism, and even labelling false content on their platforms, demoting fake a litmus test for democracy. But beyond the very few specific companies-News Corp and dominance. — AFP others,” Lucie Krahulcova of advocacy group content and prioritizing credible sources of information. high-sounding rhetoric lies a more base strug- They also agreed to suspend or disable offending and Digital Rights Watch told AFP. An initial draft of splash, Zuckerberg’s platform can change the gle, with the barons of traditional media fighting fake accounts, including “bots” that automatically dis- the law even cut out public broadcaster ABC- tenor of a US election campaign. Like Murdoch, back against their digital heirs. seminate information across their platforms. The meas- which Murdoch’s outlets and Australia’s conser- Zuckerberg has come under fierce scrutiny for Sydney tech billionaire Mike Cannon- ures-which largely codify existing practices-are said to vative government have long attacked-from his influence over society. It is also not the first Brookes went as far as calling the Australian target paid and political advertising as well as content receiving Google and Facebook payments. time they have tussled. push to force payments for content a “shake- shared by users. Former prime minister Kevin Rudd, an out- Murdoch’s bid for social media dominance down”. The landmark legislation may carry the “All signatories commit to safeguards to protect spoken Murdoch critic, told lawmakers in failed spectacularly when MySpace was left in seal of government, but media and political Australians against harm from online disinformation and Canberra on Friday that the proposed laws the dust of Zuckerberg’s rapidly growing insiders see the fingerprints of Rupert misinformation, and adopting a range of scalable meas- solved the digital dominance problem “by Facebook. According to reports by tech maga- Murdoch’s News Corp all over it. “This has been ures that reduce its spread and visibility,” the group said enhancing the power of the existing monopoly- zine and website Wired, the pair had a testy a passionate cause for our company for well in releasing the 29-page code. The voluntary code was that’s Murdoch”. exchange in Sun Valley, Idaho in 2016, with over a decade,” said News Corp chief executive developed in response to an Australian government “Everyone is frightened of Murdoch,” he Zuckerberg allegedly warned to offer publishers Robert Thomson, hailing his boss’ “fervent, inquiry into the role of online platforms in the spread of maintained. Everyone, it seems, except a better deal or expect New Corp to lobby reg- unstinting support” for the cause. misinformation and disinformation. The problem became Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who made a ulators around the world. “For many years, we were accused of tilting at particularly acute during historic bushfires that swept the worldwide splash last week by refusing demands Those lobbying efforts are now bearing fruit tech windmills, but what was a solitary campaign, country in late 2019 and 2020 and during the coron- to pay Murdoch’s News Corp and other in Australia, with Google agreeing to pay the a quixotic quest, has become a movement, and avirus pandemic, when social media platforms were Australian media. company for news in a three-year deal. The both journalism and society will be enhanced.” flooded with false information on the origins of the dis- amounts were not disclosed, but similar Google For decades, the Melbourne-born billionaire Rather than follow Google and reach agree- ease and efforts to curb its spread. deals with other Australian media groups were behind Fox News, The Sun and Sky News ments to pay for content, Zuckerberg went The government’s Communication and Media said to be worth around US$23 million a year. Australia has bestraddled politics in the United nuclear, removing news from Australia on the Authority (ACMA), which will oversee the code’s imple- Supporters have cheered that as a victory for States, Britain and Down Under. Today, he con- platform and sparking a global backlash. mentation, said yesterday that in 2020 more than two- journalism-a struggling industry long in decline- trols roughly two-thirds of daily newspaper cir- thirds of Australians expressed concern over the extent although questions remain about whether the culation in Australia’s major cities, with complete Enormous political power of online misinformation. “False and misleading news and money will be ploughed back into reporting. monopolies in Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart and The two men were born more than three information online-like that spread through the 2020 With legislation in the works in Canada, Darwin. decades part and come from staggeringly differ- bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic-has the potential Europe and perhaps even the United States, That has prompted critics to paint the 89- ent eras, but both wield enormous political pow- to cause serious harm to individuals, communities and Murdoch’s “quixotic quest” against the tech year-old in almost cartoonish terms-as an all- er. Where Murdoch could hobble governments society,” it said in a statement. — AFP powerful political puppetmaster. While he still or torpedo campaigns with a rapier front-page giants is unlikely to stop in Australia. — AFP Established 1961 9 Tuesday, February 23, 2021 Business ABK-Egypt reports solid results for financial year ended 2020 Net profit increased by 27% y-o-y to reach EGP 666 million

KUWAIT: Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait - Egypt (ABK- proactive and prudent strategy and an extremely dedi- The Bank continued to invest heavily in human capi- Egypt), one of Egypt’s fastest growing banks, has cated and focused team. ABK-Egypt’s agility was evi- tal during 2020, with a comprehensive set of programs reported solid results for the financial year ended 2020. dent as robust measures were implemented right from focused on developing team capabilities, enhancing Net profit increased by 27 percent year-on-year to the onset of the pandemic to safeguard our customers employee engagement levels and building loyalty. These reach EGP 666 million, while net interest income grew and employees. initiatives remain key to empowering employees with 30 percent to reach EGP 1.86 billion. “Our continuous investment in technology enabled the skill sets and knowledge necessary to sustain the Net operating profit grew 34 percent year-on-year us to provide uninterrupted services to our clients, and growth trajectory of the bank. Over the course of 2020, to EGP 1.37 billion and total assets were at EGP 41.23 during the year our online and mobile banking clients the bank launched ABK-Egypt Corporate Academy and billion at the end of 2020, an increase of 16 percent increased by 84 percent and the volume of online trans- hired 18 graduates of class 2020, who were carefully compared to 2019. Customer Loans stood at EGP 21.71 fers increased by 51 percent. chosen from over 250 university graduates. The bank billion, a growth of 12 percent year-on-year, and cus- “In line with our ‘Simpler Banking’ strategy, ABK- also launched the first virtual summer training program, Khaled El Salawy tomer deposits increased by 19 percent year-on-year to Ali Ebrahim Marafi Egypt was the first bank to implement an Electronic and enrolled more than 140 university graduates. ABK- reach EGP 33.55 Billion. Know-Your-Customer (e-KYC) solution, which result- Egypt will remain committed to developing Egyptian Ali Ebrahim Marafi, Chairman of ABK-Egypt, said: ed in a 37 percent increase in new customers availing youth and supporting them with opportunities that fulfill “We are extremely happy with these strong results, loyalty. Last but not least, I thank our Executive ABK-Egypt’s Mobile Wallet. Furthermore, during the their career aspirations. notwithstanding the COVID-19 pandemic that created Management and all our employees for their hard work year the Bank also launched the QR Code Payments via ABK-Egypt strongly believes in the importance of significant disruption to individuals, communities and and dedication throughout the year.” its Mobile Wallet, as well as ABK’s Xtra Loyalty Reward social responsibility and continues to support the com- businesses around the world. Throughout 2020, the Khaled El Salawy, CEO and Managing Director of Program on ABK-Egypt Cards.” munities in which it operates. With an innate under- Bank remained resilient and focused under extremely ABK-Egypt, said: “ABK-Egypt’s strong balance sheet In closing, El Salawy said: “I would like to take this standing of the crucial role donations play in overcom- challenging circumstances.” coupled with its ability to withstand the social and opportunity to thank our Chairman and Board of ing challenges that face the Egyptian society, the Bank “I would like to thank the Central Bank of Egypt and financial impact of the pandemic has enabled the Bank Directors for their guidance and support. I also thank supported a number of organizations to help those the Government authorities for their guidance during to successfully mitigate the impact of the crisis, and each and every employee for their hard work and dedi- impacted by current circumstances due to the pandem- this pandemic. I also thank our Board of Directors, deliver strong results against a backdrop of a very chal- cation, and our customers for their loyalty and ongoing ic, in addition to providing medical devices and supplies Shareholders and clients for their ongoing support and lenging year. These results were achieved through a support.” to public hospitals operating with limited resources.

Ballard at First Abu Dhabi Bank warned that more big Markets struggle as gains in stocks are “going to create increasing levels of concern”. He added: “It’s driven by, on one side, stimulus expectations from Mr Biden and also the expectation of inflation fear offset that continued dovish rhetoric and more acceptance of German business early stages of inflation from the Fed.” recovery hopes However, OANDA’s Jeffrey Halley said Treasury confidence bucks yields were still below pre-Covid levels and that the rise to one-year highs was “no bad thing” as it showed the shutdown impact HONG KONG: Markets mostly fell yesterday as falling economy was improving. infection rates and more good news on the vaccine front Investors are keeping tabs on China-US relations BERLIN: German business confidence improved in were overshadowed by growing worries about high val- after Biden called on European allies to stand up to February, a key survey showed yesterday, as the uations and inflation. political and economic challenges from Beijing. On cur- robust industrial sector of Europe’s top economy While the United States is approaching 500,000 rency markets, the pound held gains above $1.40 — its bears up despite the impact of coronavirus restric- deaths, there is optimism that there is light at the end of highest levels since April 2018 — as the British govern- tions. The Ifo institute’s monthly confidence barom- the tunnel in the COVID-19 crisis as governments A Wall Street sign at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in ment’s vaccine drive continued to progress well and as eter, based on a survey of 9,000 companies, embark on immunization programs that will allow New York City. — AFP Prime Minister Boris Johnson laid out a plan for easing climbed to 92.4 points from 90.3 points in January, economies to reopen. Expectations that President Joe an economically painful virus lockdown. Bitcoin eased when the index slipped as tougher measures to Biden’s vast stimulus will be passed next month are also to $57,150, having hit another record high of $58,350 fight the pandemic were introduced. keeping spirits up, as a raft of data last week on factory cy is an attempt to exceed one million jobs a month over the weekend, and having passed $1 trillion in mar- Analysts surveyed by Factset had expected a and services activity indicated the financial hit to the from April to September. “But timing is everything. The ket capitalization. And oil prices bounced after being smaller increase of 0.4 points. “The German econo- United States and Europe might not be as bad as next leg of the reflation will have to be carried more and sold at the end of last week on profit-taking-having hit my is showing its resilience despite the lockdown feared. London’s benchmark FTSE 100 index dropped more by a continued recovery in economic growth... and a 13-month high-and as US energy firms slowly restart- thanks to the strong industrial economy,” Ifo presi- 0.5 percent to 6,590.64 points, with British Prime all the while this will bring the Fed closer to acknowl- ed operations in Texas that had been hammered by a dent Clemens Fuest said in a statement. The manu- Minister Boris Johnson set to outline later in the day edge that policy normalization is coming.” And Simon severe cold snap. — AFP facturing sector recorded its highest score since how England will exit its third pandemic lockdown. In November 2018, surging to 16.1 points from 9.1 the eurozone, Frankfurt’s DAX 30 index shed 1.0 per- points last month. cent to 13,856.88 points and the Paris CAC 40 lost 0.7 The mood in the services and retail sectors also percent to 5,732.29. brightened, inching up to readings of minus 2.2 In Asia, Shanghai and Hong Kong led losses, shed- points and minus 14.6 points respectively. Ifo said ding more than one percent as the Chinese central bank managers were upbeat about their current situation, sucked cash out of financial markets to ease bubble rising to 90.6 from 89.2 points last month, while the concerns. Sydney, Seoul, Wellington, Manila, Mumbai expectations sub-index jumped to 94.2 from 91.5. and Bangkok also fell, though there were gains in Tokyo, Germany this month extended orders for bars, Singapore, Taipei and Jakarta. restaurants, leisure facilities and non-essential London, Paris and Frankfurt all fell at the open. The shops to stay closed until at least March 7 while rally that has characterized the past few months looks to allowing schools to partially reopen. have come to a halt as traders fret that prices may have Crucially for production, factories have kept up become a little too frothy. There is growing concern that output during the second wave of the pandemic the expected recovery and Biden’s spending package and are seeing strong demand from China in partic- will fire a surge in inflation, which could force the ular. But it remains unclear when other businesses Federal Reserve to wind back the loose monetary poli- will be able to resume operations. cies and record-low interest rates that have been a key “It’s a nice surprise,” said LBBW analyst Jens- pillar of a near-year-long market surge. Oliver Niklash of the closely watched indicator. “But there won’t be a quick and full economic Sterling holds dollar gains recovery without the prospect of a reopening.” “The Biden administration continues to stay on mes- After dropping sharply in January, the number of sage stressing Congress’s need to pass a significant fis- new infections has plateaued in February in cal package, downplaying recent more robust economic Germany amid serious concerns about highly con- data as... a package exceeding $1.9 trillion heads for a tagious virus variants.—AFP House vote this week,” said Axi strategist Stephen Innes. “The unprecedented and highly stimulatory poli-

tive results of this initiative KFH pays $65m in that aims to help debtors and relieve their families, adding that KFH has also debts to thousands implemented this program in the Kingdom of Bahrain in of debtors collaboration with the Bahraini Ministry of Justice. He appreciated the KUWAIT: As part of a strategic initiative in collabora- efforts of all concerned par- tion with the Ministry of Justice, Kuwait Finance House ties, especially the Ministries (KFH) is covering over $65mn in debts to release Abdulwahab of Justice in both countries, Essa Al-Roshood approximately 10,000 defaulting debtors and those for their role in the success whom the court ordered to be brought before it. This of the initiative, stressing the recommendation comes as part of KFH’s Board of continuation of KFH pioneering social responsibility Directors’ keenness to expand the scope of corporate role that reflects its prestigious position as a leading social responsibility (CSR), given the circumstances the Islamic financial institution at the level of the private country has been going through since the beginning of sector and worldwide. 2020. Acting Group Chief Executive Officer at KFH, “As part of its national commitment toward Kuwait Abdulwahab Essa Al-Roshood said that benefiting from and its people, KFH has made various contributions to the initiative is subject to well-thought out criteria and support Kuwait’s efforts to combat the Coronavirus cri- conditions in accordance with sharia principles. sis, while being the largest contributor to the KD 10 mil- He added that lifting the anguish off a number of lion CBK fund to support the government’s efforts.” Al- debtors from poor families who were burdened by debt Roshood explained. and defaulted due to their economic conditions He added that KFH made an additional contribution embodies KFH’s leadership in CSR and sustainability to the fund and placed it at the disposal of the Council based on a comprehensive development concept. The of Ministers to support the government’s efforts, needs initiative also incorporates the bank keenness on and urgent measures to combat Coronavirus impacts. strategic partnership with state institutions, reflecting He affirmed that KFH keeps assuming its national and the vision of Kuwait’s leadership and its people in social role and committing to society and governmental humanitarian work. Al-Roshood explained that paying and official bodies in various circumstances. debts of debtors as per the conditions contributes to Al-Roshood also indicated that KFH plays a pivotal relieving their anguish and enables them to return to role in achieving sustainable community development normal life optimistically and lead a decent life. This through its contributions that cover various social activ- process is carried out by the Ministry of Justice and the ities and initiatives. This encompasses the fields of competent authorities with high confidentiality, trans- health, education, youth and environmental activities, parency and professionalism. enhances the spirit of social solidarity, supports people It is worth noting that the first part of the program, with special needs, cares for the workforce and pro- which was implemented in 2020, received a positive vides continuous support to the Kuwait Foundation for response from society. This prompted KFH to continue the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) and others. the initiative this year as well and expand its scope to He added that KFH’s social efforts received local and include a larger number of debtors as part of CSR. global recognition, laying the foundations of leadership, Al-Rashood expressed his happiness over the posi- excellence, and sustainability. 10 Established 1961 Tuesday, February 23, 2021 Business Ooredoo Kuwait the ‘Best Internet Service Provider’ for the year 2020

Recognition from Service Hero at annual awards ceremony 2020

KUWAIT: Abdulaziz Yaqoub Al-Babtain receiving the award from Faten Abu KUWAIT: Abdulaziz Yaqoub Al-Babtain, Fadi Kawar, Mijbil Alayoub and Faten Abu Ghazaleh during the awards ceremony Ghazaleh

KUWAIT: Ooredoo Telecom, the first President of Service Hero. prosperity and growth of businesses. with more encompassing structure and guidelines for self-regulation and ethical to introduce innovative digital services As part of its constant efforts to fos- Indeed, the year of the pandemic process changes.” practice. Service Hero is overseen by an in Kuwait, was awarded the “Best ter a culture of “service excellence” 2020 was one of the biggest challenges Al-Babtain added: “Although the Independent Advisory Council to assure Internet Service Provider” at the annual where both; brands and customers flour- that offered companies and brands the COVID-19 pandemic was unexpected, results that are impartial, objective, and Service Hero Awards for the year 2020, ish, Service Hero, the company provid- opportunity to prove their ability to yet, our pre-crisis plan, flexible manage- accurately reflect consumers’ prefer- endorsing the company’s long standing ing the region’s only consumer powered adapt to the changes, and offer the best ment mindset, talented employees, and ence, making the company’s findings a commitment to its customers. customer satisfaction index, honored the customer experience despite all the strong relationship with the public, we, credible benchmark that offers transpar- Recognized as the benchmark in the country’s best performing service obstacles and uncertainty the world at Ooredoo Kuwait were able to over- ent and relevant insight for companies. It telecom industry, Ooredoo Kuwait was providers along with nationwide win- witnessed. come and recover without significant is comprised of academics and business recognized for its excellence in offering ners. The awards ceremony which was Commenting on the new award damage. We expatiated our digital professionals representing leading insti- complete coverage at high speeds, mul- held virtually shed light on the compa- earned by the company, Abdulaziz Al- transformation to ensure smooth opera- tutions and corporate establishments in tiple plan options to suit different needs nies’ ability to overcome numerous chal- Babtain, Chief Executive Officer, tion and business continuity and Kuwait and the UAE, including the along with offering an excellent cus- lenges and provide the best customer Ooredoo Kuwait, said: “As a customer- resilience.” American University of Kuwait, tomer service. The prestigious award experience despite the outbreak of oriented management, we are keen on Based in Kuwait, Service Hero is the Australian College of Kuwait, Gulf was presented to Abdulaziz Yaqoub Al- Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The creating and maintaining an emotional only consumer powered customer satis- University for Science and Technology, Babtain, Chief Executive Officer, Fadi ceremony also explored the consumer bond between us and our customers. We faction index in the Middle East. The Abu Dhabi University, and Zayed Kawar, Chief Operating Officer, and behavior changes due to the global pan- do so through communicating with com- company is a member of ESOMAR University. Since 2010, Service Hero has Mijbil Alayoub, Senior Director, demic, COVID-19, and the importance passion, and empathy during times of (European Society for Opinion and measured over 300,000 validated con- Corporate Communications, Ooredoo of the robust relationship between cus- crises, creating and implementing cus- Marketing Research) and adheres to the sumer assessments covering more than Kuwait, by Faten Abu Ghazaleh, tomers and companies in the continuity, tomer value delivery strategies, along global organization’s principles and 600 private sector companies.

Jamal Al-Barrak named as VC of Gulf Bond and Sukuk Association KUWAIT: Kuwait International Bank (KIB) wishes to extend its warm congratula- tions to Jamal Al- Barrak, General Manager of Investment Department at KIB, on being appointed as Vice Chairman of the Gulf Bond and Sukuk Jamal Al-Barrak Hockey Team player Mohammad Al-Maraghi. Association (GBSA), stc launches When implementing all its initiatives, stc ensures the non-profit membership organization that that all safety measures and social distancing proto- represents the Arabian Gulf debt capital market. cols are considered and applied across its head- Founded in 2009 in UAE, GBSA is based in national quarters, branches, and at any external initiatives it the Dubai International Financial Centre. The participates in to mitigate the risk associated with non-profit association works with governments, celebrations the current pandemic. regulators, participants in the Sukuk and bond Danah Al-Jasem, General Manager of Corporate market to identify and encourage best practices, Communications at stc said, “We would like to con- with ‘Ezhalha’ gratulate His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh to promote the deep and liquid fixed income Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and His markets needed to support economic growth KUWAIT: Kuwait Telecommunications Company - Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Mishal Al- and transformation in the Gulf region, in addition stc, a world-class digital leader providing innovative services and platforms to customers, enabling the Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God protect and to addressing issues affecting markets at the digital transformation in Kuwait, launched its Kuwait preserve them, on the celebration of Kuwait’s local and regional levels. national holiday celebrations under “Ezhalha”, its new national holidays. In its role, stc is committed to con- In a statement, KIB expressed pride at the multi-faceted campaign. Under the Ezhalha umbrella, tinue giving back to its beloved country in various appointment of its General Manager of stc released its creative TVC, a nationwide campaign ways that help empower and strengthen the commu- Investment Department to assume this position, both online and throughout the streets of Kuwait, as nity. During celebratory occasions, such as the stressing that Al-Barrak shall excel in his new well as an internal campaign for employees. Danah Al-Jasem national holidays, stc is proud to showcase its love, role, thanks to his more than 20-years of experi- Ezhalha is a traditional Kuwaiti term used to devotion, and patriotism towards the people of ence in the field of investment banking, financial express assurance and confidence that a task or stc highlighted that the heroes who participated in Kuwait and the country.” management and corporate finance. request will be done, on the same lines as “consider it the production, including the singer, used sign lan- Commenting on the TVC, AlJasem expressed that On his part, GBSA’s President Michael done” in the English language, reflecting how one guage as a form of expression, signifying that emo- the positive feedback generated from the public Grifferty said: “We are delighted to work with can depend on the Kuwaiti people. The newly tions and feelings can also be interpreted through regarding the concept behind the production someone of Jamal Al-Barrak’s calibers in a lead- launched campaign aims not only to express the body language. Extending the celebration to its reflects the values that stc holds closely to its heart ership role. And we look forward to working Company’s deeply rooted sense of nationalism, but offices, stc launched a series of internal initiatives for when dedicating a message of appreciation to the closely with him on initiatives to further enhance also highlights talented Kuwaiti individuals who have its employees to commemorate Kuwait’s national hol- people of Kuwait. When it comes to Kuwait, stc will the market.” dedicated their time and effort to spread a positive idays. Employees will get a chance to participate in spare no effort to reflect the true appreciation and The Bank further praised Al-Barrak’s suc- influence in the community. Additionally, through its activities and competitions that are aimed at high- sense of attachment it holds to the country. cessful career upon joining its executive man- multi-program initiative in celebration of the special lighting the joyous occasion, with prizes distributed Al-Jasem added, “We dedicate this production to agement team, leading a group of investment days, stc aims to spread joy throughout the streets of to the winners showcasing their national pride. the people of Kuwait. Our focus was to bring to light some of the individuals that have had a positive professionals in managing and expanding KIB’s Kuwait and through its digital platforms. The stc expressed its gratitude and appreciation to impact on the community and carried the Kuwaiti investment portfolio, thus playing an active role Company will host several competitions open to the the teams at AM Agency and Vision Visuals for their flag across nations. We are proud to partake in this in making its strategic initiatives. In addition, public with prizes distributed to the lucky winners. collaborative efforts in conceptualizing and produc- Under the Ezhalha umbrella, stc produced its TVC special occasion and greatly believe in the role the gaining accolades and awards for the Bank in ing the TVC, which received widespread positive in collaboration with the beloved popular singer, private sector plays in supporting the community the debt capital markets by their active and pru- feedback from the public. The Company also Ibrahim AlHakami, as a dedication to the people of thanked all the talented Kuwaiti individuals who par- and highlighting some of the talented individuals that dent participation in the Sukuk market. Kuwait, and the individuals included in the produc- have greatly influenced our society. In line with our KIB is focused on advancing the individual ticipated in the production for their positive impact tion who expressed their deep national pride in cele- in the community, serving as role models to the mission to provide unwavering support to the local career development and leadership of national bration of the country’s National and Liberation community and the people of Kuwait, stc will contin- human capital like Al-Barrak. To that end, the younger generation. The Company extended a spe- Days. stc took this opportunity to showcase several cial thanks to the Ministry of Interior for their col- ue to participate in and implement initiatives that Bank always strives supporting individuals influential public figures that positively reflect the laborative efforts, equestrienne Sherifa Al-Awadhi, will leave a long lasting and beneficial impact for the throughout their career life cycle in line with its country’s qualities, two of which are stc employees - local artist Hamad Al-Humaidhan also known as future generations.” strategic goals to strengthen its position in the Aseel Al-Shaheen, an International Tennis Federation ‘Young Picasso’ by BBC, Tarahom Volunteer Team, To find out more about stc’s sponsorships, pro- local and regional markets. The Bank will contin- certified umpire in the GCC, and Mohammad Al- cross-fit athlete Fahad Al-Jarallah, Ibrahim Al- motions, and events, follow stc’s official social media ue to participate in award-winning deals in col- Maraghi a player in Kuwait’s national hockey team. Langawi and Abdulrahman Al-Awadhi the Tennis platforms, visit one of stc’s branches, download laboration with local, regional and international The production also displayed the courageous role National Team players and champions, ITF certified mystc mobile application, visit www.stc.com.kw or financial institutions. of front-liners, not only during the pandemic, but umpire Aseel Al-Shaheen, and Kuwait National contact the customer service center by dialing 102 indefinitely. for around the clock assistance. 11

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

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.

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To advertise on this Page Call: 24833199 ext:101,102 or Direct line: 24835616 / 24835617 or email: [email protected] 12 Established 1961 Lifestyle Features Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Second ‘MeToo’ wave crashes over France after explosive book

n a book of over 200 pages, the View of corn at the kitchen of the collective “Mujeres de shocking revelations about incest la Tierra”. I feature on only around a dozen of them, but their impact is still being felt in France more than six weeks after publication. The book-”La familia grande” by Camille Kouchner-initially sent shockwaves through the close- knit intellectual world of Left Bank Paris, but has since led to multiple police investigations and another national reckoning with sexual abuse. Just over three years since the #MeToo movement broke taboos around rape across the world, France is seeing another outpouring of sto- Ana, a member of the collective “Mujeres de la Tierra”, speaks during an interview, in Milpa Alta, Mexico City. — AFP photos View of tamales -traditional Mexican food- at the kitchen of the collective “Mujeres de la Tierra”. ries and a wide-ranging debate about sex, power and consent. Each week brings new revelations target- ing the rich and powerful, with one of the country’s best-known television presenters, Patrick Poivre d’Arvor, Cooking collective helps becoming the latest to be accused of rape on Thursday, which he denies. “I’m bowled over by what’s hap- pening,” Kouchner said this week Mexican women escape abuse during a television interview about her book, which has sold 300,000 copies since its release in early n the outskirts of Mexico City, a Latin American women in the labor mar- January. “I absolutely didn’t expect Ogroup of women prepare tortillas ket fell from 52 percent in 2019 to 46 this.” She attributed its success to the in a community kitchen that has percent in 2020. Gris said that when MeToo movement which opened the provided sanctuary from gender vio- times were tough they turned to what floodgates to long-suppressed sto- lence and the economic fallout of the they knew: putting tortillas and other ries of sexual abuse globally, forcing pandemic. While one lights the stove, corn delicacies like tlacoyos and gordi- policymakers and men to acknowl- others grind corn, knead dough and tas on the grill. edge the scale of the problem for the wash vegetables. The Latin American Mexico’s economy contracted 8.5 first time. But she also pointed to country, long beset by a culture of percent in 2020, the worst slump since another book last year by author machismo, is in the grips of a femicide the Great Depression some nine Vanessa Springora, who detailed crisis with 10 women murdered every decades ago. But the economic gloom how she had been groomed and day. The pandemic, and the confine- cannot overcome the sense of happi- abused by the celebrated French ment it forced on them, has been a ness in the kitchen, filled with music and author Gabriel Matzneff, who had wake-up call for some women facing brightened by purple corn on the cob. never hidden his pedophilia. “I abuse at home. The members of the “Our self-esteem is sometimes really low knew... that there was a chance I Mujeres de la Tierra (Women of the with so many problems, said Gris, a 34- would be listened, that it was maybe Land) cooperative now sell tortillas, year-old mother of four. the right time,” Kouchner told the Le tamales and other maize-based delica- “Then suddenly there’s good news,” Quotidien TV show on Monday. cies through social networks. she added. “It motivates us to say: yes “Unfortunately we have all suffered from we can. There will be ups and downs.” ‘A detonator’ violence of some kind.... psychological, The trust they have built has made it In “La familia grande”, the 45- physical, financial violence,” said Alma, possible for the women to support each year-old lawyer recounts her life in a 31, who like the others did not want to other, each in their own way. “It was our supremely well-connected Parisian give her full name. needs and the stark realities that made family, with its showbiz relatives, The project has given the women new Leticia, a member of the collective “Mujeres de la Tierra”, works in the kitchen. us say, in an act of desperation: divorces, intellectual friends, and hope, since the coronavirus robbed enough!”, said Chio, 33. Leticia, 39, said sun-kissed holidays in the south of them of their jobs and exposed them to years, Mexico has seen a relentless ‘Yes we can’ the cooking collective and its spirit of France. Kouchner is the daughter of increased domestic violence, which they increase in gender violence, and the In March 2020, when the pandemic solidarity have brought many benefits. “I left-wing writer and intellectual prefer not to talk much about. “We’re pressures of the pandemic have only arrived in Mexico, the members of the feel very good because this project has Evelyne Pisier, who once had a rela- very lucky to be able to work with what made things worse. Last year, there collective found themselves among the given me confidence as well as financial tionship with Fidel Castro, and the land gives us to produce and were around 940 femicides, while the many women put out of work by the cri- and emotional security. It has given me Bernard Kouchner, co-founder of the escape the violence that we experi- authorities received more than 260,000 sis. According to the United Nations many things,” she said. — AFP Medecins Sans Frontieres humanitar- enced at home,” said Alma, standing calls for help because of violence Economic Commission for Latin America ian group and a former foreign minis- next to a still-smoking stove. In recent against women, the most in five years. and the Caribbean, the participation of ter. In 1987, her mother divorced and married political scientist Olivier Duhamel, the wealthy son of a former minister, who rose to become an advisor to several presidents and a well-known figure in the capital’s most elite social circles. Duhamel, Kouchner writes, began sexually abusing her twin brother when they were in their early teens, a scandal they revealed only 20 years later, which was ignored by their mother and the couple’s close friends once they were informed. For French Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti, the book has been a “spark in a pile of gunpowder”, while ruling party MP Bruno Questel called it “a detonator”. Ana, a member of the collective “Mujeres de la Tierra”, prepares Mexican traditional food. Questel gave a wrenching live televi- sion interview at the end of January in which he explained how he had been raped at the age of 11 by someone Chicago, three, and Psalm, 21 months. name of a forest goddess.” Meanwhile, “not from the family but while on holi- Another insider said: “Both of them want Elsa recently spoke about the down- day by a family friend.” “It’s a huge Kim and Kanye nothing but the best for the kids. They Hosk named sides of giving birth, as she described movement that has set people free to want the kids to be happy. The kids will the process as the “worst pain, fear and talk,” he said, referring to Kouchner’s stay with Kim, but Kanye will be able to darkness” she has ever felt. She said: book. see them whenever he wants to. They her daughter “It’s the worst pain, fear and darkness West’s ‘quick’ will work out a schedule that is good for I’ve ever experienced in those moments. 1960s libertarianism everyone.”—BangShowbiz I feel like an animal. I have given up Duhamel, 70, now faces a criminal every sense of what you’re supposed to investigation and has resigned from divorce after a Finnish look like, what anyone would think of me, his host of academic, media and what was normal many, many hours executive positions, which included ago.” The star also opened on the emo- heading the elite Parisian networking im Kardashian West and Kanye goddess tional moment when she welcomed her club Le Siecle. He described the KWest’s divorce “came together daughter to the world. She recalled: incest allegations in a statement as quickly”. Representatives for the “With the biggest, most extended push, “personal attacks”, but has not given 40-year-old reality TV star confirmed that lsa Hosk named her daughter after and a sound and sensation that I’ve nev- an interview or spoken publicly to she has filed for divorce from the 43- Ea “forest goddess” in Finnish er felt or made in life - the whole head deny them more forcefully. Part of the year-old rapper after almost seven years mythology. The 32-year-old model came out. I’m so relieved, I’ve never felt explanation for the alleged abuse, of marriage and insiders say the pair welcomed her first child, Tuulikki Joan more relieved. I feel like it’s over. Then and reluctance of those who knew were in agreement about custody of Daly, with her partner Tom Daly just one her body with another big push. And she the truth to speak out, has been their children and the splitting of assets. week ago, and she has now opened up is put on my chest. All bloody and fluids attributed to the “anything-goes” atti- A source told PEOPLE: “The parenting on the meaning behind the tot’s unique are everywhere and she is pooping all tudes of bourgeois left-wing Paris plan and split of assets came together moniker. Elsa revealed Tuulikki is her over me, and she is looking for my nip- which are rooted in 1960s libertarian- quickly, in the past few days. Kim and mother’s middle name, and is also the ple. And the most pain I’ve ever felt is ism. “Was there consent? What age Kanye basically wanted the same thing.” name of a goddess, as the literal transla- forgotten, I am overwhelmed with love, did it start, and was there a form of And Kim - who is asking for joint legal tion of the Finnish moniker is “little wind”. proudness, happiness.” reciprocity?” well-known philosopher and physical custody - is reportedly try- In a Q&A on her Instagram Story, she — Bang Showbiz Alain Finkielkraut, one of the few to ing to be “as gentle and kind” as possi- said: “It wasn’t hard to choose her name try to defend Duhamel publicly, ble to Kanye, who has bipolar disorder. because I always knew I wanted a asked during an interview on the LCI The source said: “She’s worried about Finnish name. I think Finnish names are channel last month. When reminded sending him into another tailspin, so cute. And Tuulikki is my mom’s mid- that the allegations were of child because that’s not good for anyone, dle name and my mom’s side of the fam- abuse by a step-father, Finkielkraut especially the kids. So she’s being as ily is from Finland, and they all have responded: “It’s an adolescent, it’s gentle and kind as she can be, while still Finnish names and they’re all so cute. not the same thing.” The resulting standing up for what she feels she “And when I told Tom about this name, outcry, which saw Finkielkraut needs to stand up for.” Kim and Kanye he loved it too, which was a sign barred from LCI, cast light on have agreed not to contest their pre- because it’s kind of a very unique name. France’s current laws on child nuptial agreement and the pair are close So for him to love it, I thought, ‘We have abuse, sexual assault and incest to working out a full settlement. Right to name her Tuulikki.’ which campaigners have long now, their main focus is on caring for “‘Tuuli’ means ‘wind’ and ‘Tuulikki’ sought to change. —AFP

Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West Elsa Hosk their children; North, seven, Saint, five, means ‘little wind,’ and [it’s] also the Established 1961 13 Lifestyle Features Tuesday, February 23, 2021

This picture shows Australian surfers (from left to right) Kevin Young, Dave This picture shows Dave Pearson, an Australian shark attack survivor, surfing on This picture shows Dave Pearson, an Australian shark Pearson, Bruce Locas and Ray Short posing for pictures on Crowdy Bay National Crowdy Bay National Park at Port Macquarie. attack survivor, walking back after surfing on Crowdy Park at Port Macquarie. Bay National Park. — AFP photos

he first rule of Bite Club is you talk year, but some meet more often for a eye of that storm, and I feel like I’ve community member-there’s so many know the consequences,” he said. Tto Dave Pearson, a shark attack casual surf while the rest keep in con- been here ever since,” Young said. His people affected.” Young says it is a Young knows at least one of his son’s survivor who connects hundreds tact on social media. The club acts as son’s legs were almost completely sev- privilege to serve in a club that helps friends struggled to return to the of people from around the world to a network for survivors to seek out sup- ered in the attack but, clinging to life, support people who would otherwise waves. But “all of us are surfers-that’s support each other “beyond the bite”. port from the group when they need it he paddled across to his three friends be left to struggle alone. That includes our place, that’s our zen place,” he The 58-year-old almost died a decade most, and Pearson says he spends to tell them he loved them and prayed people like Ray Short, who was 13 added. ago when a bull shark tore into his arm most nights speaking with at least one for their protection from the killer shark years old in 1966 when a shark Shark attacks are still incredibly while he was surfing off Australia’s east member over the phone. lurking below. Surrounded by water clamped down on his leg while swim- rare, but last year was especially tough coast. Since the day when friends He realized the power of talking to thick with their friend’s blood, the trio-at ming near Wollongong. “It’s just some- for the group, with seven people killed hauled him to shore-away from the others who shared his ordeal even the time aged 14, 15 and 19 — pad- thing that was never there when I was in 22 unprovoked incidents around three-meter predator that dragged him before he had left the hospital. By dled Zac back to shore on their shoul- young. If you got to meet or hear from Australia, according to the Taronga around the bottom of the ocean before chance, Lisa Mondy-bitten a few days ders, in a journey that took nearly half one or two other shark bite victims, it Conservation Society. This makes it the losing interest-he has been helping before him-was recovering in the same an hour. was amazing,” Short says. “Now deadliest country in the world for shark others escape the psychological grip facility. “Everybody was there to wish By the time they reached the beach, there’s a group there that can all sit bites in 2020, according to global data of nightmare attacks. me the best, but until I spoke with Lisa nothing could be done to revive and relate to each other.” Pearson says compiled by the Florida Museum of “My life is shark attacks,” the wind, it was like, they didn’t really understand Young’s son, despite their efforts. that while the group is closely connect- Natural History’s shark research pro- sun and surf-weathered Aussie told what my head was going through,” “Those three boys, in my mind, ed, the perspective of members is var- gram. “I met with probably four families AFP, still dripping wet after another day said Pearson. The brutality of maulings- became men that day,” said Young. ied: some become anti-shark, pushing last year who lost someone, and it is on the waves at the beach where he combined with the media attention they “I’m indebted to them for life in what for culls, while others become conser- tough,” Pearson said. “It’s hard, every was bitten. “You know if there’s a shark receive-can shake survivors, victims, they tried to do for my son.” vationists. attack brings your attack back.” attack somewhere in the world, I’ll hear their relatives and rescuers for years Pearson still works hard for his mem- about it.” Pearson is the founder of and in some cases cause post-trau- ‘So many people affected’ ‘It’s more special now’ bers, but says that more than anything, Bite Club, initially a small group for sur- matic stress disorder. Like Pearson, Young speaks of oth- Similarly, paths to recovery differ. he wants to prevent more people join- vivors of shark encounters that now When Kevin Young’s 19-year-old ers’ pain before his own. Each of his But leaving the ocean behind was nev- ing the Bite Club. — AFP includes victims of dog maulings, alli- son Zac was killed by a tiger shark son’s rescuers has paid a psychologi- er an option for Pearson-or for many in gator bites and even a hippo attack. while surfing on a reef near Coffs cal price, he said. the group. “Surfing has changed for Its members-nearly 400 people in all- Harbour in 2013, he felt like a hurricane “Whether it’s a partner, the wife, the me, and in fact, it’s probably more spe- usually meet in person at least once a had swallowed him. “I was inside the son, the daughter, a friend, or just a cial now than it used to be because I

dle of winter. That project, he said, remains his “most beautiful career memo- Star French ry”. Boutemy turned for inspiration to paintings by an 18th-century artist, Anne Vallayer-Coster, renowned for her skillful florist weathers depiction of flowers, who caught the eye of King Louis XVI of France’s wife Marie Antoinette. pandemic The 52-year-old, wearing an orange jacket and sporting a curated beard, rejects the label “fashion florist” that some here was a time, pre-pandemic, that have thrown his way because of his work TThierry Boutemy’s flowery creations for couture houses such as Lanvin, graced catwalks, magazine covers Hermes and Dries Van Noten. “I’m not at and celebrity weddings. Now, of course, all interested in fashion, actually,” he the French florist-who has worked for laughed. What he prefers is “people who French city Sofia Coppola, Lady Gaga and the fash- sweep me away in their passion; some- ion house Hermes-is having to weather times maybe it’s not to my taste but I the crisis like anyone else. But his pas- have fun trying to understand what’s cooks up furore sion for petals has not withered. For more going on in their mind.” than 25 years, Boutemy has run his bou- He has teamed up several times with tique in Brussels, a cob-walled den big-name fashion photographer Mario over meat-free where Italian poppies, Dutch hellebores French florist artist Thierry Boutemy poses for portrait pictures in his atelier and flower Testino, notably for a 2012 Vogue maga- and tulips from the south of France per- shop, during an interview with AFP, in Brussels. — AFP zine cover of Lady Gaga for which he school lunches fume the air. All are imported-”Belgium improvised an arch made of flowers and doesn’t produce anything in winter,” he Amsterdam. “That market is a disaster,” are being squeezed by the sector’s plants. While waiting for normal activity says-but they are all blooming, alive, from he told AFP. “It’s an industry-scale war industrialization. to return, he is currently working on a soil, free from chemicals and of verified machine that works like a poultry battery film idea by an Italian director looking to he French government on Sunday No ‘fashion florist’ accused the Green mayor of Lyon provenance. farm. It’s full-on commercialism,” he said, tell the story of an eccentric who would T That attention to detail and devotion to describing a technique used by some to Despite all that, Boutemy is forced at like to build a palace made entirely of of insulting French butchers and harming the health of children by keeping nature means Boutemy sources most of color flowers by soaking them in dye. times to turn to the Aalsmeer auction mar- vegetation.—AFP meat off the menu for school lunches in his plants from small growers discovered “Instead of buying a bunch of flowers at a ket to complete artistic contracts, such as the city. Mayor Gregory Doucet defend- on the sidelines of the Royal FloraHolland supermarket check-out, it’s better to buy when he was tapped to provide a sump- ed the decision, saying the idea of hav- Auction House-the biggest in the world-in a single flower for three euros,” he tuous peony display in the movie “Marie ing a single menu without meat was to the Dutch city of Aalsmeer, near argued, complaining how horticulturists Antoinette” by Sofia Coppola-in the mid- ensure a smooth service at lunchtimes during the social distancing enforced by the Covid-19 crisis. But the government pounced on the mayor, who was one of a Greek ex-national number of Green politicians to win control of major cities in last year’s local elec- theatre chief tions seen as a drubbing for the party of President Emmanuel Macron. Lyon is also seen by many as the culi- accused of rape nary capital of the country, famed for its hearty meat-based cuisine. “Let’s stop putting ideology on our children’s plates,” he former artistic director of Greece’s Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie Tnational theatre was arrested on Former artistic director of Greece’s national wrote on Twitter. “Let’s just give them Saturday over allegations of rape theatre Dimitris Lignadis (center) is escort- what they need to grow well. Meat is part against minors, amid a belated #MeToo ed handcuffed by police officers to the of it,” he said, adding that he had asked awakening. Dimitris Lignadis, a renowned examining magistrate in Athens. — AFP the region’s prefect, the state-appointed actor and director, faces accusations of top local official, to overrule the move. serial rape and indecent assault, accord- 2010 of a 14-year old boy, according to Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said it ing to an arrest warrant. Lignadis, 56, ANA news agency. The now 25-year-old was an “unacceptable insult” for French resigned on February 6 citing a “toxic cli- plaintiff is the second person that has farmers and butchers. “We can see that mate of rumors, innuendo and leaks”. He accused the director of rape, according the moralizing and elitist policy of the is at the centre of numerous allegations of to public ERT TV. The prosecutor Greens excludes the popular classes. sexual abuse of minors, according to received another deposition late on Many children often only get to eat meat This handout photo shows rescuers racing to save dozens of pilot whales that beached on Greek media. Friday night, according to ANA. at the school canteen.” a stretch of New Zealand coast at Farewell Spit, notorious for mass strandings. — AFP He was detained a day after Culture This witness alleged that he was at the Doucet hit back on Twitter, saying that alive for an attempt to refloat them at Minister Lina Mendoni said she had asked director’s home with friends under 18, the measure has been taken “solely” due high tide, the DOC said. “Marine mam- the supreme court prosecutor to look into where the director was plying them with to the health crisis and adding that his mal medics will assist with refloating the rumors circulating about him and publicly alcohol and drugs and asking them to right-wing predecessor as mayor Gerard whales and caring for them on the described him as “a dangerous person”. have group sex. The Lignadis case has Collomb had taken “exactly the same beach, keeping them cool and wet until “We strongly pressured Lignadis to say if sparked a war of words between the gov- measure” during the first wave of the they can be refloated,” a DOC spokes- he was the one named in the rumors... ernment and opposition parties that have pandemic. He said that the menu-which woman said. there was a steady denial that the rumors called for Mendoni’s resignation accusing includes fish and egg products-was “bal- Farewell Spit is a 26-kilometre hook were about him,”Mendoni said. He her of foot dragging in the case. The anced for all our schoolchildren”. Doucet of sand that protrudes into the sea at deceived us, he deceived me,” she Syriza main opposition party leader, Alexis is not the first of the new breed of Green escuers were racing yesterday to Golden Bay. It has been the scene of at added. Her comments angered Lignadis Tsipras, said on Friday that the mayors to court controversy. Last year save dozens of pilot whales that least 10 pilot whale strandings in the who shot back: “If I am a dangerous man Government attempted a “cover-up” R in my personal life or in my work, I think we adding that Prime Minister Kyriakos the new Green mayor of Bordeaux Pierre beached on a stretch of New past 15 years, the most recent in Hurmic decided to do away with the Zealand coast notorious for mass strand- February 2017, when almost 700 of the should wait for this to be decided by the Mitsotakis was “a friend of Lignadis”. city’s traditional Christmas tree as part of ings, wildlife officials said. The marine mammals beached, resulting in history and by other institutions.” “It’s truly obscene that Mr Tsipras tries his pro-environment agenda, saying he Department of Conservation (DOC) said 250 deaths. Scientists are unclear as to Lignadis’ lawyer, Nikos Georgouleas, said to take advantage of all these shocking was “not going to put dead trees in our the pod of 49 long-finned pilot whales why the beach is so deadly, although on Saturday his client rejected all the revelations, giving them a party-related squares.” And Doucet himself raised eye- was found early yesterday at Farewell one theory is that the spit creates a accusations and that he was arrested after tone,” a statement issued by the Prime brows by saying the most French of Spit, about 90 kilometres (55 miles) north shallow seabed in the bay that inter- presenting himself to authorities. Minister’s office said late on Friday. Mr sporting events-the Tour de France-was of the South Island tourist town of feres with the whales’ sonar navigation Mitsotakis “knew Lignadis only for his the- ‘Cover-up’ “macho and polluting” and not welcome Nelson. By mid-afternoon, nine of the systems.— AFP atrical performances which he attended”, back in the city as long as it was not whales had died and more than 60 peo- A complaint was filed against it added. —AFP “environmentally responsible.”— AFP ple were working to keep the survivors Lignadis on Friday regarding the rape in 14 Sports Tuesday, February 23, 2021 Photo of the Day ‘Asian Bowling’ elects new board KUWAIT: Twenty six Asian countries elected members of the Asian Bowling Federation Board of Directors, including Sheikh Talal Al- Mohammad Al-Sabah of Kuwait yesterday. Prince Abdelhakeem bin Musaed of Saudi Arabia was elect- ed deputy chairman, along Sheikh Talal with two other candidates. Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah The meeting also approved amendments made by the game’s international federation, which will be implemented during the Asian Championship to be held in Hong Kong December 2021. The new board said in its first statement that it seeks to improve the game through continued support. Brown wins Welsh Open LONDON: Jordan Brown sealed one of snooker’s greatest upsets as he beat six-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan in a final-frame decider to clinch the Welsh Open title at Celtic Manor on Sunday. The world number 81, who started the tournament as a 750-1 outsider and was working in a petrol station just three years ago, held his nerve to clinch a 9-8 win and become the lowest ranked winner of a ranking title in over a quarter of a century. A bril- liant break of 74 in the decider completed victory for the Northern Irishman. The 33-year-old won four consecutive matches in final-frame deciders before sweeping aside Stephen Maguire 6-1 in the Giuliano Cameroni climbs in “Squalo bianco”, Switzerland. — Photo taken from www.redbullcontentpool.com semi-finals. “I knew if I got over-awed about Ronnie I wouldn’t win so I focused on my own game,” Brown told the BBC. — AFP

New Zealand beat Australia Decisive battle for India, England by 53 runs in first T20 at world’s biggest stadium Black Caps overcome shaky start to finish on 184 for five AHMEDABAD: India and England head into a crucial third Test starting tomorrow at the CHRISTCHURCH: A Devon Conway batting mas- world’s biggest cricket stadium with more than terclass inspired New Zealand to a 53-run win over a series between two of the biggest rivals at Australia in the opening Twenty20 international in stake, according to their pace spearheads Christchurch yesterday. Conway smashed an Ishant Sharma and Jimmy Anderson. With the unbeaten 99 off 59 balls as the Black Caps over- four-match series tied at 1-1, both sides need a came a shaky start to finish on 184 for five after los- win in Ahmedabad to be able to keep alive their ing the toss and being put in to bat. hopes of reaching the World Test In reply, the tourists were all out for 131 after 17.3 Championship final against New Zealand. overs, with Black Caps spinner Ish Sodhi taking four India just need to win the series to get wickets for 28 to give the hosts an early edge in the through, while England have to win by 3-1. A five-match series. Australia captain Aaron Finch tied series would let Australia through. The ten- refused to blame the loss on his team’s two-week sion is rising in both camps who each regis- COVID-19 quarantine upon arrival in New Zealand. tered a crushing win in the first two matches. “It feels like a long time since we played but we “We have got to win two Tests matches, it is as were treated brilliantly (in quarantine),” he said. simple as it gets for us,” said Anderson who “They just ran harder and we didn’t get it right.” took crucial wickets in England’s 227 run win in Jhye Richardson, fresh from signing a multi-mil- the first game. lion dollar Indian Premier League contract, was the England have “put to bed the disappoint- pick of the Australian bowlers, taking two for 31. But ment” of their 317-run defeat in Chennai last the tourists could not dislodge Conway, whose 59- week, the 38-year-old added. The team are ball knock included 10 fours and three sixes, helping “refreshed” and “we are excited that we have the Black Caps bounce back from 19 for three. still got the opportunity to qualify for the Test Conway said he was “pretty chuffed” with his championship and have still got the opportuni- career-best effort, even though he was stranded just ty to beat India in India, which is something short of a century after failing to take two runs off CHRISTCHURCH: New Zealand’s Jimmy Neesham (right) and Martin Guptill celebrate the dismissal of Australia’s that not many teams do.” the final ball. The South African-born batsman came Matthew Wade during the first Twenty20 cricket match between New Zealand and Australia at Hagley Park Oval in to the crease with New Zealand teetering at 11 for Christchurch yesterday. — AFP Ishant’s Test ton two and was still settling in when captain Kane “I have just one thing on my mind,” respond- Williamson departed for 12. “The key was to try to ed Sharma, India’s 32-year-old veteran who will as skipper Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell also Established Australian stars such as Steve Smith, be in his 100th Test. “That is to win the next Test, stay positive, that’s when I’m at my best,” Conway failed to deal with the swinging ball and the tourists David Warner and Mitchell Starc are being rested said. “I was trying not to think too far ahead and win the series and qualify for the World Test were soon four for 19. as selectors look to unearth new talent. New Championship,” Sharma said. “I have just one just build good partnerships.” Mitch Marsh top-scored with 45 and Ashton Zealand have a more settled line-up, though veteran The frustrated Australians then suffered a horror format to play and this is like a World Cup to me. Agar contributed 23 a string of batting failures gave opening batsman Martin Guptill will be under pres- So if we reach the Test championship final and show early in their innings, as seamers Tim Southee New Zealand a comfortable win. While trans- sure after his poor run of form continued with a and Trent Boult tore through the top order. Luckless win, so it’s like winning an ICC World Cup.” Tasman bragging rights are up for grabs, both duck in the opening over. The Black Caps may turn An intense atmosphere is certain at the debutant Josh Philippe departed for two after send- teams also enter the series with one eye on the T20 to uncapped Finn Allen for the next match in ing a top-edge skyward. But old campaigners such 110,000 capacity Sardar Patel stadium that was World Cup in India later this year. Dunedin on Thursday. — AFP used for a rally by US president Donald Trump last February. Authorities have said more than 50,000 tickets will go on sale for the first cricket game to be played in the revamped Pastrnak shines ground. The pink ball, LED lights instead of usual floodlights and the size of the ground add as Bruins dominate to the test of nerves, according to batsman Rohit Sharma. “Whenever you play in a new Flyers in outdoor game stadium, that’s always a challenge,” said Sharma. “Getting used to the lights and the STATELINE: Czech forward David Pastrnak seats in the stadium, because its new seats so scored three goals as the Boston Bruins continued obviously it will be shiny.” their mastery over the depleted Philadelphia Flyers India’s last pink-ball outing ended in a dis- on Sunday with a 7-3 win in an NHL outdoor game astrous show in Adelaide when Kohli’s team on the shores of Lake Tahoe, Nevada. It was were skittled out for their Test lowest of 36. Pastrnak’s second hat trick of the season against The hosts, who beat Bangladesh in under Philadelphia, who have now lost five straight games three days in their first day-night Test in to the Bruins this season. Kolkata in 2019, are expected to stick largely Pastrnak also scored three goals in a 4-3 over- to their winning side from Chennai. Joe Root’s time win on February 3. He is the second player to England though will be forced to make score three goals in an NHL outdoor game after changes because of their rotation policy. Los Angeles Kings forward Tyler Toffoli, who Moeen Ali headed back home after the second bagged a hat trick a year ago against the Colorado Test loss when he was England’s standout per- Avalanche. “Oh man, it was beautiful,” Pastrnak said. former with eight wickets and a quickfire 43 “We enjoyed every second of it, as you could see.” with the bat. Off-spinner Dom Bess is expect- STATELINE: David Pastrnak #88 of the Boston Bruins scores a first period goal past Carter Hart #79 of the The evening game was played under floodlights ed to get his place back and fast bowler Philadelphia Flyers on an assist from teammate Brad Marchand #63 during the ‘NHL Outdoors At Lake Tahoe’ at after the NHL moved the start time back five hours Anderson should return. “I believe this series the Edgewood Tahoe Resort on Sunday in Stateline, Nevada. — AFP because of poor ice conditions, which also resulted is absolutely on a knife-edge,” former England in an eight-hour delay for a similar outdoor contest spinner Graeme Swann said. “It is a brilliant on Saturday. Trent Frederic scored his first NHL assists, and Tuukka Rask made 16 saves. shots before Brian Elliott replaced him for the third place for England to be, and they’ve got a goal, and Charlie McAvoy, Charlie Coyle and Nick James van Riemsdyk had a goal and two assists, period. The Flyers were without a number of key play- great chance to go ahead once more. I’m full Ritchie also scored for the Bruins, who improved to and Sean Couturier and Joel Farabee scored for the ers who remain on the league’s Covid-19 list, including of optimism going into this game, mainly due 11-3-2 on the season. Brad Marchand, Connor Flyers, who dropped to 8-4-3. Carter Hart had trouble captain Claude Giroux, Jake Voracek, Travis Konecny, to Jimmy coming back. — AFP Clifton, Craig Smith and John Moore each had two seeing the puck Sunday and allowed six goals on 23 Oskar Lindblom and Scott Laughton. — AFP Established 1961 15 Tuesday, February 23, 2021 Sports Atletico show Chelsea virtue of stability under Simeone Teams face off in Champions League on back of contrasting seasons

LONDON: Thomas Tuchel knew from his first Battle-hardened Atletico day in charge at Chelsea the hire-and-fire culture Abramovich can claim that his refusal to accept that managers face when working under Roman any decline in standards has been rewarded. No Abramovich. “What does it change?” Tuchel English club has won as many trophies as Chelsea responded when asked in his first press confer- in the Russian’s 18-year reign. That includes the ence if he was concerned at being handed just an only Champions League ever won by a London 18-month contract. “If they gave me four-and-a club in 2012. half years and they are not happy, they will sack But for a club of Chelsea’s resources, the lack of me anyway.” progress in Europe’s premier club competition sug- Despite seeing the fate of prestigious prede- gests there have been consequences for constant cessors like Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and regime change. Since losing to Atletico in the semi- Antonio Conte, who were all sacked after winning finals of the 2013-14 season, Chelsea have not won a Premier League titles at Stamford Bridge, and a single knockout Champions League tie. club legend in Frank Lampard, who was dismissed The Spanish side may have missed out in agoniz- last month, Tuchel has embraced the challenge he ing fashion twice in Champions League finals to now faces. local rivals Real in extra-time in 2014 and on penal- In stark contrast to the Chelsea model, Atletico ties two years later. But the stability brought about Madrid’s rise over the past decade has been built by Simeone has allowed Los Rojiblancos to estab- around one talismanic leader in Diego Simeone. lish themselves as consistent contenders in the lat- Since Simeone took over a sleeping giant in 2011, ter stages of European competition. On top of two Chelsea have had nine permanent managers. runs to the final, Atletico have reached a semi-final, The two sides meet for the first leg of their two quarter-finals and won the Europa League in Champions League last 16 tie tonight in the two seasons they did not make the Champions Bucharest on the back of contrasting seasons so League knockout stages under Simeone. That is all far. Despite splashing out £220 million ($308 the more impressive given Atletico do not enjoy the SOUTHAMPTON: Chelsea’s German head coach Thomas Tuchel (center) gestures at the final whis- million) on new players in a deflated transfer wealth of their La Liga competitors Madrid and tle during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Chelsea at St market due to the economic impact of coron- Barcelona. Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, southern England on Saturday. —AFP avirus, Chelsea find themselves fifth in the Even Chelsea with the backing of an oligarch in Premier League. Abramovich have struggled to compete for the best Another change of manager deemed necessary talent since the emergence of state-funded projects Diego Costa and Filipe Luis from the 2013/14 La most soldiers, but those that use them best,” by Abramovich just to salvage a top-four finish and backing Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain. Liga title-winning team. Radamel Falcao, Arda Simeone once said in comparing how his side Champions League football next season. Atletico’s Time and again Simeone has seen sides dismantled Turan, Antoine Griezmann, Lucas Hernandez, punch above their weight. Everyone is now aware form has dipped in recent weeks, but they still and had to rebuild given Atletico’s place in Rodrigo and Thomas Partey are among others to be that drawing Atletico in a Champions League enjoy a three-point lead at the top of La Liga with European football’s food chain. sold on at huge profits. knockout tie means a battle. And that is just how a game in hand over Real Madrid to spare. Chelsea were among the predators in taking “In a war, those that win are not those with Simeone likes it. —AFP

“We had to find a way to win it in Solskjaer not the second-half. The first-half wasn’t up to the standard that we wanted,” giving up hope of added Solskjaer. “Maybe because of Newcastle, maybe because of what Bayern struggle catching Man City we did in the week. We asked them to LONDON: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is not go again after a high-intensity game to shore up giving up hope that Manchester United and it took us to half time to get our can challenge Manchester City for the legs and energy.” Premier League title, despite the scin- A run of two wins in 14 games has porous defense tillating form of the league leaders. City left Newcastle just three points clear have soared 10 points clear of their of the drop zone, but Steve Bruce BERLIN: Bayern Munich are showing chinks in their local rivals thanks to an 18-game win- remains confident his side will survive. armor ahead of tonight’s Champions League last-16 first ning streak in all competitions. “Fulham have had a good week and leg at Lazio after dropping points and leaking goals in the Bundesliga. The reigning European champions United’s own inconsistent form has won a couple of games, which at the bottom end of the table is big, but crashed to a 2-1 league defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt on helped open up the gap, but the Red Saturday, having already been held to a 3-3 home draw Devils beat Newcastle 3-1 on Sunday there are a few of us: Brighton, Burnley and maybe Crystal Palace by strugglers Arminia Bielefeld last week. to win for just the second time in six Bayern’s commanding lead in the Bundesliga has league games. “We’ve got to be there looking over their shoulders,” said Bruce. “My message to the supporters MANCHESTER: Manchester United’s Welsh midfielder Daniel James (cen- been slashed from seven points in early February to just just in case,” said Solskjaer. “Every ter) celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the English Premier two after second-placed Leipzig’s 3-0 win at Hertha time we get three points we’ve done is that I’m convinced we’ll be ok.” Poor goalkeeping cost Bruce’s League football match between Manchester United and Newcastle at Old Berlin on Sunday. Their defense remains a cause for our job and that’s what we’ve got to concern having conceded 31 goals after 22 league men the opening goal on the half Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on Sunday. —AFP do and see what other teams do.” games — their worst record at the back for 29 years. Bruno Fernandes and Marcus hour mark as Rashford wriggled free The Bavarians have looked fatigued since winning Rashford were again on target on a inside the area, but his shot should career last season, Dan James has and the on-loan Arsenal midfielder the Club World Cup in Qatar 11 days ago. Over the night United needed their star men to have been kept out by Karl Darlow. struggled for game time, but the conceded a penalty. Darlow had weekend, chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge took a paper over the cracks of another United’s sloppy defending from set- Welshman has now scored in his last saved the only spot-kick Fernandes swipe at the team’s poor form. “We’re too inconsistent,” unconvincing performance. Solskjaer pieces was punished six minutes lat- three appearances as he blasted past has missed as a United player when Rummenigge told broadcaster ZDF. “We sometimes made five changes to the side that er, though, when Saint-Maximin Darlow from close range just before the sides met earlier in the season. But only put in the effort over the last few meters,” he added impressively thrashed Real Sociedad swept the ball into the top corner the hour mark. he was wrong-footed this time as the after Bayern had found themselves 2-0 down against 4-0 in the Europa League on Thursday after Harry Maguire only half- More good footwork from Portuguese playmaker coolly convert- both Frankfurt and Bielefeld. “That (dropping five and was lucky not to be punished for a cleared a cross into the box. Rashford then drew Joe Willock into ed to give United the two-goal cush- points) is unusual for FC Bayern and not what we had in disjointed start from the hosts. After a blistering start to his United an ill-advised challenge inside the box ion they craved. —AFP mind.” The strength in depth of Bayern’s bumper squad has been severely tested since their Qatar sojourn. Defender Benjamin Pavard and Thomas Mueller have been side- lined after testing positive for COVID-19. Midfielder Monaco get better Corentin Tolisso is expected to be out for months after surgery on an injured thigh, while winger Serge Gnabry of old boy Mbappe is struggling to recover in time to face Lazio after also suffering a thigh problem. Mueller’s understudy Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to dent PSG hopes has struggled to provide Lewandowski with the sort of service Bayern’s top-scorer is used to. “We have had a PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain suffered a Champions few turbulent days, you must not forget that,” said League hangover as a 2-0 home defeat against Kylian coach Hansi Flick. Bayern are struggling to cope with Mbappe’s old side Monaco on Sunday damaged their their condensed fixture list, having played 12 matches Ligue 1 title hopes after Lille earlier reclaimed top spot. already in 2021. “The whole season is exhausting,” Sofiane Diop and Guillermo Maripan scored to give Rummenigge admitted. “The team plays every third day Monaco the points as they stretched their unbeaten run and, of course, the players are stressed.” to 11 games and moved to within two points of their A shock German Cup defeat in a penalty shoot-out opponents, who sit in third place. at second-tier Holstein Kiel in January means Bayern While Monaco remain in contention for a return to cannot repeat last season’s treble. To defend their the Champions League, PSG find themselves a point Bundesliga and Champions League titles, Bayern need behind Lyon in second and four points adrift of Lille, to get their season back on track, starting with Lazio. who retook top spot earlier on Sunday with a 4-1 win “We have to play a bit more concentrated, a bit more at Lorient. It was a disappointing night for PSG as they committed,” said Rummenigge. failed to pick up where they left off in midweek, when Leroy Sane has so far failed to tighten the defensive they destroyed Barcelona in the first leg of their side of his game to complement his undeniable flair in Champions League last-16 tie, Mbappe scoring a hat- attack, which Bayern bosses have noticed, since joining trick in a 4-1 win. from Manchester City. Rummenigge singled out Sane and “We were not at the level we need to be at to win, center-back Niklas Suele for criticism for recent defen- and as coach I take responsibility for that,” said coach sive lapses, saying: “These are mistakes that must not Mauricio Pochettino, who left Marco Verratti on the happen.” Flick has suffered just six defeats since taking bench at kick-off in the only change from the Barcelona PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain’s French forward Kylian Mbappe (center) controls the ball during the French charge in November 2019, to match the amount of titles game. “We spoke about the importance of maintaining L1 football match between Paris-Saint Germain (PSG) and AS Monaco FC at The Parc des Princes Stadium he has won. There was some good news in Saturday’s our concentration levels, but we can’t exactly replicate in Paris on Sunday. —AFP defeat as Leon Goretzka came on for his first appearance our performance from one evening to the next.” since testing negative for COVID-19 in January. —AFP

Genuine chance already his fifth goal in 2021. Earlier, Jonathan Ikone’s fine free-kick helped Lille ease There is now a genuine chance that PSG will miss Mbappe had scored seven times in seven previous to victory at Lorient. Lyon had gone to the summit on goal out on the Ligue 1 title for the first time since Mbappe’s games against his old club since joining PSG in 2017, difference with a 3-2 victory at Brest on Friday, but Lille Monaco pipped them in 2017. Almost exactly five years but he could not add to that tally as Monaco became responded to make it a club record seven straight away Matches on TV to the day after he scored his first Ligue 1 goal as a 17- the first team to beat PSG twice in the same Ligue 1 wins in the top flight, with Jose Fonte and Domagoj year-old for the principality side, Mbappe was kept season since Nancy in 2011/12. They are the third team Bradaric also scoring after Andreaw Gravillon’s own goal (Local Timings) quiet by the Monaco defense, while Neymar watched to beat PSG at the Parc des Princes in Ligue 1 this sea- had put them ahead in Brittany. from the stands as he continues to recover from injury. son, after Marseille and Lyon. Gravillon deflected Jonathan David’s shot into his own ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE Monaco had already beaten the Parisians at home in “We said we must delete Kylian Mbappe because he net midway through the first half, only for Jerome Hergault Leeds United v Southampton 21:00 November and they went in front here in the sixth is a great striker, keep the ball away from his side, and I to equalize. Veteran center-back Fonte restored Lille’s beIN Sports minute when Ruben Aguilar knocked down Kevin think we showed another side to our team because we advantage in the 38th minute and French international Volland’s cross for Diop to head in. The home side didn’t concede a lot of chances,” said Monaco coach Ikone curled in a free-kick just before the hour mark. UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE failed to muster a shot on target in the first half and Niko Kovac, as he played down his club’s chances of Lorient had gone unbeaten through their previous five out- SS Lazio v FC Bayern Munich 23:00 ings, notably beating PSG and holding Monaco, to boost continued to lack inspiration after the break, as finishing in the top three and returning to the beIN Sports HD 2 their survival hopes. However, Bradaric wrapped up a big Monaco doubled their lead in the 51st minute. Chilean Champions League. “At the moment it is too early Atletico de Madrid v Chelsea 23:00 defender Maripan dispossessed Ander Herrera inside because we are not yet on the same level as Lille, Lyon win for Lille in stoppage time, plunging Lorient back into beIN Sports HD 1 the box and coolly slotted into the corner for what was and PSG,” he said. the bottom three on goal difference behind Nantes. —AFP Established 1961 Sport

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2021 Nets end road trip with win over Clippers

Ingram powers Pelicans • T’Wolves fire head coach

LOS ANGELES: James Harden fin- Largest comeback ished with 37 points and 11 rebounds as Elsewhere, Brandon Ingram scored the Brooklyn Nets improved to 7-0 33 points as the New Orleans Pelicans against Pacific Division teams this sea- engineered their largest comeback in son with a 112-108 victory over the Los team history Sunday by overcoming a Angeles Clippers on Sunday. The Nets 24-point deficit to beat the Boston went a perfect 5-0 on their western Celtics 120-115 in overtime. Ingram hit swing road trip and extended their win the go-ahead three pointer with 34 sec- streak to a season-high six games. onds remaining in the overtime. Harden recorded the 77th career Zion Williamson had 28 points and 10 double-double and added seven assists rebounds, and Josh Hart had 17 points at Staples Center arena in southern and 10 rebounds in the win. Jayson Tatum scored 32, Jaylen Brown had 25, California. “We just kept our compo- and Tristan Thompson and Kemba sure,” he said. “Down the stretch we Walker added 14 each to lead the wanted to get a good shot every single Celtics. After an exchange of baskets to time and we came out with the win. start the overtime scoring, Williamson “We are a very confident team that made one of two free throws. continues to grow.” Brown made a layup to give Boston a Kyrie Irving scored 28 points with 112-111 lead with 72 seconds left. eight assists while Joe Harris, DeAndre Ingram tied it with a free throw and Jordan and Bruce Brown scored 13 each added a three-pointer to give the for the Nets. Brooklyn’s Kevin Durant Pelicans a 115-112 lead in the overtime. missed his fourth straight game with an Walker missed a three-pointer, and Hart injured hamstring. The Nets also lost hit two free throws for a five-point lead forward Jeff Green with an apparent with 18 seconds left as New Orleans LOS ANGELES: James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots the ball during the game against the LA Clippers on Sunday at STAPLES shoulder injury after a collision with closed it out. Center in Los Angeles, California. — AFP Clippers guard Patrick Beverley with Lonzo Ball made one of two free just under three minutes left. throws at the end of the fourth quarter Pascal Siakam scored 23 points and had Timberwolves president Gersson Rosas Minnesota has been hit hard by Kawhi Leonard tallied 29 points and to give the Pelicans a one-point lead seven rebounds and eight assists for said in a statement. “These are difficult injuries and COVID-19 issues this sea- 13 rebounds, while Ivica Zubac finished with 32 seconds left in regulation. the Raptors. decisions to make, however this change son, with starting guard D’Angelo with 13 points and eight rebounds in the Williamson then executed a three-point is in the best interest of the organiza- Russell out for up to six weeks after loss. Paul George had 34 points and play to give the Pelicans a 108-106 lead Wolves sack coach tion’s short and long-term goals.” undergoing surgery on his left knee. seven rebounds but sat out the game’s with six seconds left. Tatum scored on a The Minnesota Timberwolves fired Saunders was 43-95 as coach of the Karl-Anthony Towns contracted the crucial moments down the stretch short shot with 0.2 left to send the game head coach Ryan Saunders on Sunday Timberwolves in two-plus seasons. They coronavirus and suffered a wrist injury, because Los Angeles wanted to limit his into the extra session. after a disappointing 7-24 start to the have won just seven of 31 games and resulting in him playing just 11 games so minutes in the game. “We had to bring Also, Fred VanVleet scored 23 points NBA season. “We would like to thank lost eight of their past nine for the worst far this season. Toronto Raptors assis- him back to get the game close,” said and had nine assists as the Toronto Ryan for his time and commitment to record in the NBA. Saunders’ sacking tant coach Chris Finch is believed to be Clippers coach Tyronn Lue. “The Raptors defeated the visiting the Timberwolves organization and wish comes after Minnesota lost 103-99 to the frontrunner for the job to replace biggest thing is he is healthy.” Philadelphia 76ers 110-103 in Florida. him the best in the future,” the New York Knicks on Sunday. Saunders. — AFP