ICC-Qatar Fit-again backs call for Mbappe looking action from to give PSG G20 to much-needed support SMEs boost Business | 12 Sport | 15

FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2020 5 RABIA II- 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8447 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS Up to 5 numbers

under 1 plan Terms & Conditions Apply 'Mental health an integral part of prosperous life' FAZEENA SALEEM discussion which focused on right vocabulary to express THE PENINSULA whether health and education The first step becomes themselves is something that I are being properly integrated. identifying how schools feel is often overlooked, so we Vice-Chairperson and CEO of “Mental health is a critical themselves are should ask how we can give Qatar Foundation, H E Sheikha subject that is missing in our children the right language to Hind bint Hamad Al Thani has education systems, but I don’t contributing to the mental express their feelings,” she said. said education systems need to believe adding it to school health crisis — what is the “The most important thing create less anxious future for assignments or looking at it as effect on children of regular exams, of is to know how we empower children and empower them a metric to improve school per- bullying, of competitive sport? We should children, and empowering a with right tools to express formance will solve the issue,” child comes from giving them themselves. Sheikha Hind told the dis- take an honest look at how we, as the adequate tools that can cater Sheikha Hind was in dis- cussion. “We need to take a step institutions, can help to relieve that stress, to their unique needs and allow cussion at a session on ‘The Role back and look at health as an because if we are going to tackle student them to grow in a safe, healthy, of Schools in Child and Ado- integral component of living a wellbeing, we need to be serious about and nurturing environment,” lescent Health’ during the World fulfilled life. Sheikha Hind added. The Innovation Summit for Health “The first step becomes creating a less anxious future. Countess of Wessex, who is (WISH) 2020, which concluded identifying how schools them- H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani Patron of Vision 2020: The Right yesterday. selves are contributing to the To Sight and Global Ambassador The Countess of Wessex; mental health crisis — what is for the International Agency for WHO Regional Director for the effect on children of regular stress, because if we are going Sheikha Hind also high- physiological requisites that the Prevention of Blindness, said Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti; and exams, of bullying, of compet- to tackle student wellbeing, we lighted the importance of inte- make mental wellbeing even she has seen first-hand “the Professor in Adolescent Health, itive sport? We should take an need to be serious about cre- grating health and education in possible, because half of the effect that early intervention can University College London, Prof. honest look at how we, as insti- ating a less anxious future,” she teaching students about well- solution lies in asking the right have on preventing young eyes Russell Viner joined the tutions, can help to relieve that said. being. “What are the questions. Teaching children the losing sight”. `P3 MME launches Festival of Qatari Farm Products Qatar, Poland envoys to lead

SANAULLAH ATAULLAH local farms at competitive prices. negotiations on UNSC reform THE PENINSULA Director of the Food Security 33% Department, Masoud Jarallah Al Marri, said Qatar has 33% self-sufficiency in QNA — NEW YORK Qatari ambassador's The Agricultural Affairs Department of the over 150 farms are participating in the fes- agri products, and MME aims to appointment to this task Ministry of Municipality and Environment tival with varieties of farm fresh vegetables raise it to 70% by 2023. President of the 75th (MME) launched yesterday ‘The Festival of and fruits. Session of the United comes in recognition of Qatari Farm Products’ under the slogan He said that the annual festival which Nations General the State of Qatar's role ‘Vegetables from Qatari farms are our first marks the beginning of the agricultural Assembly, Volkan 92,000 at the UN, and its belief choice’ at the LuLu Hypermarket in Al season aims to support local farms by pro- Local farms are currently Bozkir, has appointed in the principle of Gharafa. viding marketing platforms for their producing 92,000 tonnes of Permanent Represent- The initiative is in line with ‘Qatar produce in major commercial outlets as ative of the State of multilateralism. Farms’ and ‘Premium Qatari Vegetables’ part of the policy of the Ministry of Munic- vegetables and fruits per annum. Qatar to the United programmes for 2020 agricultural season. ipality and Environment to help local farms Nations, H E Ambas- The festival offers various types of increase production. sador Sheikha Alya premium quality vegetables and fruits from “The local farms have helped increase self-sufficiency rate of Qatar in agricultural Ahmed Saif Al Thani production to 33 percent, doubling the pro- and Permanent Repre- duction compared to three years ago,” said sentative of Poland, H Al Marri. E Ambassador Joanna He said that the Ministry launched a Wronecka, to lead and number of major projects in cooperation facilitate negotiations with the private sector, targeting to increase on Security Council the self-sufficiency rate in agricultural pro- reform, in accordance duction to 70 percent by 2023. with General Assembly “The Ministry is providing various resolutions calling for platform to market local agricultural reform of the Council in produce which has reached 92,000 tonnes terms of equitable a year,” said Al Marri. representation and increasing the number of its members and He pointed out that the launch of this other issues related to Security Council reform. annual festival at the start of the season in Bozkir said, in a letter to all UN member states, that the General cooperation with LuLu Hypermarket aims Assembly decided to continue the intergovernmental negotia- at exhibiting Qatari products prominently tions on Security Council reform at an informal session of the to help the local produce to compete with General Assembly during its 75th session. imported products. He added that this early appointment should provide an oppor- The inauguration ceremony was tunity for member states to start consultations on issues related attended by Head of the Farms Affairs to Security Council reform at an appropriate time. Department, Ahmed Shaheen Al Kuwari; Appointing Ambassador Sheikha Alya Ahmed Saif Al Thani to Director of the Food Security Department, Masoud Jarallah Al Marri; Head of the Farms Head of the Guidance and Agricultural this task comes in recognition of the role of the State of Qatar in Affairs Department, Ahmed Shaheen Al Kuwari; Head of the Guidance and Agricultural Services Section at the Agricultural Affairs the United Nations, its belief in the principle of multilateralism Services Section at the Agricultural Affairs Department of MME, Ahmed Salem Al Yafei; Department of MME, Ahmed Salem Al Yafei; and its keenness to develop the mechanisms of work of the inter- and Director of Lulu Group International, Dr. Mohamed Althaf inaugurating the festival at and Director of LuLu Group International, national organisation to achieve its goals, including reforming Lulu Hypermarket in Al Gharrafa yesterday. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/ THE PENINSULA Dr. Mohamed Althaf. `P3 the work of the Security Council.

Qatar Airways to launch 3 weekly beIN SPORTS to mark 2 years to go until Qatar 2022 THE PENINSULA — DOHA include never seen before SPORTS HD1 channel will be from the Supreme Committee technological advancements of flights to Abuja footage of the best FIFA World made from a host of experts, for Delivery and Legacy (SC) the tournament. THE PENINSULA — DOHA beIN MEDIA GROUP, the global Cup matches on the Free to Air legends, and analysts, including will also attend and discuss beIN SPORTS will also host sports and entertainment (FTA) channel. Arsene Wenger, Ruud Gullit, exclusive details of Qatar’s a special episode of the Qatar Airways announced broadcaster, and its flagship These contents would be Marcel Desailly, and Nasser Al readiness to host the tour- “Evening Show” starting from yesterday that it would operate sports channel beIN SPORTS accessible to all viewers across Khater, CEO of the 2022 FIFA nament, fan experience, com- 1:15 Makkah Time with beIN three weekly flights to Abuja, will broadcast the 2 years to go the Middle East and North World Cup Qatar. Other experts munity engagement, and presenter Hichem Al Khalsi and Nigeria, via Lagos from until the FIFA World Cup Qatar Africa (MENA) with back to back regular guests Abdulkareem Al November 27, becoming the 2022 with dedicated content, including historical Sha-mali and Fathi Almouldi. sixth new destination programmes and a host of matches, documentaries, and beIN SPORTS’ The programme will feature announced by the national exclusive interviews throughout stories behind Qatar’s suc- coverage for the 2 dedicated Qatar 2022 branding carrier of the State of Qatar the day tomorrow. cessful bid. Exclusive coverage years to go until the in beIN SPORTS’ state of the art since the start of the pandemic. The 2 years to go spectacle begins tomorrow, November 21. FIFA World Cup Qatar studio with news and stories on The Abuja service will be is a reminder to all sports It will continue until the early the upcoming FIFA World Cup operated by the airline’s state- enthusiasts and everyone else hours of Sunday morning when 2022 will include Qatar 2022. of-the-art Boeing 787 Dream- around the globe that in pre- the CEO of the FIFA World Cup never seen before Commenting on the pro- liner featuring 22 seats in cisely 2 years’ time (November Qatar 2022, Nasser Al Khater, footage of the best gramme, Acting Director of Business Class and 232 seats 21, 2022), Qatar will welcome will be a special guest in the FIFA World Cup Programs at beIN MENA, in Economy Class. the world as the host of the FIFA “Evening Show” studio on beIN Duncan Walkinshaw, said: “As Qatar Airways Group Chief World Cup Qatar 2022. SPORTS HD1. matches on the Free the official broadcaster of the Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, As the official broadcaster beIN SPORTS’ English and to Air (FTA) channel. FIFA World Cup, beIN SPORTS’ said: “We are delighted to be of the FIFA World Cup in the Arabic channels HD1 and HD11 main focus is providing mil- launching flights to the capital MENA region, beIN SPORTS is will also cover dedicated pro- lions of viewers with an excep- of Nigeria. With the strong proud to witness such an grammes, and exclusive inter- tional World Cup experience. Nigerian diaspora in Europe, extraordinary period that will views around the clock and With a strong and proud foot- US and the UK, we are thrilled indeed remain in people’s between games — as the beIN print in the Middle East, we are to now be flying to Abuja in memories forever. SPORTS News channel will start tremendously excited and can’t addition to our existing Lagos beIN SPORTS’ coverage for main coverage from 13:00 wait for the FIFA World Cup flights which started back in the 2 years to go until the FIFA Makkah Time. Qatar 2022 to kick off right 2007. `P3 World Cup Qatar 2022 will Contributions on the beIN here in Qatar." `P3 02 HOME FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2020

Shura Council participates in GCC Coordination meeting OFFICIAL NEWS QNA — DOHA Amir sends The Shura Council participated yesterday condolences to in the 13th meeting of the Parliamentary President of Somalia PRAYER Coordination and Foreign Relations TIMINGS Committee of the Shura, Representatives, Doha: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMINNGG National and Ummah Councils in the coun- Hamad Al Thani sent yesterday tries of the Cooperation Council for the a cable of condolences to Pres- FAJR 04.33 am Arab States of the Gulf, through visual ident of the Federal Republic of communication technology. Somalia, H E Mohamed Abdullahi SUNRISE 05.53 am The meeting discussed preparations Farmaajo on the death of former DHUHR 11.19 am for the upcoming meeting of the heads of prime minister Omar Arte Ghalib. ASR 02.23 pm Gulf legislative councils, slated for Monday Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah via video conference. bin Hamad Al Thani sent a similar MAGHRIB 04.46 pm The Shura Council was represented in cable of condolences to President of ISHA 06.16 pm the meeting by Shura Council Members, the Federal Republic of Somalia, H H E Hadi bin Saeed Al Khayareen and H E E Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo on Mohamed bin Ali Al Maadeed and Shura the death of former Prime Minister Council Secretary-General H E Fahad bin Omar Arte Ghalib. -QNA Mubarak Al Khayareen. WISH awards grand prizes to selected innovators WEATHER TODAY THE PENINSULA — DOHA WISH CEO Sultana Afdhal virtually The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) announced presented the awards the grand prize winners of its for the WISH Innovation two latest Innovation Award competitions during the closing Spark Competition 22oC 29oC ceremony of WISH 2020. to SOSO Care and Minimum Maximum WISH CEO Sultana Afdhal, virtually presented the awards the WISH Innovation Hazy at first becomes moderate for the WISH Innovation Spark Booster Competition to temperature with some clouds Competition to SOSO Care and at times. the WISH Innovation Booster Ellen Medical Devices W ALRUWAIS : 22o → 28o Competition to Ellen Medical for its affordable W ALKHOR : 21o → 28o Devices for its affordable dialysis machine. dialysis machine. Professor John Knight (left), Managing Director, Ellen Medical Devices, and Nonso Opurum, Co-founder W DUKHAN : 22o → 28o “This year represents the of SOSO Care, recipients of Innovation Awards at WISH 2020. WAKRAH 18o → 29o W : first time we have hosted inno- W MESAIEED : 18o → 29o vation awards at WISH. The Devices’ affordable dialysis millions of lives; in this case, by innovations looking to scale up also reducing cost. WISH has W ABUSAMRA : 23o → 29o awards recognise and support machine is the world’s first low- providing affordable dialysis and grow. partnered with several renowned achievement in healthcare cost dialysis system. The Spark treatment to kidney patients all The competitions received local and international inno- HIGH TIDE 08:22 – 19:14 innovation, but – more impor- Award and Booster Award around the world. This award close to 500 applications from vation hubs to provide the tantly – they shine a light on winners also received $5,000 takes us one step closer to real- 43 countries, setting a record winners the opportunity to LOW TIDE 01:55 – 16:26 underlying issues in the inno- and $10,000 respectively as ising that dream.” number for WISH, with 30 receive expert mentorship and vation cycle, ensuring part of the prize. The WISH Innovation Spark finalists being selected for training workshops, in addition Qatar attends meeting of healthcare startups have access On receiving the award, Competition and WISH Inno- exceptionally high caliber inno- to the one-on-one interactions GCC Islamic Affairs and to funding and the mentorship Nonso Opurum, co-founder of vation Booster Competition vations. These innovators were with potential investors during they need to succeed,” Afdhal SOSO Care, thanked the WISH were launched in early 2020, given a platform at the WISH the WISH 2020. Endowment Ministers said. community for confidence in inviting local, regional, and 2020 virtual Innovation Hub to All selected innovators will QNA — DOHA SOSO Care is a micro mobile their work. “I am grateful for international entrepreneurs showcase their work to global receive WISH media support for health insurance startup from your commitment to universal with innovative healthcare health experts and policy- up to 12 months, and invitations The State of Qatar participated Nigeria using an innovative health,” he said. products or ideas to participate. makers during the summit. to other summits and events as in the sixth meeting of the approach to bring health Managing Director, Ellen The Spark competition aims to Through its Innovation additional benefits. As WISH Ministers of Islamic Affairs and insurance to millions of Nige- Medical Devices, Professor John help early-stage startups to Award Program, WISH aims to innovation program alumni Endowments in the Gulf Coop- rians by enabling insurance Knight, said: “Here at The develop and validate a scalable promote a wide range of ambassadors, they will also eration Council (GCC) coun- payment in exchange for recy- George Institute for Global project, while Booster targets healthcare innovations that can receive mentorship and cham- tries, held via video yesterday. cling waste. Ellen Medical Health, our mission is to save entrepreneurs with exciting improve healthcare quality while pionship for up to a year. FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2020 HOME 03 GA partners with IFRC to deliver football for development programme worldwide THE PENINSULA — DOHA IFRC, the world’s largest disruptions to their education, The partnership will focus humanitarian network, and the this kind of initiative could not Generation Amazing (GA) has unique opportunity it presents be more important.” signed a partnership agreement on empowering and to build robust evidence in The collaboration between with the International Federation educating vulnerable support of the transformative Generation Amazing and the of Red Cross and Red Crescent youth subjected to power of football to improve IFRC will begin with a pilot Societies (IFRC) to deliver football exclusion or violence. This the lives of vulnerable and project involving the Gener- for development programmes to includes working with at-risk youth in challenging ation Amazing football for vulnerable youth in several coun- contexts,” said Al Thawadi. development methodology and tries across the Middle East, Asia, refugees and displaced “Generation Amazing has the IFRC’s Youth as Agents of Africa, and South America. persons in Iraq, Myanmar, built a meaningful history of Behavioural Change initiative. The announcement follows Uganda, and Argentina to impactful programming over Generation Amazing will an official signing ceremony in inspire and provide them the past ten years. We believe run its football for development Doha in March attended by with key life skills this partnership will further programme with participants Supreme Committee (SC) Sec- enhance our global pro- to teach essential life skills, such Qatar participates in GCC retary-General Hassan Al through football to lead grammes and play a key part in as communication and lead- Thawadi and IFRC Secretary- healthy and active showing the role that sport ership. The project will include ministerial committee meeting General Jagan Chapagain. Also in lifestyles and work within plays in advancing the United the establishment of football The State of Qatar participated in the 21st meeting of the ministerial attendance were representatives their communities to Nations Sustainable Devel- pitches and classrooms, with committee of the following up the implementation of resolutions on GCC joint work. The meeting took place yesterday via video conference. The from Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign promote social inclusion. opment Goals and Qatar the attendees judged on the Affairs and Qatar Red Crescent. National Vision 2030.” skills learnt on the football pitch State of Qatar’s delegation to the meeting was chaired by Secretary- The partnership will focus Chapagain commented, and in the classroom. General of the Cabinet, H E Hamad bin Ahmed Al Mohannadi. on empowering and educating provide them with key life skills “We are proud to be part of this The partnership will kick off vulnerable youth subjected to through football to lead healthy programme and excited to see in December 2020 and aims exclusion or violence. This and active lifestyles and work work starting on the ground. In over the coming years to benefit ‘Mental health an integral part of includes working with refugees within their communities to this COVID year, when young thousands of young people to and displaced persons in Iraq, promote social inclusion. people have been facing transform their situations and prosperous life’ Myanmar, Uganda, and “We very much look increased pressure on their create an external ripple of FROM PAGE 1 Argentina to inspire and forward to this partnership with mental health and major change in their communities. “In the past two decades, enormous progress has been made in ensuring children have the opportunity to learn about the impor- tance of eyecare, and in detecting problems at an early stage so Three arrested for violating home quarantine rules that they can be successfully treated and managed,” she said. WISH is dedicated to capturing and disseminating the best QNA — DOHA who violated the home quar- per the procedures of the health identified as Ghanim Mohammed evidence-based ideas and practices in healthcare, with the goal antine requirements; they authorities in the country. The Rashid Al Ali Al Maadeed, Raed of creating a healthier world through global collaboration. The competent authorities committed to following, which arrested persons referred to the Adnan Muhammad Awad, and The WISH report on ‘Building Healthy Societies: A Framework arrested three persons yesterday they are legally accountable for, competent prosecution have been Abdul Raqeeb Rakheef Kel. For Integrating Health And Health Promotion Into Education’ was also highlighted during the discussion. A co-chair of the report, Professor Russell Viner, said, “COVID-19 has taught us just how closely MME launches Festival of linked health and education really are. It is important for school envi- Qatar’s embassy delivers ronments to be resilient in many ways including preventing out- Qatari Farm Products breaks.” “Schools must be engines of health as well as wealth – they already are, to some extent, but we need to tinker with how they operate FROM PAGE 1 medical assistance to Liberia to promote health in a more basic sense. We must look to build an edu- In the same context, Head of the Department QNA — MONROVIA Manager Abraham He lauded the Qatari- cation system with health threaded through it, so we produce young of Farms, Ahmed Shaheen Al Kuwari said that Nyenswah; and Charge Liberian strong relations. people who are healthier and have greater wellbeing,” he added. produce offered at the festival are of premium The Qatari Embassy to the d’Affaires at Qatar’s For his part, Charge quality local vegetables and fruits. Republic of Liberia has Embassy in Liberia Fahad d’Affaires at Qatar’s beIN SPORTS to mark two years to He said the local farms are offering high delivered medical Rashid Al Muraikhi Embassy in Liberia Fahad quality agricultural produce at competitive assistance provided by attended the delivery of Rashid Al Muraikhi stressed go until Qatar 2022 prices. Al Kuwari emphasised that the Ministry Qatar Charity to Liberia the assistance. that the assistance came to has provided marketing platforms at a number to help countering the Liberian Assistant bolster bilateral ties, FROM PAGE 1 of major outlets to support local farms to get spread of COVID-19. Foreign Minister for Inter- moving the standpoint of He added: “As we move closer to the biggest sporting event in this suitable prices for their produce. Muhammad Liberia’s Assistant national Cooperation and the State of Qatar’s con- region’s history, we are delighted to share this historic moment with Rashid Al Hashimi from LuLu Hypermarket said Foreign Minister for Inter- Economic Integration tinued efforts to help our millions of viewers across MENA. Our coverage of the 2 years to that the local farms are offering high quality national Cooperation and made a speech extending address this global pan- go until the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will showcase exciting behind produce at competitive prices. He said Qatari Economic Integration the State of Qatar for the demic through joint work the scenes content on the upcoming FIFA World Cup on our News products are giving tough competition to Shedrick Jackson; Libe- Assistance and generous and cooperation with channel, Free to Air channel, HD1, and HD11 channels — providing imported products at retail outlets across the ria’s Assistant Foreign support, which came in friendly countries. our viewers and subscribers with exhilarating back to back content.” country. Al Hashimi said LuLu in cooperation Minister for Afro-Asian time to held the with 120 local farms is offering over 25 vari- Affairs Naomi Gray; Public Liberian government eties of locally-produced fruits and vegetables Health Emergency Oper- advance its efforts to at all of its outlets in Qatar. ation Center (PHEOC) counter the pandemic. Qatar Airways to launch 3 weekly flights to Abuja

FROM PAGE 1 tural cabin crew including more than 30 African H E Akbar Al Baker added: “We look forward to nationalities. Additionally, passengers across working closely with our partners in Nigeria to our network can also enjoy a variety of African steadily grow this route and support the recovery movies, TV shows and music on Oryx One, of tourism and trade in the region.” Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment system. With flights to more than 85 destinations in Qatar Airways travellers from Africa can now Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and North enjoy new baggage allowances ranging from 46 Kg America, passengers wanting to travel to or for Economy Class split over two pieces and 64 Kg from Nigeria can now enjoy seamless connec- split over two pieces in Business Class. This initiative tivity via the Best Airport in the Middle East, is designed to offer passengers more flexibility and Hamad International Airport. By mid- comfort when travelling on board Qatar Airways. December, Qatar Airways will operate over 65 weekly flights to 20 destinations in Africa, including Accra, Addis Ababa, Cape Town, Casablanca, Dar es Salaam, Dji- bouti, Durban, Entebbe, Johan- nesburg, Kigali, Kili- manjaro, Lagos, Luanda, Maputo, Mogadishu, Nairobi, Seychelles, Tunis, and Zanzibar. In line with the air- line’s expanding operations across Africa, pas- sengers can look forward to warm African hos- pitality onboard with the carrier’s multicul- 04 HOME FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2020 Artists give hope amid pandemic at 'Outbreak' exhibition RAYNALD C RIVERA An architect, animator and people amid the pandemic. THE PENINSULA designer, the Qatari artist is showcasing “Like poets, philosophers, scientists, a series of three related artworks which researchers; artists have the responsibility 'Outbreak', an art exhibition unveiled focus on consumerism in COVID-19 of delivering a message. As an artist I feel yesterday as part of the 8th Ajyal Film namely “Consumer Consumed (+)”, I have the responsibility to express my per- Festival, reaffirms the important role “Transmission”, and “Consumer Con- spective of giving hope and a sense of artists play during the pandemic in sumed (-)”. What stands out in the acceptance of the situation. Not every spreading awareness and giving people series is the duality of meaning of person has the ability to express that and hope at a very challenging time. ‘transmission’, which he says refers to as an artist I feel honoured and obligated. The artworks on show are as diverse transmission of the virus and infor- I feel that all artists have the responsibility as the styles employed by the 24 partic- mation from one person to another. of delivering this message,” she said. Qatari artists Mohammed Faraj Al ipating artists, but they all centre on one “We find ourselves in a situation Using the concept of ‘art of Suwaidi (left), and Maryam Faraj Al major theme which is the pandemic— filled with so much misinformation, a destruction’, Maryam creates a pow- Suwaidi with their works at “Outbreak” the most relevant and unprecedented very difficult situation. At first we didn’t erful thought-provoking installation exhibition which opened yesterday. issue confronting humanity today. know how to deal with the situation, which conveys how people can PICS: RAYNALD C RIVERA/THE PENINSULA “Artists have many roles during the how it was supposed to be handled,” embrace destruction and decay as part pandemic. Some choose to spread he explained. Information awareness of life as nature takes its course. Dif- Codes (The New Reality)”, Ali Al Man- Fahed, Abdulaziz Yousef, Adriane De awareness while some choose to explore results to the person being conscious ferent objects she has deliberately nai’s “Stop Rumors” and and Reem Al Souza, Paul Valentine, Sharefa Al- the idea of COVID-19, trying to look at of what is going on in his surroundings chosen to include in the piece work Haddad’s “Isolation.” Mannai, Maha Al-Subaey, Nasser Al- the different sides, be positive, cooper- as well as consciousness of what he together to express a sense of emotion, Other artists who are showcasing Kubaisi, and Ghada Al-Khater. Pre- ative and more adjusted to the situation. believes and doesn’t believe, he added. action, rejection and acceptance in the their artworks at the show are Ibrahim sented by Doha Film Institute, ‘Outbreak’ It’s a very interesting dialogue and each Qatari artist Maryam Faraj Al midst of the pandemic. Al-Baker, Shouq Al-Manaa, Hamad Al- is open for public viewing until December artist may pick a different approach on Suwaidi who is behind the installation The exhibition arouses the interest Fayhani, Noor Al-Nasr, Saad Al-Mus- 10 from 10am to10pm from Saturday how they handle the situation,” “Oblivious Habits” believes artists have of art enthusiasts with unique pieces lamani, Roda Al-Thani, Bothayna Al- through Thursday, and from 2pm to 10pm Mohammed Faraj Al Suwaidi, one of the the responsibility to convey a message, such as AJ Al Thani’s “Sand Box”, Zaman, Anfal Al-Kandari, Mohammed on Fridays in Sikkat Wadi Msheireb in artists taking part in the show. raise awareness and provide hope to Maryam Al Homaid’s “Screens and QR Al-Hammadi, Marsya Abdulghani, Elie Msheireb Downtown Doha. MoI participates in Qatar International Boat Show

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Borders Security and the Police Training November 16 until today. The Direc- Institute, is participating in the Qatar torate aims at spreading awareness The Ministry of the Interior, represented International Boat Show 2020. The event about maritime safety measures, by the General Directors of Coasts and is being held at The Pearl-Qatar from requirements for seagoing and dealing with marine accidents. It also introduces to the public tasks and capabilities of Coasts and Borders Security. The Directorate displays long and One of the Coast Guard boats being displayed at the show. short-range boats and cruisers and other boats that are used for the pro- which is locally made by the Qatari Police Training Institute performed tection of coasts and national borders workforce and 36 feet long police music during the opening cer- and to carry out other responsibil- Glistream. emony of the Qatar International Boat ities including 42 feet long Sayyaf, The Police Music Band of the Show. Qatar attends NAM and China ambassadors meeting

QNA — THE HAGUE

The State of Qatar participated in the virtual meeting of ambassadors of members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and China accredited by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The State of Qatar was represented in the meeting by Ambassador to the Nether- lands and Permanent Representative to the OPCW, H E Abdullah bin Hussein Al Jaber (pictured). The meeting focused on dis- cussing the agenda of the 25th session of the Conference of the States Parties which will take place from November 30 to December 4 in The Hague. Customs foils smuggling attempt of prohibited pills

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Upon inspection, it was found that there were 25 The General Authority drug packs of prohibited of Customs (GAC), pills with psychological through its air cargo effects hidden inside the and privates airports clothes. unit, thwarted the smug- The number of sei- gling of prohibited pills. zures reached 1,400 The contraband items tablets. A seizure report were hidden in one of was issued the personal parcels. accordingly.

132 people referred to Public Prosecution for not wearing masks QNA — DOHA

The designated authorities announced yesterday that 132 people were referred to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks in places that required them. They also referred 10 people to the Public Prose- cution for violating the maximum number of four people in a vehicle including the driver, except for cases when they are members of one family. The measure is in line with the cabinet decision, decree law no. 17 of 1990 on communicable diseases, and the precau- tionary measures in force in the country to contain the spread of the (COVID-19). MoPH: 208 new cases and 218 recoveries

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) yesterday announced the registration of 208 new confirmed COVID-19. According to the Ministry among them 49 were travellers returning from abroad. Another 218 people have recovered from the virus, bringing the total number of recovered cases in Qatar to 133,691. FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2020 ISLAM 05 Prophet: The master of tolerance

RAYA SHOKATFARD great deal during their thirteen years of living in Makkah and after their od has always chosen migration to Madinah. His own prophets with the best of tribesmen and even family members characters, morals and continue to oppose him in not only spirits. Since God is All- in Makkah but rose to fight him in Knowing, All-Wise, and has Madinah for over 20 years. Gordained human’s destiny before their They did not spare any effort to birth, it is feasible to think that He has inflict the worse humanly possible already chosen His Prophets before hardship on them. In Makkah, it even their entrance to the world. included, torture, sanctions, taking Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be their lives’ belonging, separating family Upon Him) was not an exception. God members and slaughtering them where bestowed on him the best of characters, ever they could find them. With God’s one of which was his exceptional tol- help and his and his companions’ erance which is manifested in his life and steadfastness in Madinah and teachings: And verily, you (O upholding the message of Islam, they Muhammad) are on an exalted (standard finally conquered Makkah. Its leaders of) character. (Al Qalam 68: 4) came to him fearing that he would kill We will examine some examples them as all conquerors do. But instead, of his tolerance at the advent of Islam he said: “Go! You are all free!” (Authen- and during its expansion process. In ticated by Al Albani) the next article, we will examine his Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) treatment of non-Muslims. mercy and tolerance did not exclude his worse enemies. Such tolerance In Makkah awed his enemies who were now the During the first thirteen years of newly converted Muslims. The end his life in Makkah, Prophet Muhammad result is a clear history that is regis- (PBUH) and his followers faced much tered to this day. Message of Islam persecution. Muslims were not ordered spread across the world, to include on by God to fight back due to the fact that fifth of the global population. they had no military strength yet due to These are only a few among many the small following which gradually examples of the Prophet’s (PBUH) tol- increased. It was only in Madinah when The Dome of the Rock in the Al Aqsa mosque compound, Islam’s third holiest site, in the old city of Jerusalem. erance and noble character. Aisha, the his following and military power rapidly wife of the Prophet (PBUH) was asked grew that fighting to protect themselves character in dealing with his com- had ordered her slave to find Hamza Although his worse enemies were regarding the character of the Prophet and the new religion was allowed. panions and enemies was further man- and pierce him with his arrow. Upon the Makkan Arabs at the beginning, but (PBUH). She said very simply, that: “The When the Prophet’s (PBUH) oppo- ifested. In Madinah, the Muslims were seeing him dead, she rushed to his body in Madinah, the Jews did not spare any character of the Prophet (PBUH) was nents greatly increased their perse- in the process of establishing the new and cut out his liver and started effort to conspire against him, even the Quran.” (Muslim) cution, his companions asked him to Islamic state. Yet, their enemies in chewing on it while filled with rage. after treaties were signed with them. Clearly, the Prophet (PBUH) curse them. At this the Prophet (PBUH) Makkah did not spare much time to Upon the conquest of Makkah, the However, he tried to be as fair with molded his own life in accordance with replied:“I have not been sent to lay a wage war against them and pursue Prophet did not seek revenge on her them as possible and only waged war the ideal pattern of life that he pre- curse upon men but to be a blessing to them even in Madinah. and accepted her and her husband as against them when they broke treaties sented to others in the form of the them.” (Muslim) In the battle of Uhud, when his new converts and gave them full which caused much loss of life of Quran revealed to him by God. He His opponents continued to treat Makkan enemies attacked the Muslims, protection. Muslims. never beat a servant, or a woman, or him and his companions unjustly and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) suffered Once, when the Prophet (PBUH) anyone else. He did, of course, fight for cruelly, but he always prayed for them. head injury and his front teeth got was sitting at a place in Madinah, along what was right. When he had to choose He once decided to personally visit smashed. When the blood started to Goethe, a famous German with his companions, a funeral pro- between two alternatives, he would the village of Ta’if, to the east of seep from his head, he swabbed it cession passed by. On seeing this, the take the easier course, provided it Makkah, to invite its inhabitants to Islam. saying: “If a drop of my blood fell on writer, artist, and politician Prophet stood up. One of his com- involved no sin. No one was more The people rejected him, stoned him, the earth, those infidels will be of the 1800s, marvelled panions remarked that the funeral was careful to avoid sin than he. He never ejected him, and made him to bleed. destroyed by Allah.” Umar told him, O over the achievements and that of a Jew. The Prophet replied: “Was sought revenge on his own sake for any Angel Gabriel came to him and said: Messenger of Allah, Curse them! The he not a human being?” (Muslim) wrong done to him personally. He was “Allah has heard what your people prophet replied: “I wasn’t sent (by status of the Prophet Since Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) tolerant. Only if God’s commandments say to you and how they reject you. He Allah) to curse. I was sent as a mercy.” Muhammad (PBUH) saying: wished to avoid war at all costs, he had been broken would he meet out has ordered the angels of the moun- Then he said: “O Allah, Guide my “We Europeans with all our strove to bring about a peace retribution for the sake of God. It was tains to obey whatever you tell them people!” (Authenticated by Al Albani) agreement between him and the such conduct which gained the Prophet to do.” The angel of the mountains God confirms his blessed character concepts and ideas have not Makkans. After great efforts on his part, (PBUH) universal respect. called him, greeted him and said, “Send by saying: And We have not sent you yet attained that which the non-Muslims agreed to a ten-year One may say, since he was the last me to do what you wish. If you wish, I forth but as a mercy to mankind. (Al Muhammad (PBUH) peace treaty, which was drafted and Prophet and messenger to mankind, will crush them between the two Anbiya’ 21:107) signed at Al Hudaybiyyah, a place no other can ever be quite like him. mountains of Makkah.” The Prophet (PBUH) once said: “A attained, and no one will outside Makkah. During this important This is true because none shall ever The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Rather, true believer is one with whom others ever surpass him. I searched meeting, the Makkans insisted on a have to shoulder a fraction of the I hope that Allah will bring forth from feel secure.” (Al Bukhari) in history for the loftiest number of extremely provocative acts. responsibilities he had to bear. their loins those who will worship Allah He manifested these words with For instance, the agreement mentioned However, we, as his followers, have alone and not associate anything with action and was not fast to revenge or example for man to follow, the Prophet’s (PBUH) name as the easy part which is to seek and adopt Him.” (Al Bukhari) rebuke a wrong doer. and I found it in the Prophet “Muhammad the Messenger of Allah.” his gentle qualities and high moral In the early Makkan period when A Bedouin once entered the They insisted to replace by “son of standards into daily practice; for the the enemies of the new religion far mosque and started to urinate in it. Muhammad (PBUH). Thus Abdullah.”The Prophet (PBUH) Prophet’s life was divinely chosen to exceeded the Prophet’s (PBUH) com- Mosques at that time had no walls and the truth must prevail and accepted peacefully and deleted the function as a practical manual of how panions in number, it often happened carpeted floors and the ceilings were become supreme, because appellation. one should better himself. Prophet that when the Prophet (PBUH) would palm leaves held up by palm stems. Similarly, they made the condition Muhammad’s (PBUH) character and stand to pray, his foes would come near The people ran to (prevent and restrain) Muhammad (PBUH) that if they could lay their hands on qualities are not only for the Muslims him and whistle and clap in order to him. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Do not succeeded in subjugating any Muslim they would make him a to follow, but the sincere seekers who disturb him, but the Prophet (PBUH) interrupt his urination (i.e. let him the whole world by means hostage, but if the Muslims succeeded learn about him, praise his noble char- would not even once show his anger at finish). Then the Prophet asked for a in detaining any non-Muslim, they acter and wish to follow it. such acts. He always opted for the policy pitcher of water to be poured over the of the message of Divine would have to set him free. The Prophet Goethe, a famous German writer, of tolerance and avoidance of confron- place of urine. (Al Bukhari) Oneness.” (PBUH) even relented on this point for artist, and politician of the 1800s, mar- tation. In one instance when the Prophet One of Jesus’ famous saying is: establishment of peace in the region. velled over the achievements and (PBUH) was praying at the Ka’bah while “Love your neighbour like yourself.” He was clearly setting examples of status of the Prophet Muhammad his enemies were watching his every Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) compli- fairness and tolerance while exposed (PBUH) saying: “We Europeans with move and action, one of his adversaries mented this by saying: “By God, he is Anas ibn Malik, who served the to injustice and intolerance. all our concepts and ideas have not yet put on his back the intestine of a slaugh- not a believer, by God, he is not a Prophet (PBUH) for ten years, said that Despite all the concessions Prophet attained that which Muhammad tered camel during his prostration. The believer, by God, he is not a believer, the Prophet never rebuked him: “When Muhammad (PBUH) made with the (PBUH) attained, and no one will ever Prophet (PBUH) did not react and stayed with whom his neighbours are not I did something, he never questioned Makkans, the later violated the same surpass him. I searched in history for in that position. His daughter, Fatimah, secure.” (Al Bukhari) my manner of doing it; and when I did treaty they signed earlier. It was then the loftiest example for man to follow, rushed to take the filth off his back and The enmity of his worst enemy not do something, he never questioned that the Prophet (PBUH) finally and I found it in the Prophet cleaned him up. towards his most beloved was also met my failure to do it. He was the most marched with his huge army to Muhammad (PBUH). Thus the truth with awesome goodness. good-natured of all men.” (Al Bukhari) Makkah and without any resistance must prevail and become supreme, In Madinah Hamza was among the Prophet’s Such manners of tolerance gained conquered the city which was once because Muhammad (PBUH) suc- Later, when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) most beloved uncles. During him the respect even of his enemies, the abode of his worse enemies. As ceeded in subjugating the whole world (PBUH) and many of his companions one of the battles, Hind, the wife of Abu and his followers stood by him through mentioned earlier, the Prophet by means of the message of Divine migrated to Madinah, again his great Sufyan, the arch enemy of the Prophet, all kinds of hardship and misfortune. (PBUH) and his followers suffered a Oneness.” onislam.net archives

The tradition of brotherhood that the Unparalleled generosity and sacrifice Prophet established hrough the declaration of broth- Muslim bin Hajjaj (d. 874 C.E.), men- pretend to eat, so that there would We don’t have any such financial and prevented several possible erhood, Prophet Muhammad tions in his Sahih these stories of the be food for this hungry immigrant. spiritual help for immigrants. If we T(PBUH) successfully solved two generosity of the companions of the The Quranic verse praises their gen- have a chance to listen to stories of conflicts. It prevented major problems that immigrants face: Prophet (PBUH), the immigrants and erosity and sacrifice. early immigrants in the US, for animosity based on Housing and food. the helpers, under the title of “The The tradition of brotherhood that example, they will tell us of the hard- He asked Ansars of Madinah to Merits of Companions.” the Prophet established prevented ships they faced at the time of their tribalism and racism. It share their houses with their migrating Just to show how strong the gen- several possible conflicts. It prevented migration. Although naturally also prevented arrogance Makkan brothers, and they did: they erosity and sacrifice were, one can animosity based on tribalism and American society is open to immi- would divide their houses in half and think of the following example. In the racism. It also prevented arrogance grants, we still have not solved racism. based on wealth. A give the second part to their brothers interpretation of the Quranic verse... based on wealth. A compassion and Slavery was abolished, but there are compassion and respect and sisters. Also, they shared their food. “And they prefer their brothers and respect developed between immigrants immigrants who work for wages far developed between This helped immigrants to stand sisters over themselves even if they are and helpers. One can argue that this lower than the wages of on their own feet. The most interesting in need.” declaration of brotherhood can be con- non-immigrants. immigrants and helpers. part of this brotherhood is that it was The famous Quranic commentator sidered one of the most important and The Prophet of Islam asks One can argue that this not bound by force but by conviction. Al Tabari narrates the following story. exemplary practices of integrating dis- employers to pay the wage of When the helpers shared their houses A hungry man among immigrants came parate fragments of society in human employees before their “sweat is cold.” declaration of brotherhood and food with the immigrants, they to the Prophet (PBUH) to be his guest. history. That is to say, do not delay their pay. can be considered one were doing it from their own will and The Prophet (PBUH) didn’t have any At this juncture, it is important to Despite their sacrifices, most immi- from the depth of their hearts, without food to provide. Therefore, he asked if elaborate on the implications of this grants face big challenges in stabilising of the most important being forced. anyone could host him. One of the tradition in our modern-day context. their lives after migration. and exemplary practices Until the Quranic revelation came helpers, Abu Talha, took the man to Today, we witness a great number of What one can see and learn from and put new legal regulations on inher- his home. He advised his wife to immigrants around the world, espe- historical events in Islam is that admin- of integrating disparate itance, the tradition of being each honour the Prophet’s guest, yet they cially from the war-torn Syria and istrators can provide a warm and good fragments of society in others’ heirs remained. were also not very rich. Their food other places. America itself is an immi- environment for immigrants in order human history. This tradition became an example was enough only for one person. So, grant society. to integrate them with the regular cit- of generosity throughout the history the helper dimmed the lights and put However, these examples almost izens, as the Prophet did in the city of of Islam. One of the collectors of the his children to bed. He talked to his seem irrelevant as far as worldwide Madinah. And the potential power of strengthened and the economy and sayings of the Prophet (PBUH), wife and decided that they would immigrant situations are concerned. immigrants will be dramatically social harmony will boom as a result. 06 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2020 WHO warns of deadly 2nd wave of virus across Middle East AP — DUBAI countries in the area were low- Jordan, Tunisia infections in the past week were fatalities past 43,400 — the cautiously coexist” with the ering their guard after tough reported from Iran, Jordan and highest in the Middle East. virus, said Faycal Ben Salah, As winter nears and coronavirus lockdowns imposed earlier this and Lebanon have Morocco, he said. Cases are also Surging deaths have pushed director general of health, after cases surge across the Middle year. reported the biggest up in Pakistan and Lebanon, the Iranian government, long officials decided the lockdown East, the regional director for The fundamentals of pan- which went under lockdown reluctant to impose a lockdown was killing the economy and the World Health Organization demic response, from social- single-day death earlier this week. Jordan, for fear of cratering its sanc- creating “catastrophic social said yesterday that the only way distancing to mask wearing, spikes from the Tunisia and Lebanon have tions-hit economy, to tighten consequences”. to avoid mass deaths is for “are still not being fully prac- reported the biggest single-day restrictions in the capital of While Al Mandhari cau- countries to quickly tighten ticed in our region,” he said, region. death spikes from the region. Tehran and other major cities. tiously welcomed news of restrictions and enforce adding that the result is Worst off in the region has But with little enforcement, the viable vaccine candidates, he preventative measures. apparent throughout the been Iran, where infections outbreak shows no sign of said the pandemic was far from In a press briefing from region’s crowded hospitals. “the lives of as many people — have soared in recent months, abating. over. “We cannot — and should Cairo, Ahmed Al Mandhari, Noting that the virus had if not more — are at stake,” filling up hospitals and driving Tunisia is another country not — wait until a safe and director of WHO’s eastern Med- sickened over 3.6 million people urging action to “prevent this up the death toll. Iran shattered that thought its worst virus days effective vaccine becomes iterranean region, which and killed more than 76,000 in tragic premonition from its single-day death toll six were in the past, only to see readily available for all,” he comprises most of the Middle the region over the past nine becoming a reality.” times in the last two weeks, cases soar in recent weeks. It said. “We simply do not know East, expressed concern that months, Al Mandhari warned More than 60% of all new bringing the total count of loosened restrictions in a bid “to when this will be.” Turkey to buy Chinese COVID-19 candidate vaccine, in talks with Pfizer

REUTERS — ANKARA vaccine after Brazil. rate and no serious side effects, Preliminary trial results the drugmakers said on Turkey will sign a contract have shown that Sinovac’s Wednesday. within days to buy at least 20 experimental COVID-19 Koca said Turkey was in million doses of a COVID-19 vaccine CoronaVac triggered a talks to buy their vaccine as candidate vaccine from China’s quick immune response, but the well, once it obtained its license. Sinovac Biotech, the health level of antibodies produced “If so, the number that can minister was cited as saying, was lower than in people who be given to Turkey is 1 million. adding that Ankara was also in have recovered from the virus. We have talks right now to talks to buy doses of Pfizer and CoronaVac and four other gradually go up to 25 million BioNTech’s vaccine. experimental vaccines within the year starting from “We will be able to procure developed in China are in late- January,” Koca was quoted as at least 10 million doses of the stage trials to determine their saying. Chinese vaccine in December. effectiveness. While some countries We want to increase this The report follows news this including Turkey have been number. It will be just as much month from Pfizer Inc and conducting tests for Sinovac’s in January, too,” Health Minister BioNTech and from Moderna, experimental vaccine, Brazil is Fahrettin Koca was quoted as as well as from Russia, of exper- currently the only country saying by the state-run Anadolu imental vaccines that have been which has agreed to receive news agency. more than 90% effective based doses of it. The Sao Paulo state Palestinians condemn Pompeo's West Bank visit “This figure can easily on interim data from large, late- will start importing 46 million Palestinian demonstrators prepare to release balloons during a protest against US Secretary of double, probably. A contract stage trials. doses this week. State Mike Pompeo’s visit, near the Israeli settlement of Psagot in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, on will be signed on this in one or Pfizer and BioNTech may In a statement yesterday, Wednesday. The Palestinians condemned Pompeo's unprecedented visit to a Jewish settlement in two days,” he said at his minis- secure emergency US and Turkish Airlines said its freight the occupied West Bank yesterday as well as Washington's decision to label exports from settlements try’s budget presentation in European authorisation for carrier Turkish Cargo had as Israeli. "The decision blatantly violates international law," said Nabil Abu Rudeineh, a spokesman parliament on Wednesday. their COVID-19 vaccine next delivered a shipment of vac- for Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, dismissing it as yet another biased, pro-Israeli move by Turkey would become the month after final trial results cines from Beijing to Sao President Donald Trump's administration. second buyer of the Chinese showed it had a 95% success Paolo. Ethiopia moves on Tigray capital, denounces WHO boss Tedros Nigeria denies report its army REUTERS — ADDIS ABABA for an end to fighting and pro- of 10 ethnic states that make up restore peace to the region Wednesday. Assertions by all tection for civilians. Ethiopia. Tigrayans from the when TPLF leaders were sides have been impossible to killed protesters Ethiopia said yesterday it was Abiy’s government says its TPLF effectively ruled Ethiopia ousted. verify because Internet and bearing down on the capital of troops have won a string of vic- for decades as the strongest Ethiopian soldiers were phone connections to Tigray BLOOMBERG Tigray region in a two-week- tories and will soon reach state force in a multi-ethnic coalition, advancing along roads from the have been suspended and the old war, and tore into the World capital Mekelle, a highland until Abiy took power two years south and northwest of Mekelle, government has restricted Nigeria has dismissed an Health Organization (WHO) town of about 500,000 people, ago. The government says the a diplomat tracking the conflict access. Ethiopia’s military yes- investigative report by CNN head with accusations of diplo- where the regional ruling Tigray TPLF has turned renegade and said. The TPLF leader told terday accused the most prom- alleging that its security forces matic lobbying for the rebels. People’s Liberation Front is holding power in Tigray ille- Reuters that while it had lost inent Tigrayan abroad, WHO killed unarmed protesters last The conflict has killed hun- (TPLF), with a battle-hardened gally. The TPLF says the war is ground in the south and federal head Tedros Adhanom Ghe- month in the country’s largest dreds, sent 30,000 refugees history, has strong support. part of an unconstitutional soldiers had taken the town of breyesus, of trying to procure city of Lagos, accusing the into Sudan, and called into “Our defence forces are assault on regional rights. Both Shire to the west, it still held the arms and diplomatic backing news organisation of disinfor- question whether Prime Min- moving forward and closing in sides accuse the other of atroc- town of Axum, about 215km for the TPLF. mation. ister Abiy Ahmed can hold his on Mekelle,” government ities and blocking humanitarian (130 miles) north west of Bihanu provided no evi- Information Minister Lai ethnically-divided nation spokesman Redwan Hussein aid. Mekelle, implying resistance dence, and Tedros and the WHO Mohammed yesterday reit- together. told reporters. “There are a The government-appointed was fierce. offered no immediate response. erated the government’s As international alarm grew number of towns that have head of a newly-named interim “Attempting to rule the Ethiopia is a major US ally position that troops had fired over spreading instability in the fallen.” The war has pitted the administration for Tigray, aca- people of Tigray by force is like whose army supports peace- blank bullets into the air to dis- Horn of Africa, US President- central government against one demic Mulu Nega, said new walking on a burning flame,” keeping missions in Sudan, perse a crowd assembled in elect Joe Biden’s team appealed of the most heavily militarised local elections were planned to the TPLF warned on South Sudan and Somalia. Lagos on October 20, accusing the US television network of publishing unverified information. African continent tops 2 Largely peaceful demon- strations against police bru- tality, which began in early million coronavirus cases October and spread AP — NAIROBI, KENYA an imbalance in the fair distri- throughout Africa’s most pop- bution or access to those vac- ulous country, became a key Africa has surpassed 2 million cines” as richer countries will test of President Muhammadu confirmed coronavirus cases be better equipped to move Buhari’s authority. While he as the continent’s top public quickly. agreed to disband the widely health official warned A storage network at -70 C hated police unit that was ini- yesterday that “we are inevi- was put in place for West tially the focus of the pro- tably edging toward a second Africa’s devastating Ebola out- testers’ anger, the rallies con- wave” of infections. break a few years ago, but that tinued, drawing a more The Africa Centers for was localised, Nkengasong forceful response from the Disease Control and Prevention said. “If we were to deploy government. said the 54-nation continent across the whole continent, it CNN said on Wednesday it has seen more than 48,000 would be extremely chal- had analysed hours of footage deaths from COVID-19. Its lenging to scale it,” he said. “to tell a story radically dif- infections and deaths make up The Moderna vaccine ferent to the one the author- less than 4% of the global total. requires storage at -20 C, ities are telling.” The report The African continent of 1.3 which Nkengasong called A supporter of Ugandan musician turned politician Robert Kyagulanyi , also known as Bobi Wine, concluded that the Nigerian billion people is being warned promising. But the price of any carries his poster as they protest against the arrest of Kyagulanyi in Kampala, Uganda, on Wednesday. military and police used live against “prevention fatigue” as COVID-19 vaccine is another ammunition against protesters countries loosen pandemic factor in their fair distribution, who were gathered at the restrictions to ease their econ- he said. “So if a vaccine is $40 16 killed in Uganda protests over singer politician Lekki toll gate in Lagos in omies’ suffering and more it becomes almost exclusive to defiance of a curfew. The army people travel. parts of the world” that can REUTERS — KAMPALA In a statement, police said He has emerged as the removed a number of bodies “We cannot relent. If we afford it. a total of 16 people had died strongest challenger to veteran from the scene and some pro- relent, then all the sacrifices we But he offered an optimistic Sixteen people have been killed while 65 were injured, and leader Yoweri Museveni who testers are still missing, CNN put into efforts over the past 10 early look at attitudes across in Uganda in operations by added the death toll could rise. has ruled the east African said, citing witnesses. months will be wiped away,” Africa toward any COVID-19 military and police personnel A further 350 were arrested in country of 42 million since 1986 At least 10 people were Africa CDC director John Nken- vaccine. battling to put down protests the clashes. and is currently Africa’s third- killed at Lekki, according to a gasong told reporters. He Early data from a vaccine over the arrest of presidential Those arrested are to be longest reigning leader. separate investigation by expressed concern that “many perception survey in 11 coun- candidate and pop star Bobi charged with various offences Voters are due to go to the London-based rights group countries are not enforcing tries show 81% of respondents Wine, authorities said including “participating in polls on January 14 to elect their Amnesty International. The public health measures, would accept a vaccine, he said. yesterday. unlawful demonstrations, next president and hashtag #LekkiMassacre has including masking, which is “So that’s very, very encour- Since early Wednesday inciting violence, malicious lawmakers. been widely used on social extremely important.” While aging news.” youths have been burning tyres damage to properties, assault, Moments after he was media in the last month. the world takes hope from Nearly 20 countries in and blockading streets in the theft and robbery.” Police detained while campaigning in Calling for CNN to face promising COVID-19 vaccines, Africa are now seeing a more capital Kampala and other accused the protesters of dam- eastern Uganda, spontaneous sanctions, Mohammed said African health officials also than 20% increase in cases over towns to demand Wine’s aging vehicles, looting prop- protests erupted in Kampala CNN’s report was “patently worry the continent will suffer the past four weeks, WHO said. release. erties and throwing stones at and several major towns. irresponsible” and based on as richer countries buy up This time the surge is driven not Yesterday soldiers clutching security personnel. Security personnel responded unverified videos circulating supplies. by South Africa, but by North AK-47 assault rifles fanned out Wine, whose real name is with tear gas. A journalist said on social media. “Sadly the “Let’s celebrate the good African nations as tempera- across the city, some in Robert Kyagulanyi, was he had seen troops firing auto- purveyors of fake news and news” first, Nkengasong said. tures fall there. armoured vehicles, and detained on Wednesday after matic rifles. Wine has amassed disinformation succeeded in But he warned that the Pfizer Several African countries together with police used authorities accused him of vio- a large following among the deceiving the entire world that vaccine requires storage at have confirmed virus cases in teargas, live bullets and water lating anti-coronavirus country’s youth, attracted by his indeed there was mass killing minus 70 C (-94 F), and such a the six figures. South Africa cannons to disperse and detain measures by holding mass bold criticism of government in Lekki,” he said. “Not a single requirement “already creates leads with more than 750,000. protesters. rallies. mingled in his lyrics. body has been produced.” FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2020 ASIA 07 Australian forces ‘unlawfully killed’ 39 in Afghanistan AFP — CANBERRA “Some patrols took move aimed at forestalling any prosecution at the International Australia’s elite special forces the law into their Criminal Court. “unlawfully killed” 39 Afghan own hands, rules The revelations will “defi- civilians and prisoners, were broken, stories nitely” be used by the Taliban including summary executions to restate calls “for foreign as part of initiation rituals, concocted, lies told forces to withdraw from according to evidence in a and prisoners killed,” Afghanistan”, Srinjoy Bose, an searing military inquiry now international relations lecturer being referred to a special war Chief of the Australian at the University of New South crimes prosecutor. Defence Force said, Wales, said. A years-long internal inves- “I would imagine that the Aus- tigation into military misconduct apologising “sincerely tralian presence in Afghanistan, for was released yesterday, and unreservedly” the coming weeks and months, will prompting the Chief of the Aus- be afforded greater protection.” tralian Defence Force to admit a to the people of The revelations are also a serious “destructive” culture of impunity Afghanistan. blow to the prestige of the coun- among special forces leading to try’s military, which is widely a string of alleged murders and revered by Australians. cover-ups spanning years. harrowing 465-page official Its historic campaigns -- “Some patrols took the law inquiry into events between from Gallipoli in World War I into their own hands, rules were 2005 and 2016 that detailed to Kokoda in Papua during broken, stories concocted, lies dozens of killings “outside the World War II -- have played a told and prisoners killed,” heat of battle”. crucial role in fostering the General Angus Campbell said, It recommended 19 indi- country’s identity, independent apologising “sincerely and viduals be referred to Australian of colonial power Britain. unreservedly” to the people of Federal Police, compensation An honour guard at Defence Headquarters ahead of the release of the Australian Defence Force findings “It speaks to a failure that is Afghanistan. be paid to the families of from the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force Afghanistan Inquiry in Canberra, yesterday. bigger and deeper than the sol- “This shameful record victims, and the military makes diers involved in the atrocities,” includes alleged instances in a slew of reforms. Australian uniformed personnel space in a helicopter. “very seriously”. The office of said John Blaxland of the Aus- which new patrol members Campbell went a step further, were sent to Afghanistan to fight Prime Minister Scott Mor- President Ashraf Ghani said tralian National University, were coerced to shoot a prisoner saying those involved had brought alongside US and allied forces rison attempted to cushion the Morrison had “expressed his which has close ties to the in order to achieve that soldier’s a “stain” on their regiment, on the against the Taliban, Al Qaeda blow of the report, telling Aus- deepest sorrow over the security establishment. first kill, in an appalling practice armed forces and on Australia, and other Islamist groups. tralians last week to brace for misconduct”. “It speaks to an inadequate known as ‘blooding’.” The report and would be referred to the office Australian combat troops the “honest and brutal truths” The Afghan Ministry of sense of perspective on what we also reported evidence that of the special investigator for war officially left the country in contained within the heavily Foreign Affairs labelled the were committing our forces to troops were engaged in “body crimes. 2013, but since then a series of redacted document, which actions detailed in the report as do and the circumstances they count competitions”, and He also moved to revoke often-brutal accounts have censors many highly inflam- “unforgivable” but acknowl- would face.” Australia’s gov- covered up unlawful killings by distinguished service medals emerged about the conduct of matory details. edged its publication as an ernment had spent years trying staging skirmishes, planting awarded to special operations elite special forces units. Morrison also called his “important step towards justice”. to suppress whistleblower weapons and adding names to forces who served in Afghan- They range from reports of Afghan counterpart on Last week, Morrison reports of the alleged wrong- target lists retrospectively. istan between 2007 and 2013. troops killing a six-year-old Wednesday to foreshadow announced the appointment of doing, with police even inves- The military’s own inspector After the September 11, 2001 child in a house raid, to a “some disturbing allegations” a special investigator to pros- tigating reporters involved in general produced the attacks, more than 26,000 prisoner being shot dead to save that the government was taking ecute the alleged war crimes, a bringing those accounts to light. Delhi quadruples mask fines as cases soar Japan records high AFP — NEW DELHI India imposed one of the The major city in Gujarat saturation level dipped... and world’s strictest lockdowns in state has recorded around we rushed to the nearby hos- Officials in India’s capital March, but the restrictions dealt 47,000 cases and close to 2,000 pital but there were no beds of daily virus cases yesterday quadrupled the fines a severe blow to the economy deaths. available,” Delhi resident dished out for people not and the government has since In Delhi, almost 500,000 Rajeev Nigam said. AP — TOKYO the medical system. wearing face masks as corona- eased them. people have been fined since “We ran all night from one Experts say Japan’s wide virus cases soar in the megacity, Few people wear masks — June for not wearing masks, hospital to another but it was Japan reported a record use of face masks as well as overwhelming hospitals and particularly outside major cities 370,000 for ignoring social dis- the same story everywhere,” he number of daily coronavirus cultural traditions that don’t graveyards even as the — and in recent weeks shoppers tancing rules and 3,500 for said, attacking the “unpre- infections yesterday, amid a include handshakes or kissing government resists calls for have thronged markets in prep- spitting. pared” city government which worrying spike in a country might have helped keep the another lockdown. arations for a series of religious This week the number of is working to increase the that has been spared the worst country’s caseload low. The penalty hike to Rs2,000 festivals. cases in the metropolis passed number of hospital beds. of the pandemic and hopes to After Japan issued non- ($27) announced by New Delhi’s Though new cases in India half a million, with a record rise Kejriwal this week host the Olympics next year. binding stay-at-home and chief minister came as India’s have dipped to less than half in in daily cases and deaths. announced that the number of Compared to many other business closure requests in the total coronavirus caseload recent weeks from a peak of Over 90 percent of Delhi guests at weddings would be cut countries, Japan has done well spring, the number of cases lev- neared nine million, the 100,000 infections a day in intensive case beds with venti- to 50 and asked the central gov- combatting the virus, reporting elled off, even as many people second-highest in the world. September, authorities fear a lators were occupied as on ernment for authority to close just under 2,000 deaths in a still commuted, picnicked in “At times when words alone surge in coming weeks. Thursday, a government mobile down markets if they become nation of 126 million since the parks and dined at restaurants don’t do the trick, we have to The western city of app showed. virus “hotspots”. pandemic began. But Tokyo that stayed open. During a get a bit tougher,” chief minister Ahmadabad late yesterday The problem has been exac- “I only have space left for saw a record number of single- surge in the summer, Japan saw Arvind Kejriwal told a news announced an indefinite night erbated by choking haze and about 50-60 burials. Then what? day cases twice this week, and larger number of daily infec- conference, also tweeting that curfew after reporting an uptick pollution which grips the city I have no idea,” Mohammed the Health Ministry said tions, but serious cases and the city of 20 million was on a in cases following the Diwali this time each year. Shamim, a gravedigger at one of Thursday that the national deaths remained low. “war footing”. festival weekend. “My father’s oxygen Delhi’s biggest cemeteries, said. number hit a record with 2,179 The nationwide spike in new cases. cases now, especially in the That’s the first time Japan populated Tokyo capital region Duterte agrees to has had more than 2,000 daily and Hokkaido in the north, are cases since the pandemic alarming experts ahead of an pay for vaccines began. The previous high was upcoming three-day weekend set on Saturday. and the winter holiday season, in advance to Those figures are still quite typically filled with travel and low compared to many places parties. ensure supply around the world experiencing Koike, the Tokyo governor, dangerous surges, and, while urged residents to increase REUTERS — MANILA Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga their vigilance, asking them to urged the thorough use of meet in small groups when Philippine President Rodrigo masks Thursday, he did not call dining, to avoid sharing chop- Duterte, who has previously crit- for reissuing restrictions on sticks or glasses, and to quickly icised Western manufacturers travel or business. leave after eating. She said for asking fees to reserve But experts on Tokyo’s stricter measures are not nec- vaccines, has agreed to pay coronavirus panel called for essary at this point because the drugmakers in advance to secure officials to secure more beds number of seriously ill patients millions of COVID-19 shots, his for patients and hotel rooms for is still at manageable levels. spokesman said yesterday. those with less serious “Your cooperation deter- Duterte had also symptoms before infections mines our fate,” Koike said. “The “approved in principle” an climb further. key is not to have serious cases executive order so that vac- “We must stop further esca- and that’s the red line.” Prime cines, which had been lation of the infections, no Minister Suga, meanwhile, approved overseas for emer- matter what,” Tokyo Governor instructed Cabinet ministers to gency use, can be utilised in Yuriko Koike told reporters. do their utmost to tamp down the Philippines, Presidential Koike expressed concerns on infections, but he said his Spokesman Harry Roque said. about rising infections among government’s tourism and “We agreed to pay in Chock-a-block traffic in Dhaka elderly people, who are at high dining incentives will continue, advance because if we don’t, risk of becoming seriously ill including the “GoTo eat” cam- we might be the last among A man watches as vehicles are stuck in heavy traffic on a road in Dhaka, Bangladesh, yesterday. when infected and could strain paign that subsidizes dining out. countries to get the vaccine,” Roque told a media briefing. The Philippines, which has the second highest number of Thai leader orders police crackdown on protests coronavirus cases and deaths in Southeast Asia, plans to AFP — BANGKOK steep rise in violence, with six added, referring to the can use to target democracy and police tactics. procure an initial 50 million people shot. monarchy. activists. On Wednesday a doses of COVID-19 vaccine to Thai Prime Minister Prayut A day later, some 20,000 He said the government Asked if the government spokesman for UN Secretary- ensure at least a quarter of its Chan-o-cha ordered security people massed in Bangkok’s and security agencies need to was giving the nod to police to General Antonio Guterres 108 million population gets agencies yesterday to crack main shopping district, and pro- “intensify their practices”, pursue lese majeste charges, expressed concern about the inoculated next year. down on pro-democracy testers daubed anti-royal and enforce all sections of all spokesman Anucha Burapach- growing unrest in Thailand. Carlito Galvez, a former protesters, as rights groups graffiti outside the Thai National laws. aisri did not rule it out. “I think it’s very important general leading the country’s condemned police for using tear Police headquarters. This could mean more “The protesters should that the government of task-force to tackle the pan- gas and water cannon at a Prayut, who seized power charges under the country’s respect all laws in general. We Thailand refrain from the use demic, said the government Bangkok rally. in a 2014 coup, issued a harsh royal defamation laws, don’t specify whether we would of force and ensure the full was in talks with several The country has been statement yesterday warning which are routinely interpreted be enacting any laws specifi- protection of all people in vaccine makers, including rocked since July by youth-led protesters will be hit with the to include any criticism of the cally,” he said. Thailand, who are exercising a Pfizer Inc and Moderna Inc, protests demanding a new con- full force of the law. monarchy — including content Human Rights Watch con- fundamental peaceful right to over possible supply deals. stitution, unprecedented calls “The situation is still not posted or shared on social demned the police tactics as protest,” spokesman Stephane Pfizer said on Wednesday it to reform the untouchable resolved in any good direction media. “excessive” and urged Thai Dujarric told reporters in New could secure emergency US and monarchy, and for Prayut to and is likely to develop into King Maha Vajiralongkorn authorities to heed a UN call for York. European authorisation for their resign. more conflict leading to more asked the Thai government in restraint. According to Thai Lawyers COVID-19 vaccine next month Clashes outside parliament violence,” he said. June to suspend using the lese The group’s Asia director, for Human Rights, some 175 after final trial results showed it Tuesday between pro- “If this is left... it may majeste laws, but human rights Brad Adams, called for a trans- protesters have been charged had a 95 percent success rate democracy protesters and damage the nation and the critics say there is a host of parent and impartial investi- with sedition or public assembly and no serious side effects. hardline royalists marked a most beloved institution,” he other legislation that authorities gation into Tuesday’s violence offences since July. 08 VIEWS FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI A file photo of a worker dumping pre-consumer food waste before being fed to black soldier fly larvae at the Enterra Feed Corporation in Langley, British Columbia, Canada. [email protected] EDITORIAL We all have a part to play in the Vaccine on the horizon war against food waste QATAR health authorities are expecting that a safe, developing and developed nations are Thanksgiving, Super Bowl and Eid – can effective COVID-19 vaccine will be available in the similar. However, the reasons for food also have a huge effect. country by the end of this year or early next year. waste in developed and developing coun- Individual consumers can also help the The Ministry of Public Health has signed deals with tries are significantly different. fight against food waste by sharing their Moderna as well as Pfizer-BioNTech, the two vaccine In developing countries, food waste concerns with the restaurants they dine in developers that have reported that their respective happens during food production and is or the markets and shops they buy their candidate vaccines are 95% effective after large- mainly due to climate-induced crop groceries from. If consumers start to scale phase 3 trials. ESTHER NGUMBI failures and inadequate infrastructures to choose establishments that take action MoPH has welcomed the progress reported by AL JAZEERA transport food to the market and to store it against waste over others, more businesses both the firms and is awaiting final regulatory and once it is produced. By contrast, in the will implement policies to prevent food safety approvals before the vaccine can be rolled On September 29, the UN Food and Agri- developed world, food is wasted mainly waste. out for global use. Qatar’s approach to procure the culture Organization (FAO) and UN Envi- due to consumers buying or cooking more Businesses themselves can do a lot to vaccines have proved effective. Apart from these ronment Programme observed the first-ever food than they need. In addition, according prevent food waste. They can encourage two firms, the MOPH has been in discussions with International Day of Awareness of Food Loss to a 2016 survey by the Harvard Food Law their customers to take leftovers home, and multiple international pharmaceutical companies and Waste. They urged everyone to take and Policy clinic, many consumers throw they can donate any excess produce to since the early days of the pandemic to ensure action to reduce food loss and waste across away perfectly good food because of con- those in need. There are organisations in Qatar’s population has early access to COVID-19 the entire agricultural value chain. This is a fusing expiry date labels. Despite most of most developed countries helping busi- vaccines as soon as they demonstrate safety and timely message. Today, in a world where the wastage taking place at the very end of nesses repurpose surplus food. efficacy and are approved for use. food worth more than $1 trillion is lost or the value chain, developed countries con- Fighting food waste also makes Never before have so much effort and resources wasted every year, more than 800 million tribute significantly to global food waste. In business sense. In 2017, a study evaluating been put into the development of a vaccine. This people are hungry. And the COVID-19 the US, approximately 36 million tonnes of financial cost and benefit data from 700 investment is now starting to pay off and we have pandemic has only made the problem worse. food – between 30-40 percent of the food companies in 17 countries, found that for seen very promising early results from two different According to the FAO, one-third of food supply – is wasted every year. In the UK, every $1 companies invested to reduce food vaccines. “We eagerly await further results of the produced for human consumption households waste 4.5 million tonnes of loss and waste, they saved $14 in operating trials and regulatory approval of the vaccines and worldwide is annually lost or wasted along food each year. In Australia, nearly 7.3 costs. The savings that can be made by there is good reason to be optimistic that the the chain that stretches from farms to million tonnes of food is wasted. avoiding food waste is also very high for COVID-19 vaccines on the horizon can enable life to processing plants, marketplaces, retailers, Associated with food waste are the eco- private households. So advertising the return to normal sooner rather than later,” said Dr. food-service operations, and our households. nomic costs that arise from the resources financial benefits of taking action against Abdullatif Al Khal, Chair of the National Health Stra- And there are many factors that contribute to used to produce food. Farmers, for food waste too can speed up change. tegic Group on COVID-19 and Head of Infectious food loss including limitations on crop example, use £1.8bn of nitrogen fertiliser In developing countries, where most of Diseases at Hamad Medical Corporation. production and other resource-saving agri- and £1.5bn of phosphorous fertiliser the food goes to waste because of climate- Moderna is expected to manufacture between cultural techniques, inadequate transport annually to grow wasted crops while induced failures, meanwhile, efforts geared 500 million to one billion doses of the COVID-19 and storage infrastructures, changing climate applying more than 750 million pounds of towards helping farmers access resource- vaccine next year. Based on the agreement the Min- and excess purchases and portions. pesticide to protect food that often ends up saving agricultural techniques and climate- istry of Public Health has with Moderna, the supply Surprisingly, the proportion of food wasted. According to FAO, “direct economic smart practices to ensure all planted crops of vaccine will be during the first half of 2021. produced but not consumed within consequences of food wastage (excluding are harvested will go a long way. Investing Since the first cases of the novel coronavirus fish and seafood) run to the tune of $750bn in new technologies that expand the shelf infection were identified in China in December 2019, Associated with food waste annually”. All these depressing statistics can life of fresh produce can also help reduce around 1,348,720 people have died from the pan- are the economic costs that lead people to think individual actions post-harvest losses. Campaigns to increase demic, out of the more than 56.24 million cases would not make a difference. In the fight awareness about the issue can also detected to date globally. arise from the resources used against food waste, however, everyone’s pressure governments to invest more And even as a safe, effective vaccine is likely to to produce food. Farmers, contribution matters. So what can indi- money in food waste reduction. be rolled out soon, health experts say a combination for example, use £1.8bn of viduals, businesses, organisations, and cor- In short, there is something we all can of both the vaccination and the precautionary porations do to stop food waste? do to ensure tonnes of food do not go to measures will be needed to end the pandemic. nitrogen fertiliser and £1.5bn of In developed countries, where con- waste while millions are struggling with Dr. Anthony Fauci, a member of the White House phosphorous fertiliser annually sumers are responsible for most of the hunger across the world. While collective coronavirus task force, who addressed the Qatar to grow wasted crops while waste, every single person can play an action is crucial, especially in the Foundation’s World Innovation Summit for Health important role in turning the tide. Simply developed world, individual consumers 2020 on Wednesday, thinks preventive measures applying more than 750 million by not buying more food than they can eat, and businesses can also make a big dif- will need to continue along with vaccination until an pounds of pesticide to protect consumers in the developed world can ference simply by changing their habits overall protection umbrella is all over the world, which food that often ends up wasted. help significantly reduce food waste in and practices. he said might take a year or two. their countries. Buying locally produced food, which does not face the risk of being The author is Assistant Professor at the spoiled during transport, can also help. University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Repurposing leftover food – especially in the Department of Entomology and after big celebrations like Christmas, African American Studies.

D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR EMAIL: [email protected] UN recruits 40 airlines to deliver vaccine to poorest states CHRISTOPHER JASPER the World Health Organization golux Airlines International. transport vaccines within the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 BLOOMBERG and World Bank. Another 80 Airline groups with large country, it said in a statement. FAX: +974 4455 7758 higher-income countries have cargo divisions including With more than 410,000 con- United Nations humanitarian chosen it to procure inocula- Deutsche Lufthansa also took firmed virus cases so far, Indo- MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 relief agency Unicef is looking tions they will buy, extending part, alongside passenger car- nesia has suffered the biggest to recruit some of the airline the plan to 70% of the riers with experience in outbreak in Southeast Asia and DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 industry’s biggest operators to population. moving specialist goods like presents one of the toughest help distribute a coronavirus The summons to airlines Virgin Atlantic Airways. Other logistical challenges, with a LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 vaccine to the world’s poorest was triggered by positive late- participants were regional population of 270 million nations. stage trial results reported by carriers from Africa, Latin spread across the world’s BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 Unicef held a call with Pfizer and Moderna on two America and Southeast Asia, largest archipelago. about 40 carriers to make separate vaccines, Hughes said where work will largely focus. IATA estimates that the SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 plans for the global airlift and in an interview. Neither has Initial efforts will provide equivalent of 8,000 110-ton to identify what commercial yet been approved for use, but jabs for about 20% of local capacity Boeing Co. 747 cargo ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 tasks each party can perform, attention is turning toward populations, beginning with planes will be needed for the email: [email protected] according to Glyn Hughes, how a successful shot can be medical staff and other key global vaccine airlift. head of cargo at the Interna- distributed, especially to less groups, most likely using vac- The industry has about PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 tional Air Transport Associ- well off countries without the cines with less-demanding 2,000 dedicated freighters email: [email protected] ation, which helped arrange resources for mass purchases. temperature requirements, which usually carry about half the meeting. About 30 of the largest Hughes said. In normal times, of all goods moved by air, ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 Unicef, already the No. 1 cargo airlines were invited to Unicef provides aid to children while 2,500 passenger planes FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] buyer of vaccines, is leading participate in Monday’s call, and supplies more than 2 are currently operating in efforts to purchase and dis- Hughes said. They included billion inoculations a year, cargo-only roles. That still CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 tribute covid shots to 92 states express-delivery specialists which in 2019 had a value of leaves a huge shortfall that can email: [email protected] with funds from the GAVI such as FedEx and United almost $1.7 billion. only be filled through the immunization program, which Parcel Service and dedicated Garuda Indonesia has sep- opening up of more routes by SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 brings together governments, freighter operators like Car- arately been certified to governments, Hughes said. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar Wider access to health care, with an emphasis on prevention and public health, is /Peninsula_Qatar needed to secure economies and prosperity.

/ThePeninsulaNewspaper Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General

+974 6698 6188 FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2020 ASIA 09 Khan in Afghanistan vows to help reduce violence AP — KABUL Ghani called Khan’s sides in the Afghan conflict. There are fears of worsening Pakistani Prime Minister Imran visit “historic” while violence and regional chaos, Khan met with Afghan Pres- the Pakistani prime which some say could ident Ashraf Ghani on his first embolden the local Islamic State official visit to Kabul yesterday, minister assured the group’s affiliate to regroup and focusing on the ongoing peace Afghan leader that his perhaps even try to build talks with the Taliban as well as government would do another “caliphate.” on building trust and strength- Under an earlier deal ening relations between the two “everything possible” between the US and the Taliban often acrimonious neighbours. to help reduce that outlined a gradual pullout, Ghani called Khan’s visit the remaining US forces were “historic” while the Pakistani violence in the war- to leave Afghanistan by next prime minister assured the torn country. April. The Pentagon now says Afghan leader that his gov- some 2,500 troops will leave by ernment would do “everything January, just days before Pres- possible” to help reduce vio- Pakistan had played a key ident-elect Joe Biden’s inaugu- lence in the war-torn country. role in getting the Taliban to ration, leaving another 2,000 The visit comes at a crucial the negotiating table and that or so US forces in place. time for Afghanistan as Kabul Islamabad remains concerned Pakistan has been government negotiators and the that “despite the talks in applauded by Washington and Taliban are holding US-bro- Qatar, the level of violence is Kabul for its role in getting the kered negotiations in Qatar, rising.” Taliban to the peace table, first where the Taliban maintain a “Whatever is possible, we in direct talks with the United political office, to chart a course will do to help reduce the vio- States, which resulted in an for a post-war Afghanistan. lence,” and help move the agreement that led to the so- “You come with a series of Afghan-Taliban talks toward a called intra-Afghan negotia- Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan (right) and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani (centre) inspect a very important messages... but cease-fire, Khan said. tions now underway in Doha. guard of honour ahead of a joint press conference at the Presidential Palace in Kabul, yesterday. fundamental to this is that vio- “The whole objective of this Khan’s visit followed that of lence is not an answer, a com- visit is to build trust, to commu- Afghanistan’s chief peace envoy Abdullah urged Pakistan’s pow- now have control over half of many in Afghanistan as prehensive political settlement nicate more.... We will be Abdullah Abdullah who visited erful military to use its influence Afghanistan. wanting to keep the Taliban for an enduring peace within helping you.” Pakistan in September as the to press the Taliban to reduce However, many Afghans as possible leverage against the framework of our values, Neither of the leaders uneasy neighbours turned a attacks and the level of still view Pakistan with deep influence in Afghanistan by its our Constitution in the Islamic addressed this week’s corner from a relationship violence. mistrust, blaming it for the long-time enemy India, which Republic is the way to the announcement from Wash- marked by suspicion and down- The insurgents, who hosted resurgence of the Taliban and has been critical of any post- future,” Ghani told Khan at the ington of an accelerated US right hostility toward a part- Osama bin Laden and al-Qaida for giving the insurgents a safe war government in Afghan- presidential palace. troop withdrawal from Afghan- nership for peace in the region. until their regime was toppled haven from which to operate. istan that would include the Khan acknowledged istan, which has rattled both While in Islamabad, by the 2001 US-led invasion, Also, Pakistan is seen by Taliban. Technical faults S Korea to convert hotels into apartments to tackle home shortages caused 2016 REUTERS — SEOUL Hyun-mee said in a news market analyst at Real Estate demand for Jeonse properties,” implementation so they could Pakistan plane conference. 114 Inc, a Pangyo-based real Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki increase deposits for new South Korea is converting hotels The move comes after a estate information agency said in a briefing. tenants, expecting not to be able crash: Report and offices into rental units in series of measures by President south of Seoul. Jeonse is a lump-sum to raise them again for four its latest attempt to address Moon Jae-in’s administration to “But Thursday’s focus on returnable deposit paid instead years. REUTERS — ISLAMABAD nationwide outcry over soaring solve the housing crisis since home supply for one-person of monthly rent for leasing a For some, the idea of living rents, targeting an increasing 2017 have failed to cool soaring households could disappoint residential property for about in public housing simply is not A final investigation into a number of single, young renters home prices. families with children, who are two to four years in South attractive. 2016 air crash in Pakistan struggling to find affordable Opposition lawmakers have at the centre of the home Korea. “The government knows found that three technical homes. condemned the plan to convert shortage crisis and are strug- Since July, the Housing there is social stigma on people faults caused the accident that The government said yes- hotels into public housing amid gling just as hard to find Lease Protection Act capped living in public housing. I refuse killed all 47 on board, the terday it will add 114,000 public anger over the govern- affordable homes.” increases of “jeonse” deposits to move into one whether its a country’s civil aviation homes for public housing on ment’s failure to calm runaway Earlier measures included at five percent and allowed fancy hotel or not,” said a 28-year authority said yesterday. lease within the next two years home prices. easing building height limits tenants to extend standard two- old office worker in Seoul, who The Pakistan International by buying empty hotels and “There is a sense of desper- and converting military sites year contracts for another two, lives with her parents. Airlines (PIA) ATR42 aircraft offices and converting them into ation here. As absurd as it into residential areas, which unless landlords themselves The number of one-person smashed into a mountain in residential studios. sounds, buying hotels, com- failed to swiftly address home move into the property. households increased 18 percent northwestern town of Havelian “You all will be able to see mercial properties and con- shortages. The Act led to an unprece- between 2015 and 2019 to 6.15 50km short of its destination, hotels turning into affordable, verting them into housing “Policies this time are dented shortage of jeonse million - or more than 30 percent Islamabad, after taking off from high-quality, single-family could be the fastest way to focusing on fast increasing housing nationwide as land- of all households in South Korea the northern region of Chitral homes,” Minister of Land, Infra- increase home supplies,” said homes that could be rented out, lords sought to empty prop- — from 27.2 percent in 2015, in December, 2016. structure and Transport Kim Yeo Kyoung-hui, a property not restricting demand, to meet erties ahead of July according to official figures. Citing a final report from the Aircraft Accident Investi- gation Board (AAIB), Pakistan’s civil aviation authority in a Vietnam threatens to statement said there were “three latent faults”. They included the fracture shut down Facebook of one of the engine’s power turbine blades, a broken pin REUTERS — HANOI opposition. The country ranks and “probably pre-existing fifth from bottom in a global contamination” inside a pro- Vietnam has threatened to shut ranking of press freedom com- peller valve. down Facebook in the country piled by Reporters Without if it does not bow to Borders. Court sentences government pressure to censor Vietnam’s foreign ministry more local political content on said that Facebook should LeT founder Hafiz its platform, a senior official at abide by local laws and cease the US social media giant tsaid. “spreading information that Saeed to 10 Facebook complied with a violates traditional Vietnamese government request in April to customs and infringes upon years in prison significantly increase its cen- state interests”. sorship of “anti-state” posts for A spokeswoman for REUTERS — LAHORE local users, but Vietnam asked Facebook said it had faced the company again in August additional pressure from A Pakistani court yesterday to step up its restrictions of Vietnam to censor more sentenced Islamist leader critical posts, the official said. content in recent months. Hafiz Saeed, founder of “We made an agreement Facebook, which serves Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the in April. Facebook has upheld about 60 million users in militant group blamed by the our end of the agreement, and Vietnam as the main platform United States and India for the Souvenir pictures for K-pop boy band fans we expected the government for both e-commerce and 2008 Mumbai siege, to 10 of Vietnam to do the same,” expressions of political dissent, years in prison on two charges Fans of South Korean K-pop boy band BTS take souvenir pictures at a BTS pop-up store in Seoul said the official, who spoke on is under constant government of terrorism financing, his yesterday ahead of the super group’s new album launch this week. condition of anonymity citing scrutiny. lawyer said. the sensitivity of the subject. It was reported in April that The sentences for the two “They have come back to Facebook’s local servers in charges — five years each — us and sought to get us to Vietnam were taken offline will run concurrently. increase the volume of content early this year until it complied Saeed is already in jail S Korea begins anti-virus period ahead that we’re restricting in with the government’s serving two sentences of five- Vietnam. We’ve told them no. demands. and-a-half-years each, of college entrance examination That request came with some Facebook has long faced handed down to him in Feb- threats about what might criticism from rights group for ruary this year, which means REUTERS — SEOUL plays a decisive role in edu- For students in quarantine, happen if we didn’t.” being too compliant with gov- he will not serve any extra jail cation and career prospects. including those who had con- The official said the threats ernment censorship requests. time. South Korea kicked off a special Almost 500,000 high tacted COVID-19 patients, the included shutting down “However, we will do eve- “An anti-terrorism court in two-week coronavirus school seniors will sit for this ministry has secured at least 113 Facebook altogether in rything we can to ensure that Lahore sentenced ten-and-a- prevention period yesterday year’s exam on December 3, the test centres and 754 individual Vietnam, a major market for our services remain available half years imprisonment to after the country’s daily education ministry said. test rooms, enough to accom- the social media company so people can continue to chief of Jamaatud Dawa Hafiz infection tallies mounted ahead The ministry called on all modate 3,800. where it earns revenue of express themselves,” the Saeed, his deputy Zafar Iqbal, of highly competitive annual high schools nationwide to Health Minister Park nearly $1bn, according to two spokeswoman said. and spokesman Yahya college entrance exams. return to online classes a week Neung-hoo said South Korea sources familiar with the Vietnam has tried to launch Mujahid on charges of terror The Korea Disease Control prior to the exam and said it will stands at a critical crossroads numbers. home-grown social media net- financing,” Saeed’s lawyer and Prevention Agency reported temporarily disclose names of of another massive outbreak. Facebook has faced works to compete with Imran Fazal Gill said. 343 new coronavirus cases by any cram schools and study cafes “We should pull together in mounting pressure from gov- Facebook, but none has Jammaat ud-Dawa is a Wednesday midnight, bringing that experience infections. prevention measures to help ernments over its content pol- reached any meaningful level charity run by Saeed. the country’s total infections to There are no reported cases our kids focus on the college icies, including threats of new of popularity. “Since the convict has 29,654, with 498 deaths. of high school seniors with entrance exam in a safe envi- regulations and fines. But it has The Facebook official said already been convicted... by The daily tally has topped COVID-19 in the capital Seoul, ronment,” Park told a meeting. avoided a ban in all but the few the company had not seen an this court vide judgment dates 200 for five consecutive days and 153 of the total 230 high Starting yesterday, public places where it has never been exodus of Vietnamese users to 12.02.2020, so the punishment and surpassed 300 on schools in the city are already gatherings of 100 people or allowed to operate, such as the local platforms. awarded to him in this case Wednesday for the first time holding online classes ahead of more will be banned, religious China. The official said Facebook shall also run concurrently since August after a large out- the exam, Seoul Metropolitan services and sporting events In Vietnam, despite had been subject to a with punishment in said break at a church political rally. Office of Education said. will be limited to 30% of sweeping economic reform and “14-month-long negative cases,” said the court order. Rising case numbers have The ministry has secured capacity, and high-risk facilities increasing openness to social media campaign” in state-con- Appeals have been filed fuelled worries among students 120 hospital beds in 29 medical including clubs and karaoke change, the ruling Communist trolled Vietnamese press against previous sentences, and parents ahead of the annual facilities for students with bars must widen distance Party retains tight control of before arriving at the current Gill said. college entrance exam, which COVID-19 ahead of exam day. among guests. media and tolerates little impasse. 10 EUROPE FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2020 France given 3 months to justify climate efforts AFP — PARIS The Council said that “while France has In a ruling hailed as “historic” committed itself to reducing its emissions by by environmental activists, 40 percent in 2030 compared to 1990 levels, France’s top administrative court yesterday gave the it has, in recent years, regularly exceeded the government a three-month ‘carbon budgets’ it had set itself.” deadline to show it is taking action to meet its commitments on global warming. 2030.” of Grande-Synthe, petitioned The French government, Corinne Lepage, a former the Council of State over what which brokered the landmark environment minister and a he called the government’s 2015 Paris Agreement on lawyer for the town of Grande- “climate inaction”. climate change, was hauled Synthe, hailed the decision as Careme said his town of before the Council of State by “historic”. 23,000 people, which is built Grande-Synthe, a low-lying The ruling means that “pol- on land reclaimed from the sea, northern coastal town that is icies must be more than nice risked being flooded by rising particularly exposed to the commitments on paper,” she ocean levels. effects of climate change. said. The town’s case was backed Cold weather The Council, which rules on Despite Macron’s headline by the cities of Paris and Gre- People walk past trees covered with ice after freezing rain in the far eastern city of Vladivostok, disputes over public policies, 2017 promise to “make our noble, as well as several envi- Russia, yesterday. said that “while France has planet great again” — a swipe ronmental NGOs including committed itself to reducing its at global-warming denier US Oxfam France, Greenpeace emissions by 40 percent in President Donald Trump and France and L’Affaire du Siecle 2030 compared to 1990 levels, his pledge to “make America (The Case of the Century). Prince William it has, in recent years, regularly great again” — France is far off Welcoming yesterday’s Italian police arrest 19 exceeded the ‘carbon budgets’ track to meet its commitments decision, Greenpeace and welcomes probe it had set itself.” under the 2015 treaty. L’Affaire du Siecle called it a in mafia vote-swap sting It also noted that President France’s High Council on “historic breakthrough for the into 1995 Diana Emmanuel Macron’s gov- Climate, an independent body environment”, noting that AFP — ROME Regional council chief ernment had, in an April decree, tasked with advising the gov- France’s climate objectives, and Domenico Tallini, 68, is BBC interview at the height of the first wave ernment on how to reduce its path to achieving them, had Italian police yesterday arrested accused of cutting the red tape of COVID-19 infections, carbon emissions, said in a “become binding”. 19 people including the head of required to set up the phar- AFP — LONDON deferred much of the reduction report this year that emissions Macron’s centrist gov- Calabria’s regional council in an macies in exchange for votes efforts beyond 2020. had fallen by only 0.9 percent ernment did not immediately anti-mafia sting against the in the 2014 regional elections, Prince William has called an Before issuing a final ruling in 2019. react to the ruling. powerful ‘Ndrangheta organised police said in a statement. investigation into claims that on the matter, the Council gave That left France “far from In 2018, the popular climate crime group. The other 18 suspects, his mother Princess Diana was the government three months the 3 percent annual reduction campaigner Nicolas Hulot quit Investigators say Grande arrested in Calabria and Rome, tricked into agreeing her to justify “how its refusal to take expected from 2025 onwards as Maron’s environment min- Aracri clan, based in southern face accusations ranging from bombshell 1995 BBC interview additional measures is com- to remain on track for carbon ister over what he saw as the Italian region but also active in mafia association to attempted a “step in the right direction”. patible with the respect of the neutrality,” it said. president’s failure to aggres- pockets of north and abroad, was extortion, harbouring illegal The late princess’ brother, reduction path chosen in order In January 2019, Damien sively pursue green laundering dirty money through weapons, money laundering, Charles Spencer, has alleged to achieve the targets set for Careme, then the Greens mayor initiatives. a chain of 23 pharmacies. and vote exchange. the flagship “Panorama” pro- gramme reporter who con- ducted the interview, Martin Bashir, showed him faked doc- Oxford COVID-19 vaccine safe for older adults: Results uments to persuade his sister to take part. AFP — PARIS The manufacturers said the study results, published in The generated in all age groups, Yesterday, Pfizer and The BBC announced vaccine was undergoing larger, Lancet. including in the cohort of par- BioNTech said a completed Wednesday the immediate A leading COVID-19 vaccine more comprehensive phase 3 The phase 2 trial saw 560 ticipants aged over 70 years,” analysis of their experimental start of an investigation, a candidate has shown to safely trials to confirm the results. participants, 240 of whom were said Michael Head, senior vaccine found it protected 95 move welcomed by the prince. produce a robust immune Immune responses from over 70, split into groups that research fellow in Global Health percent of people against the “The independent investi- response in healthy older vaccines tend to lessen as received either one or two at the University of South- disease and announced they gation is a step in the right adults, its British makers said people get older as the immune doses of the vaccine, or a ampton, who was not involved were applying for US emergency direction,” William, 38, said yesterday as it released its system gradually slows with placebo. in the trial. approval “within days.” late on Wednesday. “It should phase 2 trial results. age. They had their immune “Since elderly populations The US pharmaceutical help establish the truth behind The vaccine, developed by This leaves older adults responses assessed on the day will be one of the priority company and its German the actions that led to the Pan- the University of Oxford and more vulnerable to infection of the vaccination, then several groups to receive a vaccine partner brought further hope to orama interview and subse- AstraZeneca, produced fewer from a variety of illnesses. more times over the coming when one is available, this is a world upended by the coro- quent decisions taken by those side effects in people aged 56 “As a result, it is crucial that weeks. good news.” navirus pandemic with the in the BBC at the time.” and over than in younger COVID-19 vaccines are tested Responses were “similar” The Oxford/AstraZeneca announcement, which follows Diana detailed her col- people — a significant finding in this group who are also a pri- across all age groups, the vaccine is one of 48 that are one last week when they said a lapsing marriage to the heir to given that COVID-19 dispropor- ority group for immunisation,” researchers said. undergoing human trials against preliminary analysis showed the throne in the November tionately causes severe illness Andre Pollard, an Oxford pro- “The research shows that an COVID-19, according to the the product was 90 percent 1995 interview, which was among seniors. fessor and lead author of the immune response was World Health Organization. effective. watched by a record 22.8 million people. She famously said “there were three people” in her mar- Most children caught virus riage — her, Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles — and also revealed she had been outside school: German data unfaithful. Diana and Charles for- REUTERS — BERLIN As coronavirus infections have mally divorced in 1996. She soared across Europe again, Germany died in a Paris car crash the Children in the German city of Hamburg imposed a month-long “lockdown light” following year. Charles and were four times more likely to catch on November 2, closing clubs and res- Camilla married in 2005. coronavirus during private gatherings taurants but keeping schools and shops New reports have surfaced than at school, an analysis of infection open. alleging Bashir used cases between August and October Germany’s federal states this week underhand methods to per- showed. rejected a bid by Chancellor Angela suade Diana to talk, including The Hamburg school authority said Merkel to tighten the rules, including by claiming her own staff 78 percent of the 372 children infected making it mandatory to wear masks in members were being paid to with the virus between the summer and schools, shrinking class sizes, and lim- spy on her. autumn holidays caught it outside school, iting social contacts to one household or The probe will focus prin- with children under 12 only half as likely friend. cipally on the role of Bashir, to become infected as older ones. The head of the Robert Koch Institute who was little-known at the It said many schools only registered for infectious diseases (RKI), Lothar time but went on to have a one infection in a year group within 10 Wieler, said yesterday there were cur- Students of the Freiherr-vom-Stein secondary school in the North Rhine-Westphalian global career. days, suggesting it was unlikely that the rently around 475 outbreaks in schools city of Bonn wear winter outfits against the cold as school resumes with open It will consider “the affected student spread it to classmates. and more than 100 in daycare windows and protective masks against the spread of COVID-19 following the autumn mocked-up bank statements Most children became infected at home, facilities. holidays in Germany, recently. purporting to show payments at parties or other private gatherings. Germany has continued to fare better to a former employee of Earl Of the 472 schools in Hamburg, 171 than many of its European neighbours RKI data published yesterday 22,609, the biggest increase in six days, Spencer... (and) the purported recorded infections, but only 23 of those even as cases soar in the second wave showed confirmed coronavirus (COVID- to a total 855,916, while the death toll payments to members of the had multiple infections. of the pandemic. 19) cases in Germany had risen by rose by 251 to 13,370. Royal Household”. EU considers military doctrine, new tank development REUTERS — BRUSSELS intelligence-based threat analysis before from Berlin. EU defence ministers take up the work During Britain’s membership, The European Union aims to draw up a at a virtual meeting today, aiming to London resisted a major military role master military strategy document to deliver a final document in 2022. for the EU, fearing the creation of an EU define future threats, goals and ambi- “We need to build a compass. This is army, which officials in Brussels say is tions in defence while focusing on six a common way of looking at the world, not under discussion. new areas of joint weapons development of defining threats and addressing them Defence ministers will also receive including tanks, officials and diplomats together,” said a senior EU official. the bloc’s first annual review on joint said. The document would not be a list of capabilities today, which is expected to The EU’s “Strategic Compass”, the threats, in part because EU governments set out 100 areas for governments to closest thing the EU could have to a mil- have different views on their gravity. develop together from 2025 over six itary doctrine and akin to Nato’s “Stra- Russia is seen with more alarm in the areas, including battle tanks, maritime tegic Concept” that sets out alliance goals, Baltics than in France, where Islamic patrol vessels, countering drones and is the latest step in accelerating efforts to militancy is more pressing, envoys said. jamming technology. deepen EU defence cooperation. However, it does signal what Borrell France, Germany, Italy and Spain After four years of hostility towards has cited as “an increased momentum hope that by developing national Nato by US President Donald Trump, the to strengthen our collective capacity” defences together, the EU will save EU, led by France, wants to become a since a December 2017 EU defence pact money by putting an end to competing stand-alone military power in the long to develop more firepower independ- national industries that duplicate term, strong enough to fight on its own ently of the United States. weapons. and potentially a more useful ally to the Britain’s vote in 2016 to leave the EU, “This is not just another report”, a United States. while depriving the bloc of a military second senior EU official said of the first The EU’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, power, has given Paris an opportunity review. “This is the path for the EU to will brief EU foreign ministers by video to push longstanding ambitions for a plan, spend and cooperate together in conference on a confidential, bigger EU role in defence, with support countering next-generation threats.” FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2020 AMERICAS 11 Trump faces setback in Georgia recount, drops Michigan lawsuit REUTERS — WASHINGTON/ Trump lawyer Rudy more votes nationwide. Biden DETROIT is due to be sworn in on Jan. 20. Giuliani said yesterday Critics say Trump’s refusal The US presidential election the campaign was to concede has serious impli- battleground state of Georgia withdrawing its cations for national security was expected yesterday to and the fight against the coro- affirm Joe Biden’s victory over lawsuit challenging navirus, which has killed more Donald Trump after a pains- the vote results in than 250,000 Americans. taking recount, as Trump’s In Pennsylvania, where re-election campaign said it Michigan, where Biden won by 82,000 votes, the was withdrawing a lawsuit in this week Biden was Trump campaign is asking a Michigan. judge to declare him the winner The official in charge of certified as the winner there, saying its Republican- implementing Georgia’s voting in a tangled series of controlled legislature should US President-elect Joe Biden leaves The Queen theatre after participating in a virtual meeting on systems, Gabriel Sterling, told choose the state’s 20 Electoral national security in Wilmington, Delaware, US, yesterday. Fox News the state’s audit and events. College voters. recount were nearly complete In Wisconsin, the Trump and on track to verify Biden’s lawsuit challenging the vote campaign has paid for or a partial Biden approaches 80 million votes advantage. He called accusa- results in Michigan, where this recount, even though election tions of voter irregularities week Biden was certified as the officials there say that will likely REUTERS — WASHINGTON uphill legal fight to stop or delay battleground states, while “wild mischaracterizations.” winner in a tangled series of only add to Biden’s 20,000-vote results from being certified, Biden’s margin would be “The good part was: the audit events. advantage in a state that carries President-elect Joe Biden’s potentially nullify the votes of slightly narrower — about did its job” in finding a few Two Republican members 10 electoral votes. winning tally is approaching a Americans. 45,000 votes across Arizona, small batches of uncounted of the Wayne County board of Several prominent law record 80 million votes as “It’s just a lot of noise going Georgia and Wisconsin. votes that were being tallied canvassers on Tuesday initially firms have pulled out of the Democratic bastions continue on, because Donald Trump is a That slimmer win, however, that morning, he said. “The voted to block certification of Trump campaign’s legal oper- to count ballots and the 2020 bull who carries his own china is still decisive by election law recount is going great.” the vote before reversing their ation, leaving Trump’s personal election cracks turnout records. shop with him,” said Douglas standards, notes Rick Hasen, a In the state-by-state Elec- decision after angry public lawyer Giuliani to spearhead Biden has already set a Brinkley, a presidential his- professor at the University of toral College that determines the reaction. the efforts. record for the highest number torian at Rice University. “Once Irvine and an expert on voting. winner of the election, Biden, a But both then signed affi- Trump said on Twitter on of votes for a winning presi- the noise recedes, it’s going to While Biden’s margins in Democrat, has captured 306 davits on Wednesday seeking Thursday that lawyers would dential candidate, and Pres- be clear that Biden won a very states like Arizona and Wis- electoral votes to Republican to cancel their confirmation of discuss a “viable path to ident Donald Trump has also convincing victory.” consin seem small — between Trump’s 232, well ahead of the Biden’s win, saying they had victory” at a news conference notched a high-water mark of Biden currently has an Elec- 12,000 and 20,000 votes — 270 needed for victory. The changed their positions under at noon ET (1700 GMT). the most votes for a losing toral College lead of 290-232. those races aren’t nearly winner in each state is awarded pressure. A spokesman for the State and federal election candidate. But that does not include narrow enough to be con- that state’s electoral votes, a Michigan secretary of state’s officials, as well as outside With more than 155 million electors from Georgia, where sidered likely to flip through a number roughly proportional to office said the after-the-fact experts, say Trump’s argument votes counted and California Biden leads Trump by 0.3 per- recount or lawsuits. Recounts the population. statement did not stop the that the election was stolen and New York still counting, centage points as officials typically shift total votes by only Trump’s campaign has filed ballots from being certified. from him by widespread voter turnout stands at 65 percent of conduct a hand tally. The AP a few hundred votes. In 2000, lawsuits in a number of states One of the two, Monica fraud has no basis in fact. all eligible voters, the highest has not called the race, but if the Florida recount and legal with scant success so far. Those Palmer, yesterday confirmed However, it does appear to since 1908. Biden’s lead holds he will win battle for the White House was legal motions, sprinkled with by text message that Trump had be affecting public confidence The rising Biden tally and the Electoral College on prompted by a 537-vote margin. factual errors, have been dis- called her to check in after cer- in American democracy. A his popular vote lead — nearly 306-232 vote — the identical “If you’re talking about it missed by Biden’s campaign as tification of the vote. Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll 6 million votes — come as margin Trump won in 2016. being close enough to be within “theatrics.” Trump has a dwindling released on Wednesday found Trump has escalated his false Back then Trump described it what those of us in the field call Trump lawyer Rudy number of options to overturn about half of Republicans insistence that he actually won as a “landslide.” the margin of litigation, this is Giuliani said yesterday the the results of an election in believe Trump “rightfully won” the election, and his campaign Trump sealed that victory not within the margin of liti- campaign was withdrawing its which Biden won 5.8 million the election. and supporters intensify their with 77,000 votes across three gation,” Hasen said. Atlanta mayor US virus hospitalisations rise by nearly 50% in 2 weeks vows ‘top to REUTERS — WASHINGTON New social restrictions additional safety standards to adding one more day of in- was necessary as more than bottom review’ aimed at slowing community reopen schools would be person education a week 90% of hospital intensive care The number of people hospi- spread and lowering the announced before Thanksgiving starting next week, Riordan unit (ICU) beds were already of policing talised with COVID-19 in the infection rate were taking effect after consultation with Gov- said. But the excitement occupied in the eastern half of United States has jumped nearly this week, including the abrupt ernor Andrew Cuomo. quickly turned into the state. AP — ATLANTA 50 percent in the last 14 days, closing of New York City’s “Our schools are going to disappointment. In nearby Wisconsin, 90.2 straining the nation’s healthcare public schools yesterday as the come back, but they’re going to “Since September she’s percent of ICU beds were Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance system and forcing states to city’s 7-day positive test rate come back with additional gotten maybe seven days in occupied on Thursday, state Bottoms has brought in a impose new restrictions to curb average hit three percent. safety standards,” de Blasio told school,” Riordan told Reuters. data showed. consulting firm to conduct a the alarming spread of the coro- Restaurants, clubs, fitness CBS yesterday. “And those are the days where... Health and government “top to bottom review” of the navirus. centers and entertainment Suzanna Riordan, a she comes home excited and officials have warned that the city’s police department, in Nearly 79,000 people in the venues in Minnesota were Brooklyn mother, said she burst happy and she gets to see other dramatic rise in hospitalisations keeping with her vow to United States were hospitalised ordered closed starting on into tears upon learning that her second graders. And that’s gone over the last couple of weeks reform public safety after the with the virus yesterday, a tally Friday through at least 7-year-old daughter would be again.” may only get worse heading fatal police shooting of showed, the most at any time December 18. denied in-school learning until Governor Tim Walz of Min- into winter, and urged Amer- Rayshard Brooks. during the pandemic, following New York City Mayor Bill de at least after the Thanksgiving nesota, one of several Midwest icans to limit their Thanksgiving “We are moving forward sharp rises in infection rates Blasio defended his decision to holiday weekend. states dogged by the country’s holiday celebrations next week on our Administration’s com- around the country and partic- shut down the nation’s largest Her daughter Olivia had highest infection rates per to small, single household mitment to build lasting, ularly the Midwest. school district, noting that been excited at the prospect of capita, said his shutdown order gatherings. healthy relationships between law enforcement and the com- munities they serve,” she said in a Wednesday press release. Mexico says no more US Bottoms said department changes will come quickly. The Washington, DC- trials for corrupt officials based Police Executive Research Forum was created AP — MEXICO CITY On Tuesday, the US in 1976 to show police depart- Department of Justice ments alternate methods in Mexican officials said yesterday requested dismissal of drug public safety, the release said. that a US agreement to return trafficking and money laun- Atlanta Police Union Pres- a former defence secretary dering charges against ex- ident Jason Segura told the The accused of aiding drug traf- Defense Secretary General Sal- Atlanta Journal-Constitution fickers will apply to any official vador Cienfuegos that he be that the consultants will likely accused of such corruption, and returned to Mexico in the face resistance from officers, they will no longer be tried in interest of maintaining cross- particularly the ones who feel the United States. border cooperation. That that the department is under The bombshell statement decision came after reports that intense scrutiny following the would end a decades-old tra- Mexico had threatened to expel death of Brooks. dition in which most of Mex- the Drug Enforcement Admin- Brooks, a Black man, was ico’s high-profile drug-traf- istration’s regional director and fatally shot twice in back in ficking and corruption cases agents. June by Officer Garrett Rolfe, have been tried north of the President Andrés Manuel who was trying to arrest him border. López Obrador denied that at a fast food restaurant for “Whoever is culpable Thursday, saying: “We didn’t being intoxicated behind the according to our laws will be threaten anybody. All we did wheel of his car. Brooks tried Bolsonaro attends Brazil Flag Day ceremony tried, judged and if applicable was express our disagreement.” to flee after wrestling with sentenced in Mexico, and not “We did not threaten to expel officers and grabbing a stun Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro gestures during a Flag Day ceremony at the Planalto Palace, in in other countries, and that is the agents. We said we want to gun. Brasilia, Brazil, yesterday. the basis which has been be informed and for the coop- encouraged with this eration agreements to be agreement,” said Foreign Rela- respected,” López Obrador tions Secretary Marcelo Ebrard. said. Huge Puerto Rico telescope to close in blow to science “That is what has been dis- Lopez Obrador also said of cussed, what has been agreed the case “I think it is an injustice AP — SAN JUAN single dish radio telescope — even if crews were to repair all said the goal was to preserve and what has been maintained for innocent people to be put one of the world’s largest — the damage, engineers found the telescope without placing with US authorities.” US offi- on trial.” “You cannot allow The National Science Foun- given the significant damage it that the structure would still be people at risk, but, “we have cials themselves have given no foreign agencies to try Mex- dation announced yesterday recently sustained. An auxiliary unstable in the long term. found no path forward to allow hint that the agreement went icans if there is no proof,” said that it will close the huge tele- cable broke in August and tore “This decision is not an easy us to do so safely.” beyond the Cienfuegos case. López Obrador, who depicted scope at the renowned Arecibo a 100-foot hole in the reflector one for NSF to make, but the The telescope was built in Ebrard’s statement was not it as a national sovereignty Observatory in Puerto Rico in dish and damaged the dome safety of people is our number the 1960s with money from the clear on whether Mexico would issue. a blow to scientists worldwide above it. Then on November 6, one priority,” said Sean Jones, Defense Department amid a continue extraditing accused “Just because they are other who depend on it to search for one of the telescope’s main steel the agency’s assistant director push to develop anti-ballistic drug traffickers to face charges countries’ legal institutions, planets, asteroids and extrater- cables snapped, causing further for the Mathematical and missile defences. In its 57 years in US courts, as it has done does that make them the restrial life. damage and leading officials to Physical Sciences Directorate. of operation, it endured hurri- often in the past, or whether he owners of justice and rec- The independent, federally warn that the entire structure “We understand how much canes, endless humidity and a was only referring to officials titude.” Cienfuegos was funded agency said it’s too dan- could collapse. Arecibo means to this com- recent string of strong accused of collaborating with returned to Mexico Wednesday gerous to keep operating the NSF officials noted that munity and to Puerto Rico.” He earthquakes. drug gangs. and was promptly released. Business 12

FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2020

IMF and G-20 warn recovery may be derailed, risks still very high Countries have started to climb back from the depths of the COVID-19 crisis. But the resurgence in infections in many economies shows just how difficult and uncertain this ascent will be. Kristalina Georgieva Business | 13 IMF Managing Director QSE 10,107.65 -140.80 (-1.37%) FTSE 100 6,338.45 -46.79 (0.73%) DOW 29,416.68 -21.74 (0.074%) BRENT $41.52 (-0.72)

Brexit trade talks suspended ICC-Qatar backs call BNP Paribas considering because of COVID-19 case for action from G20 sale of Italian AP — BRUSSELS to support SMEs payments Any long suspension of The Brexit trade negotiations THE PENINSULA — DOHA firm Axepta have been suspended at a crucial talks will make it even stage because an EU negotiator tougher for the The International Chamber of has tested positive for the coro- negotiators to clinch a Commerce- Qatar (ICC-Qatar) BLOOMBERG navirus, adding new uncertainty deal ahead of January 1, announced yesterday its support to the talks as a deadline looms. when the existing trade of the International Chamber of BNP Paribas SA is considering EU chief negotiator Michel Commerce’s (ICC) call for urgent the sale of its Italian payments Barnier (pictured) said that agreements between the action from G20 leaders in unit Axepta SpA, according to together with his UK coun- EU and Britain expire. response to the COVID-19 people with knowledge of the terpart, David Frost, “we have outbreak. matter, adding to a spate of decided to suspend the negoti- ICC has urged the G20 to deals in the rapidly consoli- ations at our level for a short take action to safeguard the dating sector. period.” He added that talks Only on Wednesday a top wanting to retain access to the supply of essential working France’s largest bank is among lower ranking officials European Union official said that EU’s lucrative markets, much capital and short-term credit to speaking with advisers about would continue. trade talks with the United like any EU country, without small and medium-sized enter- a disposal early next year, said Any long suspension of talks Kingdom still face “substantial agreeing to follow its rules. The prises (SMEs). a post-pandemic recovery. the people, who asked not to will make it even tougher for the work” that might spill over into EU fears Britain will slash social Chairman of Qatar Chamber In a statement issued yes- be identified because the negotiators to clinch a deal next week. and environmental standards, and ICC-Qatar, Sheikh Khalifa terday, Sheikh Khalifa stressed information is private. ahead of January 1, when the The UK left the EU on and pump state money into U.K. bin Jassim Al Thani (pictured), that trade finance is a vital The Italian merchant existing trade agreements January 31, but a transition industries, becoming a low-reg- welcomed the early actions lifeline for many small busi- acquiring unit, which spe- between the EU and Britain period when EU rules apply to ulation economic rival on the taken by governments, devel- nesses and underpins over 80 cialises in the management of expire. trade and other issues runs until bloc’s doorstep. opment banks and regulators to percent of global trade. electronic payments, may be “We are discussing with the end of December. Both sides Britain says the EU is making provide support for trade finance This call to action is espe- valued at as much as €200m them the implications for the had hoped to get a trade deal by unreasonable demands and is in response to the initial impacts cially timely as there has been ($240m) and is expected to negotiations. We have been, and then to save hundreds of thou- failing to treat it as an inde- of the crisis, but believes there is an increase in the failure rates attract interest from industry will continue to, act in line with sands of jobs that could be at pendent, sovereign state. a clear rationale for additional of SMEs globally in recent peers, according to one of the public health guidelines and to stake if Brexit amounts to a If there is no deal, businesses interventions to mitigate the risk months in both advanced and people. ensure the health and welfare of brutal cliff edge divorce. on both sides of the English of trade financing gaps inhibiting emerging economies. Axepta manages about 15 our teams,” the British gov- But talks have proven excep- Channel will face tariffs and million monthly payment ernment said in a statement. tionally difficult, with the two other barriers to trade starting transactions and has about 100 Time is running out as the EU sides refusing to budge on three on January 1. That would hurt employees in Italy, according will need about four weeks to key issues - fisheries, how to economies on both sides, with to its website. The unit offers complete the approval process check compliance of the deal the impact falling most heavily payments and e-commerce of any deal agreed on by Barnier and standards the U.K. must on the UK, whose economy is advice to small- and medium- and his UK counterpart, David meet to export into the EU. already reeling under the coro- sized enterprises, large Frost. The bloc accuses Britain of navirus pandemic. retailers and artisans. A representative for BNP Paribas declined to comment. The payments industry is Norway wealth fund to hand $60bn to external managers in a phase of rapid consoli- dation, with banks disposing BLOOMBERG Bloomberg earlier this year he’s strategies, which it has so far fund’s risk across more markets.” of their own units and spe- keen to step up reliance on avoided. External managers are cialized players seeking to Norway’s $1.2 trillion sovereign external managers because he “We will have to come back expected to take responsible scale up. Italy’s Intesa San- wealth fund, the world’s biggest, thinks it’s a strategy that can to the details at a later stage when investment into account when paolo SpA agreed late last year is raising the cap on external “generate a significant surplus this has been decided on,” working for the Norwegian to sell its payments systems managers after its new chief return.” That view has now spokeswoman Line Aaltvedt said wealth fund. “All aspects of the unit to Nexi SpA in a 1 billion- executive officer made clear he shaped policy at the fund. in an email. activities of these managers are euro deal and in February. wants more outsiders to help “We get back much more The fund estimates that evaluated to ensure that they Nexi followed with rapid oversee investments. from external asset managers external managers brought in meet our requirements and fire agreements to acquire SIA Starting next year, the Oslo- than we have paid for their cumulative excess returns, after expectations,” he said. SpA, its main Italian com- based fund plans to have external services,” Jon Nicolaisen (pic- costs, of 48 billion kroner ($5.3bn) External asset managers “also petitor, and Denmark’s Nets managers, including hedge funds, tured), a deputy governor of Nor- in the period through to 2019. help the fund to steer clear of A/S in deals that will create a handle up to 5 percent of its port- way’s central bank, which Nicolaisen said the strategy is par- problematic business models and European payments giant. folio, equivalent to just over manages the fund, said in a ticularly useful in emerging companies and sectors with Worldline SA earlier agreed to $60bn. That compares with 3.9 speech yesterday. The wealth markets. “The results have weak ownership structures,” buy French rival Ingenico percent at the end of 2019, and 54-year-old chief executive fund declined to comment on exceeded expectations,” Nicolaisen said. “It would have Group SA for €7.8bn to form about 4.4 percent in late October. officer since September and a whether the new allocation limit Nicolaisen said. “At the same time, been difficult to achieve without one of the largest payment- Nicolai Tangen, the fund’s former hedge fund manager, told will make room for short trading these investments spread the local knowledge.” services providers. US existing home sales Nasdaq to buy Newfoundland’s Verafin for $2.75bn BLOOMBERG provides trade and market surveil- rise for fifth straight month lance for its clients. Nasdaq Inc agreed to acquire Verafin, a pro- Many banks are using old REUTERS — WASHINGTON rates. The COVID-19 pandemic, vider of technology that fights financial systems that aren’t very effective which has seen at least 21 fraud and money laundering, for $2.75bn at detecting money laundering and US home sales increased for a percent of the labor force in cash. financial crime, Valerie Bannert- fifth straight month in October, working from home, has led to Verafin, based in St John’s, New- Thurner, a senior vice president at but record-high house prices a migration from city centers to foundland and Labrador, provides a cloud- Nasdaq, said in an interview. “It’s because of tight supply could suburbs and other low-density based platform that helps customers detect such a big problem, fines are huge slow momentum. areas as Americans seek out spa- and report financial crimes, according to a and it’s a big worry for CEOs for The National Association of cious accommodation for home statement yesterday. Its current clients banks, and it has to be solved Realtors said yesterday that offices and schools. include 2,000 banks and credit unions in better.” existing home sales increased 4.3 The coronavirus recession, North America, and Nasdaq aims to expand Nasdaq shares rose 2.3 percent percent to a seasonally adjusted which started in February, has those services to the largest banks and to $125.60 as of 12:49 pm in New annual rate of 6.85 million units disproportionately affected second-tier institutions, including in York. They’re up 17 percent this last month. Data for September lower-wage earners. At least 20 Europe. year. The deal is expected to boost was revised up to a rate of 6.57 million people are on unem- “Financial crime, including money laun- earnings per share starting in 2022, million units from the previously ployment benefits. The 30-year dering, is among the biggest and most dif- the company said. reported 6.54 million units. fixed mortgage rate is around an ficult challenges that banks face around the Evercore Inc. and JPMorgan Economists polled by average of 2.84 percent, world,” Nasdaq Chief Executive Officer Chase & Co. were the lead advisers Reuters had forecast sales would according to data from mortgage Adena Friedman said in a presentation. to Nasdaq, which was also advised fall 1.2 percent to a rate of 6.45 finance agency Freddie Mac. “Regulators are becoming more demanding by Bank of America Corp, Goldman million units in October. Housing supply has failed to of banks, brokerages, fintechs and other Sachs Group Inc, Morgan Stanley Existing home sales, which keep up with demand, pushing financial intermediaries as the frontline and Toronto-Dominion Bank. account for the bulk of US home home prices out of the reach of defense against criminals using the financial Verafin was advised by William sales, jumped 26.6 percent on a many first-time buyers, despite system to fund their illicit activities.” Blair & Co. year-on-year basis in October. builders ramping up con- About $2 trillion is laundered a year, and Verafin’s headquarters will Sales increased in all four regions struction. The government the $12.5bn market for combating financial remain in St John’s, and its exec- last month and continued to be reported on Wednesday that crime is expected to grow 17 percnet through A file photo of Nasdaq headquarters building in utive leadership team will continue concentrated in the upper price single-family homebuilding, the 2024, Nasdaq said. The purchase fits a Manhattan, New York City, New York, US. to run the company, according to end of the market. largest share of the housing strategy laid out at the company’s investor the statement. The deal is expected The housing market is being market, raced to the highest level day earlier this month, when Friedman said software and analytics to the financial to be completed in the first quarter of next driven by record low mortgage since April 2007. it was seeking acquisitions to provide more industry. The exchange operator already year. FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2020 BUSINESS 13 IMF and G-20 warn recovery may Ex-Wirecard boss refuses to answer questions from be derailed, risks still very high German lawmakers BLOOMBERG soon as next month even amid AFP - BERLIN mounting confidence that a The guardians of the global “The recovery is uneven, vaccine for the virus is nearing. Markus Braun (pictured), the economy are warning that the highly uncertain and Georgieva said some econ- former chief executive of dis- recovery from this year’s subject to elevated omies have room for greater graced payments giant Wirecard, recession is at risk and could be downside risks, fiscal support next year beyond refused to answer questions derailed as the resurgence of including those arising current budgets, and warned from German lawmakers yes- COVID-19 forces fresh restric- against cutting off lifelines such terday over the massive tions on households and from renewed virus as expanded unemployment accounting fraud that brought companies. outbreaks in some benefits. down his firm. Both the International Mon- economies,” the G-20 But talks over another Wirecard collapsed in June etary Fund and the Group of 20 said in a draft stimulus package among US after it was forced to admit -- which comprises the world’s communique seen by politicians seem to have stalled €1.9bn ($2.2bn) missing from its richest nations -- sounded the and some previous measures accounts did not exist, and MPs alert as leaders of the G-20 Bloomberg. are set to expire. In Europe, a have opened a full parlia- prepare for a virtual summit massive recovery fund is at risk mentary inquiry into possible suspicions and whether author- this weekend, hosted by Saudi contain the pandemic. They’re A Bloomberg Economics because of disagreements over regulatory failings that allowed ities failed to act on early Arabia. The IMF noted progress not as stringent as the lock- index of high-frequency data conditions. the cheating to go unnoticed for warning signs. Even Chancellor on a vaccine, but also said ele- downs imposed earlier in the shows activity contracting since The IMF last month warned years. Angela Merkel has been embar- vated asset prices point to a dis- year, but are still enough to the middle of last month. It pre- that the world economy still “I will not comment on rassed by the scandal, after it connect from the real economy damage growth. viously began a rapid recovery faces an uneven recovery until further details and am currently emerged that she promoted and a potential threat to “The recovery is uneven, in May that petered out at about the virus is tamed. At the time, invoking my comprehensive Wirecard on a trip to China in financial stability. highly uncertain and subject to 80 percent of its normal level it cut its prediction for the right to refuse to give evidence,” September 2019, when the firm “While global economic elevated downside risks, in July. slump this year to 4.4 percent Braun said in a statement to the was eyeing a foray into the activity has picked up since including those arising from “Countries have started to from the 5.2 percent drop seen Bundestag lower house of Chinese market -- and when June, there are signs that the renewed virus outbreaks in climb back from the depths of in June, though that would still parliament. journalists were already raising recovery may be losing some economies,” the G-20 said the COVID-19 crisis,” IMF Man- be the deepest contraction since Austria-born Braun, dressed questions about its books. momentum, and the crisis is in a draft communique seen by aging Director Kristalina Geor- the 1930s. in all black, added that he would Founded in 1999, Bavarian likely to leave deep, unequal Bloomberg. “We are determined gieva (pictured) said in a blog Georgieva encouraged G-20 speak with Munich prosecutors start-up Wirecard rose from a scars,” officials at the Wash- to continue to use all available post. “But the resurgence in nations to prepare synchro- “soon”. He denies any company piping cash to gam- ington-based fund said in a policy tools as long as required infections in many economies nized infrastructure invest- wrongdoing. bling and other sites to a report published yesterday. to safeguard people’s lives, jobs shows just how difficult and ments once the virus is better Braun had travelled to respectable electronic payments “Uncertainty and risks are and incomes, support the global uncertain this ascent will be.” controlled, saying that new IMF Berlin from the Bavarian city of provider that edged traditional exceptionally high.” economic recovery, and The fund urged govern- research shows large economic Augsburg, where he is in pre- lender Commerzbank out of the The UK, Germany and enhance the resilience of the ments and central banks not to gains from such spending. trial detention on suspicion of blue-chip DAX 30 index in 2018. France as well as parts of the financial system.” prematurely withdraw policy Should countries act alone, it organised commercial fraud and A rising star in the fintech US and Australia are among The final wording could still support. The Federal Reserve would take about two-thirds market manipulation. sector, Wirecard boasted a those with new curbs on change after the virtual and European Central Bank are more spending to achieve the Absent from the pro- market valuation of more than movement and businesses to meeting. debating further stimulus as same outcomes, she said. ceedings was fellow prime €23bn at one point -- out- suspect and Austrian Jan Mar- weighing giant Deutsche Bank. salek, Wirecard’s mysterious The fraud revelations later Frontier begins former chief operating officer sent Wirecard’s share price who has been on the run since tanking by 99 percent and it was $2.8bn junk bond the scandal broke and features booted off the DAX last August. on Interpol’s most wanted list. Clouds started to gather in sale to exit “Apart from Jan Marsalek, early 2019 with a series of Markus Braun is probably the Financial Times articles alleging bankruptcy main person responsible for the accounting irregularities in its Wirecard fraud who can shed Asian division, headed by COO BLOOMBERG light on what happened,” said Marsalek. lawmaker Frank Schaeffler from In a much-criticised move, Frontier Communications the pro-business FDP party, a Bafin responded by announcing Corp is looking to sell $2.8bn member of the parliamentary a probe into FT journalists. of junk bonds to help finance finance committee running the The Wirecard scam unrav- its emergence from bank- inquiry. The Wirecard implosion, elled in June when longtime ruptcy, its second such sale in which has drawn comparisons auditors Ernst & Young said they two months. with the Enron accounting were unable to find €1.9bn of The telecommunications scandal in the US in the early cash meant to be sitting in company is sounding out 2000s, has been described as trustee accounts at two Phil- investors for a new $1.8bn “unparalleled” in Germany by ippine banks, forcing Wirecard first-lien bond at a yield of Finance Minister Olaf Scholz. to admit the money did not exist. around 5.25 percent, according The fallout has prompted The company filed for insol- to people familiar with the Scholz to announce plans to vency and Braun resigned. matter who asked not to be overhaul finance watchdog Braun was arrested days identified because the discus- Bafin, accused of lax oversight later and initially released on a sions are private. of Wirecard, and introduce five-million-euro bail. The company is also mar- APEC promoting inclusive growth stricter rules for auditing firms. But he was re-arrested in keting $1bn of second-lien Chilean President Sebastian Pinera speaks on ‘The Challenge of Inclusive Growth’, in conversation But Scholz has himself faced July after Munich prosecutors notes, which have a more with Tian Wei, host of ‘World Insight With Tian Wei’, at the CEO Dialogue forum via video link ahead scrutiny from MPs eager to know widened their investigation junior claim on its assets, at a of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ summit, hosted by APEC Malaysia, yesterday. when exactly government offi- against him and other top yield between 7 percent and cials learned of the Wirecard Wirecard executives. 7.25 percent, the people said. The new bonds, which are being offered in conjunction with an increase to an existing COVID-19 surge in US seen slowing labour market healing term loan, will help Frontier repay debt maturing in 2024 REUTERS - WASHINGTON and a frail economy when he in the United States have been million in March as about 80 per- people who do not qualify for and 2026, according to a takes over from President Donald exceeding 100,000 since early centof the people temporarily regular state unemployment and statement. The number of Americans filing Trump on January 20. this month, pushing the number laid off in March and April were another for those who have Frontier filed for bank- first-time claims for jobless ben- Initial claims for state unem- of infections in the country above rehired. That accounted for most exhausted their six months of eli- ruptcy in April after months of efits unexpectedly rose last week, ployment benefits increased 11 million, according to a Reuters of the rebound in job growth over gibility will lapse in December, negotiations with creditors likely as new business restric- 31,000 to a seasonally adjusted tally. Forty-one states have the last six months. creating what economists have over how to best restructure tions to control spiraling 742,000 for the week ended reported daily record increases Raging coronavirus infec- called an income cliff. its $17bn of debt. It was the COVID-19 infections unleashed November 14. Economists polled in coronavirus infections and 20 tions and restrictions will weigh Claims remain above their biggest telecom filing since a fresh wave of layoffs, which by Reuters had forecast 707,000 have registered new all-time heavily on bars and restaurants 665,000 peak during the 2007- Worldcom Inc. in 2002, could further slow the labor applications for the latest week. highs in coronavirus-related as well as other businesses in the 2009 Great Recession. The reflecting years of decline in market recovery. Unadjusted claims rose deaths from day to day. The services sector that attract claims data covered the period its business providing internet, The weekly unemployment 18,344 to 743,460 last week. death toll in the United States has crowds. that the government surveyed TV and phone service in 29 claims report from the Labor Economists prefer the unadjusted surpassed 250,000. The resurgence in COVID-19 businesses for the nonfarm pay- states. Department yesterday, the most number given earlier difficulties Many jurisdictions have cases coincides with the end of rolls portion of November’s The company’s restruc- timely data on the economy’s adjusting the claims data for sea- imposed restrictions on busi- more than $3 trillion in gov- employment report. turing plan to cut more than health, also showed at least 20.3 sonal fluctuations because of the nesses to try to contain the spread ernment pandemic relief for The government reported $10bn of debt was approved million people on unemployment economic shock caused by the of the virus. businesses and workers, which early this month that nonfarm by a bankruptcy court in benefits at the end of October, pandemic. Including a gov- Wall Street’s main indexes helped to preserve jobs and lift payrolls increased by 638,000 August, and it aims to exit seven months after the pandemic ernment-funded program for the opened lower due to the soaring the economy of the depths of the jobs in October, the smallest gain Chapter 11 by the first quarter started in the United States. self-employed, gig workers and COVID-19 cases and rise in worst recession since the Great since the jobs recovery started in of 2021. Millions will lose benefits others who do not qualify for the weekly jobless claims. The dollar Depression. May. That followed 672,000 jobs The company sold $1.65bn next month when two gov- regular state unemployment pro- rose against a basket of cur- In addition to a weekly added in September. Only 12.1 of debt in early October as part ernment-funded programs grams, 1.1 million people filed rencies. US Treasury prices were unemployment subsidy, which million of the 22.2 million jobs of its plan to emerge from expire. President-elect Joe Biden claims last week. higher. Unemployment claims has mostly expired, the gov- lost in March and April have been bankruptcy. will inherit the public health crisis Daily new COVID-19 cases dropped from a record 6.867 ernment-funded programme for recovered. Oil prices anticipate tight market by mid-2021 as inventories falling REUTERS - LONDON carefully, on the global economy have now declined in 16 out of percent and 12 percent respec- surplus of middle distillates such max-petrol mode to more avoiding a double-dip recession, the last 17 weeks by a total of 124 tively in the middle of the year. as diesel and jet fuel by maxim- normal operation to prevent an US petroleum inventories are and on the rapid deployment of million barrels since the middle Lower production by the ising output of gasoline instead. a further unwanted reduction in falling towards more normal an effective coronavirus vaccine. of July (“Weekly petroleum status members of Opec+, the redi- Those production strat- diesel and jet stocks. levels as the glut earlier this year There appears to be a rea- report”, EIA, November 18). rection of oil exports to Asia, egies are now paying off and The shift from destocking to caused by volume warfare sonable prospect for all three The drawdown has reversed especially China, and a series of should return the global oil normal operation will provide a among Opec+ members and the conditions being met, with timing more than half of the earlier build hurricanes which have cut market to something like significant impetus to crude con- first wave of epidemic-driven of the delivery of an effective up of 224 million barrels since the output in the Gulf of Mexico have balance by the end of the first sumption as well as diesel lockdowns is gradually absorbed. vaccine that allows international onset of the epidemic in all helped to reduce the quarter of 2021. supply. US refineries processed Falling inventories are likely air travel to resume the largest mid-March. inventory overhang. Once product inventories about 16 percent less crude last to herald a tighter production- residual source of uncertainty. US commercial petroleum Five hurricanes and one have been reduced to near the week than the seasonal average consumption balance and a US crude and petroleum inventories have been cut to 6 storm disrupted US oil output in five-year average, refiners will for the last five years while total cyclical upswing in both spot product inventories outside the percent above the previous five- the Gulf of Mexico between have to increase crude products consumption was prices and calendar spreads next strategic petroleum reserve year seasonal average, down August and November (“The Gulf processing significantly to down by just 3 percent. year, which are already being declined by another 11 million from a surplus of 14 percent in of Mexico saw its largest prevent any further erosion in The current gap between anticipated by oil traders in rising barrels last week, according to mid-July. decrease in crude oil production stocks. crude processing and products futures prices. high-frequency data from the Commercial crude and since 2008 in August”, EIA, Within the products slate, consumption is around 2 million But a cyclical upturn in the Energy Information product stocks have each been November 18). once distillates have been barrels per day, which will have oil market depends on Opec+ Administration. reduced to 6 percent above At the same time, US refiners reduced to near average, refiners to close when product stocks are timing production increases US petroleum inventories average, down from peaks of 19 have successfully trimmed the will have to switch from closer to normal. Sport FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2020 14 Perfect Empire and Sanna steal the show

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Alberto Sanna riding Perfect Empire celebrates WINNERS the win at QREC's Al Rayyan Park yesterday. (Horse, Trainer, Jockey) Perfect Empire was expected to THOROUGHBRED GUINEAS (QA Gr 3) (Far Bend) excel yesterday and the Jassim Perfect Empire (GB), Gassim Mohammad Ghazali, Ghazali-trained colt, helmed by Alberto Sanna Alberto Sanna lived up expecta- PUREBRED ARABIAN GUINEAS (Far Bend) tions, clinching a 1½-length win Mon’nia (FR), Julian Colin Smart, Tomas Lukasek in the Thoroughbred Guineas at LOCAL THOROUGHBRED GUINEAS (Far Bend) the QREC’s Al Rayyan Park Equinoxe (QA), Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle, Ronan yesterday. Thomas In what was one of the feature PUREBRED ARABIAN HANDICAP (Far Bend) races of 12th Race Meeting yes- Methgal (FR), Julian Colin Smart, Tomas Lukasek terday, the Al Wasmiyah Farm’s PUREBRED ARABIAN PLATE (3 Year Olds) (Far Bend) Perfect Empire finished ahead of Antar (FR), Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle, Ronan Thomas Think Big ridden by Tomas THOROUGHBRED PLATE (2 Year Olds) (Class 2) (Far Lukasek to clinch the winning Bend) prize of QR85,500 in the Soldierpoy (GB), Mohammed Hussain Afroz, Jason QR150,000 race for three-year- Watson old entries. THOROUGHBRED PLATE (3 Year Olds) (Class 3) (Far Team Think Big collected Bend) QR33,000 while Main Reef with Wedream (FR), Mohammed Gassim Ghazali, Saleh Faleh Bughanaim in the saddle Salem Al-Marri* (-5kg) took third position and walked THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 4) (Far Bend) away with QR16,500. Indian Horseman (GB), Mohammed Gassim Ghazali, In Purebred Arabian Guineas completed a hat-trick with a 3¼ position, followed by Jason the Local Thoroughbred Guineas Marco Casamento – a mile run race for 4-year-old length victory. Tomas Lukasek Watsong-guided Arguya in third - yesterday’s third race with a total LOCAL THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Far Bend) that also offered a total prize rode the Julian Colin Smart- position. purse of QR150,000. Al Adheed (QA), Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim Al Malki, money of QR150,000 – H H trained filly to triumph. Umm Qarn’s homebred Arandas finished second Soufiane Saadi Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Jabalah, with Soufiane Saadi Equinoxe, ridden by Ronan ahead of Thamina, which regis- Thani’s homebred Mon’nia in the saddle, clinched second Thomas won tered third position. Gayle, Malinga pull Longines Hathab Equestrian Tour: Stage set for Round 4 action out of Sri Lanka Twenty20 League AFP — COLOMBO Sri Lanka Cricket officials told that du Plessis said he had Big-hitting West Indies star national team duties and could Chris Gayle (pictured), South not play in the league. The offi- Africa’s Faf du Plessis and Sri cials confirmed that none of the Lanka’s Twenty20 skipper three players had arrived at the Lasith Malinga are among the hotel. big names that have withdrawn Health authorities have from the Lanka Premier League insisted on a one-week quar- tournament, officials and antine at the hotel amid the reports said yesterday. coronavirus pandemic. Gayle, slanted to be the top Matches are also to be attraction in the 23-match T20 played at Hambantota stadium league starting on November with no spectators allowed. 26, told the Kandy Tuskers he Other players who have was pullingng out due to an withdrawn incluinclude injury, a sourceource ccloselose to thethe EnglandEngland playerplayer RaviR team said. Bopara and KabirKabir Ali, “Close associates”associates” ooff a former EnglishEngl Malinga meanwhileeanwhile toldtold locallocal cricketercricketer whowho waswas due media thathat the veteranveteran too coachcoach oneone of the pacemann was notnot teams.teamsam . Ali tested posipositive match-fit. for the coronavirus jjust “For thehe llastast eieightght beforebefore he wwasas due to aarriverr months hee has notnot hadhad in Sri LankaLanka anandd was repreplacedla Participants during Vet Check at the QEF Indoor Arena ahead of Round 4 of the Longines Hathab Equestrian Tour, which begins today. any practicectice and byby former South African stars therefore he is HerschelleH e r sch e unable too take GibbsGibbs whow part in thehe LPL hhadad trav-tr without pproperroper elled toto the Nienaber, training,”” tthehe islandisland asa a Tiger and ‘cub’ on the prowl ThePapare.come.com commen-comme Norris shine website reported,ported, tator for quoting ann associateassociate thet h at PNC event next month in opening of the 37-year-old.year-old. compe-comp Strict quarantinequarantine tition.tition. TheT REUTERS — NEW YORK appearing on the Mike Douglas round of restrictionss meant aallll leagueleague wwas It marks the first time Woods, Show at just two-years old, players foror thethe fivefive postponedpostpon Tiger Woods (pictured) and his winner of 15 majors, and his giving the television audience Joburg Open teams werere to jjoinoin a ththreeree titimesm son Charlie will be hunting a 11-year-old son have played a glimpse of the raw talent that “bio-securee bubble”bubble” at a hotelhotel ooverver tthe title when they team up next has carried him to 82 Tour wins in the island’snd’s south.south. pandemic.pandemic month at the PNC Champi- the tournament that was last with 15 majors. REUTERS — JOHANNESBURG onship, a joint PGA/LPGA Tour year won by Germany’s “He’s starting to get into it,” family tournament. Bernhard Langer and son Woods told GOLFTV earlier this South African Wilco Nienaber Formerly known as the Jason. year. carded an eventful 63 to share New Zealand and West Father/Son Challenge, the PNC “He’s starting to understand the opening round lead with Championship will be played how to play. compatriot Shaun Norris at the at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in “It’s“It’s beenbeen just an absolute European Tour’s Joburg Open Indies players clear Orlando from Decembermber 17-17-2020 ofof his father’s golfing genes by blastblast to go out thertheree anand just be at the Randpark Golf Club and feature major wwinnersinners and winningwinning his aagege groupgroup at a withwith himhim.. IItt rremindsemin me so yesterday. coronavirus tests family members as ccompetingompeting nnineine hole US Kids golgolff much of me and my Nienaber’s round included teams. eventevent in August by five ddad.”ad.” Past winners an eagle, nine birdies and REUTERS — WELLINGTON three COVID-19 tests. “The two It marks the firstfirst ttimeime shots.shots. havehave inincluded three bogeys as he finished on groups will have their final tests Woods, winner of 1155 majormajors,s, Woods wwasas Jack andan Gary eight under par and along with All 20 of the New Zealand and on Day 12 and, results per- and his 11-year-oldd son havehave famously introintro-- Nicklaus,Nick Norris has a one-shot lead West Indies players and mitting, will leave managed played the tournamentent that was duced to the sport RaymondRaymon Floyd over American Johannes support staff in managed isolation next Thursday, last year won by Germany’sGermany’s bbyy his father Earl and Robert Veerman. “Eight under is nice isolation tested negative for the November 26,” New Zealand Bernhard Langer andd son JasonJason.. Floyd Jr. plus around any golf course and to novel coronavirus and are on Cricket (NZC) said in a “I can’t tell you howow excexcitedited Craig and do it here in the first round of schedule to leave their statement. I am to be playing wwithith CharliCharliee KevinKevin SStadler. the Joburg Open, being back biosecure facility next week, The players were allowed in our first official tournamentournament The PGA home again, is great,” New Zealand Cricket said to leave isolation for training together,” said Woodsoods in a TourTour alsoal said Nienaber told reporters. yesterday. sessions at NZC’s high per- statement on the PGAPGA Tour GaryGary PlayPlayer, Greg “I haven’t played much in Players and support staff formance centre after their first website. Norman,Norman, JoJohn Daly South Africa since I turned pro from both teams arrived in New COVID-19 test on the third day, “It’s been great watwatchingching and AnnikaA but it’s been great to be home. Zealand last week after ful- but must remain in biosecure him progress as a juniornior golfergolfer SorenstamSoren will I’m just looking forward to the filling their Indian Premier bubbles until released. and it will be incredibleble plaplayingying be taking next three days.” League commitments and were The first match of the as a team together inin the PNC partpa in this Norris carded six birdies immediately placed into a Twenty20 series is in Auckland Championship.” year’sy and an eagle in a faultless mandatory 14-day isolation on Nov. 27 before a two-Test The young WWoodsoods has event.e round that started on the 10th where they were subject to series starts on December 3. shown signs that hee has some some tee.

Andrey Rublev signs off from ATP Finals with win over Thiem Rublev celebrates REUTERS — LONDON who had already sealed The world number when a netted forehand point against defending winning his his place in the semi- eight, who won a tour- allowed Thiem to level. champion Tsitsipas in his group stage Russian youngster Andrey finals with two wins in the leading five ATP titles this But Rublev broke the second match. match Rublev signed off from his London Group. year, put the hammer Austrian world number Thiem will shrug off against maiden ATP Finals in style Defeats by Nadal and down from the start, three again at 5-5 with a the defeat and now has a Austria’s by beating Dominic Stefanos Tsitsipas meant taking a 4-0 lead on his thumping forehand and day off to prepare for Dominic Thiem 6-2 7-5 yesterday. Rublev was playing only way to winning the finished the job a game tomorrow’s semi-final Thiem. The aggressive for pride although the opening set. later. He will look back on when he will face either 23-year-old took full $153,000 bonus for a Rublev grabbed an a missed opportunity world number one Novak advantage of a rather flat group stage win provided early break in the second having double-faulted Djokovic or Alexander performance by Thiem a sizeable incentive. set but faltered at 4-3 when he held a match Zverev. FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2020 SPORT 15 Shenglong fires Shanghai SIPG to win in Doha AFC - DOHA left-footed effort into the top corner to open the scoring for A brace of second-half Li Shen- Sydney FC. glong headers helped Shanghai The Australian dominance SIPG come from behind to at Khalifa International Stadium defeat Sydney FC 2-1 at Khalifa continued and just before the International Stadium in Group quarter-hour mark, Shanghai H of the 2020 AFC Champions SIPG goalkeeper Chen Wei was League (ACL) yesterday. beaten again as an Alexander Shanghai SIPG were Baumjohann corner was coming into their campaign headed goalward by Benjamin opener against an FC Sydney Warland, but the Sydney FC side they had played twice and defender watched his effort drew on both occasions last cannon off the post before Retre term, while Steve Corica’s men sent the rebound wide. had collected one point from Shanghai SIPG were made two games in the competition to wait until the 30-minute and were in desperate need for mark to get their first real a victory to stay in chance of the game when Gu contention. Huan crossed for Li whose Sydney FC came racing out header narrowly missed the of the blocks and within five target. minutes they had their first big Sydney FC continued to break. A Paulo Retre though enjoy the bulk of possession in ball found Trent Buhagiar free the opening minutes of the down the right flank and he second half and Barbarouses squared for Kosta Barbarouses nearly doubled his side’s tally Shanghai SIPG’s forward Li Shenglong (second right) celebrates after scoring his second goal during the AFC who had the goal at his mercy 10 minutes after the restart with the Shanghai SIPG after being set up by a Rhyan Champions League Group H match against Australia’s Sydney FC at the Khalifa International Stadium, yesterday. defenders left chasing Grant header, but the New Zea- shadows, but the Sydney FC lander international could not With just 11 minutes to go, Sydney FC had already used up number 11 fluffed his lines, find the target with his point- Li popped up in space inside all their substitutions. squandering the chance for an blank header. the box once more, getting on The three points in their Bangladesh finalise early opener. It was Vitor Perreira’s the end of a whipped cross first game of the 2020 AFC Barbarouses was presented Shanghai SIPG who found the from substitute Yu Hai from the Champions League sends with the chance to make back of the net instead. With 63 left to send a diving header in Shanghai SIPG to second place squad for crucial amends three minutes later minutes on the clock, Australian off the upright, leaving goal- in the group ahead of Sunday’s when goalkeeper Thomas midfielder Aaron Mooy took keeper Heward-Belle rooted clash with Jeonbuk Hyundai Heward-Belle sent a long ball advantage of a quickly taken set- to the spot. Motors. tie against Qatar for Buhagiar who nodded it piece down the right and The 23-year-old goal- Sydney FC, meanwhile, are into the path of Barbarouses delivered a pinpoint cross keeper’s night went from bad left teetering with their hopes AFC - DHAKA who showed impeccable catching the Sydney FC defence to worse as he was sent-off in of qualification largely awareness to find his teammate napping and finding Li who was added time for handing the ball dependent on getting a result A 27-man squad has been named by the Bangladesh Football with the return pass. Buhagiar left to pick his spot with a free- outside the box, leaving Grant against the Korea Republic side Federation as they gear up to face Qatar in Group E of the Asian took it first-time, sending a header, driving home the leveler. to fill in between the sticks as on Wednesday. Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 on December 4. Assistant coach Stuart Watkiss, who has taken temporary charge of the squad after head coach Jamie Day tested positive Fit-again Mbappe looking to for COVID-19, is aware of the challenge that lays ahead for his side. Bangladesh will play warm-up matches against local clubs in Doha on November 25 and 28 as part of the build-up for the tie against reigning AFC Asian Cup champions Qatar at the Abdullah give PSG much-needed boost bin Khalifa International Stadium on December 4. The South Asian side will head to Doha with some valuable AP – PARIS world star he is now. After Mbappe has 97 goals in 132 minutes in a 4-2 win against the match exposure already under their belt, having defeated Nepal winning the league title and games for league leader PSG Swedes. 2-0 and drawn 0-0 in friendlies during the recent international Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian reaching the Champions League and, had he not been ill with the “I’m very happy. There’s window. Bangladesh are bottom of Group E of the Asian Quali- Mbappe (pictured) took one semifinals with Monaco in 2017, coronavirus and minor injuries, good communication with the fiers with one point while Qatar lead the standings with 13. Oman, minute this week to show why he joined PSG in a would likely already have France team, we know what Afghanistan and India are the other teams in the group. he remains the French league’sue’s whoppingwhopping dealdeal reachedreached tthehe cencenturyt mark by they did with him in training,” most dangerous player. worth €180m now. Tuchel said. Monaco’s defenders willll bebe ($213m).($213m). HHee HeHe hashas playedplaye only eight “He took part in a full bracing themselves forr a nettednetted 26 matches so far this season, training session for us yesterday Rooney eyes role as refreshed and goal-hungryngry goalsgoals in 4444 scoringscoring sevenseven goals.goa (on Wednesday).” Mbappe when the sides mmeeteet games iinn a HisH fitness is Tuchel has to decide tonight at Stade Louis II. seasonseason momost welcome whether to start Mbappe against full-time manager After being sidelined withth a wherewhere hehe forfor PSG coach his former club, or to bring him REUTERS — LONDON minor thigh injury for threehree turnedturned 118.8. TThomas on. games, Mbappe came off thethe TTuchel, who “He’s feeling very good,” Derby County’s Wayne Rooney says he hopes to follow in the bench for France againstinst hash a big injury Tuchel said. footsteps of former England team-mate Frank Lampard and take Sweden on Tuesday. Immedi-edi- listlis to deal with. “We need to decide how charge of the Championship club on a permanent basis. ately on the ball, he skippedped GivenGiv that situ- many minutes he plays.” Rooney is part of a four-man coaching team that will lead down the left wing and clippedped ation,atio eyebrows One small consolation for Derby for Saturday’s league game at Bristol City after the Mid- over a perfectly-weighted crossross werewere raised when Monaco’s defenders will be that lands club parted ways with Phillip Cocu last week. that striker Olivier Giroud mmetet MbappeMbapp joined Mbappe is unlikely to be paired “I wouldn’t be an ambitious person if I sat here and said I didn’t with a diving header. France on interna- alongside Neymar for much of want the job,” Rooney, 35, told reporters. Crosser, dribbler, finisher:her: tional dutyduty despite car- the game. “We all come into this game to play football and then you have Mbappe’s repertoire is huge, aandnd ryingrying an ininjury.ju In the end, Neymar was called up by a decision to make: do you want to go into coaching or it makes him potentially decisivesive a relievedrelieved TTuchel praised Brazil for their international management? as soon as he gets on the ball.all. France coaccoachh Didier Des- games, even though he was “I’ve made it quite clear over the last few years that my Monaco knows that all too champs for leavinglea him out nursing an injury, but did not ambition is to go into management, especially when you see the well, having developed hhimim against FinlandFinland and Portugal play and the Selecao let him likes of Steven Gerrard, Lampard and Scott Parker all getting good through its youth ranks intoo tthehe adoaandnd onlyonly ypayg playingplaying him for 30 leave the squad. jobs and doing really well at it." Accessible for all: Ooredoo Ride of Champions creates history

THE PENINSULA – DOHA participants and their closest most inclusive event. No matter friends, to take a ride at their your physical ability, it has a cat- Reflecting on the success that own pace around the lush and egory for you. Can’t wait for next was the 4th edition of the Qatar beautiful Green Spine at Qatar year’s edition!” Cyclists Centre organised, Foundation. With ample super- On behalf of Latifa Kuwari, Ooredoo Ride of Champions, the vision and safety precautions in Executive Director of the Sha- 2020 edition made history, with place, the organisers built the fallah Centre for Persons with the most inclusive edition of the perfect platform for Best Buddies Disabilities, Laalei Abu Alfain event. riders to enjoy the beautiful day extended her thanks and appre- Even the current COVID-19 and captivating atmosphere, all ciation to the Qatar Cyclists situation could hold back the while accomplishing the Center for giving the opportunity enthusiasm and excitement by amazing. to the members of Best Buddies the organisers and partners in More than 40 attendees with Qatar to participate in the making it the most inclusive exceptional accessibility needs Ooredoo Ride of Champions in event ever Qatar Foundation, participated in the 2020 edition 2020. Best Buddies Qatar and Acces- of the Ooredoo Ride of Cham- The event organisers at sible Qatar. pions, providing a terrific Qatar Cyclists Center thanked At Education City, Qatar platform to put the spotlight on their Title Partner Ooredoo, Foundation, 1,700 riders, the need for greater accessibility hosts Qatar Foundation, partners ranging in age from 3 to 68 years for people with disabilities. Dolphin Energy, the Qatar of age, took part in the event. Commenting on the acces- Riders taking part in the 2020 Ooredoo Ride of Champions. National Tourism Council and This year’s Ooredoo Ride of sibility events held at this year’s Turkish Airlines. Champions featured two very Ooredoo Ride of Champions, Additionally, the support of special rides, creating a platform Ambassador to Ooredoo and Ooredoo Ride of Champions – and by providing Handcycles The previous year was the key government entities: Min- for athletes with unique needs Qatar Cyclists Center Board an event designed for people of enabling more wheelchair users first time in which members of istry of Culture and Sports, Qatar to capture center stage and dem- Member, and a Qatari cycling all ages and abilities – at Edu- to participate in the competitive the community with either neu- Cycling Federation, Traffic onstrate their abilities to ride, superstar, Ali bin Towar Al cation City reflects the diversity wheelchair / handcycle ride. I rodiverse or ability needs were Police and the approval to enjoy, exercise, and be a winner! Kuwari, said: “The vision of the of Qatar Foundation, and how would like to thank the organ- able to be a champion at the enable the event of the Ministry The first of these was the Wheel- Ride of Champions has always we offer a vibrant and wel- isers and sponsors for their Ooredoo Ride of Champion. of Public Health. Further grat- chair and Handcycle Race, been to be for the entire com- coming environment that has support and passion to make the Abdulrahman Al Yafei, itude is expressed to the events which was a competition munity of Qatar and year on year something for everyone, all year Ride of Champions accessible for ambassador of Accessible Qatar, supporters Garmin Lingawi, amongst athletes with incredible we have worked to widen the round. all.” a Sasol initiative, added: “Eve- Rasen Sports, Rayyan Water, upper-body strength, capable of event to include not only racing Jack Saba, General Manager While the event has a history ryone should try a handbike, as Aspetar, GMC and accessibility cycling with their hands at cyclists but families, youth and of Public Affairs commented: “At of welcoming cyclists of all ages it’s a very social activity, and partners Best Buddies and speeds up to and over 30 km per now para-sport participants, as Sasol, we are proud to have sup- and experience levels, ranging builds hand and upper-body Accessible Qatar. hour. well as those from ability sport ported the Ooredoo Ride of from beginners to the most strength. It is unlike a normal Further details about the Another ride, which was whether they are neuro diverse Champions to become more experienced amateurs, the bicycle. I have trained for a few Ooredoo Ride of Champions, can launched in previous editions of or para athletes.” inclusive with our Definitely organisers aimed to reach higher months as it is fairly new for me. be found at www.rocdoha.qa or the Ooredoo Ride of Champions, Amy Johnson, Community Able and Accessible CSR initia- and farther for more members I reached speeds of 35-40 km/h. by following @rocdoha on was the Best Buddies ride. This Engagement Director, Qatar tives, by conducting physical of our community to I’ve truly enjoyed this year’s Ride Twitter, Instagram and ride features Best Buddies Foundation, said: “Hosting the accessibility audits of the venue participate. of Champions - as it is Qatar’s Facebook. Sport

FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2020 TigerTiger anandd ‘cu‘cub’b’ on the prowl at PNC event next month I can’t tell you how excited I am to be playing with (son) CharlieC in our first official tournament together. It’s been greatg watching him progress as a junior golfer and it will be iincredible playing as a team together in the PNC CChampionship.

TigerT Woods Sport | 14

TODAY'S ACTION: FIBA 3x3 World Tour Doha Masters at Al Gharafa, Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour - Round 4 at QEF Arena

Doha round of FIBA 3x3 World Tour set for exciting start Team Lusail primed for Masters opener THE PENINSULA – DOHA POOL A Liman SRB: Stefan Kojic, Aleksandar Team Lusail members, Ratkov, tefan Stojacic, Mihailo Vasic Qatar’s entry at the FIBA Manila Chooks TM PHI: Joshua Munzon, 3x3 World Tour Doha Alvin Pasaol, Troy Rike, Leonard Santillan Masters, will go out on the Lusail QAT: Mbow, Ndour, Radi, Vasileiadis court today, the first day of the event, with one POOL B thing on their mind: Lift Riga LAT: Edgars Krumins, Karlis Lasmanis, the winner’s trophy basketball is… basketball, Nauris Miezis, Agnis Cavars tomorrow at Al Gharafa same passion, same effort Jeddah KSA: Corre, Draskovic, Kilijan, Beach Games Area. everywhere,” Vasileiadis Rduch Having home court said. Yoyogi Crayon.EXE JPN: Spencer advantage and the will to “We have started to get Jennings, Arnold Louis, Mark St. Fort, succeed is enough fuel for to know each other and be Ryan Tana the players of head coach ready for tomorrow’s tip Mohammed Salim off,” Vasileiadis said POOL C Abdulla, a gold medal yesterday. NY Harlem USA: Esonwune, Jones, winner for Qatar at FIBA “We want to win this Seagers 3x3 World tournament! We believe Lausanne: Katapult SUI, Musa Abdul- Championships. that we will be ready to Aleem Marco, Lehmann Gilles Martin Lusail only assembled make it to the end. We Westher Molteni a couple of days ago for made a lot of shots in Utena Uniclub LTU: Gintautas Matulis, this tournament led by practice, the coach has Žygimantas Skucas, Ignas Vaitkus, Vytautas Greek All Star guard prepared systems for us,” Members of the Lusail team, Mbow, Ndour, Radi and Vasileiadis posing for a photograph with officials. Šulskis Kostas Vasileiadis who Vasileiadis said. joined Al Sadd club this Only a few lucky fans POOL D season. will be able to watch the nament,” Vasileiadis said. The head of the team TODAY'S FIXTURES Princeton USA: Damon Huffman, Kareem Mame Souleye Ndour tournament, as FIBA and From his side, Coach Talal Zaid Aldosari said: 3:10PM - Kamakura vs Bielefeld (Qualifying Draw A) Maddox, Dan Mavraides, Craig Moore and Ousseynou Mbow will the local organising com- Abdulla added: “I hope that “The players are practicing 3:45PM - Riyadh vs Bielefeld (Qualifying Draw A) Ub SRB: Youssef Badr, Marko Brankovic, contribute with their mittee honour the Ministry everybody can play hard well, it might be only our 4:20PM - Kamakura vs Riyadh (Qualifying Draw A) Ivan Popovic 5:00PM - Liman vs Lusail (Pool A) vastly experience and the of Public Health's and enjoy the game of bas- second day together, but I Winner of the Qualifying Draw 5:25PM - Riga vs Yoyogi (Pool B) talented Hamza Maher instruction that only 30 ketball. I trust my team and believe that we should 5:50PM - NY Harlem vs Utena (Pool C) QUALIFYING DRAW Radi will add his percent of the capacity of my players. They are all play well. It is a great time 6:30PM - Princeton vs QD A/I (Pool D) enthusiasm. the arena will be full. professionals, it is the first for basketball in Qatar.” 6:55PM - Liman vs Manila (Pool A) Kamakura NatureMade JPN: Tatsuhito For Vasileiadis, the “I hope for the people time that we come together Team Lusail will open 7:20PM - Riga vs Jeddah (Pool B) Noro, Ryutaro Otomo, Takaaki Shimizu, 36-year-old player from that will come and for as a group. Some teams their campaign today 7:45PM - NY Harlem vs Lausanne (Pool C) Toshitaka Umebayashi Salonica, Greece, will be those that will sit at home have been participating on 5:00pm against Liman, a 8:10PM - Princeton vs Ub (Pool D) Riyadh KSA: Jaber Alkaabi, Hani his first try on 3x3. to enjoy these games live, the tour for a long time. But match for Pool A. The 8:35PM - Manila vs Lusail (Pool A) Almohammed, Turki Hassan Almuhanna, “It is fun. Completely I promise that we will give I believe that good things match against Manila 9:00PM - Jeddah vs Yoyogi (Pool B) Musab Kadi different from 5x5. It is a everything for you. It will should be expected from Chooks will follow at 9:25PM - Lausanne vs Utena (Pool C) Bielefeld LFDY GER: Alan Boger, Bastian little different, but be a spectacular tour- us”. 8:35pm on the same day. 9:50PM - Ub vs QD A/I (Pool D) Landgraf, Marian Schick, Dzemal Taletovic

Amir Cup: Al Shammari clinches 10m Air Pistol gold

THE PENINSULA – DOHA I also see many gains in the youth category and it is Ahmed Al Shammari claimed always a wish that it con- What I’ve gained from gold in the men’s 10m Air tinues so that we see more my previous Pistol event of the prestigious promising faces with a great Amir Cup 2020 Archery and future,” Al Shammari said experiences since Shooting competition at the after yesterday's victory . joining the Qatar Lusail Complex yesterday. Meanwhile, in the youth Shooting and Archery Ali Hassan had to be category, Misfir Al Marri won Association (QSAA) has content with the silver while the gold medal in the same been instrumental in my Osama Al Shaiba won event. Talal Al Ali won silver bronze. and Muhammad Al success. I also see many Delighted at his Shammari the bronze. gains in the youth achievement, Al Shammari The winners were category and it is always said that talent and focus in crowned by Shaker Abdullah, a wish that it continues training played a big role in member of the National so that we see more his achievement. Teams Shooting “What I’ve gained from Committee. promising faces with my previous experiences The action in the Amir a great future: since my joining the Qatar Cup will continue till Al Shammari Shooting and Archery Asso- November 28 with the 50m The podium winners of the 10m Air Pistol event, Ahmed Al Shammari (gold), Ali Hassan (silver) and ciation (QSAA) has been Rifle, trap and skeet events Osama Al Shaiba (bronze), posing for a photograph at the Lusail Complex yesterday. instrumental in my success. still to follow.