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WEDNESDAY 20 JANUARY 2021 7 JUMADA II - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8508 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS Have the SIM delivered to you ‘Progress made in communication with UAE’ FM receives highest US THE PENINSULA — DOHA medal for public service Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin QNA — WASHINGTON Abdulrahman Al Thani said progress has been made in communication with the UAE. The United States, represented “Today we have seen some progress by the US Department of between us and the UAE. There is some Defense, presented Deputy communication, and we look forward to Prime Minister and Minister of continue the discussion and we are ready Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh to address any issues that they have with Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Qatar or Qatar has with the UAE. We have Al Thani with the Department resumed the flights already,” he said in an of Defense Medal for Distin- The award interview with Bloomberg. guished Public Service, the recognises H E The Deputy Prime Minister said he and highest honorary award given Sheikh Mohammed his Emirati counterpart were in direct com- by the US to its own officials as munication and working to address out- well as officials of the govern- bin Abdulrahman Al standing issues. “Here in Qatar, we are ments of friendly countries. Thani's diplomatic forward looking,” he said. “We don’t need The medal is granted in rec- efforts to strengthen to be a hostage of the past.” Qatar foreign policy has been based on principles and these principles ognition of distinguished and Qatar-US ties and “Qatar foreign policy has been based exceptional services and have never changed. We are going to support whatever the people will his major role in on principles and these principles have and whatever the people are going to seek for their countries. If they are impressive achievements made supporting peace never changed. We are going to support going to seek for justice using peaceful ways to express what they think by persons concerned who whatever the people will and whatever the deserve appreciation and efforts in Afghanistan. people are going to seek for their countries. is right, Qatar will continue supporting the people." praise for their performance. If they are going to seek for justice using US National Security peaceful ways to express what they think H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani Adviser H E Ambassador Robert relations between the State of is right, Qatar will continue supporting the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs O’Brien handed the medal to Qatar and the US and his com- people,” he added. Ambassador of the State of mitment to cooperation with Regarding relations of the Gulf Coop- Qatar to the United States H E the United States across a range eration Council (GCC) member countries Sheikh Meshaal bin Hamad Al of fields. The Department of and Iran, he said he was “hopeful that this whoever is chosen to do so,” he said. “We The comments come days before Joe Thani. The US Department of Defense said that the Deputy would happen and we still believe this want the accomplishment, we want to see Biden moves into the White House with a Defense affirmed that awarding Prime Minister and Minister of should happen.” the deal happening,” he said of potential promise to revive the 2015 nuclear deal this high honour to the Deputy Foreign Affairs’ support for the “This is also a desire that’s shared by talks between the US and Iran, Bloomberg between Iran and world powers and roll Prime Minister and Minister of US as a major ally of the State other GCC countries,” he told Bloomberg reported. back the “maximum pressure” campaign Foreign Affairs comes in rec- of Qatar has created new TV. “Qatar will facilitate negotiations if “Wherever it is, whoever is conducting that won the support of some the Gulf coun- ognition of his outstanding dip- opportunities for partnership. asked by stake holders and will support this negotiation, we will support them.” tries. `P3 lomatic efforts to strengthen `P2 MoPH updates list of travellers exempt from hotel Police College THE PENINSULA — DOHA working to get citizens and residents, their caring for children aged from 0 they are kept in enclosed the implementation of the hotel family members, and their trav- to 5 years; patients with acute spaces; diabetics who suffer quarantine policy, such as inap- international Based on the previously elling party who share the same kidney failure (end-stage renal from neuropathy, kidney or propriate housing conditions. announced policies for travel national address, regardless of failure) or those who undergo retinal diseases or other types It can also be suspended by a accreditation and return from abroad to Qatar the country they are departing dialysis treatment; and patients of diabetes complications; decision issued by the Ministry and in light of the recent from. with chronic liver disease. minors (under 18 years of age) of Public Health to control the SIDI MOHAMED medical developments The persons eligible for Other eligible persons who travel without their spread of COVID-19 infections THE PENINSULA concerning the COVID-19 home quarantine include: include: Patients who have had parents/guardians (not accom- in the country. pandemic, the Ministry of Public People aged 65 years or above; lower limb amputations; people panied by an adult). Travellers with chronic To improve the profession- Health (MoPH) yesterday people who have undergone with disabilities who are However, hotel quarantine health conditions must register alism, standards, and edu- updated the list of groups organ or bone marrow trans- dependent on other people to will be mandatory for those themselves for the MyHealth cational capabilities of the eligible for home quarantine. plantation; patients with health carry out their daily activities; who return from abroad alone patient portal online to obtain police, the Police College is This update will become conditions that require immu- children with disabilities and without their exempted rela- a medical report and a working towards obtaining effective starting Sunday nosuppressive therapies; their mothers; patients with epi- tives who were with them when COVID-19 test result from an international academic (January 24 2021) at all ports of patients with heart failure or lepsy who receive epilepsy they travelled from Qatar. approved health centre within accreditation. entry to the country. coronary artery disease; treatment; patients with dia- Therefore, they are advised to 72 hours prior to their If achieved, Qatar's Police According to the Ministry’s patients with asthma (moderate betic foot disease; people who ensure necessary hotel reser- departure, or apply for a College would be the first in statement, the following cate- and severe asthma); cancer have a first-degree relative who vations prior to their return to chronic condition certificate the region to receive such gories will be exempted from patients, including patients who passed away within the past 10 the country. The exemption online through Hamad Medical accreditation, a senior official the hotel quarantine undergo treatment sessions days; people with mental health from hotel quarantine does not Corporation or Primary Health at the college has said. requirement and will be (chemotherapy and radiation problems who are treated with include visitors coming to the Care Corporation websites. Speaking to Qatar Radio, allowed to undergo quarantine therapy); pregnant women; medication; and whose health country. The decision can be The above list will be reviewed Dr. Nasser Fahd Al Dossary, at home. This applies to Qatari breastfeeding mothers who are condition may deteriorate if suspended in cases that require and updated regularly. Dean of Academic Affairs at the Police College, said the college provides a pio- neering educational envi- Tight security for Biden ronment in preparing and qualifying officers in law and inauguration today policing subjects. “Despite the difficulty, AP — WASHINGTON after a deadly riot at the US we are currently seeking and Capitol by Trump supporters planning to obtain interna- Joe Biden will take the oath of shocked the nation, according tional recognition, and we office as 46th president of the to two law enforcement officials will be the first in the region United States of America today. familiar with the matter. to obtain it. We have His swearing-in ceremony at Washington has been on obtained official recognition the US Capitol will come amid edge since the deadly insur- from the Ministry of Edu- an unprecedented cordon of rection at the Capitol, which has cation and Higher Edu- security. prompted extraordinary cation,” Dr. Al Dossary said. Twelve US Army National security measures ahead of “The Police College pays Guard members have been Biden’s inauguration. A fire in great attention to scientific removed from the presidential a homeless camp roughly a mile research. It is one of the inauguration security mission from the Capitol complex important goals of the after they were found to have prompted a lockdown on college to achieve because ties with right-wing militia Monday during a rehearsal for proficiency in scientific groups, according to two US the inauguration. research raises students’ Army officials. There was no US Secret Service tightened standards. The College has threat to President-elect Joe security in and around the made sure that there is a Biden, they said. Capitol in preparation, and the great focus on scientific The officials did not say city centre is essentially on research to ensure the which fringe group the Guard lockdown with streets blocked, quality of education,” he members belonged to or what high fencing installed and tens added. A view of the National Mall ahead of the Presidential Inauguration in Washington, DC, yesterday. unit they served in. The officials of thousands of National Guard Al Dossary said the col- INSET: US President-elect Joe Biden. were not authorised to speak troops and law enforcement lege’s main objectives are to publicly and spoke on condition officers stationed around the students with scien- of anonymity. area. US defence officials, Secretary Christopher Miller been wary of increased surveil- anonymity to discuss ongoing tific and practical compe- The removal comes as the worried about a potential said in a statement on Monday lance of military and law security matters. tence in law and police FBI has warned law insider attack or other threat that vetting of National Guard enforcement checkpoints and The Secret Service issued a matters, develop scientific enforcement officials about the from service members involved troops continues and that the other positions after National bulletin over the weekend and training curricula, espe- possibility that right-wing in securing the event, pushed Pentagon has found no intelli- Guard troops reported people about what it sees as an “uptick” cially in law, and encour- fringe groups could pose as the FBI to vet all of the 25,000 gence so far that would indicate taking pictures and recording in National Guard troops aging scientific research and members of the National Guard National Guard troops coming an insider threat. Federal law them, said the officials, who posting pictures and details of creativity among college stu- called in to help secure the city into the area. Acting Defense enforcement officials have also spoke on condition of their operations online. dents. `P2 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 20 JANUARY 2021

Shura Council Speaker reviews parliamentary cooperation with envoys OFFICIAL NEWS Qatar participates in consultative meeting for representatives of Arab Interior Ministers

Doha: The State of Qatar participated in the consultative meeting for Their Highnesses and Excellencies the rep- resentatives of Arab Interior Ministers, which was held yesterday via video conference. In the meeting, the State of Qatar’s delegation was chaired by Advisor to the Minister of Interior H E Major General Dr. Abdullah Yousef Al Mal. Major General Dr. Abdullah Yousef Al Mal said that the meeting discussed a number of topics, including con- sultation on appropriate measures to handle the repercussions of the coro- navirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the General Secretariat action program, Speaker of the Shura Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, met yesterday separately with Ambassador of the United Kingdom, H E Jonathan Wilks; especially with regards to the annual Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, H E Zhou Jian; Ambassador of the French Republic, H E Franck Gellet; and Ambassador of the Republic of Portugal, H E session of the Council of Arab Interior Antonio Jose Alves de Carvalho. The meetings reviewed relations and ways to support and develop them, especially in the parliamentary field. Ministers. -QNA Qatar’s Ambassador receives highest US HMC introduces Learning medal for distinguished public service Disability Service THE PENINSULA — DOHA in many cases, allowing fam- The Department of Defense said that ilies to cope much better with the Ambassador H E Sheikh Meshaal Hamad Medical Corporation’s the disability,” added Dr. (HMC) Mental Health Service Abdullah. bin Hamad Al Thani played an (MHS) introduced a new The service caters for male effective and major role in planning Learning Disability Service or female adults (aged 18 and and launching the Qatar-US Strategic (LDS) to provide specialist above) with all levels of severity assessment and treatment of learning disabilities who Dialogue, and that his pivotal role options for adults with a have associated mental health contributed to the continuation and Learning Disability (LD) conditions along with preservation of this dialogue. presenting with a mental health behaviors that can be chal- condition, who exhibit severely lenging for the individual and challenging behavior. the people around them. QNA — WASHINGTON The specialist LD Service National Lead for Mental was piloted in early 2020 but Health and Wellbeing and CEO The United States, represented by the US due to COVID-19 restrictions of the MHS, Iain Tulley said that Department of Defense, presented Ambas- regarding patient visits the this new service provides an sador of the State of Qatar to the United States service was enhanced in important addition to Qatar’s of America H E Sheikh Meshaal bin Hamad Al December 2020. The service has expanding mental health and Thani with the Department of Defense Medal now been formally launched to wellbeing services for families: for Distinguished Public Service, the highest support the expansion in mental “Our goal is to provide families honorary award given by the United States to health service provisions, with a with appropriate strategies and US officials and officials of the governments new multidisciplinary team effective support in managing of friendly countries. offering outpatients clinics, com- their loved one’s severely chal- The medal is granted in recognition of munity outreach services and lenging behavior, which can be distinguished and exceptional services and Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United States, H E Sheikh Meshaal bin Hamad consultation liaison services with very stressful for all impressive achievements made by persons Al Thani, receiving the medal from US National Security Adviser, H E Ambassador Robert other health service provisions. concerned.” concerned who deserve appreciation and O’Brien, in Washington. Chair of Psychiatry and Dr. Mohamed El Tahir, praise for their performance. Medical Director of MHS, Dr. Senior Consultant Psychiatrist US National Security Adviser H E commitment made by the Ambassador to of the Taliban, stating that His Excellency’s Majid Al Abdullah explained at the MHS and LDS Lead Ambassador Robert O’Brien handed the achieve economic security had contributed efforts reflect the role of the State of Qatar in that challenging behavior may explained that that the multi- medal to Ambassador of the State of Qatar to strengthening the national security and this regard and had also a positive impact on be an indicator of physical ill disciplinary team includes to the United States H E Sheikh Meshaal bin defence. the safety and security of US personnel and health in people with a learning experts who can cover a wide Hamad Al Thani. The US Department of The US Department of Defense pointed officials in the region. disability. “These behaviors can range of cases, both within the Defense affirmed that awarding this high out that the Ambassador also emerged as The medal was adopted in 1947 and rec- include irritable temper out- hospital system or in the com- honor to the Ambassador comes in recog- the main interlocutor in strengthening the ognizes the exceptionally distinguished bursts, hitting or kicking other munity: “We see adults with a nition of his efforts in strengthening rela- defense partnership between the State of service of significance to the Department people or throwing things — it learning disability who may not tions between Qatar and the United States Qatar and the United States, and that his of Defense as a whole, or service of such can be any type of behavior have had a proper diagnosis or at the levels of foreign policies, defense, efforts to expand and deepen this cooper- exceptional significance. This medal is given that might be harmful to the treatment previously but where economy and national security. ation between the two countries led to the in recognition of the considerable personal person and others around their behavior has deteriorated The Department of Defense said that strengthening of stability in the region, sacrifice motivated by patriotism and a them, and stops them achieving to such an extent that clinical the Ambassador played an effective and noting that the Ambassador also supported sense of public responsibility. things in their daily life, such intervention was required. We major role in planning and launching the the close cooperation between the State of It is also an acknowledgment by the US as making friends or concen- also care for patients with Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue, and that his Qatar and the United States in the context Department of Defense of individuals’ trating on a school or work behavioral problems related to pivotal role contributed to the continuation of seeking peace in Afghanistan. achievements and contributions that qualify project,” said Dr. Abdullah. neuro- developmental dis- and preservation of this dialogue. In addition, the US Department of them to receive this medal. The US “Learning disabilities often orders, or cognitive deterio- The United States commended the role Defense hailed the great assistance pro- Department of Defense Medal for Distin- encompass communication dif- ration leading to dementia.” of the Ambassador, who worked to hold vided by the Ambassador to the American guished Public Service was presented in the ficulties and this may con- The LDS receive referrals and organise meetings between officials officials who travelled to Doha throughout past to former US Presidents Barack Obama, tribute to frustration that is from Primary Health Care, and economic actors of the two countries, the period from July, 2018 until December, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and other prom- exhibited in various chal- Hamad Hospital departments pointing out that the cooperation and 2020 to hold meetings with representatives inent figures. lenging behaviors. In people and internal referrals from with more severe learning dis- MHS. The team triage referrals abilities, the behaviors may be on weekly basis and arrange to Police College working a form of communication with see them within appropriate Foreign Minister receives highest others, and it is important that environment and time using to get international every effort is made by family, standardized models of care and US medal for public service friends and carers to under- prioritization. Patients admitted accreditation stand that the individual needs to HMC facilities are seen as a help to communicate and consultation liaison service with FROM PAGE 1 Department of Defense to national figures manage their emotions. Such their care teams. To access the FROM PAGE 1 It also commended his major role in and political and military figures in foreign behaviors often start in national mental health supporting and advancing peace efforts in governments. Regarding the period specified for the childhood and can become helpline,public can call the Afghanistan, particularly his diplomatic The medal was adopted in 1947 and rec- student to obtain a bachelor’s degree in more pronounced in time if left tollfree number 16000, select leadership, which for decades has played ognises the exceptionally distinguished law and police sciences, he said students untreated. Modern behavioral ether Arabic or English and then an essential role in making great progress service of significance to the Department have to complete four years with therapies and techniques have option four to speak to a mental towards peace in Afghanistan, including of Defense as a whole, or service of such specialised subjects tailored to their field, been found to be very effective health professional. the signing of the agreement between the exceptional significance. including legal subjects and police US and the Taliban on February 29, 2020, This medal is given in recognition of the subjects. as well as the launch of the Afghan peace considerable personal sacrifice motivated He said Police College ensures that process on September 12. by patriotism and a sense of public the subjects taught are in line with inter- The US Department of Defense responsibility. national standards. affirmed that the Deputy Prime Minister It is also an acknowledgment by the US Recently, the Director-General of the and Minister of Foreign Affairs has exerted Department of Defense of individuals’ Police College, Brigadier Mohammed relentless efforts to promote stability and achievements and contributions that qualify Abdullah Al Muhana Al Marri, announced prosperity in the region and resolve the them to receive this medal. that the Police College will be trans- Gulf dispute. The medal was presented in the past to formed into an academy by 2023. He The Department of Defense Medal for former US Presidents Barack Obama, added that the college’s new head- Distinguished Public Service is the highest George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and other quarters are 90 percent complete and Learning Disability Service team honorary award bestowed by the US prominent figures. will be handed over by August this year. Ashghal starts work on Roads and Infrastructure Development Project in Mebaireek Area

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Street, and North of Industrial the residents. Works are public facilities in the area. In network of about 17 km, a 50 gabbro, columns, lighting Street 33. It aims to provide an scheduled to be fully completed addition to providing traffic km surface and ground water lamps, road sign, sewage pipes, The Public Works Authority internal road network and an in Q2, 2024. safety elements such as street drainage network and a 28 km rainwater drainage, asphalt and (Ashghal) has started works on the integrated infrastructure that Eng. Abdulla Al Suwaidi, lighting systems and poles, as treated water network. In prefabricated manholes, in Roads and Infrastructure Devel- meets the requirements of the project engineer in the Western well as providing road signs. addition to the extension of addition to concrete and steel opment Project in Mebaireek population and urban growth Area Projects Section at the Within the scope of the project, potable water pipes connected reinforcement will be supplied Area. That is as part of Ashghal’s in the future. Roads Projects Department in 9 km of shared paths for pedes- to the main network and the from local Qatari factories. It is plan to provide an integrated The developmental work Ashghal, stated that the project trians and bicycles will be pro- protection of power and com- intended that the local element infrastructure, an advanced roads has been divided into 4 areas serves 1163 citizens’ residential vided, in addition to providing munications lines. will reach up to 85% of the network and service facilities that are going to be imple- plots in Mebaireek area. It aims 7,236 car parks to regulate It is worth mentioning that project works, which is within throughout the country. mented simultaneously, in to provide an internal road traffic movement. the implementation of the Ashghal’s continuous support The project is located in order to reduce the construction network with a length of about Eng. Al Suwaidi stated that project works will mainly to local factories and ‘Ta’heel’ Mebaireek, specifically South work impacts and any incon- 55 km to enhance traffic flow the infrastructure construction depend on local materials and initiative launched by Ashghal of Salwa Road, West of Energy veniences that might occur to and provide connectivity with works include a drainage contractors. Materials such as in 2017. WEDNESDAY 20 JANUARY 2021 HOME 03

Lawyers Admission Committee holds Qatar wealth meeting, reviews several topics fund plans Asia

— DOHA push with focus QNA still on US The Lawyers Admission Committee held a meeting yesterday, chaired by Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi, in its BLOOMBERG — DOHA permanent headquarters at the Ministry of Justice. The committee addressed the topics on its agenda, including Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund the performance of three new lawyers before the Committee, is looking east for deals in an accepted the applications of several new lawyers under training, effort to diversify an and disbarred a Qatari lawyer from the list of legal investment portfolio heavily practitioners. weighted toward North The committee also reviewed a number of regulatory topics America and Europe. of the legal profession, as well as the files presented for discus- Asia “has been very much Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi sions before the committee, then took the appropriate decisions on our radar screen,” Deputy during the meeting. in their regard. Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who is also the Minister receives copies of credentials of new envoys Chairman of Qatar Investment Authority, said in an interview with Bloomberg TV. North American deals, however, will remain a priority, he said. “It’s not only from a growth perspective, but also from a diversification perspective,” he said, pointing to substantial investments in Europe over the past decade. “Asia didn’t take the fair portion of the investments.” “We’ve been doing a lot of investments in the last couple years in China, and they’ve been doing very well,” he said. The wealth fund holds stakes in some of the world’s top companies including London Stock Exchange Group Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, received separately yesterday copies of the credentials of Ambassador of the Democratic Socialist Plc, Volkswagen AG and Republic of Sri Lanka, H E Mohamed Mafaz Mohideen; Ambassador of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, H E Malam Jora; and Ambassador of the Republic of Malta to Qatar, Glencore Plc. It agreed to pur- H E Charles Sultana. The Minister wished the new ambassadors success in their missions, assuring them to provide all support to upgrade relations between the State of chase a 30% stake in a high- Qatar and their countries to closer cooperation in various fields. end Istanbul shopping center toward the end of last year, while also agreeing to develop GCC countries to participate in 10th renewable energy in Africa UN selects Qatar’s Attorney-General as with Italian utility Enel SpA. UNITAR Board of Trustees member Halal Qatar Festival next month THE PENINSULA — DOHA 140 people participate in such festivals that QNA — GENEVA The Cultural Village Foundation link the present with the past, referred to Public (Katara) has announced it will and their customs and Prosecution for not The United Nations has selected organise the 10th edition of the traditions. Attorney-General H E Dr. Ali bin Halal Qatar Festival 2021 (goats The festival held by Katara wearing masks Fetais Al Marri as a member of and sheep) from February 13 to for the 10th year in a row, pro- the Board of Trustees of the 21 with the participation of vides a platform for breeders to QNA — DOHA United Nations Institute for some countries from the GCC. display and acquire the best Training and Research (UNITAR). The Festival will be held at types of livestock, the most beau- The designated authorities UNITAR was established in the southern area of Katara and tiful sheep and goats, in addition yesterday referred 140 people to 1963 with the aim of enhancing will include three major events: to competition and motivation the Public Prosecution for not the capabilities of member “Auction, Elite Auction, and to improve livestock production wearing masks in places where states through high-quality Mazayen”, in addition to the and develop related industries. they are mandatory. The measure educational solutions and barns. The festival comes within The Halal Qatar Festival also is in line with the Cabinet related knowledge products the framework of continuous designated one day for the Elite decision, Decree Law No. 17 of and services. It trains more than efforts to revive the heritage and Auction (Elite Arab Sheep, Elite 1990 on infectious diseases, and 130,000 individuals annually preserve the customs and tradi- Ardi Goat, and Syrian Sheep the precautionary measures in around the world, with the tions through a vivid picture Elite”, as the Elite Auction will force in the country to contain largest proportion of trainees reflecting various details of take place at 7pm on February the spread of coronavirus. coming from developing coun- wildlife and desert life. 14, 17 and 20. The festival opens The designated authorities tries, as UNITAR’s strategy and Attorney-General H E Dr. Ali bin Fetais Al Marri The festival aims at intro- its doors to the public during two called on the public to adhere work program are tightly ducing Qatari heritage and periods: 9am to 12 noon, then to the precautionary measures aligned with the 2030 Agenda The Attorney-General had been chosen as a Special Advocate encouraging young people to from 3pm to 10pm. in place to ensure their safety. for Sustainable Development. on Asset Recovery, then a UN Special Advocate Against As the governing body of Corruption, as well as being re-elected for the fourth time the institute, the Council sets policies and principles to reg- recently to the membership of the UN law commission. ‘Progress made in communication with UAE’ ulate the institutes activities and FROM PAGE 1 operations. It also considers their personal capacity, and is Advocate on Asset Recovery, and Al Ula declaration on January offered to do just that and was and approves the work currently chaired by H E Min- then a UN Special Advocate He’s already named a series of 5, which led to a full restoration already supporting ongoing dis- program and approves the ister of Foreign Affairs of the Against Corruption, as well as diplomats who helped forge the of diplomatic relations with cussions between Iran and budget. Republic of Ecuador Luis being re-elected for the fourth original agreement to top policy neighbours. South Korea to secure the The Council is composed of Gallegos. time recently to the mem- posts. The Deputy Prime Minister release of an oil tanker seized a diverse group of high-ranking The Attorney-General had bership of the UN law This development has also and Minister of Foreign Affairs by the Islamic Revolutionary individuals serving in been chosen as a Special commission. come after the Gulf reconciliation said his government had Guards earlier this month. MoPH: 203 more recoveries, QU signs MoU with Istanbul Technical University THE PENINSULA — DOHA educational, academic, and sci- put signature to major projects and 225 new cases entific experiences, exchange innovations that have led to trans- Qatar University (QU) and of information including news- forming our country’s technology THE PENINSULA — DOHA Istanbul Technical University letters, journals, studies, sta- and technical infrastructure. have signed a Memorandum of tistics, and other data, con- “Our objective for the The Ministry of Public Health Understanding (MoU) to boost ducting studies, and holding coming days is to execute a ver- (MoPH) yesterday announced cooperation in science, tech- conferences, meetings, and satile advance, especially the registration of 225 new nology, and education. training and exchange of faculty towards internationalization confirmed COVID-19. Among Specialists and academics will members and research scholars. and international affairs. Part- them 26 were travelers manage the agreement from Commenting on the MoU, nerships, starting from student returning from abroad. both institutions. This MoU Dr. Al Derham said: “This MoU and academic exchange, will Also 203 people have comes as part of the strong is a culmination of a successful continue under new headings recovered from the virus, commitment of Qatar collaboration that has been and technical fields. Within this bringing the total number of University in the enhancement ongoing for the last two years context, the protocol that we have recovered cases in Qatar to of its partnerships with univer- between research groups from entered into with Qatar Uni- 144,218. All new cases have been sities worldwide and enriching both universities. It will help versity is a significant indicator introduced to isolation and are the areas of science and develop academic and indus- of increasing cooperation in receiving necessary healthcare research in education. trial collaboration in engi- science and education, scientific according to their health status. The agreement was signed neering and science for thinking, and the coalition of stu- While the first phase of by Dr. Hassan Al Derham, Qatar Qatar University President Dr. Hassan Al-Derham with the signed advanced nanomaterials appli- dents and academicians. The col- COVID-19 has University President, and Prof. document. cations. It will provide oppor- laborations will be carried out started in Qatar and in the Ismail Koyuncu, Istanbul Tech- tunities, enable knowledge and between the two nations and coming months it will be nical University Rector, in the through innovation involving successfully applied for joint experience sharing, and build their researchers and students, available for the public for free, presence of Mert Ozmert, the local and international stake- research projects. capacity and facilitate training, thus providing scientific and the Ministry has stressed it is Deputy Head of Mission and holders to improve research The MoU will further boost education, and student/faculty technological advances in both important for everyone to play First Counsellor and the Charge and socio-economic the research collaboration exchange. The two universities Turkey and Qatar.” their role in controlling the virus d’Affaires at the Embassy of development. between the two institutions have come together for the first Prof. Nasser Al Nuaimi, by following precautionary Turkey, Doha, and Prof. Mariam This agreement results from and provide opportunities for time to put forward ambitious Director of Center for Advanced measures including adhering to Al Maadeed, Vice-President for the collaboration between the capacity building to excel in plans to serve the community Materials at Qatar University, physical distancing; Research and Graduate Studies Center for Advanced Materials science and technology to and raise the living standards praised the MoU, calling it an avoiding close contact with at Qatar University, and other at Qatar University (QU) with benefit the people of the two in Qatar and Turkey.” important step toward scien- others, crowded places, and guests from both universities Prof. Syed Javaid Zaidi, QAFAC countries as water desalination Prof. Koyuncu commented: tific research and collaboration confined closed spaces where and industry. Chair Professor, and Istanbul and treatment are strategic to “Istanbul Technical University is between them. Besides, it will other people congregate; The memorandum empha- Technical University (ITU) Qatar and Turkey. This is the a deeply rooted and powerful edu- be considered a new era wearing a face mask and sises the cooperation between group of Prof. Levent Trabzon first time QU is signing an MoU cational institution which is between the two countries in washing hands regularly. The the two entities, especially in for research collaboration in with ITU, the top technical uni- advancing firmly towards its 250th scientific and technical edu- Ministry asked people to be scientific research, which falls water desalination and water versity in Turkey. year. Our university is a leading cation in line with Qatar Uni- careful and protect the most under the strategic plan of Qatar treatment. The two teams from The collaboration will also technical university among the versity’s strategy to achieve vulnerable, while COVID-19 University of striving for excel- QU and ITU have published provide a framework for the universities of our country and Qatar National Vision 2030 in restrictions are being lifted. lence in scientific research research papers and have exchange of experiences and international universities. ITU has water security. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 20 JANUARY 2021 Training workshop discusses international police cooperation QNA – DOHA European countries. plans to be a full member, but Head of the Advisory Office that didn't happen due to the A training workshop, hosted by Unit in the Committee and rep- repercussions of COVID-19, the legal affairs and liaison unit resentative of the State of Qatar which contributed to the post- of the security and safety oper- to the Council of Europe Brig- ponement of the meetings, Al ations committee for the FIFA adier Ibrahim Khalil Al Mohannadi said, noting that 2022 World Cup Qatar and held Mohannadi emphasized the con- Qatar will be a full member of by the Council of Europe, began structive cooperation that began the Council of Europe this year. yesterday via video conference several years ago with the Al Mohannadi referred to the technology. 48-member Council of Europe work team of Qatar, which has The workshop discussed that is administered by a council been coordinating with the international police cooperation, of foreign ministers from Council of Europe. This coordi- the history of the football infor- member states. The council aims nation resulted in preparing a mation national center, the roles to define the main areas of draft law on the security, safety, it provides, and the legal frame- policy. and services of major sporting works that regulate its work and He added that there are events. According to the Council the principles, good practices, many entities under the umbrella of Europe Convention on an Inte- lessons learned, and challenges of this council, which conduct grated Safety, Security and Sweden envoy participates in ‘Plant Million Tree’ initiative facing the center's work. various economic, humanitarian, Service Approach at Football Twenty-five trainees from food, sports, and cultural activ- Matches and Other Sports Events, Ambassador of Sweden to Qatar, H E Anders Bengtsson; Assistant to Director of Public Parks the security committee at the ities following the established the draft is in its final stages. Department, Mohamad Ibrahim Al Sada; Head of Project Section at Public Parks Department, Khalid Supreme Committee for Delivery agreements to activate these He stressed that this training Al Sindi, and Nasser Darwish from Public Parks Section at Doha Municipality during a tree plantation and Legacy (SC) are participating activities. workshop is a natural product of event. Held under ‘Plant Million Tree’ initiative, the event was organised by Public Parks Department in this two-day workshop and The State of Qatar entered as the existing cooperation with the at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) at Laqtifiya Park yesterday. several experts from some an observer three years ago and European Council. New ambassador of Simon Nelson to lead Nord Anglia’s Sri Lanka to Qatar Education Technology division THE PENINSULA – DOHA the opportunity to innovate with assumes duties Simon will be responsible teacher-led technology to set Nord Anglia Education has for further expanding new standards in teaching and THE PENINSULA – DOHA further strengthening bilateral announced the appointment of Nord Anglia’s range of learning.” relations between Sri Lanka Simon Nelson as Group Digital Chief Executive Officer of The newly appointed Ambas- and Qatar. He further set out Director. In his new role, Simon leading online teaching Nord Anglia Education Andrew sador of Sri Lanka to the State his targets, including pro- will set up and lead Nord and learning platforms Fitzmaurice said: “Simon is of Qatar, H E Mohamed Mafaz moting tourism, trade and Anglia’s Education Technology used by its 67,000 widely recognised as a pioneer Mohideen, has assumed duties investment between Qatar (EdTech) division. students and 10,000 in EdTech and digital transfor- at the Embassy of Sri Lanka. and Sri Lanka. Before joining Nord Anglia, teachers across its 69 mation, and we are delighted His assumption of duties Prior to his appointment Simon was CEO of FutureLearn, that he has agreed to join Nord was marked by a ceremony as the Ambassador of Sri one of Europe’s fastest-growing schools in 29 countries. Anglia to oversee our global that began with religious Lanka to the State of Qatar, EdTech start-ups and a world- programme. observances. Multi-religious he served as the Head of leading online education "Through our Global representatives performed Technology and Operations, learning platform launched by Simon Nelson appointment, Nelson said: “Nord Campus online learning religious observances for Eclipse in Capital Partners the Open University. Under Anglia is an amazing interna- platform for students and invoking the blessings for a London and has held a senior Simon’s leadership since 2012, Simon will be responsible for tional education success story. I Nord Anglia University, our successful tenure of duty. management position in FutureLearn attracted over 15 further expanding Nord Anglia’s am joining at an exciting time as learning platform for teachers, Addressing the Embassy Standard Chartered Bank PLC million students worldwide to range of leading online teaching we take the next step in trans- we already lead in tech- staff, Mafaz Mohideen empha- in London. online courses developed in and learning platforms used by forming how we use technology nology-enabled learning sised the importance of Mohideen holds a partnership with the world’s top its 67,000 students and 10,000 and data to deliver outstanding across our schools. Under working as a team to advance Bachelor of Science in Engi- universities. Earlier in his teachers across its 69 schools in learning outcomes for our stu- Simon’s leadership, we will the national interests and neering from Imperial College career, Simon led the BBC’s 29 countries. The EdTech division dents. The potential for tech- accelerate how we use new welfare of Sri Lankans in London. digital TV and radio operations will pioneer new approaches that nology to transform education technologies to help our for over a decade, playing a support and empower teachers has never been greater or more 10,000 teachers transform the leading role in developing its and enhance students’ learning important, and, using Nord education of every Nord on-demand services, including outcomes. Anglia’s scale and world-class Anglia student both in the the launch of the BBC iPlayer. Commenting on his teaching community, we have classroom and at home.” MoCI carries out inspection campaigns Long time Qatar resident Hamsa – DOHA THE PENINSULA Madappattu The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, with the Ministry of passes away Interior, Ministry of Munici- pality and Environment, and THE PENINSULA – DOHA Ministry of Public Health, launched inspection campaigns Hamsa Madappattu, a long time on retail outlets and street resident of Doha and the vendors in various areas, brother of prominent Gulf- including Al Khor, Madinat based industrialist and Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the State of Qatar, H E Mohamed Khalifa South, and Salwa Road. Chairman of Safari Group, Mafaz Mohideen. The campaign was carried Abubacker Madappattu, passed out to monitor the degree of com- away in Maranchery, Malap- pliance with puram district in Kerala, India. laws and resolu- He was 58 years old. tions regulating The deceased is the son of commercial the late Madappattu Khader and activities, Khadeeja. He is survived by his including Law wife, Sahira, and children No. (25) of 2005 Shiyas, Hasna, and Safna. on Commercial A ministry official checks a vendor's documents during an inspection. Registration and Law No. (5) of 2015 on Com- practicing street vending without referred to the relevant author- mercial, Indus- a commercial license. The ities, who would take appro- trial, and Similar inspection campaigns form part priate measures to protect con- Public Shops, of the Ministry’s efforts to monitor sumer rights. and Street and regulate markets and com- The Ministry has urged Vendors. mercial activities across Qatar, merchants and shopkeepers to The cam- assess the degree of compliance comply with applicable laws paigns resulted with laws and regulations gov- and regulations governing com- in the seizure erning commercial activities, and mercial activities. Vendors are and release of crack down on violators. advised to review all applicable 24 violations. The Ministry stressed that laws and regulations on the Hamsa was a partner in the The most prom- it would not tolerate any neg- Ministry’s website www.moci. Doha-based Oscar Advertising, inent were com- ligence in terms of meeting gov.qa to avoid legal account- a sister concern of the Safari mercial license obligations stipulated in Law ability and penalties. The Min- Group. While in Doha, he was expiration, No. (25) of 2005 and Law No. istry also urged all citizens and very active in Qatar's socio-cul- failure to (5) of 2015. It would intensify residents to report any viola- tural activities and charitable comply with the its inspection campaigns to tions or infractions related to activities in his home town. His general and crack down on such practices. registration and commercial health conditions forced him to special require- Any party that violates laws and licensing through its designated return to Kerala, where he was ments, and Ministerial decisions will be channels. recuperating.

DPS-MIS organises bus safety drills for kindergarten students – DOHA THE PENINSULA be knowledgeable about kids not to open the as maintaining social dis- certain rules which make windows when the bus tance and sanitising hands DPS-Modern Indian them safe and secure. runs, make safe boarding before and after boarding School (DPS-MIS) recently The drill was con- and disembarking. The the bus. Children were organised bus safety drills ducted where the buses drivers emphasised the guided to wear a mask for kindergarten students were parked. The teachers students to maintain dis- throughout the travel on according to their explained how to use cipline and cleanliness the bus. Eating and respective groups. One of emergency doors, fire inside the bus. drinking (including the best precautionary extinguishers, first-aid This year due to the chewing gum) are not measures for children is equipment, and how to pandemic, there were allowed on school buses to educate them on bus use horns if they are left additional rules for at any time to maintain safety rules. Kids should alone. They instructed the children such hygiene. WEDNESDAY 20 JANUARY 2021 HOME 05 Qatar National Library to host 'Scientific QRCS commences construction work in Sudan THE PENINSULA — DOHA totally solar-powered. The project involves construction, Applications in Cultural Heritage Forum' The representation mission of Qatar Red infrastructure, and operation for three Crescent Society (QRCS) in Sudan has years, for the benefit of the village’s some THE PENINSULA — DOHA handed over to the contractor the land 43,000 population. It is estimated to be plot for the construction of a new completed by the end of 2021. Qatar National Library is organizing services complex in Abu Suruj, a village The handover ceremony was the first edition of the “Scientific of Sirba Locality, West Darfur. attended by the executive director of Applications in Cultural Heritage Funded by Qatar Fund For Devel- Sirba, the state engineer from the Min- Forum” from January 25 to 30. Held opment (QFFD), the project is one of a istry of Urban Development, the man- virtually, the forum will feature series of services complexes being con- agement of the Sudanese Red Crescent lectures and presentations on structed under the Doha Document for Society’s (SRCS) chapter, public admin- pigments and dyes in manuscripts Peace in Darfur (DDPD). These projects istrations in Abu Suruj, and the public. and heritage objects by leading are aimed at supporting the devel- The attendance expressed their hap- experts in the field. opment and reconstruction of the piness and thanked QRCS and QFFD for Over the five days, these practical region, by providing social services to launching this development project, sessions will address the most encourage voluntary return of the dis- which serves the goals of the Darfur important spectroscopic techniques placed communities, ultimately Peace Agreement and facilitates things for non-invasive and non-destructive achieving stability. for the returnees. analysis, given their impact on Each complex consists of two basic Another services complex is under fundamental knowledge, Qatar National Library will host the first edition of the “Scientific Applications schools (boys and girls), two secondary construction in Sisi, a village of Al interpretation and conservation. in Cultural Heritage Forum” from January 25 to 30. schools (boys and girls), a kindergarten, Kereinik Locality, West Darfur. Cur- Commenting on the occasion, The forum will also feature a health center, a police station, a full- rently, the final phase is in progress. Once Director of Distinctive Collections at lectures on Arabic and Persian fledged water treatment plant, and 15 completed, the project will serve more the Library, Stephane Ipert said, Over the five days, these pigments and how they were made; housing units. The new development is than 30,000 persons. “Recent developments in scientific practical sessions will address extraction methods and dyeing devices and techniques, especially the most important processes; analytical techniques for non-destructive techniques, have spectroscopic techniques for the identification of pigments and significantly contributed to the dyes; applications and case studies of advancement of studies and research non-invasive and non- Fiber Optic Reflectance Spectroscopy on heritage objects. This, in turn, destructive analysis, given their and X-Ray Fluorescence helps enrich our understanding of the impact on fundamental Spectroscopy; and conservation issues components, composition and knowledge, interpretation and and deterioration processes appearance of these objects, which conservation. encountered with pigments and dyes ultimately plays a vital role not just found in Islamic manuscripts. in understanding the artist’s work, Lectures and presentations will but more importantly, in the be delivered by renowned scientists restoration and conservation process. materials used in cultural objects as a and specialists in the field, including The characterization of the pigments result of aging or exposure to Dr. Mandana Barkeshli, Conservation may also help assign a probable environmental factors. Today, a rich Scientist at the University of manuscript age.” range of analytical tools are being used Melbourne; Dr. Antonino Cosentino, One of the featured speakers, by scientists and can be applied to Cultural Heritage Scientist; Dr. Sadra Secretary-General at the Qatari archaeological materials and Zekrgoo, Materials Conservation National Commission for Education, monuments. This is incredibly useful Scientist at the University of Culture and Science, Dr. Hamda in decision-making while undertaking Melbourne; Amélie Couvrat Al-Sulaiti said, restoration or maintenance processes, Desvergnes, Paper and Book “It is important to have a clear especially as we acquire the means to Researcher and Conservator; Maxim Representatives from QRCS and local authority during a ground breaking ceremony understanding of the state and conduct analyses using safe and non- Nasra, Book Conservation Specialist for Service Complex Project in Darfur. mechanisms of deterioration in destructive techniques.” at the Library. QF creates platform aimed at encouraging students to find their voice THE PENINSULA - DOHA Lives Matter social movement, the opportunity to explore a reaching out to other QF schools but included other topics of dis- variety of different texts, as well asking if any other teachers A Qatar Foundation school is cussions, such as the Arab Spring as speaking to some influential would be interested in taking helping young people discover and the Vietnam War. authors, regarding this topic. part with their respective their voices while fostering Speaking about the rele- “It was truly inspiring to see classes. skills that will better prepare vance of the unit, Kandido says: how they use voice, agency, “I went into this unit with a them to make changes within “For 16-, 17-, and 18-year-old and protest throughout their purposeful desire to connect their communities and beyond, students, developing a voice, lives and share it with others. high school students to other through a specially crafted finding a voice, and figuring out Over the course of the six high school students outside of intertextual course taught as what to do with that voice is weeks, I learned how to their current QAS bubble,” she part of the International Bacca- incredibly important. advocate as an individual about says. “So I reached out to other laureate Diploma Programme. “At this point, they’re being certain topics that are Diploma Programme teachers, The Voice, Agency, Protest told what to study, they’re being important to me, even if it is on asking if they wanted to dig- unit was created by Melissa told what to do for the most a small scale, as any change itally connect students so they Kandido, a teacher at Qatar part, and how to get to the next can be good. I also gained a lot have a bigger pool of Academy Sidra (QAS) – part of point in life. So their lives of knowledge about how much understanding. Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Pre- probably feel quite organized, struggle some racial and ethnic “A teacher from Qatar University Education – and was or directed, by older people. groups have to go through to Academy Al Khor responded, taught to Grade 11 and 12 “This unit served as an have something as simple as so essentially she taught her English Language and Liter- opportunity for everyone to equality and the justice they students in her COVID space, I ature students last semester for A student following the course at the Voice, Agency, Protest unit. come together – from whatever deserve. taught my students in my the first time. space and time they’re in, and “This course has helped COVID space, and they con- According to Kandido: “The whatever their level of under- prepare for the for the future, nected virtually.” unit was built to encompass to act upon the voice you have The unit was taught through standing of social movements because it has brought to my Kandido is also working wider conceptual questions. For or use – whether that is in a combining a variety of bodies of – to have a discussion. And that attention issues that I didn’t with the Black Student Associ- example, what does it mean to social media space or an active work – from poetry and op-eds discussion is important.” know existed, as well as ation at QF partner Georgetown have voice, what does it mean to space – and how you want to to photo essays and podcasts – A QAS student who took the teaching me how to use voice University in Qatar, with 15 stu- use your voice, when do you use it. And then, do you want to and featured guest speakers course last semester, Reem agency and protest to stand up dents virtually attending classes choose to use it, when do you use it in protest way – are you including writers, filmmakers, Abdulla A A Al-Mannai said: for the things I believe in.” when possible, and then pro- silence it, when are you silenced? looking for reformation or rev- and activists. The content pri- “What I enjoyed most about the Collaboration was a key viding feedback to the “Agency is when you choose olution in different spaces?” marily focused on the Black unit was definitely being given aspect of the unit, with Kandido students. HBKU Press launches children’s titles Qatar Museums, Abu Issa Holding introduce

THE PENINSULA — DOHA The Snail and the Whale, and artworks at quarantine compound Despite the cancelation Monkey Puzzle.Another series To mark the second half of the of the 2021 Doha now available in Arabic is a col- THE PENINSULA — DOHA current school year, Hamad Bin International Book Fair lection of illustrated classic Khalifa University Press (HBKU as a precautionary childhood favorites like: The Qatar Museums and Abu Issa Press) is excited to launch a Jungle Book, Alice in Holding recently initiated a collection of new and classic measure to prevent the Wonderland, project to create murals for the children’s books in Arabic that spread of COVID-19, The Prince and the Pauper, Umm Slal Mohammed quar- are now available for sale. HBKU Press has Black Beauty, Gulliver’s Travels, antine compound. The artworks Despite the cancelation of committed to continue and Beauty and the Beast. are intended to uplift the spirit the 2021 Doha International its work to cultivate For adventure-seekers, a of those residing and working Book Fair as a precautionary new series of six Arabic books at the compound, during the measure to prevent the spread children’s literature in that are part of The Royal COVID-19 pandemic. of COVID-19, HBKU Press has the region and in the Palace series will also be Artists Muna Al Bader, committed to continue its work Arabic language. available for sale. Join a cast of Huda Basahal, Alanoud Al to cultivate children’s literature colorful characters in the Sul- Ghamdi, Nada Khozestani and in the region and in the Arabic tanate’s royal palace as they Dimitrije Bugarski volunteered language. Qatari artist Lina Al Aali debuts frequently get into mishaps and their time to paint murals that “As students continue the her book The Attar Plant. When mayhem that need to be bring life and colour to walls school year in a blended Jouri first sees the prickly attar resolved. When the Sultan calls, within the compound. learning style both online and plant, she doesn’t like anything you can always rely on trusty Abdulrahman Al Ishaq, in person, having engaging about it. Not its shape, size, or Minister Zarif to save the day. Director of Public Art, Qatar reading material available to the way it looks. She refuses to Titles include: The List of the Museums, said: “Qatar Museums them has never been more touch it or taste it. Ripened by Blind, The Mystery of the Jar of would like to express our sincere important,” said Executive the desert rain, the plant still Olives, The Substitute Minister gratitude to the artists who gen- One of the murals created at Umm Slal Mohammed quarantine Director of HBKU Press, Bachar looks like a hedgehog rather and the Elephant Effect, The erously gave of their time and compound as part of the project initiated by Qatar Museums and Chebaro. “HBKU Press has than a delectable fruit. But Procession of the Sultan, The talent to lift everyone’s spirits maintained its commitment when she sees everyone Stolen Ring, and The Sultan’s during an extremely challenging Abu Issa Holding. during this difficult time to enjoying the plant’s delicious Barley Soup. time. It was difficult for the Al Ghamdi said: “My mural Qatar Museums is com- ensure that quality educational flavor, will Jouri continue to Perfect for aspiring artists artists to source material and depicts the word ‘hope’ in geo- mitted to enriching the lives of and entertainment resources in reject it simply because of the everywhere, the How to Draw find a space to create their metric letters and a fusion of the wider community through Arabic continue to be produced. way it looks? series of six books in Arabic artwork during the early days positive colours. During a global public art that reflects societal Additionally, our authors have Several series for children combines imagination and of the lockdown which meant pandemic, it’s sometimes hard issues of global relevance. The been engaging with schools via have been translated from learning to ignite the passion of they went out of their way to to see the light at the end of the museum recently held the online platforms to provide various languages into Arabic creating beautiful art in the show their solidarity. Public art tunnel. Since the artwork is on Jedariart public art initiative, a book reading and interactive for children of all ages to enjoy. hearts of children everywhere. contributes to Qatar’s thriving the wall outside an examination month-long programme in sessions on literacy and Among them are a col- Featuring many tried and tested cultural landscape, and we are room, I wanted to motivate which 18 locally-based artists learning to ensure our com- lection of books by celebrated professional drawing tips and honoured to have partnered patients recovering from added meaning to shared urban munity remains connected and children’s author Julia Don- techniques, young readers will with Abu Issa Holding to make COVID-19 by bringing some spaces through carefully involved.” aldson. Readers can now enjoy soon be turning their creative this initiative possible and to optimism to their lives and curated murals and street art at In her first foray into chil- the award-winning tales of The works of art into offer a message of hope through emphasising that there’s always various designated locations dren’s literature, established Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child, masterpieces. art.” hope.” across Doha. 06 HOME WEDNESDAY 20 JANUARY 2021 WEDNESDAY 20 JANUARY 2021 GULF / MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 07 Iraq tightens security along flashpoint Syria frontier — AL-QAIM, IRAQ paramilitaries battling Islamic State remnants and also Iraq is tightening security along The border is a flashpont opposed to Turkey. its 600 km (400 mile) border for tension between “Further south, there’s the with Syria to curb the Iran-backed groups and Syrian army, and in some areas movement of Islamic State mili- the United States, and is beyond that, control by Syrian tants, drug smuggling and other also tense because of opposition groups,” Shammari illegal activities. said. Iraqi commanders on Islamic State incursions Iraq was stepping up use of Monday toured the remote and Turkish pressure on high-tech thermal cameras and desert frontier controlled by Kurdish rebel groups. observation balloons, he said. various different forces, Reuters reporters touring including the Iraqi military, the border by air with the mil- Iran-aligned militias, the itary saw diggers making Syrian army, anti-Damascus control of state forces and was deeper trenches along large rebels, and US-backed Kurdish being more tightly secured, but sections of the Iraqi side of the forces. that the main challenges came frontier, which is sparsely pep- Military vehicles of Iraqi army tour at Al Waleed air base near Al Tanf, Iraq, on Monday. The border is a flashpont for from inside Syria. pered with border guard tension between Iran-backed “One of the biggest chal- towers, earth berms and metal groups and the United States, lenges is there’s no one single fences. breeding ground for extremism Syrian President Bashar Al across the frontier. and is also tense because of or unified security partner on Shammari said some fam- and fear the return of thousands Assad. Iraq also navigates a Islamic State incursions and the Syrian side,” he said. ilies of IS fighters had recently of Iraqis with ties to IS. The Iraqi military is in the growing relationship with Turkish pressure on Kurdish “In this area, the Syrian been detained after crossing The border has recently also difficult position of coordinating Turkey which wants Baghdad rebel groups. Democratic Forces (SDF) are from Al Hol, a displacement seen Israeli air strikes against with state paramilitaries that to help clamp down on activ- At an outpost facing into across the border — whom we camp on the Syrian side housing Iranian-linked targets including include the Iran-aligned groups ities of the Kurdish PKK Syria, Lieutenant-General coordinate with via the (US) tens of thousands of people who Revolutionary Guards com- which are facing off with Israel insurgent group, which has Abdul Amir Al Shammari said coalition,” he said, referring to fled IS’s final enclaves. manders as Israel increases and the United States and bases in northern Iraq and allies the Iraqi side was under the US-backed, Kurdish-dominated Officials worry Al Hol is a pressure on allies of Iran and of transfer weapons and personnel in the SDF. UN calls on Israel Iran begins ground forces drill on coast of Gulf of Oman to stop building AP — TEHRAN overseeing the drill. Iran has enemy from air, ground and under surveillance of what closer to weapons-grade levels, recently stepped up military sea,” said Kiomars Heidari, appeared to be a US nuclear while the US sent B-52 bombers, settlement units Iran’s military kicked off a drills as part of an effort to chief of ground forces. submarine. the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier ground forces drill yesterday pressure President-elect Joe On Saturday, Iran’s para- Earlier last week, the and a nuclear submarine into in West Bank along the coast of the Gulf of Biden over the nuclear deal that military Revolutionary Guard Guard’s affiliated forces carried the region. Oman, state TV reported, the President Donald Trump pulled conducted a drill, launching out a limited manoeuvre in the Trump in 2018 unilaterally QNA — latest in a series of snap exer- out of. anti-warship ballistic missiles Persian Gulf after a massive, withdrew the US from Iran’s cises that the country is holding Biden has said the US could at a simulated target at a dis- drones-only drill across half of nuclear deal, in which Tehran UN Secretary-General Antonio amid escalating tensions over rejoin the multinational accord tance of some 1,800 kilometers the country earlier in January. had agreed to limit its uranium Guterres has urged Israel to its nuclear programme and meant to contain Iran’s nuclear (1,120 miles) in the Indian Tensions between Wash- enrichment in exchange for the “halt and reverse” its decision Washington’s pressure program. Ocean, a day after the Guard’s ington and Tehran have lifting of economic sanctions. last week to build 800 campaign against Tehran. Later yesterday, state TV aerospace division launched increased amid a series of inci- Trump cited Iran’s ballistic settlement housing units in the According to the report, aired footage of paratroopers, surface-to-surface ballistic dents stemming from Trump’s missile program among other occupied West Bank. commando units and airborne armoured vehicles and a mul- missiles and drones against unilateral withdrawal from issues in withdrawing from the The decision is “a major infantry were participating in tiple launch rocket system fired “hypothetical enemy bases” in Iran’s nuclear deal with world accord. obstacle to the achievement the annual exercise, along with during the drill. the country’s vast central powers. When the US then stepped of the two-State solution, and fighter jets, helicopters and mil- “The general goal of this desert. In the final days of the up economic sanctions, Iran a just, lasting and compre- itary transport aircraft. drill is to assess the offensive Last Thursday, Iran’s navy Trump administration, Tehran gradually abandoned the limits hensive peace” in the Middle Iran’s National Army chief and penetrative power of the fired cruise missiles as part of seized a South Korean oil tanker that the deal had imposed on East, Guterres warned. Abdolrahim Mousavi was ground forces against the a naval drill in the Gulf of Oman, and begun enriching uranium its nuclear development. Guterres said in a statement that “the estab- lishment by Israel of settle- Kuwait registers Factional risks hover as Libya peace process advances ments in the Palestinian ter- ritory occupied since 1967, first case of REUTERS — TUNIS including East Jerusalem, has roadmap towards elections but from the political dialogue western and eastern Libya are no legal validity and consti- new virus variant failed to agree on how to form members, that met in Geneva honeycombed with rivalries, tutes a flagrant violation under Libyans working under a UN an interim government. last week. It was voted on by and any move that cuts out international law.” REUTERS — KUWAIT peace process yesterday Libya has known little the full body on Monday and powerful figures could unleash “Settlement expansion, agreed a mechanism to choose peace since Muammar Gaddafi Tuesday. a new bout of the fighting that further erodes the possibility Kuwait has registered its first a new temporary government was overthrown in 2011, in an It means the group will has already sucked in other of ending the occupation and cases of a more contagious to oversee the run-up to elec- uprising backed by Nato, and soon turn to the nomination powers. In Tripoli in the west, establishing a contiguous and coronavirus variant in two tions late this year, in the hope has been split since 2014 and choice of a unified gov- the internationally recognised viable sovereign Palestinian Kuwaiti women who had been that it can avoid being scup- between warring factions that ernment to prepare for the Government of National State, based on the pre-1967 in Britain, the health ministry pered by factional rivalries. have set up rival administra- December 24 presidential and Accord (GNA) is backed by lines,” Guterres added. spokesman told state news It follows weeks of negoti- tions in the west and east. parliamentary elections — a Turkey. In the east, Khalifa The government of the agency KUNA yesterday. ation after a political dialogue The mechanism to choose process that is no less fraught Haftar’s Libyan National Army Israeli entity has recently They had polymerase in Tunis in November among a transitional government was with potential for bitter (LNA) is supported by the approved the construction of chain reaction (PCR) tests 75 Libyans, selected by the UN proposed on Saturday by a disputes. United Arab Emirates, Russia 800 new units in illegal settle- before departing for Kuwait Libya mission, charted a smaller committee, drawn Both the main coalitions in and Egypt. ments on the occupied Pales- but PCR tests upon arrival tinian lands. yielded positive results and There are currently some further checks showed they 450,000 Jewish settlers in the had the variant B1.1.7, the First COVID-19 West Bank, living amid an esti- spokesman said without spec- mated 2.8 million ifying the point of departure. in Palestine by weekend Palestinians. Kuwait had on January 6 suspended direct commercial REUTERS — RAMALLAH/GAZA Strip, which is run by the PA’s flights to and from Britain until Islamist rivals Hamas. Occupation further notice, shortly after Palestinians expect to receive Abdel Hafiz Nofal, Pales- lifting a 12-day closure of air, a first batch of COVID-19 tinian ambassador to Russia, forces arrest four land and sea borders over con- vaccine by the weekend, offi- said it would send 5,000 cerns about the spread of the cials said yesterday — at a vaccine doses to the West Palestinians in new variant. time when more than a Bank “by the end of the week” The Gulf Arab state has quarter of their Israeli neigh- and would not charge for this West Bank recorded a total of 158,244 bours have already been inoc- initial consignment. COVID-19 infections and 948 ulated. “We are working to seal an QNA — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM deaths since the coronavirus The Palestinian Authority agreement with the Russian outbreak. (PA) has ordered Russia’s government to buy 100,000 The Israeli occupation forces Sputnik V vaccine and hopes doses, which are enough to arrested four Palestinians, to administer it to 50,000 res- vaccinate 50,000 people,” including two released pris- idents by March, after last Nofal told Reuters. oners, from separate parts of Virus cases in week granting the drug emer- Nofal envisaged the deal the West Bank. Oman at 132,146 gency approval. taking place in February, and The occupation forces The PA governs in the said 100,000 was the most arrested two brothers, who Israeli-occupied West Bank in Moscow could sell the PA that were released prisoners, from QNA — MUSCAT coordination with Israel, month. Israel’s Health Ministry the town of Kafr Ra’i south of whose campaign said it had approved the Jenin, after raiding and The Omani Ministry of Health has been the world’s fastest. import. searching their families’ home, Palestinian medical workers walk as they arrive to collect swab announced yesterday that the By Tuesday morning, 28% of An Israeli official said the Palestinian Prisoners Club samples from people to be tested for the coronavirus disease, in total of reported cases of coro- its 9 million citizens had earlier that the first batch of in Jenin told Palestinian News navirus disease (COVID-19) in received at least one dose. Sputnik V doses could arrive the southern Gaza Strip on January 14, 2021. Agency (Wafa). the Sultanate had reached Israel has not extended the yesterday, through the West In addition, two other 132,146. programme, which uses vac- Bank’s border with Jordan, but V is $18 but the cash-strapped would be medical brothers from the village of The total number of deaths cines by Pfizer/BioNTech and later said there had been a PA was trying to negotiate a personnel, the elderly and Salem east of Nablus, were due to COVID-19 reached Moderna Inc., to the 3.1 million hold-up. discount, Nofal said. those with chronic diseases — arrested after their families’ 1,516, while the recoveries Palestinians in the West Bank Russia’s standard export Palestinian health officials in Gaza as well as in the West house were raided and reached 124,398, bringing the or the 2.1 million in the Gaza price for the two-dose Sputnik said the first in line for the Bank. searched by the occupation in recoveries rate to 94.1 percent, the village. the Ministry said in a statement The occupation forces also carried by Oman News Agency raided a number of houses in (ONA). Lebanon central bank governor denies wrongdoing the area. The Israeli occu- Patients who have been pation forces launched a cam- isolated in hospitals due to REUTERS — BEIRUT “Both the prime minister local media reports of an a deep financial crisis that has paign of arrests and raids on infections in the past 24 hours and the president are in the inquiry, Lebanese Justice Min- hammered the currency, spread an almost daily basis in the reached 24, bringing the total Lebanon’s central bank loop on the European move,” ister Marie Claude Najm said poverty and prompted a sov- occupied areas of the West to 79, while patients in the governor Riad Salameh the government official said. she had received a request for ereign debt default. The Bank and Jerusalem. intensive care units reached yesterday denied any wrong- A statement by Salameh cooperation by Swiss judicial crippled banking system has cut Earlier on Monday Israeli 22, the Ministry added. doing after a Lebanese dismissed any allegations about authorities. people’s access to their dollar military vehicles entered the The Omani Ministry of government official told transfers by him, his brother or “I have submitted the accounts since last year. Palestinian agricultural lands Health has announced Monday Reuters that Swiss authorities assistant as “fabrications and request to the public prosecutor Salameh, a former Merrill in the southern Gaza Strip, and that the total of COVID-19 had opened an investigation false news”. to do what is necessary,” she Lynch banker, has led Leba- the Israeli occupation forces cases reported in the Sultanate into money transfers by him, his Speaking in response to said. non’s central bank, Banque du arrested two Palestinians from reached 132,011. brother and an assistant. questions from Reuters about Lebanon is grappling with Liban, since 1993. the West Bank. 08 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 20 JANUARY 2021 Proof of vaccination will be very Established in 1996 CHAIRMAN valuable — and easy to abuse DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED NITA FARAHANY [email protected] Since the coronavirus DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR pandemic began, bioethicists MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI have warned about the [email protected] dangers of “immunity pass- ports”: documents attesting that a person has contracted the coronavirus in the past EDITORIAL and therefore might carry that make them immune. The risk is that a system of passports would Laurels for Qatar’s diplomacy lead employers and others to discriminate against people A mock-up of a COVID-19 passport. QATAR’S distinguished diplomacy has brought in who lack them - and that their more glowing laurels yesterday. The United States, value would produce perverse represented by the Department of Defense, presented incentives (to contract the International Air Transport restaurant might advertise hardest hit by the pandemic - the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign virus to get a job, for Association, a major airline that all of its employees have both physically and economi- Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al example). No such formal trade group. vaccine cards, to encourage cally - are the least likely to Thani and Qatar’s Ambassador to the US H E Sheikh passport system has yet Some discrimination customers to start dining in find shortcuts in line, as Meshaal bin Hamad Al Thani with the Department of arisen. But the arrival of coro- based on vaccination or again. But none of the clinical better-connected people may. Defense Medal for Distingushed Public Service, the navirus vaccines under emer- immunity could be justified in trials underway has proved The National Academies of highest honorary award given by the United States gency authorization in Europe special cases. Nursing homes that the vaccines fully prevent Sciences, Engineering and to US officials and officials of the governments of and the United States raise the may reasonably want to hire either infection of vaccinated Medicine and the World friendly countries. issue anew. immunized staff before other subjects or their continued Health Organization have The US Department of Defense affirmed that Until a vaccine is fully applicants, for instance. shedding of the virus. So made the case against color- awarding this high honour to HE the Deputy Prime approved and widely (Although the goal is to asymptomatic transmission blind vaccine distribution Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs comes in rec- available, we should not - immunize health-care remains a live danger. Some strategies, although it remains ognition of his outstanding diplomatic efforts to except in the rarest of cases - workers as quickly as pos- early results from the Astra- to be seen if states will take strengthen relations between the State of Qatar and make participation in society sible, minimizing this Zeneca and University of their advice. But there’s much the United States and his commitment to cooperation depend on immunity status. problem.) But for a host of Oxford trials, as well as data work to be done to build con- with the United States across a range of fields. And yet the vaccination cards reasons, the secretary of submitted to the Food and fidence in the vaccine in The honour recognised the exceptional contri- that will be issued by the health and human services Drug Administration by minority communities: bution by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Centers for Disease Control (current and future) should Moderna, suggest that these According to a Pew Research of Foreign Affairs and the Ambassador towards nur- and Prevention and other discourage the use of vacci- vaccines may substantially Center poll in late November, turing the ever-developing Qatar-US partnership, public health agencies nation cards or apps for vir- reduce viral spread. But until only 42 percent of Black which has seen immense progress in the recent worldwide will make tually any purpose other than we have more robust data on Americans said they would past, and Qatar’s valuable efforts in promoting enforcing that norm a guiding individual medical transmission, we cannot yet take a vaccine once approved, peace. While presenting the award, the US challenge. care. A section of the Food, ease up on , compared with 61 percent of Department of Defense specifically appreciated his The cards are meant to Drug and Cosmetic Act per- masking and other preventive White Americans. It will exceptional role in supporting and advancing peace help remind people to get taining to the “authorization measures. hardly help if the vaccines are efforts in Afghanistan, particularly the diplomatic their second shots of these for medical products for use Second, vaccine cards used as blunt tools of discrim- leadership he provided, which for decades has vaccines (which all so far in emergencies” grants the (and immunization apps) ination, with racially dis- played an essential role in making great progress require two doses), to specify health secretary the power to could turn into powerful parate effects. towards peace in Afghanistan, including the signing the vaccine manufacturer and set the parameters for such weapons of exclusion and dis- Without doubt, many of the agreement between the US and the Taliban to ensure that in an emer- use. Under my reading of the crimination. The planned dis- people want the vaccine as on February 29 last year and the launch of the gency, caregivers know that law, he or she could specify tribution of vaccines to soon as they can possibly get Afghan peace process on September 12. It also someone has received this that schools, employers and various populations - first to it. But outside of a few settings commended the Deputy Prime Minister’s relentless treatment. These are laudable businesses cannot refuse health-care workers, nursing - front-line health care and, efforts to promote stability and prosperity in the goals, but the cards could entry to individuals who have home residents, the elderly - perhaps, the military - people region and resolve the Gulf dispute. easily become de facto entry not obtained a coronavirus is based on their likelihood of should not be required to take While bestowing the award on H E Sheikh Meshaal, documents required for vaccine. The reasons include contracting the virus or of a vaccine that has been the Department of Defene said the honour recognises people to attend school, get a scientific uncertainty about suffering severe disease. approved only for emergency the contribution made by the Ambassador in strength- job, dine at a restaurant or whether vaccines prevent That’s logical. But many use, and they should face no ening relations between Qatar and the US at the levels patronize businesses. viral transmission, concerns others who have endured the penalty for declining to do so. of foreign policies, defence, economy and national Employers might mandate about equity in vaccine distri- greatest economic impact of The FDA’s fast-track security. It pointed out his role in launching the Qatar- that workers show corona- bution, and the importance of the pandemic - people approval process suggests US Strategic Dialogue and his pivotal role in the con- virus vaccine cards before maintaining public trust in the without underlying conditions confidence in a vaccine’s tinuation of the dialogue process. they return to the office, and creation and distribution of who may have lost their jobs, safety and efficacy, but it will The strategic relations between Qatar and the US once vaccines are available the vaccine. The president or can’t work because they still be a while before we have are not only mutually beneficial and important, but for children, schools might could buttress that prohibition are caring for children at the full picture. Earlier this also goes to a great extent in bringing peace, security require students to show by issuing a related executive home - will be quite far back month, for example, two and development in the region and beyond. This these cards to attend. Tech order. in line. Making participation nurses in Britain suffered honour is another testimony of Qatar’s glorious role companies are already We should resist the in school, work or leisure allergic reactions to the Pfizer in the international stage and the strength of the coun- scrambling to create apps that seemingly intuitive rush to contingent on vaccination will vaccine that had not been try’s voice in the comity of nations. would include vaccine and give preference to vaccinated further entrench the eco- reported in the clinical trials, coronavirus testing infor- people. First, relying on the nomic inequities of the leading to a recommendation mation, and a digital vaccine shots to protect unvaccinated pandemic. against giving this shot to passport for travellers will Americans may give people a What’s more, minority individuals with a history of soon be introduced by the false sense of security. A populations that have been significant allergic reactions.

D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR EMAIL: [email protected] How to make Google and Facebook care about privacy

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 CATHY O’NEIL — BLOOMBERG without customers’ knowledge find it. The companies then use into the final product, ready FAX: +974 4455 7758 and by failing to delete their those data to update their algo- to be fed to the next in line. If you haven’t heard about the photos when they deactivated rithms -- daily, hourly or even But what if authorities MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 rise and fall of the photo app their accounts. every minute -- to attract and required Facebook to delete Ever, I’d suggest paying What’s really interesting generate profit from ever more the offending parts of the DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 attention. Its story illustrates are the terms of the set- people. The algorithms are the algorithm? What if the how the government, if it tlement reached this week. It core of the product. They company had to revert to an LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 wanted to, could compel big doesn’t just require Ever- contain the full accumulated earlier version, before it tech companies such as album to delete the photos in knowledge, including the started misusing the data? BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 Google and Facebook to question and obtain con- newest links, the latest viral The AI would be completely respect people’s privacy. sumers’ consent to use face videos and the hottest new out of touch: Imagine SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 Like many cloud services, recognition. The company products. Facebook serving up articles Ever offered users a place to must also delete any algo- So when the FTC fines from before the 2016 election. ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 store their photos. It then went rithms that it developed with Facebook $5 billion for mis- Retraining without the email: [email protected] a step further, using those the photos and videos that it using user data, as it did in missing information would photos to train a facial-recog- obtained through the app. 2019, that’s maybe expensive require a monumental effort, PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 nition algorithm, which it mar- The FTC’s focus on the but far from fatal. The most severely screwing up the email: [email protected] keted to law enforcement algorithms could set a powerful valuable assets - the algo- business model for some time. agencies and other potential precedent. In the world of arti- rithms that Facebook Therein lies a potent ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 clients. Some Ever users felt ficial intelligence, people’s data developed from the misap- weapon. If authorities let it be FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] that their privacy had been are just the raw material: for propriated data -- remain known that they’ll be coming violated, and the Federal Google, search terms and ad intact. Like the bodies of after the algorithms the next CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 Trade Commission alleged clicks; for Facebook, the posts euthanasia patients in the time they catch someone mis- email: [email protected] that the company, Everalbum, people read and how long dystopian thriller “Soylent using data, tech companies had acted deceptively by they’re engaged; for Amazon, Green,” people’s information will probably take privacy SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 employing face recognition what people buy and how they has already been processed concerns a lot more seriously. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar Settlement expansion further erodes the possibility of ending the occupation and /Peninsula_Qatar establishing a contiguous and viable sovereign /ThePeninsulaNewspaper Palestinian State based on the pre-1967 lines. Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General +974 6698 6188 WEDNESDAY 20 JANUARY 2021 AFRICA 09 Uganda accuses US ambassador of subversion for trying to visit candidate

REUTERS — KAMPALA Natalie E. Brown had been candidates, suppression of stopped from visiting Wine, media and rights advocates and Uganda accused the US ambas- who it referred to by his real The US embassy has said a nationwide Internet sador yesterday of seeking to name, Robert Kyagulanyi, at his last week’s vote was shutdown. subvert last week’s presidential residence in a suburb in the tainted by harassment “These unlawful actions and election by trying to visit the northern outskirts of the capital. of opposition the effective house arrest of a main opposition candidate at The mission said Brown candidates, suppression presidential candidate continue his home, which has been wanted to check on his health a worrying trend on the course surrounded by security forces and safety given that he was of media and rights of Uganda’s democracy,” it said since the vote. effectively unable to leave his advocates and a in the statement. Troops prevented pop star- home. nationwide Internet Wine said on Twitter that turned-legislator Bobi Wine Government spokesman shutdown. even the father of his wife’s from leaving his house shortly Ofwono Opondo said Brown infant niece they were looking after he returned from voting had no business visiting Wine, after had been refused entry to in Thursday’s presidential who the army says is being held collect her. “We have run out of election, in which he ran against to prevent potential unrest allies. food and milk. No one is incumbent Yoweri Museveni. breaking out in the wake of the Washington supports allowed to leave or come into Yesterday Wine said he and his result. Ugandan soldiers serving in an our compound,” he wrote. Ugandan police officers refuse lawyers of opposition presidential wife had run out of food, and “What she has been trying African Union peacekeeping A police spokesman was not candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, from milk for her 18-month-old to do blatantly is to meddle in mission in Somalia and has immediately available to niece. Uganda’s internal politics, par- donated about $1.5bn to comment. meeting him at his house in Kampala, on Monday. Museveni, 76, who has been ticularly elections, to subvert Uganda’s health sector in the Yesterday, Wine’s lawyers in power since 1986, was our elections and the will of the past three years. filed a petition in the high court detentions, citing violations of Platform (NUP) have rejected declared winner of the poll with people,” he said. “She shouldn’t Opondo said, without pro- challenging the legality of laws meant to curb the spread the results and said they were 59% of the vote against 35% for do anything outside the diplo- viding any evidence, that Brown detaining Wine and his wife of the coronavirus. planning a court challenge. Wine, who became famous after matic norms.” There was no had a track record of causing without charge. The court has In November, 54 people On Monday, security forces years of singing about gov- immediate comment from trouble in countries where she not yet said when the petition were killed as security forces cordoned off the party’s offices ernment corruption and nep- Brown or the embassy. has worked in the past. The will be heard, lawyer Benjamin quelled a protest that erupted in the capital. The party said otism, charges the government The public rebuke to the government was watching her, Katana said. During the cam- after Wine was detained for that was aimed at complicating denies. United States from the Ugandan he said. The US embassy has paign, security forces routinely alleged violation of the anti- their efforts to collect evidence The US embassy said late on government is relatively said last week’s vote was tainted broke up Wine’s rallies with coronavirus measures. of irregularities committed Monday that Ambassador unusual as the two nations are by harassment of opposition teargas, bullets, beatings and Wine and his National Unity during the election. Nigeria to seek vaccines less dependent on cooling facilities Ethiopia pulls Tigray party REUTERS — ABUJA the National Primary Health in Africa until 2022 or 2023. Care Development Agency, has The Pfizer vaccine must be licence ahead of Nigeria will seek to procure said Nigeria expects to receive stored at temperatures of vaccines that are less dependent 100,000 doses of the Pfizer- around -70 degrees Celsius June elections on cooling facilities, the head of BioNTech vaccine by early Feb- (-112°F) before being sent to dis- the country’s primary ruary under the scheme. The tribution centres in specially BLOOMBERG healthcare agency said vaccine must be stored at ultra- designed cool boxes filled with yesterday, adding that talks low temperatures. dry ice. Once out of ultra-low Ethiopia’s electoral board were in progress with Russia “Our plan now is not to temperature storage, it must be said it cancelled the licence and India to procure such over-invest on ultra cold kept at 2C to 8C to remain of the Tigray People’s Liber- vaccines. equipment for vaccines like that effective for up to five days. ation Front for participating Africa’s most populous of Pfizer vaccines, but go for Some experts have in rebellion, a move that country, where officials vaccines that need less cooling expressed doubts that Nigerian confirms the region’s former recorded low coronavirus facilities,” Shuaib told reporters authorities will be able to store ruling party will not partic- numbers through much of in the capital, Abuja, during a and transport the vaccine at ipate in upcoming federal 2020, is in its second wave of tour of cold storage facilities. such low temperatures. elections. infections and has seen cases “We are currently engaged The health minister on The federal government surge in recent weeks. in talks with Russia and India Monday said Nigeria had and the dissident group in A man pushes the door to a dry store at the National Strategic Nigerian health authorities to get more vaccines,” Shuaib written to the African Union Ethiopia’s north have been in Cold Store in Abuja, Nigeria, yesterday. have said the country is working said, restating the target of vac- requesting 10 million vaccine conflict since November 4, with the COVAX programme cinating 70% of Nigeria’s 200 doses, and allocated $26m for following an attack on a mil- backed by the World Health million inhabitants within the certification by Nigeria’s drugs co-chair Ellen Johnson Sirleaf licensed vaccine production. itary base in Tigray. Ethi- Organization (WHO) that aims next two years. regulator. expressed disappointment yes- As of yesterday, Nigeria opian Prime Minister Abiy to provide vaccines to poorer Shuaib did not provide Other obstacles were also terday in COVID-19 vaccine had recorded 112,004 Ahmed blamed the attack on countries. details of quantities discussed likely. The World Health Organ- rollout plans which meant shots COVID-19 cases resulting in the TPLF, a group that dom- Faisal Shuaib, who heads and said vaccines would require ization’s pandemic review panel would not be widely available 1,449 deaths. inated Ethiopian politics before he came to power in 2018. Rwanda imposes The National Electoral Morocco PM blames global market for vaccine delay Board of Ethiopia also strict lockdown requested a list of TPLF REUTERS — RABAT AstraZeneca Plc and China’s targeting the 25 million people Morocco has recorded assets from the Attorney in capital after Sinopharm, Morocco had so far aged over 18. nearly half a million corona- General’s Office, according Morocco’s prime minister received no supplies. On Monday, the World virus infections and almost to a statement posted online. virus cases surge yesterday defended his govern- “Most countries are com- Health Organisation warned 8,000 deaths, while the Inter- The assets will be used for ment’s COVID-19 vaccine policy plaining of this scarcity,” he that the globe faced a “cata- national Monetary Fund has voter and civic education REUTERS — KIGALI after weeks of false hopes it said, adding that rich countries strophic moral failure” to share projected the economy to after party debts are paid off could quickly roll out a national were paying up to five times vaccines, urging countries and have contracted by 7.2% last in accordance with electoral Rwanda has re-introduced programme, saying supplies more money to get prior access manufacturers to spread doses year. law. tough lockdown measures in were going to rich countries and and that it was natural that more fairly. On Monday Morocco Ethiopia will hold general its capital Kigali after a surge those that produced the countries producing the vaccine No African country has yet detected its first confirmed case elections on June 5, after in coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. used them at home before been able to start a mass vac- of the more contagious British delaying a planned vote last cases. Speaking in parliament, exporting. cination programme. However, coronavirus variant and banned August because of the The government has also Prime Minister Saad Dine El Moroccan officials had been Morocco, like some other flights to several countries. Covid-19 pandemic. Fifty- banned movement into and Otmani said that despite promising to start rolling out African states, took part in It has also extended a night two parties are expected to out of the city, except for ordering 65 million doses of their planned free vaccination clinical trials of the Sinopharm curfew yesterday for two more participate in the elections, essential services and for vaccine from Britain’s campaign from mid-December, vaccine. weeks. the board said. tourists, it said, citing a jump in the number of cases found in a given sample of tests, known as the positivity rate. Tunisia: Protesters revive ‘Arab “All employees, public and private, shall work from home, Spring’ chant to demand govt ouster except for those providing essential services,” the gov- REUTERS — TUNIS on protests. However, in cities across ernment said in a statement. the country youths have thrown stones Rwanda, which has 11,259 Protesters rallied in Tunisia’s capital and petrol bombs, burnt tyres and cases of the disease caused by yesterday after several nights of street looted shops, while police have the coronavirus and 146 violence, reviving the chant that rang deployed tear gas and batons, arresting deaths, said the number of a decade ago in a revolution that hundreds. Up to 250 people gathered tests returning positive results brought in democracy: “the people in central Tunis’ Bourguiba Avenue yes- for COVID-19 has tripled to want the fall of the regime”. terday while other demonstrations took 7.7% from 2.6% at the start of Daytime protests in Tunis and some place in towns near Sidi Bouzid, where this month. African nations are other cities demanding jobs, dignity and the 2011 revolution began. The toppling grappling with a second wave the release of detainees have followed then of Tunisia’s long-serving ruler of the novel coronavirus, clashes over recent nights between inspired similar uprisings across the infections rising to at least 3.3 security forces and youths, as COVID-19 region dubbed the “Arab Spring”. million and 79,500 deaths so restrictions add to wider economic Protesters in all three rallies far, a Reuters tally showed. malaise. chanted “the people want the fall of the Of every 100 infections Shortly before last week’s 10th regime”, as well as demands for jobs. reported around the world, anniversary of the revolution, Prime Tunisia was suffering economically about 5 are from African Minister Hichem Mechichi’s gov- even before the COVID-19 crisis, with nations, up from 3.4 in Security forces clash with demonstrators during anti-government protests in Tunis, ernment ordered a four-day lockdown, high unemployment and declining state October, the data showed. Tunisia, on Monday. a tighter night-time curfew and a ban services. New virus strain in South Africa is 50% more infectious, but not deadly

BLOOMBERG than its predecessors, Salim announced the discovery of the may hamper the global roll out Minister said in a experience significant strain.” Abdool Karim, co-chair of the new mutation. President Cyril of vaccines. presentation. New case Many health workers have South Africa’s genomic scien- COVID-19 ministerial advisory Ramaphosa went on to In South Africa, studies into numbers have started to fall, reported a shortage of critical- tists have found the new coro- committee, said in a presen- introduce stricter lockdown the new variant’s resistance to giving some cause for optimism. care beds, oxygen and staff as navirus variant driving the tation. However, data show it is rules, including a ban on alcohol vaccines have yet to be com- The decline in infections the virus ripped through the country’s resurgence of new not more likely to cause hospi- sales and a nighttime curfew. pleted, and evidence will be “could be attributable to many country. South Africa has cases is about 50% more trans- talisation or death, he said on Other variants have been provided when available, Karim factors, including enhanced detected 1.35 million coronavirus missible than earlier versions. Monday. South African identified in countries including said. The country’s second wave physical distancing facilitated by cases so far, the most in Africa, The 501Y.V2 strain iden- COVID-19 cases began to accel- the UK and Brazil, leading to was far more severe than the lockdown regulations,” Mkhize and 37,449 people who tested tified last month “can attach to erate in November and the fol- concerns that increasingly dan- initial one in July, though may said. “Having said that, the positive have died, latest Health human cells more efficiently” lowing month scientists gerous versions of the pathogen have passed its peak, Health health-care system continues to Ministry statistics show. 10 ASIA WEDNESDAY 20 JANUARY 2021 India vaccine developer warns some to avoid jab AP — NEW DELHI approval in the belief that it could be more effective in India’s homegrown coronavirus India on January 4 tackling a new variant of the vaccine developer Bharat approved the emergency coronavirus found in the U.K. Biotech yesterday warned The regulator and the company people with weak immunity use of two vaccines, one have said efficacy data will be and other medical conditions developed by Oxford published after ongoing late including allergies, fever or a University and UK-based clinical trials conclude. bleeding disorder to consult a drugmaker AstraZeneca, Most hospitals in India are doctor before getting the shot inoculating health care workers — and if possible avoid the and the other by Bharat with the AstraZeneca vaccine. vaccine. Biotech. The regulator But turnout, particularly in The company said those took the step without those hospitals using the Bharat receiving vaccinations should publishing information Biotech vaccine, has been rel- disclose their medical con- atively low, health officials said. about the Indian Indonesia President Joko Widodo inspects temporary shelters for displaced affected by earthquake dition, medicines they are Hospitals in New Delhi that at Manakarra stadium in Mamuju, West Sulawesi province, Indonesia, yesterday. taking and any history of vaccine’s efficacy. have been administering the allergies. It said severe allergic Bharat Biotech vaccine have reactions among vaccine recip- seen many doctors hesitate to ients may include difficulty get the shot. Widodo visits quake-hit areas, toll 90 breathing, swelling of the face people. The recipients are to Dr. Vinod K. Paul, a member and throat, rapid heartbeat, include 30 million doctors, of NITI Aayog, a government AP — MAMUJU rebuild government buildings neighboring provinces of body rashes, dizziness and nurses and other front-line think tank, said concerns about that collapsed and help people Makassar, Pare Pare and Palu. weakness. workers, to be followed by 270 adverse effects of the vaccine Relief workers struggled repair their damaged houses Four days after the disaster, The vaccine developed by million people who either are seemed to be “unfounded and yesterday to clear the rubble of with aid of up to 50 million the streets of Mamuju were still Bharat Biotech ran into contro- over 50 or have illnesses that insignificant.” collapsed buildings on an Indo- rupiah ($3,560) as he toured the covered in debris and most versy after the Indian gov- make them vulnerable to “If our healthcare workers, nesian island where a strong hard-hit city of Mamuju, the people were sleeping outdoors, ernment allowed its use without COVID-19. especially doctors and nurses, earthquake killed at least 90 provincial capital. fearful that their homes would concrete data showing its effec- India on January 4 are declining it, then it’s very people and left thousands “We hope that the assistance crumble if strong aftershocks tiveness in preventing approved the emergency use unfortunate,” Paul told homeless. from the central government come. Sniffer dogs were being COVID-19. Tens of thousands of two vaccines, one developed reporters. The 6.2 magnitude earth- can hasten a rebuilding of col- used to search for bodies and of people have been given the by Oxford University and UK- “Healthcare workers should quake on Friday was one of a lapsed houses and the possible survivors. shot in the past three days after based drugmaker AstraZeneca, have faith in our system.” The series of recent disasters to hit economy,” he said in a speech Dahlan said rescuers, India started inoculating health and the other by Bharat Biotech. vaccination drive began at a Indonesia. after visiting survivors staying helped by excavators, pulled care workers last weekend in The regulator took the step time when coronavirus infec- President Joko Widodo, in shelters on a soccer field. more bodies from the rubble. A what is likely the world’s largest without publishing information tions have fallen sharply, and who travelled to a flood-hit Disaster Task Force Com- total of 79 people died in coronavirus vaccination about the Indian vaccine’s much of life has returned to region of Borneo island on mander Firman Dahlan said at Mamuju and 11 in Majene, he campaign. efficacy. Bharat Biotech has still normal. India is second only to Monday, visited the quake-hit least 12,900 people are in said at a news conference yes- India vaccinated 148,266 not published data on its vac- the US in the number of con- areas of West Sulawesi shelters in Mamuju and the terday. A military field hospital people on Monday, taking its cine’s effectiveness but said it firmed cases, with more than province yesterday to reassure neighboring district of Majene in will be set up soon and a naval total to 381,305, the health min- is complying with clinical trial 10.5 million. The country ranks people that the government’s West Sulawesi. He said the figure hospital ship is heading to a istry said. guidelines. third in the number of reported response is reaching those in has decreased since Monday, port on the Mamuju coast to Indian authorities hope to The regulator maintains the deaths, behind the US and need. when evacuees stood at 20,000 help overwhelmed hospitals, he give vaccines to 300 million vaccine is safe and gave its Brazil, with over 152,000. He pledged to as many fled for safety in the said.

HK extends India asks WhatsApp to withdraw privacy policy update work-from-home REUTERS — NEW DELHI the implications for the choice With 400 million users in less choice compared to the did not respond to a request for and autonomy of Indian cit- India, WhatsApp has big plans app’s European users, the tech comment but has previously arrangements India’s technology ministry has izens,” the Ministry of Elec- for India’s growing digital pay- ministry letter said. said the update to its privacy asked WhatsApp to withdraw tronics and Information Tech- ments space, including selling “This differential and dis- policy did not affect the privacy for civil servants changes to its privacy policy the nology wrote in an email to health insurance via partners. criminatory treatment of Indian of users’ messages with friends, messenger announced this WhatsApp boss Will Cathcart Those aspirations could and European users is attracting family and in groups. REUTERS — HONG KONG month, saying the new terms dated Jan. 18. take a hit if Indians switch to serious criticism and betrays a The company said last week take away choice from Indian “Therefore, you are called rival messengers such as Signal lack of respect for the rights and it would delay the new policy Hong Kong will extend work- users. upon to withdraw the proposed and Telegram, downloads of interest of Indian citizens who launch to May from February, from-home arrangements for The demand creates a new changes,” the ministry wrote in which have surged after form a substantial portion of after facing criticism from users civil servants by a week until headache for WhatsApp and its the letter. California-based WhatsApp said on January 4 it WhatsApp’s user base,” it said. in India and elsewhere to the January 27, the government said US parent Facebook, which Facebook invested $5.7bn last could share limited user data The ministry asked new terms. yesterday, as the global financial have placed big bets on the year in the digital unit of Indian with Facebook and its group WhatsApp to respond to 14 WhatsApp has launched a hub seeks to contain a rise in South Asian nation to expand conglomerate Reliance with a firms. It is of “great concern” questions including on the cat- media advertising campaign in coronavirus infections into triple their payments and other huge part of that aimed at that Indian users have not been egories of user data it collected, India to calm worried users. The digits. businesses. drawing in tens of millions of given the choice to opt out of whether it profiled customers update to the privacy policy has On Monday, Hong Kong “The proposed changes traditional shop owners to use this data sharing with Facebook based on usage and cross- also resulted in two legal peti- reported 107 new cases of coro- raise grave concerns regarding digital payments via WhatsApp. companies and are being given border data flows. WhatsApp tions in Indian courts. navirus, the highest number in nearly a month, fuelling concern over a new wave of infections in Doctors cast doubt on COVID-19 the densely populated city where businesses are already reeling herd immunity goal in South Korea from restrictions. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said at a press REUTERS — SEOUL significantly lack medical staff briefing yesterday that social dis- and infrastructure to carry out tancing measures due to expire Medical experts say the South the vaccinations,” Jun said. this week would be extended in Korea governent is not taking “It is just realistically impos- a bid to contain the outbreak. the steps necessary to achieve sible to vaccinate 400,000 The COVID-19 restrictions its goal of reaching herd people a day.” Facing public come ahead of Lunar New Year immunity to the coronavirus criticism that the vaccination festivities which have been cur- through mass vaccinations by procurement plans have been tailed for a second consecutive November. too slow as the country year and are expected to keep They say the government struggled to contain a third any protests or other opposition has failed to secure enough vac- wave of the pandemic, Pres- activities figures at bay. cines and has also been slow to ident Moon Jae-in on Monday The COVID restrictions train staff for storage, distri- sought to reassure residents. include a ban on in-house dining bution and inoculation. It has “I think we will reach a full after 6pm and the closure of also lagged in making decisions herd immunity by November at facilities such as gyms, sports over vaccination sites, they said. the latest,” he told a news venues, beauty salons and The government’s timeline conference. cinemas. Hong Kong, with — which calls for vaccinations South Korea has secured around 7.5 million people, has of key individuals to begin in 106 million doses to allow for one of the highest population Soldiers prepare to spray disinfectant at Taoyuan General Hospital, where a cluster of coronavirus February, with 32 million-36 coverage of 56 million people, densities in the world. disease infections was detected, in Taoyuan, Taiwan, yesterday. million people vaccinated by more than its 52 million popu- Health Secretary Sophia September – is unlikely to lation, from four drugmakers — Chan told reporters that the succeed at its current pace, the AstraZeneca, Pfizer Inc, Johnson popular Lunar New Year flower Taiwan cancels major festival experts said. & Johnson’s Janssen, Moderna markets, which involve thou- To reach the September Inc — and the WHO’s vaccine- sands of florists and many more target, the government would sharing scheme COVAX. customers, would be allowed to as local infection cases rise need 4,000 doctors to see at Health authorities open at 50% capacity. The gov- least 400,000 people a day, said acknowledge there are major ernment will regulate the crowd REUTERS — TAIPEI New Year in mid-February, will including the world’s largest Jun Byung-yool, a former hurdles but said their timeline via technology with attendants be cancelled this year because chipmaker Taiwan Semicon- director of the Korea Centers for was based on a need to learn updated in real time online. All Taiwan yesterday cancelled a of COVID-19, the Ministry of ductor Manufacturing Co Ltd. Disease Control and from vaccine programmes in people entering flower markets major festival during the Transportation and Communi- The announcement came Prevention. other countries. In the end, would need to have their tem- upcoming Lunar New Year cations said, citing the recent shortly after Taiwan reported “The government has South Korea would complete its perature taken, while stall holiday as the island reported local infection cases. four locally transmitted cases of ordered each local government vaccination efforts as fast or workers need to take a four locally transmitted cases of “This is a tough decision, but COVID-19, the most since Feb- to secure their own manpower, faster than many other places, COVID-19 test before the COVID-19, the biggest daily rise pandemic-prevention is our top ruary 29. but rural areas would they said. markets open. in local infections in nearly 11 priority,” Transportation Minister All four cases are related to months. Lin Chia-lung told reporters. the Taoyuan hospital outbreak Taiwan, which has kept the The festival, which features and Taiwan’s health ministry is pandemic well under control oversized lanterns and fireworks planning to move more than 200 Malaysia to extend lockdown restrictions thanks to early and effective pre- displays, attracts hundreds of patients out of the hospital into REUTERS — KUALA LUMPUR travel ban was implemented. a breaking point. vention methods, has been thousands of visitors every year isolation wards. Security minister Ismail The Southeast Asian unnerved by new domestic and has become a major selling Taiwan’s military has also Malaysia yesterday said it Sabri Yaakob yesterday said country is also under emer- transmissions, first in December point for the government to sent chemical warfare specialists would extend lockdown restric- the lockdown will also be gency rule, which was and now in a hospital in the attract tourists from overseas. to help with disinfection work at tions across most of the country imposed on six other states imposed to deal with the pan- northern city of Taoyuan. Lin Chih-chien, mayor of the the hospital. as it grappled with a rise in from Friday for two weeks. demic, though the political It has reported 868 cases, the northern city of Hsinchu where “We strongly recommend coronavirus infections. Only the eastern state of opposition has said it is a majority of which were the festival was to be held, said that large-scale events be can- Last week, capital Kuala Sarawak will not see a full move by Muhyiddin to cling imported, including seven several technology companies celled,” Health Minister Chen Lumpur and six states went lockdown, though some to power amid a leadership deaths, with 102 in hospital being there had asked the government Shih-chung told a separate news into a two-week lockdown. restrictions are in place. challenge. treated. to cancel the event, citing con- conference. Essential sectors including Prime Minister Muhyiddin The total number of coro- The Taiwan Lantern Festival, cerns of a local outbreak cur- “The situation is under our manufacturing, plantations and Yassin has said the lockdown navirus infections in Malaysia an annual celebration to mark tailing production at a tech- control at the moment because construction were allowed to measures were necessary as stood at 165,371, including 619 the end of the upcoming Lunar nology hub that hosts firms the cases can be clearly traced.” stay open, but a nationwide the healthcare system was at deaths. WEDNESDAY 20 JANUARY 2021 ASIA 11 China sees resurgence of new virus cases REUTERS — SHANGHAI/BEIJING Year holiday, which is just weeks away. Hundreds of mil- China is battling the worst Tens of millions of lions of people travel during the outbreak of COVID-19 since people have been in holiday, in mid-February this March 2020, with one province lockdown as some year, as migrant workers return posting a record daily rise in to their home provinces to see cases, as an independent panel northern cities undergo family. reviewing the global pandemic mass testing amid Authorities have appealed said China could have done worries that undetected to people to avoid travel in the more to curb the initial infections could spread run-up to the holiday and stay outbreak. quickly during the Lunar away from mass gatherings State-backed tabloid the such as weddings. Global Times yesterday New Year holiday, The outbreak in Jilin was defended China’s early handling which is just weeks caused by an infected salesman of COVID-19, saying no country away. travelling to and from the had any experience in dealing neighbouring province of Hei- with the virus. longjiang, the site of a previous “Looking back, no country Jilin, a new daily record for the cluster of infections. could perform perfectly in northeastern province, and 35 The overall number of new People sit at a vaccination site after receiving a dose of a coronavirus disease vaccine during a facing a novel virus... No in Hebei province, which sur- asymptomatic cases, which government-organised visit in Shanghai, China, yesterday. country can guarantee they rounds Beijing, the National China does not classify as con- won’t make mistakes if a similar Health Commission said. firmed infections, fell to 91 from epidemic occurs again,” it said. The Chinese capital itself 115 a day earlier. Clark and former Liberian pres- emergency until January 30. at a regular news briefing yes- China reported more than reported one new case, while The total number of con- ident Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, said Chinese Foreign Ministry terday, when asked about the 100 new COVID-19 cases for a Heilongjiang in the north firmed COVID-19 cases in on Monday that Chinese offi- spokeswoman Hua Chunying review. seventh day yesterday. It posted reported 27 new infections. mainland China is 89,454, while cials could have applied more said acknowledging that China A WHO team is currently in 118 new cases on Monday, up Tens of millions of people the death toll remained forceful public health measures should do better doesn’t mean Wuhan, the central Chinese city from 109 a day earlier, the have been in lockdown as some unchanged at 4,635. in January last year to curb the it hadn’t done good enough. where the disease was first national health authority said northern cities undergo mass An independent panel of initial outbreak. “Of course we should strive detected in late 2019, to inves- in a statement. testing amid worries that unde- experts reviewing the pan- It also criticised the World to do better, as should all other tigate the origins of the pan- Of those, 106 were local tected infections could spread demic, led by former New Health Organization for not countries such as the United demic that has killed more than infections, with 43 reported in quickly during the Lunar New Zealand prime minister Helen declaring an international States, Britain, Japan,” Hua said two million people worldwide. Thailand PM threatens punishment for false vaccine news Thai woman gets 43-year jail term AP — BANGKOK broadcast on Monday night. government and the companies more supplies to cover been found among people who Thanathorn Juangroongru- involved. everyone. were quarantined after arriving for lese majeste Thai Prime Minister Prayuth angkit, former leader of the dis- “Do not blame me for A first batch of 200,000 from abroad. Chan-ocha warned yesterday solved Future Forward Party, threatening legal action,” doses of Sinovac vaccine from Yesterday, 171 new cases AP — BANGKOK that his government will pros- accused the government of Prayuth said. China is scheduled to arrive were announced, bringing the ecute anyone who shares false acting too slowly to inoculate “I need to keep people’s next month. After that, 26 total to 12,594, including 70 A court in Thailand yesterday information about coronavirus the country’s population. confidence and trust in gov- million doses of a vaccine deaths. sentenced a former civil vaccines in social or mass Thanathorn has long been a ernment.” Health officials at a developed by Oxford University Most of the cases since mid- servant to a record prison term media. thorn in the side of Prayuth’s news conference yesterday and AstraZeneca, a British- December have been linked to of 43 years and six months for The government already government. defended the effort to procure Swedish pharmaceutical migrant workers from neigh- breaching the country’s strict has the power to impose pun- His party made a strong vaccines. company, to be manufactured boring Myanmar employed in law on insulting or defaming ishments under a state of emer- third-place showing in the 2019 Supakit Sirilak, director in Thailand will start being dis- seafood markets and factories the monarchy, lawyers said. gency that was declared last general election, but he was general of the Medical Science tributed in May. in a province next to Bangkok. The Bangkok Criminal March to deal with the health forced out of Parliament when Department, said the Health Public concern about the A second cluster was found Court found the woman guilty threat. a court ruled that he had broken Ministry has been working to vaccine situation shot up last among itinerant gamblers who on 29 counts of violating the Prayuth’s warning was an an election law. His party was obtain vaccine supplies since month after Thailand experi- frequented illegal gambling country’s lese majeste law for apparent reaction to charges later dissolved on a similar last February, but has taken enced a surge in its relatively dens. posting audio clips to Facebook that his government has done technicality. time to evaluate which are modest number of confirmed Officials said yesterday they and YouTube with comments too little to acquire adequate There also have been alle- appropriate. coronavirus cases. were encouraged by a deemed critical of the mon- supplies of vaccines. gations that well-connected He said the government has At the beginning of downward trend in new cases archy, the group Thai Lawyers The criticism took on a companies stand to profit targeted having enough vac- December, Thailand had 4,008 but would continue imple- for Human Rights said. sharp political tinge after a unfairly from government con- cines to cover 50% of the pop- cases. Following an initial wave menting tighter safety restric- The court initially popular politician aired such tracts to produce a vaccine, ulation by the end of this year, of cases that began in March, tions until the end of the month announced her sentence as 87 allegations in an internet charges denied by the and is attempting to secure almost all new infections had before considering lifting them. years, but reduced it by half because she pleaded guilty to the offenses, the group said. The sentence, which comes Okinawa declares state of amid an ongoing protest movement that has seen emergency as cases spike unprecedented public criticism of the monarchy, was swiftly REUTERS — TOKYO non-urgent outings after 8pm. condemned by rights groups. The emergency is scheduled “Today’s court verdict is Japan’s southernmost to last until February 7. The shocking and sends a spine- prefecture, Okinawa, declared national government had chilling signal that not only a state of emergency yesterday already issued a state of emer- criticisms of the monarchy over the COVID-19 pandemic, gency for Tokyo and other areas won’t be tolerated, but they as the country grapples with a but the southern island, which will also be severely pun- surge in infections six months hosts the bulk of US military ished,” said Sunai Phasuk, a before it is set to host the forces in Japan, went ahead and senior researcher for the group Summer Olympics. declared an emergency of its . Okinawa Governor Denny own after a spike in cases. Violating Thailand’s lese Tamaki said emergency The prefecture confirmed 113 majeste law — known widely measures include asking restau- cases yesterday, its third-highest as Article 112 — is punishable rants and clubs to close by 8pm daily tally on record, public by three to 15 years’ impris- and residents to refrain from broadcaster NHK reported. onment per count. Body of American mountaineer found near K2 REUTERS — ISLAMABAD conditions and Szlanko decided or even a thief, all of those labels to turn back, while Goldfarb con- were stripped away and you were Pakistan’s military located the tinued alone. playing by a different set of rules. Danilo Concepcion, the president of University of Philippines, speaks to students and activists during body of American mountaineer Szlanko joined the search for He made great friends in the a protest at University Avenue in Quezon City, Metro Manila, yesterday. Alex Goldfarb-Rumyantzev on his partner after he failed to return mountains, he saved lives and Monday in the Karakoram as planned on Saturday. saved himself, and he travelled mountains in northern Goldfarb, a medical doctor the world doing it.” Spanish Protest in Philippines over permission Pakistan, the second death of a and a lecturer at Harvard Uni- climber Sergio Mingote also died foreign climber in the area in versity in Boston, had volunteered in the Karakoram mountains on less than a week. to treat COVID-19 patients since Saturday, after he fell down a cre- for security forces to enter university A helicopter team spotted the outset of the pandemic, his son vasse while attempting to make Goldfarb’s remains during a Levi Goldfarb told Reuters. his way down to Base Camp on REUTERS — MANILA soldiers and police from government”. search and rescue operation that “He thought (mountain K2, the world’s second-highest entering the 17 campuses of the A number of UP students, began on Sunday, according to the climbing) was beautiful,” Levi mountain. Philippine students and activists University of the Philippines some killed in military opera- Alpine Club of Pakistan. said. Travel restrictions due to the protested yesterday against a (UP) without consent, except tions or captured, had been He appeared to have fallen off “He thought it was liberating, coronavirus pandemic dampened government decision to allow during emergencies or when in identified as members of the the mountain, Hungarian expe- because up in the mountains it the traditionally active summer security forces to patrol the hot pursuit. communist party’s armed wing, dition company Magyar Expe- didn’t really matter who you were months of mountaineering in the campuses of the country’s “This signals greater the defence ministry said in a dicios, which was supporting the at sea level — a doctor, a lawyer, region last year. biggest university after author- repression, harassment and letter to the university’s pres- climbers, said in a ities accused it of being a harm among activists, youth and ident, without providing evi- statement. breeding ground for communist students and other people (who) dence. Academics and politi- Goldfarb and rebels. they maliciously tag as commu- cians also condemned the Hungarian Zoltan President Rodrigo Duterte’s nists, terrorists and will result in scrapping of the agreement Szlanko were government has stepped up the militarisation of campuses,” saying it threatened academic planning to climb the efforts to end a Maoist-led Eleanor de Guzman, secretary freedom and opened the door 8,047 metre high rebellion, one of the world’s for human rights of a left-wing to red tagging. Broad Peak, which longest insurgencies that has labour group, told a crowd of University President Danilo has yet to be killed more than 40,000 people. about 100 protesters. Concepcion urged the defence ascended in winter, But the United Nations had Defence Secretary Delfin ministry to reconsider the without the use of warned in a report that “red- Lorenzana, justifying the decision while Vice President oxygen or any porters tagging”, or labelling people decision to scrap the 1989 Maria Leonor Robredo, the for help, according to and groups as communists or agreement, said in a statement opposition leader, said the Magyar Expedicios. terrorists, and incitement to the 112-year-old university action was “designed to silence To acclimate for violence have been rife in the “has become the breeding criticism”. that climb, the pair Southeast Asian nation. ground of intransigent indi- Since coming into power in set out to climb The government, in a viduals and groups whose 2016, Duterte’s government has nearby Pastore Peak, decision made public late on extremist beliefs have seen repeated breakdowns in 6,209 metres high, A file photo of now deceased American mountaineer Alex Goldfarb (right) posing Monday, scrapped a 1989 inveigled students to join their peace talks with the communist but were met with with members of Alpine Club of Pakistan in Islamabad, Pakistan. agreement that had prevented ranks to fight against the rebels. harsh winter 12 EUROPE WEDNESDAY 20 JANUARY 2021 Europe struggles to make most of Pfizer vaccine doses REUTERS — ZURICH/PARIS Italy reports 603 virus deaths Some European countries are drawing fewer than the approved six doses from REUTERS — ROME Pfizer and BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine vials, meaning shots are likely going to Italy reported 603 coronavirus-related deaths yesterday, against 377 the day waste even as nations plead for more. before, the health ministry said, while the daily tally of new infections rose Officials and healthcare profes- to 10,497 from 8,824. sionals in France, Germany and Swit- Some 254,070 tests were carried out in the past day, against a previous zerland all pointed to yields short of 158,674. Italy has registered 83,157 COVID-19 deaths since its outbreak came six doses, adding to frustrations in to light last February, the second-highest toll in Europe and the sixth-highest countries already lagging vaccination in the world. The country has also reported 2.4 million cases to date. campaigns in nations such as Britain Patients in hospital with COVID-19 — not including those in intensive and the United States. The losses add care — stood at 22,699 yesterday, down 185 from a day earlier. up: For 200,000 vials of the two-shot There were 176 new admissions to intensive care units, against 142 the vaccine, 600,000 people can be inoc- day before. The total number of intensive care patients fell by 57 to 2,487. ulated at six doses per vial, compared with 500,000 at just five. The difficulties could also hinder the western state of North Rhine-West- predicted first-round vaccinations would Pfizer and BioNTech’s new production phalia, officials ordered 20.5 million 1 cover 33,000 doctors and nurses. “It target of 2 billion COVID-19 shots in A postman wearing a face mask crosses Camden High street, amid the outbreak ml syringes and said they had enough turned out to be 39,000 because they 2021, up from 1.3 billion previously. of the coronavirus disease, in London yesterday. to extract six doses. In eastern Thur- could get a sixth dose,” said Kirstin The higher production forecast ingia, however, Health Minister Heike Schimmel, a hospital pharmacist in Leiden, assumes health teams can draw that western Switzerland. aimed for five doses, but recently Werner said doctors were finding that adding some hospitals using special sixth dose from vials where this is per- Confusion over Pfizer/BioNTech boosted its target to six per vial. Even obtaining the sixth dose was only pos- syringes got seven doses. mitted, thus stretching supplies. vial volumes emerged in December, so, one French expert raised fears of sible with about half the Pfizer/ Swiss regulator Swissmedic also In France, authorities acknowledge when US hospital pharmacists realised shortages of small 1 ml syringes— BioNTech vials delivered. advises a sixth Pfizer/BioNTech dose vials contain more than five doses, but that preparing the vaccine, by mixing designed to maximise vaccine Other nations are having greater is possible with “appropriate syringes early on advised health workers to aim it with saline solution, yielded enough extraction — as an obstacle. success. In Britain, officials forecast and careful handling”. Still, several for five. Some French experts said liquid for at least six 0.30 ml doses. “This is essential if we want to reach wastage of 10%, but said less was actually Swiss cantons told Reuters they dose-maximising syringes were They initially threw the extra dose immunity targets quickly and before the being discarded, helped by early recog- averaged less than six doses per vial. lacking. In Switzerland, some officials away, since vials were labeled for five. new variants hit Europe even more,” said nition that extra doses were possible. “When possible, we draw six,” said a said five doses had emerged as The US Food and Drug Administration Eric Billy, an immuno-oncology “We discovered we’re able to get more cantonal health department spokes- standard, given the challenges of quickly updated its doses per vial researcher. “We may have syringes, but out of the vials,” said Mary Ramsay, woman in Zurich. “Five remains the yielding more of a vaccine they guidance, with the European Medicine we do not have the right ones.” The Public Health England’s immunisation standard. The vaccine is thick and very describe as thick and hard to handle. Agency following suit on January 8. health ministry said, in response to those head. Danish authorities are even challenging to handle.” Aargau initially “Five doses from a vial has proven BioNTech has said its 2 billion dose concerns, that it aimed “to ensure that drawing a seventh dose, boosting was yielding five doses, but cantonal itself a reliable method,” said Rolf Wirz, target was in part supported by an medical equipment is delivered that can optimism they’ll exceed a two-month, officials said careful preparation and spokesman for the cantonal crisis man- updated 6-dose label on the product. allow for such extraction”. 250,000-person inoculation goal. In the growing experience mean six are now agement team in Basel-Land, in north- France’s health ministry originally Germany offers a mixed picture. In Netherlands, pharmacists initially increasingly possible. Germany: Lockdown Italy PM on course to survive Senate confidence vote

REUTERS — ROME “unanimous feeling” was that extended for shops and they should abstain. The government of Italian Earlier, several waverers Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte rallied to Conte’s call for sta- schools till February 14 looked on course to survive an bility, including former prime upper house confidence vote as minister Mario Monti and REUTERS — BERLIN working group to draw up a unaligned senators responded 90-year-old Liliana Segre, a blueprint for a safe and fair to his call not to sink it in the Jewish survivor of the Holo- German Chancellor Angela opening strategy, said the draft. midst of the COVID crisis. caust, both unelected and unaf- Merkel and state premiers “The infection numbers But it is likely to be absten- filiated life senators. agreed yesterday to extend a have been going down for tions rather than an absolute A defeat would force the lockdown for most shops and several weeks, or stagnating, majority of votes in favour that prime minister to resign, ending schools until February 14 as part and that’s good,” Berlin Mayor will keep the administration a 17-month government led by of a package of steps to try to rein Michael Mueller told German afloat, meaning it would in the anti-establishment 5-Star in the coronavirus, sources said. television. “Now we are facing essence continue to function as Movement and the centre-left They also agreed to a very aggressive mutation that a minority government. Democratic Party (PD). mandate medical masks for we have to respond to.” That would make law- “It now looks very unlikely passengers on public transport, He said one focus would be making difficult and leave that Conte will lose,” said the sources familiar with the boosting working from home. Conte vulnerable to future Lorenzo Pregliasco, head of ongoing discussions said. The “There is much more room parliamentary ambushes, at a polling and political analysis Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte drinks coffee during a debate existing lockdown runs until for manoeuvre,” said Mueller, time when the country is bat- firm YouTrend. “The most at the Senate prior to a confidence vote, in Rome yesterday. January 31. New infections have adding states aimed to get tling to contain one of the likely scenario is that the gov- been decreasing in recent days employees to have to justify world’s worst coronavirus ernment will win but fall short and pressure on intensive care why employees had to travel epidemics. of an outright majority.” in the 321-seat Senate. more centrist parliamentarians units has eased slightly, but to work. Leaders would also Former premier Matteo Citi analysts said in a note Looking to entice centrist will drift into his camp over time virologists are worried about discuss curfews, already in Renzi triggered the political that a win by Conte would and liberal lawmakers, he has and bolster his position. the possible spread of more place in some states, but it was crisis when he pulled his cen- narrow the yield gap between promised to revamp his policy Maurizio Gasparri, a infectious variants of the virus. unlikely they would be imposed trist Italia Viva party from Italian and German government agenda and shake up his veteran senator from Silvio The federal government everywhere, he said. Conte’s coalition last week over bonds, while a surprise defeat cabinet, saying he wanted to Berlusconi’s Forza Italia party, has proposed that aid for com- The number of confirmed the prime minister’s handling would see a “knee-jerk modernise Italy and speed up forecast Conte would win with panies should be improved due coronavirus cases had risen by of the pandemic and ensuing widening.” implementation of an economic 154-155 votes, but that a third to the extension, a draft of the 11,369 to 2.05 million, the recession. The most optimistic recovery plan. of Renzi’s 18 Italia Viva sen- resolution to be discussed Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for Italia Viva’s former agri- recent tally by analysts has Government strategists are ators would then join the gov- showed. The federal gov- infectious diseases showed culture minister, Teresa Bel- put Conte on 157 votes, four betting that even if he misses an ernment’s ranks in coming ernment would also create a yesterday. lanova, said its senators’ short of an absolute majority absolute majority on Tuesday, days. Meghan seeks court ruling over Migrants scale ‘serious breach’ of privacy border fences to enter AP — LONDON duchess is seeking a summary judgment that would find in her Spanish enclave Lawyers for the Duchess of Sussex favour and dismiss the newspa- asked a British judge yesterday to per’s defense case. Her lawyer REUTERS — MADRID settle her lawsuit against a news- Justin Rushbrooke argued that the paper before it goes to trial by ruling publisher had “no real prospect” Dozens of migrants stormed that its publication of a “deeply of winning the case. into Spain’s North African personal” letter to her estranged “At its heart it’s a very straight- enclave of Melilla early father was “a plain and a serious forward case about the unlawful yesterday, scaling the high, breach of her rights of privacy.” publication of a private letter,” he razor-wired fence that sepa- The duchess, 39, is suing Asso- said at the start of a two-day rates it from Morocco, local ciated Newspapers for invasion hearing, held remotely. Rush- authorities said. of privacy and copyright brooke said Meghan had every The migrants, all from infringement over five February expectation that “a heartfelt plea sub-Saharan Africa and nine 2019 articles in the Mail on Sunday from an anguished daughter to of whom sustained injuries and on the MailOnline website her father” would remain private. that required hospital that published portions of a hand- Meghan, an American actress treatment, were among written letter to her father, Thomas and star of TV legal drama “Suits,” around 150 who tried to climb Markle, after her marriage to Brit- married Harry, one of the over the six-metre (20-ft) ain’s Prince Harry in 2018. grandsons of Queen Elizabeth II, fence. Associated Newspapers is con- in a lavish ceremony at Windsor Melilla and Ceuta—a Snowfall in Berlin testing the claim, and the full trial Castle in May 2018. Their son, second Spanish enclave also is due to be held in the autumn at Archie, was born the following on Africa’s northern coast — Cars pass in front of Brandenburg Gate during snowfall in Berlin, Germany, yesterday. the High Court in London. The year. are popular crossing points for illegal African migrants trying to get into Europe. Spain sends many who Madrid, other storm-hit regions declared disaster zones make it across the fences back to Morocco, and most of those REUTERS — MADRID “The rains predicted by Fallen trees and snowdrifts, pavements have yet to be to trees, mayor Jose Luis Mar- who crossed yesterday were (state weather agency) AEMET, which hardened into ice blocks cleared of snow that in some tinez-Almeida said. The city has sent to a local migrant centre Spain’s government classified although moderate, are likely during the ensuing cold snap, places turned black with pol- estimated that 70% of trees in where they will be identified Madrid and other regions struck to cause floods when all the ice blocked roads and train lines, lution and is mixed with the Retiro have been damaged. and their situation assessed, by Storm Filomena last week as begins to melt,” the regional cutting off supplies to Madrid garbage the city struggled to The Conservative-run city’s authorities said. disaster zones yesterday, a government said. The snow and leaving supermarket collect during the storm and in ¤1.4bn estimate for the damage Fewer migrants crossed move which will trigger emer- storm brought the heaviest shelves empty. A mammoth the days after. caused by the storm has been the land border into Ceuta and gency subsidies and other snowfall in decades and caused cleanup effort involving thou- Schools, closed since criticised as inflated by the left- Melilla last year than in 2019, support measures. at least ¤1.4bn ($1.70bn) in sands of police, firefighters and Monday last week, were wing central government. though overall numbers inter- This came as the Madrid damage to the Spanish capital, military personnel slowly expected to reopen today. Two Socialist Madrid city councillor cepted crossing into Spain regional government warned according to a preliminary restored some degree of nor- of the capital’s biggest parks, El Enma Lopez described the rose 29% to almost 42,000, rains predicted for today were estimate from the mayor’s mality to the city and most Retiro and Casa de Campo, will mayor’s estimate as “unreal” in mainly because of a steep likely to bring floods and further office, though opposition parties public transport has resumed. however remain shut for two a video posted to Twitter on increase in arrivals by sea on chaos. have disputed that number. But many streets and months because of the damage Sunday. the Canary Islands. WEDNESDAY 20 JANUARY 2021 EUROPE 13 EU says sanctions are only one answer to Navalny detention; diplomacy key

REUTERS — BRUSSELS International politics Estonia want the EU to impose is not a matter of further sanctions following The European Union’s foreign Navalny’s detention on Sunday policy chief said yesterday that blaming, it is a after he returned to Russia from he was keen to visit Moscow to matter of looking for Germany for the first time since discuss the detention of he was poisoned with what poisoned opposition politician solutions: EU foreign German military tests showed Alexei Navalny, and that sanc- policy chief Josep was a military-grade nerve tions on Russia over the issue Borrell agent. were not the only possible The three Baltic states want response. EU foreign ministers to discuss “We are not against Navalny says Putin was possible sanctions at a pressure, but pressure has to be behind his poisoning last scheduled meeting next graduated,” Josep Borrell told August, a version that Kremlin Monday. Reuters in an interview. rejects. The Kremlin says it has Several other member states “There have been sanctions, seen no evidence that Navalny have warned against engaging there can be more sanctions. was poisoned and that it will not too closely with Russia since its But sanctions by themselves is heed calls by some Western seizure of Crimea. Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, speaks during an not a policy. Sanctions is a tool, countries for sanctions over But Borrell said he favoured interview in Brussels, yesterday. and apart from sanctioning, you Navalny’s detention because his direct diplomacy with Moscow. have to continue reaching out case is a domestic matter. “Sanctions is a matter that table. For the time being no one same time ... international pol- it is a matter of looking for and discussing and expressing Lithuania, Latvia and member states will put on the has done it,” he said. “But at the itics is not a matter of blaming, solutions.” your point of view.” Borrell said he had an open invitation from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to visit Kremlin brushes off Western calls to release Navalny Moscow, and the current cir- cumstances made such a trip AP — MOSCOW the arrest and calling for the ments into account.” Berlin, where he was treated enforcement had for him “have “more necessary than ever”. immediate release of Navalny, “We are talking about a fact following the poisoning in nothing whatsoever to do with The 27-nation EU already The Kremlin yesterday brushed who blames his poisoning on of non-compliance with the August. He was ordered to pre- the Russian president.” has economic sanctions on off calls from US and European President Vladimir Putin’s gov- Russian law by a citizen of trial detention for 30 days After Navalny was jailed on Russia over its 2014 annexation officials to release opposition ernment. They add to the Russia. This is an absolutely Monday during a court hearing Monday, his allies announced of the Crimea peninsula from leader Alexei Navalny, who existing tensions between internal matter and we will not that was hastily set up at a preparations for nationwide Ukraine that target the Russian was arrested after returned to Russia and the West, with some allow anyone to interfere in it police precinct where Navalny mass protests on Saturday and energy, financial and arms Russia from Germany following EU countries suggesting the and do not intend to listen to was being held. released a video of Navalny sectors. treatment for nerve agent imposition of additional sanc- such statements,” Peskov told The politician has inter- urging people to not “be afraid” In October, the EU imposed poisoning, calling the situation tions against Moscow. reporters. preted the crackdown against and “take to the streets.” sanctions on Russian officials with Navalny “an absolutely Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Navalny was detained at him as a sign of Putin’s fear. But Peskov said that while the close to President Vladimir internal matter.” Peskov told reporters yes- passport control at Moscow’s Peskov insisted yesterday that calls to take to the streets were Putin in response to Navalny’s Statements have come from terday that “we can’t and are Sheremetyevo airport after Navalny had violated the law, “alarming,” the Kremlin didn’t poisoning. around the globe condemning not going to take these state- flying in Sunday evening from and said that questions law fear mass protests. Russia: Second vaccine candidate ‘100% effective’ Swiss government urges

REUTERS — MOSCOW immunological effectiveness showing an immune response population against COVID-19 and preventative effectiveness,” in participants who have not this year, and although the voters to reject burqa A candidate COVID-19 vaccine the TASS news agency reported, been exposed to the virus, while Sputnik V vaccine has been known as EpiVacCorona, citing Rospotrebnadzor. the results of larger late-stage readily available in Moscow, the Russia’s second to be registered, “According to results of the trials are based on actual infec- rollout across the country has ban in March referendum proved “100 percent effective” first and second phases of tions suffered by participants been slow. in early-stage trials, Russian clinical trials, the immuno- in their normal lives. Russian President Vladimir REUTERS — ZURICH attract some Muslim tourists, consumer health watchdog logical effectiveness of the Epi- Russia began testing Epi- Putin has ordered mass vacci- mainly from the wealthy Gulf Rospotrebnadzor has told local VacCorona vaccine is 100 VacCorona, which is being nations to start this week. The Swiss government recom- Arab states. media. percent.” developed by Siberia’s Vector EpiVacCorona will be used mended yesterday that voters France and Denmark have The data, based on Phase I The Phase I and II studies Institute, in November. in mass vaccinations from reject a proposal in a planned also banned facial coverings, and II trials, were released tested the safety, side-effects Earlier that month, Moscow March, Deputy Prime Minister March 7 referendum to ban full citing efforts to uphold secular before the start of a larger and immunogenicity of the said its other approved vaccine, Tatiana Golikova told the facial coverings such as burqas values and combat discrimi- Phase III trial which would nor- potential vaccine in 100 people Sputnik V, was 92 percent Interfax news agency. and niqabs worn by some nation against women. mally involve thousands of par- aged 18 to 60, according to the effective at protecting people Russia has reported Muslim women, saying the Switzerland’s proposal also ticipants and a placebo group state trials register. from COVID-19 based on 3,612,800 coronavirus cases, move would hurt tourism. forbids forcing somebody to as a comparison. Typically early-stage interim results. the world’s fourth-highest total. Under Switzerland’s system wear a facial covering based on “The effectiveness of the vaccine tests on humans are Russia has said it can inoc- Its death toll from the virus of direct democracy, any pro- their gender. vaccine is made up of its based on blood readings ulate 60 percent of its stands at 66,623. posal to change the constitution The grouping behind the goes to a popular vote if sup- burqa ban proposal — the porters raise more than “Egerkinger Komitee” that Homeless people 100,000 signatures. In 2009 includes members of the right- Swiss voters backed a proposal wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP) in Denmark to get to ban the construction of new — was also behind the 2009 minarets. move to ban minarets, which early vaccination The Swiss cantons of St. was approved by nearly 60 Gallen and Ticino have already percent of voters. BLOOMBERG — COPENHAGEN banned full face coverings in Supporters of the 2009 regional votes, but the Swiss proposal saw the minarets as Denmark has added homeless government said following alien to Swiss traditions and people to the list of those set through with a nationwide con- values at a time of growing to be vaccinated against stitutional ban was a bad idea. unease over the activities of COVID-19 early on, as the “Very few people in Swit- Islamist militants in Europe and country barrels ahead of the zerland wear a full facial cov- the Middle East. rest of the European Union in ering,” the government said in Muslims make up only inoculating its population. a statement. about 5 percent of Switzer- Almost 3 percent of Danes “A nationwide ban would land’s 8.6 million people, have now received at least one undermine the sovereignty of official statistics show. immunisation shot since the the cantons, damage tourism The Swiss government has programme started shortly and be unhelpful for certain made a counter-proposal to the after Christmas. groups of women,” it said. facial covering ban that would Still, Prime Minister Mette Most women who wear full come into force if voters reject Frederiksen told lawmakers facial coverings are tourists and the initial proposal on March 7. yesterday that a lockdown only spend a brief time in the This would require women currently set to stay in place country, the statement added. wearing a facial covering to until February 7 may need to Montreux and other desti- reveal their face if necessary Serbian Army officers wait in line to receive doses of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine as country begins be extended, amid concerns nations around Lake Geneva for identification at adminis- mass vaccination for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Belgrade, Serbia, yesterday. of a potential third wave of as well as Interlaken in central trative offices or on public infections. Switzerland traditionally transport. Serbia starts vaccination with Chinese vaccine REUTERS — BELGRADE Belgrade maintains close 250,000 doses of the Sputnik 27 migrants ties with Beijing and Chinese vaccine and 20,000 doses of 12 Kosovo officials acquitted Hundreds of members of companies have invested bil- Pfizer vaccines in the coming rescued in Lesbos Serbia’s military lined up lions of euros in Serbia, mainly days. of paying phony war veterans AP — ATHENS yesterday in their camouflage in infrastructure and energy In the Western Balkan uniforms at an exhibition hall projects. region, inoculation has started AP — PRISTINA ’s coast guard says three in Belgrade where nurses Defence minister Nebojsa only in Serbia and Albania, men reported missing after a injected them with a Chinese- Stefanovic said over 700 while Bosnia, Kosovo, Mon- A court in Kosovo yesterday acquitted a dozen former government group of migrants were made vaccine against members of the military, tenegro and North Macedonia officials of misusing public money in benefits payments to people rescued in a remote part of the COVID-19. including himself had been vac- have not yet received supplies who hadn’t fought during the 1998-1999 war. Aegean island of Lesbos have Last week, Serbia received cinated with the Chinese of any vaccine. The Pristina court said that the 12 defendants, who included been found alive and well. one million doses of Chinese vaccine. China approved the shot former ministers and lawmakers, couldn’t be blamed for the illegal A search and rescue oper- Sinopharm’s COVID-19 vaccine, “I have been inocculated developed by Sinopharm’s BIBP payments to around 19,000 fake war veterans, as the prosecu- ation was launched yesterday becoming the first European with the Chinese vaccine which in late December, its first tor’s office had charged them in 2018. morning after 24 people were country to start a mass inocu- we completely trust ... I’ve said COVID-19 vaccine for general The prosecutor’s office said the state budget suffered 68 million found on the southern part of lation programme with it. I will get the same vaccine as public use. No detailed efficacy euros ($79m at the time) in losses claimed improperly from people the island, while the body of Serbia is vaccinating our troops,” Stefanovic told data has been released, but falsely presenting themselves to be war veterans. one person was recovered. The essential workers such as police reporters. BIBP has said the vaccine is Kosovo offers benefits to former fighters of the 1998-1999 three missing men were found officers, teachers and soldiers More than 20,000 Serbians 79.34 percent effective based war for independence from Serbia. in a coastal area later. after last month starting to treat have been vaccinated so far on interim data. A Nato-led air campaign in 1999 forced Serb troops out of The short but often per- the elderly in care homes and since the mass inoculation In Serbia, which has a pop- Kosovo where an armed uprising by the ethnic Albanian majority ilous journey from the Turkish medical workers with its sup- began in late December. ulation of about 7 million, 3,771 population fought for independence. coast to Greek islands has been plies of vaccines developed by Over the weekend, Pres- people have died from At the time, Kosovo was run by the United Nations until 2008 one of the most popular routes Pfizer and BioNTech , and Rus- ident Aleksandar Vucic said COVID-19 and 347,111 fell ill when it declared independence that Serbia refuses to for people fleeing conflict in sia’s Sputnik V vaccine. Serbia expects to get another with it. recognise. Mideast, Africa and Asia. 14 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 20 JANUARY 2021 Virus deaths rising in 30 states amid winter surge

AP — NEW YORK One of the states said. One of the states hardest hit Coronavirus deaths are rising hardest hit during during the recent surge is in nearly two-thirds of the recent surge is Arizona, where the rolling American states as a winter Arizona, where the average has risen over the past surge pushes the overall toll two weeks from about 90 toward 400,000 amid rolling average has deaths per day to about 160 per warnings that a new, highly risen over the past day on January 17. contagious variant is taking “It’s kind of hard to imagine hold. two weeks from about it getting a lot faster than it is As Americans observed a 90 deaths per day to right now, because it is trans- national holiday on Monday, mitting really fast right now,” New York Governor Andrew about 160 per day on said Dr. Joshua LaBaer, director Cuomo pleaded with federal January 17. of the Biodesign Institute authorities to curtail travel from research center at Arizona State countries where new variants University. “But there is some are spreading. it has aggravated a severe out- evidence that Thanksgiving Vanderlecia Ortega dos Santos, or Vanda, from the Witoto indigenous tribe, receives the Sinovac Referring to new versions break that has swamped hos- didn’t help things.” coronavirus disease vaccine, in Manaus, Brazil. detected in Britain, South Africa pitals, and it has been blamed Rural Yuma County - and Brazil, Cuomo said: “Stop for sharp leaps in cases in some known as the winter lettuce those people from coming other European countries. capital of the US — is now one Oxygen-starved city in Brazil’s here.... Why are you allowing As things stand, many US of the state’s hot spots. people to fly into this country states are already under tre- Exhausted nurses there are now and then it’s too late?” mendous strain. The seven-day regularly sending COVID-19 The US government has rolling average of daily deaths patients on a long helicopter Amazon starts immunization already curbed travel from is rising in 30 states and the ride to hospitals in Phoenix some of the places where the District of Columbia, and on when they don’t have enough AP — RIO DE JANEIRO tical company Sinovac. since the start of the pandemic, new variants are spreading - Monday the US death toll sur- staff. The county has lagged on “I want to thank God and according to official figures. The such as Britain and Brazil — and passed 398,000, according to coronavirus testing in heavily The Amazonian city of Manaus our ancestors,” said Ortega, state is in the midst of a devas- recently it announced that it data collected by Johns Hopkins Hispanic neighborhoods and in Brazil began administering who is also a volunteer nurse tating resurgence of infections would require proof of a neg- University — by far the highest just ran out of vaccines. vaccines against the corona- in her Indigenous community. and a lack of oxygen supplies. ative COVID-19 test for anyone recorded death toll of any But some support is coming virus, providing a ray of hope Brazil on Monday began Hospitals in Manaus have flying into the country. country in the world. from military nurses and a new for the rainforest’s biggest city rolling out its national - admitted few new COVID-19 But the new variant seen in Ellie Murray, an assistant pro- wave of free tests for farm- whose health system is zation program with 6 million patients, causing many to suffer Britain is already spreading in fessor of epidemiology at the workers and the elderly in collapsing amid an increase in doses of CoronaVac in almost a from the disease at home and the US, and the Centers for Boston University School of Public Yuma County. infections and dwindling dozen states, and hopes to receive some to die. And many doctors Disease Control and Protection Health, said cases have prolif- Amid the rise in cases, a vast oxygen supplies. 46 million doses up to April to dis- in Manaus have had to choose has warned that it will probably erated in part because of gath- effort is underway to get Amer- Amazonas state Governor tribute among states. Amazonas which COVID-19 patients can become the dominant version erings for Christmas and New icans vaccinated - what Cuomo Wilson Lima led a ceremony received 256,000 doses. breathe while desperate family in the country by March. The Year — and compounded pre- called “a footrace” between the that kicked off the vaccination The state government on members searched for oxygen CDC said the variant is about vious surges from Thanksgiving vaccination rate and the campaign Monday night in Tuesday started distributing the tanks for their loved ones. 50 percent more contagious and the return of students to infection rate. But the campaign Manaus, an isolated riverside doses to municipalities. The pri- The city is receiving an than the virus that is causing the schools and universities in the fall. is off to an uneven start. city of 2.2 million people. ority in the first vaccination average of four Brazilian air bulk of cases in the US. The pace of any further According to the latest federal Vanda Ortega, 33, a phase will be health workers, force flights per day to bolster While the variant does not spread will depend on whether data, about 31.2 million doses member of the Witoto ethnicity elderly people above 80 years oxygen stocks, along with one cause more severe illness, it can those who did gather with of vaccine have been dis- and a nurse technician, old, and Indigenous people in shipment per day from the city cause more hospitalisations and family and friends quarantined tributed, but only about 10.6 received the first dose of Coro- about 265 villages. of Belem near the mouth of the deaths simply because it afterward or went back to million people have received at naVac, a vaccine developed by Amazonas has recorded at Amazon river, according to spreads more easily. In Britain, school or work in person, she least one dose. Beijing-based biopharmaceu- least 232,000 cases of the virus officials. NY explores buying virus vaccine directly from maker Police seize firearms from AP — NEW YORK current pace of federal vaccine Pfizer Inc, which developed The spokesperson said the Black men at Virginia rally shipments to New York, it could one of the current vaccines with top priority for HHS is “maxi- Frustrated by the flow of coro- take six months or more to get German partner BioNTech, said mizing the availability of safe and REUTERS — RICHMOND Luther King Day!” navirus vaccine from the shots to the seven million resi- in a statement that it appreciated effective vaccines in a manner Richmond police did not federal government, Governor dents already eligible under Cuomo’s praise and was open which is responsible, fair and Police stopped a car of Black immediately respond to a query Andrew Cuomo on Monday federal guidelines, let alone the to working with the federal equitable for all Americans, not men and confiscated two of about the incident and about the floated the idea of buying shots roughly 12 million other New Health and Human Services just to those in New York State.” their guns at Virginia’s annual protesters’ allegation of discrim- for New Yorkers directly from Yorkers. Residents have been Department on getting the shots Under the current system, “Lobby Day” on Monday while ination. On Twitter, police said one of the vaccine makers, scrambling to try to get the shots, as quickly as possible to as many HHS allocates vaccine doses to white gun rights activists defied they had issued a summons to Pfizer. with many getting shut out and Americans as it could. states and ships them. The federal local laws unimpeded in the one man at that scene for pos- The idea seemed far from a upset. “However, before we can Food and Drug Administration’s state capital of Richmond. sessing a concealed firearm sure bet, with the pharmaceu- “My job as governor of New sell directly to state govern- emergency-based authorization In a day with racial ten- without a permit, and had con- tical giant saying it would need York is to pursue every avenue, ments, HHS would need to for the Pfizer vaccine specifies sions on display, Black pro- fiscated the gun. federal approval to sell to state and that’s what I’m doing,” the approve that proposal,” the that it will be supplied “as directed testers denounced what they This year’s Lobby Day took governments. If that were to Democratic governor said at a company said. by the US government.” called a double standard in a place in a highly polarized happen, the cost and amount virtual news conference as he An HHS spokesperson said via The federal government has state where people are free to climate, coming shortly after have yet to be discussed. released a letter he’d written to email that Cuomo is “trying to cir- been paying $19.50 per dose for openly carry firearms. supporters of President Donald Regardless, Cuomo said he New York-based Pfizer about cumvent a long-planned federal the Pfizer vaccine and has Virginians converge on the Trump seized the US Capitol and felt compelled to broach the idea his idea. He told the company allocation system by attempting ordered 200 million doses so capitol each Lobby Day to after a year in which anti-racist as his state, like many others, it “could help us save lives right to cut to the front of the line at the far, enough to give the two-shot petition state legislators on and white nationalist demon- faces tough vaccine math. At the here in New York.” expense of fellow jurisdictions.” regimen to 100 million people. issues of public interest, but the strators clashed at demonstra- day has been dominated by gun tions across the United States. rights activists in recent years. Authorities were on high Police officer, It coincides with Martin Luther alert in Richmond, about 110 King Jr Day, which honors the miles south of Washington, DC, suspect killed slain civil rights hero. where Democratic President- The African Americans stood elect Joe Biden will be sworn after armed in contrast to dozens of white in on Wednesday, replacing the pro-gun activists on foot and in Republican Trump. standoff in Ohio hundreds of trucks that drove Windows at the statehouse through Richmond’s streets were boarded up, the public AP — TOLEDO flying “Guns Save Lives” flags entrance was fenced off, and without police interceding. police patrolled the grounds. An Ohio city yesterday was They were stopped one But only dozens of pro- mourning a police officer who block from Richmond’s testers assembled on Monday, died after an hours long armed memorial to Confederate compared to last year’s crowd standoff ended in gunfire and General Robert E Lee, less than of 22,000, as estimated by also claimed the life of a an hour after a white, anti-gov- police. Similarly, nationwide suspect, police said. ernment “boogaloo” leader pro-Trump demonstrations on Toledo Police Officer boasted on a megaphone that Sunday largely fizzled after Brandon Stalker, 24, was shot his group was violating gun and several states deployed the and killed on Monday when ammunition laws. National Guard. Christopher Harris, 27, One of the Black men to About an hour before the emerged from a home with “a have handguns confiscated Black men were pulled over, firearm in both hands and unleashed an expletive-laden boogaloo leader Mike Dunn hoisted fired shots in multiple direc- complaint, calling it a double- a megaphone alongside about 10 tions,” police said. standard and an example of members of his “Last Sons of According to police, mul- why many African Americans Liberty” group, all white men. tiple officers returned fire and resent the police. Dunn told the assembled shot Harris. Both men were pro- “Everybody in the city is reporters and police that his nounced dead at a hospital. “The Migrants' bid to cross into US from Guatemala carrying today, and you’re only group was openly carrying entire Toledo Police family is in pulling us over,” yelled a Black semiautomatic rifles “in pure shock. Another hero has paid Honduran migrants, some of them riding on top of trailer trucks, try to cross a police checkpoint to woman who was looking on defiance” of local laws, and the ultimate sacrifice protecting continue their trip along with others in a migrant caravan toward the United States, in Vado Hondo, with a group of enraged “rocking mags with double the the residents of Toledo,” said Guatemala. bystanders. “Shoutout to Martin legal limit.” Police Chief George Kral. Stalker leaves behind a fiancée and a child. He had joined the police department Nicaragua Congress adopts life sentences despite opposition in July 2018. Kral said the standoff AP — MANAGUA sentences could be used against Ortega has claimed oppo- against rapists and killers. The himself reelected in 2016, and started about 4pm, when the political opposition, like nents are guilty of “hate government gathered 3 million packed courts and government officers noticed a man with Nicaragua’s Congress gave final other recent measures passed crimes,” one of the categories signatures supporting the change. agencies with allies. The Sand- warrants out for his arrest in approval on Monday to change by Ortega’s party. “When there that could be punished by life Ortega initially led Nica- inista party controls the courts connection to cathedral van- the constitution to permit life isn’t an independent judicial in prison. In recent months, ragua from 1979 to 1990 fol- and the legislature. dalism smoking outside a home imprisonment. system... applying sentences like Ortega’s party has passed laws lowing the Sandinista revo- In October, congress in a residential neighborhood. Congress is dominated by this could be interpreted as a essentially banning opposition lution that ousted the Somoza approved legislation mandating Officers approached the President Daniel Ortega’s Sand- political move to punish any candidates from running in the dictatorship. He returned to the prison sentences for those who man, who fled brandishing a inista party, and opposition leg- Nicaraguan citizen,” said con- 2021 presidential election. presidency in 2007 after three use online platforms to spread firearm and entered a nearby islators voted against the gressman Miguel Rosales of the Sandinista legislators failed election attempts, and he false information or infor- home. Police set up a barrier measure or abstained. opposition Liberal Constitution- defended the life sentence won reelection in 2011. He then mation that could raise alarm and a SWAT team was called in. Opponents say life alist Party. measure as providing protection sidestepped term limits to get among people. WEDNESDAY 20 JANUARY 2021 AMERICAS 15 Biden to propose 8-year citizenship path for immigrants

AP — WASHINGTON The bill unveiling a process would be quicker. So- called Dreamers, the young President-elect Joe Biden plans sweeping immigration people who arrived in the US to unveil a sweeping immi- reforms on Day One illegally as children, as well as gration bill on Day One of his agricultural workers and people administration, hoping to of his administration under temporary protective provide an eight-year path to puts Biden on status could qualify more citizenship for an estimated 11 track to deliver on immediately for green cards if million people living in the US they are working, are in school without legal status, a massive a major campaign or meet other requirements. reversal from the Trump promise important The bill is not as compre- administration’s harsh immi- hensive as the last major immi- gration policies. to Latino voters and gration overhaul proposed when The legislation puts Biden other immigrant Biden was vice president during on track to deliver on a major the Obama administration. campaign promise important communities. For example, it does not to Latino voters and other include a robust border security immigrant communities after element, but rather calls for four years of President Donald As a candidate, Biden called coming up with strategies. Nor Trump’s restrictive policies and Trump’s actions on immigration does it create any new guest mass deportations. an “unrelenting assault” on worker or other visa programs. It provides one of the fastest American values and said he It does address some of the pathways to citizenship for those would “undo the damage” while root causes of migration from living without legal status of any continuing to maintain border Central America to the United measure in recent years, but it enforcement. States, and provides grants for fails to include the traditional Under the legislation, those workforce development and Thousands of US flags are seen at the National Mall, to represent the people who are unable to travel trade-off of enhanced border living in the US as of January 1, English language learning. to Washington to attend President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration, near the Capitol, in Washington, security favored by many Repub- 2021, without legal status would Biden is expected to take DC, US, yesterday. licans, putting passage in a nar- have a five-year path to tem- swift executive actions to rowly divided Congress in doubt. porary legal status, or a green reverse other Trump immi- one of his first-day priorities, could find common ground with — could be critical as Biden looks Expected to run hundreds card, if they pass background gration actions, including an pointing to the range of exec- Senate Republican Leader Mitch for legislative victories in a of pages, the bill is set to be checks, pay taxes and fulfill end to the prohibition on utive powers he could invoke McConnell and enough other GOP closely divided Congress, where introduced after Biden takes the other basic requirements. From arrivals from several predom- to reverse Trump’s policies. senators to avoid the stalemate Republicans are certain to oath of office today, according there, it’s a three-year path to inantly Muslim countries. Biden allies and even some that has vexed administrations of oppose other Biden priorities to a person familiar with the naturalization, if they decide to During the Democratic Republicans have identified both parties for decades. that involve rolling back some legislation and granted ano- pursue citizenship. primary, Biden consistently immigration as a major issue That kind of major win — of the GOP’s 2017 tax cuts and nymity to discuss it. For some immigrants, the named immigration action as where the new administration even if it involves compromise increasing federal spending. Georgia certifies Trump ‘fed lies’ to mob about Biden election: McConnell Senate seat win AP — WASHINGTON other powerful people, and they Three new Democratic sen- planning and granted ano- great sway over the party but of Warnock tried to use fear and violence to ators-elect are set to be sworn nymity to discuss it. whose future is uncertain. Sen- Senate Republican leader Mitch stop a specific proceeding of into office today shortly after The start of the new session ators are also being asked to and Ossoff McConnell opened the Senate branch of the federal Biden’s inauguration at the of Congress will force senators start confirming Biden’s Cabinet yesterday saying the pro-Trump government.” Capitol, which is under extreme to come to terms with the post- nominees and consider passage AP — ATLANTA mob that stormed the Capitol McConnell said after Biden’s security since the bloody pro- Trump era, a transfer of power of a sweeping new $1.9 trillion was “fed lies” by the president inauguration on the Capitol’s Trump riot. The new senators’ like almost none other in the COVID-19 relief bill. Georgia’s secretary of state has and others in the deadly riot to West Front - what he noted arrival will give the Democrats nation’s history. Senators are Trump’s impeachment is certified the results of the two overturn Democrat Joe Biden former President George H.W. the most slim majority, a 50-50 returning to a Capitol shattered forcing Republican senators to US Senate runoff elections, election. Bush has called “democracy’s divided Senate chamber, with from the riot, but also a Senate re-evaluate their relationship paving the way for Raphael McConnell’s remarks are his front porch” — “We’ll move the new vice president, Kamala ground to a halt by the law- with the outgoing president Warnock and Jon Ossoff to be most severe and public rebuke forward.” Harris, swearing them in and makers’ own extreme who is charged with inciting a sworn in and for Democrats to of outgoing President Donald Trump’s last full day in serving as an eventual tie- partisanship. mob of supporters to storm the take control of the chamber. Trump. The Republican leader office yesterday was also sen- breaking vote. Republican senators, in par- Capitol as Congress was They’ll take office just as the vowed a “safe and successful” ators’ first day back since the Senate Republican leader ticular, face a daunting choice counting the Electoral College Senate considers whether to inauguration of Biden today at deadly Capitol siege, an unpar- Mitch McConnell and Senate of whether to convict Trump of votes to confirm Biden’s convict President Donald Trump the Capitol, which is under alleled time of transition as the Democratic leader Chuck inciting the insurrection, the election. A protester died during in an impeachment trial for extremely tight security. Senate presses ahead to his Schumer are set to confer first impeachment trial of a the riot and a police officer died inciting the deadly storming of “The mob was fed lies,” impeachment trial and starts Tuesday about the arrange- president no longer in office, in later of injuries; three other the US Capitol and as President- McConnell said. “They were confirmation hearings on Pres- ments ahead, according to a a break with the defeated pres- people involved died of medical elect Joe Biden seeks to jump- provoked by the president and ident-elect Joe Biden’s Cabinet. person familiar with the ident who continues to hold emergencies. start his agenda after inaugu- ration. They could be sworn in as early as today, the same day Trump in final as Biden’s inauguration. Biden’s national security Cabinet pick faces Senate tests The certification by Sec- parting shot hits retary of State Brad AP — WASHINGTON Raffensperger officially seals Venezuela Warnock and Ossoff’s victories President-elect Joe Biden’s over their Republican oppo- national security Cabinet may with sanctions nents in the January 5 runoffs. be bare on Day One of his pres- Kelly Loeffler and David idency, but an inauguration eve AP — CARACAS Perdue, both incumbents, con- spurt of Senate confirmation ceded days after the election. hearings suggests that won’t be The Trump administration Once Warnock and Ossoff the case for long. issued a parting shot to Vene- are sworn in, there will be a While the nominees to head zuela President Nicolás 50-50 partisan divide in the the State Department, the Pen- Maduro yesterday, Senate, giving Vice-President- tagon, Homeland Security and announcing a sweeping round elect Kamala Harris the tie- the intelligence community are of stiff financial sanctions that breaking vote. unlikely to be confirmed by the target a network accused of Warnock will be the first time Biden takes the oath of moving oil on behalf of the African American senator from office at noon today, some president alleged front man. Georgia, while Ossoff will be could be in place within days. The US Treasury the state’s first Jewish senator The Senate typically con- Department hit three indi- and the Senate’s youngest firms some nominees, particu- viduals, 14 business entities and sitting member. Their wins larly the secretaries of defense, six ships with financial bookend a divisive and drawn- on Inauguration Day, though measures. They’re accused of out election cycle that brought raw feelings about President assisting the Venezuelan oil seismic shifts to Georgia pol- Donald Trump four years ago firm PDVSA of outmaneuvering itics and made the once reliably led to Democratic-caused Alejandro Mayorkas, nominee to be Secretary of Homeland Security, testifies during the Senate earlier US sanctions designed red state a key battleground. delays, except for James Mattis Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in Washington, DC, yesterday. to stop the president from prof- Biden in November became at the Pentagon. This year, the iting from crude sales. the first Democratic presidential tension is heightened by The most controversial of George H W Bush’s nominee, Austin is testifying yesterday Trump, who leaves the candidate to carry the state Trump’s impeachment and an the group may be Lloyd Austin, John Tower, had run into oppo- before the Senate Armed White House on Wednesday, since 1992, while Warnock and extraordinary military presence the recently retired Army sition and ended up rejected by Services Committee, but the has led an international coa- Ossoff are the first Democrats in Washington because of fears general whom Biden selected to the Senate several weeks later. panel will not be in position to lition over the last two years to win a US Senate election in of extremist violence. lead the Pentagon. Austin will Also up for confirmation are vote until he gets the waiver. by exerting increasing Georgia since 2000. Putting his national security need not only a favorable con- Alejandro Mayorkas, Biden’s Republicans are expected to pressure on Maduro to end During their nationally team in place quickly is a high firmation vote in the Senate but nominee for secretary of the broadly support the Austin nom- what US officials call his ille- watched overtime races, priority for Biden, not only also a waiver by both the House Department of Homeland ination, as are Democrats. gitimate hold on power. Warnock and Ossoff benefited because of his hopes for reversing and the Senate because he has Security; Biden confidant Antony Biden’s emerging Cabinet The White House recog- from Trump’s continued false or modifying Trump adminis- been out of uniform only four Blinken to lead the State marks a return to a more tradi- nizes Venezuelan opposition attacks on Georgia’s election tration policy shifts but also years. Department; Avril Haines to be tional approach to governing, leader Juan Guaidó as the results, which contributed to because of diplomatic, military The last time a new president the first woman to serve as relying on veteran policy- nation’s legitimate leader, lower GOP turnout, as well as and intelligence problems did not have his secretary of director of national intelligence; makers with deep expertise and blaming Maduro for Venezuela’s intense mobilization efforts by around the world that may create defense confirmed by Inaugu- and Janet Yellen as treasury sec- strong relationships in Wash- economic and political ruin. Democratic organizers. challenges early in his tenure. ration Day was in 1989. President retary, another first for a woman. ington and global capitals. “The United States remains committed to targeting those enabling the Maduro regime’s abuse of Venezuela’s natural Roberts to swear in yet another president who opposed him resources,” US Treasury Sec- retary Steven T Mnuchin said AP — WASHINGTON But it will be the fourth time Roberts presided over Trump’s high court: Justices Neil polarized, more contentious in a statement. that Roberts will stand across first impeachment trial last year Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and than at any time since” after the The fresh sanctions target Someday, perhaps, John from a man who either voted and could preside over his Amy Coney Barrett. Civil War, said Richard people and businesses linked Roberts will swear in a new against his confirmation to the second, as well. It’s the first time in Friedman, an expert on Supreme with Alex Saab, a Colombian president who doesn’t wish Supreme Court or has made no Roberts is far from the only American history that the Court history at the University businessman who US officials someone else was chief justice secret of his unflattering views justice whose confirmation incoming president and vice- of Michigan law school. say is linked with Maduro. of the United States. of the chief justice. Biden and Vice-President-elect president have together voted But Friedman and others Saab is jailed in the African Today won’t be that day. Biden was one of 22 sen- Kamala Harris opposed. Biden, against a majority of the court. dismissed the idea that bruised nation of Cape Verde while When Roberts leads Pres- ators who voted against Roberts who was a senator from Del- The unusual milestone feelings would play any role in fighting extradition to the US ident-elect Joe Biden in the oath in 2005. Another was President aware for more than 35 years, reflects that both halves of the how justices decide cases. to face corruption charges. of office, security will be unu- Barack Obama, who twice took also voted not to confirm Jus- Democratic ticket served in the “It’s a remarkable thing The primary figures tar- sually tight following the Jan. 6 the oath from Roberts. Pres- tices Clarence Thomas and Senate at a time of increasing what life tenure does. It can geted by the sanctions are Ales- riot at the US Capitol, and inau- ident Donald Trump has casti- Samuel Alito. Harris, a Cali- political polarisation that found diminish the force of any kinds sandro Bazzoni, Francisco Javier gural events will be curtailed gated the chief justice as a “dis- fornia senator, cast votes full expression in Supreme of grudge. You don’t need to get D’Agostino Casado, Philipp Paul because of the coronavirus grace” for his role in upholding against the nominations of the Court nomination fights. back at anybody,” Friedman Vartan Apikian, Elemento Ltd, pandemic. Obama’s health care overhaul. three Trump appointees to the “It’s more partisan, more said. and Swissoil Trading SA. WEDNESDAY 20 JANUARY 2021 16

Qatari Diar signs deal to open first branch of Sainsbury’s THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Qatari Diar and Ariane Holding Group have signed an agreement to open the first PRAYER branch of the British supermarket chain TIMINGS Sainsbury’s in Qatar. The first branch is PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING expected to start operation at Lusail City in The company has chosen the first quarter of 2022. The agreement was signed by Chief Lusail City to establish its FAJR 05.00 am Development and Asset Management first branch in Qatar due to SUNRISE 06.21 am Officer of Qatari Diar, Yousef Abu Bakr Al the strategic importance. Musleh and Group CEO of Ariane Holding DHUHR 11.45 am Group, Mohamed Hussein Al Ali. ASR 02.48 pm The signing ceremony was attended MAGHRIB 05.11 pm by Ambassador of the United Kingdom open in the first quarter of 2022, said ISHA 06.41 pm to Qatar, H E John Wilkes; CEO of a press release. Qatari Diar, Eng. Abdullah bin Hamad In 2019 Marakez Trading signed an Al Attiyah; Chairman of Board of exclusive distribution agreement with Directors of Ariane Holdings, Sheikh Sainsbury’s to be the main distributor for Suhaim bin Khalid Al Thani; Director its products in the Middle East and North of Trade and Investment at the British Africa. After the increase in demand for Embassy, Jinoos Shariati; CEO of products, the company decided to expand Marakez Trading, Abdelkarim al Zoubi the base of operations by opening its own Ambassador of United Kingdom to Qatar, John Wilkes, and CEO of Qatari Diar, Eng. and CEO of Marakiz Company, Abdul branches for the Sainsbury’s chain in Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, and other officials look on as Chief Development and Karim Al Zabi. Qatar. Asset Management Officer, Qatari Diar, Yousef Abu Bakr Al Musleh, and Group CEO As per the agreement, the first The supermarket in Qatar will give of Ariane Holding Group, Mohamed Hussein Al Ali, sign the agreement. WEATHER branch of the Sainsbury’s supermarket consumers access to the widest range of TODAY chain would be established at the com- Sainsbury’s products and will provide a The company has chosen Lusail City its many features, whether in terms of mercial street in the heart of Lusail in wide variety of products from the UK and to establish its first branch in Qatar due infrastructure or services, in addition to the Downtown area. It is expected to around the world. to the strategic importance of the city and being the future city of the State of Qatar. 18 Doha-based artists reflect on pandemic in Fire Station exhibition o o 16 C 23 C RAYNALD C RIVERA sheds light on the meaning of community while in a reclusive two sections, the first of which is Minimum Maximum THE PENINSULA working on an obscure and state,” added Abudaya. “A Look Outside” which presents Misty at places at first becomes unstable ground, one where cer- The artists’ output came in the artists’ observations about moderate temperature daytime A diverse collection of thought- tainties are lost and the future is diverse forms including paintings, their changing surroundings and with some clouds, cold by night. provoking artworks replete unpredictable,” curator Dr. Bahaa drawings, sculptures, installations, experience of the ‘other’ during with varying themes is on show Abudaya said in a statement. video and photography that this difficult period by exploring W ALRUWAIS : 18o → 21o at “Grey Times” exhibition Initially, the resident artists “reflect the concept of creativity the relationships between identity, W ALKHOR : 13o → 24o unveiled yesterday at Doha Fire were to focus on the intersection in time of isolation.” They were political issues, environmental Station Garage Gallery. between visual arts and literature created by a diverse group of degradation and technological W DUKHAN : 17o → 23o The multimedia projects were by making artworks and projects artists from different backgrounds development. W WAKRAH : 16o → 23o a product of creativity of 18 Doha- inspired by a literary piece, but the including Aisha Al Muhannadi, The second section of the W MESAIEED : 16o → 23o based artists as they reflected on unprecedented challenges caused Ameera Al Aji, Amena Al Yousef, exhibition is “A Look Inside” ABUSAMRA : 13o → 24o the pandemic during their Fire by the pandemic resulted in a shift Ebtesam ‘Ebi’ Al Hothi, Hind Al where artists turn inwards, raising W One of the artworks on show Station residency. in the artists’ vision as they Saad, Latifa Al Kuwari, Maryam questions about their experiences at “Grey Times” exhibition at The artists comprised the fifth adapted to the new situation Al Maadhadi, Mashael Al Hijazi, during the lockdown and PIC: RAYNALD batch of artists to take up a nine- embarking on a journey of dis- Doha Fire Station. Muna Al-Bader, Naila Al Thani, exploring issues of identity, HIGH TIDE C RIVERA/THE PENINSULA 08:46 – 0:00 month residency at the Fire covery by examining the meaning Noor Yousef, Hadeer Omar, memory and nostalgia. Station which supports local of what was happening externally Haytham Sharrouf, Jaser Alagha, “Grey Times”, which marks LOW TIDE 2:59 – 17:12 artists by providing them with a in society, and internally in their re-examining their identity, their Majdulin Nasrallah, Mariam the end of Qatar Museums’ Artist platform to develop their creative own lives. memories and their childhood or Rafehi, Maysaa Almumin, and in Residence programme this practice. “In their projects resident took stock of the others’ by Suzana Joumaa. year, is open for public viewing “The “Grey Times” exhibition artists questioned the self by observing the surrounding The exhibition is divided into until July 24 at Garage Gallery.