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THE HEALTH BUREAU SAID THAT THE SECRETARY ROSÁRIO THE JUDICIARY POLICE DISMANTLED RECOGNITION OF VACCINATION CERTIFICATES FOR THE OPERATION OF A GROUP DEDICATED INDIVIDUALS INOCULATED WITH SINOPHARM’S EXPRESSED SATISFACTION TO HELPING PEOPLE ILLEGALLY VACCINE SHOULD BE JUST ‘A MATTER OF TIME’ OVER SMG’S FORECASTS CROSS ’S BORDER P2 P6 P4 AP PHOTO

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he may consider running for vice president next The SAR government is not ruling out the possibility of mandating the year when his term ends MIX AND MATCH “if there is a space for me,” although opponents administration of a ‘Covid-19 vaccine cocktail,’ with an Oxford study have described such a P2 prospect as “a joke of the showing that a mix-and-match approach can boost immunity worst kind.” Duterte’s televised remarks Monday night were the strongest sign that he is considering calls by governing PDP-Laban party allies for him to run for vice president to continue his government programs. AP PHOTO

Australia is offering AstraZeneca to all adults in a bid to rapidly ramp up sluggish vaccination rates as more of the country on Tuesday locked down against the spread of Covid-19. The government yesterday agreed to indemnify doctors who administer the AstraZeneca vaccine that has been blamed for at least two fatalities from a rare blood clot complication in Australia since April. AP PHOTO

Russian authorities yesterday morning raided the apartments of several investigative journalists and their family members, a move that comes amid mounting pressure on AP PHOTO Russia’s independent media outlets. Police Asian searched the apartments of Roman Badanin, American chief editor of the Proekt investigative online outlet, and Maria opposes Zholobova, one of its journalists. Officers also interference raided the home of the parents of Badanin’s of LVS in deputy, Mikhail Rubin. Rubin was detained near Zholobova’s residential company building. National spirit behind ’s success in fighting Covid-19 P8-9 liquidation More on backpage P3 page 2 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo MACAU 澳門 30.06.2021 wed

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COVID-19 forward, showing that a mixed schedule gives people protective immunity against Covid-19 after Oxford’s study supports ‘mix-and- four weeks,” Jonathan Van-Tam, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Pro- fessor, stated in the report. match’ vaccination schedule However, the most common interval for the AstraZeneca vac- HONEY TSANG displaying “the better immune cine is eight to 12 weeks. A longer response.” interval such as this creates a be- N the heels of the Macau SAR The AstraZeneca-first, Pfizer- tter immune response, according Ogovernment saying it has not -second approach is proven to in- to Matthew Snape, Associate Pro- ruled out the possibility of man- duce “higher antibodies and T-cell fessor in Paediatrics and Vaccino- dating the administration of a responses” than the reverse order, logy at the University of Oxford “Covid-19 vaccine cocktail,” — the report stated. and Chief Investigator of the stu- referring to the administration of More importantly, a mixed dy. different types of vaccines for the schedule of these two vaccines The study for the 12-week dose first and second shots — Oxford regardless of the order of admi- interval is underway, with results researchers announced later in the nistration was found to be more to be announced soon. day that the so-called “mix-and- effective and induce a higher anti- “The results for the 12-week match” approach can indeed body response than the standard interval, which are yet to come, boost immunity against the virus. two doses of the AstraZeneca vac- will have an instrumental role to “The preliminary data [by re- “However, it takes some more xed vaccine schedule involving cine alone. play in any decisions about the search conducted by other insti- time [for the government] to fully the Pfizer-BioNTech (Pfizer) and Meanwhile, having two doses future of the U.K.’s vaccination tuions] shows that the efficiency, study the safety of such use,” Tai Oxford-AstraZeneca (AstraZe- of the Pfizer vaccine was found program,” Van-Tam said. or the antibody concentration, added. neca) vaccines, a mixed vaccine to generate the highest antibody The Oxford report is conside- is higher [for people taking the Oxford’s newly-published stu- schedule was found to “generate a response, and the completed do- red to offer much-needed confi- vaccine cocktail] when compa- dy, the Com-COV vaccination strong immune response” against ses produced the highest T cell dence to some European coun- red with taking a single type of trial, seems to offer greater hope coronavirus. response. tries, which have offered other vaccine,” Tai Wa Hou, coordinator for the cutting-edge vaccination However, researchers stressed This study investigated the vaccine types as an alternative of the Health Bureau’s Covid-19 approach to be practiced in Ma- that the order that these vaccines mix-and-match approach, with second shot to replace the Astra- Vaccination Operation, said on cau. are administered will give rise to two doses administered at a four- Zeneca vaccine, after the Astra- Monday before the release of the According to the study, which different immune responses, with week interval. Zeneca vaccine was found to be Oxford study. examined the potency of a mi- AstraZeneca followed by Pfizer “Today’s data is a vital step associated with rare blood clots.

COVID-19 Acting head of Sinopharm recognition from city’s Taipei Office EU is just a ‘matter of time,’ departs as visa expires health authorities say OLLOWING the expiration stems from China’s insistence Fof his working visa, the acting that Taiwan is an inalienable RENATO MARQUES been certified by the medical vement within the EU for those director of the Taipei Economic part of China. community and published in in- vaccinated with one of the vac- and Cultural Office (TECO) in As Chen returned home, the HE recognition of vaccination ternational research journals. cines approved by the European Macau has left his post and re- TECO in Macau now only has Tcertificates for individuals Tai was asked about the fact Medicines Agency (EMA). turned home to Taiwan, Taiwa- four staff members to keep the inoculated with Sinopharm’s that the Sinopharm vaccine is the For the time being, the only nese news agency Focus Taiwan facility in operation, reported inactivated virus vaccine should vaccine which has been adminis- four vaccines recognized are the reported. the news agency while citing the be just a matter of time, Tai Wa tered in the majority of inocula- BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna, Vax- According to the report, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Hou, medical director of the Con- tions in Macau, and effect of this, zevria (formerly known as Astra- outgoing acting director, Chen of Taiwan. de de São Januário Hospital coor- given the recent exclusion of Si- Zeneca), and Janssen/Johnson & Chia-hung, could not get his The MAC further stated that dinator of the Health Bureau’s nopharm by the European Union Johnson vaccines. visa extended by the Macau go- pro-Beijing individuals protes- Covid-19 Vaccination Operation, (EU) for the establishment of the A total of 13 countries are vernment. Currently, the local ting at TECO Macau reflected said on Monday during the local so-called EU vaccination pass- already issuing the passports government requires Taiwanese an attitude of “disrespect and health authorities’ Covid-19 press port that will allow vaccinated in- ahead of the date established for officials at the Office sign an af- unfriendliness held by the go- briefing. dividuals to move freely through the official launch this tomorrow, fidavit that recognizes the “One vernment and people of Macau Questioned on the topic by the the EU countries without having July 1. China Principle,” which the of- towards Taiwan.” media, Tai said, “The WHO [Wor- to fulfil the Covid-19 test require- Not included in the list of ficials have not been authorized Several days ago, a group of ld Health Organization] already ments. eligible vaccines are currently by Taipei to sign. Macau residents held a demons- recognizes the Sinopharm vac- In mid-June, the EU announ- the CVnCoV (CureVac), NVX- Taipei, meanwhile, has accu- tration at the Office to complain cine. I believe that one-by-one, ced it had completed the legisla- -CoV2373 (Novavax), Sputnik V sed the Macau government of about Taiwan’s alleged inter- the [different] countries will also tive procedures for the establish- (Gam-COVID-Vac), and the Si- levying extra barriers in the in- ference with Macau and Hong recognize it.” ment of the EU Covid-19 vaccine nopharm Covid-19 (Vero Cell) teractions between Macau and Kong affairs. The official added that while passport. Inactivated. Taiwan with the affidavit requi- Taipei is making contingen- the vaccine is being used not only At that time, the presidents of According to EMA, these four rement, which is seen by Taipei cies for the future of the TECO within China but in a wide range the three main EU institutions, vaccines are currently under- as not being part of the original Macau. of countries all over the world, the Parliament, the Commission, going review, and there is no clear consensus on the establishment Macau closed its represen- the results from studies conduc- and the Council, co-signed a law timeframe as to when a final con- of the representative offices. tative office in Taipei on June ted on it are also known, having aiming to restore freedom of mo- clusion will be announced. The “One China Principle” 19. AL

www.macaudailytimes.com.mo DIRECTOR & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF_Paulo Coutinho [email protected] A MACAU TIMES PUBLICATIONS LTD PUBLICATION ASSISTANT EDITOR_Lynzy Valles SENIOR WRITER_Honey Tsang CONTRIBUTING EDITORS_Leanda Lee, Severo Portela, Sheyla Zandonai ADMINISTRATOR & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Kowie Geldenhuys [email protected] NEWSROOM AND CONTRIBUTORS_Albano Martins, Annabel Jackson, Anthony Lam, Emilie Tran, Irene OFFICE MANAGER Juliana Cheang [email protected] REACHING OUT! Sam, Ivo Carneiro de Sousa, Jacky I.F. Cheong, Jenny Lao-Phillips, João Palla Martins, Joseph Cheung, ADDRESS Av. da Praia Grande, 599, Edif. Comercial Rodrigues, 12 Floor C, Juliet Risdon, Linda Kennedy, Paulo Cordeiro de Sousa, Renato Marques, Richard Whitfield, Viviana Seguí MACAU SAR Telephones: +853 287 160 81/2 Fax: +853 287 160 84 DESIGNERS_Eva Bucho, Miguel Bandeira | ASSOCIATE CONTRIBUTORS_JML Property, MdME Lawyers, Advertisement [email protected] +20,500 PokerStars, Ruan Du Toit Bester | NEWS AGENCIES_ Associated Press, MacauHub, MacauNews, Xinhua For subscription and general issues: [email protected] | Printed at Welfare Printing Ltd Like us on facebook.com/mdtimes SECRETARY_Yang Dongxiao [email protected] send newsworthy information and press releases to: [email protected] website: www.macaudailytimes.com.mo www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 3 wed 30.06.2021 澳門 MACAU

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

-friendlier, or whether they Macau-Guangdong are transferring the source of Union submits pollution to power plants that list of 13 people DSPA head confident in use unclean means to genera- to run for AL te power. The bureau head did not The Macau-Guangdong Union respond to whether the bureau yesterday submitted to the eliminating older bikes has conducted or commissio- Legislative Assembly Electoral ned any studies to confirm the Affairs Commission the list of offset of pollution by changing 13 candidates and their election to electric vehicles. platforms for the upcoming as new standards arrive Nonetheless, Tam said that election. The first four people on Macau uses natural gas to ge- the list were, in order, Zheng An ANTHONY LAM nerate electricity. Meanwhi- Ting, Lo Choi In, Lau Ka Yue and le, it also purchases power Yiu Ming Lai. Zheng pledged that AM Vai Man, director from mainland China, whi- he will focus on supporting those of the Environmental ch mostly replies on nuclear who have become unemployed Protection Bureau power, although solar, wind and underemployed as a result of (DSPA), believes that and water power sources are the pandemic, the construction of apartments for seniors as well as Tsome of the older or more also used. housing under the sandwich class poorly maintained motor- With that said, he believes housing scheme, while pushing the bikes may not pass the new the electricity used in Macau government towards administrative standards governing exhaust, is relatively clean. reform and improve administrative which will come into effect On another topic, the quan- efficiency. on July 1. Similar to most en- tity of non-metal substances vironmental protection stan- found in Macau waters has dards, the new exhaust stan- crossed the redline in the past Health Bureau calls dards will be tighter than the ten years. The bureau director for quitting smoking current ones. disclosed that 47 of 186 sewa- to prevent Covid-19 Tam was speaking on the ge pipe outlets citywide have sidelines of the Green Hotel been releasing dirty water di- The Health Bureau encourages Award event organized by the rectly into the sea. people in Macau to stop smoking bureau. The diversion facility in the as early as possible as in light When questioned whether underground pipe network, of findings from the pandemic the authority has plans to ti- according to Tam, most of the situation in Guangdong. It cited a study by Chinese epidemiologist ghten the standards governing time has been full, obstructing Zhong Nanshan, reporting that the exhaust of other types of the water being diverted to smokers experience 2.4-fold higher vehicles, Tam revealed that the the Sewage Treatment Plant. odds of requiring intensive care, bureau reviews the amount of However, he did not explain ventilator support or succumbing to exhaust and the condition of why the capacity problem was Covid-19 and related complications. running vehicles each year. By not fixed. Meanwhile, the bureau also noted Tam Wai Man this, it is understood that he He also blamed residents that unmasking to smoke presents means the DSPA will examine for disposing of waste water at an opportunity for contact between whether the standards need to monoxide and hydrocarbon “as electric vehicles have zero inappropriate places or in an the hands, mouth and nose, thereby be tightened. emissions. emissions.” inappropriate manner. increasing the risk of contracting He added that the tighte- The bureau head also su- However, questions have In previous years, cholera the virus and falling ill. The bureau ned standards on motorbike ggested residents consider been raised on whether elec- has been detected in one of also encourages people to get exhaust apply to the carbon purchasing electric vehicles, tric vehicles are actually eco- the two beaches in Coloane. vaccinated.

Majority of golden ‘Green COURT Hotels’ located in Cotai Asian American opposes interference of LVS in OUR out of the five designated quarantine tels have been installed Fhotels winning the hotel in the past year or with LED lighting. Some company liquidation gold tier in the Macao so, has won the Award of of the hotels have also Green Hotel Awards Excellence. installed solar panels to ARSHAL Hao’s Asian the Asian American versus peachment of its liquida- conferred by the Macau A total of 13 hotels generate electricity for MAmerican Enter- LVS trial has already com- tors and, if recognized as government are located have been awarded with their own use. tainment Corp Ltd (Asian menced and is ongoing at an interested party, will in Cotai, understood the recognition this year. In addition, 70% more American) has opposed the Court of First Instance. seek to be involved in the by many as being at the The awarding entity, charging stations for what they claim to be the LVS has argued to the appointment of the le- heart of the city’s tou- the Environmental Pro- electric vehicles were unlawful interference courts that it is an interes- gal representatives of the rism. tection Bureau (DSPA), recorded in hotels and of Las Vegas Sands Corp ted party in the company’s company. The four Golden noted that the award is resorts in 2020 than in (LVS) in the company’s li- liquidation, a role that is A previous case initia- Green Hotels are: the valid for three years. It the previous year. The quidation processes, the normally reserved for the ted by LVS in the U.S.A, Grand Hyatt Macau, means that the winners number of hotels that Times learned. company’s creditors. saw the company seeking The Venetian Macao, the of the 2018 accolades use electric shuttle bu- Asian American pre- Asian American oppo- to include several of Hao’s Four Seasons Macao and will enjoy their recogni- ses has also increased by viously filed a lawsuit ses this interference sin- family members as wit- The Parisian Macao. tion until this year. 30%. against LVS for a separate ce LVS is not a creditor nesses to obtain their tes- The Wynn Macau also This explains why the According to the matter, where they accu- but rather, a debtor from timony in court. won the Gold Award in list of winners for 2020 DSPA, more than 70% of sed LVS of violating the previous proceedings In the extensive docu- the selection. are mainly smaller ho- the 57 winners are prac- contract for a casino licen- from which the company ment now submitted by The Silver Award went tels. ticing kitchen waste col- se in Macau in the 2001- is calling for compensa- Jorge Menezes, the legal to the Galaxy Hotel and Counting the figures lection practices. 2002 period. In the do- tion amounting to USD12 representative of Asian the Beverly Plaza Hotel. from 2018 to 2020, there Around seven to eight cument submitted to the billion (96 billion pata- American and Marshal The Grandview Hotel are a total of 57 winning hotels from the 13 win- courts, Asian American cas). Hao, they request the and the Inn Hotel won hotels. The award, ners in 2020 have dona- is now opposing the in- By interfering in the li- court to refuse LVS’ re- the Bronze Award. meanwhile, boasts a 14- ted their income from tervention of LVS in their quidation of Asian Ame- quest as it would constitu- It is worth noting that year history. the mandatory plastic liquidation proceedings, rican, LVS aims to be part te a detriment to the com- the Pousada Marina In- The DSPA revealed bag charge to charitable aiming to stop the pro- of the liquidation process. pany and to the pursuit of fante, although being a that all 57 winning ho- entities. AL gress of the case. Notably, LVS has requested the im- justice in the proceedings. page 4 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo MACAU 澳門 30.06.2021 wed

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CRIME to cooperate with the police and have chosen to remain silent. The police noted that in the PJ dismantles illegal course of the investigation, they determined that the group would charge RMB12,000 for each illegal immigration support group entry to or exit from Macau. They would use tools such as a rope RENATO MARQUES to help the illegal immigrants in and out of the water, as the ille- HE Judiciary Police (PJ) has gal immigrants had to swim for Tdismantled the operation of a a section of the journey and were group dedicated to helping peo- MARQUES RENATO picked up and dropped off by the ple illegally cross Macau’s border, facilitating group in the vicinity of the PJ announced in a special the campus of the University of press conference. Macau in Hengqin. In an operation held on the ni- The PJ was able to determine ght of June 27, the PJ caught the that the illegal immigrants sou- group in the act, and detained ght to enter Macau to find jobs as three of its members. In the pro- undocumented workers. It is sus- cess, two illegal immigrants were pected that they were also illegally also discovered. All people invol- staying in the mainland for the ved were Vietnamese nationals. same purpose. According to the PJ spokesper- The PJ also found that one of son, the case was first drawn to the men caught trying to leave their attention across the course Macau had been previously in- of another similar investigation, volved in another case of illegal when on June 11 they found and residence and had consequently detained two other Vietnamese been punished with a ban against nations involved in the same ille- migrants from Vietnam to leave cau with a temporary permanen- ge of getting the payments and entry to Macau for a four-month gal act. Macau and enter the mainland at ce permit, his partner, a 43-year- maintaining contact with peo- period. While investigating that case, Hengqin Island. -old woman working in Macau as ple interested in the scheme. The According to the PJ, all the they became aware of a second Further investigation revealed a domestic helper, and a second third woman worked as a go-be- members of the group lived in an group undertaking the activity that the same group was responsi- woman, aged 52, who is also a do- tween, attracting clients. To the PJ, apartment located in the San Kio and prepared an anti-crime ope- ble for the illegal movement of the mestic helper. she said she earned RMB2,000 for neighborhood. ration to detain them. same people into Macau approxi- The PJ said that while the man each client she would connect to The PJ said it had not been able On June 27, around 11 p.m., mately three months earlier. had the role of helping the illegal the primary couple. to ascertain the number of people the PJ caught the members of The three group members are immigrants to leave and enter The PJ said that the two that this group helped to illegally the group helping two illegal im- a 33-year-old male staying in Ma- Macau, his partner was in char- apprehended on June 11 refused enter Macau.

Dementia risks can be Gov’t clarifies the ‘proper reduced by a change occasions’ to use national symbols of lifestyle: SSM RENATO MARQUES

HONEY TSANG HE government has made note of the activi-

T MALIK HASSAAN HE Health Bureau ties, events, and occasions T(SSM) and the Social STEVEN HWG during which displaying the Welfare Bureau (IAS) have national flag of the People’s jointly launched online Republic of China may be training sessions to raise considered “improper.” public awareness on the The list of circumstances lifestyle changes that may is contained within the final reduce the risk of demen- opinion of the first standing tia. Considering Macau’s committee of the Legislative rapidly aging population Assembly (AL), which analy- and the fact that demen- zed the national symbols law tia is more common as in depth prior to the bill mo- people grow older, the ving to the final reading. SSM and the IAS have In the committee’s opi- resolved to provide a pro- nion and as reiterated by the the existing law mostly aim inspect all situations where gram of assistance and government’s clarification, to enforce the changes al- the national flag is displayed education for the city’s el- the national flag should not ready enacted and enforced in public so they can supervi- derly residents and their be abused. in the mainland on the use se and act in situations whe- caregivers. In view of such pro- cy, a dementia 101 and the “In the government’s opi- of the national anthem and re the national flag is hois- In a statement released mising findings, the two concept of building an in- nion, it is not appropriate to flag, and regulate its display ted upside-down or thrown yesterday, the two bureaus bureaus organized four clusive society. The course use the national symbol whi- and presentation in Macau. away disrespectfully. cited a study published in online training sessions is intended to help allian- le having meals at restauran- The revision in the main- Prior incidences of the an international medical for patients diagnosed ce members learn more ts or when participating in land stipulates that the flag national flag being hoisted journal that found that with dementia over the about dementia and en- ball games [and related] acti- will be hoisted on a manda- upside-down occurred at ve- 40% of the risk factors for past few days. The digital courage them to embark vities, but it is appropriate in tory basis daily at schools nues under the responsibili- dementia can be reduced courses were attended by on community works to activities that commemorate and other academic institu- ty of the same police forces through the adoption of a over 50 alliances and al- help those in need. the country,” the final opi- tions, as well as at all gover- that will now be in charge of better lifestyle. most 200 representatives The authorities also nion reads. The final opinion nment and public services its supervision. “Practicing a healthy from related associations urged the public to avoid is broadly concerned with and cultural venues. The final version of the bill lifestyle can lower the risk in the city. stigmatizing people with the use of the national flag on The new amendments has already been submitted of developing dementia, The training course be- dementia, and encourage celebratory occasions and to also grant the Public Securi- to the plenary, where it will and thus prevent demen- gins with an introduction them to engage in closer express patriotic feelings. ty Police Force and the Cus- likely receive final approval tia,” the statement added. of Macau’s dementia poli- interactions with patients. The new amendments to toms Service the power to within the upcoming week. www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 5 wed 30.06.2021 ADVERTORIAL

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the Seac Pai Van Line back in July 2020, with a total of 10 bi- Rosário satisfied dding documents submitted to the government. with SMG’s However, on May 20, the GDI announced its decision ability to predict to revoke the tender due to a rainstorms notable discrepancy in budget and timeframe between the STAFF REPORTER tender proposals and official prerequisites demanded by AIMUNDO Arrais do Rosário, Secretary for the government. RTransport and Public Works, said he is satisi- “After analysis, we believed fed with the rainstorm forecasting ability of the that the bidding amounts and Meteorological and Geophysics Bureau (SMG). construction periods pro- He described the bureau as having done a posed by the tenderers were “good job and doing its job correctly.” obviously low, and not in line “If the SMG really could predict so accurately, with the timetable for the ins- [the odds] almost mean that I can definitely win tallation of [light rail’s] driving the Mark Six lottery.” Rosário said, “Nowadays, Gov’t receives 11 bids system, as stipulated in the it is not the case that you can know everything tender document,” the GDI if you pay for a [weather forecasting] machine. stated in the earlier release. There is no such machine.” for the construction As such, the GDI modified The Secretary stressed that there is a big di- the evaluation criteria for pro- fference between the rainstorm and typhoon of Seac Pai Van Line posals received in the second information released in Macau and its nei- round. The adjustments inclu- ghbors. Macau uses a “weather forecast sys- HONEY TSANG received a total of 11 bids. The With regard to the second de increasing the proportion tem” while its neighbors use a “weather report construction project is slated tendering process, do Rosário of engineering costs to 50% system.” The forecast system means that the ECRETARY for Transport to commence in the second said it normally takes around (an increase of 5%) and redu- amount of rainfall in an upcoming period of Sand Public Works Raimun- half of the year, to be com- one-and-a-half months for cing the construction period several hours is judged manually, so it may not do Arrais do Rosário said that pleted in 890 working days at the government to evaluate to 30% (a reduction of 5%). always be correct. he hopes bidders in the se- most. the bids received. Including The GDI has now clearly “We can consider whether we should conti- cond tender for the construc- Yesterday, do Rosário told the process of awarding the stated in the tender document nue to use the weather forecast system or swit- tion of the Seac Pai Van Line the media that the construc- tender and signing the con- that the bidders must take ch to the weather report system.” he said. (Light Rapid Transit) will meet tion period presented in some tract with the selected firm, into account any additional Macau has recently been experiencing fre- the official requirements. tenderers’ bids received in the the entire tendering process time required for the supply quent rainstorms, and many citizens have ex- In May of this year, the In- first round was considered will take around three to four and installation of the rail’s pressed dissatisfaction with how the SMG’s frastructure Development Of- “too short,” as the government months to be completed. driving system when propo- response, with many expressing frustration fice (GDI) re-invited tenders believed it was not technically The GDI first invited ten- sing the overall construction with the inconvenience caused by the SMG’s for the project yesterday and feasible. ders for the construction of time for the project. forecasts. ad www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 7 wed 30.06.2021 ADVERTORIAL

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ELCO Resorts & En- tertainment’s Splen- dors of China Pass- port has been laun- Mched in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Founding of the Communist Party of China. The comprehensive learning program comprises of various training initiatives, and aims to enhance national knowledge, na- tional pride and help colleagues develop a better understanding of China’s history through unders- tanding the great achievements of the . The program includes manda- tory courses on Chinese culture and history, including Chinese idioms. Elective courses cover the fine arts and cultural aspects of understanding China, including Chinese tea culture, opera and visits to nationalistic exhibitions, to name a few. Upon the successful completion of the- se activities, colleagues will be- come eligible for entry to a prize CELEBRATING 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF CHINA: draw for a paid red tourism expe- rience trip to Guangdong Provin- ce sponsored by the company. Aside from the Splendors of China Passport, Melco’s array of Melco Splendors of China initiatives developed for the cen- tennial celebrations of the foun- ding of the Chinese Communist Party include the youth Chinese Passport promotes national pride knowledge competition Melco Han Hero; Melco Star Macao – a youth talent competition which attracted participation from more than 650 children and young adul- ts in over 170 Chinese themed ori- ginal acts including singing, dan- cing, instrumental performances, recitals, Cantonese opera and martial arts; Melco Leadership Forum including a sharing ses- sion on the recent ‘Two Sessions’; relevant Chinese historical lear- ning topics as well as visits and executive tours to Chinese cities Furthermore, in its continued tion. The competition aims to week toured the large-scale pho- se Communist Party through text and nationalistic exhibitions. focus on promoting the impor- instill national education, know- to exhibition titled ‘100th Anni- and imagery. Ms. Akiko Takahashi, Executive tance of National Education, Mel- ledge and patriotism in Chinese versary of the Founding of the Mr. Raymond Lo, Senior Vice Vice President and Chief of Staff to co is fully supporting the public culture amongst young people in Communist Party of China’ on its President, General Manager of Chairman & CEO of Melco, said, screening of the 100-episode do- Macau, and forms part of Melco’s opening day. Hosted at Complex Altira Macau & Mocha said, “I “To support the 100th Anniversary cumentary series and first public signature Splendors of China lear- of Commerce and Trade Co-ope- am grateful for this opportunity of the Founding of the Communist screening of movie ‘The Pioneer’ ning program. With its objectives ration Platform for China and to learn about the Communist Party of China, Melco has priori- to communicate the great history to strengthen participants’ Chine- Portuguese-speaking Countries, Party of China’s accomplishmen- tized national education and de- and achievements of the Par- se reading, writing, and langua- the purpose of the tour is to stren- ts on its centennial celebrations veloped a vast array of programs ty. The screening will take place ge abilities, as well as enhancing gthen colleagues’ national know- through this thoughtfully curated aimed towards instilling national on July 1 at Macau University of knowledge of national education ledge and identity and to gain a photography exhibition. I look pride through education and awa- Science and Technology. through culture and language, a deeper understanding of impor- forward to participating in more reness. We are thrilled to introduce Melco is also title sponsor of total of 42 participants from 14 tant milestones accomplished by of the company’s initiatives with the Melco Splendors of China Pass- the Melco Han Hero – Macau teams from local primary and se- the Communist Party of China. A my colleagues to learn about the port program to help our collea- Youth Chinese Knowledge Com- condary schools took part in the total of 300 Melco colleagues are important history of our Mother- gues develop deeper insight into petition for the fourth consecuti- 2-day competition hosted at Stu- scheduled to visit the exhibition land.” understanding Chinese culture and ve year in collaboration with the dio City earlier this month. in the coming weeks. Splendors of China is Melco’s to appreciate the achievements of event’s organizer Macau Youth Furthermore, colleagues from To commemorate the 100th nationalistic learning program Macau’s mother country.” Education Promotion Associa- the Melco management team last Anniversary of the Founding of launched in 2016 which focuses the Communist Party of China, on China’s cultural heritage, eco- the Information Office of the Sta- nomic policies, social systems te Council of the People’s Repu- and values. The program provides blic of China, the Government a historical perspective about the of the Macau SAR of the People’s wonders and growth of China, Republic of China, and the Liai- from its iconic and historic achie- son Office of the Central People’s vements to its modernization Government in the Macao SAR and path of becoming the world’s are jointly hosting the large-scale second largest economy. It also photo exhibition. Featuring 298 creates deeper insight for Melco classic photos, the exhibition is colleagues and the broader com- divided into four parts to form munity into understanding Chi- a comprehensive display of the nese culture and appreciating the centuries of struggle of the Chine- achievements of China. page 8 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo CHINA 中國 30.06.2021 wed

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I Jinping, general secretary of serving her community, a Uygur Xthe Communist Party of China village official resolutely fighting (CPC) Central Committee, yester- Xi awards highest Party ethnic separatist activities, a wel- day conferred the July 1 Medal, the der, a weaver, a veteran diplomat Party’s highest honor, on model and a police detective. CPC members. honor to role models A battalion commander who A total of 29 CPC members who sacrificed his life defending the have made “outstanding contribu-

XINHUA Chinese border, a Party official tions to the Party and the people” who was sent to a village to fight received the honor, some posthu- poverty and died on the front mously. line, and a war hero who worked This is the first time the medal in obscurity after retiring from has been awarded as the CPC is set the military were awarded the to celebrate its centenary on July 1. honor posthumously. Over the past 100 years, the Par- Zhang Guimei, the principal ty “has written a splendid chapter of a senior high school that offers in the history of the Chinese na- free education to girls from im- tion’s development and that of poverished families, called her- humanity’s progress,” said Xi, also self an “ordinary teacher” when Chinese president and chairman she delivered a speech on behalf of the Central Military Commis- of the honorees after receiving sion. her medal. In the Great Hall of the People, The honor belongs to every Xi draped the medals around the CPC member working on diffe- necks of the recipients, shook their rent fronts,” said Zhang. “What hands and congratulated them. we’ve done is just what many Xi addressed the attendees after Noting that the awardees have aspiration and dedicate every- EVERYDAY HEROES CPC members are doing every presenting the medals. been outstanding representatives thing, even one’s precious life, The recipients of the medals day.” of CPC members on all fronts, Xi to the cause of the Party and the all come from the people and are According to figures released ROLE MODELS said they embody Party members’ people, said Xi. rooted in the people. They are last year, the CPC has more than Over the past 100 years, ge- staunch faith, fighting and dedica- All Party members should trust, everyday heroes who have fulfil- 91 million members. nerations of CPC members have ted spirit, integrity and devotion, love and devote themselves to the led their duties and made contri- At the end of the speech, Xi worked hard and made selfless and loyalty to the Party’s funda- Party, he said. butions, said Xi. called on CPC members and of- contributions in the pursuit of mental tenet - putting the people Xi also told CPC members to They include a veteran of the ficials to boldly advance toward national independence and the at the very center of their hearts, work diligently, maintain high mo- Red Army and those who fought the second centenary goal of liberation of the people, as well and wholeheartedly serving the rale, tackle challenges and conti- in the War of Liberation and the fully building a modern socia- as in striving for a prosperous and people. nue the fine traditions of hard work War to Resist U.S. Aggression and list country, as well as the Chi- strong country and the people’s To maintain staunch faith is and plain living, and to put public Aid Korea. They also include a nese Dream of national rejuve- well-being, said Xi. to stay true to the Party’s original interests above personal interests. volunteer who has spent decades nation. MDT/XINHUA ad www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 9 wed 30.06.2021 中國 CHINA

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Xinhua issues research XINHUA report on CPC’s political commitment EW China Research (NCR), the B| BLUEPRINT DRAWING Nthink tank of Xinhua News Agen- The past 100 years of the CPC is a cy, on Monday released a research re- history of continuous hard work. The port on the political commitment of CPC is adept at making long-term the Communist Party of China (CPC) strategic plans based on the people’s ahead of the Party’s centenary. interests, setting goals for each stage Titled “People First: Political Com- of development, and translating a mitment of the Century-old Com- blueprint into reality with force and munist Party of China,” the report tenacity, like a hammer driving a nail. XINHUA COMMENTARY-EXPLAINER examines the development of the CPC from a party of 50-plus mem- C| CAPACITY BUILDING bers to the world’s largest political The governance capacity of the party boasting over 91 million mem- CPC is multifaceted and covers all bers. It notes that the process has fronts. Its capacity building concer- National spirit behind become one of the most noteworthy ning political awareness, theoretical political phenomena. competence, organization and con- When Western academic theories duct in particular attracts global at- cannot explain the success of the tention. China’s success in fighting CPC, new research paradigms shou- ld be established to seek answers D| DEVELOPMENT SHARED from the Party’s own theories and The CPC is working on the formu- practices, according to the report. lation of an action plan to promote COVID-19, poverty The report has three chapters: common prosperity, under which EIJING, June 28 (Xi- the most important holiday of after lifting its remaining “why have the Chinese people cho- more development outcomes could nhua) -- In the run-up the year for Chinese people. 98.99 million rural residents sen the CPC,” “how does the CPC be shared by all the people in a fairer to its centenary this Public cooperation helped out of poverty over the past represent the people” and “what way. Efforts such as jointly pursuing year, the Communist China build a people’s “Great eight years. the Belt and Road Initiative and pro- BParty of China (CPC) demons- Wall” against the virus. The announcement contributions does the CPC make to human progress.” moting South-South cooperation trated its exemplary governan- Medical staff and resources marked a complete victory The CPC enjoys the wholehear- also attest to the CPC’s vision for pro- ce capability by leading the were poured into the worst- in China’s long-running ted support of the broadest possible moting shared and common develo- Chinese people in efficiently -affected cities. At the peak of campaign to end poverty. majority of the people, which has not pment worldwide. containing the COVID-19 ou- the epidemic, one in 10 inten- Since the late 1970s, Chi- changed with the passage of time, tbreak and eliminating absolu- sive care medics in China was na has lifted more than 770 the report says. E| EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE te poverty in the world’s most working in Wuhan. Backing million rural residents out The CPC has made clear its com- Be it everyday governance or populous country. the nationwide mobilization of poverty due to conti- mitment to its founding mission, emergency responses, human re- The national spirit behind was science. China swiftly nuous poverty relief efforts. adopted a tried-and-true democratic sources, as well as technological, both the victory over pover- erected makeshift hospitals, The great cause has con- system, built a relationship of trust material and financial resources, can ty and the strategic outcomes set up quarantine facilities and tributed to the powerful between the Party and the people, always be effectively brought toge- of COVID-19 control offers a made mask-wearing compul- national spirit, which also and formed an effective supervision ther across regions and sectors under glimpse into the Party’s strong sory. Medical treatment, rapid encompasses unity, inno- system, the report says. the CPC’s leadership. leadership and the nation’s so- contact tracking and mass nu- vation, bravery, dedication The report says that from the pers- Chinese and foreign scholars be- lidarity and strength. cleic acid testing all contribu- to the people, and targeted pective of the political advancement lieve that the vision of a community ted to the efficient control of and practical approaches to of mankind, the secret to the CPC’s with a shared future for humanity is SPIRIT OF FIGHTING the epidemic in a short period challenges. success in making China increasin- a major theoretical innovation that COVID-19 of time in China. The spirit of the Chine- gly prosperous and strong can pro- goes beyond the differences of coun- In early 2020, a previously Openness and internatio- se people has helped boost vide other countries with a useful try, race and system in improving unknown virus wreaked havoc nalism have also been fea- national morale and pool reference for party building and state the global governance system and in Hubei Province, prompting tures of China’s fight against wisdom to tackle poverty in governance. promoting sustainable development the Chinese government to COVID-19 since the very be- the country’s poorest areas, The report encapsulates the secret and the progress of human society. It take unprecedented measures ginning. Often neglected by helping China realize its of the CPC’s success in five English is in the fundamental interests and to curb its rapid spread, inclu- China critics is the fact that goal on schedule despite the letters: ABCDE, and stresses that the meets the universal expectations of ding sealing off the hardest-hit China began to regularly up- headwinds of the pandemic. CPC does not seek to export China’s the international community, says provincial capital, Wuhan. date the World Health Organi- The accomplishment is model, nor does it ask other coun- the report. Defying the gloomy predic- zation and relevant countries a further testament to the tries to follow in China’s footsteps. The CPC explores ways to solve tions of many foreign obser- on the new disease as early as CPC’s commitment to the multiple prominent challenges fa- vers, China in just three mon- Jan. 3, 2020. people. By positioning the A| ALL FOR THE PEOPLE cing the international community ths reduced new cases from Through the course of its fight against poverty as a Standing on the people’s side re- and develop a community with a thousands each day to zero. intensive and wide-ranging top policy goal, the CPC presents the fundamental political shared future for humanity from The Chinese leadership later emergency humanitarian aid, has again shown that it is stance of the CPC, and the past 100 three dimensions: promoting pea- attributed the success to the China has supplied more than striving to ensure no di- years saw the CPC make serving the ce built by all, development bene- people’s fighting spirit, whi- 350 million doses of COVID-19 sadvantaged groups are left people the starting point and ultima- ficial to all, and mutual learning ch puts people’s lives first and vaccines abroad, including behind in China’s economic te purpose of all of its actions and ins- among civilizations, according to values nationwide solidarity, donations to more than 80 take-off. countries. Flexibility and ingenuity titutional design. the report. XINHUA sacrifice, a respect for science, and a sense of purpose for hu- In retrospect, the country’s were highlighted in the pro- manity. national spirit in combating cess. China adopted a targe-

XINHUA China has shown strong COVID-19 has underlined the ted poverty-relief approach solidarity throughout the ba- CPC’s inherent people-cente- and local authorities rolled ttle. With a mature mobiliza- red philosophy, along with a out specific anti-poverty tion system, China ensured globalist touch fitting into Chi- measures to suit local con- that even villagers in remote na’s call for the construction ditions. China has also of- mountains were aware that of a global community with a fered to share its experience everyone must act as one to shared future. with other countries figh- defeat the virus. Hundreds of ting poverty. millions of Chinese people POVERTY China’s national spirit will answered the government’s ALLEVIATION SPIRIT continue to inspire Chinese call to wear masks, stay at In early 2021, China an- people in their pursuit of better home and forego festive activi- nounced that it had eli- lives and the great rejuvenation ties during the Spring Festival, minated absolute poverty, of the Chinese nation. XINHUA page 10 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo ASIA PACIFIC 亞太 30.06.2021 wed

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valuable jade inside. Hundreds of have died from landslides on the Myanmar junta gains hold on unstable slopes of the open-pit mines. Profits from the industry are jade profits as fighting flares seized by those controlling the mines and trade routes. ELAINE KURTENBACH “Jade probably has been the & JERRY HARMER, BANGKOK military’s most lucrative sector

AP PHOTO except petroleum. Other mining HE military takeover in like copper has made them a lot TMyanmar has given the junta of money too. Rare earths less full control of the country’s lucra- so, although not insignificant,” tive and conflict-ridden jade mi- said Edith Mirante, director of ning, providing it with profits and Project Maje, which researches leverage for consolidating power, Myanmar’s environmental issues. researchers said yesterday. The U.S. government and A flareup in fighting around United Kingdom have imposed the mines in Hpakant, in remote sanctions on Myanmar Gems En- Kachin state, also is adding to ins- terprise, on key military-control- tability in the border region, inde- led companies, military leaders, pendent research group Global their family members and other Witness said in its report. companies either controlled by or Army and ethnic guerrilla for- linked to the army. ces have been fighting in Kachin The potential impact of sanc- for years. But they had largely coo- tuation where the rule of law is mine and who can’t and can dole pay for them,” the report says. tions against the gemstone in- perated to share in profits from just completely broken down,” out licenses to buy loyalty and try In an earlier report, Global dustry is limited, however, since mining of the world’s richest jade Keel Dietz, one of the report’s au- to splinter rival groups, Dietz said. Witness documented how the in- nearly all jade and a large share of deposits, making the industry a thors, told The Associated Press. Global Witness and other dustry is dominated by networks other precious stones and pearls hotbed for corruption instead of a The civilian government of groups are calling for stronger of military elites, drug lords and produced in Myanmar go to Chi- national asset that could be inves- Aung San Suu Kyi made halting sanctions against the junta to help crony companies. The situation na, often through illicit channels. ted for the public good. progress in cleaning up the in- counter what has become a free- has barely changed, those familiar Many of the mining operations Global Witness estimates dustry after taking power in 2016. -for-all rush to dig out as much of with the region say. are conducted by Chinese com- the annual losses in the tens of It suspended issuing or renewing the precious stone as possible. That has created incentives for panies allied with Myanmar part- millions of dollars. jade mining permits. A new law “It is up to the international both sides in the conflict to maxi- ners. Over the decades, the mi- It and other experts say the Feb. restricts licenses to a maximum of community to limit the amount mize production, at a huge cost to litary have often extracted huge 1 coup has disrupted the de facto three years, adding to the incenti- of funding the military can recei- the environment. Nearly a half- revenues from mining while the ceasefire that had held around the ve to mine illicitly and as quickly ve from selling Myanmar’s natural -million people migrate into the Kachin have arrangements to tax mines, with fighting breaking out as possible. resources by preventing the im- region to work in the mines or to smuggling routes into China, the even in the jade-producing zone. Now the military, known as port of those resources and blo- pick through mine tailings, hun- destination for most of the jade “It’s an extremely unstable si- the Tatmadaw, controls who can cking financial transactions that ting for stones that might have mined in the region. MDT/AP ad www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 11 wed 30.06.2021 亞太 ASIA PACIFIC

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two decades, was arrested in No- vember 2018, and charged with financial misconduct, including Americans apologize to Tokyo falsifying securities reports to under-report his future compen- sation, and with breach of trust in using Nissan money for perso- nal gain. court for role in Ghosn escape He says he is innocent, ar- YURI KAGAYEMA, TOKYO guing that the compensation was never decided on or paid and the

WO Americans charged AP PHOTO expenses were legitimate for his in Japan with helping job. Nissan’s former chair- Ghosn hid in a box for musi- man, Carlos Ghosn, cal equipment and left Japan in a Tjump bail and escape Japan for private jet in December 2019. He Lebanon apologized yesterday in is now in Lebanon, which has no a Tokyo court. extradition treaty with Japan. “I deeply regret my actions The Taylors, who have not and sincerely apologize for cau- been granted bail, are accused of sing difficulties for the judicial playing leading roles in that esca- process and for the Japanese peo- pe. Prosecutors have described ple. I’m sorry,” Michael Taylor, a details of bank transfers and bi- former Green Beret said, bowing tcoin payments, alleging Ghosn and holding back sobs. paid the Taylors the equivalent of Taylor, on trial in Tokyo Dis- more than $1 million. trict Court with his son Peter, said While in detention, prosecu- in response to questioning by his tors questioned Ghosn without lawyer and by prosecutors that he a lawyer present, although he had been misinformed by Ghosn was allowed lawyers’ visits. That’s and his wife, Carole Ghosn. standard in Japan, where more Carole Ghosn told Taylor her than 99% of criminal cases end husband was “tortured” and At the outset of their trial ear- for the “trouble” he had caused. nal, the Taylors face up to three with guilty verdicts. Critics often grilled in solitary confinement, lier this month, the Taylors indi- “I must apologize to the peo- years in prison. Japanese trials of- point to human rights abuses in he said. Ghosn also said he was cated they weren’t fighting the ple of Japan,” Peter Taylor said, ten drag on for months, and their the judicial system. being mistreated, Taylor said. allegations, in Japan’s equivalent bowing to a panel of three judges. defense team has indicated they Another American and former Taylor said he has been well of pleading guilty. They were ar- “After more than 400 days in want the trial to finish as soon as top Nissan executive, Greg Kelly, treated in Japan. rested in Massachusetts last year jail, I have had a lot of time to re- possible. Showing remorse for is on trial in Tokyo on charges of “I didn’t know much about Ja- and extradited to Japan in March. flect. I take full responsibility and wrongdoing is considered crucial under-reporting Ghosn’s com- pan. All I know is that the Japane- Peter Taylor, who allegedly deeply apologize. I am sorry,” he for defendants hoping for judi- pensation. Kelly says he is inno- se are the friendliest people I’ve met with Ghosn to plan the esca- said. cial leniency. cent and was only trying to pay ever bumped into,” he said. pe, also apologized to the court If convicted of helping a crimi- Ghosn, who led Nissan for Ghosn legally. MDT/AP Popular ex-prosecutor in S. Korea launches presidential bid HYUNG-JIN KIM, SEOUL main conservative oppo- has called for engagement sition People Power Party, with North Korea and dras-

OUTH Korea’s former AP PHOTO though he said he shares its tic steps to reform family- Stop prosecutor launched basic political philosophy. -run conglomerates and a bid to run in next year’s Some observers say Yoon other establishments, Yoon’s presidential election yester- may launch his own party election platform is still day, vowing to unseat the if he maintains his current unknown. Yoon stressed the current liberal government popularity. need to cooperate with Nor- that he once worked for and The long-dominant Peo- th Korea and restore frayed that he also investigated for ple Power Party was in disar- ties with Japan, but didn’t possible corruption. ray following the explosive elaborate. Yoon Suk Yeol tops sur- 2016 corruption scandal Whoever becomes the veys on the South Korean that led to the impeachment next South Korean president public’s preferred future lea- and ouster of then-Presi- will face a slew of daunting der, and his announcement dent Park Geun-hye. Its po- challenges such as an in- will likely heat up the race pularity has revived since it creasing North Korean nu- to find a successor for Pre- elected a 36-year-old party clear threat, the U.S.-China sident Moon Jae-in, whose member as its new chair- rivalry, skyrocketing hou- single five-year term has their ties soured as some of it also helped Yoon emerge Moon’s governing Demo- man this month, sparking sing prices and high youth been marked by roller-coas- Moon’s political allies were as a potential opposition cratic Party hit back at Yoon, hopes for a generational unemployment. ter diplomacy with North investigated over corruption candidate as the conserva- accusing him of failing to change in local politics. Some critics question if Korea, a deepening domes- and other charges. tives still have no clear stan- clearly explain his vision Yoon’s main rival is go- political novice Yoon can wi- tic divide and varied econo- Moon’s supporters have dard-bearer to fight against and why he is running for verning party member Lee thstand the expected massi- mic woes. accused Yoon of using the Moon’s governing party in the presidency. Jae-myung, the governor of ve political offensive by his “I’m stepping forward investigations to boost his the presidential election set “Today’s announcement Gyeonggi province that sur- opponents. with a determination to political standing or thwart for next March. of his election bid is full of rounds Seoul, the capital. In 2017, former U.N. change the government,” Moon’s prosecution refor- During yesterday’s news vagueness and self-contra- In a public survey con- Secretary-General Ban Ki- Yoon said at a news confe- ms. Yoon has said the inves- conference, Yoon called the diction,” party spokesperson ducted by the Seoul-based -moon was once a favorite rence. “I’ll join forces with tigations were conducted Moon government “cor- Lee So-young said. “He only private Korea Society Opi- to replace the impeached everyone yearning for a shift in line with due procedures rupt,” “incompetent” and focused on criticizing the nion Institute last week, Park, but questions about in power and achieve that and principles. “arrogant.” He said he wants government that he himself 32.4% of respondents choo- his political competence surely.” While the infighting in- to restore constitutionalism served in, and the nature se Yoon as the most suitable and corruption allegations Yoon, who resigned as vited public criticism that and the principle of fair- and contents of liberal de- figure for the next president, forced his abrupt with- prosecutor-general in Mar- Moon’s anti-corruption ness that he says have been mocracy that Yoon Suk Yeol and Lee came in next with drawal from the race. Moon ch, had led Moon’s push campaign was only tough marred by the Moon gover- talked about were vague.” 28.4%. then scored an easy victory to root out corruption. But on his political opponents, nment. Yoon has not joined the Compared with Lee, who in the election. MDT/AP page 12 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo WORLD 國際 30.06.2021 wed

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of our righteous martyrs against the perpetrators of this day in history AP PHOTO this heinous crime and with God’s help we will make the pace mission enemy taste the bitterness of 1971 S revenge,” they said. ends in tragedy The Popular Mobilization Forces, an Iraqi state-sanctio- ned umbrella of mostly Shiite militias — including those targeted by the U.S. strikes — said their men were on mis- sions to prevent infiltration by the Islamic State group and denied the presence of weapons warehouses. Iraq’s military condem- ned the strikes as a “blatant and unacceptable violation of Iraqi sovereignty and na- tional security.” It called for avoiding escalation, but also rejected that Iraq be an “are- Three Russian cosmonauts have been found dead na for settling accounts” — a in their space capsule after it made what looked like reference to the U.S. and Iran. a perfect landing in Kazakhstan. It represented rare condem- Lieutenant-Colonel Georgi Dobrovolsky, Vladislav US troops in Syria nation by the Iraqi military of Volkov and Viktor Patsayev were found dead in their U.S. airstrikes. seats on the Soyuz 11 but did not appear to have In Iran, foreign ministry suffered any physical injuries. spokesman Saeed Khatibza- Post mortem examinations are being carried out deh accused the U.S. of crea- and the Soviet Government has ordered an imme- attacked after diate inquiry into the tragedy. ting instability in the region. The most likely causes are oxygen failure on re-en- “Definitely, what the U.S. is try into the atmosphere or unknown side-effects of doing is disrupting the se- their lengthy stay in space. curity of the region,” he said. airstrikes on militias The crew had spent a record 24 days in space, U.S. military officials have ROBERT BURNS & U.S. forces in Syria respon- drone attacks since April. the longest period anyone has yet remained “wei- grown increasingly alarmed LOLITA C. BALDOR, ded in self-defense with ar- Secretary of State Antony ghtless” and experts believe this could be linked to over drone strikes targeting WASHINGTON tillery fire at the rocket-laun- Blinken, speaking to repor- their deaths. ching positions. ters in Rome. said Biden has U.S. military bases in Iraq, The cosmonauts had become the first men to stay .S. troops in eas- Kirby said the U.S. military been clear that the U.S. will which became more com- at a space station when they docked with the So- tern Syria came targeted three operational act to protect American per- mon since a U.S.-directed viet Salyut 1. They were conducting scientific ex- under rocket at- and weapons storage facili- sonnel. drone killed Iranian Gen. periments and observations during their trip which tack yesterday ties — two in Syria and one in “This action in self-defen- Qassem Soleimani near the started when they launched on 6 June. U(local time), with no reported Iraq. In its release of videos of se to do what’s necessary to Baghdad airport last year. Ira- The tragedy follows a number of problems invol- casualties, one day after U.S. the strikes by Air Force F-15 do to prevent further atta- qi militia leader Abu Mahdi ving Soyuz craft and could seriously damage the fu- Air Force planes carried out and F-16 aircraft, the Pen- cks, I think sends a very im- al-Muhandis was also killed ture of the Soviet space programme. airstrikes near the Iraq-Syria tagon described one target portant and strong message. in the attack. The strike drew In 1967 Vladimir Komarov became the first man to border against what the Pen- as a coordination center for And I hope very much that it the ire of mostly Shiite Iraqi die in space when the parachute on his Soyuz 1 de- tagon said were facilities used the shipment and transfer of is received,” he said. “I think lawmakers and prompted veloped trouble on landing and, after several other troubled missions, the flight by Soyuz 10 was aban- by Iran-backed militia groups advanced conventional wea- we’ve demonstrated with the parliament to pass a non- doned before any of the crew boarded the space to support drone strikes insi- pons. actions taken last night and binding resolution to pres- station due to technical difficulties. de Iraq. Kirby said the airstrikes actions taken previously, that sure the Iraqi government to The men will be buried at the Kremlin wall alongside Iraq’s military condem- were “defensive,” saying they the president is fully prepa- oust foreign troops from the Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space. were launched in response to red to act and act appropria- country. ned the U.S. airstrikes, and To acknowledge the magnitude of what the crew the attacks by militias. tely and deliberately to pro- Sunday’s strikes mark the the militia groups called for undertook they were immediately named Heroes of second time the Biden admi- revenge against the United “The United States took tect us.” the . Mr Volkov has been given a Gold nistration launched airstrikes States. necessary, appropriate, and Two Iraqi militia officials Star medal as he was previously named a hero of So- along the Iraq-Syria border Pentagon Press Secretary deliberate action designed told The Associated Press in viet Union. John Kirby said the militias to limit the risk of escalation Baghdad that four militia- region. In February, the U.S. were using the facilities to — but also to send a clear men were killed in the airs- launched airstrikes against Courtesy BBC News launch unmanned aerial and unambiguous deterrent trikes near the border with facilities in Syria, near the vehicle attacks against U.S. message,” Kirby said. Syria. Both spoke on condi- Iraqi border, that it said were troops in Iraq. It was the se- The Pentagon said the fa- tion of anonymity because used by Iranian-backed mili- cond time the administration cilities were used by Iran-ba- they were not authorized to tia groups. has taken military action in cked militia factions, inclu- give statements. They said The Pentagon said those the region since Biden took ding Kata’ib Hezbollah and the first strike hit a weapons strikes were retaliation for a over earlier this year. Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada. storage facility inside Syrian rocket attack in Iraq earlier There was no indication A Pentagon spokeswo- territory, where the militia- that month that killed one that Sunday’s attacks were man, Navy Cmdr. Jessica Mc- men were killed. The second civilian contractor and wou- meant as the start of a wider, Nulty, said that each strike hit strike hit the border strip. nded a U.S. service member sustained U.S. air campaign its intended target and that The Syrian Observatory and other coalition troops. the U.S. military was still as- for Human Rights, a Britain- At that time, Biden said in the border region. But a n context spokesman for the U.S. mi- sessing the results of the ope- -based group that closely Iran should view his decision I to authorize U.S. airstrikes in litary mission based in Ba- ration. monitors the Syrian con- The inquiry concluded the three cosmonauts on the ghdad, Col. Wayne Marotto, “The targets selected flict through activists on the Syria as a warning that it can Soyuz 11 were killed by a fatal rise in their blood pres- wrote on Twitter Monday were facilities utilized by ground, reported that at least expect consequences for its sure caused when the cabin became depressurised. that at 7:44 p.m. (U.S. time) the network of Iran-backed seven Iraqi militiamen were support of militia groups that The cabin became depressurised because air es- caped through a hole created when the landing cap- militia groups responsible threaten U.S. interests or per- “U.S. forces in Syria were at- killed in the airstrikes. sule separated from the main craft. sonnel. tacked by multiple rockets.” for the series of recent atta- The Iran-backed Iraqi mi- The crew who died - Georgy Dobrovolsky, Vladislav He said there were no injuries cks against facilities housing litia factions vowed revenge “You can’t act with impu- Volkov and Viktor Patsayev - had been brought in and that attack damage was U.S. personnel in Iraq,” Mc- for the attack and said in a nity. Be careful,” Biden said as replacements for the original crew when Valery being assessed. Nulty said. She said those joint statement they would when a reporter asked what Kubasov became ill. It was two years before Russia sent another manned groups have conducted at message he had intended to Marotto later tweeted that continue to target U.S. forces. craft into space. while under rocket attack, least five such “one-way” “We ... will avenge the blood send. MDT/AP www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 13 wed 30.06.2021 資訊／娛樂 INFOTAINMENT

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YOUR STARS The Born Loser by Chip Sansom

Aries Taurus

Mar. 21-Apr. 19 Apr. 20-May. 20 Aren’t you curious to know what Call a spade a spade. People that is? Give them some but not will respect your honesty and all of your time. Make it clear give you more responsibility that you have boundaries that because of it. If someone is you have no intention of crossing bragging a bit too much, tell for them, at least not yet. them not to be so pompous.

Gemini Cancer

May. 21-Jun. 21 Jun. 22-Jul. 22 Whether or not you have a good Be wary of extravagant gifts day totally depends on your from co-workers or casual attitude this morning. If you’re acquaintances. They could feeling up for a challenge, then be giving you something with you’re going to be well pleased the expectation that they’ll be with how the day unfolds. getting something in return. SUDOKU WEATHER Leo Virgo MIN MAX CONDITION Jul. 23-Aug. 22 Aug. 23-Sep. 22 Easy Easy+ CHINA It will be surprisingly simple Your growing confidence is helping Beijing 33 to do, and it will give you one you impress all the right people 26 thundershower more achievement to celebrate. now, but too much action might Harbin 18 31 cloudy Ask around and you’ll find out cause you to get overwhelmed all that a few of your friends have over again. Do yourself a favor and Tianjin 28 34 thundershower something to celebrate too! scale back on your plans for the day. Urumqi 17 24 moderate rain Xi’an 36 Libra Scorpio 19 clear Lhasa 12 22 drizzle Sep.23-Oct. 22 Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Chengdu 19 31 clear When it comes to making new Your ego is growing, and that is Chongqing 21 30 cloudy friends, you’re going to be nothing but a good thing! Now absolutely unstoppable today. might be the right time to take that Kunming 17 25 moderate rain Everyone wants to be on your risk that has intimidated you for so Nanjing 31 team, and they won’t be shy about long. You may finally have the faith 23 cloudy letting you know it! in yourself that you need to prevail. 23 28 drizzle Wuhan 24 31 shower Sagittarius Capricorn Medium Hard Hangzhou 22 27 drizzle Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Taipei 26 30 overcast That grouchy person who tries They’ll be flattered by the Guangzhou 26 33 thundershower to steal your parking space, the attention, which will encourage overbearing boss who spends more them to keep on going with this 27 32 cloudy time breathing down your neck than lifestyle renovation. Don’t be doing their own job, the roommate afraid to let someone know you’re who never cleans up their messes. proud of them. WORLD Aquarius Pisces Moscow 13 18 moderate rain Frankfurt 16 26 drizzle Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Feb.19-Mar. 20 Paris 14 21 This day could unfold in some Someone you care deeply about cloudy unpredictable directions, but has been living in a bit of a London 12 21 drizzle not knowing exactly what’s fantasyland lately, and it’s going going to happen next might be to be up to you to give them the New York 21 28 cloudy a very good thing for you right reality check they need. It’s never now. fun to burst someone’s bubble...

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MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

would close with around 65% ho- tel capacity. AP PHOTO “This year, I believe no hotelier opened their hotel for profit. We all opened our hotels because we had to open, because you unders- tand that if you’re shut after a year, you’re off the market,” said Vallis. “We’ll be forgotten both as a des- tination and as hotels.” For some visitors, however, the lack of crowds was part of the at- traction. “I won’t hide it, we prefer it when it’s quieter,” said Alain Du- meslil, who wandered down to the cove of Agios Isidoros with his wife Corinne after swimming in the turquoise sea nearby. From Nice in France, the couple fre- quently visit Greece in late Sep- tember when most tourists have left. “Now, I’d say it’s still quiet,” he said. “But you can feel that peo- ple are preparing. The restaurant owners are repainting their chairs, Slow tourism start on Greek the terraces are being organized — we can see the potential of Sa- mos.” island but businesses optimistic Business owners said many vi- ELENA BECATOROS, KOKKARI season will pick up as the summer tive to everything that happens in because of the earthquake (some sitors so far were people who va- wears on, vaccine drives speed up the world, and the pandemic is a of the) shops are broken, com- cation on Samos every year. HE picturesque seaside villa- and confidence in travel increa- really serious situation.” pletely broken, and it’s not busy Thanassis Safis, who runs a Tge of Kokkari on the Greek is- ses. Although demand at his dive at all,” she said. “We opened to restaurant in Kokkari harbor, said land of Samos is unusually quiet Greece was one of the first Eu- center was already high, hotel survive, to pay our rent, to pay the repeat customers he was in touch for this time of year. Sunbeds on ropean Union countries to decla- bookings were low. “But we are people which are working with us, with were waiting for the travel si- its long pebble beach lie mostly re itself open to tourism this year, confident that come July they will my staff. But of course, I hope it’s tuation to stabilize. empty; customers in the shops are allowing visitors in from mid-May pick up,” he said. “We are already getting better.” “There is the will. It’s the flights few and far between. with either a negative corona- looking forward to a really strong Marheinecke used to employ that aren’t available,” he said. About a month after Greece virus test, proof of vaccination August and September and it four people, but she’s been forced For now, his restaurant is only officially opened to international or proof of recent recovery from seems that our season will be ex- to cut back to just one and shor- open for dinner on weekdays, ins- visitors, the uncertainty of travel COVID-19. Apart from accepting tended till the middle of October.” ten her opening hours to make tead of from lunch onward. But during a pandemic is still taking EU-approved vaccine certificates, His hopes were echoed by other ends meet until business picks up, he’s managing to fill nearly all his its toll on the country’s vital tou- it also recognizes China’s and Rus- Samos business owners looking to she said. tables. rist industry. sia’s vaccines. offset last year’s losses. Beyond the In early June, hotels were ope- As a young entrepreneur in his Greece’s travel receipts fell But in a shifting landscape pandemic, the island also faced rating at around 20-25% capacity 30s who launched his restaurant more than 75% last year compa- where countries’ travel rules for damage from a powerful October on average, said Manos Vallis, pre- in 2015 at the height of Greece’s fi- red with 2019, dropping from 18.2 their own nationals keep chan- earthquake and a severe storm in sident of the Samos hoteliers’ as- nancial crisis, he said he remains billion euros to 4.3 billion euros. ging, the uncertainty has made February. sociation and head of the Doryssa optimistic. The government says it hopes to many hesitant to make holiday Petra Marheinecke, a German Hotels and Resorts group, which “We’ve been through many reach half the 2019 visitor level bookings. woman who has run a gift and runs six hotels and has a seventh difficulties but we’re always posi- this year. “The situation is really liquid garment store in Kokkari since under construction. But there was tive,” he said. “It was very difficult But the season’s start has been right now,” said Alexandros Ma- 1994, opened her shop in early optimism that would increase, in 2015 but we were very patient, slow. Business owners are putting lagaris, who runs two hotels and June. with more last-minute bookings and we endured, and we succee- on a brave face, opening hotels, a scuba diving center in Kokkari. “But it’s really not worth it to than usual and Greeks expected in ded. It needs patience and a lot of shops and restaurants, hoping the “Of course, tourism is very sensi- open. Many shops are closed, and August. Vallis estimated the year willpower.” MDT/AP

CORPORATE BITS Melco announces senior notes listing on MOX GEG donates groceries to Caritas Macau ther development as a world- rice, cooking oil, noodles, bis- -recognized financial hub and cuits, and canned foods were tourism center.” collected earlier from the ho- Listing of, and permission to tel’s team members who do- deal in, the notes have been nated them during the food granted by the MOX effective collection campaign set-up at yesterday, June 29. the property’s back-of-house The notes were issued by in support of Caritas Macau’s Melco Resorts Finance in De- food recycling scheme. cember 2019 and January Caritas secretary-general 2021. Paul Pun said, “The pandemic Lawrence Ho, chairman and has caused a surge in the de- CEO of Melco Resorts & En- mand for short-term food as- tertainment, said, “As one of sistance. […] These food su- the region’s leading integrated pplies are a blessing for many Melco Resorts & Entertain- Exchange Co., Limited (MOX). resorts developer and ope- people, including those who ment has announced the The gaming operator said rator, we gladly support the have been stranded in Ma- listing of the 5.375% senior in a statement that the listing diversified development of lo- StarWorld Hotel donated privileged people during the cau due to the pandemic. We notes due 2029 issued by its “supports the local financial cal Macau industries through over 1,200 kilograms of food pandemic. look forward to continuing our subsidiary, Melco Resorts Fi- trading platform and de- our wide-reaching series of and groceries to Caritas Ma- According to Galaxy Enter- work with GEG and to spread nance Limited, on the Chon- monstrates the company’s corporate social responsibility cau in hopes of alleviating the tainment Group (GEG), the love and care to the wider gwa (Macao) Financial Asset confidence in the city’s - fur initiatives. basic food needs of under- food supplies, which includes community.” www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 15 wed 30.06.2021 體育 SPORTS

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

hour really hurt us.” Paul Pogba made it 3-1 in the 75th with a right-foot shot from Switzerland beats France 5-4 20 meters and it looked like the game was out of reach. But just as quickly as France had taken over the match, they let it go again. on penalties at Euro 2020 Seferovic scored another hea- der in the 81st minute and substi- U revoir France, this tute Mario Gavranović made it 3-3 summer belongs to with only seconds remaining. Yann Sommer. AP PHOTO France had been trying to win The Switzerland back-to-back major titles for the goalkeeper,A who left in the middle second time. The French won the of the European Championship’s World Cup in 1998 and followed group stage to be with his wife for that up with the title at Euro 2000. the birth of their second daugh- Five years ago, France lost in the ter, made the biggest save of his Euro 2016 final, but then won the life against one of the best players 2018 World Cup. in the world. Mbappé was only 19 when That gave the Swiss a 5-4 pe- France won that title in Moscow, nalty shootout victory over World and he became youngest player Cup champion France on Mon- since Pele in 1958 to score in a day and a spot in the quarterfinals World Cup final. of a major soccer tournament for The Brazilian great was quick the first time in 67 years. The ma- to offer his support after the hear- tch had finished 3-3. t-breaking miss in Bucharest. Sommer dived to his right to “Keep your head up, Kylian! save the final penalty by Kylian Tomorrow is the first day of a new Mbappé, the young France journey, @KMbappe,” the Brazil forward who became a superstar great wrote on Twitter. at the last World Cup by scoring in France coach Didier Des- the final. Switzerland’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer champs played on those winning “I think that everything we had teams more than 20 years ago, in us, we left out on the field,” with heart and with character. It’s St. Petersburg. wake up his teammates. Karim and was trying to become the first Sommer said. “I’m unbelievably amazing.” It was the third game in the Benzema scored moments later man to achieve the feat as both a proud of this team, how we’ve The Swiss haven’t reached the round of 16 at Euro 2020 to go to in the 57th, and then again in the player and a coach. done it this evening.” quarterfinals at a major tourna- extra time but the first to be deci- 59th to give France the quick-tur- “It hurts but we have to accept Sommer, who flew back to ment since they hosted the Wor- ded by penalties. naround lead. it,” Deschamps said. “It’s football. Germany after the team’s 3-0 loss ld Cup in 1954. This team also Haris Seferovic put Switzer- “We went through every emo- Everyone is really disappoin- to Italy to be home when his dau- ended a run of three consecuti- land in the lead with a header in tion possible and honestly that ted. Everyone’s sad in the locker ghter was born on June 16, made ve exits in the round of 16. They the 15th minute as France strug- was football the way we like it,” room. But the whole squad is still the decisive save on the 10th pe- were knocked out by Poland after gled to work itself into the game. Lloris said. “The two goals we united in this difficult moment.” nalty after the previous nine had losing a penalty shootout 5-4 at But that all changed early in the conceded in the last quarter of an MDT/AP all been successful. Euro 2016. second half when the Swiss were “What an evening of football,” “We made history tonight,” awarded a penalty. Sommer said. “It was our chance Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka France goalkeeper Hugo Llo- Latest results to finally go through the round said. “We are all very proud.” ris, the team’s captain, saved Ri- Croatia 3 5 Spain of 16, because we never made it The Swiss will next play Spain cardo Rodríguez’s spot kick in the France 4 5 Switzerland before. It’s incredible. We played in the quarterfinals on Friday in 55th minute and that seemed to

Spain taking six players from Euro 2020 to Tokyo Olympics AKING advantage of Fuente said. “They are you- because of an injury, whi- TSpanish clubs’ obli- ng players with spectacular le Asensio recently lost his gation to release players, quality. Hopefully they will place in the team coached AP PHOTO Spain will take six members arrive just after the (Euro by Luis Enrique. from its European Cham- 2020) final, after having The absence of veteran pionship squad to the won the title.” Sergio Ramos ended spe- Tokyo Olympics. De la Fuente said some culation about whether he Olympic coach Luis de international clubs de- would be on the Olympic la Fuente announced a list nied the request to release list after being left off the of 22 players yesterday in- players, as is their right. Euro 2020 squad following cluding Unai Simón, Eric Local legislation forces Spa- a season plagued by inju- García, Pau Torres, Pedri nish clubs to do it, though. ries. González, Mikel Oyarzabal “We are lucky that the “I’m sure he understands and Dani Olmo. They are Spanish clubs have the obli- the circumstances that in the Euro 2020 squad that gation to release players,” made me make this deci- on Monday advanced to the he said. sion,” De la Fuente said. “I quarterfinals. The only players from had to reward the players Simón, García and Pedri non-Spanish clubs in the who helped us make it to were in the starting lineup Olympic squad are Olmo of the Olympic Games.” as Spain defeated Croatia Leipzig and Rafa Mir of Wol- He said Spain and other 5-3 in extra time in Cope- verhampton Wanderers. associations have asked nhagen. Torres and Olmo The three players over officials to allow national also have started for Spain 24 in Spain’s squad will be teams to take 22 players at Euro 2020. Dani Ceballos, Marco Asen- instead of the 18 that are “These players will arri- sio and Mikel Merino. currently the maximum Spain won the Olympics medal in 2000 in Sydney open its Tokyo Games cam- ve greatly motivated, with Ceballos hadn’t been cal- allowed at the Olympic in men’s soccer in 1992 in and in 1920 in Antwerp. paign against Egypt on July greater experience,” De la led up for the senior team tournament. Barcelona. It won the silver Spain is scheduled to 22. MDT/AP Greek police recover Picasso, the Mondrian works stolen in 2012 BUZZ Greek police say they have recovered two paintings by 20th century bbed a fourth work, also by Mondrian, but abandoned it as they fled. masters Pablo Picasso and Piet Mondrian, nearly a decade after their Police said at the time that the heist was completed in about seven theft from the country’s biggest state art gallery in Athens. minutes. A statement yesterday said the two works were in the hands of the The stolen Picasso was a cubist female bust which the Spanish police, but provided no detail on their condition and on whether any painter had donated to Greece in 1949 with a dedication “in homage arrests had been made. to the Greek people” for their resistance to Nazi German occupying The paintings were stripped from their frames during a well-orga- forces during World War II. OPINION nized, overnight heist at the National Art Gallery on Jan. 9 2012. The The thieves also took a 1905 representational oil painting of a river- burglars had also taken a pen and ink drawing of a religious scene by side windmill by Mondrian, the Dutch painter who became famous China Daily Italian 16th century painter Guglielmo Caccia. They had initially gra- for his later, abstract linear works. Editorial, China Daily

Talks signal Netherlands Law shared intent to enforcement officers

uphold rules-based AP PHOTO seized nearly three tons of cocaine and 11.3 global system million euros in cash when they raided a farm Thursday marks the 100th anniversary near Amsterdam in one of the founding of the Communist Party of of the city’s biggest ever China, and July 16 is the 20th anniversary of drug hauls, police said the signing of the Treaty of Good-neighbor- yesterday. The cocaine, liness and Friendly Cooperation between with an estimated street China and Russia. The discussions between value of 195 million the leaders of the two countries at this spe- euros, was piled up in cial moment highlights their common will tightly wrapped blocks to push their comprehensive strategic part- throughout the building nership to a new height. about 20 kilometers south Comparing notes on a series of global of the Dutch capital and and regional issues of common concern, in vehicles searched by the video conference between President Xi investigators. Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladi- mir Putin on Monday has further deepened Ethiopia declares the strategic mutual trust between the two countries, and consolidated their shared AP PHOTO determination to promote global develop- immediate, unilateral ment and safeguard world peace and stabi- lity. While some big countries are attempting cease-fire in Tigray Germany Thunderstorms to hijack the global agenda, weaponize hu- hit Germany yesterday THIOPIA’S government in a statement that he had approach, at least for a whi- man rights and democracy, and backpedal and torrential rain poured on the achievements of global governance Edeclared an immediate, spoken with the prime mi- le. down on southern and and economic globalization, close strategic unilateral cease-fire Mon- nister and “I am hopeful that The cease-fire “will ena- western parts of the coordination and cooperation between Bei- day in its Tigray region after an effective cessation of hos- ble farmers to till their land, country leading to dozens jing and Moscow are setting a good exam- nearly eight months of dea- tilities will take place.” aid groups to operate wi- of accidents and hundreds of firefighter operations ple of relations featuring high-level political dly conflict as Tigray fighters Meanwhile, Mekele resi- thout any military move- throughout the night. In mutual trust, close strategic coordination occupied the regional capi- dents cheered the return of ment around and engage Bavaria, some villages and win-win economic and trade coopera- tal and government soldiers Tigray forces for the first time with remnants (of Tigray’s were flooded, including tion, and helping to uphold the UN-cente- retreated in a region where since Ethiopian troops took former ruling party) who Moemlingen, near red rules that are the bedrock for the inter- hundreds of thousands are the city in late November seek peace,” Ethiopia’s sta- Frankfurt, where streets national order. were completely covered Rather than any need to counter the con- suffering in the world’s worst and Abiy declared victory. tement said, adding that ef- famine crisis. The Tigray fighters, loyal to forts to bring Tigray’s former by water and mud and frontational stance of Western countries, as many basements had to be The cease-fire could calm the former regional ruling leaders “to justice” continue. some allege, it is their shared commitment pumped dry by firefighters. to the UN-centered international system, a war that has destabilized party that for years domina- Ethiopia said the cease- multilateralism and economic globaliza- Africa’s second most popu- ted Ethiopia’s government -fire will last until the end of Spanish Cabinet yesterday tion, as well as the strong complementarity lous country and threatened before being sidelined by the crucial planting season passed a draft bill on between their economies, that has injected to do the same in the wider the new prime minister, un- in Tigray. The season’s end LGBTQ rights that will seek continuous vitality into Sino-Russian rela- Horn of Africa, where Ethio- dermined the declaration by comes in September. The parliamentary approval to tions. pia has been seen as a key waging a guerrilla war in the government ordered all fe- allow transgender people If interventionism, unilateralism and he- over 16 years old to freely security ally for the West. It region’s rough terrain. deral and regional authori- gemony were to prevail, not only would the change their gender trend toward a fairer postwar order be brou- comes as the country awaits As Tigray forces occu- ties to respect the cease-fire and name in the official ght to an abrupt halt, it would also undo the the results of national elec- pied the airport and other — crucial as authorities and registry without doctors development achievements the world has tions that Prime Minister key positions in Mekele and fighters from the neighbo- or witnesses intervening in made through multilateralism. Abiy Ahmed promoted as broadcast a message telling ring Amhara region have the process. The proposal While the outbreak of the novel coronavi- the centerpiece of reforms residents to stop celebra- been accused of atrocities in could still change during rus has made exchanges between countries that won him the 2019 No- ting and go home, retreating western Tigray. a lengthy parliamentary approval process that difficult, it has not prevented Sino-Russian bel Peace Prize. Ethiopian soldiers shot at Tigray in recent days has relations from reaching their highest his- begins with the left-wing Abiy’s transformation students at Mekele Universi- seen some of the fiercest fi- torical level, which is evidenced not only coalition government’s by the two leaders’ frequent conversations from making peace to wa- ty, killing two and wounding ghting of the conflict. Inter- move. by telephone and video links, but also the ging war has appalled many three, said a nurse at Ayder national pressure on Ethio- robust increase in the two countries’ trade observers since the fighting hospital, who spoke on con- pia spiked again last week and economic cooperation, and the exten- in Tigray erupted in No- dition of anonymity out of after a military airstrike on ding of the treaty which was due to expire vember. Since then, the fear of retaliation. a busy market killed more AP PHOTO this year. world has struggled to ac- Ethnic Tigrayans, even than 60 people, and after Any countries hoping to sow discord be- cess much of the region and those who didn’t support the Doctors Without Borders tween Beijing and Moscow are destined for investigate growing allega- former ruling Tigray People’s said three staffers had been disappointment, as the solidarity of the re- Mexico’s Supreme Court tions of atrocities including Liberation Front before the murdered in a separate inci- lationship between the two is based on a ordered the government to issue permits for the shared commitment to such basic princi- gang rapes and forced star- war, say they have been tar- dent. personal use of marijuana ples as mutual respect, peaceful co-existen- vation. Thousands of people geted harshly for suspected Amid the upheaval on and for the growing of ce and equity. in the region of 6 million links with the Tigray fighters. Monday, the United Na- limited amounts of pot The pragmatic cooperation between the have been killed. Ethiopia has denied it. tions children’s agency said plants, after the country’s two countries under various frameworks, Ethiopia’s statement But Abiy in an interview Ethiopian soldiers entered Congress took too long including the Shanghai Cooperation Orga- was carried by state media aired last week alarmed ob- its office in Mekele and dis- to approve a limited nization, has never targeted any third party, shortly after the Tigray inte- servers by recalling that aid mantled satellite communi- legalization law. In 2019, and will never do so in the future. What the rim administration, appoin- to Tigray during Ethiopia’s cations equipment, an act it the court ruled that two countries are trying to defend with other ted by the federal govern- devastating 1980s famine said violated the world bo- prohibiting marijuana like-minded countries is the basic norms of was unconstitutional, international relations that concern the im- ment, fled the regional capi- had bolstered the Tigray fi- dy’s immunity. UNICEF last tal, Mekele, and called for a ghters who eventually over- week warned that at least and gave lawmakers mediate interests of all countries. until this past April 30 to It is to be hoped that the stable and heal- cease-fire on humanitarian threw the ruling regime. 33,000 severely malnou- pass a law. In March, the thy development of Sino-Russian relations grounds so that desperately Such a thing will “never ha- rished children face “immi- lower house approved a will continue to serve the people of the two needed aid can be delivered. ppen” now, he said. nent risk of death” without marijuana legalization bill, countries and those beyond. U.N. Secretary-Gene- Monday’s cease-fire de- more aid reaching Tigray’s but it bogged down in the ral Antonio Guterres said claration signaled a new people. MDT/AP Senate.