RAMADAN 7, 1442 AH MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2021

16 Pages Max 39º Min 23º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 18413 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

Frontliner was first Indonesian Jumping the gun: Saudis keep Chelsea end Man City’s quadruple to die of COVID abroad: Envoy ‘Taasheer’ war dance alive quest to reach FA Cup final 4 12 15 Fajr 03:55 Shurooq 05:18 Dhuhr 11:47 Asr 15:22 Maghrib 18:17 Isha 19:37

Opposition plans another motion to remove Speaker

Rights body urges govt to drop age-limit clause on expats’ work permits

By B Izzak Sabah to either face the grilling or resign to save the country from a major political crisis. MP Bader Al- KUWAIT: Opposition MPs yesterday began another Humaidi said the Prime Minister should either face the attempt aimed at the removal of Assembly Speaker grilling or resign because the decision taken to delay his Marzouk Al-Ghanem for calling guards into the chamber grillings is a breach of the constitution. as several lawmakers called on HH the Premier to resign. MP Osama Al-Munawer insisted that the only way Leading opposition MP Shuaib Al-Muwaizri said out of the ongoing crisis for the premier is to face the yesterday that he began collecting signatures of MPs on grilling or retake the voting without the participation of a motion calling for sacking the speaker for allowing the the cabinet ministers. MP Hasan Jowhar said the events guards into the hall and for breaching the constitution. A in the last few assembly sessions clearly show that there previous attempt signed by 23 MPs failed last week is an organized attempt to abort this assembly, adding when a majority of the house combining government that postponing grillings is null and void. ministers and pro-government MPs rejected to even In the meantime, Kuwait Society for Human Rights debate the motion. called on the government yesterday to scrap a decision Muwaizri said the action by the speaker was by the manpower authority to stop the renewal of work unprecedented in the history of democracy in Kuwait, permits for expats over 60 years of age and who only adding that this represented a flagrant attack on the con- have higher secondary certificates or lower. stitution and democracy. He said the motion will be sub- The Society also called for scrapping the existing mitted after collecting the signatures of lawmakers on it. Kafeel or sponsorship law and replacing with another The speaker called the assembly guards after he system that complies with international humanitarian claimed opposition MPs assaulted the secretary general laws. The Society said in a statement that many expats who was taking the vote on a decision to delay the who are over 60 years old were born in the country and KUWAIT: People wait in line to get their vaccines against COVID-19 in front of the Kuwait Vaccination grillings of the prime minister for over 18 months, which lived most of their lives here and their relation to their Center at the Kuwait International Fairground in Mishref yesterday. Kuwait has immunized nearly 20 the opposition insists is not in line with the constitution. home countries is the passport only. The Society also percent of its population so far. (See Page 3) — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat Several opposition MPs yesterday called on His criticized decisions by the government raising fees for Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- renewal of residency for this category.

France, Germany and the European Union yes- rally for years to come. Ramadan Kareem US warns of terday joined a growing international chorus of “Call on all your protest at Navalny’s plight, and EU foreign ministers acquaintances and take to will discuss the situation today. central squares,” wrote consequences Concerns over Navalny’s health have mounted Volkov, who heads Fasting: A against the background of a new spike in tensions Navalny’s regional offices, if Navalny dies between Moscow and the West over a litany of adding that the protests worthwhile issues, including Russia’s troop build-up on should be massive. WASHINGTON: The United States yesterday Ukraine’s border, interference in US elections and There was no immedi- warned Russia of “consequences” if the hunger-strik- other perceived hostile activities. Navalny’s team ate reaction from the experience ing Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny dies in prison, as the yesterday called for massive protests across Russia Kremlin but the Russian opposition politician’s team called for mass protests on Wednesday evening, just hours after Putin is set ambassador in London, By Teresa Lesher across Russia to help save his life. A day after to deliver his state of nation address. Andrei Kelin, said Navalny’s doctors said Vladimir Putin’s most promi- “It’s to time to act. We are talking not just about Navalny “will not be Alexei Navalny amadan is an act of worship that is part nent critic could die “any minute”, US President Joe Navalny’s freedom but his life,” Navalny’s right-hand allowed to die in prison.” of being Muslim. The main purpose of Biden’s national security advisor said Washington had man Leonid Volkov said on Facebook. Volkov said “But I can say that Mr Navalny, he behaves like a Rfasting in Ramadan is to increase our warned the Kremlin that it would be “held account- Wednesday’s rally could become a decisive battle hooligan,” Kelin told the BBC. awareness of and connection to God minute by able by the international community” if he died. against “absolute evil” or Russia’s last opposition Continued on Page 2 minute and day after day. But there are addi- tional benefits of the month-long fast, such as increased self-discipline, patience, compassion, nearby provinces, Iran’s seismological agency said. blackouts and cut phone lines nearby but caused gratitude, and brotherhood, as well as docu- Meanwhile, tremors were felt in Kuwait yester- “no damage” at the Bushehr nuclear complex mented medical benefits. It is a time of spiritual Earthquake hits day morning shortly after the earthquake hit about 100 kilometers away. “The minor damage to growth, mental focus, physical training, and southwest Iran. The Kuwait National Seismic Genaveh’s water, electricity, telecommunication social solidarity. Everyone should try fasting, Iran; tremors Network registered a magnitude 2.8 tremor at 9:53 and gas infrastructure has been repaired,” the even for a single day, to reap some of its bene- am, followed by a magnitude 2.7 tremor at 10:03 head of the province’s crisis management told fits. This article will help you get started. am, according to KUNA. IRNA. Iran sits astride the boundaries of several felt in Kuwait The tremors were felt in several areas across major tectonic plates and experiences frequent Rules of fasting Kuwait after the earthquake that struck the port seismic activity. The procedure for fasting in Ramadan is TEHRAN: A 5.9-magnitude earthquake yesterday city of Bandar Genaveh in Bushehr province, In 2003, a 6.6-magnitude quake in southeastern easy: nothing should pass the throat from the hit Iran’s southwestern Bushehr province which southwestern Iran, around 9:40 am. The epicenter Iran leveled the ancient mud-brick city of Bam and crack of dawn (approximately 3:30 am) until the houses a nuclear power plant, injuring five people of the earthquake is 250 kilometers away from killed at least 31,000 people. Iran’s deadliest quake sun has set. Therefore, no foods or drinks are but causing no major damage, state media said. Kuwait, the network added. was a 7.4-magnitude tremor in 1990 that killed allowed. Some people mistakenly believe that if The 10-kilometer (six mile) deep quake hit 27 kilo- Iran’s news agency IRNA reported that the 40,000 people in the north, injured 300,000 and they could drink water, it would be easier; how- meters northwest of the port city of Genaveh at quake and several aftershocks caused power left half a million homeless. —AFP ever, a total fast - including from water - is what 11:11 am local time (0641 GMT) and was felt in gives the digestive system a rest. Drinking water will make you feel more hungry. media provided further details on the suspect. The legal action, according to In addition to abstaining from food and drinks, Iran asks Interpol intelligence ministry has not issued an official state- Interpol’s website. Muslims are required to abstain from sexual inti- ment. The ultraconservative Kayhan daily reported A “small explosion” hit macy, smoking, chewing gum, and general bad in its Sunday edition that “intelligence and judicial the Natanz plant’s elec- behavior such as shouting in anger. But one can to arrest Natanz authorities” are engaged in the process. It added tricity distribution system brush his teeth, rinse his mouth or gargle. that “after his identity was established, necessary a week ago, according to ‘sabotage’ suspect measures were taken through Interpol to arrest and the Atomic Energy Advice for fasting return” the suspect. Organization of Iran. The It is recommended to cut down on caffeine TEHRAN: Iran has asked Interpol to help arrest a Kayhan did not specify what form of Interpol Iranian foreign ministry before fasting, since an abrupt interruption can suspect in a sabotage attack on its Natanz nuclear assistance had been requested. Contacted by AFP accused arch-foe Israel of result in headaches. The night before the fast, facility which it blames on Israel, a local newspa- in Lyon, Interpol did not confirm or deny such a an act of “nuclear terror- Reza Karimi avoid fatty, spicy and salty foods. Before you per reported yesterday. National television has request being filed by Iran. “Interpol does not ... ism” and vowed revenge. start your fast, wake up at before the call to published a photo and identified the man as 43- comment on specific cases or individuals except in Israel has neither con- prayer and have a light but nutritious meal with year-old Reza Karimi, saying the intelligence min- special circumstances and with the approval of the firmed nor denied involvement but public radio plenty of liquids. The best foods are nuts, beans, istry had established his role in last week’s “sabo- member country concerned,” it added. reports said it was a sabotage operation by the fresh or dried fruits, cheese, eggs and of course, tage” at Natanz. As of yesterday noon, Interpol’s public “red Mossad spy agency, citing unnamed intelligence plenty of water. Some people like a cup of tea. The broadcaster said the suspect had “fled the notice” list online returned no results for Reza sources. The New York Times, quoting unnamed US Avoid lengthy exposure to the sun in the early country before the incident” and that “legal proce- Karimi. A Red Notice is a request to law enforce- and Israeli intelligence officials, also said there had morning as well as strenuous exercise early in dures to arrest and return him to the country are ment worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a been “an Israeli role” in the attack. Continued on Page 2 currently underway”. Neither state TV nor other person pending extradition, surrender or similar Continued on Page 2 2 Established 1961 Monday, April 19, 2021 Local Amir, Crown Prince receive state officials Prime Minister receives public works ministry’s strategic plan

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets His Sabah. — Amiri Diwan photos National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem. Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al- Defense Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah. Prince received Foreign Minister and Minister of Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah the Ministry of Public Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received His Highness the Furthermore, His Highness the Amir received Deputy State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Works’ strategic plan for 2035, which follows the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Prime Minister, Minister of Justice and Minister of Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah, and Interior Minister key performance indicator (KPI) measurement sys- Sabah at Bayan Palace yesterday. His Highness the State for Integrity Enhancement Abdullah Al-Roumi. Sheikh Thamer Ali Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. tem. The system measures employees’ performance Amir also received National Assembly Speaker Meanwhile, His Highness the Crown Prince In other news, Minister of Public Works and throughout the year through their level of achieving Marzouq Al-Ghanem, His Highness the Prime received Ghanem, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al- Minister of State for Communications and goals designed for supervisory or leadership roles, Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al- Khaled, Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali and Roumi at Information Technology Dr Rana Al-Fares presented ministry undersecretary Ismail Al-Failakawi said in a Sabah and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Bayan Palace. Moreover, His Highness the Crown to His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al- press statement. — KUNA

the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility and Zain presents Sustainability strategy to serve the needs of under- privileged individuals in Kuwait. Zain offered the ‘Machla’ to the Social Care Department via vouch- Ramadan Machla to ers in collaboration with Oncost, one of Kuwait’s biggest grocery markets, to give the department the social care centers opportunity to choose specific supplies as per every resident’s personal needs. KUWAIT: Zain, the leading digital service provider Zain commenced its Ramadan campaign by in Kuwait, presented ‘Ramadan Machla’ (supplies) delivering food supplies in collaboration with a to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Community number of its strategic partners, including the Development’s Social Care Centers. Zain’s initiative, Kuwait Food Bank. Zain delivered the supplies to which commenced before the arrival of the holy the bank’s storage facility at Sulaibiya, where over month of Ramadan, continues with the aim of serv- 10,000 individuals have benefited from the supplies ing the needs of the elderly, orphans, and people provided. The ‘Machla’ was distributed via special with special needs who reside within the ministry’s drive-thru routes that were built for this purpose in care centers. an effort to abide by health measures and protect Zain’s ‘Ramadan Machla’ initiative has kicked-off everyone from the danger of infection. before the arrival of the Holy Month in collaboration Zain also offered vouchers in collaboration with with a number of its strategic partners. The compa- Oncost to give each family the opportunity to KUWAIT: Waleed Al-Khashti presenting the ‘Machla’ to Musalam Al-Subaie with the presence of Zain and the ny’s officials visited the Social Care Department to choose specific supplies as per their personal ministry’s executives. deliver the supplies with the presence of the needs. The company delivered the vouchers to a Assistant Undersecretary for Social Care Musalam number of non-profit organizations, including the across Kuwait to ensure their delivery to those in ones, during such circumstances. Al-Subaie, Zain Kuwait’s Chief Corporate Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS), the Ministry need before the arrival of the holy month and during Zain’s Corporate Sustainability and Social Communications and Relations Officer Waleed Al- of Social Affairs and Community Development’s the continuing pandemic situation in order to guar- Responsibility campaign during the holy month of Khashti, and executive teams from the ministry and Social Care Centers, the Kuwait Food Bank, and the antee that families have enough quantities of the Ramadan aims at helping less fortunate people to company. Patients Support Fund Society. most basic supplies. The company hopes this initia- enjoy Ramadan happily, as well as celebrating the The initiative is one of the main pillars of Zain’s Zain’s distribution plan included the delivery of tive has a deep positive impact on the community’s true spirit the holy month brings by supporting annual Ramadan campaign, which came in line with the vouchers to the biggest certified organizations various segments, especially the most vulnerable humanitarian and charitable campaigns.

network of his regional offices as “extremist” organ- US warns of izations, in a move that would outlaw them in Russia and could result in jail time for their members or even supporters. Navalny was arrested in January on consequences... returning to Russia after recovering from a near- fatal poisoning attack he says was orchestrated by Continued from Page 1 the Kremlin. The Kremlin denies the allegation. The Putin critic is serving two and a half years on Authorities have ramped up pressure on old embezzlement charges-which he says are politi- Navalny’s supporters in recent months, detaining cally motivated-in a penal colony in the town of more than 10,000 protesters at opposition demon- Pokrov around 100 kilometers (60 miles) east of strations in January and February. Moscow. Navalny began a hunger strike on March On Friday, Russian prosecutors asked a court to 31 to demand proper medical treatment for back label Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation and the pain and numbness in his legs and hands. — AFP

read the entire Quran at least once during Ramadan. Fasting: A The best time to read is before or after the pre- dawn meal, but you could read it at any time. 2. Engage in prayer and supplication often, since worthwhile... Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Allah is angry with those who do not ask Him for Continued from Page 1 anything” (Tirmidhi). Making supplications while AMMAN: Kuwait Red Crescent Society workers distribute food as part of a project to offer free meals to fasting is highly recommended. The Prophet 15,000 Syrian refugees in Jordan throughout Ramadan. — KUNA the day. You may feel intensely hungry mid-day (PBUH) said, “The supplications of three persons are not rejected: the supplication of a fasting person but the feeling will pass after a few minutes. Don’t Syrian refugees in Jordan throughout the holy (especially) at the time of breaking fast, of a just worry if you feel a bit lightheaded or lethargic. month of Ramadan. Kuwaiti Ambassador to Jordan ruler, and of a person who is wronged... Allah caus- Kuwait funds These symptoms are more marked in the first two Aziz Al-Daihani said during the distribution process es their supplications to rise above the clouds, and or three days of the fast until your body is accus- that took place at the Jordanian Red Crescent gates of heaven are opened for them, and God says, tomed to the change in eating patterns. Take it easy scholarships for Center in Balqa Governorate that KRCS has contin- ‘By My Might, I will help you, even if it be after a and engage in quiet activities or take a nap when ued to provide humanitarian support to Syrian while’” (Tirmidhi). you feel tired. Once the sun has set, it is recom- refugees in Jordan since the outbreak of the Syrian 3. Plan to give in more charity during your fast. 100 Rohingya girls mended to break fast with some cool (not cold) crisis in 2011. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “The best charity water and dates (or something else sweet), which Daihani added that the State of Kuwait is keen to is that given in Ramadan” (Tirmidhi). The Prophet will refresh you rather quickly. Wait a few minutes KUWAIT: Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) alleviate the suffering of refugees and provide them (saws) was the most generous of people. He used to before having your meal and take your time - if you launched a project to send 100 girls from the with basic needs, taking into account the conditions be the most generous in Ramadan when he would eat too fast you may get a stomach ache. Rohingya refugee community in Bangladesh on in which they live and committing to the moral and meet with angel Gabriel and review the Quran with Fasting this way for several days has many health four-year university scholarships, funded by Kuwait legal role towards them, noting that these official him. Angel Gabriel would meet with the Prophet benefits; in addition, you will feel a sense of exhila- Finance House, KRCS announced yesterday. The and popular Kuwaiti efforts are nothing but a prac- every night in Ramadan to teach him the Quran. Ibn ration and accomplishment on completing a feat of move was put in place after an agreement signed tical translation of the directives of the higher politi- Abbaas, the Prophet’s cousin, said that when he met endurance, will-power and focus. You will be ready between the Kuwaiti-based relief organization and cal leadership to support refugees. with Gabriel, he was “more generous than the wind to achieve any goal you set your mind to! the Asian University of Bangladesh, based in Dhaka. The Ambassador mentioned that the project is that brings heavy rain” and when asked for anything KRCS Secretary General Maha Al-Barjas praised implemented by KRCS in cooperation with the at all, he would give it. Remember that charity can For greater achievement the Kuwaiti private sector’s support of the organi- Jordanian Red Crescent, and includes the distribu- be financial and non-financial. Feeding a poor per- While beneficial for the body, fasting in Ramadan zation’s humanitarian endeavors, focused on relief, tion of 500 meals per day to refugees throughout son, animals, birds, preparing a small dish to share is a way to reconnect with our Creator and reevalu- educational and health initiatives. She called for the days of the holy month of Ramadan and in vari- with a neighbor, smiling to people, or teaching peo- ate our lives. If you want to get the most out of ensuring the right to education for all, including dis- ous Jordanian cities and governorates with a total of ple beneficial knowledge are all forms of charity. fasting, you should realize that it has three levels placed people affected by armed conflict, in order 15,000 meals. He pointed out that a number of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “Every good deed and strive to achieve them all. The first level is to to create a sustainable means of livelihood. Kuwaiti students studying at the College of is charity” (Muslim). abstain from the things that break one’s fast, such as Meanwhile, KRCS launched the ‘iftar’ fasting Medicine in Jordan and Kuwaiti volunteers partici- By following the spiritual and social guidelines of eating or drinking. The second level is to abstain project, which includes distributing meals to 15,000 pated in the daily distribution program. — KUNA from all sins, such as anger and gossip. The third Ramadan, you will experience much more than a level involves keeping one’s mind on wholesome, physical detox or a chance to reflect on your usual spiritually uplifting thoughts and deeds. To experi- routine. You will understand why Muslims look for- ence the third level and get the maximum benefit ward to the month, feel sad when it passes, and Khatibzadeh last week indirectly accused Israel of from your fast, follow these tips: greet each other in Eid with the prayer, “May you Iran asks Interpol attempting to scuttle talks underway in Vienna 1. Read the Quran since, after all, fasting in live to see it again!!” aimed at reviving a landmark nuclear agreement. Courtesy of TIES: TIES is among the projects funded and managed by Ramadan is in celebration of the revelation of this The talks are focused on bringing the US back into Kuwaiti Society for Cultural Dialogue. TIES aims at empowering Kuwait’s Holy Scripture: “The month of Ramadan [is that] in to arrest Natanz... the accord after former president Donald Trump expats through social and educational services that promote a positive and which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for withdrew from it in 2018 and reimposed sanctions productive role in society, and to facilitate opportunities for intra- and mankind and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. Continued from Page 1 on Tehran, and to bring Iran back into compliance interfaith interactions that promote social solidarity. For more information, So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let with key nuclear commitments it suspended in please call 25231015/6 or 94079426 or e-mail: [email protected]. him fast it” (Quran 2:185). Many Muslims will try to Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Saeed response to the sanctions. — AFP Established 1961 3 Local Monday, April 19, 2021 Nearly 20 percent of Kuwait’s population vaccinated: Report Kuwait on pace of vaccinating one million against COVID-19 soon

KUWAIT: The number of people in expats. These data could indicate that the Saturday. Moreover, Dr Sanad revealed Kuwait who have received their COVID-19 ministry’s drive towards encouraging citi- that 8,577 tests were conducted over the vaccines has reached around 822,000, or zens to vaccinate has started to bear fruit same period which make the ratio of infec- nearly 20 percent of the population, Al- in terms of limiting hospitalization cases tions at 16.18 percent, adding that the total Jarida Arabic daily reported yesterday. among Kuwaiti nationals. Local health conducted tests reached 2,213,624 as of Health authorities have sped up the vacci- authorities do not make figures related to Saturday nation campaign during Ramadan with vaccinations available to the public. The numbers are a slight drop from the hope of reaching one million vaccinated The Ministry of Health had announced daily figures announced the two days people soon. Saturday that Kuwait registered four new before. Kuwait had announced eight Kuwait races to curb an increase in dai- COVID-19 fatalities and 1,388 new infec- deaths and 1,406 new on Friday, in addi- ly infections that prompted authorities to tions in the previous 24 hours. The tion to five deaths and 1,391 cases on impose a partial curfew since March 7, and Ministry’s spokesman Dr Abdullah Al- Thursday. On the other hand, ICU patients which could be extended if the numbers of Sanad said that the death toll increased to have increased for the third straight day infections and patients in ICUs remain 1,440 and total infections jumped to after their numbers went slightly up from high. Head of the higher COVID-19 com- 255,860 as of Saturday. He added that 244 on Thursday to 247 on Friday. mittee Dr Khaled Al-Jarallah had stated on 1,360 patients have recovered from the Meanwhile, the infections-to-swab ratio Saturday that expatriates and people who virus in the same period to reach 239,027 went back up on Saturday after it had haven’t been vaccinated against COVID- recoveries, which make the ratio of recov- reached 15.18 percent on Friday, down 19 have the highest numbers among hospi- eries 93.42 percent from total conducted from 16.12 percent the previous day. Dr talized and ICU patients in Kuwait, adding tests. The spokesman pointed out that the Sanad called on the public to maintain KUWAIT: People queue as they wait their turn to receive a dose of a vaccine that the number of positive results from number of patients in intensive care units social distancing, and to abide with all against the coronavirus, in front of the makeshift Kuwait Vaccination Center at the field swab tests have dropped except in stood at 250, while there were 15,393 health regulations that would help in stop- Kuwait International Fairground in Mishref yesterday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat investment residential areas and among patients receiving health care as of ping the virus spread.

small gesture from the part of the embassy to Indian embassy express its gratitude. George also highlighted that the event was also a brainstorming session on what more the embassy, in association with the communi- honors Indian ty could do together to help the community to face the challenges of the pandemic, the release said. In doctors in Kuwait his address, the ambassador also announced that IDF has once again volunteered to provide free KUWAIT: Embassy of India in Kuwait, in associa- medical advice and counseling support via tele-con- tion with the Indian Professionals Network (IPN) sultations to the Indian community in Kuwait. He Kuwait and the Indian Doctors Forum (IDF) Kuwait, also confirmed that a new panel of Indian doctors organized an event titled ‘Felicitation of Indian from different specialties has been specifically con- Doctors: COVID-19 Warriors’ in a largely virtual stituted for this purpose. The embassy will release event Saturday. more details related to the tele-consultations soon. Indian Ambassador Sibi George delivered the Dr Amir Ahmed, president of the Indian Doctors opening keynote and felicitated a group of Indian Forum (IDF) delivered his remarks on the occasion. KUWAIT: Firefighters working on the scene of the collapse in Rumaithiya. doctors who partnered with the embassy in offering The felicitation ceremony was followed by a brain- free medical tele-consultations to Indian nationals in storming session through which expert insights were caused an accident that left another motorist Kuwait during the peak period of the pandemic in drawn from the experiences of medical experts in Firemen rescue death. The interior ministry said in a statement to 2020, a press release issued by the embassy said. tackling the current COVID-19 situation and associ- the press that a video clip on social media showing Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the ated repercussions including on mental health. a person in an abnormal condition causing a traffic Medical experts rendered practical suggestions and Asian family ambassador mentioned that the event was really accident and the death of an Asian led to the arrest sound medical advice on how to, individually and special as it was to felicitate and honor the COVID- of the suspect. Those involved in the accident were 19 warriors, especially the doctors who wholeheart- collectively, effectively deal and fight against this in Rumaithiya taken to hospital, it added. edly served the Indian community during the hour pandemic in the coming days. An on-the spot quiz The interior ministry also commented on social of crisis, going beyond their call of duty. competition focusing on COVID-19 was also held KUWAIT: Firefighters rescued an Asian family media claims accusing a senior interior ministry The ambassador stated that felicitation was just a for young student participants, the release added. after their house in Rumaithiya collapsed early yesterday, Kuwait Fire Force (KFF) said. The official of covering up a complaint against a building fell down because construction workers Kuwaiti woman. It said the complaint against the nearby failed to put support pillars causing its col- woman is related to a different case against anoth- lapse, KFF Department of Public Relations said in er suspect, so the complaint was referred to the a press statement. Firefighters rushed to the scene technical office to take the necessary action in case and rescued the three-member Asian family from it is proven there is a link between the two cases. the collapsed building. The firefighters rescued the The department said this referral was done accord- family and transferred them to hospital, while the ing to legal procedures in this regard without inter- investigation teams were examining the scene. ference from any party. It added legal action will be In other news, police arrested a man who taken as soon as investigations are complete.

KUWAIT: Indian Ambassador Sibi George presents a memento to Indian Doctors Forum officials during a felicita- tion ceremony at the Indian embassy Saturday.

they reach the shopping center. Rabiya Co-op Kuwait curfew: WhatsApp 2438-8316 Where to obtain a curfew What you pass? Wafra Farm Co-op Citizens and residents that need Tel: 9883-5245 / 5170-0085 need to know a pass during the curfew hours to leave their homes can apply for a Salmiya Co-op KUWAIT: Kuwait imposed a pass at https://www.paci.gov.kw/. Tel: 22253225 curfew from 7:00 pm to 5:00 am The pass is available for those in until April 22, 2021 to help curb need of emergency medical treat- Jabriya Co-op the sharp increase in COVID-19 ment, doctor’s visits, blood dona- Tel: 1805-353 cases registered in recent weeks. tion, COVID-19 swabs and WhatsApp 6566-6084 During the curfew hours, pharma- COVID-19 vaccinations. cies, medical stores, co-operative Rawdha & Hawally societies and supermarkets are Co-op delivery during curfew WhatsApp 9662-2883 allowed to continue operation hours only through delivery services, During curfew hours, co-ops, Shaab Co-op while restaurants and cafes are grocery stores and other markets WhatsApp 9090-4455 allowed to deliver food from 7:00 will be allowed to offer delivery pm to 3:00 am every day. Also services. Most co-ops will accept Wafra Co-op during the curfew, people are orders via delivery. Here is an WhatsApp 5055-0539 allowed to go to prayers at incomplete list of co-op WhatsApp numbers. Each co-op will be mosques only by walking, and the Keifan Co-op responsible for deciding if and government allowed people to WhatsApp 5178-1719 practice walking and jogging when they provide delivery servic- from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The es and not all may be providing. Rehab Co-op government meanwhile allowed WhatsApp 9222-2358 salons and health clubs to reopen Omariya Co-op during the day but kept restau- WhatsApp 6041-0067 rants and cafes closed except for Mishref Co-op drive-through and delivery serv- Farwaniya Co-op WhatsApp 5055-9900 ices. Meanwhile, taxis are allowed WhatsApp 6767-8211 to carry only two passengers. Faiha Co-op The Ministry of Commerce Qairawan Co-op Tel: 1861-000 and Industry launched a booking WhatsApp 9000-3749 WhatsApp 9098-6000 service, allowing people to shop from 7:00 pm to 12:00 am during Jahra Co-op Rumaithiya Co-op the curfew hours. The service is WhatsApp 5160-2458 WhatsApp 6066-0045 valid for all co-ops and super- markets around Kuwait. To book Abdulla Al-Mubarak Co-op Bayan Co-op an appointment, a shopper WhatsApp 6066-6338 WhatsApp 9004-2500 should visit www.moci.shop, enter the required information Nuzha Co-op Fahaheel Co-op (civil ID number and serial num- WhatsApp 9784-5531 WhatsApp 5178-9951 ber, contact number and email address), the reason for appoint- Khaitan Co-op Adan & Qusour Co-op ment (food supply center) and WhatsApp 6777-9745 Tel: 5034-3111 / 6593-3975 the time and date of the appoint- ment. The shopper would then Ardhiya Co-op Salam Co-op receive a barcode to show once WhatsApp 6902-0779 WhatsApp 9788-7832 4 Established 1961 Local Monday, April 19, 2021

Ramadan Diwaniya

Established 1961 The First Daily in The Arabian Gulf THE LEADING INDEPENDENT Frontliner was first Indonesian to DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961

Founder and Publisher YOUSUF S. AL-ALYAN die of COVID-19 abroad: Ambassador Editor-in-Chief ABD AL-RAHMAN AL-ALYAN ‘Nobody in the world was prepared for the pandemic’ EDITORIAL : 24833199-24833358-24833432 ADVERTISING : 24835616/7 By Ben Garcia tions, as some areas were under total lockdown. Only where the majority is FAX : 24835620/1 diplomatic cars were allowed to enter to bring them Hindu and Christian. This CIRCULATION : 24833199 Extn. 163 KUWAIT: Various ambassadors in Kuwait were food. When they reopened, things returned back to was a result of compro- interviewed by Kuwait Times to learn more about normal again - at least no more shortages of food. mise. At some point, the ACCOUNTS : 24833199 Extn. 125 their local traditions and culture during Ramadan. We Then I found almost 70 Indonesians were strand- agreement between the COMMERCIAL : 24835618 also asked about the current coronavirus situation in ed in Kuwait. They were families on tourist visas, who kingdoms at that time to P.O.Box 1301 Safat,13014 Kuwait. their respective countries and how they are handling could not leave. But we are thankful, because the stop fighting was if you Email: [email protected] and reacting to this pandemic. The following are Kuwaiti government announced an amnesty program want to continue practic- Website: www.kuwaittimes.net excerpts from our interview with the Indonesian for expats, so we managed to send them home. We ing your religion, you must Ambassador to Kuwait Tri Tharyat: made an announcement to Indonesians and our peo- go to that island. So you KUWAIT: Indonesian Kuwait Times: We are in the time of a pandemic ple were able to take advantage of the amnesty. We see a Hindu majority there. Ambassador to Kuwait now. What were your orders to Indonesians in Kuwait managed to arrange 110 Indonesians to be sent home, In Indonesia, we have Tri Tharyat speaks to with regards to following the local laws of the host but only 90 were eligible. Seventy stranded two main Islamic groups - Kuwait Times. country? What is the current situation of your people Indonesians with family visas were also sent home. Nahdlatul Ulama, the Esports club in Kuwait and back in Indonesia right now? The good thing about the amnesty was that the larger group, and Tri Tharyat: This question is something very Kuwaiti government shouldered the air tickets, which Muhammadiyah. These groups are both Sunni. The close to my heart. On March 11, 2020, the WHO was a blessing. difference is that Nahdlatul Ulama is more traditional joins global announced the coronavirus was a global pandemic. Even today, we have many Indonesians abroad than Muhammadiyah. Muhammadiyah is mostly run Kuwait immediately responded to that call and imple- infected with the virus, but the cases of infection are by intellectuals. But they do not contradict each oth- mented strict measures. Three days after the low now among Indonesians, with 219 cases and eight er. These organizations will decide when Ramadan federation announcement, the airport was closed. They restrict- deaths. Two are still in critical condition. Around 25 starts for them - they don’t necessarily go with the KUWAIT: The Kuwait ed the movement of people from all over the world. percent of infections are medical personnel working same dates of Ramadan. The government will choose Esports Club has recent- Then lockdowns and curfews followed. Nobody in the in hospitals. the date either way. The two organizations develop ly joined the Global world was prepared for this. madrasas, schools and medical facilities. We have Esports Federation Marking Ramadan Shiites too in Indonesia, but they are small in number. (GEF) as a fully recog- First casualty Kuwait Times: How will Ramadan celebrations nized member; the latest A few days after that, we received news that one differ this year for your embassy and people? Indonesians in Kuwait achievement as the club of our nationals was infected. We were all shocked. Tharyat: In all Muslim countries around the world, Kuwait Times: What about Indonesians in continues to achieve The first Indonesian infected abroad came from Ramadan is a big thing. Our celebration is almost Kuwait? How they are celebrating Ramadan here? Kuwait, so it was huge news for us. In April 2020, the similar. I was lucky to be assigned here three years Tharyat: Indonesians in Kuwait enjoy the benefit of successes at the interna- first Indonesian died of coronavirus here. The sad ago, a few months before Ramadan. This was my first being Muslim. Since 2011, the Kuwaiti awqaf ministry tional level. KEC Abdullah Al-Ali thing is that he was a nurse, a person who was a assignment to a Middle Eastern country and I am has been kind enough to give us our own mosque here. received confirmation frontliner battling the pandemic. So the first ending my tenure in a few days from now. When I The Indonesian mosque is in Riggae and we are man- from the leadership of Indonesian was infected abroad, and the first casualty joined as the new ambassador, I got many invitations. aging it. Indonesians visit our mosque every Friday for GEF on the status of their membership, and a was abroad too. It put us in a very difficult and chal- I attended many functions here - this is our tradition prayers. We use it for Quran recitation and for our dai- welcoming message of support and coopera- lenging situation - at some point we minimized con- in the diplomatic circle. ly activities during Ramadan. We also use it for edu- tion for the development and advancement of tacts at the embassy to only 10 percent. Officially, our Ramadan is the best time of the year. During fast- cating children and teaching them the Holy Quran. We electronic sports at the global level. office did not close, but we worked from home and ing, the best and most important ritual for us is the have regular prayers in this mosque. We receive peo- Abdullah Al-Ali, President of the Kuwaiti had skeletal manpower at the embassy. breaking of the fast. In our country, all restaurants are ple and share food, even at the embassy premises. Esports Club, expressed his thanks and We also applied a very strict protocol to protect full to capacity for iftar, unlike here where there is no During Ramadan, I visit every group that invites me. appreciation to the Public Authority for our building from the virus, and disinfected the build- celebration - just eat and break the fast. I think, what We organize community events too. Sports and its General Director, Dr Hmoud ing every now and then. Weeks passed, and we heard is celebrated here is the ghabqa. People attend Kuwait Times: How many Indonesians are now in Flayteh, and the Deputy Director-General of some Indonesians could not travel and were stranded ghabqas, go out after iftar and celebrate in diwaniyas. Kuwait since the ban on your nationals from working Competitive Sports Sector, Dr Saqr Al-Mulla, here. Some Indonesians on family visas were out of This will be repeated every day, and the big cele- as domestic helpers here? for their cooperation and support for the club, Kuwait, and they could not come back because of bration is Eid Al-Fitr. We normally celebrate it for Tharyat: Officially around 6,000, but I think it’s which is evident in the successive internation- travel restrictions. Many Indonesians lost their jobs, almost a week. We have a big celebration here with fewer now, since the pandemic hit the world badly. al recognition of KEC. Ali promised more many of our people were not receiving salaries, etc, meat and all kinds of food - you name it. People go The domestic helper ban was imposed in the Middle achievements and successes, and that KEC so they did not have any money. back to their families in the provinces, and we return East in 2009. The remaining domestic helpers now in will soon launch a number of tournaments to So I talked to some Indonesians here to help out. only after days of celebrations. Here Eid Al-Fitr is not Kuwait from Indonesia number around 2,600, while meet the demands and aspirations of all those They answered our call by providing basic needs, very much celebrated, unlike Eid Al-Adha. They are the rest are in retail and the medical field. interested in esports. food, supplementary hygiene kits and ladies’ toi- focused more on Eid Al-Adha here than Eid Al-Fitr - Kuwait Times: After you banned sending domes- letries. They could not go out of their accommoda- for us, it’s the other way around. But it doesn’t matter. tic helpers to the Middle East, do you still have the In Indonesia, Ramadan prayers are lively and problem of human trafficking? How are Indonesians noisy - here, not that much. We have carnivals and protected from human trafficking? feasts until dawn. The provinces are decorated with Tharyat: It was reduced dramatically. In some colorful stuff. When I was a kid, I walked with my countries, like our Asian neighbors, we still have this friends to celebrate, with drums beating around the problem. Here in the Middle East, I think the UAE has village. These traditions are still observed. many cases, but in Kuwait, so far I only know of two Girgian is unique to Kuwait - this we don’t have. cases. It’s hard to control, but we are doing our best Food is the same. We are a democratic country, so to stop human trafficking. restaurants are open even during the day. Those who By the way, we are open to countries that can pro- are not fasting can eat, but in respect of those who vide maximum protection to our people. We have are fasting, we normally cover the restaurants. People domestic helpers in Singapore, Korea, Thailand and in Indonesia are free to eat if they are not fasting, Malaysia. Of course with our economic growth in unlike here where restaurants are closed and open past years, we help our people find jobs in Indonesia only during iftar. In Indonesia, we are majority itself, but we cannot deny anyone from seeking to Muslim, but we all respect all religions, like in Bali, work abroad for maybe a bigger salary.

KUWAIT: Group photo of the speakers.

programs that can help create a more sustainable Gulf Bank sponsors future for our country. Gulf Bank’s participation in The Scientific Center’s Eco-Summit highlights the pivotal role that the bank- Scientific Center’s ing sector plays in achieving sustainability. Gulf Bank’s Assistant Manager for Corporate Communications, virtual Eco-Summit Lujain Al-Qenaei, highlighted Gulf Bank’s various sus- tainability initiatives at the environmental, community, KUWAIT: As part of its ongoing commitment to and economic levels, which include partnering with achieving environmental sustainability, Gulf Bank par- national firms to recycle paper and plastic. On an ticipated in The Scientific Center’s first virtual Eco- operational level, Gulf Bank is also keen to develop Summit last week. The environmental summit, which and implement various digital banking services, assist- was sponsored by Gulf Bank, featured a number of ing customers with online and mobile banking for a speakers and experts in the field of environmental sus- more seamless (and paperless) banking experience. In tainability, including: Lujain Al-Qenaei, Assistant addition, the Bank is focusing on the environmental Manager for Corporate Communications at Gulf Bank; impacts of resources consumption, waste and emis- Dr Fotouh Al-Ragom, Energy Efficiency Program sions, biodiversity, and more. Manager at Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research; On a community level, Gulf Bank regularly volun- ISSUE NO: 18413 RAMADAN 7, 1442 AH Dr Alanoud Al-Ragom, Associate Research Scientist at teers its efforts at various initiatives throughout the Coastal Management Program (CMP), Environment year, including Earth Hour, beach clean-ups, and more. Ramadan Quiz and Life Sciences Research Center (ELSRC), Kuwait Gulf Bank is also committed to its longstanding part- Established 1961 Established 1961 Ramadan Quiz Institute for Scientific Research (KISR); Samia Al- nership with INJAZ Kuwait, a non-profit, non-govern- 7- Who was the first person to fast? Date : Duaij, Environmental Specialist; Talal Al-Wazzan, Co- mental organization for education and training in founder at Imdad; Shaker Al-Essa, Founder of Recycle workforce readiness, financial literacy and entrepre- ❏ Adam Name : Kuwait; Salman Laeri, Managing Partner at NRG neurship. This strategic partnership has helped to sup- Civil ID : International for General Trading; Dalal Behbehani, port multiple environmental startups founded by local ❏ Noah World of Naz Founder and CEO; and Bashar Al- youth interested in sustainability, including Seuse, a Tel : Huneidi, Founder of Kayak4Kuwait. startup which won INJAZ Al-Arab’s “Young ❏ Yahya The Eco-Summit was one of the focal activities on Entrepreneurs Competition.” Seuse was created by a Email : The Scientific Center’s “Environment Month 2021” group of high school students from INJAZ Kuwait, and program, and was held in the Center’s IMAX theater aims to recycle paper products and spread awareness while simultaneously being broadcast live on on agricultural issues in an effort to tackle climate Instagram, offering all interested parties the chance to change and reduce waste, as well as recycling paper engage with local experts, activists and professionals through the creation of handmade, paper goods. As a who are involved in leading Kuwait toward a more result of this partnership, Gulf Bank has also support- sustainable future. The speakers addressed critical ed Agrivage, a company that composts food waste. It environmental issues, including the challenges Kuwait is worth noting that these initiatives have had a lasting faces in relation to environmental pressures, and impact, helping to not only reduce waste and emis- shared attainable solutions, from those that can be sions, but also raise awareness and environmental easily implemented by people at home, to large-scale education at the community and societal levels. International MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2021 Calls for US police reform at fresh protest over Daunte Wright killing Myanmar shadow government wants ASEAN crisis talks invite Page 7 Page 6

LONDON: Ambassador of Russia to the UK Andrei Kelin (left) talks during a pre-recorded interview with British journalist Andrew Marr. Britain said yesterday that it “stands in full support of our Czech allies” after Prague expelled 18 Russian diplomats identified as secret agents of the Russian intelligence service.— AFP Europe on alert over ‘Russia spying’ Moscow says will respond to ‘unprecedented’ Czech expulsions PARIS: Three years after the mass expulsion of expel 18 Russian diplomats identified as secret agents. AFP. Andrei Soldatov, editor of the Russian news site Russian diplomats from the West over the poisoning “We will take retaliatory measures that will force the Agentura.ru, agreed. of Sergei Skripal, Moscow’s representatives in authors of this provocation to understand their full “Russia thinks that the slightest action by the West, Europe are coming under scrutiny again following a responsibility for destroying the basis of normal rela- such as criticism of human rights violations or the raft of new spy scandals. From Austria to Bulgaria, the tions between our countries,” the Russian foreign work of foreign journalists, could spark a revolution.” Germany mourns Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Norway and ministry said in a statement. As Russia battles to maintain its great-power status, it Sweden, Russian diplomats have been expelled from The ministry did not specify which measures has begun tearing up the post-Cold War spy book. its 80,000 COVID several European countries in the past few months would be taken, but called the Czech announcement Two Russian military intelligence agents are accused over Moscow’s increasingly aggressive spying tactics. “absurd”. On Saturday, Czech authorities said they of poisoning former Russian double agent Skripal, The issue has become all the more acute over would expel 18 Russian diplomats identified by local who was found slumped on a bench with his daughter dead at memorial alleged cyberattacks by Russia on the United States, intelligence as secret agents of the Russian SVR and in the English city of Salisbury in March 2018. BERLIN: Germany held a national memorial which Moscow has dismissed as nonsense but GRU security services suspected of involvement in a A year later, a former Chechen rebel commander service yesterday for its nearly 80,000 victims of prompted the EU to issue a strong statement of soli- 2014 explosion. was murdered in broad daylight in a Berlin park in the coronavirus pandemic, putting aside deep darity. Italy was the latest country to send Russian Czech police also said they were seeking two an attack German prosecutors also believe was divisions over COVID restrictions to share the envoys packing earlier this month after a navy captain Russians in connection with the blast that killed two ordered by Russia. The West also accuses Russia of pain of grieving families. Chancellor Angela was caught handing over classified documents to a people, and who carried passports used by suspects poisoning leading opposition figure Alexei Navalny Merkel and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier Russian agent. Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio in the attempted poisoning of former Russian double with a nerve agent. Navalny, who survived after joined an ecumenical service in the morning at summoned Russia’s ambassador to Rome and agent Sergei Skripal in 2018. spending five months in a German hospital, was Berlin’s Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, a expelled two diplomats over what he called a “hostile jailed on his return to Moscow. While the ruthless- memorial against war and destruction. act”. While Russia routinely shrugs off espionage alle- ‘War-time mindset’ ness of the attacks caused shock, analysts say the They will later attend a ceremony at the capi- gations as part of an “anti-Russian campaign” orches- For Mark Galeotti, a professor at University fact that that some of the operations fell short of tal’s Konzerthaus concert hall, where the president trated by the US or Britain, analysts say that covert College London who specializes in Russian affairs, their objectives, and that several Russian agents will make a speech. “Sickness, dying and death Russian activities in Europe have hit a new post-Cold 2014 marked a turning point, with the uprising in have been unmasked, points to a surprising degree cannot be just pushed away in this long year, they War peak. Ukraine that forced out a pro-Moscow government of sloppiness. Skripal and Navalny both survived the have cut deeply into the lives of many people,” and was seen by Russia as a Western plot. “The poisoning attacks but a British woman died after said Georg Baetzing, the chairman of the German Moscow response Russian intelligence community is now operating with picking up a perfume bottle believed to have carried Bishops’ Conference, at the morning service. Russia yesterday said it would retaliate against the a war-time mindset. They think they are in an existen- the poison used against Skripal, and a British police With pandemic curbs still in force restricting Czech government’s “unprecedented” decision to tial struggle for Russia’s place in the world,” he told officer was also seriously injured. —AFP the number of people who can attend, the cere- monies were being broadcast live on public tele- vision. “As president I believe it is very important for us to stop to say goodbye in dignity to those Berbers mark 20 years since who died during the pandemic-including those who did not fall victim to the virus but who also ‘Black Spring’ protests died in loneliness,” said Steinmeier as he announced the national service. ALIGIERS: Twenty years ago, an streets of villages and towns to Besides suffering the pain of losing a loved one, Algerian teenager’s death in police demand the closure of all gendarmerie restrictions in place to curb infections mean that custody in the heartland of the North posts in the region. relatives are often unable to even hold their family African country’s Berber minority An estimated 126 people, many of members’ hands as they lay dying. Others have sparked an uprising that helped blaze them youths shot in clashes with riot been left grieving on their own, as funerals or the trail for future protests. police, died in two months of unrest, memorials are curtailed by pandemic curbs. Massinissa Guermah, a high school and more than 5,000 people were In a dialogue with the president earlier this student, was hit by a hail of bullets on hurt. Almost two decades later, in an year, relatives of coronavirus victims voiced their April 18, 2001, at a gendarmerie post echo of boiling anger against the loneliness. Michaela Mengel broke down in tears in Beni-Douala, near Tizi Ouzou, the authorities, then-president Abdelaziz as she recalled her daughter’s last minutes as she capital of Kabylie. Bouteflika’s bid for a fifth term in died from the coronavirus in hospital. He had been arrested following an office sparked the birth of the Hirak “Last time I saw her alive was on Christmas altercation between youths and gen- pro-democracy protest movement in Eve when I had to leave the hospital. She had In this file photo taken on May 6, 2001, the grandmother (left) of Massinissa darmes, and died from his wounds two February 2019. oxygen piped into her nose, she looked at me with Guermah, a teenager who was shot dead by the police while in their custody on days later. “Nobody could imagine her big eyes,” Mengel told the president at the April 20, demonstrates with family members and friends of the teenager, to mark that a gendarme at his post could kill a ‘Shooting at its children’ time. “Since she could not talk I told her, bye my his 20th birthday, in Beni-Douala, near Tizi Ouzou, the capital of Kabylie. — AFP dear, I love you, mama will be back.” Mengel is to young man in cold blood,” recalled The unprecedented protest move- attend the memorial ceremony yesterday after- Said Sadi, an emblematic figure in the ment-this time nationwide, peaceful noon. Steinmeier stressed that it was important to Berber culture and identity movement. and peaking with hundreds of thou- the Berber movement in 1989. Bouteflika’s fall, protesters view the look beyond the daily victim counts. “Behind The Berbers are descendants of pre- sands on the streets-forced Bouteflika Since then, street demonstrations political system as essentially every number, there’s a human fate,” he said. Arab North African populations, to resign weeks later after he lost the have become citizens’ principal means unchanged and illegitimate. Bouteflika Regional leaders urged citizens to join in the whose homelands stretch from the backing of the army. But the Hirak has of expressing discontent. Social ten- was elected in 1999 on a promise of remembrance including by lighting candles by extreme west of Egypt to Morocco. kept up demonstrations, demanding a sions and problems including access to bringing peace to the country, as a their windows from Friday to Sunday. “We want “The people’s reaction was one of sweeping overhaul of a ruling system housing and drinking water have given 1992-2002 civil war pitted the army to be aware of what we lost, but we also want to anger,” Sadi said. Kabylie had been in place since Algeria’s independence rise to protests that have sometimes against multiple Islamist and jihadist find hope and strength together,” the premiers of preparing to celebrate the 21st from France in 1962. The “Black turned into riots. In 2011, the year of the groups, leaving an estimated 200,000 Germany’s 16 states said in a statement. — AFP anniversary of the April 1980 uprising, Spring” saw “the birth of a new form Arab Spring uprisings in several coun- people dead. When the “Black known as the “Berber Spring”, of protest (in Algeria) that translated tries in the Middle East and North Spring” broke out in 2001, Sadi’s RCD demanding recognition of the commu- into occupying the streets,” noted Africa, Algeria registered more than was a member of the governing coali- nity’s culture and language. Instead, Sadi, former head of the Rally for 10,000 protests, Sadi said. The demon- tion. He recalled telling Bouteflika: the boy’s death sparked the “Black Culture and Democracy (RCD), a sec- strations have largely failed to bridge “we cannot be part of a government Spring” riots, as people took to the ular opposition party formed out of the divide with the state-even after that shoots at its children.” — AFP

“For the moment, the number of dead stands at “What concerns us a lot is this escalation of vio- Nineteen civilians 19 and two people have been wounded in an attack lence and insecurity that is recently taking place in by armed men on motorbikes in the village of the region,” Tillaberi governor Tidjani Ibrahim Gaigorou” in the Tillaberi region on Saturday Katiella said in March, pointing to the increased killed in new evening, said the municipal official from Dessa. An imposition of Islamic taxes by militants, theft of live- unknown number of unidentified assailants, known stock, and violence against civilians. Thirteen peo- locally as bandits, initially attacked people attending ple were killed last month when armed men on west Niger attack a funeral at a cemetery, before going on to the vil- motorbikes raided the villages of Zibane-Koira lage where they “shot at everyone they saw,” the Zeno, Zibane Koira-Tegui and Gadabo. BERLIN: The daughter of a victim stands in Nineteen civilians were killed NIAMEY, Niger: official said. The Tillaberi region is situated on the Attacks against civilians have increased since front of a candle to pay her respects during a when armed men raided a village in west Niger lawless “three-border” zone where the frontiers of the beginning of the year — more than 300 peo- ceremony for Germany’s victims of the coron- close to the border with Mali, a local official Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso converge and has reg- ple died in three series of attacks in the western avirus pandemic at the Konzerthaus concert said yesterday, in the latest bloodshed in the ularly been the target of jihadist groups affiliated to Niger. No one has claimed responsibility for the hall yesterday. —AFP troubled region. the Islamic State group. attacks so far. — AFP 6 Established 1961 International Monday, April 19, 2021 Calls for US police reform at fresh protest over Daunte Wright killing Journalists say police mistreated them during Minnesota protests

BROOKLYN CENTER, US: High-ranking Congress AFP. Wright was shot dead in his car after police member Maxine Waters called for an overhaul of veteran Kim Potter mistook her Taser for a gun dur- policing in the United States as she joined the sev- ing a traffic stop caught on bodycam. enth consecutive night of protests in a Minneapolis Potter was arrested Wednesday on manslaughter suburb over the death of Daunte Wright, a young charges and faces up to 10 years in jail if convicted. Black man shot dead by a white policewoman. The Meanwhile, several journalists said Saturday that 20-year-old was killed during what should have police wrongly impeded their work while covering a been a routine traffic stop, sparking anger and fresh protest in a Minneapolis suburb over the death of protests against police brutality and racial injustice. Daunte Wright, a young Black man killed by a white “Policing has got to be changed,” Waters, chair policewoman. The Friday night protest came only of the House Committee on Financial Services, said hours after a federal judge issued a restraining Saturday shortly before the 11 pm curfew. “We’ve order against police making clear the journalists’ got to reimagine how we can deal with the prob- right to report without interference. On what was lems of our society, that young people and people the sixth consecutive night of protests since Wright of color in particular getting killed by police that we was killed during what should have been a routine pay to protect and serve us.” traffic stop, nearly 500 people gathered before a Waters, a Democrat from California, was speak- chain-link fence surrounding the police station in ing to a crowd of nearly 300 people outside the Brooklyn Center, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) Brooklyn Center Police Station. Protesters have north of Minneapolis. gathered every night since the killing of Wright in a The alleged mistreatment came despite a tempo- neighborhood about 10 miles (16 kilometers) north rary restraining order signed earlier on Friday by of Minneapolis. US District Judge Wilhelmina Wright prohibiting Unlike Friday night, when police in riot gear the police from arresting journalists or targeting moved to disperse what was declared an unlawful them with flash-bang grenades, non-lethal projec- demonstration and arrested at least 100 people- tiles, riot batons and chemical agents including pep- including some journalists-Saturday’s gathering per spray. appeared to remain peaceful. Protesters stood Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said he had held a BROOKLYN CENTER, Minnesota: The Rev Jesse Jackson visits demonstrators protesting outside the alongside the chain-link fence around the police meeting Saturday with journalists and law enforce- Brooklyn Center police station Saturday.—AFP station, chanting “Shut It Down” and waving “Black ment officers. “A free press is foundational to our Lives Matter” flags, but did not appear to try to democracy,” he tweeted. breach the barrier. “I convened a meeting today with media and Minneapolis this weekend with closing argu- man, in the city last year. “I’m here because we are tired of police brutali- law enforcement to determine a better path for- ments expected Monday in the closely watched Since then, fresh examples of police killings- ty. We are tired of seeing unarmed black men lose ward to protect the journalists covering civil trial of Derek Chauvin, the white former police including Wright’s not far from the courtroom-have their lives for no reason,” protester Joel Reeves told unrest.” Tensions are running especially high in officer accused of killing George Floyd, a Black stoked more anger and protests. —AFP

News in brief Biden hits the golf Haiti’s Catholic French quarantine on arrivals course for first Church begins PARIS: France will impose a 10-day quarantine on arrivals from Argentina, Brazil, Chile and South Africa speaking out over concerns about variants of the coronavirus, the time in presidency prime minister’s office announced Saturday. Although WILMINGTON: President Joe Biden played golf PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti: Might the Catholic Church flights from Argentina, Chile and South Africa will not be for the first time in his presidency Saturday, hitting help chart a way out of the multiple crises facing Haiti? suspended, all arrivals from those countries will have to the fairways in his home city of Wilmington-and By openly criticizing governmental “inaction” and submit to the quarantine or face fines. Flights from Brazil taking a page from his golf-obsessed predecessor demonstrating last week its capacity for wide-scale were suspended until at least next Friday because of con- Donald Trump’s book. The Democrat’s motorcade mobilization, the church has made clear it plans to take cern about the P1 variant of the coronavirus, which is a more direct role in addressing the daunting chal- swept into the Wilmington Country Club for the WILMINGTON, Delaware: US President Joe Biden more contagious than the original strain and can also re- unannounced outing around lunch time. Clearly sur- lenges facing this small Caribbean island. Haiti, the infect those who have had the original virus. —AFP leaves his cart after a round of golf at Wilmington prised members of the private, upscale club paused Country Club Saturday. —AFP poorest country in the Americas, is grappling with mul- between swings and putting to watch, some whip- tiple crises including out-of-control gang violence and ping out cellphones to film the spectacle. months of political instability. Reporters traveling with Biden were unable to see Republican. “I’ve played golf with Joe Biden. I can In recent days, Haiti’s Catholic Church has found Indian, Pakistan FMs visit UAE the president playing, although he appeared to be tell you that’s not true.” itself thrust into the spotlight over the still-unresolved with a group riding in a mini-motorcade of half a Biden’s return to the game comes at the end of a abduction of 10 people, including seven Catholic cler- DUBAI: The foreign ministers of India and Pakistan made dozen golf carts across a wide grassy fairway. The hectic week in which he announced sanctions gy. The shocking kidnapping on April 11 sent shock crossover visits to the United Arab Emirates this week- White House said Biden’s playing partners were Ron against Russia, met with Japan’s prime minister at waves across the island and beyond. It was the final end, after it was revealed the Gulf nation has been medi- Olivere, father-in-law of Biden’s late son Beau, and the White House, and caused controversy with a straw for many increasingly exasperated Haitians, ating between the hostile neighbors. “Good to be in the senior advisor Steve Ricchetti. This was not just the chaotic attempt to define his policy on accepting forcing Jovenel Moise, the country’s widely criticized #UAE,” Pakistan’s Shah Mahmood Qureshi tweeted late first time Biden has devoted a day to golf since tak- refugees to the United States. But with coronavirus president, to announce on Wednesday a reshuffling of Saturday, after announcing a three-day trip which ends ing over from Trump in January, but likely the first vaccine rollouts steaming ahead and a Pew poll giv- the government. Monday. His Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam time many Americans realized that he plays at all. ing him a 59 percent approval rating, Biden might Jaishankar visited the emirate of Abu Dhabi yesterday, a Biden has kept his golfing skills largely quiet, in have felt it was time to unwind. Playing golf is a Official ‘impotence’ spokesman for New Delhi’s ministry of external affairs contrast to the openly boastful Trump, who not only presidential tradition stretching back decades, mak- “The Catholic Church can help bring about tweeted. Pakistan’s foreign ministry said there was no played as often as possible while in the White House ing it the ultimate Washington power game. Trump change. The country needs it,” said Andre Michel, a scheduled meeting between the two ministers. — AFP but owned the courses he used. “He loves the game, played no less than 300 times during his one term member of the opposition. Catholicism is the domi- plays and respects it,” golf architect Robert Trent of four years-always at one of his own golf clubs- nant religion in Haiti. Jones, who designed the Wilmington course, was which was roughly double the rate at which his The church “enjoys great confidence among the quoted as saying in Morning Read, a golf website. predecessor Obama played. The property magnate majority of the population,” said Haitian Cardinal Chibly NASA’s Mars copter flight today “He’s just not the self-promoter that (Trump)... is.” is said to be a decent golfer and has claimed his Langlois, in an exclusive interview with AFP a few days putting skills are “great.” after Moise named Claude Joseph as the new prime WASHINGTON: NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter Biden or Trump best? However, Trump is also dogged by numerous minister. In difficult moments, the cardinal said, people could make its first flight over the Red Planet as soon as In fact, Biden is reputed to hit a mean golf ball. accounts from former playing partners that he rou- expect “a word from the Catholic Church,” as it stands today, the US space agency reported, following a delay When he was vice president under Barack Obama, tinely cheats. “Trump doesn’t just cheat at golf,” with them “in the most abandoned and remote parts of of more than a week due to a possible technical issue. Golf Digest reported him to have an impressive six wrote sportswriter Rick Reilly in the book the country.” The mini-helicopter’s trip will mark the first-ever pow- handicap. Of course, this being golf-and politics- “Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Donald Denouncing the “impotence” of the authorities in the ered, controlled flight on another planet, and will help not everyone agrees, especially if they’re from the Trump.” “He cheats like a three-card Monte dealer. face of a troubling spike in kidnappings, Langlois said NASA reap invaluable data about the conditions on other party. “Joe Biden told me that he was a good He throws it, boots it, and moves it. He lies about his an effective means had to be found to “stem this crisis.” Mars. “NASA is targeting no earlier than Monday, April golfer,” said former Ohio governor John Kasich, a lies. He fudges and foozles and fluffs.” —AFP While emphasizing that church officials are “not in a 19, for the first flight of its Ingenuity Mars Helicopter,” position for now to play the role of mediator,” the space agency reported Saturday. Data will return to Langlois-the first Haitian cardinal-said he was weighing Earth “a few hours following the autonomous flight,” “other means to help find a solution to a crisis that has which would take off at approximately 3.30 am, NASA French hospital gone on too long.” said. —AFP In 2014, at a time of high tension, the cardinal took interns at part in talks between the executive branch and political parties. On Thursday, the church, joined by many busi- Five Nigerian troops killed nesses and schools, observed a work stoppage to breaking point demand the liberation of the hostages-among them five Haitian clergy members, and a French priest and a nun- KANO, Nigeria: Five Nigerian soldiers were killed, four PARIS: After a year working brutally long hours on bringing economic activity to a standstill. Catholic injured and dozens missing when IS-aligned jihadists the “COVID front-line”, hospital interns in France masses have quickly been transformed into a protest attacked a military base in northeast Nigeria’s Borno are at breaking point, to the extent that some of movement against the authorities. state, two military officers told AFP Saturday. Fighters them have even committed suicide, according to a By launching this national movement, the Catholic from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on national union. “These interns are invisible, but they Church has proved “its importance in a country with a Friday dislodged troops from a base in Kamuya village, are front-line soldiers,” hospital clinical psycholo- strong religious tradition,” said Reginald Boulos, a busi- 35 kilometers (22 miles) from regional district Biu after a PARIS: Medical interns and families hold flowers as gist Anne Rocher said. France has over 300,000 nessman and political figure who sees the church as “a gunfight. “The terrorists killed five soldiers and injured they pay homage to five medical interns who commit- medical student interns, whose average age is 25. moral force.” —AFP four others in the attack on the Kamuya base,” a military In theory, they work 48-hour weeks, “but ted suicide since the beginning of the year during a officer told AFP. The insurgents sacked the base, forcing nobody cares” about that, said Marie Saleten, one gathering in front of the French Health Ministry to troops to withdraw in disarray, said a second military of the interns and vice-president of the union for denounce the heavy workload. —AFP officer, who gave the same toll. —AFP Paris hospitals interns. According to a study carried out over a three-month period in 2019 by the Since the start of 2021, five hospital interns have national interns’ union ISNI, 58-hour weeks were committed suicide. That was equivalent to “a suicide actually the norm. But with the arrival of the coron- every 18 days,” said Casanova. ISNI organized a US warning on Peloton treadmill avirus pandemic that figure has risen to around 80 “silent tribute” to the dead outside the health min- hours per week, according to Saleten. istry, attended by around 40 people, including NEW YORK: A US federal agency has urged people “They are on call 24 hours a day, and during the interns and relatives of the deceased. with children and pets at home to stop using a tread- pandemic you don’t get to shut your eyes, not even The names of the interns who had taken their mill made by Peloton, citing injuries and one death for a micro-nap,” said ISNI chief Gaetan Casanova. own lives-Valentin, Tristan, Quentin, Elise, Florian- linked to the machines. In an urgent warning, the US “It’s too much and everyone is paying the price, were displayed on black boards while a banner Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said caregivers and patients. Everyone is in danger,” reading “Hospitals are killing interns. Help us to live” Saturday that the Tread+ treadmill poses serious risks Casanova warned. Health Minister Olivier Veran met was displayed at the entrance to the ministry. to children, including abrasions, fractures and even with representatives of ISNI and other intern “It’s been a year since the first signs of COVID PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti: In this file photo a protestor death. The regulator said it was aware of 39 incidents groups on Thursday. and nothing has changed,” said Saleten. moves from the fire during a demonstration in Port- involving the treadmill, including “multiple reports of “Together, we are committed to improving their Psychologist Rocher pointed out that the au-Prince. Catholic Church warned of the restive island’s “descent into hell” and slammed government children becoming entrapped, pinned, and pulled” working conditions, starting with their working medics were still relatively young, but were beneath the roller. One pet was also reportedly sucked expected to take care of the tens of thousands inaction after 10 people, including members of the hours,” the minister tweeted following the meeting, clergy and French citizens, were abducted by kidnap- under the machine. —AFP who have died of coronavirus and the many more but ISNI said the responses it had received were pers demanding $1 million ransom. —AFP too vague. who have recovered. —AFP Established 1961 7 Monday, April 19, 2021 International Myanmar shadow government wants ASEAN crisis talks invite Junta leader Hlaing to join special summit on Myanmar in Jakarta

YANGON: Myanmar’s shadow government yester- Unrest continued across the country on Sunday, day urged Southeast Asian leaders to give it a seat with protesters rallying in Mandalay, Meiktila, at the table during crisis talks next week, and not to Magway and Myingyan, showing support for the recognize the military regime that seized power in national unity government. At Palaw in the coun- a February coup. try’s south, demonstrators brandished banners that Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing is expected to join read: “Military dictators should not be allowed to a special ASEAN summit on Myanmar on Saturday rule. The dictatorship will be uprooted. Support the in Jakarta-his first official overseas trip since the national unity government.” putsch that ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Young demonstrators also staged motorbike ral- Kyi. The army has moved to quell mass protests lies while carrying flags in Hpakant and Sagaing. against its rule, killing at least 730 people accord- The previous night, there were violent ing to a local monitoring group. clashes in the central gem-producing city of Min Aung Hlaing’s invitation to the meeting of Mogok when security forces cracked down on the 10-country Association of Southeast Asian protesters. According to an AFP-verified video Nations has drawn scorn from activists who have filmed by a resident, soldiers crouched on a urged foreign leaders not to formally recognize the street as their commanding officer shouted junta. Moe Zaw Oo, deputy minister of foreign that he wanted “deaths”. The Assistance affairs for the parallel “national unity government”- Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) veri- formed Friday by ousted lawmakers mostly from fied two deaths at Mogok. Suu Kyi’s party, as well as ethnic-minority politi- Much of Myanmar remains under a curfew cians-said ASEAN had not reached out to them. imposed shortly after the coup, running from 8 pm “If ASEAN wants to help solve the Myanmar sit- to 4 am every night. Late Saturday, a young man uation, they are not going to achieve anything was shot and killed in Kyaukme town in northern without consulting and negotiating with the NUG, Shan state while riding his motorbike during the which is supported by the people and has full legit- curfew. “He was shot by the authorities when he and imacy,” he told Voice of America’s Burmese service. other his friends drove motorbikes around 9 pm. He “It’s important that this military council is not rec- was shot in the head,” a rescue worker said, adding JAKARTA: Indonesian cyclists take part in a rally to show their support for democracy in Myanmar ognized. This needs to be handled carefully.” that his funeral would take place yesterday. —AFP near the Myanmar embassy in Jakarta.—AFP

for hospitals around the mountainous country. Kyrgyzstan pushes Aconite root is used in traditional medicine even News in brief though it is considered highly toxic. The authorities have said that a third wave of Trafficking gang busted in Greece poisonous root Covid-19 cases is beginning in the Central Asian country of 6.5 million people, which suffered a diffi- ATHENS: Greek police have dismantled a as virus cure cult summer as the virus overwhelmed hospitals last migrant trafficking network accused of abducting year. President Sadyr Japarov took to Facebook late and torturing two people, the Athens News BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan: Kyrgyzstan is using a poi- Thursday, releasing a video that appeared to show Agency reported yesterday. Police operations sonous root as a treatment against the coronavirus the remedy being bottled by men who were not early Saturday targeted four houses in the north- despite health warnings as the country battles a wearing protective equipment. ern city of Thessaloniki, during which 13 foreign- new wave of infections. The health ministry unveiled The label on the bottles called the drink effective ers aged 19 to 26 were arrested. A 20-year-old the remedy at a news conference on Friday, claiming “against coronavirus and cancer of the stomach” man believed to be the mastermind of a ring that the impoverished country’s leader used the herb to but warned that drinking the solution without heat- BISHKEK: A vendor sells the indigenous Aconitum allegedly transported migrants within Greece and cure “thousands” of sick inmates when he served ing it up might result in death. The World Health soongaricum root known locally as “Issyk-Kul root” at abroad was among those detained. According to jail time last year. Organization on Thursday criticized the decision to a bazaar. —AFP police, the traffickers had transported 22 migrants Health Minister Alimkadyr Beishenaliyev took promote the remedy. between mid-March and mid-April. — AFP sips of the solution that contains extracts of aconite “A drug that has not undergone clinical trials cure for the coronavirus. In Turkmenistan, root as he talked up its healing properties. “There is cannot be registered and recommended for wide- President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov hailed no harm to health,” he said, noting that the remedy spread use by the population,” the WHO said. licorice root as a cure for the coronavirus, a disease had already been used to treat coronavirus patients. Beishenaliyev claimed Japarov had successfully he insists has yet to touch his isolated country of six Syria presidential vote on May 26 “You need to drink it hot, and in two or three treated “thousands of prisoners” using the solution million people. Madagascar’s Andry Rajoelina has days the positive PCR test result disappears and the prior to being released from jail by protesters and promoted a locally-brewed infusion, based on the DAMASCUS: Syria is to hold a presidential elec- person immediately becomes better.” catapulted to power during a political crisis last anti-malarial plant artemisia, to fight the virus. tion on May 26, the parliament speaker Beishenaliyev however warned that “spasms and year. But the head of state was “too modest” to try Nazira Munaypasova, a 43-year-old trader who has announced yesterday, the country’s second in the death” could befall anyone drinking the solution and patent the drug, Beishenaliyev said. sold aconite root at one of the main bazaars in shadow of civil war, seen as likely to keep cold. “(Even) if you drink it hot and then have cold Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek for over ten years, told President Bashar Al-Assad in power. Syrians water or ice cream, you can die,” he said, noting Nature’s cure? AFP the root was “powerful” and echoed the health abroad will be “able to vote at embassies” on that kettles to boil the solution had been purchased Japarov is not the first leader to claim a herbal minister’s caution. —AFP May 20, Hamouda Sabbagh said in a statement, adding that prospective candidates could hand in their applications from today. Assad, who took gious festivals and election rallies. power following the death of his father Hafez in Young and infected: But in hospitals, doctors started warning of a rise 2000, has not yet officially announced that he in cases, including a new phenomenon-younger will stand for re-election. patients-for a disease usually viewed as riskier for COVID’s new older adults. patients in India Children in hospital Voting begins in Cape Verde In a country where around 65 percent of the NEW DELHI: Ajay Singh Yadav only managed a population is under 35, there is growing concern PRAIA, Cape Verde: Voters in Cape Verde, a bas- final video call with Raj Karan before his close about the impact on the young. New Delhi’s chief tion of democracy in Africa, began casting their friend became the latest of an alarming number of minister Arvind Kejriwal has said 65 percent of new ballot yesterday after a campaign dominated by young Indians, including children, falling victim to patients are below 45. the Covid pandemic and its impact on a tourism- the new coronavirus wave sweeping the country. India’s medical research agency does not have a dependent economy. Voting began at 0800 GMT Some doctors say the reason that under-45s are demographic breakdown of cases, but doctors in JABALPUR: Workers prepare to fill medical oxygen and polling stations are scheduled to remain open now vulnerable is that they go to work and eat out major cities confirmed that more young patients cylinders for hospital use on COVID-19 coronavirus until 1900 GMT, with just over 392,000 people more, but there is no definitive proof. They could are coming to hospitals. “We are also seeing chil- patients on the outskirts of Jabalpur yesterday.—AFP registered to vote. In Praia, queues of voters had also be more prone to a new “double mutant” vari- dren under the ages of 12 and 15 being admitted already began forming early Sunday in front of ant found in 60 percent of samples in Maharashtra, with symptoms in the second wave. Last year there aggregator Covid19india.org said. schools serving as polling stations, AFP journalists the hardest-hit state. Karan, 38, was campaigning in were practically no children,” said Khusrav Bajan, observed. Results are expected overnight. — AFP village elections when he fell ill. Yadav rushed him a consultant at Mumbai’s P.D. Hinduja National Variants and vaccines to a hospital, but he too tested positive and was put Hospital and a member of Maharashtra’s COVID- “I haven’t seen such a rise in cases in the last one into isolation. 19 taskforce. year as I’ve seen in the last one week,” Delhi-based “I am devastated... I could only see him via a In Gujarat state, pulmonologist Amit Dave said book publicist Tanu Dogra, 28, who was bedridden Mexico makes another arrest video call,” Yadav, 39, told AFP in the northern city young people were experiencing “increased severi- for a week after testing positive in March told AFP. MEXICO CITY: Mexican authorities have of Lucknow. The nation of 1.3 billion people has ty” from coronavirus for their lungs, hearts and kid- “Everybody on my timeline, on my WhatsApp, is arrested another suspect in connection with the been hit by a new wave that has caused one million neys. One Gujarat hospital has set up the state’s first frantically messaging each other because they’ve all double murder of a French restaurateur and his positive tests in a week, and authorities are rattled. pediatric coronavirus ward. States across India tested positive.” business partner, officials said Saturday. State At the start of the year, India thought it had have reported a similar increase of young patients. In Brazil-which like the rest of the world had police apprehended a 39-year-old man in the beaten the pandemic and had kicked off a mass In the southern IT hub of Bangalore, under- more severe cases and deaths among the elderly capital after following him on suspicions that he vaccination drive. Face masks and social distancing 40s made up 58 percent of infections in early during the first wave-doctors are also seeing a was “linked” to the murders, the local attorney were cast aside and huge crowds flocked to reli- April, up from 46 percent last year, data higher prevalence of younger patients. —AFP general’s office said in a statement. Investigators believe that the killings of 45-year-old dual national Baptiste Lormand and his Mexican leader from Hefazat to be arrested this week, associate Luis Orozco last year were linked to Dhaka cracks down police said. 8 of a family killed the theft of expensive wine. The bodies of the The leaders were expected to be charged with two men were found in the far south of the capi- the outbreak of violence during the anti-Modi in Afghanistan tal in November 2020, two days after Lormand on hardliners after protests and demonstrations in 2013 that left near- was last seen in the affluent neighborhood of ly 50 people dead. Polanco where he ran a restaurant. —AFP India PM protests A further 298 Hefazat supporters and activists mosque shooting were arrested in the eastern rural district of DHAKA: Hundreds of hardline Islamists have been Brahmanbaria where anti-Modi demonstrations JALALABAD: Eight members of the same family were arrested by Bangladesh police over the past week, were also held, police said yesterday. “We arrest- gunned down in an attack on a mosque in eastern Colombia clash leaves 15 dead Afghanistan, officials said yesterday. The shooting happened officials said yesterday, after deadly protests ed them by identifying them through video on Saturday night in the city of Jalalabad in Nangarhar BOGOTA: At least 14 guerrillas and one soldier against the visit of India’s Hindu-nationalist leader. footage,” Brahmanbaria police’s deputy chief, province, and was believed to be over a land dispute, the were killed Saturday in clashes in southwest At least 13 protesters died during the days-long Mohammad Roish Uddin, said. province’s governor Zaiulhaq Amarkhil said. demonstrations in late March over Indian Prime Hefazat spokesman Jakaria Noman Foyezi told Five brothers and three of their male cousins were killed. Colombia between the army and dissidents from Minister Narendra Modi. The protests across sev- AFP that 23 leaders of his organization had been “The incident is under investigation but initial information the FARC ex-rebel force, which disarmed after eral districts in Bangladesh were mostly led by the detained by police. He called police claims against shows a land dispute has caused the incident,” Amarkhil told signing a 2016 peace deal. “In military opera- hardline group Hefazat-e-Islam, whose members them “false and fabricated”. AFP. Fareed Khan, a spokesman for Nangarhar police, con- tions, 14 people were neutralized” in the town accused Modi of stoking communal violence Hefazat, which was found in 2010, is firmed the attack. of Algeria, Cauca department, Defense Minister Diego Molano said during a public event. On against Muslims in India. Police said Mamunul Bangladesh’s largest hardline Islamist outfit. Afghanistan, like the rest of the Muslim world, is observ- Twitter, General Eduardo Zapateiro, the army’s Haque, 47, the firebrand joint secretary of Hefazat, ing the holy month of Ramadan, when men gather every The group draws its support from millions of commander, identified the deceased as mem- was detained yesterday after a top Islamic semi- night to offer special prayers after fasting for the day. students and teachers in thousands of the Revenge killings are common in Afghanistan, where families bers of a FARC splinter group that rejects the nary in the capital Dhaka was raided. Muslim-majority madrasas. A 2013 rally in seek justice by carrying out violent acts of vengeance terms of the peace deal. The dead soldier was “He was arrested over charges of violence by Dhaka by thousands of Hefazat supporters based on an ancient code of honor. So-called blood feuds identified as Corporal Diego Ricardo Gomez Hefazat-e-Islam,” police spokesman Ifetkharul demanding a blasphemy law ended in unrest and can last for decades, passing down through generations in a Chavez. —AFP Islam told AFP. Haque was the seventh senior dozens of deaths. —AFP cycle of violence. —AFP Established 1961

MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2021 US, China commit to climate cooperation Kerry urges Beijing to reduce use of coal to achieve global climate goal WASHINGTON: The United States and Framework Convention on Climate nations to taking action to keep the tem- China are “committed to cooperating” Change and the Paris Agreement.” perature from rising no more than two on the pressing issue of climate change, Both countries also “look forward” to degrees Celsius above pre-industrial the two sides said Saturday, issuing the a virtual climate summit of world leaders levels. With the world badly off track to pledge days ahead of a key summit host- that Biden will host next week, though meeting the goal, Biden hopes his sum- ed by President Joe Biden. The joint the statement did not say if Chinese mit will result in stronger pledges in statement came after a trip to Shanghai President Xi Jinping would attend. “We advance of UN-led climate talks in by US climate envoy John Kerry, the first very much hope he will take part,” Kerry, Glasgow at the end of the year. official from Biden’s administration to who is now in South Korea, told visit China, signaling hopes the two sides reporters yesterday. “Of course, every ‘Unequivocal commitment’ could work together on the global chal- country will make its own decisions,” he According to their statement, both lenge despite sky-high tensions on mul- said, adding: “We’re not seeking to force Washington and Beijing “intend to tiple other fronts. anybody. We’re seeking cooperation.” develop” their respective long-term But to achieve the global climate goal, strategies to achieve carbon neutrality Kerry said words must be put into action ‘Biggest coal user’ by the Glasgow meeting. Other moves in and urged China to reduce its use of China currently has about half of the the near term include boosting “interna- coal. “The United States and China are world’s coal power, Kerry said, adding tional investment and finance” to sup- committed to cooperating with each that he “talked a lot” about it with offi- port the transition to green energy in other and with other countries to tackle cials in Shanghai. “I am not pointing fin- developing countries, as well as phasing the climate crisis, which must be gers,” said Kerry. “We’ve had too much out production and consumption of addressed with the seriousness and coal, other countries have too much coal, hydrofluorocarbons, gases used in urgency that it demands,” said the state- but China is the biggest, biggest coal refrigeration, air conditioners and SEOUL: US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry speaks during a press con- ment from Kerry and China’s special user in the world,” he added. “And aerosols. ference yesterday. —AFP envoy for climate change Xie Zhenhua. because it’s such a big and powerful Longer-term actions that need to be It listed multiple avenues of climate economy and country, it needs to move.” taken to keep the temperature goals of acrimony over accusations about China’s self,” Kerry told CNN before his trip to cooperation between the world’s top two Biden has made climate a top priority, the Paris accord “within reach” include policies in Hong Kong and its treatment Shanghai. Li Shuo, a policy advisor at economies which together account for turning the page from his predecessor reducing emissions from industry and of Uyghurs in its northwestern Xinjiang Greenpeace East Asia, said the joint nearly half of the greenhouse gas emis- Donald Trump, who was closely aligned power generation while stepping up region - criticisms Beijing rejects as statement showed the “unequivocal sions responsible for climate change. It with the fossil fuel industry. The US renewable energy, clean transportation interference in its domestic affairs. commitment” of the United States and stressed “enhancing their respective president has rejoined the 2015 Paris and climate-resistant agriculture. The If the United States refuses to work China in tackling climate change and actions and cooperating in multilateral accord, which Kerry negotiated when he United States and China’s pledge to with China on climate because of other should “put global climate momentum processes, including the United Nations was secretary of state, and committed cooperate on climate follows recent disagreements, “you’re just killing your- back on high gear.” — AFP

mate envoy John Kerry vis- climate change,” Trudeau said. Chance for Biden to ited China, signaling hopes He said the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the two sides could work how people do business and live their lives, “has led show US serious on together on climate. us to think differently about telework or travel”. It Trudeau acknowledged has also shown, he said, “to what point people can Biden seeks to that China has shown it is change their behavior, adjust (in) a crisis.” “If we climate: Trudeau “taking seriously the need were able to do it for the pandemic crisis, we will to reduce their pollution,” obviously have to know that we are able to do it for turbo-charge OTTAWA: President Joe Biden must show he is noting its massive invest- this environmental crisis,” he suggested. serious and committed about US re-engagement on climate fight, but ments, for example, in solar Justin Trudeau Trudeau didn’t point to specific lessons to be climate change, Canadian Prime Minister Justin power, electric vehicles and drawn from the pandemic and applied to the climate Trudeau said in an interview with AFP ahead of a battery technologies. The problem, but said “to be ambitious for a better can US lead? virtual climate summit opening this week. West, he said, must step up or risk falling behind. “I future, everyone agrees these days on that”. It’s a Highlighting Washington’s return to the front lines know that Canada and developed countries like us message he’s shared with other world leaders whom WASHINGTON: of the fight against man-made climate change, the around the world are very interested in ensuring he said have been “very interested in the fact that President Joe Biden two-day summit starting Thursday will be the first that we’re competing with China successfully on not only had I brought in a carbon tax, a price on hopes to give a shot of big event on the environment of his presidency, and new technologies,” Trudeau said. pollution, but I won elections with that at the heart adrenaline to the planet’s comes ahead of two other major climate meetings “I’m not going to let China take all the innova- of our campaign.” sluggish fight against cli- later in the year. tions and all the economic growth that’s going to Trudeau’s Liberals, campaigning on strong cli- mate change with an “The commitment that the US has shown after a come from going greener,” he said. “There are lots mate actions, went from third ranked party in par- Earth Day summit but a few years away from the climate table is something of areas in which we disagree with China, but if we liament to winning a majority in the 2015 general question lingers - can that people will be looking to ensure that it is seri- can all create a similar momentum on an issue that election. Four years later, his party, tainted by scan- the United States be ous, that it is committed,” Trudeau told AFP. touches every corner of this planet, then I think dals, was returned to office with a minority. But with trusted to lead? The two Joe Biden “There’s no question that we need a country of the that’s a good thing.” another election looming in the coming months, major international scale of the United States to be part of the solution, Trudeau looks set to regain his majority, according accords achieved on cli- not part of the problem, if we’re going to make it as A plan for the future to polls, vowing even stronger climate measures. mate, the Paris Agreement and the Kyoto a planet,” he said. Today, Trudeau’s deputy Chrystia Freeland is to Canada pledged under the Paris Agreement to Protocol, were both crafted through intense Another big polluter, China, was invited to the deliver his Liberal government’s first budget in two the cut its CO2 emission by 30 percent below 2005 US diplomacy only to be shunned by summit, but hasn’t formally accepted yet. China, years, with significant funding expected for clean levels by 2030. Last December, Trudeau announced Washington, with new administrations now the world’s second-largest economy, and the energy projects to anchor Canada’s economic an accelerated incremental hike of his country’s car- denouncing them as unfair. West have grown increasing at odds over a wide recovery from last year’s pandemic recession. bon tax on fossil fuels from Can$50 per ton in 2022 This time around, the United States under array of issues, from trade and intellectual property “Certainly, as we have said for a long time, you can’t to Can$170 per ton by 2030 - enough, according to Biden is aiming big and going fast. Biden has to Beijing’s crackdown on Hong Kong and Xinjiang. have a plan for the future of the economy without officials, to increase the price of gasoline by nearly invited 40 leaders to participate in the April On Friday, as Trudeau was speaking to AFP, US cli- having a plan for the environment and for fighting 28 cents a liter. — AFP 22-23 summit, an extraordinary undertaking for a president in place for just three months, even with the gathering taking place virtually. The administration will set the stage for the From lizards to summit by unveiling what it has teased will be ambitious new US targets for reducing emis- water, eco-bumps sions responsible for climate change, as Congress considers Biden’s massive $2 trillion infrastructure package that heavily focuses on snag Tesla plant a green transition. “This is an event President Biden set for BERLIN: In the green forest outside Berlin, a himself to do. It wasn’t imposed externally. So David and Goliath-style battle is playing out you can expect that he wants to make it visual between electric carmaker Tesla and environmental to the rest of the world that the United States campaigners who want to stop its planned “gigafac- can and will lead on climate,” said Alice Hill, a tory”. “When I saw on TV that the Tesla factory senior fellow at the Council on Foreign was going to be built here, I couldn’t believe it,” Relations who advised former president Barack said Steffen Schorch, driving his trusty German- Obama on climate. “Of course there’s this made car. cloud over the entire summit - the question of The 60-year-old from Erkner village in the Berlin whether the United States is really back for the commuter belt has become one of the faces of the long term,” she said. “That’s probably the most fight against the US auto giant’s first European fac- frequently asked question I hear - how can we tory, due to open in the Brandenburg region near trust the United States?” Berlin in July. “Tesla needs far too much water, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in the region does not have this water,” said the envi- an interview with AFP, put it this way: “The ronmental activist, a local representative of the commitment that the US has shown after a few Nabu ecologist campaign group. years away from the climate table is something Announced in Nov 2019, Tesla’s gigafactory GRUNHEIDE, Germany: An excavator operates as work continues on US electric car giant Tesla’s European that people will be looking to ensure that it is project was warmly welcomed as an endorsement “Gigafactory” near Berlin on April 8, 2021. — AFP serious, that it is committed.” of the “Made in Germany” quality mark - but was Political momentum has grown as evidence immediately met with opposition from local resi- Local residents and environmentalists are also con- fields - southwest of the German capital. Tesla is of climate change mounts, with the six years dents. Demonstrations, legal action, open letters - cerned about the impact on the wetlands, an impor- aiming to produce 500,000 electric vehicles a year since 2015 all the hottest ever recorded, worst- residents have done everything in their power to tant source of biodiversity in the region. at the plant, which will also be home to “the largest case scenarios coming true on the melting of delay the project, supported by powerful environ- battery factory in the world”, according to group polar ice and a growing number of severe mental campaign groups Nabu and Gruene Liga. Tesla Street boss Elon Musk. In a little over a year and a half, storms, droughts and other disasters. Biden on Tesla was forced to temporarily suspend forest “The water situation is bad, and will get worse,” swathes of coniferous forest have already been his first day in office returned the United clearing last year after campaigners won an injunc- Heiko Baschin, a spokesman for the neighborhood cleared to make way for vast concrete rectangles on States to the 2015 Paris Agreement, reversing tion over threats to the habitats of resident lizards association IG Freienbrink, told AFP. Brandenburg’s a red earth base, accessed via the already iconic the decision of his predecessor Donald Trump, and snakes during their winter slumber. And now environment minister Axel Vogel sought to play Tesla Strasse (Tesla Street). an ally of the fossil-fuel industry who mocked they have focused their attention on water con- down the issue, saying in March that “capacity has The new site still has only provisional construction the science behind climate change. “The world sumption - which could reach up to 3.6 million cu m not been exceeded for now”. But the authorities permits, but Tesla has been authorized by local offi- is confident that the US is back and is going all a year, or around 30 percent of the region’s available admit that “the impact of droughts is significant” cials to begin work at its own risk. Final approval out to make up for lost time from the Trump supply, according to the ZDF public broadcaster. and have set up a working group to examine the depends on an assessment of the project’s environ- years,” said Alden Meyer, a senior associate at The extra demand could place a huge burden on issue in the long term. mental impact - including the issue of water. In theo- E3G think tank and veteran watcher of climate a region already affected by water shortages and The gigafactory is set to sprawl over 300 ry, if approval is not granted, Tesla will have to dis- negotiations. — AFP hit by summer droughts for the past three years. hectares - equivalent to approximately 560 football mantle the entire complex at its own expense. — AFP 9 Business Monday, April 19, 2021 From Moscow to New York, fast delivery takes off amid pandemic More than $14bn has been invested in grocery delivery services MOSCOW: Like millions of people and Samokat (Scooter) seek to carve out sionals. Mary Levocz, a 34-year-old around the world, Yuri Nekrasov stopped a niche as ultra-fast online convenience English teacher in Moscow, said she going to the grocery store every day last stores. started using Yandex’s 15-minute deliv- year when authorities in Moscow During Russia’s strict coronavirus ery service in early winter to avoid going enforced a coronavirus lockdown. But quarantine demand for grocery deliver- out in the cold and lugging around heavy even after restrictions were lifted, ies spiked, overwhelming some retailers. items such as bottled water. “I use it Nekrasov has stuck to his new routine, Overloaded platforms were unable to because it’s the most convenient option ordering groceries online from rapid service customers and some chains for ordering very random or small items,” delivery companies that promise every- experienced delivery delays of up to Levocz told AFP. thing from milk and eggs to toilet paper in several days. As established market play- as little as 15 minutes. ers buckled under the pressure, rapid ‘Why not New York?’ “We now only go to a real supermar- delivery services boomed, said Maxim In the fourth quarter of 2020, the rapid ket once a week or once every two Avtukhov, chief financial officer and chief delivery business brought in more than 4 weeks,” the 32-year-old finance lawyer commercial officer at Yandex.Lavka, billion rubles ($52 million), or 18 percent told AFP. Rapid grocery delivery services which was founded in 2019. of Yandex’s taxi and food delivery servic- have recently boomed in Russia, reflect- “It was a game changer,” Avtukhov es. Lavka operates across several major ing a global trend that has seen similar told AFP. “Before the pandemic we were Russian cities and also in Tel Aviv, where businesses winning customers in Europe an amusing toy. The pandemic changed Yandex has been present since 2014. This and the United States. More than $14 bil- everything, especially in the beginning week the company said it was gearing up lion has been invested in grocery delivery when people were gripped by panic.” to launch operations in Paris and London. services worldwide since early 2020 - The company, which also offers a restau- “There were lots of orders in winter,” most of it this year - according to rant food delivery service, relies on an Kutman Kanatbek Uulu, a Yandex.Lavka PitchBook, a financial data provider. army of bicycle couriers and multiple courier, told AFP after delivering two NEW YORK: An employee rides a scooter to deliver groceries from ‘Fridge No More’ on Russians have embraced e-commerce warehouses known as “dark stores”. On orders to Moscow customers from a March 31, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough. — AFP later than other countries, but the world average it takes two minutes to put nearby windowless warehouse. “We of online shopping has recently seen together an order, Avtukhov said. deliver about 40-50 orders a day,” the New York fast delivery start-up in the customer two streets away, then returns a explosive growth. While many retailers The service, which has a limited 18-year-old from Kyrgyzstan said, adding family-friendly Brooklyn neighbourhood few minutes later. The start-up called offer online delivery services, companies assortment of goods and prices general- that he can earn around 3,000-5,000 of Park Slope is also a beehive of activity. Fridge No More was founded by two like Lavka (small shop) run by tech giant ly higher compared to supermarkets, has rubles ($39 to $65) a day. A delivery man with a bright blue and Russians, Anton Gladkoborodov and Yandex - which Nekrasov’s family uses - targeted young, middle-class profes- Across the Atlantic, a warehouse of a white backpack rushes with an order to a Pavel Danilov, in 2020. — AFP

KAMCO Oil Market Report solutions by stc partners with Oil recovers eMushrif to provide innovative partially on transportation solutions demand optimism KUWAIT: Kuwait Telecommunications experience for riders while allowing Company - stc, a world-class digital institutions to keep track of their fleet KUWAIT: After touching a 14-month high leader providing innovative services effectively. By digitizing the experi- last month, the rally in oil prices eased after and platforms to customers, enabling ence, generated data will lead to high- witnessing consistent declines at the start of by forecasts from several agencies across the demand recovery. In terms of product catego- the digital transformation in Kuwait, er productivity and better manage- April-2021. Demand trends across markets board. ry, gasoline is expected to record the biggest announced that its specialized busi- ment of transportation services, with remained clouded but the broader optimism The US EIA raised its oil price forecast for growth this year followed by diesel, while ness arm solutions by stc has part- areas of improvement indicated saw rising output across the board. However, this year and the next. In its STEO, the agency strong petrochemical demand mainly in China, nered with eMushrif, an Omani based through summary reports. Contact despite the increasing pace of vaccinations now expects Brent crude prices to average of the US and India, is expected to drive stronger company that specializes in IoT and tracing will also enable institutions to worldwide that supported oil prices as end 62.28/b in 2021 vs. its previous forecast of demand for petrochemical feedstock. AI technology catered to the trans- take necessary action to reduce the product demand surged, the resurgence in 60.67/b in the previous forecast, whereas in On the other hand, demand for jet fuel portation industry through its Kuwaiti likeliness of spreading infection and COVID-19 cases in key oil markets in Europe 2022 prices are expected to average at USD would continue to see increasing uncertainty branch, to provide its corporate cus- apply the appropriate guidelines and in India over the last few weeks forced 60.49/b vs. previous forecast of USD 58.51/b. although the latest data suggest an increase in tomers with customized transportation issued by the Ministry of Health. solu- crude oil to trade near USD 60/b. The consensus estimates for Brent also activity in the sector, especially in the US. management systems, in addition to tions by stc believes that by adopting Trends across markets remained extremely shows the crude grade consistently above the smart and safety solutions designed this system, institutions will have a divergent as seen from increasing travel trends USD 62/b mark over the next six quarters. The World Oil Supply for HR systems. better grasp of their fleets and effec- in the US and strong trade data in China, as average price for OPEC crude basket stood at World liquids production showed a sharp In its statement, solutions by stc tively implement a key area within compared to new restrictions and curbs in USD 64.6/b during March-2021, the highest in increase during March-2021 after showing a noted that its new formed partnership their digital transformation strategy. Germany, France and India and a number of 14-months and a monthly increase of 5.7 per- steep decline during February-2021. Total pro- will aid the Company in leveraging In addition, a smart time atten- new restrictions in several other countries. cent. Kuwait crude grade also had a growth of duction witnessed a monthly increase of 1.22 and expanding its digital solutions, dance system has been launched, as There were hopes of higher global oil demand 5.8 percent to average at USD 64.9/b whereas mb/d during March-2021 to average at 93.23 offering advanced tracking, smart an ideal alternative to fingerprint and as vaccinations efforts have picked up globally Brent spot crude averaged at USD 65.6/b, a mb/d. The increase reflected an increase in attendance, and management systems face recognition software to track and is expected to support economic activity. 5.4 percent monthly increase from USD 61.3/b production by both OPEC and non-OPEC to schools, private companies, and employee attendance. This system is All the three agencies, IEA, OPEC and EIA, last month. producers. OPEC producers increased pro- government institutions. The new sys- considered an additional service pro- have made upward revisions to demand fore- Data on oil inventory in the US also sup- duction by 0.2 mb/d, according to OPEC sec- tems, developed in-house by vided by solutions by stc to help com- cast for 2021 ranging from 150 tb/d to 200 ported the recent stability in oil prices. ondary sources during March-2021 mainly led eMushrif, will allow seamless tracking panies and schools achieve their goals tb/d in their latest monthly reports. However, According to the latest weekly EIA report, by an increase in production by Iran, Libya and monitoring of multiple parameters regarding combating the Coronavirus the bulk of the growth in oil consumption is crude oil inventories in the US declined for the and Angola. that can enhance trip efficiency, main- pandemic, provided that the company expected to come during 2H-2020, while the third consecutive week during the week ended On the other hand, non-OPEC producers tain rider safety, and report key indi- provides information in a way that IEA slashed prediction for the current quarter. 9-April-2021 by 5.89 mb/d taking the total US increased production by an relatively higher cators to the user. The solution con- contributes to mitigating the risks of In terms of product category, the demand for crude inventory to the lowest in 6-weeks at rate of 1.02 mb/d and produced at an average sists of hardware installed on trans- infection spreading within companies jet fuel is seen rising as daily departures are 492.4 million barrels. Refinery utilization in the rate of 68.19 mb/d. The increase came mainly portation vehicles, specialized key and across the local community. now back to levels seen in March last year. In US increased to levels since the early days of from higher production in the US by 0.93 cards, as well as an interactive easy- By using modern and innovative addition, gasoline demand in the US remained the pandemic last year that resulted in higher mb/d led by the return of drilling and comple- to-use App that provides regular technological solutions, solutions by high as interstate vehicle miles traveled gasoline inventories. tion operations after the cold snap earlier this updates and trip details. stc currently provides an extensive recently was above the levels seen in 2019, A Bloomberg report showed that crude year. The steeper increase in production by Through the dedicated app, users offering line for corporate customers, according to data from the US government. inventories in the US East Coast are at their non-OPEC producers resulted in a 0.1 percent will be able to check real-time loca- assisting them in their digital transfor- The elevated levels of oil price last month lowest in 30 years whereas oil demand for the decline in OPEC’s market share during the tions of passengers, estimated time of mation journey. The Company applies triggered an increase in oil output from both week increased by 1.1 mb/d. In response, US month to 26.9 percent. arrival, previous trip details, atten- a design thinking approach while col- OPEC and non-OPEC producers as drillers drillers have increased the pace of drilling in dance, boarding history, and receive laborating with market leaders to pro- are more confident of future oil demand and the country. The latest weekly oil rig count OPEC Oil Production & Spare Capacity notification related to each trip. vide its customers with effective tools prices. Data published by the US EIA showed data from Baker Hughes although showed no OPEC crude oil production increased dur- Originally designed for students, some that can enhance efficiency. oil production from major shale sites rising for change in rig counts for the latest week but ing March-2021 after seeing a steep decline of the features were added to keep As a business solutions provider, the third consecutive month in May-2021 to historical data showed increasing rig count for during February-2021 that had pushed pro- parents informed of their children’s solutions by stc introduced many 5G 7.61 mb/d mainly coming from the Permian 25 out of the previous 29 weeks. duction to a four-month low. Monthly produc- whereabouts but have been adapted innovations which utilized 5G technol- Basin that is expected to reach a one-year tion averaged at 25.33 mb/d for the group, and redefined to suit the needs of cor- ogy and coverage in addition to the AI high production rate of 4.47 mb/d. However, World Oil Demand registering a m-o-m increase of 0.3 mb/d, porate customers as well. System technology, 5G LIVEBUS is one of the increase is also seen as activation of The OPEC raised world oil demand esti- according to data from Bloomberg. OPEC’s admins will gain access to a summary these innovations. It is a custom-made incomplete wells that were affected by the mates for 2020 by around 0.1 mb/d and secondary sources showed a slightly slower of all connected vehicles, receive over innovation outfitted with state-of-the- cold wave. demand for the year is expected to have con- production growth of 0.2 mb/d to an average speed notification, triggered alarms, art security solutions to keep you On the other hand, the CEO of Occidental tracted at a slightly lower pace of 9.5 mb/d to of 25.04 mb/d. The increase came mainly on and visual inspection updates, in addi- updated in real time, while monitoring Petroleum said that achieving 13 mb/d of pro- average at 90.5 mb/d. The upward revision the back of higher production from Iran that tion to detailed reports on every com- the safety of the passengers. duction would be difficult as drillers focus on reflected positive changes to demand esti- produced at 2.3 mb/d with a monthly increase pleted trip including passenger board- Moreover, solutions by stc offers a reducing debt and increasing shareholder mates for both the OECD and the non-OECD of 140 tb/d. ing and drop off timings. range of connectivity solutions, fixed returns at the cost of lower capital expendi- regions. For the former, demand estimates According to data from Bloomberg, Iran solutions by stc also reported a or wireless services, 5G technology, ture. The current rate of production in the US were relatively marginally mainly backed by has increased production gradually and con- specially designed system for the oil ICT, IoT and the IT products and stood at 10.9 mb/d, almost 2 mb/d less than better-than-expected data for Q4-2020 sistently over the last six months from one of and gas sector, called “Rehlati”. The services. The strategic partnership the production rate in January last year. resulting in a demand decline of 5.6 mb/d for the lowest historical levels of 1.92 mb/d during smart solution aims to fully digitize the further builds on solutions by stc’s OPEC production was once again up by the OECD region. Aug-2020. Libya and Angola also increased trip experience using innovative hard- commitment to provide its customers over 0.2 mb/d during March-2021 after seeing The data for OECD Americas and Europe production by 100 tb/d each and produced at ware and a customized mobile App. with integrated solutions that enable a decline during the previous month. The were revised upwards led by better demand 1.25 mb/d and 1.2 mb/d, respectively, while Contractors using the service or other digitization across multiple opera- increase came mainly on the back of higher from the petrochemical sector. For the non- Iraq added 60 tb/d and produced at 3.97 riders will be able to book trips, tional aspects and sectors. The production by Iran and Angola. In the latest OECD countries, the upward revision was mb/d. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia report- receive e-tickets, manage their book- Company aims to explore new alter- OPEC+ meeting, the group decided to much bigger by almost 0.1 mb/d and demand ed the biggest decline in production at 60 ings, and contact admin support if native methods that can greatly increase production and Saudi Arabia said it is now estimated to have contracted by 3.9 tb/d (33 tb/d according to OPEC secondary necessary. enhance the efficiency and productivi- would gradually roll back its voluntary cuts mb/d. The positive revision mainly reflected sources) and produced at a 9-month low rate The company emphasized that ty of existing activities with an objec- that would result in higher production ranging better demand data for China. of 8.15 mb/d. Kuwait and Venezuela also smart transportation management tive to reap favorable outcomes for its between 0.6 mb/d in May-2021 to 0.85 mb/d World oil demand forecast for 2021 was reported lower production by 30 tb/d each systems can greatly enhance the trip valued customers. in July-2021 led by confidence in near term oil also raised by the OPEC by around 0.1 mb/d. and produced at 2.32 mb/d and 440 tb/d, demand. Demand is now expected to average at 96.5 respectively. mb/d this year showing an increase of 6.0 Libya crude production stood at near full Oil Prices mb/d. The revision reflected an upward revi- capacity during the month and was the highest The rally in oil prices came to a halt during sion to demand data for 2H-2020 that was in at least 8 years. In an interview with the second half of March-2021 led by a num- partially offset by a downward revision for 1H- Bloomberg, Libya’s oil minister said that the ber of factors but was primarily led by senti- 2020. OPEC expects 1H-2021 demand to be sector is getting the necessary funding for ment that the levels of around USD 70/b were lower due to the new Covid-19 related restric- field maintenance and development, and this unsustainable as there were indications of tions in OECD Europe and a sluggish Q1-2021 would help the country to maintain current higher output from US as well as speculations oil demand data for the non-OECD region. production levels this year. According to a over OPEC+ next move on its near term out- However, for 2H-2021, a stronger expected report from S&P Platts, Libya’s NOC plans to put policy. However, prices stabilized after economic rebound supported by the stimulus increase production to 1.45 mb/d by the end touching USD 60/b despite the announce- programs and easing of COVID-19 restric- of 2021 as some eastern oil fields resume pro- ment of increasing output from the OPEC+. tions and an acceleration of vaccine adminis- duction. With production stabilizing at current The resilience indicated confidence in the trations mainly in the OECD region is expect- levels, there were reports that the country may demand outlook for the year that was backed ed to result in stronger-than-expected be included in the OPEC+ quotas. 10 Business Monday, April 19, 2021 Paradise found: ‘Hades’ maker takes on gaming goliaths Remote work was already a norm at Supergiant SAN FRANCISCO: No work email after 5:00 pm giant Electronic Arts in 2009 and moving from Los on Fridays, mandatory vacations: The outfit behind Angeles to San Jose, California to start Supergiant in role-playing video game sensation “Hades” doesn’t the living room of Rao’s childhood home. “My dad believe you have to go through hell to reach the top. said we should start a company when we were young, Yet the tiny, independent Supergiant’s own-way just so if we failed we could find jobs two years later approach seems to be working as it gains on the and it would all be okay,” Rao quipped at a 2019 goliaths of the multibillion-dollar gaming industry. game conference. “Hades” snagged five honors this year at Britain’s Supergiant launched with four Ikea desks pressed prestigious BAFTA Games Awards and is short-list- together in mid-2009. Within nine months, seven ed for a major Hugo science fiction prize. “If what friends were working on its first game, “Bastion”, a hit makes our games special is the particular people that gave the startup traction. The original cadre is at who work on them and how they work together, the heart of what is now a 23-person team, with poli- then the whole studio culture needs to be about cies crafted to keep the team’s mojo humming. “We try supporting that over the long term,” Supergiant co- to do things to save us from ourselves, because we are founder Amir Rao told AFP. the type of people who really like working with each In an industry slammed for punishing workloads other and the things we are working on,” Rao said. and playing it safe with sequels to blockbusters, Supergiant bans workers from sending emails after Supergiant has focused on a love of old-school 5:00 pm on Fridays, to prevent a domino effect of games. Unlike massive role-playing experiences with messages getting people involved in work on week- film-like graphics, “Hades” is a “dungeon crawler” ends. Employees have to take off at least 20 days a that challenges players to fight their way through year, to make sure they get breaks. The studio encour- chambers rife with demonic adversaries to escape the ages accepting one’s limits, and understanding life underworld. Graphics are akin to an animated car- comes with unexpected challenges, according to Rao. toon, starring a rebellious son of the Greek god Hades “For a lot of the people on the team it was actually This handout image courtesy of Supergiant Games shows artwork by art director Jen Zee from Hades video intent on escaping his disapproving father’s domain. harder when they weren’t working,” he said of the game. — AFP Characters in the game are based on Greek mytholo- pandemic’s impact. “Because that was when they gy, with Rao’s dog providing vocals for multi-headed were confronting more of what was going on in the their absence. The team is now enjoying a post- “Hades”, dying is part of the fun. “If it’s working really hound Cerberus. wider world.” Remote work was already a norm at ”Hades” respite, its next project yet to be determined. well when you die you are only very briefly disap- Supergiant when the coronavirus caused it to stop In the meantime, gamers are still burrowing in to the pointed because there’s a whole bunch of other stuff ‘Office’ in parents’ living room using its San Francisco office last year. intricacies of the game. While immersive, big-budget that’s about to happen,” said Rao. The game enables That kind of DIY ethic arcs back to Rao and co- Members of the team finished “Hades” from home, offerings present stories in rich detail, the “Hades” players to progress in their own ways, and battles founder Gavin Simon leaving their jobs at video game leaving their city workplace to be hit by burglars in narrative leaves much to the imagination. And in vary with each engagement. — AFP Lexus accelerates Winners of electrified future with LF-Z Electrified Al-Najma weekly concept debut & salary account KUWAIT: Since the launch of the RX 400h - the world’s first luxury electrified model - in 2005, campaign Lexus customers have purchased nearly two million electrified vehicles, as of the end of 2020 and cur- KUWAIT: Commercial Bank of Kuwait con- rently, offers nine models of hybrid electric vehicles ducted the weekly draws on Al-Najma Account (HEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in and Salary Transfer Campaign yesterday. The approximately 90 countries and regions around the draws were conducted in the presence of world. Lexus has always pursued both performance By 2050, Lexus aims to achieve carbon neutrali- Ministry of Commerce and Industry represen- and environmental friendliness. ty throughout the lifecycle of its entire model lineup tative Ahmad Al-Basman. Through its “Lexus Electrified” vision that Lexus - from the manufacturing of materials, parts and The results of the draws were as follows: announced in 2019, Lexus aims to realize a funda- vehicles to vehicle logistics, to the final disposal and 1- Al-Najma weekly account - the prize of mental leap in vehicle performance by employing recycling of older vehicles. In this perspective, and 5,000 Kuwaiti Dinars went to the winner electrification technology, and to continue to pro- with a clear mission to achieve carbon neutrality, Mohammad Abdullah Al-Zoabi vide its customers with the enjoyment and pleasure Lexus will reduce the environmental impact of 2- Salary account campaign - the prize of up that cars have to offer. materials’ manufacturing processes. to 1,000 Kuwaiti Dinars - went to the winner Today Lexus held the world premiere of “LF-Z Rakan Khaled Al-Ajmi Electrified”, a conceptual BEV that incorporates Main features of LF-Z Electrified The Bank stated that the salary campaign is driving performance, styling, and technologies envi- The LF-Z Electrified is a BEV concept vehicle aimed at customers who transfer their salaries sioned for realization by 2025. It features ideal that is symbolic of Lexus’s brand transformation of KD 500 or more to the Bank, especially dynamic balance achieved through the optimal and incorporates driving performance, styling, and Kuwaiti employees and residents working in placement of the battery and electric motors, as advanced technology set to be realized by 2025. The LF-Z Electrified’s sculpted and emotional the government, oil sectors and companies list- well as, among others, a new four-wheel driving To realize the significant evolution of basic vehi- exterior strongly accentuates the uniqueness of ed with the Bank as well as retirees, and take force control technology known as “DIRECT4” that cle performance using electrification technology, Lexus design and expresses the dynamic and agile advantage of the benefits of this campaign and generates a superior and highly flexible driving per- which is the aim of Lexus’s “Lexus Electrified” elec- driving sensation delivered by high-output electric get an instant cash gift from KD 250 to KD formance, setting the LF-Z Electrified apart from trification vision, the LF-Z Electrified adopts a motors. To provide a uniquely BEV driving experi- 500 Kuwaiti Dinars or an interest-free loan of conventional vehicles. Also, in the near future, BEV-dedicated platform. It features a new four- ence, the interior is equipped with a “Tazuna” cock- 5 times the salary and a maximum of KD Lexus plans to incorporate technologies and wheel driving force control technology known as pit and features an open and minimalist design. The 10,000, Kuwaiti pensioners, along with expa- advanced infotainment functions that will further “DIRECT4”, which uses the instant responsiveness interior embodies an elevated level of Lexus’s triate customers who transfer their debt enrich our customers’ mobility experience. of an electric motor’s driving force to freely control human centered approach, an ethos that has been a amounting to KD 10,000 or above to the Bank By 2025, Lexus plans to introduce 20 new or a vehicle’s four wheels for superior and highly flexi- foundation of the Lexus-brand since 1989. will receive an instant cash gift of 1% from improved models, including more than 10 electrified ble driving performance that sets it apart from con- Also, through dialogue with the driver and based their transferred debt. models such as BEVs, plug-in hybrid electric vehi- ventional vehicles. By fusing the electrification tech- on having learned the driver’s preferences and The Bank stated that Al-Najma Account cles (PHEVs), HEVs, in line with the needs of each nologies and vehicle motion control technologies it behavioral traits, AI, acting as a lifestyle concierge, prizes are distinguished by the highest cash country and region around the world and based on has long cultivated, Lexus aims to evolve driving proposes routes and restaurant reservations, among prize and diversity of prizes throughout the the concept of offering the right products in the performance in a way that better connects the driv- others. By enhancing safety and security along the year clarifying that the account offers weekly right place at the right time. er with their vehicle. way, AI enriches the mobility experience. prize of KD 5,000, monthly prize of KD 20,000 and a semi-annual prize of KD 500,000 in addition to the largest prize - recover. The 576,000 increase is still high relative to percent despite the positive data specifically in retail linked bank account payout of KD 1,500,000. NBK Money Market Report history, but the drop does provide an encouraging sales. This may be attributed to the fact the investors Al-Najma Account can be opened by deposit- sign that the pandemic’s blowback on labor is fading. have been anticipating the strong recovery in ing KD 100, and customer should maintain a March/April and have already positioned them- minimum amount of KD 500 to be eligible to Booming US Consumer Prices Rise selves as such. enter all draws on Al-Najma Account prizes. Inflation shot higher in March, boosted by the Looking at equities, rallies were seen in the US year-over-year comparisons as around this time last and Europe with the S&P 500 reaching record-high economic data year COVID-19 sent prices plummeting. The con- levels. Earnings reports from the largest US banks sumer price index rose 0.6 percent on a monthly revealed profit surges in the financial sector, solidi- KUWAIT: According to the Commerce basis and 2.6 percent on a yearly basis, representing fying optimism. Morgan Stanley reported a 150 per- Department, retail sales rose 9.8 percent in March the highest y/y gain since August 2018 and well cent jump in quarterly profit. Similarly, JPMorgan Daily lucky winners following a 2.7 percent decline in February. The fig- above the 1.7 percent recorded in February. Gasoline Chase, Goldman Sachs Group Inc, and Bank of ure far exceeded expectations of a 5.8 percent gain played the largest role here and is responsible for America all recorded high earnings which have rein- of Burgan Bank and represented the best month for retail sales since about half the overall CPI increase as prices are up forced hopes of a swift economic recovery. the May 2020 gain of 18.3 percent which followed 22.5 percent from a year ago. The core CPI figure Yawmi account draw the first round of stimulus checks. which excludes the volatile food and energy costs China’s Record GDP Looking at the core figure which excludes auto- increased 0.3 percent monthly and 1.6 percent y/y. China’s economic recovery has led to an 18.3 per- KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced yesterday the mobiles, gasoline, building materials and food serv- While inflation figures appear high, policymakers cent y/y gain in GDP for the first quarter of 2021, names of the daily draw winners of its Yawmi ices, sales rose 6.9 percent in March following a 3.4 at the US Federal Reserve expect the increase to the fastest rate on record. The high figure was antic- account draw, each taking home a cash-prize of KD percent decrease in February. The surge came as prove only temporary. Figures are likely to decrease ipated given the sharp contraction seen in the 5,000. The lucky winners are: Americans received additional pandemic relief once data comparisons stop reflecting the sharp Chinese economy when the country went into lock- 1. BASMA TALIB ALNAQIB checks from the government while increased drops seen last year. Fed officials have indicated down during the first quarter of 2020. On a quarter- 2. NAJLAA ALI MUBARAK COVID-19 vaccinations allowed broader economic several times that policy would not be adjusted on ly basis, the economy expanded just 0.6 percent 3. BADER SAADI ALSHAMMARY recovery. The report detailed that all categories short-term jumps in inflation readings. In an inter- according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The 4. MOHAMMAD ABDULLAH ALI within retail sales are above where they were in view last week, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell told gain was powered by the fastest rate on record for 5. ALIAH AHMAD ALQATAMI February of last year, excluding restaurants. CBS that he does not expect any interest rate hikes industrial production at 7 percent y/y while retail In addition to the daily draw, Burgan Bank also A separate report from the Labor Department this year. The central bank predicts GDP growth of sales rose by 5 percent y/y. The Bureau also sound- offers a Quarterly Draw with more chances to win revealed that the total number of Americans apply- 6.5 percent this year following the 3.5 percent con- ed a note of caution: “We must be aware that the higher rewards, offering the chance to one lucky ing for unemployment benefits tumbled to 576,000 traction in 2020, a sharp rise from the 4.2 percent Covid-19 epidemic is still spreading globally and the customer to win KD 125,000 every three months. last week, a post-COVID record low. The figure is forecast given in December. international landscape is complicated with high The Yawmi Account offers Daily and Quarterly far below the peak of 900,000 seen in early January uncertainties and instabilities.” The comeback has Draws, wherein the Quarterly Draw requires cus- and has dropped below the 700,000+ level where it Markets: Risk-on Mode also allowed China to gather pace in global trade tomers to maintain a minimum amount of KD 500 had been stuck for months. The US dollar continued to weaken against the with exports rising 21.1 percent in November, the in their account for two months prior to the draw A total of 16.9 million people are continuing to majority of its peers despite the abundance of opti- biggest rise since February 2018 which has pushed date. Additionally, every KD 10 in the account will collect unemployment benefits, down from the 18.2 mistic economic data revealed towards the end of China’s trade surplus to its highest level on record. entitle customers to one chance of winning. If the million in the previous week. Nevertheless, employ- the week. The best performers against the USD were account balance is KD 500 and above, the ment in February 2021 was 8.5 million less than in the AUD and NZD, suggesting the risk-on mode Kuwait account holder will be qualified for both the quar- February 2020 - leaving many to estimate that it took hold. Surprisingly, bond prices rose with the Kuwaiti Dinar terly and daily draws. could take the labor market more than three years to yield on the 10-year Treasury pushing below the 1.6 USD/KWD closed last week at 0.30145. 11

Monday, April 19, 2021

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

To advertise on this Page Call: 24833199 ext:101,102 or Direct line: 24835616 / 24835617 or email: [email protected] 12 Established 1961 Monday, April 19, 2021 Lifestyle Features

This combination of pictures shows Saudi folklore dancers performing the art of “Taasheer”, a traditional dance Picture shows Saudi folklore dancers performing the art of “Taasheer”. of the people of Taif, 750 kilometers west of Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh.—AFP photos Jumping the gun: Saudis keep ‘Taasheer’ war dance alive

This combination of pictures shows Saudi folklore dancers performing the art of “Taasheer.”

n Saudi Arabia’s west, classic muzzle-loading rifles are carefully prepared for the traditional I“Taasheer” war dance, a striking display of leap- ing and gunpowder blasts. Men and boys take weapons laid out in the bed of a truck and fill the bar- rels with gunpowder before, one by one, they take center stage to showcase their skills in what is also known as the fire dance. Dozens of onlookers, includ- ing women and children, stand on the sidelines of a grassy clearing lined with gazebo tents. In a collision of the ancient and the modern, some hold up mobile phones to film the spectacle. Barefoot and in their traditional thobe and ghutra headdress, the perform- ers dance to traditional music against the backdrop of mountains in the western province of Taif. They bounce up and down with their knees pressed close together, as they wave the gun and finally reach for the sky and fire at the ground, resulting in a blast of sparks and smoke under their feet. A tribal tradition Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudis are seeking to formed before battle to motivate fighters and intimidate first with an unloaded weapon until they are able to believed to date back hundreds of years, the dance is maintain some long-held traditions. opponents, has been passed down from generation to handle the gun. “We increase the level of training as now performed at weddings, festivals and on other “Taasheer dance is the popular heritage of the peo- generation. “It is an ancient war dance, and we are pre- they become more capable of performing the dance,” special occasions. In a rapidly modernizing kingdom, ple of Taif. It is considered an essential event at all serving it in this way,” said Tuweiri. “Thank God, we still said Tuweiri. “It is a popular legacy... and we are teach- which is undergoing dramatic economic and social occasions,” Salman Al-Tuweirgi, owner of a coffee shop continue this tradition so it will last forever.” ing our children how to do it so that they too in the reforms spearheaded by the de facto ruler, Crown in Taif, told AFP. He said that the dance, originally per- Young boys also take part in the dance, training at future will train their children.” —AFP Deserted Cape Verde hankers for its tourists

A general view of a beach in Tarrafal, Cape Verde. A young person holds a body board while looking at People walk past a church in Tarrafal. A general view of a beach in Tarrafal. —AFP photos the ocean in Tarrafal. ay back in B.C.-Before COVID-Domingos Tarrafal, is all but drained of life. Its hotels are shut- turquoise seas, account for a full quarter of the coun- a brand new hotel with a view of the Monte Graciosa, Pereira made a living as a tourist guide, tered and its workers laid off. The streets are deserted try’s gross domestic product (GDP). After growth of a volcanic peak that plunges into the ocean. The hotel’s Wshowing visitors the many natural wonders save for a knot of local people sitting at a corner in the 4.5 percent in 2018 and 5.7 percent in 2019, the former opening day should have been in December, when the of Cape Verde. Today, the 26-year-old is in limbo, like shade. The only things catching the sun on its palm- Portuguese colony suffered a record slump last year-a year-end tourist season kicks into gear. It was then tens of thousands of others on the Atlantic archipelago, fringed white-sand beach are colorful fishing boats. retraction of 14.8 percent. delayed until February and postponed again, and has whose economy depends hugely on the vacation In the main square, a dreadlocked trader of post- “We thought that tourism would be bouncing back now only just taken place. “We’re worried,” said industry. “I’ve been going fishing every day for the cards and trinkets said he had lost 80 percent of his at the start of the year, but Europe has had a fourth Duarte, who is just 25. “We’re afraid that if we stay past year,” said Pereira, a T-shirt on his head to protect income thanks to COVID. Silvio Antonio Lopes wave of the virus, which means that the number of open, we won’t have any income and be unable to pay him from the fierce sun. “And the fish is just for eating. Borges, a 32-year-old former tourist guide said he can tourists coming to Cape Verde is rock-bottom,” said the staff.” The solution, she said, was to ease depend- Don’t bother trying to sell it. There are no tourists.” no longer afford his two-year-old son’s playgroup. Inocencio. How to rebound from this disaster is one of ence on vacationers from Europe. Cape Verde is a group of tropical Atlantic islands with “We play together — at least he’s happy,” he said. the main issues in Sunday’s legislative elections, for “We can’t expect just Europeans to come here-we a population of some 550,000 about 600 kilometers “And it’s free.” “Before, I was able to put aside savings. which the outcome could be close. have to invest locally.” Lacking freshwater and arable (375 miles) from Senegal. Now I don’t have enough to live on,” he said. Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva’s Movement land, Cape Verde has to import 90 percent of what it Life in the archipelago is famously slow-moving. for Democracy (MpD) is pitched against the African consumes, buying mainly from Spain, Portugal and But once the coronavirus pandemic started to bite, Economic hit Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), a Italy, according to the National Statistics Institute. The tourists stopped coming and things seemed to come The pandemic has had, relatively speaking, only a socialist party led by Janira Hopffer Almada that domi- crushing impact of the pandemic has brought home to virtually to a stop. In 2019, the islands welcomed limited medical effect on Cape Verde-the country has nated politics for decades until suffering an election many how dependent Cape Verde is on distant Europe, 800,000 holidaymakers, most of them from Europe, recorded 19,780 cases, of which 188 have been fatal. defeat in 2016. said economist Jose Agnelo Sanches. “The future lies said Eugenio Inocencio, president of the Tourism Economically, though, the emergency has had cata- with diversifying the economy” and trading more with Association for Santiago, the main island where the strophic consequences. Tourists, drawn to Cape Reliance on Europe Africa, he said. “And we have to develop strengths in capital Praia is located. Now, Santiago’s main resort, Verde’s gentle hospitality, year-round warmth and Maya Duarte is manager of the Pensao Por Do Sol, other sectors, such as agriculture and fishing.”—AFP Established 1961 13 Monday, April 19, 2021 Lifestyle Features

Passengers queue to get tested for COVID-19 upon their arrival at Lebanese doctor Riad Sarkis (center) supervises the training process Sniffer dog Sky takes part in a training to detect COVID-19 through Lebanon’s Rafiq Hariri International Airport in Beirut. —AFP photos of COVID-19 sniffer dogs at a facility in Lebanon’s capital Beirut. sweat samples at a facility in Lebanon’s capital Beirut. Lebanese doctor’s drive to curb COVID with sniffer dogs

ebanese doctor Riad Sarkis says he can help try. And it worked,” he recounts. Other uses curb COVID-19 globally. As he speaks inside Research was conducted with France’s Maisons- The cotton pad is dropped in a glass container, LBeirut airport, one of his secret weapons is Alfort veterinary school, a leading institution found- which is in turn placed at the small end of cones wagging its tail next to him. Specifically trained snif- ed in the 18th century, and various labs and universi- that flare open on the other side of the partition. fer dogs can detect COVID in a person in a few sec- ties. The results were staggering: the hyper-sensitive Pacing down the row of cones on their handlers’ onds, including in very early stages when a PCR test snouts of trained sniffer dogs were almost infallible. leash, the dogs poke their muzzles in each one. If a would yield a negative result. “Man’s best friend” “PCR tests have a margin of error that can reach 30 sample is positive, they stop and sit in front of it, doesn’t even begin to describe how Dr Sarkis views percent. With dogs, it’s less than five percent,” he waiting for their treat. Sniffer dogs with K9 unit dogs, which he argues can save more human lives says. Each dog can process hundreds of samples experience in explosives or drugs detection can be than ever before by stopping the spread of the pan- every day, the only wages they need are biscuits or trained in weeks. demic. “The day we build a machine with an elec- rubber toys and they deliver results on the spot. The Sarkis explains that the accuracy and speed of the tronic nose that amplifies smells 10,000 times, then technique is not intended to replace PCR testing but dogs’ testing skills should be a key to stemming the we can replace the dogs. For now, we need them,” has been rolled out in a number of international air- spread of the COVID pandemic. “By the time a pas- Sarkis says. ports such as Dubai, Helsinki and Sydney. senger carrying COVID gets PCR results, he has At a training facility provided by Bank Audi in entered the country and very often the damage is Lebanese doctor Riad Sarkis (left) supervises the Almost infallible Beirut, Rox and Sky, an Alsatian and a Malinois, are done,” he says. Dogs can detect COVID at a very early training process of a COVID-19 sniffer dog at a The effusive professor, who splits his time and being trained by dog handler Carlo Selman. “These stage, which allows for the isolation of asymptomatic facility in Lebanon’s capital Beirut. work between France and Lebanon, has temporarily dogs are a gift from God to combat COVID,” he people who would otherwise be unwittingly spreading sidelined his passions for music and poetry to stay says, as Sky wiggles in excitement ahead of a new the virus. detection is also a milestone in scientific research, on a war footing against the pandemic that has exercise. Replicating the set-up at an airport termi- The use of dogs is not limited to airports and Sarkis Sarkis said. “It’s a fantastic innovation because it’s the brought the world to a standstill. A digestive sys- nal, a partition shields the dogs from the testing area, hopes to spread the technique to a wide range of first time we’re able to demonstrate that a virus gives tem surgery professor and oncologist, Sarkis had where passengers are ushered into booths. The occasions and locations. The speed of canine screening off specific scents,” he said. “This technique will be spent 12 years researching how dogs could help underarm sweat sample is collected by the passen- could make it an attractive option for buildings and implemented with a lot of pathologies in the future,” he detect cancer and increase chances of early treat- gers, who are generally only too happy not to have a events hosting large numbers of visitors, such as the- predicts. “Unfortunately, we should expect pathologies ment. “When COVID appeared, I thought why not swab drilled into their nostrils. atres and weddings. The use of dogs for COVID that could be even worse than COVID.” —AFP Young, female and fighting for India’s forests

ronted by a 20-year-old in pigtails, the dancing flash mob swings into action, campaigning to save a threat- Fened wildlife reserve-part of a growing, youth-led envi- ronmental movement rattling Indian authorities. The battle between the state and environmental activists is not new in India, where impoverished tribal communities have long com- plained of being displaced in the pursuit of economic growth. But it has rarely been fought by young women like Neola Pereira, who turns up at protests dressed in skinny jeans, flu- ent in internet-speak, and ready to dance. “People think only environmentalists need to fight for the environment, but that’s not true,” the business student told AFP. Pereira has campaigned for months to stop a government In this photograph young environmental activist Neola plan to expand train tracks, widen a highway and build an Sybil Pereira (center) dances with other activists dur- electricity transmission line that will slice through Mollem ing a flashmob at Altona in Goa. —AFP National Park-home to endangered tigers and other big cats. The existing railway line transports thousands of tons of pening here is very disturbing,” the 26-year-old told AFP. Australian, South African and Indonesian coal daily through Goa, on the coast of the Arabian Sea. It snakes through the ‘The government is scared’ park, part of a mountain range named by the United Nations Every day, huge ships laden with imported coal dock at as one of the world’s eight “hottest hotspots” of biodiversity. Goa’s Mormugao port, where the cargo is loaded onto trucks Further expansion, activists say, would devastate the ecologi- and finally into railway wagons destined for neighboring cally sensitive reserve and turn the lush state into a coal hub. states. Infrastructure giants JSW Steel and the Adani group, whose billionaire owners are said to be close to Prime ‘The flame travels faster’ Minister Narendra Modi, operate their own coal handling In this file photo a view of the old ticketing concourse at the Downtown Los Angeles Union Station where By her own admission, Pereira never expected to get her facilities at the port. It has sparked allegations that the con- part of the 2021 Oscars Ceremony will take place. —AFP hands dirty in the fight against fossil fuels. India’s urban mid- troversial projects are intended to boost their bottomline. dle-class youth have, until recently, been far more preoccu- Goa’s power minister Nilesh Cabral-who is also its environ- pied with securing university admissions and competing for a ment minister-dismissed fears of the state turning into a coal limited pool of white-collar jobs than environmentalism. But hub as a fiction conjured up by campaigners. But he defended Oscars producers lift the lid on that is starting to change, sparking a heavy-handed govern- the Mollem plans, saying that although the park’s biodiversi- ment response. ty would be “disturbed” by the rail expansion, it would even- In February, police arrested Disha Ravi, a 22-year-old cli- tually recover. The projects would also improve connectivity nearly ‘impossible’ ceremony mate campaigner, on charges of sedition, for allegedly creating for Goans, he told AFP, adding: “When we say standards of a “toolkit” on organising protests and sharing it with Swedish living, why should we not be (on) par with other people?” activist Greta Thunberg on social media. “Young women like me Many locals are unconvinced. “As a child I enjoyed the “teeny-tiny” red carpet, no invitations going to play a very important role in the story don’t just want to build a career, we want to use our voice for nature of Goa,” said Mariano Proenca, a 68-year-old priest for Hollywood’s most powerful moguls, of this evening,” he added. “If that’s cryptic, it’s change,” said Pereira, who was herself detained by police in who attended one of Pereira’s recent protests. “Now, Aand a “central” role for masks-next meant to be-but that topic is very central to December and sees Ravi as a hero. because of these projects destroying it, children will not be weekend’s in-person Oscars are taking no risks the narrative.” The #SaveMollem campaign has won support from able to see nature,” he told AFP. Pereira is preparing for a when it comes to COVID-19, but the event still retirees, churchgoers and especially youth, thanks to long fight, dismissing fears of a crackdown. But in December, would have been “impossible” to hold just ‘Snapshot of movies’ internet-friendly tactics, including a “Jerusalema” dance officers boarded a private bus carrying protesters, and weeks earlier, producers said Saturday. The Soderbergh and fellow producers Jesse challenge taken up by hundreds of people across Goa. ordered the driver to take them to the police station. “We were trapped... screaming for help”, Pereira recalled. Minutes 93rd Academy Awards will mark the first time Collins and Stacey Sher are keeping many “Social media is helping a lot... it means the flame travels faster”, said zoologist Hycintha Aguiar, who conducted later, they were livestreaming the incident on Instagram, rack- Tinseltown’s finest have assembled in over a details under wraps, but said the unusual and ing up over 200,000 views and prompting others to come to year, for a three-hour show that co-producer “hopefully unique” nature of a pandemic-era research in Mollem from 2019 to 2020. “I had refrained from getting involved in activism earlier but what is hap- their aid. —AFP Steven Soderbergh said is “not going to be like Oscars “certainly opened up an opportunity to anything that’s been done before.” try some things that haven’t been tried before.” The delayed April 25 ceremony takes place The ceremony will have “the aesthetic of a film barely a week after California opened vaccina- as opposed to a TV show,” including use of tions to all over-16s, with infection rates plum- movie-like “over-the-shoulder shots from with- UK’s star ballet choreographer dies at 35 meting after a massive winter surge ripped in the audience” and high-resolution, through the state. Movie theaters are even widescreen formats, said Soderbergh. Most former star choreographer for Britain’s famed reopening. Asked by AFP about the impact of nominees are expected to attend in person, Royal Ballet Company has died aged 35, his the show’s two-month postponement, with hubs in London and Paris set up allowing Afamily announced Saturday, a day after Denmark’s Royal Theatre pulled his show over claims Soderbergh said: “It would have been impossi- Europeans unable to travel due to restrictions of “offensive behavior”. Liam Scarlett enjoyed a mete- ble for us to do what we’re gonna do... I don’t to dial in-but only via slick, industry-standard oric rise but the Royal Ballet ended its relationship know how we would have done it.” satellite hookups, not Zoom. with him in March last year after he was accused of “This is the working definition of trying to Recent awards shows have been slammed for sexual misconduct with students over a 10-year peri- build an airplane while it’s in the air,” the direc- their heavy use of remote calling for nominees, od, although he was cleared by a seven-month probe. tor told a virtual press conference, adding that particularly after Daniel Kaluuya briefly lost “It is with great sadness that we announce the trag- his experience of making films during the pan- audio as he accepted his Golden Globe for best ic, untimely death of our beloved Liam,” his family said demic-and his 2011 thriller “Contagion”-had supporting actor in “Judas and the Black in a statement. “At this difficult time for all of our fami- proven invaluable. The ceremony will take Messiah.” “Zoom has been a great thing, we’re ly, we would ask that you respect our privacy to enable place amid the “physical grandeur” of Los on it constantly,” said Soderbergh. “It’s just in us to grieve our loss.” The Royal Ballet said separately it was “deeply saddened to hear the news of Liam Angeles’s cavernous Union Station, with nomi- the context of this show... that doesn’t really fit.” Scarlett’s death”. Scarlett joined the British troupe as a nees mingling outdoors and then rotated in and Following the awards-show-as-a-movie dancer in 2006, retiring in 2012 to focus on choreogra- out of the venue during the show. concept, no host has been announced, but pre- phy. Claims of sexual misconduct against him shocked The traditional red carpet will be dramati- senters-billed as the ceremony’s “cast”-will be the ballet world. cally downsized, and the guest list will be so “playing themselves, or... a version of them- Denmark’s national theatre said on Friday that all limited that even powerful Disney boss Bob selves.” Previously announced A-list presen- performances of his “Frankenstein” production had British choreographer Liam Scarlett Iger “won’t be there,” said Soderbergh. ters include Harrison Ford, Brad Pitt and Reese been cancelled over new claims of “offensive behavior” Speaking from the venue’s courtyard-where Witherspoon, with more set to be unveiled towards its staff in 2018 and 2019. “Offensive behavior spring of 2022 has therefore been cancelled.” is unacceptable at the Royal Theatre,” said theatre The allegations against Scarlett, regarded as British only nominees, their plus ones, and a handful of before the show. Nominees will be asked to ballet’s “next big thing”, reverberated globally, with presenters will chat and drink-Soderbergh said share personal stories, in a show set to make director Kasper Holten, according to The Times. “The wellbeing and safety of our employees is a high priori- Australia’s Queensland Ballet cancelling a run of his he hopes the Oscars will present the world “a extensive use of interviews. “The stories have ty for us,” he added in a statement. “We therefore do adaptation of “Dangerous Liaisons”. His works for The glimpse of what’s going to be possible when been incredible, so helpful to us,” said not wish to perform the works of the choreographer in Royal Ballet included “Despite”, “Consolations and most people are vaccinated, and rapid, accu- Soderbergh. “And a wonderful archive-a snap- question until further notice and Frankenstein in the Liebestraum”, and “Swan Lake”.—AFP rate, cheap testing is the norm.” “Masks are shot of movies in 2020.” —AFP 14 Established 1961 Sports Monday, April 19, 2021 UEFA set to announce Champions League reforms and decide on Euro 2020 hosts Teams increased to 36 competing in ‘Swiss system’

LAUSANNE: UEFA is expected to formalize rad- with an increase from 32 to 36 participants and Doubts over cities ical reforms to the format of the Champions the introduction of a so-called ‘Swiss system’ Postponed by a year due to the pandemic, the League at a key meeting of its executive commit- inspired by chess, with clubs playing 10 group European Championship is set to start in Rome on tee today which could also see some cities games instead of the current six, all against dif- June 11 and is supposed to be played at 12 differ- removed as hosts of the delayed Euro 2020. ferent opponents. ent venues spread across the continent, a contro- Plans to reform Europe’s elite club competi- While the broader outline of the reforms has versial arrangement even before the pandemic tion from 2024 onwards were initially set to be been an open secret for some time, discussions brought about widespread travel restrictions. approved last month before being put on hold have been ongoing about several details, includ- The Italian capital was only confirmed as a host after the powerful European Club Association ing who the four extra places would go to. city last Wednesday when local authorities con- (ECA) said it was “not yet in a position to for- France, as Europe’s fifth-ranked nation, is firmed spectators would be allowed in up to 25 mally endorse key changes”. expected to get a third guaranteed spot in the percent of the capacity of the 68,000-seat Stadio According to sources close to the negotia- group phase, while more places could be given Olimpico. It joins eight other cities — Saint- tions, certain leading clubs wanted greater con- on the back of historical performances — using Petersburg, Baku, Budapest, Amsterdam, Bucharest, trol of UEFA Club Competitions (UCC), the sub- UEFA’s club coefficient. Copenhagen, Glasgow and London — in being GENEVA: In this file photo taken on September 10, sidiary company which advises UEFA itself on That would benefit clubs who have enjoyed confirmed, although the number of fans allowed 2019 Chairman of the European Club Association commercial matters. Amid talk of an attempted success in the past but who failed to qualify via into stadiums will vary from one venue to the other. (ECA) Andrea Agnelli gives a press conference in power grab by certain clubs, and with the their league position — think clubs like Arsenal However, uncertainty remains over the three other Geneva, at the end of the general assembly of the specter of a breakaway Super League possibly and Liverpool, currently underperforming in the host cities. Munich, Bilbao and Dublin were all given organization representing the interests of professional involving several of those clubs still hanging in Premier League, or Borussia Dortmund in until Monday to provide UEFA with additional infor- association football clubs in UEFA. —AFP the air, the hope is that a solution has been Germany, who as it stands may all miss out on mation on their plans for spectators. UEFA could yet found. next season’s Champions League. take matches due to be played there and relocate UEFA confirmed on Friday that the reforms The ultimate goal of the reforms is to increase them to other existing host cities, although the presi- Country, cannot host matches, Luis Rubiales has were at the top of the agenda for the meeting in broadcast rights for the competition to satisfy cash- dent of the Spanish Football Federation has said he suggested Seville could be an alternative option. the Swiss town of Montreux, on the eastern hungry leading European clubs and end the threat of will do “everything humanly possible” to ensure “It is true that there are serious difficulties in shore of Lake Geneva. The Champions League a breakaway Super League. At the same time UEFA’s Spain keeps its four scheduled Euro games. Bilbao and with this in mind, it is UEFA who has to group stage is set to be completely overhauled, need to finalize plans for Euro 2020 is pressing. If UEFA decide that Bilbao, in the Basque decide,” he said. —AFP

turnaround from Friday’s contest. With Mitchell “We’re missing four pretty important guys,” Jazz guard Joe Ingles said. “For most of the game, we did a pretty out, Jazz fall good job. We were one stop away from winning the game.” to Lakers in OT Andre Drummond scored a team- high 27 points as the Lakers got back LOS ANGELES: An MRI on Donovan into the win column with the victory Mitchell’s injured ankle showed no over the Jazz in front of a crowd of structural damage, giving the Utah 1,700. It was just the second game the Jazz some hope that their leading Lakers have played at Staples Center scorer would not be out for long, US since California relaxed its rules on media reported on Saturday. Mitchell spectators attending sporting events. suffered the right ankle injury in the Dennis Schroder tallied 25 points, third quarter of Friday’s 119-111 NBA eight assists and six rebounds. victory over the Indiana Pacers. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope finished Mitchell jumped to thwart a Pacers with 25 points, draining five threes. “We clicked on all cylinders and we pass and twisted his ankle as he tried LOS ANGELES: Andre Drummond #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the to dodge the leg of Indiana guard didn’t allow adversity to get us out of our game,” Drummond said. “The ball against the Utah Jazz on Saturday at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Edmond Sumner. He grabbed his California. —AFP ankle, grimaced in pain and raised his chemistry is getting there.” hand for the trainer. Jordan Clarkson led the Jazz with 27 points. Ersan Ilyasova finished with ST PAUL: Patrick Marleau #12 of the San Jose “We hope there’s nothing serious, ed to prevent the team from restoring a Elsewhere, Grayson Allen scored Sharks steps onto the ice from the bench during but they’re in the process of doing 20 points, shooting six of eight from tradition of the NBA champs going to 26 points and drained a career high the first period of the game against the Minnesota everything they can to assess that,” the three-point line. The Lakers, who the White House that was halted by the seven threes to lead the Memphis Wild at Xcel Energy Center on Saturday in St Paul, Jazz coach Quin Snyder said in his improved to 4-1 in overtime games players while Donald Trump was the Grizzlies to a 128-115 victory over Minnesota. —AFP Friday post-game comments. Mitchell this season, were missing their two American president, ESPN reported on the Milwaukee Bucks. Giannis scored 22 points in 21 minutes of biggest stars in Anthony Davis and Saturday. A future meet-and-greet with Antetokounmpo, playing in his sec- playing time before heading to the LeBron James the 46th US president is expected. ond game back after an injury rest, trainer room. He has been the Jazz’s Davis was sidelined in February finished with 28 points, 11 rebounds Sharks’ Marleau ties leading scorer this season, averaging with a calf injury and a right Achilles Celtics win sixth straight and eight assists for Milwaukee, a career-best 26.5 points per game. tendon problem. He has been cleared In other NBA action, Jayson Tatum which dropped its fourth straight record for most for “full on-court activity” and is scored 44 points and the Boston home game. Four starters out expected to return soon. James is Celtics withstood Stephen Curry’s 47 Also, league scoring leader NHL games played The Jazz, who have the league’s recovering from a high ankle sprain. point performance on Saturday night Bradley Beal scored 37 points and best record at 42-15, were without The two teams play again on Monday to beat the Golden State Warriors the Washington Wizards defeated the LOS ANGELES: Forward Patrick Marleau’s first Mitchell and several of their other at Staples Center. 119-114 in an NBA clash between two Detroit Pistons 121-100 to stretch shift of Saturday’s NHL game lasted just 40 sec- starters when they dropped a 127-115 Later this month, the Lakers will teams riding winning streaks. Kemba their winning streak to four games. In onds but it was the most significant moment of overtime decision to the Los Angeles travel to Washington, DC for a game Walker nailed a clutch three pointer Chicago, Nikola Vucevic scored 25 the San Jose Sharks 5-2 loss to the Minnesota Lakers at Staples Center on Saturday. but the team is not expected to visit with 24 seconds to go as Tatum post- points and added seven rebounds Wild. Three-time all-star Marleau finished with Starters Rudy Gobert and Mike with US President Joe Biden at the ed his second highest career scoring with five assists as the Chicago Bulls 19 shifts as the 41-year-old Canadian equaled Conley Jr and Derrick Favors sat out White House. COVID-19 restrictions total for the Celtics, who won their defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers Hall of Famer Gordie Howe’s record for the most to get some added rest after the short and a tight game schedule are expect- sixth straight. 106-96. —AFP career games played with 1,767. Marleau will set the league record on Monday night when the Sharks face the Vegas Golden Knights. “I just LAFC’s Eddie Segura put a header off the cross- love being out there and playing,” Marleau said LAFC spoil Austin’s bar early in the second half before Baird — the 2018 as he approached Howe’s record. MLS Rookie of the Year who landed in LA in a trade Odds are Marleau won’t play his final profes- with Real Salt Lake — opened the scoring when he sional hockey game at age 69 like Howe did, but MLS debut with collected a pass from Danny Musovski at the top of he does appear to have a few more years left in the area and firing a low shot past the diving Stuver him. Howe retired from the NHL at age 52 after 2-0 triumph into the top left corner. posting 41 points in his final season for Hartford. Austin, the 10th team to join MLS in the last He returned for one game with the Detroit LOS ANGELES: Corey Baird’s 61st-minute strike decade, enjoyed the better of possession over 90 Vipers of the International Hockey League in broke a scoreless draw and Jose Cifuentes scored in minutes, but they were out-shot 13-7 in the second 1997 after undergoing double knee replacement stoppage time as Los Angeles FC spoiled Austin FC’s half. A smattering of Austin fans were among the lim- surgery a few years earlier before finally hang- Major League Soccer debut with a 2-0 triumph over ited crowd at Banc of California Stadium, and fans ing up his skates for good. the Texas outfit. Cifuentes tapped in a pass from turned out for a watch party in Austin to show sup- Howe, of Canada, also played an additional Kwado Opoku to complete the scoring. port of the fledgling club. 419 games in the World Hockey Association, Opoku came in as a substitute in the 22nd minute The match was among the highlights of the sec- which doesn’t count on his NHL record. Howe’s when 2019 MLS scoring leader Carlos Vela was ond day of the 2021 season. CF Montreal, under the record for games played in the NHL when he subbed out after taking a knock. Vela received treat- guidance of new coach Wilfried Nancy, opened the retired was thought to be unbreakable. “Records ment on the sideline but was irked that LAFC coach season with a 4-2 victory over Canadian rivals are made to be broken,” said Howe’s son Mark. Bob Bradley sent someone on in his place, indicating Toronto FC. “This one here, I thought would be a really, real- he would have been able to return. Eastern Conference rivals Orlando City and ly tough one to break.” “Yeah, I might’ve jumped the gun,” LAFC coach Atlanta United battled to a goalless draw in a season After Saturday’s game, the Wild stayed to Bob Bradley said in an in-game television interview. opener that left Orlando waiting for word on salute Marleau, holding a handshake line with “He gave us a sign early on that he needed to come off, Alexandre Pato’s status after the Brazilian forward him on the ice. Marleau has 566 goals and 1,196 I thought, so I can’t say more than maybe it’s my fault.” exited in the 80th minute of his MLS debut after points in his career. He won Olympic gold LAFC were also without last year’s scoring cham- coming down awkwardly while avoiding a tackle by pion, as Diego Rossi was sidelined with a hamstring Atlanta midfielder Franco Ibarra. medals with Canada in 2010 and 2014. “I want to LOS ANGELES: Jesus Murillo #94 of Los Angeles FC be looked upon when I’m gone that I gave it my injury. But they were able to overcome. Los Angeles Pato 31, grabbed his right knee but was able to leave the field under his own steam. “We’re waiting heads the ball away from Jon Gallagher #17 of Austin all,” he said. “Enjoyed the game, loved the game, goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega saved three Austin shots FC during the second half of the MLS game at Banc of and may God just help us on Pato and he’s not hurt,” loved being around the team, loved winning for the clean sheet. Austin keeper Brad Stuver leapt California Stadium on Saturday in Los Angeles, games. Those are the biggest things.” —AFP for a save on Diego Palacios in the first minute and Orlando coach Oscar Pareja said after the match. California. —AFP turned away a shot by Baird in the 37th. “We’ll wait until the doctors diagnose him.” —AFP

The right-hander struck out nine consecu- strike out nine batters in a row. “That would DeGrom strikes tive batters beginning at the start of the sec- have been nice to reach but fell a little short,” ond inning through the fourth on Saturday at deGrom said of going for 10 straight. out nine in a row as Coors Field in Denver, Colorado. The streak DeGrom was coming off a 14-strikeout was snapped when Josh Fuentes grounded up performance in a 3-0 loss to Miami. “The the middle to lead off the bottom of the fifth fastball was the best weapon for him,” Mets Mets edge Rockies and second baseman Jeff McNeil’s throw to manager Luis Rojas said. “It’s special. You LOS ANGELES: New York Mets pitcher first was off the mark as the Mets rallied to don’t see that often. You talk about Jake get- Jacob deGrom fanned 14 Colorado Rockies beat Colorado 4-3 in a doubleheader opener. ting better every year and he goes out there, batters — including nine straight — to fall Seaver set the record against the San and we talked about the challenge of the DENVER: Starting pitcher Jacob deGrom #48 of the New just one shy of equaling Tom Seaver’s Major Diego Padres in 1970, striking out his final 10 weather, so it’s a little bit of a different start. York Mets throws against the Colorado Rockies in the League Baseball consecutive strikeout batters in a 19-strikeout performance. He makes an adjustment and does something fourth inning during game one of a double header at record. DeGrom became just the ninth pitcher to special.”—AFP Coors Field on Saturday in Denver, Colorado. —AFP Established 1961 15 Monday, April 19, 2021 Sports Chelsea end Man City’s quadruple quest to reach FA Cup final De Bruyne hurts ankle ahead of PSG showdown LONDON: Chelsea ended Manchester City’s quest see off Real Madrid and PSG respectively in the last Guardiola. “Tomorrow we will do a test.” for a historic quadruple of trophies as Hakim four and Tuchel’s men proved they can get the bet- City were still reeling from the loss of the Belgian Ziyech’s goal earned a 1-0 win to take the Blues into ter of the runaway Premier League leaders despite midfielder when they were finally caught out by the the FA Cup final on Saturday. A damaging day for a 20-point gap between the sides in the table. Chelsea counter-attack. Guardiola’s decision to City also saw them lose Kevin De Bruyne to an The physical demands of City’s bid for a clean retain Zack Steffen in goal for domestic cup compe- ankle injury just over a week away from the League sweep of trophies was shown as Pep Guardiola titions backfired as the American was caught in no Cup final, where they face Tottenham, and the first made eight changes from the side that beat Borussia man’s land when Werner raced in behind and once leg of their Champions League semi-final against Dortmund in midweek with goalscorers Phil Foden again squared for Ziyech to roll into an empty net. Paris Saint-Germain. and Riyad Mahrez among those rotated. “In these kind of games, the margin is so tight and Chelsea were good value for another impressive A much-changed side looked disjointed and the coin fell down on their side,” added Guardiola. win under Thomas Tuchel and will be favorites for Chelsea took advantage in a bright start. Timo Steffen made some measure of amends moments the German’s first silverware in English football when Werner’s cross was swept home by Ziyech after just later to deny Ziyech a second when the Moroccan they face Leicester or Southampton on May 15. “It six minutes, but the goal was ruled out for offside was clean through. City took until the final 20 min- was a very strong performance. I’m very happy and against the German international. utes to get going, but their best chance of sending proud,” said Tuchel, who has lost just twice in 19 the game to extra-time came from a corner as games since replacing Frank Lampard in January. De Bruyne concern Ruben Dias headed over from close range. “We took the opportunity to show up on the highest City got to half-time without any damage on the Instead, it was Chelsea who found the net again level and see how we are. You can only win against scoreline, but suffered a potentially huge blow to through Christian Pulisic in stoppage time only for LONDON: Chelsea’s German head coach Thomas City if you have everybody on the top level.” their hopes of still clinching a treble of trophies ear- the offside flag to again come to City’s rescue. But Tuchel (right) celebrates with Chelsea’s German Tuchel could land an even bigger prize in the ly in the second-half. Just 11 days before the first leg there was no saving a bid for history for Guardiola’s defender Antonio Rudiger after the English FA Cup Champions League by the end of his first five of the PSG tie, De Bruyne appeared to roll his ankle men as they cannot now better Manchester United’s semi-final football match between Chelsea and months in charge. Chelsea and City could meet in a challenge with N’Golo Kante and was replaced treble of Champions League, Premier League and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in north west again in the final in Istanbul next month should they by Foden. “It doesn’t look good, he has pain,” said FA Cup from 1998/99. —AFP London on Saturday. —AFP

and are no conversations” between him and Bayern. Nagelsmann tipped German daily Bild also has Nagelsmann, whose News in brief Leipzig contracts runs until 2023, top of their list. His name reportedly came up in discussions Norwich City promoted to replace Flick as between Bayern and Leipzig bosses during the transfer negotiations over defender Dayot LONDON: Norwich City were promoted to the Bayern Munich coach Upamecano, who joins Munich next season. Other Premier League despite a 3-1 defeat to Bournemouth names linked are ex-Bayern captain Mark van on Saturday as draws for Swansea and Brentford sent BERLIN: Julian Nagelsmann is top of the German Bommel, who last coached PSV Eindhoven until the Championship leaders back into the top-flight. media’s list of contenders to become the next head December 2019, and current Ajax coach Erik ten Daniel Farke’s side have dominated the second tier coach of Bayern Munich in the wake of Hansi Flick’s Hag, who was in charge of Bayern’s reserves from with 27 wins from their 42 games so far, earning an shock announcement that he wants to leave the club 2013-15. The Italian media have also named former immediate return to the Premier League following last season’s relegation. The Canaries suffered just a sixth world champions. Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri as a possible Despite steering Bayern to the treble by winning defeat of the season after Dimitrios Giannoulis’s red replacement. card after just 17 minutes at Carrow Road. Norwich’s the Champions League last season, Flick sent shock Flick dropped his bombshell after Saturday’s 3-2 waves through German football on Saturday by promotion was guaranteed after third-placed win at Wolfsburg left Bayern on the verge of a ninth Swansea were held to a 2-2 draw by bottom of the revealing he wants to be released from his Bayern straight Bundesliga title. With five games left, contract, which runs until 2023, at the end of the table Wycombe, while fourth-placed Brentford drew Bayern are seven points clear. Winning the 0-0 with Millwall. Farke’s men are 14 points clear of season. Bundesliga would be the seventh title Bayern have WOLFSBURG: Bayern Munich’s German head coach Flick would only say “the reasons remain internal Swansea, who have four games left, and 16 ahead of won during Flick’s 18 months in charge. Having Hans-Dieter Flick reacts during the German first divi- Brentford, who have five matches left. They are also for now”, but simmering tensions with Bayern sports already told the team, Flick thanked Bayern for giv- sion Bundesliga football match between VfL Wolfsburg eight points clear of Watford, who lost 1-0 at local director Hasan Salihamidzic over recruitment and ing him the chance in November 2019 to become and FC Bayern Munich in Wolfsburg, northern rivals Luton on Saturday. —AFP squad planning are believed to be a factor. “It is a head coach and mentioned all of the club’s senior Germany, on Saturday. —AFP great relief for him to have communicated this offi- bosses by name - except Salihamidzic. cially,” former Bayern captain Lothar Matthaeus However, Bayern’s top brass - president Herbert and TV pundit told Sky yesterday. “There was no Hainer and chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge - On Saturday, Flick insists his future is “not at all Goalie sent off for urinating other way to solve it (the tension between Flick and have yet to confirm whether they will release Flick clear”, but his return to the German FA looks likely. Salihamidzic), the cloth had been cut.” from his contract. Last month, Rummenigge said Loew will step down as Germany coach after the QUITO: Goalkeeper Joaquin Pucheta was shown a red Matthaeus remains convinced Leipzig coach that he would “have to be crazy” to grant an early Euro 2020 finals this summer. Flick was his assistant card in Ecuador’s Serie A for urinating behind his goal Nagelsmann will replace Flick next season, but last contract release for Flick, who has been tipped to coach when the ‘Mannschaft’ won the 2014 World as his team Macara beat last-place Orense, 1-0, Wednesday the 33-year-old insisted “there were replace Joachim Loew as head coach of Germany. Cup in Brazil. —AFP according to local media. “Joaquin Pucheta, went behind the advertising boards and urinated while the ball was in the opposition half. At that point, Orense tracting takeover talk. “I’m not going to take anything for players and management complained to referee Newcastle dent West granted. I’ve always said it’s the accumulation of points, Roberto Sanchez, who ended up giving the goalkeeper and 35, in my opinion, is not enough, so you won’t get me a straight red card,” online newspaper Primicias report- jumping and hollering at the moment,” Bruce said. “We’ve ed. Television footage captured only the moment of the Ham’s top-four bid, still got six games to play. Can we beat last year’s points Argentine’s dismissal in second-half stoppage time. tally of 44? We’ll try our utmost.” “The goalkeeper was sent off for unsporting behavior,” Sheff Utd relegated The defeat was a big blow for West Ham as they chase newspaper El Comercio reported in its online edition. an unexpected place in next season’s Champions League. Midfielder Segundo Portocarrero, who had scored his

David Moyes’ side remain fourth, but Chelsea are just one team’s winner, took over in goal for the dying seconds LONDON: West Ham’s bid for a place in next season’s point behind with a game in hand, while fifth-placed of the match. Pucheta faces a suspension of three to six Champions League suffered a setback as Joe Willock’s Liverpool would go above the Hammers if they beat months under Ecuadorian league rules. —AFP late winner capped a thrilling 3-2 win for Newcastle as Sheffield United’s relegation from the Premier League Leeds today. “I wouldn’t say it was a chance lost, it was an opportunity for us to pick up three points,” Moyes was confirmed after a 1-0 defeat at Wolves on Saturday. Miami Grand Prix added Steve Bruce’s side had squandered a two-goal lead in said. “We like talking about the Champions League, we love the sound of that when everybody says it, but we’re NEWCASTLE: Newcastle United’s French midfielder the closing stages at St James’ Park, but Willock came off PARIS: The Miami Grand Prix will join the Formula the bench to snatch a priceless winner. The Magpies are realistic.” Allan Saint-Maximin celebrates after the own goal by West Ham United’s French defender Issa Diop during One calendar from the 2022 season, organizers said now nine points clear of the relegation zone with just six yesterday, in a 10-year deal that adds a second games remaining in a turbulent season on Tyneside. Sheff Utd fate sealed the English Premier League football match between Newcastle’s win meant Sheffield United had to avoid Newcastle United and West Ham United at St James’ American race to the championship after the United Newcastle had taken control in the first-half thanks to States GP in Austin. In a statement F1 said that the Issa Diop’s own goal and a blunder from West Ham keep- defeat to prevent their fate from a miserable season being Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on sealed. Wolves have also taken a step back this season Saturday. —AFP race, which does not yet have a scheduled date, will er Lukasz Fabianski for Joelinton’s strike. West Ham also take place at a new track round the Hard Rock after losing Raul Jimenez for most of the campaign due to lost a man in the aftermath of the opening goal as defend- Stadium in Miami Gardens north of the Florida city. F1 a fractured skull. er Craig Dawson was sent off for two bookings. said the track will be 5.41km long with high-speed January signing Willian Jose has struggled to replace get straight back. Everyone wants to play in this league. But the Hammers set up a tense finale when Diop got straights which should allow top speeds of 320 Km/h the Mexico forward, but finally got his first Wolves goal You need to get promoted and that’s everyone’s driving one back before Jesse Lingard equalised with a penalty and “multiple overtaking opportunities”. Controlled by sweeping home Adama Traore’s cross on the hour force.” Victory takes Nuno Espirito Santo’s men beyond 10 minutes from full-time. On-loan Arsenal midfielder since 2017 by the American group Liberty Media, F1 mark. “If you pick a game to typify this season, it was the 40-point mark and up to 12th as they are now safe Willock settled a pulsating encounter with his thunderous was planning on having a Miami GP in 2019 but hit a that. We were on top, missed chances and this league from the drop. By contrast, Sheffield United now face a header to take Newcastle to the brink of survival. roadblock with local authorities. —AFP Staying up would be an impressive achievement for won’t give you a second chance,” said caretaker United rebuild in the Championship with the club in crisis on and Bruce, who has battled with dressing room rifts and dis- boss Paul Heckingbottom. “There has to be a mentality to off the field. —AFP Classifieds

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MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2021 Sensational Messi scores twice as Barcelona win Copa del Rey

MADRID: Lionel Messi scored twice, including a summer, with the possibility that his seventh Copa stunning solo goal, as Barcelona blew away Athletic del Rey triumph could be the last trophy he wins for Bilbao to win the Copa del Rey on Saturday, con- Barca. But Laporta said he is “convinced” Messi signing their opponents to a second final defeat in wants to stay at the club. “Leo is the best player in two weeks. the world, he is a player who is deeply rooted in the The cup was won and lost in a whirlwind 12 min- club, who loves Barca,” said Laporta after the final. utes in Seville, which saw Barca score four times to “I am convinced that he wants to stay and we clinch an emphatic 4-0 victory, with Messi at his already know that we are going to do everything in devastating best. It remains to be seen if his seventh our power, within the possibilities of the club, to Copa del Rey triumph is the last trophy Messi lifts ensure he continues with us. It is what we want the in Barcelona colors but if this was to be a final flour- most.” It is the 13th consecutive campaign that ish, the 33-year-old crafted a fitting farewell. Messi has scored more than 30 goals for Barcelona. “It’s very special to be captain of this team “Leo put on an exhibition today,” Laporta added. where I have spent my whole life and very special to be able to lift this cup,” Messi said. His first goal, ‘Turned it around’ and Barca’s third, started with the Argentinian in his Gerard Pique said it felt like the club had been own half before a charging run down the right and a “reset”. “Sometimes you fall down and you have to surge forward into the penalty area gave him the get up,” Pique said. “It has been a difficult year but chance for a simple finish. the team has turned it around.” Messi was sent off With the club’s new president Joan Laporta in when Athletic Bilbao beat Barcelona, also at the La the crowd, Ronald Koeman’s first title as Cartuja, in January to win the Spanish Super Cup Barcelona coach should also significantly boost but they never looked like pulling off a repeat. his chances of remaining in charge beyond the After Athletic lost to their Basque rivals Real summer. “To win a title is important for me,” Sociedad in last year’s postponed final only two Koeman admitted afterwards. Yet Laporta was weeks ago, lifting themselves for another show- noticeably evasive when asked about Koeman’s piece in the same stadium and against a tougher SEVILLE: A handout picture released by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) shows Barcelona’s players cel- future. “He is doing well,” he said. opponent was always going to be a big ask. “In ebrating with the trophy at the end of the Spanish Copa del Rey (King’s Cup) final football match between Koeman took over a team at rock bottom, humili- both finals we played well below the level that Athletic Club Bilbao and FC Barcelona at La Cartuja stadium in Seville on Saturday. — AFP ated by an historic loss to Bayern Munich and we’re capable of,” said Athletic coach Marcelino wounded by the attempts of Messi to leave the club Garcia Toral. liant saves to deny Antoine Griezmann and then challenge and dodging another. He took the ball for free. But this 31st Copa del Rey success for the Barcelona were almost ahead after four minutes Busquets, both from close range. back from Dest and drove down the right wing, club is a testament to progress made and Koeman as Sergio Busquets played in Messi, who rolled But when the resistance gave way, it became a away from three opponents and inside. will hope it not only helps convince Messi to stay back for Frenkie de Jong but his sidefooted finish collapse, with goals scored in the 60th, 63rd, 68th Messi twice played off De Jong, the second time but gives Barca momentum now in a neck-and-neck came back off the far post. and 72nd minutes to leave Athletic’s hopes in tat- after motoring forward into the penalty area, where title race in La Liga. “Despite the changes at the Sergino Dest dragged wide while Inigo Martinez ters. First, Messi slipped in Dest down the right and he darted between two last Athletic defenders and club and the young players, at Barca you have to had Athletic’s best chance but as he stretched for his cross was diverted in by Griezmann before the slid the finish into the far corner. His second, and always fight for trophies,” Koeman said. “We have the bouncing ball, he could only poke over. Athletic second came from the opposite flank, Jordi Alba Barca’s fourth, was more straight-forward, Alba the first one and now we are going to fight to the seemed to have played their way into the match curled in a cross for De Jong to nod in. pulling a cross back for the Argentinian to tuck last game in La Liga.” before half-time but Barcelona came out with The third was a spectacular from Messi, who under a weak right hand from Simon and inside the Messi is yet to confirm whether he will stay this renewed vigour, with Unai Simon making two bril- started the move in his own half, leaping over one post. For Athletic, there was no way back. — AFP