www.thepeninsula.qa Saturday 29 February 2020 Volume 24 | Number 8182 5 Rajab - 1441 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 13 SPORT | 20 Axing of Geneva car Kvitova ends show forces Barty party to manufacturers to book Sabalenka rethink car launches final

Moving house? FREE Wi-Fi Ooredoo device & FREE installation! ONE *Terms & Conditions Apply Amir donates QR50m to support Syrian people

THE PENINSULA — DOHA The ongoing ‘Sham Deserves’ campaign being implemented by Qatar Charity in partnership with Qatar Media Corporation Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has donated QR50m to aims to deliver assistance to 250,000 Syrian refugees and support Syrian people under an displaced persons. Several media outlets in Qatar hosted live ongoing nationwide campaign ‘Sham Deserves’. broadcast yesterday to raise donations for the campaign. The “Leadership is a role model before live broadcast will be carried out today also from 6pm to 10pm. holding an official position, and it is natural before it becomes an acquired quality. We pray to Allah to protect Qatar hosted live broadcast yesterday to The campaign was launched on and to bestow H H the Amir best of raise donations for the campaign. The February 19, 2020 under the super- rewards,” President of Qatar Olympic live broadcast will be carried out today vision of the Regulatory Authority for Committee, H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad also from 6pm to 10pm. Qatar Charity Charitable Activities (RACA). It Al Thani said in a tweet yesterday. urged people to interact with the included a joint live TV and radio Chief Executive Officer of Qatar broadcast aimed at easing the hardship broadcast by many media corpora- Media Corporation (QMC), H E Sheikh of Syrian refugees and internally dis- tions to raise donations, in addition to Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al Thani, placed persons (IDPs) struggling to some activities that will be held in also tweeted yesterday about the survive under the harsh cold weather, commercial complexes. donation by H H the Amir. “Our role heavy rains, frosts, and snow. Given the difficult humanitarian model and guardian, Amir H H Sheikh The ‘Sham Deserves’ campaign situation of Syrian refugees and inter- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, donated aims to deliver assistance to 250,000 nally displaced persons (IDPs), Qatar QR50m to our brothers in Syria within Syrian refugees and displaced persons Charity urges benefactors in Qatar to the campaign Sham Deserves,” said H in the areas of shelter, food, water, contribute to the “Sham Deserves” cam- E Sheikh Abdulrahman in a tweet. sanitation and health. The campaign paign to ease their hardship, as they are The ongoing ‘Sham Deserves’ cam- came within the framework of moral struggling to survive under the very paign is being implemented by Qatar and humanitarian duty in response to harsh cold weather, heavy rains, frosts, Charity in partnership with Qatar the worsening humanitarian situation and snow. It also calls on media persons Media Corporation for vulnerable following the largest displacement in and social media influencers to pub- Syrians. Several media outlets in Qatar Syria in the past three months. licize the campaign. `P3 UPU endorses Qatar's resolution to restore postal services with siege nations Trump urges Afghans to ‘seize QNA — DOHA of Saudi Arabia and the United postal administrations of accordance with the text and ‘strongly urges’ the UPU Arab Emirates) have, jointly and member countries concerning soul of the UPU General Regu- Director-General to appoint a peace opportunity’ The Council of Administration without warning, imposed a the interpretation of the Acts of lations. But, on the other hand, third arbitrator in accordance of the Universal Postal Union series of coercive measures the Union or the responsibility and for more than a year, the with its duties as per Article 153 AFP — WASHINGTON (UPU) voted in its meeting for against the State of Qatar. imposed on a member country defendant countries have been (8) of the UPU General the resolution the State of Part of these measures was by the application of those Acts, using one way after the other Regulations. President Donald Trump urged Qatar had proposed and which the suspension by postal service the question at issue shall be to hinder the founding of arbi- The decision made today the Afghan people to embrace affirms the right of Qatar to operators in the defendant settled by arbitration.” tration bodies and particularly follows the decision the CA a chance for a new future restore postal services from countries of all postal services On September 20, 2018, to hinder the appointment of a made previously, and which yesterday as he announced and to the defendant countries from and to the State of Qatar. the State of Qatar sent a noti- third arbitrator for the arbi- was endorsed during the that top US diplomat Mike (the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Since then, the postal services fication to each of the tration bodies. meeting of the CA of the UPU in Pompeo would attend the Arab Republic of Egypt, the operator of Qatar had neither defendant countries to start Due to such a flagrant denial October 2017 and which signing of a peace deal with Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and been able to receive or send any the arbitration process as per of the State of Qatar’s right of strongly urged the defendant the Taliban in Doha. the United Arab Emirates) postal correspondences to the Article 32 of the UPU Consti- settling the dispute interna- countries to re-establish direct “Soon, at my direction, through binding arbitration defendant countries nor been tution, requesting the founding tionally as per the UPU regu- postal services with the State of Secretary of State Mike and ‘strongly urges’ the UPU able to even receive or send of a court to settle the dispute latory framework, the State of Qatar. However, the defendant Pompeo will witness the Director-General to appoint a correspondences to other coun- resulting from the defendant Qatar, represented by the Com- countries failed to comply with signing of an agreement with third arbitrator in accordance tries through them. countries’ suspending of postal munications Regulatory that decision. representatives of the Taliban, with its duties as per Article The State of Qatar and the services with the State of Qatar. Authority (CRA), had to seek The President of CRA of while Secretary of Defense 153 (8) of the General Regula- defendant countries are The State of Qatar began the support from the CA of the UPU, Qatar H E Mohammed Ali Al Mark Esper will issue a joint tions of the UPU. Member States of the UPU. arbitration process to restore which consists of 41 Member Mannai said: “We are pleased declaration with the gov- In a statement, the Ministry Without a doubt, the stopping direct postal services from and States. with the endorsement by the ernment of Afghanistan,” of Transport and Communica- of postal services by the to the defendant countries and Earlier today, the CA passed UPU’s CA of that resolution Trump said in a statement. tions said that the State of Qatar defendant countries with the to obtain compensations for the a resolution proposed by the and looking forward to estab- “Ultimately it will be up to appreciates all efforts made by State of Qatar violates the Con- harms caused by the suspension State of Qatar, which empha- lishing arbitration committees the people of Afghanistan to the UPU and its Member States stitution, Convention and of postal services since June sizes the State of Qatar’s right with no more unjustified delay work out their future,” he said. to address the situation. The General Regulations of the UPU. 2017. to seek the restoration of postal and to settling the dispute “We, therefore, urge the defendant countries (the Article 32 of the UPU Consti- The State of Qatar partici- services from and to the caused by the postal measures Afghan people to seize this Kingdom of Bahrain, the Arab tution reads: “In the event of a pated in the arbitration proce- defendant countries through taken by the defendant opportunity for peace and a Republic of Egypt, the Kingdom dispute between two or more dures in good faith in binding arbitration and countries.” new future for their country.” Qatar condemns 'Messi10' show mesmerises deadly force against Palestinians packed Doha audience QNA — GENEVA The State of Qatar strongly RAYNALD C RIVERA which were extremely challenging and renewed its condemnation of THE PENINSULA complex that they were met with the Israeli occupation forces’ countless ovations from the adoring use of lethal and excessive force With its heart-stopping routines, the audience. against peaceful Palestinian high-octane jaw-dropping spectacular Apart from the exciting acts, the show demonstrators intentionally, “Messi10” by Cirque du Soleil was a show integrated other elements including stressing that no one has like no other, winning the hearts of comedy and audience interaction and escaped from the Israeli killing hundreds in the audience during its Asian participation making it even more machine whether persons with premiere on Thursday at Ali Bin Hamad enjoyable for the spectators who disabilities, children, para- Al Attiyah Arena. thronged the show’s Middle East debut. medics, or journalists. The show was a fitting tribute to More than the extraordinary cleverly This came in Qatar’s speech football legend Lionel Messi, tracing his crafted acts, the show touched people’s before the 43rd session of the incredible journey into an amazing hearts as it told the story of a young man Human Rights Council, during career encapsulated in a 90-minute with boundless ambition who overcame the interactive dialogue with show inextricably interwoven with all obstacles to become one of the the UN High Commissioner for breathtaking acts enhanced by stunning greatest football players of his time. Human Rights, regarding the stage lighting and original music. The performances were combined commissioner’s report on In this latest Cirque du Soleil pro- with video montages and animations that ensuring accountability and duction, classical circus acts such as highlighted Messi’s courage, determi- With breathtaking acts and inspiring story, ‘Messi10’ by Cirque du Soleil won the justice in all violations of inter- trampoline, trapeze and tightrope were nation and sacrifice both on and off the hearts of hundreds of people who watched its Middle East debut at Ali bin Hamad national law in the occupied given unique take with brand new rou- field which were key to achieving his Al Attiyah Arena on Thursday. PIC: BAHER AMIN / THE PENINSULA Palestinian territory, including tines and ingenious props including an dreams. East Al Quds, which was enormous robot. They were performed “It was an enjoyable show, something delivered by Second Secretary on a uniquely designed revolving stage. different. There were many elements that “But above all, the show was an As what he said it took him 17 years to of the Permanent Delegation Donning colorful costumes, 47 I’ve never seen and thought would be inspiring show telling us that “there is a become an overnight success, so there’s of Qatar to the United Nations artistes from 17 countries impressed the possible in a show like that,” said George, 10 in all of us” and to “never give up no no reason why people should give up on Office in Geneva Abdulla audience with motley routines, many of one of the spectators. matter what” as what Messi had done. their dreams,” he added. `P2 Khalifa Al Sowaidi. `P2 02 HOME SATURDAY 29 FEBRUARY 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY Misty to foggy at some places at first becomes moderate FAJR04.41 am SUNRISE 05.58 am o o temperature daytime with some clouds, cold by night. ZUHR 11.46 am ASR 03.06 pm 15 C 24 C Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 07:10 – 20:57 LOW TIDE 02:19 – 15:06 MAGHRIB 05.38 pm ISHA 07.08 pm W ALRUWAIS: 15o↗22o W ALKHOR: 12o↗24o W DUKHAN: 16o↗23o W WAKRAH: 11o↗23o W MESAIEED 11o↗23o W ABUSAMRA 12o↗24o Unesco, QNL to organise training to support documentary heritage preservation in the Arab region

THE PENINSULA — DOHA as crisis preparedness and first participants to a “Declaration aid to documentary heritage at to Support Preservation of Doc- The United Nations Educa- risk. This hands-on training umentary Heritage in the Arab tional, Scientific and Cultural will focus on enhancing partic- Region,” addressed to countries Organization (Unesco) in part- ipants’ skills for emergency and heritage institutions and calling nership with Qatar National coordinated preparedness and for action on all levels to raise Library (QNL) will organise two response to safeguard movable the standards of conservation trainings as part of their joint and immovable cultural and care of documentary her- project on ‘supporting docu- heritage. itage based on regional and The Minister of Municipality and Environment, H E Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, launching mentary heritage preservation The two training sessions global best practices. the website as part of the initiative to launch one million trees. in the Arab region’. are part of a larger regional Anna Paolini, Unesco Rep- Over 40 documentary her- joint project between Unesco resentative in the Arab States itage practitioners from 19 Arab and Qatar National Library, also of the Gulf and Yemen, said: countries will be invited to par- IFLA Regional Preservation and “This project in partnership Environment Ministry launches website ticipate in two specialised Conservation Center (PAC) for with Qatar National Library capacity-building sessions to Arab countries and the Middle provides an opportunity for for initiative to plant one million trees take place in Jordan and Tunisia East, which aims to safeguard documentary heritage institu- in March and April 2020, the rich and unique docu- tions in the region to strengthen QNA — DOHA health and the quality of life. sites; entrances to cities and respectively. mentary heritage of the region. capacity to better preserve and The Ministry launched the municipalities; public parks; The first training, ‘Col- This partnership aims to protect such a priceless heritage The Ministry of Municipality website of the initiative to plant schools; and residential lection management and doc- protect the Arab region’s that documents not only the and Environment has launched one million trees as part of its complexes. umentation technique’, will history, identity, and knowledge history of the region but also of the website for the initiative to efforts to enhance its initiatives The Ministry of Municipality focus on best practices on doc- through the preservation of the world.” plant a million trees, on the in the field of climate change and Environment called on all umentation such as entry, exit documentary heritage, which Stephane Ipert, Preser- sidelines of the activities of the mitigation and environmental institutions, bodies, and indi- and loans procedures, labelling, currently is at high risk of being vation and Conservation Qatari Environment Day sustainability. The initiative viduals to register, contribute cataloguing, and movement lost due to neglect, natural Manager and Director of IFLA organised by the Ministry at the aims to boost biodiversity, and volunteer for the initiative control. It will also help partic- decay, outdated technology, Regional PAC for Arab coun- Cultural Village Foundation make use of treated water for to plant one million trees, ipants create or update docu- inadequate housing, or delib- tries and the Middle East, said: (Katara). irrigation, improve air quality, knowing that the initiative is mentation procedures manuals erate destruction. “Our responsibility as the IFLA The initiative to plant a increase the green area, and open to all members of society, and to set up collection man- The training follows the Regional PAC compels us to million trees was launched at reduce gas emissions. institutions, government agement plans to ensure safe, regional conference that took ensure that the Arab region’s the opening of the first Qatar The initiative focuses on agencies, the private sector, secure, and effective man- place in Qatar on December 1 institutional practices reflect International Environmental planting tree seedlings from the companies, schools, educa- agement of heritage and 2, which brought together the latest international progress Exhibition and the 7th Qatar local Qatari environment in tional institutions, youth collections. international and regional in the field. This training is a International Agricultural Exhi- various locations chosen for centres, sports clubs, and the Organised in cooperation experts and practitioners to perfect chance to pass on Qatar bition in 2019, as the State of this purpose, such as the main citizens and residents, and reg- with the International Centre share experiences and chal- National Library’s specialist Qatar complies with interna- road axes; the ring roads in istration for the initiative is for the Study of the Preser- lenges in the field of docu- expertise and international tional pledges and the Paris Doha; Al Majd road; Al Shamal done with financial support or vation and Restoration of Cul- mentary heritage preservation experience to support institu- Agreement on reducing carbon road; Al Khor Coastal road; practical participation, through tural Property (ICCROM), the in the Arab region. One of the tions across the region in over- emissions, given the impor- industrial cities; sewage and the https://www.mme.gov.qa/ second training will focus on highlights of the conference coming the challenges they face tance of trees in the ecosystem treatment plant and storage static/million-tree/ website. preventive conservation as well was the agreement of the locally.” and its implications for human unit sites; rainwater storage

Lolwah Al Khater meets ministers of several nations QU collaborates with Ministry of OFFICIAL NEWS Education on Al-Qabas Program FM holds THE PENINSULA — DOHA test taking strategies. In phone call with addition, it aims to prepare stu- Turkish counterpart Qatar University (QU) has dents for university life through collaborated with the Office of variety of educational activities, Doha: The Deputy Prime Minister the Assistant Under-Secretary events and competitions that are and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H for Educational Affairs at the offered in English and develop E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul- Ministry of Education and their English and math skills, rahman Al Thani, made yesterday Higher Education (MoE) to thereby paving the way for a phone call with the Minister of prepare students for University. enrollment in STEM colleges and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Qatar University’s Foun- enhancing students’ chances for Turkey, H E Mevlut Cavusoglu. dation Program (FP), under the success in their future colleges. H E the Deputy Prime Minister offered Deanship of General Studies, is Al Qabas programme also the condolences of the State of Qatar organising ‘Al-Qabas Program includes orientation sessions during the call to the government 2020’ under the theme ‘To about admission and visits to and people of Turkey for the death prepare female high school stu- STEM colleges, College of Med- of a number of Turkish army sol- dents for a successful university icine, and various QU services diers in Idlib. QNA experience’. The student out- available. Al Qabas participants reach initiative will be held also get the opportunity to during schools’ spring break attend lectures with current The Assistant Foreign Minister and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E Lolwah bint Qatar condemns from March 15 to March 19, Qatar University students. Fol- Rashid Al Khater, held yesterday separate meetings with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the 2020. The aim of the pro- lowing the completion of the deadly force Republic of Albania, Agron Tare; Deputy foreign minister Republic of North Macedonia, H E Andrej gramme is to raise awareness program, students will be Zernovski; Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, H E Omi Asako; Secretary at the among Qatari female high awarded with certificates of against Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India, H E Vikas Swarup; and Human Rights Ambassador school students to nourish their participation. The programme at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H E Bahia Tahzib-Lie on the skills needed to succeed in was launched in its 1st edition Palestinians sidelines of a high-level meeting of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. The meetings reviewed the STEM and medicine fields, in the 2018-19 academic year FROM PAGE 1 scope of cooperation, in addition to discussing issues of joint interest. which includes study skills and in collaboration with MoE. The State of Qatar empha- sised that what encourages the QU-Health organises workshop ‘Messi10’ show mesmerises packed Doha audience Israeli military and political leaders to continue committing FROM PAGE 1 purchased via Tixbox. Qatar in recent years. more violations and crimes is on basics of diet plan for adults Presented in partnership with With 42 unique produc- What makes Messi10 the lack of independent and THE PENINSULA — DOHA nutrition needs. Qatar National Tourism tions, Cirque du Soleil has unique is that it is the first-ever impartial investigations in The objective of the Council, the show organised in brought wonder and delight to Cirque du Soleil production accordance with international The Continuing Professional workshop was to give the collaboration with Alchemy over 190 million spectators in about sport and inspired by a standards, the absence of Development of Health Profes- trainers the ability to list and Project Entertainment runs 60 countries including several person who is still alive, said accountability. and the preva- sionals (CPD-HP) Program of apply the six principles of diet- until March 7 and tickets can be successful shows staged in organisers. lence of impunity. Qatar University Health planning. Explain how each of Also, Qatar called on the organised an accredited the diet-planning principles can international community to workshop by Qatar Council for be used to plan a healthy diet take all necessary measures to Healthcare Practitioners on and identify foods that are rich Venezuela Vice-President arrives in Doha end the Israeli occupation of basic of diet planning for adults in nutrients. the occupied Arab lands, at the college of medicine Dr. Hiba Bawadi, Section protect the Palestinian people building in Qatar University Head of Clinical Education at and ensure the recovery of all recently. Almost 50 people from QU-Health, said “Dieting is their legitimate rights, stop vio- public health practitioners, Eating Right, we should train lations and crimes committed members of primary healthcare, health care practitioners about by the Israeli forces, hold all in addition to faculty and healthy diets. As there is huge those responsible accountable students from Qatar University influence of different social and bring them to international attended the workshop. media platforms in sending criminal justice. The workshop highlighted mixed and confusing messages It called for ending the mil- that diet planning is one of the to patients, health care practi- itary hostilities and the col- most important topics all over tioners are responsible to con- lective punishment policy the world for various reasons; tinuously provide updated and imposed on the Gaza Strip and including the huge influence of evidence-based advice to ensuring reaching a two-state different unhealthy diet plans patients.” solution that guarantees the on social media which leads to Joyce Alzalloua Moawad, establishment of an inde- confuse the people with obesity Teaching Assistant of Human pendent and viable State of and weight loss pills. Nutrition at QU-Health said: Palestine based on the 1967 The workshop aimed to “Dieting is eating a balanced borders and its capital, Al Quds explain and develop a meal plan variety of foods in moderation. Al Sharif. Abdulla Al Sowaidi with proper balance for indi- A healthy daily diet includes all said that Qatar has viewed with viduals. The workshop focused food groups such as vegetables, great interest the report of the The Vice-President of Venezuela, H E Delcy Eloina Rodriguez Gomez, arrived in Doha yesterday on answering most of the ques- fruits, carbohydrates, dairy High Commissioner, who afternoon on an official visit to Qatar. H E the Vice-President and her accompanying delegation were tions and concerns related to products, proteins and fats. Ulti- clearly indicated that the pro- diet planning and how to plan mately, you can still enjoy eating greeted upon arrival at Hamad International Airport by the Director of Department of Protocol, H E tests of the great return march a rich and balanced healthy diet your favourite dessert, but do Ibrahim Yousif Fakhro, and Ambassador of Venezuela to Qatar, H E Giuseppe Angelo Yoffreda Yorio. by the Palestinian people to without any harm of the body in moderation.” demand their legitimate rights. SATURDAY 29 FEBRUARY 2020 HOME 03 Dar Al Sharq Group donates 3 days of 'sales revenues' of its newspapers to ‘Sham Deserves' campaign THE PENINSULA — DOHA campaign to support Syrian come as part of the social people. responsibility towards human- Following the direction of It comes within many pre- itarian issues in all over the Chairman of the Board of vious initiatives adopted by the world and towards the refugees Directors of Dar Al Sharq Group, where it had decided to suffering from tough time Group, Sheikh Thani bin donate sales of its three news- which requires to stand by Abdullah Al Thani, the Group papers to the ‘Arsal Relief Cam- them. Dar Al Sharq Group also has decided to donate the sales’ paign’ in February 2019. The provides all kinds of media revenues of its newspapers, Group also donated its sales’ support to humanitarian and namely Al Sharq, The Peninsula revenues to the Sham Winter charitable institutions so they and Lusail for a period of three Campaign and the ‘Qatari Al could play their full role in alle- days (Sunday, Monday and Joud Campaign’ in 2011. viating the suffering of the ref- The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Center, H E Dr. Ali Bin Tuesday) in support of the The initiatives of the Group ugees, the displaced people and Fetais Al Marri, with the President of Cadi Ayyad University, Pr. Moulay Lhassan, during the signing ongoing ‘Sham Deserves' in supporting these campaigns those affected by the crises. of an MoU in Marrakesh. Al Muraikhi meets Liberian Minister A-G praises strong and historical ties between Qatar & Morocco in all fields QNA — MARRAKESH H E the A-G also the Rule of Law and Anti-Cor- ruption Center and the Cadi The Attorney-General, H E Dr. praised the Ayyad University. He also Ali Bin Fetais Al Marri, who is development praised the strong and historical also the Chairman of the Board ties between Qatar and of Trustees of the Rule of Law and stability of Morocco in all fields, noting that and Anti-Corruption Center, Morocco thanks to today’s memorandum of under- signed yesterday a Memo- standing will be the beginning randum of Understanding its leadership and of further cooperation in the (MoU) with the President of support of its people. future. He added that political Cadi Ayyad University, Pr. will in both Qatar and Morocco Moulay Lhassan, to establish a always direct to enhance the chair on the rule of law and rule of law and combat cor- anti-corruption in the Chief Public Prosecutor in ruption, noting that the estab- university. Morocco and the Kings lishment of the chair is proof of The MoU was signed on the Attorney-General, Mohamed that. Speaking to journalists, Al sidelines of an academic forum Abdel Nabawi, a number of Marri praised the development on fighting corruption that was deans of colleges, and law stu- and stability of Morocco thanks held in the university under the dents in Morocco. to its leadership and support of The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, met yesterday with the auspices of the Rule of Law and Speaking during the forum, its people, stressing the impor- Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia, H E Henry Fahnbulleh, who is on a visit Anti-Corruption Center with Al Marri highlighted the strong tance of supporting Morocco in to Qatar. They reviewed bilateral cooperation relations, in addition to issues of common concern. the attendance of Al Marri and academic partnership between all fields led by the rule of law. Pakistan developing enduring relations with Qatar: Qureshi

IRFAN BUKHARI THE PENINSULA

Pakistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, has said that Prime Minister Imran Khan’s recent visit to Qatar was continuity of contacts to deepen ties between the two countries. “Pakistan wants to deepen its strong ties with Qatar to forge a long-term partnership,” he said while addressing Paki- stani community after inaugu- rating new building of Pakistan Pakistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, embassy in Doha. addressing Pakistani community after inaugurating new building “Prime Minister in his brief visit to Qatar on Thursday of Pakistan embassy in Doha. talked on future ties and how to strengthen them and the visit Pakistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shah was for our national interest as Mahmood Qureshi, said that Pakistan could Pakistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, with the Ambassador of Pakistan to we intend to develop enduring the State of Qatar, Syed Ahsan Raza Shah, inaugurating the new building of Pakistan embassy in Doha. relations with Qatar,” he added. provide skilled people for service sector to He said that Pakistan could Qatar for 2022 FIFA World Cup preparations. provide skilled people for Qureshi said that peace in Pakistan is linked with peace was taking all out measures to service sector to Qatar for 2022 “Pakistan seeks more space for employment Afghanistan would remove in Afghanistan. We, our forces facilitate overseas Pakistanis. FIFA World Cup preparations. of its workforce so that Pakistani professionals obstacles in way of implemen- and citizens, by giving A large number of Pakistani “Pakistan seeks more space for can play their role in the construction of Qatar tation of TAPI Pipeline and numerous sacrifices have community members attended employment of its workforce CASA 1000 projects thus brought the country from ter- the inauguration ceremony. so that Pakistani professionals as they have been doing in the past.” bringing hydro-power and gas rorism to tourism and today the Located in diplomatic area, the can play their role in the con- to Pakistani industries and international community is new building of Pakistan struction of Qatar as they have domestic consumers at eco- also recognising our embassy covers an area of 8150 been doing in the past.” Foreign Affairs further said that Afghanistan but for the whole nomical price. sacrifices.” square metres. Fourteen Qureshi said that due to like Qatar Pakistan was pro- region. “Pakistan being an energy Qureshi said that Pakistan counters have been set up at geographic proximity, Qatar moting its tourism sector with “The peace and stability deficient country is facing bad had honoured its promise with the consular hall for facilitation and Pakistan could help each tremendous beauty of its will open new vistas of effects on its industrial pro- the world for a peaceful set- of the Pakistani community, other in many ways. “Pakistan northern areas. progress and development pro- duction and economic growth tlement of dispute in Afghan- besides a token calling system can help Qatar for its food Talking on the US-Taliban viding immense opportunities due to high gas and electricity istan. “I am representing for the applicants. The consular security while Qatar can fulfil peace agreement, the Foreign for bilateral trade. The peace costs.” Pakistan in signing of the peace hall has the seating capacity for our growing energy needs. It is Minister of Pakistan said that agreement will increase He said that the US-Taliban deal. Today the world admits 300 people with separate a win-win situation for both the pact would prove beneficial regional connectivity required agreement was a new journey Pakistan's role in this regard.” waiting rooms for males and the sides.” The Minister of not only for Pakistan and for Pakistan’s energy needs.” towards peace. “Peace in He said that the government females. QNL lecture maps out QBG launches 'African Women’s Diplomatic Garden' historical role of THE PENINSULA — DOHA globally around the common goal of environmental conservation. We The Quranic Botanic Garden (QBG) also look forward to strengthening Indian Navy in the Gulf has launched the African Women’s our cultural relations with the Diplomatic Garden, a first in the countries represented here and THE PENINSULA – DOHA country, in celebration of Qatar working together to cultivate the Environment Day. garden.” Qatar National Library’s highly acclaimed ‘Qatar, India & The To mark the event, a tree- Launched in the QBG Pilot Gulf’ exhibition was supplemented by an enlightening talk planting ceremony was held on Garden at Education City, the about a lesser-known aspect of the region’s history. February 26 in the presence of African Women’s Diplomatic The lecture, delivered by the Library’s Director of His- ambassadors from 10 African Garden is part of QBG’s Ghars tree- torical Research and Partnerships, Dr James Onley, explored countries, members of the African planting campaign, and aims to the history of the Indian Navy’s involvement in the Arabian Women’s Diplomatic Group, and highlight the importance of green Gulf since 1612 and its significant role in mapping the shores senior Qatari dignitaries, as well as conservation initiatives in Qatar. of Eastern Arabia from the 1760s to the 1860s. The talk was local community leaders. Emphasising a global sustainability followed by a guided tour of the exhibition, which reveals Fatima Saleh Al Khulaifi, message to conserve the envi- fascinating insights into the links between the sub-continent Project Director, QBG, said, “Qatar ronment, the garden incorporates and the Middle East. has dedicated a day to spreading a variety of saplings representing Haydon Crooks, who took part in the event, said, “I have greater awareness on the need to several African countries, including lived in the Gulf region for the past few years, so I was very protect our environment, and Mali, Djibouti, South Africa, and curious to learn more about its historical relationship with today’s special tree-planting cer- Senegal. India. The lecture was an opportunity to listen to an expert emony is an example of QBG’s The launch, which also fea- on Gulf’s history and to learn how traditional mapping and commitment – as part of Qatar tured cultural shows from Africa navigation methods were used to shape the region.” Foundation’s wider mission — to and Qatar, concluded with a tour Another attendee, Hashim Saleh, said, “I am interested promote environmental values in of the QBG Botanical Museum. to explore Gulf’s history through maps, and I am fascinated Qatar and support an important To date, over 1,800 trees have by how they can provide important details about the region’s pillar of our national vision. been planted as part of the cam- past. The lecture, for example, gave us a good story of how “We hope through the African paign, which aims to cultivate 2,022 The members of African Women’s Diplomatic Group during the tree trade in the Gulf has been affected by the mapping that took Women’s Diplomatic Garden to trees by the FIFA World Cup Qatar planting ceremony. place centuries ago.” highlight the importance of uniting 2022. 04 GULF / MIDDLE EAST SATURDAY 29 FEBRUARY 2020

Japan sends Tensions soar after 33 Turkish soldiers minister to Lebanon on Ghosn case martyred in Syrian airstrike in Idlib AP — TOKYO/BEIRUT A Japanese vice-minister for It was the highest single death toll since the justice is heading to Lebanon Turkish army first intervened in Syria in 2016, for talks on the case of former Nissan Motor Co. executive and brought the total number of Turkish troops Carlos Ghosn, who fled for his martyred in Idlib this month to 53. Turkey said home country late last year while out on bail awaiting trial. it retaliated by hitting more than 200 regime Justice Minister Masako targets in drone and artillery bombardments. Mori said that she was dis- patching the official to Beirut to explain the Japanese AFP — ISTANBUL NATO held emergency talks, criminal justice system and while the EU warned of the risk improve cooperation. The leaders of Russia and of a “major open international She said Japan hoped Turkey held crisis talks military confrontation”. Lebanon would gain “a proper yesterday after 33 Turkish But both Russian President understanding of the Japanese soldiers were martyred in a Vladimir Putin and Turkish criminal justice system.” regime air strike in Syria, trig- counterpart Recep Tayyip Japan and Lebanon do not gering fears of a dangerous Erdogan appeared keen to scale have an extradition treaty and escalation of tensions. down the tensions, expressing it’s unlikelyLebanon would The attack by Russian- “serious concern” about the sit- agree to send Ghosn back to backed Syrian forces took place uation in their telephone talks, Japan to face trial. Mori late on Thursday in the north- the Kremlin said. acknowledged that there were western province of Idlib, It was the highest single A Turkish self-propelled artillery gun reportedly firing at Syrian regime targets in Idlib province, “various environments” and where President Bashar Al death toll since the Turkish according to Turkish defence minister. Turkish reprisals killed 20 Syrian soldiers in the battleground laws that underpin each coun- Assad is waging a bloody cam- army first intervened in Syria northwestern province of Idlib, yesterday. try’s stance. Nissan, maker of paign to oust rebels from their in 2016, and brought the total the Leaf electric car and Z last holdout. number of Turkish troops mar- for dialogue,” said Russian since the start of the Syrian con- take in more. Turkey has sports car, said in a statement Hours after the strike, tyred in Idlib this month to 53. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. flict in 2011. already taken in around four regarding the justice official’s Turkey warned it was opening Turkey said it retaliated by “The conversation was But Russian vetoes, often million Syrian refugees and is trip that it hoped Ghosn would the gates for refugees to flee to hitting more than 200 regime detailed and devoted to the backed by China, have chroni- wary of more arrivals in the return to Japan to stand trial, Europe, a move that could have targets in drone and artillery necessity to do everything” to cally crippled UN action. face of growing popular dis- “so that all the facts can be major repercussions for its bombardments. implement a largely ineffective Turkey again called on the content about their presence. properly established under western neighbours which The reprisals killed 20 ceasefire deal agreed in 2018 international community to But Turkey’s neighbours took Japan’s judicial system.” swiftly moved to boost border Syrian soldiers, according to a between the two countries for establish a no-fly zone over swift action after Ankara Ghosn was arrested in late security. monitoring group, but there was Idlib. Idlib, where regime forces have threatened to go back on a 2018 and is facing charges of The deadly bombardment no immediate confirmation Lavrov said Russia was since December clawed back deal with the EU and open the under-reporting income and added to weeks of tensions from Damascus. ready to help improve the chunks of the region, forcing way for refugees to go to breach of trust. He says he is between rebel supporter and Adding to the tensions, security of Turkish troops in close to one million people to Europe. innocent. He led Nissan for NATO member Ankara and Moscow said two of its warships Syria after the defence ministry flee their homes and shelters “We will no longer keep the nearly 20 years. Damascus ally Moscow, and were transitting through the said the slain soldiers had been amid bitter cold. doors closed for refugees who Having spent months in heightened international con- Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul in among “terrorist groups” and Erdogan’s communications want to go to Europe,” a Turkish detention and struggled to gain cerns about the plight of people plain sight of the city. had not disclosed their director Fahrettin Altun accused official said. In response, both his release on bail under living in the battleground But the Kremlin said after presence. The UN has repeatedly Assad on Twitter of “conducting Bulgaria and Greece said they stringent conditions, Ghosn province. the leaders’ call that a Turkey- warned that the fighting in Idlib ethnic cleansing” to drive mil- were tightening border security said he fled in the belief he The United Nations called Rusia summit may be on the could potentially create the lions out of Idlib but said Turkey as groups of migrants moved could not get a fair trial in for an immediate ceasefire and cards. “There is always room most serious humanitarian crisis does not have the resources to westwards across Turkey. Japan. State Minister of Justice Hiroyuki Yoshiie, was to leave Japan for Lebanon today. He is expected to meet with the Iran reports jump in coronavirus Kuwait’s coronavirus cases rise to 45 Lebanese justice minister on Monday. Japan has requested Ghosn’s return through cases and eight more deaths AFP — KUWAIT CITY Interpol and issued an arrest Kuwait confirmed two more cases of the new coronavirus warrant after his escape. AGENCIES — TEHRAN suspended sessions indefinitely, sanctions. Of the infections yesterday, taking the toll to 45, according to its Health Ministry. and the education minister said recorded over last 24 hours, 64 “The two cases were in contact with the infected people Lebanon bans entry Iran reported eight new deaths universities and public places were in Tehran province, while who came from Iran before the outbreak was announced,” linked to the coronavirus and will remain closed for another Gilan had 25 and Qom 16. The the ministry said. The ministry asserted stable health condi- of passengers from 143 more cases as it struggles week, state television reported. jump in confirmed cases is due tions of all cases and “efficiency of medical staff dealing with virus-hit states to contain the largest outbreak Travelers suspected of having the to more laboratories running them at three medical quarantine centers.” in the Middle East. virus will be stopped at city tests, the ministry said. Kuwait called off national day celebrations on Monday as ANATOLIA — BEIRUT The death toll in the country entrances and quarantined for Bahrain reported two new part of its fight against the outbreak. So far, Kuwait has evac- now stands at 34 — the most 14 days. cases of coronavirus yesterday, uated around 800 citizens from Iran —which has been hit Lebanon yesterday announced outside of China — and 388 The government has one of them a Saudi Arabian hard by the virus. The coronavirus was first detected in China suspending transport for all people have been infected, state become the target of popular national, taking the total there in December 2019 and has spread to more than 45 other coun- individuals coming from coun- television reported. The Health anger and ridicule over its slow to 38. The health ministry said tries, including the US, the UK, Singapore, France, Russia, tries hit by coronavirus Ministry said it expects an and confused response to the the other reported case was a Spain and India, raising global alarm. outbreak. upward trajectory in confirmed outbreak, a situation made Bahraini national, and that both Public Works and cases in the next few days. worse by a shortage of medical new cases had come from Iran Oman confirms 6th case, suspends travel with ID Card Transport Minister Michel Iran’s parliament has supplies caused in part by US via indirect flights. Najjar issued a decision to QNA — MUSCAT suspend air, land and sea transport for all passengers The Ministry of Health of Oman has confirmed a new case arriving from China, South of coronavirus (Covid-19) related to someone who was Korea, Iran, and Italy. traveling to Iran. The patient was subject to home quar- Najjar noted that the Leb- antine and his condition is stable, the Omani Health Ministry anese citizens and foreigners said in a statement reported by ONA. Oman also announced residing in Lebanon are not the suspension of the use of national ID for Omani nationals included in the decision. and GCC citizens to enter and exit the Sultanate as a precau- The list will include more tionary measure to combat the spread of coronavirus. The countries, he added, noting Omani police said that the ban exempts Omani citizens that these countries to be currently outside the Sultanate and GCC citizens in Oman determined in the upcoming who entered the country with their IDs, according to the future. Najjar said the decision Omani News Agency. was taken upon a recommen- dation of the country’s Health US offered to help Iran with coronavirus response Ministry. In a related development, REUTERS — WASHINGTON local media reported that 55 Lebanese students have US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States has arrived from Iran through offered to help with the coronavirus response in Iran, where Damascus airport in Syria. the outbreak has killed 34 people, and raised doubts about The students have Tehran’s willingness to share information. “We have made undergone tests at the border offers to the Islamic Republic of Iran to help,” Pompeo said in crossing point and tested neg- a hearing at House Foreign Affairs Committee. “Their healthcare ative for coronavirus. infrastructure is not robust and to date, their willingness to On Thursday, the Health share information about what’s really going on inside...Iran Ministry reported the third Men wearing protective masks perform Friday prayers at a mosque in Kuwait City. Kuwait’s Ministry has not been robust and I am very concerned that....it is Iran coronavirus case in the of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs set the Friday prayer sermon to not exceed 10 minutes, and to discuss that is not sharing information.” country, all of whom recently precautions against COVID-19 disease infections. came from Iran. 40 Palestinians injured in West Bank clashes ANATOLIA & QNA — NABLUS Palestinians have staged a sit-in on wounded by Israeli helicopter fire near Mount Arma following calls by settler the annexed Golan Heights late on At least 40 Palestinians, including a groups to demonstrate on the Thursday, the official Sana agency teenager, were injured during clashes mountain and seize it to establish a reported. with Israeli forces in the West Bank Jewish settlement. "Israeli helicopters launched mis- city of Nablus yesterday. Meanwhile, Scores of Israeli set- siles above the occupied Golan Heights, Eyewitnesses told Anadolu Agency tlers attacked Palestinian houses and hitting (Syrian) army positions at that Israeli forces fired tear gas can- stores in Huwwara town, south of Nablus Kahtaniyeh, Al-Horiyyat and the lib- isters to disperse protesters at a sit-in on Thursday late night, according to Pal- erated town of Quneitra, leaving three at Mount Arma, near Belta town in estine’s WAFA news agency. wounded among the troops," Sana Nablus. Palestinian Red Crescent Local sources confirmed that said. Society in a statement confirmed the scores of settlers were provided by The Syrian Observatory for Human casualties, saying that they included a heavy military protection as they Rights (SOHR) said one Syrian soldier 16-year-old “who was wounded with opened fire towards a number of Pal- was killed in the attack and seven were live bullets in his back”. estinian houses and stores in the town, wounded, some of them seriously. They also treated 15 people with smashing their windows. It comes after a Syrian linked to rubber bullet injuries and 24 cases of Israeli forces opened fire on the vil- the Lebanese Shia movement Hez- Israeli forces block Palestinian protesters from entering Al Shuhada street during asphyxia, a condition where lack of lagers who attempted to fend off the bollah was killed in a cross-border a demonstration in memory of the 1994 Ibrahimi Mosque massacre and against oxygen causes unconsciousness. settlers’ attack. Israeli drone strike earlier Thursday, Washington’s proposed Middle East peace plan, in the occupied West Bank city Since Friday midnight, dozens of At least hree Syrian soldiers were SOHR said. of Hebron, yesterday. SATURDAY 29 FEBRUARY 2020 AFRICA 05 Tripoli airport suspends flights after Haftar attack; patients evacuated

AGENCIES — TRIPOLI The UN envoy for Libya yesterday denounced the two sides said they had the near breakdown of a fragile truce between agreed a ceasefire in January, Bombardment of the Libyan as blasts of artillery echoed in capital Tripoli intensified the country’s warring sides, citing a “serious the city centre and black smoke yesterday, residents said, violation” over the last 24 hours — attacks on the billowed near Mitiga airport forcing the evacuation of some capital including an early morning shelling held by the government. patients from a hospital near The fighting, between the the capital’s only functioning of Tripoli’s airport. Libyan National Army (LNA) of airport. eastern-based leader Khalifa Flights were suspended Haftar and the internationally once again yesterday in the only (GNA) is based in Tripoli and Operation in a Facebook post. recognised Government of functioning airport in Libya’s faces stiff opposition form Since the ouster of late ruler National Accord (GNA) based in capital following rocket attacks. Hafar’s forces in the country’s Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, two Tripoli, came as the United The Mitiga International east. The airport was hit by Grad seats of power have emerged Nations tried to hold peace talks Tunisia’s outgoing prime minister Youssef Chahed (left), presents Airport in Tripoli has come missiles, GNA said in a in Libya: Haftar supported in Geneva. The town council of his successor Elyes Fakhfakh with the government handover report under frequent attacks by statement, in this week’s third mainly by Egypt and the United Abu Salim, a Tripoli neigh- during the official handover ceremony in Carthage on the eastern forces loyal to renegade com- attack by the Haftar militias. Arab Emirates, and the GNA bourhood, posted pictures of outskirts of the capital Tunis, yesterday. mander Khalifa Haftar this Following the attack, avi- which enjoys UN and interna- damaged houses on Facebook, month. ation was suspended for the tional recognition. saying a woman and child had Libya’s UN-recognised Gov- fifth time at the airport, said the Residents said the shelling been taken to hospital. ernment of National Accord GNA-lead Volcano of Rage was among the hardest since The UN envoy for Libya yes- Promising political stability, terday denounced the near breakdown of a fragile truce new Tunisian govt takes office between the country’s warring sides, citing a “serious violation” REUTERS — TUNIS revolution that triggered the over the last 24 hours — attacks “Arab spring”, nine successive on the capital including an early Tunisia’s new coalition governments have failed to morning shelling of Tripoli’s government took office on tackle social hardship and airport. Ghassan Salame, hosting Friday and Prime Minister Elyes unemployment. diplomatic talks in Geneva, also Fakhfakh said the country Fakhfakh, who was desig- exposed a rift within delegations needed political stability to start nated prime minister last representing Libya’s interna- urgent reforms and revive the month by President Kais Saied, tionally recognised government ailing economy. has brought parties from across in Tripoli and the eastern-based Parliament approved the the political spectrum into his government allied with ex- coalition in the early hours of cabinet - and they continue to general Khalifa Hifter. Thursday after a day of debate, disagree on several big policy Salame has been mediating ending months of political areas. three-tiered talks on economic, wrangling that has slowed the The new government must political and military tracks North African country’s efforts tackle high public spending and since an agreement to launch to tackle looming economic politically sensitive reforms to them last month, hoping to end problems. energy subsidies and state violence and troubles in Libya “Our country is tired of firms. since the fall of Gaddafi in 2011. frequent changes of govern- “The country will not move “The country, in the past 24 ments in the past nine years... forward without reforms, and hours, has witnessed a very we want political stability,” when reforms begin, each party serious violation of the truce,” Fakhfkah said at his concerned will resist and say Salame told reporters after signing-ceremony. no. After that, everyone will ask political talks at United Nations Although Tunisia has ‘where are the reforms’,” the A view of a damaged building following a rocket attack by forces loyal to eastern Libyan strongman offices. “In fact, it could have managed to move peacefully outgoing Prime Minister Khalifa Haftar, at a residential area in the government of national accord (GNA)-held capital Tripoli, been almost the breakdown of to democracy after throwing off Youssef Chahed told Fakhfakh yesterday. that truce.” autocratic rule in the 2011 in the ceremony.

Kenya court blocks Nigeria braces as coronavirus arrives in megacity Lagos flights from China AFP — LAGOS far across Africa, which has pharmacy on Lagos Island said. of the countries establishing people died from a total of 19 over virus fears close economic ties with China, “Masks are scarce in town, laboratories to diagnose the infected, with the WHO praising Residents of Nigeria’s economic the epicentre of the deadly out- we tried to order some and we virus. the fast response. AFP — NAIROBI hub Lagos scrambled for break, has puzzled health spe- couldn’t get them so people But the World Health Nigerian officials moved hygiene products yesterday cialists. Prior to the case in should use a handkerchief Organization (WHO) has still quickly to reassure the popu- Kenya’s high court on Friday after the chaotic megacity of 20 Nigeria, there had been just two instead.” called for the continent “to lation that the country was pre- ordered the suspension of flights million announced the first cases on the continent -- in One customer refused to come together to be more pared to contain the spread of from China after an uproar over confirmed case of new corona- Egypt and Algeria. shake hands as he said he was aggressive in attacking” the the new coronavirus. the government allowing trav- virus in sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria, Africa’s most pop- struggling to buy hygiene issue and said the “biggest “We have continued to beef ellers into the country without Health Minister Osagie ulous country with some 190 products. “I’ve been trying to concern” is outbreaks in coun- our own security. The level of compulsory quarantine for the Ehanire said in a statement million people, is viewed as find hand sanitiser everywhere, tries with fragile health systems. preparedness continues to new coronavirus. overnight that the infected highly vulnerable to viral spread they don’t have it anymore in The region of West Africa improve of Nigeria every day,” On Wednesday, Kenya person was an Italian citizen given its weak health system the supermarket, they don’t already has the bitter expe- the health minister, Ehanire, allowed 239 passengers to who flew in from Milan, at the and high population density. have it at the pharmacy, I’m rience of dealing with the dev- told a press conference in the alight from a China Southern heart of Europe’s largest out- Worried inhabitants of upset,” John said, giving only his astating Ebola outbreak that capital Abuja. flight from Guangzhou, with break, earlier this week. Lagos, a city hit by the West first name. killed some 11,000 people from Health officials said the the health ministry merely “The patient is clinically African Ebola epidemic in 2014, “This epidemic is so scary, 2013 to 2016. The disease’s infected person flew to Lagos advising those on board to self- stable, with no serious were already flocking to phar- we should be very careful.” arrival in Lagos in 2014 set off via Istanbul on Turkish Airlines quarantine for 14 days. symptoms,” Ehanire said, macies last morning in search The delay in the first con- alarm bells across the globe and on Monday and spent a night in Outrage spread across adding that he was being of hand sanitiser and masks. firmed case in sub-Saharan unleashed a wave of panic a hotel before heading to the social media, and the Daily treated at a hospital for infec- “We are sold out for now, Africa appears to have given the among residents. company offices of French- Nation newspaper’s front page tious diseases in Lagos. people came massively this region a chance to get better In the end Lagos escaped Swiss firm Lafarge outside the on Friday read: “Virus: Why The low number of cases so morning,” a worker at a prepared -- with more than half relatively lightly and only seven city. Kenya is dancing with death”. A doctor and the Law Society of Kenya subsequently filed a suit at the high court Somali military, militia clash as claiming the government was putting citizens’ lives at risk. fight against Al Qaeda-linked The court ordered that flights be suspended for 10 insurgents slows days pending another hearing, and that all the passengers be REUTERS — MOGADISHU cowering inside their flimsy rounded up and taken to a mil- house. “We are holding our itary health facility for quar- Somali government troops children’s hands but we have antine. “The government clashed with a regional militia no way out.” should move with speed to yesterday, residents said, in Al Shabaab has been forthwith trace, account, re- one of the most serious fighting the internationally- examine, confine and quar- outbreaks of fighting yet over recognised Somali government antine in a Kenya Defence political rivalries that Wash- since 2008. Forces (KDF) facility or a spe- ington says are slowing the war The militants have also cially guarded medical facility against Al Qaeda-linked insur- attacked American military all the 239 passengers that they gents. bases as well as bars, hotels, let into the country... until they Tension spilled over on a shopping mall and a uni- are duly certified to be free from Thursday evening between the versity in Kenya and Uganda. coronavirus (COVID-19)...” ruled Somali National Army and the Two years ago, an Al Justice James Makau. Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jama’a Shabaab truck bomb in The Chinese embassy in (ASWJ) militia, a group of mod- Mogadishu killed around Kenya wrote on Twitter that erate Sufi Muslims which has 500 civilians. China Southern was sus- played a key role in the fight Somali government troops, Anti-government protest pending flights connecting against the al Qaeda-linked al supported by a 21,000-strong Guangzhou, Changsha and Shabaab insurgency. African Union peacekeeping Demonstrators carrying flags, placards and banners during an anti-government protest in Algiers, Nairobi “due to the decreasing Clashes began in Dhusa- force, launched a limited Algeria, yesterday. volume of passenger flow”. mareb, administrative capital offensive against Al Shabaab of central Somalia’s Galmudug last year. But a top American state, and spread to Guriel diplomat said progress had town, 60km away, yesterday, petered out with the internal Boko Haram militants kill Nigerian pastor residents said. rivalries. A resident said gov- “The operation has stalled,” AP — LAGOS attacked the Michika local on to kill him even while area of northeastern Borno ernment forces had attacked Rodney Hunter, the U.S. government area, where he giving signals of a willingness state. a house where prominent political coordinator to the Militants in Nigeria have killed was the chairman of a local to set him free by releasing In April 2014, 276 girls were ASWJ leaders live, and the United Nations, told the a pastor who had appealed for chapter of the Christian him to third parties,” Buhari abducted from the Government two sides were fighting with Security Council this week. “It help life in a video just days Association of Nigeria. tweeted. Secondary School in Chibok. mortars and anti-aircraft is imperative that federal gov- earlier, and a human rights Nigeria’s President Osai Ojigho, director of More than 100 are still missing guns in the city centre. ernment and federal member activist said on Tuesday that Muhammadu Buhari con- Amnesty International in nearly six years later. “After 11 years of peace, states’ security services focus other extremists attacked his demned Andimi’s slaying, Nigeria, called it “appalling” Andimi is the latest Dhusamareb city today is hell,” on combating al-Shabaab, hometown on the same day. calling it “cruel, inhuman and that Boko Haram followed up Christian to be killed by Boko Halima Farah, who told rather than engaging in armed The Rev. Lawan Andimi was deliberately provocative.” Andimi’s killing on Monday Haram or a breakaway faction Reuters by phone that she and conflict with each other to abducted earlier this month “I am greatly saddened by with an attack on his hometown that has ties to the Islamic State her four children were resolve political disputes.” when Boko Haram militants the fact that the terrorists went in the Chibok local government group. 06 ASIA SATURDAY 29 FEBRUARY 2020 South Korea coronavirus cases surge to 2,337 REUTERS — SEOUL President Moon’s would be tested for the corona- virus, Kim said. South Korea reported 571 new approval rating Daegu Mayor Kwon Young- coronavirus cases yesterday, its have dropped to jin said charges of criminal vio- biggest daily increase in infec- their lowest since lation of the Infectious Disease tions that takes its total to 2,337, Control and Prevention Act the largest outbreak outside November, a poll would be brought against the China where the epidemic showed yesterday, church for refusing the release began late last year. of a full list of its members. The coronavirus crisis has amid growing The church later denied the spooked South Korea’s financial criticism of his accusation, saying it had pro- markets, led Hyundai Motor to vided full information and shut down one of its plants and government’s handling urged an end to “slander and prompted boy band BTS to of the outbreak. oppression” against its fol- cancel its April concert. lowers. “Please stop cursing and The outbreak, which has persecuting Shincheonji fol- Workers in protective gears are sterilising subway stations in Seoul, South Korea, yesterday. killed 16 people in South Korea before testing positive on Feb- lowers,” a spokesman for the since its first patient was con- ruary 18, according to the Korea church, Simon Kim, said in a firmed on January 20, has also Centers for Disease Control and video posted on the church’s growing criticism of his govern- dented the popularity of Pres- Prevention (KCDC). website. ment’s handling of the Kyrgyzstan to bar entry to citizens of ident Moon Jae-in, a poll The government circulated The church has faced crit- outbreak. China, Iran, South Korea, Japan & Italy showed. a list of about 310,000 icism over a member who South Korean boy band BTS More than half of South Shincheonji members to local works as a public health official cancelled concerts in Seoul The government of Kyrgyzstan will bar citizens of China, Iran, Korea’s cases are linked to a governments instructing that who continued to work even scheduled for April in Seoul, South Korea, Japan and Italy from entering the Central Asian branch of the Shincheonji they all be checked for the virus, after authorities told him to get said their label, Big Hit Enter- nation starting from March 1 to prevent the spread of corona- Church in the southeastern city vice-health minister Kim Gang- tested. He later turned out to be tainment. A cabin crew member virus, the cabinet said in a statement yesterday. of Daegu and a hospital in lip told a briefing. infected with the virus. tested positive for virus this Cheongdo county. As of Thursday, health President Moon’s approval week. South Korea’s neighbours First virus case reported in Azerbaijan A 61-year-old woman, authorities had contacted rating have dropped to their have tightened up entry restric- Azerbaijan’s Coronavirus Crisis Centre said yesterday a known as “Patient 31” attended 110,000 of them, 1,638 of whom lowest since November, a poll tions in response to the Russian national travelling from Iran had tested positive for religious services at the church have shown symptoms and showed yesterday, amid outbreak. coronavirus, the South Caucasus nation’s first confirmed case of the virus, the Interfax news agency reported. New Zealand reports first virus patient Muslims in Delhi pray under armed guard after riots New Zealand health officials yesterday said the country had its first case of the new coronavirus, a person in their 60s who AFP — NEW DELHI recently returned from Iran. Health officials said the results of a test came through positive yesterday afternoon. The person Muslims in India’s capital held was being treated at the Auckland City Hospital and the person’s regular Friday prayers under the household members had also been isolated as a precaution. watch of riot police, capping a New Zealand’s Ministry of Health said in a statement it was week which saw 42 killed and confident the public health risk from the infection was being hundreds injured during the city’s well managed. worst sectarian violence in decades. Scores of mosques in Hong Kong pets face coronavirus New Delhi’s northeast held their first sermons since mobs armed quarantine after dog tests positive with swords, guns and acid razed parts of the district on Monday. All pets of people in Hong Kong infected with the coronavirus The violence was triggered will be quarantined, with one dog already in isolation, the city’s by protests against a citizenship authorities said yesterday. law seen by many critics as anti- The move is the first reported case anywhere in the world Muslim and part of Prime Min- of a government quarantining pets over the outbreak and was ister Narendra Modi’s Hindu prompted by a positive test in the pet of an infected patient. nationalist agenda. The canine has been placed in quarantine for 14 days as a Paramilitary police patrolled precaution but has no “relevant symptoms”, Hong Kong offi- the streets outside, still littered cials said. “Nasal and oral cavity samples tested weak positive Muslim devotees offer Friday prayers at a mosque following sectarian riots over India’s new citizenship with broken shards of glass, for COVID-19,” a government spokesman said without law at Mustafabad area in New Delhi. stones and other debris. explaining why they tested the animal in the first place. Dozens of volunteers stood He said it was unclear whether the dog had actually con- outside the main mosque in the prayers. “These are testing times. through the neighbourhood, with Many of the country’s 200 tracted the virus or tested positive for low levels due to envi- neighbourhood of Mustafabad, We have to be patient,” said the police barring Muslim wor- million-strong Muslim minority ronmental contamination of the dog’s mouth and nose. home to some of the week’s presiding imam, after calling on shippers from what was left of fear the law — combined with a The animal was collected from the owner’s home on worst violence, urging devotees his congregation to stay calm. one of several mosques set ablaze mooted citizens’ register — will Wednesday after the 60-year-old woman was diagnosed with to disperse immediately after Fear and tension were rampant by Hindu rioters on Monday. leave them stateless. the contagion and placed in a hospital isolation ward. 514 held for sectarian violence Bangladeshi Muslims protest India violence Indian police have arrested 514 people for deadly Hindu-Muslim violence that broke out in the capital, the government said, as AP — DHAKA between Hindus and Muslims, slogans against Indian Prime The protesters also it faced mounting international criticism for failing to protect leading to clashes that left at Minister Narendra Modi. They demanded that Bangladesh minority Muslims. Police are still searching drains and homes Several thousand Muslims least 40 dead and hundreds threw shoes at posters of Modi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that were burnt down for bodies, officers said. More forces had marched from the main injured. and burned a portrait of him. cancel a plan to invite Modi to been deployed at mosques in the area, the government said. mosque in Bangladesh’s After Friday prayers, thou- Many of the protesters carried a commemoration next month There had been no new violence since Wednesday morning, it capital yesterday to denounce sands of Muslims left the Baitul banners saying, “Stop killing of the 100th anniversary of the said in a statement late on Thursday. India’s government for Mokarram Mosque in Dhaka Muslims” and “Save Indian birth of independence leader allegedly inflaming tensions and joined the rally, chanting Muslims.” Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. New Zealand’s PM says Australia’s A leading publishing house is looking for an experienced deportation policy is 'corrosive' REUTERS — SYDNEY

Australia’s deportation policy is Graphic Designer so “corrosive” that it has soured its bilateral relationship with New Zealand, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said yesterday, a rare Qualifications bust-up between the two historic allies. P Should be proficient in Photoshop, InDesign and Australia’s conservative gov- Illustrator ernment has in recent months moved to deport thousands of for- P Ability to design advertisements eigners convicted of crimes as part of an immigration crackdown that P Ability to meet strict deadlines can also strip dual-nationals of P Ability to work independently their Australian citizenship. The move has seen hundreds P Five-year experience in similar field of people deported to New Zealand, a country that some left New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Australian Prime Minister P Previous experience in newspapers preferred when just children and have few Scott Morrison hold a joint press conference at Admiralty House in Sydney, ties to. Australia, yesterday. “We have countless who have Duties and responsibilities no home in New Zealand, they tenth of the smaller country’s pop- decisive response to a mass P Design and lay out magazines, have no network, they have grown ulation - live in Australia. Mor- shooting, her focus on climate up in Australia. That is their home. rison, however, was unapologetic change action and multilateralism, newspapers and supplements And that is where they should and promised no change in Aus- and her ability to combine moth- P Work with advertising and marketing coordi- stay,” Ardern told reporters in tralian policy. erhood and leadership. Sydney during a media conference “If you have committed a But at home, slow economic nators to design advertisements for clients alongside Australian Prime Min- crime and you’re not a citizen of growth and low business confi- P Work on special marketing projects as needed ister Scott Morrison. Australia, then you have no right dence, a failed state housing “Do not deport your people to stay,” Morrison told the same project and scandals sees her and your problems.” The two media conference. centre-left Labour trailing the countries have fought in numerous The disagreement comes as conservative National Party. Qualified candidates are conflicts alongside each other, and Ardern faces a tight race to keep “The election is on the knife squabbles between the two rarely her premiership when New Zea- edge. The issue is extremely sen- invited to send their CVs to: break-out beyond playful, light- landers return to the polls on Sep sitive back home, so giving Aus- hearted banter over sport and 19. tralia a kick in the ribs can’t hurt culture. Ardern is hugely popular at all,” said Peter Chen, a political [email protected] Roughly 650,000 New among liberal voters globally science professor at University of Zealand citizens - more than a thanks to her compassionate but Sydney. SATURDAY 29 FEBRUARY 2020 ASIA 07 Pompeo sees ‘significant reduction’ in Afghan violence

REUTERS — WASHINGTON Mike Pompeo’s remark and civil society groups on a Chief Executive Abdullah in Afghanistan, where the United our American soldiers who are suggested that if the permanent nationwide Abdullah, both of whom have States has roughly 13,000 on the ground ... at risk as well,” The United States has seen a ceasefire and power sharing in claimed victory in the disputed service members stationed. Pompeo added. significant reduction in lull continues for a full postwar Afghanistan. September 28 contest. “We have seen just these President Donald Trump violence in Afghanistan during week as intended, it will There are major obstacles Beyond that, there is the last six days a significant has made the withdrawal of US the past six days, Secretary of be possible to sign the to bringing peace to Afghan- undecided question of who will reduction in violence in Afghan- troops from Afghanistan a State Mike Pompeo said istan. US forces invaded the form the Afghan team that istan,” Pompeo said during a major foreign policy objective. yesterday, one day before pact as part of a wider Southwest Asian country in would negotiate with the hearing that was to be devoted An agreement with the Taliban Washington hopes to sign a effort to promote intra- 2001 to topple the Taliban Taliban on how to bring the chiefly to Iran and Iraq but that to end the 18-year-old war US-Taliban deal on an rulers who provided a safe insurgents into the political touched on other topics, could boost Trump’s re-election American troop withdrawal. Afghan reconciliation. haven in which Al Qaeda process and, ultimately, how to including the spread of the prospects. Pompeo’s remark suggested planned the September 11, 2001, share power with the coronavirus. The American troops are that if the lull continues for a The US-Taliban agreement attacks on New York and the movement. “We are watching closely to part of a US-led Nato mission full week as intended, it will be would begin a phased with- Pentagon that killed nearly Pompeo, testifying before see if the Islamic Republic of that trains and aids Afghan possible to sign the pact as part drawal of American and coa- 3,000 people. the House of Representatives’ Iran begins to take even more forces and carries out counter- of a wider effort to promote lition forces. It would also Among these are resolving Foreign Affairs Committee, also active measures, that terrorism operations to prop up intra-Afghan reconciliation and require the Taliban to initiate a an election feud between said Washington is watching to undermine our efforts at peace the Kabul government and to end the United States’ longest formal dialogue with the Afghan Afghan President Ashraf Ghani see whether neighbouring Iran and reconciliation in Afghan- prevent an Al Qaeda war. government and other political and his main political rival, may seek to play a spoiler role istan and just as importantly put resurgence. Philippines says door open Pakistan reopens to reshaping US military pact Iran border amid coronavirus fears AFP — MANILA 2016, Duterte has set aside a once tense stand-off over ANATOLIA — KARACHI There is still room for negotia- China’s extensive claims to the tions to replace a key military South China Sea, a strategic Pakistan yesterday reopened pact with the US that the Phil- waterway, to court the Asian its border with neighbouring ippines has moved to scrap, a giant’s trade and investment. Iran, allowing hundreds of its top Manila diplomat said But at least one member of stranded citizens to return to yesterday, voicing hope for the his administration has voiced the country, officials and local seven-decade-old alliance. concern over the impact of media reported. President Rodrigo Duterte quitting the US deal. “We have reopened the gave notice nearly three weeks Philippine Foreign Sec- border to allow our citizens to ago of an end to the Visiting retary Teodoro Locsin, an enter (the country) in batches,” Forces Agreement (VFA), advocate of the pact, earlier Liaquat Shahwani, a spokes- starting a six-month told Congress the VFA was fun- person for the government of countdown to the deal’s end. damental to the US alliance, southwestern Balochistan The pact lays out the legal which he said had provided province that borders Iran, said. framework for US troops to be tens of millions of dollars in The first batch of more on Philippine soil and is central support, equipment and than 300 stranded citizens had to hundreds of annual, joint training for the Philippine been allowed to return to the military exercises, which are a military. country after the full major component of their deep Defenders have warned screening, Shahwani said. defence ties. that ending the VFA could both “Those, who have touched “The VFA is something that degrade the Philippines’ ability Showing support for ABS-CBN franchise renewal the virus-hit areas in Iran, are obviously we have to still try to to defend itself and undermine being quarantined until they Supporters and employees of ABS-CBN network, the Philippines’ biggest broadcaster, join a protest as see where it can be polished or Washington’s moves against are declared clear. Whereas they push for the renewal of the network’s franchise in Quezon City, yesterday. The country’s Solicitor sort of like improved,” Phil- Beijing’s rise, particularly in the others are being allowed to go ippine ambassador to the US South China Sea. General has petitioned the Supreme Court to revoke the franchise expiring this March. but after full screening”. Jose Manuel Romualdez told a In 2017, US troops advised public forum. the Philippine military during “We are now in the process a deadly five-month battle for of trying to find ways and the city of Marawi, which had China and Japan’s virus cooperation helps offset sea dispute means to see how we either been taken over by militants come out with something flying the flag of the IS militant REUTERS — TOKYO a very difficult time in dealing relief supplies into Hubei’s health crisis will help improve similar... still following the group. with the new coronavirus capital Wuhan for Chinese relations. “China wants to president’s thinking about the “Obviously the (US) Special Japan and China agreed infection. That’s all the more people. overcome this hardship sovereignty issue,” he added. Forces that are now in Mindanao yesterday to work together to reason for Japan and China to At a meeting earlier in the together with Japan,” he told Duterte ordered the VFA be is one very important aspect of battle the coronavirus join forces to overcome the dif- day, Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi. terminated after accusing the that, the VFA,” Romualdez said, outbreak in bilateral cooper- ficulties,” Japanese Prime Min- Toshimitsu Motegi thanked “I’m confident that people United States of interference in referring to southern Philippine ation helping offset historic ister Shinzo Abe told China’s China for support in the in both countries helping one his internationally condemned region that includes Marawi. frictions over a maritime terri- senior diplomat Yang Jiechi at repatriation another and extending goodwill narcotics crackdown in which “One of the things that we torial dispute. a meeting in Tokyo. Ties between China and in the face of the spreading con- police have killed thousands of are looking into is how we can The flu-like disease, which His comments came after Japan, the world’s second- and tagion will help drive recovery alleged dealers and users. continue to have that because originated in China’s central city Japan evacuated more than 800 third-largest economies, have and development of bilateral At the same time, he has of the security situation in that of Wuhan, has infected more Japanese citizens and their non- long been plagued by a terri- ties.” repeatedly made unrealised part of our country.” than 78,800 people and killed Japanese relatives from Hubei torial row over a group of tiny Motegi said, following his threats to decrease or sever ties Romualdez said alternate almost 2,800 in mainland province with charter flights in East China Sea islets, the legacy meeting with Yang, that there altogether with the Philippines’ models to the VFA are “being China, while spreading to more an operation helped by the of Japan’s wartime aggression was no change to Chinese Pres- most important military ally studied and the recommen- than 50 other countries Chinese government. and regional rivalry. ident Xi Jinping’s plan to visit and former coloniser. dation will be made to the including Japan. The chartered planes Yang said Sino-Japanese Japan this spring as a state Since coming to power in president”. “China and Japan are having carried masks, gloves and other cooperation over the public guest. Train-bus collision Mahathir Mohamad loses party in Pakistan leaves support for Malaysia PM post 14 people dead BLOOMBERG — KUALA LUMPUR AFP — KARACHI Malaysia’s political impasse At least 14 people were killed showed no sign of ending five and dozens more injured when days after the ruling coalition a passenger train rammed into imploded, as interim Prime a bus yesterday in Pakistan’s Minister Mahathir Mohamad southern Sindh province, offi- (pictured) lost the support of cials said. his own party and the king The incident took place in asked for more time to resolve Sukkur district, where the the situation. incoming Pakistan Express — The monarch confirmed on its way from Karachi to yesterday that no one person Lahore — hit the bus, which commanded majority support was heading to Sargodha in among lawmakers, and would central Punjab province. contact leaders of political “At least 14 people have parties to give them a chance couldn’t decide on a leader in been killed,” senior railway to present their nominations for the special parliament meeting. official Tariq Kolachi said . prime minister. The king had appointed Kolachi added that the He agreed that parliament Mahathir as interim prime min- accident occurred at an Hong Kong media tycoon and founder of Apple Daily newspaper Jimmy Lai (centre) leaves the shouldn’t meet on March 2, as ister following his surprise res- unmanned railway crossing, Kowloon City police station in Hong Kong, yesterday. was earlier proposed by ignation this week. and the bus split into two Mahathir. Several of Malaysia’s because of the intensity of the HK media tycoon arrested over pro-democracy rally Mahathir, who said earlier biggest political parties accused crash. this week he would return to Mahathir of pre-empting the “All those killed and AFP — HONG KONG assembly”. They are due to the legal action against the trio power if enough lawmakers king by announcing the par- injured were passengers from appear in court on May 5. was politically motivated. back him, isn’t getting support liament meeting before the the coach,” Kolach said, adding Hong Kong media tycoon Tens of thousands of pro- “These unjustifiable arrests from his party for the top job monarch made a public that an assistant train driver Jimmy Lai, a high profile critic testers defied the police ban on are a shameless attempt to — the Malaysian United Indig- statement. They included the sustained minor injuries. of Beijing, was arrested the demonstration marking the harass and silence those in enous Party or Bersatu has Pakatan Harapan coalition, According to local hospital yesterday for taking part in last anniversary of Beijing’s Hong Kong’s pro-democracy decided to submit Muhyiddin which has backed Mahathir’s official Tasneem Khamesani year’s pro-democracy protests rejection of a call for universal movement,” said the rights Yassin as its prime minister rival Anwar Ibrahim for the at least 18 people were injured that rocked the city for seven suffrage for Hong Kong that group’s Man-kei Tam. candidate to the king, it said prime minister post. Mahathir in the incident, warning that months. sparked the 2014 “Umbrella Hong Kong was rocked by yesterday afternoon. and his party left the coalition the death toll could rise The 72-year-old owner of Movement”. huge and sometimes violent Earlier yesterday, this week. because many of them were the Apple Daily newspaper is Some gathered in the name street protests last year, Malaysian lawmakers from The country’s sovereign in critical condition. accused of joining a rally on of a religious procession — sparked by a now-abandoned across the political spectrum typically plays a ceremonial A railways spokesman August 31 that had been banned which does not require police proposal to allow extraditions blasted Mahathir for calling on role in Malaysia’s British-style confirmed the collision and by police for security reasons. approval — while others to the authoritarian Chinese parliament to vote on a new system of government, but has told AFP that a rescue oper- Lai was arrested and claimed they were shopping. mainland. leader, saying the move disre- been drawn in further this time ation has been launched. charged along with veteran In a separate charge, Lai is They soon morphed into a spected the country’s monarch. to resolve a crisis now in its Rail accidents are pro-democracy activists Lee accused of intimidating a wider movement calling for Mahathir said on Thursday fifth day. Royals from some of common in Pakistan, which Cheuk Yan and Yeung Sum, reporter in 2018 during a vigil greater freedoms in what is that the king had failed to find the country’s 13 states also inherited thousands of kilo- police said. for the victims of China’s bloody the most concerted challenge a candidate with a clear gathered with the king yes- metres (miles) of track and The trio could be jailed for Tiananmen crackdown on June to Beijing’s rule since the majority in the 222-member terday for a special meeting on trains from former colonial up to five years if convicted of 4, 1989. former British colony’s 1997 parliament, and an election the political crisis, the Star power Britain. taking part in an “unauthorised Amnesty International said handover. would be called if lawmakers newspaper reported. 08 VIEWS SATURDAY 29 FEBRUARY 2020

Established in 1996 CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected] EDITORIAL Tourists wearing a protective face mask amid fears of the spread of the COVID-19 walk at the Pyramide du louvre area, in Paris yesterday. Pioneering initiative As coronavirus spikes, so QATAR has launched pioneering initiatives to host important centers that have a UN role in the field of training and development. The Declaration of Intent signed by Qatar and the United Nations to establish a Doha-based United Nations for Judicial Integrity Center does global instability for Research and Training is testament to this fact. The new center will be part of the United Nations Tensions and violence economic growth, perhaps even complex pledged by Qatar, which hosts a number of between Iran and its regional producing a recession, that will centers and headquarters of international organiza- enemies in the Gulf are also likely raise the political tem- tions. Doha’s hosting of the UN center reflects the con- arguably at an all-time high, perature almost everywhere. tinued broad support by Qatar to the United Nations, even if the US drone strike that Much, of course, will depend based on its firm belief in the principles of international killed Iranian Major General on how serious the outbreak law and international covenants related to the role of Qassem Soleimani does appear proves. Particularly deadly out- law and human right in a fair and equitable trial. PETER APPS to have deterred direct regional breaks of disease have tradi- By hosting this UN center, Doha will be a global REUTERS escalation. In eastern Ukraine, tionally limited wars, at least center for enhancing judicial capabilities and a reference Russian troops have been on their duration, decimating for judicial institutional policies on integrity, through what the offensive again around the armies and leaving populations it will provide to world judges in terms of training, con- As the coronavirus outbreak town of Luhansk. And in the too weak to stomach serious sultations and opportunities to support academic and If coronavirus turns global, stock markets and South China Sea, this week saw conflict. Already, an outbreak in institutional research projects in the relevant fields. does go global, world populations are waking up Chinese forces target a US South Korea has prompted the Meanwhile, the second high-level meeting of the it is still not to the threat of a global plane with what was described United States to cancel planned Global Judicial Integrity Network concluded on pandemic. That, though, hasn’t as a military laser, prompting military drills. Wednesday issuing ‘Doha Declaration on Judicial impossible been the only disturbing global angry complaints from Whether coronavirus is truly Integrity’ which focuses on enhancing judicial integrity that will drive news this week. In the Middle Washington. enough to force nations towards through global partnerships. East and Asia in particular, Drawing a direct line an even temporary peace, The President of the Supreme Judiciary Council countries military tensions are on the rise - between these confrontations however, may well be in doubt. and President of the Court of Cassation, H E Dr. Hassan together rather and major countries seem ever and the virus outbreak is almost What does look increasingly bin Lahdan Al Hassan Al Mohannadi, said the decla- less bothered about taking off the certainly a step too far, probable, is that it will affect ration reflects the keenness of the Qatari leadership than apart. gloves. although the Chinese gov- millions and perhaps kill hun- on making the country an effective member of the inter- At worst, Most worrying, arguably, ernment in particular might dreds of thousands in multiple national community, and on deepening and strength- though, it may were events over the last 24 welcome a distraction from the countries around the world. ening relations and establishing peace for humanity. hours in Syria. As that civil war outbreak. So might Iran, Geopolitical confrontation H E Al Mohannadi praised the great success simply further enters its final throes, Russia already home to one of the invariably makes tackling such achieved by the second high-level meeting of the Global undermine and Turkey have been increas- largest outbreaks outside Asia, outbreaks harder, and the effect Judicial Integrity Network with the participation of more ingly at loggerheads. The killing and where popular discontent of conflict - and particularly than 120 countries and nearly 50 heads of judicial the already of 33 Turkish soldiers in an with the government has also mass population moves - can bodies and Supreme Courts, in partnership with the deteriorating apparent Syrian government air been on the rise. What is more help their spread. UN Office on Drugs and Crime. The large participation strike on Thursday took that unarguably the case, however, Most notable would be the clearly indicates the appreciation and confidence that trust millions of confrontation into untested ter- is that the resources govern- Spanish flu outbreak that swept Qatar enjoys internationally. people around ritory, with Ankara now furious ments will need to plough into the world following World War The Representative of the UN Office on Drugs and at not just Moscow and tackling the disease will likely One. The death toll of that out- Crime (UNODC) and Project Director of the Global the world have Damascus but also Western prove a potent distraction from break - believed to have affected Network for Judicial Integrity, Marco Acehera, praised in their leaders nations it believes have aban- events elsewhere. up to a quarter of the global pop- the Supreme Judiciary Council for hosting the second and institutions doned it. What that will mean will be ulation - is estimated at between high-level meeting of the Global Judicial Integrity On Friday, Turkey said it different in different places - and 40-100 million. Network and the support provided by the State of Qatar to protect them. would no longer stop Syrian ref- the long-term legacy may be dis- If coronavirus does go global, to the Network. That’s a recipe ugees from making their way to tinctly different from the short- it is still not impossible that will He added that the judicial integrity is a complex Europe, threatening a return of term consequences. In Hong drive countries together rather issue that needs combined efforts and capabilities. for further global the mass population moves last Kong, worries over the virus than apart. At worst, though, it “These efforts should be multiplied through real part- instability, just seen in 2015-16. Then, the seem to have dramatically may simply further undermine nerships, and the second meeting in Doha presented arrival of hundreds of thousands reduced protests against the gov- the already deteriorating trust an appropriate opportunity to establish real partner- as the world can in Europe fuelled considerable ernment in Beijing. But they have millions of people around the ships in this regard.” afford it least. popular discontent, powering also dramatically intensified world have in their leaders and the rise of right-wing parties. anger and frustration with the institutions to protect them. That comes against a backdrop mainland, which many Hong That’s a recipe for further global of further confrontation Kong residents see as mishan- instability, just as the world can between Syria and Israel, with dling the disease and exporting it afford it least. D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR Israeli helicopters reportedly to the city. Peter Apps is a writer on EMAIL: [email protected] injuring several Syrian per- If, as seems increasingly sonnel in attacks along the likely, the virus outbreak dra- international affairs, globali- border. matically dents global sation, conflict and other issues. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: +974 4455 7758

MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 ‘Abandoned’: Bosnia’s forgotten disabled children and families AFP — SARAJEVO such institutions, isolated was unable to provide proper Aleena is entitled to 280 DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 from society and often in grim care at home. euros ($306) every three Children with hands bound conditions, according to the Kulelija says the institution years for hearing aids, but the LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 together and tied to a NGO Sumero, which helps suffers from a dire lack of devices cost at least 1,300 radiator, some in tears -- youth with disabilities. resources and poor man- euros each. Disabled children BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 harrowing photos from inside These centres are a last agement. There are reportedly in Bosnia are “born, grow up, an institution for disabled resort for parents who are left only some 30 staff responsible live and die isolated, on the SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 youth have shocked Bosnia to fend for themselves in one for the direct care of 350 margins” of society, explained and shed light on the lack of of Europe’s poorest countries, children in the centre, which Aleksandra Ivankovic, a legal ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 support for special-needs kids where the most help they can refused requests for comment. expert on their rights. email: [email protected] and their families. hope for is a monthly state “When I once reacted and According to the UN chil- The photos from the allowance of $82-$218. questioned the competence of dren’s agency, they are “one PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 public institution outside Muamer Kulelija, a the staff, they threatened to of the most marginalised and email: [email protected] Sarajevo were first revealed 41-year-old supermarket kick my brother out,” Kulelija excluded groups” in a by an opposition lawmaker in employee in Sarajevo, is well said. Today he is also strug- country whose health and ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 November, triggering street acquainted with the difficult gling on a second front: his education services are “not FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] protests and outrage over the choices such families face. 10-year-old daughter has adequate”. While there is no inhumane treatment. His brother has a mental severe hearing loss, a diag- official data, UNICEF says 6.5 CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 A probe is under way and disability and has spent 20 nosis it took doctors two years percent of Bosnian children email: [email protected] the director of the home has years living in the centre to reach. “They told us that between the ages of two and been dismissed. But some under investigation. He was she could hear well but that nine are estimated to be SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 3,000 other minors live in sent there because his family she was lazy,” he said. disabled. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar This not a time for panic — it is time to be prepared — fully prepared. We know /Peninsula_Qatar containment of coronavirus is possible, but the /ThePeninsulaNewspaper window of opportunity is narrowing. Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General +974 6698 6188 SATURDAY 29 FEBRUARY 2020 EUROPE 09 France unveils emergency measures as virus spreads

ANATOLIA — PARIS

France has unveiled new British passenger of measures to avert an outbreak within its borders as the coro- virus-hit Japan ship dies navirus rapidly spreads across Europe. AFP — TOKYO Prime Minister Edouard illness and joins five Japanese Philippe held an emergency nationals who also succumbed meeting in Paris which was A British man who was on to the pathogen. attended by government board a coronavirus-stricken The death comes as the leaders and opposition cruise ship quarantined near governor of Japan’s rural members. Tokyo has died, Japan’s health northern island of Hokkaido Marine Le Pen, the leader ministry said yesterday. urged people to stay at home of the far-right National Rally The unidentified man’s this weekend in a desperate party, was the only notable death is the latest linked to effort to contain the corona- absence. infections on the Diamond virus outbreak. The strategy finalised at the Princess cruise ship, where Governor Naomichi meeting contained an more than 700 other people Suzuki issued an unprece- assurance of resources and tested positive for the illness. dented call in a televised A man in a protective suit sanitises a water taxi as part of measures to try and contain a coronavirus focused on a three-pronged The ministry confirmed meeting of government exec- outbreak, in Venice, Italy, yesterday. approach. the man’s nationality and utives asking locals to “refrain It was agreed that a total of death yesterday without from going out during the 108 hospitals across France will giving further details. He is the weekend” to prevent further be equipped to receive corona- first Briton to die from the spread of the virus. Russia to deport 88 for violating quarantine virus patients; 200 million extra protective masks will be The Prime Minister have been cured and dis- REUTERS — MOSCOW mayor Anastasia Rakova as Sheremetyevo airport. ordered; and mayors of all said the government charged from medical saying. “Police officers are con- towns will receive information facilities. Moscow will deport 88 foreign She did not say where the ducting raids in hospitals, kits for their areas. was taking a Nearly 83,000 COVID-19 nationals for allegedly violating foreigners were from, how they hostels, private apartments and The Prime Minister said the measured approach cases and over 2,800 deaths quarantine measures imposed would be deported or what kind also in the metro and on public government was taking a have been confirmed in more on them as a precaution against of isolation measures they had transport,” Rakova was quoted measured approach and urged and urged citizens to than 45 countries around the the coronavirus, the RIA news been put under. as saying. citizens to be cautious but not be cautious but not world. agency cited Moscow’s deputy But she said daily raids were China’s embassy in Russia worry excessively. France’s neighbour Italy is mayor as saying yesterday. being conducted in crowded has demanded an end to what “There is no need to panic, worry excessively. the worst-affected country in Russia has quarantined hun- places, at the residences of it said are discriminatory anti- but also do not be negligent,” Europe and, according to local dreds of people to prevent the Chinese citizens and those of coronavirus measures against said Philippe. Of the new cases, 12 were media reports, the number of spread of the epidemic, which Russians and foreigners who Chinese nationals, saying they The meeting, however, in the Oise department in the cases there has risen to 650. started in China late last year, flew to Moscow from China are damaging relations and came before a report on north and eight were from the The death toll in Italy carrying out raids on potential before full controls were alarming Chinese residents of Thursday night of 20 new Haute-Savoie region in eastern increased to 17 yesterday, carriers of the virus and using imposed at the border. the Russian capital. COVID-19 cases in France. France. according to the latest figures facial recognition technology to Russia has barred many cat- On Thursday, Moscow According to the Health Two of the new confirmed released by the country’s head enforce quarantine measures. egories of Chinese national from Mayor Sergei Sobyanin asked Minister Olivier Veran, the new patients are in serious con- of civil protection. “During raids, 88 people entering the country and sus- China to respect the measures cases took France’s tally to 38, dition. One is at Tenon Hospital China, where the outbreak who violated their isolation con- pended many flights between being taken and urged the of which two patients have in Paris and the other in Comp- originated, is the worst-hit, with ditions were identified. They are the countries except for some Chinese embassy to encourage died and 24 remain iegne in Oise. more than 78,000 cases and foreign citizens who are due to that are routed through a sep- its citizens in Moscow to comply hospitalised. The minister said 12 people over 2,700 fatalities. be deported,” RIA quoted deputy arate terminal at Moscow’s with the quarantine measures. Spain prosecutors file first lawsuit against ‘fake news’ Opposition leads polls

AFP — BARCELONA state, AFP’s fact-checking team who we welcome,” she added A judge at a court in Sant established in September. in her tweet according to the Feliu de Llobregat near Bar- ahead of Slovakia vote Spanish public prosecutors said The woman, who lives near lawsuit. celona will now have to decide yesterday that they have filed Barcelona, posted the video on The woman, who has been whether or not to accept the AP — PRAGUE Affairs in the capital, the country’s first lawsuit Twitter in June along with a identified by police, “intended lawsuit. Public prosecutors can Bratislava. against the spread of ‘fake message claiming it was filmed to link violence in the classroom appeal if the judge decides Slovaks vote on Saturday in The 2018 killings of jour- news’ which targets a woman in a school in Spain for migrant with unaccompanied minors against hearing the case. parliamentary elections widely nalist Jan Kuciak and his who tweeted a video falsely minors who had “entered Spain from other nations who come The lawsuit is based on an expected to unseat the coun- fiancee, Martina Kusnirova, claiming to show migrant illegally”, according to the to our country, in order to den- article of Spain’s criminal code try’s long dominant but triggered major street protests children harassing a teacher in lawsuit filed by the public pros- igrate them,” the lawsuit added. which calls for a jail sentence scandal-tainted centre-left and a political crisis that led to Spain. ecutor’s office in Barcelona last This is the first ever lawsuit of between six months to two party that governed on an anti- the collapse of Fico’s three- The video, which shows month which has only now in Spain filed by public prose- years for people found guilty of immigration platform, in favour party coalition government. several students overturning been made public. cutors against misinformation, “compromising the dignity” of of a coalition headed by centre- A new cabinet was made up desks and insulting a teacher, “I beg you to spread it so the spokeswoman for the office a group “though acts based on right populists. of ministers from the same was in fact filmed in May at a Spain becomes aware once and of public prosecutors in Bar- humiliation, contempt and And an extreme far-right three parties and led by Peter school in Brazil in Sao Paulo for all how grateful are those celona said. discredit”. party whose members use Nazi Pellegrini, previously the salutes and which wants Slo- deputy prime minister. vakia out of the European Union Kuciak had been writing Bulgaria ready and Nato is forecast to about alleged ties between the strengthen its hold in the 150- Italian mafia and people close to send 1,000 seat parliament, to become the to Fico when he was killed, and third most popular party in the also wrote about corruption troops to prevent country of just under 5.5 million. scandals linked to Fico’s party. According to the latest Four defendants are on trial migrant inflow opinion polls, the centre-right in the Kuciak case, facing Ordinary People, led by Igor potential prison sentences of REUTERS — SOFIA Matovic, is the front-runner, 25 years to life if convicted. followed by Smer-Social They include the alleged mas- Bulgaria is ready to deploy up Democracy, led by populist termind, businessman Marian to 1,000 troops and military former Prime Minister Robert Kocner. The investigation has equipment to the border with Fico. been damaging for Fico neighbouring Turkey to Smer has been in power for because it disclosed that prevent illegal migrant most of the past 14 years, and Kocner created a wide network inflows, its defence minister gained 28.3% in the last elec- of contacts with politicians, said yesterday. tions in 2016 after campaigning including members of Smer, Krasimir Karakachanov on an anti-migrant ticket. But judges and prosecutors, who said border police had pre- the party was damaged by allegedly helped him with his vented two groups of about 30 political turmoil following the business dealings. people from entering Bulgaria slayings of an investigative Kocner was sentenced to 19 from Turkey early yesterday journalist and his fiancee. years in prison on Thursday in after Ankara said it would no Fico’s current coalition a separate case over forgery longer stop Syrian refugees partners, the ultra-nationalist and securities crime. from reaching Europe. Slovak National Party and a “The expected change (of Bulgaria, a European party of ethnic Hungarians, government) will mean a return Union member with a land Hitler exhibit in Austria might not win any seats, polls of the rule of law,” said Michal border of more than 300km suggest. Vasecka, programme director Copies of the biography that forms part of the exhibition are displayed for sale as part of the exhibition with Turkey, has not experi- “My prognosis is that Smer of the Bratislava Policy titled “The young Hitler, the formative years of a dictator” at the house of history in Sankt Poelten, enced pressure from won’t be in the government,” Institute. “The killings of Kuciak migrants seeking entry in Austria , yesterday. The exhibition, running until August 9, 2020, takes place at the occasion of the said Grigorij Meseznikov, pres- and Kusnirova contributed sig- recent years. 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. ident of the Institute for Public nificantly to the change.” Sofia said it would not allow massive migrant inflows at a time when it is stepping up preventive measures at the EU welcomes Kosovo cut to Serbia tariffs, US says not enough borders to avoid coronavirus spreading to the country. AP — TIRANA as an independent state. He also dropped. Mr. Kurti is making a Kurti’s move as a trick, timed Kosovo from joining interna- Bulgaria’s Prime Minister called on Serbia to lift con- serious mistake — and that was ahead of his scheduled trip to tional organisations. Boyko Borissov will meet Kosovo’s decision to partially straints on products and made clear to (Kosovo) Pres- Washington and other inter- The move led to the sus- Turkish President Tayyip lift a 100% tariff on Serbian services from Kosovo. ident (Hashim) Thaci at the national meetings in the pension of EU-mediated talks Erdogan on Monday, his office goods was hailed yesterday by If Serbia complies, he said, While House today,” he wrote coming weeks. between Serbia and Kosovo on said. the European Union but not Kosovo will abolish its 100% on Twitter. “The American envoy normalizing ties that had started Earlier yesterday, Erdogan supported by the United States, tariff on all Serbian goods. The EU welcomed Kurti’s Grenell is completely right in 2011. and Borissov discussed by tel- which wants the tariff dropped US Ambassador to move “as a first step.” and what we see here is Kosovo was formerly a part ephone the migrant move- completely. Germany Richard Grenell, who “This step could have a pos- another attempted scam,” of Serbia and won inde- ments and the situation in Prime Minister Albin Kurti is the special presidential itive effect on restoring regional said Vucic. pendence after a 1999 Nato Syria. on Thursday said the measure envoy for Serbia and Kosovo trade and offer an opening for He did not mention any- bombing campaign that ended Turkey made its decision would come into effect from peace negotiations and was the resumption of the Dialogue thing about Serbia ending its a bloody Serb crackdown on an to open its border with the EU March 15 and would only apply recently nominated acting between Belgrade and Pristina campaign against international armed uprising by members of in response to the escalating to raw materials imported from national intelligence director, facilitated by the European recognition of Kosovo. Kosovo’s ethnic Albanian war in Syria, where 33 Turkish neighboring Serbia. said that Kurti’s move was a Union,” a statement from the The 100% tariff on Serbian majority. soldiers were killed by In exchange, Kurti asked “half measure.” EU said. and Bosnian goods was Serbia refuses to accept Russian-backed Syrian gov- Serbia to stop hindering Kos- “Our position is quite clear: Serbia’s President Ale- imposed in November 2018 to Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of ernment forces. ovo’s efforts to be recognised the tariffs must be completely ksandar Vucic described counter Serbia’s efforts to block independence. 10 EUROPE SATURDAY 29 FEBRUARY 2020 Macron’s controversial plan sparks criticism from Muslims

ANATOLIA — PARIS Muslims in France do not want a community “within the framework of gov- Islamophobia in recent years, and the necessary unity of the ghetto. They want their religious practice to be ernmental agreements”. fueled by the propaganda of nation,” he added. French President Emmanuel Critiques poured in from neo-Nazi groups and the far- But Mustafa Sentop, Tur- Macron’s controversial plan “to seen as an element of their individual freedom, Muslim voices in other coun- right Alternative for Germany key’s parliament speaker, saw combat foreign influences” on rather than a permanent source of public tries as well. (AfD) party. things quite differently via a Muslims sparked criticism with In The New Arab, writer Germany has the second- tweet. some community figures debate: Mohammed Moussaoui Malia Bouattia wrote: “President largest Muslim population in “The explanations of Mr. describing his policies Islamo- Macron has demonstrated once Western Europe after France. Macron, announcing that he will phobic. An estimated 6 million a permanent source of public again that in France, inciting Among the country’s nearly 4.7 fight against Islamist sepa- In a speech last week in Muslims are living in France, or debate.” hatred or attacking a person’s million Muslims, 3 million are ratism, is a sign of ‘a primitive Bourtzwiller, a district in the 8% of the population. It is the Pointed comments also dignity is OK, if the target is of Turkish origin. Islamophobia’,” he said, adding: eastern French city of Mul- largest Muslim assemblage in came from the head of the Muslim.” “I’m done with mincing “France should face its racist house, Macron outlined his any European country. Grande Mosque of Paris. UK Labor councilor Ali words. This vicious rise in past, instead of inventing an ideas for an approach which he Macron has consulted the “We don’t bring wolves into Milani, a parliamentary can- Islamophobia is aided and imaginary enemy like ‘Islamist said would battle “separatism” French Council of the Muslim the sheepfold,” said Chems- didate in last year’s race against abetted by mainstream political separatism’.” and “communitarianism”, or the Faith (CFCM), an elected body Eddine Hafiz, the rector. “These Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaders. From Macron’s rhetoric For Macron, assimilation of proliferation of communities representing Muslims in France imams are controlled. But I and a practicing Muslim, offered to Boris Johnson’s outright the Muslim population into the governing themselves apart to train imams within the understand that solutions have a harsh assessment, especially racism, they are all guilty,” dominant French culture is the from the French Republic. country and in French terri- to be found and the Grand after the recent shootings in Milani said. point. The plan, according to the tories. The need to speak French Mosque of Paris is working on Hanau, Germany. Macron has acknowledged “I am not comfortable with government, aims to bring those is inherent in the new measures. it.” On February 19, a German the need for religious freedom, the idea of having women and faithful more in line with a Criticism from Muslim Ironically, the Mosque had far-right extremist attacked two such as that exercised by the men in the school of the French cultural mindset. leaders surfaced in light of just inaugurated the Al Ghazali cafes and killed nine people large Muslim population in Mul- Republic who can teach without Chief among the measures Macron’s remarks, especially Institute for training in the Yve- with migrant backgrounds in house, but argued for curbing the national education system are increased training of imams from Mohammed Moussaoui, lines outside of Paris, on Feb. the western town of Hanau. “separatism” as a preventative being able to exercise any in France, and the cessation of the new president of the 15, just before Macron’s speech, Four people with Turkish roots against the terror attacks that control,” Macron said in his “detached imams” being let into council. recognizing the need for proper died in the racist terror attack, have rocked France over the speech Tuesday. “And neither France to teach Islam in “Muslims in France do not training. as did one Bosnian, one Bul- past six years. do we have control over the mosques, as well as the want a community ghetto. They Hafiz understands there has garian, one Romanian, and a “Islamist separatism is programs they teach. We cannot allowance of some 300 want their religious practice to only been “an acceptable dual German-Afghan national. incompatible with freedom and teach things that are manifestly “chanters” during Holy month be seen as an element of their solution” until recently to Germany has witnessed equality, incompatible with the incompatible either with the of Ramadan. individual freedom, rather than control the detached imams growing racism and indivisibility of the Republic, laws of the Republic.” British court jails roof box people Tough talk but UK-EU smuggler deal possible: Experts AFP — LONDON AFP — LONDON although the detail will often be A British court yesterday jailed tricky, the basis for an agreement for three years a people Tensions between Britain and should not be hard to find,” he smuggler who tried to sneak the European Union are high wrote in an online commentary in three Vietnamese nationals ahead of post-Brexit trade talks published yesterday. by cramming them into the next week, but experts say a deal Jill Rutter, of the UK in a roof box of his car. is possible — even if it falls below Changing Europe programme, Pictures released by the what many businesses want. said that Johnson has more UK Interior Ministry showed When Britain left the EU on modest ambitions for the new the three — including a January 31, both sides agreed to EU partnership than his pred- 15-year-old girl — being a standstill transition until ecessor, Theresa May. helped out of the white con- December to strike a new eco- “Talk of leaving the single tainer box strapped to the top nomic and security partnership market and customs union and of the man’s black sedan. to replace 47 years of yet retaining the ‘exact same The Interior Ministry said integration. benefits’ is a distant memory,” the three were discovered last They both want an she wrote in a commentary. October by the UK Border agreement to facilitate trade in She added: “A deal will Force during a routine check goods but disagree on how far require one or both parties to of Rooney’s car in a British- London should align itself with move. But they are less far control zone near the northern EU rules to achieve this. apart than they look... Both French port of Calais. There are also other flash- sides are looking at a relatively Irishman Robert Rooney points over issues such as distant relationship.” Britain’s Prince Harry, Jon Bon Jovi and two choir members walk on the famous zebra crossing that pleaded guilty to violating UK fishing rights, financial services Trade expert David Henig The Beatles walked across, during a visit at Abbey Road Studios in London, yesterday. immigration law and was sen- and the governance and shape said Britain’s negotiating tenced by the Canterbury of the overall deal. approach was “far more Crown Court. Prince Harry , Bon Jovi recreate Beatles’ album cover “There may well be plenty grounded in reality” than it had Britain’s immigration of noise about divergence, been previously, and clearer. enforcement authority deputy REUTERS — LONDON the black and white pedestrian and serving personnel from the autonomy and taking back “There isn’t a huge gulf on chief Dave Fairclough said crossing, this time led by a mil- British military. control, but it is questionable substance between the UK and Rooney “went abroad on the Britain’s Prince Harry and itary veteran in a wheelchair. Their song, called whether it reflects profound EU,” he wrote on Twitter, while pretence of going for a fishing singer Jon Bon Jovi recreated Earlier, a video of the two “Unbroken,” was created by underlying differences,” said warning that reaching a deal trip and to meet his brother. one of the Beatles’ best-known wearing headphones, with Bon Bon Jovi to shine a spotlight on Iain Begg of the London School “depends on the politics”. “In fact his motive was album covers yesterday, Jovi strumming a guitar before veterans living with Post Trau- of Economics. The May government was much more sinister. This was walking across the zebra beginning to sing was posted matic Stress Disorder. Prime Minister Boris plagued by divisions over a determined effort to go and crossing outside Abbey Road on the official Instagram page Bon Jovi, whose parents Johnson says Britain must have Brexit, but since a general meet with people smugglers recording studios in north of Harry and his American wife were both in the US Marine “economic and political inde- election in December, Johnson based in Calais. He had an London. Meghan, the Duke and Duchess Corps, told reporters he had a pendence”, and his government leads a Conservative party arrangement with them to Harry was at the studio to of Sussex. lot of respect for the royals. threatened this week to largely united on its desire to collect the three clandestine meet the singer and members The couple announced in “I just want to give them a abandon the trade talks if no break free from Brussels. migrants,” he said. of a military veterans’ choir in January that they would step hug,” he said. progress is made by June. “They would certainly con- The incident occurred less one of his last engagements as down from their duties as senior Proceeds from the sale of But Begg noted that aside sider a no deal outcome,” said than three weeks before 39 a senior member of the royal royals, spend more time in North the record will go to the foun- from issues of trade, the EU and Simon Usherwood of the Uni- Vietnamese migrants were family. America and aim to become dation that supports the Britain had similar priorities in versity of Surrey. “I think they found dead in a refrigerated As countless Beatles fans financially independent. Invictus Games, a sporting many areas, including cooper- would be happy to get a deal, trailer that was left abandoned have done since the 1969 The Invictus Games Choir, event for sick and injured vet- ation to tackle irregular even if that deal isn’t really very near a warehouse east of release of the “Abbey Road” who are recording a single for erans that is one of Harry’s migration and security matters. much of a deal in terms of sub- London. album, the pair walked across charity, is made up of veterans favourite causes. “The corollary is that, stance,” he said. Frenchman loses bid to pardon ‘The world is on fire,’ Thunberg tells UK climate rally for father, guillotined in 1957 REUTERS — BRISTOL

AFP — PARIS with France’s constitution, ruled Greta Thunberg denounced politicians that legally, rehabilitation can be and the media yesterday for ignoring a France’s highest constitutional granted only to persons who, after looming climate cataclysm, saying that body yesterday rejected a man’s having served their sentence, they were failing her generation with attempt to have his father proved themselves worthy of their inaction in the face of a world on pardoned following his 1957 regaining their former, pre-crime, fire. execution for killing a policeman status in society. Several thousand people attended a in an armed robbery. People who were executed for rally in the southwestern English city of The law in France, which abol- their crimes “were unable to fullfil Bristol to see Thunberg, the teenage ished capital punishment in 1981, the conditions laid down by law,” activist who has reprimanded govern- prohibits the “legal rehabilitation” it said. ments across the world over climate of convicts who were put to death. While dismissing the claim, it change. Gerard Fesch approached the said the French parliament could Known simply as Greta, 17-year-old Constitutional Council for a change the law to let the Thunberg has captured the imagination change in the law to allow a post- descendents of executed prisoners of many young people with impassioned humous pardon for his father apply for a relative’s legal reha- demands for world leaders to take urgent Jacques Fesch, who became a bilitation, based on changes they action. devout Christian in jail. had made before they died. “I will not be silenced while the world Making the request all the Beheading people with the is on fire — will you?” said Thunberg. more extraordinary is that Gerard guillotine was the official means “This emergency is being completely Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg (third left) holding a banner as she take part Fesch never knew his father, of capital punishment in France ignored by the politicians, the media and in a “Youth Strike 4 Climate” protest march in Bristol, south west England, yesterday. having been given up by his from the French Revolution until those in power. Basically nothing is being mother shortly after he was born the country’s last execution in done ... despite all the beautiful words.” world’s most prominent climate activist. Thunberg has repeatedly upbraided and growing up in foster care. September 1977. Supporters held placards reading: Yesterday, she marched behind a world leaders including US President Jacques Fesch was sentenced “What I want is that history “Change the politics not the climate”, “The banner saying “Skolstrejk för klimatet” Donald Trump for ignoring the perils of to death on April 6, 1957, and exe- does not just remember the guil- ocean is rising so are we!” and “At this — or “school strike for climate” in her climate change. cuted on October 1 of that year. lotine, but that every person can point education is pointless.” native Swedish. “We are being betrayed by those in Gerard Fesch argued it was repent and become better,” After she finished speaking, Thunberg Sacha Tomlinson, 14, missed school power. They are failing us. But we will unconstitutional that an executed Gerard Fesch, 65, previously said led a march through central Bristol. Local to attend the march.“Greta’s really inspi- not back down,” Thunberg said at the person cannot be considered for about his campaign. police estimated that turnout was over rational considering she’s so young. Even rally. rehabilitation when any other con- Gerard Fesch was 40 when he 20,000 people. though she’s a child and a normal person “And if you feel threatened by that, demned criminal had the right to discovered who his father was, Thunberg rose to prominence when she’s done so much to change (things)”. then I have some very bad news for you. ask. after a friend pointed out striking she starting missing lessons two years ago “She’s given the generation confi- We will not be silenced, because we are The council, which is tasked details in a magazine feature about to protest outside the Swedish parliament dence to stand up to people in gov- the change, and change is coming with ensuring that laws conform Jacques Fesch’s execution. building. Since then, she has become the ernment and power.” whether you like it or not.” SATURDAY 29 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAS 11

Mexico confirms US mulls using sweeping powers to ramp first two cases of coronavirus, up production of virus protective gear linked to Italy

REUTERS — WASHINGTON Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Chuck Schumer, the top Occupational Safety and Health AFP — MEXICO CITY Alex Azar told lawmakers this week that the Senate Democrat, on Thursday (NIOSH). HHS also has another President Donald Trump’s accused Trump of “towering 5 million N95 masks that are no Mexico’s Health Ministry administration is considering United States needs a stockpile of about and dangerous incompetence” longer NIOSH certified, Azar confirmed the country’s first invoking special powers 300 million N95 face masks — respiratory and said the President “must get said, perhaps because they are cases of coronavirus yesterday, through a law called the protective devices — for medical workers his act together” on the coro- past the expiration date. saying two men who recently Defence Production Act to navirus threat. In addition to those masks, returned from Italy tested pos- rapidly expand domestic man- to combat the spread of the virus. The US Invoking the Defence Pro- the US government has a itive for the virus. ufacturing of protective masks currently has only a fraction of that number duction Act is one of a number stockpile of 30 million “gauze Two other men who were and clothing to combat the of options under consideration type” surgical masks, which the part of the same group visiting coronavirus in the United available for immediate use, Azar testified. by the administration to US Centers for Disease Control Bergamo in northern Italy are States, two US officials said. combat the virus, the officials and Prevention has said are less under observation, a health The use of the law, passed November 3, has faced criticism prevent infection, according to a said, and no final decision has effective because they are ministry official said. Italy is by Congress in 1950 at the from Democrats over his DHS official. been made. loose-fitting. Europe’s epicentre with 650 outset of the Korean War, would administration’s response to the Such equipment can include Trump invoked the law in Azar said the government cases and 17 deaths centred mark an escalation of the outbreak. Health and Human masks, gloves and body suits. 2017 to address technological needs a stockpile of approxi- around cities in the north. administration’s response to the Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar said at a congressional shortfalls in a vaccine production mately 300 million N95 masks. One of Mexico’s confirmed outbreak. The virus first sur- Azar told lawmakers this week hearing on Wednesday that capability and other items such US Food and Drug Admin- cases, a 35-year-old resident of faced in China and has since that the United States needs a China controls “a lot of the raw as microelectronics. istration Commissioner Stephen the capital, “has a mild, mild spread to other countries stockpile of about 300 million materials as well as the man- The law grants the President Hahn said that the agency had illness,” with symptoms “similar including the United States. N95 face masks — respiratory ufacturing capacity” related to broad authority to “expedite heard reports of increased to that of a cold,” said Hugo US health officials have told protective devices — for face masks. and expand the supply of market demand for some types Lopez-Gatell, a senior health Americans to begin preparing medical workers to combat the A White House official con- resources from the US indus- of protective medical gear and ministry official. for the spread of the virus in the spread of the virus. The US cur- firmed that the administration trial base to support military, “supply challenges,” but was not “He is a young individual United States. The law grants rently has only a fraction of that was exploring the use of the law energy, space, and homeland aware of specific shortages. and so he is at very low risk.” the President the power to number available for immediate to spur manufacturing of pro- security programs,” according CDC Director Robert Red- The man and five members of expand industrial production of use, Azar testified. tective gear. to a summary on the Federal field testified at a House sub- his family have been isolated key materials or products for During an interagency call on Trump said on Wednesday Emergency Management committee on Thursday that he in the National Institute of national security and other Wednesday, officials from HHS that the coronavirus risk to the Agency website. would ask ordinary Americans Respiratory Diseases, Lopez- reasons. The biggest producers and the Department of Homeland United States remained “very Azar testified on Wednesday not to buy N95 masks at this Gatell said. of face masks in the United Security (DHS) discussed the pos- low,” but that federal health that the United States has a time. “There’s no role for these The second positive case, a States include 3M Corp and sibility of invoking the Defence officials were prepared to take stockpile of around 12 million masks in the community,” he 41-year-old man who also Honeywell International Inc. Production Act for the manu- action and that Vice-President of the N95 masks that are in line said. “These masks need to be returned from Bergamo, is in Trump, a Republican facture of “personal protective Mike Pence would take control with certifications from the US prioritized for healthcare isolation at a hotel in the north- seeking re-election on equipment” that can be worn to of the US response. National Institute for professionals.” western state of Sinaloa after being tested by regional author- ities, the official said. California monitoring “We have two other men who are asymptomatic, one in the State of Mexico, the other in 8,400 people for Mexico City, who will be under observation under contact pro- tocol,” he said. possible coronavirus “All this seems to be related to a case, a person also of REUTERS — SACRAMENTO County, was not initially tested Mexican nationality, who is in for the new coronavirus because Bergamo, Italy, where the four California is monitoring more she did not meet criteria laid out individuals were in the third than 8,400 people who arrived by the CDC, according to a week of February and is most on commercial flights for coro- statement by UC Davis Medical likely where the contagions navirus symptoms from “points Center in Sacramento, where she occurred,” he said. of concern”, but the state lacks is being treated. Brazil confirmed Latin test kits and has been held back “She had to be exposed from America’s first coronavirus case by federal testing rules, Gov- someone else with coronavirus. on Wednesday. The new coro- ernor Gavin Newsom said. We know that people with navirus has infected 83,670 California has only 200 test infection were taken to places people and killed 2,865 around kits, but has appealed for testing of isolation or quarantine in that the world, according to an AFP protocols to be expanded to general area,” Klausner said. toll based on official sources as include Americans who may Dr. Sonia Angell, California’s of 1000 GMT on Friday. catch the virus as it spreads state public health officer, said Mainland China, where the through US communities, local, state and federal health epidemic started in late Newsom told a news briefing in investigators were contacting and December, has 78,824 infected Sacramento, the state capital. isolating individuals who may and 2,788 deaths. Elsewhere in Newsom said the US Centers have been exposed to the patient. the world, 55 countries — Passengers wearing protective masks are seen at the International Airport in Mexico City, yesterday. for Disease Control and Pre- UC Davis said no one on its including Mexico — and terri- Mexico’s Health Ministry confirmed the country’s first case of coronavirus yesterday, saying a young vention (CDC) has assured the main campus has tested pos- tories are affected with 4,846 state that testing protocols will itive for the virus, known as man had tested positive for it in the capital. cases and 77 deaths. be advanced and access to test COVID-19, but “out of an abun- kits will expand “exponentially” dance of caution,” three campus in the coming days. residents are currently in iso- Health official warns US lawmakers of wider outbreak California on Wednesday lation. One of them, who is reported a coronavirus case of showing symptoms of illness, REUTERS — WASHINGTON is still relatively small at around unlikely the virus would dis- Pence, who was tapped this unknown origin, making it has been tested for the virus, but 60, most of them repatriated appear next year and he warned week to lead the nation’s coro- potentially the first incident of the results are not yet in. A top US health official told law- American passengers from the lawmakers the country did not navirus response. the virus spreading within US The CDC’s protocol had makers yesterday that there Diamond Princess cruise ship have enough testing resources, Former US vice-president communities. called for coronavirus testing in would be many more corona- docked in Japan. the source said. Joe Biden criticized the admin- “It is not surprising that we individuals with a fever or respi- virus cases in the United States But Dr. Anthony Fauci, the In tweets overnight, Trump istration’s handling of the crisis. have seen these mini outbreaks ratory illness who have a travel and the nation did not have head of the National Institute of said the coronavirus virus had “No one takes the presi- occur around the world,” said history or contact that could have enough testing resources, a Allergy and Infectious Diseases, spread “very slowly” to the dent’s word for these things. He Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, an epide- led to exposure to the virus. Cal- source said. said in a closed-door briefing in United States and he defended at a mininum exaggerates eve- miology professor at the Uni- ifornia officials said this protocol With more countries the US House of Representatives his administration’s response. rything. And the idea that he’s versity of California, Los had to be expanded in light of the reporting new infections, US that the sustained spread of the Media reported the White going to say, ‘Everything’s fine, Angeles Fielding School of “inevitable” local spread within health officials have been scram- coronavirus in so many countries House had directed all gov- don’t worry’? Who’s going to Public Health. “We know the the United States. At least 33 bling to deal with the prospect of meant there would many more ernment health officials and sci- believe that? Let the experts virus is easily spread.” people had tested positive for the a widening outbreak of the flu- infections in the United States, entists to coordinate their state- speak, like we did in our admin- The female patient, who lives virus, but five have since left the like illness domestically. The according to the source. ments and public appearances istration,” Biden said in an in northern California’s Solano state, official said. number of confirmed US cases Fauci added that it was with Vice-President Mike interview with CNN. To 11 million Brazilians, the Earth is flat Baltimore's former mayor

AFP — SAO PAULO jailed for 3 years over fraud their channels have tens of thousands of rotating at 1,700km per hour at the followers. There, they are free to state what equator, why doesn’t the movement make AFP — WASHINGTON the highest in the country. Sitting by a model of the Earth shaped like they believe, without fear of ridicule: that everything fly off? If it’s a sphere, why can’t But Maryland District Court a pancake, Brazilian restaurant-owner the Earth is a flat, stationary body. It is an we see the curve from an airplane? They The former mayor of Baltimore Judge Deborah Chasanow said: Ricardo lets out an exaggerated laugh: argument they advance with varying inter- give little credit to photographs from space was sentenced to three years “I have yet frankly to hear any “’Hahaha!’ That’s how people react when pretations of physics, optics and the Bible, or scientists’ answers about gravity, in prison on corruption charges explanation that makes sense. you tell them the Earth is flat,” he says. dismissing all evidence to the contrary as Foucault’s pendulum and two millennia related to sales of her self-pub- This was not a tiny mistake, Ricardo is a 60-something man whose a conspiracy. of astronomical observation. lished children’s book to com- lapse of judgement. This restaurant in Sao Paulo has become a Brazilians who believe the Earth is flat “We’ve known for certain the Earth panies with close ties to state became a very large fraud. The meeting place for people who, like him, are mostly men and with relatively low isn’t flat since Galileo, since the early 17th and local government. nature and circumstances of reject the notion that the Earth is a sphere. levels of education, according to Datafolha. century. But the ancient Greeks had pieced Catherine Pugh, a 69-year- this offense clearly I think are “The only things I know for certain are But don’t confuse education with it together more than 2,000 years ago,” old Democrat who resigned last extremely, extremely serious.” that I’m going to die someday and that the knowledge, the Flat-Earthers warn. says astronomer Roberto Costa of the Uni- year, was also ordered to pay The Baltimore Sun news- Earth is flat,” he says. “Flat-Earthers are the smartest. Write versity of Sao Paulo. “To scientists, this around $1m in restitution, paper revealed last year that the It is a curious but remarkably large club: that!” says Anderson Neves, a 50-year-old (Flat-Earth theory) seems more like a topic according to a statement from University of Maryland Medical more than 11 million people in Brazil — seven entrepreneur, who has come to Ricardo’s res- for psychologists or sociologists to study. the federal prosecutor for the US System spent $500,000 to buy percent of the population — believe the Earth taurant armed with a pamphlet denouncing The Earth’s shape isn’t a scientific problem East Coast state of Maryland. 100,000 copies of Pugh’s is flat, according to polling firm Datafolha. the “hoaxes” of Newton and Copernicus. “A to astronomers.” She pleaded guilty to fraud “Healthy Holly” children’s books And their influence stretches surpris- malignant pseudo-science has corrupted the One of the most prominent of Brazil’s and tax evasion in November between 2012 and 2018, while ingly far, in a country currently swept up education system around the world,” says Flat-Earthers is Afonso de Vasconcelos, a for raking in hundreds of thou- she was a member of the health in the post-truth era and the anti-intel- another text he is carrying. It calls the idea geophysicist with a PhD from the University sands of dollars by selling her system’s board. lectual, climate-change-skeptic worldview of a round Earth “humankind’s greatest of Sao Paulo. Vasconcelos operates a “Healthy Holly” children’s After first denouncing an embodied by far-right President Jair Bol- lie, dictated by the global elite.” Next to YouTube channel called “True Science” books to local organizations to investigation into the matter as sonaro. One of Bolsonaro’s most prom- him, Ricardo’s Flat-Earth model shows the where he expounds his ideas to 345,000 which she had ties — some- a “witch hunt,” the former inent ideologues, the writer and former sun and Moon as little balls, equal in size, followers. One of the favorite targets for times without delivering the mayor then called the incident astrologer Olavo de Carvalho, has said he suspended above a disc-shaped planet. Flat-Earthers’ conspiracy theories is NASA. books. “I accept total respon- a “regrettable mistake” and “cannot refute” Flat-Earth theory. “Just look at the horizon. Climb a They accuse the US space agency of pulling sibility,” Pugh said in a video in returned $100,000 of the sales. Yet Brazil’s Flat-Earthers are also a mountain and take pictures. You can see a giant fraud. “Man never landed on the which she expressed regret for But other sales were uncovered, secretive, at times paranoid, community, the Earth isn’t curved,” says Neves, Moon. That was a studio set,” says Ricardo. tarnishing Baltimore’s image as including to Kaiser Permanente communicating via encrypted messages clutching a level to illustrate his point. As for satellite images showing Earth’s cur- the city of some 600,000 insurance company, which said on WhatsApp, invitation-only Facebook The Flat-Earthers are brimming with vature from space, he demands: “Where’s people grapples with a soaring it paid Pugh $114,000 for groups and especially on YouTube, where counter-factual questions: If the Earth is the tilted Eiffel Tower?” crime rate, racial unrest and “Healthy Holly” books from poverty levels that are among 2015 to 2018. 12 AMERICAS / CLASSIFIEDS SATURDAY 29 FEBRUARY 2020 Super Tuesday contests offer big rewards, challenges

REUTERS — WASHINGTON A candidate needs delegates, could give the 1,991 delegates to winning candidate bragging Fourteen states and one US ter- rights about success in a general ritory host Super Tuesday pri- win the Democratic election battleground state. maries next week, a flurry that nomination at the Sanders, Elizabeth Warren could bring more clarity about party’s national and Amy Klobuchar will be which Democratic presidential tested in the respective states contender voters prefer to chal- convention in July. they represent in the Senate - lenge Republican President California and Texas Vermont (16 delegates), Massa- Donald Trump in November. are the day’s biggest chusetts (91 delegates) and Min- More than a third of delegates nesota (75 delegates). will be doled out in Tuesday’s prizes, with 415 The other states’ delegate nominating contests, compared and 228 delegates, counts are as follows: Virginia with less than 5% awarded from (99), Colorado (67), Tennessee the four states voting in February. respectively. (64), Alabama (52), Oklahoma A candidate needs 1,991 delegates (37), Arkansas (31), Utah (29) and to win the Democratic nomi- and 228 delegates, respectively. Maine (24). Additionally, 13 del- nation at the party’s national con- California, the most populous egates will be awarded for vention in July. US state, held its primary in June “Democrats Abroad” and six in The votes will test the front- during the 2016 presidential American Samoa. runner status secured by race but opted to return as a Senator Bernie Sanders after Super Tuesday state this cycle Who is best positioned to win? wins in New Hampshire and to try to increase its influence. To be competitive on Super Nevada and a near-tie in Iowa. The other states with pri- Tuesday, candidates cannot Former New York Mayor maries on Tuesday are Alabama, simply invest time and money Michael Bloomberg will be on Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Mas- in one place to try to win votes. Voters prepare their ballots in voting booths during early voting for the California presidential primary ballots for the first time, poten- sachusetts, Minnesota, North Instead, they must have the election at a new LA County Mobile Vote Center in Grand Park in Los Angeles, California. tially further splintering the Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, infrastructure and fundraising field of candidates campaigning Utah, Vermont and Virginia. to air television ads and have Bloomberg, a billionaire busi- When will we know results? for all the votes to be tabulated as a moderate alternative to Votes will also be conducted in staff in states across the country. nessman, skipped the early states With the exception of a and winners declared. Califor- Sanders, a self-described dem- American Samoa, a US Pacific Sanders tops opinion polls and has spent more than $500m single caucus in American nia’s polls close last at 8pm PST ocratic socialist. territory, and among a newly in California, where he is hoping running ads in Super Tuesday Samoa, the rest of the Super (0400 GMT Wednesday). In 2016, Here is what you need to formed group of Americans living to capitalize on his momentum states as he looks to surpass Tuesday states are holding pri- because the race was so close, it know about this key day in the abroad. to build a large lead. Former Biden and Buttigieg as the front- maries, meaning they should be took a month for California Dem- Democratic presidential nom- Vice President Joe Biden has runner among moderates. able to avoid the problems that ocratic officials to count all of the inating battle. What is at stake? seen his position there slide Bloomberg appears to be led to reporting delays after votes and declare Hillary Clinton On Super Tuesday, 1,357 after failing to win any of the taking moderate voters from caucuses in Iowa and Nevada. the winner over Sanders. What is Super Tuesday? delegates will be awarded, a first three state votes. Biden in Texas, where both men But with so many states State officials are hoping After a month of states holding significant chunk of the 3,979 Biden hopes to gain ground are hoping to best Sanders. voting, the full picture of Super that even with a tight race and nominating contests one by one, pledged delegates at stake in the in South Carolina, where he The trio of states repre- Tuesday results could still take bigger field this year, the Dem- Tuesday marks the first time a nominating race. In order for leads polls ahead of its primary sented by candidates still in the days to emerge. Several states ocratic nominating battle is group of states hold primary candidates to win any delegates on Saturday. But he and former running will also be closely in the Eastern time zone will be settled more quickly. If the elections on the same day. His- in a state, they must finish with South Bend, Indiana, Mayor watched. Sanders is the easy the first to close their polls on margins are close, the state torically, the batch of primaries at least 15% of the vote, either Pete Buttigieg have struggled to favorite in Vermont, but Tuesday at 7pm EST (0000 could take a while to reach a has further winnowed the field. in the statewide total or an indi- match Sanders in fundraising, Warren and Klobuchar face GMT). Results should start to conclusion as it waits to count California and Texas are the vidual congressional district. making it harder for them to tougher fights in their home trickle in soon afterward, absentee ballots postmarked by day’s biggest prizes, with 415 North Carolina, with its 110 compete on a broader scale. states. although it will likely take hours Election Day. Venezuela parliament authorizes Emaciated lion Jupiter returning home to ‘mother’ AFP — CALI, COLOMBIA accusations that Torres was Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo Guaido to use frozen regime funds mistreating hundreds of wild announced the lion would be Emaciated with a vacant gaze animals. When Jupiter was trans- sent home on an air force plane. AFP — CARACAS The law authorizing the position as parliamentary and without the strength to ferred to the Los Caimanes zoo in Cali’s mayor Jorge Ivan move states that the cash speaker to declare himself stand upright, 20-year-old lion the department of Cordoba he Ospina said local authorities Venezuela’s opposition-con- should pay social expenses in acting president. Jupiter’s life is in danger. weighed 250kg, Torres said. Now were looking into building trolled National Assembly on the South American country, Parliament had branded But authorities are acting to his weight is down to just 90 kilos. “appropriate” accommodation Thursday authorized its leader which is in the grip of a five- Maduro a “usurper” over his try to save him after he was dis- When the zoo closed he was taken for Jupiter while the attorney Juan Guaido to take control of year recession that has seen controversial 2018 re-election covered in a “critical state.” to a nearby facility. general’s office and police around $80m in assets frozen millions of Venezuelans suffer in a poll widely denounced as Leading attempts to restore “Clearly he was locked up opened an animal cruelty outside the country due to shortages of basic necessities. rigged. Jupiter to full health is the and that’s when he started enquiry. Animal cruelty can be sanctions against President More than four million Guaido has been recognized woman who rescued him from losing weight,” said Torres, who punished with up to three years Nicolas Maduro. people have fled the country due by more than 50 countries, the circus where he was born and claimed she had felt a mother’s in prison and a $12,000 fine. Guaido can now set up a to the economic crisis, according including the US, but Maduro brought him up as her “son” from instinct that her progeny Crucially, though, this king trust overseen by the Organi- to the United Nations. The law retains the support of the pow- the age of three months. needed her help. “He hasn’t of the jungle — who has never zation of American States to aims to “strengthen international erful military and has resisted Ana Julia Torres has run the eaten for several days. It’s a fact set foot in one — is going home take control of accounts relations” and support a “transi- calls to make way for “free and Villa Lorena animal sanctuary that an animal deteriorates” in where his former carer is hoping blocked in the United States and tional government” led by transparent elections.” In in Cali, Colombia for more than such conditions, she said. to nurse him back to health. “This belonging to the top Vene- Guaido, the text said. November 2019, parliament 30 years. But in April 2019, Dramatic pictures of Jupiter love that he and I have for each zuelan regime figures and the Guaido launched a chal- authorized Guaido to use $3.5m environmental authorities con- have gone viral on social media other will save him,” said Torres. state oil company, lawmaker lenge to Maduro’s authority in of frozen accounts to represent fiscated Jupiter over a lack of where a campaign was “That’s the connection between Alfonso Marquina said. January 2019 by using his the state abroad. required documentation and launched to help him. Defence a mother and a child.”

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