1996 - 2021 SILVER JUBILEE YEAR

Qatar, , Al Uzbekistan depart vow to for Saudi Arabia bolster trade as relations head to India

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MONDAY 12 APRIL 2021 30 SHA'ABAN - 1442 VOLUME 26 NUMBER 8590 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

Amir receives message from Uzbek President New Covid vaccination centre opens in today THE PENINSULA — Industrial Area facility becomes the 4th specialist COVID- will open the fourth 19 vaccination centre in the country. specialist vaccination facility today as part of an expansion With more than 120 vaccination stations, the centre will of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in the country. cater to people living and working in Industrial Area and Minister of Public Health, H surroundings. E Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari visited the new It will work from 7am to 7pm six days a week, and will COVID-19 vaccination centre operate on a strict invite-only basis. in the Doha Industrial Area yes- terday, prior to its opening to Vaccination also continues at 27 health centres, QNCC, and the public. drive-through points at Lusail and Al Wakra. “The opening of this centre further strengthens the National COVID-19 Vacci- Commission facility and is the Emergency Medicine at HMC nation Program, adding to result of a collaboration and lead for the Vaccination more than 35 vaccination between the Ministry of Public Center Industrial Area, Dr. centres across Qatar, and will Health, Hamad Medical Cor- Khalid Abdulnoor said, “I significantly boost access to poration and Qatar Charity, would like to thank all the COVID-19 vaccines for people with support from the Ministry partners involved in the prep- living and working in the Doha of Interior, Ministry of Com- arations over the past few Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a written message from President of the Republic Industrial Area and sur- merce and Industry, and weeks for their support. The of Uzbekistan H E Shavkat Mirziyoyev, pertaining to bilateral relations and means of enhancing them. rounding regions. ConocoPhillips-Qatar. opening of the vaccination The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, H E Abdulaziz Kamilov, handed over the "The centre will administer The vaccination centre will centre will greatly enhance message when H H the Amir met him and the accompanying delegation at the Amiri Diwan yesterday. first and second dose vaccina- open six days a week from 7am access to the vaccines for tions in line with the national to 7pm and operate on a strict people in the Doha Industrial priority groups and enable invite-only basis for the fol- Area. With more than 120 vac- Amir exchanges Ramadan greetings with Arab leaders Qatar to continue expanding lowing priority groups: People cination stations set up within the national programme which 40 years of age and above the centre, the facility has QNA — DOHA number of Their Excellencies President of Tunisia H E Kais has already administered more regardless of their health con- capacity to vaccinate large leaders of brotherly Arab coun- Saied, President of the People’s than 1,079,000 doses,” said Dr. ditions; people with moderate numbers of people each day.” Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin tries, during telephone calls Democratic Republic of Al Kuwari. chronic medical conditions; “Access to the vaccination Hamad Al Thani exchanged yesterday evening. H E Abdelmadjid Tebboune, The Vaccination Center in and key workers in different centre will be by invitation greetings on the advent of the H H the Amir exchanged and President of the State of Industrial Area has been estab- industries. only and we will not accept any holy month of Ramadan with a greetings on the occasion with Palestine H E Mahmoud Abbas. lished at the previous Medical Senior Consultant walk-in people. `P2 Close to 30% Ramadan moon adult population QMC inaugurates Jassim Abdulaziz studios sighting panel to The new TV studios honour and get at least one immortalise the memory of Jassim meet again today vaccine dose Abdulaziz, one of the most important QNA — DOHA figures who served the Qatari media FAZEENA SALEEM through his distinguished career as a The Moon Sighting Committee THE PENINSULA of the Ministry of Endowments presenter on Qatar TV. and Islamic Affairs held a Around 30 % of adults in Qatar meeting yesterday. have received at least one dose Since it has not been QNA — DOHA of the COVID-19 vaccine, proven that the month of according to the Ministry of Shaban has entered the Public Health (MoPH). Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Media evening of the 29th of Rajab, In its weekly update of the Corporation (QMC) H E Sheikh Abdul- no one has come forward to National COVID-19 Vacci- rahman bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday testify. Accordingly, the com- nation Program, the Ministry inaugurated new TV studios named after mittee decided to continue its said that 29.8% (16 years and late Qatari journalist Jassim Abdulaziz, in work, and to re-examine the above) of adults have received honor and appreciation of his efforts and sighting of the crescent moon at least one dose of the honorable media career. of Ramadan today (Monday). vaccine. The step reflects the keenness to immor- As many as 168,925 doses talise the memory of one of the most Five-hour work have been administered in the important figures who served the Qatari last seven days. In total, media and made much through his distin- day in Ramadan 1,079,776 doses have been guished experience as a presenter of pro- administered so far. grammes on Qatar TV. Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Media Corporation H E Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad QNA — DOHA It said 79.8% of people The new studios will be a qualitative Al Thani during the inauguration of the Jassim Abdulaziz studios. over 60 years have received addition to the media field in the State of Minister of Justice and Minister at least one dose of the Qatar. Built on an area of 400 metres, the bin Hamad Al Thani, said that naming the that the studios will witness the launch of of State for the Council of vaccine. studios include the latest modern technology new studios after the late journalist Jassim many new programmes, and the re-launch Ministers Affairs, H E Dr. Issa Of those over 70 years of in television broadcasting, ensuring an inte- Abdulaziz comes in recognition of his dedi- of the famous programme "Lakum Al Qarar", bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi, age, 78.3% have received at grated media experience in terms of sound cation and distinction, and in appreciation of adding that the new studios will constitute issued a circular yesterday, least one dose, while 77.2% of and image. his media career through which he served an advanced addition to the media in Qatar specifying working hours the over-80 group have The studios were established under Qatar TV. with their technological capabilities and wide during the holy month of received at least the first shot. exceptional circumstances and in record time, He noted that the studios were planned area that is suitable for presenting many dis- Ramadan for ministries, At present, the Pfizer- to be inaugurated with the advent of the and implemented under exceptional circum- tinctive programmes. government agencies, bodies, BioNTech and Moderna blessed month of Ramadan, marking a mile- stances, adding the challenges did not prevent H E Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al and public institutions. The COVID-19 vaccines are being stone and a new addition to the Corporation's the achievement of this project which is con- Thani also honored the late Jassim Abdulaziz, official working hours during used in the country. advanced facilities in the world of media. sidered an immortalisation of one of the dis- presenting his brother with a memorial shield, the holy month for civil The vaccines are being Commenting on the occasion, Chief Exec- tinguished figures of the Corporation and the carrying one of the microphones the late jour- servants will be five hours a administered across 27 utive Officer QMC, H E Sheikh Abdulrahman Qatari media. The QMC chief executive noted nalist used during his media career. day, from 9am to 2pm. primary healthcare centres and four specialised centres, including two drive-through vaccination centres in Lusail Hamad Port achieves 5 million containers milestone and Al Wakra. The Ministry has said that IRFAN BUKHARI start of operations. it is proud to announce the new had been ranked among world’s area for rapid cargo clearance, children under 16 years are not THE PENINSULA “This milestone reflects pos- milestone of handling over 5 top 120 container ports. Hamad a ship inspection platform and allowed to enter Qatar itively on the growth of the port, million TEUs since the start of Port had been placed at number multiple maritime facilities, in National Convention Centre Hamad Port, Qatar’s gateway to which is steadily making its way the operations of Hamad Port. 114 in top 120 container ports addition to other utilities such (QNCC), where the National the world, has reached a mile- to becoming one of the most effi- Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin ranking of 2018. as storage units, mosques, rest Vaccination Center is located. stone by hitting five million cient & competitive ports in the Hamad Al Thani had patronised The capacity of Hamad Port areas, medical clinics and the “For everyone’s safety, containers mark. region,” Mwani Qatar said on its the official inauguration of will reach 7.5 million TEUs offices required for port oper- children under 16 years old are Mwani Qatar yesterday Twitter handle. Hamad Port in Umm Al Houl in annually on completion of all ation. In December last year, not allowed to enter QNCC as announced that Hamad Port has The terminal operating September 2017 while the port construction phases. Hamad Prime Minister and Minister of it is designated for the handled container volume of company providing services to started its full operations in Port has a uniquely-designed Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin COVID-19 vaccination cam- over 5 million Twenty-Foot Hamad Port, Qterminals, also December 2016. port control tower at a height of Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani paign,” MoPH said. `P2 Equivalent Units (TEUs) since the said on its Twitter account that In August 2019, Hamad Port 110 metres, a customs inspection also visited the port. `P2 02 HOME MONDAY 12 APRIL 2021 FM discusses bilateral ties with Uzbek counterpart HMC announces Ramadan timings THE PENINSULA — DOHA consultation clinics and patients will operate seven days a week will be called for their virtual from 8am to 5.30 pm and 7.30 All emergency and inpatient appointments between 9am and pm to 11pm. Blood Donor Center services across Hamad Medical 2pm Sunday to Thursday.HMC next to Hamad General Hospital Corporation (HMC)’s network Urgent Consultation Service will operate from Saturday to of hospitals will continue to operate 7 days a week, from 8am Thursday from 8am to 1pm and operate as normal, 24-hours a to 3pm. The Mental Health Hel- 6pm to 12 midnight. day, seven days a week, during pline will be available from 9am to New Blood Donor Center the holy month of Ramadan. 2pm and 9pm to 2am, Saturday to opposite Outpatient The changes to operating Thursday, 9am to 2pm on Fridays. Department next to Surgical hours affect a number of HMC Pharmacy Medication Specialty Center: 6pm to 12 services delivered remotely via Home Delivery Service will be midnight, Saturday to Thursday the national COVID-19 helpline available from 8am to 3pm, Sat- (closed in the morning). Both 16000. During the holy month urday to Thursday (closed on centers are closed Fridays. of Ramadan COVID-19 hel- Fridays). HMC’s drug infor- HMC’s Nesma’ak Customer pline will operate 24 hours a mation service will be available Service helpline, 16060 will day, seven days a week. on 40260759 from 8am to 3pm, operate Sunday to Thursday HMC’s OPD virtual clinics Saturday to Thursday (closed on 7am to 10pm; from Friday and will run alongside HMC Urgent Fridays). HMC Diabetes Hotline Saturday 10am to 4pm.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met yesterday with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan H E Abdulaziz Kamilov. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral cooperation relations and prospects for strengthening trade relations between the two countries, especially in the fields of tourism and investment.

Ramadan working hours for Hamad Port achieves five Medical Commission and birth million containers milestone FROM PAGE 1 registration offices H E the Prime Minister and Minister of THE PENINSULA — DOHA Interior, during his visit, inaugurated the initial operation of Hamad Port’s Container The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has announced Terminal 2, which is equipped with the latest the working hours of the Medical Commission and environment-friendly technological the birth registration offices during the holy month equipment to meet the needs and require- of Ramadan (2021). The Medical Commission will ments of shipping line operators and would receive visitors from nine in the morning until five in increase the port’s capacity by about three Minister of Public Health, H E Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, visiting the new COVID-19 vaccination the evening during official working days. As for the million containers per year. centre in Industrial Area, yesterday. birth registration offices, they will receive requests for In September 2019, Hamad Port had registration and issuance of birth certificates for new set a new Guinness World Record as the New vaccination centre opens in Industrial Area today born in the morning from 9.30am to 1.30pm and in deepest artificial basin ever made on Earth. the evening from 2pm to 5pm at Women’s Health and Hamad Port’s basin is 4km long, 700 metres FROM PAGE 1 observation where medical support the delivery of the vac- Research Center, Sidra Medicine and Al-Ahli Hospital. wide and 17 metres deep. Mwani Qatar had Individuals should bring their teams will monitor vaccine cination programme at all 27 Al Khor Hospital, Al-Emadi Hospital and Doha signed a container services agreement in QID, health card or passport recipients for any signs of side primary health centres, fol- Clinic Hospital will be only in the morning working November 2019 with the Mediterranean with them and must show their effects,” explained Dr. lowing the opening of the vac- hours. Visitors can complete the procedures for reg- Shipping Company (MSC) to use Hamad Port green Ehteraz status. Abdulnoor. cination centre at Qatar istering a birth certificate electronically through the as a regional hub to manage transshipments The vaccination process will The Vaccination Center National Convention Centre ministry’s website at the link. The Human Services Office for up to 150,000 Twenty-Foot Equivalent take approximately 30 minutes Industrial Area becomes the and the two drive-through vac- (Death Unit) will operate from nine in the morning until Units (TEUs) per year, growing to one from the time of arrival at the fourth specialist vaccination cination centres, in Lusail and four in the afternoon during the holy month. million TEUs by 2023. centre and includes a period of centre to be established to Al Wakra. Close to 30% adult population get at least one vaccine dose FROM PAGE 1 MoPH approval of the Pfizer- to improve the entry and waiting all, the centre’s main parking have received invitations to get showing their appointment’s The Ministry has approved the Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 process for people visiting QNCC spots are now being utilised as vaccinated and met the criteria time and the date and must and BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for vaccines follows similar approvals for vaccination. a point of arrival at the vacci- outlined in the national pro- present their valid QID card at emergency use only for people aged in other countries, including the US To avoid exposure to the nation centre. MoPH has gramme framework for vacci- the centre. The vaccination cen- 16 and above, and Moderna vaccine and the UK. Recently, the Ministry high outdoor temperatures and stressed that the vaccine was nation against COVID-19. tre’s operating hours are 7am for people aged 18 and above. The also announced new measures provide a safe waiting area for being given to only those who People will receive an SMS to 10 pm, seven days a week. MONDAY 12 APRIL 2021 HOME 03 QSRSN raises awareness of Ramadan and its benefits THE PENINSULA — DOHA extended his congratulations on praised Sheikh Othman Yusef, Qatar Society for Rehabilitation the advent of the blessed month a member of the QSRSN, and of People with Special Needs of Ramadan, wishing that the his lecture. “It is valuable and (QSRSN) has organized a lecture useful lecture, for its members about especially since it Ramadan, its benefits and the came as we wisdom of fasting. welcome the holy The lecture was presented month, where it by Sheikh Othman Yusef deals with the Mohammad Ahmed, a member benefits of of the (QSRSN), which was fasting.” attended by a number of people “The lecture with special needs, their came as part of parents, as well as media the awareness professionals. activities Ramadan is an occasion in organised by the which Muslims try their utmost to QSRSN for people demonstrate good behavior and with special Qatar-Sri Lanka bilateral relations discussed sincere worship as well as give needs, their their time and wealth as much as parents and all Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs, H E Yousef bin Mohammed Al Othman possible. He said that fasting Chairman of the Board of Directors of QSRSN who provide care Fakhroo, met with State Minister of Money and Capital Market and State Enterprise Reforms of the includes everything that harms Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani for them,” he Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, H E Ajith Nivard Cabraal, and his accompanying delegation, people in terms of words or deeds. said. In order to who are currently visiting the country. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral cooperation relations Chairman of the Board of month would return to eve- limit the spread of COVID-19, and means of supporting and developing them, especially issues of common concern. Directors of QSRSN, Sheikh ryone with goodness and the lecture was organized Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani, blessings. The Chairman virtually. Prayers to begin 5 MoPH intensifies checks on food imports, outlets for quality QNA — DOHA precautionary measures, poisoning. She called on regulations and the relevant minutes after azan throughout food preparation importers, as partners in the standard specifications. The Ministry of Public Health inside the restaurant, pack- process of ensuring food safety, 2,370,000 kg of food was THE PENINSULA — DOHA distancing. Five time prayers (MoPH) has intensified its aging and transportation. to quickly register their rejected for not meeting the and Friday prayer will continue control measures for imported Director of Food Safety and products in the online foodstuff standard requirements. In The Ministry of Awqaf and to be held in mosques. food with the advent of the holy Environmental Health at registration system, with the addition, 1,692,000 kg of Islamic Affairs has said that The worshipers should be month of Ramadan, in addition MoPH, Wassan Abdulla Al aim of using the registration rejected food was re-exported, all prayers will begin after five urged to not bring children to monitoring restaurants and Baker, said the ministry is data later in the modern elec- while 677,000 kg foodstuff was minutes of azan (call to below 12 years in all prayers. It food outlets’ compliance with applying the highest standards tronic system for food control. destroyed. prayer). is not allowed to distribute health requirements. to ensure food safety According to the statistics of As many as 927 different The mosques will remain water or foods inside mosques In a statement, the Ministry throughout the year, and is the Ministry, during the first samples of imported food were closed after five minutes of the or holding mass Iftar tables affirmed its keenness to ensure working to intensify its proce- quarter of 2021, about collected and sent to the Minis- end of each prayer for cleaning, inside or outside mosques. the safety of food being sold to dures, especially on occasions 508,482,000 kg of foodstuff was try’s central food laboratories disinfection and preparation for Taraweeh prayer, tahajjud the public, and to ensure that such as the blessed month of imported through the various to demonstrate their com- next prayer. This came in a (Qiyamullail) and I'itekaf are the imported food conforms to Ramadan. state outlets. Of it, 506,122,000 pliance with the technical, fresh circular issued by the not allowed in mosques. health requirements. She said the Ministry was kg of imported food was accepted microbial, chemical, physical, Mosques Management Doors of prayer halls will The Ministry said it has set also intensifying awareness of after ensuring that it complied and radiological requirements Department to Imams and be closed by the beginning of up monitoring mechanisms for food safety through media. The with the technical requirements and other requirements such as Muezzins yesterday. prayer or when it reaches a food establishments, in coop- awareness messages focus on contained in the technical the halal requirements. “You are requested to required capacity. Women eration with charitable organ- the correct and safe methods for follow preventive and precau- prayer areas, bathroom, isation in the country, through purchasing and handling food- tionary measures to curb the ablution place and water which meals are prepared for stuffs, transportation, cold and MoI refutes rumours on residency permit spread of COVID-19,” said the coolers will remain closed. the Iftar project, and dis- dry storage, preparation and THE PENINSULA — DOHA Department in the circular. Personal mat and copy of tributed to workers and needy cooking, display, and sale, The preventive measures holy Quran should not be left families. cleaning and disinfection, per- The Ministry of Interior yesterday clarified that rumours spread are in place like carrying per- in the mosques.The department The Ministry will ensure sonal hygiene and healthy regarding non-renewal of residency permits for those over the sonal prayer mat, wearing face urged people to follow the that food establishments behaviour, in order to enhance age of 45 are not correct. The Ministry also asked people to follow mask, showing green status on instruction so the mosques comply with health require- awareness of the risks related to the official social media handles and stay away from rumours. Ehteraz and maintaining social would remain open for prayers. ments and COVID-19 food and reduce the risk of food 04 HOME MONDAY 12 APRIL 2021 QU honours 56 distinguished scientists

THE PENINSULA - DOHA provide you all with the best possible Faisal, Said Mohamed Mokhtar resources to continue your hard Mohamed Elbanna, Abdelmagid S. Qatar University (QU) hosted work, and we wish you all the best Hammuda, Mustafa Serkan Kiranyaz, honoring ceremony for the distin- in your field,” he added. MD Anwarul Hasan, Suhail Doi, guished scientists at QU who have Prof. Mariam Ali Al Maadeed said Mariam Ali S A Al-Maadeed, Sha- made remarkable efforts and during her speech, “I congratulate ligram Pokharel, Sami Sayadi, Apos- achieved outstanding recognition in all the scientists who are being tolos Zaravinos, Riyadh Ibrahim Al- their field of study. honored. These scientists have con- Raoush, Majeda Khraisheh, Emad The event was held virtually in tributed a lot in the field of research." Ahmed Mohammed Abushanab, the presence of Dr. Hassan Al "We extend our best wishes to Muftah El-Naas, Ahmed Elzatahry, Derham, President of Mohammad Ahmad Qatar University, Prof. Salim Alghouti, Kishor Mariam Ali Al Maadeed, Kumar Sadasivuni, Vice President of Shaheen Abdulhafez Sh. Research and Graduate AlMuhtaseb, Ibnel- Studies, and 56 scien- waleed Ali Hussein, tists from QU. Iqtadar Khan Khuda Dad According to the Hussain, Lazhar Ben new comprehensive list Brahim, Mazen Omar O. published by Stanford A. Hasna, Adel Gastli, Deputy PM and FM receives message from University, USA, QU’s Murat Kucukvar, scientists are listed Mustafa Saleh Nasser, Cuban Minister for Foreign Affairs among the top 2 percent Susu Zughaier, Hasan of scientists in the Mehrjerdi, Ahmad Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed world. Ibrahim Ayesh, Abdul bin Abdulrahman Al Thani received a written message from Minister for Foreign During the event, Shakoor, Ahmed Affairs of the Republic of Cuba, H E Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, pertaining to bilateral Dr. Al Derham said: Dr. Hassan Al Derham delivering his speech. Mohammed Massoud relations and means of enhancing them. The message was received by Minister “These distinguished Abdou, Saddam Akber of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, during his meeting scientists have served the community you and your families. The contri- Khan Akber Abbasi, Nader Moslem on Sunday with Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to the State of Qatar H E all these years, and today we cele- bution you have made will always Meskin, Deepalekshmi Ponnamma, Oscar Leon Gonzalez. brate them for their endless efforts be a great asset to our community. Robin Augustine, Atif Iqbal, Elsadig of providing the best to this com- We wish that may you all overcome Mahdi Ahmed Saad, Rahul Rambhau munity. We praise their outstanding challenges and keep up the hard Bhosale, Derek Charles Stewart, performance of all these years they work in the field of research'” said Fares Abedalwally Ogleh AlMomani, have served QU and its community Prof. Al Maadeed. Mohammed Farouk Mohammed members.” QU honored 56 scientists, Hussein, Mohammad Haris, “The new comprehensive list including Bassim Hamid Hameed Abdelbary Mohammed Abdelbary published by Stanford University, Hammadi, Mohsen Mokhtar Guizani, Elhissi, Usama Ali Ali Ebead, Saghir USA includes our scientists, which Madhavi Indraganti, Shabi Abbas Akhtar, Farid Touati, Anand Kumar, shows that their work has been rec- Zaidi, Lanouar Charfeddine, Zumin Mubarak Ariyo Bidmos and John- ognized globally. We strive hard to Shi, Mokter Hossain, Mohd Nishat John Cabibihan. Alwadi Hotel MGallery announces Ramadan offers

Alwadi Hotel MGallery Alwadi Hotel MGallery General Manager Hani Akkari

THE PENINSULA - DOHA Akkari said. highest level of sanitization and “We are pleased to be able to take safety for a minimum order of Alwadi Hotel MGallery has created our unique culinary experience QR600 and above. bespoke experiences this holy month beyond our hotel and directly to the A sublime selection of oriental to share with family and friends. homes of our guests. We know that sweets, artisan dessert, for a post- If you are looking to share our guests may want to experience iftar catch-up, Sweet Boxes and Ramadan with family and friends at the spirit of Ramadan in comfort of hampers available to go. From ours home, Alwadi Hotel MGallery’s tal- their own homes. One of our sig- to yours, delivery options available. ented team have created a range of nature experiences this Ramadan is A la carte option is available. experiences to ensure you can truly ‘From Our Home to Yours’ which are Akkari said that in keeping with get into the spirit of Ramadan. Alwadi stunning set menus as well as ala the hotel’s boutique and personalised Hotel MGallery General Manager Hani carte menu for Iftar and Suhoor nature, his team is determined to Akkari said the hotel was offering which can be delivered directly to create a memorable Ramadan for experiences that could be enjoyed in our guests through the Talabat their guests. the comfort of your own home. delivery app.” “We invite our guests to indulge “We have crafted Ramadan expe- Signature Alwadi Iftar and in an authentic and surprising food riences that not only reflect this Sohour set menu for only QR180 and journey with international flavors beautiful time of year, but also QR165, or choose from wide selection prepared by our culinary team to cel- encourage our guests to gather with individual dishes. Delivery will be ebrate the spirit of the season”, he family and share special moments,” available directly by the hotel with said. 961 new cases and two deaths due to COVID-19

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has reported 961 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday. Among them 165 were travellers returning from abroad. A total of 549 people recovered from COVID-19 yes- terday, bringing the total number of people recovered in Qatar to 169,635. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases recorded in Qatar is 190,025 and there are 20,057 active cases under treatment. The Ministry also announced two deaths aged 53 and 63 years of age. All were receiving the necessary medical care. A total of 17,526 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in 24 hours. The total number of vaccine doses administered since the start of the vaccination campaign is 1,079,776. “Every day, hundreds of people are becoming sick due to the COVID-19 with many requiring admission to hospital to manage their symptoms. Since February 1, the number of people with COVID-19 admitted to hospital has doubled,” said the Ministry in its daily COVID-19 report. According to the Ministry, the new variant is much more contagious and spread more easily between people than the existing strain. MONDAY 12 APRIL 2021 HOME 05 Kahramaa signs QR63m contract with 23% cost saving on drainage operation local factory to supply switchgears and maintenance works in 2020 THE PENINSULA – DOHA measures at work sites. These THE PENINSULA – DOHA measures have also significantly As part of its efforts to develop contributed to enhancing the Qatar General Electricity and the strategy for operation and speed of responding to cus- Water Corporation (Kahramaa) maintenance of drainage tomers by 98%,” he added. has signed a new contract networks across Qatar, the Public For his part, Eng. Khaled Al worth QR63m with a Qatari Works Authority (Ashghal) has Obaidly, Drainage Networks factory to supply switchgears achieved 23% savings on the Operation and Maintenance for three years. costs of operation and mainte- Manager at Ashghal, commented: The contract was signed by nance of drainage networks, just “Ashghal gives customer needs the President of Kahramaa Eng one year after awarding the top priority in setting up pre- Essa bin Hilal Al Kuwari and Catchment Zone Framework ventive maintenance plans for Chairman of the Board of Contract. drainage networks. Ashghal’s Directors of The framework contracts are Eng. Ahmed Sharif Al Ahmad keenness on reducing costs and Switchgear Factory Sheikh part of the comprehensive devel- raising the level of quality service Suhaim bin Abdulaziz Al Thani. opment programme called provided to the people of Qatar As per the contract, the Catchment Zone Framework aims to achieve its strategic has necessitated in implementing factory will meet Kahramaa’s President of Kahramaa Eng. Essa bin Hilal Al Kuwari signing the (CZF) Contract (Takamul) that vision while shifting its corporate the unified Catchment Zone needs for switches after the contract. divides Qatar’s drainage into capabilities from project imple- Framework Contract.” demand has recently doubled three zones, north, south, and mentation to assets man- The three partners involved due to the country’s develop- to develop the electricity Kahramaa provides tech- west. Through this programme, agement. The contract also helps in the unified CZF contract ments and the increasing network, support the national nical support to local factories Ashghal has contracted with Ashghal moving forward towards include the following: Suez Inter- demand for electricity that product and Qatari economy. to qualify and adopt them in the three partners to implement the achieving excellence, and national SAS responsible for accompanies it. Kahramaa is keen to give supplier list, in line with strat- state’s drainage assets’ operation reaching the ranks of world’s operation and maintenance of These switches are kept in local companies priority to egies to encourage the private and maintenance works. The leading institutions in this field, drainage networks and assets in the supplier’s warehouse and obtain tenders to enhance their sector. three main partners are assigned in preparation for hosting FIFA the North of Qatar; Metito then supplied directly to the con- competitiveness. Al Bidda Fac- Kahramaa already signed with zone-specific work orders World Cup Qatar 2022 and (Overseas) Qatar WLL, in charge tractors within two days fol- tory’s winning of the contract contracts with several Qatari for implementing maintenance, beyond,” Eng. Al Ahmad said. of the southern area of Qatar and lowing the issuance of an order. reflects Kahramaa’s continuous companies to diversify its replacement, and rehabilitation “Through CZF contract, we the Joint Venture of Mace Qatar It is an extension of a pre- support to Qatari factories, sources locally and globally. works. use the latest tools and technol- and Aguas De Valencia respon- vious contract signed by Kah- motivating others to invest in Kahramaa encourages local Eng. Ahmed Sharif Al Ahmad, ogies that contribute towards sible for the West of Qatar. ramaa with the same factory, this field. It encourages them to investment and diversifying its Director of Assets Affairs at improving the operational effi- Besides, several local sub-con- at the cost of QR3.3m to supply enter into tenders, especially base after these factories have Ashghal, highlighted the impor- ciency of drainage networks and tractors are also involved with feeding panels, and within the since national products' pref- proven their ability to compete tance of implementing the new pumping stations, and saving these main partners in the oper- framework of the plans to raise erence is according to with their counterparts in pro- framework contract. maintenance costs, and ation and maintenance of the stock of materials needed legislation. viding materials. “Through this contract, Ashghal enhancing health and safety drainage assets in the state. Ashghal starts work on Roads and Infrastructure Project in Semaisma

THE PENINSULA – DOHA in the 3rd quarter of 2023. addition, 4.3-km-long pedestrian About the project benefits, and cycle paths will be provided The Public Works Authority Eng. Hamad Al Badr, Project to promote a healthy lifestyle. ‘Ashghal’ has commenced the Engineer Roads Projects Depart- Furthermore, the project Roads and Infrastructure Project ment’s Project Engineer at scope includes the construction in South of Semaisma, Package ‘Ashghal’, stated that upon com- of a 26 km-long drainage 2, which aims to develop internal pletion, the project will serve 531 network, a 28 km-long surface streets in the area and enhance residential plots in south of and groundwater drainage local traffic safety, in addition to Semaisma, by providing network, and a 3.5 km-long TSE Officials distributing boxes with essential Ramadan food supplies. upgrading the infrastructure util- upgraded infrastructure utilities, network. In addition to the ities in order to meet the require- road network and local streets to extension of new sewage pipe- ments of the population and enhance the traffic flow and lines which will be connected to urban growth in the future. provide connectivity to future the main sewage network, con- Festival City donates 1,000 Works on the first package of the public facilities which will be struction works will also include Roads and Infrastructure project Eng. Hamad Al Badr, Project established in the area, such as an emergency flood lagoon with boxes of food for Ramadan in South of Semaisma began in Engineer Roads Projects schools, mosques, commercial a capacity of 41,000 m³ to protect THE PENINSULA – DOHA May 2020 in order to cope with Department complexes and youth centres. the entire area from flooding Each box contained bottles the urban expansion of Eng. Hamad Al Badr also during the rainy season. Semaisma in the future. impacts as much as possible, the added that the project’s scope of This project is being imple- Doha Festival City has of oil and concentrated The project is located East project works will be divided works involves developing and mented by Al Jaber and Partners, announced its partnership juice beverage, pack of rice, of Al Khor Coastal Road in into three geographical zones constructing a road network, at costing about QR319mn. It is one with Qatar Charity in a joint lentils and sugar; a bag Semaisma area and is bordered which will be carried out suc- a total length of 21 km, providing of the projects within the Resi- initiative dedicated to the holy with box of dates and box by Semaisma Corniche Street cessively and the duration of traffic safety elements such as dential Areas Infrastructure month of Ramadan. of tea bags, all provided by to the East and by Semaisma each phase will be one year. street lighting systems and poles, Program implemented by As part of the ongoing Road to the North. In order to Project construction works are as well as installing directional “Ashghal”, which includes several #Festival Cares intuitive, Doha Festival City. The reduce the construction work scheduled to be fully completed signage and road markings. In development projects in Qatar. Doha Festival City donated distribution was held to 1,000 boxes with essential support the targeted Ramadan food supplies dis- workers and families to get tributed to the workers ready for the Holy Month. Nagham 2021 singing contest winners announced throughout the Industrial RAYNALD C RIVERA Area and other locations, and THE PENINSULA performance of a Whitney competition despite limitations the families with limited Houston classic. Garnering 4.051 likes, imposed by the COVID-19 pan- income, with support of building a more inclusive and The second set of winners Mariam Turki Maryam Al demic. Conducted in several Qatar Charity, as part of prosperous society where no The Music Affairs Centre under was decided by the jury. In the Turki from Tunisia won in phases, the exciting compe- Qatar Charity’s ‘Ramadan of one is left behind, especially the Ministry of Culture and Sports language category the the Arabic language tition, which was divided into Hope’ drive. during the Holy Month of yesterday announced the winners were Yusra Kharroubi two categories namely singers Each box contained bottles Ramadan.” winners of the second edition of (first place) and Riad Issa category while Mae Luna and instrumentalists, took place of oil and concentrated juice “We would also like to the exciting Nagham singing (second place) from Tunisia, from the Philippines virtually between June and beverage, pack of rice, lentils thank Qatar Charity for sup- competition via live stream on while Palavi Aditya from India topped the other languages September. and sugar; a bag with box of porting us to fulfill our chari- its YouTube channel. and Abubakar Mohamed from category with 5,764 likes . Under the Department of dates and box of tea bags, all table mission and express our A month ago, the Centre Somalia won first and second Culture and Arts at the Ministry provided by Doha Festival appreciation towards the great uploaded on YouTube the place respectively in the other of Culture and Sports, the Music City. The distribution was held efforts they continue to make videos of the performances of languages category. Affairs Centre continues to play ahead of Ramadan to support to the community and lives of the 17 finalists, which were all The Centre said yesterday on other finalists were Ali Shawkat an active role in supporting music the targeted workers and the people in Qatar and beyond recorded in its production its social media accounts it would from Pakistan, Aarya Prasad activities in Qatar, developing families to get ready for the every day,” said Hall. studio, to determine the first set hold an awards ceremony, date from India, and Brian Joseph talents and spreading the culture Holy Month. Ahmed Al Shirawi, of winners which were deter- of which to be announced later. Sales, Anna Vinna Olonan, and of music to citizens and Robert Hall, Festival City head of the External Rela- mined via public vote based on Other finalists in the Arabic Rosadelo Villanueva from the residents. General Manager, said: “Giving tions and Social Responsi- the number of likes. singing category were Philippines. The Centre has been organ- back to the community is at the bility section at Qatar Garnering 4.051 likes, Muhammad Habib from Mauri- The contest follows the ising events for the community heart of Festival City’s mission, Charity said: “Qatar Charity Mariam Turki Maryam Al Turki tania, Sibal Abu Murad from huge success the inaugural such as music festivals which and we will continue to is committed to integrating from Tunisia won in the Arabic Lebanon, Rawan Aldous from edition enjoyed last year which focus on reflecting the impor- mobilise our efforts to support private companies in chari- language category while Mae Palestine, Mahmoud Hamdy saw the wealth of talent Qatar tance of cultural diversity of the the people of Qatar from dif- table work and helping them Luna from the Philippines from , Muhammad Al possesses in the field of music communities residing in Qatar ferent backgrounds. We take to deploy their corporate topped the other languages cat- Omari from Yemen, and Dalila when a large number of and reflect the ministry’s vision pride in considering ourselves social responsibility activ- egory with 5,764 likes for the Dhefi from Tunisia. aspiring musicians from various of stressing the importance of as an engaged community ities to drive positive change video of her breathtaking In other languages category, nationalities took part in the opening up to other cultures. player that contributes to in the country.” Carrefour Qatar reasserts its commitment to promoting local products THE PENINSULA – DOHA of Municipality and Environment local economic operators. By to buy fresh, high quality, and and the Ministry of Commerce supporting farmers in Qatar and sustainably produced food from There has been a significant and Industry in 2020. featuring more of their products, local farms at best possible value. transformation in consumer atti- The initiative was born to we are not only giving our cus- Carrefour Qatar’s contribu- tudes, shown in the shifting support local farmers by fea- tomers the chance to buy the tions to the Food Safety Pro- behaviours towards single-use turing their produce across a freshest ingredients but also gramme have played a significant plastic and reducing carbon foot- select number of Carrefour encouraging them to support role in the country’s move print. stores. The Festival highlighted their local economy,” said towards self-sufficiency and food The pandemic has accel- and featured produce from Hausknecht. security over the past four years. erated this trend and has shown prominent local farms, namely “The event was a success, and Choosing healthy food produced that consumers will continue to Safwa, Khodra, Mazzrati, QT we witnessed positive growth locally and sustainably makes it base their decisions on which farm, Nabati, QADCO, and Agrico. with the amount of local vege- possible to reduce carbon emis- brands and businesses to buy Laurent Hausknecht, Country table produce sales increasing to sions and combat global warming based on their ethical and sus- Manager of Carrefour Qatar, 50 percent in comparison to last and boost the local economy. tainable credentials. commented on Carrefour’s year,” he added. Carrefour aims to continue Local products showcased at a Carrefour outlet. In response to this, and as ongoing commitment to creating By highlighting locally giving back by supporting the part of its mission to be a sus- value for its industry and sourced produce, Carrefour con- local market, thereby contrib- tainable, responsible, self-suffi- economy by supporting local successes of Qatar’s local market. tinues to encourage customers uting to the nation’s economic cient business, Carrefour farming and the supply chain. products, which continue to grow “As one of the region’s largest to be more conscious of where and environmental development, launched its first Qatari Festival “Through this campaign, Car- in variety and quality and retailers, it is important that we their food is sourced from while both of which are key pillars of in collaboration with the Ministry refour aims to celebrate the enhance their presence in the form close partnerships with all providing them the opportunity Qatar National Vision 2030. 06 MIDDLE EAST MONDAY 12 APRIL 2021 Iran calls Natanz atomic site blackout ‘nuclear terrorism’ AP — DUBAI "To thwart the goals of this the outlets came to that terrorist movement, the Islamic assessment. Iran yesterday described a Republic of Iran will continue The IAEA, the United "It’s hard for me to believe blackout at its underground to seriously improve nuclear Nations' body that it’s a coincidence,” Yoel Natanz atomic facility an act of technology on the one hand and monitors Tehran's atomic Guzansky, a senior fellow at Tel "nuclear terrorism,” raising to lift oppressive sanctions on program, earlier said it Aviv’s Institute for National regional tensions. the other hand,” Salehi said, was aware of media Security Studies, said of yester- Ali Akbar Salehi, the head according state TV. day’s blackout. "If it’s not a coin- of the Atomic Energy Organi- He added: "While con- reports about the incident cidence, and that’s a big if, zation of Iran, stopped short of demning this desperate move, at Natanz and had spoken someone is trying to send a directly blaming anyone for the the Islamic Republic of Iran with Iranian officials message that ‘we can limit incident. Details remained few emphasizes the need for a con- about it. The agency did Iran’s advance and we have red about what happened early yes- frontation by the international not elaborate. lines.’” terday morning at the facility, bodies and the (International On Saturday, Iran A view of the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, located 250km which initially was described as Atomic Energy Agency) against announced it had launched a south of Iran's capital Tehran, on March 30, 2005. a blackout caused by the elec- this nuclear terrorism.” Tehran in Vienna over its chain of 164 IR-6 centrifuges at trical grid feeding the site. The IAEA, the United nuclear deal. the plant. Officials also began Many Israeli media outlets Nations' body that monitors Israel for talks with Prime Min- believed to be a joint US-Israeli Iran also blamed Israel for testing the IR-9 centrifuge, offered the same assessment Tehran's atomic program, ister Benjamin Netanyahu and creation, once disrupted and the killing of a scientist who which they say will enrich that a cyberattack darkened earlier said it was aware of Defense Minister Benny Gantz. destroyed Iranian centrifuges began the country’s military uranium 50 times faster than Natanz and damaged a facility media reports about the Power at Natanz was cut at Natanz amid an earlier period nuclear program decades Iran's first-generation centri- that is home to sensitive incident at Natanz and had across the facility, which is of Western fears about Tehran's earlier. Multiple Israeli media fuges, the IR-1. The nuclear deal centrifuges. spoken with Iranian officials comprised of above-ground program. outlets reported yesterday that limited Iran to using only IR-1s While the reports offered no about it. The agency did not workshops and underground Natanz suffered a myste- a cyberattack caused the for enrichment. Since then- sourcing for the evaluation, elaborate. enrichment halls, civilian rious explosion at its advanced blackout in Natanz. President Donald Trump's with- Israeli media maintains a close Yesterday' developments nuclear program spokesman centrifuge assembly plant in Public broadcaster Kan said drawal from the Iran nuclear relationship with the country’s also complicate efforts by the Behrouz Kamalvandi earlier July that authorities later Israel was likely behind the deal in 2018, Tehran has aban- military and intelligence US, Israel’s main security told Iranian state TV. described as sabotage. Iran now attack, citing Israel’s alleged doned all the limits of its agencies. partner, to re-enter the atomic Salehi's comments to state is rebuilding that facility deep responsibility for the Stuxnet uranium stockpile. It now If Israel caused the blackout, accord aimed at limiting TV did not explain what hap- inside a nearby mountain. attacks a decade ago. Channel enriches up to 20% purity, a it further heightens tensions Tehran’s program so it can’t pened at the facility. However, Israel, Iran’s regional arch- 12 TV cited "experts” as esti- technical step away from between the two nations, pursue a nuclear weapon. As Natanz has been targeted by enemy, has been suspected of mating the attack shut down weapons-grade levels of 90%. already engaged in a shadow news of the blackout emerged, sabotage in the past. carrying out that attack as well entire sections of the facility. Iran maintains its atomic conflict across the wider Middle US Defense Secretary Lloyd The Stuxnet computer virus, as launching other assaults, as None of the reports included program is for peaceful East. Austin landed yesterday in discovered in 2010 and widely world powers negotiate with sources or explanations of how purposes. Oman reports 29 Jordan king, prince virus deaths in appear together for three days QNA — MUSCAT

1st time since rift The Omani Ministry of Health announced yesterday that AP — AMMAN, JORDAN sending a message of unity at a 3,544 new cases of corona- sensitive time for the kingdom. virus (COVID-19) were Jordan's Prince Hamzah It was the first time that recorded in the Sultanate, with yesterday made his first public Hamzah was seen in public 29 deaths and 2,815 recoveries, appearance since he was placed since he was placed under a during the past three days. under house arrest last week, form of house arrest on April 3 The total number of cases reciting Quranic verses together following accusations that he registered in the Sultanate with King Abdullah II at the was involved in a "malicious reached 171,549 and the total graves of their forefathers. The plot” to destabilise the kingdom. number of deaths due to gesture appeared to be an In statements leaked to the COVID-19 reached 1,776, while attempted show of unity on a media, Hamzah denied the the recoveries reached major Jordanian holiday. accusations and accused the 152,784, bringing the recov- Abdullah has attempted to country's government of cor- eries rate to 89%, the Ministry signal in recent days that the sit- ruption and incompetence. said in a statement carried by uation is under control. The Hamzah has said his actions are Oman News Agency (ONA). Jordan’s King Abdullah II and members of the royal family including former crown prince and half- conflict had escalated into the out of love for the country. But Patients who have been brother Prince Hamzah pray at the tomb of the late King Hussein, in Amman, yesterday. most serious public rift in the his past criticism of government isolated in hospitals due to ruling family in decades, policies, and more recently, his infections in the past 24 hours although Hamzah has denied outreach to powerful tribal diately known. shifting as powerful Gulf states 1999 and remains a widely reached 105 cases, bringing any wrongdoing. leaders critical of the gov- There also has been no sign pursue closer ties with Israel, beloved figure. Abdullah had the total to 733, while patients Hamzah joined members of ernment, have been seen as that authorities have released potentially undermining Jor- appointed Hamzah as crown in the intensive care units the Jordanian royal family threats to the king. up to 18 other detainees, dan’s role in the Middle East prince upon his succession but reached 229 cases, the Min- marking the centenary of the Abdullah subsequently said including members of one of the peace process. stripped him of the title in 2004 istry added. establishment of the Emirate of authorities had thwarted an powerful tribes on which the The United States, along and gave his eldest son the title TransJordan, a British protec- attempt at sedition involving his monarchy has historically with regional allies, have all instead. Israeli forces torate that preceded the half brother and some 18 sus- relied. rallied behind the king. Jordan Jordan has a large Pales- kingdom. The royal palace pects, while saying he was Even before the palace has long been seen as a rela- tinian population, including penetrate central released a photo and video with angry and in shock. Abdullah drama, Jordan was grappling tively stable western ally in the more than 2 million refugees Abdullah and Hamzah joining also said the prince was "with with an economic crisis exac- Middle East in a turbulent from past wars with Israel and Gaza Strip other dignitaries at the grave of his family at his palace, under erbated by the coronavirus pan- region. But the past year of the their descendants. The mon- their father, the late King my care.” demic, with one in four people coronavirus has rocked the archy has granted most of them QNA — GAZA Hussein, and the late King Talal, Hamzah, wearing a suit, tra- out of work. Longstanding com- country’s largely tourism- full citizenship but has histori- their grandfather. ditional headdress and blue sur- plaints about corruption and dependent economy. cally viewed them with sus- Several Israeli military A photo and video showing gical mask, joined his relatives misrule have fuelled scattered Abdullah and Hamzah are picion. Its main base of support vehicles entered Palestinian the family together reciting the in prayers but did not comment protests in recent months. both sons of King Hussein, who is powerful tribes from east of agricultural lands yesterday, opening chapter of the Quran in public. His whereabouts after At the same time, the ruled Jordan for nearly a half- the Jordan River, who dominate amid gunfire and bulldozing, appeared to be aimed at the ceremony were not imme- region’s strategic landscape is century before his death in the security forces. in the northern Maghazi camp, in the central Gaza Strip. The Palestinian news Houthi drones agency reported that three Lebanon needs new govt, radical change of direction: IMF tanks and two military bull- intercepted by dozers set off from a military REUTERS — DUBAI has intensified in recent he said.“In (the) absence of a was needed, Azour said. site, perched on the border coalition: Report months, delaying a revival of new government that can lead “Lebanon needs some large strip east of the camp, amid Lebanon cannot pull itself out funding talks with the Wash- this transformation, it’s very financing in order to jumpstart sweeping activities and inter- REUTERS — DUBAI of its economic crisis without a ington-based crisis lender. difficult to expect that the situ- the economy again in order also mittent shooting at the site. new government to transform “The change of direction ation will in itself improve,” he to allow Lebanon to be on a The Israeli occupation The Saudi-led military the country and launch long- cannot be done on a piecemeal added, joining a chorus of offi- recovery path that will take time forces also shot the shepherds, coalition battling Yemen’s stalled reforms, a senior official basis. It requires a compre- cials calling for an end to wran- but is highly needed.” Lebanon and forced them to leave the Houthi movement intercepted at the International Monetary hensive approach,” the director gling over the cabinet. needed to rebuild confidence area without causing any and destroyed drones Fund said. of the IMF’s Middle East and Lebanon’s crisis started among citizens, investors and injuries. It is noteworthy that launched by the group towards The country defaulted on its Central Asia Department, Jihad before the pandemic and accel- the international community,” the Israeli occupation forces Khamis Mushait and Jazan in debt last year, sending its cur- Azour, told Reuters. erated after a huge stockpile of he added. “This reform package deliberately penetrated the southern Saudi Arabia, state rency crashing. Its economy Reforms should focus on the ammonium nitrate, stored is the starting point. And for that Palestinian border lands in the media said yesterday. shrank by 25% in 2020, the IMF financial sector, public finance, unsafely for years, exploded in you need to have a new gov- north and east of the Gaza The coalition said it said in a report last week. governance, corruption and the capital’s port in August last ernment who will lead the Strip and prevented shepherds would take “necessary oper- A standoff over the loss-making utilities that have year, killing 200 people. Inter- implementation of this reform and farmers from reaching ational measures” to protect make-up of a new government contributed to a surge in debt, national support through grants programme.” their lands. civilians in line with interna- tional law. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said on Twitter Iran reports 258 virus deaths, that two drones were fired at military hangars in Jazan airport and a military air base highest daily toll since Dec in Khamis Mushait. The Saudi-led coalition REUTERS — DUBAI said. State TV said it was the country’s intervened in Yemen in March highest daily death toll since Dec. 10. 2015 against the Houthis after Iran reported 258 deaths from Iran’s Health Minister Saeed the movement ousted the COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, the Namaki, in a televised news con- internationally recognised health ministry said yesterday, the ference, warned about more fatalities government from the capital highest daily toll since early December. in the coming week if Iranians fail to Sana'a. That brings the total number of adhere to health protocols. The United Nations and the fatalities from the coronavirus to On Saturday, Tehran imposed a United States have stepped up 64,490 in Iran, the worst-hit country 10-day lockdown across most of the diplomatic efforts for a in the Middle East. country to curb the spread of a fourth ceasefire deal, which Saudi Health ministry spokeswoman wave of the coronavirus. The lockdown Arabia and Yemen’s Saudi- Sima Sadat Lari told state TV that affects 23 of the country’s 31 backed government have 21,063 new cases were identified in provinces. welcomed. Iraq receives first Pfizer vaccines the past 24 hours, taking the total Businesses, schools, theatres and The Houthis are pushing number of identified cases since the sports facilities have been forced to Personnel prepare to unload the first shipment of the Pfizer’s vaccine against the for the full lifting of the coali- pandemic began to 2,070,141. “Unfor- shut and gatherings are banned during coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at Baghdad International Airport, yesterday. tion’s sea and air blockade on tunately, in the past 24 hours 258 the holy fasting month of Ramadan areas the group controls. people have died from the virus,” Lari that begins on Wednesday in Iran. MONDAY 12 APRIL 2021 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 07

Egypt prosecutors Libyan PM to visit find negligence Turkey, hold talks behind train crash AP —

Egyptian prosecutors said with Erdogan today yesterday they found that gross negligence by railway REUTERS — ANKARA employees was behind a Turkey has said that deadly train crash that caused Libyan Prime Minister Abdul- Turkish firms would take public outcry across the hamid Dbeibeh and a dele- an active role in rebuilding country. Drugs were allegedly gation of ministers will make also involved. their first visit to Turkey today the war-torn country. The March 26 crash of two (Monday) since taking office passenger trains in the last month, the Turkish presi- province of Sohag, about 440 dency said yesterday. visit Ankara with a team kilometres (270 miles) south Libya’s new unity gov- including 14 ministers, five of Cairo, was the latest in a ernment was sworn in on deputy prime ministers, the series of deadly railway acci- March 15 from two warring chief of staff and other officials. dents in the Arab most pop- administrations that had ruled It added cooperation on energy ulous country. At least 18 eastern and western regions, and health would be discussed, people died and 200 others, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ukraine’s President Volodymiyr Zelenskiy attend a joint completing a smooth transition along with the resumption of including children, were news conference in Istanbul, Turkey, on Saturday. of power after a decade of projects by Turkish companies injured. violent chaos. that were stopped over the war. Prosecutors last month Turkey had backed the Turkey has said that ordered the detention of eight Tripoli-based Government of Turkish firms would take an Erdogan says Turkey working for railway employees, including National Accord (GNA) against active role in rebuilding the two train drivers, their the eastern-based Libyan war-torn country. assistants, the head of traffic National Army (LNA), which In 2019, Ankara signed a resolution of Ukraine-Russia tensions control in neighbouring Assiut was supported by Russia, maritime demarcation province, and three traffic Egypt, the United Arab Emirates agreement with the GNA in the REUTERS — ANKARA Friday, in which Putin accused secure future of our region, we control guards. and France. eastern Mediterranean, and a Ukraine of “dangerous provoc- want both countries to resolve The findings, announced Turkey’s presidency said military cooperation accord President Recep Tayyip ative actions” in Donbass. their disagreements as soon as yesterday in a detailed Dbeibeh will hold a two-day under which Turkey sent mil- Erdogan said yesterday that Kiev has raised the alarm possible through negotiations statement by the public pros- visit upon President Recep itary advisers and trainers to Turkey was working for a over a buildup of Russian forces and with peace, and we are ecution, allege that a driver Tayyip Erdogan’s invitation, Tripoli. peaceful resolution of the near the border between working towards this,” Erdogan and his assistant had deacti- adding that he and Erdogan Dbeibeh, selected through conflict between Ukraine and Ukraine and Russia, and over a told an event in Istanbul. vated the automatic train would chair the first meeting a United Nations-led process, Russia after an increase in rise in violence along the line Nato member Turkey has control system (ATC) before of the Turkey-Libya High Level has said economic deals violence in the Donbass region of contact separating Ukrainian forged close cooperation with the collision. The ATC system Strategic Cooperation Council between the GNA and Turkey and a Russian build-up of troops and Russia-backed sep- Russia in conflicts in , is a mechanism that guides in Ankara. should remain. troops on the border. aratists in Donbass. Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh, trains’ safe operation and “At the Council Meeting to Turkey, Egypt and the UAE Erdogan called for an end The United States says as well as in the defence and involves a speed control. be held with the participation have each welcomed the to escalating tensions in Russia has amassed more energy sectors. Prosecutors also allege of relevant ministers, all appointment of the new gov- Donbass after holding talks troops on Ukraine’s eastern However, Turkey criticised that a control tower guard had aspects of Turkey-Libya rela- ernment, as have the United with Ukrainian President Volo- border than at any time since Russia’s annexation of Crimea smoked hashish and an tions, which have deeply- States and European Union. dymyr Zelenskiy in Istanbul on 2014, when it annexed Crimea in 2014, and expressed support assistant to a train driver had rooted, historic ties, will be dis- However, foreign powers that Saturday, telling him Turkey from Ukraine and backed sep- for Ukraine’s territorial used hashish and the opioid cussed, steps that can be taken backed each side have not was ready to provide any nec- aratists in Donbass. integrity. It also sold drones to pain killer Tramadol, com- to further improve cooperation pulled out fighters or arms. essary support. Moscow denies its troops Kiev in 2019. Major combat in monly sold as a street drug in will be evaluated,” it said. Libya’s new presidency He also discussed the issue are a threat, but says they will Donbass ended with a truce Egypt. The statement did not Turkish state media council visited Turkey last in a phone call with Russian remain as long as it sees fit. agreed in the Belarusian capital elaborate as to whether drugs reported that Dbeibeh would month for talks with Erdogan. President Vladimir Putin on “For the peaceful and Minsk in 2015. had impacted their decision making at the time of the crash. Prosecutors said they have Chadians vote as Deby seeks to extend 3-decade presidency yet to conclude their investi- gation in the crash. AP — N’DJAMENA, CHAD accused Deby’s party — the power in 1990 when his rebel Patriotic Salvation Movement, forces overthrew then-Pres- Chadian President Idriss Deby or MPS, of using state resources ident Hissene Habre, who was Tunisia yet to Itno was widely expected to win to campaign. later convicted of human rights re-election yesterday, Human rights groups also abuses at an international tri- approach IMF extending his three-decade- say Chadian authorities have bunal in Senegal. Deby has con- long rule in this central African stepped up restrictions in the tinued to win re-election over with new funding nation after three top oppo- lead-up to the vote, including the years, last drawing 61.5% of sition politicians chose not to long Internet shutdowns and the vote in the last 2016 request: Official take part in the vote. arbitrary arrests. election. Some polling stations “I decided not to vote this The landlocked nation of REUTERS — DUBAI opened later than expected in year. We already know the Chad is home to nearly half a the capital of N’Djamena, where results, because the MPS will million refugees from neigh- Tunisia has not yet asked the streets are lined with giant por- win and there is no point in bouring Sudan, Nigeria and International Monetary Fund traits of Deby. A constitutional wasting time,” said Jean Luc Central African Republic. for a new financing referendum approved several Madjilem, a N’Djamena Another 330,000 Chadians are programme, a senior fund years ago means he can now resident. internally displaced, the official told Reuters, after the serve two more terms, poten- Others, though, said they majority in the volatile Lake country’s finance minister said tially stay in power until 2033. were turning out despite the Chad region where Boko Haram discussions for new financing People search for their names on a registration list at a polling “I invite all Chadians to go opposition concerns about the militants are active. would start this month. station during the presidential election in N’Djamena, yesterday. to the polls to choose the can- fairness of the vote. The military base for The Tunisian government didate of their choice,” the “It is useless to respect the France’s Operation Barkhane agreed with powerful labour longtime president said after time in this oil-producing candidate remaining in the race boycott order. We have to fulfill in the Sahel region is also based union UGTT an economic casting his ballot yesterday country, Deby has campaigned is Albert Pahimi Padacke, a this duty and we will see what in Chad, a French colony until reform package at the end of alongside his wife. “I have seen on promises of building schools, one-time Deby ally who served the result of this presidential 1960. And the country has been last month that tackles sub- since yesterday that the boycott paving roads and improving as prime minister from 2016 to election will be,” said Ali a major contributor the UN sidies, taxes and state firms, order has not been respected, living conditions in this country 2018. Mahamat, a voter in the 2nd dis- peacekeeping mission in Mali, and that could open the way so people must go out to that remains one of the least Five other lesser known trict of the capital. accounting for many of the cas- for an agreement with the IMF. perform their civic duties.” developed in the world. candidates are also taking part, Deby, a former army com- ualties because of attacks by Finance Minister Ali Kooli While running for a sixth The top opposition including one that has publicly mander-in-chief, first came to Islamic extremists. said on March 31 that a Tunisian delegation would start discussions about a S Sudan appoints financing programme with the Benin votes for president after week of violent protests Washington-based global new army chief lender in mid-April. REUTERS — COTONOU when such vio- “We did not receive yet REUTERS — JUBA lence occurred. any request from the author- Benin’s President Patrice Talon Among the ities for a new programme,” South Sudan’s President Salva cast his vote yesterday in a protesters’ com- said Jihad Azour, director of Kiir has appointed General presidential poll boycotted by plaints are Talon’s the IMF’s Middle East and Santino Deng Wol as the new some opposition parties due to U-turn on a pledge Central Asia Department. head of the army, Kiir’s pre-election violence and he made as a can- “The fund has been over spokesman said yesterday, as because they object to Talon didate in 2016 to the last 10 years very much part of a wider reshuffle within seeking a second term. serve only one engaged with Tunisia, sup- the government. Talon, a multi-millionaire term, and changes porting the Tunisian transition, Kiir and former rebel cotton magnate who touts he pushed through and we look forward to further leader Riek Machar formed a strong economic growth under to election laws, engagement with the author- government of national unity his leadership, is accused by his which resulted in ities in order to explore in February last year following opponents of undermining total control of potential ways of helping a 2018 peace accord that Benin’s standing as one of West parliament by Tunisia going forward.” The ended a bloody civil war, but Africa’s most stable Talon’s supporters Tunisian economy shrank by the oil-rich nation remains democracies. and the exclusion 8.8% last year as the COVID-19 racked by violence. Protests in several cities this of leading oppo- pandemic hurt vital sectors The director general of the week turned violent. Some nents from the such as tourism, but is security services and the people were killed in gunfire on presidential race. expected to post 3.8% growth deputy minister of defence Thursday in the central town of A coalition of this year, the IMF has were also replaced in the Bante when security forces fired opposition parties estimated. Benin’s President Patrice Talon greets his supporters after casting his ballot at reshuffle, Kiir’s spokesman warning shots, its mayor told in a statement late “I think it’s important that a polling station in Cotonou, Benin, yesterday. Ateny Wek said. local radio, without saying how on Saturday called Tunisia has a comprehensive “It was a routine reshuffle,” many died. on their supporters reform agenda that addresses Wek said, adding that the “I would like everyone to go to boycott the poll, and voters Benjamin Atigli, a 50-year-old rankings from “free” to “partly a debt that is growing fast, put president had also fired the and vote. Benin is writing largely stayed away from at computer scientist. free”. the economy on a faster track minister for presidential affairs another page in its history least five polling stations in Others were undeterred by Talon faces two relatively of growth, and also widen the and replaced him with a despite the intimidation,” Talon opposition-supporting areas of the boycott call. little-known opposition candi- coverage of the social pro- former adviser. said after casting his vote at a Cotonou. “I came to vote this morning dates. Several prominent oppo- tection system and reform the South Sudan erupted into primary school in the com- “I think it is an election to choose the president. I hope sition leaders have been public sector, in particular the civil war soon after securing mercial capital Cotonou. whose results are known in that the Beninese will come out detained this year on terrorism- state-owned enterprises,” independence from Sudan in “There are people who have advance. My vote will not massively to do the same as I related charges, Amnesty Inter- Azour said. The North African 2011, leading to an estimated mobilised fighters to attack the change anything,” said Nadine did,” said Diane Fanou, a national said. Talon has denied country last year secured 400,000 deaths. republic. Police officers have Abibou, a 27-year-old 30-year-old hairdresser, in the his government is targeting his nearly $750m through an Despite the formation of a been attacked with weapons of shopkeeper. Zogbo neighbourhood. opponents. emergency assistance loan government of national unity war. It is regrettable,” he said. “I will not vote. My can- US democracy watchdog Benin, a country of about 12 from the IMF to help counter in 2020, implementation of the Reuters was not immedi- didate has been rejected. I Freedom House downgraded million people, became Africa’s the economic impact of the 2018 peace accord has stalled. ately able to confirm where or simply pray for Benin,” Benin last year in its annual top cotton exporter in 2018. coronavirus outbreak. 08 VIEWS MONDAY 12 APRIL 2021 Achieving human rights to water Established in 1996 CHAIRMAN and sanitation amid COVID-19 DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED CATARINA DE ALBUQUERQUE AL JAZEERA [email protected] Ten years after the United DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Nations recognised water and MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI sanitation as human rights, [email protected] the world finds itself reeling from the devastating toll of COVID-19, a virus against which hand-washing and hygiene are the first lines of EDITORIAL defence. One of the most important lessons we learned from this pandemic is that we A memorable QSL season are only as healthy as the most vulnerable members of THE 2020-21 QNB Stars League (QSL) season, which our societies, and today, huge A file photo of children drinking from a tap during recess at a Unicef supported primary school inside came to an end on Saturday will be long remembered sections of the global popu- Bukasi internally displaced people’s camp, in Maiduguri, Borno state, Nigeria. for two major reasons – champions Al Sadd’s out- lation are still being left standing performance and determination of the QSL behind in their access to management, which organised Qatar’s premier league water, sanitation and hygiene. many governments have equality, climate resilience, to preserve health and reduce football event smoothly despite unprecedented chal- This World Health Day, our increased the provision of peace, and education. risks through the BMZ One lenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. interconnectivity makes it public hand-washing stations In fact, most – if not all – Health strategy. Through its Al Sadd, coached by Xavi Hernandez, were dom- more imperative than ever during the pandemic, the eco- of the UN’s Sustainable Devel- Cooperation Fund for Water inant throughout the season and didn’t lose a single before that we ensure eve- nomic fallout of COVID-19 has opment Goals (SDGs) depend and Sanitation, Spain has game throughout their 22 matches, lifting the Falcon ryone on the planet has access only exacerbated what was in some way upon people emphasised the need for Shield after sealing the coveted title in Round 18. Their to water and sanitation – for a already an urgent need in having access to sufficient supply of drinking water and performance was so strong that in some matches they safer and healthier future for homes, schools, and healthcare and safe water and sanitation. sanitation in vulnerable even made their arch-rivals look minnows with their all. Before the pandemic hit, 40 facilities all over the world. In If we factor in additional neighbourhoods or rural ruthless performance. percent of the world’s popu- fact, the COVID-19 pandemic stressors like climate change, areas, promoted hygiene and Nicknamed ‘The Wolves’, Al Sadd – led by Qatar lation already lacked access to may contribute to the first drought and the impending hand-washing measures, and national team captain Hassan Al Haydos – recorded 19 basic hand-washing facilities at increase in global poverty in financial crisis, the situation adapted hygiene and hand- victories and three draws to end on 60 points, earning home, and children at almost more than 20 years, and by looks even worse. washing campaigns. a rare distinction of finishing the league undefeated. Al half of the world’s schools did 2021, an additional 150 million Lack of access to water And it is not only the donor Sadd’s feared striker Baghdad Bounedjah was the top not have water and soap. While people could be pushed into and sanitation does not exist countries that are stepping up. scorer with 21 goals. extreme poverty. in isolation. It is part of a web In Zimbabwe, the government The Wolves finished 13 points clear of runners-up Insufficient access to One in four healthcare of systemic challenges and has committed $1.38m to Al Duhail, who were the defending champions. Al Rayyan facilities around the world inequalities, intensified by a improve access to water, sani- ended up third while Al Gharafa after a spectacular 5-1 water and sanitation lacks basic water services, lack of political will and tation and hygiene, and in victory over wrapped up the league on fourth not only risks millions one in 10 has no sanitation chronic under- and misdi- Malawi, the country’s edu- position, replacing Al Ahli on basis of a better goal dif- service, and one in three lacks rected investment in the cation minister committed part ference. The top four teams of the QSL will represent of lives, especially hand hygiene facilities at sector. Even before the pan- of a $6m fund earmarked for Qatar in the next season’s AFC Champions League. those of women and points of care. Data has demic hit, there was a school reopenings to drilling Qatar SC (6th), Al Arabi (7th), Al Wakrah (8th), Al shown that even where there decrease in donor aid money, boreholes and procuring soap. Sailiya (9th) and Umm Salal (10th) completed the top children, but also are adequate WASH facilities, and it is now expected to drop COVID-19 is not the first ten teams. Al Khor, who finished 11th will have to fight affects many other front-line healthcare workers further with growing epidemic we faced and will for their spot in next season with an appearance in play- development goals have been 12 times more domestic pressure for not be the last. Resilience to off. Al Kharaitiyat have been relegated after finishing at likely to test positive for spending at home. future crises depends on the bottom. Overall, the QSL – rated as one of the best including gender COVID-19 compared with Germany and Spain have actions taken now. So, how do leagues in Asia – produced thrilling matches throughout equality, climate individuals in the general been two of the countries we build towards a more the last eight months. community. worst hit by COVID-19, yet resilient and equitable world After some matches were played behind closed resilience, peace, and Insufficient access to have maintained their inter- in the wake of this crisis? doors, the QSL management allowed a limited number education. water and sanitation not only national aid support. Faced Building forward from the of fans to attend the games before the last few rounds risks millions of lives, espe- with the threat of COVID-19, pandemic is an opportunity to were played without spectators as precaution against cially those of women and Germany refocused its inter- do things better, an opportunity the COVID-19 threat. It must have taken an enormous children, but also affects national development we must seize without delay. amount of effort by the QSL management – assisted by many other development assistance to holistically The writer is CEO of Sani- the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) – as they delivered goals including gender address preventive measures tation and Water for All another successful season as the pandemic continued to sweep top sports events in other parts of the world. With their sheer hardwork, the authorities ensured fans action-packed weeks of top-notch football. Global corporate taxes face ‘revolution’ after US shift It all became possible by following the health and safety measures rigidly and all the officials, who were WILLIAM HOROBIN, CATHERINE enforceability, dispute reso- Treasury. Back in 1980, OECD also chairman of the Per- involved in making it happen deserve kudos. Al Sadd BOSLEY, JANA RANDOW lution and how poorer econ- statutory rates “were rarely manent Scientific Committee will now head to Saudi Arabia for their AFC Champions BLOOMBERG omies could benefit, the initi- less than 45%,” the Treasury of the International Fiscal League campaign, eyeing to replicate their domestic ative re-injects momentum said Wednesday. Association. “You have big form in the Asian challenge, with their fans are confident A surprise US drive to into a process that nearly Behind the new drive is a countries like Germany and of their success in the tough tournament. overhaul international sparked a trade war in the era pandemic that swelled France, but you also have corporate taxation promises a of Donald Trump. national debts. The shift is not small countries like Luxem- new era for governments to “Tax is a major financial unlike the regime change bourg and Switzerland, which capture a bigger tax take from question and a question of sov- toward treatment of income- have of course a different some of the most successful ereignty. And what is on the tax havens such as Swit- perspective.” D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR global businesses -- if only table is a real tax revolution,” zerland that followed the Luxembourg Finance Min- ister Pierre Gramegna EMAIL: [email protected] the rest of the world can French Finance Minister Bruno 2008 financial crisis. agree. Le Maire told reporters on “I see it as completion of expressed enthusiasm in a Welcoming noises in Thursday. “If we get an historic work we started 10 years Bloomberg TV interview, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 while saying small economies FAX: +974 4455 7758 Europe to Treasury Secretary agreement on global tax, we ago,” said Pascal Saint- Janet Yellen’s proposals will have global companies and Amans, director of the center such as his will want their MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 suggest a good start in shifting global taxation that is fairer and for tax policy at the Paris- own views to be taken into what’s been a years-long more effective.” based OECD, who has headed consideration. Ireland, with a DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 impasse among more than Reimagining international the talks. “It puts an end to the 12.5% corporate rate that has 135 countries over harmo- taxation has long been a frus- craziness where you could made it a destination for LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 nizing corporate taxes. At trated ambition of finance min- reduce your tax burden global investment, has BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 stake is shoring up cash- isters such as Le Maire. Bor- legally, massively, and in expressed reservations. strapped finance ministries derless corporate entities have complete contradiction with Le Maire said that one of SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 bankrolling massive Covid-19 racked up mountains of barely the spirit of the law.” the biggest hurdles to the US crisis spending. taxed profits at a time when The US initiative has proposals may actually be the ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 Representatives leading workers’ wages have stagnated prompted a warmer reception US itself -- in the form of the email: [email protected] the negotiations, led by the -- stoking political tensions. from larger countries such as need for congressional PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 Organization for Economic Getting more than 135 France, whose Treasury approval of whatever deal the email: [email protected] Cooperation and Devel- countries with their own pri- coffers have the most to gain Biden administration signs. opment, said this week they orities and tax systems to sign by capturing revenue from “We’ve had enough cold MARKETING: TEL: 4455 7657 can see an agreement by on to a standardized set of global companies operating in showers in recent years to email: [email protected] mid-summer. rules on corporate levies is a lucrative domestic markets. remain cautious,” he said. American proposals massive challenge. It would Other nations that earn President Joe Biden’s plan ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 857 address two objectives: also mark a stark reversal of money from hosting multina- to boost the domestic cor- FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] setting a 21% global minimum what Yellen called a “race to tionals have reservations. porate tax rate to 28%, impose CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 tax and ensuring that the the bottom.” The average “You have groups of coun- a 21% global minimum tax email: [email protected] world’s 100 or so biggest statutory corporate-tax rate tries with different interests,” and close other loopholes to companies pay more in places among OECD members slid to said Robert Danon, a pro- prevent avoidance of levies is SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 they actually do business. 23.3% by 2020 from 32.2% in fessor of tax law at the Uni- supported by many Demo- FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected] While questions remain over 2000, according to the versity of Lausanne, who is cratic members of his party.

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar For the peaceful and secure future of our region, we want both countries (Ukraine, Russia) to resolve /Peninsula_Qatar their disagreements as soon as possible through negotiations and with peace, and we are working /ThePeninsulaNewspaper towards this. +974 6698 6188 Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey MONDAY 12 APRIL 2021 OPINION 09 Cosmonautics Day — The first man in space Yuri Gagarin

n April 12, the entire global community cele- Obrates Cosmonautics Day. This year marks the 60th anniversary since Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin (pictured) became the first human to journey into outer space onboard the ‘Vostok 1’ spacecraft and for the first time in the world made an orbital flight around the planet Earth, For billions of marking a new chapter in the ‘Vostok 1’ traveled around people around the history of space exploration. the Earth once, reaching a The third of four children, maximum height of 203 miles world, Yuri Gagarin Yuri Gagarin was born on (327 kilometers). About 4 continues to be an March 9, 1934, in a small miles (7 km) up, Gagarin village a hundred miles from ejected from the spacecraft example of heroism Moscow. As a teenager, and parachuted to Earth. and dedication, Gagarin witnessed a Russian The flight in near-earth ‘Yak’ fighter plane make an space lasted 1 hour 48 to inspire people emergency landing near his minutes, after which Gagarin to overcome home. When offered a chance successfully landed on Earth any obstacles in years later to join a flying in the countryside outside of club, he eagerly accepted, the city of Saratov. achieving the most making his first solo flight in Even though everything did ambitious and noble 1955. Only a few years later, not go as planned during the he submitted his request to be mission, the success of Gagarin goals. Therefore, it considered as a cosmonaut. returning home safely out- is no coincidence More than 200 Russian Air shone all the other struggles. flight, Gagarin had written Moscow. A national treasure, around the world, Yuri Force fighter pilots Reportedly, among several priceless words for his wife Gagarin traveled around the Gagarin continues to be an that ten years ago in were selected as cosmonaut other glitches of the cosmo- before blasting off to create world to celebrate the historic example of heroism and dedi- 2011, at the initiative candidates. Such pilots were naut’s mission, his spacecraft history. In the farewell letter, Soviet achievement. cation, to inspire people to of the UN, the General considered optimal because had entered into an orbit at a Gagarin wrote, “If something The anniversary of overcome any obstacles in they had exposure to the forces higher altitude than originally goes wrong, I ask you—espe- Gagarin’s historic flight on achieving the most ambitious Assembly declared of acceleration and the ejection expected. As a result the cially you—Valyusha, not to April 12, 1961, is celebrated and noble goals. Therefore, it April 12 as the process, as well as experience duration of the mission could die of grief. For this is how every year in Russia as ‘Cos- is no coincidence that ten with high-stress situations. be prolonged. Even though life goes,” he wrote, using a monautics Day’ with Russians years ago in 2011, at the initi- International Day of Gagarin, a 27-year-old senior reportedly Gagarin had food diminutive for Valentina. of all ages laying flowers at ative of the UN, the General Human Space Flight. lieutenant at the time, was supplies water and oxygen to Upon his return to Earth, monuments to commemorate Assembly declared April 12 as among the pilots selected. last for 10 days, the higher Gagarin was an international his accomplishment. Gagarin the International Day of On April 12, 1961, at 9:07 altitude implied that the wait hero. A cheering crowd of was a son of a carpenter and a Human Space Flight. a.m. Moscow time, the ‘Vostok would be much longer. hundreds of thousands of dairy farmer who lived Courtesy: Embassy of the 1’ spacecraft blasted off from Taking into account the people greeted him in Red through the Nazi occupation. Russian Federation in the the Soviets’ launch site. dangerous aspects of the Square, a public plaza in For billions of people State of Qatar The blessings of insignificance: Sudan’s transition to democracy is a minor world event, therefore, it should be supported

Dagalo, AKA Hemedti, the commander of the notorious militia that operated in Darfur and Yemen. Needless to say, there can be no place for such militia in a democratic Sudan. Therefore, and to avoid any violent confrontation, ALI A. ALI Hemedti needs to be assured of his position after the elec- tions. He could be offered the The 11th of April marks the same package as Burhan, second anniversary of the amnesty for himself and his deposing of Sudan’s long family, and a ceremonial standing dictator Umar Al position as deputy to Burhan, Bashir. His deputy and but his militia must be dis- successor Awad Ibn Auf, who banded. The other option, in announced the change, case he clings to his troops as declared a two years transi- his only guarantee for tional period, but that impunity, is to pressure him proposal ended with his into privatising his enterprise. one-day reign and instead of There is a high demand for going to the polls in a few ‘security services’ in the weeks time, we are now in a region, and Hemedti will not situation where the rapid be the first to operate there. deterioration in living To remain within the law, the standards has overshadowed number of his troops must be the fact that free and fair elec- reduced considerably, as must tions seem like an elusive A file photo of protesters gathering despite a coronavirus lockdown to demand greater civilian rule in the transition towards democracy. the level of weaponisation. All mirage. For most of us, peaceful alternatives for him however, it is only with the and the Sudanese people are, benefit of hindsight that we democracy-aspiring move- be genuine supporters for (normal) administrations, it is immigration to Europe except otherwise, exhausted. know Ibn Auf’s initial plan ments in the region, and, on democracy. Add mainstream, that subtlety which can mean by the persecution and vio- None of these scenarios can was a better course of history the other hand, a cabal of non-politicised Muslim con- the difference between lence that drives scores of be realised without serious US than the one we took. mostly leftist activists who servatives, who constitute the tyranny and democracy for us young Sudanese to the sea. pressure on everyone: the After Ibn Auf’s premature presented themselves as the greater bulk of the population in Sudan. Sudan, despite its diversified political parties, the military, resignation, a shaky coalition leaders of the revolution and can be mobilised by the Admittedly, disruption of range of natural resources, is the militia, and even the was formed between, on the against Bashir. Soon after, it Islamists, the potential for an the norm in some of the not a world-leading exporter regional patrons. Under- one hand, a cohort of Army became clear that both wings organised popular movement region’s heavyweights such as in any vital commodity (gum standably, Congress cannot generals and militia com- of this coalition were seeking becomes manifest. Saudi Arabia or Egypt would Arabic is not vital). In short, advocate a compromise with a manders who were heavily a takeover, not a transition, of Similarly, the Americans, have direct consequences for Sudan is perfectly suited for military junta and endorse involved in the war in Darfur power. These political whose record in supporting the region, hence the disparity the US to live up to its rhetoric impunity for them, therefore, and Yemen, and with close activists, who cannot win democracies in the region is between American policies and push vigorously for a the ‘Democratic Transition Act’, ties to regional powers known elections in Sudan, nor can abysmal, can, nonetheless, and rhetoric, made starker by democratic transition even while a viable pressuring tool, for their ruthless quelling of they wrestle power out of the offer vital support for the the increasing brutality of the with the prospects of an will not be enough. Some back hands of the generals, con- transition in Sudan. Although regimes in these countries. Islamic-leaning parliament. door diplomacy is required, The new Biden sidered the transitional period ironic, it must be said that, But for countries of little con- There are, however, and the familiar ‘stick and administration as an opportunity to eradicate with Trump out of the White sequence to the West such as caveats to consider. The junta carrot’ approach can be of good their historical nemesis, the House, there is genuine hope Sudan, which has been running the show in Sudan use if the Biden administration should avoid the Islamists. And while the junta that the old American known only for civil war and now were heavily involved in applies it to the right people. mistakes of previous is trying to wash their blood- hypocrisy will be restored. unending conflicts, the West conflicts in Darfur, Yemen, and The US record in sup- stained hands by seeking a The fact is, this hypocrisy pro- can wash off some of its moral even Khartoum, and they feel porting democracies in this administrations political base to legitimise vides some restraint on the stains by genuinely sup- that their impunity rests on region is not conducive to and encourage the their rule, the civilian gov- vices of American foreign porting democracy, and we in their holding on to power, just hope, and it is not just because Islamists’ pursuit of ernment is undermined by its policy, and Trump blatantly Sudan will happily indulge it. as was the case with Bashir. So, the Americans put interest utter incompetency, the hindered a congressional To this end, the new Biden to avoid repeating the scenario before virtue, but for even democracy, at least political bickering between its inquiry into a number of host administration should avoid of Bashir who, after being when they genuinely aspire to in Sudan. What’s factions, and its failure to issues. This is in sharp con- the mistakes of previous indicted by the ICC for crimes support a nation towards show stamina and leadership. trast to his tolerant (more administrations and against humanity, tightened his democracy, as they did in the worst that could Has democracy in Sudan likely, indifferent) attitude encourage the Islamists’ grip on power and his reign South Sudan, they failed mis- happen?! Sudan is failed, again? towards the ‘Sudan Demo- pursuit of democracy, at least was prolonged, a compromise erably. However, the US just Not yet. But to succeed, it cratic Transition, Accounta- in Sudan. What’s the worst with the junta is necessary. has too much leverage on all not a heavyweight requires a paramount effort bility, and Fiscal Trans- that could happen?! Sudan is General Burhan, who is stakeholders in Sudan for it to among the Arab or from an ambitious, coura- parency Act 2020’ which stip- not a heavyweight among the the head of the army and the be dispensable. In hoping for a geous, but unorganised ulates holding accountable Arab or Muslim nations and Sovereign Transitional positive involvement from the Muslim nations and Sudanese youth, and they will military generals and militia will not ‘disrupt’ the region by Council, will need amnesty US in Sudan’s transition to will not ‘disrupt’ the need support. The problem is, commanders who may have becoming an exemplary from any future prosecution democracy, we may be biting region by becoming the potential help they can get been involved in crimes democracy. The Arab Spring and perhaps a ceremonial the bullet, but if the Sudanese will come from unlikely against the Sudanese people. started in Tunisia but only position as head of state after people remain unaided in their an exemplary sources. The Islamists, who Such glaring inconsistency is took off with Egypt. Sudan has the elections. The army will dark hour, biting the bullet democracy. are considered the political expected from Trump. And no borders with Israel and also need to be assured of may cease to be figurative! base of the previous regime, while the truth remains that does not pose - never has some degree of autonomy in Ali A. Ali is a teaching have no friends under the we can only hope for a bit posed - any serious danger to running its affairs and fellow at the School of Ori- current regime, hence, their more subtlety in this double- it. Sudan has no direct access perhaps a minimum level of ental and African Studies grassroots and leaders, who standard approach under dif- to the Mediterranean and financing. But the one to pay (SOAS), University of are not liable in any way, will ferent cannot have a direct effect on attention to is Hamadan London. 10 ASIA MONDAY 12 APRIL 2021 India bans Remdesivir drug export; new cases hit record

REUTERS — NEW DELHI India, however, have continued New COVID-19 cases surged to use it. India yesterday banned the to 152,879 yesterday, the India leads the world in the export of anti-viral drug sixth record rise in seven daily average number of new Remdesivir and its active phar- days, overwhelming infections reported in more maceutical ingredients as hospitals in some regions. than two weeks, accounting for demand rocketed due to a India, known as the one in every six infections record surge in COVID-19 infec- pharmacy of the world, has reported globally each day, tions and led to crippling already stalled major exports according to a Reuters tally. shortages in many parts. of coronavirus vaccines. In Deaths have also surged, New COVID-19 cases addition to the Remdesivir with the health ministry surged to 152,879 yesterday, ban “till the situation reporting 839 fatalities yes- the sixth record rise in seven improves”, the health terday — the highest in over five days, overwhelming hospitals ministry said in a statement months — taking the total to in some regions. India, known that manufacturers had been 169,275. India’s tally of more as the pharmacy of the world, asked to step up supplies. than 13.35 million cases is the has already stalled major third-highest globally, behind People wearing protective masks wait in line at a railway station amid the spread of the coronavirus exports of coronavirus only the United States and disease, in Mumbai, India, yesterday. vaccines. Brazil. In addition to the Remde- Ltd, Hetero Labs Ltd, Jubilant India’s drug regulator and government is providing COVID-19 testing and deploy gatherings have continued in sivir ban “till the situation Life Sciences Ltd, Biocon Ltd’s some state governments have 50,000 Remdesivir injections more manpower. recent weeks. improves”, the health ministry Syngene, Zydus Cadila in recent days raised concerns but all of them are getting con- “Rostering of health care Thousands of people said in a statement that manu- Healthcare Ltd and the Indian over hoarding and black mar- sumed,” Rajesh Tope, health workers, hiring of contractual thronged the banks of the facturers had been asked to step unit of Mylan. keting of Remdesivir, which in minister of India’s hardest-hit health workers need to be expe- Ganges River in Haridwar city up supplies. The World Health Organi- some instances is being sold at Maharashtra state, told dited,” the letter from India’s yesterday for prayers during the Seven Indian companies zation in November issued a con- over 10 times the maximum reporters this week. “Pharma- top health bureaucrat said, Kumbh Mela — where up to five have licensed the drug from ditional recommendation against retail price. cists and stockists might be flagging an acute shortage of million are expected on certain Gilead Sciences, with an the use of Remdesivir in hospi- Social media posts yes- doing black marketing and healthcare workers in seven days. Authorities have made it installed capacity of about 3.9 talised patients, regardless of terday showed large queues of that needs to be checked.” districts of Maharashtra. mandatory for all people million units per month, for disease severity, saying there was people in the western state of The federal health min- Authorities have blamed entering the area to take local use and exports to more no evidence that the drug Gujarat waiting to buy Remde- istry wrote to Maharashtra, the resurgence of the virus COVID-19 tests. But many dev- than 100 countries. improved survival and other out- sivir injections for COVID-19 which is home to the financial mainly on crowding and a otees yesterday gathered by the The companies are: Cipla comes in these patients. patients. capital Mumbai, asking local reluctance to wear masks, even river without masks, in densely- Ltd, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Many countries, including “Every day the central authorities to improve as election rallies and religious packed crowds.

Evacuation centres Thailand hits new daily record with nearly 1,000 virus cases open as cyclone AP — BANGKOK Sophon Iamsirithaworn, deputy As a hub for commerce and bans, closures, curfews and The outbreak has become a director general of the transport throughout the tests of visitors from other political issue because of intensifies off Thailand’s Health Ministry Department of Disease Control. country, Bangkok is a potential provinces. charges that senior members of Western Australia warned yesterday that restric- Most of the recent cases vector for the transmission of Chiang Mai provincial government may have tions may need to be tightened have been traced to an outbreak any disease. The risk is health officials are requiring patronized the clubs and flouted REUTERS — MELBOURNE to slow the spread of a fresh that originated last month at heightened this week as Thais visitors from Bangkok and four health regulations. The coun- coronavirus wave, as the several nightlife entertainment celebrate their traditional surrounding provinces to self- try’s transport minister tested Tropical cyclone Seroja country hit a daily record for venues in Bangkok, Sophon Songkran new year’s holiday, quarantine for the duration of positive for the virus, but he and strengthened off Western new cases. said. He said people should be during which many normally their stay, up to 14 days, the other Cabinet members have Australia yesterday, with The ministry confirmed 967 working from home and leave the capital to celebrate state Thai News agency denied the allegations. emergency services broad- new infections, the highest ever exercise vigilance. with their families in their old reported. A 280-bed field hos- Dr. Sophon explained that ening a warning to immedi- in a 24-hour period, bringing Tests among those infected hometowns. pital has been set up to treat another reason the situation is ately take shelter to several Thailand’s total to 32,625 cases at the Bangkok nightspots found Despite the risk, Prime Min- COVID-19 patients. “worrisome” is because the age towns given high winds and since January last year — some patients infected with the ister Prayuth Chan-ocha did not Bangkok Criminal Court on groups among which most cases the prospect of coastal including 97 deaths. The UK variant of the coronavirus, issue any ban on inter-pro- Saturday sentenced the man- are found are in the 20-29 and flooding. expanding outbreak comes which has been found to be vincial travel when he agers of two clubs to which the 30-39 age brackets. Five coastal towns were after the country kept the virus more infectious than the announced measures last week outbreak was traced to two “These groups have active put on red alert by Sunday largely in check for most of last original strain. to combat the spread of the months in jail for violating lifestyles, therefore they can afternoon, including residents year. The rapid rise in cases has virus. emergency measures instituted spread the virus to larger in Denham, Shark Bay, 500km If the number of cases is still been most marked in the His government ordered 41 last year covering health regu- numbers of people,” Sophon north of Perth, while sandbags rising in two weeks, measures capital, Bangkok, and the tourist provinces to close their enter- lations to guard against the said. He noted also that they are were made available to those beyond the current restrictions destinations of Chiangmai in the tainment venues for 14 days. virus, said Maj. Gen. Sophon relatively young and strong, in Geraldton, further down the on nightlife and longstanding north and Chonburi province Provincial governors were Sarawat, chief of the district tending to show little or no coast, due to potential storm social distancing rules will need in the east, home to the seaside given the power to take addi- where the establishments are symptoms, thus masking their surge. to be put in place, said Dr. resort town of Pattaya. tional measures, including entry located. illness. “There is a threat to lives and homes. You are in danger and need to act immediately,” the Department of Fire and China, Russia undermine Emergency Services (DFES) said in a bulletin. international Myanmar The cyclone, which was upgraded in severity to cat- egory 3 yesterday, was rapidly response: EU’s top diplomat moving south east but was likely to weaken to category 2 REUTERS — BRUSSELS speaks on behalf of the 27 EU in severity prior to making member states. “But we have a landfall later in the evening, The European Union’s top duty to try.” the Bureau of Meteorology diplomat said yesterday Russia Security forces have killed said. Wind gusts of 150km an and China were hampering a more than 700 unarmed pro- hour were expected. united international response to testers, including 46 children, “Yes I’m worried for the Myanmar’s military coup and that since the military seized power town. There’s heritage the EU could offer more economic from the elected government of buildings here in Geraldton incentives if democracy returns Aung San Suu Kyi in a Feb. 1 coup, and I’m not sure how well they to the country. according to a tally by the will survive,” said Tash Gibson, “It comes as no surprise Assistance Association for manager of the Ocean Centre that Russia and China are Political Prisoners (AAPP) activist Hotel. blocking the attempts of the group. Officials were braced for a Activists gather outside China’s embassy during protests against the military coup in Myanmar, in UN Security Council, for That included 82 people high degree of damage to Washington, US, on Saturday. example to impose an arms killed in the town of Bago, near towns along the coast, the state embargo,” EU foreign policy Yangon, on Friday, which the emergency services minister chief Josep Borrell said in a AAPP called a “killing field”. ties to Myanmar’s armed forces, Suu Kyi and others detained by Myanmar military. The bloc in said on Saturday, given blog post. “The world watches in as the first and second largest the military but stopped short March agreed a first set of sanc- buildings were not constructed “Geopolitical competition horror, as the army uses vio- suppliers of weapons to the of condemning the coup. tions on 11 individuals linked to to withstand such strong winds in Myanmar will make it very lence against its own people,” country, respectively. The EU is preparing fresh the coup, including the com- in a region that is typically too difficult to find common Borrell said. The UN Security Council last sanctions on individuals and mander-in-chief of the far south to fall into the path of ground,” said Borrell, who China and Russia both have week called for the release of companies owned by the military. cyclones. S Korea to resume Kyrgyzstan approves AstraZeneca jab for ages 30-60 constitution boosting AP — SEOUL president’s power South Korea says it will resume AP — MOSCOW administrating AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine to all Kyrgyzstan’s national elections commission says voters have over- eligible people between the whelmingly approved a new constitution that substantially ages of 30 and 60. increases the president’s powers. The commission said results Last week, South Korea sus- from 90% of the polling places showed 79% approval of the consti- pended the use of AstraZeneca tution in yesterday's referendum. vaccines for those 60 years old The referendum came three months after Sadyr Zhaparov or younger while awaiting the was elected president, following the ouster of the previous pres- outcome of the European Med- ident amid protests, the third time in 15 years that a leader of Kyr- icine Agency’s review. gyzstan had been driven from office in a popular uprising. A man wearing a mask rests on a beach amid the coronavirus pandemic, in Incheon, South Korea, The Korea Disease Control The new constitution reduces the size of the country’s par- yesterday. and Prevention Agency said liament by 25% to 90 seats and gives the president the power to yesterday it will restart the use appoint judges and heads of law enforcement agencies. It also of AstraZeneca vaccine authorities have recommended Those who would get Astra- recent days, South Korea has calls for creating an advisory council that critics say could essen- beginning Monday, citing they take alternative vaccines. It Zeneca vaccines from Monday been experiencing a steady tially become a shadow parliament or an instrument for the pres- studies showing that the vac- says it’s found three cases of blood include medical workers and increase in new coronavirus ident to exert pressure. cine’s benefits outweighs the clots from vaccinated people in people in long-term care facil- infections. Earlier yesterday, Zhaparov last year was serving a prison sentence on charges risk of side effects. South Korea — but none belong ities, those at special schools and South Korea reported 677 new of abducting a regional governor amid a dispute over a gold mine An agency said those aged 30 to the type of side effects deter- welfare centers for disabled confirmed cases, raising the total when he was freed by demonstrators who contested the results or younger will be excluded, as UK mined by European authorities. people and homeless people. In to 109,559 with 1,768 deaths. of the October parliamentary election. MONDAY 12 APRIL 2021 ASIA 11

Philippines to Chinese vaccines’ effectiveness low: Official ease some tough

AP — BEIJING Experts say any foreign vaccines for use COVID-19 curbs mixing vaccines, in China. In a rare admission of the Gao gave no details of pos- from today weakness of Chinese corona- or sequential sible changes in strategy but virus vaccines, the country’s top cited mRNA as a possibility. REUTERS — MANILA disease control official says immunization, might “Everyone should consider their effectiveness is low and boost effectiveness. the benefits mRNA vaccines can Strict COVID-19 lockdowns in the government is considering bring for humanity,” Gao said. the Philippines capital and mixing them to get a boost. Researchers “We must follow it carefully and four adjacent provinces will Chinese vaccines “don’t in Britain are not ignore it just because we be eased from today, a have very high protection already have several types of spokesman for President rates,” said the director of the studying a possible vaccines already.” Rodrigo Duterte said China Centers for Disease combination of Gao previously questioned yesterday. Control, Gao Fu, at a conference the safety of mRNA vaccines. He Metro Manila and the on Saturday in the southwestern Pfizer-BioNTech was quoted by the official provinces of Bulacan, Rizal, A woman holds a small bottle labeled with a “Coronavirus COVID- city of Chengdu. and the traditional Xinhua News Agency as saying Laguna and Cavite will be Beijing has distributed hun- 19 Vaccine” sticker and a medical syringe in front of a Chinese in December he couldn’t rule out placed under a less restrictive dreds of millions of doses AstraZeneca vaccine. flag in this illustration. negative side effects because community quarantine status abroad while trying to promote they were being used for the first until April 30, spokesman doubt about the effectiveness Gao did not respond to a late 2019, marks the first time health experts say a vaccine time on healthy people. Harry Roque told a virtual of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine phone call requesting further the Chinese drug industry has is useful. By comparison, the Chinese state media and briefing. made using the previously comment. played a role in responding to Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has popular health and science Roque gave the briefing experimental messenger RNA, “The mRNA vaccines a global health emergency. been found to be 97% blogs also have questioned the from hospital where he is or mRNA, process. developed in our country have Vaccines made by Sinovac, effective. safety and effectiveness of the being treated for COVID-19. “It’s now under formal con- also entered the clinical trial a private company, and Health experts say Chinese Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. He gave no details on which sideration whether we should stage,” said the official, Wang Sinopharm, a state-owned firm, vaccines are unlikely to be As of April 2, some 34 restrictions will be eased but use different vaccines from dif- Huaqing. He gave no timeline have made up the majority of sold to the United States, million people in China have said details would be released ferent technical lines for the for possible use. Chinese vaccines distributed to Western Europe and Japan received both of the two doses today. immunization process,” Gao Experts say mixing vac- several dozen countries due to the complexity of the required for Chinese vaccines The Philippines is battling said. cines, or sequential immuni- including Mexico, Turkey, Indo- approval process. and about 65 million received one of the worst coronavirus Officials at a news con- zation, might boost effec- nesia, Hungary, Brazil and A Sinovac spokesman, Liu one, according to Gao. outbreaks in Asia, with hos- ference yesterday didn’t tiveness. Researchers in Turkey. Peicheng, acknowledged The Sinovac spokesman, pitals in the capital over- respond directly to questions Britain are studying a possible The effectiveness of a varying levels of effectiveness Liu, said studies find protection whelmed amid record daily about Gao’s comment or pos- combination of Pfizer- Sinovac vaccine at preventing have been found but said that “may be better” if time between infections, while authorities sible changes in official plans. BioNTech and the traditional symptomatic infections was can be due to the age of vaccinations is longer than the face delays in delivery of But another CDC official said AstraZeneca vaccine. found to be as low as 50.4% people in a study, the strain current 14 days but gave no COVID-19 vaccines. developers are working on The coronavirus pandemic, by researchers in Brazil, near of virus and other factors. indication that might be made Yesterday, the Department mRNA-based vaccines. which began in central China in the 50% threshold at which Beijing has yet to approve standard practice. of Health recorded 11,681 new COVID-19 cases and 201 more deaths, bringing the country’s tallies to 864,868 confirmed Indonesian President infections and 14,945 fatalities. New cases have surge in orders Java rescue recent weeks, surpassing 15,000 on April 2, most of efforts after quake kills 8 those in the congested capital. Last week, Duterte can- REUTERS & AP — MALANG, known by his popular name celled a weekly televised INDONESIA Jokowi, said in broadcast address and a meeting with his remarks. coronavirus task force as some Indonesian President Joko Widodo There were no reports of of his staff and security detail yesterday ordered swift rescue and the quake disrupting production were found to be COVID-19 relief efforts after eight people died facilities, but the BNPB said 150 positive. in an earthquake that hit off public facilities were damaged. Roque and Duterte’s southern Java island. Most industrial areas in East defence minister, Delfin Three others were badly Java are located in the northern Lorenzana, also tested injured in Saturday’s mag- side of the island. positive. nitude-5.9 quake and more than Jokowi noted that as Indo- Roque said the gov- 1,180 buildings were damaged, nesia straddles the volcanic ernment will work to increase most of them slightly, the dis- “Ring of Fire” in the Pacific, the number of COVID-19 beds aster agency BNPB said. Some natural disasters such as earth- in healthcare facilities and free houses were flattened, images quakes could happen anytime, up more room in hospitals. in Indonesian media showed. adding that Indonesians should A man salvages his belongings at a house damaged by an earthquake in Lumajang, East Java Under the current quar- Two shelters for the dis- always be prepared. The province, Indonesia, yesterday. antine classification for placed have been set up in the Southeast Asian nation was Manila and surrounding town of Lumajang. struck last week by tropical centered 45km south of Sum- potential for landslides. November, while others were areas, non-essential All of the casualties were cyclone Seroja, which triggered berpucung town of Malang Dis- This was the second deadly swept away by flash floods. movement is banned, along reported in 15 districts and cities landslides and flash floods killing trict in East Java province, at a disaster to hit Indonesia this Thousands of homes with with mass gatherings and in East Java, the closest province more than 170 people on islands depth of 82km. week, after Tropical Cyclone damaged. dining in restaurants, with to the epicentre of the quake, in East Nusa Tenggara province. Rahmat Triyono, the head Seroja caused a severe Saturday’s quake caused longer-than-usual curfews which struck in the Indian A magnitude-6.2 quake that of Indonesia’s earthquake and downpour yesterday that killed falling rocks to kill a woman on also in place since March 29. Ocean. hit Sulawesi island in January tsunami center, said the at least 174 people and left 48 a motorcycle and badly injured The reimposition of “I have ordered... imme- killed more than 100 people. undersea tremblor did not still missing in East Nusa her husband in East Java’s strict lockdowns has raised diate emergency response to The US Geological Survey have the potential to cause a Tenggara province. Some Lumajang district, said Raditya concerns the economy will search and find victims under said the magnitude 6.0 quake tsunami. Still, he urged people victims were buried in either Jati, spokesperson for the take longer to recover from the rubble and to treat the struck off the island’s southern to stay away from slopes of mudslides or solidified lava National Disaster Mitigation last year’s worst slump on wounded,” the president, coast at 2 pm Saturday. It was soil or rocks that have the from a volcanic eruption in Agency. record. Pakistani police say wanted militant killed in shootout Philippines-US joint

AP — MULTAN militant only as Niaz and said According to Hussain, Niaz Late on Saturday, the targets military drill starts today he also uses the alias Zeeshan. was involved in planning a 2015 were spotted approaching the Counterterrorism police killed Hussain said Niaz was active suicide attack that killed then- Kheri Murat checkpoint. one of Pakistan’s most wanted with the Pakistani Taliban home minister of Punjab Hussain said they were asked REUTERS — MANILA fishing boats were just shel- militants in a shootout in the group Tahreek-e-Taliban in province Shuja Khanzada, a to stop but instead the motor- tering from rough seas and no garrison city of Rawalpindi Punjab province in the Hazro high ranking police officer and cyclists opened fire in an Philippine and US soldiers will militia were aboard. overnight, a police official said area of the district of Attock. others. attempt to escape. conduct a two-week joint Brunei, Malaysia, the Phil- Sunday. He said Niaz was also in Hussain said the counter- The Pakistani Taliban have military exercise from today, ippines, Taiwan, China and Officer Kashif Hussain said league with banned militant terrorism department a presence in areas of Punjab resuming the annual training Vietnam have competing ter- three of the militant’s accom- organization Lashker-e-Jhangvi. received intelligence that province that border north- event after last year’s cancel- ritorial claims in the South plices escaped during the Hussain said Niaz was wanted four militants on two motor- western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa lation due to the pandemic, the China Sea. exchange of fire, leaving their in connection with a number of cycles planned to attack province. Philippine military chief said In the phone call on weapons at the scene: two attacks in the region that killed secret service officers so They also have made yesterday. Sunday between Philippine pistols, an assault rifle and more than two dozen citizens checkpoints were set up on inroads in southern Punjab near The announcement came Defence Secretary Delfin ammunition. and security officials. There was the road linking Attock with southwestern Baluchistan after the two countries’ defence Lorenzana and U.S. Defense He identified the slain a $40,000 bounty on his head. Rawalpindi. province. secretaries held a phone call to Secretary Lloyd Austin, Austin discuss the drills, the situation also reiterated the importance in the South China Sea, and of the Visiting Forces Pakistan registers recent regional security Agreement (VFA) between the developments. two countries, according to a 114 virus deaths Unlike previous exercises, statement issued by Loren- however, this year’s “Balikatan” zana’s department. ANADOLU — ISLAMABAD (Shoulder-to-Shoulder) drills Lorenzana committed to to test the readiness of their discussing the matter with Pakistan recorded 114 deaths from militaries to respond to threats President Rodrigo Duterte. the coronavirus in the past 24 such natural disasters and mil- Duterte last year unilat- hours, its highest single-day itant extremist attacks, will be erally cancelled the two- number during a third wave of the scaled down. decade-old VFA in an angry pandemic, the Health Ministry said Only 1,700 troops — 700 response after an ally was yesterday. from the United States and denied a US visa. The The South Asian country reg- 1,000 from the Philippines— agreement provides the legal istered 103 deaths on April 6, which will participate, unlike previous framework under which US was a daily record since December. exercises which involved as troops can operate on a rota- With the new casualties, most many as 7,600 soldiers, said tional basis in the Philippines. reported in northeastern Punjab Lieutenant General Cirilito The VFA withdrawal and northwestern Khyber Sobejana. “There will be period, however, has been Pakhtunkwa provinces, the death physical contact but it is twice extended, creating what toll stands at 15,443. minimal,” he said. Philippine officials say is a Pakistan reported 5,050 new The Philippines has pro- window for better terms to be infections, bringing the total to tested against the presence of agreed. 721,018. About 631,700, patients the Chinese boats inside its Relations between Wash- have recovered and active cases is 200-mile exclusive economic ington and its former Asian 73,875. The nation of more than Rescue operation zone at Whitsun Reef in the colony have been complicated 200 million people has seen a strategic waterway, repeatedly since 2016 when Duterte, who Rescuers work at the site of a flooded coal mine in Hutubi county, Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous sharp spike in infections in the past asking China to move the has criticised US foreign policy two weeks with around 50,000 Region, China, yesterday. vessels away. Chinese dip- while befriending China, rose cases reported in April alone. lomats, however, have said the to power. 12 EUROPE MONDAY 12 APRIL 2021 German conservatives mull Merkel succession REUTERS & BLOOMBERG German Chancellor later,” said Soeder, stressing — BERLIN Angela Merkel has that the two rivals had agreed to show each other respect. Bavarian premier Markus ruled out standing for Laschet, 60, is a centrist Soeder put himself forward a fifth term and has widely seen as a candidate who yesterday to run as the conserv- would continue Merkel’s legacy, ative candidate for German not explicitly backed but he has clashed with her over chancellor in a September either candidate coronavirus restrictions. election and said he would Premier of Germany’s most settle the question soon and although she has populous state, North Rhine- amicably with his rival, the hinted that she would Westphalia, his chaotic han- Christian Democrat (CDU) chief. dling of the crisis has under- Pressure is mounting for a back the CDU leader. mined his popularity. swift decision on whether Laschet described Soeder as Soeder, leader of the Christian With September elections a potential candidate and said Social Union (CSU), or the CDU’s nearing, conservatives are the matter would be solved with Armin Laschet should stand for pressing for a decision on the mutual respect, according to the the two-party bloc in the Sep- candidacy to end speculation person. He called for a quick North Rhine-Westphalia’s State Premier and head of Germany’s conservative Christian Democratic tember 26 election, making which is highlighting decision in an interview with Union (CDU) party, Armin Laschet; Parliamentary group leader of the Christian Democratic Union them the candidate to succeed divisions. Bild am Sonntag. (CDU) party Ralph Brinkhaus; Leader of the Christian Social Union (CSU) Bundestag parliamentary Angela Merkel. Laschet said the next step Soeder, 54, is an astute group Alexander Dobrindt and Bavarian State Premier and a leader of the Bavarian CSU Markus Soder “Markus Soeder and I had a would come today with CDU political operator who has sided attend a news conference in Berlin, Germany, yesterday. long conversation before today. and CSU committee meetings with Merkel during the pan- We declared our willingness to but he gave no time for the demic. No CSU leader has Germany’s finance minister, She has ruled out standing the coronavirus (COVID-19) run for the chancellorship,” decision. become German chancellor. according to a Forsa poll. By con- for a fifth term and has not pandemic. CDU leader Armin Laschet told “We want to win this While Germany’s chancellor trast, Laschet would take 16 explicitly backed either can- In the 2017 election, it won a joint news conference. election in the autumn — that is chosen by the lower house of percent, finishing behind the didate although she has hinted almost 33 percent. Laschet lags Soeder in is the main aim. And we are parliament after elections, other two. that she would back the CDU The Social Democrats have opinion polls but, as leader of now thinking about the best for- Soeder would take a winning 39 Many conservatives are leader. nominated Finance Minister the larger CDU, effectively has mation,” said Soeder. percent in a direct matchup with nervous about contesting the The conservative bloc has Olaf Scholz as their candidate first refusal and enjoys the “There is a great expectation Green party leader Annalena September 26 federal election slipped to about 27 percent in for chancellor, while the Greens support of some powerful state that a joint solution will be Baerbock and Social Democratic without Merkel, who has led polls, partly due to an increas- plan to announce their nomi- premiers. reached sooner rather than candidate Olaf Scholz, them to four victories. ingly chaotic management of nation on April 19. Too soon to decide Philip’s death has left ‘huge void’ in queen’s life: Andrew if travel abroad AP — LONDON mixing. But hundreds of people the service along with other yesterday brought notes, cards members of the royal family, will resume, says The death of Prince Philip has and flowers to the gates of palace officials have said. His left a “huge void” in Queen Eliz- Windsor Castle, located 32 km wife, Meghan, Duchess of French minister abeth II’s life, their son Prince west of London, while others Sussex, is pregnant and has REUTERS — PARIS Andrew said yesterday, as well- laid tributes outside Buck- been advised by her doctor not wishers continued to leave ingham Palace in the British to make the journey. France said yesterday it was floral tributes outside the gates capital. Royal family members said too soon to say whether of royal residences in memory Neil Loughton, founder of they appreciated the outpouring holidays abroad would be of the monarch’s husband. the Penny Farthing Club, rode of tributes and good wishes possible this summer as a third Andrew, the third of the his antique bicycle to the palace from people across Britain and wave of coronavirus infections couple’s four children, attended gates to pay his respects. around the world to Philip, who continues to spread through church at the Royal Chapel of “I think that there are some was the queen’s consort and Europe. All Saints in Windsor along with things that are just important support through more than Tough COVID-19 restric- other members of the royal and need to be done . Ninety- seven decades of marriage. tions are enforced in many family, two days after the nine years of life and more than Prince Edward, 57, said the European countries, hitting 99-year-old Philip died at 70 years of service deserves “extraordinary” tributes meant recovery prospects for the Windsor Castle. some recognition,” he said. a lot to the royal family. tourism industry’s crucial peak Andrew said his mother Philip’s funeral is set to take “It just goes to show, he season as governments are “described it as having left a place April 17 at Windsor Castle. might have been our father, struggling to define a time- huge void in her life.” Only 30 people will be able to grandfather, father-in-law, but frame for the gradual reo- “We’ve lost, almost, the A boy wearing a face mask and a bowler hat places flowers and a attend under the current coro- he meant so much to so many pening of national borders. grandfather of the nation,” he British flag outside Buckingham Palace after Britain’s Prince Philip, navirus restrictions in England, other people,” he said. “I cannot say to you when said. “And I feel very sorry and husband of Queen Elizabeth, died, in London, yesterday. but the slimmed-down service Andrew, 61, who has largely we will be able to resume supportive of my mother, who’s is scheduled to be broadcast live kept out of the public eye since travel within Europe,” French feeling it probably more than 94-year-old queen was Both palace and gov- on television.. 2019 amid controversy over his Minister for European Affairs everybody else.” “bearing up.” Edward’s wife, ernment officials urged people Philip’s grandson Prince friendship with the late con- Clement Beaune told LCI tel- His younger brother, Prince Sophie, said the monarch was not to come in person to pay Harry, who stepped away from victed offender Jeffrey Epstein, evision. “I hope it will be pos- Edward, called Philip’s death a “thinking of others before their respects because of coro- royal duties last year and now also praised the “absolutely sible this summer.” “dreadful shock” but said the herself.” navirus restrictions on social lives in California, will attend amazing tributes.” Beaune called the existing travel restrictions a “necessary evil” and said European Union Spain finds four member states would need to Marine Le Pen gains ground coordinate the easing of rules dead, rescues 19 when the time came. “We’re doing all we can so migrants from for 2022 France election: Poll that travel can resume between French regions, and vessel in Atlantic BLOOMBERG — PARIS Macron is struggling to satisfy voters as then Europe hopefully by the the country faces a new bout of COVID-19 summer, but I cannot today AP — MADRID French far-right leader Marine Le Pen infections, bringing the number of deaths give you a fixed calendar,” the (pictured) is increasing her chances of from the epidemic close to 100,000. The minister continued. Spanish authorities said winning the first round of next year’s pres- president ordered a nationwide lockdown The nagging uncertainty yesterday that they had idential elections, according to an Ifop- on April 3 after pushing back the decision also weighs on France’s own recovered the bodies of four Fiducial poll published by Le Journal du for weeks. His approval rating fell one point tourism industry. migrants from a boat along Dimanche. to 33 percent in early April, according to a France was the most with 19 survivors who had The National Rally party leader would poll by Elabe released last week. Elabe said visited country in the world taken the treacherous route come first in six out of 10 scenarios in the 63 percent of those polled don’t trust before the pandemic struck, from West Africa to the Canary first round if the ballots were cast this Macron, up 3 points from the previous with nearly 90 million foreign Islands. Sunday, the poll showed. She would then survey. tourists visiting in 2018. Spain’s maritime rescue be beaten in the second round for the top The Ifop-Fiducial poll showed Macron Tourism accounts for about 7 service said that its crews had two candidates, with 46 percent in a runoff getting 23 percent to 28 percent of votes in working class northern region of Hauts- percent of GDP. responded to an alarm call by against President Emmanuel Macron’s 54 the first round, against 25 percent to 27 de-France Xavier Bertrand, plus Paris Europe’s vaccination a fishing boat that had located percent, it said. percent for Le Pen, meaning he would come region president Valerie Pecresse, were also rollout has lagged behind the migrants in a flimsy craft “The results reflect Le Pen’s strong first in only one scenario. The president was seen winning against Le Pen if they reached those in Britain and the United unfit for the high seas. dynamic as well as President Emmanuel seen beating Le Pen in most cases tested the second round against her, with 59 States. Rescue helicopters airlifted Macron’s difficulties in the health crisis by the pollster last October. The French percent and 55 percent of votes On Friday, the British gov- groups of the migrants to Ten- context,” Frederic Dabi, Ifop’s deputy general presidential vote sees a wide field of can- respectively. ernment unveiled a new traffic erife, including six people who director, was cited as saying in Le Journal didates whittled down to a final two in the The Ifop-Fiducial poll surveyed 1,730 light system for travel, saying were in poor health and suf- du Dimanche. “Never before, with only one second round. adults in early April, according to the news- citizens could now think about fering from dehydration. year to go to the ballot, has a National Rally Two other potential rivals, former paper, with a margin of error of 1 percent booking summer vacations The Atlantic crossing from candidate obtained such scores.” health minister and president of the to 2.2 percent. abroad. the Western coast of Africa to Spain’s Canary Islands has become a major route for migrants and asylum-seekers AstraZeneca yet to react to EU letter on vaccines: Report fleeing conflict, violence and economic plight exacerbated REUTERS — MILAN production and supply of the 19 sent a written message to resolve the dispute by good us Europeans,” France’s by the coronavirus (COVID-19) initial 300 million doses for AstraZeneca, calling it “a notice faith negotiations”. European Affairs Minister pandemic. AstraZeneca has yet to react to Europe,” EU Head of Health and for dispute settlement”, adding Under the contract signed Clement Beaune said More than 2,400 people a letter sent by the European Food Safety DG Sandra Gallina this was a first step to engage in on COVID-19 vaccines, the oyesterday, speaking to LCI tel- have reached the Canaries in Commission to complain over said in a letter sent to the an dialogue to resolve the issue. European Union states had evision news channel. the first three months of this below-contract supplies of company on March 19, “At this stage we are still expected to receive 120 million Beaune said that the EU year. COVID-19 vaccines, Italian daily according to Corriere. waiting for the necessary ele- doses by the end of March from letter to the Anglo-Swedish Last year, 23,000 people Corriere della Sera said, adding The Italian daily said that ments ... we remain in contact AstraZeneca, but the company group could even lead to a arrived by boat to the archi- the Anglo-Swedish group Brussels had asked AstraZeneca with AstraZeneca to ensure had supplied only 30.12 million battle in court. pelago and nearly 850 others missed a deadline indicated by to “remedy the material timely delivery of a sufficient doses, Corriere said. “We sent a formal notice have died or gone missing Brussels. breaches of contract within 20 number of doses,” the With contagion still rising in recent days, it is the along the way, according to the The European Union days of the letter”, but added spokesman said, without in many European countries beginning of a possible judicial UN migration agency’s Missing member states and the phar- that the deadline expired two elaborating. and vaccination campaigns procedure if the company Migrants Project. maceutical company are at days ago without any reaction According the contract hitting hurdles, some govern- doesn’t fix things,” he said, On Friday, Spanish police odds over the delivery of the from the company. signed between EU and the ments are shown increasing adding that putting pressure said they have detained five shots after the group shipped to AstraZeneca has not replied company, which is public, if a irritation against the pharma on the company to accelerate men for allegedly navigating the block less than indicated in to a request for comment from dispute arises one of the parties group. production in Europe two migrant boats to the the initial agreement. Reuters. shall first notify the problem “Manifestly, they (Astra- appeared to be a better option Canary Islands and being “AstraZeneca has breached A spokesman for the with a letter. Then, after 20 days Zeneca) did not honour their compared with starting a legal responsible for the deaths of and continues to breach its con- European Commission con- from the written notice, they commitments and thus, in a process, which would take some of its passengers. tractual obligations on the firmed that Brussels on March “shall meet and attempt to certain way, they were mocking time. MONDAY 12 APRIL 2021 EUROPE 13 Restaurants, hairdressers set to reopen as UK eases lockdown AP/REUTERS — LONDON Indoor dining won’t be allowed until May 17 at the ear- Millions of people in Britain will Infections, liest, and theatres, cinemas, and get their first chance in months hospitalisations and most other venues remain for haircuts, casual shopping closed, while indoor socialising and restaurant meals today deaths have all fallen is tightly restricted and foreign (Monday), as the government thanks to the lockdown, holidays remain banned. takes the next step on its and a mass vaccination The easing is good news for lockdown-lifting road map. programme that has retail and hospitality busi- Nationwide restrictions given at least one dose nesses, which have endured have been in place in England several stretches of lockdown since early January, and similar to more than 60% of the over the past year. rules in the other parts of the adult population. The rules apply in England. UK to suppress a surge in coro- The other parts of the United navirus infections that swept Kingdom — Scotland, Wales the country late last year, linked and Northern Ireland — are fol- to a more transmissible new infections. lowing their own, broadly variant first identified in “The situation in the U.K. is similar plans. southeast England. becoming clear and is stabi- Meanwhile, the United Britain has had Europe’s lizing, but people have to Kingdom distributed a further A service member of the Ukrainian armed forces walks near fighting positions on the line of separation worst coronavirus outbreak, remember that’s not the case 586,339 COVID-19 vaccines, from pro-Russian rebels outside Donetsk, Ukraine, yesterday. with more than 127,000 con- elsewhere,” said Peter Horby, taking the total amount to firmed deaths. who chairs the government’s almost 40 million, according to Infections, hospitalisations New and Emerging Respiratory daily data published Ukraine says soldier killed in east as tensions rise and deaths have all fallen Threats Advisory Group. “The yesterday. thanks to the lockdown, and a pandemic is still raging globally. The UK has now given 32.12 AP — KIEV, UKRAINE died in all of 2020. Attacks have Blinken warned yesterday that mass vaccination programme And many countries in Europe million people a first dose of the intensified in recent weeks and “if Russia acts recklessly, or that has given at least one dose even are still seeing racing case vaccine and 7.47 million a The Ukrainian military said that Russia has built up troops along aggressively, there will be costs, to more than 60% of the adult numbers or having to second dose, putting it on track a soldier was killed and another the Ukraine border. there will be consequences.” population. reintroduce lockdowns. So it’s to start reopening its economy. seriously wounded in artillery Russia denies Western Ukrainian forces and Russia- But Prime Minister Boris very hard to predict what will The data also showed that fire from Russia-backed sepa- claims that it has sent troops backed separatists have been Johnson and epidemiologists happen in the next couple of a further 1,730 people had ratist rebels yesterday, as into eastern Ukraine to help the fighting in eastern Ukraine since have urged caution, saying that months,” he told Times Radio. tested positive for the virus, hostilities rise sharply in the rebels, but officials say the army shortly after Moscow’s 2014 many people remain unvacci- Today, nonessential shops down from 2,589 the day country’s east. could intervene if Ukraine tries annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean nated and relaxing social dis- will be allowed to reopen, along before, while seven people had As of the reported attack, to retake the area by force. The Peninsula. More than 14,000 tancing rules or allowing with hair salons, gyms and died within 28 days of a pos- Ukraine says 27 soldiers have troops buildup has raised sharp people have died in the conflict, foreign holidays this summer outdoor service at itive test, down from 40 on been killed in the east this year, concerns in the West. and efforts to negotiate a political could bring a new spike in restaurants. Saturday. more than half the number who US Secretary of State Antony settlement have stalled.

Italy reports 331 Marchers protest Romania’s virus restrictions as cases soar coronavirus deaths, AP — BUCHAREST tri-color Romanian flags and compulsory vaccinations. waiting with sub-optimal care,” society with low levels of trust 15,746 new cases chanted “Freedom!” and “Down The protest was held on the Dragos Zaharia, a pneumologist in public institutions.” Marchers took to the streets on with the government!” same day that Romania passed at Marius Nasta Institute, said. On Friday evening, author- REUTERS — MILAN Saturday in the Romanian “We came to fight against the milestone of having 1 million “We are at risk of being accused ities transferred patients in the capital of Bucharest to protest this state of alert that buries all confirmed COVID-19 cases. of malpractice.” middle of the night from Bucha- Italy reported 331 coronavirus- restrictive measures to fight the our rights and freedoms,” Hospital intensive care units are The protesters halted rest’s Foisor Orthopedic Hos- related deaths yesterday spread of COVID-19 even as Dumitru Balan, leader of the struggling to cope with the outside Cotroceni Palace, where pital to other facilities as it was against 344 the day before, the new daily infections and deaths civic movement Action for the record demand of just under President Klaus Iohannis turned into a COVID-19 hos- health ministry said, while the rose in the European Union Nation, said. 1,500 COVID-19 patients and resides, and called for an early pital. An official from the gov- daily tally of new infections fell nation. “We do not agree with com- 12,000 others are in other election. erning National Liberal Party, to 15,746 from 17,567 the day About 1,000 people con- pulsory vaccination, with wards. “I think Romania has a Ben Oni Ardelean, called the sit- before. verged on Victory Square and wearing a mask on our faces … “There are now very severe perfect storm of conditions that uation a “circus” and said he Italy has registered 114,254 University Square, expressing the quarantine of cities, online patients admitted in our clinical create this climate of anti- will urge that Health Minister deaths linked to COVID-19 frustration with an earlier schooling, the closure of ward that normally would restriction protests,” Dani Vlad Voiculescu be fired. since its outbreak emerged in curfew and shop closures that churches, playgrounds, restau- require intensive care … we Sandu, a sociologist affiliated Romania has recorded February last year, the second- took effect at the end of March. rants and shops,” he said. don’t have enough ICU beds with the European University 25,006 deaths in the highest toll in Europe after Many demonstrators waved Romania does not have available and patients are Institute, said. “Romania is a pandemic. Britain and the seventh- highest in the world. The country has reported 3.77 million cases to date. Poland minister says ‘suicidal’ Patients in hospital with COVID-19 — not including to vote down EU relief fund: FT those in intensive care — stood at 27,251 yesterday, down from BLOOMBERG ruling party is at odds with one 27,654 a day earlier. of its partners, United Poland, There were 175 new Poland’s finance minister over the ¤750bn ($892bn) admissions to intensive care wants political parties to vote recovery fund. This coalition units, down from 186 on Sat- in favour of a European Union member has said the package urday. The total number of pandemic relief package as the allows for the bloc to issue its intensive care patients fell to country will miss out on a own debt and that it isn’t in 3,585 from a previous 3,588. cheap financing option to Poland’s interest to co-sign lia- Some 253,100 tests for bolster the economy by failing bilities for other EU member COVID-19 were carried out in to do so, the Financial Times states with weaker the past day, compared with a reported. economies. previous 320,892, the health Tadeusz Koscinski, who While it is unlikely that ministry said. was appointed finance minister Poland won’t pass the deal — by the ruling Law and Justice which needs all member states party, told the newspaper it to ratify in order to enter into 4.5 magnitude would be “a bit of a suicidal force — the dispute has under- move” to vote against ratifying scored divisions in the ruling earthquake hits the recovery fund in parliament alliance that have been wid- Russia celebrates Cosmonautics Day as Poland “won’t be able to ening since it won re-election Greece coasts source such funds outside the in 2019. If the recovery fund is Residents watch a space themed performance on the eve of Cosmonautics Day in Krasnogorsk, EU” and “at that price as well.” ratified, Poland stands to get QNA — ATHENS Moscow region, Russia, yesterday. His comments come as the ¤58.1bn. A tremor measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale struck off the coast of Greece yesterday. Dutch lockdown measures to remain until at least April 28: ANP The European Mediter- ranean Seismological Center REUTERS — THE HAGUE infections rose to a two-week spokesman told ANP news details and added that Prime in more than two weeks. There (EMSC) stated that the epi- high. Earlier the government agency they would move back Minister Mark Rutte would are currently 788 COVID-19 centre of the quake was 90km The Dutch government had said they were looking at the easing of measures by at explain the decision in the gov- patients in Dutch intensive care west of the city of Patras, yesterday dashed hopes of an easing restrictions on April 21 least one week. ernment’s COVID-19 press con- units. Several hospitals and sci- which is inhabited by about early easing of lockdown, by lifting the curfew and “It is still too early,” the ference set for Tuesday. entists had warned against early 168,000 people. saying a night-time curfew and allowing restaurants to spokesman was quoted as On Sunday health authorities easing of the lockdown There were no immediate other restrictions would remain welcome guests in outdoor saying about the April 21 date. reported 8,218 new coronavirus measures, saying the peak of the reports of casualties or until at least April 28 as daily spaces. But a government He declined to give further cases, the highest daily increase third wave had not yet passed. material losses. AstraZeneca’s vaccine unmasks EU split between west and desperate east

BLOOMBERG “Let’s not create unnec- COVID-19 vaccinations, while directly purchased vaccines programme is way ahead of the different jab to women with a essary panic,” Bulgarian Health France hit a key milestone a from Russia and China, also has rest of the continent, is now rec- high risk of thrombosis, in line When European drug regulators Minister Kostadin Angelov said week early. sought to express its support for ommending under 30s get a dif- with EMA recommendations, acknowledged a link between as he listed the benefits of Astra The world is counting on the Astra. ferent one. the health minister said. AstraZeneca Plc’s COVID-19 drug. “Let’s not become a part Astra shot because of its price “The debate surrounding In Bulgaria, the poorest and Leaders elsewhere have vaccine and a rare type of blood of that war between the dif- and ease-of-use, and it repre- AstraZeneca’s vaccine should least vaccinated nation in the been vocal about their own clots, it spread another dose of ferent companies, because it’s sents most of the vaccines be viewed as a business struggle EU, the more expensive vac- inoculation with Astra, hoping scepticism across the continent. already visible.” ordered by about a third of between drugmakers rather cines were used to inoculate to boost its credibility as citizens But in the poorer east, the The former Eastern Bloc is eastern EU members. The than valid opinions on medical priority groups such as doctors get restless over lengthy lock- doubts are more over the home to almost a quarter of the vaccine is more easily trans- risks,” Gergely Gulyas, the min- and teachers. Astra is the most downs and a continuous string findings than the shot. EU’s 440 million population and ported and stored than the ister in charge of the prime min- widely available to the general of record coronavirus-related Most western members of is struggling to tame the pan- mRNA-based vaccines from ister’s office, said on April 8. public. deaths and new infections. the European Union announced demic. For these countries- Moderna Inc. and Pfizer- A day earlier, the EU and UK The country’s inoculation In Croatia, among the some restrictions of the vac- which dominate the world’s top BioNTech, and the Anglo- regulators said there was a pos- effort was already marred by nations that has predominantly cine’s use for younger age 10 list of coronavirus deaths per Swedish company has promised sible link between the Astra shot poor organization and a 37% ordered Astra, Prime Minister groups or halted it completely. capita, curbing a vaccine that’s to deliver as many as 3 billion and blood clots, though both refusal rate among its 7 million Andrej Plenkovic said Thursday The opposite happened across key to their supplies is shots in 2021 on a not-for-profit said the risks for most people citizens to get vaccinated, that he and other leaders have the east, with nine of 11 nations unthinkable because they can’t basis. were far outweighed by the according to a March poll by been administered the shot, in the region deciding to keep afford to slow inoculation. Hungary, which strayed benefits as the coronavirus Exacta Research. Bulgaria will stressing the “vaccine is safe administrating the shot to all Germany, by comparison, has from the EU-orchestrated pro- remains rife. keep applying the Astra shot to and people should get adults. doubled the number of daily curement programme and Britain, whose vaccination all age groups but will offer a vaccinated.” 14 AMERICAS MONDAY 12 APRIL 2021 Peru votes for president after months of chaos BLOOMBERG — LIMA Former congressman round include Veronika Mendoza, a French-educated Peruvians are voting for pres- Yonhy Lescano, 62, former congresswoman who ident and congress in a crowded was leading some wants the rich to pay a wealth election that will determine tax; former soccer player whether the nation can restore major polls on April George Forsyth; Keiko order after recent political 4 — the last day Fujimori, a former congress- chaos. results could be woman who is the daughter of Polls show the presidential an imprisoned former pres- vote is too close to call and no publicly released. He’s ident; Rafael Lopez Aliaga, a single candidate will have promised to share the socially conservative busi- enough support to avoid a June nessman wants to drive down runoff. country’s vast mining “usurious” interest rates; and Hanging over the race is the wealth more widely Pedro Castillo, a community question of who can govern a organizer and teacher who says country that has had three pres- and bring down Peru should spend 10 percent idents since November, and consumer interest of its gross domestic product where every elected head of on education. state but one since 1985 has rates. The vote takes place amid a either been impeached, surge in COVID-19 infections imprisoned or sought in and in the aftermath of the People queue to vote during the presidential and parliamentary elections, outside a polling station criminal investigations. Many down consumer interest rates. worst slump since the 1980s, in in Lima, Peru, yesterday. voters are also angry after hun- Although Lescano is the which the economy contracted dreds of well-connected Peru- frontrunner, he only has about 11.1 percent last year. in congress - for Wall Street and that sense, Lescano may have political analyst and columnist vians received COVID-19 shots 15 percent support, and his lead The nation of 32 million the international community it an edge, since his Popular in Lima. “Whoever takes office in secret, in what’s being called is razor thin. people has been in political dis- raises the question: Can anyone Action party is competitive in will need to create a coalition the “vaccinegate” scandal. He faces 17 other candi- array since November when successfully govern Peru?” said the legislative race and his long so they can actually accomplish Former congressman Yonhy dates, including economist Her- congress ousted Martin Vizcarra Brian Winter, the editor-in- career in congress gives him something.” Lescano, 62, was leading some nando de Soto, an investor despite his high approval chief of Americas Quarterly. some natural allies. Read More: Impeached, major polls on April 4 — the last favorite whose recent surge in ratings at the time. With 20 different parties “The candidates that have Jailed, Wanted: President Is a day results could be publicly the polls triggered a rally in the “The bizarre spectacle of a fielding candidates for 130 con- had a less-confrontational Dangerous Job in Peru released. He’s promised to share nation’s bonds and currency. president who was quite gressional seats, the new pres- stance are the ones that might Polls are open from 7am to the country’s vast mining Other candidates with a popular being forced out in ident will have to form a coa- create a path toward stability,” 7pm and initial results were wealth more widely and bring shot of making it to the second what amounted to a rebellion lition to be able to govern. In said Jose Carlos Requena, a expected late yesterday. Venezuela paid $64m to receive Canada’s Telesat takes on Musk and Bezos in space race REUTERS — OTTAWA voices confidence when he calls Telesat’s 15 geostationary optics. Telesat’s first launch is Heavy Industries Ltd, Europe’s vaccines through Telesat’s LEO constellation “the (GEO) satellites provide services planned in early 2023, while ArianeGroup, and Musk’s Canada’s Telesat is racing to Holy Grail” for his shareholders mainly to TV broadcasters, there are already some 1,200 of SpaceX, which launches the COVAX scheme launch a low-earth-orbit (LEO) — “a sustainable competitive Internet service providers and Musk’s Starlink satellites in Starlink satellites. Wendling satellite constellation to provide advantage in global broadband government networks, all of orbit. said a decision would be taken REUTERS — CARACAS high-speed global broadband delivery.” whom were growing increas- “Starlink is going to be in in a matter of months. from space, pitting the satellite Telesat’s LEO has a much ingly worried about the latency, service much sooner... and that Telesat aims to launch its Venezuela has paid $64m, half communications firm founded lighter price tag than SpaceX or time delay, of bouncing gives SpaceX the opportunity first batch of 298 satellites being of the required amount, for in 1969 against two trailblazing and Amazon’s, and the signals off orbiters more than to win customers,” said Caleb built by Thales Alenia Space in doses it is set to receive billionaires, Elon Musk and Jeff company has been in satellite 35,000km above earth. Henry, a senior analyst at Quilty early 2023, with partial service through the global COVAX Bezos. services decades longer. In Then in 2015 on a flight Analytics. in higher latitudes later that programme, Vice-President Musk, the Tesla Inc CEO addition, instead of focusing on home from a Paris industry Starlink’s “first mover” same year, and full global Delcy Rodriguez announced who was only a year old when the consumer market like conference where latency was advantage is at most 24 months service in 2024. on Saturday on state television. Telesat launched its first sat- SpaceX and Amazon, Telesat a constant theme, Goldberg and “no one’s going to lock this The Lightspeed constel- “You know that the COVAX ellite, is putting the so-called seeks deep-pocketed business wrote down his initial ideas for whole market up in that amount lation is estimated to cost half mechanism requires an Starlink LEO into orbit with his clients. a LEO constellation on an Air of time,” Goldberg said. as much as the $10bn SpaceX advance — Venezuela has company SpaceX, and Amazon. Goldberg said he was lit- Canada napkin. Telesat in 2019 signed a and Amazon projects. even doubled the required com Inc, which Bezos founded, erally losing sleep six years ago Those ideas eventually led launch deal with Bezos’ aero- “We think we’re in the advance,” said Rodriguez, is planning a LEO called Project when he realised the company’s to Telesat’s LEO constellation, space company Blue Origin. sweet spot,” Goldberg said. adding that the government Kuiper. Bezos also owns Blue business model was in peril as dubbed Lightspeed, which will Discussions are ongoing with “When we look at some of these had deposited “59.2m Swiss Origin, which builds rockets. Netflix and video streaming orbit about 35 times closer to three others, said David Wen- other constellations, we don’t francs in the accounts of Despite the competition, took off and fiber optics guar- earth than GEO satellites, and dling, Telesat’s chief technical get it.” Analyst Henry said Tel- GAVI,” a co-leader of the Dan Goldberg, Telesat’s chief anteed lightning-fast Internet will provide Internet connec- officer. esat’s focus on business clients COVAX program that seeks to executive officer, connectivity. tivity at a speed akin to fibre They are Japan’s Mitsubishi is the right one. improve low-income coun- tries’ access to vaccines. Rodriguez did not specify Mexico reports what funds the government Ecuador ponders return to socialism in presidential runoff used to pay for the vaccines. 2,192 new virus In recent months the gov- REUTERS — QUITO ernment has held talks with deaths after opposition leaders to obtain Ecuadoreans voted in a presi- vaccines via the COVAX pro- dential runoff yesterday to data review gramme using funds frozen in decide whether to maintain the the United States. pro-market policies of the last REUTERS — MEXICO CITY Those efforts had been four years or return to the complicated by President socialism of the preceding Mexico’s government on Nicolas Maduro’s refusal to decade as the Andean country Saturday reported 2,192 new accept the AstraZeneca seeks to revive its stagnant confirmed coronavirus deaths, vaccine following reports of economy. one of its biggest one-day tolls blood clotting elsewhere. Left-wing economist Andres during the pandemic, after COVAX this year said it had set Arauz won the first round of the consolidating data from last aside doses of the AstraZeneca election in February, garnering year to include deaths that shot for use in Venezuela. almost 33 percent of the vote, were not confirmed at the In her announcement, on promises of generous cash time. Rodriguez said Venezuelan handouts and a resumption of The figure was far above health authorities were eval- the socialist policies of his the daily averages reported by uating which vaccines the mentor, former President the health ministry in recent country would accept, espe- Rafael Correa. weeks. cially considering various var- Arauz’s rival, banker and Mexico’s health ministry iants of the coronavirus, par- third-time presidential candidate said two-thirds of the 2,192 ticularly the variant that orig- Guillermo Lasso, is promising to deaths reported on Saturday inated in Brazil. create jobs through foreign occurred in 2020 and at the The vice-president high- investment and financial support time were not marked down lighted that in September 2020 for the agricultural sector. Lasso People queue to vote at a polling station during the second round of presidential election, in Pujili, as coronavirus fatalities. They the government entered into won just shy of 20 percent of the Ecuador, yesterday. were subsequently reviewed the agreement for over 11 first-round ballots. by experts. million doses, which would Indigenous activist Yaku describing the figure as unu- poverty and left half a million take office on May 24. “They went through an vaccinate around 20% of the Perez, who narrowly lost out to sually high. “(The undecided) people unemployed. Arauz, 36, has offered to adjudication process and can population. Lasso for a slot in the runoff, is see that neither option has the President Lenin Moreno, who give $1,000 to a million fam- now be conferred as deaths by Rodriguez added that the calling on supporters to spoil capacity to get the country out is not seeking re-election, imposed ilies as soon as he takes office, COVID,” Gabriela del Carmen remaining $60m worth were their ballots to protest what he of the economic and health painful austerity measures as part as well as provide benefits to Nucamendi Cervantes, “guaranteed.” COVAX expects called electoral fraud during the crises that it’s in,” said Romero. of a $6.5 billion financing young people such as free director of epidemiological to deliver at least 2 billion first round. The oil-exporting nation’s agreement with the International Internet access. His plans are surveillance of non-commu- doses this year and to diversify The vote will hinge on the economy was already weak due Monetary Fund, but was unable to being closely watched by nicable diseases at the health the offering beyond the Astra- roughly 15 percent of the elec- to low crude prices when the kick-start the economy. foreign investors who hold ministry, said during a news Zeneca/Oxford and Pfizer/ torate who remain undecided, coronavirus outbreak started. The elections council expects Ecuadorean bonds, some of conference. BioNTech shots it is currently said Francis Romero, director The pandemic has pushed a to report the results on Sunday whom have expressed concerns The updated figures took supplying. of pollster Click Report, third of the population into night. The new president will about heavy spending plans. Mexico’s total coronavirus death tally to 209,212, the fourth-highest in the world after the United States, Brazil Brazil virus outlook darkens amid vaccine supply snags and Russia. The Mexican government AP — RIO DE JANEIRO in April three times already, to Brazil’s seven-day rolling Public health experts blame problems emerged. previously has said the real half their initial level, and the average has increased to 2,820 President Jair Bolsonaro for Authorities ignored other case numbers are likely sig- April is shaping up to be Brazil’s country’s two biggest labora- deaths per day, compared with the refusing to enact strict measures producers and squandered nificantly higher, and separate darkest month yet in the tories are facing supply global average of 10,608 per day, to halt infections and for opportunities until it was too data published recently by the pandemic, with hospitals strug- constraints. according to data through April 8 clashing with governors and late to get large quantities of health ministry suggested the gling with a crush of patients, The delays also mean tens from Johns Hopkins University. mayors who did. vaccine for the first half of actual death toll may be at deaths on track for record highs of thousands more deaths as the The death toll is forecast to Failure to control the spread 2021. least 60 percent above the and few signs of a reprieve from particularly contagious P.1 continue rising in the next two has been compounded by the With extensive experience confirmed figure. a troubled vaccination program variant of COVID-19 sweeps weeks to an average of nearly Health Ministry betting big on in successful, massive vacci- The health ministry on Sat- in Latin America’s largest Brazil. It has recorded about 3,500 per day before receding, a single vaccine, AstraZeneca, nation programs, Brazil should urday also reported 6,356 new nation. 350,000 of the 2.9 million virus according to the University of then buying only one backup, have known better, said Claudio confirmed cases of COVID-19, The Health Ministry has cut deaths worldwide, behind only Washington’s Institute for Health the Chinese-manufactured Maierovitch, former head of taking the country’s total to its outlook for vaccine supplies the US toll of over 560,000. Metrics and Evaluation. CoronaVac, after supply Brazil’s health regulator. 2,278,420 infections. MONDAY 12 APRIL 2021 AMERICAS 15 Trump slams McConnell at party donors meet AP — PALM BEACH “The former president The new tension between Trump and establishment- It was supposed to be a unifying is using the same minded Republican leaders weekend for a Republican Party language that he comes as GOP officials are at war with itself over former trying to play down an internal President Donald Trump’s knows provoked feud over his role in the party, divisive leadership. But Trump violence on January his commitment to Republican himself shattered two days of 6. As a party, we need fund raising and his plans for relative peace in his closing 2024. Trump is also continuing remarks to the GOP’s top to be focused on the to insist that the last election donors when he insulted the future, we need to be was “stolen” from him, party’s Senate leader and his repeating false claims that Joe wife. focused on embracing Biden won the election only Ahead of the invitation-only the Constitution, because of voter fraud. speech at Trump’s new home Such claims ultimately inside his Mar-a-Lago resort, not embracing fueled the January 6 attack on the former president’s advisers insurrection,” Liz the Capitol. said he would emphasize his McConnell and Chao have commitment to his party and Cheney said. been particularly critical of Biden attends church service Republican unity. Trump’s role in encouraging the Trump veered sharply from final address of the Republican insurrection; Chao resigned her US President Joe Biden waves as he departs Holy Trinity Catholic Church in the Georgetown prepared remarks Saturday National Committee’s weekend post in protest. Pence, meanwhile, neighbourhood of Washington, DC, yesterday. night and instead slammed donor summit in Palm Beach. presided over a congressional Senate Minority Leader Mitch Most of the RNC’s closed-door session that certified Biden’s McConnell, as a “stone-cold gathering was held at a luxury election victory over Trump. loser” and mocked McConnell’s hotel a few miles away from Mar- Rep Liz Cheney was among Hit-and-run crash in Florida wife, Elaine Chao, who was a-Lago; attendees were bused to 10 House Republicans who Trump’s transportation Trump’s club for his remarks. joined every Democrat in secretary. While a significant faction voting to impeach Trump for Trump also said he was “dis- of the Republican Party hopes inspiring the Jan. 6 attack. kills New York federal judge appointed” in his vice-president, to move past Trump’s divisive Seven Republican senators later Mike Pence, and used a pro- leadership, the location of the voted to convict Trump, even A P — BOCA RATON stopped traffic, on a busy road yesterday on $60,000 bond. fanity in assessing McConnell, event — and the former presi- after he had left office. when she drove onto the The Palm Beach County public according to multiple people in dent’s prominent speaking slot “The former president is A Florida woman who claimed sidewalk and struck Feuerstein. defender’s office was not open attendance who were not — suggests that the GOP, at least using the same language that she is Harry Potter fatally struck Snape then drove back onto the Sunday and has a policy of not authorised to publicly discuss for now, is not ready to replace he knows provoked violence on a federal judge visiting from roadway, striking the boy in a speaking about its cases. In the what was said in a private Trump as its undisputed leader January 6. As a party, we need New York and seriously injured crosswalk. Potter novels, there is a char- session. He said McConnell had and chief fundraiser. to be focused on the future, we a 6-year-old boy after swerving Police say Snape then fled acter named Snape. not thanked him properly for Ahead of his latest attack on need to be focused on her car onto a sidewalk, offi- into neighboring Delray Beach, Feuerstein was appointed putting Chao, who was labor fellow Republicans, Trump’s embracing the Constitution, not cials said. where she crashed. A Delray to the federal bench by Pres- secretary under President team reported that his remarks embracing insurrection,” Nastasia Snape, 23, is police officer said Snape ident George W Bush after 16 George W Bush, in his Cabinet. were intended to reinforce his Cheney said Sunday on CBS’ charged with vehicular hom- appeared to be having convul- years as a New York state judge, McConnell’s office did not continued leadership role in “Face the Nation.” icide and other felonies for Fri- sions, but was able to get out of according to Eastern District immediately respond to a Republican affairs, a sharp Trump and his allies have day’s crash that killed District the car. She stared into space website. The court’s jurisdiction request for comment Sunday. break from past presidents. already promised to fuel primary Judge Sandra Feuerstein, 75, and would only say she was OK. covers Long Island, including Trump’s words left some “Saturday’s speech will be challenges against Cheney and who served in the Eastern Dis- Police say that in the ambu- Brooklyn and Queens, along attendees feeling uncom- welcomed words to the Repub- those Republicans who sup- trict of New York since 2003. lance, Snape began screaming with Staten Island. fortable. Former House Speaker lican donors visiting Mar-a- ported his impeachment. The boy, Anthony Ovchinnikov, and fighting with medics while She had been presiding over Newt Gingrich did not defend Lago to hear directly from Pres- And while the Republican was taken to the hospital, but yelling she is Harry Potter. The the case of a former New York Trump as he left Palm Beach ident Trump,” Trump adviser National Committee signalled his condition Sunday could not medics drugged her. Police say City police officer, Valerie yesterday. Jason Miller said. “Palm Beach its commitment to Trump by be determined. they found in her purse the syn- Cincinelli, who is accused of “We are much better off if is the new political power hosting its spring donor summit According to court records, thetic drug commonly known paying her lover to kill her we keep focusing on the Dem- center, and President Trump is at his doorstep, Trump’s com- witnesses told Boca Raton as “bath salts,” which can cause husband. The lover went to ocrats. Period,” Gingrich said. the Republican Party’s best mitment to the GOP is far from police the Snape was driving psychotic episodes. authorities and she was Saturday’s speech was the messenger.” certain. erratically, going around She remained jailed arrested. Iowa patrol trooper slain amid violent standoff Thousands of inmates AP — LIBERTY of highway patrol troopers in angry,” Bayens said. Lang fled but eventually released in pandemic an armored personnel carrier “But rest assured we’re not stopped and assaulted the A 27-year veteran of the Iowa smashed into the home. Lang broken. We will continue to officer, Mortvedt said. During State Patrol was shot and killed fired multiple shots at the shoulder the burdens of our the assault, Lang yelled “Shoot could be back to prison during a violent standoff with carrier. Three officers inside the communities while carrying our Me” at the officer several times, a man who fought back against carrier returned fire, hitting the own. We will continue to stand and Lang disarmed the officer REUTERS — WASHINGTON correctional facilities” if they do agents in an armored personnel man several times, authorities in the gap of good and evil of his gun and stun gun and put not otherwise qualify to remain carrier and said he wanted to said. because, like Jim, that is what him in a chokehold, he added. For Kendrick Fulton, the at home - a move that could shoot other officers, authorities Lang was hospitalized in we are called to do.” A Grundy County deputy COVID-19 pandemic opened impact as many as 7,399 BOP said Saturday. critical condition on Saturday. Mitch Mortvedt, assistant arrived and told Lang to drop the door to an unexpected inmates who currently remain Sergeant Jim Smith was He was charged with first- director of the division of his gun. Lang instead yelled opportunity to rebuild his life out on home confinement killed Friday night in Grundy degree murder and is being held criminal investigation, said “Come get me” and got into his in Round Rock, Texas, after because they still have time left Center as he and other officers on $1 million bond. events began at 7.22pm on vehicle. He ended up at his serving 17 years behind bars for on their sentences. entered the home of Michael Iowa Department of Public Friday when a Grundy Center home, and several law selling crack cocaine. That leaves Fulton, 47, who Thomas Lang, 41, who fled there Safety Commissioner Steve officer tried to stop Lang for a enforcement officers arrived, As officials scrambled last said he was able to get much- after an earlier police pursuit, Bayens said Smith “died a hero” traffic violation. Mortvedt said. year to stem the spread of the needed knee surgery and authorities said. and “sacrificed himself pro- Lang was known to Grundy Lang’s father arrived and coronavirus in prisons, the Justice secure a job at a wholesale auto The standoff ended about tecting others.” City officers and was not sup- told officers his son had mul- Department let Fulton and more glass distributor in the past few midnight Friday when a team “We are hurting, we are posed to be driving, he said. tiple weapons in the house. than 23,800 inmates like him months, facing the prospect of serve their sentences at home. losing the new life he’s tried to But as more people are create for himself. Armed man vaccinated, thousands could be “Words can’t really express hauled back into prison to serve how I feel to be home 11 years barricaded in the remainder of their sen- earlier. To get a job, to get a bank tences, thanks to a little- account,” said Fulton. “I served Honolulu hotel noticed legal opinion issued by over 17 years already. What more the Justice Department in the do you want? I should go back AP — HONOLULU waning days of Republican for another 11 years to literally former President Donald just do nothing?” An armed man who barri- Trump’s administration. Criminal justice reform caded himself inside a hotel Congressional Democrats advocacy groups say that if the room at a resort in Honolulu and justice-reform advocates White House leaves the policy and fired shots through the have called on President Joe in place, it will destroy the lives door was still in a standoff Biden and US Attorney General of thousands of people who with police yesterday morning. Merrick Garland to reverse the pose little public safety risk and No one was hurt in the opinion, but so far the new have already landed jobs, gunfire late Saturday at The administration has not acted to returned to school and tried to Kahala Hotel & Resort, rescind the memo. reintegrate into society. Honolulu police Captain Brian The memo offers a strict “Allowing this memo to Lynch told news outlets. The legal interpretation of the stay on the books is in direct luxury resort said in a CARES Act, a 2020 law that gave conflict with the administra- statement that hotel security the attorney general the tion’s commitment to criminal and law enforcement evac- authority to release low-level justice reform,” said Inimai uated the area around the inmates into home confinement Chettiar, a director at the room. during the pandemic. Justice Action Network. “Everybody is accounted Once the emergency is “They know how to change for,” Lynch said. “We’re just Protesters want Tony Lewis freed lifted, the memo says, the Trump policies if they want to,” waiting for the suspect to give federal Bureau of Prisons “must added Kevin Ring, president of up.” Protesters call for the early release of Tony Lewis, who was sentenced to life without parole 32 years recall prisoners in home con- Families Against Mandatory Shots were fired at around ago on drug trafficking charges, on Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington, on Saturday. finement to Minimums. 6pm, according to police. Hotel security staff went up to the room where the man was located and knocked on the Michigan Governor Whitmer urges ‘surge’ in vaccine doses door. He then fired through the door multiple times, police BLOOMBERG — LANSING and large numbers of people for Michiganders to voluntarily surges, Whitmer said Friday at such as testing, but that the state said. who have never been exposed suspend social activities for two a press briefing. In the would have to make do with its Authorities have not The federal government needs to COVID-19 have created a weeks, and asked the federal meantime, she urged high current allocation of vaccine released any details about the to urgently “surge” vaccine critical infection situation in the government to prioritize addi- schools to shift back to remote doses, which is based on pop- events leading up to the stand- doses into the state of Michigan state, she said in an interview tional vaccines to the state, to learning, diners to avoid indoor ulation, not surges. off. Police believe the man is in order to combat a spike in on CBS’s “Face the Nation.” help slow the spread in the seating, and youth sports On “Face the Nation,” in the military. coronavirus cases there, “We are seeing a surge in hottest COVID-19 spot in the leagues to suspend games and Whitmer said the state was Photos and videos shared Governor Gretchen Whitmer Michigan despite that we have nation. practices. grateful for the support, but it by local media showed about said. some of the strongest policies The US needs a system that The Biden administration wasn’t enough. “I am going to 100 people locked down in the More contagious variants, in place,” Whitmer said. allocates additional vaccines to said on Friday that it would continue fighting for my state,” hotel’s ballroom. widespread pandemic fatigue, Whitmer on Friday called states that are experiencing provide additional resources, she said. MONDAY 12 APRIL 2021 16

Generation Amazing reaches 725,000 beneficiaries The mark was reached during the week of the UN International Day of Sport for Development PRAYER and Peace, which was established to highlight TIMINGS the importance of sport in achieving the PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING Sustainable Development Goals.

FAJR 03.55 am — DOHA SUNRISE 05.15 am THE PENINSULA Peace, we celebrate the success of our social and human legacy DHUHR 11.35 am The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 programme Generation ASR 03.04 pm legacy programme Generation Amazing. Driven by that uni- MAGHRIB 05.57 pm Amazing has surpassed 725,000 fying and inspiring mission, beneficiaries. Generation Amazing has ISHA 07.27 pm The mark was reached reached over 725,000 benefi- during the week of the United ciaries around the world Nations (UN) International Day through football for devel- of Sport for Development and opment programmes and com- Peace, which was established munity pitches.” to highlight the importance of Meanwhile, at a UN panel held sport in achieving the UN Sus- during the Economic and Social tainable Development Goals. Council Youth Forum 2021, Gen- In a special message on the eration Amazing Programmes day, Secretary-General of the Director, Nasser Al Khori, spoke WEATHER Supreme Committee for about impactful ways to prevent TODAY Delivery & Legacy (SC) Hassan violent extremism and rebuild A group of children who benefit from the Generation Amazing programme. Al Thawadi said: “Every day, societies using sport. somewhere on this planet, sport “Sport has that trans- community clubs and enrol panel by Sean Arbuthnot, from deliver social change globally. is changing our world for the formative power to break down them in capacity building St Philip’s Centre, Lihini Influenced by the blue colour and better. It’s a universal language, barriers, to bring people opportunities and training Weerasinghe, from the National shapes of the SC, it shows the way transcending cultures and together, and to create a sessions. Youth Services Council in Sri forward for Generation Amazing. o o borders, and it possesses a cohesive environment and “We try to empower youth. Lanka, modern pentathlete Aya Having conducted active 23 C 35 C unique power to unify and society. Sport is an enabler.” We help them develop life skills Medany and Agnes Atwijukire programming in more than ten Minimum Maximum inspire.” Discussing how Generation and communication skills. These from the Integrated Community countries, Generation Amazing Hazy at some places at first Speaking about Generation Amazing has put youth at the skills show them that there is a Development Initiative. continues to work towards its becomes relatively hot daytime with Amazing’s progress to date, Al forefront of its programme, Al different path; there’s a future, Generation Amazing has also objective of positively impacting scattered clouds. Thawadi added, “On this United Khori added: “We have a youth there’s hope, we try to inspire launched its new brand identity, 1 million lives through football Nations International Day of advocacy programme, where them as much as we can.” inspired by its vision to pass on for development outreach and W ALRUWAIS : 21o → 34o Sport for Development and we engage with youth in our Al Khori was joined on the core life skills through sport and education by 2022. W ALKHOR : 23o → 32o W DUKHAN : 21o → 36o W WAKRAH : 23o → 33o MoU between QSTP and Innovation Café W MESAIEED : 23o → 33o DFI-granted short W ABUSAMRA : 19o → 42o aims to aid aspiring firms, businesses film wins BAFTA THE PENINSULA — DOHA HIGH TIDE 4:24– 17:19 Exciting new tech start-ups and RAYNALD C RIVERA year’s Academy Awards, LOW TIDE 12:09 – 0:00 entrepreneurial ventures in THE PENINSULA winners of which will be Qatar are set to be given fresh announced at the awards cer- impetus after Qatar Science & Palestinian-British filmmaker emony on April 25. Technology Park (QSTP), part Farah Nabulsi’s short film The The Present previously of Qatar Foundation Research, Present, a film supported by won a string of awards from Anne Beatts, Development and Innovation Doha Film Institute (DFI), has various international festivals (QF RDI), recently signed a won Best British Short Film at such as the Audience Award ground-breaking Memorandum of Under- this year’s BAFTA Film Awards. for Best Film at Clermont- standing (MoU) with Doha- DFI posted a congratulatory Ferrand International Short comedy writer, based Innovation Café. message via its social media Film Festival 2020 where it The Café is an innovation and accounts yesterday along with marked its world premiere, the dead at 74 design thinking studio set up with the video of the acceptance Jury Award for Best Live Action an aim to provide the right oppor- speech of Nabulsi in which she Short at the Cleveland Inter- AP — NEW YORK tunities, guidance and support to Yousef Al Salehi (left), Executive Director, Qatar Science & Technology thanked everyone who worked national Film Festival, and help businesses start up and thrive Park, and Ramzan Rashid Al Naimi, Founder and CEO, Innovation in the film, her family, and Audience Award for Best Short Anne Beatts, a ground- in Qatar. It is a unique concept Café, signing the MoU. BAFTA. Narrative at Brooklyn Film breaking comedy writer with that focuses on trans- Speaking Festival 2020. a taste for sweetness and the forming organisations through funding, networks, and pathways also offer a 25% discount on remotely A human macabre who was on the competitive research, imple- to make this happen. We are marketing services such as during the first rights advocate, original staff of Saturday Night menting business innovation delighted to link-up with our branding, digital media and night of the Nabulsi left the Live and later created the cult tools, and designing service maps. partners at the Innovation Café social media management for two-part corporate world sitcom Square Pegs, has died. The pact has three main to accomplish the important start-ups incubated at QSTP. awards cer- in 2015 to start She was 74. objectives – to collectively objectives of our MoU.” Founder and Chief Executive emony, working in the Beatts died on Wednesday boost entrepreneurial activity Several activities have been Officer of Innovation Café, Nabulsi said Palestinian film at her home in West Hol- in Qatar; to jointly identify the planned under the terms of the Ramzan Rashid Al Naimi, added: she dedicated industry as a lywood, California, according needs for creating an enabling contract to see it succeed in its “We are really glad to sign this the award “to writer and pro- to her close friend Rona environment for start-ups to principal intentions. Among MoU with QSTP. This cooperation the people of ducer of short Edwards. Edwards, a film pro- thrive; and to support and them, the QSTP and Innovation aims to serve and empower the Palestine for fiction films, ducer and a fellow faculty promote start-ups by providing Café brands will be leveraged in entrepreneurs in the State of whom inspired by Pal- member at Chapman Uni- mentorship and comprehensive incubator events, workshops, Qatar by leveraging the national freedom and estinian realities versity, did not immediately information on innovation and bootcamps, hackathons, and entrepreneurial ecosystem which equality is and topics that know the cause of death. tech-development programs. pitching sessions. Efforts will supports innovation in various long, long Farah Nabulsi giving a speech matter to her. Starting in 1975 and Commenting on the two- also be made to extend expertise aspects. It is also in line with the overdue. on her film’s win at BAFTA Film One of these running for five seasons, Beatts year collaboration, QSTP Exec- in terms of technology, efforts to enhance the importance Thank you, Awards 2021. films ‘Today was among a team of gifted utive Director, Yousef Al Salehi, knowledge and management of the knowledge-based economy huge love and They Took My writers that included Rosie said, “Being part of a nationwide aspects to strengthen the eco- in Qatar and to achieve Qatar appreciation.” Son’ was endorsed by Shuster, Alan Zweibel, Marilyn ecosystem of research, devel- system. Additionally, both National Vision 2030. Nabulsi’s first venture into renowned Director Ken Loach, Suzanne Miller and such cast opment, innovation, and entre- parties have agreed to support “The MoU stipulates that the directing, The Present is a short screened at the United Nations members as Dan Aykroyd and preneurship, it is important that applicants by providing access two institutions will have film that centres around a man and officially selected to top Chevy Chase who helped make we identify synergies and lev- to workspace, machinery, and regular consultations, exchange named Yusef and his daughter international film festivals. Saturday Night Live a cultural erage them to effectively infrastructure alongside funding of information, experiences, who set out in the West Bank A number of DFI-funded phenomenon. With Shuster, support our tech innovators and and investment opportunities and cooperation in various to buy his wife a surprise gift. films have won Oscar nomi- she would invent the beloved entrepreneurs to address local per relevant program criteria, fields to support start-ups and The film sheds light on how nations this year while more young nerds — the nasally, market needs while also making as well as mentoring and other small and medium-sized com- Palestinians are deprived of the films have scooped honours Marvin Hamlisch-adoring Lisa a global impact. necessary professional support. panies. Also, we agreed to basic right to freedom of from various international Loopner (played by Gilda “As Qatar’s premier hub for There will also be mutual implement innovative pro- movement. award-giving bodies, reaf- Radner) and high-pantsed technology development and participation in events, as well grams and initiatives that have Now streaming via Netflix, firming the institute’s crucial goofball Todd DiLaMuca (Bill innovation, QSTP provides the as workshops and pitching ses- a tremendous impact on the The Present is also one of the role in supporting quality Murray), and help coin such ideal environment encompassing sions as knowledge-sharing entrepreneurial community in five nominees in the Live- films in the Arab world and catchphrases as Lisa’s, “That’s infrastructure, programs, partners. Innovation Café will the country. Action Short category at this beyond. so funny I forgot to laugh.” Beatts would later draw upon her own acknowledged background as an outsider in beIN offers exclusive family entertainment content for Ramadan high school for her own series “Square Pegs.” THE PENINSULA — DOHA To make the holy month of We look forward to bringing joy best cooking shows on beIN program, which Chef Asia “If you look looked at the Ramadan more special, new to every member of every GOURMET and FATAFEAT Othman will present every nerds, she knew that world,” beIN Media Group is bringing subscribers to any of beIN’s family during this blessed channels featuring exclusive Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Zweibel said. “She and Rosie families together this Ramadan packages have an opportunity month.” dishes by internationally during Ramadan at 13:50 Mecca handled those characters with with a line-up of exclusive to get a free set-top box For this year’s Ramadan, renowned chefs such as Manal Al time. Ibn Al-Bahhar, with Chef love. She knew that world. If drama, comedy, and cookery delivered to their doorstep with beIN will broadcast several Alem, Fatima Al Basiri, and others. Marwan, will be shown every you look at ‘Square Pegs,’ the shows. free installation. unique drama series and tele- On beIN GOURMET, viewers Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday title alone speaks volumes.” beIN recently announced Acting CEO of beIN MENA vision programs featuring Arab can follow the Arab Kitchen, at 12:55 Mecca time. The third part Premiering in 1982, Square the launch of new channels and Mohammad Al Subaie, said, and Turkish stars. The programs which will air daily at 12:00 of Manal Al-Alem Kitchen will be Pegs was then a rare sitcom packages for subscribers across “We at beIN strive to meet the include Asrar (Secrets), Benayet Mecca. With 30 different epi- broadcast daily at 12:00 Makkah. centering on teen-age girls and the Middle East and North needs of our Arab and MENA Hab al Reeh (A Building in the sodes, the program will unveil beIN entertains and starring Sarah Jessica Parker Africa (MENA), offering more audiences – particularly during Wind), The Seljuk Renaissance, the secrets of cooking. Car- operates in 43 countries glo- in an early role as a first-year options and catering to the the holy month of Ramadan – Bent Al Sultan (The Sultan’s damom and Saffron is another bally, including 24 countries high school student trying to entire family’s needs. beIN by providing new and diver- Daughter), and Yama Kan wa exclusive programme presented across the MENA region. With fit in. Square Pegs lasted just viewers and subscribers can sified entertainment content as Kan (Once Upon a Time). Others by Fatima Al Basiri, set to be broadcast on satellite in 4K and one season but was loved by now enjoy a new range of well as great programming for are Husband Under House broadcast daily at 13:20 Full HD, the beIN experience is critics and later praised for entertainment options during all members of the family. We Arrest and God Brings the Makkah. The Big House will also also available on mobile, tablet, anticipating the teen comedies Ramadan through four new aim to keep upgrading our Water. air daily at 14:30 Makkah. computer, and other home John Hughes would soon packages: Together, Kick-off, channels and packages to offer Viewers will enjoy a plethora FATAFEAT will release the devices through beIN become famous for. Premium, and Ultimate. our subscribers more options. of daily programming, with the second part of the Dooq min Yadi CONNECT.