www.thepeninsula.qa Saturday 5 September 2020 Volume 25 | Number 8371 17 Muharram - 1442 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 11 SPORT | 16

China will keep Messi staying opening service at 'club of his industries to the life' to avoid world, says Xi court fight

Choose the network of heroes Enjoy the Internet

Four arrested Container Terminal 2 QTerminals has received the first batch of 12 trailers for violating that will support CT2 operations. home quarantine project at Hamad All 3 HHMC Quay Cranes for operations in CT2 have conditions been loaded successfully on M/V Hua Sheng Long. QNA — DOHA

Delivery to Hamad Port is expected early October. The competent authorities Port fully on track yesterday arrested four people Hamad Port contributes to achieving economic who violated the requirements IRFAN BUKHARI & SIDI MOHAMED for operations in CT2 have been loaded of the home quarantine, they THE PENINSULA successfully on M/V Hua Sheng Long. diversification and supporting major national projects. committed to following, which “Delivery to Hamad Port is expected they are legally accountable A week after the arrival of first vessel at early October,” it announced. Three container terminals will handle 7.5 million TEUs for, in accordance with the Hamad Port’s Container Terminal 2 In a number of tweets, the Ministry procedures of the health (CT2), the Ministry of Transport and of Transport and Communications yes- annually upon completion of all stages of development. authorities in the country. Communications (MoTC) yesterday high- terday said that Hamad Port is distin- It is in implementation of lighted the strategic importance of the guished by its huge potentials as the the precautionary measures in port saying that it contributes to general cargo terminal has a capacity of force in the country, approved achieving economic diversification and seven million tonnes per year, the multi- by health authorities repre- supporting major national projects. use terminal is one million tonnes per sented in the Ministry of Public “Hamad Port contributes to achieving year of grain and 500,000 cars in Health (MoPH) to ensure the economic diversification and supporting addition to livestock. “The three con- achievement of public safety major national projects, as the port tainer terminals will handle 7.5 million and to curb the spread of the received Doha Metro trains to support the TEUs annually upon completion of all novel coronavirus. sustainable transport network in the stages of development,” it added. The four persons who are country. The port has a pioneering role in On Hamad Port’s importance, the currently being referred to stimulating commercial movement, Ministry added that it attracts the largest prosecution: Abdulaziz Atallah meeting the needs of the local market, and international shipping companies due Ajlan Al Anzi, Ahmed Yousef supporting trade exchange between Qatar to its prestigious position, modern fleet, Ahmed Al Bineid Al Mohannadi, and the outside world,” said the Ministry advanced systems and its leadership in Salman Murshid Awad Al Subaie on its official Twitter yesterday. providing high-quality marine services Al Anzi and Hamad Ahmed Meanwhile, QTerminals has said that to all ships. “The port has entered the Mohamed Salih Yasin. work on Container Terminal 2 is fully on Guinness World Records title as the The concerned authorities track. “QTerminals has received the first deepest artificial basin ever made on in the state call on citizens and batch of 12 trailers that will support CT2 earth,” the MoTC tweeted. residents who are subject to operations. A further 12 units will be It is pertinent to mention that Hamad Hamad Port’s basin is 4km long, 700 commitment to preserving wildlife and quarantine to fully adhere to delivered during September and October. Port had added a new achievement to meters wide and 17 meters deep. Basin marine life - to extract more than 44.5 the requirements set by the All the trailers are Made in Qatar. CT2 – its series of achievements in September construction took about two and a half million cubic meters of dredged material, Ministry of Public Health, to fully on track,” tweeted QTerminals. last year by setting a new Guinness years of excavation, during which over which was later used in other con- ensure their safety and the In another tweet, QTerminals World Records title as the deepest arti- 6900 tonnes of explosives were used to struction works at the project, resulting safety of others. announced that all 3 HHMC Quay Cranes ficial basin ever made on earth. challenge the drafts - with full in huge savings. `P3 The concerned authorities warned that anyone who vio- lates these conditions will expose himself to the penalties Parents should not fear sending children to school: Health official stipulated in accordance with the provisions of Article (253) of SIDI MOHAMED measures. “Parents must adhere the Penal Code No. (11) of 2004, THE PENINSULA Most of the COVID-19 cases that to the precautionary measures and the provisions of Law No. have been recorded are due to not only at schools, but also at (17) of 1990 regarding the pre- Allaying parents’ fears about home,” she affirmed. vention of infectious diseases, opening of schools, an official of family gatherings. Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal, Chair and Law No. (17) of 2002 on the Ministry of Public Health has of the National Strategic Group protection of society. said that parents should not be For preventing overcrowding and on COVID-19 and Head of the afraid of schools, because most Infectious Diseases Division at Katara beach of the COVID-19 cases that have following health precautionary Hamad Medical Corporation had been recorded are due to family recently said that the most chosen for fish gatherings. measures applied in all schools, infected cases with coronavirus farming The official further said that parents should bring their children to during the last period were for preventing overcrowding found within the same family, THE PENINSULA — DOHA and following health precau- schools early. which often came from one of tionary measures applied in all its members. The Ministry of Municipality schools, parents should bring The schools after reopening and Environment has chosen their children to schools early. It is forbidden for students to gather are applying a number of pre- Katara Beach for farming “All the administrative staff outside or inside the school building. cautionary rules to avoid spread 40,000 sha’am fish, as it is a and teachers have been trained of coronavirus as it is forbidden natural reserve and a suitable on how to deal with suspected They have to report about any symptoms, whether for students to gather outside or environment for breeding of cases of coronavirus and how to high temperature or other symptoms. inside the school building, as this kind of fish. act in such cases. There are also well as the necessity to report Katara beach is appro- special isolation rooms for about any symptoms, whether priate due to restrictions on assessment of such cases,” said authorities, as a committee has suspected cases will not be schools, because most of the high temperature or other fish hunting and its high envi- Dr. Soha Al Bayat, Head of Vac- been formed that includes the allowed to enter the school coronavirus cases that have symptoms. ronmental characteristics cination Department at the Min- Ministry of Public Health, the unless a medical test is con- been recorded are due to family Likewise, wearing masks which make it suitable venue istry of Public Health. Ministry of Education and ducted to know health status.” gatherings. Therefore, she said, and measuring the temperature for the breeding of this type of Speaking to a local TV Higher Education and the Min- Regarding the parents fears it is better to warn children before entering the school, and fish in order to enrich fish channel, she said: “Also, there is istry of Interior to follow up sus- on sending their children to about gatherings in public places taking into account the distance stocks and to protect marine continuous follow-up and pected cases and to alert the schools, Al Bayat said that or with other families without between each student are biodiversity in of Qatar, Katara contact with the concerned school and its staff. Such parents should not be afraid of taking the precautionary compulsory. said a statement. `P2 People satisfied with MoI e-services platforms during COVID-19 crisis

IRFAN BUKHARI experience about e-services exceeded 1 million while the THE PENINSULA provided through Metrash2 app transactions completed since and MOI website during the the beginning of the year 2020 Like many other digital services COVID19 crisis, 799 until April 22, 2020 reached of government entities which respondents, out of total 1,037 more than 2.3 million trans- are being fully utilised by the votes cast, termed the expe- actions and the total inquiries people during COVID-19 rience as ‘excellent’. about the services in Metrash2 pandemic, Ministry of Interior’s The survey was launched exceeded 5 million inquiries. Metrash2 app and website are on August 13 and set to close on There are over 200 services serving masses who due to September 30. available currently on Metrash2 observing precautions prefer According to online survey, for the individuals and making many transactions 13 percent respondents termed companies. online. their experience of using The most used services in In an ongoing online survey e-services of Metrash2 app and 2020 include renewing vehicle on the website of the Ministry MOI website as ‘good’ while licences, registering national of Interior, around 77 percent only 7 percent people expressed address, renewing residence respondents termed their expe- their dissatisfaction over it. permits, visa extension and rience of using e-services pro- Only 3 percent people were paying fines for traffic viola- vided through Ministry of Inte- undecided and chose ‘don’t tions. In order to promote Malls receiving more shoppers rior’s Metrash2 app and MOI know’ option. digital transformation, more After more easing of restrictions with the start of Phase 4 reopening, malls around Qatar are witnessing website as ‘excellent’. According to data released than 40 e-services had been a good turnout of shoppers. A view of the Mall of Qatar, yesterday. PIC: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA To a question asked by the in the end of April this year, the added to Metrash2 application Ministry of Interior on people’s number of Metrash2 users have in 2019. `P2 02 HOME SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY Hazy at some places at first becomes hot daytime with local FAJR03.57 am SUNRISE 05.16 am o o clouds and chance of scattered rain. ZUHR 11.33 am ASR 03.02 pm 32 C 42 C Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 05:48 – 18:04 LOW TIDE 01:36 – 12:58 MAGHRIB 05.49 pm ISHA 07.19 pm W ALRUWAIS: 31o↗38o W ALKHOR: 31o↗40o W DUKHAN: 29o↗40o W WAKRAH: 31o↗40o W MESAIEED 31o↗40o W ABUSAMRA 27o↗43o FBQ Museum launches ‘Artists in the time of COVID-19’ exhibition RAYNALD C RIVERA FBQ Museum’s The White demonstrated by the huge variety of THE PENINSULA Majlis, an independent artworks received by the museum, it decided to present the artworks in Sixty varying artworks by Qatar-based space offering common three exhibitions. artists are on show at ‘Artists in the ground for the creative The second and third parts of the time of COVID-19’ exhibition, which exhibition are scheduled to be held opened yesterday at the Sheikh Faisal community, hosts the from October 9 to November 7 and Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum (FBQ exhibition which runs until from November 13 to December 12, Museum). respectively. Many museum visitors, artists and October 3. The exhibition provides art lovers art enthusiasts came to see the rich col- and museum visitors added value to lection of artworks created by artists FBQ Museum’s The White Majlis, their tour with an exceptional expe- from different backgrounds and ages an independent space offering rience and inspiring pieces of art which consist of paintings, digital common ground for the creative com- created by more than 30 talented prints, photography, installations, munity, hosts the exhibition which runs Qatar-based artists. videos, and mixed media, among until October 3. Established in 1998 as a non-profit others. The show is the first instalment of museum foundation of public interest, The art pieces reveal how the a three-part exhibition series which is FBQ Museum is home to a growing artists have coped with the pandemic, a product of a crowd-sourced initi- collection of more than 50,000 turning fear and anxiety as well as ative launched by the museum in April objects developed throughout decades hope and determination into “They are not alone” (left) and “Scars of Humanity” by Hassan Alsalat on display which encouraged artists in the of dedicated and enthusiastic col- creativity. at ‘Artists in the time of COVID-19’ exhibition which opened yesterday at the country to translate their thoughts and lecting of a diverse and eclectic body RAYNALD C RIVERA/THE PENINSULA Among the interesting artworks on Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum. experiences of the pandemic into of works across four themes, including show are Michael Conjusta’s acrylic stunning art pieces to be enjoyed by Islamic Art, Qatar Heritage, Vehicles, painting titled “COVID-19 Heroes”, ends soon”, Hassan Alsalat’s digital created by Naseema Shukhoor using art enthusiasts. and Coins & Currency coming from Basma Abouzeid’s pastel on paper print “Scars of Humanity” and a mosaic around 5,000 black-and-white textile With an overwhelming response four continents and different time ‘Wishing the Coronavirus pandemic piece called “Looking into the Future” buttons. from the country’s art community, periods. MoPH: 225 more recover, 217 new cases Marine vessels permitted to operate at 30% capacity THE PENINSULA — DOHA confirmed cases of COVID-19 Another 225 people have THE PENINSULA — DOHA According to the Ministry also called on all citizens and in the country. Among them recovered from the virus, announcement on its website residents to adhere to the pre- The Ministry of Public Health 203 are community cases and bringing the total number of In line with the fourth phase of yesterday, the marine vessels cautionary measures imposed (MoPH) yesterday announced 14 from travellers returning recovered cases in Qatar to gradual lifting of restrictions on permitted are as follows, per- in the country. the registration of 217 new from abroad. 116,538. the movement of marine sonal boats, rental boats, In a statement on Twitter, vessels, the Ministry of Interior yachts, daily cruising boats, jet the Ministry also said: “Your (MoI) has announced that a kind boats, personal shows. compliance with safety of vessels permitted to operate Water scooters are per- requirements shows your Can model UN programmes make at a 30 percent maximum mitted to operate for one awareness of their school curriculum more effective? capacity, including the crew. person only. The Ministry has importance.” THE PENINSULA — DOHA to model the THIMUN forums day face in the real world,” El — in essence to provide a safe Mahdi said. Every year, at the end of each space for students to engage in “If we frame their everyday THIMUN Qatar conference, open discussions about global learning to be reflective of the Fatima El Mahdi takes a issues on a day-to-day basis and global issues addressed in moment to look at the faces of develop essential skills for life THIMUN Qatar, more and more her beaming students and relish in the process.” students will have the chance to in their evident pride of having The THIMUN Qatar Regional participate in meaningful successfully capped a year’s Office was created as a joint exchange that addresses issues worth of preparation, learning, project between QF and the that matter from around the and growth. THIMUN Foundation in 2011. world in a safe and nurturing As the head of THIMUN (The The office supports efforts way. Hague International Model around the region to develop “Students today have a very United Nations) Qatar since programmes and events for different sense of community 2018, El Mahdi has worked young people to seek — through because we are living in a digital closely with groups of pas- discussion, negotiation, debate, age. They have access to any sionate young adults, from the and personal action — solutions information they want. As edu- moment they sign up to the cul- to the various problems of the cators, we should be open to mination of their efforts during world. exploring global issues in the their participation in THIMUN THIMUN Qatar’s flagship classroom on an everyday basis conferences. conference is the annual Model by making it a part of the cur- In fact, it is these relation- United Nations event held each riculum so that those important ships that have inspired her to February. And to enable stu- conversations can be guided and advocate for the necessity of dents to become better prepared explored within the context of New elected Board of Directors and senior officials of Qatar Red Crescent Society. embedding the THIMUN prin- for their roles as Model UN Del- our lives and values and belief ciples of open discourse, debate, egates in the February con- systems. and professional growth into ference, THIMUN Qatar “Not only will they be more curriculums in schools across developed the Qatar Leadership engaged, but by facing the issues QRCS provides services to over Qatar. Conference (QLC). QLC is the — the positive and the negative “There has been a lot of con- largest professional devel- — we are empowering students versation around education in opment conferences in the and will instil in them a confi- 1.6 million beneficiaries in Qatar; Qatar Foundation — about dis- Middle East, with more than dence to take any challenge or rupting the education paradigm. 900 participating students from issue they will encounter later It’s encouraging to hear them eight countries, that supports in their lives.” elects new Board of Directors happening in forums like the the development of soft skills El Mahdi notes that extra- World Innovation Summit for such as debate, leadership, com- curriculars like THIMUN Qatar THE PENINSULA — DOHA possible, towards QRCS’s Salha presented the audit Education, and being enacted munication, public speaking, can only do so much and can humanitarian mission of report on QRCS’s closing by Qatar Foundation through entrepreneurship, and furthers only reach so many students. Qatar Red Crescent Society helping the vulnerable financial statements for the the creation of Academyati, for the understanding of the United “But if we take the THIMUN (QRCS) held its annual general everywhere. fiscal year ended December 31, example,” El Mahdi explains, Nations’ Sustainable Devel- Qatar model and incorporate its meeting (AGM) recently at the Dr. Al Maadheed talked 2019, which were found valid referencing the biennial forum opment Goals. successful components into cur- Sheikh Ali bin Jabor Al Thani about the end of his 20-year and generally conforming to the on education and the newly- In her role at THIMUN Qatar, riculum, we’ll be giving more auditorium, QRCS head- tenure at QRCS, during which International Financial founded progressive Qatar El Mahdi observes first-hand students the chance to engage quarters. The quorum was he held several leadership Reporting Standards (IFRS). Foundation (QF) school that how students who participate in in open dialogue and mean- achieved as stipulated by Law positions. It was ultimately Upon the recommendation breaks down the traditional the extracurricular programme ingful personal development No. 12/2004 concerning private concluded with the glorious from external auditor, the AGM classroom learning model and develop and grow into confident that extends to the classroom societies and professional asso- feat against coronavirus members endorsed the audited reimagines education though students and critical thinkers. and beyond. And only then can ciations and in conformity with (COVDI-19), together with financial statements and dis- exploration and discovery. “Within the framework of we finally begin to create the QRCS statute. other national organisations. charged the Board of Directors “But the next step should be THIMUN Qatar, these students holistic educational landscape Presided over by Dr. Then, an overview was from liability. Talal Abu- recalibrating the current cur- are engaging in debate on global that we are striving for.” Mohamed bin Ghanem Al Ali given about the operational Ghazaleh & Co. International riculum in schools across Qatar issues; issues that they will one Al Maadheed, QRCS President, results of QRCS in 2019. Eng Al (TAGI) was announced an the meeting was attended by Maliki presented the data of external auditor for the fiscal QRCS Secretary-General, Ali Relief and International Devel- year ending December 31, People satisfied with MoI e-services platforms during COVID-19 crisis bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Eng. opment Division, Volunteering 2020. Ibrahim Abdullah Al Maliki, and Local Development The outgoing Board of Chief Executive Director, board Division, and Resource Mobi- Directors was thanked by the FROM PAGE 1 families as well. “The main to Metrash2, all the feedback members, and heads of lisation Department. AGM members, and a new In an earlier report pub- feature of the e-services in the and the public’s satisfaction is department. The presentations on board was elected for the term lished in The Peninsula, an Ministry of Interior is that they taken into account in order to The Regulatory Authority medical services and media 2020-24, under the super- official at the General Direc- are always subject to devel- improve the quality and diver- for Charitable Activities (RACA) and digital transformation vision of the representatives torate of Information Systems opment and modernisation, sification of these services. All was represented by Mohamed were explained by Abdullah Al of RACA and external auditor of the Ministry of Interior, said especially Metrash2, which cur- MoI e-services offered through Ali Al Qayed, Director of Risk Qatan, Executive Director of and authorised delegates of the that the subscribers on rently offers more than 180 Metrash2 are available in six Management and Compliance, Medical Affairs Division, and AGM. Metrash2 are not just using e-services,” the official had languages, including Arabic, and Rashid Al Mohannadi, Ammar Mohamed, Director of These new board of Metrash2 services for them- said. English, French, Spanish, Urdu senior legal researcher. Rep- Communication, directors are President Sheikh selves but rather for their Before adding any service and Malayalam. resentatives of the external respectively. Abdullah bin Thamer Al Thani; auditing firm Deloitte & In Qatar, QRCS provided Vice-President Dr. Aisha bint Touche were also present, social, medical, and awareness Yousef Al Mannai; and Sec- including Medhat Salha, services to more than 1.6 retary Ali bin Hassan Al Katara beach chosen for fish farming Partner, and Samer Al Jogol million beneficiaries, at a total Hammadi. FROM PAGE 1 and Tareq Alozom, Audit. cost of nearly QR331m. Glo- The members are Dr. various cultural activities or awareness, whether heritage, After the approval of bally, 186 relief and devel- Khaled Ibrahim Al Sulaiti; The Cultural Village Foun- through its support to initiatives through its heritage marine agenda items, Al Hammadi opment projects were imple- Omar Hussein Al Fardan; Dr. dation — Katara pays great in this field in order to preserve activities and informing new expressed thanks for every mented for the benefit of 7.7 Abdul-Salam Al Qahtani; attention to everything that the environment in general, generations about it, or through employee and volunteer who million victims of disasters and Mohamed Mahdi Al Yami; would preserve the diversity of including marine its cooperation with various contributed to the last year’s conflicts. Saleh Ali Al Mohannadi; Rashid the environment and achieve environment. authorities in the country to success. According to him, it The overall cost of interna- Saad Al Mohannadi; Ibrahim sustainable environmental Katara is also keen on enhance the State’s efforts in was by their efforts that all tional operations amounted to Hashim Al Sada; and Soad development, either through its spreading environmental protecting the environment. these achievements were QR174.7m. Saidan Al Hamad. SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2020 HOME 03 DFI’s Short Film of the Week delves into loss, displacement Just Another Memory is Al Dhubhani’s Just Another Memory was directorial debut and was produced as part uploaded on Thursday on DFI’s YouTube channel as part of the of DFI’s annual Documentary Lab in 2018 second season of its Short Film which was led by world-renowned Cambodian of the Week initiative. Launched in April, the initi- documentary filmmaker Rithy Panh. The film ative brings the very best of DFI- was adjudged Best Documentary at the 2018 supported films for film enthu- siasts to enjoy in the comfort of Ajyal Film Festival and has participated in their own homes. The initiative various festivals around the world. aims at encouraging people to stay home amid COVID-19 pan- RAYNALD C RIVERA demic while lending support to THE PENINSULA While the film is a quiet per- Qatari films and Arab cinema. sonal reflection on loss and dis- The series kicked off with Award-winning documentary placement, it also spotlights on the short narrative Al Johara Just Another Memory dives deep the ill effects of a devastating war helmed by Qatari filmmaker into the recesses of the film- that the world generally Nora Al Subai. Other films maker’s thoughts of her war-torn disregards. which had been featured were country Yemen and its people With great visuals and Red by Kholood Al Ali, Elevate with profound love and longing. poignant sound design blending by Hamida Issa, In the Middle Streaming on Doha Film well, the film effectively delivers by Mariam Al Dhubhani, The Institute (DFI) YouTube channel internal and external conflicts in Unlucky Hamster by Abdulaziz since Thursday as this week’s fea- a film brimming with human Mohammed Khashabi, Gubgub tured short film, the 14-minute emotion. by Nouf Al Sulaiti, Land of A still from the film Just Another Memory by Mariam Al Dhubhani. documentary by Yemeni-Russian Just Another Memory is Al Pearls by Mohammed AlIb- journalist and filmmaker Mariam Dhubhani’s directorial debut rahim, Smicha by Amal Al Al Dhubhani is deeply affecting and was produced as part of The film was adjudged Best Previously, Al Dhubhani received an award in Yemen’s Muftah, Kashta by AJ Al Thani, as it tackles the subject of sudden DFI’s annual Documentary Lab Documentary at the 2018 Ajyal had worked in a number of first film festival and Wishes for 1001 Days by Aisha Al Jaidah, displacement because of war, in 2018 which was led by world- Film Festival and has partici- films which gained acclaim the New Year (2012), which Caravan by Suzannah Mirghani and moving on amid thoughts of renowned Cambodian docu- pated in various festivals including her first short film was the first chalkboard ani- and The Palm Tree by Jassim Al the ongoing conflict back home. mentary filmmaker Rithy Panh. around the world. We are the Peace (2011), which mation in the Middle East. Rumaihi.

Container Terminal 2 Bedaya reopens ‘Dukan’ at Katara to support entrepreneurs project at Hamad THE PENINSULA — DOHA products in Dukan Bedaya must ensure The coronavirus pandemic forced us to Port fully on track that their products are locally designed temporarily close our operations at FROM PAGE 1 Bedaya Centre for Entrepreneurship and or manufactured, the businesses is ‘Dukan Bedaya’ but thanks to awareness Career Development (Bedaya Centre), a licensed and most importantly the showed by the community and adherence The port was inaugurated joint initiative by Qatar Development products must have good and high- to general guidelines, we have witnessed three years ago, ahead of Bank and Silatech, has announced the quality packaging and wrapping. a significant decrease in the number of schedule and at a lower cost, reopening of ‘Dukan Bedaya’ at Katara Dukan Bedaya also provides many daily registered cases. Accordingly, it was to be Qatar’s main gateway for Cultural Village following the easing of advantages for entrepreneurs and decided to reopen ‘Dukan’ for both entre- trade with the world, and pillar (COVID-19) restrictions. business owners, such as providing a preneurs and the public with full to support the prosperity of the Bedaya, will also initiate the process space to display their products, providing adherence to the instructions, precau- national economy in line with of receiving applications from entrepre- them with a detailed sales report and cus- tionary measures and health the goals of Qatar’s National neurs keen on being part of the Dukan tomers’ criteria report, in addition to pro- guidelines.” Vision 2030. platform which provides them with the viding a sales representative, all at He said that the reopening Dukan at The first vessel had arrived opportunity of launching their products, nominal cost. this stage is very important as it provides at Hamad Port’s Container selling them, and showcasing them to the Clients visiting Dukan Bedaya at a great opportunity once again for small, Terminal 2 (CT2) on August 29, large segment of the society. market. Dukan is the ideal location for Katara must show their green Ehtiraz medium and home-based projects by pro- 2020. The ship was loaded Dukan Bedaya was established to hosting and supporting multiple entre- status in addition to wearing face masks viding them with a distinct space to display with the first shipment of the support local projects to promote and sell preneurial projects at the same time and gloves. Dukan’s working hours are their products at competitive prices. rubber-tyred gantry cranes their various products. It is one of the under the same roof. from 4pm to 10pm from Sunday to “This initiative comes in line with the (RTGs) for vertical container most creative and significant initiatives The Centre has announced the terms Wednesday, and from 4pm to 11pm from centre’s goals to help young people in transportation. RTGs will be launched by Bedaya Centre in 2017. The and conditions necessary for entrepre- Thursday to Saturday. establishing and strengthening their installed on CT2 quay directly project aims to support small, medium, neurs to participate in ‘Dukan Bedaya’ at Talking about the reopening of projects in a way that facilitates a new to be used in the initial oper- micro and home-based businesses that Katara Cultural Village , which can be Dukan Bedaya at Katara, Abdulla Faleh generation of entrepreneurs to contribute ation of CT2. The area of face difficulties in starting, launching, accessed through its website. Entrepre- Al Saeed, Board Member and Acting in the acceleration of economic growth Phases 1 & 2 of Hamad Port’s promoting and selling their goods in the neurs who wish to showcase their General Manager of Bedaya Center said,” in the country,” Al Saeed added. CT2 is 380,000sqm. HEC Paris’ next International QF partner Northwestern Qatar panelists Executive MBA program in Qatar reflect on aftermath of Beirut explosion scheduled for February 2021 THE PENINSULA — DOHA The International THE PENINSULA — DOHA the ground, Haddad, who relo- Executive MBA is cated to Lebanon in January HEC Paris will welcome the new Panelists from Northwestern and works for a local NGO, intake of its much sought-after a practical and Qatar engaged in a discussion described her first visit to Beirut International Executive MBA intense 15 to on the social and economic a few days after the explosion (EMBA) program in Qatar in implications of the port of as “driving into an apocalypse” February 2021. 18-month program Beirut explosion, reflecting on with the city’s bare buildings, For this intake, HEC Paris is developed to provide personal experiences and shattered glasses and debris offering an early bird discount of participants with an providing political and covering most of the area. 15 percent starting from Sep- historical context within the Despite the distress and anxiety, tember 1. “We are really pleased understanding of the state of Lebanon. Haddad felt optimistic as she to announce this special offer for social, economic and The webinar, The Beirut observed the youth and NGOs our International Executive MBA, Explosion – What lies Ahead for “on the ground cleaning up the which provides additional environmental aspects Lebanon, featured three Leb- city … and stepping in for the financial support to participants of international anese speakers from North- government that isn’t there.” wishing to enrol in this program western Qatar: Sami Hermez, Makhlouf, a student in in what has been a very chal- business. interim director of the Liberal Doha, felt the distance between lenging year,” said Michael A screenshot of Sami Hermez, interim director of the Liberal Arts Arts Program and associate Qatar and Lebanon after the Lefante, Director of Marketing implement their vision. The cur- Program and associate professor in residence, during a webinar professor in residence; Kim explosion. “Missing out on and Events. riculum is built around three on the Beirut explosion. Makhlouf, a journalism student; things that happen back home “Our EMBA program is highly components: 11 core courses cov- and Lebanon-based alumna with your friends and family is acclaimed throughout the world ering key business areas, a spe- Jaimee Haddad. The session explosion, as well as the class really well because they so debilitating,” she said, “… not and around 35 percent of our par- cialisation (major), and a final was moderated by Keelie Sorel, uprising that began in October were able to point to the pro- being there for your country ticipants launch start-ups or new strategic business project (cap- director of student affairs. 2019, in response to gov- tests as a reason for why the makes you feel like a traitor… business ventures either during stone project). The compre- The explosion in Beirut,one ernment corruption and a economy was crashing, because but, I put myself to work imme- or after the program.” hensive core courses include of the largest non-nuclear worsening economic situation, it intersected with the banking diately” because “…there’s no “We provide participants modules on strategy, analysis and explosions in history occurred are “part of one continuous war system shutting down and the such thing as a small with an opportunity to specialise implementation, as well as lead- on August 4 and devastated the that Lebanon has been implementation of capital contribution.” in an area of their choice, which ership and human resources Lebanese capital, killing nearly embroiled in since its inde- control on the Lebanese Makhlouf used her social allows them to become an expert management. 200 people, injuring thousands, pendence. It’s not a static con- people.” media channels and blog to raise in a specific sector. Our special Participants who enrol for the and leaving an estimated flict, it has been through various Other issues, Hermez noted, awareness about the situation focus on strategy, leadership and International EMBA program 300,000 people homeless. periods and episodes, where include the “patronage system and provide a platform for people the global business environment benefit from a world-class faculty In opening session, Hermez, new actors buy into the system that is subsidised through eco- from Lebanon to voice their ensures that participants benefit as well as senior participants who an anthropologist who studies of the old ones.” nomic corruption,” as well as stories. “As a journalism student, from comprehensive, innovative bring a wealth of practical violence and social movements If there was one “gain” from “the Israeli occupation of Pal- I was able to connect with people, and applicable knowledge and business experience from a wide in Lebanon and the Arab world, the protests, Hermez said it was estine, which is a significant ask them the right questions, and skills,” he said. The International spectrum of industries. Besides, placed the explosion in context “a revolution in consciousness node, and the political sectarian make their voices heard through Executive MBA is a practical and graduates of the program also to the country’s recent civil and how to think about the sit- power sharing system, which my articles.” intense 15 to 18-month program become part of the institution’s upheaval and the decades of uation in Lebanon.” However, was set up under the French The panel discussion was co- developed to provide participants prestigious alumni network neglect by the Lebanese gov- he also noted that because the mandate,” — all which con- sponsored by the Middle East with an understanding of the worldwide, featuring over ernment that, he said, drove the protests were leaderless and tributed to the worsening Studies Committee and the social, economic and environ- 60,000 members, which was country to the brink of collapse. accompanied by an economic conditions. Student Affairs office at North- mental aspects of international ranked number one by The Econ- Hermez said that this collapse, it “suited the ruling Providing perspective from western Qatar. business, as well as the skills to omist in 2019. Georgetown students to study protecting education in conflict in collaborative course with EAA THE PENINSULA — DOHA All Foundation (EAA). this collaboration, which brings skills, and understanding of the EAA and Educate a Child, as frameworks in addressing the The course, titled “Edu- together our university’s com- stakes involved, we can con- well as GU-Q alumni working crisis and apply their learning Conflict and situations of inse- cation and Conflict” is the first mitment to academic excellence tribute to the global effort to in related fields and GU-Q stu- to a class blog project which will curity deprives millions of of its kind in the university’s and service with EAA’s expertise protect education in conflict dents working as EAA Youth document student analysis and young people of an education curriculum, and aims to in education policy, we hope to and crisis, and prepare the next Advocates. ideas for change. globally, a crisis that is the introduce GU-Q students to the inspire our students to consider generation of leaders who will Students will learn about Course instructor Dr. Anne focus of a new course at QF importance of education for the fight for education rights in shape the policies that will various kinds of disruption to Nebel said: “One of the things partner Georgetown global human development and terms of global citizenship and create real change.” education and methods of ana- we really wanted and hoped University in Qatar (GU-Q), the necessity of protecting edu- responsibility.” The course is led by Dr. lyzing the impact of conflict and would come out of this course offered in collaboration with cation from conflict, insecurity, He went on to emphasise Anne Nebel, associate dean for insecurity for the individual and and collaboration, is for stu- the Protect Education in Inse- and health crises. the importance of the course, Teaching, Learning and society, on local and interna- dents to contribute in real time curity and Conflict program The dean of GU-Q, Dr. saying “By empowering young Assessment, and will feature tional levels. They will examine to the thinking of solving this (PEIC) of the Education Above Ahmad Dallal, said, “Through learners with the knowledge, guest lectures from experts at the role of international crisis in education.” 04 MIDDLE EAST SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2020 Palestinian factions unite against US-backed initiative AFP/ANATOLIA — RAMALLAH “We will never accept

Palestinian factions on the United States as Thursday night staged a rare the sole mediator show of unity to underline their for negotiations rejection of the US-backed normalisation deal between (with Israel), and Israel and the UAE. we will not accept “We cannot accept anyone speaking in our name. We have its plan” for a peace never allowed it, and we will settlement, said not allow it, ever,” said Pres- ident Mahmoud Abbas at a President Abbas, meeting in the West Bank town calling for Palestinian of Ramallah beamed live by vid- eoconference to a parallel “unity” in the face meeting held at the Palestinian of Washington’s Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas shows the maps of historical Palestine, the 1947 United Nations partition plan on Palestine, the embassy in Beirut. strategy. 1948-1967 borders between the Palestinian territories and Israel, and a map of US President Donald Trump’s proposal for a Palestinian “We will never accept the state under his new peace plan, as he speaks in the West Bank’s Ramallah on Thursday during a video conference with representatives United States as the sole of Palestinian factions gathered at the Palestinian embassy in Beirut. RIGHT: Assistant Secretary-General of the Popular Front for the mediator for negotiations (with division and establish a unified Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC), Talal Naji, Secretary-General of the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, Ziad Al Israel), and we will not accept Palestinian position... to con- Nakhala, and Hamas chief, Ismail Haniyah attending the meeting in Beirut. its plan” for a peace settlement, front projects directed against said Abbas, calling for Pales- our people,” said the Hamas tinian “unity” in the face of chief. the West Bank. The UAE they had approved the creation, United Arab Emirates and Israel. On Thursday, Bahrain Washington’s strategy. Under a US initiative became the third Arab country within five weeks, of a joint “The help of some countries allowed its airspace for all The meeting was the first unveiled this year, Israel would to agree to normalise ties with committee to organise “the to the UAE in implementing its flights between Abu Dhabi and since 2013 bringing together retain control of the disputed Israel, after Egypt signed a popular resistance” and “put an normalisation agreement with Tel Aviv, according to a Bahraini Abbas, head of the mainstream city of Jerusalem as its “undi- peace deal in 1979 and Jordan end to the divisions” between Tel Aviv, supports the Israeli] official in the Ministry of Trans- Fatah party and West Bank- vided capital” and annex settle- followed suit in 1994. themselves. occupation to implement its portation and based Palestinian Authority, and ments and other areas in the The Palestinians have US Secretary of State Mike expansionist policy in the region Telecommunication. Islamist Hamas leader Ismail occupied West Bank. roundly condemned the accord Pompeo last week undertook a at the expense of the Arab The statement comes a day Haniyah — albeit virtually, On August 13, US President as a “betrayal” by Abu Dhabi of regional tour, which took him rights,” said Hamas spokesman after Saudi Arabia also allowed rather than in the same room. Donald Trump announced an the struggle to establish a state to Sudan, Bahrain and Oman, Hazem Qasim. the UAE flights to cross over its Haniyah, whose rival agreement between Israel and of their own, incorporating ter- in the hope of convincing other Qasim demanded countries airspace to Israel. movement controls the Gaza the United Arab Emirates to ritories seized by Israel in the countries in the region to follow prevent the UAE from imple- On Monday, the first Israeli Strip, also called for a united normalise ties. 1967 Middle East war, with east the Emiratis. menting the normalisation deal commercial flight landed in Abu front, via videoconference from Under the US-brokered Jerusalem as its capital. Meanwhile, the Palestinian with Israel as such a policy Dhabi as a practical step in Beirut. deal, the Jewish state has sus- In a final communique group Hamas yesterday criti- “encourages the [Israeli] occu- implementing the normali- “We must restore our pended, but not permanently released after the talks, the Pal- cised Bahrain for opening its pation to commit more crimes” zation deal with Israel, also national unity, put an end to dropped, annexation plans in estinian factions announced airspace to flights between the against the Palestinian people. passing over Saudi airspace. Iran condemns sacrilegious Macron ‘hysterical’ over Syria and Libya, says Turkey cartoons by French magazine REUTERS — ANKARA politically backing Libya’s embargo against Libya. remarks. France has supported Khalifa Haftar against the Speaking to reporters in Greece in the east Mediter- ANATOLIA — TEHRAN “freedom of expression”. Turkey’s foreign minister said Tripoli-based government rec- Ankara, Cavusoglu also said ranean, joining military exer- Khatibzadeh, however, said yesterday French President ognised by the United Nations, Turkey had thwarted French cises with Italy, Greece and Iran strongly condemned the the freedom of expression has Emmanuel Macron had become having previously given him hope for Haftar to capture the Cyprus amid conflicting Greek- republishing of sacrilegious a “great value” and must be “hysterical” over developments military assistance to fight mil- Libyan capital by lending military Turkish claims to continental caricatures insulting the used in a “constructive way” in in the Libyan and Syrian itants. Paris denies this. support for the Government of shelves in areas of exploration Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be line with the idea of peaceful conflicts and a dispute over “In Libya they (France) sup- National Accord (GNA), repelling for oil and natural gas. Upon Him) by a notorious co-existence and under- maritime boundaries in the ported the putschist Haftar and Haftar’s assault in June. “With that Cavusoglu said France was French magazine. standing among religions. Eastern Mediterranean. made a grave mistake,” Turkish hysteria, he didn’t know what to the country provoking Greece The provocative move by Many clergymen in Iran Relations between NATO Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu do. Right after that, he said our the most in the eastern Medi- Charlie Hebdo, a left-wing also condemned the blas- allies Turkey and France have said “Things changed, balances ships had harassed their ships in terranean and urged Paris to French magazine infamous for phemous move by the French deteriorated over conflicting shifted, Haftar was defeated and the eastern Mediterranean but cooperate with Turkey to publishing anti-Islamic magazine. policies in Syria, Libya and Tur- Macron became hysterical.” couldn’t document this and was achieve regional stability. content, has drawn widespread Mohammad Reza Zarie key’s dispute with Greece over Turkey and France also humiliated.” “There is no need for such anger and outrage across the Khormizi, a senior cleric and energy resources, and the two almost came to blows in June There was no immediate hysterical behaviour from Muslim world. academic from the city of Qom, sides have traded barbs in after a French warship comment from Macron’s Elysee France, it makes them look The caricatures were first told Anadolu Agency that the recent weeks. attempted to inspect a Turkish office or the French foreign laughable. We are two NATO published in 2006 by a Danish move was “a deliberate Ankara accuses Paris of vessel as part of a UN arms ministry on Cavusoglu’s member countries.” newspaper Jylllands Posten, attempt” to hurt the sentiments sparking a wave of protests of Muslims. across the world then. “It is not happening for the Coronavirus Iran’s Foreign Ministry said first time and needs to be con- in a statement that any irrev- demned in strongest terms,” he cases surging erence to the Prophet (PBUH) said. “Such acts are driven by of Islam or other divine their hatred for Islamic values in Ankara Prophets is “unacceptable” for and disrespect for revered REUTERS — ANKARA Muslims of the world. Islamic figures.” “The French magazine’s Prominent Iranian car- Surging coronavirus cases in offensive move, which has toonist Mazyar Bijani, while Ankara are stretching hospitals been repeated on the pretext condemning the move, said to the limit and Turkish author- of freedom of speech, has hurt it is a conspiracy against ities need to impose a fresh the sentiments of the mono- Islam and Muslims carried lockdown to bring the virus theists,” Foreign Ministry out by their enemies for a under control, doctors in the spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh long time. Turkish capital say. said. Last week a copy of Holy The city is now the epi- He described the repub- Quran was desecrated in centre of Turkey’s COVID-19 lishing of cartoons as a “pro- Sweden by far-right extremist outbreak, the government vocative move” that amounts groups, which also drew strong announced this week, and to an “insult to the Islamic reaction in Muslim countries. although authorities say there values and beliefs of over one Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, is no plan for a lockdown as billion Muslims in the world.” who heads the religious semi- yet officials privately say new French President naries in Iran, termed it a measures may be needed Emmanuel Macron refused to “ridiculous act” and called on Swab testing in Amman suburb soon. take action against the mag- the international community “Ankara has become azine owners, defending the to “take strong notice” of this A man reacts as a swab sample is taken from his nose for coronavirus disease in a suburb of the Wuhan,” said geriatrics pro- move under the garb of extremism. Jordanian capital Amman, after a rise in the number of infections, yesterday. fessor Mustafa Cankurtaran at Ankara’s Hacettepe medical faculty, referring to the Chinese city where the new coronavirus Survivor search grips a grieving Beirut a month after blast first emerged. “A 10-14 day lockdown AP — BEIRUT followed the live images on tel- something as it toured Gem- paws, circulated on social search area is quite narrow,” should be imposed. Health evision, wishing for a miracle. mayzeh and Mar Mikhail streets media. The episode revealed the said a French civil engineer who capacity may be exceeded,” he Rescue workers yesterday used Search operations first and rushed toward the rubble. raw anger and grief that per- identified himself only as tweeted on Wednesday, urging cranes, shovels and their bare began on Thursday after a dog Images of the black-and-white sists in Beirut a month later. Emmanuel. He added that the the government to open all hands to search the rubble of a used by the Chilean search and 5-year-old dog named Flash, “As far as I can understand search area is not very deep and medical centres, including building that collapsed in last rescue team TOPOS detected wearing red shoes to protect its from my Chilean colleagues, the is just above the vault of the private health units. month’s catastrophic explosion ground floor. Two officials said the in Beirut, hoping to find a “What we are searching for number of cases in Ankara survivor after a pulsing sound at the moment is likely one was rising faster than antici- was detected. person” not under much pated, and current measures The search took place one material, he said, adding that including mask-wearing and month after the August 4 blast they are using a big vacuum social distancing were not that killed 191 people, injured machine, excavators and more having the results they 6,000 others and traumatised rescue workers. anticipated. Lebanon, which already was After hours of searching, the suffering under a severe eco- work was suspended briefly Virus toll above nomic crisis and financial col- before midnight on Thursday, lapse. A march and a vigil were apparently to find a crane. That 22,000 in Iran held yesterday as well as a sparked outrage among pro- moment of silence at 6:08 pm, testers at the scene who claimed REUTERS — DUBAI the moment that marked the the Lebanese army had asked the most destructive single incident Chilean team to stop the search. Iran’s death toll from the novel in Lebanon’s history. In a reflection of the staggering coronavirus rose by 118 to The search operation in the distrust of the authorities, some 22,044 health ministry spokes- historic Mar Mikhail district on protesters donned helmets and woman told state TV yesterday, a street once filled with started searching themselves with the total number of iden- crowded bars and restaurants while others tried to arrange for tified cases spiking to 382,772 has gripped the nation for the a crane. “Where’s your con- Sima Sadat Lari said that past 24 hours. The idea, science? There’s life under this 2,026 new cases were iden- however unlikely, that a sur- Rescue workers dig through the rubble of a badly damaged building in Lebanon’s capital Beirut, in building and you want to stop tified in the last 24 hours in vivor could be found a month search of possible survivors from a mega-blast at the adjacent port one month ago, after scanners the work until tomorrow?” one Iran, one of the worst-hit later gave hope to people who detected a pulse, yesterday. woman screamed at a soldier. countries in the Middle East. SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2020 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 05 Libyan families file US lawsuit accusing Haftar of war crimes

REUTERS — WASHINGTON The criminal complaint, In the complaint, plaintiffs filed in the Eastern detailed how Haftar’s forces, Two Libyan families filed a civil District of Virginia, during their assault on Gan- lawsuit in a US federal court fouda in 2016-2017, repeatedly late on Thursday accusing seeks compensatory struck their block by shelling Khalifa Haftar, commander of damages from Haftar, and air strikes, preventing their the Libyan National Army safe evacuation. (LNA), of war crimes, human who is a US citizen Duncan Levin of New York rights abuses and torture during and previously lived in law firm Tucker Levin PLLC, a 2016-2017 offensive to seize Virginia, according to who represents Haftar and his a key Libyan district, a court sons, had no comment on filing showed. media reports. Lawyers Friday. The complaint, the third for the Libyan families Libya descended into chaos filed in a US. court against the also wrote a letter after the NATO-backed over- military commander, is linked throw of long-time ruler to 2016-2017 siege of the Libyan to Attorney General Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. district of Ganfouda, which had William Barr, calling Since 2014, it has been split into been encircled for months as him to launch criminal rival camps. An internationally Sunset in Kuwait Haftar waged a years-long mil- recognized government and itary campaign to drive proceedings against allied armed factions control People walk along a boardwalk that stretches into the sea as the sun sets over Kuwait City, yesterday. Islamist-led opponents from Haftar. the northwest, while Haftar’s eastern city of Benghazi. LNA holds sway over the east. The fate of civilians trapped Haftar is supported by the Protests in Nigeria against power, fuel price hike in Ganfouda had been a major reports. Lawyers for the Libyan United Arab Emirates, Egypt point of contention, with the families also wrote a letter to and Russia, while the interna- ANATOLIA — LAGOS condemned the increase in naira ($0.39) in August, and 162 United Nations and interna- Attorney General William Barr, tionally recognized government electricity and petrol prices as naira ($0.43) in September. tional human rights groups calling him to launch criminal is backed by Turkey. Protests broke out in Nigeria’s the “highest level of insensi- As for electricity, authorities calling for them to be granted proceedings against Haftar. President Donald Trump’s southwestern state of Osun tivity and wickedness from the have approved a rise in rates safe passage amid allegations “Mr. Haftar and his forces, April 2019 phone call to Haftar yesterday against the recent President Muhammad Buhari- starting September, although a of human rights abuses by both which are being supported by raised questions about where hike in electricity and petrol led All Progressives Congress previous tariff hike slated for July sides. countries such as Russia, have Washington stood on Libya. prices, local media reported. government.” 1 was halted by Nigeria’s par- The criminal complaint, been accused of horrific war Months later, the United States Demonstrations organised Petrol prices in the oil-rich liament. Power distribution com- filed in the Eastern District of crimes and crimes against began to openly oppose Haftar’s by the Coalition for Civil Soci- country have increased for panies had been asked to put off Virginia, seeks compensatory humanity by respected inter- Tripoli offensive, express its eties kicked off from Freedom three straight months, rising any tariff increase until the first damages from Haftar, who is a national organizations across discontent against Russian Park in the state capital Osogbo, from slightly over 121 naira quarter of 2021 due to “the current US citizen and previously lived the world,” the families’ lawyer involvement and called on all according to local newspaper ($0.32) per liter in June to over economic challenges in Nigeria,” in Virginia, according to media said in the letter. external forces to stand down. The Punch. The protesters 143 naira ($0.38) in July, 150 according to The Punch. Sudan, key rebel group Ten soldiers killed in central to restart peace talks Mali ambush AFP — BAMAKO AP — CAIRO comprised of both civilian leaders and military generals, Sudan’s transitional including some from al- At least 10 Malian soldiers government and a powerful Bashir’s tenure. were killed in an overnight rebel group that controls large Along with another major ambush in a central region swaths of the country’s restive rebel group, the faction skipped near the Mauritanian border south said yesterday they have the signing of the agreement where armed militant groups agreed to resume peace talks, earlier this week in South are rampant, security and local a development that boosts Sudan between the gov- sources said yesterday. hopes of ending the country’s ernment and a rebel alliance It is the third time Malian decades-long civil wars. known as the Sudan Revolu- security forces have suffered The commitment comes tionary Front, dimming pros- heavy losses since the military days after the government pects for meaningful change on took power in a coup on reached a deal with other rebel the ground. August 18. groups to quell conflicts The SLPM-North has also According to an internal stemming from the rule of threatened to call for self- security ministry report, 10 ousted autocrat Omar Al Bashir. determination in the vast areas soldiers were killed, including The Sudan Liberation it controls if its demands are a senior officer, in the attack Movement-North, led by not met. Just days ago, Al Hilu Tunisians protest in Guire and four vehicles Abdel-Aziz Al Hilu, and accused the transitional gov- were torched. Tunisians stage a demonstration in front of Embassy of Spain demanding the release of Tunisian Sudanese Prime Minister ernment of adopting the An elected official from migrants who are held under bad living conditions at a migrant camp in Spain’s Melilla city, in Tunis, Abdalla Hamdok signed a joint “evasive” tactics of Bashir’s the Guire region confirmed the Tunisia, yesterday. letter of intention late on administration throughout tor- toll. Thursday in the Ethiopian tuous peace negotiations that “In the night, shots pre- capital of Addis Abada, have dragged on for nearly a vented us from sleeping, it stressing the “necessity” of year. looked like bombs, our houses finding “a comprehensive and To lay the groundwork for South African pharmacy in racism were shaking,” the official said just political solution” to the a future deal, Al Hilu and by phone. conflicts. It did not specify Hamdok agreed in principle on A local administrator when the talks would restart. a range of political issues that row over black hair images speaking on condition of ano- Negotiating an end to the have frustrated efforts to reach AFP — JOHANNESBURG organization,” tweeted Zozibini of natural hair and are deeply nymity said men on motor- rebellions in Sudan’s far-flung a deal in the past. Tunzi, who wears short natural sorry we have offended our cycles had been in the area provinces has been a crucial Sudan’s constitution A leading South African retail hair and was crowned Miss Uni- natural hair community,” it said since Monday. goal for the transitional gov- “should be based on the prin- pharmacy chain sparked a verse in December. “And we are in a statement on its Twitter Four Malian soldiers were ernment, which took power ciple of separation of religion racism row yesterday after talking about a South Africa with account. “We have made a killed and 12 others wounded after the military overthrew al- and state,” the statement said, posting images on its website a population of about 80% black mistake and sincerely apologise on August 27 in a militant Bashir in April last year, fol- acknowledging a long-held describing black hair as “dull” people.... No ways,” she wrote. for letting you down,” said the ambush near the central town lowing months of pro- demand of the ardently secu- and white hair as “normal”. Radical leftist opposition pharmacy group, one of the two of Mopti, before the army democracy protests. Cash- larist SLPM-North. The sides Angry South Africans took Economic Freedom Fighters largest in the country. killed 20 enemy fighters, it strapped authorities are keen also agreed to let the rebel to social media pillorying Clicks (EFF) party lawmaker Mbuy- The images sparked said. to slash military spending, group retain its weapons until Pharmacy for what they iseni Ndlozi tweeted mostly in hashtags #RacismMustFall and The army said it also suf- which takes up 80% of the they ink an accord calling for deemed racially insensitive capital letters: “We are the black #BlackHairIsNormal—with fered major equipment losses. national budget. new security arrangements. images that categorised black majority & should never, ever black women proudly posting Four soldiers had been Al Hilu’s faction of the Al Hilu’s movement con- hair as “dry & damaged” and accept racism in any form. Our their afros. The EFF member killed five days earlier when Sudan Liberation Movement- trols large chunks of territory “frizzy & dull” while an image hair, our skin & our bodies, in of parliament, who has more their vehicle was hit by a North, also known as SLPM- in the war-scarred Blue Nile of blonde hair was captioned our country & the world, must than a million followers on bomb. North, is Sudan’s single largest and South Kordofan provinces, “normal” and “fine & flat”. be respected”. Twitter, urged black people to That incident also occurred rebel group. It engaged in pre- home to a significant Christian “Not only is this disrespectful The pharmacy has pulled “get their justice” at the in central Mali, a volatile, eth- vious rounds of peace talks but minority that long complained to black lives, it is also evidence down the images and issued “an pharmacy, which boasts of nically-diverse region that has remained skeptical of the coun- of discrimination under Al of an absence of representation unequivocal apology”. more than 500 branches across been badly affected by the try’s ruling Sovereign Council, Bashir. and diversity within the “We are strong advocates the country. revolt. Bitter anniversary in Zimbabwe a year after Mugabe died

AFP — HARARE queue echoed her sentiments. regime which savagely were released on bail on “The citizenry is roundly government to re-issue state- “Ever since the new pres- repressed opponents. Wednesday after 45 days in impoverished, reduced to a life- ments clarifying the plans. Despondent and waiting in a ident took power, I have not He is also remembered for detention. style of ferreting for basic It later emerged that only long queue for daily food seen anything positive,” said implementing controversial Other critics, including an sustenance”. 37 of more than 4,000 farmers handouts from a well-wisher, Diana Nhemachena, also in her land reforms 20 years ago that opposition lawmaker, are still “It is now a headache to be who were evicted would be Milka Mandimutsa gets 20s, bemoaning the high cost resulted in economic collapse. being held. alive. Life is a grind. It is now a eligible for the reinstitution of nostalgic about Zimbabwe’s of living in the country where But far from being the In January last year, sol- mammoth task for households title to their land. They are a autocratic and longtime official inflation is more than expected messiah, Mugabe’s diers shot dead 17 people fol- to score the minimum goal of special group of foreign ex-leader Robert Mugabe, who 800 percent. former deputy Mnangagwa has lowing protests sparked by the putting food on the table,” he farmers who enjoyed pro- died a year ago. Mugabe died on September also become known for brutally doubling of fuel prices. said. tection under an international Had Mugabe been still 6 last year, aged 95 in a Sin- crushing his opponents. “Much as he (Mnangagwa) Zimbabwe’s economy investment deal. ruling Zimbabwe, “I don’t think gapore hospital, two years after A month ago, he threatened says he...is soft as wool, people improved during a power- For Harare-based inde- it (life) would be like this,” said he was forced to resign in 2017, to “flush” out bad “apples”, two who knew him well called him sharing government between pendent economist Gift the woman, in her late 20s, and after 37 years in power. weeks after an opposition pol- ‘ngwena’ which means croc- Mugabe and the main oppo- Mugano, while “Mugabe was waiting to receive a portion of Zimbabweans thronged the itician and a journalist were odile,” said Harare-based sition Movement for Demo- not good... the current gov- cooked beans and white maize streets celebrating his ouster. arrested on charges of political analyst Cyprian cratic Change, but since the deal ernment has gone further than meal in the working-class town His successor Emmerson incitement to commit public Ndawana. crumbled, the economy has Mugabe.” of Chitungwiza, 30km south- Mnangagwa came in with violence. “If you look at the traits of been on a downturn for over a “Nothing has changed apart east of Harare. promises to fight corruption, Politician Jacob the crocodile, it’s dangerous decade. from the fact that the current “He was far much better,” revive the moribund economy Ngarivhume’s crime was calling from the front, it’s dangerous This week the government government has gained more said the unemployed Mandi- and reduce poverty. for non-violent protests on July from the back. It’s dangerous in unexpectedly announced plans experience in killing the mutsa, who was born after But many Zimbabweans say 31 against state corruption and water and on the ground,” to give some land back to white economy,” Mugano said. Mugabe was already a decade they are worse off than they journalist Hopewell Chin’ono Ndawana said adding that many farmers. The government insists in power. were under Mugabe despite his tweeted in support of the people are struggling more now The announcement created there is no crisis in the Another woman in the creating an authoritarian planned demonstrations. They than they were under Mugabe. confusion and forced the country. 06 ASIA SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2020 Australian PM wants internal borders open by December; protests at virus curbs grow

REUTERS — MELBOURNE/SYDNEY Seven of Australia’s eight state and territory Australia’s prime minister leaders agreed to map out a path to open pressed states yesterday to borders by December, by coming up with a reopen their borders by definition for ‘hot spots’ to manage travel December and ease restrictions, as businesses and locked down around the country, Prime Minister Scott households vented their frus- Morrison said. tration over deepening revenue and job losses. Prime Minister Scott Mor- for years,” Morrison told welcomed the push to reopen rison said the country would reporters. internal borders in time for look to bring more Australians Australia’s biggest state summer holidays and home, raising the cap from Western Australia, which has Christmas. 4,000 a week, and suggested not had a local transmission for “Our industry remains on its People wear face masks in the city centre as the state of New South Wales continues to report an eventual travel bubble with 129 days and has no social or knees in the fight of its life and relatively low numbers of new daily cases of the coronavirus disease, in Sydney yesterday. New Zealand would boost business restrictions, rejected has each month been losing tourism and help revive the the plan to re-open its border thousands of jobs and $6bn in economy, which has fallen into until the eastern states contain activity from the forced limits to within 5km of home. aggressively tried to shut down. and two counts of resisting recession for the first time since the coronavirus. shutdown of domestic travel Victoria state premier Daniel Video footage of police seeking police. 1991. Western Australia state alone,” said Margy Osmond, Andrews is due to outline plans to detain a woman and a man On Thursday, police came Seven of Australia’s eight premier Mark McGowan said chief executive of the Tourism tomorrow for easing for inciting people to protest under fire for arresting and state and territory leaders the desert borders which sep- and Transport Forum. restrictions. have gone viral on social media. handcuffing a pregnant, agreed to map out a path to arate his state would stay closed Victoria, the second-most Businesses have been James Bartolo, who calls pyjama-clad woman at her open borders by December, by to save lives and protect the populous state, is the epicentre calling for the economy to himself the leader of the Con- home for promoting an anti- coming up with a definition for nation’s largest mining of Australia’s latest wave of reopen but Andrews does not scious Truth Network, on Friday lockdown protest in the regional “hot spots” to manage travel operations. cases, mainly in the state capital want to lift restrictions quickly posted a video of police entering town of Ballarat. around the country, Morrison Australia’s early interna- Melbourne. Daily new infections and then be forced to shut down his house with a battering ram Victoria reported a record said following a National tional border closures, lock- have dropped to double digits again with another wave of after he refused to open the 59 deaths yesterday, the highest Cabinet meeting. downs and social distancing this week thanks to a strict infections. door. He had earlier posted daily total for the country since He said he had told New restrictions has seen it record lockdown imposed on August “There is simply no alter- videos saying he was going to the start of the coronavirus pan- Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda far fewer coronavirus infections 2. native but to ease out of these join an anti-lockdown protest demic, but that included 50 pre- Ardern that Australia would also and deaths than other nations. Melbourne is nearing the restrictions in a safe and steady in Melbourne on Saturday. viously unrecorded fatalities in look to apply the same hot spot Nationally there have been end of the six-week lockdown way,” Andrews told reporters. Police confirmed a 27-year- aged care homes in July and approach to New Zealand. around 26,100 infections and which includes a night time The strict lockdown has led old man had been arrested and August. It also reported 81 new “In the absence of a vaccine, 737 deaths. curfew, an hour a day of to calls for protests this charged with incitement, pos- cases, taking the state’s total we may have to live this way Australia’s tourism industry outdoor exercise and travel weekend, which police have session of prohibited weapons infections to 19,415. Border row: Indian, Chinese defence ministers to meet in Moscow COVID-19 cases surpass REUTERS — NEW DELHI were killed in hand-to-hand meeting,” the official said, asking while there have been no further be within its territory. fighting. not to be identified because of clashes reported, the situation “The situation along the LAC 232,000 in The defence ministers of India Indian Defence Minister Indian service rules. on the frontier remains tense. is slightly tense,” Indian army and China were expected to hold Rajnath Singh was given There was no word from Military commanders and chief General Manoj Mukund Philippines talks in Moscow, government clearance to meet his Chinese China, but Hu Xijin, editor-in- diplomats have been holding Naravane told Reuters partner officials said, the highest level counterpart Wei Fenghe in chief of China’s state-backed talks to end the standoff on the ANI during a tour of the frontier ANATOLIA — MANILA face-to-face political contact Moscow, where both are Global Times newspaper said on Line of Actual Control, or the de in the Ladakh region, adding that since tensions flared along their attending a Shanghai Cooper- Twitter that a meeting between facto border, but there has been he believed talks could help The Philippines has emerged as disputed mountain border in ation Organisation meeting, an the defence ministers was little progress. resolve the situation. a hotspot in the western Pacific May. Indian government official said. expected. Last weekend, Indian offi- A US government source as novel coronavirus cases Both sides deployed addi- The request for the meeting Despite the brutality of the cials said forces on the border said in Washington that the US surpassed 232,000 yesterday. tional forces along the frontier came from the Chinese side, the clash in June, both sides mobilised to deter Chinese assessment is that neither China The health department of running through the western official added. appeared to observe a protocol troops, whose movements sug- nor India are interested in the country said in a statement Himalayas, after a clash in June, “Subsequently a green to avoid the use of firearms in gested they aimed to occupy a pushing the dispute to the point 3,714 new coronavirus cases during which 20 Indian soldiers signal was given for the the high altitude region. And hilltop that India considered to that they would engage in war. were reported, bringing the national total to 232,072. At least 160,549 patients have recovered from the illness, with 29 percent Ships and aircraft from of the total cases are active infections in the country. Capital India, Sri Lanka intensify Metro Manila is the epicenter of the virus. The COVID-19 fatalities efforts to put off tanker fire climbed to 3,737 after 49 more deaths were reported. There are AP — COLOMBO leak has been reported, the 113 operational laboratories that navy said. conduct coronavirus tests to Ships and aircraft from Sri The head of Sri Lanka’s determine the illness. Philip- Lanka and India intensified Marine Environment Protection pines has conducted 2.7 million efforts to extinguish an oil Authority, Darshani Lahan- tests so far since the outbreak tanker fire burning for a second dapur, warned that if a leak or of the virus. day yesterday as officials explosion occurs, “it could be a The archipelago nation warned of possible massive huge environmental disaster for reported its lowest cases in a environmental damage to Sri the whole world.” She said Sri month on Thursday with 1,987 Lanka’s coast if the ship leaks Lanka does not have the infections. or explodes. resources or capacity to combat In the southern Bangsamoro The tanker, carrying nearly such a massive disaster, and autonomous region, eight new 2 million barrels of crude oil, therefore, “we have informed infections were reported taking was drifting about 22 nautical countries in South Asia to help the total caseload to 696, the miles from the coast, army chief us if necessity arises. They have government said in a statement. Lt Gen Shavendra Silva said. responded positively.” She said It added that 477 patients have Fireboats battling to extinguish a fire on the Panamanian-registered crude oil tanker New Diamond, The tanker’s third engineer her organisation plans to take recovered from the illness, some 60km off Sri Lanka’s eastern coast, yesterday. was hospitalised with injuries legal action over the fire and while 18 patients lost their battle and another crew member was has sought legal advice from the against the virus. initially described as missing attorney general. beach,” he said. members — 18 Filipinos and also flying an observation The global death toll now but later confirmed to have Terney Pradeep, the envi- The tanker was about 38 five Greeks. Twenty-one crew aircraft. exceeds 869,000, with more died. Both are Filipino. The con- ronmental authority’s general nautical miles east of Sri Lanka left the tanker uninjured as the “The fire is still raging,” than 26.3 million cases recorded dition of the injured crew manager, said the ship is when the fire began. The navy fire burned. navy spokesman Indika Silva in 188 countries and regions member is stabilising, Silva said. drifting toward the coast at a sent four ships in response to A Sri Lankan air force heli- said. The tanker was trans- since last December. More than The fire on the MT New speed of 0.7 nautical miles per the fire on Thursday, and other copter was dumping seawater porting crude oil from the port half of all patients worldwide — Diamond, which began on hour. ships and aircraft from Sri with a bucket on the burning of Mina Al Ahmadi in Kuwait to over 17.53 million — have Thursday in an engine room “If an oil spill happens after Lanka and India later joined the tanker, air force spokesman the Indian port of Paradip, recovered, according to figures boiler, has not spread to the it reaches near the coast, there firefighting efforts. Group Capt. Dushantha Wijens- where the state-owned Indian compiled by the US’ Johns tanker’s oil storage area and no could be huge damage on the The tanker had 23 crew inghe said. The air force was Oil Corp. has a refinery. Hopkins University. Thailand races to contact trace as coronavirus reappears Senior Cambodian opposition Thailand has reported a relatively low 3,431 figure allowed back in politics REUTERS — BANGKOK quarantine in individuals who cases and 58 COVID-19 deaths overall, with were returning from overseas. AP — PHNOM PENH assist Prime Minister Hun Sen’s Thailand is racing ahead with 96 patients currently being treated in hospital. Thailand has reported a ruling Cambodian People’s Party contact tracing after detecting relatively low 3,431 cases and A prominent former opposition win the 2018 general election. its first domestic coronavirus That compares with more than 232,000 and 58 COVID-19 deaths overall, politician in Cambodia had his Son Chhay, a senior CNRP infection in over three 187,000 infections in the Philippines and with 96 patients currently ban on political activities lifted member, was automatically months, health officials said being treated in hospital. That on Thursday after the banned from politics for five yesterday, with tests Indonesia respectively. compares with more than government approved his years. The party, which had been conducted on nearly 200 232,000 and 187,000 infec- request for political rehabili- the parliamentary opposition, people with possible exposure Sopon Iamsirithaworn, considered at risk, including tions in the Philippines and tation. would have been the only to the new case. director of Bureau of General family members, inmates and Indonesia respectively. The action was made known credible challenger in the polls, Thailand reported its first Communicable Diseases, told people at the court where he Thai authorities advised with publication of a royal which the ruling party ended up non-imported case in after a news conference. had appeared have tested neg- those concerned about decree. sweeping. over 100 days on Thursday, The man, 37, had worked ative, Sopon said, adding that exposure to the new case to Son Chhay had been a law- Son Chhay could not be after a prisoner a day earlier as a nightclub DJ at three dif- authorities were using a gov- seek testing and to quarantine maker with the Cambodia reached for comment on the had tested positive for the ferent venues in the capital ernment smartphone appli- at home. National Rescue Party, which lifting of his ban. He holds both coronavirus during a man- Bangkok during the past two cation to contact those who had “If you suspect that you’ve was dissolved by court order in Cambodian and Australian citi- datory test for new inmates. weeks, officials said, before checked-in at those venues. come into contact with this November 2017 after the gov- zenship, and since his old party “We traced his movement he was jailed for a drugs- All of the country’s new DJ, you can come in for free ernment accused it of treasonous was dissolved has been living back two weeks before he had related offence. cases in the last three months tests,” senior health official, activities. The court’s action was quietly, most of the time in symptoms on August. 29,” So far, 194 people have been found in Ritdej Chareonchai, said. generally seen as intended to Australia. SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2020 ASIA 07 China tells UN experts to stop ‘meddling’ in Hong Kong affairs

AFP — BEIJING In a letter made rapporteurs said. The letter public yesterday, warned the legislation could China issued a fierce rebuke “impinge impermissibly on the yesterday to UN experts who the UN special rights to freedom of opinion, said a draconian national rapporteurs on expression and of peaceful security law imposed upon human rights assembly”. Hong Kong poses a serious risk The rapporteurs urged to the city’s freedoms and warned parts of the China’s “reconsideration” of the breaches international legal legislation “appear to legislation and for a fully inde- obligations. criminalise freedom pendent reviewer to be Beijing has faced a barrage appointed to ensure it complies of criticism over the legislation, of expression or any with China’s international A Filipino crew member of Gulf Livestock 1, a cargo ship carrying livestock and dozens of crew imposed late June after pro- human rights obligations. form of criticism” of members that went missing after issuing a distress signal due to Typhoon Maysak, is rescued by democracy protests rocked the They also expressed semi-autonomous city last year. China. concern over one of the most Japan Coast Guard crew members on the vessel Kaimon at the East China Sea, to the west of Amami The law, which criminalises controversial points of the law Oshima island in southwestern Japan, yesterday. secession, subversion, terrorism — which allows cases to be and colluding with foreign into chaos last year as pro- transferred from the juris- forces, carries a maximum life democracy protesters — furious diction of Hong Kong to Third crewman from cattle ship sentence and has intimidated at perceived encroachment by mainland China — and warned many protesters into silence. China on the city’s freedoms — it could undermine the right to In a letter made public yes- clashed with police. a fair trial. rescued on lifeboat off Japan terday, the UN special rappor- Unrest has simmered down The broadly worded law teurs on human rights warned thanks to coronavirus restric- criminalised certain political REUTERS — TOKYO/SINGAPORE some 4km off Kodakarajima, the remaining 40 crew parts of the legislation “appear tions and the chilling effect of speech overnight, such as advo- but no one was found on that members. Rescuers have also to criminalise freedom of the security law — under which cating sanctions against China A third crewman from a cargo boat. found a life jacket and cattle expression or any form of crit- more than 20 people have been or greater autonomy or inde- ship that capsized this week off Rosals was only the third carcasses in the area where the icism” of China. arrested, including a prominent pendence for Hong Kong. the coast of Japan with more crew member to be found so ship is believed to have sunk. In customarily strong lan- media tycoon. Lawyers for some of the than 40 crew and some 6,000 far from the Gulf Livestock 1, Gulf Livestock 1 lost engine guage, China’s foreign ministry The letter by the UN more than 20 people arrested cattle on board was found alive which capsized in the East power before it was hit by a was swift to strike down the alle- advisers — the first issued since under the law so far say police yesterday after he was spotted China Sea on Wednesday and massive wave, according to Chief gations, saying the law “punishes the law blanketed the southern are trawling historical actions by a search plane, Japan’s is believed to have sunk. Officer Sareno Edvarodo, who an extremely small number and Chinese city — gave a vigorous of pro-democracy activists to coastguard said. The ship, with 43 crew on was rescued on Wednesday. protects the absolute majority” dissection of the damage being beef up their cases. The UN The man, 30-year-old Fil- board and a cargo of 6,000 Edvarodo, a 45-year-old in the financial hub. inflicted upon the freedoms experts also raised concerns ipino Jay-nel Rosals, was found cattle, had sent a distress call Filipino, remains in hospital. “Some people disregard the once enjoyed in Hong Kong, over the definition of terrorism on a liferaft waving for help amid strong winds and heavy The crew was made up of 39 facts and maliciously slander enshrined in an agreement under the national security law. 2km off Kodakarajima, a small seas whipped up by Typhoon people from the Philippines, China’s human rights situation... made before the 1997 handover They warned it extends to island in Japan’s southern Maysak. Earlier yesterday, it two from New Zealand, and and crudely interfere in China’s from British colonial rule back damage of physical property Kagoshima prefecture, the emerged the vessel had a two from Australia, the coast- internal affairs,” ministry to China. such as transport facilities — coastguard said. history of mechanical issues. guard said. spokeswoman Hua Chunying The security law “poses a which goes well beyond the UN He was conscious and was Rosals’ rescue came hours Several maritime reports told reporters. serious risk that those funda- Security Council’s definition of able to walk when the coast after another crewman died logged over the past two years “Stop meddling in Hong mental freedoms and due terrorist conduct as aiming to guard rescued him. Rescuers after being pulled unconscious showed the ship may have had Kong affairs and China’s affairs process protections may be cause death or serious bodily also found an overturned from the water by the coast- some mechanical defects and in any way.” Hong Kong lurched infringed upon”, the harm. orange lifeboat floating at sea guard. The search is still on for revealed operational concerns. COVID-19 tests South Korean doctors ordered in select areas across split over strike deal as NW Pakistan virus infections surge INTERNEWS — PESHAWAR

Chief Minister Khyber REUTERS — SEOUL with members. “We were not Pakhtunkhwa Mahmood Khan informed of the agreement at has directed concerned South Korea’s top medical body all,” said Park Ji-hyun, the head authorities to conduct faced a rift yesterday after of the Korean Intern Resident COVID-19 tests in all the dis- trainee doctors rejected a deal Association, adding that the tricts where processions and by its leader to end a two- deal fell short of its demands. gatherings with regard to week-old strike, although the In a statement, a third Muharram were carried out. government backed down from group of doctors affiliated to He issued these directives reform plans aimed at averting the KMA demanded Choi’s res- while presiding over a meeting future epidemics. ignation. Telephone calls to the of Provincial Task Force on Some of the trainees vowed association to seek comment COVID-19 in Peshawar. The to continue the walkout by went unanswered. meeting was told that there about 16,000 interns and res- Dozens of trainees, some had been a significant decline ident doctors to oppose the wearing surgical gowns, pro- in coronavirus cases across the Heavy rains in Lahore government measures, such as tested at a parliament building, province whereas the recovery increasing the number of waving banners condemning Motorists and pedestrians wade through a flooded street during heavy monsoon rains in Lahore ratio of corona patients was doctors and building public the “hasty agreement”. yesterday. More than 100 people died in August because of the monsoon, which has also destroyed also above 90 percent. medical schools, among others. Choi had urged the trainees More than 34,000 virus over 1,000 homes. The strike has hindered to return to work after he patients have been recovered efforts to damp a new wave of signed the deal with Health so far across the province coronavirus infections, with Minister Park Neung-hoo to while only 20 patients are 198 new cases on Thursday end the strike. “Our shared under treatment in hospitals. Over 7,100 more virus cases in Southeast Asia taking the nation’s tally to goals of improving work con- The Chief Minister 20,842, with 331 deaths, while ditions and building a rea- expressed satisfaction over the ANATOLIA — JAKARTA confirmed 3,714 new cases. The cases of the virus yesterday, a surge in critical cases led to a sonable medical system cannot implementation status of SOPs country reported 49 more bringing the tally to 56,948. At dearth of hospital beds.. be achieved by a strike alone,” at tourist sites as well as in the The number of COVID-19 cases virus-related fatalities, raising least 56,028 patients have The government says its Choi said in a statement. Muharram processions. in Southeast Asian countries the nationwide death toll to recovered so far, while fatal- initiative could help tackle Park said the government The meeting also reviewed has risen to 491,993, officials 3,737, while recoveries jumped ities remained unchanged at 27. similar crises in future, but the would halt the proposed preparations regarding reo- confirmed yesterday, including by 1,088 to reach 160,549. In Malaysia, the Health Min- doctors say it would merely reforms and discuss them again pening of educational institutes 11,827 fatalities and 364,686 Indonesia reported 82 istry confirmed 11 more cases, swell their numbers in cities, with the healthcare industry in the province and decided that recoveries. more fatalities over the past pushing the tally up to 9,385. without improving medical and parliament once the virus the final decision to this effect At least 7,113 new cases and 24 hours, bringing the death The number of recoveries in the services and work conditions outbreak had stabilised. would be taken in consultation 132 deaths were recorded in toll to 7,832, according to the country reached 9,092, while in rural provinces. South Korea has ordered with the National Command member states of the Associ- country’s Health Ministry. A the death toll stands at 128. Lim Hyun-taek, a senior another week of social dis- and Operation Center. ation of Southeast Asian further 3,269 infections were Total cases in Myanmar official of the Korean Medical tancing curbs for the region Meanwhile, the Chief Min- Nations over the past day. recorded in the country, climbed to 1,133 after 75 more Association (KMA), said he had around the capital, Seoul, until ister said the government is In Philippines, the worst- taking the tally to 187,537, infections were confirmed, filed a non-confidence motion September 13, although Thurs- actively working for providing hit in the region, total infections while recoveries rose by 2,126 while recoveries reached 359. against its president, Choi Dae- day’s daily caseload fell below relief to the flood affected climbed to 232,072 after the to reach 134,181. One more fatality from the virus zip, who signed the pact, for not 200 for the first time in more people in the province. Department of Health Singapore recorded 40 new moved the death toll to 359. holding sufficient consultations than two weeks. Pakistan’s only Asian elephant prepared for new home

AFP — ISLAMABAD — as well as two brown bears and three prompting Khalil to sing Sinatra’s classic wolves. A transport crate must be built and melody “My Way”, which appeared to calm A team of international vets using tran- the elephant habituated to it before he can the pachyderm as he chomped on chapatis. quiliser darts, flatbreads and the soothing be flown to a Cambodian wildlife sanctuary Once the tranquilisers kicked in, Khalil lyrics of Frank Sinatra conducted a medical in a “jumbo” jet — probably a giant Antonov and Goeritz measured Kaavan’s hefty frame examination yesterday on Pakistan’s only An-225 airlift cargo craft. and girth, took blood samples and inserted Asian elephant, ahead of his planned move But first, experts must know how a microchip in his left ear. “He is in good to Cambodia. The plight of Kaavan, an over- Kaavan has fared since his last examination general condition... but he is totally obese, weight, 35-year-old bull elephant has in 2016, so yesterday they sedated him to he weighs way too much and his feet are drawn international condemnation and get up close. Armed with a tub filled with terrible,” said Goeritz, pointing to the ele- highlighted the woeful state of Islamabad’s bananas and flatbreads, Four Paws veter- phant’s cracked and malformed toenails zoo, where conditions are so bad a judge inarian Amir Khalil coaxed the elephant into that will need medical attention. in May ordered all the animals to be moved. his emptied-out concrete bathing pond Goeritz said Kaavan has been eating up Following the high court ruling, Austria- while head vet Frank Goeritz used a tran- to 200kg of sugar cane each day and based animal welfare and rescue group quiliser pistol to fire three large darts into deprived of intellectual stimuli. “He is bored. Four Paws International were enlisted to the animal’s shoulder. He needs definitely physical and mental Amir Khalil (right) and Frank Goeritz take measurements of Kaavan, help move Kaavan — whose case was Unaccustomed to close human contact, challenges,” said Goeritz, who has previ- an elephant at the Marghazar Zoo in Islamabad, Pakistan, yesterday. boosted by the singer and activist Cher the elephant grew a little agitated, ously worked with elephants across Africa. 08 VIEWS SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2020

Established in 1996 CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

A screen-grab of WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus delivering a speech via video at the opening ceremony of the EDITORIAL 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), at a media centre in Beijing, yesterday. Helping nations QATAR has always been at the forefront when it Trust in COVID-19 vaccines comes to helping world community particularly in assisting those nations which are passing through difficult times due to various reasons like wars, natural calamities and pandemics. Qatar through different national organisations like could turn on a knife edge Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), Qatar Charity and Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) and in coor- While an effective vaccine judicial review. It has served birthplace of Louis Pasteur, a dination with international organisations especially would be an unquestionable to pour fuel on anti-vaxxers’ 2014 survey found one- different United Nations bodies is helping people public good, you can see how outrage, rather quarter of doctors thought across the world who are fighting against poverty, fears of a rush job might take than silence them. some recommended vaccines diseases, illiteracy and natural disasters. hold. Vladimir No wonder some patient were useless, and one-fifth In an implementation of the directives of Amir H H Putin’s shock approval last advocates have been spooked thought children were being Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Qatar Fund for month of a vaccine before by lobbying pressure in given too many shots. Given Development has now signed a Multi-Year Contribution LIONEL LAURENT large-scale patient trials had Europe - where the burden of they have the ear of their Agreement with the Global Fund in the amount of $50m. BLOOMBERG been completed is a gamble liability is seen as less favo- patients, this is an issue. The partnership aims to end the epidemics of AIDS, that could actually set back rable for drugmakers - to It should also be possible tuberculosis, and malaria by 2030 thereby contributing Russia’s response to adopt a system closer to the to preserve an effective to the Sustainable Development Goal 3: Ensure healthy Finding a vaccine against COVID-19, as my colleague U.S. one, as reported by the supply of vaccine doses lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. COVID-19 that works and can Max Nisen has argued. In the Financial Times. While without tipping the scales of The new Multi-Year Contribution Agreement will be distributed widely enough U.S., Donald Trump wants a the European Commission liability completely away further strengthen the partnership established in 2017 to help stop the pandemic is a vaccine rolled out before insists it won’t compromise from manufacturers. between QFFD and the Global Fund where QFFD made global priority. Given the Election Day, sparking on safety, or change liability One idea floated by a a contribution of $10m for a first funding cycle. The urgency, governments are worries that an eventual rules, it has suggested govern- British Institute of Interna- Global Fund’s long-standing commitment to fighting doing all they can to fund green light will be seen as a ments could take on “certain” tional & Comparative Law AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria as epidemics is well research and incentivize firms political decision rather than legal claims. research project is for a aligned with the Qatar Fund for Development’s over- to ramp up trials - pre- one based on This has led to public new COVID-19 compensation arching goal of promoting health as a central com- ordering doses, lowering comprehensive data. anger in the past. During fund designed to deal ponent for sustainable development and empowering regulatory barriers to On top of that comes the the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, both sympathetically and effi- people to lead a healthy and prosperous life. market and granting manu- practice of offering legal many European govern- ciently with injury claims The State of Qatar, represented by Qatar Fund for facturers immunity from immunity to makers of vac- ments took on liability risk without having to go through Development, is also continuing support for devel- costly future injury-related cines and emergency treat- in exchange for fast-tracked the courts. Instead of being opment projects in the Federal Republic of Somalia lawsuits. ments. While helpful in vaccines, some of which funded entirely by the tax- as it started asphalt paving work on the Mogadishu- But when does the keeping companies from ended up being recalled over payer, it could be part- Afgoye road within Somalia Roads Project. scramble for supply start to getting bogged down in court links to narcolepsy. A with- financed by the private sector, This project is part of the Somalia Roads Project, look like corner-cutting? battles, it isn’t exactly con- ering Council of Europe thereby ensuring pharma which is working on the construction of two roads, which Even in a pandemic as ducive to building public trust. report at the time warned firms have some skin in the are the Mogadishu-Jawhar Road and the Mogadishu- deadly as this one, public trust For example, the U.S.’s such deals privatized game. This won’t cure vaccine Afgoye Road, with a length of 112km. The length of the in a vaccine is vulnerable. A existing “PREP” pandemic vaccine profits and hesitancy overnight, but it Mogadishu-Afgoye road is 22km. The project will con- July-August Ipsos worldwide legislation shields firms from socialized the risk of might allay some fears. tribute to providing an ideal infrastructure by establishing poll for the World Economic almost all injury-related law- injuries, calling for more There are limits to highways between the capital Mogadishu and the neigh- Forum found that while three suits unless the cause is balance in future. engaging with vaccine critics, boring cities (Afgoye, Balad and Jawhar). in four adults were interested deemed willful misconduct (a The race for a COVID-19 of course, and no quarter Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture and Sports and in getting a COVID-19 vaccine high bar). That’s an “extraor- vaccine could therefore do should be given to hardened the Qatar Fund for Development is continuing to if it was available, only 37% dinarily broad” view, explains with a few speed bumps in the anti-vaxxers - vaccination has implement a project to support knowledge and reading had a “strong” interest in Wendy Parmet, professor of name of trust. The need for a 200-year history and activities for displaced Syrian children in camps in doing so. That’s a far cry from law at Northeastern Uni- large-scale patient trials played a critical role in eradi- Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon, as part of the ‘QUEST’ the estimated herd immunity versity. While financial com- hasn’t gone away, and more cating the likes of smallpox fund initiative. QFFD’s support for the project amounted threshold of 55% to 82%. The pensation is available, it data and disclosure on the and polio. But there’s still time to QR7m, showing the deep commitment of the State top two reasons cited for not is covered entirely by the tax- road to approvals for public to extend a hand to the of Qatar to support the humanitarian needs of the Syrian wanting to take a COVID-19 payer, capped at a lifetime use might help win over an hesitant. people, and affirming the role of education and vaccine are a fear of side maximum of $311,810 important priority group Lionel Laurent is a knowledge in shaping the future of Syria, in partnership effects and doubts it will regardless of the injury and - health-care workers. They Bloomberg Opinion columnist with international and regional organisations. actually work - not extreme decided by a special panel aren’t immune to vaccine covering the European Union “anti-vaxx” sentiment. with no opportunity for skepticism: In France, the and France. Next PM must do more than continue Abe cabinet policies D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR JAPAN NEWS-YOMIURI EMAIL: [email protected] retary General Shigeru Ishiba. social security systems and policies centering on All three are veterans who fiscal reconstruction are measures against the corona- Society and the economy, have held important posts. It mostly lagging. Such issues virus. He expressed his EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 which have been damaged by is hoped that they will use should not be left unad- intention to expand virus FAX: +974 4455 7758 the spread of the novel coro- their expertise to actively dressed. It is not sufficient to testing and implement eco- navirus, must be recon- discuss policies. only express the intention to nomic stimulus measures MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 structed. Each candidate At a press conference, continue the policies of the flexibly. Ishiba focused on aiming for the post of prime Suga said, “I’d like to inherit Abe Cabinet. policies to eliminate overcon- DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 minister needs to clearly Prime Minister Abe’s policies During Abe’s long-running centration of population and present the course Japan and push them forward,” administration, multiple cases government functions in LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 should take and speak emphasizing his intention to of the destruction and sloppy Tokyo and build a safer concretely on how to deal with maintain Abe’s economic handling of records, as well as nation, such as by establishing BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 domestic and foreign issues. policy package, known as falsification of official docu- a disaster prevention Chief Cabinet Secretary Abenomics. ments, have been discovered. ministry. SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 Yoshihide Suga has The Abe Cabinet has It is true that public distrust Both Kishida and Ishiba announced his candidacy in helped corporate per- has spread. stressed the need to support ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 the ruling Liberal Democratic formance recover and It is questionable that research on artificial intelli- email: [email protected] Party presidential election, improved the employment Suga has described all of gence and develop digital which will choose a successor environment through fiscal these issues as “having infrastructure. It is under- PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. spending and bold monetary already been settled.” Even if standable that they are trying email: [email protected] With the campaign officially easing. It is commendable he becomes the new prime to make up for the weakness starting on Tuesday and the that Suga has indicated his minister, trust in his adminis- of Abenomics and revitalize ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 voting and ballot counting on intention to take the reins of tration could be shaken. It the economy. FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] Sept. 14, the outline of the government with priority on seems that he will have a Five of the LDP’s seven election is becoming clear, the economy. responsibility to make efforts factions expressed support for CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 centering on three candidates: On the other hand, it to examine and improve Suga. He has the upper hand email: [email protected] Suga, LDP Policy Research cannot be said that the growth decision-making and doc- in terms of Diet members’ Council Chairman Fumio strategy has produced results. ument management. votes, which account for 75% SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 Kishida and former LDP Sec- Discussions on sustainable Kishida announced his of the total votes. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar A COVID-19 vaccine is not a requirement. Of course, if vaccines are developed we’ll really appreciate it. /Peninsula_Qatar And for Tokyo 2020 this will be great. But if you ask

/ThePeninsulaNewspaper me if that’s a condition - it's not a condition. Toshiro Muto, Tokyo Olympic CEO +974 6698 6188 SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2020 EUROPE 09 WHO says ‘will not endorse’ vaccine if not safe, effective

AFP — GENEVA continues to take a devastating There are currently 10 percent of candidate vac- to norma.”. But while the WHO aimed at ensuring a more equi- toll, there has been massive more than 30 cines succeed. has said it expects to see results table distribution of any future The World Health Organization pressure to roll out a vaccine She explained that the from a range of Phase III trials vaccines, but has struggled so insisted yesterday that it would quickly, sparking concerns that candidate vaccines “unprecedented speed of devel- by the end of the year, it yes- far to raise the funds needed to never endorse a vaccine that testing standards could be being tested on opment of COVID vaccines” was terday tempered hopes that a provide for the 92 poor coun- has not proven safe and lowered. humans, with at least largely enabled by prior invest- vaccine is imminent. tries that have signed up. effective, amid concerns over WHO chief Tedros ments in vaccine platforms for Pointing to the massive But Tedros hailed yesterday the rush to develop a jab for Adhanom Ghebreyesus insisted eight in final-stage other diseases, which had been challenge of manufacturing and that 78 high- and upper-middle COVID-19. that was not the case. “WHO Phase III trials, which repurposed for use against the rolling out vaccines to the bil- income countries and econ- Across the globe, govern- will not endorse a vaccine that typically involve novel coronavirus. lions around the world who omies have now confirmed they ments are hoping to deploy a is not effective and safe,” he told But she stressed, developers need them, widespread vacci- will participate, including vaccine as soon as possible a virtual briefing. He also took tens of thousands of must not skip over the various nation is not expected to begin Germany, Japan, Norway and against the virus, which has issue with the so-called anti- people. phases of stringent testing. until the middle of 2021. the European Commission in infected well over 26 million vax movement that has been “No vaccine is going to be Tedros stressed that, initially just the past week. people, killed hundreds of thou- stoking fears about the vaccines mass-deployed before the reg- at least, supply would be limited. He pointed out that in an sands, upended millions of lives in development. Phase III trials, which typically ulators are confident and the “Priority must be given to vacci- interconnected world, “the virus and wreaked havoc on the They might be able to “build involve tens of thousands of governments are confident and nating essential workers and will continue to kill and the eco- global economy. narratives to fight against vac- people. that WHO is confident that those most at risk,” he said, nomic recovery globally will be Under normal procedures, cines, but the track record of “It is a very optimistic sce- these vaccines have met the stressing that “the first priority delayed” if poorer countries are test administrators must wait vaccines tells its own story,” he nario because there’s a huge minimum standards of safety must be to vaccinate some people unable to gain access to a vaccine. for months or years to verify said. There are currently more field of candidates,” WHO’s and efficacy.” in all countries, rather than all Sharing equitably, he said, is that vaccine candidates are safe than 30 candidate vaccines chief scientist Soumya Swami- Tedros voiced hope that one people in some countries”. “not just a moral imperative and and efficacious. being tested on humans, with nathan told yesterday's briefing, would soon become available The WHO has set up a a public health imperative, it’s But as the pandemic at least eight in final-stage emphasising that only around “so that the world can get back mechanism, known as Covax, also an economic imperative”. Serbia, Kosovo sign economic pact Russia defies West as

AFP — WASHINGTON Nato urges cooperation Former foes Kosovo and Serbia over Navalny poisoning have agreed on a historic pact to normalize economic rela- tions, US President Donald AFP — MOSCOW triggered a sudden deterioration. Trump announced yesterday at Even a simple lack of breakfast.” the White House. Russia defied threats of new Russia has in the past denied And in a fresh diplomatic Western sanctions yesterday in responsibility for a 2018 Nov- success for the US leader, both a staring match over the poi- ichok attack on former double Kosovo and Serbia also agreed soning of Alexei Navalny, as agent Sergei Skripal and his to improve their relations with Nato demanded Moscow daughter in England, as well as Israel — Kosovo will formally uncover its Novichok nerve a litany of similar incidents. recognize the Jewish state and agent programme. In Brussels, Nato called for Serbia will move its embassy A new crisis in ties between an international probe into Nav- from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Russia and the West broke out alny’s poisoning and demanded “A truly historic day,” after Germany said this week Moscow reveal details of its Nov- Trump said, with Kosovo Prime there was “unequivocal evi- ichok nerve agent programme Minister Avdullah Hoti and dence” that President Vladimir to the OPCW global chemical Serbian President Aleksandar Putin’s top foe had been poi- weapons watchdog. Vucic sitting beside him in the soned using the infamous Soviet- After an emergency Oval Office. US President Donald Trump (centre), Kosovo's Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti (right) and Serbia's era nerve agent Novichok. meeting of Nato’s ruling “By focusing on job creation President Aleksandar Vucic (left) listen to US Vice-President Mike Pence during a signing ceremony, Western leaders and many council, alliance chief Jens and economic growth, the two in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, yesterday. Russians have expressed horror Stoltenberg said all members countries were able to reach a at what Navalny’s allies say is were united in condemning the real breakthrough on economic White House, Vucic said Trump international organizations and suggesting US financial support the first known use of chemical “horrific” attack on Navalny. cooperation across a broad had done a “great job,” praising for new recognitions, for our was involved in bringing the weapons against a top oppo- Germany briefed the other 29 range of issues.” his commitment to the Balkan country to be fully consolidated two sides together. sition leader on Russian soil. nations on the case and Trump praised his special region, while Hoti called it a big domestically and interna- The European Union has The 44-year-old lawyer fell Stoltenberg said there was emissary Richard Grenell for step forward — though neither tionally,” he wrote. brokered talks for nearly a ill on a Siberian flight last “proof beyond doubt” Novichok bringing the two sides Serbia nor its former territory Details of the agreement decade to thaw the bitter rela- month and was evacuated to was used. together, two decades after formally recognize the other. were not immediately available, tionship between Serbia and its Germany for treatment. He has “The Russian government they fought a bloody war that Kosovo President Hashim but it was expected to be limited former territory, but many of been in an artificially induced must fully cooperate with the left 13,000 dead. Thaci hailed the agreement in to the normalization of some the agreements they set have coma for the past two weeks. Organisation for the Prohi- “It took decades because a statement, praising Trump for economic ties, easing com- not been implemented. An The Kremlin has denied the bition of Chemical Weapons on you didn’t have anybody trying advancing the cause “of peace, merce and opening up road, rail effort focused on business and Russian state is to blame, and an impartial international to get it done,” Trump said of economic development and and air links between the commerce was launched more yesterday Putin’s spokesman investigation,” Stoltenberg said. the agreement. “There was a lot Euro-Atlantic future”. former Balkan war foes. recently by US officials. indicated that Moscow would The Novichok attack on of fighting and now there’s a lot Kosovo, which declared its The talks included repre- But Serbia made clear not budge. “A whole number of Skripal in 2018 led to seven of love,” he said. “Economics independence from Serbia in sentatives of major US eco- during the talks that it would theories including poisoning Kremlin diplomats being can bring people together.” 2008, “must now continue to nomic aid agencies including not go as far as recognizing were considered from the very expelled from their Nato Speaking to reporters in the work for membership in the Export-Import Bank, Kosovo as a fully-fledged state. first days,” Dmitry Peskov told mission. While Stoltenberg did reporters. “According to our not rule out a similar reprisal doctors, this theory has not this time, he stressed that the Mother allegedly been proved.” Navalny poisoning was quite Russia vaccine ‘passes early trial test’ Over the past few days pro- different from the Skripal suffocates five Kremlin figures have wheeled attack, which happened on the AFP — LONDON of safety data, with some weeks. The report said the data out a number of eyebrow- soil of a Nato member. children to death warning that moving too showed that the vaccine was raising theories including that The EU’s foreign policy in Germany Patients involved in early tests quickly on a vaccine could be “safe, well tolerated, and does not Navalny might have been poi- chief Josep Borrell earlier called of a Russian coronavirus dangerous. Russia denounced cause serious adverse events in soned by Germans in Berlin or on Moscow to cooperate with AFP — BERLIN vaccine developed antibodies criticism as an attempt to healthy adult volunteers”. have poisoned himself. an international probe into the with “no serious adverse undermine Moscow’s research. The trials were open label Yesterday, a toxicologist told poisoning and said the A 27-year-old German woman events”, according to research In the Lancet study, Russian and not randomised, meaning Russian reporters the opposition 27-nation bloc would not rule is suspected of smothering five published in The Lancet yes- researchers reported on two there was no placebo and the politician’s health could have out sanctions. The EU said the of her children as she was terday, but experts said the small trials, each involving 38 participants knew they were deteriorated due to dieting, stress use of chemical weapons “is feeling “emotionally over- trials were too small to prove healthy adults aged between 18 receiving the vaccine and were or fatigue, insisting no poison completely unacceptable under whelmed”, investigators said safety and effectiveness. and 60, who were given a two- not randomly assigned to dif- had been found in his samples any circumstances (and) con- yesterday, a day after the Russia announced last part immunisation. Each par- ferent treatment groups. in the Siberian city of Omsk stitutes a serious breach of lifeless bodies were found in month that its vaccine, named ticipant was given a dose of the Researchers underlined that where he was treated for the first international law and interna- their family apartment. “Sputnik V” after the Soviet-era first part of the vaccine and larger and longer trials — two days. tional human rights standards.” The suspect then satellite that was the first then given a booster with the including a placebo comparison “The patient used diets to In Moscow, a court threw attempted suicide by throwing launched into space in 1957, second part 21 days later. — would be needed to establish lose weight,” the chief toxicol- out a complaint by Navalny’s herself under a train, before had already received approval. They were monitored over the long-term safety and effec- ogist for the Omsk region, Alex- Anti-Corruption Foundation being rescued with serious but This raised concerns among 42 days and all developed anti- tiveness of the vaccine for pre- ander Sabayev, said. “Any over investigators’ perceived not life threatening injuries, Western scientists over a lack bodies within the first three venting COVID-19 infection. external factors could have inaction, the group said. said lead investigator Marcel Maierhofer. She is believed to have “carried out the act while she was feeling emotionally over- Berlusconi hospitalised whelmed, and that too is the motive,” said the investigator. Police believe that the after contracting virus three girls aged one, two and three, and two boys aged six AFP — MILAN or he would be in intensive care. and eight were sedated and Italian news reports said then smothered to death either Italy’s flamboyant former the ageing politician showed on Wednesday or Thursday. A prime minister Silvio Ber- signs of the onset of pneu- sixth child, 11, survived. He had lusconi has been hospitalised, monia. Licia Ronzulli, a senator told schoolmates in a group his aides said yesterday, days with Berlusconi’s Forza Italia chat that all his siblings were after the media tycoon became party, said the former prime dead, said investigators. the latest high-profile figure to minister “spent the night in He was likely able to avoid contract the coronavirus. hospital to check on his con- the grim fate of his siblings Berlusconi, 83, was taken to dition... but he is fine”. because he was in school at the San Raffaele hospital in Milan on Berlusconi announced on time of their killing, said Thursday night after suffering Wednesday that he had tested Maierhofer. Police found the “certain symptoms”, his positive for the novel corona- bodies in the suspect’s entourage said. But it said the virus and was in quarantine at apartment in the city of Solingen move was just “a precaution”. home. Two of his children — in North rhine-Westphalia state The billionaire tested pos- daughter Barbara, 36, and son after they were alerted by the itive for coronavirus earlier this Luigi, 31 — have also contracted Large industrial blast in UK suspect’s mother, who had week after returning from a the virus, as has his companion A picture taken by Kent Fire & Rescue Service yesterday shows a fire following an explosion at a building herself learnt of her grandchil- holiday at his luxury villa on Marta Fascina. on an industrial site in Hoo, southeast England. A large industrial explosion rocked households in dren’s fate from her daughter. Sardinia’s jet-set Emerald Berlusconi had insisted on The suspect is believed to Coast. The AGI news agency Wednesday that he would southeast England early yesterday, with fire services saying they were battling to contain the resulting be emotionally distressed said Berlusconi was hospi- continue his political activ- blaze hours later. “Ten fire engines and a height vehicle are in attendance, and crews are working after a separation from her talised in a room that he often ities. “I will be present in the to tackle the blaze,” Kent Fire and Rescue Service said. Videos posted online showed flames and a third husband a year ago. The occupies when staying at the electoral campaign with inter- plume of black smoke rising high into the night sky, with the fire still raging as dawn broke. The fire man is the father of four of facility. AGI said this indicates views on televisions and in service said no casualties had been reported. The cause of the blast is not yet known. the six children. that his condition is not serious, newspapers,” he said. 10 AMERICAS SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2020

Nearly 200 law Vote-by-mail begins in North Carolina enforcement officials as White House campaign gets ugly endorse Biden

AFP — WASHINGTON With two months to REUTERS — WASHINGTON go until Election Day, The US election is officially all eyes are turning Nearly 200 current and former open: North Carolina yesterday law enforcement officials launched vote-by-mail opera- to the key swing endorsed Democratic US pres- tions for the November 3 states that could idential nominee Joe Biden contest between President yesterday, reflecting a push to Donald Trump and Joe Biden, tip the election one challenge President Donald which is getting uglier by the way or the other. Trump’s message that the day. Pennsylvania and Republican incumbent is the Worries about the unabated candidate of “law and order”. spread of the coronavirus are Florida — both won Trump has said a Biden expected to prompt a major by Trump in 2016 in presidency would lead to law- increase in the number of lessness, while seeking to tie the ballots cast by mail, as Amer- tight contests over former vice president to civil icans avoid polling stations. Hillary Clinton — are unrest fueled by police In a country on edge over particularly in the shootings of Black Americans. the health crisis and a national For his part, Biden has reckoning about race, the next spotlight. accused Trump of stoking vio- two months will test the ability lence with his rhetoric. Biden of the world’s largest economy has embraced calls from pro- to organize its election pro- base about the legitimacy of an testers for policing reforms but foundly changed by the pan- election with a significant has denounced the rioting and demic. North Carolina was to number of mail-in votes. looting that have disturbed begin mailing out more than Trump — who himself votes some of the mostly peaceful 600,000 ballots, in response to by mail in his adopted home protests across the country. A woman departs the United States Post Office near uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, yesterday. a major spike in demand. state of Florida — has “He has condemned vio- Worries about the unabated spread of the coronavirus are expected to prompt a major increase in Other key battleground repeatedly, and without evi- lence of all kinds, and there is states such as Wisconsin will dence, said mail-in voting could the number of ballots cast by mail, as Americans avoid polling stations. no question that I would feel follow in the coming weeks. lead to widespread fraud. safe in Joe Biden’s America,” How Americans vote has He even has suggested to his Trump sent a barrage of tweets anonymous sources who said McCain — a prisoner of war for Tom Manger, a former police become another flashpoint in supporters that they try to vote on Thursday and another yes- they had firsthand knowledge years in Vietnam — also quickly chief in Montgomery County, an increasingly divisive political twice to test the system -- terday to defend himself. “The of the discussions, reported that returned to the fore. Maryland, said in a statement. landscape. A recent poll by USA earning him scorn on social Atlantic magazine is dying, like he had told senior staff: “’Why With two months to go until The list of endorsements Today and Suffolk University media and from Democrats. most magazines, so they make should I go to that cemetery? Election Day, all eyes are announced by the campaign showed that 56 percent of Facebook, the world’s up a fake story in order to gain It’s filled with losers’.” turning to the key swing states included current and former Republican voters surveyed said largest social network, some relevance,” Trump wrote. On the way back to Wash- that could tip the election one prosecutors, sheriffs and other they would go in person to vote, reminded users that voting by “Story already refuted, but ington from a campaign rally in way or the other. Pennsylvania law enforcement officials from while only 26 percent of Dem- mail has a “long history of trust- this is what we are up against.” Pennsylvania, Trump erupted, and Florida — both won by around the country. ocrats plan to do the same. worthiness” in the United The story refers to a visit to slamming the allegations as “dis- Trump in 2016 in tight contests The health crisis has been One out of every four Biden States, as does voting in person. France made by Trump in gusting, grotesque, reprehensible over Hillary Clinton — are par- overshadowed in recent days voters said that if the Demo- The tense campaign battle November 2018, for the cen- lies”. “I would be willing to swear ticularly in the spotlight. by civil unrest in Portland, cratic former vice-president between Trump and Biden tenary commemorations of the on anything that I never said that According to the latest poll Oregon, and Kenosha. Trump loses on November 3, they heated up on Thursday when end of the Great War. about our fallen heroes,” he said. by Quinnipiac University, Biden and Biden both visited would not be ready to accept a The Atlantic magazine reported Trump did not visit the His top aides quickly launched has a solid lead in Pennsylvania, Kenosha this week. Trump victory as “fairly won.” that the Republican incumbent Aisne-Marne American Cem- a counteroffensive, flooding with 52 percent support to 44 The President promised to About one in five Trump voters had referred to US Marines etery near Paris, officially social media with pictures of the percent for Trump. In Florida, help the city recover from said a similar thing. buried in a World War I cem- because his helicopter could not President with US soldiers. the two men are running neck- several nights of violent pro- As he seeks a second four- etery in France as “losers” for take him there due to bad But excerpts from his cam- and-neck, with 48 percent for tests and arson, while Biden year term, Trump has for getting killed in action. weather. paign speeches in 2016, when the Democratic challenger and met with Blake’s family and months sowed doubt among his The backlash was swift, and But The Atlantic, citing four he mocked late senator John 45 percent for the incumbent. emphasized racial healing. Facebook to ban new political Suspect in Portland ads on cusp shooting killed by of US election police during arrest AFP — SAN FRANCISCO REUTERS — PORTLAND officers’ lives. Portland police Facebook said that it will ban on Thursday had issued a new political advertising the Police shot and killed an anti- warrant for Reinoehl’s arrest week before the US election, fascist activist in Washington and asked US marshals to one of its most sweeping state on Thursday night as they locate him. “It sounded like moves yet against disinfor- moved in to arrest him on sus- fireworks, it was that many mation as CEO Mark Zuck- picion that he fatally shot a shots,” bystander Jashon erberg warned of a “risk of right-wing counterprotester Spencer said in an online video. civil unrest” after the vote. last weekend in Portland, Reinoehl, who had pro- The social media giant Oregon, officials said. vided security for Black Lives vowed to fact check premature Michael Reinoehl, 48, was Matter protests in Portland, was claims of victory, stating that wanted on a charge of murder allegedly involved in the if a candidate tries to declare and was armed with a handgun shooting of Aaron Danielson on himself the winner before final when members of a US Mar- Saturday night, the Marshal’s votes are tallied “we’ll add a shals Service fugitive task force Service said. label to their posts directing shot him dead in Olympia, Danielson, 39, was among people to the official results” Washington, after he left an a caravan of supporters of A photo taken on August 18, 2020 shows soldiers from the 4th Military Region of the Brazilian Armed And it promised to “add an apartment building and got in Republican President Donald Forces taking part in the cleaning and disinfection of the Municipal Market in the Belo Horizonte, informational label” to content a car around 7:30pm, according Trump who rode in pickup seeking to delegitimize the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. to the Marshals Service and the trucks into downtown Portland results or claim that “lawful Thurston County Sheriff’s Office. and clashed with protesters voting methods” will lead to “We can confirm at this demonstrating against racial fraud. “Anyone who is saying Brazil tops 4 million COVID-19 cases time that the suspect was injustice and police brutality. the election is going to be armed with a handgun,” the Reinoehl was killed only fraudulent, I think that’s prob- AFP — RIO DE JANEIRO health ministry said the number trend was “very timid” and said Thurston County Sheriff’s hours after Vice News broadcast lematic,” Zuckerberg said in a of infections were slightly the slowdown in cases should Office, which is responsible for a video in which he appeared to CBS interview on Thursday. Brazil topped four million reducing in recent days, amid be maintained for two or three investigating the incident, said admit he had shot Danielson and Facebook also started lim- COVID-19 cases on Thursday hopes that the pandemic had weeks to be able to draw any in a statement yesterday. said he had acted in self-defense. iting its Messenger service to as health ministry officials said peaked following months when firm conclusions. “During the attempt to “I had no choice. I mean, I, I had allow users to forward missives infections were beginning to the daily average of deaths was Brazil has recorded a death apprehend him, shots were a choice. I could have sat there to no more than five people or slow in the world’s second over 1,000. rate of 589 per million inhab- fired at the suspect in the and watched them kill a friend groups at a time “to help curb worst-hit country. Since the end of August, itants but there is a huge dif- vehicle and he fled from the of mine of color. But I wasn’t the efforts of those looking to Since the first case came to Brazil has averaged around 870 ference between the figures in vehicle on foot. Additional going to do that,” he said in the cause chaos, sow uncertainty light on February 26, the South COVID-19 fatalities with 40,000 the north (746) and the south shots were fired at the suspect video, adding he feared he would or inadvertently undermine American colossus has registered new infections a day. “This is the (309.) Paulo Lotufo, professor and he was later pronounced be stabbed. accurate information”. more than 4.04 million infections beginning of what we hope is in of epidemiology at the Uni- deceased at the location,” the Reinoehl was previously The moves follow sharp and over 124,600 deaths. fact an improving trend,” said versity of Sao Paulo, said the sheriff’s office statement said. cited for carrying a loaded gun criticism of Facebook’s han- There were almost 44,000 Mauricio Sanchez, an epidemi- numbers suggest that Brazil Earlier, the Marshals at a July 5 Portland protest, dling of the 2016 presidential new cases over the previous 24 ologist at Brasilia University. could be on the verge of Service said Reinoehl had pro- resisting arrest and interfering election, when it failed to hours, and 834 fatalities. The However, he warned the improvement. duced a firearm and threatened with police. restrict disinformation from Russian operatives that spread conspiracy theories and dis- couraged voting in some cases. New York probes suffocation of Black man hooded by police Zuckerberg has long favored a hands-off approach AFP — NEW YORK Cuomo said he had “full faith” the “Mr. Daniel Prude was failed by our unarmed and naked in the road, to candidate statements, but he attorney-general’s investigation would police department, our mental health according to the video. Police ordered said a new policy was needed Several hundred peaceful demonstrators “ensure that justice is served”. The care system, our society and, he was an initially compliant Prude to get on the for last-minute ads because “in marched on Thursday in New York’s 41-year-old’s family and activists made failed by me,” Rochester Mayor Lovely ground, but after being handcuffed he the final days of an election Times Square over the death of a black his death public on Wednesday, after Warren said. “We cannot continue to fail became increasingly agitated. there may not be enough time man that police hooded and forced face receiving body cam footage through an black lives this way,” she told a news Officers then put a “spit hood” on him to contest new claims”. down on the road, according to video open records request. conference. and forced his head to the pavement. Twitter placed notices on footage that prompted a probe from the The news of yet another police killing “Racism is alive and well in every Moments later he lost consciousness. a Trump tweets “to prevent state’s attorney-general. of an African American triggered fresh system in America.” Prude’s brother told He died in hospital a week later, people from sharing advice The demonstrators gathered under outrage, three months after protests journalists he had called police March when life support was switched off. about voting twice, which may a steady rain to demand justice for ignited nationwide over George Floyd, 23 as Daniel suffered a mental health Local media said an autopsy ruled be illegal.” Facebook con- Daniel Prude, whose family said he who was choked to death during an episode. “I placed a phone call for my the death a homicide caused by “com- firmed that it removed video died on March 30 after being removed arrest while handcuffed. brother to get help, not to get lynched,” plications of asphyxia in the setting of of Trump’s comments in North from life support, seven days after the Prude’s family demanded legal Joe Prude said outside Rochester’s City physical restraint”. The report also listed Carolina advising that people police encounter upstate in the city of action against the officers involved, who Hall on Wednesday. a low level of the drug PCP in Prude’s vote twice, and added infor- Rochester. were suspended on Thursday. Letitia “How many brothers have to die for blood. “He was treated inhumanely and mation labels to Trump posts Dubbing the footage “deeply dis- James, New York state’s top prosecutor, society to understand this has to stop?” without dignity,” community organizer related to voting. turbing,” New York’s Governor Andrew said an investigation was under way. When officers arrived Prude was Ashley Gantt said.