RABIA ALAWWAL 12, 1442 AH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

16 Pages Max 36º Min 16º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 18270 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

Parents of gunned-down teenager Berlin’s ill-fated new airport Kardashian slammed for ‘tone Dodgers end World Series 5 bring him back in AI election video 10 is finally ready for take-off 13 deaf’ birthday tropical getaway 16 drought with win over Rays

No change in quarantine procedures for arrivals

Priority for coronavirus vaccine for the elderly, chronic patients, frontliners

By B Izzak frontline workers and providers of basic services. The committee told the Massive blackout hits Hawally governorate KUWAIT: The government said yester- Cabinet that the planned campaign day that there has been no change in will continue for a year. quarantine procedures for passengers The Cabinet urged citizens and arriving to the country, denying rumors expatriates to comply with health that the two-week home quarantine has measures, including wearing face- been reduced. Meanwhile, a special masks, observing social distancing, committee headed by Health Minister sanitizing hands and leaving home Sheikh Basel Al-Sabah yesterday only when necessary. It also urged the briefed the Cabinet during an extraordi- public to pay special attention to eld- nary meeting on the coronavirus pan- erly people, especially those suffering demic situation in the country and urged from chronic diseases. people to comply with health measures The Cabinet statement also called to contain the spread of COVID-19. on the need to continue the process of A statement issued after the meet- returning to normal life, stressing that ing said the committee also briefed only 50 percent of office staff should the Cabinet on a potential vaccination attend in both the private and public campaign against the disease when sectors. The committee also briefed vaccines become available. It said the the Cabinet on the situation of the sections that will be initially targeted disease in Kuwait and the number of KUWAIT: Blackouts were reported in parts of Salmiya, Hawally, Maidan Hawally, Jabriya, Rumaithiya and Bayan after a fire in the for vaccination are elderly people and new cases recorded in October, along main power transformer in Salmiya W, the ministry of electricity and water said yesterday. The fire force added it rescued 30 people those suffering from chronic diseases, with the treatment of patients in trapped inside elevators. in addition to healthcare providers, intensive care units.

made the move without their knowledge, adding that yesterday registered to run for seats in the National NOTICE Top finance ministry the decision came after they refused to implement Assembly election on the third day of candidate On the occasion of the Prophet’s (PBUH) decisions by the minister that “violate the law”. registration, raising the number of hopefuls so far to birthday holiday, Kuwait Times will not pub- officials resign over But the finance ministry said in a statement yes- 193 including 18 women. Thirteen candidates filed lish its print edition on Friday, October 30. terday that the minister has accepted the resigna- from the first constituency, 10 from the second, 16 Readers can stay informed with breaking tion of the six top officials of the ministry. The from the third, 10 hopefuls from the fourth and six news and information via KuwaitTimes.net ‘forced’ reshuffle Cabinet has not yet made any comment on the from the fifth constituency. and our digital media channels on Instagram, issue. But MP Riyadh Al-Adasani called on the The new candidates include five sitting MPs and Twitter and Facebook: @KuwaitTimes By B Izzak prime minister to accept the resignation of six former lawmakers from the past assemblies. The Sheetan and stop a major crisis in the finance min- MPs who registered in the hope of retaining their KUWAIT: Finance Ministry Undersecretary Saleh istry. Adasani has grilled the finance minister twice seats are Adel Al-Damkhi, Bader Al-Mulla, Awdah Al-Saraawi and five assistant undersecretaries and the minister survived two no-confidence Al-Awdah, Ali Al-Deqbasi and former information News in brief resigned yesterday in a letter to the prime minister motions as a result, but following the second minister and MP Mohammad Al-Jabri. The six for- in protest against a decision by Finance Minister grilling, Sheetan placed his resignation at the dis- mer MPs include Ahmad Al-Shahoumi, Abdullah Al- Global virus cases hit record Barrak Al-Sheetan to rotate their posts. The top posal of the prime minister. Turaiji, Jamal Al-Omar, Abdullah Mayouf, Ammar bureaucrats claimed in their letter that the minister Meanwhile, 55 candidates including four women Al-Ajmi and Hussein Mazyed. PARIS: More than 500,000 new coronavirus cases were reported worldwide on Tuesday in a new record, according to a tally from health authorities compiled by AFP. In total, 516,898 Kuwait expands boycott; new infections and 7,723 deaths were announced, according to the tally compiled yes- Erdogan blasts cartoon terday. Europe has once again become the new epicenter of the disease which is spreading rap- KUWAIT/ISTANBUL: Kuwait’s (PBUH) stop. “There will be increased idly on the continent. The United States is also boycott of French products has pressure in the coming days in case facing a rise in cases. — AFP expanded, with a leading union say- of any provocation,” he said. “We will ing yesterday that most of its stores stop marketing all products and had stripped their shelves after brands owned by the French, or those One death every 3 mins in Iran French President Emmanuel Macron to which the French contribute.” defended cartoons insulting Islam. Boycotts began Friday, and yes- One person is dying from COVID-19 DUBAI: Kuwait’s Union of Consumer Co- terday, images showed shelves every three minutes in Iran, state television said yesterday, as the health ministry reported a operative Societies said 60 of its 69 stripped bare of French food prod- record daily toll of 415 fatalities. Parliament stores had pulled French-made prod- ucts, perfumes and cosmetics. Kishti speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf tweeted that ucts, with the rest of the establish- said that they stopped selling over he had tested positive for the coronavirus, the lat- ments to “soon” follow suit. 2,000 basic items, such as cheese est among dozens of officials to be infected. Total Fahd Al-Kishti, head of the union, and water. According to Ahmed Al- fatalities from the disease have reached 33,714, told AFP there will be no backtrack- Thaidy, a professor at Kuwait KUWAIT: French cosmetics and perfumes are removed from display at a perfume health ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari ing on the decision unless “insults” University’s College of Sharia and store yesterday as part of a boycott in protest against cartoons depicting Prophet told state TV. The number of confirmed cases against the Prophet Muhammad Continued on Page 2 Muhammad (PBUH) published in French media. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat rose by 6,824 in the past 24 hours to 558,648, she added. — Reuters Sometimes referred to as the “Godfather of British foreign secretary Arthur James Balfour, seen The tycoon who Palestine”, Masri is the patriarch of a family empire as a precursor to Israel’s creation in 1948. Qatar regrets invasive searches that has interests in telecommunications, finance, The Balfour Declaration begins by stating that

industry and Palestinian real estate. The 86-year- “His Majesty’s Government view with favor the DOHA: Qatar expressed regret yesterday after sued Britain over old lives alone in Beit al-Falestine (Palestine House), establishment in Palestine of a national home for the women on 10 flights were forced to endure his mansion overlooking Nablus in the occupied Jewish people, and will use their best endeavors to invasive physical examinations, and announced West Bank. On display in the opulent home are facilitate the achievement of this object”. After the an investigation that an informed source said 1917 declaration photos of Masri with Nelson Mandela, US presi- sentence was read to him, Masri said: “you forgot could lead to criminal prosecutions. In its first NABLUS: Sitting in an antique armchair in the dential candidate Joe Biden and iconic Palestinian the main thing.” He then completed the declaration account of events, Qatar said a newborn baby dappled light of his Renaissance-inspired West leader Yasser Arafat, whom Masri smuggled from himself. “Nothing shall be done which may preju- girl was wrapped in plastic and left to die in a Bank mansion, Palestinian billionaire Munib Al- Jordan to Syria in 1970 in the boot of his car. dice the civil and religious rights of existing non- bathroom rubbish bin, prompting a lockdown of Masri raised a subject that has angered him for He has served as a minister in the Jordanian gov- Jewish communities in Palestine. the airport. Women were then led from aircraft eight decades. “Can you quote me the 58 words of ernment and in the Ramallah-based Palestinian “That tells you that we have no political rights,” to ambulances on the tarmac where they were Balfour’s declaration?” he asked AFP, referring to Authority. But despite his financial success, political Masri said. Earlier this month, he and several subject to cervical examinations to see if they the 1917 statement setting out London’s support for achievements and advanced years, Masri told AFP activists filed a lawsuit in Palestinian court seeking had recently given birth. — AFP a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine. that he remains consumed by the declaration by Continued on Page 2 2 Established 1961 Thursday, October 29, 2020 Local Amir receives Crown Prince, state officials

Pope Francis congratulates Amir on office

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

His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets His Highness the Prime His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets His Highness Sheikh Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al- Sabah Al-Khaled and His Highness Sheikh Nasser and wished him best of luck in continuing develop- Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received, at Bayan Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Furthermore, His Al-Mohammad. ment process in the State of Kuwait. Pope Francis Palace yesterday, His Highness the Crown Prince Highness the Amir received His Highness Sheikh In other news, His Highness the Amir Sheikh said he was looking forward to boosting relations Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. His Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received yes- between Kuwait and the Vatican. His Highness the Highness the Amir also received National Meanwhile, His Highness the Crown Prince terday a cable from Pope Francis of the Vatican Amir thanked, in a cable, Pope Francis for his wish- Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem, and His received Speaker Ghanem, His Highness Sheikh who congratulated him on assumption of office, es, and wished him good health. — KUNA Kuwait, WFP sign agreement to establish office in country KUWAIT: Kuwait and the World Food Peace Prize, which came in appreciation of the Programme (WFP) yesterday signed an agree- program’s role and the prominent activity it ment to establish an office for the organization in undertakes. Meanwhile, Yahya praised Kuwait’s the country. This came during a meeting between great efforts in supporting humanitarian work and Kuwait’s Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al- the program’s activities, noting that the WFP Jarallah with the WFP representative to the GCC, decided to establish an office in Kuwait due to Abdulmajeed Yahya, who is on a visit to the coun- remarkable humanitarian efforts. Assistant try. During the meeting, the two sides discussed Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Office of the the distinguished relationship between Kuwait Deputy Minister Ambassador Ayham Al-Omar and the WFP, in addition to the activities carried and Deputy Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs out by the organization around the world. Jarallah for Protocol Affairs Abdulmohsen Al-Zaid attend- KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah and the WFP representative to the GCC congratulated the WFP on obtaining the Nobel ed the meeting. — KUNA Abdulmajeed Yahya sign an agreement to establish a WFP office in Kuwait. — KUNA

maintained the current interest rate cap for loans to interest on the US greenback, thus bolstering the domestic savings, the latter being a mainstay of CBK maintains extended to customers in Kuwaiti Dinar, according attractiveness of the Kuwaiti currency. The decisions monetary policy. The Governor added that the deci- to a press release. In addition, CBK cut rates of oth- also came as part of the CBK’s special measures to sions were taken after a thorough scrutiny of the er monetary policy instruments, by 0.125 percent cope with the ramifications of the Covid-19 pan- latest economic, monetary, and banking data and ‘historical low’ for the entire interest rate yield curve terms matrix, demic on economic and banking conditions, most information available, including indicators of general up to the ten-year term. importantly employing facilitatory monetary policies economic performance, local liquidity levels, devel- 1.5% discount rate This includes repurchases (REPO), CBK Bonds, regarding interest rates through cutting the opments in deposits, and interest rates on both the KUWAIT: As part of vigilant monitoring of eco- the Term-Deposits system, direct intervention Discount Rate to historical lows to reach 1.5 percent. Kuwaiti Dinar and on main foreign currencies. Dr nomic, monetary, and banking developments and instruments, as well as Public Debt instruments, CBK Governor Dr Mohammad Y Al-Hashel said Hashel concluded the statement by stressing the forecast trends, the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) effective October 28, 2020. This came amid contin- in a statement that CBK market intervention meas- Bank’s unwavering policy of vigilant monitoring of decided on Monday to maintain the current ued decrease in interest rates on federal funds of the ures fall within its monetary policy which aims to economic, monetary, and banking developments Discount Rate at 1.5 percent. Based on its periodic US Federal Reserve inching closer to zero-levels, bolster economic recovery in non-oil sectors and to according to latest available data and in light of review of movements in interest rate trends on main which widened the margin tipping the scale on the maintain and buttress the attractiveness of the policies implemented towards safeguarding finan- currencies, the US Dollar being foremost, the CBK side of the interest on the Kuwaiti Dinar as opposed Kuwaiti Dinar as a lucrative and reliable vessel for cial and monetary stability. — KUNA

scoundrels who insult my beloved Prophet Kuwait expands (PBUH) on such a scale,” Erdogan said in a speech to his party’s lawmakers in the par- The tycoon who liament. “I am sad and frustrated not boycott... because of this disgusting attack on me sued Britain over... personally but because of the imperti- Continued from Page 1 nence taking aim at our Prophet (PBUH) Continued from Page 1 we love more than ourselves,” he said. Islamic Studies, the boycott will likely Erdogan yesterday accused “Macron compensation from Britain for the “wrongs” caused by continue until the “average Muslim feels and those who share the same mentality Balfour. The largely symbolic gesture will almost certainly that France has backed down”. “Any pos- with him” of pursuing “vicious, provoca- not force Britain to pay reparations, but Masri said filing the itive statements that are respectful of the tive and ugly policies that sow the seeds case fulfilled a childhood dream. “I remember the day the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), I would of hatred”. France’s European Affairs teacher told us about the Balfour Declaration and its mean- imagine will gradually break the boycott,” Minister said yesterday that Paris would ing,” he recalled, perched next to his fireplace. “I was eight he told AFP. “push for strong European responses, years old. He read it and put it in my head. Since that day, I Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep which include sanctions” over Erdogan’s have been angry.” Tayyip Erdogan yesterday vented his series of “provocations”. The entrance to Beit al-Falestine includes a painting of St outrage at the “scoundrels” at the French Ankara prosecutors said they were Mark’s Basilica in Venice, hung across from a depiction of satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo for mock- launching an investigation into Charlie the Dome of the Rock mosque in Jerusalem. Masri said the ing him in a front-page cartoon. His Hebdo for “insulting the head of state”. latter image serves as a reminder that Arabs “knew how to office also vowed to take unspecified The cartoon was published in the middle build domes” before the Europeans. The center of the build- “legal and diplomatic actions” over the of an emotional debate over France’s ing features a marble Hercules statue. There are also depiction of the 66-year-old leader. The broader policy toward Muslims. That con- reminders of Palestinian setbacks, including frescoes of the NABLUS: Palestinian billionaire Munib Al-Masri poses for a publication has stoked fury in Turkish versation has been lent urgency by the “Nakba” (disaster) - the Palestinian term describing Israel’s picture in front of his mansion Beit al-Falestine (Palestine political circles and added to a sense of creation - and a portrayal of the “Naksa”, the Arab defeat by murder near Paris this month of a teacher House) in this occupied West Bank city on Oct 2, 2020. — AFP crisis enveloping Turkey’s deteriorating Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War. “Today is the worst period in who showed his class cartoons of Prophet relations with France. Palestinian history,” Masri told AFP. “We live in a big prison.” hope that the Fatah movement of Palestinian president Muhammad (PBUH) previously published It came out just days after Erdogan Beyond the occupation, Masri voiced concern over the Mahmoud Abbas can reconcile with its rival, the Islamist by Charlie Hebdo. called for a boycott of French products United Arab Emirates and Bahrain establishing relations with Hamas, to give the Palestinians a united voice. and questioned Macron’s sanity for pro- Macron’s defense of the drawings saw Israel, which broke decades of Arab League consensus Masri’s political influence has waned, but he still writes moting a drive against radical Islam. tens of thousands march Tuesday through against normalisation until the Palestinian conflict was letters in Arabic to Donald Trump, encouraging the US Erdogan said he had never personally the Bangladesh capital Dhaka and pro- resolved. Masri’s business interests include servicing Gulf oil leader to change course in the Middle East, even if he has seen the Charlie Hebdo drawing because testers burn pictures of Macron and companies. Sudan has since said it will also establish ties little hope of a reply. But Masri’s main frustrations lie with he did not want to “give credit to such French tricolor flags in Syria. Smaller with the Jewish state. Israel. He argued that Balfour gave the Jewish state a blank immoral publications”. But he called it protests returned to Dhaka yesterday and The father of six, with an untrimmed white beard, told cheque to occupy and even annex Palestinian territory and “disgusting” nonetheless. also hit the Indian city Mumbai and parts AFP he had been enthusiastic about the Oslo peace accords that now Israelis, in control of the lands, refuse to “share “I don’t need to say anything to those of the Gaza Strip. — AFP in the 1990s but had since grown disillusioned. He voiced the cake”. — AFP Established 1961 3 Local Thursday, October 29, 2020 Team identifies loopholes which led to foreign workers’ surge, proposes reforms Reports on four pressing issues presented to Prime Minister

KUWAIT: A government team tasked with tutions to assess the current economic situation, addressing the demographic imbalance identified and its impact on state resources, as well as their the administrative, legal and executive loopholes proposed practical solutions to boost the state which led to the surge of foreign workers in economy and its financial situation. The social Kuwait. It made proposals to restructure foreign media team apprised His Highness the Prime workers in the public and private sectors, decrease the number of marginal workers, while taking into consideration the security, social and economic dimensions of this issue. It also recommended a Cabinet to number of legislative reforms to bring to account those responsible for the demographic imbalance. choose ‘optimal The team is one of four groups of experts formed by the Cabinet to study and set proposals solutions’ to tackle four of the most pressing issues in the country. The teams submitted their reports to His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al- Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah in a meeting at Seif KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah meets members Palace on Tuesday. The other three teams tackled of the team on addressing demographic imbalance. — KUNA the key issues of economic reforms, social media Minister of their vision and recommendations to regulation, and education overhaul. combat the negative aspects of social media in line with laws and without jeopardizing the con- istries of education and higher education as well thanked the teams for their sincere efforts and Economic situation stitutionally enshrined freedom of expression. as other public and private educational institu- valuable reports. He noted that the Cabinet will The economic reform team informed His The team assigned with the educational strate- tions to upgrade the educational process and to thoroughly study the teams’ reports and propos- Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled about the coor- gy briefed His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled deal with the coronavirus pandemic. At the con- als to choose the optimal solutions for these dination between relevant public and private insti- about their evaluation of the plans of the min- clusion of the meeting, His Highness the Premier pressing issues. — KUNA

The total number of the registered infection Muhannad Al-Sayer Kuwait reports 7 cases reached 123,906, said Dr Sanad, adding that the number of patients that remained under medical care at intensive treatment units runs for parliament COVID-19 deaths, reached 107, whereas the whole count of con- KUWAIT: Lawyer firmed cases that also continued to get medical Muhannad Al-Sayer regis- 814 new cases care reached 8,220. tered yesterday to run for He revealed that up to 7,431 swab tests were parliament from the third conducted in the last 24 hours, putting the constituency. In a statement KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health said whole number of such examinations at 896,986. to the press after announc- yesterday 814 new infection cases with the nov- Earlier yesterday, the health ministry ing his candidacy, Sayer el coronavirus (COVID-19) were recorded dur- announced that 807 COVID-19 patients recov- highlighted the need for ing the past 24 hours. In addition to the new ered during the last 24 hours, bringing the total politicians, and parliament batch of infections, ministry spokesperson Dr number of the recuperated to 114,923. The min- hopefuls in particular, to Abdullah Al-Sanad announced that seven istry’s spokesman called anew on the public to remain vigilant and continue taking precautions take “serious and urgent Muhannad Al-Sayer patients succumbed to the contagious disease steps to achieve develop- during the same, raising the death toll to 763. against the pandemic. — KUNA ment, put an end to corrup- tion and hold accountable those who violated peo- ple’s rights and public funds.” Furthermore, Sayer urged voters to contribute not only through their votes, but also through sharing their visions and ideas “to help elevate the level of parliamentary work, and enforce the law and constitutional articles according to a fair political system that eliminates discrimination and guarantees equality.”

Crimes Man stabs woman in Kuwait City street

KUWAIT: A man tortured a woman he claimed was his ex-wife, causing injuries to her tongue, face and ear, in addition to several stab wounds. The man was arrested with a knife in his hand and is being sent to the prosecution. Police received a KUWAIT: Kuwait Fire Force said that Wafra and Nuwaiseeb fire stations responded to a blaze reported in a Wafra farm warehouse containing feed, paint and other call about a fight on Sour Street in Kuwait City materials. The blaze was put out without injuries. between a man and a woman, who sought the help of passersby as she was bleeding. Police and detectives went to the scene and found the man with a knife in his hand, and the woman was next to him in a very bad condition. Paramedics rushed her to Amiri Hospital. The man, an Egyptian, was taken to Salhiya police station. He claimed the woman was his estranged wife, but investigations revealed she was not his wife and there is no rela- tion between them. The man was charged with attempted murder.

Biker dead

A Lebanese man riding a motorcycle was killed in a collision with a vehicle on Airport Road. Police and paramedics rushed to the scene and found the motorcyclist in critical condition, but he died upon arrival to the hospital. The vehicle’s driver was detained as investigations are being conducted.

Domestic violence

A woman accused her brother of beating and injuring her. The woman took a medical report to police and told them her brother beat her due to a dispute. The prosecutor ordered the case be recorded under domestic violence and ordered the arrest of the brother for questioning

Resisting arrest

Two persons were sent to Fahaheel police station for resisting arrest, as both did not have any identi- fication on them. They exchanged blows with policemen, but were controlled and arrested. Both men seemed to be under the influence, so they were sent to the forensics department for tests, then returned to Fahaheel police station for ques- tioning after they sobered up.

Search for maid

A domestic helper stole KD 1,600 from her employer and disappeared, according to the spon- sor’s statements. The son of the employer told Sabah Al-Salem police that the Filipina helper stole KD 1,600 in cash and fled the house. A warrant was issued for her arrest. — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Rai 4 Established 1961 Local Thursday, October 29, 2020

Established 1961 The First Daily in The Arabian Gulf Visit to US media institutions: THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961 Experience of different flavor Founder and Publisher YOUSUF S. AL-ALYAN By Bedour Al-Mutairi Editor-in-Chief ABD AL-RAHMAN AL-ALYAN o revisit the United States of America as a EDITORIAL : 24833199-24833358-24833432 member in a delegation from all over the world is not like visiting it with a family or as a tourist ADVERTISING : 24835616/7 T FAX : 24835620/1 because it is an experience of a different flavor. I was CIRCULATION : 24833199 Extn. 163 lucky to be selected by the US state department to ACCOUNTS : 24833199 Extn. 125 visit the US within the International Visitor COMMERCIAL : 24835618 Leadership Program (IVLP) for 2020. P.O.Box 1301 Safat,13014 Kuwait. This program is one of the American media’s smart Email: [email protected] strategies as the state department invites several Website: www.kuwaittimes.net young leaders in the fields of media, politics and economy each year to visit the United States and have a look at its experience in the concerned field, and this is in my view part of the soft power media meeting more than 200 journalists who work there. give you ignorant people.” strategy it uses. It is for sure that many people preceded me with This is a program sponsored by the state depart- Massachusetts such comparison, which makes us wonder: is our ment and started in 1940 and invited more than 5,000 We then went to Massachusetts and Boston in media a hopeless case? Or the problem is in us jour- persons from all over the world, and may be the most particular which has the largest and most prestigious nalists? Or is it like all of our other problems which GCC ministers famous among them is former Egyptian President university cities in the world, including Harvard became chronic in the views of many? Anwar Al-Sadat in 1968, and the list is full of digni- University where we had an appointment with The role of the journalist there is to hold any gov- taries who occupied senior posts such as presiden- ‘Nieman Journalism Fellowship,’ which is a golden and ernment or private agency to account in case they discuss security cies, premierships and ministries. exceptional opportunity for any journalist to be cause harm to people and has the absolute freedom The US state department invited me to join a selected to stay at Harvard on a scholarship for one to uncover corruption issues as long as he knows his challenges group of 22 journalists from around the world and the full year to learn about journalism. journalistic tools with documents and evidence. The visit was postponed due to “strange” events, and it The program included a visit to the Massachusetts journalist is not to give a blind eye to any harm was in this distinguished year, 2020, which left memo- Institute of Technology (MIT) for Civic Media, which against the people, even if it is caused by a most sen- KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister, ries and events that combined wit with peculiarity. is headed by Professor Ethan Zuckerman, and spent ior official who hides behind the name of his family or Minister of Interior and Minister of State for Having 22 journalists of both genders from various hours in discussions about his views about electronic post, as chairs vanish away while “people and the Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh took part in a countries with several ideas and cultures is a rich media, being the experienced in this field being one country remain.” videoconference by the interior ministers of experience in itself, besides travelling within four of the founders of a web page during the nineties, and The journalist’s relation there with government the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states over three weeks to see the American journal- those discussions were rich in regards to the future of officials is full with caution and parity, or to be more countries on Tuesday. The meeting reviewed a ism, its freedom, mechanism of managing papers and electronic journalism. accurate, it is the relation of the ‘friend/enemy,’ as number of security issues of common concern, newsrooms. I will attempt to write about part of this We visited Boston radio and television where we they agree when it comes to people’s interests and including the combat against COVID-19 and exceptional trip. met Phillip Martin Sean Corcoran as discussions were part ways when it comes to corruption. the preparations to ease the related restric- about the current audience and its views about the The American cinema documents many classic sto- tions, according to a statement from the In Washington radio in particular and the method of the new news ries about exposing corruption at various levels, as it Interior Ministry’s General Directorate of The trip began in the capital Washington, DC with content being followed there. dealt with Watergate twice so far since the 1970s, Security Relations and Media. At the begin- a visit to the democracy and human rights office at We met Sheriff Mark Napier of Pima town whose along with ‘All the President’s Men,’ and more recently ning of the meeting, the GCC ministers the state department where we learned about the sentence “I am trying to always do what this town the movie ‘The Post’ by Meryl Streep which reflected expressed condolences for the State of office’s experience, as well as the way reports are needs to be safe, as the stars on my shoulder will dis- how the Washington Post believed in two young jour- Kuwait over the passing of His Highness the written, prepared and monitored from regional and appear one day, then I will be a private citizen and I nalists when they uncovered a scandal that was going late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber international organizations to strengthen democracy will feel what I have done in developments in people’s to an unprecedented conviction of an American presi- Al-Sabah, recalling his contributions to the in all countries of the world. lives,” drew my strong attention. dent, and forced President Richard Nixon to resign strengthening of the GCC march. The second stop was at the international journal- when they published and revealed his connection with The ministers reviewed the latest reports ists center, which has part of me personally, as I met The obnoxious comparison the break in the Democratic party headquarters. and proposals of the joint expert committees many friends and teachers who taught me over seven I learned many lessons and examples within the The corruption shakeup continued to establish- on how to cement the GCC joint action and months the electronic journalism and its development. ‘strategy of soft power media,’ and the major experi- ments that were immune from criticism and enjoy a maintain regional security and stability, the It was an excellent opportunity to meet them again ence was a stop to compare their journalism with spiritual authority with the movie ‘Spotlight’ that was statement pointed out. The meeting gath- with a journalists’ delegation from all over the world ours without taking away from the competence of taken from an investigative report by the Boston ered also, from the Kuwaiti side, to talk about the center and journalists services. many media men in our local media because general- Globe in 2002 about the sexual violation of children Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Lt The third stop was at the Washington Post, though ization is the language of the ignorant, and we cannot in churches and Catholic parishes in the United Gen Esam Al-Nahham, Assistants it was not included in the official schedule but it was generalize. I do not want in this comparison anything States, and won a Pulitzer Prize for it in 2003. Undersecretary for Legal affairs Maj Gen arranged by a friend, and this can be described as an other than to help each other and spot the defects in That does not mean that their journalism is free of Majed Al-Majed and acting director-general exceptional and rich experience especially with jour- our profession and seek to develop it out of my belief any mistakes, yet they have many positives that can of general directorate of follow-up on the nalist Scott Higham who is a winner of the Pulitzer in the importance of what we present to our society be copied to develop our journalism that many want affairs of ministerial councils and commit- prize in journalism, and is one of the most important and the importance of struggle to make our pen to limit it to official statements and that the journalist tees Col Adel Al-Sowaid. — KUNA investigative journalists in the world, that in addition always free, as Joseph Goebbels, Hitler’s propaganda must be obedient and not elude to talking about any to seeing firsthand how Washington Post works and minister, said “give me a media without conscious, I corruption, criticism or violations. Volvo Kuwait encourages checkups for early breast cancer detection

KUWAIT: In a continued commitment to the safety of its customers in every aspect of its business, Volvo Car Kuwait BNK Automotive marked the breast can- cer awareness month of October with a series of ini- tiatives that aimed to educate its female customers about breast cancer as well as have regular mammo- Volvo Car Kuwait BNK Automotive also part- grams done to increase recovery and survival rates nered with Kuwait Hospital and Cancer Awareness on the long term. Nation (CAN) in a closed talk that brought together The Swedish luxury automobile brand started the doctors, professionals and breast cancer survivors in awareness month by offering its female customers a talk that aimed to raise awareness about breast above the age of 35 checkup vouchers to have mam- cancer and the misconceptions around it. mograms done at Kuwait Hospital. They were also Speakers were hosted at Volvo Studio and includ- invited to lectures and workshops led by Dr Dalal Al- ed Dr Dalal Al-Aradi - General Surgery Consultant Aradi, held at Kuwait Hospital to educate them about and Head of the Breast Department at Jaber Al- breast cancer facts and self-exam methods. Ahmad Hospital, Dr Nadia Al-Mahmoud - Family Speaking of these initiatives, General Manager of Medicine Consultant, member of CAN, in charge of Volvo Car Kuwait BNK Automotive, Cherif ElSayed, the awareness clinic at CAN and former head of said: “We place our customers at the forefront of awareness at the Ministry of Health, actress Zahra everything we do at Volvo. Their safety is at the core Al-Kharji, writer and author, Dalaa Al-Mufti, Dr of our DNA and brand values. And safety is not only Wajd Al-Othman - Nutritionist specialized in about safe driving. It is synonym to safe living and Nutrition Education, and Besma Al-Qassar - founder the wellbeing of our community. We encourage every of the ‘Women Support Forum’ and expert in human woman to get her exam done regularly because early resources, women mentoring and leadership. Volvo detection is her best prevention. I take this opportu- Studio located in Sharq and is showcasing artworks nity to thank our female customers for choosing to gifted by Wejha Arts. Proceeds from the sale of these drive a Volvo car. Driving a Volvo car is being part of artworks will be donated to women who need finan- a larger community that cares for one another.” cial support during their breast cancer treatment.

KUWAIT: President of the International Women group (IWG) - Kuwait, Ambreen Mustafa, wife of the Ambassador of Pakistan to Kuwait, along with members of the Executive Board, met with the wives of newly accredited Ambassadors to the State of Kuwait recently. The meeting was an oppor- tunity to welcome the group’s new honorary members by sharing some cultural and historical infor- mation about Kuwait and the activities of the IWG. International THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020 Lebanon, Israel in second round Poverty stalks US middle class amid pandemic of maritime talks Page 7 Page 6

ANKARA: Turkish President and leader of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Recep Tayyip Erdogan waves as he arrives to address his party’s group meeting at the Turkish Grand National Assembly yesterday. — AFP Facing Muslim anger, France warns citizens In row with Macron, Erdogan seeks influence in Muslim world PARIS: France has urged its citizens to be cautious and According to him, “Erdogan notes, and he is not avoid mass gatherings in countries that have announced wrong, that Islamophobia is deepening in France” and boycotts of French products in a fast-spreading protest in this context, his invectives against Macron are “a Parents of murdered against perceived anti-Muslim bias from Paris. Muslims desire to influence the Muslims of France”. But he adds have reacted angrily to President Emmanuel Macron’s “this effort will be in vain” because Muslims in France teen bring him back staunch defence of the right to mock religion following have their own structures based on their countries of the beheading of a history teacher who had shown his origins like Algeria or Morocco, “even if Erdogan pupils cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) dur- exerts a fascination with some of the young Muslims.” in AI election video ing a class discussion on free speech. Jean Marcou, a professor at Sciences Po Grenoble, Tens of thousands marched Tuesday in the pointed to the geopolitical dimension of tensions WASHINGTON: When the parents of a teen mur- Bangladesh capital Dhaka, while in Syria protesters between Turkey and France. dered in America’s deadliest high school shooting were have burnt pictures of Macron and in Libya they “Since last summer, we have witnessed a series of approached by an advertising agency to digitally res- torched French flags. “In several countries in recent confrontations between the two countries in strategic urrect their son for an election video, they didn’t hesi- days, there have been calls for a boycott of French theatres of conflict: Libya, the eastern Mediterranean, This video grab image obtained on Tuesday shows a products, particularly foodstuff, and more generally Lebanon, Mali and Nagorno-Karabakh”, he said. “These tate for a moment. “You’re interviewing parents of a kid that was murdered inside his school,” said Manuel video generated by artificial intelligence of Joaquin calls to protest against France,” the French foreign min- clashes are the result of an offensive policy by Turkey Oliver. — AFP istry said on its website. which intends to impose itself as a regional power. “If Oliver, the father of Joaquin Oliver whose life ended at “It is advisable to avoid areas where demonstrations Turkey finds Paris in its path, it is undoubtedly because, the age of 17 on February 14, 2018. “So, in order for us are held, to stay away from gatherings, and to follow in the context of Brexit, France is the only country in the to feel impressed, it’s really hard. The bar is very high. the first one I could have voted in, but I’ll never get to the guidance of the relevant French embassy or con- EU to have nuclear power and a seat at the UN Security We said yes, immediately.” Joaquin was one of 17 peo- choose the kind of world I’ll get to live in.” He rails sulate,” it added. “It is recommended to be most vigi- Council,” he added. “So France too is in a position to ple killed that day at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas against politicians who care more about the gun lob- lant, especially when travelling, and in places frequent- demand a place and a role to play on the borders of High School in Parkland, Florida by a former student. by’s money than people’s lives, and ends with a haunt- ed by tourists and expatriate communities.” Turkish Europe (in the Middle East, in the Mediterranean or in Since then, Manuel and his wife Patricia Oliver have ing message: “Vote for me, because I can’t.” So-called President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has led the charge Africa) where Turkey is located.” dedicated their lives to the cause of gun control. “deepfakes” - highly-realistic videos generated by AI against Macron, backing calls in the Islamic world to First, they supplied the agency with photos of their - have become notorious for their sinister associations, boycott French goods. ‘Win-win’ for both leaders late son. An actor who resembled Joaquin recorded like putting words into politicians’ mouths or celebri- Depictions of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) are Billion compared the verbal confrontation between the message. Then using artificial intelligence (AI), ties’ faces into porn videos. considered offensive by many Muslims, but in France the Turkish and French leaders to a “cockfight”, while Joaquin’s face was mapped onto the actor’s, like a digi- Sometimes the technology is put to other uses, like such cartoons have become synonymous with freedom also pointing to Macron’s outbursts at Erdogan. tal mask. The video was posted earlier this month on bringing back deceased actors for movies. But of expression and a proud secular tradition dating back “Macron seeks to show that he does not stand idly by www.unfinishedvotes.com and YouTube, where it’s Joaquin’s video is a unique case. Is it ethical to make a to the Revolution. In the aftermath of teacher Samuel in the face of political Islam,” he said. “In this context, it received about 150,000 views. “Yo, it’s me” opens AI dead child speak, even for a good cause? “This is a Paty’s murder, Macron vowed the country “will not give is a boon for Macron to have a leader like Erdogan on Joaquin, wearing a sweatshirt and beanie as he speaks perfect example of the good side of these technolo- up cartoons”. Publication of the same drawings had the opposite side”. Unluhisarcikli of the German in front of a basketball court, to a backdrop of eerie gies,” says his father Manuel. To his detractors who sparked the 2015 massacre of cartoonists and others at Marshall Fund agreed. “Macron also seems to enjoy music. Like the real Joaquin, the AI version sprinkles accuse the family of being unethical - of whom there the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, the beginning of a this spat. Perhaps he also has a similar strategy of his speech with the word “bro” and gestures a lot with are many in the YouTube comments section - Manuel spate of deadly terror attacks on French soil. Earlier this boosting his image as the leader who protects ‘Western his hands. responds angrily. “The unethical option of doing month, Macron had unveiled a plan to defend France’s values’ against others,” he said. “This seems to be a “I’ve been gone for two years, and nothing’s something like this, or the unethical way our politicians secular values against a trend of “Islamist separatism”, win-win situation for the two leaders and lose-lose for changed bro,” he says. “The election in November is handle gun violence in our country?”—AFP and described Islam as a religion “in crisis”. their countries.” — Agencies

Erdogan seeks influence Erdogan may present himself as the advocate of Muslims but his jibes at French leader Emmanuel Macron on Islam also aim to score points at the expense of Middle Eastern rivals, analysts say. In the space of a few days, Erdogan has called for a boycott of French- labeled goods and questioned the “mental health” of Macron over his hardened stance against radical Islam and defense of cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). The French leader’s robust defence of the right to mock religion followed the beheading of a French schoolteacher who had shown his pupils cartoons of the prophet. Ozgur Unluhisarcikli, Ankara office director of the US German Marshall Fund think tank, says Erdogan, a pious Muslim, is “sincere” in his reaction. “But he also benefits from this spat with Macron on both the domes- tic and international fronts,” he said. “Being in a conflict with Western leaders boosts Erdogan’s image as a national leader who defies Western hubris against Turks or other Muslims,” Unluhisarcikli said. This posture also allows him to “increase the griev- ances of Muslim societies towards their ruling elite in countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) which cannot match Erdogan’s vigor in ‘defending Islam’.” The leaders of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE-his regional rivals-have largely shied away from commenting on a subject which strikes a furious chord in the Arab-Muslim world. These three countries indeed share Paris’s tough line against Islamist movements which they accuse Erdogan of supporting, and which they consider a threat to their stability. Emirati political analyst Abdulkhaleq Abdulla summed up in a tweet the contrast between the posi- tion of these three countries and that of the Turkish leader. “The equation is very simple and clear. If Erdogan attacks Macron, that means that Macron is right,” he wrote.

‘Does not bow his head’ Didier Billion, a Turkey specialist at the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs in Paris, believes Erdogan seeks to take advantage of “the strate- gic vacuum in the Middle East” caused by the declining influence of traditional heavyweights like Saudi Arabia and Egypt. He wants to play a more robust role in the region. “He wants to appear as the one who does not bow his head in front of the West,” he said. 6 Established 1961 Thursday, October 29, 2020 International Millions queue to vote as India state election gets under way Indian PM urges voters to ‘take all COVID precautions’

PATNA: Millions of Indians turned out to cast bal- ited by AFP, there were long queues of voters lined lots in a state election yesterday in the world’s up heel-to-toe, and few masks in sight. Authorities biggest vote since the coronavirus emerged, with have struggled to enforce social distancing and booths packed out and many ignoring government mask-wearing during rallies across the state that advice on wearing masks and social distancing. have attracted tens of thousands of people. The poll Some 70 million people are eligible to vote in Bihar, is the first in India since Modi imposed the world’s an impoverished eastern state governed by an biggest lockdown in late March that forced millions alliance that includes Prime Minister Narendra of poor migrant workers, many from Bihar, out of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has their jobs in cities. The state, one of India’s poorest, promised a free vaccine for every person in the state has been ruled by an alliance of Modi’s Hindu- if it wins. nationalist BJP and the The election comes as regional Janta Dal United India, the world’s second party for over a decade. most-infected nation, But opinion polls indi- records between 40,000 The cate disquiet with the and 50,000 new cases world’s incumbent regime, particu- each day and looks set to larly Chief Minister Nitish surpass the eight million biggest Kumar from the JDU, who mark. “I am a little afraid vote has been in power for most because corona(virus) is of the past 15 years, over not a small disease,” said perceptions he has not Nidhi Kumari, a 21-year- done enough to lift the old student queuing up to state out of poverty. vote in the outskirts of the state capital Patna. “But Kumar’s unpopularity has been further exacerbated there are precautions at polling booths. They are by the lockdown, with hundreds of thousands of giving sanitizers and gloves.” Voting in Bihar has migrant workers who fled cities like Mumbai or Delhi been split across three days-Wednesday, November because of the virus-many on foot-still unable to MASAURHI, Bihar: Voters queue up to cast their ballots for Bihar state assembly elections at a polling 3 and November 7 — to reduce crowding at booths. find jobs in Bihar. station yesterday. —AFP Coronavirus patients will be allowed to cast a ballot “Here nothing changes, and there is no develop- under the supervision of the health authorities. ment. And now with corona(virus), all the schools are shut. We are poor and uneducated, how can we teach national government also striving to keep the prices Congress party, has meanwhile promised to support Long queues, few masks our children?,” farmer Vinod Paswan told AFP. “Our of onions-a key ingredient in Indian cuisine-in check unemployed youth and create thousands of new Modi-who held several rallies across the state in village has lot of problems, we want proper roads amid a shortage after heavy rains damaged crops. state government jobs. Bihar’s ruling alliance has the run-up to the polls-appealed to voters yesterday and healthcare facilities,” added 50-year-old house- The main opposition regional Rashtriya Janata banked heavily on Modi, who remains popular in the “to take all COVID precautions while participating wife Madhuri Sinha. Unemployment and the cost of Dal party, which remains tainted by past corruption state. He has promised to expedite development in this festival of democracy”. But at two booths vis- living have been major election issues, with the allegations and is in an alliance with the national projects if the alliance is returned to power. —AFP

All of them were jailed or placed under house “People who served jail time longer are more Suu Kyi and old arrest for opposing the military regime. Younger important-that’s the philosophy of the NLD,” for- News in brief members of the party were largely reduced to sup- mer NLD MP Thet Thet Khine told AFP. The 53- porting acts for their seniors, required to ask per- year-old was kicked out last year for not toeing Filipinos flock to cemeteries guard frustrate mission to speak to anyone outside the party and the NLD line, and now heads a rival party. More submit speeches for “censorship”, said Aung Hlaing than 120 current NLD ministers or MPs have MANILA: Thousands of people wearing masks and young politicians Win. “It turned out to be an oppressive system - no served time in prison-from State Counselor Suu face shields poured into cemeteries in Manila yester- different from the system of military rule,” he Kyi and the president down. day for their last chance to visit dead loved ones YANGON: Once celebrated as democracy champi- added. “Just because they’d been political prisoners A similar number of the party’s 2020 election ahead of a government-ordered closure of graveyards ons, a tight elite of elderly former political prison- didn’t mean they knew how to run a country.” candidates have also been jailed at some point. for All Saints’ Day. The religious observance on ers at the helm of Myanmar’s ruling party now The hopes for change were dashed for many “Doing time is a badge of honor,” explained November 1 is usually marked by festivities and stand accused of oppression, discrimination and young democracy activists, who accuse the NLD of Yangon-based analyst Richard Horsey, describing impromptu family gatherings that authorities fear censorship. The National League for Democracy operating no better than other parties. Political it as an “entry ticket to the upper echelons of the could fuel the spread of the coronavirus in the (NLD) is widely expected to win next week’s elec- parties still ask new members about the role they NLD”. It is a policy the party makes no attempt to Catholic-majority Philippines. In a bid to prevent that happening, cemeteries across the country will be tion-five years after it swept to power in a landslide played in the 1988 protests, complained 28-year- hide. “When we consider giving responsibilities to old activist Thinzar Shunlei Li, even though a someone, we favor our old comrades,” NLD closed for the first time from Thursday until November victory. Throngs of young people signed up to the 4. Charito Caones usually spends days scrubbing and majority of people in Myanmar were born in or spokesman and former ‘88 Generation activist Myo party when the Southeast Asian nation emerged repainting the tombs of his relatives in preparation for from outright military rule, eager to play their role after the 1980s. “This is not the right way to judge Nyunt said. “Older people have thicker skin, while the annual rite. This year he had a few hours. “I hope in cementing democracy. a person,” she said. “Our issues, concerns and newer members can be susceptible to criticism.” this won’t happen again and we’ll be able to spend the But critics now say the top echelons of the NLD struggles are different.” night with them,” Caones told AFP as he sat in front of remain closed to anyone who did not serve time Unquestioning support the graves of his brother and nephew. —AFP behind bars in the fight against the former junta- ‘Older people have thicker skin’ Critics have also pointed to the NLD’s flipped effectively sidelining the youth. “We thought, The NLD emerged from Myanmar’s 1988 pro- role-a party led by victims of political repression proudly, we’d be future political leaders,” current democracy movement as it fought against the jun- that is cracking down on dissenters now that it is Ramaphosa in self-quarantine NLD MP and former youth leader Aung Hlaing ta. This was when Suu Kyi-now 75 - was propelled in power. The number of activists incarcerated Win, now 37, told AFP. “But, unfortunately, it went to fame. She became a national hero, serving 15 under Suu Kyi’s government has soared. In recent JOHANNESBURG: South African President Cyril the wrong way.” The average age for the 12 mem- years under house arrest, one of around 10,000 weeks, 15 protesters have been arrested and two Ramaphosa has gone into self-quarantine after learning bers of the NLD’s top decision-making body, people imprisoned by the regime for their political sentenced to six years behind bars for condemn- that a guest at a charity dinner he attended tested posi- including party boss and civilian leader Aung San beliefs. But critics say incarceration has become an ing alleged abuses by Myanmar’s military in tive for coronavirus, his office said yesterday. “President Suu Kyi, is more than 70. unwritten requirement for rising up in her party. Rakhine state. —AFP Cyril Ramaphosa has begun a period of self-quaran- tine,” acting spokesman Tyrone Seale said in a state- ment. “The President is showing no symptoms at this ical normalization with Israel. time and will, in line with COVID-19 health advice, be Lebanon, Israel “Today’s session is the first technical session,” tested should symptoms manifest.” According to his said Laury Haytayan, a Lebanese energy expert. office, Ramaphosa on Saturday attended a fundraising “Detailed discussions on demarcation should dinner of the Adopt-a-School Foundation. One of the in second begin.” Lebanon, mired in its worst economic cri- guests tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday, sis since the 1975-1990 civil war, is looking to set- prompting Ramaphosa to go into self-quarantine on round of talks tle the maritime border dispute so it can press on Wednesday. The head of southern Africa’s worst coron- with its offshore quest for oil and gas. The search avirus-hit nation will perform his duties remotely and NAQURA: Lebanon and Israel, still technically at for hydrocarbons has already heightened tensions will observe the guidelines that apply to self-quarantine, war and with no diplomatic ties, launched a sec- in the eastern Mediterranean following repeated the presidency said. —AFP ond round of maritime border talks yesterday Turkish exploration and drilling operations in under UN and US auspices to allow for offshore waters claimed by both Cyprus and Greece. Facebook’s India policy chief quits energy exploration. The talks, expected to last for two days, were held at the headquarters of UN ‘Maximalist approach’ NAQURA, Lebanon: Supporters of the Lebanese NEW DELHI: Facebook’s top India public policy peacekeeping force UNIFIL in the Lebanese bor- In February 2018, Lebanon signed its first con- executive, who was at the centre of a row over the der town of Naqura, guarded by army roadblocks tract for drilling in two blocks in the Communist Party take part in a demonstration denounc- ing talks between Lebanese and Israeli delegations yes- alleged failure to address hate speech on the platform, and with UN helicopters circling above. Mediterranean with a consortium comprising terday. —AFP has quit, the social media giant said Wednesday. The After years of quiet US shuttle diplomacy, energy giants Total, ENI and Novatek. network sparked a political storm in India after the Lebanon and Israel this month said they had Exploration of one of the blocks is more contro- Wall Street Journal reported in August that policy agreed to begin the negotiations in what versial as part of it is located in an 860-square- by Israel, she told AFP. “We have to wait to see chief Ankhi Das refused to take down anti-Muslim Washington hailed as a “historic” agreement. kilometre area claimed by both Israel and the reaction of the Israelis,” she said. While the comments by a Hindu nationalist lawmaker as it could The announcement came weeks after Bahrain Lebanon. Lebanon is expected to adopt a “maxi- US-brokered talks look at the maritime border, a damage the firm’s business interests. India is the and the United Arab Emirates became the first malist approach” to maritime border negotiations, UNIFIL-sponsored track is also due to address biggest market for the US-based company and its Arab nations to establish relations with Israel said Haytayan. outstanding land border disputes. “We have a messaging service WhatsApp in terms of users, and since Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994. The energy expert explained that Lebanese unique opportunity to make substantial progress the firm is under pressure worldwide over the policing Lebanon-which last saw military clashes with negotiators will likely try to claim areas that fall on contentious issues along” the border, UNIFIL of hate speech. Ajit Mohan, Facebook India’s managing Israel in 2006 - insists that the negotiations are beyond the disputed 860 square kilometers zone, head Major General Stefano Del Col said in a director, said Das was leaving Facebook “to pursue purely technical and don’t involve any soft polit- including the Karish gas field currently operated statement on Tuesday. —AFP her interest in public service”. —AFP

tent will do to protect us from bad weather, mosquitoes Typhoon hits Vietnam coast Burkina Faso and creatures at night,” says Rasmane Badini, 64, at the Boulounga reception site. HANOI: At least 26 fishermen were missing at sea as “Look at this hut. More than 20 children sleep one of the strongest typhoons in two decades tore into victims dream inside.” Badini opens a decrepit door to reveal an old Vietnam’s central coastline yesterday, uprooting trees and forcing hundreds of thousands into shelter. mattress rolled up in a corner of the shelter. Some char- Typhoon Molave, packing winds of up to 135 kilome- ities provide tents in other camps, but Badini, who of safe homes ters per hour, made landfall around midday having wears a long green African robe and a grey hat, says he caused two deaths and left dozens missing as it BOULOUNGA: Sleeping in huts made of straw, fabric has received nothing since he came to Boulounga 18 approached. The military prepared helicopters and and plastic sheets, nearly 5,000 people forced from their months ago. The 4,600 people who took refuge in the amphibious vehicles and deployed or placed on stand- homes by jihadist violence in Burkina Faso have some area built makeshift huts in the fields. “We make these by 250,000 soldiers in preparation for what humani- shelter but little else. The group faces a precarious future huts with twisted mats of straw, pieces of wood we find tarian groups anticipated could be a challenging after- at Boulounga, 25 kilometers from the northern town of and branches,” he says. Badini and his family fled their math. “We are mounting one of our biggest relief home in Silgadji after jihadists attacked it in May 2019 Kongoussi, as donor nations pledge more aid to the Sahel BOULOUNGA, Burkina Faso: Rasmane Badini, 64, dis- operations ever,” Vietnam Red Cross president belt south of the Sahara. and killed about 20 people. placed from Silgadji, stands by his shelter at a site for Nguyen Thi Xuan Thu said in a statement announcing The United Nations says the Sahel faces “one of the “We couldn’t take anything with us and here we have internally displaced people on Oct 15, 2020. —AFP a global emergency appeal for over $4 million in relief greatest humanitarian crises in the world”. Earlier this no source of income,” he says among a small group of funds. The typhoon will be another big test for month, it mobilized donor countries and institutions to men who have settled in Boulounga. “It’s hard to shelter Vietnam amid a spell of intense weather throughout step up financial aid, with promises of around $1.7 billion everyone. We often have to sleep outside to make space with pieces of plastic, and we have to build new huts October that caused the worst flooding in decades, (1.43 billion euros). “My dream is to have a real roof over for the children,” he adds. There are 19 children in his every three to six months. “What are we to do? We can’t and several deadly mudslides. —Reuters the heads of my family and myself. Failing that, a good family. “Straw lets in the rain. That’s why we cover the huts let the children sleep out under the trees.” —AFP Established 1961 7 Thursday, October 29, 2020 International US early voting continuing on historic pace, tops 70 million Trump campaign website broken into by hackers

WASHINGTON: More than 70 million Americans have Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said the cast ballots in the US presidential election, more than site was quickly fixed and no sensitive data was compro- half the total turnout of the 2016 election with one week mised. “The Trump campaign website was defaced and to go until Election Day, according to a Tuesday tally we are working with law enforcement authorities to from the US Elections Project. The tally, which shows a investigate the source of the attack,” Murtaugh said. The record-breaking pace that could lead to the highest vot- technology website Techcrunch said the hack appeared er turnout in percentage terms in more than a century, is to be a scam intended to collect hard-to-trace cypto- the latest sign of intense interest in the contest between currency Monero. In their message, the hackers claimed Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic to have confidential information on Trump and his rela- challenger Joe Biden. tives. They instructed people to send crypto-currency to It also highlights voters’ desire to reduce their risk of one address if they wanted the information revealed and exposure to COVID-19 as the pandemic regathers to another to keep it secret. strength heading into winter. Democrats hold a signifi- cant advantage in early voting due to their embrace of Biden vows to tackle virus mail balloting, which Republicans have historically cast in Meanwhile, Joe Biden flayed Donald Trump on large numbers but have shunned amid repeated and Tuesday with accusations the US President has surren- unfounded attacks by Trump, who says the system is dered to a surging pandemic, as the Democrat took his prone to widespread fraud. campaign to the Republican Overall, Democrats hold stronghold of Georgia one roughly a two-to-one week before the election. advantage in early voting While the former vice presi- numbers. However, dent went on electoral Republicans in recent weeks Biden insists offense, seeking to expand have narrowed the gap in he’ll tackle the campaign map and his early, in-person voting, data state-by-state path to victo- shows. The high level of ear- COVID-19 ry on November 3, Trump ly voting has led Michael barnstormed the Midwest in McDonald, the University of a last-gasp bid to shore up PHILADELPHIA: Voters wait in line on the last day for in-person early voting at the Alain Locke School Florida professor who states that voted for him in satellite polling station on Tuesday. —AFP administers the US 2016 but which polls show Elections Project, to predict are tilting Biden’s way. a record US voter turnout of about 150 million, repre- And with the campaign narrowing down to its final Trump “shrugged, he swaggered and he surrendered,” recognize how vital the state suddenly is to winning the senting 65% of those eligible to vote, the highest rate days, Biden tapped one of his top surrogates, popular Biden said. “I’m here to tell you: We can and we will con- White House. since 1908. US voters have already cast far more early former president Barack Obama, to deliver a closing trol this virus,” he added. “We win Georgia, we win everything!” Biden said, his votes during this presidential campaign than they did in argument for Democrats in Florida, a must-win swing voice rising. “These are the final days, so keep that sense all of 2016 when they passed the 47 million mark earlier state for Trump if he is to defy the odds and earn reelec- ‘Working my ass off!’ of empowerment with you, that sense of optimism.” this month, data shows. tion. Biden, buoyed by poll numbers that show him lead- Trump defeated Hillary Clinton by five points in Trump meanwhile maintained his hectic campaign pace, In another development, hackers briefly broke into ing the incumbent, drilled in on Trump’s coronavirus Georgia in 2016, but polls have the 74-year-old running holding an open-air rally in Michigan followed by a simi- Donald Trump’s campaign website on Tuesday, just a response, reminding voters that Trump’s chief of staff neck and neck with Biden in the Peach State. Georgia lar one in Wisconsin and then Nebraska. Attendees did week before Election Day, officials and reports said. Mark Meadows conceded at the weekend that “we’re last voted for a Democrat for president nearly three not practice social distancing, and many were maskless. “This site was seized,” said a message that popped up not going to control the pandemic.” decades ago-Bill Clinton in 1992 - but the Biden cam- Michigan and Wisconsin are Midwestern battlegrounds on donaldjtrump.com, which normally carries details of Speaking in Warm Springs, Georgia, Biden branded paign has high hopes of flipping the state, and also win- which he won by razor thin margins four years ago, but rallies and fundraising appeals. “The world has had the response “a capitulation” by a White House that ning its two US Senate seats which are up for grabs. Trump insisted “we’re leading almost everywhere” enough of the fake-news spreaded daily by president “never really tried” to halt a pandemic which has now Biden, 77, held a socially distanced drive-in rally later in thanks to his frantic campaign schedule. “I’ve got to say donald j trump”, the message went to say, US media killed more than 226,000 Americans. Instead of acting as Atlanta, Georgia’s largest city, where he repeated some I’m working my ass off here!” he boomed in Lansing, reported. a wartime president to battle Covid-19 as he promised, of the same attacks on Trump but also urged voters to Michigan, eliciting a huge cheer. —Agencies

allowed to work, and they cannot gain Israeli citi- News in brief Sudanese in Israel zenship. Saleh, who grew up in West Darfur, was just nine when his family fled war to neighboring Chad. “My parents are in a refugee camp,” said the US sex cult leader jailed fear being returned young man, who arrived after journeying through Libya and Egypt, and has lived in Israel for 13 NEW YORK: A “self-help” guru convicted of running a after normalization years. “I will be the first one for normalization,” he cult-like organization of sex slaves who were branded said. “But if I will be deported from here, then I will with his initials was sentenced to 120 years in prison by TEL AVIV: Sudanese asylum seekers living in Israel be in 100 percent danger,” he added. a New York judge Tuesday. The effective life sentence fear being kicked out once ties are normalized for Keith Raniere, 60, comes after he was found guilty between the two countries, though some hope their ‘Not safe to go back’ of coercing women into having sex with him as the charismatic leader of Nxivm, a life-coaching group that presence will be seen as an advantage. Technically at Former president Omar al-Bashir oversaw war with Israel for decades, Sudan on Friday became attracted a coterie of rich and famous devotees. Sudan’s civil war in the Darfur region from 2003. Followers signed up for $5,000, five-day self-help the third Arab country this year to announce it is TEL AVIV: Sudanese asylum seekers gather on Oct 25, Some 300,000 people died in the conflict and 2.5 courses, but some were then financially and sexually normalizing ties with the Jewish state, following the million were forced from their homes. Bashir, in 2020 in an area in the southern part of Tel Aviv where thousands of them are living. —AFP exploited and forced to follow a restrictive diet, as United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in August. detention in Khartoum, is wanted by the Raniere - known as “Vanguard” - exerted control, his But since the announcement, members of the International Criminal Court over charges of geno- six-week trial heard. He established a faction within the Sudanese community in Israel have been “very cide, war crimes and crimes against humanity in groups earlier this month. But Nour’s rebel faction group called DOS, a pyramid structure in which the afraid” of being sent back, said 26-year-old Barik Darfur. “We are here because it is not safe to go was not one of them. Some of those in power in women were “slaves” and “Grand Master” Raniere sat Saleh, a Sudanese asylum seeker who lives in a back to Sudan yet,” said 31-year-old Monim Sudan today were also in control under Bashir. at the top. The “slaves” were made to have sex with suburb of Tel Aviv. Israel counts a Sudanese popu- Haroon, who comes from a stronghold region of They include Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, vice Raniere, hand over personal information and compro- lation of around 6,000, mostly asylum seekers. Darfuri rebel leader Abdelwahid Nour’s Sudan president of Sudan’s ruling transitional sovereign mising photos - and some of the women were branded Thousands of others left or were forced to return Liberation Movement (SLM) faction. council. like cattle as other members held them down. —AFP after Sudan split in 2011 when South Sudan won its “The reason why we are here in Israel is not He heads the feared Rapid Support Forces, long independence-only for the fledgling country to because of the lack of a diplomatic relationship accused by human rights groups of committing plunge into civil war. between Sudan and Israel, but because of the widespread abuses in Sudan’s Darfur provinces. Bolivia’s Morales calls for calm Some of the Sudanese-often labeled as “infiltra- genocide and ethnic cleansing that we went “For me it is very dangerous,” said Haroon, who tors” for crossing illegally into Israeli territory through,” Haroon said. Sudan’s transitional govern- was previously head of Nour’s office in Israel. LA PAZ: Exiled former Bolivian president Evo Morales before being granted permission to stay-were ment, in place after the fall of Bashir in 2019, signed “Unless Abdelwahid signs a peace agreement, I called for calm on Tuesday after several hundred right- minors when they arrived. They are not always a landmark peace deal with an alliance of rebel cannot go back.” —AFP wing protesters demanded that a “military junta” replace socialist president-elect Luis Arce. On Monday, hundreds of demonstrators marched to military bar- right to peacefully assemble and protest while keep- racks in the eastern city of Santa Cruz - a right-wing 2nd night of clashes ing people safe.” stronghold - and called for “military help” to prevent In a statement released early Wednesday the the Movement for Socialism (MAS) party from regain- White House said it “stands ready, upon request, to ing power following a year under conservative Jeanine in Philadelphia after deploy any and all Federal resources to end these Anez’s interim government. Morales wrote on Twitter, riots.” The fresh unrest came a day after the death of however, that “the constitution is very clear on the role police kill Black man 27-year-old Walter Wallace, whose family said he of the armed forces and the Bolivian police: We, as we always have done, will respect them as institutions.” suffered mental health issues. On Monday night hun- “We must all act calmly in a constitutional way.” —AFP NEW YORK: Hundreds of people demonstrated in dreds of demonstrators took to the streets, with riot Philadelphia late Tuesday, with looting and violence police pushing them back with shields and batons. breaking out in a second night of unrest after the lat- “There’s a lot of confusion about why” police shot Briton narrates ‘torture’ ordeal est police shooting of a Black man in the US. The the young man dead, Ezra Alidow, a 25-year-old police department warned on Twitter that “a large artist, said Tuesday. “It’s happening all over America. DUBLIN: A British man convicted in France in his crowd” of around 1,000 people was looting busi- It’s scary,” he said. “These police were undertrained.” absence of a 1996 killing in Ireland said yesterday he is nesses in the area of Castor and Aramingo, advising PHILADELPHIA: A truck displays a sign as protesters in “recovery” after Dublin blocked his extradition to citizens to “avoid the area.” Footage from a news hel- Wave of protests march in West Philadelphia on Tuesday to demon- serve a murder sentence. Last year, Ian Bailey was icopter appeared to show people breaking into and More than 90 arrests were made during the first strate against the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Walter found guilty by a court in Paris of murdering Sophie looting a Foot Locker store and another business. night of sporadic riots and looting in the city Wallace, a black man, by police. —AFP Toscan du Plantier, the wife of film producer Daniel An AFP reporter at a different location, in West Monday, and 30 police officers were injured, includ- Toscan du Plantier. The 39-year-old’s body was dis- Philadelphia where another crowd of an estimated ing one whose leg was broken when he was hit by a presence at key locations and deploying the looting covered at Christmas outside a holiday home in south- 1,000 people had gathered, saw police armed with truck. “For today, and this evening, we anticipate the response team, she added. The US has seen a wave western Ireland, beaten on the head with a concrete batons clashing violently with several dozen protest- chance of additional incidents of civil unrest,” of protests and rioting since the police killing of block and dressed in night clothes. Bailey has always ers. Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s office Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw George Floyd in May in Minnesota, when an officer denied any involvement and though arrested and ques- announced the deployment of several hundred told reporters. “As such we will be taking additional was filmed pressing his knee to handcuffed Floyd’s tioned he was never charged in connection to the case National Guard troops to the city “to protect the steps to ensure order,” including increasing police neck until he went limp. —AFP in Ireland. On October 12, Ireland’s High Court turned down a third extradition request by the French authori- ties and on Tuesday it was confirmed the decision will told AFP on condition of anonymity. “I don’t want to take a nursing home in April, and did not give his last name. not be appealed. —AFP Poverty stalks US more resources than I need. If I don’t have to come every Located just north of the capital, suburban week I won’t.” Eight million more people have been driv- Montgomery County in the state of Maryland is one of en into poverty as the United States struggles with the the richest areas in the US but even in towns like Palaces to review slavery links middle class amid world’s biggest coronavirus outbreak-triggering tens of Bethesda, there are stark gaps in wealth. Anne Derse, millions of layoffs and a sharp contraction in growth. deacon at St. John’s Episcopal Church, which runs its LONDON: The British charity that manages six royal With a week to go before the November 3 election, it own free meal program, said there were 65,000 people palaces, including the Tower of London, has launched a pandemic review into their historical links to slavery, The Times remains to be seen whether the dire state of the world’s who were food insecure before the pandemic. The figure said yesterday. The chief curator of Historic Royal BETHESDA: As the Covid-19 pandemic swept the largest economy will help tip the vote from President has now grown to 95,000. “As economic conditions do Palaces (HRP), which runs the regal sites across Britain, United States, Keith managed to keep his job in financial Donald Trump in favor of challenger Joe Biden. not improve, it’s continuing to grow,” she said. is leading the probe into their past relationship with the services, but his income dried up as commissions grew But with the effects of trillions of dollars in stimulus At their meal program, the church’s volunteers are slave trade. Lucy Worsley, who is also a television histo- scarce. Suddenly struggling financially, Keith began rely- early in the pandemic fast wearing off, there is little receiving almost twice as many families in a given day rian, told the newspaper her review was overdue and ing on meals handed out by a charity in Bethesda, a sub- doubt the US middle class is in a perilous situation. “This than expected, and often run out of food in less than the charity had a duty to make public any slavery con- urb of Washington known for the wealth of which the 52- is the first time I came here to ask for food but I have no an hour. “Some people are really in need right now. nections. “We’ve been thinking really hard and planning year-old now finds himself bereft. “We try to save what choice,” said 40-year-old Joey, who started picking up One of them said, ‘I never thought I would have to do all sorts of changes,” she said. —AFP we can,” Keith, well-dressed in a red-striped polo shirt, meals from the charity in Bethesda after losing his job at this. —AFP Established 1961 Business THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020 Virus gloom engulfs global economy: UN More protests in Italy against virus curbs amid devastating economic impact

ROME: Italian police fired teargas at demonstrators New York headquarters, published a slew of data lay- protesting virus restrictions yesterday for the second ing bare the travails of the global economy. While the night running, as dire figures on global tourism and World Tourism Organization said tourism had col- investment highlighted the devastating economic lapsed by 70 percent this year leading to a $730-bil- impact of the pandemic. Thousands protested again in lion loss in revenues, the UN’s trade body UNCTAD Italian cities with the cry of “freedom” punctuated by said foreign direct investment was likely to slump by clashes with police, with many traders and employees 40 percent. fearing a second wave economic slump as much as the The grim economic outlook was compounded by rising virus numbers. continuing spikes in virus cases across Europe and The protesters are upset at the mandatory early beyond-Iran and Russia both registering record highs closure of restaurants and other businesses. Some of for daily cases yesterday. the rallies have turned violent, particularly in Milan and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is self-iso- Turin on Monday night, where angry youths threw lating after coming into contact with someone who petrol bombs and stones at police cars and smashed tested positive for Covid-19, his ministry said yester- up shop fronts. day. Worldwide more than 1.1 million have died from the virus since it emerged late last year in China. The United States is the worst-affected country with 225,739 deaths.

France eyes ‘Out of control’ tougher In France, battling one of the worst outbreaks in restrictions the world, officials said they were facing “hard choic- ROME: A far right demonstrator holds an Italian flag during a protest over the restrictions put in place to curb the COVID- es” as hospitals warned they were just days away 19 infections, in Rome on Tuesday. — Reuters from being overrun with patients. “The outbreak is out of control,” said infectious disease specialist Gilles Pialoux, urging the government to lock down. “The requirements in the third quarter, compared with just Pfizer Chief Executive Albert Bourla said the drug The clashes are “a black page” in Turin’s history, economy can bounce back, but you don’t bounce if one percent in the previous period, a survey by the giant could supply some 40 million doses in the United said local police chief Giuseppe De Matteis, “which intensive care fails.” European Central Bank showed in an indication that States in 2020 if clinical testing proceeds as expected cannot be attributed to social discontent but... to France on Sunday recorded a grim record of 52,010 the banks’ faith in a recovery is faltering. and regulators approve a vaccine. Meanwhile Russia orchestration by individuals dedicated to crime”. coronavirus infections in 24 hours and officials said And the UN’s revelations on the tourism slump has applied to the World Health Organization for Late yesterday, the Italian government announced Tuesday that tougher restrictions are looming to were thrown into sharp relief as the airline industry accelerated registration and prequalification of its the release of five billion euros ($5.9 billion) of funding counter the alarming surge in Covid-19 cases as doc- body IATA said revenues are expected to be 46 per- Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine. for the worst hit professions, including restaurants, taxi tors warned many hospitals are just days away from cent lower in 2021 than the $838 billion booked in the In contrast to the restrictions being imposed in drivers and live entertainment venues. However, being overrun with patients. last pre-coronavirus year of 2019, in a marked worsen- Europe, residents of Australia’s second-biggest city unhappiness over the measures in Italy and elsewhere Media reports say President Emmanuel Macron, ing of its forecasts. Japanese airline ANA forecast a Melbourne were getting ready to party-with bars set in Europe-once again the global epicenter of the pan- who was to address the nation again yesterday record $4.87-billion net loss for the year, announcing to open fully for the first time since March after the demic-is palpable among the business owners and res- evening, might extend the hours of an existing curfew, it would retire aircraft and send hundreds of staff to city recorded two days with no new infections. “We idents who are once again facing lengthy restrictions possibly with a full lockdown on weekends, or order work for other companies. have been waiting a long time,” bar owner Greg as economies struggle to recover. targeted lockdowns in the hardest-hit regions. On the pharmaceutical front, Pfizer executives Sanderson said, saying customers had booked in for a The United Nations, which is battling its own out- Europe’s economy has been hard hit. Almost one- expressed measured optimism Tuesday over the champagne celebration the moment it is permitted-at break, forcing it to halt all face-to-face meetings at its fifth of jittery eurozone banks tightened lending prospect of providing a coronavirus vaccine in 2020. 11:59 pm (1259 GMT) on Tuesday. — AFP

Sudan doubles fuel prices

KHARTOUM: Sudan doubled domestic fuel prices on Tuesday, a move that should help reduce a gaping budget deficit but is sure to anger many of the country’s impoverished citi- zens. The government, which has long fixed Singapore said it would create 55,000 green jobs over the fuel prices at some of the lowest levels in the next decade in the environment and agriculture sectors, world, raised the price at the pump of locally while South Korea in July pledged to spend $95 billion on produced diesel to 46 Sudanese pounds green projects to boost the economy. ($0.8364) a liter from the previous 23 pounds, LONDON: In this file photo, a British Airways Airbus A320 comes in over houses, to land at Heathrow airport in west acting energy and mining minister Khairy London. — AFP Abdel Rahman told a news conference on Tuesday evening. Asia’s ‘green-collar’ It increased the price of petrol to 56 pounds senger numbers saying it now expected 37 million pas- from 28 pounds, he added. The Sudanese pound workers hope for jobs Britain’s Heathrow sengers, 41 percent lower than a June forecast, as is officially pegged at 55 to the dollar, but on the tightening coronavirus restrictions crush hopes for a black market on Tuesday one dollar fetched 235 in COVID recovery Airport loses recovery in travel demand. CEO John Holland-Kaye pounds. Sudan suffers from severe fuel short- said Heathrow’s slide down the rankings-Amsterdam ages, and long queues of cars can be seen in and Frankfurt could also overtake it based on passen- front of fuel stations in the capital Khartoum. Yet KUALA LUMPUR: A Singapore-based website tap- European crown ger numbers-should spur the government into action. the cost of subsidizing fuel has weighed heavily ping into the growing demand for environmentally “I hope the government will realize that if we sit on on the state budget. Frustration over the queues careers in Asia is hoping it would be the link to “meaning- our hands then Britain will lose many of the things we to buy fuel and bread helped trigger the uprising LONDON: London’s Heathrow is no longer Europe’s ful” employments as countries try to revive economies hit take for granted like having the best connected air- that ousted long-time President Omar al-Bashir busiest airport, ceding its long-held crown to Paris hard by the coronavirus pandemic. The “Green Collar” ports in the world,” he said in a telephone interview. in April 2019. during the pandemic and blaming government inaction portal, which lists jobs from renewable energy to farming Passenger numbers at Heathrow have plunged, down The government will also permit importers to for its passenger numbers plunging even more than and climate change, is billed as the first such initiative in 84 percent in the three months ended September, ratchet up the price of imported fuel far above rivals. Heathrow said Paris Charles de Gaulle had over- Southeast Asia, a disaster-prone region that often comes pushing it to a 1.5 billion pound ($1.95 billion) loss over that produced domestically, with importers taken it as Europe’s busiest airport, dealing a blow to under threats from floods to typhoons. the first nine months of the year. being allowed to sell diesel for 106 pounds a liter It started when its co-founder Heng Li Seng, who runs Britain’s global trade ambitions as the country’s current Britain has said it will announce shorter quarantines and petrol for 120 pounds, the minister said. relationship with the European Union is due to end in a social enterprise in Singapore on reducing waste and based on COVID-19 testing to revitalize travel by the Until now imported fuel was sold at the same coastal cleanups since 2017, began to receive growing two-month time. beginning of December, but Holland-Kaye said he was prices as local fuel. The minister added that the The airport criticized the UK government for being number of enquiries about sustainability-related jobs. also hopeful that there would also soon be progress prices of imported fuel will be revised weekly. When Singapore’s trade-reliant economy plunged slow to introduce an airport testing regime to replace with a plan to allow quarantine-free UK-US travel. Sudan in April allowed private sector and banks 14-day quarantine rules, and said the delays were into a recession in July, forcing some companies to cut “There’s at least a 50-50 chance,” Holland-Kaye said to import fuel for transportation, mining and jobs, he thought it was time to act. “A lot of people are causing additional harm to the economy. when asked about the chances of this starting by late industry. — Reuters Heathrow also cut its outlook for next year’s pas- losing jobs and we figured if we want to help people to November.—Reuters find jobs, it cannot be the same old jobs,” the 32-year-old told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone. for Yoo, although it is unknown whether it would “It has to be jobs of the future which provide an Nigeria’s former block Ngozi. The leadership void was created after opportunity for longer-term meaningful impact,” Heng outgoing WTO chief Roberto Azevedo, from Brazil, said, adding that he hoped the initiative would bridge an stepped down a year early in August. The WTO is information gap for job-seekers. minister proposed currently being steered by four deputies. Okonjo- The portal currently has about 250 listings in Iweala, a 66-year-old former finance minister and Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, with plans to gradually as WTO chief World Bank managing director, will face considerable include job opportunities in other parts of the region. challenges with rival economies bickering amid rising While the listings are free for now, Heng said he is look- tensions and protectionism during a coronavirus- ing to potentially charge eventually. “Putting (the green GENEVA: A key group of WTO ambassadors has induced trade plunge. jobs) on a separate portal offers a higher chance that proposed Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to lead the World Her inbox will also feature an overhaul of the these jobs are taken up by qualified individuals,” said Heng. “By listing these jobs in a clearly defined manner, Trade Organization, trade sources told Reuters yes- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala WTO’s top appeals body - which US President Donald terday, clearing a path for her to become the first Trump’s administration has brought to its knees by we also help companies starting to understand what it woman and African to head the global watchdog in its blocking judge appointments - and a major trade con- takes to have a sustainable role because some companies 25-year history. The decision, yet to be finalized, caps New Zealand’s Ambassador David Walker, was due to ference in 2021. are looking to their peers.” a more than four-month selection process involving make the formal recommendation to a closed-door Okonjo-Iweala, a development expert, has brand- The demand has been partly boosted by countries intensive lobbying which saw her square up against meeting of heads of delegations later. It still needs to ed herself a “do-er”, saying she has the political clout around the world pledging to a so-called green recovery, South Korean trade minister Yoo Myung-hee in the be approved by consensus at a meeting of the WTO’s to command influence in capitals. “I feel I can solve with stimulus measures aimed at revitalizing their coron- final round. 164 members. Many members such as China and the the problems. I’m a known reformer, not someone avirus-hit economies and fighting climate change at the The recommendation of former minister Okonjo- United States have declined to name their preference who talks about it. I’ve actually done it both at the same time. Before the pandemic, the United Nations’ Iweala was made by three WTO ambassadors, the publicly although some African, Caribbean and other World Bank and in my country,” she told Reuters. International Labour Organization (ILO) projected 14.2 so-called “troika”, after consulting with members in a states have voiced support for Okonjo-Iweala. The Currently chair of the of GAVI vaccine alliance million green jobs could be created in Asia by 2030 if the series of closed-door meetings in Geneva as part of European Union endorsed Okonjo-Iweala on Oct 26. board, Okonjo-Iweala has also said the WTO should region moved towards measures to slow global warming, an intricate and secretive process that some have However, three sources following the contest said play a role in helping poorer countries access such as boosting the use of renewable energy or electric compared to a papal succession. The troika, led by that Washington had privately indicated a preference COVID-19 drugs and vaccines. — Reuters vehicles.—Reuters 9 Business Thursday, October 29, 2020 Ooredoo Kuwait reports 8% improvement in EBITDA, 2% in customer base in Q3 2020

Ooredoo Kuwait witnesses tremendous increase in digital user numbers and digital sales Mohammed Al-Thani is new chairman of Ooredoo Kuwait KUWAIT: Ooredoo Telecom, the first to intro- duce innovative digital services in Kuwait, announced the appointment of Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Thani as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ooredoo Kuwait, as of 27 October 2020. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Thani succeeds Sheikh Saud bin Nasser Al-Thani, who held the position of Ooredoo Group Chief Executive Officer since November 2015. Sheikh Saud bin Nasser Al-Thani expressed his appre- ciation for the distinguished efforts made by Sheikh Mohammed Al-Thani during his tenure Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Thani as Chief Executive Officer in Ooredoo Kuwait KUWAIT: Ooredoo Kuwait announces its third quar- from 2014 until early this year, during which he digital transformation, accounting and finance. ter financial result for the year of 2020, taking pride of led the company towards a journey full of count- Indeed, Sheikh Mohammed has held many posi- its ongoing improvements which allows the company less accomplishments and success, in which he tions at Ooredoo since joining the company in to sustain its strong position in the market. Ooredoo was a major contributor in increasing the com- 2009, the last of which was the position of the Kuwait also witnessed a multi-fold increase in digital pany’s market share in the country. In the same CEO of Ooredoo Kuwait which he held since user numbers and digital sales backed up by an easy to vein, Sheikh Saud Al-Thani expressed his grati- 2014, and previously held the position of use Ooredoo App. Furthermore, Ooredoo enabled stu- tude and high confidence in Sheikh Mohammed’s Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ooredoo dents in Kuwait to access distance learning platforms experience and his great role in the development Algeria. Currently, he is also Ooredoo’s Deputy using its strong network and took the lead in launching plan and the enhancement of the company’s Group Chief Executive Officer and Chief competitive “Back to School” offers & products to future strategy. Executive Officer of Ooredoo Qatar since March support the online education for all students. Sheikh Mohammed Al-Thani will carry out 2020, in addition to the position of Indosat Ooredoo expanded and upgraded the network in the success journey that he started in Kuwait, as Ooredoo’s Chairman of the Board of Directors. Kuwait ensuring an uninterrupted learning journey for Sheikh Saud Bin Nasser Al-Thani it falls on his list of priorities to crystallize the Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Thani students in every grade. With increased internet company’s development strategy and activate holds a master’s degree in finance and account- the operational plans for the coming years, demand during current pandemic, Ooredoo stepped free of charge), a decrease in Algerian revenue mainly ing from the University of Cardiff, United based on his experience that extends to more up to the plate by expanding network capacity due to the weak economic environment, currency Kingdom, and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting than 16 years in the field of communications, specifically supporting businesses working-from- devaluation, price competition and the impact of the from Qatar University. home where employees got used to the new normal of Corona virus and related business limitations across staying indoors. Ooredoo in Kuwait launched attrac- all operations. Consequently, consolidated revenue Ooredoo - Palestine Ooredoo - Maldives tive 5G offers to enable customers to experience a decreased by 6 percent to KD 441.7 million for the Customer base in Palestine increased by 3 percent Ooredoo Maldives reported a 10 percent whole digital lifestyle which resulted in a greatly nine months ended 30 September 2020, compared to to reach 1.3 million customers at 9M 2020. Revenue decrease in revenues to KD 26.3 million at 9M diverse increase in the 5G customer base as well as KD 470.0 million for the same period in 2019. increased by 4 percent to KD 23.1 million at 9M 2020, 2020, compared to KD 29.3 million for the same the digital sales. • EBITDA decreased by 13 percent for the nine compared to KD 22.2 million for the same period in period in 2019. EBITDA was KD 13.1 million at 9M Ooredoo Kuwait revenues were KD 155.4 million months ended 30 September 2020 to KD 151.6 mil- 2019. EBITDA was strong, increasing 19 percent to 2020 compared to KD 16.0 million for the same at 9M 2020, compared to KD 169.7 million for the lion, compared to KD 174.4 million for the same peri- KD 7.7 million at 9M 2020, compared to KD 6.5 mil- period in 2019. Ooredoo Maldives now serves a same period in 2019 and EBITDA KD 40.6 million at od in 2019. lion for the same period in 2019, driven by operational total of 354k customers. 9M 2020 compared to KD 53.1 million for the same • Net profit attributable to NMTC was KD 5.9 efficiencies across the business. period in 2019. Ooredoo Kuwait offered special ben- million for the nine months ended 30 September 2020 efits for workers in the ministries and governmental compared with KD 23.5 million for the same period in organizations to support their efforts in fighting crisis 2019, due to the decline in EBITDA and free 5GB data a day and unlimited local calls for • The consolidated earnings per share was 11.7 fils all its customers, during the COVID-19 crisis. for the nine months ended 30 September 2020, com- Sheikh Saud Bin Nasser Al-Thani, Chairman of the pared to 46.9 fils per share earned for the same peri- Board of Directors commented: “During this challeng- od last year. ing period, we focused on providing uninterrupted Review of operations connectivity for all our customers, while supporting The Group’s operational performance can be sum- our employees and the wider community through marized as follows: innovative services and access to data. In Kuwait, we became the first telecommunications company to Ooredoo - Kuwait operations launch an e-learning solution to support schools • Ooredoo Kuwait Revenues were KD 155.4 mil- across the country and witnessed also a multi-fold lion at 9M 2020, compared to KD 169.7 million for increase in digital user numbers and digital sales the same period in 2019 and EBITDA KD 40.6 million backed up by an easy to use Ooredoo App. In Tunisia at 9M 2020 compared to KD 53.1 million for the same we supported hospitals and confinement centers with period in 2019. Ooredoo Kuwait offered special ben- free data access throughout the pandemic. efits for workers in the ministries and governmental As we refocused our efforts on expanding our digi- organizations to support their efforts in fighting crisis tal customer acquisition and care channels, we main- and free 5GB data a day and unlimited local calls for tained a healthy consolidated customer base of 25.3 all its customers, during the COVID-19 crisis. million at the end of the first nine months of 2020 com- Ooredoo Kuwait also witnessed a multi-fold increase pared with 26.8 million for the same period last year. in digital user numbers and digital sales backed up by However, as with the telecom sector globally, our an easy to use Ooredoo App. Furthermore, Ooredoo financial results for the first nine months of 2020 were enabled students in Kuwait to access distance learn- impacted by the pandemic and resulting economic ing platforms using its strong network and took the slowdown, which further deteriorated economic con- lead in launching competitive “Back to School” offers ditions in some of our markets of operations. NMTC & products to support the online education for all reported revenues of KD 441.7 million during the first students. Ooredoo expanded and upgraded the net- nine months of 2020, down 6 percent compared to work in Kuwait ensuring an uninterrupted learning the same period last year. The decline in revenue journey for students in every grade. With increased flowed through to our EBITDA and Net Profit. internet demand during current pandemic, Ooredoo Ooredoo Kuwait witnessed an increase of 8 per- stepped up to the plate by expanding network capac- cent improvement in EBIDTA and a 2 percent in cus- ity specifically supporting businesses working-from- tomer base in Q3 2020 compared to Q2 2020, home where employees got used to the new normal of reflecting a gradual recovery from the Covid-19 situ- staying indoors. Ooredoo in Kuwait launched attrac- ation. In Kuwait, we continued to invest in our digital tive 5G offers to enable customers to experience a strategy and expanded our 5G offering to serve our whole digital lifestyle which resulted in a greatly customer base of 2.4 million users. In Tunisia our rev- diverse increase in the 5G customer base as well as enues grew 4 percent to KD 94.7 million for 9M 2020 the digital sales. compared to the same period last year, despite a challenging economic backdrop. Ooredoo - Tunisia Our performance in Algeria continued to be Ooredoo’s customer base in Tunisia decreased to impacted by challenging economic conditions, intense 8.8 million customers at 9M 2020 (9M 2019 9.1 mil- price competition and currency depreciation as the lion). Revenues increased by 4 percent to reach KD Algerian Dinar depreciated by 4 percent year on year. 94.7 million at 9M 2020 compared to KD 91.5 million In Palestine, our focus on efficiency and cost opti- for the same period in 2019. EBITDA was KD 41.6 mization continued to deliver results. EBITDA million at 9M 2020 compared to KD 43.7 million for increased 19 percent during the first nine months of the same period in 2019. 2020 compared to the same period last year to KD 7.7 million. In Maldives we continued to develop our Ooredoo - Algeria enterprise offering with the launch of Ooredoo Customer base in Algeria decreased to 12.3 million Centribiz, a simplified, managed telephony solution at 9M 2020 compared to 13.4 million for the same for small enterprises.” period in 2019. Business in Algeria was negatively impacted by the devaluation of the Algerian dinar, a Financial Highlights: weak economic environment and intense price com- • Consolidated customer base decreased by 6 per- petition. Consequently, revenues decreased to KD cent to 25.3 million in the nine months ended 30 142.1 million at 9M 2020, compared to KD 157.3 mil- September 2020, compared to 26.8 million for the lion for the same period in 2019. EBITDA was KD same period in 2019. 48.5 million at 9M 2020, down from KD 55.3 million • Revenues in dinar were impacted by lower sales for the same period in 2019. Algerian dinar depreciat- in Kuwait (substantial support for local customers ed by 4 percent year on year. 10 Established 1961 Thursday, October 29, 2020 Business Berlin’s ill-fated new airport is finally ready for take-off Project has been dogged by one failure after another since its start

BERLIN: Nine years late and eye-wateringly over metre Terminal 1. Some 100 alcoholic hand gel budget, the Berlin region’s new international air- dispensers have been installed and robot vacuum port will finally open on Saturday-in the middle cleaners hum over the floors. of a global pandemic that has crippled air travel. The “Magic Carpet”, a huge, bright red art- “We are ready for take-off!” insists the man- work by American artist Pae White suspended agement team at the new Berlin Brandenburg from the ceiling, brings a touch of color to the Airport (BER), set to replace the German capital’s check-in hall. The airport has been designed to ageing Tegel and Schoenefeld airports. welcome 27 million passengers a year, but in But the mood is one of relief rather than cele- November it will see only 20 percent of usual air bration. Ever since construction began on BER in traffic thanks to the pandemic. 2006, the project has been dogged by one failure Terminal 2 won’t open until spring 2021. About after another, becoming a financial black hole and 15 shops and restaurants out of just over 100 will a national laughing stock-not exactly an example remain shut, while the rest will be forced to keep of German efficiency. The airport, located in the “limited opening hours” because of low traffic south-east of the capital, through the airport, a was originally due to spokesman told AFP. open in 2011. Now it is None of this good news opening its doors in the for BER, initially project- middle of the worst crisis Opening amid ed to cost 1.7 billion the aviation industry has pandemic that euros ($2 billion) but ever seen, as Covid-19 already past the 6.5-bil- restrictions continue to crippled air lion-euro mark ($7.6 bil- suffocate air travel. And travel lion). as if that were not The airport has been enough, there’s also the granted 300 million climate crisis: pressure euros ($353 billion) in BERLIN: An elevated view shows the “BER Terminal 5” of the Berlin’s airport “Berlin Brandenburg group Extinction state aid to help safe- Airport Willy Brandt” (BER) after a ceremony to rename the former Schoenefeld airport to “BER Rebellion is planning acts of “civil disobedience” guard the jobs of the 20,000 people who will Terminal 5” ahead of the opening of Berlin’s airport. —AFP on the opening day to protest against the impact eventually work there until the end of 2020. of aviation on global warming. Job losses But the International Air Transport Association two 14,000-square-metre (150,000-square- ‘Not have a party’ The health crisis is already having an impact on (IATA) does not expect global air traffic to reach foot) hotel complexes, due to open in 2022. And Against that backdrop, “We will simply open, employment at the hub: at the end of July, Berlin’s pre-crisis levels until 2024. In the state of in anticipation of the opening of BER, US elec- we will not have a party,” according to Engelbert airports announced the loss of 400 jobs out of a Brandenburg, which surrounds Berlin, local lead- tric-car giant Tesla has chosen Brandenburg as Luetke Daldrup, president of the airport’s man- total of 2,100. EasyJet has said it will cut 418 jobs ers remain optimistic about the prospects for the location of its first European factory, which is agement company. Lufthansa and EasyJet will be in the German capital, and Europe’s leading air- development. “No hotel has so far postponed its set to employ 40,000 people. “Having new, mod- the first two airlines to touch down on the tarmac line Lufthansa, Germany’s flagship carrier, is to investment plans because of the pandemic,” ern infrastructure will be beneficial in any case, of what will be Germany’s third-largest airport, shed 30,000 jobs worldwide. “We fear even insists Olaf Luecke, president of the local branch despite the pandemic,” according to Carsten after Frankfurt and Munich. greater job losses in the future,” a spokesman for of Germany’s hotel and catering trade union Broenstrup of the state employers’ association. A few days before the opening, around 200 the Verdi union said. Luetke Daldrup hopes the (DEHOGA). But “if there is not a vaccine soon, it will be a staff were busy disinfecting the 360,000-square- situation will improve “from the spring onwards”. Construction work began in September on very big problem,” he admits. —AFP

due in part to financial factors, includ- News in brief Sony first-half net ing positive tax benefits, but also reflected a strong performance in Traton, Hino in truck venture profit doubles, games and network services, music streaming and financial services. FRANKFURT: Volkswagen truck unit Traton and forecast revised up “Enhanced restrictions on exports Toyota’s commercial vehicles arm Hino Motors said TOKYO: Sony yesterday said net to China by the US government are yesterday they would create a joint venture to devel- profit doubled in the April-September negatively impacting our business in op electric trucks as manufacturers pivot to the period and revised up its full-year the imaging and sensing sector, while growing e-vehicle market. Traton and Hino will devel- forecast, citing growth in key sectors our gaming segment is benefiting op battery-electric and fuel-cell trucks, alongside including gaming, which has been from demand for stay-at-home activi- components and common software and interfaces, boosted by coronavirus lockdowns ties,” Sony’s Chief Financial Officer the companies said in a joint statement. Like the worldwide. The results beat analyst Hiroko Totoki told reporters. entire Volkswagen group, Traton has made electrifi- expectations and came as the Game-playing hours among cation one of its strategic priorities, as it races to Japanese tech giant gears up to PlayStation users peaked in April, comply with EU carbon emissions goals. launch its much-anticipated but demand for games “will contin- PlayStation 5 console next month, ue through the last half of the setting up a holiday season head-to- year”, he added. Strong perform- ance in the game and music sectors France’s PSA sales hold up head with the new Xbox. The gaming sector has been one of also drove the upwards revision in TOKYO: Sony Playstation 4 gaming items are on display for sale at a store the full-year net profit forecast, in Tokyo yesterday. —AFP PARIS: French auto giant PSA reported third quarter the few beneficiaries of the pandemic, with people forced indoors sending with Sony saying it was seeing sales yesterday of 15.5 billion euros, down just 0.8 “higher-than-expected sales of percent despite massive disruption caused by the title downloads and streaming soar- games software, primarily add-on by an increase in sales of sensors for recovery, but theatres are still closed in coronavirus pandemic. PSA, which groups the ing. Sony said net profit leaped 103.8 content” and an increase in music- digital cameras. major US cities,” Totoki said. “It’s pos- Peugeot, Citroen and Opel brands, said that while it percent to 692.89 billion yen ($6.65 streaming revenues. The firm’s movie unit has also strug- sible revenue recovery will be delayed had sold fewer cars in the three months to September billion) for the first half, and forecast It was not all good news, however, gled as the pandemic keeps cinemas because of fierce competition caused it had improved profitability. Over the first half of the annual net profits of 800 billion yen- with decreasing sales of sensors for around the world shuttered and delays by busy movie release schedules even year, PSA saw sales plunge 34.5 percent to 25.1 bil- up from an earlier 510 billion yen mobile products only partially offset new releases. “There are signs of after movie theatres reopen.” —AFP lion euros, with net profit down 67.5 percent at 595 forecast. The first-half results were million euros. —AFP were held. They included Lee’s sister Late Samsung Lee Myung-hee, who is chairwoman of the Shinsegae retail group, and nephew Deutsche Bank posts surprise profit Lee Jae-hyun, who heads the entertain- chief laid to rest ment and food service conglomerate CJ FRANKFURT: Deutsche Bank yesterday swung to a Group, according to reports, along with surprise net profit in the third quarter as it shook off SEOUL: South Korea’s richest and most powerful industrialist, Lee Kun-hee, who the chairman of the Hyundai Motor losses driven by the coronavirus pandemic and group, Chung Euisun. ploughed on with a wide-ranging restructuring. turned Samsung Electronics into one of the world’s biggest tech companies, was “I have been to many countries in the Germany’s largest lender posted a net profit of 182 mil- world, but I have never seen a man like lion euros ($214 million), compared with a loss of 942 buried yesterday following his death at the weekend. Lee died at the age of 78 him who did better than his father,” a million euros in the same period of the previous year. childhood friend said in a eulogy, The results beat expectations for a loss of 82 million on Sunday, six years after being left bedridden by a heart attack. according to reports. Afterwards a euros, based on a survey by FactSet, as Deutsche Bank stretch Lincoln hearse carrying his coffin started to move on from years of poor management Under his leadership, Samsung became the world’s largest producer of and an LED light display reading “May and overblown investment banking ambitions with a the soul of the deceased rest in peace” transformation plan that launched last year. —AFP smartphones and memory chips, and the firm’s overall turnover today is equiva- emerged slowly and passed by around SEOUL: Samsung Electronics vice chairman Lee Jae-yong (right), his moth- lent to a fifth of South Korea’s gross 100 reporters. er Hong Ra-hee (center) and his sister Lee Boo-jin (left), president and domestic product. It is by far the largest His eldest daughter Lee Boo-jin, the chief executive of Hotel Shilla, arrive to attend a funeral ceremony of the of the chaebols, the sprawling family- chief executive of Hotel Shilla, was seen late Samsung Electronics chairman Lee Kun-Hee at Samsung Medical Trump or Biden’s controlled conglomerates that dominate sobbing on board a following bus. The Center in Seoul yesterday. —AFP business in the country. cortege passed by locations including As well as his son and heir Lee Jae- Lee’s home and office in Seoul, and big challenge: yong, the Samsung Electronics vice- Samsung Electronics’ chip complex in forever,” read a banner hung at one late patriarch’s grandparents are buried. chairman, who has been the group’s de Hwaseong, south of the capital, where entrance, Yonhap news agency reported, The chaebols drove South Korea’s Struggling Americans facto leader since his father was inca- employees stood holding chrysanthe- while some workers shed tears. Samsung transformation from war-ravaged ruin to pacitated, several chaebol chiefs gath- mums-a flower of mourning in Korean flags have been flying at half-mast on the world’s 12th-largest economy, but WASHINGTON: The winner of the race for the White ered at the the Samsung Medical Center culture-to pay their respects. company buildings. Lee was laid to rest have long been accused of murky politi- House will face a generation of low-to-middle income in Seoul, where the four-day funeral rites “We will remember your footsteps at a family grave site in Suwon where the cal ties and stifling competition. —AFP Americans struggling to get back to work because of a health crisis not seen in more than 100 years. Whether it’s President Donald Trump or Democratic challenger and for- reaches more than 100 million users monthly. security concerns. It claims TikTok has links to the mer Vice President Joe Biden, the reality is grim: about half TikTok moves into “We’re thrilled to be the first partner to welcome Chinese government through its parent firm of the 22 million who lost their jobs during the pandemic TikTok to the world of commerce, particularly right ByteDance. TikTok has repeatedly defended itself are still out of work. New hiring is slowing, dimming now, as our merchants prepare for a busy online hol- against allegations of data transfers to the Chinese prospects for the low-wage workers hit hardest by job e-commerce with iday shopping season,” Shopify vice president government. losses. Infections of the virus that killed more than 225,000 Americans are rising to new records. Hotels, transportation Satish Kanwar said in a statement. Shopify hosts e- A US court is to consider next month whether to companies and food providers warn that more layoffs are Shopify alliance stores for mostly small- and medium-sized business- allow the government to effectively ban its use in the coming, and the government aid that helped many pay the es and in the eyes of many merchants has emerged United States. The stakes are high given that the bills is long gone. OTTAWA: Canadian e-commerce company Shopify as an alternative to Amazon’s online marketplace. TikTok mobile app has been downloaded about 175 Securing a future for a vast, growing underclass “is the announced Tuesday a partnership with TikTok that Its partnership with TikTok, it said, will allow million times in the US and more than a billion times most important challenge America faces over the next few will allow its more than one million online retailers to TikTok users to simply click on shoppable video ads around the world, offering everything from make-up years, 10 years, 20 years,” said Gene Ludwig, a former hype their wares on the teen-centric platform for to buy products from Shopify merchants. The two tutorials to dance routines and cookery tips. comptroller of the currency under President Bill Clinton short-form videos. companies said they will also “collaborate to test Meantime, several potential American suitors have and author of “The Vanishing American Dream,” a book The deal comes amid scrutiny of the China- new commerce features over the coming months.” come forward looking to buy a stake in TikTok, about the economic challenges facing lower and middle based app and a pending court hearing on US President Donald Trump’s administration has including Silicon Valley giant Oracle and Walmart. income Americans. —Reuters TikTok’s future in the United States, where it insisted on the need to ban TikTok over national But they appear to be in limbo. —AFP Classifieds Thursday, October 29, 2020

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Shaikh Hassan Bathusha Azhikottayil Kunhimon, holder Sabah Hospital 24812000 of Indian passport no. M5457545 issued at Kuwait on 03.03.2015 hereby change my name to Shaikh Hassan Amiri Hospital 22450005 Bathusha. (C 5808) 29-10-2020 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Chest Hospital 24849400 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Adan Hospital 23940620 Airlines Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Kuwait Airways 171 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Jazeera Airways 177 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Turkish Airlines 1884918 FlyDubai 22414400 Qatar Airways 22423888 Kaizen center 25716707 KLM 22425747 Royal Jordanian 22418064/5/6 Rawda 22517733 British Airways 22425635 Adaliya 22517144 Air France 22430224 Khaldiya 24848075 Emirates 22921555 Kaifan 24849807 Air India 22456700

Shamiya 24848913 Air India EXPRESS 22438185/4 Sri Lanka Airlines 22424444 Shuwaikh 24814507 Egypt Air 22421578 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Swiss Air 22421516 Nuzha 22526804 Saudia 22426306 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Middle East Airlines 22423073 Lufthansa 22422493 Qadsiya 22515088 PIA 22421044 Dasmah 22532265 Bangladesh Airlines 22452977/8 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 Oman Air 22958787 Shaab 22518752 Turkish Airlines 22453820/1 Qibla 22459381 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 112 Mirqab 22456536 Sharq 22465401 Automated enquiry about the Civil ID card is 1889988 Salmiya 25746401

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STAR TRACK

Aries (March 21-April 19) Cancer (June 21-July 22) Libra (September 23-October 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Today you could complete a creative project Your time finally seems to be your own, Cancer. A community issue may come up today con- Decisions regarding investments, savings, or oth- that you've been working on for a while, Aries. You will be There are probably no rush jobs to finish, no urgent phone calls cerning you and your neighbors, Libra. Perhaps a virtual er financial matters might need attention today, Capricorn. more than happy with the results and inspired to move on to make, and no one looking over your shoulder. This causes a meeting will be held. Something requires change in your Don't panic. You're in the right frame of mind for this. Your to bigger and better things. You will feel strong enough to significant release of stress, and you're better able than usual to neighborhood, and most of you are probably firmly united business sense is at an all-time high, as is your ability to focus take on just about any type of project. It's possible that you focus on what you have in front of you. In the evening, relax at behind it. This bodes well for your future, so you will proba- on the task at hand. Intuition plays a strong role. Even if you might get started on the next one right away. Don't wear home, order delivery, and watch a movie. bly feel good about the entire situation after the gathering don't feel like it, it's important to get this done. Tomorrow you yourself out! breaks up. Onward and upward! might not be quite as focused as you are today.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Leo (July 23-August 22) Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Aquarius (January 20- February 18)

Things seem to be returning to normal after A love relationship seems more stable than usual A new opportunity could come your way Have you and a friend been discussing the possibility of going into business together? If so, the hectic pace of late, Taurus. Life has slowed down, and today, Leo. The security wraps itself around you like a blanket as today, Scorpio. There's no promise or guarantee, but Aquarius, the two of you might want to have some the energy is lower but more peaceful. There's also no you consider the events leading up to this new sense of com- there is an indication that if you devote yourself thor- mitment. You and your partner may spend the evening doing oughly, your chances of progress are pretty good over serious discussions now about the nature of the busi- rush to get anything done. The deadlines can be post- ness, how it should be structured, and what the finan- nothing more than being together, which feels great! Mark this the next month for any activity that you begin today. poned to another day. You might take whatever spare cial arrangements may be. You're both sharp enough time you have to just lie back and enjoy the quiet. Don't day in your memory so you can recall it whenever your insecu- Keep up the good work and keep smiling! The latter action is as important as the former. to see both the promise and the downside of your feel guilty. You can work hard again tomorrow! rities get the better of you. enterprise. Get some paper and pens and go to it!

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Virgo (August 23-September 22) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Pisces (February 19-March 20) Have you wanted to take a certain online Have you been waiting for a letter or call from a Today you may not feel much like working, and course or workshop, Sagittarius? If so, this is a Has a certain project been a drag for you lately, business or romantic partner for a long time, Gemini? If so, you you might even decide to play hooky from your responsibili- good day to consider all the details, make some phone Pisces? Don't be surprised if today you get your second will probably receive it today. Don't be surprised if it's long! ties, Virgo. If you have nothing urgent to do, consider calls, or enroll. As far as your educational goals go, you're wind. You're looking at your tasks in a practical manner, News and useful information could be exchanged. You will feel indulging this whim. Relax with a good book and a cup of very focused. You're apt to stick with any program you your interest in them is up, and you're able to accomplish energized and determined once the communication is com- tea. Watch a favorite movie. Take a long walk in a beautiful decide to tackle. You're also apt to learn more quickly and them quickly and efficiently with minimal stress. pleted. The partnership's future goals will be more strictly park. In the evening, cuddle with a love partner. Savor the Relationships should also be going well. Make the most of defined as a result. retain more. Think about it, read the pertinent literature, day's gentle energy. then make some calls! this while you can! 12 Established 1961 Lifestyle Features Thursday, October 29, 2020

critically acclaimed family Childhood revisited controversy. drama about Korean immi- “Minari” stars Yeun-best “Talented Asian and Asian- Agrants in the US is being known for his role in the “Walking American actors have existed touted as an Oscar contender Dead” zombie television series-as since the silent film era,” said after “Parasite” broke down barri- Jacob, a young, Korean-born Terry K Park, a lecturer in Asian ers to non-English-language father who moves his family to an American Studies at the movies winning the highest-pro- all-white town in rural Arkansas in University of Maryland, College file accolades. Based on Korean- pursuit of a better life. He wants Park. “But they haven’t been giv- American director Lee Isaac to start his own farm but his wife en the same opportunities to Chung’s own experiences grow- is skeptical and feels isolated, inhabit even stereotypical repre- ing up in rural America in the while their seven-year-old son, sentations of their own identities, 1980s, “Minari” won both the David-a character inspired by let alone complex ones.” But films audience and grand jury prizes director Chung’s younger self- like “Parasite” and “Minari” could for US dramas at this year’s finds himself increasingly torn open doors to other subtitled Sundance Film Festival. After a between two cultures. Yeun is movies and actors of Asian sold-out Asian premiere last week This undated handout photo shows renowned for his bilingual talent, descent, experts say. It was at the Busan film festival, Asia’s Korean-American director Lee Issac receiving a best supporting actor “extremely curious that largest, Hollywood trade outlet Chung, director of THE Korean immi- prize from the Los Angeles Film Hollywood, located in LA, with a Variety reported the film’s stars- Critics Association for his Korean- significant presence of Asian grant drama “Minari”, posing for a This undated handout photo obtained from the Busan International Film including Korean-American actor language performance in the Americans, so long denied their photo.— AFP photos Festival (BIFF) in Busan on Wednesday shows Korean-American actor Steven Steven Yeun-will campaign for acclaimed thriller, “Burning”. In very existence,” said John Lie, a Yeun (right-red cap) in a scene from Korean immigrant drama “Minari”. acting categories at the Academy sociology professor at the American diversity, which still “Minari”, Yeun often speaks Awards. University of California, Berkeley. requires a lot more work”. “It Konglish, a style of sometimes- space where you don’t feel formance categories at the But the critical success of The mainstream US “dream fac- would be hugely historical for a broken English used by Korean grounded anywhere,” he told an Academy Awards. Film experts “Minari” comes with Asian- tory” clung on to “an older vision Korean American film to be nomi- speakers, for which he said he online press conference at the and activists say there has been American experience still vastly of America long after it was rele- nated” for the Oscars, he told channeled his own immigrant Busan festival. “It reminds me of very limited Asian-American pres- underrepresented in Hollywood, vant”, he said, while cable TV AFP. Despite their shared Korean parents who took him to the US my family and why we, you know, ence in Hollywood, with many which has generally preferred to dramas have become “not only roots, the two movies are very dif- when he was five. The film held each other so tight because Asian roles even played by white focus on Americans’ experiences more interesting but also more ferent: “Minari” is an American reflected his own experience that’s all we really had.” actors. In one notorious example of Asia, particularly in war, or multiethnic”. “So Hollywood is film shot almost entirely in growing up as an immigrant in of “yellowface”, Luise Rainer won Asian-set fantasies such as belatedly catching up.” — AFP Korean, featuring Asian-American Michigan, he said, especially ‘Stereotypical representations’ the 1937 Best Actress Oscar for “Mulan”. The slew of awards for experiences, while “Parasite,” a “this feeling of belonging The four Oscars for “Parasite” playing a Chinese character in “Parasite” represented a nod dark parable about the gulf nowhere, just caught in between included Best Picture and Best “The Good Earth”. More recently, towards international diversity, between rich and poor in Seoul, the gaps of places”. “You’re not Director, but nominations for any the casting of Emma Stone as a said Brian Hu, a film professor at was solely a South Korean pro- Korean. You are not American. of the “Minari” actors would be part-Hawaiian, part-Chinese char- San Diego State University, “not duction. You kind of just fit in this weird the first for any Korean in the per- acter in 2015’s “Aloha” sparked

ged almost 90, sell my work so I did not see the and a mother breastfeeding a Vietnamese artist Mong point. My paintings are my baby, a drawing considered so ABich picks a spot on the memories,” she said ahead of scandalous it was initially tiled floor of her favorite room, this month’s opening in the cap- removed from an exhibition in A visitor’s shadow cast on a wall displaying paintings by 89-year-old checks the light and sits down ital. Specializing in silk paintings 1960. “I paint on my own, in my Vietnamese artist Mong Bich. to paint. A “pioneer” who has of daily life and ordinary people- style,” she said. “Some may like inspired generations of women women in particular-Bich my paintings, some not-I really artists in Vietnam, Bich has won ploughed a lonely furrow during don’t care.” plaudits overseas and she has years of war against the United Despite everything she had a watercolour in the British States, when artists were Vietnamese artist Mong Bich paint- to deal with, her “pioneer spirit” Museum’s collection. But for steered towards drawing sol- ing at her house. shone through, and she perse- years she has been overlooked diers or frontline workers. vered with her work, said Nora in her home country-and has “Portraits of individuals were not They lived in desperate poverty Taylor, professor of South and had to wait until this month for appreciated at that time, but while she raised their two chil- Southeast Asian art history at her first solo exhibition. they were Mong Bich’s forte,” dren. Needing to earn a living, the School of the Art Institute of “Painting is like eating rice for said Phan Cam Thuong, an emi- in 1956 she enrolled in one of Chicago. “I think many women me-I have to eat rice and I have nent art critic and researcher. the first classes of the newly subsequently looked up to her.” Bich’s watercolour portrait of an elderly woman seated on the floor won first prize in 1993 at the Vietnam Fine Arts Association Annual Exhibition, but fame did not follow. The lack of recognition is due to “a kind of erasure of women’s con- tributions in Vietnam’s art histo- ry, said Taylor, as happened across much of the world. But that is finally changing, and there is growing acknowl- edgement that Bich’s life, and her paintings, are testimony to what many went through in 20th century Vietnam. “In many ways, her story is Vietnam’s Visitor looking at a painting by 89-year-old Vietnamese artist Mong Bich. story. She did not have an easy life,” said Thierry Vergon, direc- tor of L’Espace, the French cul- tural center that hosted the Hanoi exhibition. “There was a lot of pain, a lot of death but she kept going.” For Bich, her work has always been a way of coping with whatever life threw at her. “Happiness was when I This photograph shows 89-year-old Vietnamese artist Mong Bich addressing guests during the opening of her first could make a sketch or a paint- solo exhibition at the French Cultural Centre in Hanoi. — AFP photos ing,” she said. “That was my way of dealing with life’s diffi- to paint,” Bich told AFP at her ‘Painting is happiness’ opened Vietnam College of Art culties.”— AFP home on the outskirts of Hanoi, Born in 1931 during the in Hanoi and took a job drawing where she still works for up to French colonial era, Bich spent propaganda cartoons for a eight hours a day. At first, she decades caring for her hus- newspaper. But she never had hesitated over holding a band, a violinist and independ- stopped sketching what she solo show, but her children ence fighter who was wounded saw on the streets-a poor, old 89-year-old Vietnamese artist Mong Bich holding a painting inside her encouraged it. “I do not want to fighting French forces in Laos. woman curled up on the floor house in Bac Ninh province.

alliance comes ahead of the Renaissance as well as the Ubisoft film and television unit November 10 release of the latest French and American revolutions. head Jason Altman. ‘Assassin’s installment of the game, Assassin’s Creed protagonists Ubisoft has expanded the “Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla” that have included a Renaissance franchise into books and film. An Creed’ takes sets play in a time of Vikings. The Italian, a 12th-Century Syrian, a Assassin’s Creed film starring agreement opens the door for pirate, and a Native American Michael Fassbender released Netflix and Ubisoft to create live during the colonial period. four years ago met with mediocre to Netflix in action, animated, and anime The connecting thread in the reviews and box-office results. series spinning off Assassin’s games is shared ancestry with an Ubisoft also announced Tuesday Ubisoft alliance Creed game story lines. assassin part of a group battling deals to make its online subscrip- “We’re excited to partner with oppressive forces. Since its tion service available at cloud Ubisoft and bring to life the rich, launch in 2007, the Assassin’s game platforms Luna and Stadia ideo game titan Ubisoft on multilayered storytelling that Creed series has sold more than fielded, respectively, by Amazon Tuesday announced a deal Assassin’s Creed is beloved for,” 155 million games worldwide to and Google. Ubisoft+ service will Vwith Netflix to create shows said Netflix vice president of orig- rank among top selling franchis- begin testing meshing with Luna based on its hit “Assassin’s inal series Peter Friedlander. “We es, according to Ubisoft. A team in the US next month and with Creed” franchise. The first project are committed to carefully craft- at Ubisoft is devoted to spread- Stadia by the end of this year, by the French-based video game ing epic and thrilling entertain- ing its hit game franchises to oth- according to the company. group and the leading television ment based on this distinct (intel- er modes of entertainment. Ubisoft+ offerings will include streaming service is a series lectual property).” The action role “We’re thrilled to create an new releases such as Assassin’s intended to be “an epic, genre- playing games are known for his- Assassin’s Creed series with Creed: Valhalla. — AFP In this file photo Creative Director at Ubisoft Jean Guesdon introduces bending live action adaptation” of torical fiction, setting adventures Netflix and we look forward to ‘Assassin’s Creed: Origins’ during the Microsoft xBox E3 briefing at the Galen the game franchise, according to at significant points in time such developing the next saga in the Center in Los Angeles, California. — AFP the companies. Word of the as the Crusades and the Assassin’s Creed universe,” said Established 1961 13 Lifestyle Features Thursday, October 29, 2020

eality TV star Kim Kardashian faced a backlash Tuesday after Rchartering a private jet to fly her entourage to a remote tropical island for lavish 40th birthday celebrations during the Covid pandemic. Kardashian and her “closest inner circle” spent last week dancing, kayaking and swimming with whales on a private isle where they could “pretend things were normal just Fashion is on display during the press preview for The Costume Institute’s exhibition “About Time: Fashion and Duration”, which will be on view from today to February 7, 2021 at The for a brief moment in time,” she tweeted. Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. — AFP photos The trip took the celebrities, including sisters Khloe and Kourtney and half-sis- ter Kendall Jenner, some 4,000 miles (6,400 kilometers) from Los Angeles to Tahiti on board a Boeing 777, according to E! and TMZ. Husband Kanye West reportedly joined the party midway through the week. “Before COVID, I don’t think any of us truly appreciated what a simple luxury it was to be able to travel and be together with family and friends in a safe environment,” she hether by repetition, rupture or sometimes older styles stand the test of wrote. reinvention, fashion has always time: Yves Saint Laurent’s tuxedo for Wmaintained a complex relation- women, for example, or his belted mini- ship to time, a link New York’s dress of 1966. Metropolitan Museum of Art is exploring in a new exhibition opening today. The New commitment to diversity show, delayed for months by the pan- Forced to postpone the show six demic, was also tweaked last minute to months, Bolton decided to modify it in take into account the Black Lives Matter light of the enormous anti-racism protests movement that galvanized the nation this that followed the police killing of George summer. Normally the city’s social event Floyd in May. The original version, he of the year, 2020’s Met Gala organized said, included “some designers of color... by Vogue Editor-In-Chief Anna Wintour- but not a huge amount.” Bolton said he which usually opens the costume exhibit and Wintour worked together closely to — was cancelled, like every major indoor make the tweaks. Vogue’s doyenne has gathering since mid-March. faced accusations since June from some To fete the 150th anniversary of the collaboraters-and recently in a lengthy Met, Andrew Bolton, head curator of the article in The New York Times-of long Costume Institute, aimed to highlight the favoring fashion created by and for white In this file photo taken US media personality museum’s own collection that includes people, and sidelining people of color at Kim Kardashian West attends the WSJ 33,000 pieces of clothing and acces- Fashion revisiting itself aspect of time,” Bolton said. “But at the Conde Nast. Magazine 2019 Innovator Awards at MOMA in sories. “When I began working on the The concept creates an ongoing dia- same time fashion looks back on itself Wintour, 70, attended the press pre- New York City. — AFP show, it started off as this sort of medita- logue between older pieces that date often.” With shorter skirts and dresses view of the exhibit but didn’t say a word. tion on fashion and temporality,” he told a back as far as the 1870s-when the Met and cuts that flow rather than restrict, “Undoubtedly, I have made mistakes press preview of the exhibit entitled along the way, and if any mistakes were But the glamorous festivities-and was founded-and more recent items from modern designers give a contemporary Kardashian’s posts trumpeting them- “About Time,” which will run until the 1960s and beyond. Elements com- edge to older pieces, like the iconic made at Vogue under my watch, they are February 7. But Bolton didn’t want to mine to own and remedy and I am com- were immediately condemned as “dis- mon in 1870s-era wardrobes are seen Chanel jacket. A mini-skirt pairing gives gustingly tone deaf” by social media focus on chronology, instead presenting again in the work of modern designers the piece a facelift, thanks to the innova- mitted to doing the work,” one of fash- concepts in pairs-two pieces, two parallel ion’s most powerful figures told the Times users at a time when coronavirus has considered particularly innovative, includ- tion of Karl Lagerfeld, a master of reinter- killed more than 226,000 Americans, time periods with similar aesthetics, for a ing Alexander McQueen, Yohji pretation. Today’s designers play with a recently. Changes at the exhibit include a 124-piece show featuring a single gown contribution from Black American pio- and California remains under a non- Yamamoto and John Galliano. Certain far wider spectrum of materials than were essential travel ban. “Cool, people have to close. “By having past and present cuts, buttons, sequins, embroidery or lac- available to their predecessors, thanks to neering designer Stephen Burrows, next coexist together, it sort of takes you out- to a Xuly.Bet dress from the Franco- had to say goodbye to loved ones over ing-formerly signs of opulence and par- technological progress and the evolution the phone while they died alone in a hos- side of the confine of chronology and ticular social status-are now tools of nov- of use and taste. Malian designer Lamine Kouyate. Bolton makes you think about time very different- vowed the intitiative would not be short- pital. but neat trip to post all over social elty with purely aesthetic significance. Raf Simons embellishes a 2013 black media while the world suffers. so humble ly,” Bolton said. For Max Hollein, the “Fashion is always for the movement, strapless bustier dress with the satin flow- lived, saying all exhibitions will now Met’s director, “fashion captures, like very include diversity efforts. — AFP and so down to earth, truly,” tweeted always about this succession of time and ers of Hubert de Givenchy (1957) — but @JBomb11, in a post swiftly drawing few other artforms, a time and a spirit-and notions of, novelty and ephemerality and in leather, a material only in recent projects it forward.” 11,000 “likes.” “Are you that insensitive sometimes obsolescence and that’s one decades popular with womenswear. And you don’t realize this is not what the majority of people during the worst covid spike yet want to hear? People are going to food banks not private islands,” post- ed British musician Peter Frampton. Kardashian said her guests had been asked to quarantine for two weeks before departure, and had undergone multiple “health screens.” She is not the first celebrity to face the wrath of social media users for flaunting their privilege during the Covid-19 pandemic. In March, as the US followed much of the world into lockdown, Hollywood stars led by Gal Gadot (“Wonder Woman”) were ridiculed for a video montage of them- selves singing “Imagine” from their sprawling homes. The video, intended to provide hope, was slammed as being out of touch with the lives of everyday people. — AFP

ing faeces in the couple’s bed and legal team as a manic depressive who another in which he scrawled messages was making up the allegations for mon- Johnny Depp on a wall with the bloodied stump of his ey and personal fame. severed finger while high on drugs, NGN argued they had a valid basis were aired in the Royal Courts of for their 2018 claim by detailing 14 libel case Justice. Depp vehemently rejects accu- alleged instances of Depp abusing sations he hurt Heard while battling a Heard. But legal commentators have nstagram has relaxed its nudity policy drug addiction over a three-year span said the odds appear to be stacked in response to a campaign to let peo- that ended with her 2016 decision to get against them, with England’s ancient ple show pride in their bodies even if a restraining order and file for divorce. defamation law-one of the strictest in the I verdict due they don’t fit beauty stereotypes. The 57-year-old actor faced days of Western world-putting the burden of Instagram modified its rules to allow withering cross-examination in which he proof on the media. Nicol’s judgment showing people hugging, cupping or next week admitted to only hazily remembering will be delivered remotely and it is not holding their breasts after controversy some events because he was consum- known whether Depp or Heard will over the removal of images of Black ing copious amounts of drugs. attend court again. — AFP plus-size model Nyome Nicholas- Meanwhile Heard, who also took the ollywood star Johnny Depp will Williams. UK-based Nicholas-Williams stand, was portrayed by Depp and his learn next week if he has won his prompted the controversy after posting Hblockbuster libel lawsuit against pictures of herself topless but covering The Sun, after the British newspaper her breasts with her arms on her @curvynyome Instagram account. “We branded him a “wife beater” in 2018. Johnny Depp Judge Andrew Nicol will deliver his are grateful to our global community for much-anticipated verdict at 1000 GMT speaking openly and honestly about on Monday, following three weeks of their experiences and hope this policy charged testimony at the High Court in change will help more people to confi- London including claims of drug abuse dently express themselves,” Instagram Nicholas-Williams and domestic violence. The “Pirates of global head of policy programs Carolyn Merrell said Tuesday in response to an the Caribbean” actor sued the tabloid’s AFP inquiry. squeezed were banned because they publisher News Group Newspapers “We know people feel more empow- are typically associated with pornogra- (NGN) over claims he was violent to ex- ered to express themselves and create phy, but images of plus-sized women wife Amber Heard during their volatile communities of support - like the body hugging themselves topless in artful two-year marriage. Branded “the positivity and acceptance communities - expressions of pride caused Instagram biggest English libel trial of the 21st if they feel that their bodies and images to amend the policy. Imagery of breasts century”, the 16 days of proceedings in are accepted,” Instagram policies on being grabbed and squeezed still break July exposed the former Hollywood cou- nudity keep in mind that the platform is Instagram rules. — AFP ple’s troubled relationship in painful intended for people as young as 13 detail. years of age. Images of breasts being Sordid stories, including one involv- 14 Sports Thursday, October 29, 2020 Djokovic wins Vienna Photo of the Day opener to close in on Sampras record

VIENNA: Novak Djokovic defeated Filip Krajinovic in the first round in Vienna on Tuesday to edge closer to Pete Sampras’s all-time record of ending the year as world number one on six occa- sions. Djokovic beat compatriot Krajinovic 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 and needs to win his next match in Austria against Borna Coric to ensure he equals the achievement of his childhood idol. The 33- year-old Serb has been the top-ranked player at the end of a season five times: in 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2018. He shares that mark with career rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Sampras achieved the feat six years in succession between 1993 and 1998. Djokovic was playing in Vienna for the first time since he won the title there in 2007, and dropped serve twice in a tricky opening set. Krajinovic served for the first set at 5-4 and then held a set point in the tie-break but couldn’t take advantage. A couple of breaks in the second set allowed Djokovic to clinch victory — his 38th in 40 matches this year. “First set, I think he was the better player. He was serving for the first set and I was lucky. He missed a smash at 6/6 in the tie-break,” said Djokovic. “A few points here and there can change the momentum of Dani Morshead shows off her talent at Red Bull Bay Climb in San Francisco, California. — Photo taken from www.redbullcontentpool.com the match. In the second set, I stepped it up, I played better and I am just pleased with the way I finished the match.” The 17-time Grand Slam title winner is appearing at his first tournament since his heavy loss to Nadal in the Roland Garros final two weeks ago. Djokovic is also attempting to beat Federer’s all-time best of 310 weeks spent on top of Jailed Belarusian basketball star the rankings. — AFP News in brief speaks out for political change In-form Reading extend lead LONDON: Reading scored inside 10 seconds as they continued their best start to a season for Olympic, WNBA star held after demonstrating against president 35 years with a 4-2 win at Blackburn on Tuesday. The Royals are a surprise package following MOSCOW: Belarus basketball star Yelena their rights, all the athletes will act in solidarity was about to fly to Greece for medical treatment. unknown boss Veljko Paunovic’s appointment Leuchanka has twice represented her country at the including by potentially refusing to turn out for the “How can we remain silent when it is time for us midway through pre-season as they won for a Olympic Games, but until this year she had always national team,” the letter says. The Belarusian to be fans of our people?” Leuchanka says she had seventh time from eight games. The foundations stayed out of politics. That changed abruptly when Olympic Committee did not immediately respond to never even voted until this year. It was a combina- of the victory at Ewood Park were laid in a fran- her country was engulfed by protests. When she a request for comment. tion of factors - Lukashenko’s dismissive attitude to tic opening 18 minutes, with Reading going 3-1 joined a street demonstration against President the coronavirus, the imprisonment or self-exile of up, thanks to goals from Yakou Meite - clocked Alexander Lukashenko, one of the country’s best Breaking stereotypes other presidential candidates, and police violence as the fastest in the club’s history - Michael Olise known athletes found herself arrested and jailed in a The protest highlights how discontent has against demonstrators - that compelled her to join and Josh Laurent. Adam Armstrong had made it lice-ridden cell. Released after 15 days, the former seeped even into social groups traditionally loyal to the protests. 1-1 and then got Blackburn back in it in the sec- center who played four seasons in the US Women’s “I could just close my eyes to this, leave and live ond half, but Lucas Joao killed the game in the National Basketball Association (WNBA) has added comfortably,” she said. “But I can’t.” “The people of final 10 minutes. Wycombe picked up their first- her name to an open letter of protest signed by Belarus woke up this summer. We wanted some ever point in the second tier as they held nearly 1,000 Belarusian sports figures. Nearly 1,000 changes, we wanted to try something new. We’ve Watford to a 1-1 draw. The Chairboys, playing at “I want us to be free in a new Belarus, where we been living under the same president for 26 years.” this level for the first time in their history, had lost can freely express our opinions and not be afraid to sports figures Standing a towering 196 cm (6 feet 5 inches) tall, their opening seven games but stopped the rot be fired, imprisoned, fined, beaten or intimidated for sign open Leuchanka was crammed into a Minsk prison cell against the Hornets. — AFP it,” the 37-year-old Leuchanka said. The open letter with up to four other people, where she tried to condemns the Aug. 9 presidential election won by letter of protest keep fit with breathing exercises and squats. Lukashenko as fraudulent and demands a re-run. It With no mattress, flushing toilet or access to Tunisia football row rages calls for the release of all those detained during showers, she says she contracted lice and developed more than 11 weeks of street protests and strikes dermatitis all over her body. Her old athletics injuries CHEBBA: Hundreds of residents of a Tunisian against the veteran leader. flared up. She finally flew to Greece last week to coastal town are threatening to embark on illegal The athletes - including freestyle skier Hanna the state. In former Soviet countries, it is rare for receive the treatment she had planned before her sea crossings to Italy in protest at their local Huskova, who was the 2018 Olympic champion in elite athletes to publicly criticize the government, time in jail. Reflecting on her ordeal, Leuchanka football club’s suspension from the league. The aerials, and swimmer Aliaksandra Herasimenia, a which often provides much of their funding. “I think believes the authorities chose to make an example of Tunisian Football Federation on October 17 three-time Olympic medalist - say they will stick we are breaking stereotypes because for a very a well-known professional athlete. “I feel sorry for slapped a one-year ban on CS Chebba, officially together. “If information emerges about attempts to long time everyone thought that athletes are only them,” she told Reuters. “We (demonstrators) are in over an incomplete and late membership appli- pressure the sports representatives who have athletes..., that we only train,” said Leuchanka, who a prison, behind bars, but, believe me, we are much cation. The club’s president has for months been signed this letter, or threats to sack them or infringe was detained at Minsk airport on Sept. 30 as she more free than they are.” — Reuters at odds with the federation’s chief, Wadie Jary, especially after Facebook posts criticising the TFF’s financial dealings. Hundreds of angry fans have taken to the streets of the town blocking Fahaheel Sports roads and setting tyres on fire in protest at the suspension. “In response to the silence of the authorities, residents have decided to leave the Club’s Al-Hassan country and head for Italy,” Mohamed Ali Abbas, reigns a support committee member, told AFP. — AFP By Abdellatif Sharaa FIFA chief tests positive KUWAIT: Fahaheel Sports Club table tennis player LAUSANNE: FIFA president Gianni Infantino Ibrahim Al-Hassan defeated his brother Salem Al- has contracted coronavirus, the world’s governing Hassan 3-0 in the final match and won the final cham- body announced on Tuesday. The 50-year-old pionship of the season. Tadhamon’s player Jaber Al- has mild symptoms and will remain in isolation for Balhan ended in third place after defeating Marzouq a further 10 days. “All people who came into con- Al-Rashidi - also from Tadhamon Cub 3-2. The tour- tact with the FIFA President during the last few nament saw 72 players from 15 clubs participating. days have been informed accordingly and they The final matches were attended by Fahaheel are being requested to take the necessary steps,” Club chairman Hamad Al-Dabous, deputy chairman the body said. “FIFA sincerely wishes President of referees committee at the Table Tennis Infantino a speedy recovery,” it added. Infantino’s Federation Nawaf Al-Qahtani, Technical Director last public appearances was at FIFA’s Compliance Sabri Jamaan and administrative Director Ahmad Summit which ended on October 16 when all Al-Qallaf. The chairman of Kuwait Table Tennis attendees were present via video. Cases, hospital- Federation Ali Al-Dabous lauded the cooperation of izations and deaths from Covid-19 in the body’s the clubs for making this the most successful and base, Switzerland, have doubled from one week to longest season in the history of the game due to the the next throughout October. The country’s gov- COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, member of the ernment is expected to decide on new measures federation and deputy chairman of referees com- to control the spread of the virus. — AFP mittee said that all players complied with the health protocols to protect against the virus as the tourna- ment did not receive any objection. Woods wins Vuelta stage 7

bilitation to learn to walk again. point after my injury and the win certainly boosted MADRID: Canadian Michael Woods timed his Losing leg, winning But the accident could not damage her spirit and my confidence.” move to perfection on Tuesday to win the sev- the young woman was determined to build her enth stage at la Vuelta, as Richard Carapaz gold: Inspirational strength by playing her favorite sport, badminton. “It ‘Everything is possible’ retained the overall lead. Woods came out on top has been a journey about learning and accepting dif- Emboldened, she trained harder with the support by four seconds after a tense finish involving five ferent things,” Joshi, now 31, told AFP in a phone inter- of her family and eventually quit software engineering riders in northern Spain and claimed his second para-badminton star view from her home in the western city of Ahmedabad. to play badminton full-time in 2016. Two years later, stage victory in the event. The 34-year-old fin- “Working hard on things that looked hard but are a she joined national coach Pullela Gopichand’s acade- ished alone, ahead of the Spanish duo of Omar Fraile (Astana), who was second, and Alejandro NEW DELHI: India’s Manasi Joshi lost her leg in a new normal now. So I have come a long way.” Fitted my in Hyderabad, and became a member of India’s with a prosthetic leg three months after the accident, national para-badminton squad. Last year, Joshi won Valverde (Movistar) in third, while it was France’s horrific road accident, but found her calling - and Nans Peters and Guillaume Martin in fourth and she returned to the court to pursue her passion. singles gold at the para-badminton world champi- international recognition - on the badminton court. fifth respectively. “It was a special day and amaz- She started playing badminton at six years old and onships - making 2019 a seminal year for India’s Now the inspirational world champion, who has fea- ing to be racing in the Basque Country,” said used skills honed through success in school, college female badminton players with PV Sindhu also victo- tured on the cover of Time magazine and has had a Woods of EF Pro Cycling. “I got away with Barbie doll created in her image, is targeting and office competitions to find her winning edge rious as world champion. Time magazine featured those four guys, they were riding super strong, Paralympic gold when the sport debuts in Tokyo next again. Five months after putting on the artificial limb, Joshi on the cover of their Asia edition this month as and I felt bad that I couldn’t pull through. With year. Eight years ago, she was a 23-year-old software Joshi won her first gold in an office tournament one of eight global “next generation” leaders. The Valverde in the group I just couldn’t pull through engineer riding her scooter to work in Mumbai when against able-bodied players. “I used more of my mind. makers of America’s famous Barbie doll celebrated because we had Hugh Carthy in the peloton and a truck smashed into her, crushing her left leg and Made people run, made sure that wherever I put the the achievements of Joshi on the International Day of I just couldn’t give him any more time in the gen- breaking both arms. Joshi’s severely injured leg was shuttle they end up giving it to my hand so that I Girl Child on October 11 with a Barbie modeled on eral classification. — AFP amputated by doctors and she faced months of reha- could finish the point,” she said. “It was a turning her. “I feel honored to be a part of all this. —AFP Established 1961 15 Sports Thursday, October 29, 2020 Bayern and English clubs win in Champions League Real Madrid scramble draw; City thrash woeful Marseille

PARIS: Holders Bayern Munich continued their perfect start to their Champions League title defense on Tuesday as Real Madrid had Casemiro’s late goal to thank for scrambling a 2-2 draw away to Borussia Moenchengladbach. Liverpool and Manchester City also made it six points out of a possible six in Europe this sea- son, after Bayern needed a late Joshua Kimmich strike to claim a 2-1 win at Lokomotiv Moscow in Group A. Leon Goretzka put the Germans ahead early on in front of a limited crowd in the Russian capital, but Anton Miranchuk tucked in an equalizer for Lokomotiv in the second half-Miranchuk’s twin brother Aleksei scored for Atalanta in the Champions League last week. But Bayern were not to be denied a record 13th straight win in the MOSCOW: Bayern Munich’s Polish forward Robert competition as Kimmich controlled a Javi Lewandowski and Lokomotiv Moscow’s Brazilian Martinez pass and volleyed home low from out- defender Murilo Cerqueira vie for the ball during the side the box 11 minutes from time. “We had to UEFA Champions League football match between work hard for the victory,” Kimmich admitted to Lokomotiv Moscow and Bayern Munich on October 27, broadcaster DAZN. 2020. —AFP In the same group Atletico Madrid came from behind to beat Salzburg 3-2, with Joao Felix grab- we’ll win matches, that’s for sure,” said Zidane. bing their late winner. The Portuguese starlet had It is Shakhtar who lead the section, though, by hit the bar with a stunning overhead kick before two points from Inter Milan and Gladbach, after a LIVERPOOL: Midtjylland’s Danish midfielder Anders Dreyer (center) hits this shot into the side-net- Marcos Llorente put Atletico ahead in the Spanish 0-0 draw with the Italians in Kiev. Pep Guardiola’s ting late in on the UEFA Champions league Group D football match between Liverpool and capital. Dominik Szoboszlai leveled before the City eased to a second straight win in Group C Midtjylland at Anfield in Liverpool on October 27, 2020. —AFP break and then a Felipe own goal put Salzburg with Kevin De Bruyne setting up Ferran Torres for ahead just after half-time. However, Joao Felix the early opener against Marseille after the hosts equalized on 52 minutes and then won it five min- had carelessly ceded possession. Ilkay Gundogan Fabio Vieira and Sergio Oliveira on target. apparent hamstring injury. utes from the end. and Raheem Sterling added late goals to make it “It was a tough night,” Klopp told BT Sport. 3-0, leaving Marseille without a point. ‘Tough night’ for Liverpool “It’s a bit like in a marriage, there are good and City cruise Guardiola was confident City could build on Meanwhile, Liverpool built on their 1-0 victory bad times. It’s not a bad time but it’s a tricky time.” In Germany, Real were heading for another their victory after an indifferent start to the at Ajax last week by defeating Danish champions He added: “It was a hard game to play. But winning defeat in Group B, six days after losing 3-2 at Premier League season which has seen them come Midtjylland 2-0 in a low-key game behind closed 2-0 is completely fine so that’s it-let’s carry on.” home to Shakhtar Donetsk, as Marcus Thuram in for criticism. “Part of the criticism was right, but doors at Anfield in Group D. Diogo Jota finished Liverpool now have a double-header against netted twice for Gladbach, either side of half-time. you’ve got to accept it. It’s part of our job,” off a fine move to give Jurgen Klopp’s team the Atalanta, who came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at But Casemiro set up Karim Benzema to reduce the Guardiola told BT Sport. “It’s about where we’ve lead early in the second half, before Mohamed home to Ajax. A Dusan Tadic penalty put the visi- deficit in the 87th minute and the Brazilian mid- come from in the last month, with lack of prepara- Salah made sure of the points with a late penalty. tors ahead on the half-hour and Lassina Traore fielder then scored himself deep in injury time to tion, injuries and Covid-19, but the Champions Klopp rested Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto made it two, only for Duvan Zapata to save salvage a point for Zinedine Zidane’s team. “If we League is in a good place now.” In the same Firmino from his starting line-up but his defensive Atalanta with two goals in the space of seven sec- continue to play like that, we’ll do great things and group Porto beat Olympiakos 2-0 in Portugal with worries deepened as Fabinho went off with an ond-half minutes. —AFP

beyond Catalonia. Bartomeu said he accepted a Bartomeu resigns proposal on Monday for Barcelona to play in “a future European Super League” which “would guarantee the financial stability of the club”. Earlier as Barcelona this month, Barcelona announced losses of 97 mil- Arsenal seek Europa lion euros ($114m) for last season, with debt more president than doubling to 488 million euros. boost as confident MADRID: Josep Maria Bartomeu resigned as ‘Weak and imaginary competition’ Spurs go to Belgium Barcelona president on Tuesday, along with his Bartomeu and his board could even be held per- board of directors, and left with a bombshell admis- sonally liable for the financial shortfall, which could PARIS: English rivals Arsenal and Tottenham are sion that he had accepted a proposal for the club to be why he was keen to present a Super League as aiming to build on winning starts in the Europa play in “a future European Super League”. their money-making solution. La Liga president League today while Zlatan Ibrahimovic will look Bartomeu’s departure comes following mounting Javier Tebas tweeted: “Unfortunate statement from BARCELONA: Barcelona FC president Josep Maria to transfer his incredible Serie A form to the Bartomeu and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez pressure from fans and his public falling-out with Bartomeu on his last day about Barcelona joining a continental stage. Smarting from a 1-0 loss at (right) attend the Spanish League football match Lionel Messi. His resignation could affect the future weak and imaginary competition which would be home to Leicester at the weekend, the Gunners of Messi, who will now be given a new project after their ruin. It confirms his ignorance about the foot- between Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona. —AFP host Irish side Dundalk in their second Group trying to leave in August. ball industry.” An election for Bartomeu’s successor B fixture following a come-from-behind victo- “I want to communicate my resignation along will take place within three months, with an interim ry in Austria in their opening match. Dundalk with the rest of the board,” said Bartomeu in an offi- board taking charge in the meantime. six-year tenure saw a dramatic decline in the per- are just the third Irish representative to reach cial announcement. “It’s a composed and relaxed The position of Ronald Koeman, appointed formances of the team, culminating in the 8-2 defeat the group stage, having matched their achieve- decision, agreed with all my fellow directors.” coach in August, becomes more uncertain. A new by Bayern Munich in last season’s Champions ment in 2016/17 and that of Shamrock Rovers However, it was his revelation about a Super League president could bring in their own coach, either League. He then oversaw Messi, the club’s greatest in 2011/12. which seems certain to make the biggest waves immediately or at the end of the season. Bartomeu’s ever player, trying to leave for free. —AFP They lost 2-1 at home to Norwegians Molde in their first game, and their Italian coach Filippo Giovagnoli is acutely aware the odds are Although the new code is currently voluntary, 42 expected to make 15 percent of new executive stacked against the club from County Louth on English FA launches clubs from across the Premier League, English positions available to people from minority back- Ireland’s east coast. “Arsenal have better play- Football League, Women’s Super League and grounds. Gender diversity is also part of the code, ers, better coaches and better everything than new diversity code Women’s Championship have signed up to its pro- with 30 percent of new appointments in senior us, but this is the challenge. We need to play visions. leadership positions to be female candidates. with a lot of heart, run a lot and be a little crazy Former Chelsea and Celtic defender Paul Elliott, Meanwhile women’s football clubs will be LONDON: England’s governing Football and brave, but we’re going to try,” said head of the FA’s inclusion advisory board, said: expected to have at leats 50 percent female Association (FA) unveiled a new diversity code on Giovagnoli. “Many clubs are already doing good work in this coaching staffs. In men’s professional football, 25 Tuesday in the hope of ensuring more ethnic Tottenham’s solid start in the Premier League area and we have been pleased to see football percent of new hires will be of black, Asian or minority candidates land senior jobs within the has stirred up talk they could potentially end a stand together this year to challenge the injustice mixed heritage. If applicants meeting the job sport. The Football Leadership Diversity Code will long title drought, with no team yet to truly we are seeing in society. “However, positive and specifications apply, interview shortlists will need ask clubs to achieve targets in both coaching assert themselves after a truncated pre-season. tangible action is required to drive change and to have at least one male and one female black, positions and significant management roles. “We know with the team we have got and the take the next step.” Under the code, clubs will be Asian or of mixed-heritage candidate. —AFP players we have got we can do something spe- cial,” captain Harry Kane, who is two goals shy that feat in the second encounter. Former African champions of 200 for Spurs, told the BBC after Monday’s Africa roundup: Zamalek Zambia are preparing for two crucial Cup of Nations fixtures 1-0 win at Burnley. Jose Mourinho’s side head with Botswana during November after losing to Algeria and to Belgium to play Antwerp this week after eas- finish second to book Zimbabwe in previous Group H matches. ing past Austrian outfit LASK Linz 3-0 in their Group J opener. Champions League spot Libya Civil war in Libya led to the cancellation of the past two Gerrard’s Rangers unbeaten football seasons, so the 2017-2018 standings have been used Leicester, the third English club in the com- JOHANNESBURG: An early Mostafa Mohamed goal set up to choose clubs for the CAF club competitions. League win- petition, travel to AEK Athens as they too chase Zamalek to defeat Ismaily 3-1 in Cairo to clinch second place ners Al Nasr and runners-up Al Ahly Benghazi will compete in a second straight victory in Group J. Scottish in the Egyptian Premier League and secure qualification for the Champions League and third-place Al Ahly Tripoli and Premiership leaders Rangers are at home to the 2021 CAF Champions League. Had the White Knight not cup winners Al Ittihad in the Confederation Cup. Libya came Lech Poznan in Group D. Steven Gerrard’s men collected three points, they could have been overtaken by closest to lifting a CAF trophy when Al Ahly Tripoli reached Mostafa Mohamed are unbeaten this term and have won their last 2020 CAF Confederation Cup runners-up Pyramids and lost the 1984 African Cup Winners Cup final before Muammar seven games. Celtic, who are targeting a record out on a place in the elite African club competition. Gaddafi barred them from playing Al Ahly because of political 10th successive Scottish title, lost ground to Champions Al Ahly will be the other Egyptian representatives differences with Egypt. Guinea Rangers at the weekend and have work to do in in the Champions League with Pyramids and fourth-place Al The Guinean Ligue 1 Pro season has kicked off after a Group H after they were beaten 3-1 by Milan. Mokawloon Al Arab entering the CAF Confederation Cup. Gabon long coronavirus-induced suspension of football in the west The task won’t get any easier with a visit to Here, AFP Sport rounds up football news from Africa. African nation and Hafia and Wakriya are the pacesetters with English Premier League duo Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Lille, who are level on points with Paris Saint- of Arsenal and Mario Lemina of Fulham have been included in four points from two matches. Hafia were African giants in the Germain in France and the only unbeaten team Egypt the Gabon squad for two Cup of Nations qualifiers against 1970s, reaching five African Cup of Champions Clubs (prede- Zamalek swiftly stamped their authority over mid-table Group D leaders the Gambia. Both missed the recent friendly cessor to the CAF Champions League) finals and winning left in Ligue 1. Ismaily as Mohamed and Democratic Republic of Congo- loss to Benin in Portugal because of injuries with the absence three. African commitments have delayed the debut of CAF Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored seven times in born Kabongo Kasongo scored within 24 minutes. Moroccan of 2015 African Footballer of the Year Aubameyang particu- Confederation Cup semi-finalists Horoya, who will be seeking five games this season despite missing a handful Achraf Bencharki stretched the lead to three goals during the larly noticeable. Coach Patrice Neveu included 11 players with a sixth straight league title. of matches after testing positive for coronavirus. second half before Wagih Abdelhakim reduced arrears after French clubs in a 23-strong squad, including Saint-Etienne The 39-year-old former Sweden international goalkeeper Mohamed Abougabal blundered. Zamalek now forward Denis Bouanga. South Sudan netted twice for the third time in a row in Serie A switch their attention to the 2020 Champions League as they Cameroon-born South Sudan coach Cyprian Ashu as Milan drew 3-3 with Roma on Monday. will defend a 1-0 lead over Raja Casablanca of Morocco this South Africa Bessong has included 10 Australia-based players in his Ibrahimovic would become the second-oldest Sunday in the second leg of a semi-final in Cairo. Carlisle United is not a club name normally found on inter- squad for back-to-back Cup of Nations qualifiers against scorer in Europa League history if he hits the national squad lists, but South Africa have called up midfielder Uganda during November. Those called up include target against Sparta Prague. Molde’s Daniel Zambia Dean Furman from the English fourth-tier outfit. He is part of Melbourne City goalkeeper Majak Mawith, defender Ruon Hestad holds the record, scoring against Celtic Zambia made it four wins in five 2021 Africa Cup of a 25-man squad for home and away Cup of Nations Group C Tongyik from Central Coast Mariners, Perth SC midfielder in November 2015 aged 40 years and 98 days. Nations qualifying warm-up matches this month under new qualifiers against minnows Sao Tome e Principe next month. Jackson Morgan and forward Yuel Kauch from Western Real Sociedad host Napoli as two famous Serb coach Milutin Sredojevic by defeating Ethiopia 3-2 and Born in Cape Town and brought up in England, the 32-year- Union. South Sudan are desperate for points against Group European names do battle for the first time in 3-1 in Addis Ababa. Albert Kangwanda bagged a brace in the old recently joined Carlisle from Pretoria-based South B frontrunners Uganda having lost away to Malawi and at Group F. —AFP first international friendly and Emmanuel Chabula matched African Premiership club SuperSport United. home to Burkina Faso. —AFP Established 1961 Sport

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

Losing leg and winning gold: Bartomeu resigns as Barcelona president, Bayern and English clubs 14India’s para-badminton star 15 drops European Super League bombshell 15 win in Champions League

Dodgers capture World Series title Dodgers end World Series drought with 3-1 victory over Rays

ARLINGTON: The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate after Julio Urias #7 strikes out Willy Adames (not pictured) of the Tampa Bay Rays to give the Dodgers the 3-1 victory in Game Six to win the 2020 MLB World Series at Globe Life Field on October 27, 2020. — AFP

ARLINGTON: The Los Angeles 2010 earlier this month. As the Dodgers Betts beating the throw to home to give Dodgers ended their 32-year wait for a celebrated on the field, one key contrib- the Dodgers a 2-1 lead. “Snell was pitch- World Series title on Tuesday, beating utor was missing, as third baseman Justin ing a great game,” Betts said. “That’s all the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 to claim the Turner was pulled in the late innings we needed.” Major League Baseball crown at last after testing positive for coronavirus-a A parade of Dodgers pitchers-it Last 10 World Series winners after a string of agonizing near-misses. final sombre reminder of the shadow cast would total seven in all-kept it close after ARLINGTON: Last 10 winners of the World Series after the Los Angeles Corey Seager drove in the go-ahead run, on the season by the pandemic. rookie sensation Arozarena clubbed his Dodgers’ victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday: Mookie Betts homered late and a stream It was the first positive test since record-extending 10th home run of the 2020 - LA Dodgers (beat Tampa Bay Rays 4-2) of Los Angeles pitchers stood firm as the baseball put teams in quarantine bubbles post-season off an 88 mph slider from 2019 - Washington Nationals (beat Houston Astros 4-3) Dodgers won the seventh World Series for the League Championship Series, Tony Gonsolin, the rookie righthander 2018 - Boston Red Sox (beat LA Dodgers 4-1) in club history but their first since 1988. prompting commissioner Rob Manfred whose impressive regular season num- 2017 - Houston Astros (beat LA Dodgers 4-3) Back in Major League Baseball’s to call it a “bittersweet night” for MLB. bers haven’t translated in the playoffs. 2016 - Chicago Cubs (beat Cleveland Indians 4-3) championship showcase for the third The Rays, needing a victory to force a Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had said 2015 - Kansas City Royals (beat NY Mets 4-1) time in four years, the Dodgers eased the decisive game seven, couldn’t take he was hoping for five or six innings from 2014 - San Francisco Giants (beat Kansas City Royals 4-3) disappointment of defeats in 2017 and advantage of a dominant performance Gonsolin. But he lasted just 1 2/3 innings 2013 - Boston Red Sox (beat St Louis Cardinals 4-2) 2018. They beat the Rays four-games- from starting pitcher Blake Snell, who before giving way to Dylan Floro. Snell, 2012 - San Francisco Giants (beat Detroit Tigers 4-0) to-two at Globe Life Field in Arlington, gave up just two hits and no runs with meanwhile, retired the first six batters he 2011 - St Louis Cardinals (beat Texas Rangers 4-3) Texas, where the first neutral site World nine strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings. But Rays faced before giving off a leadoff single to Series in baseball history capped a pan- manager Kevin Cash opted to pull Snell Chris Taylor in the third, then retired nine demic-shortened campaign. “This is with one out and one on in the bottom of more as the Rays preserved their one- With two outs in the inning Graterol “We won a World Series, I can’t believe what you think about when you are a the sixth with the Rays leading by just run lead through five innings. gave up a line drive single to Mike it,” Kershaw added. “Let me say it a few kid,” said Seager, who was named Most one run thanks to Randy Arozarena’s Zunino and was replaced by game-four more times. It feels really good.” Betts Valuable Player of the series after bat- first-inning homer. ‘Our year’ starter Julio Urias of Mexico-who didn’t was a newcomer this year, traded prior ting .400 with two home runs and five “I wanted to keep going, man,” Snell After Arozarena cracked a single to allow a baserunner in closing out the to the season from the Boston Red Sox runs-batted-in. said. “I felt so confident in how I adjust- left field with two outs in the top of the victory. “Man this was just awesome,” team that broke Dodgers’ hearts in 2018. “You strive to hear that,” he said of ed. I wanted to go the whole game.” fifth off the Dodgers’ fourth pitcher of said Seager, who is among the core of Roberts said he was a key component as being called a World Series champion. Sure enough, when Snell departed, the the night-Pedro Baez-Victor Gonzalez players who lived through the Dodgers’ the team finally got over the hump. “To do it with this group couldn’t be any momentum shifted. Dodgers rightfielder took over on the mound and recorded recent World Series defeats, a group that “Mookie is a superstar player who is more special.” Added catcher Austin Mookie Betts promptly smacked a dou- the last out of the inning. Gonzalez also includes star pitcher Clayton present in every conversation,” Roberts Barnes: “We had our hearts broken so ble up the left field line off Rays relief retired three straight in the top of the Kershaw-who finally added a World said. “He’s that sort of player.” Roberts, many times.” The Dodgers win complet- pitcher Nick Anderson. Barnes, who had sixth, and after the Dodgers seized the Series title to his Hall of Fame resume. who rattled superstitious Dodgers fans ed a championship double for Los singled off Snell, advanced to third and lead in the bottom of the frame Brusdar “The resilience, the energy, every- when he declared before the series “This Angeles, whose LeBron James-led scored on a wild pitch. Seager then Graterol took over on the mound for Los thing that this team’s done this year, it’s is our year,” was vindicated. “This is our Lakers won their first NBA title since made it to first on a fielder’s choice, with Angeles in the seventh. been fun to be a part of,” Seager said. year,” Roberts said. “We said it.” — AFP

another year, however. A proposed new Brazilian addition, likely to be paired with the season-ending Formula E and Extreme E founder Alejandro Agag, Saudi set for 2021 Grand Prix track in Rio de Janeiro has yet to be built round in Abu Dhabi, one informed source told Reuters. speaking to Reuters from Saudi Arabia, said he had and faces mounting environmental concerns, meaning Jeddah, the country’s second city, would host the heard lots of rumors about Formula One coming next the calendar could ultimately drop to a still-record 22 race until a purpose-built circuit in Qiddiya-about an year. Formula One this year announced a long-term F1 debut; Miami races. The new coronavirus pandemic adds uncertainty, hour’s drive from the capital Riyadh-is built. The vast global partnership with state-owned energy giant although the sport’s ability to race this year has boost- Qiddiya entertainment resort is at the heart of an ambi- Saudi Aramco and has been in talks for some time race on hold ed the chances of a fuller calendar. tious strategy to open the economy and ease social about a Saudi race. Saudi Arabia has come under The 2020 season would have featured 22 races, restrictions. Saudi Arabia hosts the Dakar Rally in heightened international criticism over its human rights LONDON: Saudi Arabia is set to host a Formula One with Vietnam due to debut and the Dutch Grand Prix January while the all-electric Formula E series has two record after journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered grand prix for the first time next year with a street race returning for the first time in 34 years, but was reduced races in Diriyah scheduled for Feb 26-27. A new and dismembered by Saudi operatives inside its in Jeddah featuring on a record 23-round draft calen- to 17 due to COVID-19. F1 teams were shown a draft Extreme E off-road electric series is due to race in Al Istanbul consulate in 2018. A Saudi race would be the dar presented to teams, F1 sources said yesterday. A 2021 calendar on Monday, with a final version unlikely Ula on March 20-21 while tennis, boxing and golf have third in the Middle East after Bahrain, which comes in second US race in Miami appears on hold for at least to be published for some weeks. Saudi Arabia was the held events in the country. the early part of the year, and Abu Dhabi. — Reuters